The Community News March 2015

MARCH 2015
OF VESTAVIA HILLS
COMMUNITY NEWS
A LIFE ABOVE
A joint publication of the City of Vestavia Hills, Vestavia Hills City Schools and Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
I am very blessed to have a wonderful
wife and four very precocious children who
do not hesitate to share their opinions on
our family decisions. Knowing this and with
a bit of apprehension, we sat down to our
nightly dinner together and I asked, “If given
the chance to live anywhere in the world,
where would you want to live?” They all said, “Vestavia Hills.”
With a sigh of relief, I asked why. They said that they love
their schools; they love their friends; and, in kid lingo, said they
love their quality of life. I have come to the conclusion, as a
Vestavia Hills newbie, these type conversations can be heard all
over our community.
I often reference the citizen survey that was completed by
a random sampling of our residents earlier last year. One of
the most compelling questions posed during the survey was,
“What was your most important reason for choosing to live in
Vestavia Hills?” The answers were not shocking:
76% responded “The School System”
60% responded “Quality of Life”
56% responded “Geographic Location”
Only 9 percent of our residents chose their occupation
or job as the reason for living in Vestavia Hills. Wow! We all
knew the quality of Vestavia Hills City Schools was important, but to have it quantified like this and for me to hear it so
personally has made a particular impact on me as I move
through the daily tasks of serving as your City Manager. I now
regularly refer to the City School System as “the goose that
laid the golden egg.” We certainly need to nurture and support
that “goose.” It is crucial to our community’s success whether
or not we have children in the System. It is the foundation of
our economy. The value of your home, the vibrancy of your
lifestyle, the priority systems of your neighbors, and the future
landscape of your City all depend on the continued success of
our world renowned educational system.
I am in awe of the responsibility placed on our School
System’s leadership, namely the superintendent and the board;
and, I am incredibly impressed with their knowledge, skills
and abilities. As I thought about my message to the community this month, I wanted to make a simple public gesture to
these leaders and the community – anything the City Manager’s
office is involved in will have the best interest of the Vestavia
Hills City Schools at heart. Furthermore, our wonderful
Superintendent Sheila Phillips and I have made a pact to work
closely together to ensure mutual success of both the City
and School System. I am heartened by this relationship and
commit to the entire community that our growth ambitions
will be carefully considered in close consultation with the
foundation of our community – the Vestavia Hills City Schools.
I wish you all a wonderful spring!
– Jeff Downes
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
The new City Hall construction is moving along, with a
projected opening of September 2015.
We are making great strides in Vestavia
Hills. The Ruby Tuesday/Pizza Hut on
Highway 31 and the former library have
been demolished. Construction on these
sites should begin in April of this year.
Earth work has begun at Patchwork Farms
and the new Zaxby’s on Crosshaven Drive in Cahaba Heights.
The Winn Dixie construction is complete and it has made a
difference in grocery shopping in the Cahaba Heights area.
The Mine Reclamation Project at the Sicard Hollow
Athletic Complex is nearing completion and we are looking
forward to having a community park on that site.
According to the financial statements for FY 2014-15, the
City’s outlook is positive. We have a policy that states that we
will maintain a 90-day reserve; presently, we have 104 days.
Just as a reminder—you may renew your automobile tags
at City Hall.
Happy spring!
– Mayor Alberto C. “Butch” Zaragoza
MARCH 2015
2
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
As winter turns to spring in Vestavia Hills
and we edge closer to the end of another
school year, I am reminded of the level of
work we are able to complete through the contributions of our Partners in Education. This
year, more than 100 local businesses, organizations, and community members joined with
us to offer financial support and a dedication to the work of our
schools, faculty, and students. These partners enable us to achieve
much more as a system than we could otherwise do on our own. As a superintendent, I have seen first-hand that “it takes a village”
to create an environment where our children can learn without limits.
We are blessed to be one of the school districts in Alabama where
this vision has become a reality. As we reflect on the accomplishments of this year and those that are still to come in the months
ahead, I offer my thanks to our Partners in Education for their pivotal role in supporting the work we do on behalf of our children.
– Sheila Phillips, VH School Superintendent
Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation Awards 2014-15 Grants
The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation
has awarded 13 grants totaling $61,000 to all
eight schools and the Vestavia Hills Board of
Education.
The Foundation has a grant-making
endowment of over $2.2 million. The principal
endowment is invested, and only the interest
earned on the principal is used to fund the
grants.
