Homewood Star December 2014 by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star Volume 4 | Issue 9 | December 2014

Holiday event guide

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Light up the night

Find a schedule of your favorite December events in this issue.

See page A14

A place for the world to see

Christmas Parade traditions return to downtown Homewood A Homewood resident is spearheading efforts to bring the 2021 World Games to Birmingham. Learn more inside.

See page B1

INSIDE Sponsors ...................A2 City .............................A4 Food.............................A7 Business ....................A8 Community ...............B3 School House ...........B6 Sports .......................B10 Calendar ................. B18 Opinion .................... B19

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit #830

facebook.com/thehomewoodstar

By MADOLINE MARKHAM A living nativity glides down 18th Street each December. A generator provides light for the Bethlehem cityscape, manger and plywood camel. Last year, the music wouldn’t work right, so the children playing the nativity characters sang “Away in a Manger” as they processed in front of the

Our Lady of Sorrows students dress up for a nativity scene each year in the Homewood Christmas Parade. This year’s event is set for Tuesday, Dec. 9. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

library, down 18th Street and over to SoHo. Older elementary students from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School play Mary and Joseph while younger students dress as angels, camels, lambs, donkeys and cows — about 50 students in all. Three wise men walk behind while junior high students walk along next to the float to pass out candy canes. “It becomes such a huge production,” said

Wendy Whatley, an OLS parent who has headed up the float for the past four years. “We want to keep it in the sense of the true poverty of the original nativity, but it’s hard to do. We dressed up a little girl as the north star one year, and we said, ‘That’s the best use of light.’” Four years ago, the Homewood Christmas

See PARADE | page A23

New brewery looks to call Central Avenue home By SYDNEY CROMWELL Walkability: that’s what Joe Pilleteri likes about Homewood. He first noticed it while eating at Little Donkey with his family, watching people walk to and from the area stores. “I just thought that’s awesome. You don’t see that much,” Pilleteri said. Pilleteri had been planning Red Hills Brewing Company, a craft brewery and pub, for more than three years with the help of eight other investors. After seeing the foot traffic in the Crescent Avenue area, he decided that it would be the perfect place for Red Hills. “That’s one of the few things Homewood was missing — a craft brewery,” Pilleteri said. Red Hills is still working its way through the city’s approval process, but Pilleteri’s ideal

See BREWERY | page A23

A new brewery could open in the current Alabama Printing space next to Steel City Pops on Central Avenue. Photo by Madoline Markham.

A2 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

About Us Please Support our Community Partners

Photo of the Month

Scouts from Troop 1 lower a flag that originally flew in Japan during World War II during the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial at Patriot Park. The event was held the week of Veterans Day. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to editor@thehomewoodstar.com

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham The older I get, the harder the end of daylight savings time hits me. All of a sudden, night cloaks far more of my waking moments, bringing a gloomier mood to too much of life, and it takes me weeks to adjust. I would officially never survive an Alaskan winter. But then with December (or for some people, late October) arrives a new source of brightness. It’s certainly not late evening summer sunshine, but holiday light displays wouldn’t have the same glisten if it weren’t for their dark backdrop. And if it weren’t for the dark of night, the lights in the Homewood Christmas Parade wouldn’t create the same

undeniable beauty so many people mentioned in my interviews for our cover story. The image that sticks with me from the parade in years past is, first, darkness and, second, cold taking over my body, but looking back at photos reminds me of the uplifting pairing of the brightness of lights and the smiles on kids’ faces as they ride through the procession. Eighteenth Street certainly doesn’t forget the importance of illumination either. Who doesn’t love driving or walking up its hill to see the grandiose star that hangs above it each Christmas season? My thoughts, of course, aren’t

original. The Yule Log was first lit in Germany on painfully short December days as a symbol of the sun’s promise to return. Going back a little further, one of the Biblical accounts of Christmas begins with articulating a true light shining in darkness and darkness not overcoming it. This season, I want to slow down amidst the busyness and embrace how the dark enables the light to radiate more brightly. Betty Smith says it best in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: “There had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background its flashing glory.” Cheers to the lights of Homewood and to the brightness that shines in your darkness this season!

The Homewood Star

Publisher: Creative Director: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers:

Editorial Assistant: Photographer: Graphic Designer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution:

Copy Editor: Contributing Writer: Published by:

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham David Knox Katie Turpen Jessa Pease Sydney Cromwell Madison Miller Karim Shamsi-Basha Emily VanderMey Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Nathan Pearman Morgan Robinson Louisa Jeffries Lauren Denton Homewood Star LLC

Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Editor@TheHomewoodStar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

For advertising contact: Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com 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.

Please recycle this paper.

Alabama Outdoors (A6) Alabama Pediatric Dentistry (A22) Alabama Power (B20) Aloft Birmingham SOHO Square (A5) America’s Thrift Store (B1) ARC Realty (A7) Batts’ Chimney Services (A8) Bedzzz Express (A24) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (B19) Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates (A10) Bloom (A3) Brighter Image Dentistry (A4) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A8) Brookwood Village (A23) Cahaba Cycles (B11) Children’s of Alabama (A18) CM Foodservice (B10) Escape (B17) First Lenders Mortgage Corp. (B10) Fred Smith Group (A20) Frontera (B2) Granite Transformations (A20) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (B3) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (A9) Homewood Music (A19) Homewood Parks and Rec (B14) Homewood Soccer Club (B17) Homewood Toy & Hobby (B15) Hoover Title Mart (B2) Iz Cafe (B12) Jimmie Hale Mission (B4) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (A19) Julie Ivy White (B9) Kitchen Magic (A17) Korduroy Krocodile (A15) Levy’s Fine Jewelry (A1) Little Hardware, Inc. (B4) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (A19) Mobley & Sons (A17) Morningside at Riverchase (B5) Mountain Brook Art Association (B9) On Time Service (B7) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (A15) RealtySouth Marketing (B8) Regency Retirement Village (A12) Riviera Fitness (B15) Salem’s Diner (A15) Sew Sheri Designs (A13) Sikes Childrens Shoes (B7) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (B13) St. Peter’s Anglican Church (B18) Supreme Lending (A16) Sweat and Gears (A22) Sweet Peas Garden Shop (A16) The Cook Store (A21) The Maids (B6) The Wade Team (B6) The Whole Dog Market (A21) UAB School of Public Health (A21) Vision Gymnastics (A13) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A11, B18) Wallace-Burke (B3) Wallace-Burke (A10) Weigh To Wellness (A14) Which Wich? (A9) Wolf Camera (B19)

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ A3

A4 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

City Mayor’s Minute Dear friends and neighbors, I trust this letter finds you well as you get ready for the holiday season. It seems to me each year passes more quickly, and it’s hard to believe Christmas and New Year’s Day are almost here. Still reflecting on Thanksgiving, I am so grateful to all of you who live, work and do business in our wonderful city. Homewood has been truly blessed this past year. I pray our city continues to thrive and that you and your family are prosperous in both health and finances this coming year. I hope this holiday season you will continue to shop in Homewood whenever possible. Remember, those dollars you spend stay here in Homewood, and it helps our community as a whole. We are in full swing of leaf season. Please remember to bag your leaves whenever possible. It’s not a requirement, but bagging leaves gets them picked up on a regular basis. And if you rake or blow your leaves to the street, please remember to not put them in the roadway or close to our storm drains. Instead, place them on the edge of your yard so our trucks can come by and easily get them with the vacuum. I appreciate our Street and Sanitation Department for the work they do each year in helping to keep our city stay beautiful. It’s not an easy job, and it’s tough doing what they do when it’s raining and cold outside. Please thank them when you get the opportunity because I know it will mean so much to them. The services they provide to this city are invaluable, and we can never thank them enough for their dedication and hard work no matter what kind of weather we are having. I would also ask you to remember to please be careful during the holidays while driving around in our city. So many of our churches are having programs, children will be out in the front yards helping decorate, and groups will be out caroling

during the evening hours. Our neighbors and their children are our greatest asset in the city, and trying to get somewhere in a hurry is just not worth having an accident. Slow down, enjoy the scenery, yield to others and take time to enjoy your family. If you are going to be out of town, please know you can call the Police Department and let them know so they can actively patrol your home until your return. I pray you can reflect on this past year with good memories and look forward to the New Year with renewed strength, prosperity and the excitement of even more good things to come. Sincerely, Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

Police officers growing beards for a cause

Homewood Police Officers Victor Sims, Phil Cavender and Ted Springfield are growing beards to raise money for charities. Photo by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM You might have noticed something out of the ordinary lately on the chins of Homewood police officers: facial hair. For the first time in almost 40 years, the department is allowing officers to grow beards for charity. Around 35 participating officers have donated $100 each that will go toward the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “These are our grandmothers, daughters, sisters, wives going through [breast cancer],” Officer Ted Springfield said. “We are guys, we can’t relate, but we are trying to do what we can. Why not step up to the plate?”

The “Beards for Bucks” campaign doesn’t end with the officers. They are also encouraging area residents to donate to the cause. “The public isn’t used to seeing us with beards, so we want them to ask questions,” Springfield said. Since starting on Oct. 6, the campaign met its original goal of raising $1,500 within a month. It will last through Dec. 31, and officers are continuing to hand out business cards with donation information on them. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to Homewood Police Foundation, 1833 29th Ave. South, Homewood, AL 35209. Funds will be distributed to both organizations unless otherwise specified.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • A5

Samford University to purchase Southern Progress campus

Southern Progress Corporation’s campus sits adjacent to the eastern side of the Samford University campus on Lakeshore Drive. Photo by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Samford University could be the new owner of the Southern Progress Corporation campus on Lakeshore Drive by year’s end. The university signed a letter of intent to purchase the 28-acre property from Time Inc. on Nov. 3. Betsy Holloway, chief marketing officer at Samford, said the acquisition is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2015 and that the university has been in conversation with Time Inc. for several years about the purchase. The corporation campus currently houses three large buildings and 1,073 parking spaces adjacent to Samford’s eastern side of campus. The plan is for Southern Progress’ current operations to remain in one of the three buildings after Time Inc. signs a multi-year lease with Samford for the space. Southern Living, Cooking Light, Coastal Living, book publisher Oxmoor House and other publications are currently housed on the campus, but each has reduced in staff size over the past several years and requires less office space than it did previously. Holloway said the university is still thinking through how to use the other two buildings but that the initial plan is to relocate the

university’s College of Health Sciences to one building. The college encompasses the McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing, School of Health Professionals and School of Public Health. The university has not yet determined a purpose for the second building, but Holloway said that they hope that Southern Progress operations will move to the building furthest to the east so that they can occupy the two buildings closest to the existing campus. “This opens a lot of space on our current campus to accommodate growth from student population and our expanding academic programs,” Holloway said. “It’s a really exciting development for Samford University and for our students.” Holloway estimates it would take about a year to prepare a building for the college to move, and that the university would also add a pedestrian and road connection between the existing campus and newly acquired property, which now are only connected by entrances on Lakeshore. The price for the property is still in negotiations, but Holloway said it is in excess of $50 million.

Sikes celebrates 60 years of business

Alabama House Representative Paul DeMarco recently issued a proclamation to the Alabama State Legislature commending Sikes Children’s Shoes for 60 years of business. DeMarco, left, is pictured with Sikes’ owner Laura Player, center, and Homewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Ford, right. Photo courtesy of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

A6 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Faulkner sworn in to serve as house representative By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Alabama Supreme Court Justice Glenn Murdock speaks to David Faulkner before swearing him into office. Photo by Madoline Markham.

