The Homewood Star Volume 5 | Issue 8 | November 2015
A Sunday ride
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Seeing the better side Josh Foster turns tragedy into unforeseen opportunity
Homewood cyclists form community through weekly rides across the city.
See page A21
Humans of Homewood
Local photographer uses lens to look deeper into personalities, lives.
See page A22
INSIDE Sponsors ...................A4 City .............................A5 Business ....................A12 Community ...............A18 School House ...........B8 Sports .......................B11 Calendar ................. B17 Opinion .................... B19
Despite being in a wheelchair since a 2013 car wreck, Josh Foster continues to be physically active and teach others to challenge their boundaries. Photo by Frank Couch.
By JESSE CHAMBERS Josh Foster’s exercise routine made Romen McDonald, the owner of Squad Fitness, stop in his tracks. “The first time I saw Josh, he was suspended in the air doing dips while his wheelchair was attached to him,”
McDonald said. Foster has used a wheelchair since a March 2013 car wreck injured his spinal cord. Despite that, McDonald immediately wanted to hire the 32-year-old to work at Squad, which is located in Homewood and Trussville. “I was instantly inspired and knew this
would motivate others,” McDonald said. The opportunity was just as welcome for Foster, who has been in love with fitness since he was a kid and needed a positive direction as he worked to come back from the car wreck.
See FOSTER | page A30
A blast from Homewood’s past
New pictorial history book documents city from founding to present Jake Collins and Martha Wurtele look through photos they used for the new Images of America: Homewood book. They worked on the book, which will hit bookshelves Nov. 30, in the Homewood Room of the Homewood Public Library. Photo by Frank Couch.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM
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Jake Collins and Martha Wurtele are more proud to call themselves listeners than authors. For Collins, writing history is all about getting to know people. He would know. For the past several years he has spent hours upon hours with a handful of Homewood’s residents who remember Edgewood Lake, for which Lakeshore is named, and homes that
See HISTORY | page A31
DISCOVER THE MANY REASONS HOMEOWNERS ARE GIVING THANKS THIS holiday season.
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A2 • November 2015
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A4 • November 2015
The Homewood Star
About Us Homewood Star moves to new office
Photo of the Month
Starnes Publishing, the publisher of The Homewood Star, moved into its new office in downtown Homewood in late September. They are now located in the Becker building, at 1833 27th Ave. S. Besides The Homewood Star, which began in 2011, Starnes Publishing produces five other monthly newspapers in the Birmingham metro area. These include Village Living, Hoover Sun, Vestavia Voice, 280 Living and Cahaba Sun, which debuts this month. The team at Starnes Publishing is looking forward to using this new space to better serve its communities in the future.
Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B14)
Kasey Davis Dentistry (B10)
Alabama Outdoors (A24)
Kete Cannon, RE MAX Southern Homes (B11)
ARC Realty (A18)
Klinglers Cafe & Catering (B19) Korduroy Krocodile (A28) Lawncrafters (B12)
Arts, Too (B15) Batts’ Chimney Services (A29) Bedzzz Express (A32)
Four and a half years ago I came in for two weeks of contract work to help launch a new Homewood newspaper. Now as I put together my final issue as managing editor, I can’t stop thinking about the wealth of significance that paper and the community it serves have had on me. I am so grateful to all of you who shared your stories, your passions, your news and your lives with me over coffee, over the phone, at the park and at countless other places, just as I am to all of you have read these last 56 issues, many of you cover to cover I am told. Together you
have allowed me to delve into the depths of what makes Homewood such a truly remarkable place full of truly remarkable people, and to share it with you through words and photos. I have often referred to it as my “dream job.” Looking back, the greatest compliments I have received are when people told me I really “got” what they are about. I think we all have a deep desire to know and be known, and The Star allows us a unique opportunity to do just that — to sit and listen intently to someone and then convey that “knowing” to their
community. There’s truly power in that, both through the paper and through time spent with our neighbors and friends. I’m excited to watch how Homewood continues to knit itself together so intimately, to know and be known. While I am sad to no longer spend my days reporting on Homewood, I know that the staff at the paper will continue to do an amazing job sharing the news around you, and I look forward to continuing to read it and of course visiting my favorite shops, restaurants, parks and trails here. Cheers to what’s to come,
The Homewood Star Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams David Knox Cameron Tipton Ana Good Erica Techo Jon Anderson Emily Featherston Lucy Ridolphi Louisa Jeffries Andrew Anderson
Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes
Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett
Contributing Writers: Kari Kampakis Rick Watson Leah Ingram Eagle Marienne Thomas Ogle Steve Irvine
Rachel Burchfield Chris Megginson Jesse Chambers Grace Thornton
Contributing Photographer: Frank Couch Intern: Sam Chandler
For advertising contact: dan@280living.com Contact Information: 280 Living PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@280living.com
Junior League of Birmingham (B18)
Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (A30)
Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham
Staff Writer: Associate Editor: Copy Editor: Graphic Design:
30 A Realty (A9)
Alabama Power (B16)
Bruce Winter plays the autoharp during Pickin’ in the Park at Homewood Central Park. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Sports Editor: Page Designer: Community Reporters:
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Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
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Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic
content without prior permission is prohibited. The Homewood Star is designed to inform the Homewood community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
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Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (A29)
Lori Zucco Insurance Company (B7) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (B14) Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware (B3)
Birmingham Tennis Academy (A23) Moss Rock Festival/Magic City Art Connection (B15) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A3, A10) Over the Mountain Glass (A28) Cardiovascular Associates of the Southeast (A31) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (B15) Case Remodeling (A6) Chickadee (A5)
Phoenix Builders (A30) Planet Fitness (B4)
Children’s of Alabama (A12) Christmas Village (A28) Christopher Glenn (A8) Clark Holmes (A27)
Red Pearl Restaurant (A8) Rehaba (A20) Resolute Running Training Center (A21)
Construx (A25) Creative Montessori School (A15)
Road Runner Moving (A27)
Dawson Music Academy (A25)
Salem’s Diner (B7)
Dish’n It Out (A26)
Samford University Athletics (A2)
ERA King Real Estate Homewood (A16)
Savage’s Bakery (B12)
EW Fit (A19)
Shiki Thia and Sushi (B13)
FBC Mortgage/Nicole Brannon ARC Sikes Childrens Shoes (A17) Realty (A14) Gina G Falletta, State Farm (B14)
Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (B8)
Homewood Antiques and Marketplace (A10)
Sweet Peas Garden Shop (A6)
Homewood Carpet & Flooring (A26) The Maids (A1) Homewood Chamber of Commerce The Whole Dog Market (B17) (B6) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (A13) Homewood Parks and Rec (B2) Homewood Toy & Hobby (A5)
Tom Williams BMW (A22) UAB Comprehenive Stroke Center (B30) Viva Health Care (A23)
Issis & Sons / O Advertising (A11) Wallace-Burke (A19, B11) Jimmie Hale Mission (A17) JJ Eyes (A7)
Water Drainage Solutions (A12)
Joe Falconer (B19)
Willow Homes (B9)
Johnny Montgomery Realtor (B7)
Wolf Camera (B1, B17)
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A5
City
Council considering two proposals for Patriot Park lot By SYDNEY CROMWELL After soliciting proposals from the public, the city council has two options on the table for developing a vacant lot next to Patriot Park. The proposals were submitted by Aug. 31, but the council began considering them in October. Greg Cobb in the department of engineering, planning and zoning provided copies of the two proposals for the lot at 165 Oxmoor Road. The first proposal is by Sonya DiCarlo and Paula Harris, who originally approached the city about buying the lot in 2014. Their project, called The Grove, would be a two-story building with retailers and a Cajun-inspired cafe on the lower level and an event space on the upper level. The second story would have a balcony overlooking the park. The designs were created by Williams Blackstock Architects. The building would total between 10,000 and 18,000 square feet. The cafe, also called The Grove, would anchor the development and serve coffee, beignets, milkshakes and a lunch menu. Other retailers have not been determined, but DiCarlo and Harris’ proposal specifies that they will be “family friendly.”
One proposal for the vacant Patriot Park lot is called The Grove. It would feature a cafe, retailers and event space. Courtesy of city of Homewood.
DiCarlo and Harris have offered $50,000 for the lot, which is less than the original purchase price for the city. However, the proposal states that excavation and environmental testing will need to be done on the site, and they believe the city can expect $85,000 or more in new tax income per year. If awarded the bid, they proposed to begin site development before the end of January 2016. The second proposal is by Tom
Walker of WHFTP, LLC. It features a food truck park, open landscaped courtyard and “shipping container beer garden.” There would be water and power hook-ups on-site for the trucks, which would be required to be at the location a certain amount of hours each week. Rent for the food trucks would be structured as a percentage of sales. The plans include parking for customers on the property, and the proposal states that they have spoken with area
The second proposal is for a food truck park and beer garden with an open courtyard. Courtesy of city of Homewood.
businesses about shared parking. The company offered $140,000 for the vacant lot. In the initial proposal, they had hoped to close on the property by Oct. 31, with work beginning by March 2016 and a grand opening goal of May 1. Both proposals’ development timelines will likely be delayed since the council has not followed the timeline they set when the request for proposals was sent out. A bid was originally
supposed to be awarded at the Oct. 12 council meeting, but instead the proposals were sent to the finance committee meeting on Oct. 19. The council can choose to accept one of the bids or neither. Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins said the “best case scenario” is that a bid will be awarded at the Oct. 26 meeting, but discussion could be carried over into November. Visit thehomewoodstar. com for updates.
The Homewood Star
A6 • November 2015
Committee votes to expand economic development boards By EMILY FEATHERSTON For Homewood’s economic development groups, helping the city is closer to a reality. The special issues committee voted Oct. 19 to recommend an increase in membership for the Homewood Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the Industrial Development Board. The increase was proposed by HDRA chair Rich Campbell in an effort to consolidate the efforts of HDRA, IDB and the Commercial Development Authority in order to maximize their effectiveness. The proposal, which the committee voted to recommend pending approval from city attorney Mike Kendrick and city clerk Linda Cook, would create 13 seats on both the HDRA and IDB, but the same 13 individuals would fill the seats on both boards. The council or the members would then select five members to officially represent the CDA. Campbell said that with the current set up, the boards find it difficult to effectively help the city, despite having significant talent. “We all feel pretty useless at the moment,” Campbell said. Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames said that after talking with Campbell, he thinks the proposal will be beneficial for the city. “If we’ve got people willing to serve and willing to be more active and helpful, why not? I’m all about it,” Thames said. The committee’s recommendation will go before the full City Council either Monday, Oct. 26 or the next meeting, depending on reports from Kendrick and Cook. Other business included: Special Issues Committee: ► Approving a request to present an amended driveway ordinance that outlines additional paving options. ► Approving a request to consider allowing the Homewood Environmental Commission to work in the Morris Boulevard and Sterrett Avenue right of way triangle to plant tree seedlings. Public Safety Committee: ► The committee heard a presentation from PRI Systems on pavement patching options. The request for
Walter Jones reads the 2015-2016 budget amendments. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Council members look at driveway paving options. Photo by Emily Featherston.
consideration was carried over. Finance Committee: ► A request for consideration of the Alabama Power Economic Development presentation was carried over. ► The committee heard a report from Raymond James on the status of “Cash Reserve for Economic Uncertainty.” The committee voted to accept the report as presented and present it to the council. ► A bid for police department uniforms was opened. The committee voted to present to the council, pending the recommendation of the police department. ► The committee heard from the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority on the recent departure of their director. The committee voted to carry over discussion. ► The committee voted to approve a request for consideration to accept the financing terms for an apparatus on the fire department’s Engine 1, but required a budget amendment from Kendrick. ► The committee voted to approve a request for consideration to pay half of the cost of a decorative street sign at Stratton Court and Gatsby Court. ► A vote in favor of purchasing the Fox property for a trailhead, as it was in the mayor’s original budget. Planning and Development Committee: ► A request for the consideration of a zoning application at 116 West Hawthorne Road was withdrawn, and the committee voted to drop the matter. ► A request for consideration of services to conduct a central business revitalization and zoning study was carried over.
Council approves 2015-16 budget By SYDNEY CROMWELL With a few amendments, the council approved the 2016 fiscal year budget, which began Oct. 1. The total expenditures for the city will be about $57 million, with the expectation to end with a surplus. The capital projects fund, originally $4.8 million during the mayor’s presentation in August, was increased to account for the 18th Street revitalization project. Other capital projects will include phase two of the greenway project, sidewalk construction, a new fire engine to replace Homewood Fire Department’s Engine 1 and 15 new Chevy Tahoes for the police department. The school system would receive $15.9 million from the city, taken from sales and property taxes. Homewood’s insurance premiums for city employees will increase by 7.8 percent in the new year, which Mayor Scott McBrayer wants the city to pay for rather than passing the cost on to employees. If there is a surplus at the end of the year, McBrayer said he will request that it be used for an
annual employee bonus. Some of the surplus would also go into the city rainy day fund. Over the past three years, the surplus has ranged from a low of $279,000 to a high of $2.1 million, averaging $937,000 per year. The mayor said it takes about $100,000 to run the city each day, so these savings are critical for the city. The council decided to increase its cost of living adjustment for employees as well, from 1 percent to 1.5 percent. “This was a really tough thing to look at. Obviously we wanted to do more,” Ward 3 Representative Walter Jones said. An extra $250,000 was added to the 4 and 5-cent gas tax to continue more paving projects, and more funding was also approved for the arts advisory board and ClasTran. These increases were offset because the city did not receive a SAFER grant for new fire equipment, and the council decided to remove from the budget the $1.2 million they would have provided in matching funds. The proposed budget is a 2.5 percent increase over the FY 2015 budget.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A7
Public safety committee recommends changes to smoking regulations
Homewood residents wait to speak in favor of comprehensive smoking regulations. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
By EMILY FEATHERSTON After a lengthy debate, the public safety committee voted to recommend updates to Homewood’s smoking regulations at their Oct. 5 meeting. The updates, proposed by the Safe & Healthy Homewood Coalition, include revisions to broaden the existing smoking ordinance, such as increasing the minimum distance a smoker must be from a business’ doorway, adding electronic cigarettes to the existing regulations and regulating the operation of private businesses dedicated to smoking. The committee’s recommendation came with the proposal to ban smoking within 20 feet of a business’ doorway, which is an increase from the current 10 feet but a reduction from the 30 feet the Coalition proposed. Some stated concerns that a 30-foot distance is impossible in close shopping areas such as 18th Street South. They decided to allow businesses to permit smoking on-site if they derive 80 percent or more of their revenue from tobacco sales. “Vape” shops are not included in the exempt businesses. The recommendation passed 3-1, with Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames voting against. The committee also voted to schedule a public hearing on the issue. Members of the Homewood community were in attendance, and several voiced strong opinions in support of comprehensive smoking regulations for Homewood. Ward 4 Representative
Barry Smith also supported the regulations, citing her own childhood in a smoking home and health concerns for a son with asthma. Homewood resident Nancy Hale said she was interested from a healthcare perspective, and spoke about the dangers of second-hand smoke and how she hopes to see all public spaces smoke-free. Also a mother of two children who went through the Homewood school system, Hale said that while she thinks Homewood does a good job of educating about the dangers of smoking, the proposed changes would make a difference. “A comprehensive ordinance would really solidify that message,” she said. Thames and Ward 3 Representative Walter Jones argued that the updates were too restrictive, and violated the freedoms of private business owners to decide about smoking in their establishments. “Why should we take that ability away from a private business owner?” Thames asked. There were three motions offered on the ordinance. The first resembled the final, winning motion, but without a public hearing, and failed 2-2. The second removed the language disallowing smoking in public, outdoor dining areas and left the door-distance requirement at 10 feet, but failed without a second. The proposed regulations were set to have a public hearing at the Oct. 26 meeting. For updates, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
Indoor car dealership could come to Wildwood By SYDNEY CROMWELL The owner of Homewood’s Simple Auto Imports is looking to bring an indoor dealership to the Wildwood shopping center in the next few months. Chris Stokes, the owner of the import dealership at 197 Vulcan Road, said he has been looking at the possibility for about a year. He envisions an indoor dealership specializing in mid- to high-end used cars. He set a tentative price range from $30,000 up to $500,000, with occasional vehicles coming in below that range. Potential car brands would include Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley and Maserati. Stokes said cars would be tested to ensure they have been cared for by previous owners. “We do a lot of specialty cars. Cars that are hard for people to find,” Stokes said. “Our plan involves carrying very well-tested and
looked-at vehicles.” Stokes said he anticipates that the dealership will have a large audience due to the variety of cars that will be available. The traffic along Lakeshore Drive and I-65 should also bring in more buyers. A location has not been chosen for the dealership, though Stokes said it would be about 10,000-15,000 square feet and would be in the Homewood side of Wildwood shopping center. Ideally, he’d like to open the dealership in the next few months. Currently, Wildwood’s planned mixed use zoning prohibits all car sales and service businesses. The planning commission is considering an amendment so that only outdoor car businesses would be prohibited. If the amendment is approved by the city council after it leaves the planning commission, then Stokes will be able to proceed with his indoor dealership.