Grants awarded this year will provide
schools with curriculum enhancements for
reading, math and science; technology-related
equipment; and professional development. In
addition, the Foundation’s $28,000 grants to
the Board of Education will provide training
opportunities for every teacher in the district
to further implement the Alabama College
and Career Ready Standards and to further
integrate technology into the classroom.
The Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, provides funds each year to
educators for technology improvements,
classroom enhancement projects, and
professional development training for teachers.
The Foundation’s endowment is funded
by contributions. The Foundation provides a
source of funding that is not federal or state
controlled and can never be prorated.
“The financial support our schools receive
from the Foundation makes an important
difference to the achievement of our students
and the academic experiences we have come to
expect in our community,” said Vestavia Hills
City Schools Superintendent Sheila Phillips. “I
have seen first-hand that it takes a village to
create an environment where our children can
learn without limits. Funding from the Vestavia
Hills City Schools Foundation helps to make
this vision a reality as we continue the pursuit
of excellence on behalf of our students.”
For a complete list of the grants awarded
this year, visit www.vestaviafoundation.org.
Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation 2013-14 Grants
Grant
Awarded
Funding’s Purpose
$4,280
Purchase iPad minis to create lab for Kindergarten
students.
$4,158
Purchase Chromebooks to create a class set,
purchase 32 copies of Numbers Talk-Helping
Children Build Mental Math and Computation
Strategies, and purchase two ipads for media
center.
Vestavia Hills Elementary –
Liberty Park
$4,250
Provide professional development opportunity
for K-5 teachers to work on effective instructional
strategies, develop formative common assessments, integrate writing into the curriculum, and
vertically align CCRS curriculum.
Vestavia Hills Elementary –
Cahaba Heights
$2,312
Purchase FOSS Hands on Science modules for
every classroom.
Vestavia Hills Elementary –
Central
$4,500
Purchase Chromebooks to create a class set.
Pizitz Middle School
$5,500
Purchase Chromebooks to create classroom mini
labs, provide funds to help start a community
garden.
Vestavia Hills High School
$8,000
Purchase Chromebooks to create a Visual Arts lab.
VH Board of Education
$15,000
Provide summer professional development
opportunities for district’s 500 teachers to fully
implement the Alabama College and Career Ready
Standards in English, Math and Content Literacy
in Science and Social Studies.
VH Board of Education
$3,000
Provide summer technology professional development training to assist teachers in integrating technology into their lessons while promoting problem
solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills.
$10,000*
Provided summer science professional development training to middle school teachers. Training
occurred during the summer of 2014.
* This grant was secured by the VHCSF and funded by an award from Wells Fargo Foundation.
School
Vestavia Hills Elementary –
East
Vestavia Hills Elementary –
West
VH Board of Education
MARCH 2015
3
PARKS & RECREATION
Attention senior citizens of Vestavia Hills! Join us for lunch
and weekday senior activities – field trips, bridge, bingo, exercise,
crafts, and guest speakers – at the New Merkle House, 4405 Dolly
Ridge Road, adjacent to Vestavia Hills Elementary School – Cahaba
Heights. For more information, call 967-5977.
We have a new contract with Specialty Turf Supply for day-to-day
athletic field maintenance at Wald Park, Liberty Park, SHAC, Central,
and Cahaba Heights.
If you need a large gathering space for a wedding reception,
reunion, or other event, you may call Vestavia Hills Parks and
Recreation at 978-0166 for information about reserving one of our
facilities.
HOLIDAY TRASH NOTICE
Please remember that Republic Services observes the following
holidays:
New Year’s Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
If your garbage, trash or recycling is scheduled for one of these
days, pick up will be delayed one day.
ART in the HILLS
The 2nd Art in the Hills, sponsored by the Vestavia Hills
Beautification Board, will be held April 18 from 10 am until 4
pm at the Vestavia City Center. Participants represent varied
genres of art: pottery, sculpture, pen and ink, hand-crafted
jewelry, oil and acrylic paintings, etc. Entertainment will be
provided by local choirs and song and dance groups. Proceeds
will fund ongoing community projects.
Details of the Art in the Hills Youth Art Show are in the
next article. Last year’s events were a tremendous success. For
more information, you may visit www.vestaviabeautiful.com.
CALLING ALL YOUTH ARTISTS
Are you a student artist in a Vestavia Hills school? The
Vestavia Hills Beautification Board, in conjunction with the
VHCS PTO Board, is excited to announce this year’s Art in the
Hills Youth Art Show for K-12 students.