David Faulkner was sworn into office on Nov. 5 to serve as the District 46 State House representative for the upcoming term. The district covers Homewood, Hoover and Mountain Brook. “I intend to keep seeking God’s wisdom as I serve you in Montgomery,” he said following his oath of office. “I don’t intend to change who I am. If anyone ever has trouble getting into contact with me, I want to know about it.” Outgoing District 46 representative and Homewood resident Paul DeMarco, a longtime friend of Faulkner’s, spoke as well. “He will do an excellent job as representative, and I am proud he will be my state representative,” DeMarco said. DeMarco and Faulkner graduated from high school together and have supported one another in previous campaigns. Faulkner said he remembers the conversation he had with DeMarco about whether to run for the District 46 seat, and the night a few years later when

DeMarco told him that if anything ever happened to him, he wanted Faulkner to take his place. Earlier this year, DeMarco ran against Gary Palmer in the Republican primary to fill the 6th District U.S. House seat that was previously held by Spencer Bachus. Faulkner won the Republican primary for state District 46 this summer and was unopposed on the Nov. 4 ballot. During the Nov. 5 event, Faulkner thanked everyone who had supporting him in his campaign, including Connor Herfuth, Lee Rollins and Hannon Davidson; his family; and his law firm, Christian and Small. Those present for the ceremony at Homewood City Hall included Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer; Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden; Homewood City Council members Peter Wright, Fred Hawkins and Heather Reid; Hoover City Council member John Lyda; and Mountain Brook City Council member Alice Womack. Also present were judges Bill Thompson, Teresa Pulliam and Bill Cole, as well as Alabama Supreme Court Justice Glenn Murdock, who conducted the oath of office.

Council addresses traffic, takes other measures By SYNDEY CROMWELL and MADISON MILLER During its recent meetings, the city council addressed the business below. êêApproving the city to finance a $6,200 engineering study by Skipper Consulting for the intersection and roundabout near All Saints Episcopal Church. êêA public hearing was set for Dec. 1 to consider zoning changes at 2501, 2513 and 2517 18th St. South in

order to create extra parking for the Islamic Academy of Alabama. êêA discussion of parking options for South Forest Drive was continued. Council President Bruce Limbaugh said residents of the road have complained about people parking there to eat at restaurants on Broadway Street. Limbaugh said he is not sure yet what the solution will be, but looks forward to solving the parking problem. êêCreation of a three-way stop was

approved for the intersection of Frisco Street and Mecca Avenue. The intersection is currently a two-way stop. êêAppointing Jonathan Hunt to the Ward 4 vacancy in the Homewood Environmental Commission Board. êêPartial approval of a sign variance for 215 Greensprings Highway for Tire Engineers. êêScheduling a public hearing for the Dec. 1 meeting for the recommendation of the Homewood Planning Commission to rezone the property

located at 2501, 2513 and 2517 18th St. S. êêAdditional funding was approved for the Rumson Road sidewalk project. The funds will pay for relocation of a sewer. êêThe public safety committee was also asked to consider a special alcohol license for Morrison Management Specialist, located at 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Drive. êêThe public safety committee was asked to consider a retail table wine

license for Lian Hua Supermarket, located at 22 Green Springs Highway, and a retail liquor license for Jim ‘N Nick’s, located at 220 Oxmoor Road. êêSign ordinance variations were approved for the UPS Store relocating to 429 Green Springs Highway, Suite 161 and a new business called Arts & Antiques, which will be located at 2790 B.M. Montgomery St.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • A7

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

Rosedale Dr

28th Ave S

18 Street S.

Chicken Salad Chick

280

1830 29th Ave. South Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. chickensaladchick.com

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Stacy and Kevin Brown emptied out their cupboard on a mission. Their object was to think of any food they had seen restaurants pair with chicken and test it out in chicken salad. Some were horrendously bad, Kevin Brown said, but 12 became menu items for their ﬁrst Chicken Salad Chick restaurant when it opened in Auburn in 2008. All 12 came with whimsical names after friends or family members. “Our intent was to appeal to all chicken salad lovers,” Kevin said. “Everyone likes it a little different and has a little different palate. Some like it with fruit, some like it classic, some like it with onions.” Now those 12, plus three more, will be available at the new location for the restaurant scheduled to open Dec. 10 in SoHo behind Zoe’s in the former Wallace-Burke storefront. The remaining three chicken salad varieties on the menu came from outside the Browns’ kitchen. Kickin’ Kay Lynne, a combination of Buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and jalapenos, was born of an employee’s request. Stacy’s best friend in kindergarten in Rome, Georgia, was a little bit

Chicken Salad Chick founder Stacy Brown talks with customers. Photo courtesy of Chicken Salad Chick.

offended there was no salad named for her on the original menu, so she came to the restaurant with a packet of ranch dressing, cheese and bacon. Today you’ll ﬁnd chicken salad with those three ingredients if you order the Sassy Scotty, one of the top sellers for the restaurant. “Our idea from top to bottom is to have fun with this,” Kevin said. The two top sellers at Chicken Salad Chick are the Classic Carol, your basic

Chicken Salad Chick offers its chicken salad varieties by the scoop or on a sandwich with sides. Photo by Madoline Markham.

formula of chicken, mayo, celery and seasonings, and Fancy Nancy, which is dressed up with Fuji apples, pecans and seedless grapes. Kevin said it can challenge a guy’s manhood to order “Fruity Fran” or “Nutty Nana” aloud, but other ﬂavors are more popular with men. Buffalo Barclay is a little spicy, almost like Buffalo chicken dip, and is popular around football season. Chicken Salad Chick customers are

typically around 80 percent female when they ﬁrst open, but contrary to what you might think, Kevin said women start to bring their spouses and coworkers, who eventually bring other men when they ﬁnd the food is good. He said they see a 65/35 female/male mix in restaurants that have been open longer. At the restaurant, you can order chicken salad by the pound, or on a sandwich or as a scoop with a side

and cookie. If by chance a customer doesn’t want chicken salad, the menu also includes deli turkey, roast beef, ham and pimento cheese. They also offer a soup the day, featuring top seller Classic Loaded Potato, Chicken & Artichoke Florentine (Kevin’s favorite), Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese and Chicken & Wild Rice. Chicken Salad Chick now has more than 25 franchised locations and is looking to add an additional 40 across the Southeast next year, but they have long had their eye on the Birmingham market. “We feel like Birmingham is a gateway market for us, with it being the largest market in state where we are founded,” Kevin said. “We feel like it will open up new markets in areas where we don’t have locations.” In addition to SoHo, a location opened at the Village at Lee Branch in September, and a downtown restaurant is slated for later this year. “Folks in Birmingham have been almost to the point of begging us to come,” Kevin said. “And when you ask where would be a good spot, Homewood was always high on the response list.”

A8 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2014

The Homewood Star

18 Street S.

Homewood Happenings

Rosedale Dr

280

28th Ave S

6 10

280

r Rd

oo Oxm

ve yA lle

Ind

epe

enc eD

5 2

149 S wy yH

or R

o Oxm

9 4

149

W Oxmoor Rd

s ke

kw eP or

pri nS

ore

esh Lak

on tg om

ee Gr

ve yA e l l Va

TheHomewoodStar.com

Now Open Cold-press juicery Sprout & Pour is now open at 927 Oxmoor Road across from Homewood Antiques & Marketplace in Edgewood. 266-6772. sproutandpour.com.

Coming Soon Mattress Firm has announced that it will open a new store in Brookwood Village, to be located between DSW and Target. No opening date has been set, but it is expected to open sometime in 2015. mattressﬁrm.com.

Wags ‘n Whiskers, 2804 Crescent Ave., is scheduled to open in December. The training and pet care facility offers dogs and cats a resort-style experience, positive reinforcement training, boarding, daycare, bathing, an on-call veterinarian and a pet taxi. 824-7637. wagshomewood.com.

Relocations and Renovations Alpha Church Supply has moved to a new location at 121 West Valley Avenue. The family-owned business supplies churches around the country with supplies and goods. 942-5750. alphachurchsupply.com.

Hirings and Promotions 5

Robins & Morton, 400 Shades Creek Parkway, received the

December 2014 • A9

prestigious LEED-HD Gold certiﬁcation for a HealthSouth hospital it built in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The hospital is one of only seven such designated medical facilities in the United States, and the contractor is the ﬁrst in the country with the designation for two completed projects. 870-1000. robinsmorton.com. Christopher Architecture & Interiors, 3040 Independence Drive, has hired Mary Beth Walker as operations manager. 413-8531. christopherai.com.

Anniversaries Lakeshore Pharmacy, 1 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 102, is celebrating its 16th anniversary this month. 945-8081. lakeshorepharmacy.com.

Southlake Orthopaedics, 513 Brookwood Blvd., Suite 402, is celebrating its 18th anniversary this month. 802-6898. southlakeorthopaedics.com.

Alpha Church Supply, 121 West Valley Avenue, is celebrating 30 years in business this year. 9 942-5750. alphachurchsupply.com.

Closings Framin’ Shoppe, 20 Green Springs Highway, has closed both its Hoover and Homewood locations.

Medifast, 813 Shades Creek Parkway, has closed.

Before

After

A10 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Living in the

moment

Regency Retirement Community opens new memory care unit By MADISON MILLER Yarlardo Haire, RN, has been a mother, a daughter and even a bank teller in her time as a memory care nurse. “They would walk up at least once a week to get a loan,” Harris said of two residents she once cared for. “So, I was a banker. You live in the moment with them.” Haire is happy to play the roles she is given because she knows it is important for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. “Once the brain cells die, there is no regeneration,” Haire said. “[It’s healthier] to meet them where they are.” Haire is now a unit coordinator at Reflections at Regency Specialty Care Assisted Living Facility (SCALF) at Regency Retirement Village off Lakeshore Parkway. The new unit allows Regency to safely and securely care for residents with memory disorders. Previously, the community was forced to send residents elsewhere if issues with memory developed. Regency Community Consultant Sheila Lackey said that there is a need in the community for memory care beds. Most local units are full and do not have the necessary space for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, she said.

The new unit consists of 32 beds on a secure floor above its assisted living facility. When designing the space, Regency wanted to make residents as comfortable and at ease as possible. Three sections of the hall are painted different shades and feature large photos of unique birds or butterflies by each door. This is to help residents with association to their rooms. “[The hall is] made so that they can relate to where their apartment is,” Lackey said. “They can say, ‘I live in the green hall by that orange bird.’” The décor also includes fixtures from the past that help residents to feel more at home. Common areas have a ’50s diner feel with retro dinette sets and a jukebox. Rotary dial telephones adorn the walls and counter tops. Although the phones are not in use, having that object nearby gives residents more familiarity. A mock nursery is also set up in the hall to give comfort to residents who are transported to a time in their lives when they had children at home. “Their memory may go back to when their children were small,” Haire said. “They remember them as babies.” While in the community, residents will be encouraged to participate in cognition games and activities six hours per day. “If someone is in their apartment all the time, they isolate and they become depressed,” Haire

Have You Seen...

Wallace -Burke?

WALLACE -BURKE

Fine Jewelry & Collectibles

1811 29th Avenue South | Downtown Homewood, AL 35209 | 205.874.1044 www.wallace-burke.com

Yarlardo Haire stands near some of the memory care unit’s retro décor. Photo by Madison Miller.

said. “They stop using the cognitive skills that they have already.” Reflections at Regency is expected to open in December. Spaces are currently being presold. Regency will host an open house for the unit on

Dec. 3 from 5-7 p.m., at which anyone can tour the facility and the rooms. For more information on Reflections at Regency, visit regencyretirementvillage.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • A11

Chamber

Mike Royer, news anchor for Alabama’s 13, addresses the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at The Club. Photos by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

Jim Ford, Chamber Director Tricia Ford and speaker Mike Royer of Alabama’s 13.