The Homewood Star
A8 • November 2015
All Saints’ Episcopal parking proposal opposed by planning commission By SYDNEY CROMWELL The hot topic of the night at the Oct. 6 planning commission meeting was a request by All Saints’ Episcopal Church to rezone a lot from Neighborhood Preservation District to Institutional District in order to add parking spaces. The church rector and representatives of Williams Blackstock Architects presented their plans for the lot, which would include moving a section of existing alleyway on the south side of the church to make room for 13 parking spaces. The church has about 180 students in its preschool and said they had heard concerns from neighbors about the traffic and on-street parking during daily drop-off and pickup. The parking spaces would cost roughly $10,000 to build and an additional 12-13 spaces could be built next
to them in the future, when the church has the necessary funds. Residents at the meeting were opposed to the project and its effect on property values and existing green space, some of which would be removed to add the parking. One resident whose garage faces the alley shared her concern that she would be unable to enter and exit her driveway once the alley was shifted. Others felt that 13 spaces wouldn’t impact traffic problems and recommended that the church use property nearer Oxmoor Road, which has more room for a lot. The architects said that the incline on the Oxmoor Road side of All Saints’ property would require grading, which is more expensive and would reduce the amount of usable land. Currently, All Saints’ has 250 seats in its main sanctuary and 60 parking spaces, with many members
Representatives of Williams Blackstock Architects present plans for new parking, shown in yellow, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
of its congregation walking to Sunday services. The architects clarified that these spaces were needed for the “glut” of cars at the church on weekday mornings and afternoons related to the preschool, not at all times. In response to a question from the commission, the church rector said that they could do
without the proposed parking spaces and that the proposal had been created as a way to solve complaints they had heard. The commission voted 6-1 against the proposal, with Fred Azbik voting in favor. The city council has set a Nov. 9 public hearing to discuss the issue.
Brookwood, Baptist Hospitals will merge, undergo $250 million in capital improvements By ANA GOOD Negotiations to merge Baptist Health System and Tenet Healthcare Corporation — which owns Brookwood Medical Center — are finally complete, the company announced earlier this week. As part of the joint venture deal, Tenet will be the majority partner and manage the network’s operations. Baptist Health System’s four hospitals — Citizens Baptist Medical Center, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Walker Baptist Medical Center — will join with Brookwood Medical Center to create a new system with more than 1,700 licensed beds,
nine outpatient centers and 68 physician clinics. More than 7,000 employees and approximately 1,500 affiliated physicians will be part of the partnership. “We are very excited about this innovative partnership that will benefit patients in our communities by providing integrated care over a broader region on a more cost-efficient basis,” said Garry Gause, chief executive officer for Tenet Healthcare’s Southern Region, in a statement. “The combined organization will help us continue to expand our footprint and we will be well-positioned to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare industry.” Keith Parrott, chief executive officer of the
new organization, who previously served as CEO of Baptist Health System, said the catalyst for the merge was the current state of healthcare across the nation. “If you look at where healthcare is in the United States, it continues to become more confusing, more expensive,” he said. “Healthcare needs to be better coordinated, less expensive and easier to understand. All of that is part of our goal.” The deal also includes $250 million in capital investments set aside for improvements at Brookwood and Baptist’s hospitals over the next five years, said Parrott. Changes will come slowly at first, he said, as
the company first needs to meet with its physicians and employees to hear their thoughts on what the merge should entail. We need to come together to build a new network,” said Parrott, “understand the cultures and get to know each other.” The brand’s name, he said, will be carefully selected. Parrott said the company understands that both the Brookwood and Baptist names carry significant weight in Birmingham. When asked about whether the merger will result in either positions being eliminated or added, Parrott said that with any company, merger or not, changes can occur.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A9
Getting hairy for charity Homewood Police participate in ‘Beards for Bucks’
Homewood police officers show off their growing beards. Photo by Madoline Markham.
By ANA GOOD Things are getting a bit hairy at the Homewood Police Department. For the second year in a row, the department is taking part in “Beards for Bucks,” a combination charity fundraising event and facial hair challenge. From now until the end of December, participating officers will grow out their beards and donate $33 a month to benefit the Exceptional Foundation — which serves about 125 people, ages 5-80, with autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome and other conditions — and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest breast cancer
organization in the United States. This year, the department will also donate money to the Lakeshore Foundation, which serves people with physical disabilities throughout Alabama, said Homewood Detective Gabe Ferguson. Ferguson said he is participating and has been growing out his beard since Oct. 1. “It is a lot of fun,” he said, “but it’s also for a good cause.” The department will also collect donations through the Police Foundation at 1833 29th Ave. South. All donations will be equally distributed among the charities unless donors specify otherwise. The West Homewood plan involves projects to increase walkability and aesthetic value in the area. Courtesy of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.
West Homewood discusses future of form-based codes By ANA GOOD As renovations wrapped up around West Homewood’s Patriot Park in October, residents of the area were already looking forward. On Oct. 15, the Homewood Environmental Commission held a (Sub)Urban Renewal community talk on the West Homewood Village Concept that is now beginning to take shape. Community leaders and residents gathered inside recently-opened Oak and Raleigh as well as The Studio next door to discuss the changes happening just outside the front steps of the establishments. A series of speakers shared light on questions about form-based codes and their use across Homewood. Speakers included Ben Wiesman, director of Catalytic Development at REV Birmingham; Mikhail Alert, Senior Planner at the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham; and Steven Jones, Transportation Engineer at the University of Alabama. Wiesman, who was one of the authors of the Homewood Comprehensive Plan, said it is gratifying to see parts of it being implemented. “It’s so great to drive around Homewood and see sidewalks popping up, change coming to the area,” he said. Just outside the meeting, traffic barrels and road work signs lined Oak Grove Road and the newly-constructed sidewalks at Patriot Park. The work is part of the first phase of changes planned for the area. Once complete, residents will enjoy a newly-repaved street between Oxmoor Road and Hall Avenue, brick sidewalk pavers and improved crosswalks.
The improvements are all part of the area’s form-based code, which was approved in 2013. “Form-based codes are more concerned about creating pedestrian environments,” said Wiesman. Under the new code, the developers will have to be mindful to include sidewalks, improve walkability and narrow streets in their designs, he said. Alert, who is one of the planners behind renderings of how the areas along Oak Grove could be transformed, said the residents are the ones who inspired the vision. What he heard from them at the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, he said, was that they wanted to see the area resemble Edgewood. “Residents want to see improved walkability in the area,” said Alert. “They want to be able to accomplish several things in a short amount of time in the area after parking their car only once.” “Following the form-based codes will allow residents to engage with one another on the street, where things used to happen.” Jones, who is trained to increase traffic flow and speed along major roadways, said the shift away from walkable streets and safer areas for pedestrians coincided with the invention of the automobile. “The metal behemoth,” said Jones, “is what I like to call it. We’ve turned over so many of our spaces to cars.” Form-based codes, he said, help communities move away from that dependence on cars. The exciting thing he said, is that those changes are now happening in West Homewood.
The Homewood Star
A10 • November 2015
Roberson readies for retirement By SYDNEY CROMWELL It took Homewood’s police chief months to decide that, after 42 years of service, he was ready to retire. Once he felt peace with the decision, however, Jim Roberson didn’t hesitate. “You look around and see some things you’re missing out on,” Roberson said. “Then you get up one day, like I did this week, and I just knew. I said, ‘Today’s the day.’” Roberson told the police department on Oct. 1 that his last day will be Jan. 1, 2016, and there’s already a garbage can in his office to clean out files he no longer needs. The picture frames on his walls will begin coming down over the next few months to be taken home. They reflect a career that started and ended at Homewood PD: famous people Roberson has met, record drug busts he has made and a certificate from his time at the FBI National Academy. He’s particularly fond of a framed drawing from a young girl whose mother witnessed a burglary and provided information that helped police catch the criminals. The drawing shows cops handcuffing a man as the girl and her mother look on. Scrawled in a child’s hands are the words, “Thanks for catching the bad guys! Your [sic] the best!” “Forty-two years — there’s a lot of stories there,” Roberson said. Roberson became Homewood’s chief in 2011, after 37 years at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He said he had worked for sheriffs who were both good friends and good mentors, but he wanted a chance to run his own department. Homewood felt like the right fit, especially since it was where he spent his first two years as a police officer. “I have done just about everything I wanted to do in my 42-year career,” Roberson said. “My dream job was this one... By and large, I am satisfied with my career here.” His time as the chief has come with its difficult moments, Roberson acknowledged. Some of those recently included a short suspension by the mayor for insubordination in 2014, and an allegation by an officer that Roberson had scheduled
Chief Jim Roberson is retiring after four years as police chief. Here, he holds a picture from his wall that a child drew after her mother helped police catch a burglar. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
him to work overtime covering a Black Lives Matter event because the officer was black. However, Roberson said from the start that he was leaving on good terms with the city and he didn’t want to talk about those things today; he wanted to talk about his memories and the things he’s proud to leave behind. Those memories included a wide array of subjects. Roberson recalled that when he started as a 22-year-old officer, all he carried on his belt were a revolver, ammunition, a pair of handcuffs and a baton. “And I thought that was a lot when you try to run with that,” Roberson said. Now, an average officer is carrying a semi-automatic weapon, Taser, chemical spray, a radio and possibly a body camera in addition to the handcuffs and baton. When he returned to Homewood as chief,
Roberson said the department did not have a K-9 unit. There are now three dogs and handlers. He also hired a cyber crime investigator and community service officers, and he implemented a single-use vehicle program that allows each officer to have their own police vehicle, instead of handing the keys to another officer at the next shift. “I’m extremely proud of that. I appreciate the mayor going along with that. We’ve never had that here,” Roberson said. The job came with unexpected challenges. Roberson remembers trying to implement community outreach programs like the JCSO had, so people could see the officers instead of just the uniforms. With a city only eight square miles, he thought it would be easy. When he first tried to start a Citizens Police Academy, however, there were only six attendees: three members of the PD and three of his relatives and friends.
He’s had more success over time. Roberson said the CPA typically has 20 to 30 people per class now, and other programs like Coffee with a Cop bring the chance for residents to meet their police. They also do charity and public service work, such as Beards for Bucks, Tip a Cop and the Torch Run. He wants this visibility and outreach to counteract bad press about the police on a national level. Roberson has his regrets and unrealized projects as he counts down his final days. He wanted to see the police department move into a new building before he left, and he noted that the department’s hiring has become more difficult over time. Among participating cities in the Jefferson County Personnel Board, Homewood is ranked eighth in pay scale for public safety personnel, and Roberson said that can deter some high-quality applicants. However, he knows the time is right. Roberson said he felt it while watching one of his four grandchildren at a baseball game this week. It was a rare moment that he wasn’t thinking about work or making sure he had cell service, and Roberson said it felt right. He also joked that he could almost hear his wife shouting all the way from their home in Palmerdale that she was happy with the decision. “There’s technically times when I’m not here [at the department], but I’m never not thinking about this. So you’re not really off,” he said. With his new spare time, Roberson will be seeing his four grandchildren and doing more volunteer work, especially with veterans, as well as getting involved in his church. He said he doesn’t plan to return to law enforcement. “The time is right for me to go,” Roberson said. Mayor Scott McBrayer cannot request a list of qualified candidates to replace the chief until Roberson officially vacates his position in the new year. Those candidates must have taken and passed the police chief’s test. Between Jan. 1 and the hire of the new chief, Deputy Chief Bob Copus will act as the interim head of the department.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A11
Legislators discuss budget, lottery Sen. Jabo Waggoner speaks at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Legislative Roundtable. “What we’re talking about in the next session is legalizing a lottery, and there’s a lot of pros and cons to that,” Waggoner said. Photo by Erica Techo.
State officials join chamber’s annual roundtable event By ERICA TECHO Chamber of Commerce members were caught up on the most recent legislative session at the October chamber luncheon. Rep. David Faulkner and Sen. Jabo Waggoner spoke at the chamber’s Annual Legislative Roundtable at Samford University. The legislators focused on the state budget and legislation that was relevant to the City of Homewood during their discussion. Waggoner said the Birmingham Water Works bill, which he has worked to pass for the last three years, is one of the bills that could affect Homewood. The bill helped provide representation on the Water Works Board to cities throughout Jefferson County, Waggoner said, and brought the board members and employees under ethics laws. He also noted the bill that annexed certain pockets of land into the City of Homewood. These areas, which were previously in unincorporated Jefferson County, passed the legislature during the first special session and will allow bring those pockets of land under Homewood ordinances. “That was significant to a lot of people,” Waggoner said. “So now Homewood will have some say-so on billboards in different locations.” One of the biggest frustrations in this legislative session was the budget, Faulkner said, and figuring out the best way to balance the general fund budget was where frustration hit. “We had some struggles in trying to get people to agree in how we were going to get that done,” Faulkner said. The next legislative session, Waggoner said,
discussions on the budget will likely involve conversations on the lotteries and casino gambling. He said he has fought this sort of bill in the past, and it will likely come up again due in order to fill gaps in the general fund. “What we’re talking about in the next session is legalizing a lottery, and there’s a lot of pros and cons to that,” Waggoner said. “We’ll have a vote of the people. Some states are doing reasonably well. A lot of the states that legalized the lottery are not doing so well.” Faulkner said he has heard support for establishing lottery from people in his district. “Most of the people I hear from I will tell you seem to be OK with a statewide lottery,
knowing that the money is going to the state of Alabama,” Faulkner said. “I would say it’s a very high percentage of the people who are here in this district.” Gambling, however, is less supported, Faulkner said. He also said that neither the lottery nor gambling will fix the state’s problem. “Like Jabo, I’m not for that personally. I just think it goes back to this hole that we have in the general fund and trying to decide what we’re going to do,” Faulkner said. “In order to provide state services, how much do we keep cutting?” The audience was also given the opportunity to ask a few questions, and Vice President of University Relations Randy Pittman asked why
the state did not combine the education trust fund and general fund. “At my house, when there’s a shortfall in one fund and a surplus in the other, it’s OK because we just take one and fix the other,” Pittman said. Waggoner said he could argue either side, but at the end of the day, the state always has the same amount of money. “It would be a real uphill fight and battle to combine them now,” Waggoner said. “I think down the road when we fix the general fund and we have a lot of revenue, hopefully at some point we will.” The next Homewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon is Nov. 17 at The Club.
