🌱 Former MB Mayor Terry Oden Dead + Zoe's Kitchen Reopening

Hey, friends! It's Friday in Mountain Brook and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Zoe's Kitchen reopening
• Former Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden is dead at 85
• The Moody landfill fire is having a larger impact on the region

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and cooler. High: 42 Low: 30.

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Here are the top three stories today in Mountain Brook:

1. Zoe’s Kitchen is reopening in its Crestline Village location in Mountain Brook. John Cassimus, the son of the original owners, made the announcement in a Facebook video. An opening data hasn't yet been announced. (AL.com)
2. Mountain Brook's former Mayor Terry Oden is dead at 85. He served for two decades, from 1996 to 2016, prior to which he was a member of the City Council. Before entering local politics, Oden had served in the U.S. Secret Service. He "deeply loved the community," City Manager Sam Gaston said of Oden. (AL.com)
3. The Moody landfill fire that has been burning now for weeks is being felt all the way in Vestavia Hills' Liberty Park, near Mountain Brook, and the impacted area could continue to grow before it's put out. Some residents reported having red eyes and allergy symptoms potentially due to the conditions. (CBS 42)

Today in Mountain Brook:

• Sensory Play, Explore & More — O'Neal Library (11:15 a.m.)
• Girls JV Basketball — Shades Valley High School (4:30 p.m.)
• Girls Varsity Basketball — Shades Valley High School (6 p.m.)
• Boys Freshman Basketball — Shades Valley High School (6 p.m.)
• Boys Varsity Basketball — Shades Valley High School (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The O'Neal Library's holiday crossword puzzle challenge is ongoing. The last chance to enter to win a prize is Jan. 21. (The O'Neal Library via Facebook)
• Mountain Brook Elementary student Owen Ward won the district spelling bee on Thursday morning and will now represent Mountain Brook schools in Jefferson County. (Mountain Brook Schools via Twitter)
• Mountain Brook High School's athletics program was ranked the top in Alabama in current 2022-23 standings by MaxPreps. Here's how it stands up against other schools and states. (MaxPreps)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Dashiell Allen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Mountain Brook Daily? Contact me at mountainbrook@patch.com