Prizes will be awarded per grade: First Place $100, Second
Place $50, and Third Place $25. The application may be printed
at www.vestaviabeautiful.com and turned in with your artwork
to your school’s art teacher or front office by March 11. For
more information, please contact Gina Henley at 205.910.4837
or ghenley401@charter.net.
Good luck to our budding artists!
Beautiful New Neighborhoods
are Now Open
is where beautiful styles and comfortable
spaces are perfectly designed for all of today’s
busy goings and happy-to-see-you
Welcome Center open daily. Homes from
the high $300s to $600s plus. Home to the
highly-rated Vestavia Hills Elementary and
Middle Schools in the Vestavia School System.
Visit our sales center and ask to speak to
a sales associate for additional information
on our Smart Package.
Looking for a smart alternative in your
new home search? At Liberty Park we have
just what you’re looking for with our
SMART PACKAGE .
Plus, redeem this ad for an additional
$1000 toward your closings costs.*
Smart Package is included in all pre-sale contracts finalized by 3/31/15.
(205) 945-6401 | libertypark.com
* Offer ends 3/31/15.
Total retail value of the equipment and fixtures included in this offer is approximately $5,471, and no
substitutions will be allowed. Buyer’s incentive of approximately $5,471 in equipment and fixtures
and any buyer’s incentive of $1,000 toward buyer’s closing costs are applicable to pre-sale homes
to be built by LifeScape Builders, LLC and will be disclosed in the sales contract and included on
the HUD Settlement Statement in the transaction. This offer applies only to contracts finalized
by March 31, 2015 and cannot be combined with any other incentives or offers. The information
contained herein should be deemed accurate but not warranted. Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP,
Liberty Park Properties, and their respective builders and agents, are not responsible for errors
or omissions.
MARCH 2015
4
LIBRARY in the FOREST events
CHILDREN
(April Moon 205-978-0158)
Tween Scene – Mondays @ 3 pm (grades 2-6) booktheme program/games, etc.
Maker Monday – Mondays @ 6:30 pm. electronics,
robotics, fashion design, animation, weaving, pottery, etc.
Together with Twos – Tuesdays @ 9:30 am & 10:30 am
PJ Storytime – Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm (except on Family
Nights)
Story Friends – Wednesdays @ 10:30 am (ages 3 & up)
Skit-torytime! – Wednesdays @ 3:30 pm
Book Babies – Thursdays @ 9:30 am and 10:30 am
(birth-18 mo.)
L.I.F.T. (Library in the Forest Time!) – Thursdays
@ 9:30 am playtime with special play equipment
Preschool Pals: Doc McStuffin & Friends – March 13
@ 10:30 am; pretend pet doctor in a pretend pet clinic
Family Night with Magician Kevin Sanderson – March
17 @ 6:30 pm; meal @ 6 pm; (all ages). Register for meal.
Lego Wars – March 28 @ 11 am (all ages/families)
Stay-Cation Spring Break Camp – March 30-April 2;
1 pm-3:30 pm (grades 1-5) registration begins March 2.
TEENS
ADULTS
(Terri Leslie 205-978-3683)
Lit Lunch Bunch Book Group – March 3 @ 12 pm
Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast;
bring your lunch.
OLLI Presents: Legal Documents 101 – March 4 @
1:30 pm Attorney Jonathan Green will discuss wills,
power of attorney & other legal documents
NeedleWorks – March 6 @ 1 pm Bring your supplies.
Ms. Olivia’s Evening Reads – March 10 @ 6 pm
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Cahaba Heights Book Group @ BAM Sports Grill –
March 12 @ 6:30 pm Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal;
book group’s motto is “Read, eat, drink & discuss.”
Adult Trivia Night: Game of Thrones – March 13
@ 7 pm Beer served; prizes for trivia & costumes. Must
be 21 or older.
Coen Brothers Movie Series: Inside Llewyn Davis –
March 21 @ 3 pm Must be 17 or older; ID required.
Friends of the Library: ABCs of Tea – March 26
@ 10 am Lorna Reeves, editor of “Tea Time” magazine.
Greater Birmingham OLLI Social Event: Spring
Beach Fling – March 26 @ 4 pm Celebrate Spring Break
the “old school” style. Bring photos/mementos, etc from
Spring Breaks past and rock to some oldies with wine, etc.
(Daniel Tackett 205-978-3683)
Filmmaking in the Forest – March 4 @ 4:30 pm
TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
Open Gaming – March 6, 13, & 20 @ 4 pm
Call Rick Moody (205-978-0164) for more information.
