Vestavia Voice September 2025

The Grand Lady of Vestavia Hills

Sara Wuska broke barriers, built institutions and became the first woman to lead the city

By EMILY REED

The first time Sara Wuska knocked on a door to campaign for mayor, she brought two things — her smile and her reputation as someone who got things done.

Wuska spent decades making sure every task she took on made her city better — a city she called home since the 1950s.

Vestavia Voice is highlighting key moments, people and places in the city’s history throughout 2025. See more stories at Vestavia Voice.com.

“My love for the Vestavia Hills community runs very deep,” Wuska said. “Not only did my children grow up here, but I’ve watched this community form and I’m so thrilled for what it has become.”

As Vestavia Hills marks its 75th anniversary, no civic figure has left a deeper imprint than Sara Wuska — the city’s first and only female mayor, a founding member of its school board and a leader whose fingerprints still shape daily life. Now 94, Wuska reflects on a life of public service, private resilience and quiet power — the kind that helped build a city.

This is her story.

See WUSKA | page A19

Healthy tension: city of Vestavia Hills, schools compete for finite resources

By JON ANDERSON

Jeff Downes well remembers when he was hired to become the city manager of Vestavia Hills in 2013.

One of his main charges was to help the city grow economically so that it can provide the high quality of life and amenities that Vestavia Hills residents expect, he said.

Knowing that schools are the primary reason people move to Vestavia Hills, he quickly scheduled a meeting with then-schools Superintendent Jamie Blair and asked Blair how much growth was acceptable to him. At first, there was silence. Then Blair told him he didn’t want to see growth, Downes said.

It was clear there was some tension there, and that tension became even more evident when Blair said the school system’s budget was tight and asked how much money the city could afford to support the school system’s budget, Downes said.

But tension doesn’t have to be a bad thing, Downes told the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce recently. “Tension is a good thing as long as you handle it appropriately.”

See HEALTHY TENSION | page A18

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ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson

This edition of the Vestavia Voice takes both a look backward and a look forward.

One of our cover stories, by Emily Reed, reflects on the life and contributions of one of the most influential people in the history of Vestavia Hills — Sara Wuska. Wuska served on the city’s first library board and first school board and in 1984 became the city’s first — and thus far — only female mayor.

She was known as somebody who got things done and was instrumental in setting up a transportation program for senior citizens and even laying the groundwork for the annexation of Liberty Park.

P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 VestaviaVoice.com

Our other cover story this month takes a look at the “healthy tension” between the city of Vestavia Hills and its school system.

City Manager Jeff Downes and schools Superintendent Todd Freeman share about how the two entities operate separately but also interdependently — and how they’re striving to work together to balance growth and delivery of quality schools and city services. Happy reading!

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City Council eyes $123 million budget for fiscal 2026

By JON ANDERSON

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes has proposed a $123 million budget for fiscal 2026 — including $5.7 million to fund an addition to Fire Station No. 4 in Liberty Park.

The $123 million in proposed spending would represent a 6% increase from fiscal 2025. Of that, $80.9 million would come from the general fund — up 10% from 2025.

The increase would be supported by a projected 6% growth in revenues. Sales tax collections are expected to rise 9.5% to $32.1 million, while property tax revenue would climb 3.4% to $24.9 million.

“The city is in good financial health,” Downes said in a written report to the City Council.

The fire station expansion is one of several capital projects proposed in the 2026 plan. Other items include:

► Four Fire Department replacement vehicles ($782,000) and two additional fire engines (costing $1.8 million to be paid over time)

► Two sand volleyball courts ($150,000)

► A heater for the aquatic center at Wald Park ($300,000)

► Supplemental money for the veterans memorial at Altadena Valley Park ($175,000)

► Improvements to the southern gateway on U.S. 31 near Interstate 65 ($1.3 million)

► A traffic improvement project and resurfacing on Liberty Parkway ($1 million)

► Infrastructure investments for The Bray at Liberty Park ($250,000)

► Nine miles of street resurfacing ($2.25 million)

► Installation or repair of stormwater drainage along three-quarters of a mile of roadway ($650,000)

► Design work for an east side police

operations and training center, an east side library, and rear entrance improvements to the Liberty Park athletic fields ($330,000). Construction funding would come from a future budget year.

The budget also includes new investments in city employees.

Non-public safety employees would receive a 2% cost-of-living increase, while public safety employees would get a 3.5% cost-of-living and market-based raise. The total cost for those is expected to be $1 million.

The proposal also includes increased longevity pay, education reimbursements, a

$30-per-month reduction in employee health insurance costs and nearly $70,000 more to fund additional master police officers.

Downes said the city’s growing reserves make it possible to draw from savings to fund the fire station project.

From fiscal 2019 to 2024, the city’s general fund surplus and balance have grown 98% — from $16 million to $31.7 million.

A projected $1.75 million surplus in fiscal 2025 is expected to continue the trend and support one-time capital fund purchases, Downes said.

Even with the planned spending, the city

would retain more than 90 days’ worth of operating expenditures in reserve, he said.

The City Council has scheduled a work session to review the budget at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, following a special meeting to canvas the results of the Aug. 26 municipal election. This session gives the council an opportunity to suggest changes before the final vote. The budget is typically approved before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Additional details are available on the city’s website under the Finance Department tab and the transparency portal at the bottom of the page.

Vestavia Hills first responders win 9 medals in 2025 World Police and Fire Games

By JON ANDERSON

The Vestavia Hills City Council recognized the 23 members of the Vestavia Hills police and fire departments who participated in the World Police and Fire Games held in the Birmingham metro area in late June and early July.

Eighteen first repsonders medaled in nine events (one was a softball team). Maybe we should change headline to say “Vestavia Hills 1st responders medal in 9 events at World Police and Fire Games.”

Police officer Zach Thrift won two gold medals in jiu-jitsu, while firefighter Noah Holly picked up a gold and bronze medal in jiu-jitsu.

Police officer Derek Wilcox won silver in jiujitsu, while police officer Josh Kidd claimed a bronze medal in that sport.

Police officer Blake Lockhart won silver in angling, and police officer Jake Mollus brought home a bronze medal in pickleball. A softball team from the Vestavia Hills Fire Department captured a silver medal. That team included Chad Crowe, Will Eaton, Duncan McReath, Pierson Paddock, Zach Hamrick, Brady Johnson, Tyler Pearce, Jacob King, Will Davis, Eben Leeman, Micah Cunningham and Frankie Bender.

Other Vestavia Hills first responders who participated in the games included:

► Firefighter Blaise Rogers — CrossFit

► Firefighter Jacob Brown and fire Chief Marvin Green — Golf

► Police officer Jesse Heath — Cycling

► Jake Kidd — Jiu-jitsu

The World Police & Fire Games took place in the Birmingham metro area June 27-July 6

with 10 days of competition, camaraderie, celebrations and cultural exchange, drawing 8,750 registrants from 72 countries around the world, officials with the games said.

This was a 20% increase in registrants from the 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg, Canada and the 2022 games in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The top attending countries were the United States (2,670 athletes), Canada (1,020 athletes), Brazil (925 athletes) and India (555 athletes), officials said.

There were a total of 644 registrants from Alabama, and they brought home 118 medals.

Athletes competed in 65 sports at 30 venues across the metro area. In Vestavia Hills, that included bowling at Vestavia Bowl, pickleball at The Picklr, softball at the Liberty Park sports fields and lacrosse at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex.

“Having these Games come to the city of

Birmingham and seeing firefighters and police officers from all over the world serves as a reminder that these games not only highlight the high level of competition but also showcase the high level of camaraderie between first responders,” Birmingham fire Chief Cory Moon said in a press release. “Being a part of these games has been the honor of a lifetime.”

The 2025 Games delivered a meaningful economic boost to Birmingham’s hospitality and retail sectors, officials said.

Hotel occupancy surged during what is typically a slower period for the city’s lodging industry. Downtown Birmingham hotels averaged 77% occupancy, a 42% year-over-year increase, while hotels across the Birmingham metropolitan area averaged 72% occupancy, reflecting a 21% increase.

Though final spending and economic impact figures were still being calculated, businesses

Members of the Vestavia Hills police and fire departments are recognized by the Vestavia Hills City Council for their participation in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games during a City Council meeting on Aug. 11. Photo courtesy of City of Vestavia Hills.

across greater Birmingham reported increased foot traffic, sales and brand visibility. Hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants and transportation services also experienced heightened demand throughout the event, officials said.

There also was media coverage from multiple national and international media outlets. For example, ESPN spent two days filming pickleball, jiu jitsu and boxing, and reported live from the Firefighter Challenge as part of its “50 States in 50 Days” series.

There also were media outlets from Canada, France, Czechia, India, Indonesia and other countries broadcasting highlights, interviews and other cultural features, which elevated Birmingham’s profile as a global host city.

Factoring in the views on shared and tagged content, the BHM 2025 content reached an estimated 13 million, officials with the games said.

In the Classroom

GET TO KNOW

Tiffany Wilder-Davis, VHSF president

By TIM STEPHENS

Q: How did you first get involved with the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation?

A: I live in Liberty Park, and there are not a lot of Liberty Park participants or board members. A colleague of mine who’s a neighbor asked several of us to join. From there, we applied, I got accepted, and I just learned a lot about what the foundation does to support the schools. Once I really got into the initiatives and the mission behind it, it was something I was all about trying to figure out how to support.

this year?

A: This week we have new member orientation. We’ll go through policies, processes, and figure out how to acclimate them and get them involved in subcommittees. We’ll hit the ground running with Pitch In, Dinner and Diamonds, and other activities we need to prepare for throughout the year.

Q: Where do you see the foundation making the biggest impact?

ACCOLADES

Q: What does the foundation do for schools?

A: First and foremost, it’s not in competition with PTO efforts — it’s really in support. We provide funding to support the schools through grant opportunities that teachers or administrators may need that PTO cannot pay for. We do this through fundraisers like Pitch In and Dinner and Diamonds, where we raise the bulk of our money and create awareness around the mission.

Q: What are your priorities as president

A: Two areas: STEM and fine arts. Being able to place money in science, technology, engineering and math programs helps to set us apart. And fine arts — whether band or arts in general. What we try to do is give grants that have a broad impact, across an entire grade or school, not just one classroom.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?

A: I’m passionate about people. Whether students, friends, or community, that’s what I do and what I’ve always done. I love meeting people, learning about them, and I’m passionate about our schools and making sure this continues to be a great school system for all kids.

Todd Freeman, Courtney Brown earn positive performance reviews

By JON ANDERSON

Vestavia Hills Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman and Courtney Brown, the district’s chief school finance officer, both received positive performance reviews this year, which were shared publicly at the July school board meeting.

Freeman’s overall average rating from the five school board members was 3.9 out of 4, with 1 meaning needs improvement, 2 meaning meets expectations, 3 meaning exceeds expectations and 4 meaning demonstrates excellence.