The Homewood Star
A12 • November 2015
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TheHomewoodStar.com
Now Open 1 Soho Retro has opened The Upstairs Rack, a vintage clothing boutique featuring women’s fashions. It is located inside the original store at 2805 18th St. S. 870-7655, shopsohoretro.com 2 Kellum & Company, a
furniture, lighting and décor store located at 1829 29th Avenue South, is now open. The shop celebrated its grand opening on September 24. 874-9530, kellumandco.com
3 Homewood Carpet and
Flooring’s new showroom is now open at 813 Green Springs Highway. It is owned by Fuad Shunnarah. 218-4653, homewoodcarpetand�looring. com
4 Arts Too, a creative studio
November 2015 • A13 9 Matthew Dent, president
and COO of Buffalo Rock, has been elected to serve as one of 10 members nationwide for the American Beverage Association’s Board of Directors. The ABA is a trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the U.S. Buffalo Rock’s corporate headquarters are located at 111 Oxmoor Road in West Homewood. buffalorock.com Betsy McAtee, president of Dreamland Holding Company, won the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s Restaurateur of the Year award. The company is headquartered at 19 W. Oxmoor Road. dreamlandbbq.com 10
Anniversaries
specializing in decorative door hangers, is now open at 1919 28th Avenue South, inside Yo-Yo Donuts. 868-4704, myartstoo.com
Studio Fitness, 2900 Central Avenue # 110, celebrated 7 years of business in October. 414-3644, studio�itnessllc.com
5 Grille 29, 971 Brookwood
12 Skin Wellness Center of Alabama, 1920 Huntington Road, is celebrating its 6th anniversary in November. 871-7332, skinwellnessal.com
Village, is now open. The restaurant is open SundayThursday, 11am-9:30pm, FridaySaturday 11am-10:30pm, and Sunday at 10am for brunch. 783-1295, grille29.com/ birmingham
Coming Soon 6 Taco Mama will open its
�irst Homewood restaurant in the former Hart & Soul location in Edgewood, 1014 Oxmoor Road. The popular restaurant, with locations in Mountain Brook, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, anticipates an opening date of January 2016. 414-9314, tacomamaonline. com
7 Shrimp Basket will be
opening in the former location of The Baskits at 801 Green Springs Highway. The chain has locations on the Gulf Coast and throughout Alabama and Mississippi. shrimpbasket.com
News and Accomplishments 8 Seeds Coffee Company,
174 Oxmoor Road, now has a drive-through and is selling doughnuts from We Have Doughnuts Monday to Friday from 7-9 a.m. 259-6405, seedscoffee.com
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13 Stock & Trade Design Co., 3048 Independence Drive, is celebrating its 3rd anniversary in November. 783-1350, stockandtrade.com
Hirings and Promotions 14 Brik Realty, 3430 Independence Drive, has hired four new Realtors, including Courtney Ingalls, Cathy Ingalls, Karen Turner and Stacy Ward. 206-4321, brikrealty.com The Dobbins Group, 2914 Linden Avenue, has hired John Stacy as a construction manager. He joins the company after several years as a senior project manager for B.L. Harbert International. Among the many high-pro�ile projects he oversaw during his time there was the Auburn University basketball arena. 503-4000, dobbinsgroup.net 15
Closings 16 The Baskits closed its location at 801 Green Springs Highway at the end of September after 15 years in business.
The Homewood Star
A14 • November 2015
Residents hot and cold on Edgewood’s new Taco Mama By ANA GOOD When word began to spread that the former Hart & Soul coffee shop in Edgewood would soon become home to Taco Mama, the Homewood community received the news with mixed reactions. It’s not the restaurant itself some Homewood residents have a problem with, but its choice in location. The new Taco Mama will open just steps away from the popular La Bamba Grill, leaving some residents to wonder how two Mexican-inspired restaurants will coexist. Others, including Taco Mama owner Will Haver, believe that because the restaurants’ styles are different, they will complement each other, not detract from one another. When news outlets reported the new Taco Mama location, Homewood residents held little back online, sharing their thoughts of Edgewood’s newest tenant on the “What’s Happening in Homewood” Facebook group. Edgewood resident Marc Wolfe was one of the most vocal commenters on the topic, empathizing with the owners of La Bamba. “I was shocked when I heard it would be Taco Mama moving into the Hart & Soul space,” said Wolfe. “They could have put anything there.” Wolfe, who is originally from Arizona but has lived in Alabama since 1998, said he would have loved to see
Taco Mama is planning to open in the former Hart & Soul Coffee Shop in Edgewood. Photo by Ana Good.
a Cajun-themed restaurant open in the space. He knows all too well, he said, what it’s like to have two businesses competing within a small radius. Wolfe said that as a manager of a company in the area, he saw his store’s sales numbers slip when a competitor moved across the street. Wolfe said he worries La Bamba will suffer a similar fate. “Will Haver has a machine going,” he said of Taco Mama. “He will kill it in that location. He’s got a good concept, good food, and combined with a great location, I know he’s going to
do very well.” Wolfe said he hopes, for the sake of both businesses, he is being too pessimistic. “I know La Bamba will keep its regulars,” he said. “Maybe Taco Mama will bring new business to the area, which would be good for all the businesses in Edgewood.” Asked about the ongoing conversation about his restaurant, Haver said he and his team have no intention of hurting other people’s businesses. A move to Edgewood, he said, has been a dream of his for many years. “I love that neighborhood,” he said.
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“I love how the community operates and have a lot of friends who live in the area.” When the opportunity presented itself to open a Taco Mama in Edgewood, Haver said he didn’t hesitate. “For us, we wanted to be on a street with other great restaurants,” he said. “Great restaurants bring people.” Brad Spencer, another Homewood resident, said he is excited to see Taco Mama move into Edgewood. “Businesses ought to be free to locate where they believe they will have the best return,” said Spencer. “As long as both put out good food,
they will have customers.” If either restaurant has an initial advantage, said Spencer, he believes La Bamba does. “La Bamba is the establishment in Edgewood,” said Spencer. “Taco Mama is the restaurant that needs to come in and earn the business of the neighborhood. La Bamba already has its fans.” Haver said his restaurant’s draw will be in how it sets itself apart. Because Taco Mama runs on a different model — they are more fast-casual, less sit-down — and because catering is such a large part of his business, Haver said he believes Taco Mama and La Bamba can coexist. The Edgewood Taco Mama will be bigger than those at his other locations, said Haver, lending itself even more to the catering side of the business. Construction will begin soon, he said, following the recent stamp of approval by the City of Homewood. When the garage doors finally open to a crisp afternoon in January, Haver said he’s confident Edgewood will benefit as a whole. “We will both win,” he said, referencing what he describes as Taco Mama’s harmonious coexistence with La Paz in Crestline. Taco Mama will open at 1014 Oxmoor Road. La Bamba owners Misti and Peter Cooper declined to comment on the matter.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A15
A taste of the sea, a taste of Thailand Asian restaurant opening in Hallman Hill this month By MADOLINE MARKHAM Where there were once tacos, you can now find sushi. Shiki, a Thai and sushi restaurant, is scheduled to open in early November in the former Pinches Tacos location in Hallman Hill off Oxmoor Road. The interior now features an Asian influence with orange and green walls, hardwood floors, dimmed lighting and bamboo. In place of the ordering counter at the previous fast-casual concept, you will now find a sushi bar where you can watch rolls being created. Most of the dining will be sitdown, with about eight seats at the sushi bar and even more outside on the patio that overlooks Hallman Hill. Heaters will extend patio season as well. Sushi chef Rize Pujangga plans to feature fresh fish from the Gulf
coast, Hawaii, the Pacific coast and Canada. “We want to have the best sushi in Birmingham with rolls that will be distinct from other local restaurants,” he said. Rolls will range from $8-15 and can either be ordered off the menu or prepared according to a customer’s preferences. The menu will include rolls such as a yellow tail belly with jalapeño and ponzu sauce as well as a seared tuna with Thai ponzu. Customers will also find specialty cocktails and other drinks available at the bar. Owner Made Subrata lives in Homewood and had been looking for a local space to open a restaurant. He hopes to get involved with supporting local schools after opening. He also owns Nori Thai and Sushi Restaurant on Cahaba River Road
Sushi chef Rize Pujangga, owner and sushi chef Made Subrata and manager Ken Vidovic stand in front of the new restaurant in Hallman Hill. Photo by Frank Couch.
near the Colonnade and will be bringing some of the popular dishes from its menu to Homewood along with adding new Thai specialties. These include masaman, curry, pad thai, spicy noodle bowl, stir fry and beef salad, which has been growing in popularity. Featured starters will include the baked avocado, which is cut in half
and stuffed with shrimp and crab. Each day a lunch special will feature both a sushi roll and a Thai dish, and takeout orders will be accepted at lunch and dinner. Like at Nori, the focus of Shiki will be on service. The owners like to stop by and talk to customers. “I want them to come in and feel like they are family,” Pujangga said.
Shiki 300 Hallman Hill E., Suite 109 401-3841 shikihomewood.com Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
The Homewood Star
A16 • November 2015
Residents revive West Homewood Neighborhood Association By ANA GOOD A group of Homewood residents has banded together in an effort to bring back the dormant West Homewood Neighborhood Association. Justin Limbaugh, one of the organizers, said once the neighborhood association is back up and running, he hopes it will help steer West Homewood in the right direction. “Good things can happen when residents have a say in the process,” said Limbaugh. Although the official plans for the group are still in their infancy, Limbaugh said its workings will be more formal than just a group of neighbors meeting together sporadically. The plan is to hold an initial meeting before the end of the year, a public meeting that will serve as an opportunity to discuss the group’s goals, he said. Efforts to revive the West Homewood Neighborhood Association come after months of the neighborhood making local headlines. In March, Homewood residents initially succeeded when advertising company New Point Outdoor agreed to take down its hotly debated electronic billboard at the intersection of Green Springs Highway and Lakeshore Drive. The excitement, however, didn’t last long — at least not for all of Homewood’s residents. Eventually, New Point came to an agreement with the city and the Jefferson County Planning Commission to relocate the sign, but its new home would be in West Homewood. The neighborhood, nearly as a whole, felt slighted. On the cusp of the billboard debate, West Homewood made headlines again when residents and advocates began shining a light
The West Homewood Association is forming after several years of inactivity. Previously, the association helped in the creation of Patriot Park. Photo by Frank Couch.
on the dark world of prostitution that exists behind the closed doors of Oxmoor Road hotels. Cobb Street resident Erik Henninger was part of the initial group of residents who spoke out on the need for change in West Homewood. “We need to be proactive about the issues that are affecting our neighborhood,” said Henninger. “Those who are interested in helping to bring about change are encouraged to take part in the association and in its planning.” To bring about any change, Henninger said
the community must be organized in some way. Right now, he said, there are about eight to 10 West Homewood residents who have expressed serious interest in being part of the leadership structure of the association. When the group finally meets, Henninger said the first meeting will be about finding its identity. “We have to define what we want to be about,” he said. “What will our priorities be? How will we accomplish our goals?” The answers to those questions will be crucial, he said, if the group hopes to be effective.
“It’s important for the community to have a legitimate voice in the decisions made by our city leaders. We want West Homewood’s reputation to be that we stand up for ourselves.” Henninger said the group will not be the equivalent of a homeowners’ association. “We won’t be marching around measuring people’s grass,” he said. As soon as organizing members set a meeting date, Henninger and Limbaugh said they will spread the news and encourage attendance. “Our goal will be to build a stronger community, together,” said Henninger.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A17
Church’s satellite location hopes to impact downtown Homewood community By EMILY FEATHERSTON Cranmer House is making itself at home after moving to 2814 Linden Ave. Rev. Andrew Pearson, dean of Cathedral Church of the Advent, said the move of the church’s satellite location “went really well,” and the new space has already received positive feedback from those who use it. “It was sad to leave Mountain Brook Village, but we’re very glad to be in Homewood,” Pearson said. Cranmer House is primarily used to host Bible studies and events that take place in the early morning or evening. The church has also discussed moving its 5 p.m. Sunday worship service to the space, but Pearson said that discussion is still ongoing. Pearson said the new building more comfortably fits the needs of the programs and events Cranmer House is used for. Unlike the Mountain Brook location, the new building allows multiple events can take place at the same time. The location houses a large, multi-purpose meeting space as well as smaller rooms and offices used by the church’s youth program and other groups. The new, renovated space can seat around 125 people for large events, and this increase in size and the central location were things Pearson said greatly motivated the move. “We put a lot of work into it,” Pearson said. While he said the space is still in its beginning stages, groups are already making use of the new location. Bill Wortman, who leads a weekly 7 a.m. men’s bible study at Cranmer House, said he is happy with the move. “I think the Homewood community is more diverse and is a little more central, and I see it as a great positive for Advent,” Wortman said. Both Pearson and Wortman said they think that Cranmer House and the people it attracts to
Cathedral Church of the Advent’s satellite location, called Cranmer House, hosts Bible studies and other events from its building on Linden Avenue in downtown Homewood. Photo by Emily Featherston.
the area will benefit the surrounding businesses. “It’s a place of convenience, but I hope that those people from the Advent that are coming to Cranmer House will take advantage of the community in a positive way,” Pearson said. He said he has already seen many of the groups finish their activities at Cranmer House and walk to Octane Coffee or Steel City Pops. “We’re really glad to be in that neighborhood,” he said. Pearson has also been in communication with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce about offering the space for community use. During the process of getting the property rezoned, the church faced opposition from
nearby businesses over parking in the area. Because most of the events take place in the early morning and late evening, Pearson said that so far there have not been any issues with parking, and that the Advent has worked to ensure that their neighbors will not be negatively impacted. “Frankly, we had a harder time parking in Mountain Brook Village than we have had since we moved to our Homewood location,” Pearson said. Both Pearson and Wortman said they think that Cranmer House’s new location will further the Advent’s mission to engage the community in a non-traditional way.
“Some people are intimidated by walking into a church, but not necessarily intimidated by walking into a building that looks any other building in that area,” Pearson said. “It’s not as imposing.” He said the church plans to have events in the coming months that he hopes will bring more awareness to Cranmer House. Upcoming events include a visit from a Rwandan bishop who will describe his experience during the genocide, and a functional art gallery to showcase local artists. For more information about Cathedral Church of the Advent and the events it plans to host at Cranmer House, visit adventbirmingham.com.
