VH CommNews MayLR - Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

MAY 2016
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
Have you ever been driving south on
Highway 31 in Vestavia Hills just beyond
Old Creek Trail and were focused on the
rear bumper of the car in front of you?
I challenge you to refocus (in a safe way)
as you approach the crest of the hill to look
up toward the horizon and enjoy the beauty
of the skyline. What you will see is one of the most
beautiful views in the Birmingham area—Oak Mountain in
the background. It rivals some of those along the Blue Ridge
Parkway and is breathtaking. This conscious effort reminds me
that we all go through the daily routines of our lives without
realizing, sometimes, that we are in the midst of beauty, great
opportunity or not realizing that our lives are changing in
positive ways.
Keep this thought in mind and overlay the concept of
our wonderful School System acquiring the old Berry School
campus with financial assistance from the City. We may
quietly be moving through our routines and not realizing the
significance of this potential purchase, which as I write, is not
complete. The City leaders are very hopeful that the real estate
transaction can be closed, as it will mean so much for the next
generation of Vestavia Hills.
Whether you are one of the many residents of Vestavia
Hills who moved to the City because of the School System or
Acquiring the old Berry School campus will lead to great sustainability
for the School System as well as aid in the reduction of cramped athletic
facilities.
one who realizes the economic benefits of the strength of the
System, this endeavor will lead to great sustainability for the
School System. If you are in the midst of utilizing cramped
athletic facilities, the potential partnership with the School
System to maximize use of the robust athletic fields on the
campus of the old Berry School when coupled with potential
Manager’s Report continued on page 2
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
As we move into spring and summer, I would like to share some information with you about the
activities that we have hosted at the new City Hall.
Art in the Hills was held on April 9 and the First Responders Celebration/Picnic on April 23.
On June 4, Leadership Vestavia Hills will hold its annual Wing Ding Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Civic clubs and other organizations are also using the meeting spaces at City Hall. Plans are being made for
other events throughout the year.
On pretty weekends, families have been seen enjoying picnics on the lawn. All of this is what we had in mind when we
began making plans for a new facility. A public WiFi is now available for use outside of the building. The network is VHAL
Guest and no password is needed.
We hope you will have an enjoyable spring and summer and will take advantage of the public spaces that are offered for
your events, inside and outside of City Hall.
– Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza, Vestavia Hills Mayor
MAY 2016
2
Manager’s Report continued from page 1
at the old Altadena Valley Country Club, there is light at the
end of the tunnel. We could, in a city with limited land
opportunities, grow our recreational possibilities. This would
address many voiced concerns. Finally, economic growth in
Vestavia Hills is paramount for the financial sustainability of our
schools and City as well. We rely upon the property and sales
taxes to fund many aspects of the quality of life that we enjoy.
That need pressures the capacity of our schools. The old Berry
School acquisition will serve to release some of them. It is for
these reasons that we are in the middle of some very important
legacy-building decisions and actions for Vestavia Hills.
I hope that you all can appreciate the magnitude of
these efforts. Just as we sometimes need reminding of the
significance of our surroundings, I want to remind you of
the importance of this complex real estate transaction.
We all should commend the efforts of our School Board,
Superintendent, Mayor and City Council for this noble and
important strategic investment in our community’s future and
anticipate its successful completion.
– Jeff Downes, Vestavia Hills City Manager
Vestavia Hills Superintendent
Honored by PR group
The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)
in April named Vestavia Hills superintendent Sheila Phillips,
Ed.D., to its inaugural list of Superintendents to Watch.
According to a release from NSPRA, the Superintendents
to Watch program recognizes new superintendents who are
communicating in innovative and effective ways. Just 24
superintendents nationwide received the award.
“These superintendents are recognized for using dynamic,
fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.
They engage and inform their school communities with new
communication technology tools combined with tried-and-true
techniques,” a release from the National School Public Relations
Association said.
Congratulations to Dr. Phillips!
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
Save the Date!
35th Annual I Love America
Summer Celebration
Presented by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce
and the Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation Department
Thursday, June 30
6:00 pm at Wald Park
Free Swimming • Children’s Activities
Pops in the Park • Family Movie
Visit www.vestaviahills.org to vote for which
movie you would like to see!
MAY 2016
3
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Earlier this spring, we received word
that Vestavia Hills City Schools placed
among the top three districts in the state
for average ACT composite scores, collegereadiness benchmarks and ACT Aspire
proficiency. This level of academic
achievement may seem commonplace in
our community, but it is no
small endeavor.