He scored 3.9 in nine of the 10 areas in which his performance was reviewed:

► CEO of the school board

► Educational leadership

► Personnel management

► Community relations

► Management of pupil and personnel services

► Communication, interpersonal relations and partnerships

► Professional development and leadership

► Facility management

► Financial management

The only category in which he did not receive a 3.9 was technology management, where his average score was 3.8. Freeman also was rated anonymously by his direct reports, earning an average score of 3.3, which indicates he is exceeding expectations.

Brown received a 3.9 average score from the Board of Education, a 3.8 from Freeman and a 2.7 from her peers.

School board President Jay Stewart said he could not be more pleased with the performance of Freeman and Brown.

“The future looks so bright,” he said. “It’s going to be a great year.”

Board member Kyle Whittington said the school system is fortunate to have leaders such as Freeman and Brown. “We’re extremely lucky to have them,” he said.

2025 Education Guide

special advertising section

Countless studies have shown that arts education enhances children’s development and academic success — and it’s not just about singing or dancing.

The arts help teach teamwork, focus, discipline, creativity, and collaboration.

At Red Mountain Theatre, our afterschool classes are a great way for kids to try out a new skill or dive deeper into their love of theatre. In the fall session beginning Sept. 30, Red Mountain Theatre will offer acting and dance classes for ages 7–18.

“We work to make the classes fun and inclusive for everyone — whether they’re serious theatre kids or just trying something new. And some of those first-timers fall in love with the stage after just a few classes,” says Daley Dressler, Academy Director at Red Mountain Theatre.

Most classes are just $10 per hour when purchased as a bundle, and financial aid is available for any child who qualifies.

Dressler has introduced a new Teen Master Class Series this year, featuring seminars with industry professionals on topics like stage combat and playwriting.

Adults can join the fun too! Fall classes for adults begin Sept. 8. These classes are also $10 per hour when bundled, and drop-ins are welcome for those who can’t commit to the full session.

“It’s a low-cost way to try something fun,” Dressler says. “We get people calling all the time saying, ‘I’ve never done this before — do you think I’ll be able to keep up?’ I always tell them, all you need is enthusiasm and good shoes, and you’ll have a blast!”

See all the options online at redmountaintheatre.org/education.

The Dance Foundation celebrates 50 years of joy, connection, creativity

For 50 years and counting, The Dance Foundation has been more than just a place to dance — it’s a place to grow, connect, and celebrate movement in all its forms.

Our creative and welcoming approach to teaching dance honors both the art form and the individual — inspiring joy, confidence, and community.

Our Programs Include:

► Dance PARTNERS

► Space RENTAL

► Studio CLASSES

Through these programs, we widen the circle — expanding ideas about what dance is and who a dancer can be — so that students and audiences alike can explore and belong. We believe that dance unites us in our joy and shared humanity.

Dance PARTNERS brings dance into schools and community organizations, engaging and impacting students who are very young, have disabilities or learning differences, or need academic support.

Space RENTAL offers studio space for artists to teach, rehearse, and perform, allowing them to connect with their communities through the benefits of dance.

Studio CLASSES inspire dancers of all ages and abilities. We meet each dancer where they are and encourage lifelong exploration and study. Our teaching approach and curriculum engage the imagination and nurture creative growth. Students gain a strong technical foundation in dance, along with the confidence and self-discipline essential to mastering the art. Live music is a key

t hedance found at io n .o rg

THE DANCE FOUNDATION

► Where: 1715 27th Ct. S., Homewood

► Call: 205-870-0073

► Web: thedancefoundation.org

component of classes for young children through first grade.

Our state-of-the-art facility is located in downtown Homewood and features five studios, each equipped with two-way glass observation areas.

Visit our website to learn more, donate, and register for classes!

Indian Springs School blends academic excellence, creativity and community for lasting impact

Welcome to Indian Springs School, one of the top 100 private high schools in America and the number one private high school in Alabama for the past 10 years. Indian Springs is a coeducational day and boarding school serving students in grades 8-12. Our commitment to academic excellence attracts some of the brightest students from the Birmingham area, across the United States, and around the world.

Our 350-acre campus near Pelham provides a natural sanctuary that inspires both our nationally ranked STEM program and world-class arts program. Guided by our motto, Learning through Living, students experience a unique educational approach centered around experiential learning in an inclusive environment that fosters growth and discovery. Approximately 90% of our faculty hold advanced degrees and deliver exceptional instruction in our state-of-the-art classrooms.

We encourage students to pursue their passions both inside and outside the classroom. Our diverse student life offerings include special interest clubs, community service opportunities, and a strong athletics program with participation in more than 20 varsity sports for boys and girls. We also believe the arts are a vital component of a balanced education. Our robust theater, choir, visual arts, and contemporary music programs allow students to explore and express their creativity.

Alumnus and renowned author John Green ’95 once described Indian Springs as a place where “all at once I became

INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL

► Grades: 8-12

► Where: 190 Woodward Drive, Pelham

► Call: 205-332-0568

► Email: admission@ indiansprings.org

► Web: indiansprings.org

a learner because I found myself in a community of learners.” Our impact extends far beyond campus, uniting a global community of alumni, parents, and friends across generations.

We invite you to visit during our upcoming Open Houses on Sept. 21 and Dec. 7 to see what makes Indian Springs School so unique.

For more information on admission and need-based financial aid, visit indiansprings.org or contact our admission office at admission@ indiansprings.org or 205-332-0568. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open on Sept. 1.

for Homeschool students, adults, and students with disabilities

Alabama School of Fine Arts offers a tuition-free pathway to excellence in arts, math and science

The Alabama School of Fine Arts is where talent meets opportunity. ASFA offers a tuition-free (yes, free!), state-funded public education for Alabama’s most driven students in grades 7–12 who want to pursue excellence in the arts, math, and science. Located in downtown Birmingham, ASFA combines robust academics with intensive specialty study in six disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, or MathScience.

In the morning, students take academic coursework that surpasses state diploma standards. Students spend the afternoon in their selected specialty with focused hours of study under the guidance of accomplished teaching artists and experts in their fields. This deep-dive approach fosters creative growth, discipline, and readiness for advanced study and leadership.

ASFA students benefit from a comprehensive school structure that includes AP and honors courses, expert faculty, a full-time college counselor, and boarding facilities for non-local students — ensuring every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.

The 64 members of ASFA’s Class of 2025 continued the legacy of excellence

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

► Grades: 7-12

► Where: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

► Call: 205-252-9241

► Web: asfaschool.org

with an impressive $19.1 million in merit scholarship offers, the majority of which are renewable. Three 2025 graduates began their careers with professional dance companies. Four of the 2025 graduates received offers at early medical school acceptance programs. There were 10 National Merit Scholars.

Over the past five years, ASFA students have collectively earned $48.57 million in merit scholarships, a testament to sustained achievement and the school’s success in preparing students for competitive collegiate opportunities.

Prospective students and families are invited to learn more at ASFA’s Open House on Sat., Oct. 18 (sessions at 9 AM, 10 AM, or 11 AM) or visit the school’s website to explore admissions, tour the campus, and see firsthand how ASFA blends rigorous study with creative passion.

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, OCT. 18, 2025

SESSIONS BEGIN AT 9 AM, 10 AM, & 11 AM NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Experience the Difference at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School

At Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS School), we’re more than just a school — we’re a family. Our close-knit community of students, families, and staff creates a nurturing, faith-filled environment where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated — from 3K through 8th grade. This unique family atmosphere allows us to foster the religious, academic, and social development of each student in ways that set us apart from other schools.

A CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION ROOTED IN EXCELLENCE

Our comprehensive academic curriculum is grounded in Christian values and enriched with opportunities that help students grow in both faith and knowledge. Highlights of our offerings include:

► Advanced Math & STEM Program

► Robotics (including a competitive after-school team)

► Spanish Language Instruction

► Fine Arts & Leadership Development

► Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Atrium)

► Competitive Athletics

► Before & After-School Care

Younger students benefit from a healthy hallway sensory path designed to support early development, while all students

— from preschool through 8th grade — enjoy an immersive library experience that fosters a love of reading and lifelong learning.

Additionally, our dedicated school counselor and resource teachers ensure that each child receives the guidance and academic support they need to thrive.

ACCREDITED. ACCLAIMED. ACHIEVING.

OLS School is proudly accredited by

Come take a tour, meet our awardwinning faculty, and learn how you can apply! ASFA is a 7-12th grade public, tuition-free school for talented and passionate students. Located in Birmingham, AL with boarding available for grades 9-12.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

► Grades: 3K through eighth grade

► Where: 1720 Oxmoor Road

► Call: 205-879-3237

► Web: olsschool.com

Cognia, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence. Many of our graduates go on to receive prestigious scholarships and academic honors, including recognition as National Merit Scholar finalists — testament to the strong academic foundation they receive at OLS School.

COME SEE THE OLS DIFFERENCE

We invite you to discover what makes OLS School such a special place. Learn more at olsschool.com or schedule a personal tour by calling 205-879-3237. Tuition assistance is available. We are committed to working with families to explore options for making an OLS School education accessible.

At OLS School, we’re growing our children in knowledge and faith every day!

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming held a ribbon cutting Aug. 14 for its location at 3056 Healthy Way, Suite 140, in Vestavia Hills. The neighborhood pet store offers full‑service grooming, all‑natural treats, premium pet foods, toys, accessories and spa products, along with seasonal events and pet birthday cakes. Grooming and store hours are Monday Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. 205‑900‑9663, woofgangbakery.com

COMING SOON

Brick & Tin, a restaurant, bar and bakery, plans to open a location soon in Cahaba Heights. There already are locations at 2901 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook and 214 20th St. N. in downtown Birmingham. Brick & Tin says it carefully sources its ingredients from purveyors as close to home as possible and believes it is important for people to enjoy food that is free of hormones, chemicals or other additives. Meats at Brick & Tin are humanely raised in pastures and free roaming

ranges, and its purveyors are serious enough about this to pursue and obtain animal welfare certification, the company said. The menu at the Mountain Brook location includes paninis, salads, sauteed salmon, chicken scallopini, sesame chicken bowls, summer vegetable plates, soups, macaroni and cheese, okra, tomato pies. brickandtin.com

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

HNP Landscape Architecture has relocated its office from Homewood to Vestavia Hills. The company in June moved into a custom designed 3,400 square foot space at 400 Vestavia Parkway, Suite 400, which is on the hill behind Chuck E. Cheese. HNP Landscape Architecture was established in 1979 by Tommy Holcombe and has evolved into a full-service landscape design firm. The company maintains a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, environmental, municipal and institutional landscape design across the Southeast, including numerous parks and sports fields throughout Vestavia. 205 870 9936, hnpsiteplan.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Danica Kempinski owner of Hotworx Vestavia Hills, has been selected as one the international virtual instructors for the company for 2025 26. It marks the fifth time Kempinski has been chosen. She will appear in and lead virtual training sessions at locations across the world. 205 502 7511, hotworx.net/studio/vestaviahills