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The Homewood Star
A18 • November 2015
Community Waterproof goods available at Junior League holiday market The Junior League of Birmingham’s holiday market, Market Noel, is celebrating its 25th year. The event returns to the Cahaba Grand Conference Center Nov. 19-21. More than 100 vendors from across the country will sell wares to benefit the 34 community projects of the Junior League. A new vendor this year at Market Noel is Homewood business owner Bobby Bardin with Bardin Marsee Publishing. Bardin publishes waterproof bibles and ‘TUFFNotes,’ waterproof notebooks. Bobby and his wife, Anna, have lived in Homewood since 2007 and enjoy traveling together to the mountains, beaches and caves. Their love for travel led them to publish the first
waterproof Bible to put an end to people’s worry about ruining Bibles while on the go. General admission shopping for Market Noel is open Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A Preview Noel party will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. It will feature hors d’oeuvres; wine, beer and cocktails; swag bags; a silent auction; live music from Sean Heninger; and a chance to win a piece of jewelry valued at $4,000-5,000 from Diamonds Direct with the purchase of a glass of champagne. While the ladies shop, men can enjoy a Man Cave with a beer and bourbon tasting from Good People Brewing and Dram as well as entertainment from The Lochamy Brothers of the SEC Network.
Highlights of the week include a Girls’ Night Out with a beauty bar from Tonya Jones Salon and chance to win a treatment package from Dr. Jason Jack of Plastic Surgery Specialists at Market Bliss on Friday from 6-8 p.m. A fashion show, Rock the Runway-Couture for a Cause, will be hosted by Lilly Pulitzer Saturday from 9:30-11 a.m. Tickets for the fashion show include mimosas and a coffee bar from Royal Cup as well as brunch bites from Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies, The Fresh Market and Sister Schubert. To purchase Market Noel tickets or for more information, visit marketnoel.net. Tickets are also available at the door. -Submitted by the Junior League of Birmingham
Homewood business owner Bobby Bardin with Bardin Marsee Publishing will bring waterproof Bibles and ‘TUFFNotes’ waterproof notebooks to Market Noel this year. Photo courtesy of Holly Lollar.
Mozart concert to commemorate Samford centennial
Samford’s Combined Choirs and University Orchestra perform. Photo courtesy of Holly Lollar.
Samford’s School of the Arts is celebrating its 100th year with a benefit concert. The Centennial Celebration Benefit Concert and School of the Arts Birthday Party is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the university’s Wright Center. The evening, which is also being presented by the Legacy League, will feature Mozart’s Requiem and portions of Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 performed by Samford Combined Choirs and University Orchestra. The celebration will continue with birthday cake at the end of the concert. “The legacy of Samford music has touched countless lives over the past century,” said Dean and Professor Joseph Hopkins. “This program has had a profound
impact on music education, the church and performance stages with alumni serving as teachers, ministers, performers and leaders in the music industry across the United States and around the world.” Tickets are $25 for adults and $6 for students and can be purchased at tickets.samford.edu or by calling the Harrison Theater Box Office at 726-2853. The cost of the ticket is tax-deductible and will help endow a new scholarship for deserving students with significant financial need who are pursuing a degree in the arts through the work of the Legacy League. For more information, visit samford.edu/ legacyleague.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A19
Library honors veterans with film, Rosie the Riveter programs The Homewood Public Library is honoring Veterans Day with several events this month. On Nov. 5 residents can take part in a discussion around the social readjustment after World War II with a showing and discussion around the 1947 Academy Award winning film, The Best Years of Our Lives. Film buff Dick Sergento will lead the discussion. The story concentrates on the social readjustment of three World War II
servicemen, each from a different station of society. Each of the veterans faces a crisis upon his arrival, and each crisis is a microcosm of the experiences of many American warriors who found an alien world awaiting them when they came marching home. A showing of the film will follow the lecture, which begins at 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Additionally, adults can come to the library Nov. 3 at noon for another Veterans Day program, Lest We Forget with
Niki Sepsas. It will focus on remembering, recognizing and preserving the memory of those who came before us and ensured that we continue to live in the freedom we enjoy because of their sacrifices. On Nov. 23, children can meet a real life Rosie the Riveter, Dr. Frances Carter. Carter riveted B-29 airplanes during World War II and is the author of R is for Rosie the Riveter. The program begins at 3:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium and will feature snacks, a craft and Rosie the Riveter bandanas.
Fran Carter, left, a Rosie the Riveter, will lead a program for children at the library this month.
Gifts and a night out at annual Holly Days sale
Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show
By EMILY FEATHERSTON
The Assistance League of Birmingham will host its Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion show Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at a private club in Vestavia. The annual affair will benefit the three nonprofit programs of Assistance League: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy. The league’s office and store is located on Oxmoor Road in downtown Homewood.
Jennifer Lee is once again inviting Homewood residents to her home for a holiday gift sale. Holly Days will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. There will also be an additional Girls Night Out shopping event on Dec. 2 from 7-9 p.m. The event will take place at Lee’s home, 117 Eastwood Drive. Lee, who has invited locals into her home for
the sale for the last 14 years, said that vendors would be similar to those of years past. In recent years, items available for purchase have included handmade jewelry, artwork, sculptures and Lee’s line of pepper jellies. At Girls Night Out there will be food and beverages in addition to the sale, and Lee said the group invites everyone to grab a friend to bring along. “It’s always a fun night,” Lee said. For more information, contact Jennifer Lee at fromjenniferskitchen@yahoo.com, or go to facebook.com/HollyDaysHomewood.
During the show, White House Black Market will showcase new fall and winter fashions modeled by members of Assistance League along with surprise guests. Several vendors will be on hand so attendees can get a head start on their holiday shopping. Music will be provided by Nancy Harper. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 870-5555. For more information, visit assistanceleaguebhm.org or find them on Facebook.
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The Homewood Star
A20 • November 2015
Samford’s Phi Mu sorority to host 5K for Children’s Hospital
Homewood Community Gallery to feature pastel, pencil work by Andrew Tyson By ANA GOOD
Samford Phi Mu sisters prepare for the annual 5K run benefiting Children’s of Alabama. Photo courtesy of Ashley Sanderson.
By EMILY FEATHERSTON Samford University’s chapter of Phi Mu will again host a 5K run to benefit Children’s of Alabama in downtown Birmingham. In its 21st year, the run will take place in Homewood Central Park on Saturday, Nov. 14. Children’s of Alabama is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, which is the national philanthropy of Phi Mu sorority. Mary Gaither, who serves as philanthropy chair for the Samford chapter, said the group is fond of the event because of how it engages the community. “This is one of our chapter’s favorite fundraisers because it
is a great way to pull in the community and get all of the Birmingham area involved in supporting CMNH,” Gaither said. Entry fees are $30 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for children and all who register will receive a T-shirt. Entrants can register for the race online or from 7:15-7:45 a.m. on race day. The race begins at 8 a.m., and trophies will be presented to the first place male and female runners at its conclusion. For more information, contact Mary Gaither at (478) 9571459 or at mgaither@samford.edu. To register online, visit helpmakemiracles.org and search “Phi Mu” in upcoming events.
Homewood resident Andrew Tyson’s art will be the latest installation featured as part of city’s Community Gallery in the lobby of City Hall. The exhibit is presented by the Homewood Arts Council. Diane Litsey, chair of the Homewood Arts Council said Tyson’s featured work will be a mix of pastel and pencil art. An opening reception will serve to welcome the community Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit will be available to the public through January 2016. According to a news release about the event, Tyson has served as the portrait artist for Miss Alabama for the past 10 years. He is a member of the Birmingham Art Association and the Mountain Brook Art Association. Tyson has also had his art published in the Birmingham Arts Journal and is the designer of the Homewood High School Air Force Jr. ROTC crest, which is still in use today. Tyson’s photography will be part of the soon-to-be released Homewood history book by Jake Collins. Tyson is represented by Littlehouse Galleries in Homewood. The new exhibit, opening next week, is the second installation of the Homewood Community Gallery. The gallery first opened this summer and featured the winners of the Homewood Art Council’s “Faces, Places and Traces of Homewood” photo contest. Litsey said going forward, the plan is to have three different exhibits each year. “The council thought the community gallery would be a good fit for Homewood to showcase art,” she said. “Our goal is to feature the work of local artists, not necessarily Homewood artists, and get the community involved. We are always looking for new people to take part.” A new artist will be selected for the next exhibit to be unveiled in February, said Litsey. For more on the Homewood Arts Council, visit the group’s Facebook page.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A21
Bike lovers make new friends at weekly Slow Your Roll rides By JESSE CHAMBERS On Sunday afternoons, many adults are rediscovering an activity they loved as kids but may have all but forgotten — riding their bikes. “People who come out who had not ridden in years say, ‘This is fun. I didn’t know this existed,’” said Slow Your Roll bike ride organizer Shawn Fitzwater. The rides, which begin at Patriot Park, offer great health benefits, according to Fitzwater, who says participants can “get off the couch, get outdoors and get great exercise.” Slow Your Roll draws people back to the joys of bike riding and allows them to discover how satisfying it is to hang out with people from all walks of life who share the same interest. Fitzwater and his wife, Shannon, who are advocates of the bicycle and its social and environmental benefits, said they hope the ride will bring greater attention to the need to improve biking culture and infrastructure in Homewood. The idea for Slow Your Roll came to Fitzwater when he joined a Thursday night ride in Birmingham sponsored by nonprofit bike shop Redemptive Cycles. “I thought, ‘This is great because it is bringing the community together, and you meet a diverse group of people,’” he said. The Thursday gathering was not a deadly serious affair for hard-core bicycle racers but “a fun ride,” Fitzwater said. The event inspired Fitzwater, a land
The Slow Your Roll bike riding group met near Patriot Park to make about a 7-mile ride with a group of around 50 riders. Photo by Frank Couch.
surveyor by trade, to start an event in Homewood that casual riders could join no matter what type of bicycle they own. Slow Your Roll is not a serious biker group but “a casual social group,” Fitzwater said. “We’ve had all ages, from 7 to 60.” Slow Your Roll rides average about 8 to 10 miles and follow one of four or five usual routes, often making use of the Lakeshore Trail of the Homewood Shades Creek Greenway. The rides,
which begin and end at Patriot Park, last about an hour and a half. The group stops for a 20-minute refreshment break halfway through. Fitzwater tries to keep the rides mellow. “We take it easy,” he said. “We don’t race around.” The first Slow Your Roll in May had only four riders, but there were about 30 people on a Sunday in late September, according to Fitzwater. “I am happy the way it’s growing,” he said.
The weekly ride is “social, laidback and it brings good people together,” said Erik Henninger, a West Homewood resident and Slow Your Roll regular. Daniel Webb, who lives on Birmingham’s Southside, calls Slow Your Roll a “blast” and says the “core group” of West Homewood residents has been very welcoming. “They have adopted my daughter and me like we were next-door neighbors,” he said.
Biking is “addictive, in a good way,” Shannon Fitzwater said. “It’s just a feeling of freedom… one that makes you feel like a kid again.” The single greatest challenge facing the Fitzwaters in planning the routes for Slow Your Roll is road safety. “Some of the streets can get kind of busy, and it’s not always bikefriendly,” Shannon said. They try to stay off heavily traveled roads, such as Green Springs Highway, and the group exercises great caution. “I go by ‘no rider left behind,’” Fitzwater said. “We are going slower and doing a head count. We really stop a lot and let the group stick together.” The city of Homewood should seek to improve its biking culture and infrastructure, especially because bike riding is becoming more popular, according to Fitzwater. “We need to do a better job with awareness of drivers, and bike lanes would help,” he said. The Fitzwaters live in West Homewood with their sons, Gabriel, 10, and Noah, 4. Fitzwater said that he plans to continue Slow Your Roll through the winter months “for whomever will show up” and would love to make it a year-round event. Slow Your Roll participants meet at the main entrance of Patriot Park on Sunday at 3:45 p.m. The ride begins promptly at 4 p.m. For more information, visit the Slow Your Roll page on Facebook.
The Homewood Star
A22 • November 2015
Humans of
Homewood By JESSE CHAMBERS
Jerry was a visitor to our city, a real Alabamian. Photos and captions by Bob Tedrow.
You can’t just walk up to a guy on the street and stare at him, no matter how intriguing his face is, but if you have his portrait photo, you can study it for hours, according to Bob Tedrow, long-time proprietor of Homewood Musical Instrument Co. and an avid camera bug. “It allows you to look a little deeper into a person than you would at first glance,” Tedrow said. “It’s almost voyeurism.” “There’s nothing more fascinating than the human face,” he added. Tedrow indulges this fascination regularly by making stunning portrait photos, most in black and white, of Homewood residents and visitors and posting them on an entertaining Instagram account, Humans_of_Homewood. The page, which has been up for about a year, gives Tedrow a place to show off the photography he loves and allows viewers to share his quest to capture unique human personalities. It is also perhaps an effective visual way to help further tie together the already close-knit community of Homewood. “It think it’s entertaining and fun for the people in the town to see who is in our town — people at the grocery stores, people at the park, people at businesses,” Tedrow told a visitor to his
shop. “I think it enlarges our sense of community and helps visualize our little section of town.” Tedrow, 62, has been making pictures since he was 10 years old, when his mother gave him a used Kodak Duaflex camera. He got the idea from his Instagram page from another online project. “I had heard about the Humans of New York, but I thought Humans of Homewood had much better alliteration, so I started doing this,” he said. And he does not have to go out in search for subjects, most of whom have visited his shop. “I wait for them to come here,” he said. “A lot of these shots are taken right here, on this rug by this window, which is a gift from heaven, lighting-wise.” In addition, word is spreading about how much fun it is to have Tedrow take your picture. “People are calling me now to take portraits of them,” he said. Tedrow used his laptop to show his visitor a few examples from the Instagram page, including a shot of Jason Burns, owner of Burns String Instrument Repair, which is located in the same building. The shot shows Burns at a workbench, leaning over an instrument in deep concentration. “You can see his connection to his work,” Tedrow said. “This picture tells a great story.”
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November 2015 • A23
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1. The bit of dribble on the chin of the grandson of one of my friends attracted my eye as much as his ingenuous visage at the recent Pickin’ in the Park festival. 2. A tuba toter, sousaphone supporter, Homewood Patriot. 3. This fellow was captured at Homewood Park with his new puppy. It’s an image of total bliss on both accounts. 4. This iconic figure, Courtney Haden, works down the block from my shop. He has an unforgettable personality and visage. 5. This young man, Francesca Scalici’s son, shows great promise as a banjo picker.
Tedrow points out a shot of a young boy sticking his finger in his nose. “I did not pose this,” he said. “I just waited for it to happen.” The boy’s mother reacted with “a mixture of great amusement and mild shock,” Tedrow said, laughing.
People seem to like Tedrow’s efforts. “People are typically flattered or at the very least highly amused at their portraits, and I think a lot of them are extremely proud to have their picture taken,” he said.
