🌱 Mountain Brook's First Inclusive Playground + Meteorologist Retires

Hello, everybody! It's Thursday in Mountain Brook and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Today you'll find news about...

• WVTM 13 meteorologist Jerry Tracey's retirement.
• Families are raising funds to build a disabilities-friendly playground.
• There's lots of sports events in town on Friday.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 57 Low: 40.

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Here are the top four stories today in Mountain Brook:

1. WVTM 13 meteorologist Jerry Tracey is retiring after 35 years at the channel. The Mountain Brook resident is looking forward to his retirement after a 47-year career in broadcasting. The worst day at the station, he recalls was on April 27, 2011, when there were 29 confirmed tornadoes in Central Alabama. (Village Living)
2. Families at Cherokee Bend Elementary School are raising funds to build Mountain Brook's first inclusive, disabilities-friendly playground. They have so far raised $300,000 and are hoping renovations can be made next summer. (Village Living)
3. Homewood High senior Isaiah Pierce was recently a guest actor on a Law & Order episode titled “12 Seconds,” that aired in October — his first professional gig. (Over The Mountain Journal)
4. Mountain Brook is collaborating with other Over The Mountain municipalities including Homewood and Vestavia Hills in an initiative to help the local homeless population. While Mountain Brook has not seen as much of an uptick in panhandling or loitering compared to other cities, according to City Manager Sam Gaston, the police department may try taking homeless individuals to shelters when necessary. (thehomewoodstar.com)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Mountain Brook:

• Mobile Giving Machine — CityWalk (all day)
• Boys & Girls Varsity Bowling at Homewood — Vestavia Bowl (4 p.m.)
• Mountain Brook Village & English Village Holiday Open House (4:30 p.m.)
• Girls Varsity Basketball vs Jasper — Spartan Arena (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Here's the Mountain Brook Fire Department's 'Tuesday crew!' (Mountain Brook Fire Department via Facebook)
• Friday's going to be a big day in Spartan sports. Mountain Brook swimmers will be competing at the state swim meet in Auburn, and later at 7 p.m. the football team will be competing at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the 6A state championship game. (Mountain Brook Schools via Facebook)
• The Mountain Brook Fire Department reported yesterday that Stone River Road was closed between Old Leeds Lane and Kennesaw Drive due to a downed power line. (Mountain Brook Fire Department via Twitter)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Side by Side Community Chorus Christmas Benefit Concert (December 6)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Dashiell Allen

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