Do

Vestavia Voice is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

PERSONNEL MOVES

Naphcare, a correctional health care company based at 2090 Columbiana Road, Suite 4000, has promoted Connie Young as its new president. Young has served as Naphcare’s chief financial officer for more than three decades and led the company’s financial and accounting operations across three divisions. In her new role, she will oversee the management of federal, state and local government business divisions, with a focus on integrating services and operations across all sectors. Naphcare, founded in 1989, serves more than 456 local, state and federal facilities across 49 states with a workforce of more than 6,000 employees. 205 536 8400, naphcare.com

David Wells, pres ident and CEO of Alabama Goodwill Industries, which has a drive through donation center in Altadena Square at 4701 Cahaba River Road, recently announced he will retire effective Oct. 31. Wells had led the organization through a 325% increase in revenue since 2018, the expansion of its workforce from 110 to 520 employees and a significant rise in dona tions, mission services and job placements. Donations increased 762% from $58,000 to more than $500,000 in 2024, and job placements rose to 798 in 2024, while the pounds of donations recycled grew from 2.2 million to 19 million. Wells also spearheaded the creation of Alabama Goodwill Contract Services in 2023, expanding opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities through the federal AbilityOne Program. The Alabama Goodwill Board has formed a succession committee and initiated a national search for its next CEO. alabamagoodwill.org, 205 323 6331

Hanna Jones, Bitty Beauty Studio

By MALIA RIGGS

Q: How long have you worked at Bitty Beauty and what do you do specifically?

A: I started in April of this year and I started with lash extensions. I do brow tint, brow laminations and shaping, spray tanning, I travel for that if people need to, and hair tinsel.

Q: Your spray tanning services travel?

A:Yes, so the spray-tanning is mobile now. We're about to move into a larger space. We just have so many services.

Q: What is your favorite part of your day working at Bitty Beauty Studio?

A: It's hard to choose my favorite part of the day, just because I love it all. But I would say the client's satisfaction is my favorite. When they get up from the chair and they look in the mirror and just light up, knowing that I've helped them feel beautiful, it's just truly a moment. It's also a time where we're not on our phones, which is rare. So, they have to lay there with their eyes closed to have their lashes done, and so even the most shy people may decide to open up and we remember things about each other and check in on each other's lives when they come back in. It's not just giving services, but it's also establishing those relationships and it's just really nice to be able to do that.

Q: Are your clients mostly women? Do you have any men that are clients?

A: It's going to be predominantly women, but we, of course, welcome men with open arms.

They deserve self-care and looking their best, too.There's actually a man, he drives about an hour just to have his brows waxed. There are those men who do enjoy feeling pampered and we obviously welcome them as well, but it's going to be mainly women, yes.

Q: How long does hair tinsel take to put in?

A: Maybe 15 minutes or less. It really is and it's for all hair types so it doesn't matter if you're have really curly hair if you have curly or straight it's going to work for anyone

Q: When did you decide to kind of break into this industry?

A: I went to get my brows done back in February. And we just really headed off personality wise and very big on supporting women and men who come in and just walking them through life, just kind of on the same page with that. And then I asked her about her Academy, about the training. And she was looking for someone to come on board as her business was growing. She needed someone. That's kind of where all of that started.

Q: What was your “ah ha” moment where you knew this industry was your calling?

A: Being in the Academy was kind of my “ah ha” moment. I was thinking about the bigger picture in life of what I wanted to do each day and what I wanted it to look like. It just brings me so much joy when I wake up and get to express myself and be creative with the outfits that I choose. And, and then, you know, in the studio, we're vibing to music and laughing and encouraging each other all while we're, we're rendering amazing, beautiful services and helping, helping women feel great about themselves.

The Blue Willow: Cahaba Heights favorite for gifts and more

By STAFF

For more than 20 years, The Blue Willow has been a go-to destination for gifts, home accents and specialty items in the Cahaba Heights area of Vestavia Hills. Located at 3930 Crosshaven Drive, the locally owned boutique is known for its warm customer service and extensive selection that caters to every season and occasion. Shoppers can reach the store at 205-968-0909 for questions or special requests.

Inside, visitors find a wide range of offerings — from baby and children’s apparel to home décor, candles, personal care items and travel accessories. The store’s baby section features clothing, blankets, bibs and toys for newborns to age 8, with personalization available on many items. For the home, The Blue Willow offers everything from pottery and linens to seasonal decorations, including an extensive Christmas collection. Customers also find inspiration in the boutique’s selection of books, scripture cards, crosses and art designed to encourage and uplift. Complimentary gift wrapping adds to the store’s charm, making it an easy stop for last-minute presents. With its mix of style, variety and personal touch, The Blue Willow continues to be a fixture for thoughtful shopping in the community.

BUSINESS

Anders prepares for life after MMA with new Vestavia Hills fitness academy

By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.

Eryk “Ya Boi” Anders is ready to pivot.

The former University of Alabama football star went on to a 15-year career in mixed martial arts, competing in the octagon. Now, with his final professional bout on the horizon, the Hoover resident is preparing for a new phase of life, one in which he will own and operate Ya Boi Fitness Academy in Vestavia Hills.

“Whenever I got done playing football, I realized that you can't be, you can't compete competitively forever, especially in this (MMA) sport,” he said. “Guys are getting younger. They're getting a lot better, younger than they were when I first started. Yeah, every athlete has a shelf life.”

The academy will offer jiu jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, weightlifting, self-defense and conditioning programs, along with kids classes.

The academy takes its name from Anders’ fighting moniker.

“It's my fight name,” he said. “It's kind of what I talk like. 'Help your boy out. Let your boy borrow $5.' My old roommate, Matt Elkins, just kind of started addressing me as such. It just kind of stuck.”

A decade and a half into his career in mixed martial arts and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Anders said it doesn’t feel as though much time has passed.

“It feels like just yesterday that I started,” he said.

Anders’ most recent fight didn’t turn out the way he wanted. He faced Christian Duncan in a middleweight bout in UFC Vegas 109 in early August.

Although Anders used a wrestling move to hold his opponent in the first round, he lost his grip and ultimately the fight. Duncan landed a couple of kicks to Anders’ shin before connecting with a spinning left elbow followed by a flurry of punches.

The fight ended as a technical knockout at 3:53 of the first round. His final fight will likely be in November.

The 38-year-old recalls having had his share of tussles as he grew up. He was born on a U.S. Air Force base in the Philippines, where his mother was serving.

“I definitely fought quite a bit growing up,” said Anders, who went on to compete in mixed martial arts. “But I think that's just like a 90s kid thing. I was born in '87, so I think the world was just different back then.

“The kids were outside playing a lot more and hanging out in groups and doing things like that,” he said. “As you get older, that testosterone starts surging, or whatnot. I think that's just kind of the way of things back then.”

Anders has come a long way since his childhood scuffles. He shifted his energy to the gridiron, playing football in high school before taking his talents to the University of Alabama.

As a sophomore in high school, Anders moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he played football for Smithson Valley High School. He

wound up taking his football talents to Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide.

From 2006 to 2009, Anders played linebacker for the Crimson Tide, starting 14 games in his senior season. His college career concluded with a victory in the 2009 BCS National Championship against Texas, a game in

which he led Alabama with seven tackles and a forced fumble.

After college, Anders signed a contract with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and followed that with stints in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League before beginning his career in mixed martial arts.

Jefferson County hosts

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Many people do not know how to safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) — including paint, automotive products, and household or outdoor chemicals — leading to serious safety and environmental issues.

“HHW should never be emptied into sinks or drains, flushed down toilets, poured onto the ground, discarded in storm drains, or placed in regular trash for pickup,” said Hana Berres, Stormwater Education Training Manager for the Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department.

That’s why Jefferson County is sponsoring a free, public Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day on Oct. 18, from 8-11:30 a.m., at two locations:

• Camp Bessemer: 3295 King Street

• Camp Ketona: 121 County Shop Road

There is no fee to attend, but participants must be Jefferson County residents.

This event allows residents to safely dispose of HHW from their garages, basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, along with TVs, electronics, and paper for shredding. The county requests that items be sorted, with like items kept together.

WHY HHW SHOULD NOT GO IN THE TRASH

Improperly disposing of HHW in household garbage sends it to residential landfills not designed to handle hazardous materials — unlike specialized hazardous waste facilities.

“Residential landfills aren’t equipped to manage items like cleaning chemicals, oil-based paints, batteries, fire extinguishers, or mercury-containing items such as thermometers and old thermostats,” Berres said.

She added that HHW in residential landfills poses a risk to waste workers and can leach harmful chemicals into the environment.

When chemicals are tossed into trash cans, they may

ACCEPTED HHW ITEMS INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Automotive products: such as oil, gas, tires with no rims, batteries, cleaners, degreasers and filters.

• Household products: including aerosols, chemicals, cleaners, batteries, and light bulbs and tubes

• Outdoor products: including insecticides, pool chemicals, yard chemicals, and septic tank additives.

• Paint products: such as paints, resins, sealants, stains, solvents, adhesives, thinners, turpentine, varnishes, and wallpaper cement.

• Miscellaneous items: including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, mercury, and household cooking oil and grease.

THE COUNTY WILL ALSO ACCEPT

SPECIAL RECYCLABLES, INCLUDING:

• No. 1 and 2 plastic bottles

• Aluminum cans

• Glass bottles (any color)

BUSINESS

New owners aim to preserve heritage feel at Crestline Bagel’s Cahaba Heights location

By SARAH OWENS

Tommy and Lizzie Hiltz never set out to own a restaurant. But when the chance came to take over a Birmingham culinary staple, they knew immediately it was something they couldn’t pass up.

The Hiltzes are the new owners of Crestline Bagel, which operates three locations, including one in Vestavia Hills at 4117 Crosshaven Drive in Cahaba Heights. The bakery is known for its handmade bagels and other baked goods, as well as its loyal customer base and long-tenured staff.

For Lizzie, the connection to Crestline Bagel runs deep. “I grew up here. I’m from Birmingham, and spent my whole life coming to Crestline Bagel, I have really fond and important memories coming with my family, and particularly my dad on the way to school in the morning, and we’ve always loved this place,” she said. “Tommy and I lived in Boston for five years, and prior to that, this was the very last place that we ate. We had the moving truck that we parked over by the tot-lot so we wouldn’t get towed and came here as our very last spot.”

It was Tommy who first brought up the idea of buying the business. “I remember so vividly Tommy calling me and said, ‘There’s a restaurant that I want to buy.’ And my first thought was, you have always said that you would never buy a restaurant. And he said, ‘Well, when you hear what it is,’ he told me it was Crestline Bagel. And my first instinct was, ‘You absolutely have to buy this,’ because I don’t want anyone to change it or sell it off for parts,” Lizzie said.