“It makes people feel good when they come in here and Bob wants to take photos of them,” Burns said. And sitting for Tedrow at the shop was fun, according to Becky Estes, a Homewood resident
who, in her photo, wore a black dress and held a violin. “He made me feel real comfortable,”
See HUMANS| page A24
The Homewood Star
A24 • November 2015
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1. Uh oh, this may be construed as a “selfie,” though the image is more of a concertina that I built a few years ago. 2. It is never to soon to rage against the machine. I imagine Rosemary Holcombe is saying, “Where is my dessert?” 3. A classic image of the working man. 4. A portrait of a music lover at the recent Pickin’ in the Park Festival, and her hair.
she said. “I don’t see myself as photogenic. He makes you forget all that.” Judy Wade of Helena, one of Tedrow’s mandolin students, posed for him holding her instrument and wearing a straw hat. She said in a telephone interview that her portrait sitting had a “spur-ofthe-moment quality.” “When you are in there, you don’t have an idea of what you are doing to do until you sit down, Wade said.
David Brower, a Vestavia resident and veteran filmmaker, prefers being behind the camera, not in front, but said that Tedrow made his sitting “pretty painless.” “It’s a stunning portrait, even if it is of me,” Brower said. The use of black and white for virtually all of the photos is effective for portraiture, according to Tedrow. “Color can be distracting,” he said. “Black-and-white photography allows you to focus on contrast, shadows, depth.” “It’s almost like you can see the true soul of a person when it’s in black and white,” Estes said. “[Tedrow] has such a unique way of capturing people.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
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In taking a good portrait, the “light is as important as the subject,” Tedrow said. “Light and shadows allow you to see and study details that you don’t see every day.” In fact, Tedrow admits that he has “an obsession with lighting subjects properly” and has studied all the master portrait painters. “I have copied them like a monkey,” he said. Tedrow has a Fuji XT1 digital camera but eschews the automatic settings and uses it more like a film camera to get the effects he wants. “ Because I have this obsessive nature, I need to do things
by hand, like I set the exposure by hand,” he said. That obsessive nature is the reason for the success Tedrow has had with photography, not any “particular talent,” he said. “Time plus tenacity equals talent, so I think whatever you pursue, if you pursue something in depth and you can summon a mild obsession, then you can do things at least as good as an average talented person,” he said. To check out Humans_of_Homewood, go to Instagram. com/humans_of_homewood. Tedrow accepts submissions of photos. To do so, tag them #humansofhomewood and, if Tedrow likes your work, he will repost it.
1. Jason Burns and daughter Maddie. Her hair is a beautiful pale auburn. 2. Journalist/guitarist Jesse Chambers, who wrote this story. 3. This woman, Helen Taylor, frequented my shop as a child and is all grown up now. And her hair grew out nicely. 4. This shot is of my neighbor down the block, Becky Estes, with her favorite violin. I find the connection people have with their musical instruments compelling.
The Homewood Star
A26 • November 2015
Good to the bone Middle school students bake dog bones to raise money for charity By MADOLINE MARKHAM Taste testing dog biscuits was required, but it was not the teacher’s decision. “Their theory was, ‘[If] we are not willing to eat it, why would we want to sell it?’” Homewood Middle School teacher Briana Morton said. Morton’s seventh-grade Family and Consumer Sciences students were inspired by fall vegetables and herbs in the Homewood City Schools Community Garden to create the recipes for their dog bone project. Thin Mint (buckwheat and mint), Elvis Presley (banana and peanut) and Pumpkin Patch (roasted pumpkin) dog treats, shaped like bones, are now available at The Whole Dog Market in downtown Homewood and Dog Days of Birmingham thanks to the students’ efforts. But their original inspiration came from a dog himself. Morton always begins the school year with an inspirational story to motivate kids to think about what they want to focus on for the nine weeks, and from there she bases their flexible curriculum on the students’ needs and desires. This fall she told the story of Lucky Trooper, a local dog who was found starving and sick in July 2014 and was nursed back to health by his new owner, Danielle Yancey. Lucky’s story is chronicled on Twitter @luckytrooperal and his Facebook page, so Morton thought it would also be a good avenue to teach about the power of social media and how it could be used for good. After hearing the story, the students wanted to do something for Lucky and decided to make dog biscuits. Their idea also evolved into a social entrepreneurship project where they learned about running a business for the betterment of a community and society. While connecting with Lucky and Yancey
Destiny Hernandez, Evelin Navarrete and Jack Giffin package the bones to be sold in stores. Photos by Madoline Markham.
through Twitter, the students began to research and plan their product, pricing and sales plan. One student is preparing to volunteer at Hand in Paw, a local animal therapy program that
facilitates visits to hospitals, nursing homes and other agencies, so they decided to donate the profits to its programs. Yancey also serves on the organization’s board of directors.
“It was very natural,” Morton said. “It was all the kids, with me facilitating along the way.” They researched and experimented with recipes to get the right flavors. Through research,
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A27
Reagan Woodrich, Zandy Hood and Arion McCarter prepare dough to be baked into dog bones.
Tikira Branch prepares to put a tray of freshly rolled and cut dog bone dough in the oven to bake. Photos by Madoline Markham.
they also learned that people who want to buy gourmet dog biscuits care about their animals and the ingredients in their food, so they used buckwheat, whole wheat and flaxseed, but no salt or sugar. “They used practical common sense but also researched and dug down to the why of each ingredient,” Morton said. “Some kids are realizing they could have their own business now.”
A child cuts a biscuit with a bone-shaped cutter.
Each bag of bones comes with a tag that explains how Lucky inspired the project and how sales benefit Hand in Paw. Once the first set of bones had been baked, packaged and delivered to stores, the students and Yancey shared their story over social media. “The kids are seeing people are commenting and sharing what they are doing,” Morton said. “It gives them that ownership. They might be a
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David Rhynes and David Elliot scoop seeds out of pumpkins before roasting them to be used to make Pumpkin Patch dog bones.
kid, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an impact.” As the semester progresses, the project will continue as long as the students are learning, Morton said. Even if there’s no longer a market for the bones, they will continue the business through when the semester-long class ends in December. “I am here to teach the students, but I want
them to learn at their own pace and based on what they are interested in and motivated by,” Morton said. “I know 40-year-olds who aren’t doing anything like this, and they are 11-year-olds.” To follow the P.A.W.S. (Philanthropy Awareness Work Skills) Service project or future projects from Morton’s class, follow her on Twitter @mortonfacs.
The Homewood Star
A28 • November 2015
Local Holocaust survivors featured in Vulcan art exhibit By MADOLINE MARKHAM The stories of Birmingham Holocaust survivors now canvas the walls at Vulcan Park and Museum. Darkness Into Life: Alabama’s Holocaust Survivors Through Photography and Art is now open and will be showcased in the museum’s Linn-Henley Gallery through May 16, 2016. In the gallery bold paintings by Mitzi J. Levin depict the survivors’ private memories from the Holocaust alongside photography by Becky Seitel that captures their lives today. “Not only does it show the hard times but also how they have moved into life going forward,” Vulcan Museum Specialist Lindsay Elliott said. “You can see how they live with the memories and what they have done with them.” Next to the art, each set of paintings and photographs focusing on each of nine survivors is accompanied by educational narratives that tell the stories shared by the survivors. The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, which commissioned the exhibit, documented oral histories of the survivors, and then curators pulled portions of that text to pair with the artwork. All of them live in Birmingham today. “In keeping with our mission to share the history of Birmingham’s diverse community, this display portrays the triumphant stories of human survival and the impact these survivors had on our community upon re-entry into society,” said Vulcan President and CEO Darlene Negrotto. At the entrance to the exhibit, a few pieces of art set the tone for the pieces inside. “Destination Alabama USA” combines bold, fiery orange and red imagery from the Holocaust with light blue and white calming water imagery to represent
Vulcan Museum Specialist Lindsay Elliott and Director of Marketing and PR Morgan Berney stand in the new exhibit of art depicting the experiences of Holocaust survivors who now live in Birmingham. Photo by Madoline Markham.
coming to the U.S. and to Alabama’s green hills and blue sky. To its right hangs a portrait of nine children facing a Star of David as well as a group photo of all the survivors in the exhibit taken recently. Overall the exhibit, which has been showcased other places in Birmingham, fits with the
vision of Vulcan. “We wanted to do it because our mission is to bring the Birmingham community together and tell our history and story,” Vulcan Director of Marketing and PR Morgan Berney said. “I get chills just standing in here.” In correlation with the exhibit, Vulcan Park
and Museum will offer survivor talks and other events. On April 21, Vulcan will host a performance of Slippery Slope, a play that tells the story of Holocaust victims set to African-American spirituals and traditional Klezmer melodies of Eastern European Jews. For more information, visit visitvulcan.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • A29
Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
731693
35209
402 Devon Drive
New
$759,900
731664
35209
1032 Forest Brook Drive
New
$227,500
731532
35209
1120 Beacon Parkway East #112
New
$99,900
731173
35209
1904 Saulter Road
New
$269,500
731153
35209
512 Hampton Drive
New
$529,900
731107
35209
613 Oxmoor Road
New
$339,000
730943
35209
3154 Parkridge Drive #200
New
$349,900
730850
35209
108 Edgewood Blvd.
New
$625,000
730663
35209
610 Shades Creek Parkway
New
$624,900
730555
35209
100 Crest Drive
New
$269,900
731003
35209
1815 Lancaster Road
New
$625,000
730441
35209
302 Glenwood Drive East #57
New
$329,000
730371
35209
1100 Beacon Parkway #105
New
$129,900
730280
35209
200 Hallman Hill #217
New
$399,000
730122
35209
4401 Hampton Heights Drive
New
$149,000
730082
35209
515 Yorkshire Drive
New
$459,780
729904
35209
201 Hollywood Blvd.
New
$559,780
729796
35209
108 Glenwood Drive
New
$349,900
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on October 19. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
402 Devon Drive
1815 Lancaster Road
The Homewood Star
A30 • November 2015 FOSTER
CONTINUED from page A1 “It was just emotional, because, when I got hurt, I had no idea what I was going to do,” he said. “I had no clear vision. It was just like the best door opened up.” Foster has made good use of the opportunity at Squad, where he began work in November 2014, using it as a chance to teach people the value and power of fitness and to preach the value of positive thinking – even after a horrific event. And Foster clearly has fun with his clients. When he leads workouts at the Homewood and Trussville locations, he wheels quickly and easily from one area of the floor to the other, watching a group of about 15 or 20 people doing interval training to burn calories. “I’m very blessed that a lot of them like my energy and the way I teach and coach,” Foster said. He has also earned McDonald’s respect. “Josh is an expert at helping people get the most out of their workouts,” the gym owner said, adding that Foster is adept at making “the right modification” to a workout to allow a client to get the most gain. Foster is also inspirational, according to gym regular Nicole Rembert of Birmingham. “You see him working out, doing exercises, it makes you feel you can do the same thing.” Before joining Squad, and before his wreck, Foster – whose previous job was installing custom window treatments – never worked in the fitness industry. “But I would help anybody out at the gym,” Foster said. “I knew what to do. I just didn’t get paid. I always loved fitness, and it was always right there at my fingertips. I made choices where I didn’t follow that passion before I got hurt.” The single-vehicle wreck happened about a quarter mile from Foster’s home. Driving a 2002 Chevrolet Impala, he ran off a slick road after a rain. “I hit a tree dead center,” he said. His T-10 vertebrae was separated from the spine, and he spent 27 days at UAB Hospital and Spain Rehab. Since that shattering event – “I was broken in half, basically,” he said – Foster has made a
Josh Foster leads a workout class at Squad Fitness. Despite being confined to a wheelchair after a 2013 car wreck, Foster continues to be physically active and teach others to challenge their boundaries. Photos by Frank Couch.
heroic comeback. In his recovery, Foster could draw on his long background of lifting weights – he began lifting as a freshman at Fultondale High School – and playing football and baseball. “Challenging myself physically was always fun,” he said. He began going to the gym for light workouts as soon as he could after being released from Spain and, after about six months, “started really getting after it,” he said. Throughout his recovery, Foster said he tried to keep a good attitude and to send out a positive message to his friends and family. “I like people to see the better side of a negative situation,” said Foster, who shared the “whole journey” of his recovery on Facebook and Instagram.
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If a man can push through a lot of the stuff I’ve gone through and learn the things I have and experience some pretty negative moments, and still do the [things I do], you can at least work out and try to change.
“Being positive just works for me,” he said. “I just like it better.” He challenges the stereotypes some people have of people in wheelchairs, according to Squad client Meaghan Rowe of Hoover. “Josh shows everyone that he is just like you and me. He can work out,” she said. “He is physically fit. He is not limited.” “Josh had every reason to give up on fitness after his accident, but he has never given up on bettering himself, so it pushes people around him to never quit,” McDonald said. There is perhaps a loving but stern challenge implicit in Foster’s example, in the way he has refused to let his injury stop him from being part
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of the physical culture he loves. “If a man can push through a lot of the stuff I’ve gone through and learn the things I have and experience some pretty negative moments, and still do the [things I do], you can at least work out and try to change,” Foster said. “Till you take that last breath, there is an opportunity to change.”
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November 2015 • A31
HISTORY
CONTINUED from page A1 existed where shopping malls now stand. “There’s a lot of people out there that have stories they want to tell people,” Collins said. “Sometimes we get too busy to stop and listen to stories of people’s lives.” Back in 1984, Wurtele too began documenting Homewood’s history. She interviewed members of older Homewood families, recording oral histories and collecting photos. At the time she was president of the Friends of the Library and gave 30-minute slide show presentations on her research. In the 1980s Wurtele had dreamed of creating a book, and three decades later she has with Collins, who grew up with her nephew and had contacted her for photos to use for his Homewood History Hunt with students at Homewood Middle School. Their photographic history book, Images of America: Homewood, releases on Nov. 30. The book is divided into three time periods: early settlers, the time following the city’s incorporation in 1926 and the time following construction of Red Mountain Expressway and I-65. “The decisions in the 1960s and ’70s made this a long-lasting, successful city,” Collins said. The most recent chapter features business staples like Brookwood Village and Brookwood Medical Center and favorite hangouts like Dino’s and Sam’s Super Samwiches. Collins said it was important to showcase historical places as well as ones things young people can remember. “We wanted everyone in Homewood to identify with it,” Collins said. Among the places of the past featured is the Lowenbrau Haus, a German club in the lower level of what is now Savage’s Bakery, where many well-known bands played when they came to Birmingham. “If you were here in the ’70s and single, you were there all the time,” Collins said, recalling how his mom had spent time there. The authors said they had a hard time narrowing down images to fit in the book’s 208 pages as they worked in the Homewood Room, the unofficial Homewood history archives in
Above left: The Cox family lived in a home where Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church is located today. Right: A poster for the upcoming book, Images of America: Homewood, by local authors Jake Collins and Martha Wurtele will hit the bookshelves in November and combine a love for history of Homewood and teaching. Photos from Images of America: Homewood.
