BROUGHT TO YOU BY
November 2022 | Volume 10 | Issue 7
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VESTAVIA HILL’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE VESTAVIAVOICE.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
2022 Elections
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Reclaiming SAINT STEPHEN’S
Incumbents Jim Carns and Dan Roberts face third-party competition, while two newcomers seek office in House District 47.
See page A8
Holiday Events
BY NEAL EMBRY
Tree lighting, photos with Santa, shopping and more to start the holiday season.
See page A22
INSIDE Sponsors .......... A4 News ..................A6 Business .......... A12 Chamber ......... A16 Community...... A18
Schoolhouse.... A19 Events ............. A22 Sports.................B4 Opinion............. B10 Calendar........... B14
I
t has been nearly five months since a shooting at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church left three beloved members dead during a group potluck for seniors. There is no set way to reopen a space after such a horrific event. Yet, on July 7, less than a month after the shooting, that’s what the seniors did. To ensure no one had to walk back into the space alone, they gathered
in the large area just outside the doors to the Parish Hall and walked in together. They broke bread and shared the Eucharist and prayers. Afterwards, they shared a large meal together in the chapel, prepared by the “Middlers,” a group of middle-aged people in the church. “It just felt like a real gift of love,” said the Rev. Becky Bridges, associate rector for formation and outreach at Saint Stephen’s. Three days later, the entire congregation at
the church did the same. It was the church’s way of “reclaiming” that space, of not allowing the evil of June 16 to have the last word. Instead of living in fear, the people of Saint Stephen’s have offered ways of loving each other, said the Rev. John Burruss, the rector at the church. “To me, that’s the gospel message,”
See ST. STEPHEN’S | page A26
Fabric hearts with words of encouragement, prayer and Bible verses hangs in the fellowship hall at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Sept. 22. The pieces of fabric were collected from churches across the nation and sewn together by churches in Memphis. Photo by Erin Nelson.
Veterans reflect on service By NEAL EMBRY Each year, the city of Vestavia Hills hosts several events to honor veterans in the city and surrounding area. For the past several years, the Vestavia Voice has sought to tell some of these veterans’ stories to honor them and remember their service to the country.
facebook.com/vestaviavoice
BRIAN DAVIS
Brian Davis, a U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard veteran, sits in front of a display of items from his time in the armed forces at his office in the public works division at Vestavia Hills City Hall. Photo by Erin Nelson.
Growing up in the shadow of his grandfather — one of Merrill’s Marauders, who fought deep behind Japanese lines in World War II — Brian Davis spent many a day at World War II reunions. After the third trip, he began tuning in more closely, relishing the stories of brave soldiers and their work defending their country.
See VETERANS | page A27