For the couple, Crestline Bagel represents

something larger than just a business.

“The fact that it’s such a heritage business for us, you know, it’s a fixture in the community … I think Birmingham has a small and diminishing number of what I would consider

sort of heritage, especially restaurants,”

Tommy said. “The opportunity to be able to be part of one of those was really compelling for both of us.”

They also see Crestline Bagel’s longtime

staff as a big part of its success. “One thing that I think makes Crestline feel so special is the amount of retention and longevity that a lot of our staff members have,” Lizzie said. “If you come into any of our stores, you’ll probably recognize familiar faces, for people that you’ve seen, not only for months, but years.”

The transition to new ownership has gone smoothly. “So far, knock on wood, we had no turnover during the transition, which was very exciting,” Tommy said.

The Hiltzes say they aren’t planning major changes but are looking at ways to improve operations behind the scenes.

“We’re doing some revamps like that, you know, we’re looking at our online stuff. We’re looking at how we order through the app, and whether there’s going to be delivery options,” Tommy said. “All these things that I think can make it better without fundamentally changing anything that’s been great.”

For Lizzie, it’s about preserving what has made Crestline Bagel special all along.

“I think just general reassurance that we love and care about this brand too,” she said. “We feel a great sense of responsibility and stewardship to maintain the integrity of the brand … and we’re just excited to meet people.”

Tommy echoed that sentiment. “Stewardship is really what we feel about it … we don’t want to change everything,” he said. “It’s not a museum, we’re going to try to update here and there. But the metric that we’ve been using when we sit and talk about what changes we might do is like, is it going to enhance the customer experience?”

For more information, visit crestlinebagel. com or call 205-407-4583.

Recently sold homes in Vestavia Hills

► ADDRESS: 2563 Aspen Cove Drive

► BED/BATH: 4/3.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,115 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Countrywood Highlands

► LIST PRICE: $899,900

► SALE PRICE: $975,000

► ADDRESS: 3105 Tyrol Road

► BED/BATH: 4/2.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,052 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Derby Downs

► LIST PRICE: $499,900

► SALE PRICE: $495,000

► ADDRESS: 3420 Danner Circle

► BED/BATH: 4/4.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,416 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Rocky Ridge

► LIST PRICE: $794,900

► SALE PRICE: $775,000

► ADDRESS: 3505 Far Hill Road

► BED/BATH: 4/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,347 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Cahaba Heights

► LIST PRICE: $439,900

► SALE PRICE: $430,000

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► BED/BATH: 3/3

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► NEIGHBORHOOD: Wellington Park

► LIST PRICE: $565,000

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► ADDRESS: 2130 Montreat Parkway

► BED/BATH: 3/2.5

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Downes joined current Vestavia Hills schools Superintendent Todd Freeman in explaining about how “healthy tension” can be the “nexus of innovation” that moves the community forward.

The city of Vestavia Hills continues growing to the east, and with that comes challenges as those people need services both from the city and the school system, Downes said.

As more homes and businesses are built, officials have to analyze the revenues that will come from that growth and decide how to best share it, he said.

“It takes investments in both the city and the city schools,” Downes said. “We’ve got to be open to that conversation and recognizing the balance.”

On the city side of the equation, city officials are responsible for things like police and fire services, roads, library services, parks and recreation.

There typically are about 85 new homes being built in Vestavia Hills each year in recent years, and about 70% of those are in eastern Vestavia, Downes has said. And this year, 450 apartments are opening up in The Bray at Liberty Park, so the growth is real, and city leaders must meet the demand for services.

“Does that mean we need to overreact and do everything to the east side? No,” Downes said. A recent overhaul of Wald Park along U.S. 31 is a prime example of paying attention to the western side of the city, but eastern area residents deserve the same attention to service as those in the west, he said.

City leaders currently are drafting plans to expand and renovate Fire Station No. 4 in Liberty Park and add a new police substation and training facility and library branch at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, as well as improve parks and recreation amenities in Liberty Park.

But they want to make sure Vestavia Hills schools get the help they need as well. City voters in 2023 voted down a property tax increase for the school system, so now school and city officials are searching for alternative ways to address needs in the schools.

The Vestavia Hills City Council last year agreed to pay $3.5 million to the school board over the next three years to help pay for improvements to athletic facilities.

The first $1.1 million covered the replacement of artificial turf at Vestavia Hills High School’s Buddy Anderson Field and roadway, drainage and parking improvements at the athletic field at Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge.

Additional payments of $1.2 million were scheduled to follow this summer and July 2026 to help cover: replacement of gym floors at Pizitz Middle School and the Dolly Ridge, East, West and Liberty Park elementary schools; replacement of basketball goals at the East and West elementary schools; track improvements at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central; new turf at the football/soccer/lacrosse field at Pizitz;

and bathroom and concession improvements at the high school baseball field.

The school district has been using its other revenue sources to cover some of its other capital needs, but there are still some long-term capital needs underfunded, Freeman said. The district has a strong operational budget, but operational expenses typically grow about 4% a year, and with a $120 million budget, “that adds up pretty quickly,” he said.

The good news is that the school system expects to eventually receive about $3.5 million to $4 million in annual revenue increases from growth in The Bray at Liberty Park, Freeman said.

There also are some false assumptions that people have about the impact of residential growth on schools, Freeman said. The construction of more houses doesn’t always equate to more students in schools, he said. There are a lot of factors that affect enrollment, and one of the big ones is the number of people who remain in Vestavia Hills after their children grow up and exit the school system, he said. If the empty nesters stay put, that can put a dent in enrollment numbers, even as new houses are being built.

“Our population has dropped 4% in the last eight years,” Freeman said, and that trend is expected to continue.

Other factors include Vestavia Hills’ higher-than-average housing prices, which limits the buyer pool, and the fact that people are having fewer children than they once did, Freeman said.

The trick is trying to predict the enrollment numbers by school zone, he said. The most densely populated area the last couple of years has been the Vestavia Hills Elementary East school zone, which this past summer prompted

a renovation of the old cafeteria at East to create three new classrooms and office spaces, including a new room for science, technology, engineering and math specialty instruction.

While Liberty Park is growing, the numbers there don’t suggest it’s exploding at this point, Freeman said. And despite numerous people’s concerns about room at Vestavia Hills High School, things are OK there, too, Freeman said. When he was hired in 2018, there were 2,100 students at the high school. Now, with freshmen being moved to the freshman campus at the former Pizitz Middle School, there are just 1,600 students in grades 10-12 at the high school, he said.

“We have room to grow,” Freeman said. “We have a building capacity that is sufficient. We don’t have any near-term need for a new school.”

And the school system realizes that while schools are a central part of what makes Vestavia Hills special, there are other things needed to maintain the high quality of life that residents expect, Freeman said. And having a robust, healthy economy is a critical part of maintaining a high standard of living, he said.

How does a city accomplish both of those things?

“There’s one simple way we’re going to do it, and that is we do it together,” Freeman said. “That, my friends, is the nexus of innovation. We are trying to think about new ways to do the same things that have made us successful for over 50 years.”

Downes agreed. As the city and school system compete for finite resources, “it doesn’t mean drawing a line in the sand. It doesn’t mean arguing only your position,” Downes said. “It means being able to have that healthy conversation.”

Growth Nuggets

► Vestavia Hills averages about 85 new single-family homes a year lately, with 70% of those in eastern Vestavia.

► The Bray at Liberty Park is adding 450 new apartments this year.

► Vestavia Hills City Schools operational expenses grow about 4% each year.

► School system enrollment actually has dropped 4% in the last eight years.

► Vestavia Hills High School had 2,100 students in 2018 and now, with freshmen off campus, has about 1,600 students in grades 10-12.

► School officials see no nearterm need for a new school.

► City officials have identified $37.5 million in capital projects needed for eastern Vestavia in near term

► The city of Vestavia’s fund balance has doubled from $16 million in 2019 to $32 million in 2024.

► Vestavia Hills City Schools expects to eventually receive $3.5 million to $4 million a year from growth at The Bray at Liberty Park.

SOURCE: CITY AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS

WUSKA

CONTINUED from page A1

DECIDING TO RUN

Wuska never planned to run for mayor. But when she learned a man planned to challenge her seat on the City Council, she did what she’d always done — got to work.

“I was planning to run again for the council, but I knew he’d make me work for it,” Wuska said. “So I figured, if I’m going to work that hard, I might as well run for mayor. I think I probably shocked the stew out of that fellow when I put my name in the running.”

That decision would have been unthinkable in her childhood.

“Politics fascinated me, but my father was of the belief that politics was not something a woman should be interested in,” she said. “I couldn’t help it. It always fascinated me.”

COMMUNITY ROOTS

Wuska was born Jan. 5, 1931, in Barbour County in southeast Alabama. She grew up in a home of five girls.

“My sisters were my dearest friends,” Wuska said. “They all liked to joke that teaching kind of came naturally to me because I would practice teaching them. One of my sisters said she had a head start on a lot of things because I taught her so much at an early age.”

After high school, many classmates went to Auburn University. Wuska, however, earned a work scholarship to attend the University of Alabama, where she studied elementary education.

A perk that stood out was its indoor swimming pool.

“I had always been fascinated by swimming, but I came from a generation where my father thought it was not a good idea to go swimming because he didn’t like the swimsuits the girls would wear,” Wuska said. “When I found out the University of Alabama had an indoor swimming pool, that just about sold it for me. I took the intro-toswimming course multiple times because I loved it so much.”

At Alabama, she met her future husband, Tim Wuska. They married in 1951, two weeks after graduation, and moved to Homewood. She taught school for two years while he worked for ACIPCO as an engineer.

The Wuskas quickly started a family, having three children in 33 months. A fourth arrived 12 years later.

“I was very busy at the time when my children were born,” she recalled. “I wanted them to look at their mother and realize that I wanted to be involved in all of the things they were interested in. When we first moved to Vestavia, I could count more than 60 kids on just two blocks where we lived. It was a place of young, growing families, and I just loved everyone we got to meet so much.”

The family moved to Vestavia Hills when the city was just six years old, drawn by affordable homes and open land.

“It was just forming,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of all of the things I could. I remember driving up to see the city for the first time, and there were just dogwoods everywhere. It looked like snow on either side of the narrow road that led into the city.”

Wuska first became involved in the community by helping establish the library system and serving on its first board. She was then appointed to the first school board on May 4, 1970.

She was the only woman on the board — and the youngest by decades — but was instrumental in helping form the school system.

She went on to serve four years on the City Council and was eventually elected the city’s first female mayor — a role no other woman has held since.

Wuska was also the first mayor to work full time for the city.

“I worked about seven days a week — very long days — but I was always home to put supper on the table for my family,” Wuska said. “I was happy to do it, but I knew the commitment it required for things to get done, and I was willing to put in the time.”