Images of America: Homewood book launch When: Nov. 30, 4 p.m. Where: Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place S. What: The event will feature signed, limited edition hardback copies of the book, made exclusively for Alabama Booksmith. Authors Jake Collins and Martha Wurtele will be on hand to sign the Homewood Public Library. Some areas of Birmingham only date back to the 1960s, but people have lived in the Homewood area since the 1820s, giving the authors more than what they could use in one book.
books. The special guest of honor will be Mayor Scott McBrayer, with members of city council and other dignitaries invited. The launch is free and open to the public. Copies of the book may be purchased for $27.95 on Nov. 30 or pre-ordered at alabamabooksmith. com. “There is so much stuff to cover in a little picture book,” Collins said. “There is so much to cover in Homewood.” Pictures of high school football state championship teams from 1974 and the ones many
of their sons played on in the early 2000s made the cut, but others didn’t if their quality wasn’t strong enough. Unfortunately, that meant pieces of Homewood’s history were left out, such as the current Saw’s building, the McDaniel house built around 1870, and Hillcrest Country Club, a golf course that was located where the Palisades is. The photos are the first things you notice on each page, but Collins said the captions, and ultimately the book, are all about the stories behind them. “Talking about the people is the most important thing,” Collins said. The book will be available in hardcover or paperback through Collins or Wurtele or at Alabama Booksmith, Little Professor (formerly known as a nightclub called the Lotus Book, as the book will tell you) or Seibel’s.
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NOVEMBER 2015
Divided on design Opinion on infill developments split as arguments for growth, preservation heat up By JESSE CHAMBERS No action has been taken toward the creation of an architectural design and review board for Homewood since a spirited public discussion of the issue last summer, according to the chairman of the Homewood City Council’s planning and development committee. Opinions in the community have been split so much that no one has felt strongly enough to come forward with a proposal, Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright said. The issue came up in July 2014 after about 30 Edgewood residents attended a meeting of the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment to protest plans to tear down an old bungalow on Sutherland Place and replace it with a new, larger, modern home – an example of the often-controversial “infill” development that has been common in Homewood and Mountain Brook for more than a decade. The “split of opinion” has apparently affected the members of the city council, according to Wright, as the issue has been mostly dead since last summer. “No one on the council has felt strongly enough… to engage in the process themselves,” he said. That split was also on display at the zoning board meeting last year. Some people, including Sutherland Place resident Gina Pearson,
This fall, work was completed on a new home on Poinciana Drive, which is an example of infill development. Photo by Frank Couch.
spoke out for the need to preserve the overall character and aesthetic of old neighborhoods and to give residents a say in the look and feel of new or drastically remodeled homes. “My neighborhood is forever diminished,” Pearson said at the time. “We’re losing these houses built almost 100 years ago.” But others expressed concern that the creation of a design review board could restrict citizens’ freedoms and limit the city’s growth and diversity. In response, the planning and development committee decided to reconsider a 2009 proposal for a design review
board. And, one year later, the Council remains willing to entertain proposals for a board, according to Wright. “We are all open ears,” he said. Any proposal for a design and review board would likely require a public hearing, according to Wright. “I don’t know what would happen,” he said. “Even with the split opinion, there might be some compromise design review committee but it has not come to fruition.” Wright expressed some support for the idea of a design
See INFILL | page B7
2711 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 205.870.5892
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The Homewood Star
B2 • November 2015
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Zumba with Camille
ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-10:00am Camille 256-452-2500 camillescruggs@gmail.com
Young Rembrandts
Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
North Star Martial Arts
North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarkarate.com. 205-966-4244 • masterjoe@northstarkarate.com
Belly Dancing with Aziza
Class Fee: $60 cash only Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net www.azizaofbirmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday: Beginners Tuesday: Intermediates Thursday: Advanced.
YoLIMBER
Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. All levels welcome. Friday 9:30am-10:30am Saturday 9:00am-10:00am Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com
35209 Dance
Line dance for a healthier you! Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm Sunday 3:00pm-5:00pm $7/Drop-in - $5/Seniors 65+ First class is free Rosa Fisher 205-910-8896 rosafisher@yahoo.com
Royce Head Personal Training
Affordable small group training sessions are available to members in the community center weight room. Each 30 min workout is fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. $25 Per Session (or) 12 Sessions for $250 Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665
360 Personal Trainer Fitness Bootcamp Bootcamp style fitness classes at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/ Fri 5:30am-6:30am Michael Brooks – michaelbrooks360@gmail.com
@homewoodparks
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew Beginning ballet moves taught as a foundation for many types of dance. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. Mondays 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional Information call Claire: (205) 879-8780
Tango Argentino
Introductory lessons and guided practice. New students are taught basic Tango technique and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practice and exchange tips to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome. HWCC Fitness Studio 2. 1st & 3rd Wednesday each Month – 7:00pm-8:30pm
Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp Join this all women’s bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday: 5:45am-6:45am www.homewoodfit.com
Acting Out Academy
Acting Out Academy is a kid’s performing arts classes at the Homewood Community Center Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm (Encore: After School Program) Thursday 4:30pm-5:30pm (Advanced on-camera). www.actingoutacademy.com • 205-440-2699 meg@actingoutacademy.com
Blue Line Combatives
Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Call or email for additional information: Instructor Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com • 205-296-1250
Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes
Steel City Cheer classes cover all cheerleading & tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning, and tumbling. All ages & skill levels welcome. Monday & Tuesday 5:30pm-6:30pm Contact DeeDee: PDEveritt@gmail.com • 901-734-0277
Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp
Tuesday & Thursday @ 9:00am Location: Homewood Central Park A class for moms of all fitness levels! This 45 minute class focuses on interval training with the use of bands, body weight, and your child’s stroller! www.mommyandmetime.com
Total Body Blast
Saturday mornings at 10:30am Classes meet at Homewood Community Center (Fitness Studio 1) Class Description: Total Body Blast is a 1 hour group fitness class that focuses on using High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to create a total body work out. What to bring to class: One set of 5 to 7lb weights, yoga mat, towel and bottle water. CLASS RATE: $10 (1stClass is Free) Contact: T. Harris 205.249-7982 getfitwithtamika@yahoo.com
Homewood Senior Center Seated Exercise Class – Mon (11:15am) / Wed & Fri (10:30am) 45-60 min. Gentle joint movement as warm-up; stretching & strength portions are led with an emphasis on proper breathing; includes 10 min of standing exercises designed to practice balance/weight shifting. Line Dancing “Smart Moves” – Tue & Fri (9:30am) Beginner to Intermediate movement sequences are taught for each song, a sequence is repeated multiple times but facing adifferent direction with each repetition. Styles of music vary. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. Zumba Gold & Tai Chi Review – Tue (2:15 & 3:00pm) Zumba Gold is designed at a slightly slower pace with easier directional transitions. Fun, lively music is used and several movements are repeated throughout a song to allow participants ample practice of each move. Review and practice of the Thursday Tai Chi class is completed the last 15mins of class. Adaptive Yoga & Gentle Yoga – Wed (1:15 - Adaptive & 1:45pm - Gentle) Half hour of gentle guided stretching and breathing, using a chair. Appropriate for persons who wish to avoid exercise on the floor. Participants have the option to continue for the 2nd half hour with gentle guided stretching and breathing on floor mats. Tai Chi – Thursday (2:00pm) Very slow movement sequences repeated multiple times. Weight shifting and directional changes are executed through slow transition. Gentle on the joints and safer than dance for persons with equilibrium challenges. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. Personal Training at HWD Sr. Center – members only. Kathy focuses on orthopedic issues and restorative training to improve fitness for mature adults, including those with equilibrium, flexibility, strength or other chronic health challenges. Sessions are $35/hour, Contact Kathy at 422-4025 (or) krhagood@yahoo.com
Thanksgiving Week Homewood Community Center Gymnasium Floor Refinishing Tues, Nov. 24th – Homewood Community Center – Closing at 12:00pm Wed, Nov. 25th – Homewood Community Center – Closed All Day **Gymnasiums at HWCC will reopen Monday, November 30th at 3:00pm)** ** Lee Center open Sat (28th) & Sun (29th) for member basketball free play **
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thurs, Nov. 26th – All Community Centers Closed Fri, Nov. 27th – All Community Centers Closed Sat, Nov. 28th – Centers resume normal operating hours ** Sun, Nov 29th – Lee Center open for member basketball free play 1pm-6pm **
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B3
RALLY for
RACHEL
O
n Oct. 13, Broadway Street was blocked off for neighbors to come out and support Rachel Corscadden, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. The event was a fundraiser for her family and was also Edgewood Night Out. Rally for Rachel included music, a bounce house, food and a community prayer for the Corscaddens. Top: Rachel Corscadden smiles at her husband Eric Corscadden after thanking everyone for prayers and support. Left: Participants observe a moment of prayer for Rachel and all of those affected by breast cancer. Far left: Jackson Yost makes the most of his blue ice cream cone. Photos by Frank Couch.
The Homewood Star
B4 • November 2015
A member of the Patriot Band plays during the annual homecoming parade. Photos by Scott Butler.
Homewood homecoming
Clockwise, from above: The color guard and ROTC salute Homecoming Queen Helen Hall during the Homecoming game. Cheerleaders participate in a Homecoming pep rally. The Patriot dance team marches down 18th Street South. The dance team performs for fellow students during a Homecoming pep rally.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B5
A story of forgiveness New book chronicles author’s life-altering events By MADOLINE MARKHAM Lorenzo Brown rattles off dates of his life events without thinking twice. On June 26, 1994, at age 17, he was shot below the chin by a lifelong classmate in Marion, Alabama. The bullet hit his spinal cord, and immediately he was paralyzed from the chest down. Following a hospital stay, he spent two years, three months and five days in a nursing home in Tuskegee, where he developed sores due to neglect. During that time, not a single family member or friend visited him. “I had so much anger and hatred in my heart toward my family,” Brown said. “I felt so thrown away, so unloved.” In the summer of 1996, he attended the trial of the man who shot him and his accomplice only to learn they were never convicted. But it’s the next set of dates — after he had become a Christian — that the Homewood resident wants to share with people in his new book, Moving Beyond the Offense.
At Christmas of 1998, he went back to Marion to visit family when he saw the man who drove the car from which he was shot. Brown walked up to him and told him, “I want you to know I love you and forgive you.” He then gave him a hug. In the summer of 1999, the man who shot Brown walked out of the gas station in Marion where Brown had stopped. Brown approached him, looked him in the eyes and told him the same words of love and forgiveness. “It set me free,” Brown said. “And the day I looked in their eyes, it set them free in a way the justice system never could.” Brown’s story of forgiveness involves more dates, too. At Christmas 2000, he went to see his mom, a drug addict and alcoholic who had abandoned caring for him after he was shot. “All of a sudden my hatred and anger changed that day,” he said. “I asked her to come back to Birmingham.”
He forgave her too, and the following spring, she stopped drinking and smoking. Today she drives to Brown’s house every morning to bathe and dress him. He later forgave his father, too, who died in 2008. Amid these dates, Brown started a Christian ministry inspired by his own life events. In the summer of 1998, he was living in a rehab facility on Lakeshore after his time in a nursing home. He and a friend, David Bailey, also a quadriplegic, were both in a deep depression and discussing ways that they as quadriplegics could commit suicide. As the conversation evolved, they got more depressed because they realized it was nearly impossible. Later that day they were at a swimming pool at an apartment complex next door when the idea dawned on them that they could wheel their chairs into the pool and drown themselves, and that’s what they resolved to do. The next morning, however, the duo started to discuss why there had been no resources to help them, when
Homewood resident Lorenzo Brown shares a lifechanging story in his new book.
Brown suggested they start something themselves. In that moment, Brown’s desire to live was restored. So instead of going to the swimming pool, they passed by it on their way to the library to get paperwork to start a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The name of the organization he would start takes the “d” off of disabled: Is-Able. A few years later Brown would become ordained and turn the organization into a faith-based ministry. Since the release of his book, Brown has begun a new teaching series based on it and is scheduling speaking engagements. He hopes to
share his message with churches, small groups, schools and youth programs. But ultimately, he wanted to share his story of “freedom from bondage” because he knows so many struggle with unforgiveness. “This message of forgiveness is vital,” he said. “It will touch the hearts of people and restore lives and decrease crime.” Brown and his wife, April, live in Homewood, and their twin sons Isaac and Isaiah started kindergarten at Shades Cahaba Elementary this fall. Moving Beyond the Offense is available for purchase on isable.org or Amazon for $9.99.
B6 • November 2015
The Homewood Star
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B7 This home on Poinciana Drive was torn down earlier in the summer to build a new home in its place. Photo by Dan Starnes.
INFILL
CONTINUED from page B1 review board. “I would probably be in favor of it,” he said, adding, “I would probably generally think it’s a better thing to have than not have.” However, Wright admitted that he had also “been persuaded by very thoughtful comments against” the notion of a design review board. “It is hard to compromise – to have open freedom and creativity and also have some reasonable controls and protections in place that make sure people do not do things that actually damage property values,” he said. In addition, some local developers who have done numerous residential infill projects, such as Twin Construction co-owners William and David Siegel, said that they are opposed to such a board. The board would “make it harder to do renovations and new construction in the area,” the Siegels said in an email. “This could make young families consider moving to other cities instead of adding to their home to accommodate their growing family.”
HOMEWOOD
•
The Siegel brothers said they have done at least a dozen infill projects and raised several specific objections to a board. “It would eliminate the individual rights of owners to build a style home that suits them,” they said. In addition, architectural plans are hard to read, meaning it would be tough to find committee members who would be able to visualize what a house would look like when completed, according to the Siegels. The developers also expressed concern over who “would decide what style homes the committee will be approving” and said that the need for homeowners to pay for “fully developed drawings” would “cost the owners a lot more time and money.” Jason Horn of Willow Homes, which has done about 30 residential projects in Homewood, said in an email that he is “not sure” whether a design and review board is necessary. “I tend to like the diversity of housing that you see in Homewood, so I’d prefer to let the market determine the style,” he said. However, Horn said that there “are certainly challenges” in building homes that properly fit
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the lot sizes. “The value of the land itself means that a house needs to be significant in size to justify the pricing,” he said. “The challenge is designing a home that is large enough to justify the higher land price, but doesn’t violate setbacks.” If the public seems split over the issue of a design and review board, they also seem to be split over the value of the estimated hundreds of infill residential developments that have been done in Homewood, according to Vanessa McGrath, senior planner for the city. “I think it is pretty mixed,” McGrath said. “Some people love the new houses. Some people don’t.” Some residents are at least glad to see old, run-down homes replaced by new construction, according to Jim Wyatt, head of the city’s Department of Engineering, Planning and Zoning. “In some cases… the neighbors have decided that they were better off with the new, larger house than the old condemnable house,” Wyatt said. “I’m sure in some instances it has improved the property values in the neighborhood.” And infill developments continue to be popular in Homewood, and for a variety of reasons, according to officials. “There are a lot of small
homes in Homewood, and life was changed since a lot of these homes were built back in the 1950s or 1960s,” Wright said. This includes Wright’s house. “I have an infill house myself.” “People like bigger homes, bigger kitchens,” Wright said. “It is a sign of the times.” They are also popular because the property is so expensive, according to Wyatt. “When someone buys the property they want to get as much house as they can on that piece of property,” he said.” Infill developments make it possible for more people to live in Homewood and enjoy the city’s friendly “community feel” and “tight-knit environment,” according to Horn. “You can miss that experience living in new home subdivisions in outlying areas,” he said. “Infill development allows families to continue living in this community while also enjoying the benefits of a modern home.” Infill building also “pumps new life into existing neighborhoods” and helps to increase property values, Hale said. “I would tend to think that done properly they are [good things],” he said, adding that “growth and progress and improvements” are good things. That said, there is a lot of sentiment to preserve historic character of some of the houses in the city, according to Wright. “We attempted to do that with our (home),” he said. “I think most people attempt that. I am in the Hollywood area, so we are very sensitive to that.” The Siegel brothers live in Edgewood and, in their residential projects, “are trying to be responsible as these homes change,” William said. “The key is to partner with the right architect so that you fit in with neighboring houses. Most of the architects we work with recognize some of the limitations they have – for example, keeping the roof line low.” Pearson, who said she lives in one of only two remaining bungalows on her street, remains a firm believer in the need for the city to have a design and review board. “The zoning meeting is the only form of protest that you have since there is not a design and review committee,” she said. “You can’t replace these 100-year-old homes. When they are gone, that’s it.”