Royer speaks on signiﬁcance over success By MADOLINE MARKHAM Mike Royer could tell stories for hours on end, but his favorite ones are about the people who have most impacted the way he lives. Royer, a newscaster for Alabama’s 13, spoke to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at its Nov. 18 luncheon about highlights from his Spirit of Alabama series, starting with the current week’s spotlight on UAB optometry professor Tammy Than’s 50th marathon in her 50th state. “I get to do stories like that every day,” Royer said. Next up, Royer painted a picture of Mary B. Farr, an 88-year-old woman who walked daily to pick up tin cans. She was on a ﬁxed income, but she used the cans to raise money

for her church. What she brought in was enough to fund its youth program. “She taught me something about sacrificial giving, giving when you don’t think you have the means to do it,” Royer said. Next among his influences was his friend Lou Wheeler. Eight days before dying from cancer, Wheeler took Royer aside and told him to listen carefully. Think about moving from success to significance, he said. “When you die, there will be nothing in your obituary about your lake house or your 401(k), but maybe there will be something about what you did to make a difference in the lives of others,” Royer recalled him saying. Using these and other stories, Royer encouraged those at the luncheon to look for ways to be significant in the lives of others.

Andrea White of Select Specialty Hospital and Stephen Preston of Brookwood Medical Center.

Preview of

December Luncheon Dr. Ray Watts, president of UAB, will speak at the Dec. 16 luncheon, to be held at The Club starting at 11:30 a.m. A Birmingham native and graduate of West End High School, Watts earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering at UAB in 1976 before graduating from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as valedictorian of his class. He completed a neurology residency, medical internship and clinical fellowships at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a two-year medical staff fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Before returning

to UAB in 2003, he was part of a team that helped to create an internationally renowned research and clinical center for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders at Emory University in Atlanta. At UAB, Dr. Watts served as the chairman of the Department of Neurology originally. In 2010 he became senior vice president and dean of the School of Medicine at UAB, and he was named president in 2013. For luncheon tickets, visit homewoodchamber.com.

A12 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Shops aglow Downtown Homewood stayed open late for a Holiday Open House held by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 6

A customer browses at The Pink Tulip.

Three Sheets turned into a winter wonderland.

Carolers from Samford University sing at “the curve” on 18th Street. Photos by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • A13

Shepherding local business growth Following six years of service and a recent office location move, Homewood Chamber of Commerce director Tricia Ford reflects on her time in Homewood as she retires this month.

a few blocks over from retail. We have major corporations here such as Brookwood Medical Center, Daxko and Robins & Morton, and we have Samford University and our “medical mile” on 31 and Independence Drive centrally located near Brookwood, St. Vincent’s and UAB. Not many people know what a resource the Lakeshore Foundation is.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Q A

What experiences from your time as director stands out?

What people see of the chamber is the events — our Holiday Open House, Taste of Homewood — but the nonvisible things we are doing have been so rewarding. Watching and helping people start businesses and make them a success is what is most important about this job. It’s one of the most rewarding things to see someone come in with a business plan and know it’s going to become a reality.

What can you tell us about the chamber’s new office in the former Board of Education building adjacent to Shades Cahaba Elementary?

It has been a wonderful opportunity to be in the library and work closely with them and their staff, but in our new location we will be more visible with our sign. It will allow us to have more activities for the community and to grow as a chamber. We have received two grants to start our own business center in part of the space upstairs, and the school system’s IT department will remain on the bottom floor.

Q A

What do you plan to do in retirement?

Q A

Do you have any other thoughts you want to share?

I will continue my consulting business, Market Potential, and spend more time riding my Tennessee Walker, Bama. I have started taking golf lessons and plan to take a master gardening class. My husband, Jim, and I also hope to do some travelling, and I want to spend more time with my six great nephews and two great nieces.

Retiring Chamber of Commerce Director Tricia Ford stands in front of the new chamber office on Hollywood Boulevard. The building was previously home to the Homewood Board of Education. Ford will be recognized for her service at the Dec. 16 Chamber luncheon. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Q A

How did you come to this position in Homewood?

I had been serving as the director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce but was attracted to Homewood’s energy and passion, its youth, and all the possibility the place holds. I have run in and around Homewood my whole life and watched it grow. I spent weekends with family here growing up. I shopped at the old A & P grocery where Octane and Steel

City Pops are when I lived in Homewood as a young married.

What has the chamber accomplished during your tenure?

We have established ourselves as a destination working with the Department of Tourism and Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. Recently Homewood was written in Southwest Airlines’ magazine and Alabama magazine, and I have seen an increase in

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Sew Sheri

YOUR LOCAL FABRIC RETAILER

2832 Culver Rd 879.8278 Mon. - Sat

the number of calls we receive from national publications. We helped Wildwood rebrand a section of its development as Homewood Commons. We are starting to see things come around West Oxmoor, and we rarely have a vacancy in the city.

Q A

What makes Homewood commerce distinct? Within 8 or 9 square miles we have industrial companies

It’s been an amazing experience and a real privilege to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented people and watch things grow. I have walked in each day and never known what the day is going to be. If I talk too much about it, I’ll cry. I just realized there was a finite number of days left, and I have so many passions outside of work. I’m not really retiring; I am moving onto another stage. The chamber is in good hands with Sarah Anne Elliott and our board, who has been behind me since I walked through the doors.

A14 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

12 Days of Christmas ’Tis the season for your favorite traditions

Take in Christmas lights

2 3

Casey Dunn and his daughter Linlee set up a countdown calendar leading up to Christmas before they set out their full display across from All Saints Episcopal Church.

Take out your family for a walk, bike or drive around your favorite neighborhoods to tour light and decoration displays. Be sure to see the Christmas trees lining yards on Broadway Street and to stop by the house dubbed “Santa’s Trailer Park”

on the Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour. Marty and Casey Dunn deck out their yard with a collection of inflatables at 115 Hawthorne Road each year that attracts visitors from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

Attend a Christmas service Homewood’s churches have been planning musicals, pageants and more for the weeks leading up to Christmas. For a full listing of what is happening when, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, see our list on page A19.

Watch the parade Santa Claus will be riding on a fire truck through downtown Homewood for the annual Homewood Christmas Parade Tuesday, Dec. 9. The procession begins at 6:30 p.m. After the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be available for pictures with the children of Homewood. The parade route begins at the Homewood Library and travels east on Oxmoor Road, turning left onto 18th Street South. Then it goes under the Christmas Star, turns right onto 29th Avenue, then left onto 19th Street, past City Hall, turning left onto 28th Avenue South. Next it goes through the intersection of 18th Street South and ends after passing through the intersection. To learn more about the parade, read this month’s cover story.

TheHomewoodStar.com

4 5

December 2014 • A15

Watch a Sugar Plum Fairy The Alabama Ballet will present George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Wright Center this month. Alabama Ballet is one of only seven dance companies around the world granted permission to present this traditional holiday classic due to strict choreography, costume and set speciﬁcations. Balanchine’s version of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many. Before each performance and during intermission, a Nutcracker Boutique will be open in the lower lobby of the Wright Center. Popular nutcracker gifts and collectables will be available for purchase. Show times include Dec.12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec.13, 14, 20 and 21 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $20. For more information and tickets, visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

Alabama Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker will be on stage at the Samford Wright Center Dec. 12-14 and 19-21.

Witness the star lighting The top of 18th Street will come aglow on Dec. 2. at the annual star lighting. The 200-pound star, crafted by Douglass W. McConnell more than 60 years ago, holds about 1,200 lights and takes about a week to prepare and install. This year’s celebration will feature performances by school choirs as well as refreshments for attendees. Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer will light the star, and Santa will make an appearance. New this year, downtown stores will be staying open late for people to eat and shop when they attend the star lighting. The area at the top of 18th Street between LAH Realty and Ridout’s Valley Chapel will be closed off for the event.

HOMEWOOD

•

Deck your halls Jennifer Lee’s home will be ﬁlled with festive gifts Dec. 3-4 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for her annual Holly Days Show. Her address is 117 Eastwood Drive. Each of the last 13 years, Lee has sold her line of Jennifer’s Kitchen pepper jellies, and her friend Liz Landgren has sold her artwork. Regulars at recent shows have included HomeTees created by Kelly Dorough and Paula Smalley and rustic art sculptures by Dana McCleland. This year Kerri Malone will also feature her handmade jewelry, and in the past Stefani Hudson, Paige Willcutt, Janie Ford Mayer, Sherri Scruggs and Joan Stough have all sold items as well. The show always features a GNO (Girls Night Out) with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. For more information, visit facebook.com/HollyDaysHomewood or email fromjenniferskitchen@yahoo.com.

ALABAMA

877-8797

Wayne Salem, Owner

2913 18th Street S. www.salemsdiner.com Monday - Friday: 6:30 am - 2:00 pm Saturday: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm

HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

FOR ALL AGES

A16 • December 2014

Take a home tour The Samford University Legacy League will hold its third annual Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 11. The 2014 tour features ﬁve homes, and proceeds will go toward endowing a new need-based scholarship. All homes will feature their holiday décor, and one stop, the Samford president’s house, will serve holiday hors d’oeuvres.

1647 Panorama Lane Laura and Larry Merrill Completely gutted and renovated in 2007, this home has several vaulted ceilings. Freely acknowledging that she “loves Christmas,” Laura uses multiple wreaths she makes from fresh greenery, and her tree is different every year. The Merrills’ decorations also include clay sculptures and pottery, as well as a homemade nativity. 1638 Panorama Lane Denise Upton The 1970s home has been renovated and now boasts a reconstructed pool and upper and lower patios. Denise tries to keep her Christmas decorations somewhat simple, but she has a unique way of displaying nearly two dozen

The Homewood Star

ornaments made by her two sons when they were young. 2104 Hickory Ridge Circle Dixie and Tom Brannon Dixie, a Legacy League member, was born and raised in Albuquerque, and American Indian inﬂuence can be seen throughout their home. Her decorations include a nativity scene made from Jerusalem olive wood and a set of Mark Roberts fairies with a “Twelve Days of Christmas” theme. The designs of three Samford School of Interior Design students will add ﬂair to three of the bedrooms as well. 3632 Altadena Drive Alisa and David Belcher This relatively new home on two

Guests at the 2013 home tour choose from holiday hors d’oeuvres at the Samford president’s home.

and a half wooded acres features a new outdoor living area. Alisa confesses to having “holiday sickness,” and she believes that the guideline “less is more” is deﬁnitely not true for Christmas! She loves to decorate and uses lots of greenery, both live and artiﬁcial, as well as ribbons of multiple textures and colors.

Add art to your shopping list Local artists will ﬁll a section of the bottom level of Brookwood Village for two weeks this month. The Mountain Brook Art Association will hold its annual Holiday Art Show Dec. 5-19 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. An opening reception for the show will be held Friday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. and will be catered by Brio. For full details on the event, see page A18.