Our success begins
and ends with a faculty and
staff that are committed
to excellence. Our teachers
challenge our students each
year to research, investigate, discover and analyze. Our staff
members support our students with the care, counseling,
nutrition and safety they need to thrive in our schools. This
summer, many of them will spend many hours of their time
learning and collaborating to prepare for students they haven’t
met yet. They work with purpose so that our children can learn
with purpose.
We see the impact of our faculty not only in academic
outcomes; we see it through things that cannot be measured
by any statistic or score. We see the difference they make in
the lives of children who know how to lead and how to work
together. It is evident in their performances and competitions.
We see it when our students give back and pay forward by
rallying together for friends, neighbors, and complete strangers.
We see it in the things they do for others when no one else is
looking and nothing is expected in return.
– Dr. Sheila Phillips, Ed.D., VH School Superintendent
Featured Events @ the Library in the Forest
>> CHILDREN
No regularly scheduled programs May 16–30.
Enjoy your free time and join us for the Ready, Set, Read!
Official Kickoff June 2 @10:30 a.m.
>> TEENS
Exam Week in the Forest
May 17–19
Library open until 9 p.m.
>> ADULT SERVICES
Mother/Daughter Self-Defense Workshop
May 7 (4–8 p.m.) Community Room
Drinks and pizza provided.
30-minute study breaks at 3, 5,
and 7 p.m.; Snacks and games
before getting back to the grind!
Free; ages 16+; must register. 978-4678
or email tleslie@bham.lib.al.us
>> TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft Word
May 4 @ 4 p.m.
Electronic Classroom
Must register. 978-4679
For a complete list of events, call 978-0155; visit www.vestavialibrary.org
or facebook.com/LibraryintheForest
MAY 2016
4
Wald Park Pool Opening Soon for Open Swim and Swim Team
The newly resurfaced Wald Park Pool will open Memorial
Day (May 30) at 11 a.m. for residents who have purchased
membership badges. Membership badge sales begin May 2
and can be purchased at the Parks and Rec office, 1973
Merryvale Road. The summer pool staff has a variety of fun
events planned at the pool. For more information about the
pool and other activities, please call 978-0166.
Vestavia Swim Association (VSA), the City’s
summer swim team, will begin online registration
May 1. Summer swim is open to children 5 years
or older who can swim 25 yards unattended.
The summer swim season begins May 23
(with after- school practice for the older swim groups) and will
continue through the end of July. VSA is a wonderful opportunity for kids to have fun while becoming better swimmers.
For more details about the program and to register online, please visit www.eteamz.com/vestaviaswim.
Fall Football Registration Now Open
Youth interested in playing football in the fall can sign up now for any of the 3 programs available in Vestavia
Hills. For more information about each program and to register online, visit their individual websites.
• Youth Football - www.vhyf.com/ Registration is May 1-31.
• OTM Football - www.vhotm.com/ Registration is May 1-28.
• Flag Football - www.vhff.net / Registration is May 1-31.
1 IN VESTAVIA
#
*
Your community is our community. We are proud to be your neighbor.
2409 Acton Road | Birmingham AL 35243
Mike Wald
Lisa Reuter
Kevin Fehr
Katherine Manush
205-541-0940
205-790-1027
205-410-7203
205-533-2614
Jana Hanna
Cherie Moody
Amy Lawson
Hayden Wald
205-835-6188
205-910-4303
205-215-0284
205-919-5535
Lisa Jones
Glenda Jones
Brad Clement
205-542-1426
205-410-3000
205-410-3735
*Based on data supplied by the Birmingham Association of REALTORS and its MLS.
Number One in Vestavia.indd 1
3/7/16 2:09 PM
MAY 2016
5
Residential Waste Collection
As a community, Vestavia Hills residents, by and large, are
concerned about keeping their homes and neighborhoods tidy,
and most are conscientious about managing their disposal of
garbage (household waste), trash (bulky items and yard debris),
and recyclables. It is wonderful that in Vestavia Hills this comes
from caring on the personal, community, and environmental
levels. Although it is true that at City Hall, we field many calls
from neighbors who are unhappy because someone does not
seem to know the expectations of the community, we also
receive calls and e-mails from people who want to do things
“right” and who do not want to upset their neighbors. You
can find the list of Waste Collection Guidelines in our Action
Center Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.vhal.org/
government/action-center/). This article covers just a few
issues that we see regularly and questions we are often asked.