Otaku Time! – March 10 @ 4 pm
Writing Group – March 11 & 25 @ 4 pm
Insurgent Release Party – March 17 @ 4 pm
Studio 1221 – March 18 @ 4 pm. Duct-tape-mania; make
St. Patty’s Day belts & top hats.
Minecraft in the Forest – March 21 @ 1 pm (grades
6-12); registration required
Anime Night – March 24 @ 4 pm
Super Smash Bros. Tournament – March 27 @ 4 pm
For a complete list of Library programming,
please visit www.vestavialibrary.org
Roofing & Painting Contractor
Oswaldo Sialer
Specializing in Residential Quality Work
State Licensed & Insured
Work (205) 966-0393 • Home (205) 989-9317
oswaldosialer@bellsouth.net
Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover Accepted
MARCH 2015
5
Vestavia Hills City Schools
2014-2015 Partners in Education
Alexander Shunnarah PC
GiftsFromAtoZebra.com
Reliance Financial Group
American Osment
Great Smiles Orthodontics
Richter Landscape Company
Andy’s Creekside Nursery
Heather Durham Photography
Robert F. Henry Tile Company
Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry
Indie Candy
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Ashley Mac’s
Iz Catering
Rocky Ridge Hardware
Asia Rug Company
Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs
Rocky Ridge Pharmacy
Barker Advertising
James Hale Stables
Rudulph Real Estate, Inc.
Brasfield & Gorrie
Jenny & Jason Waters
Ryan & Susan Walley
Brent & Francine Smith
Judy Carter & Associates
Sarver Orthodontics
Bridgeworth Financial
K&W Associates
Serendipity Sweets
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Kidz Closet & More
Serra Mazda & Serra Toyota
Cahaba Benefits Group, LLC
Klingler’s European Bakery & Café
Shelby Dermatology
Cahaba Heights Pediatric Dentistry
Liberty Animal Hospital
Shoefly
Cahaba Pharmacy
Liberty Park Joint Venture
Smitty’s Golf Cars
California Pizza Kitchen
Lifetime Fitness
Sol Azteca
Carl Walker Orthodontics
Made in the Deep South
Steinmetz Pediatric Dentistry
Changing Spaces
Marta’s Bakery of Cahaba Heights
Stellar Staffing, LLC
Chick-fil-A
Mason Music
Summit Electrical Construction
Circlebox
McClain Lovejoy Financial Planning
Summit Express Urgent Care
Container Service Corp.
McMurray Carroll
Tameron Honda
Contri Bros. Gift Basket
Moe’s Original BBQ
The Baskits
Crystal & Drew Outzen
MomenTaker Photography
The Black Family
Cummings Jewelry
Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes
The Bryan Family
Dad’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Nancy Heard Designs
The Comer Family
Dairy Queen
Niki’s West Restaurant
The Dutton Group
Deluxe Cleaners
Norris Orthodontics
The Knight School
Dermatology & Skin Care Center of Birmingham
Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry
The Maddox Family
Domino’s Pizza of Cahaba Heights
Petro Cosmetic Surgery and Tivoli Med Spa
The Maids
Dr. Dominique Backus, Orthodontist
Piggly Wiggly
The Ridge
Drs. Wood & Spooner Pediatric Dentistry
Pinnacle Bank
The Zwilling Family
Eatern Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
Prier Construction
Tiger Rock Martial Arts
Ellen Sheumaker Design
Primrose at Liberty Park
Tutoring Club
Elm Construction
Principal Mortgage
Two Men & a Truck
Emily Getty & Lisa Jones with Realty South
Protection One Security Solutions
Vestavia Hills Pediatric Dentistry
Falkner Gardens
Psychiatry South
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church
Fancy Goods Variety
Publix Supermarkets
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Frito-Lay
R. Michael Booker, Attorney
Warren and Annie Bailey
Full Moon BBQ
RAM, Inc.
Yanosky Orthodontics
Fulton Dental
Red Mountain Law Group
YMCA of Vestavia Hills
GameTruck Alabama
Regions
Yogurt Lab
MARCH 2015
6
Around Campus...
6th Graders learn about Newbery Award
More than 70 sixth grade students gathered in the Liberty Park Middle School Library on Wednesday, February 4 to celebrate the announcement of the 2015 Newbery Award. Students enjoyed piping hot waffles and garnishes prepared and served by the school’s PTO. Students visited the library earlier in the year to learn about the Newbery Award and to select an award-winning book to read. To qualify
for this special breakfast, the students created book trailers using iMovie, CD covers with a song list of songs that they thought related to
their book, video monologues of their favorite book character or they rewrote the ending of their book. Jean Deal, LPM’s librarian, coordinated the event with 6th grade Language Arts teachers Linda Rummell, Amy Woodard and Jenny Williams. VHELP Enrichment Students study CSI
Calling all detectives! Recently, the third grade enrichment students
at Liberty Park were part of a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit.