She was in her 50s when she took office, leading a city of just over 12,000.

Wuska spent many months before the election walking door to door in the community.

“I felt like if I was going to serve the people as mayor, I needed to hear from them,” Wuska said. “I went door to door and talked to people. It was during this time I

was also able to observe a community that was growing and changing, and it was very important that I not only listen to what people had to say but try and put it into practice as well.”

Her husband, Tim, helped her campaign — often spending evenings after work talking to residents.

By June 13, 1984, Wuska was reported by The Birmingham News as “tossing her hat into the mayor’s race of Vestavia Hills.”

She was officially elected July 21, 1984, beating political opponent Jack Traffanstedt.

Wuska credited her election success to being known as someone active who got things done.

“I had spent time forming the school system of our city. I was a city councilwoman. I was actively involved in numerous clubs and organizations,” Wuska said. “I think people knew that I was going to stick to my word and do what I said I would do. I knew how to take people who had great talents, or people that were capable of helping in various ways, and coordinate that to get something done.”

In a Birmingham News article, staff writer Lou Isaacson quoted Wuska as saying her success came in part because of her care for people.

“I want everybody to feel free to come see me if they have a problem or call me when they want to talk about something in particular,” she was quoted as saying. She remained true to that promise — always setting aside time to listen to constituents.

Wuska believed elected officials should

offer services that cared for people and respond to their needs. She was a proponent of communication and created “A Report from the Mayor,” a newsletter inviting residents to reach out.

A MAYOR'S IMPACT

Key issues she faced included removing asbestos from the high school, expanding senior services and laying groundwork for annexing Liberty Park.

Current Mayor Ashley Curry said one major contribution from her term was the formation of the Vestavia Hills Transportation Program in 1985.

“This service, coordinated through the Parks and Recreation Department, provided transportation for our senior citizens who were unable to drive,” Curry said. “The service covered doctor visits and grocery shopping and at one time had as many as 30 volunteer drivers.”

The city offered this service until the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was discontinued.

During her term, about 695 homes were built or planned on 400 acres. School enrollment increased by 793 students from 1984 to 1987. About 50 acres were annexed for commercial development, including 20 acres in Altadena Valley near Interstate 459.

Wuska did not seek re-election after her four-year term. She never gave a public reason, but those who knew her say she believed in doing what needed to be done — then making space for others.

A LIFE REFLECTED

Wuska now spends most days at her home, where she’s lived since 1967. She often recalls when her children played on the street and the parents were her friends.

Now, many of those friends are gone. A new generation occupies the homes — one that thrives because of the work Wuska and others helped start.

“There are not many left who were around when I came here so many years ago,” Wuska said. “There are times when I miss what it used to be.”

She gets out in the community when she can — grocery shopping, visiting City Hall, staying within what she calls her “little circuit.”

“It is about five miles, but I can get a lot done in those five miles,” she said.

Her husband, Tim, died in 2014. She is the only surviving sister in her family. Many of her early colleagues have passed. One of the few still living is City Attorney Pat Boone, who worked with Wuska for years and called her “a public servant who helped us all.”

When asked what would’ve happened if she never came to Vestavia Hills, Wuska paused.

“Oh goodness, I don’t like to think about that,” she said. “If I had never come to this city, I would have never met so many wonderful people. I know I won’t be around to see it, but my hope for the future of Vestavia Hills is that it will thrive the way it has for the last 75.”

GUIDE

Keep young eyes healthy this school year

The back-to-school season is upon us. And that means it’s time to prioritize your children’s eye health. From fall sports to time spent in the classroom, UAB Callahan Eye is committed to ensuring young eyes are healthy and ready for the school year ahead.

Children participating in sports and outdoor activities should protect their eyes to prevent injury. Wearing polarized sunglasses, sport goggles or wide-brimmed hats are good ways to shield eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Taking protective measures during learning hours is also important. When looking at digital screens, children should take frequent breaks to rest and prevent dry or tired eyes. While reducing screen time can be challenging, it is important to protect children’s eyes.

There’s also no better time to schedule an eye checkup than at the beginning of the school year. UAB Callahan Eye’s seven pediatric-focused clinicians are committed to providing

UAB CALLAHAN EYE

► 1720 University Blvd. ► 844-UAB-EYES ► uabcallahaneye.org

the best care for your children’s eyes. With multiple locations across central Alabama, it’s easy to get a check-up and then get back to life.

At UAB Callahan Eye, worldclass pediatric optometrists and ophthalmologists are ready to treat your entire family. And if emergencies arise, there’s care available at the nation’s only 24/7 freestanding eye emergency department. It’s no wonder Alabama parents have trusted their families with Callahan for the past 60 years. Making an appointment today is so simple. Find a location near you and start protecting your child’s vision at uabcallahaneye.org.

TherapySouth providing ‘Hands

On Care, Close to Home — and Work!’

THERAPYSOUTH

► 1944 Canyon Road, Suite 100

► 205-822-7607 ► therapysouth.com

Q: What makes TherapySouth stand out in the physical therapy industry?

A: TherapySouth is a private, physical therapist-owned practice that has been serving the greater Birmingham communities for over 15 years. Our numerous convenient locations across the metro area allows us to live out our message of providing “Hands On Care, Close to Home — and Work!”. Our staff develop relationships with each patient and truly make the clinic environment feel like a family. With access to quality physical therapy care, we believe we can help our community live better, healthier lives!

Q: Why should someone see a physical therapist?

A: Most often, patients are referred to one of our clinics by their orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician to assist with recovery from an injury or procedure. But, physical therapy is beneficial to anyone seeking pain relief and improved function. The physical therapy approach is to evaluate the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems and address movement limitations or malalignments that are affecting mobility and causing pain. When patients come to physical therapy first, they can often avoid unnecessary surgery and medication. Through intentional exercises and hands-on treatment, patients can get back to their hobbies, everyday tasks and more.

Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to schedule an appointment at TherapySouth?

A: Patients are able to schedule an appointment without a physician’s referral. Your therapist will perform an initial evaluation to determine if therapy is appropriate for you. They will work with your primary care physician, or physician specialist to create your best care plan. To schedule an appointment, patients can call the clinic directly or visit our website to check appointment availability and set up an initial visit.

Q: What would you like potential patients to know about your practice?

A: We take our core values very seriously. We are a company based on faith that believes in family, integrity, service, compassion, fitness, perseverance, and giving. We try to instill these values in all our employees and encourage them to live them out not only at work as professionals, but also in their personal lives.

Confused about Medicare? Local expert

Eric Smith helps you navigate with confidence

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Eric Smith, a licensed insurance broker and owner of Medicare Advisors of Alabama, shares practical insights and reassuring advice for anyone trying to make sense of their Medicare options. With a no-pressure approach and a focus on education over sales, the Medicare Advisors of Alabama team helps clients understand their choices and make confident decisions about their coverage.

Q: Why does Medicare feel so confusing?

A: For most of our lives, health insurance is provided by our employer, and we’re rarely involved in the decision-making process. Then suddenly, we reach the “magical” age of 65 and are told to make a major decision — or face penalties. The lack of experience, pressure to choose the right option, and the overwhelming number of choices can create a tremendous amount of stress.

Q: How can Medicare Advisors of Alabama help?

A: We’re a group of local insurance brokers licensed to represent most of the available plans in Alabama. But before we start talking about insurance options, we begin by helping you understand the basics of Medicare. We take time to listen and get to know you and your unique situation. Then we provide the information you need to make an informed, pressure-free decision.

Q: Why does someone need a broker/ adviser?

A: With so many advertisements and plans available, it’s almost impossible to sort everything out on your own. A good broker will help you understand the pros and cons of each insurance product and work to find the best

ADVISORS OF ALABAMA ► 2116 Columbiana Road ► 205-704-9020 ► medicareadvice.org

solution for your needs.

Q: What is AEP?

A: AEP, or the Annual Enrollment Period, runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, this is the time each year when you can make changes to your plan for the upcoming year.

Q: How do you get paid?

A: We receive commissions from insurance companies when we complete an enrollment. Almost every Medicare plan we represent pays the same commission, so there’s no financial incentive for us to recommend one plan over another. Our mission is to offer helpful advice — not to sell you a plan.

Q: What other insurance do you help with besides Medicare?

A: In addition to Medicare, we help with individual health insurance — commonly referred to as “Obamacare” or “Marketplace Insurance.” We also represent a variety of supplemental insurance products such as dental, vision, life, travel, cancer, and hospital indemnity plans.

Q: How does your service work?

A: It’s simple. Call our office at 205-704-9020 and tell us a little about your situation. We’ll recommend either a one-on-one in-person meeting, a phone call, a Zoom meeting, or one of our “Prepare for Medicare” classes.

It can be overwhelming to sift through ALL the Medicare plan options and decide which one to choose. Who can you trust to show you the options that are best for you? All the advertisers offer to give you advice, but they’re just trying to

SHRED & RECYCLE DAY

► Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway, and Vestavia Hills City Hall, 1032 Montgomery Highway

► When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 8 a.m.-noon

► Contact: 205-978-0150

► Cost: Free

► Details: The Vestavia Hills Shred & Recycle Day drop-off will be in the parking lots of Vestavia Hills City Hall and the Vestavia Hills Civic Center (adjacent to City Hall). Items to be collected include electronics and household hazardous waste. Proof of Vestavia Hills residency is required for hazardous waste disposal. Paper shredding services will also be available. Vestavia Hills police officers will be on site to collect unneeded or expired medications for disposal, but needles will not be accepted.

the Date

LINE DANCING WITH TIFFANY

► Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway

► When: Monday nights (Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29), 6:30-7:30 p.m.

► Contact: 205-978-4678

► Cost: Free

► Web: vestavialibrary.org/events

► Details: Line dancing for adults ages 18 and older in the community room at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. No registration is required. Just show up to join in the dancing. Don’t know what to do? That’s OK. You can get help with instructions.

► For more events news, connect with the Vestavia Voice online by scanning the QR code.

► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Jon Anderson at janderson@starnesmedia.com.

VESTAVIA HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON

► Where: Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive

► When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

► Contact: 205-823-5011

► Cost: $25 through Sept. 4; $30 after Sept. 4

► Web: vhal.org/events/ chamber-of-commerce-luncheon

► Details: The guest speaker will be Burns McNeill, the senior associate athletics director at the University of Alabama. McNeill has been the senior associate athletics director for development since July 2021. Prior to that, he spent three years as the assistant athletic director for development and six years over major gifts for the Crimson Tide Foundation. Networking and serving line open at 11:30 a.m.; program at noon.

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY AND PATRIOT DAY CELEBRATION

► Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway

► When: Thursday, Sept. 11, 8:30 a.m.