Will the City’s waste contractor pick up cut trees?
If you have a tree service do the work, it is responsible
for removing the trees. If you do the work yourself, be
sure to cut the trees in lengths of six feet or less and report
the boom pile. Be prepared that a large pile may not be
collected in one trip, i.e. it may take multiple weeks.
How should grass clippings (small yard debris, leaves)
be prepared? Clippings, leaves, and small debris should be
“containerized,” which would include bags or a garbage cart.
It is better to bag the clippings, as this reduces the possibility
of them blowing off the truck. If you have more than ten
bags, you should put in a request for a boom truck.
Why was only part of my pile collected? In order to
ensure service to all of our residents, there is a limit on
how much can be collected in a single trip. If multiple
trips are required, they will probably be over a course of
the following weeks. If you will have a large pile and it is
important to have it removed by a certain date, please
consider alternative disposal methods.
Do I have to call for a special pickup? It is recommended that you put in an Action Center request or place a call to
our Public Services Department for special pickups, but it is
not required. Trash is usually collected on the second garbage
day, but large piles may be collected later. When you place
an Action Center request, it automatically is placed on a list
for our waste contractors and you will receive an e-mail
confirmation that it was received. Pickup is usually within
7 to 10 business days.
Can I recycle (fill in the blank)? Because there is not a
market for the particular material in Alabama or for other
reasons, some items that may have a recycling logo are not
accepted by our collectors. Glass, Styrofoam, and waxcoated containers should not be placed in the recycle bin.
It is unnecessary to remove the caps from bottles. The
courtesy of rinsing out containers would be appreciated,
but items will be accepted if they are not.
What are some “pet peeves” the collection crews face
regularly? Piles on top of cable boxes and storm drains
(which usually result in damage when the claw tries to
pick up), glass doors not prepared (for safety sake, either
the glass should be broken and put into a box or the door
should be wrapped well in plastic), moving boxes not
broken down, cars blocking the way (usually when contract
work is being done at a residence).
Power Equipment & More!
Find us at our new address!
1021 Montgomery Highway • Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
205-874-6935
What if I want or need an additional or replacement
garbage cart? Residents are allowed two garbage carts
(additional charge for more). To get a new cart, place a
request in the Action Center or call our Public Services
Department. The old cart should be placed at the curb
with a sign that says “Broken – Please Remove” and left at
the curb until it is taken away. Generally, a new cart is not
delivered until the old one is removed. The new cart
is usually delivered within 3-4 business days.
If you need to discuss a waste collection issue, please contact
our Public Services Department rather than the waste
contractor, at (205) 978-0150 between the hours of 7:30
a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
MAY 2016
6
Country Musician
Performs at Pizitz
Around Campus...
Grammy-nominated country recording artist Cam surprised students at Louis Piztiz Middle School in April with a
concert. Cam performed two of her hit singles, "Mayday" and
"Burning House" with the girls' choir and later spent time with
the girls to talk about music and take a few selfies. The special
appearance was made possible by choir teacher Brent Coleman
and Birmingham radio station 102.5 the Bull.
Liberty Park
Middle School
students sold
candy grams for
Valentine’s Day
to raise money
for Kulture City.
Spearheaded by
the school’s Student Government
Association, this
fundraiser raised
$1,130, which
bought 62 lifePictured from left to right: Diane Zaragoza,
BOKS for Kulture
Kacy Pierce, and Misty Gillispie
City.
Kulture City is an impact-driven, non-profit organization
with a mission to create a world where all individuals with
autism and their families can be accepted and treated equally.
Kulture City provides, lifeBoks, free of charge, to families
with autistic children. These kits help prevent autistic children
from wandering.
LPMS Donates to Kulture City
Whit McGhee/VHCS with permission from Sony Music Entertainment)
Beautiful kitchens are the heart of your home. And when you
buy a new home at Liberty Park before July 31st, you’ll have an
extra $6,000.00 bonus to use toward an outdoor kitchen or to
add those dream upgrades to our already lavish kitchens. Visit
Liberty Park today and take advantage of this very special offer.
Limited Time Special $6,000.00 Bonus for upgrades to your
new gourmet kitchen or toward an exciting outdoor kitchen.