Two officers from the Vestavia Hills Police Department came for a
visit and shared real life information on CSI. They also shared special equipment used in solving cases. During this unit, students observed and analyzed a crime scene set up in the classroom. Students
made observations, gathered evidence, and examined the evidence
using forensic lab tests. Some of the tests included: chromatography,
fingerprinting, and testing liquids on a PH scale. Students combined
their evidence to identify the suspects. They had a great time working
as detectives and learning that evidence is everywhere
VHELP 4th Graders have rhythm...
Fourth grade music students at Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty
Park shared the book Jungle Drums by Graeme Base with the kindergarten classes. Mrs. Sharon August, music teacher, read the book
aloud as the students made the story come alive by performing on
African Drums. The performance had the younger students excited
to learn about and play the African Drums too!
MARCH 2015
7
What is a Chamber?
This is a question I hear in meetings I have with Millennials. Their
parents and grandparents grew up with Chambers of Commerce, but is the
Chamber still relevant today? Of course, I answer emphatically YES!
Who are we and what do we do? First, I will tell you what we are not.
A Chamber is not part of city government even though our goal is to work
closely with our elected officials. Many believe we are a division of the
city but we are just like a PTA/PTO or other non-profit group…we are
a non-profit entity that works to promote commerce in our city, to assist
our businesses as they strive to grow, increase revenue for community
enhancements and partner with our schools when needed. We are not just
a “group of business owners” who meet regularly to talk about politics or
who may be running for office in the future even though we work very closely with our elected officials in an effort to stay informed on topics of interest
to our businesses. A Chamber is much more than that. Business owners
are moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers, uncles and aunts who have the best interest of our community at heart. In their businesses they
want a safe and vibrant community as many not only work here, but live here too! We are a group of businesses, professionals, educators,
non-profit organizations, individuals and retirees who work to foster, promote and advance the economic, civic, educational and general
business conditions of our members and our community. A Chamber is the catalyst in helping these businesses accomplish these goals.
So come along and be part of the team. We have great things in the works and would love to have every member of our community be part
of our efforts to make Vestavia Hills the best it can be as together we strive for “A Life Above”.
– Karen Odle, Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, President
READY FOR SPRING?
The Vestavia Hills Beautification Board would like to invite you
to a seminar on March 7 at 10 am at Andy’s Creekside Nursery, 3351
Morgan Drive. There will be a demonstration on container planting and a discussion about spring planting, including when to plant,
choosing the correct plants, fertilizing, etc. Please join us to learn
more about making your home and grounds more beautiful.
Ta b l e s c a p e s L u n c h e o n
The 2015 Vestavia Hills Dogwood Tablescapes/Luncheon
will be held Thursday, April 16 at 11:30 am (doors open at 11
am) in the Dogwood Room of the Vestavia Hills Civic Center.
Lunch will be provided by Café Iz and you will have a chance to
win some fabulous prizes. Rebecca Walden, author of “Images
of America: Vestavia Hills,” will be the guest speaker. Tickets
are $20 each and must be purchased in advance; they will not
be available at the door.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact
Casey O’Dell at vestaviahillsdogwoodfestival@gmail.com, or
(205) 913-3367 or visit www.vestaviabeautiful.com.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BIRMINGHAM, AL
PERMIT #585
City of Vestavia Hills
513 Montgomery Highway
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
John Henley, Agent
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
S AV E T H E DA T E
MARCH 2015
The Twenty-Fifth Annual
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
March 5
Design Review Board, 6 p.m.
March 9
Senior Citizens Luncheon
Dogwood Room, 11:30 a.m.
City Council meeting, 5 p.m.
March 10 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 am,
Vestavia Country Club
March 12
Planning & Zoning Commission, 6 p.m.
March 17
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 a.m.
March 19
Board of Zoning Adjustment, 6 p.m.
March 23
City Council meeting, 5 p.m.
March 26
Friends of the Library, 10 a.m.
April 28, 2015
7:30 am
Vestavia Country Club
Speaker: Bob Lujano
Call the Vestavia Hills
Chamber of Commerce
at 823-5011
for ticket information