► Details: Join the cities of Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Mountain wBrook for their annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Patriot Day Celebration. Hosted this year by the city of Vestavia Hills, the solemn event honors the victims of Sept. 11 and pays tribute to the first responders who serve those communities. Open to the public. Guest speaker is retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kent Davis. Reception to follow.

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS FALL BREAKFAST

► Where: Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive

► When: Friday, Sept. 12, serving line opens at 6 a.m.; program 6:30-7:45 a.m.

► Contact: 205-776-5455

► Cost: $30; sponsored table is $240

► Web: bit.ly/2025FallBreakfast

► Details: Entrepreneur Shegun Otulana will share about his journey in leadership, resilience and building a business that makes a difference. Otulana is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and founder of Therapy Brands, a behavioral health software platform that was acquired for $1.2 billion. Now, he serves as the CEO of Harmony Venture Labs.

SUPER SMASH BROS. TOURNAMENT

► Where: Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway

► When: Friday, Sept. 26, 4 p.m.

► Contact: 205-978-3683

► Cost: Free

► Web: vestavialibrary.org/event-calendar/teens

► Details: The Super Smash Brothers tournament will be held in the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest’s community room and is open to teens in grades 6-12. Contestants will have a chance to battle to win an Amazon gift card, and snacks will be served.

LIBRARY IN THE FOREST

TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Sept. 4: Apple Photos App training, 4-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: Advanced Excel: Pivot tables and dashboards, 4-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 25: Google Docs, 4-5:30 p.m. Register at vestavialibrary.org/tech or call 205-978-4679.

ADULTS

Sept. 1: Alabama Symphony tickets available

Sept. 3: Crafters Inc. Maize Fridge Magnets, 11 a.m.

Sept. 12: Craft lab Honeybee Zentangle with Darla, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: Adult Creative Writing Series, 6 p.m.

Sept. 23: Pixel Perfect Video Gaming, 6 p.m.

TEENS

Sept. 2: Teen Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 5, 12 & 19: Open gaming, 4 p.m.

Sept. 9: Wits & Wagers trivia game, 4 p.m.

Sept. 10: Art group contour collab, 4 p.m.

Sept. 16: Studio Ghibli film “Whisper of the Heart” and themed craft, 4 p.m.

Sept. 17: Jackbox party games like Quiplash, Drawful and Tee K.O. 4 p.m.

Sept. 23: Paper square challenge, 4 p.m.

Sept. 27: D&D One-Shot Valley of the Gilded Tower, 10 a.m. Registration required. For ages 12 and older.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Sept. 2: City Council election canvassing, noon; budget work session 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 4: Design Review Board, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8: Board of Education budget hearing, noon

Sept. 8: City Council action meeting, 6 p.m.

Sept. 11: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6 p.m.

Sept. 15: City Council work session, 5 p.m.

Sept. 16: Parks and Recreation Board, 7:30 a.m.

Sept. 18: Board of Zoning Adjustment, 6 p.m.

Sept. 22: City Council action meeting, 6 p.m.

Sept. 29: Board of Education, 4 p.m.

Prepare For The Holidays

SPORTS

Back on the saddle

By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.

John White didn’t simply want to survive the second open-heart surgery of his life. His desire, as it has been throughout his 21 years, was to thrive.

Hence, John, an avid cyclist, sought assurance that he could return to the road, riding his electric-assist bicycle.

“Honestly, the whole time before, like pre-surgery, I was asking … how soon after the surgery will I be able to ride again? It meant that much, at least to me, to be able to start riding again after surgery.

“Every time, every meeting, we would always ask the pre-surgery team, 'So how soon can I ride the bike after?’ And they would always say, six to eight weeks.”

Just shy of 10 weeks after undergoing a nine-hour surgery on May 6, the Samford University senior completed the 35-mile course of the Tour de Cahaba on July 13.

The accounting major didn’t tackle the longer courses of 45 and 65 miles and didn’t settle for the shorter treks of 10 and 20 miles. He just wanted to be able to ride, which was not a foregone conclusion for someone born with a severe heart condition.

John, the youngest of seven children in the White family, was born with Ebstein anomaly. It is a congenital heart defect in which a malformation of the valve separating the top and bottom right heart chambers disrupts blood flow through the heart.

“The way it works is the right side of your heart, which doesn't have as much work as the left side, it had a deformed tricuspid valve,” the Vestavia Hills resident said. “It was like attached to the walls. I had my first open-heart surgery when I was 10, and the surgeon in Michigan basically created a valve out of my tissue, which was very new at the time.”

All this from a fellow who changed his Samford major because he didn’t like anatomy.

“It worked,” John said of the surgery. “It was great. The problem is, it stayed that size. Right now, the valve that is currently pumping is a 10-year-old-sized valve. That's what caused the need for a second surgery.”

John described the procedure.

“They closed that and they redirected my blood from like my head, down to my nipple line,” he said. “They redirected it with a Bidirectional Glenn. They took the vein that comes from the upper half of your body into your heart, they cut it and just went straight to the lungs.”

John’s father, Darin White, is the Margaret Gage Bush Distinguished Professor and the founder of the sports industry program in the Department of Entrepreneurship, Management and Marketing at the Brock School of Business at Samford. He attributes a lot of his son’s recovery to John’s commitment to keeping himself physically fit.

“The more fit you can be going into a surgery like that, the better,” he said. “He had a nine-hour surgery ... and within 72 hours he was walking out of the hospital. A lot of that's because of all the work, the hard work he put in ahead of time.”

That hard work included getting up much of the spring semester at 5 a.m. and doing 20- to 30-mile bike rides to get fit before he went to class at 8 a.m.

That kind of commitment is not lost to the elder White, who is a former soccer coach at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.

time. That's what put him in the best position possible to have success in the surgery.”

John took a “been there, done that” approach to his most recent surgery. His surgeon agreed with that assessment.

Just two months after undergoing openheart surgery at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Samford University student John White crossed the finish line of the Tour De Cahaba — a ride he’d dreamed of completing during the darkest days of recovery. A fixture on campus and a former competitive cyclist, John trained for the event before and after his procedure with 5 a.m. rides through Homewood.

first surgery. He was a goalkeeper on a Briarwood club squad his dad coached.

Playing for his father and only as goalkeeper were the nonnegotiable conditions of him playing soccer. He could play in goal because that position required less running to tax his heart; the elder White was the coach so he could assess his son’s condition and, if needed, he is certified to administer CPR.

“My cardiologist had to fight for me to be able to play soccer because it's such an extreme activity on your heart,” John said. “There's a whole council that looks over to approve or deny. She would always have to go to bat for me so I could play soccer.”

Surgeons at Vanderbilt closed a hole in John’s heart, an atrial septal defect (ASD). Speaking with the precision of his surgeons,

“I coached for more than a decade, so I'm definitely all about hard work,” he said. “But (John) showed a lot of maturity and a lot of dedication to get up day after day. But John did, and he did it consistently over a long period of

“He said there's like a 99% chance, or 95% or 99% I can't remember, of it going well,” the accounting student said. “Even if it went poorly, the worst that would happen is having to revert it to normal and then figuring out a new solution. There wasn't a lot of major worry, it was just possibly having to do another heart surgery, which would be more annoying than anything.”

John’s goal to resume cycling mirrored his desire to return to the soccer field following his

With his latest surgery behind him, John can look forward to completing his final year as a student at Samford. He is also anticipating getting married, as he is engaged to Irondale’s Claire Calfee, a marine biology major at Samford.

Just like anyone else.

“Everyone asks me, man, you must feel so accomplished,” John said. “I just like pushing myself honestly. I've done it before. When I was 12, I played soccer and I didn't think much of it either. I don't really view what I've had done and my heart problem (as a) hindrance. It's just there, but I'll keep trying my best.” After second open-heart surgery, Vestavia Hills’ White back to biking

Vestavia alum Ethan Strand headed to track world championships in Tokyo

By TIM STEPHENS

Ethan Strand didn’t turn pro quietly. He showed up in a Nike kit at Hayward Field in June, won his debut race, then backed it up with a 3:30.25 runner-up finish at the U.S. Championships — qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. It was a summer surge that made official what the Vestavia Hills community has known for years: he’s not coming out of nowhere. He’s arriving right on time.

After years of watching national-caliber distance runners pass through without quite breaking into the next tier, Alabama’s fastest-ever is now heading to the global stage.

Strand’s rise has never been about flash. He comes from a family that shaped the Alabama distance running scene. His parents — Scott and Lori Strand — were collegiate runners and coaches, and are now known throughout the state as the backbone behind The Trak Shak running store and decades of youth and collegiate development.

At Vestavia Hills, Ethan didn’t just win — he redefined dominance: 14 individual state championships, a state 5K record, and two Alabama Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year awards. But it wasn’t just the medals. His high school years were shaped by teammates like James Sweeney, who took him on long runs as a freshman, and rivals who became friends — including Parker Wolfe, now his professional training partner.

That continuity carried into college. At the University of North Carolina, Strand trained under head coach Chris Miltenberg, who slowed his early expectations and focused on building strength. The results paid off in historic fashion.

In February, Strand ran a 3:48.32 indoor mile to break the NCAA record. One month earlier, he had broken the NCAA indoor 3,000-meter

record in 7:30.15. He followed that up with an NCAA title in the 3,000 meters just 24 hours after finishing second in the Distance Medley Relay — a night that showed as much emotional resilience as it did speed.

“If I don’t enjoy it, I won’t run as well,” Strand said in March. “And I’ve learned to love it again.”

After closing out his college eligibility, Strand signed with Nike and stayed under the guidance of Miltenberg, continuing to train with Wolfe. He moved to Colorado and began adjusting to altitude for the first time in his life. Ten days after

Former Vestavia Hills High School track standout Ethan Strand is off to a fast start in his pro career, qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The event runs Sept. 13-21. Photo by Joshua Grenade.

meters to go before being edged by Jonah Koech in the final strides. But he held on for second, secured a spot on Team USA, and ran a personal best of 3:30.25.

In the post-race pool interview, Strand reflected on his approach: “I think I had to use a lot of energy going into the backstretch to get myself in position... but I’m strong enough right now that I got to the finish line in the top three,” he said. “I definitely went for the win.”

When asked how he held together through a long season, he pointed to variety. “We’ve been doing different training and I’ve been running different races. It’s not about doing the same thing,” he said. “Just trying to keep myself excited about racing and training.”

More than anything, though, it was belief.

“If I’m there with 200 meters to go, I trust myself against anybody in the world,” Strand said. “The United States is the best country in the world from 1500 right now. If I can come out there and compete here and place really high, I can do the same thing at Worlds.”

arriving, he toed the line for his pro debut and won the international mile — a confidence reset after falling short in the NCAA DMR.

“When I get beat, I don’t like to let it happen again right away,” Strand told FloTrack after the race. “And usually I’m able to come back and turn some losses into wins.”