1994 Shades Crest Road Jeanna and Andy Westmoreland The Samford president’s home is known for its multiple Christmas trees, a panoramic view of the Samford campus, and Jeanna’s collection of nutcrackers, which are always on display at Christmas. Homes will be open from 10 a.m.-2

p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased through Dec. 9 at samford.edu/legacyleague. Tickets will also be available at all featured homes during tour hours. For more information, visit the website or call 726-2247. -Submitted by the Legacy League

Discover sounds of the season The Symphony Band and The Wind Symphony Band of UAB will present a concert of Christmas music in the gym at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The bands will be directed by Dr. Sue Samuels and Dr. Cara Morantz. This holiday season event is free, and everyone is cordially invited to attend. Trinity is located at 1400 Oxmoor Road. For more, call 879-1737 or visit trinitybirmingham.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • A17

Take in holiday tunes

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith will join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a special performance on Friday, Dec. 5. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Wright Center at Samford University. Smith, a platinum pop and Christian worship artist, brings his creative passion for music to the ASO, which comes alive with

sweeping cinematic statements, rich melodies, an emotional range and musical twists. The performance is part of the ASO’s Red Diamond SuperPOPS! Series and Smith’s The Spirit of Christmas Tour. Tickets cost $25-75. To purchase them, visit alabamasymphony.org.

11 12

Shop local When you start on your Christmas shopping lists, there’s no need to go far. You can hit up a number of retailers in downtown Homewood and Edgewood without mall parking deck traffic. If you’re not sure what to get for someone, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce offers gift certificates for a wide selection of Homewood stores. The certificates are available in any denomination. A list of participating businesses will be provided at the time of purchase. Certificates can be purchased at the Chamber office, which is now located at 7 Hollywood Blvd. next to Shades Cahaba Elementary. For more call 871-5631.

Buy local art Homewood Creatives, a group of area women that specializes in different types of art, is planning a show for Dec. 5-6. The show will run Friday 5-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Exceptional Foundation. Different types of art will be available for purchase including pottery, paintings, jewelry and photography. For more information, visit the Homewood Creatives Facebook page.

*Get details at estimate. May not combine with other to prior purchases. Expires 1/09/15. Promo code: NP-238

A18 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Holiday art show returns to Brookwood Village

Mountain Brook Art Association member Joan Curtis paints in the store window during the annual show in the lower level of Brookwood Village.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM You can find locally crafted gifts at Brookwood Village for two weeks this month. The Mountain Brook Art Association will hold its annual Holiday Art Show Dec. 5-19 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily in the lower level of the mall. Around 70 members of the association will exhibit their work, including Ron Lewis, David Nichols, Carol Carmichael, Janet Tillery, Rollina Oglesbay, Barclay Gresham, Amy Grimes and Joan Curtis. All 175 members live within 25 miles of Mountain Brook’s City Hall. “Unlike most art clubs, we are simply a

Mountain Brook Art Association Holiday Art Show Dec. 5-19 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Brookwood Village mountainbrookartassociation.com

Rollina Oglesbay creates 20-minute charcoals portraits. She often has a large group watching her and waiting their turn at the Holiday Art Show.

painting club,” show chairman Janet Sanders said. “We will have all sizes at the show, all styles and all prices.” In addition to original pieces, some artists will offer prints of their work that come with more affordable price tags. Hand-painted Christmas ornaments and greeting/holiday cards will also be on sale. Sanders said her favorite part of the show is a featured artist who paints in the store window each day. Shoppers and fellow artists alike watch and ask questions during the process. “The show is a great way to get to know the talented local artists from the entire

metropolitan area,” Sanders said. The show’s space, which was formerly a women’s store, offers a unique venue to showcase art with jazz music playing in the background. “The store space is huge and very dramatic with curved walls and wonderful lighting,” Sanders said. “The atmosphere is very peaceful. No one is on top of the customer, so I think they are more comfortable left alone to enjoy the work.” As a result, many customers will browse and come back again and again for holiday gifts or décor for their house.

Ten percent of proceeds from sales will be donated to Hand in Paw Animal Assisted Therapy. The organization works to improve the health and well-being of children and adults by serving those with physical, emotional, educational or psychological needs through interactions with animal-assisted therapy teams. An opening reception for the show will be held Friday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. and will be catered by Brio. For more information on featured artists and additional events, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

O Holy Night

Sunday, Dec. 7 First Baptist Church will present its annual Christmas musical featuring Dan Goeller’s The Word Became Flesh with full choir and orchestra. The performance will begin at 5 p.m. Visit fbcbirmingham.org.

Oakmont United Methodist Church members will perform in a Christmas musical at 11 a.m. Visit oakmontmethodist.org. First Baptist Church and members

Dawson Family of Faith will offer a musical service featuring the 200-voice sanctuary choir and orchestra. The service will begin at 6 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary. Visit dawsonchurch. org.

of the community will go caroling. The group will visit local retirement communities. Participants should meet at the church at 5 p.m. Visit fbcbirmingham.org. Children and students of Dawson Family of Faith will lead an evening of Christmas music. The program will begin at 6 p.m. Visit dawsonchurch.org.

Our Lady of Sorrows, 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and midnight. The church will celebrate Christmas Eve Mass. Visit ourladyofsorrows.com. Dawson Family of Faith, 5 p.m. Worship will include the telling of the Christmas story and singing of familiar carols. Visit dawsonchurch.org. First Baptist Church, 5 p.m. The service will include traditional carols and will close with a traditional candlelight singing. Visit fbcbirmingham.org. Edgewood Presbyterian Church, 5 p.m. Visit edgewoodpc. org.

Oakmont United Methodist Church, 5 p.m. Visit oakmontmethodist.org. Shades Valley Lutheran, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The service will include candlelight. Visit shadesvalleylutheran. org. Trinity United Methodist. Children’s services, 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., Wesley Hall. Candlelight Communion services, 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., Sanctuary. The church will also hold come-and-go personal communion from 4-6 p.m. in the sanctuary. Visit trinitybirmingham.com.

Christmas Day Services, Dec. 25 Our Lady of Sorrows will celebrate Christmas Day Mass at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Visit ourladyofsorrows.com.

Dec. 20-21 Dawson Family of Faith will host Candlelight at Dawson featuring a choir of more than 300 voices and 1,500 candles. Doors will open at 4:15 p.m., and the service will begin at 5 p.m. Visit dawsonchurch.org.

Area church Christmas event listings

Christmas Eve Services, Dec. 24

Sunday, Dec. 14 Shades Valley Lutheran Church will perform their Christmas Pageant at 10:30 a.m. Visit shadesvalleylutheran. org.

December 2014 • A19

On Dec. 21, Trinity United Methodist will hold A Service of Lessons & Carols at 8:45 and 11 a.m. in its sanctuary. Visit trinitybirmingham. com.

Sunday, Dec. 28 Shades Valley Lutheran Church will host a Lessons and Carols Service at 10 a.m. Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org.

A20 • December 2014

Special advertising section

The Homewood Star

Holiday Gift Guide For the

COSMETIC QUEEN

For the

GARDENER

VIP Card $299

Kudzu Sculptures Small $39, large $70

The VIP Card allows cardholders to receive special treatments and discounts throughout the year.

Made by a local artist, these plants come in several designs including angels and fairies.

Skin Wellness Center of Alabama 1920 Huntington Road 871-7332

Sweet Peas Garden Shop 2829 Linden Ave. 879-3839

For the

BIGGEST SMILE For

MAN’S BEST FRIEND Dog Beds Starting at $100 Dog beds are durable, comfortable and easy to wash, and they come in many styles, shapes and sizes. The Whole Dog Market 2937 18th St. S. 782-1169

Sheer White Premium 10-day Whitening Strips $45 These strips whiten your teeth at home in 10 days. Brighter Image Dentistry 2908 Central Ave., Suite 150 591-6220

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ A21

Special advertising section

For the

GRILL MASTER Pit Mitt $19.95

Handle hot food on the grill safely with Pit Mitts. Alabama Gaslight and Grill 2828 Linden Ave. 870-4060

For the

BUSY HOMEOWNER The Maids Gift Certificate Any amount Give friends or family the gift of a clean home, worry-free. The Maids 871-9338

For the

CAMERA GEEK Sports Lifestyle Action Video Camera $99.99 The camera is weatherproof/splash proof, mountable and built to handle everything you can imagine. Wolf Camera 2711 18th St. South 870-5892

For the

For

ADVENTURE SEEKER

KIDS (AND KIDS AT HEART)

ENO Hammocks Starting at $54.99

Aqua Pod Bottle Launcher $36.99 This bottle launcher is exciting, innovative and built with safety features. Bicycle pump and 2-liter plastic bottle not included. Homewood Toy and Hobby 2830 18th St. S 879-3986

Breathable, durable nylon lets the cool breeze through while comfortably supporting you at the park, on the trail or in your backyard. Alabama Outdoors 3054 Independence Drive 870-1919

The Homewood Star

A22 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2014

Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

614303

35209

224 La Prado Place

New

$795,000

613934

35216

186 Old Montgomery Highway, #D

New

$69,900

614788

35216

1909 Shades Cliff Terrace, #A

New

$83,000

614287

35209

1832 S. 25th Court

New

$129,000

614185

35209

446 Raleigh Ave.

New

$142,500

613585

35209

602 Forrest Drive

New

$297,500

614181

35209

542 Broadway St.

New

$319,900

614144

35226

2625 Kemp Court

New

$330,000

614553

35209

1814 Lancaster Road

New

$349,000

614031

35209

1624 Beckham Drive

Contingent

$225,000

Real estate listings were sent to The Homewood Star by Julie White of Lucas & Associates on Nov. 17. Agents and agency vary by property.

224 La Prado Place

602 Forrest Drive

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • A23 BREWERY

CONTINUED from page A1

Our Lady of Sorrows students eagerly anticipate playing nativity scene characters in the parade each December. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

PARADE

CONTINUED from page A1 Parade moved from Saturday morning to a weekday evening. This year it is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9. “It became a night parade, and I thought I was in Mardi Gras all of a sudden,” Whatley said. “It is huge.” When the Christmas parade was held during the day, things were simpler, Whatley said. Kids sat on hay on a trailer, and they had a Mary and Joseph. Whatley noted that they haven’t won a float prize since the first year of the night parade, but their focus remains on the nativity. Joe Falconer, a real estate agent who throws moon pies from his float each year, gets excited talking about the parade’s nighttime transformation. “To be able to see the lights and not as much the people [like in the daytime parade] on the trailers is absolutely beautiful,” he said. He said he just has three strings of lights, but his fellow members of the West Homewood Lions Club aim to be the trailer with the most lights. “Those guys are always in the spirit,” he said, noting that the parade’s centerpiece remains the Homewood High School band. Cub Scouts in Pack 397 capture a similar spirit. Each fall, the Trinity United Methodist

Homewood Christmas Parade Tuesday, Dec. 9 6:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood pack members start asking about riding in a 35-foot-long sleigh for the parade. “As much as they enjoy camping and all the things we do, simple things like riding on a float get them the most excited,” Scoutmaster Mark Boackle said. Parents spend two weekends reconstructing the sleigh in a warehouse, and the Scouts paint it, create decorations, help run wires for lights and hang wreaths. “Kids like the lights, but they really want to ride, throw beads and wave,” Boackle said. About 60 Scouts can fit in the sleigh. The younger ones sit in the front, and as they get older, they sit on the ramps toward the back. “The greatest joy as they get older is getting to be almost eye to eye with the traffic lights,” Boackle said.

location is the current Alabama Printing building, right next door to Steel City Pops at 2821 Central Avenue. He’s envisioning an English-style pub that primarily serves “session beers,” which are brews with 5 percent or less alcohol by volume. While there would also be beers with higher alcohol content, Pilleteri thinks these session beers are perfect for casual after-work drinks or parents getting Steel City Pops for their kids and a beer for themselves. “You can sit and enjoy a few without being intoxicated,” Pilleteri said. “It’s not your normal everyday bar.” Due to Alabama’s current laws on breweries and “brewpubs” like Red Hills, Pilleteri won’t be able to bottle and sell his craft beers off-site, and he is unable to serve food at the pub. However, Pilleteri said he wouldn’t have a problem with customers bringing in food from neighboring restaurants. According to the Brewers Association, there are 13 craft breweries operating in Alabama that produced more than 32,500 barrels of beer in 2013. Pilleteri said he takes inspiration from downtown Birmingham breweries such as Avondale and Good People. “The craft beer movement is about individuality,” Pilleteri said. Not everyone is excited about the possibility of a Homewood brewery, though. Joe Fuller, who works at Stead and Fuller Insurance Company on Crescent Avenue, said he doesn’t want a pub taking up limited parking spaces and changing the neighborhood’s atmosphere. He’s already unhappy with the Little Donkey customers who park in his business’ parking lots, as well as the gravel parking lot on Reese Street that the city created, tearing down trees in the process. “Homewood used to be one of the most beautiful, unique towns, but now it’s going to be taken over by these beer joints,” Fuller said. “The city doesn’t seem to care about the integrity of our neighborhoods.” Parking was the big concern at the Nov.