The Homewood Star
B8 • November 2015
School House Budding inventors receive STEM award for solar oven Back in July, a few Shades Cahaba Elementary students decided to make a solar oven just for fun and to pass time. Thomas Jackson “TJ” Rozzell, his brother Daniel Rozzell, and their friend Hudson Burke’s creation actually worked, but not very well. They could barely get the temperature up to 135 degrees. About a week later, Daniel and his father, Curt Rozzell, took the oven apart and reconfigured it using their Shades Cahaba School Supply box to improve their model. The new solar oven was far more successful, and the temperature went over 200 degrees. The family baked chocolate chip cookies in it and had to use oven mitts to get the cookies in and out of the solar oven.
Then in August the boys learned that Lockheed Martin sponsored a #mademysummer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) contest on social media to see how students and adults use STEM education outside the classroom. The contest asked followers to submit STEM projects that had been completed over the summer, including descriptions and a photograph. Winners would have their names entered into a drawing for an iPad. Since TJ and Daniel had a finished project when the contest was announced, their mother, Liza Rozzell, submitted her boys’ story on Facebook and Twitter. After some time had passed, Lockheed Martin tweeted that
the boys had made it in to the finals. This was followed by a private message to the mother asking for the boys’ mailing address because they had won the iPad. To further STEM education, Lisa Lorino engages her students at Shades Cahaba in academic projects that advance their math, science, and critical thinking skills. In appreciation to Lorino inspiring a curiosity and love of science in both of her sons, the Rozell family is donating the iPad to Lorino’s classroom to support continued efforts in engaging kids in STEM projects. The iPad arrived at the end of September and now has a home at Shades Cahaba Elementary School.
STEM winners fifth-grader Daniel Rozzell and third-grader TJ Rozzell made a solar oven this summer.
Mr. and Miss Homewood named Homewood High School seniors Dmitriy Gavrikov and Abby Poole have been named the 2016 Mr. and Miss Homewood, respectfully. They were announced at a school pep rally on August 28th and were
presented to the city of Homewood during the Homecoming Parade on September 17th. Mr. and Miss Homewood are the two largest honors a student can receive at Homewood High School.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B9
Pairing up for character
Members Patricia Taylor’s kindergarten class and Jennifer Phillips’ second-grade class work on their “All about Me” bags and getting to know one another.
Character Partners is a program at Shades Cahaba Elementary School where students in a higher grade level are paired with younger students. These pairs meet in order to work together
on a variety of projects. During this time, “big buddies” have the opportunity to act as role models for their younger peers. It is also used as a time to explore the monthly character words.
An edible rock cycle at HMS Every sixth-grade science student at Homewood Middle School participated in a demonstration of the rock cycle recently. They used various food items ranging from bread to ice cream to show how a rock goes through the stages of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. The project culminated in a “new” rock. Hatim Nasser shows off his rock cycle creation.
Exploring balance and motion at Edgewood First graders at Edgewood Elementary School have been exploring balance and motion through the use of their AMSTI learning kit. Students learned about spinning motions and momentum as they built spinning tops out of straws and plastic disks. They learned how to construct a top that would spin in a stable position, and discovered that a top spinning quickly is in a stable position longer than a slower spinning top. Then, students put their learning to the test as they were led in a spinning contest to see who could build a top that would spin longest. Students spin tops to learn about motion and momentum.
Hands in paw Mr. Lee Stricklin and Cooper (the dog) and Mrs. Trudy Stricklin, with Glory (the dog) have served through Hand in Paw at the Hall-Kent Elementary School Library for nine years. This dynamic team of four has helped to encourage a love of reading in the students and have created a special energy in the library that makes the students’ visits all the more enjoyable.
Brittan McClusky, Leonardo Moron Rameriz, Anaya Alvardo, Owen Hite, and Instructional Assistant Susan McClusky.
B10 • November 2015
The Homewood Star
7 HHS juniors named National Merit Semifinalists Seven Homewood High School students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. During the fall of their junior year, these students scored in the top 1 percent of students nationwide on the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). These semifinalists are eligible to apply to become National Merit Finalists and will be notified in February if they advance. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen from this group of finalists based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. Wyatt Harrison, Laughlin Ashe, Will Beaumont, Molly Richardson, Duncan McDuff, Emi Ferderber and Tucker Wilson.
Students qualify for Duke talent program Eleven seventh-grade students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). These students have attained a qualifying score at the 95th percentile or above on a grade-level assessment recognized by this exceptional program. The Duke TIP program gives these children the opportunity to benefit academically through exceptional resources to help them reach their full potential as students. -Submitted by Mary Pugh Front row: Kate Baecher, Audrey Fleming, Charlyse Skipwith, Luca Bela Webber, JT Weisberg, Ian Stoves. Back row: Sara Grace Lackey, Carson Galloway, Scout Moellering, Donnelly Tighe, Clayton Sloan.
KaseyDavis
Dentistry
Eighth-grade teacher Kevin Hughes and seventh-grade teacher Carl McArdle attempt to pass a “teacher object” during a recent pep rally.
HMS celebrates at pep rally At its second pep rally of the year, Homewood Middle School celebrated with the pep band, cheerleaders, fall sports teams, prizes and dances. DJ Glow, one of the HMS teachers, pumped up the crowd with a relay game, where the volleyball team showed their winning side and the teachers showed room for growth as competitors.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B11
Sports Blalock Memorial host Homewood looks to area, state tourneys By DAVID KNOX Homewood High served as host for the 27th annual Margaret Blalock Memorial Volleyball Tournament in October. Twenty teams participated in the prestigious tournament, which benefits the Breast Cancer Foundation of Alabama. A dollar from each ticket sold went to the foundation. Teams wore pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Homewood advanced from pool play into the Silver Bracket, where the Lady Patriots lost to Sparkman in the quarterfinals.
Mountain Brook defeated Arab in the final 25-15, 25-22. Arab reached the final by knocking off McGillToolen in the semifinals. Arab, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A at the time, entered the tournament 31-0. It was the second straight Blalock title for Mountain Brook (49-5), which is also the defending Class 7A champion. Homewood swept region play during the season and was set to host the Class 6A, Area 9 Tournament next on Oct. 20. Briarwood Christian and Woodlawn are also in the area field. The top two teams advance to the Super Regional to be held Oct. 24 in Huntsville. The state tournament is Oct. 28-29 at CrossPlex in Birmingham.
Right: Homewood coach Carol Chesnutt talks to her team before a match in the Margaret Blalock tournament. Far right: Homewood’s Ajah Wayne (12) and Sydney Gurram (15) block a shot by SouthsideGadsden. Photos by John Perry.
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The Homewood Star
B12 • November 2015
Homewood Football Recap By DAVID KNOX
Game 5, 9/18
HOMEWOOD 35, JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC 0 Chestin Jones finally got a grip and when he did he was able to show off his speed. Jones had problems fielding punts and free kicks in the first half, dropping one and mishandling another. He regained control of the ball both times, but had little chance for a good return. But on the second half kickoff, Homewood’s junior running back made a clean catch and then raced 95 yards for a touchdown, fueling a third quarter surge that carried the No. 9 Patriots to a 35-0 homecoming victory against John Carroll Catholic at Waldrop Stadium. “They changed balls and I felt like I had a good grip on it,” Jones said. “I ran behind my blocks and then used my speed. When I got into the open, I knew I was gone.” Meanwhile, Homewood’s defense totally shut down the Cavaliers, allowing only 1 total yard and one first down, as the Patriots recorded their second consecutive shutout. They beat Briarwood 27-0 the week before. “Our defense was unbelievable,” Homewood coach Ben Berguson said. “Our first team defense never gave up a first down.” Homewood improved to 4-1 overall, 3-0 in Class 6A, Region 5. John Carroll remained winless, 0-4 overall, 0-3 in the region. The kickoff return was Jones’ first touchdown of any kind this season, since he became eligible before the Briarwood game. Jones’ score ignited the Patriots, who sputtered offensively in the first half, despite a 14-0 lead at the break. Homewood turned the ball over twice in the half on a fumble and an interception. “I was disappointed our offense didn’t start the game the way we wanted to,” Berguson said. “We had a tough time sustaining any momentum,
Homewood quarterback Carson Griffis dives for yardage against Minor. Photo by Scott Butler.
although we were able to hurt them with a couple of big plays. “Chestin’s kickoff return was big. It kind of got us going.” The Patriots’ offense scored on two of its first three second-half possessions to turn the game into a complete rout. Senior quarterback Carson Griffis threw a 33-yard touchdown pass senior wide receiver Alec Marsch with 8:42 remaining in the third quarter. It came one play after the two had combined on a 10-yard completion on a fourth-and-5 play for a first down. Griffis scrambled 9 yards for a touchdown on another fourth-down play with 10:32 left in the final quarter to close the scoring. Homewood recorded two safeties to build its 14-0 halftime lead. Wesley Butler, Antarius Mitchell and Griffin Gentry sacked John Carroll quarterback Bailey
Mara in the end zone for the first safety with 7:51 left in the second quarter. Later, Homewood’s Tobbie Taylor partially blocked John Carroll’s Lucas Strachan’s rugby-style punt out of the right side of the end zone for the Patriots’ second safety with 3:32 remaining in the half. “That’s crazy,” Berguson said. “That’s the first time I’ve had a team with two safeties in a game.”
Game 6, 10/2
HOMEWOOD 20, MINOR 15 The Tenacious Tigers of Minor proved true to that moniker, but the eighth-ranked Homewood Patriots (4-1, 3-0 Class 6A, Region 5) proved to be too much for the home team as the Patriots came away with a 20-15 win at Tony Lunceford Field at Minor Stadium.
Minor (2-3, 2-1) cut a 13-3 lead at the half to four points late in the third quarter and to the final five-point margin with 2:40 to play, but an onside kick was recovered by the Patriots and they ran out the clock for the win. “That was a huge region win for us on the road,” Homewood coach Ben Berguson said. “They are a good football team. “I thought again this week our defense was outstanding. I thought our offensive line was much better this week too. I saw a noticeable difference in those guys over the last couple of weeks.” Derrick Underwood had another good game at running back, but it was Patriots quarterback Carson Griffis who did some real damage early and then late in the game.
See RECAP | page B13
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B13
Thunderbolts win title
Players are front row: Cailin Hannon, Lindsey Williams, Ashlee Sanders, Carmyn Greenwood, Whitney Hinton and Harley Stokes. Top row: Destinee Cole, Jessica Perley, Karley Williams, Abbey Latham, McKenna Gillespie and Cassady Greenwood. Photo by Ryan Greenwood.
The Birmingham Thunderbolts 98 traveled to Denver, Colorado and won the 2015 Colorado Sparkler 16U division going 11-0 for the tournament. The Sparkler is a nationwide softball tournament in its thirteenth year, that hosted more than 244 teams from all 50 states and two
countries, from June 26 - July 5. The team consists of three players from Oak Mountain and one from Vestavia Hills. Along with having other players from Alabama, it also consists of players from Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. -Submitted by Ryan Greenwood
Homewood runners fare well at Jesse Owens By DAVID KNOX It was an outstanding weekend for the boys and girls cross country teams at the Jesse Owens Classic on Saturday, Oct. 3. Both the varsity and junior varsity boys teams placed third in their respective races. The boys were led by Andy Smith (16:03), who is rounding into top form after suffering some nagging injuries. Hunter Poole (16:23) followed closely, as did Sean Conboy, who ran an impressive personal best of 16:32. Freshman Will Stone once again had a PR with a time of 16:37 while Azariah Kipchumba rounded out the point scoring with a time of 16:46. The boys finished just behind Tennessee’s Maryville High School and 7A’s No. 1 team, Auburn. In the Boys Red Division, Pierce Jackson finished first with Fulton Williams following in second.
RECAP
CONTINUED from page B12 He led a drive at the beginning of the fourth quarter with the Pats leading 13-9 that put the game away. He gashed the Tigers up the middle for a pair of 11-yard bursts, mixed in a 10-yard completion to Alec Marsch to move the ball inside the 20. Underwood did his thing with a couple of carries, and Griffis cashed it in with a 3-yard push into the end zone. Roger Castro’s extra point made it 20-9. Though Minor managed to score once more, the Homewood defense forced the Tigers to use too much of the clock, then Griffin Gentry sacked the quarterback on a two-point try. “All week we decided Carson had to rush for over 50 yards for us to win this game and he did that,” Berguson said. “Carson did a heck of a job tonight. We basically spread them out and let Carson run it up the middle.”
Game 7, 10/9
WALKER 17, HOMEWOOD 14 Homewood fell short in a defensive struggle 17-14 in Jasper. While the ninth-ranked Patriots outgained the Vikings by 90 yards (275-185), it was four turnovers, three in the second half, which aided Walker on Senior Night. “I was real proud of the defense, but Walker came up with some big plays in the end. Hats off to them. They have a good football team,” Berguson said. “It’s hard to beat a good football team when you turn the ball over four times.” Homewood collected 127 yards offense, while holding Walker to 20 during a scoreless first half. The Vikings’ woes continued on the opening drive of the second half, losing a yard, but senior Lane Davenport reversed Walker’s momentum. Davenport picked off Homewood quarterback Carson Griffis near midfield with
“With both boys running low 17s, it is comforting to know that we have some depth in what promises to be a close race between Homewood and Opelika later in the season,” coach Lars Porter said. The Homewood High girls placed eighth in their division. They ran “some of the most impressive times we have ever seen at this point in the year,” Porter said. Hannah Brooke Gibbons (20:46), Caroline Smith (20:52), and Virginia Givhan (20:53) each broke 21 minutes for the first time this season. Just on their heels was freshman Audren Nabors with a time of 21:03. “Take these four girls and add to the mix seventh-grader Victoria Thompson (20:35) and eighth-grader Celie Jackson (20:39), and the team looks really strong for state,” Porter said. The section meets are Nov. 5-7 with the state championships at Moulton on Nov. 14.