That instinct proved useful again in Eugene. Running against Olympic gold medalist Cole Hocker and a field of seasoned professionals, Strand positioned himself smartly in the U.S. Championship final. When the last lap came, he surged — taking the lead with less than 100

Strand will represent Team USA this September in Tokyo at the World Athletics Championships, scheduled for Sept. 13-21. The men’s 1500-meter heats begin Sept. 14, with the final set for later in the meet. He’ll remain under Miltenberg’s coaching, continue training with his Chapel Hill crew for now, and begin planning for a longer-term base in Flagstaff. For those closest to him — from his teammates at Vestavia to runners who passed through Trak Shak over the last decade — it’s not a surprise. It’s the natural next lap.

“When you finish a race and do better than you ever have, it’s a feeling you can’t beat,” Strand said earlier this year. “The only way to get that feeling again is to do it again.”

And now, the world will get to see just how many times he can.

Rebels looking to back up last year’s impressive run

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Vestavia Hills High School volleyball program made a statement last fall, reaching the Class 7A state semifinals for the first time since 2012, when the Rebels finished runner-up in the state.

It was a big step for Ashley Hardee’s program, and he hopes the Rebels keep that momentum rolling as he enters his fifth year at the helm.

“That final four run was great, because it provides us that experience we haven’t had yet,” he said. “That’s going to be valuable for us.”

The Rebels feature five returning starters and eight seniors. Leading the way is senior Millie Burgess, who has committed to play at Jacksonville State and has been a standout on the court since her days as a freshman.

Several seniors who played key roles a year ago are back, and the coaching staff is seeing the benefits of that continuity. Hardee said the senior class is a “great leadership group.”

Claire Ogden returns on the right side and joins Burgess as one of the Rebels’ two team captains this fall.

Marley Cowan returns in the middle, while Kendall Roberts, Emma Falkner, Hill Hudlow, Ellie Mitchell and Caroline Stricklin are also part of that senior mix.

Junior Lillie Hill took hold of the libero role last fall and has continued her rise over the summer as a player the coaching staff can trust to run the back row.

“She’s a really strong, confident player on the back row with tons of energy,” Hardee said.

Pepper Bedford, Caroline Ely, Ella Green, Kate Scot Hayes, Elle Hill, Sarah Orkus, Charlotte Poole, Jill Russell and Hollyn Smith round out what is a large varsity roster of 18 players. That presents some challenges, but also an opportunity.

“We’ve got a lot of good players and we’re excited about it,” Hardee said. “At any given time, only six can play, so we’ll have to work on team building, unity and come together.”

Hardee noted the impressive collective height of his front-row players. Paired with athleticism on the back row, he’s excited about the potential of this year’s group.

SEEING CRACKS?

“The key is going to be to see how well we come together,” Hardee said. “There’s not a ceiling for this team.”

Vestavia’s 2025 schedule once again features many of the top programs in the state.

The Rebels will compete in the Juanita Boddie, HeffStrong and Shrimp Fest tournaments in Gulf Shores.

“I wanted us to believe we’re one of the best teams in the state,” Hardee said. “You have to believe that to go out there and do it. We have a chance to be that this year.”

The Rebels play in Class 7A Area 7 alongside Huntsville, Hewitt-Trussville, Grissom and Albertville. They will also take on the likes of Bayside Academy, Hoover, Oak Mountain, Thompson, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Auburn in the regular season.

SPORTS

Anderson’s Rebels put their names in history books in 1980

Editor’s Note: This story is adapted from one by Kyle Parmley that first appeared in the November 2020 edition of Vestavia Voice, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Vestavia Hills High School’s 1980 state football championship. It has been lightly updated and republished here as part of our series celebrating the 75 years of Vestavia Hills.

To see more stories highlighting key moments, people and places in the city’s history go to VestaviaVoice.com.

By KYLE PARMLEY

Some periods of time in life leave such an imprint, that no matter how much time passes, the memories remain nearly crystal clear.

Such is the case for Buddy Anderson and members of the 1980 Vestavia Hills High School football team, which won the Class 4A state championship.

As he neared the end of a legendary career in 2000, hundreds of games and wins may have grown blurry in his mind. But not 1980. The recollections were numerous and specific. And most impressively, stunningly accurate.

“I can tell you things that happened in 1980 and I can relive those stories and the people,” Anderson, the coach of the Rebels, told Vestavia Voice in 2020 in the final month of his run with the Rebels.

Anderson took over as head coach in 1978 from Larry Blakeney — who would go on to the collegiate ranks at Troy — and quickly made the program his own. The team had already made great strides in the school’s first decade after Vestavia Hills High School opened in 1970, and Anderson’s 1980 team completed that rapid rise by claiming the school’s first state football championship.

“The stories grow larger as the years go by,” said Howie Johnston, an offensive center and team captain on that championship team.

BOUND AND DETERMINED

Buddy Anderson arrived at Vestavia Hills in 1972 as an assistant football coach. Ahead of the 1978 season, he was promoted to head coach. All the Rebels did in his first three years was advance to the state championship game each fall.

Jeff Davis toppled the Rebels 21-7 in the 1978 championship game. The Volunteers took a 21-0 lead in the fourth quarter and Anderson recalls them soundly beating his squad.

The 1979 title game was a much different story, as Enterprise and Vestavia Hills went toe to toe, with Enterprise squeaking out a 14-13 edge. The Rebels scored a touchdown with 2:56 to play in the game — one of those details burned in Anderson’s mind — and elected for a twopoint try to potentially win the game as opposed to settling for a tie.

That two-point conversion was thwarted by an Enterprise defender, who got a finger on the pass attempt, causing the ball to fall incomplete.

“Seniors on that 1980 team had finished second twice,” said defensive end Craig Farris. “That motivated that team to work hard and take it home.”

Heading into the 1980 season, Anderson said he knew he had a pretty strong team with the potential to get back to the big stage. The offensive and defensive lines were even stronger and the team was equipped with plenty of experience.

He was right.

A WAKE-UP CALL AND SOME NEW THREADS

Over the season, Vestavia allowed just over five points per game and only surrendered double

Photographs framed in the Vestavia Hills football field house chronicle the Rebels’ 1980 Class 4A State Championship team at the Vestavia Hills football field house. Staff photos.

digits in three of the 14 games it played. One of those was a 14-7 loss to Berry (now Hoover), Vestavia Hills’ nemesis. That would be the Rebels’ only setback of the season.

Following the Berry loss, the Rebels shut out John Carroll and Homewood before welcoming Carver-Montgomery to town in late October.

The weather was an issue that evening, with persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms causing the game to be postponed at halftime. Carver finished the season with a measly 3-6 record, but Anderson said the Rebels played their worst half of football that Friday night, leading to a 7-7 halftime score.

The two teams agreed to return the following evening to resume the contest. In the hours beforehand, Johnston recalled a team meeting in which Anderson effectively lit a charge into the team.

“We came back and played an incredible half of football,” Johnston said.

The Rebels outscored Carver 20-0 in the second half on the way to a 27-7 victory.

After that, Vestavia shut out its next three opponents, the third of which was a 7-0 victory over Berry in the first round of the state playoffs.

“It was 7-0, but we dominated the game,” Johnston recalled, in a sentiment echoed by Anderson.

The most memorable moment of that game came in the jerseys worn by Vestavia Hills. It was the first game in which the Rebels wore red

jerseys. Anderson finally gave into the urging of his assistant coaches to purchase a set of red jerseys. During the pregame warm-up period, the red jerseys were dispersed in the locker room unbeknownst to the players on the field. When the players returned to the locker room before the game, they exploded in glee.

“You’d have thought we’d won the Super Bowl,” Johnston said.

FINISHING THE CLIMB

Vestavia Hills went on to beat Banks and Grissom in the subsequent playoff rounds before a meeting with Parker in the state championship game at Legion Field. In front of an estimated 25,000 fans, Danny Pritchard’s late field goal lifted Vestavia to a 15-13 victory and its first state title.

“I remember Legion Field as a place where you knew big-time SEC football games were played there,” longtime defensive coordinator Peter Braasch said. “We had a couple playoff games there. It was just really special seeing that huge crowd.”

Lance Gulledge scored both of the Rebels’ touchdowns that day and was one of a few backs that carried the offensive load for that team all season. Danny Salchert was the primary quarterback, but he suffered an injury in the Parker game and John Wilson led the team on its winning drive.

After Pritchard’s field goal, Parker had one

last shot. With the Thundering Herd driving, defensive lineman Ricky Needham got his hands on a pass and deflected it. Farris dove and made the grab for the interception.

Farris certainly isn’t changing his story now.

“I caught that sucker,” he said.

A LASTING LEGACY

Anderson’s legacy was profound. The Rebels play their games on a field that bears his name. In 43 seasons, his record was 346-160 with 16 region titles and 31 playoff appearances. Vestavia Hills would add another state championship under him, capping the school’s first 15-0 season with the crown in 1998.

It is part of a rich athletic history at the school, which entering the 2025-26 school year now includes 82 state titles in 15 sports since girls golf won the Rebels’ first state trophy in 1973. When he sat down with Vestavia Voice back in 2000, Anderson scanned a team picture of that 1980 squad and named most of them, even offering details about where those players were at that time in their lives.

His players, no doubt, hadn’t forgotten the coach who helped them break through to raise a trophy. And so much more.

“It’s really hard to put into words because he’s meant so much to us,” Johnston said. “I feel like I’ve been richly blessed to have been part of this. It doesn’t end when you play that last game for him.”

Rebels open critical region schedule in September

By KYLE PARMLEY

After two non-region tune-ups in August against Westside (South Carolina) and Auburn, the Vestavia Hills football team begins Class 7A, Region 3 play on Sept. 5 against familiar foes. The Rebels play their first three region games in September before a midseason open date in the final week of the month.

Last fall, the Rebels dropped their first three games and four of their first five, struggling to get going against a tough, front-loaded

schedule. This year, they will hope to find a few more wins in the front half of the schedule.

► Sept. 5 at Hewitt‑Trussville: Vestavia Hills opens the region slate on the road at Hewitt-Trussville, a fellow Region 3 contender. The series has often been tightly contested and highly entertaining, with last year’s matchup fitting that description. Hewitt-Trussville scored a late touchdown to beat the Rebels 18-14 a year ago, dropping the Rebels to 0-3. Hewitt-Trussville has won the last five meetings in the series, so the Rebels will look to

reverse that trend.

► Sept. 12 vs. Hillcrest‑Tuscaloosa: Returning home, the Rebels welcome Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, the team that they earned their first win against last fall. It was a cathartic win for Vestavia, as the Rebels snapped their losing streak with an emphatic 49-17 victory. The teams previously met in the playoffs three times, but are region foes for the first time in this two-year cycle.

► Sept. 19 at Thompson: The Rebels head to Thompson, a Region 3 power over much

of the last decade. This has been a difficult matchup for Vestavia, as Thompson holds an 11-game winning streak in the series, including two recent playoff meetings. Last year’s meeting was a three-touchdown win for the Warriors. Vestavia will aim to establish itself as a region contender in this opening threegame stretch.