4 Planning Commission meeting, when Pilleteri applied for a conditional rezoning of the Alabama Printing building to accommodate Red Hills. Several Crescent Avenue business owners spoke against Red Hills, saying that there are not enough parking spaces in the area already and Pilleteri would need to find or create around 80 more. Despite these objections, the commission voted 5-1 to approve the conditional rezoning. Mark Woods, the only commission member to vote against the rezoning, said his objection was not to the idea of a brewery, but rather to placing one in an area that is already crowded. He also said he was unsure if Pilleteri had adequately planned for the parking needs of Crescent Avenue, and he would like to see a “clear vision” of Red Hills and how it would fit into the community. Woods said he would reconsider his opposition if these questions are answered. “I’m all for them having a brewery, but this may not be the location to have it,” Woods said. Ward 2 Place 1 Representative Fred Hawkins is the City Council’s liaison on the Planning Commission. Once the parking problem is resolved, Hawkins thinks Red Hills could be “something positive” for Homewood. “I like it. I think it’s going to be neat. I’m glad they chose to come there, but we’re going to have to do some work to figure out where everybody is going to park,” Hawkins said. Pilleteri plans to discuss the parking issue with city officials, residents and neighboring business owners. Possible solutions could include a valet service, leasing a nearby parking lot at night or reducing the size of the pub. “I want to be part of the community, not a tax on the community,” Pilleteri said. At its Nov. 17 meeting, the Homewood City Council referred the Red Hills rezoning issue to the special issues committee and set a public hearing for Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. to get public feedback before making a final decision. If he receives approval, Pilleteri said Red Hills could begin serving its session beers within six months of the approval date. For more, visit redhillsbrewingco.com.

SAVE BIG! Receive Interest Free

Financing Up To 4 Years Queen Sets

starting at

* per

mo.

* Based on up to 48 month financing. See store for details.

SAVE BIG! Earn

1000

$ Up To

Toward Your Next Serta Mattress

Queen Sets starting at $

* per

mo.

600

SAVE $ UP TO

INSTANTLY On Select Stearns & Foster Flat or Adjustable Mattress Sets* * Offer valid in-store December 11, 2014 through January 19, 2015. See store for details.

* Based on up to 48 month financing. See store for details.

Queen Sets

starting at

* per

mo.

* Based on up to 48 month financing. See store for details.

造造

The Homewood Star

SECTION B School House B6 Sports B10 Calendar B18 Opinion B19

Homewood’s Scott Myers spearheading World Games bid By DAVID KNOX Nope, it’s not the World Cup of soccer. And it’s not the Olympic Games. But the World Games are a big deal. And if Homewood resident Scott Myers is successful in his efforts, the 2021 World Games will be in Birmingham. Myers, who is executive director of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and one of the metro area’s biggest boosters for sports and city progress in general, is spearheading the effort along with others. Birmingham is one of just three cities still under consideration; the other two are Lima, Peru, and Ufa, Russia. The World Games is a multidisciplinary sporting event consisting of non-Olympic sports. It’s been held every four years since 1981. It includes approximately 36 sports with more than 100 countries and 4,000 athletes participating. The event takes place over 11 days. “To me, the opportunity to present our city and our state to 100 countries and 900 media members, who’ll be in our city writing about Birmingham, Alabama, and enjoying our Southern hospitality and seeing what a wonderful city we have is an opportunity for our city to shine on a global basis,” Myers said. The very first World Games were held in Scott Myers, right, introduces World Games committee members Ron Froehlich, Co Koren and Max Bishop to game day at BryantDenny Stadium in Tuscaloosa as a part of their tour of athletic facilities in the area. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

See WORLD GAMES | page B2

B2 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Joachim Gossow, Scott Myers, Co Koren, David Benck and representatives from the BJCC discuss how its facilities could host the World Games events in 2021. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

WORLD GAMES

CONTINUED from page B1 Santa Clara, California, but they haven’t been back to the States since. The 2013 games were in Cali, Colombia; the 2017 games are in Wroclaw, Poland. It was a trip to the Cali games that planted the seed for Birmingham’s bid. “I was invited to go as a guest to the World Games at Cali, Colombia. I saw the opening ceremonies and some of the various games and had a great time. I came back, and quite frankly it did not hit me at first till I started thinking about it.” He realized that these games weren’t held in the largest cities in those countries. “They weren’t held in Bogota. They’re not

being held in Warsaw. So they’re going to second and third tier markets. I started thinking the venues we were in, we have venues as good as or better than what they had in Cali. I thought this is something that is right-sized for us and a great opportunity for our city.” Among the participating sports are aikido, archery, billiards, bowling, canoeing, dance sport, flying disc, gymnastics, handball, karate, kickboxing, lacrosse, orienteering, powerlifting, racquetball, rugby and sfotball. Each city can add up to five “invitational sports,” or sports of local interest. Among the possibilities that have been recommended are 3-on-3 basketball, cricket and sporting clays, among others. World Games executives toured Birmingham and its sports venues, hotels, restaurants and college campuses in October. The representatives

from each city will go to Switzerland for the final presentations on Jan. 21, 2015, and the next day the decision will be announced. Unlike Olympics Games, no new venues would need to be built for the World Games. Some cities have built new venues, but Myers said that’s absolutely not necessary for Birmingham. “We have all the facilities we need today to host a first-class World Games,” he said. The estimated cost to host the games is $75 million. A Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau study projected a $256.5 million economic impact from the games. Sam Addy of the University of Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research estimated a low of $230 million and a high of $280 million impact. Birmingham’s bid includes a couple of things

unique from the other cities’ bids. “Part of our bid we have proposed to the International World Games is that we want to have as one of our invitational sports a disabled-body athlete sport. Whether it’s wheelchair rugby or dance sport, we think it’d be a neat thing for both the able-bodied and disabled body athletes to participate in the same games and to showcase the Lakeshore Foundation, which plays such an important role in our community. “Another one of the things that’s again unique to our bid is we are proposing what we’re calling Games Villages. Utilizing student housing at UAB, Samford and Birmingham-Southern that would be not only a place they would sleep, but eat there and train there and compete there.”

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B3

Community Freeform dance performance set for this month The Children’s Dance Foundation will present Freeform, a mix of dancing by CDF students and staff, on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. Saturday’s show will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday’s show will begin at 2 p.m. The performance will also feature professional guest companies Arova Contemporary Ballet and Sanspointe at the Children’s Dance Foundation Studio Theater. It is free to the public and suitable for all ages, but seating is limited and reservations are highly encouraged. The performance is about 45 minutes long. For tickets or more information, visit freeform2014. eventbrite.com or call Shellie Chambers at 870-0073. Children’s Dance Foundation is located at 1715 27th Court South. To learn more about its work, visit childrensdancefoundation.org. CDF dancers perform in last year’s Freeform. Photo courtesy of Clark Scott. Scout Nels Coker’s priest spoke at the ceremony. Photo by Madoline Markham.

World War II flag flies for memorial dedication By MADOLINE MARKHAM The flag that was flown for a dedication of the Veterans Memorial in Patriot Park on Nov. 13 was well worn. The flag had flown on Sept. 2, 1945 in Japan the day the country surrendered in World War II.

Brooks Baker, in whose memory the memorial’s plaque was placed, lowered the flag that day in 1945 and kept it. Since then, it has only flown one other time. The memorial was the Eagle Scout project of Nels Coker, a member of Troop 1.

Resolution Run returns to Red Mountain You can kick off your New Year’s resolution a few days early with the fourth annual Resolution Run Saturday, Dec. 27 at Red Mountain Park. 5K, 10K and 15K options are offered for the event, which is sponsored by the Birmingham Track Club, The Trak Shak and The Friends of Red Mountain Park. Proceeds from the race benefit Red Mountain Park. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the park, 2011 Frankfurt Drive. Registration is $15 in advance or $20 on race day. Registration can be completed at active.com.

Runners take on Red Mountain Park trails as a part of last year’s Resolution Run. Photos courtesy of Red Mountain Park.

Shave

Perfecting the

WALLACE -BURKE

Fine Jewelry & Collectibles

1811 29th Avenue South | Downtown Homewood, AL 35209 | 205.874.1044 www.wallace-burke.com

B4 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Jamming with

Dads jammed for more than just a good time on Nov. 10. The Grateful Dads: A Fall Band Jam was held at Good People Brewing Company and featured local musicians who are also Homewood parents. Carter Laney, Joanna Laney, Doug Davis, Jeff Stone, Chris Hoke, Brian McCool, Bret Estep and others provided music. Proceeds benefitted the Homewood City Schools Foundation, which provides support grants and other supplemental enhancements for Homewood City Schools that aren’t in their normal budget. Little Donkey provided food for the evening, and sponsors for the event were CRC Insurance and ARC Realty/Stacey Flippen.

A parent band takes the stage at Good People Brewing Company.

Homewood parents and bands created a folk-type atmosphere for the guests of the event.

Audience members enjoyed watching all the bands perform on stage. Photos by Jessa Pease.

Good People Brewing provided the space and the liquid libations for Homewood’s Grateful Dads jam.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B5

Freedom through knowledge Homewood Public Library offers self-defense class for women By MADISON MILLER “Have the tips of your keys laced through your fingers when walking to your car or front door.” “Don’t go out by yourself at night.” “Trust no one.” As a woman, I have heard these self-defense tips repeated over and over again throughout my life. I often wonder what makes me sadder: knowing these tips or the fact that they are so ingrained in me that I think it is normal to know them. Still, I assume that I will be never be attacked, much like I think I’ll never get a disease or be in a car crash. It happens on TV and on the news in a distant part of town, but not here, not to me and not to people close to me. Yet, as I sat in the auditorium of the Homewood Public Library taking Detective Juan Rodriquez’s self-defense class, I realized I could be wrong. As class went on, I heard stories from many of the women in my own community, who were attending the class because their worst fears had already come true. They had personal experiences with assault or attacks where they once felt safe, where they thought it would never happen to them. Rodriquez has seen far too frequently what happens when women are caught off guard during an attack. A former detective at the Homewood Police Department, he now owns Summit Training Academy in Pinson. The class also teaches defense techniques focused on women’s natural strengths that could be be used during an attack. Although he hopes his students never have to use them, Rodriquez wants women to be prepared. He recognizes that women are unlikely to be taught self-defense skills while growing up. He

Juan Rodriquez demonstrates self-defense techniques at the Homewood Public Library on Nov. 1. Photo by Madison Miller.

points out the harsh fact that the number one killer of women worldwide is men, which is why he specializes in women’s self-defense. “[The attackers] are expecting you not to have a plan,” he said. In the South, our “Southern belle attitude” does us no favors, Rodriquez said. We are brought up to be polite to the point where we might overlook actions that women raised in other parts of the country would question.