8:10 play in the quarter. Vikings’ QB Jackson Holladay executed his first scoring drive of the night (44 yards, 52 seconds) on 3-for-3 passing for 42 yards. Myron Mitchell caught the third pass and broke a tackle at the 4 to dive into the end zone. Christopher McKellar’s extra point gave Walker a 7-0 lead. Three plays later, it was Isiah Cox’s time to pick off Griffis, returning the ball to the Homewood 31. Cox also picked off a pass in the first half at the Vikings’ 2. The Patriots held Walker to a 35-yard McKellar field goal to make it 10-0. Griffis changed his luck on the next drive, hitting Derrick Underwood for a 39-yard pass down the sideline on third-and-7. Underwood collected 50 yards by air and 9 on the ground en route to a 1-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 10-7 with 37 seconds left in the third. Walker and Homewood traded punts, but Marquell Oliver appeared to partially block a 20-yard Griffis punt early in the fourth quarter. Holladay hit Mitchell for two first down passes of 15 and 26 yards to get to the Patriot 21. Running back Marlon Oliver was unable to gain much on the ground during the game, but he tested his arm, hitting LaMykah Hood on an 18-yard halfback pass with 4:24 to play. The Vikings managed to eat up 10:22 of the fourth quarter clock with key first downs and the Patriots’ fourth turnover of the game, a muffed kickoff with 4:18 to play. Homewood’s defense held following the fumble, but Walker’s Lyndon Harris appeared to break up a Griffis fourth-and-20 pass. However, Underwood stayed focused to secure the tipped ball and race to the end zone for an 85-yard touchdown with 2:30 to play. The score pulled the Pats within three, but the ensuing onside kick failed. The win put Walker in the driver’s seat in Class 6A, Region 5 after a Jackson-Olin loss, as both Walker (6-1) and Homewood (5-2) are 4-1 in the region.
The Homewood Star
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Foundation fundraising to support Homewood athletics By MADOLINE MARKHAM This football season, misters on the sidelines at Homewood High School games helped keep players cool during the summer heat. “Players and coaches have gone on and on about how valuable it’s been to have during the game,” said Michael Rohdy, president of he Homewood Athletic Foundation. An expense like this wouldn’t come from the athletics budget, so the coaches approached the foundation about it, and this year the foundation granted the school an “extreme weather package” that also provides heaters for when it’s cold. The foundation funds around 15 grants each spring for similar projects. “We want to provide resources for things above and beyond to enhance experiences of student athletes,” Rhody said. As another example, last year they paid for a
trip for the girls basketball team to a tournament in Tennessee. The coach later told the foundation it was the best competition the state championship had last year and was good experience for the players. Each year the foundation also funds two scholarships, one for a male athlete and one for a female. In order to fund the annual grants, the foundation holds an annual golf tournament, which welcomed around 60 golfers and as well as 12 hole sponsors and five blue sponsorships this year. It is also planning a fundraiser at a local venue this winter to honor the 1974 state championship football team. For more information on the foundation and to learn more about its projects, visit homewoodaf.org or email president@homewoodaf. org.
Water misters helped cool off football players this fall thanks to a grant from the Homewood Athletic Foundation. Photo by Scott Butler.
HMS 7th-graders win Metro South volleyball title By DAVID KNOX
Back row: Coach Lisa Vickery, Morgan Whitt, Jane Wilson, Alyssa Langford, Liza Jane Ponder, Anna Harbin, Sarah Parker Lowery, Kayla Jemison and coach Christi Martin. Second row: Alex Hershbine, EmmaLee Floyd (All-Tournament Team), Sarah Smith (Tournament MVP) and Emma Johnson (All-Tournament Team). Front row: Jackie Bald, Abby Wilson, Sanaa Taylor and April Jenkins. Photo courtesy Mona Ponder.
It had been 20 years since Homewood Middle School had won the Volleyball Metro South Championship. And though the Patriots had put together a great season, going 12-4 in Metro South in the regular season, the odds looked long for them to capture the championship. Three of those four losses were to Oak Mountain Middle, Bumpus and Mountain Brook — and those were the teams the Pats would have to get through to win the title. But Coach Christi Martin’s team rose to the occasion. The Patriots beat Oak Mountain in three games in the first round, beat top-seeded and undefeated Bumpus in two games in
the second round and knocked off thirdseeded Mountain Brook in three games on Oct. 3. Mountain Brook came out of the losers bracket needing to beat Homewood twice to win the championship. Mountain Brook took the first game, but Homewood charged back to win the next game 10-25, 25-11 and 15-4 to become the 2015 Volleyball Metro South Champions. The Patriots finished 17-5 overall. “We had to play Mountain Brook three times on Saturday,” Martin said. “It was a really special season.” Homewood’s Sarah Smith was named the tournament most valuable player. She was joined on the all-tournament team by EmmaLee Floyd and Emma Johnson.
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November 2015 • B15
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B16 • November 2015
The Homewood Star
A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER
TREE CREWS WORKING IN HOMEWOOD THROUGH EARLY 2016 Alabama Power crews are working in several Homewood neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system. As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door to door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed. If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Homewood and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2016. Also, you can go online to alpwr.co/vm for more information about these safety and reliability measures, as well as resources for property owners who would like recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.
Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your business. Vegetation Management Group 205-257-2155 | apcvm@southernco.com
Š 2015 Alabama Power Company.
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Calendar Homewood Events Nov. 3: The Grateful Dads: A Fall Band Jam. 6-9 p.m. Good People Brewing Company. $30. Visit eventbrite.com/e/the-grateful-dads-2015tickets-18758865271 or call 706-887. Nov. 5: Annual Holiday Open House. 18th
Street, Homewood. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Hosted by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. Visit homewoodchamber.org. Nov. 13: The Homewood Metro Lions Club camellia pecans sale. Piggly Wiggly,
Montgomery Highway. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17: Centennial Celebration Benefit Concert and School of the Arts Birthday Party. 7:30 p.m. Samford University, Wright Center. Celebrating Samford’s School of the Arts 100th year.
$25 for adults, $6 for students. Visit tickets.samford. edu or call 726-2853.
Homewood Library Events Kids Nov. 9: Family Tech Fair. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Bring the whole family and your mobile devices to learn about all digital services for use on the go and at home. Nov. 13: Move & Groove Storytime. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. An interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance, yoga and fun. Nov. 15: Our World Our Library (O.W.O.L.). 2:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Stories, activities and crafts about multiculturalism and diversity. Nov. 19: Tall Tales & Legends. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Join Homewood’s own Phil and Elizabeth Vander Kamp for an evening of larger than life storytelling and folk music. Nov. 21: Lori Nichols: Drawing with Nature. 10:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. The author of the Maple & Willow series is joining
us for a morning of storytelling, drawing and art. Learn where Lori gets her inspiration and find your own in the everyday objects found in your backyard. Nov. 23: Rosie the Riveter with Dr. Frances Carter. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Celebrate Veteran’s Day with Dr. Frances Carter, the author of R is for Rosie the Riveter, and a real live Rosie who riveted B-29 airplanes during World War II. Featuring snacks, a craft and Rosie the Riveter bandanas.
Teens Nov. 4: Duct Tape Madness. 4 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Nov. 5: Teen Anime Club. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Love manga or anything Japanese related? Join the Teen Anime Club as we discuss and watch anime while sampling various Japanese candies. Nov. 9: Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Open to teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active role at the Home-
wood Public Library. Nov. 10: Girls Who Code. 4-6 p.m. in the Boardroom. This national club is geared towards empowering girls in grades 6-12 who are interested in the computer science field. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops. Nov. 14: Teen CPR and First Aid Training. 1-4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Certified CPR and basic first aid training class. Online registration required. $8. Nov. 19: Hunger Games: The Hero of the Arena. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Explore the science of survival through the eyes of Katniss Everdeen. Online registration required.
Adults Nov. 3: Veteran’s Day – Lest We Forget with Niki Sepsas. 12 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Remember, recognize, and preserve the memory of those who came before us and ensured that we continue to live in the freedom we enjoy because of their sacrifices.
Nov. 3 & 17: Job Search Tips with Jack Norris. 12:30 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Career counselor Jack Norris presents a program covering a variety of topics related to the job search process. After a question and answer period, Mr. Norris will be available to provide individual consultation. Nov. 3 & 18: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. This workshop is geared towards casual users. Join us as Apple® Certified trainers for Alabama Tech-Ease answer your questions on how best to use your Apple® device. Nov. 5: Dick Sergento Veteran’s Day Salute at the Movies. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Film buff Dick Sergento discusses the 1947 Academy Award winning film, The Best Years of Our Lives. Nov. 9 & 23: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. All levels of fitness welcome. Bring your own mat. Nov. 10: Oxmoor Page Turners - The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. 6:30
The Homewood Star
B18 • November 2015
Calendar Homewood Library Events Cont. p.m. in the Boardroom. Nov. 13: Getting Out of Sedentary, Fundamentals of Exercise. 12:30 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Free workshop designed to help people feel more comfortable and confident entering into various exercise environments. Nov. 14: Self-Defense for Women. 9:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Join us as Detective Juan Rodriquez, owner of the Summit Training Academy, teaches how to size up a situ-
ation and decide what to do. Participation in the workshop is free, but registration required.
Homewood Athletics
by Amy Pohler.
Nov. 14: AARP Smart Driver Course with Anne Walker. 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. in the Boardroom. Refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. Registration required. AARP members $15, non-members $20. To register, call Anne Walker at (205) 637-6100. Nov. 16: Bossypants Book Club. 6:308 p.m. at Nabeel’s Café. Discussing “Yes Please”
Nov. 13: Homewood Boys Varsity Basketball at Oak Mountain. 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 17: The ABC’s of Medicare. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Room 116 (Lower Level). Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim.
No. 17: Homewood Boys Varsity Basketball at Ramsay High School. 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 18: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. in the Boardroom. Discussing “The Hypnotist’s Love Story” by Liane Moriarty.
Nov. 20: Homewood Boys Varsity Basketball v. Spain Park. 7:30 p.m.
Area Events Nov. 2: Chris Thile, mandolinist. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. $33.50-$54.50. Visit http:// www.alysstephens.org/chris-thile.
Highlands United Methodist Church, 1045 20th St. South. Free and open to the public. www.highlandsumc.net/faj.
Nov. 2: Hoover Community Blood Drive. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hoover Recreation Center. All blood donated goes to Children’s of Alabama and UAB Hospital. Lunch, snacks and drinks provided.
Nov. 6: South Highland Presbyterian Holiday Market. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit southhighland.org.
Nov. 3 Corporate Golf Day. 10:30 a.m. Greystone Country Club Founder’s Course. Golf clinic, golf shotgun, lunch and prizes. $195 per player, $695 per person. Register at greystonecc.com/corporategolfday. Nov. 4: Fred Gray, civil rights attorney.
Nov. 6: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Alys Stephens Center. 8 p.m. $35-$80. Call 9752787. Nov. 6: Ben Rector with Judah & The Lion. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Call 252-2262. Nov. 6: The Greatest Holiday Lighting
on Earth. Riverchase Galleria. 6 p.m. Visit www. riverchasegalleria.com/events.
festival now in its 10th year. Free admission. Parking and shuttle will take place at the Hoover Met. Visit MossRockFestival.com.
Nov. 6: Executive Leadership Series Event. Westin, Downtown. Registration $79 until October 23. Visit alabamaleadership.org. Nov. 7: Hope for the Holidays. Shelby Baptist Medical Center. 9 a.m.-noon. Free program for people who have experienced the death of a loved one and are dreading the upcoming holiday season. For reservations, call 870-8667. Nov. 7-8: Moss Rock Festival. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Preserve, Hoover. Explore Nature, Eco-ideas, Art + Design at Alabama’s premier eco-creative
Nov. 9-11. Birmingham Zoo. Free admission for all active and retired military personnel and their dependents with military identification card. Birmingham Zoo. Visit http://www.birminghamzoo.com/. Nov. 11-21: “SFB.” Alys Stephens Center. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-14 and 18-21. Play. $15. Call 975-2787. Nov. 13: George Benson. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. $64.50-$89.50. Call 975-2787.
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The Lochamy Brothers Sean Heninger Bromberg’s Tonya Jones Salon Rare Transportation City Paper Cathead Vodka Avo & Dram The Fresh Market Lilly Pulitzer Sister Schubert Evans Meat United-Johnson Brothers Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies Royal Cup Good People Brewing Co.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2015 • B19
Calendar
Opinion
Area Events Cont.
Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Nov. 13: A Salute to the Armed Forces. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. $22.50-$57.50. Call 975-2787. Nov. 14: Hope for the Holidays. Trinity United Methodist Church. Free program for people who have experienced the death of a loved one and are dreading the upcoming holiday season. For reservations, call 870-8667. Nov. 20: Coffee Concert: Handel’s Water Music. 11 a.m. Alys Stephens Center. $19-$34. Call 975-2787. Nov. 21-22: United Way Food Drive. Birmingham Zoo. Bring any canned or non-perishable food item and receive half-price admission. Visit http://www.birminghamzoo.com/.
Now Hiring Young Rembrandts Part-Time After School Art Teacher/Substitute/Trainer centrally located in the Birmingham area. Love art, love kids? We will train! Must be willing to travel, flexible and available Monday-Thursday in the afternoon hours. Call 999-4264.
Kate’s Socks: A Lesson on Individuality Young children are beautifully and realized with embarrassment that I was trying to keep her from being blissfully unaware of what’s “cool” and what’s not. All children have at least a “uncool,” as if there are sock monitors few years where they wear whatever in kindergarten who will tease her for they want (or whatever Mom dresses pulling her socks up. them in) without a care of what other They looked a little funny to me, and kids are wearing or what the current subconsciously, that fear of sticking popular clothing line is. out in a bad way or a leftover anxiMost preschoolers would go to ety from younger days crept into my school in their PJs or last year’s canadult world and I stuck it on Kate. dy-flecked Halloween costume withShe just wanted something soft on her out a thought, while several years legs, but without realizing it, I came down the road, they might put more close to introducing her to the world thought into whether it’s cool to wear of cool and uncool before she entered your jammies or your Pooh costume it herself. to school. In coming years, navigating that world will be hard enough without I’d heard that changes when kids start “big school,” but our Kate, now having her mom putting her own Denton a kindergartener, is in some ways struggles with appearance and “keepstill at that beautiful pre-cool stage. ing up with everyone else” on her back. You see, she has these socks. They are regular crewSo do you think I comment on her socks now? Absocut socks, meant to come a couple of inches above the lutely not. ankle, but for some reason, she pulls them all the way Most mornings, she walks out our front door with those up. And by all the way up, I mean she stretches them socks pulled way up high, and she will never hear another almost to her knee so that the heel is halfway up the peep out of me about them or any other item of clothback of her leg. ing she chooses to wear. (Wait, wait — within reason, I When I first saw her do it, I corrected her. “No, no, that’s mean.) Kate is her own girl, and shame on me for trying not how you wear them. Look, let me show you.” But by to squash her own sense of what looks good with my the time we left the house to go to school, they were back own adult fears. up. The next day, I commented about them again, and she We’re far (light-years, hopefully) away from any short said, “I like them this way.” shorts or revealing tops, so until then, my sweet Kate, wear This happened a couple other times before my husband, those socks with pride. And thanks for teaching Mama a Matt, said, “It doesn’t really matter, does it? Let her wear good lesson. them like that.” I’d love to connect! Email me at LaurenKDenton@ He was right, of course. It didn’t matter how she wore gmail.com or find me on Twitter @LaurenKDenton. them — she was wearing them how she liked them. I