► Sept. 26 – Open: Vestavia takes its open date at the end of September, offering breathing room before October’s stretch of four straight region games kicks off.

COMMUNITY

Football, fashion and fun

Game-day fashion show celebrates models with Down syndrome

By KELLI S. HEWETT

The runways of Paris and New York had nothing on the Vestavia Hills Civic Center on Aug. 10, when Down Syndrome Alabama hosted its second Football, Fashions & Fun event.

Thirty models with Down syndrome strutted their style in the latest game-day looks from local retail sponsors.

More than 100 supporters cheered the energetic, charismatic fashionistas, who ranged from toddlers to young adults. Some veteran models from last year’s inaugural show blew kisses, waved to the crowd, or struck classic catwalk poses. Others offered up cartwheels and high kicks to the delight of the audience.

“Being a kid like me, I was the greatest,” said model Landon Norman, 15, of Hoover. “Walking was awesome!”

Landon’s mom, Dr. Christina Norman, summed up why the experience is so significant. “It gives everyone a chance to shine,” she said.

Retailers agree, noting their strong bonds with Down syndrome and special needs employees and customers.

“They just want to be part of everything – like you and I want to be part of everything,” said Katherine McRee of Cahaba Heights, the longtime owner of The Lili Pad and Gigi’s clothing stores.

Last year, McRee brainstormed the tailgate fashion show with the executive director of Down Syndrome Alabama, and community partners soon followed. When teary-eyed parents watched their youngsters sparkle at last year’s sidewalk showcase, McRee knew they had a hit on their hands.

This year’s show featured outfits from McRee’s shops, along with Hibbett and the Pants Store.

Model and event co-emcee Grace Davis, 23, of Vestavia Hills, was one of McRee’s muses for the idea.

“I liked seeing all my friends; everybody did good,” Davis said after the show. “I have so many friends I can’t keep track of them.”

A customer of The Lili Pad and Gigi’s for most of her life, Davis now works part time at Gigi’s and the Pants Store. She also is involved with Down syndrome advocacy at the state and national levels.

Davis is a former VHHS Spirit Girl cheerleader who later graduated from Auburn University’s EAGLES program, a custom on-campus college experience for students with intellectual disabilities.

Davis now says she loves her jobs and loves

making money.

“It gives them a platform to be empowered,” said Laura Davis, Grace’s mom. “They gave Grace a life.”

Mom Rachel Hamm was excited for her daughter, Evelyn, 4, to model again this year and share the experience with loved ones. Evelyn will start kindergarten next year at Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park.

“You will never meet a community as loving and as passionate and as welcoming as the Down syndrome community,” Hamm said. “Once you’re in it, you realize why we’re called ‘the lucky few.’ Our family and our friends get to come to this and see the community that we get to live in every day. It’s all just so special.”

Inclusive community events and personal interactions have helped dismantle some of the lingering stereotypes about Down syndrome.

“Everybody is just so excited to come together for a fun, very typical Southern activity,” said Missy Haughery, executive director of Down Syndrome Alabama. Her son, John, has Down syndrome. “Football brings people together. In this case, it’s bringing people with Down syndrome together. It has a spirit about it, of empowerment — a spirit of being present and being involved. It’s showing who we are and what we

are capable of doing.”

With an emphasis on education, advocacy and connections, Down Syndrome Alabama supports quality of life for affected families. About 1 in 775 babies is born with Down syndrome, caused by an extra chromosome that alters development.

Gatherings like Football Fashions & Fun create an inclusive, nurturing space for celebrating uniqueness and individuality, parents said. Everyone “gets it.” No explanations are needed. No one is an outsider. Every child is celebrated.

“I felt very proud,” said dad Ryan Jones of Liberty Park, whose 16-month-old son, Joey, made his catwalk debut in the arms of mom Alexis Jones. “It’s great to be inclusive of the entire community. This is a segment of the population that deserves to be celebrated.”

Alexis’ voice softened as she recalled the

well-meaning but awkward condolences when people found out about Joey’s condition.

“I think the misconception may be that he’s a burden or he’s a stressor,” Alexis said. “Kids come with stress, regardless of if they have Down syndrome or not. He’s perfect — just the way he is.”

Football, Fashions & Fun also included a spirit hour with University of Alabama mascot Big Al and Auburn’s Aubie, stories from men who once portrayed Big Al, a silent auction, and tailgating snacks from Taco Mama. The day wrapped with a screening of the 2024 documentary “Do

Right: The Stallings Standard”, tracing former Alabama football head coach Gene Stallings’ dedication to legacy and advocacy for people with special needs. His late son, John Mark, had Down syndrome.

Life in Vestavia Hills

BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW

Pro bass angler Jacob Walker

By JORDYN DAVIS

Q: How long have you been fishing? Who first introduced you to the sport, and what’s your earliest memory of going fishing?

A: I’ve been bass fishing my entire life and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. My dad (Geoff Walker) and grandfather (Jim Duran) were the first people to introduce me to bass fishing. My earliest memories of fishing are with them. My dad would take me any opportunity he could, and my grandfather would take me fishing on Logan Martin Lake in Pell City, Alabama. My love for fishing was created by the people who would take time to take me — my family and many family friends.

Q: How were you able to qualify for the Bass Pro Tour? Where and when does it begin?

A: There’s no short way to explain how much has gone into making the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. There are so many hours and days of travel to lakes across the country, so much time away from my family and a lot of learning from my mistakes. There are a lot of very important things to make it possible for me to do this: my wife (Alyssa Walker) who supports me, takes care of our two boys (Miller and Maddox) and drives me to do the best I can, always;

my sponsors who have supported me so that I can have the opportunity to compete. There are so many expenses, and without their support I would never be able to do it. Major League Fishing has created a system for anglers to work their way up to the top through these circuits: high school fishing, college fishing, BFL tournaments, Toyota Series tournaments, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, and finally the Bass Pro Tour (top 50 anglers in the country). With this system, there’s an opportunity to qualify up from each series to the next. As you move up, the competition gets harder, the entry fees get higher, and the winnings get bigger.

Q: What were some of the biggest bass you’ve caught? How much did they weigh?

A: I’ve been very fortunate to catch big fish in all three species of bass: smallmouth bass, spotted bass and largemouth bass. I’d say my biggest smallmouth is 6 pounds, 8 ounces; the biggest spotted bass is almost 7 pounds; the biggest largemouth is just over 10 pounds.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: The most important thing that I want you to mention is this: I would never be in this position if it weren’t for the people who took the time to take me as a kid to teach me about fishing. We all need to take any opportunity to take kids fishing and get them outdoors.

1960 Vestavia Hills Police Department

By STAFF

In 1960, Vestavia Hills marked a milestone in public safety as its police department grew from a one-man operation into a full-time, four-officer corps. Tasked with round-the-clock protection, the department symbolized the city’s progress and commitment to its residents just a decade after incorporation.

Led by Chief W. O. Haynes — a veteran with more than 30 years in law enforcement — the team patrolled in two new Ford police cars and a motorcycle, each equipped with radios tied to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department’s network. Officers Sam King, Bill Breneman and M. C. Bottom stood alongside Haynes in a now-historic photo, lined up proudly in front of their patrol vehicles outside headquarters.

According to research by the Vestavia Hills Historical Society, Vestavia Hills had at that time recorded only two major crimes since incorporation, with no traffic fatalities — a point of civic pride often credited to the department’s efficiency and organization. Councilman Henry S. McReynolds chaired the city’s public safety committee, helping to establish the strong foundation on which the department would continue to grow.

On the Mainstage

GET TO KNOW

Bethany Peppers, assistant choir director at Liberty Park Middle School

By APRIL COFFEY

Q: Tell our readers a little about yourself.

A: I am a third-year teacher. I’m originally from Hamilton, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 2023 with a degree in Choral Music Education. I spent my first two years in education as the choir director at Homewood Middle School, and I am now the assistant choir director at Liberty Park Middle School.

Q: Which of the performing arts do you enjoy most?

A: Most people would expect me to say singing, but I actually love acting the most. I love creating characters and relationships with the cast, on and off stage. Theatre feels like “me time.”

Q: What inspired you to go into teaching rather than performing?

A: I originally pursued a degree in music performance. But over time, I realized I wanted something different. Growing up in a theatre company that felt like home shaped me, but not every space in the performance industry is like that. During the pandemic, I also realized I wanted to stay close to family. My heart changed, and I’m so glad it did.

Q: What have been some rewarding experiences as an educator?

A: The kids, 100 percent. Watching students achieve things they never thought possible is the best part. Their success is my success, and I love being there for them through those pivotal middle school years.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?

A: So many things! I’m working part-time now, which is a blessing as my husband and I prepare for our first baby later this year.

SPOTLIGHT

By JON ANDERSON

Mike Fowler has been teaching people how to dance since he was about 18 years old, and now at age 62, he still gets great satisfaction in helping people learn how to move to the music.

He spent the first part of his career — more than 20 years — with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. He started at a studio in Birmingham but then opened his own studio in Tuscaloosa and later bought studios in Mobile and Montgomery.

Around 2006, he sold his shares in those three studios, went independent and opened Magic City Ballroom in Cahaba Heights.

That was about a 1,600-square-foot studio at 3118 Bellwood Drive, behind the Starbucks. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shutdown, and he had to close.

But that didn’t mean the end of his teaching. Magic City Ballroom is still functioning. He offers lessons to people as requested and usually does 10 to 12 lessons per month, he said.

He frequently will use the CORE Pilates Studio in Cahaba Heights and goes to other locations, such as event centers, to do group classes. Not too long ago, he taught a group how to swing dance at a 50th birthday party.

Fowler teaches all kinds of ballroom

dancing (including waltz, foxtrot and tango), Latin dances (such as the cha-cha, rumba or salsa), swing dancing and wedding dances, but he does not teach country and western or hip-hop. Private lessons run about 45 minutes and cost $60–$80, while group classes last about an hour and cost much less per person.

To reach Magic City Ballroom, call 205-238-9008.

The Family That Rides Together Thrives Together

The Gibbs family has turned to us here at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 for ride after ride, time after time. We were so happy to see them return for a safe, luxurious new 2025 Volvo XC60 for daughter-in-law Sara Mae. We love to see a tight-knit family take care of each other; after all, that’s how we treat everyone who stops into Volvo Cars of Vestavia Hills.

The 2025 XC60 is a midsize mild hybrid that’s as easy on the eyes as it is to drive. Efficiency, reduced emissions, and ample cargo and towing capacity give the XC60 substance, while it’s got style for days in its unmistakable body, Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and multiple alloy wheel options. Test drive your new XC60 at Volvo Cars of Vestavia Hills, where I-65 meets Highway 31.