“Sometimes you just have to be rude,” he said. Rodriquez discussed what he calls a “God sense” that is alerted when a situation does not feel right. He said that many times when a victim has survived an attack, she will report that she just had a bad feeling in her gut about the attacker. Rodriquez urges women to listen to that sense and not question what is causing the feeling. The way to respond to it, rude or not, is to leave, he said.

“By the time you figure out what the problem is, the problem will be on you,” he said. “Prevention is better than a cure.” For more information on self-defense classes at the Homewood Public Library, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org. For more information on Summit Training Academy, call 329-8286.

B6 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

School House OLS students run for classrooms Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic (OLS) School recently made a mad dash to raise money for their school. To support the school’s annual Boosterthon Fun Run, the children participated in a weeklong fundraiser. To kick off the event, the entire school attended a motivational pep rally. The students were asked to earn pledges on a per-lap or flat donation basis from their family and friends. Each child had the opportunity to receive prizes based on how much money he or she raised. “Our Boosterthon was such a big success,” said PTO president Jen Dent. “Our goal was to net $25,000 after all expenses, and we have well exceeded that goal.”

On the day of the Boosterthon run, friends and relatives came out to cheer on the students. The PTO fundraiser not only provided a means to purchase new computers for the school, but also presented fun for all those who were a part of the event. “We are so proud of our students,” Dent said. “It is amazing how much effort and enthusiasm the students and their parents made to help make this fundraiser so successful.” Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School students dash to raise money for their school during their annual Boosterthon Fun Run.

A study of the future Students in Melissa Dameron-Vines’ English class at Homewood High School recently participated in a research project that was not only important for their grades but also for their futures. “This research project was designed to align their academic and personal goals,” Dameron-Vines said. “Each assignment is directly linked to the English 12 Learning Targets and the College and Career Common Core standards, reinforcing that the skills you hone and the knowledge you obtain in high school is relevant to the life you live after graduation.” Throughout the fall, the students were responsible for completing the

Homewood Rotary Club members held mock interviews with Homewood High School students.

assignments and research in order to organize their lives, reduce stress and evaluate the decisions they are making about their future. The students had to meet with their career counselor, read at least one piece of nonfiction related to their field of interest, research their field, and interview someone related to their field. The Homewood Rotary Club held mock interviews with the students to give them feedback on the interview process and to talk to them about their futures and how they can work towards their goals. In October, the students presented their research to their classmates.

DON’T LET THE hustle and bustle OF THE HOLIDAYS CLUTTER UP YOUR HOME Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

205-871-9338 www.MAIDS.com

Referred for a reason.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ B7

Festival fun Rides, bake sale items and merriment took over Hall-Kent Elementary for its 80th annual Fall Festival. The festival serves as the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only fundraiser.

Photos by Madoline Markham.

B8 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Trottin’ at Edgewood

Top Turkey Trot finishers pose for a photo.

Edgewood Elementary School’s 13th Annual Turkey Trot welcomed more than 400 participants. Homewood High School and Homewood Middle School cross-country teams helped with the event, which was organized by Katie Patrella and Felicia Noerager. Lynn Smith designed the T-shirt, and the Trak Shak donated race clocks. The runners trained in PE class at least once a week since school started. The trot counted another mile for students running 25.2 miles for the Mercedes Kids’ Marathon in February. Top finishers for kindergarten and first grade were Vivy Mooney (first, girls),

Free supplies for teachers Wal-Mart recently surprised 20 teachers from Hall-Kent Elementary School with $50 reward cards to purchase classroom supplies. Homewood Wal-Mart Representative David Roberts addressed the staff and students during a school-wide program and asked students to come up and draw teachers’ names out of a hat. Those 20 teachers

received gift cards and a gift basket from Wal-Mart to use in their classroom. The Teacher Rewards program is an extension of WalMart’s ongoing support of local education initiatives that help students better prepare for their future. In 2013, Wal-Mart and its Foundation donated more than $44 million to fund education programs across the country.

Hall-Kent teachers hold school supplies they received from Wal-Mart at a recent assembly.

Jane Fowlkes (second, girls), Lexie Fowlkes (third, girls), Daniel Vinson (first, boys), Harrison Newell (second, boys) and Will Siegel (third, boys). Top finishers for second and third grades were Livy Dunn (first, girls), Mae Lowery (second, girls), Camile Reidinger (third, girls), Harris Fowlkes (first, boys), Will Myers (second, boys) and Turner Gray (third, boys). Top finishers for fourth and fifth grades were Maris Owen (first, girls), Hunter Dunn (second, girls), Lilly Blish (third, girls), J.C. Daniel (first, boys), Liam Dwyer (second, boys) and Fox Landgren (third, boys).

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B9

HHS student meets President Obama Homewood High School senior Jessica Tolbert was one of 98 girls selected from across the nation to attend Girls Nation in Washington D.C. She was chosen at the 2014 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State which was held on the campus of the University of Alabama. Girls Nation teaches rising high school senior girls about the United States federal government. Jessica visited national monuments and participated in a patriotic ceremony at the National Cemetery, where Jessica read a poem called “No, Freedom Isn’t Free.” While there she was appointed to serve as chief of staff of the Girls Nation government, and she attended a daily senate session as a Girls Nation senator. On the last day of Girls Nation, Jessica and her Girls Nation comrades met President Barack Obama, who commended the senators for their achievements and encouraged them

It takes far more than a mathematical equation to determine your home’s worth.

IT TAKES A LOCAL EXPERT.

Jessica Tolbert

to continue doing the right things to impact the world.

Pittman crowned Miss Heritage Homewood High School sophomore Catherine Pittman was named Miss Heritage on Nov 1. More than 50 girls competed for the title, and Pittman was awarded a $1,500 college scholarship. Pittman was crowned by Sarah Hale, last year’s winner. Sarah Hale, last year’s Miss Heritage, places a crown on Catherine Pittman.

Students participate in festival

At RealtySouth, we combine both. Numbers are just numbers until paired with local expertise. Realtysouth.com provides a statistical range for your home. Your RealtySouth expert

Fifth-grade students from all three Homewood elementary schools participated in the Elementary Music Festival at Samford University in October. The concert featured 450 elementary music students from across the state.

determines the logical list price. Use the tool. Hire the expert.

Cleveland visits Hall-Kent class

Homewood City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland recently visited Amy Anderson’s second-grade class at Hall-Kent Elementary to talk about the importance of reading and working hard in school. Cleveland read to the students, and they showed him around their classroom.

B10 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Sports Homewood boys win third straight state cross-country title By DAVID KNOX The Homewood boys pulled off a threepeat as state cross-country champions, winning the 6A title at Oakville Indian Mounds Park on Nov. 8 to match the 5A titles they won in 2013 and 2012. It was by the narrowest of margins — a single point over Opelika, 40 to 41 — but coach Lars Porter was thrilled, especially since he didn’t know for sure they’d won. In fact, for about 15 minutes, he’d thought they’d finished second. In cross-country team scoring, each runner gets a point for where he finishes with the top five runners from each team counting toward the team score. “We were counting runners and adding them up,” Porter said. “Through our five runners and Opelika’s five runners, we were tied. So then it goes to the sixth runner. Their sixth runner was ahead of ours, and so we thought for sure we had lost the thing.” But runners can also qualify for the state meet individually and not run with a team. Those runners’ finishes don’t count toward team points, so runners behind them pick up the points for their team. “So we had a runner that finished

The boys team gathers after their 6A state championship victory.

21st overall, and when the individuals were pulled out, he was bumped up to 18th and we ended up one point ahead,” Porter said. “So there was about a 15-minute period or so where we were kind of bummed that it had not gone our way and deﬁnitely relieved when it did.” Alex Ngei was No. 2 overall. “He ran a PR of 16:01,” Porter said. “Logan Sadler was our No. 2, and he ran a 16:13. Those are our only two seniors on the team, so they both

stepped up.” Sadler was fourth overall, followed by junior Andy Smith, last year’s 5A individual champion, in fifth (16:16.90). “Fulton Williams (12th with a 16:47.73) really stepped up, and then we had a couple of guys who had run well all season and didn’t have their best days. So as a team we didn’t really put together a full race with everybody running their best. But as I counseled the guys, it’s a special team

THE HOME LOAN SPECIALIST

Jody Brant

Pam Smith

Joel Brant

Office: 205-942-9696 Cell: 205-305-4348

Office: 800-240-5626 Cell: 256-572-2530

Office: 256-891-0681 Cell: 205-613-7848

NMLS 189545

NMLS 189538

NMLS 189546

JRBrant@FirstLenders.com

pamela@firstlenders.com

joelbrant@FirstLenders.com

• CONVENTIONAL LOANS UP TO $417,000

This program allows up to 95% LTV for qualified borrowers

• FHA (HUD) 96.5/LOANS UP TO $271,050

This program allows all funds to close to come in the form of a gift or secured loan. Most flexible program on credit and debt ratios.

• VA 100% LOANS TO $417,000

This program is designed for qualified veterans/national guard.

• JUMBO LOANS From $417,000 to $1,000,000

This program will allow up to 90% loan to value.

• USDA

100% Loans for Moderate Income.

FIRST LENDERS MORTGAGE CORP. Since 1988

www.firstlenders.com

1-800-309-5585

NMLS 189527

when things don’t go your way and you still find a way to win.” Smith, who finished fifth, was just one of those runners who persevered. Over the past two seasons, he’s been one of the top runners in the state. His goal was to win, Porter said. He’d beaten the runner who finished first during the season. “If he had just given up and said, ‘I’m out of this thing,’ we wouldn’t have won it at all. I’m proud he stuck with it. Those guys fought all the way

to the ﬁnish. Had they given up or checked out because it wasn’t going their way, one more point and it would have been a different story.” Junior Hunter Poole was 21st, but bumped up to 18th-place because of three runners who were not running for a team. Azariah Kipchumba was 22nd and Paul Selden was 28th to round out the top seven. Other runners included Jacob Russell Lister and Will Smith.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B11

Homewood girls are state runners-up in cross-country By DAVID KNOX Coach Lars Porter knew that the Homewood girls cross-country team would be facing some tough challenges in competing for the Class 6A state title. He and his girls had seen John Carroll’s team working out during the summer, and he knew traditional north Alabama powers like Scottsboro and Fort Payne would be right there, as well as some schools that had dropped from 7A to 6A, such as Pelham. “Early on, I said if we finish in the top three that would be about all we could do,” Porter said. So he was more than pleased with the Homewood girls’ state runner-up finish. The girls also finished second in 2012. John Carroll (68) was first, followed by Homewood (69) and Scottsboro (82). The Lady Patriots’ efforts were boosted by outstanding performances from middle-schoolers. “We had some help from the younger girls who ran fantastic,” Porter said. “To put that kind of pressure on young girls and to expect the older girls to support them along the way is huge. The young girls stepped up, and the older girls were supportive and great. It’s a dynamic that doesn’t always work, and our girls made it work to really outperform themselves.” Porter said that across the state,

there were many outstanding seventhand eighth-graders who ran up with the varsity. But just because they have talent doesn’t mean they quite comprehend the stage they’re on. “Sometimes it’s hard for them to understand what’s going on and how hard people [on the varsity] have worked. And sometimes it’s hard for upperclassmen to accept that these girls may be taking somebody’s spot. “Our older girls were phenomenal. We just asked them to run their best, and they were supportive and not threatened. It’s a blend that worked very well.” Homewood’s top three runners were all seventh-graders. Pelham junior Mary Grace Strozier ﬁnished ﬁrst individually with an 18:07.84, but Homewood seventh-grader Lainey Phelps was second at 19:12.02. Teammates and classmates Edie Smith (15th, 20:05.39) and Celie Jackson (18th, 20:10.45) were followed home by sophomores Mary Catherine Smith (21st, 20:22.19) and Ann Mosely Whitsett (23rd, 20:32.10). “If that’s any indication of where we’re heading in, I think that’s promising.” Other Homewood girls on the team included Caroline Smith, Isabel Burgess, Virginia Givhan, Adah Allen and Mary Virginia Spencer.