Indoor or Outdoor,
every kitchen needs
a little spice.
Hurry! Bonus ends July 31, 2016.
High $300s to high $600s
DECORATED MODELS NOW OPEN
(205) 945-6401 | libertypark.com
How’s
$6,000.00?
Buyer’s incentive of up to $6,000.00 in gourmet kitchen upgrades or towards the
construction of an outdoor kitchen area, Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP, is applicable to
homes built by LifeScape Builders, LLC. Such incentive will be disclosed in the sales
contract and included on the Closing Disclosure in the transaction. This offer applies
only to contracts finalized by July 31st, 2016 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.
MAY 2016
7
Children’s Author Visits VHEW
Children’s author and
storyteller Atinuke visited
Vestavia Hills Elementary
School West on Jan. 20,
delighting students and
teachers alike with her
colorful books and
engaging stories. A
native of Nigeria, Atinuke
is author of the “Anna
Hibiscus” and “No. 1 Car
Spotter” books. During
her visit, she entertained
West students with her
Guest author Atinuke and West
energetic storytelling as
librarian Carla Johnson
she read to them from
several of her books, which focused on her characters’ adventures and family life in Africa. Atinuke’s visit to VHEW
was made possible by collaboration between West’s PTO and
Usborne Books & More.
VHEW Appreciates Teachers
During the week of Feb. 29, 2016, the PTO at Vestavia
Hills Elementary School West showed the school’s teachers
how much they are appreciated. The week began with breakfast
provided by the Room Parent Committee. On March 1, VHEW
students “flowered” their teachers with love, bringing flowers
and wearing red, while the school staff enjoyed sweet treats in
the teacher workroom. To end the week, teachers were treated
to a lovely luncheon hosted by the Hospitality Committee. They
also received special gifts to take home.
VHEW Celebrates Ancestry with Music
Second graders at Vestavia
Hills Elementary School West
celebrated immigration from the
countries of their ancestors with a
musical performance entitled “In
America: We Are As One.” On
Nov. 5 and 6, 2015, second-grade
classes treated classmates as well
as family members to such musical
selections as “This Land is Your
Land,” “Yankee Doodle,” and “I
am Thankful to be an American,”
under the direction of West’s
music teacher, Trudye Confessore.
The children sang of making
a new home in America, and also honored our veterans and our
flag with moving tributes to both. During each performance,
veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized in
appreciation of their service for our country. The students also
incorporated various percussion instruments, sign language, as
well as dance movements. Serving as the backdrop for the
program was a large American flag created by West students
soon after the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Prior to the performances, the students researched their
ancestry, determining the countries from which their ancestors
immigrated. They selected a country and crafted costumes for
the musical performances based on the clothing their relatives
may have worn when coming to America.
Slide the City
Saturday, June 25, 2016
The slide is 1,000 feet long and will be situated
along a section of Lime Rock Road just below
Panorama Drive, extending beside Vestavia Hills
High School to the tennis courts.
For tickets and more information, visit
www.slidethecity.com
photo courtesy of Slide the City
City of Vestavia Hills
1032 Montgomery Highway
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BIRMINGHAM, AL
PERMIT #585
John Henley, Agent
Leadership Vestavia Hills
HOT WING
Challenge & Festival
Saturday, June 4 • 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
NEW LOCATION - Vestavia City Hall
$5.00 – children 8 and under are free
Great Wings • Children’s Area
Live Music from Rollin’ in the Hay
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO BE A SPONSOR...
Come out and enjoy the fun or be a part of the fun
as a sponsor! This is a great way to have your company
recognized in the community.
Team Booth - $375 • Patron Sponsorships - $50
For more information email hoodcreate@me.com
or visit the Leadership Vestavia Hills site at
www.leadershipvestaviahills.com
MAY EVENTS
May 5
Design Review Board, 6 p.m.
May 9
Senior Citizens Luncheon
Dogwood Room, 11:30 a.m.
City Council meeting, 5 p.m.
May 10 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 am,
Vestavia Country Club
May 12
Planning & Zoning Commission, 6 p.m.
May 17
Parks & Recreation Board, 7 a.m.
City Hall, Executive Conference Room
May 19
Board of Zoning Adjustment, 6 p.m.
May 23
City Council meeting, 5 p.m.
May 26
Friends of the Library, 10 a.m.
May 30
Memorial Day
City Hall closed
June 4
Wing Ding
City Hall, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.