Members of the Homewood High School girls cross-country team celebrate placing second in the state.

B12 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Ameer finalist for Hornung award By DAVID KNOX

Homewood High School graduate Ameer Abdullah now plays for the University of Nebraska.

Former Homewood and current University of Nebraska star running back Ameer Abdullah has been selected as one of five finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes the most versatile player in college football. The announcement was made by Hornung, the former Notre Dame and Green Bay Packer hall of famer, on Nov. 20. The other finalists are TCU’s B.J. Catalon, Stanford’s Ty Montgomery, Missouri’s Marcus Murphy and Washington’s Shaq Thompson. The winner is selected by a panel of 16 journalists and former NFL stars, with a 17th vote coming from a fan vote online at paulhornungaward.com. The winner and his family will be honored at a banquet on Jan. 27, 2015. Abdullah, also in the race to at least get an invitation to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist, had an up-and-down period in late October and mid November. He had one of his best games against Rutgers on Oct. 25, sprained a medial collateral ligament in his left knee against Purdue, and then had just a so-so game in a big contest against Wisconsin in a lopsided loss on Nov. 15. Unfortunately, in contrast, the Badgers’

Heisman hopeful Melvin Gordon rushed for a record 408 yards against Abdullah’s defensive teammates. The high: Abdullah rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns and set a school record with 341 all-purpose yards in the Huskers’ win over Rutgers. The lows: Abdullah rushed six times for just 1 net yard before leaving the Purdue game with the MCL injury. After a week off due to an open date, there was some concern that he’d even be able to play in the season-defining game against Wisconsin. But he played, and rushed for 69 yards on 18 carries and caught a pass for 26 yards in a 59-24 loss to the Badgers. “That’s just the kind of guy Ameer is,” NU offensive guard Jake Cotton told the Omaha World-Herald. “Ameer’s going to play if he can play, and if he can help the team, he’ll help the team.” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini agreed. “Ameer’s not 100 percent, but he was a warrior out there,” Pelini said. Nebraska (8-2) was set to face Minnesota on Nov. 22 before closing the regular season on Nov. 28, the Friday after Thanksgiving, against Iowa.

IZ THE SEASON E EASON

Black Oak Pit Ham, Oven Roasted Turkey, T rke Tu k y, Cornbread ke Dressing, French Toast oast Bake, ke, Decadent k Decadent Desserts and more!

Call to place your order today or visit our Online Store at EverythingIz.Com/Online-Store Vestavia (Rocky Ridge Road) 979-7570

English Village

414-0081 English Village

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B13

Homewood magic runs out in round two of playoffs

Maurice Mayo (2) fights off a defender on the play that set up the game-winning touchdown in the Patriots’ win over Hartselle. Photo by Dan Starnes.

By DAVID KNOX Ben Berguson said it before the season. “I’ll be very disappointed if we’re not in the playoffs. I believe we can contend for the region championship.” Then the first-year Homewood head coach should be proud of his team’s accomplishments. The Patriots won the Class 6A, Region 5 championship and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. They did it with a mixture of a powerful running game, the speed of Maurice Mayo, the veteran experience of junior Carson Griffis, a two-year starter at quarterback, and a salty

defense that rose to the occasion after the loss of linebacker Trip Moss to injury. And they did it with a little bit of magic. That magic was at no time more evident than in the first round of the playoffs when Mayo led the Patriots back from an 11-point deficit in the final 2:40 to beat Hartselle 25-21. Mayo caught a 45-yard TD pass on a fourth-and-15 from Griffis, then caught a two-point pass from Griffis to cut the margin to 21-18. After the tough Pats defense forced a threeand-out, Homewood got the ball near midfield. A couple of plays later, Mayo caught a 30-yard pass and took it to the 1. Derrick Underwood cashed it in for the winning score with 38 seconds left.

It was the fourth time this year the Patriots were able to come back from a big deficit in the fourth quarter to steal a victory. It’s amazing,” Berguson said. “I’ve watched this team do this all year … have these fourth quarter comebacks. We all just watched Maurice Mayo win that football game for us. I don’t know what else to say.” Mayo racked up 102 yards on seven catches. Griffis was 17-of-29 passing for 209 yards and rushed 16 times for or 52 yards. Underwood had 72 yards on 19 carries and the two TDs. Unfortunately, the run came to an end the following week on a frigid Friday night in Gardendale. The Rockets beat Homewood 35-14 to end

DERMATOLOGY

Medical

•

Pediatric

•

the Pats’ season at 9-3. “The magic beans ran out for us tonight,” Berguson said. “Our magic must not work in cold weather.” The Rockets blasted out to a 21-0 halftime lead. Homewood got on the board when Griffis found Lawton Dorough on a 74-yard pass play down the left sideline with 8:39 left in the third. Griffis got the Pats on the board a final time when he found William Gibbons on a 22-yard TD pass to make the final 35-14. Dan Starnes contributed to this report.

Cosmetic

For appointments, call 205.871.7332 or visit us at skinwellnessAL.com HOMEWOOD 1920 Huntington Road, Homewood, AL 35209 I CHELSEA 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 3, Chelsea, AL 35043

B14 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Zumba with Camille

Dance 4U – Line Dance Class

ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! For more info: Camille 256-452-2500 (or) camillescruggs@gmail.com Days & Times: Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm (No Saturday classes in December)

Line dance for a healthier you! Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm / Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm $7/Drop-in - $5/Seniors 65+ - First class is free For additional Info: Rosa Fisher (205) 910-8896 rosaﬁsher@yahoo.com

Young Rembrandts

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

Draw amazing things with 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. Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.

Kindermusik

As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik oﬀers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years. For more information call or email Kelly at: 205-552-6129 • Kelly.alligood@charter.net www.kellyalligood.com

Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp

December 2nd – 18th: Tuesday & Thursday at 10:30am Location: Meet at pavilion (6&7) at back of park, closest to Central Ave *Classes meet in Homewood Community Center Gymnasium in the event of inclement weather* 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! For more info: www.mommyandmetime.com

Homewood Chess Team

Homewood Chess Team wants you! Beginners are welcome and the ﬁrst two weeks are always free promo weeks! Learn more and sign up for our classes at www.theknightschool.com or call and chat with Dr. Brooks at (205) 746-4952 North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Tiny Tigers (Ages 4-6) Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30pm to 4:05pm Juniors (Ages 7 and up) Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15pm to 5:15pm Adults Only Class Wednesdays 5:30-6:45pm Advanced Class Tuesdays & Thursday 4:00pm to 5:00pm 205-966-4244 • masterjoe@northstarkarate.com www.northstarkarate.com

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. Monday’s 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional Information call Claire: (205) 879-8780

Tango Argentino Fundamentals

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. 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each Month – 7:00pm-8:30pm

Tabata Bootcamp with Tamika Harris Tabata Bootcamp is a group training program based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Saturday 8:00am-9:00am Class fee: $40 (4weeks) 205-249-7982 • getfitwithtamika@yahoo.com

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

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). For more info and to register visit: www.actingoutacademy.com, call 205-440-2699 or email meg@actingoutacademy.com

Shake Your Soul Yoga Dance!

Class Fee: $60 cash only 205-879-0701 • azizaofbirmingham@att.net (or) 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 night for beginners, Tuesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. Participants of all levels welcome. Monday & Friday 9:30am-10:30am Wednesday 5:30pm-6:30pm Saturday 9:00am-10:00am Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 (or) mac@yolimber.com

Primetime Organization’s Christmas Luncheon & Entertainment Monday, December 1st @ 11:00am Catered by Costa’s. Elvis tribute artist. Sign up in advance, and pay Primetime $7

Lecture: Reducing Holiday Stress w/June Brown from Positive Maturity Wednesday, December 3rd @ 12:20pm

Lunch Trip: Three Eared Rabbit in Trussville* Thursday, Dec 4th @ 11:00am. Sign up to reserve your seat. Members only.

Homewood Senior Center Holiday Market*

Wednesday, December 10th, 9:00am-2:00pm Open to the public. Local artists, crafters, and boutique gift vendors. To reserve a booth, contact Aimee or Vivian at 332-6500

Celebrate December Birthdays*

Thursday, Dec 11th @ 12:45pm. Sign up to reserve your seat. Cake, ice cream, and live band for dancing. All members welcome. $5 for guests.

Square Dance hosted by Shirts & Skirts

Saturday, December 13th, 6:30-9:00pm. Contact Gary: (205) 428-2477 / salmerf@bellsouth.net.

Members’ Holiday Luncheon w/Entertainment*

Monday, December 15th @ Noon. Special meal provided by Senior Center. $5 for guests. Members & guests must sign up to reserve a seat/meal.

New Year’s Eve early Dinner & Dance*

Wednesday, December 31st from 4:30pm-6:30pm $5 for members, $10 for guests (must make reservation by Dec 18th). *dates/times subject to change. Call Aimee @ 332-6500 for updated details.

Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp

Acting Out Academy

Belly Dancing with Aziza

@homewoodparks

Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew

Join this all women’s bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday – 5:45am-6:45am For more info: www.homewoodﬁt.com

North Star Martial Arts

YoLIMBER

Royce Head Personal Training

Homewood Senior Center

“Shake Your Soul” is a unique and invigorating path to body-spirit ﬁtness incorporating elements yoga and dance. Monday’s 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Class Fee: $10.00 drop-in Contact: Lorri Hanna, 612-867-2232 (or) lhanna@barefootsoulswellness.com www.barefootsoulswellness.com

Blue Line Combatives

Saturday’s 3:30pm – 5:30pm Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Instructor: Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com Cell # 205-296-1250

Athletics Homewood Soccer Club

Spring 2015 registration coming soon Homewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program. Levels of Play: Patriot for ages U-4 through U-8; Red Teams for recreational players U-9 and up; White Teams for recreation plus ages U-9 thru U-11; and Blue Team competitive teamsfor ages U-11 thru U-18. Additional information about all levels of play, including deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available at www.HomewoodSoccer.com , or call The Soccer Oﬃce at 205-874-9182.

Homewood Softball

Games are played during the months of March thru May with All-star play in the month of June. Registration Begins in January Additional information will be released on: www.homewoodparks.com Alissa Thurmond – 332-6715 (or) alissa.thurmond@homewoodal.org

Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League

HPYBL is a youth recreational baseball league for the citizens of Homewood, as well as, surrounding communities. Please visit our website for more information about the upcoming Spring Season: www.homewoodyouthbaseball.com

www.Homewoodparks.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B15

Working with true warriors Homewood’s Kile Putman and Tom Esslinger coach Navy team in Warrior Games By DAVID KNOX How many times have you heard a coach say it about one of his tough, hard-nosed players? “That kid’s just a warrior.” No offense, but Tom Esslinger and Kile Putman coached real warriors. Homewood’s Putman and Esslinger recently coached the Navy team in the 2014 Warrior Games. The fifth annual Warrior Games were held Sept. 28-Oct. 4 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and other facilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado, including Fort Carson and the U.S. Air Force Academy. More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competed in seven sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball. Athletes represented the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations, with the Army winning its first Chairman’s Cup, an award given to the branch that has the best cumulative performance. Putman, the head coach of the Navy team, brought along Esslinger, the track and field coach at Homewood High School, as an assistant. Putman runs the Cahaba Distance Project, which is a highly competitive post-collegiate group that is made up of Olympic-level caliber athletes. But working with adaptive athletes is near to Putman’s heart, as two of his three children, Jody and Leslie, have special needs. Son Jody is at Homewood Middle School and is on track to become a Paralympic thrower. His daughter Allison, who runs cross-country at the University of Montevallo, came through Homewood High and was coached by Esslinger in the early part of her career. “Because I have worked with Lakeshore’s

Homewood High School track coach Tom Esslinger and Kile Putnam, a Homewood resident who runs the Cahaba Distance Project, coached athletes in the Navy Warrior Games this fall.

Youth Paralympic program, and through my connections there and understanding adaptive sport, is why I was picked to be involved with Team Navy,” Putman said. “I was able to bring on additional help, and I needed someone strong in the throws and the technical stuff, and Tom’s a wonderful technician.” Being on staff required attending several training camps and trials across the country during the summer, but with the games themselves

during Esslinger’s school year, he took a week of professional leave with the blessings of the school system. “First of all, I was very appreciative to Kile just for the opportunity,” Esslinger said. “When he first told me about it, it sounded amazing, and it was something I really wanted to be a part of. “I basically focused on the throws and the sprints and the relay, so it was a little bit different from track and field in that they didn’t have

any jumps, no hurdles. And that’s where Kile’s background in adaptive throws came in, because I have no experience with adaptive sports or seated throws and things like that. Kile really took the lead on that part of it, and I worked more with the open guys or the single-amputee guys who were running. “I really enjoyed working with Kile, and it was just a great experience.” As coaches will tell you, they sometimes learn more from the athletes than they teach them. “The most interesting part to me,” Esslinger said, “was their stories. I teach history too, and hearing their stories, with the stuff that’s gone on with our country the past two decades or so, was so interesting. “The Navy provides the corpsmen and medics for the Marines, and most of the combat-related injuries were medics who were with the Marine units in Afghanistan and Iraq. [I talked to] one guy who stepped on an IED in Fallujah, another medic who basically got pinned down by an AK-47 and got hit with a three-round burst in the upper arm and a three-round burst in his femur. He was one of my favorite athletes, and he got a couple of silver medals. But when he started the program, he was in a race chair. To see how far he’s come from five years ago, now he’s able-bodied, running to get good enough to get a silver medal at these games. He was the kind of guy that, no matter what you told him, he’d be like, ‘Coach, I’m just happy to be running!’ “Just their desire to compete and train hard despite their injuries was awesome to be around.” A documentary about this year’s games aired on the Universal Sports Network in October. Information about the documentary is available at universalsports. com/2014/10/17/2014-warrior-games/.

B16 â&#x20AC;˘ December 2014

The Homewood Star

Top photo moments of 2014

Homewood High School student Hunter Kimbrell, center, abandoned his car on Columbiana Road on Jan. 28 after driving five hours and started walking home. All he had to help keep him warm was his band uniform that was still in his car from a trip to Pasadena. Photo courtesy of Jill Kimbrell. Homewod Middle School student Amber Robinson stands outside the tunnel to Shades Cahaba Elementary School and holds a photo of her mom in the same spot decades earlier. The photo was taken as an assignment for the Homewood History Hunt. Photo courtesy of Andrew Tyson.

Moussa Diallo, left, is a sixth-grader at Homewood Middle School. Neal Schier, right, is trying to get him a permanent visa and find him an adoptive family so Moussa can stay in Homewood. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

Suzanne Clisby removes a frame from one of her beehives for Edgewood Bee Company, which is run out of Edgewood homes. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Homewood High School students dump ice water on members of the Homewood Board of Education during the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first pep rally of the season. Mayor Scott McBrayer and the Homewood Park Board both challenged the school board to complete the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Photo by Scott Butler.

Cindy Williams revels in life now that she has been declared breast cancerfree. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ B17

B18 • December 2014

The Homewood Star

Calendar Homewood Events Dec. 2: Lighting of the Star. 5:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood. Visit homewoodchamber.org. Dec. 2: Christmas Concert. 2 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church. Presented by The Symphony Band and The Wind Symphony Band of UAB. Free. Call 879-1737 or visit trinitybirmingham. com. Dec. 3-4: Holly Days. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 117 Eastwood Drive. Homewood resident Jennifer Lee will host a holiday market. Visit facebook.com/HollyDaysHomewood or email fromjenniferskitchen@yahoo.com. Dec. 4-7: Star of Bethlehem Show. Dec. 4-6, 8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 4 p.m. Christenberry Planetarium, Samford University. Free, but seating is limited. Visit facebook.com/ ChristenberryPlanetariumSU. Dec. 5: Michael W. Smith and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. Wright Center at Samford University. $25-75. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Dec. 5-6: Homewood Creatives Art Show. Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Exceptional Foundation. Visit the Homewood Creatives Facebook page. Dec. 5-19: Holiday Art Show. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Brookwood Village. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. Dec. 7: First Baptist Church’s Christmas Musical. 5 p.m. First Baptist Church. The church will present The Word Became Flesh with full choir and orchestra. Visit fbcbirmingham.org. Dec. 7: Dawson Musical Service. 6 p.m.

Dawson Family of Faith. Visit dawsonchurch.org. Dec. 9: Christmas Parade. 6:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood. Visit homewoodparks.com. Dec. 10: Holiday Program. 11 a.m. The Exceptional Foundation Gym. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org. Dec. 11: Christmas Home Tour. 10 a.m.2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Presented by the Samford University Legacy League. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Visit samford.edu/legacyleague. Dec. 11: Edgewood Night Out. 3 p.m.close of business. Edgewood Business District. A portion of proceeds benefits Edgewood Elementary School. Dec. 12-21: The Nutcracker. Dec. 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2:30 p.m. Wright Center at Samford University. Presented by the Alabama Ballet. Visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter. Dec. 13-14: Freeform. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. Children’s Dance Foundation. Free. Visit childrensdancefoundation.org. Dec. 14: Shades Valley Lutheran Church’s Christmas Pageant. 10:30 a.m. Shades Valley Lutheran Church. Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org. Dec. 14: Oakmont United Methodist Church’s Christmas Musical. 11 a.m. Oakmont United Methodist Church. Visit oakmontmethodist.org. Dec. 14: Caroling with First Baptist Church. 5 p.m. First Baptist Church. Visit fbcbirmingham.org.

Dec. 14: Evening of Christmas Music. 6 p.m. Dawson Family of Faith. Children and students will lead an evening of Christmas music. Visit dawsonchurch.org. Dec. 14: Barcelona and Beyond Opening Reception. 5:30-8 p.m. The Joy Gallery. Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Exhibit will feature work from Crestline Elementary School and Thompson Intermediate Schools. Call 9423051. Dec. 14: Christmas Cantata. 6 p.m. Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Call 942-3051. Dec. 16: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club. UAB President Dr. Ray L. Watts will speak. Visit homewoodchamber.org. Dec. 19: Homewood Loves Art Night. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood. Birmingham area artists will be featured at stored, galleries and restaurants. Visit facebook.com/ HomewoodLovesArtNight. Dec. 20-21: Candlelight at Dawson. 5 p.m. Dawson Family of Faith. Visit dawsonchurch. org. Dec. 22: Last Minute Shopping Night Out. 4-7 p.m. aloft Hotel, 1903 29th Ave. South. Beer specials, food, music and shopping with local vendors. Dec. 27: Resolution Run. 8 a.m. Red Mountain Park. Run a 5K, 10K or 15K. Sponsored by Birmingham Track Club, The Trak Shak and The Friends of Red Mountain Park. $15 in advance, $20 on race day. Visit active.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2014 • B19

Calendar Area Events Dec. 2: Birmingham Boy’s Choir Christmas Concert. 7:30 p.m. Canterbury United Methodist Church. Free. Visit birminghamboyschoir.com. Dec. 3: Red Mountain Garden and Greenery Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Visit redmountaingardenclub.com. Dec. 4-21: Red Mountain Theatre Company Holiday Spectacular. Wednesdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Visit redmountaintheatre.org. Dec. 5: So You Think You Can Dance Tour. 10 a.m. Alabama Theatre. Tickets start at $45. Visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000. Dec. 5-31: Zoolight Safari. 5 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. $8 for non-members, free for members. Visit birminghamzoo.com. Dec. 6-7: Christmas at Arlington. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Call 780-5656. Dec. 6,13,14: Babes in Toyland. Saturdays 2 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Child $11, adults $13. Call 458-8181. Dec. 7: Jam4Sam. 5-9 p.m. Workplay, 500 23rd St. S. $20 presale and $25 at the door. Dinner included. Visitbhamjcc.org. Dec. 9-17: A Colonial Christmas. 10:30 a.m. and noon. American Village. $25. Visit americanvillage.org. Dec. 11: Holiday Hyjinx. Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3

p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre. $22. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Dec. 12: The Mutt-cracker. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Presented by Birmingham Ballet. Visit birminghamballet.com. Dec. 12, 13, 14: Holiday Wishes and Dreams Brought to Life on Ice. Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. Call 620-6448 or visit pelhamciviccomplex.com. Dec. 12-21: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 2:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Presented by Alabama Ballet. $25-$55. Visit alabamaballet.org. Dec. 13: Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. 8 a.m. Railroad Park. A holiday 5K race series aimed to fight arthritis. Visit jbrbham.kintera.org. Dec. 13-14: The Nutcracker. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. BJCC. Presented by Birmingham Ballet. Visit birminghamballet.com. Dec. 13, 20: Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. 8:30-10 a.m. McWane Science Center. $20 for adults, $15 for kids. Visit mcwane.org. Dec. 14: Kitschy Christmas. 2 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Create small vignettes throughout the house using ordinary household objects. $15 members, $20 nonmembers. Visit bbgardens.org.

Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

Making memories As I write this in mid-October, and I, along with my brother, Jake, everyone is still firmly ensconced in and his wife, Leigh, spent the Christthe football-fall festival-fall break mas weekend together in Mobile mentality. Because I’m determined with my parents. After breakfast and opening gifts, Matt set the camera to get a head start on my shopping this year, Christmas has been a topic up on a chair, and we dressed each other up in the gifts we’d received. of conversation lately with my girls and me. The holidays are sneaking We made crazy faces and danced in early, and Kate, for one, couldn’t around a little bit. I think my dad be more excited. She’s said more may have had bird feathers on his than once over the last week or head at one point. It turned out to Denton so, “Isn’t this just going to be the be a great photo, so what did we greatest Christmas ever?!” (She can be a touch do? You know that Elf Yourself trend that goes dramatic.) It got me wondering what makes around every year? Yep, we did that. I think to Christmas great for a child — or for any of us. this day, my dad isn’t quite sure how our faces Aside from the truth of Christmas — that we’re got on those dancing elves. celebrating the birth of our Savior — what is it Another (less embarrassing) memory has to that makes Christmas a special time of year? do with my maternal grandfather. This will be My best memories of Christmases past have the seventh Christmas without Papa, and while nothing to do with gifts I’ve received or given. we miss him all the time, his absence is felt They’re always about the people I spend time more acutely around the holidays. Yesterday with and making memories that will stick with while running errands with the girls, I menme for years. The memories aren’t grand — tioned nutcrackers, and Kate asked how they we’ve never taken a big trip over the holidays or work. As I explained, my mind went straight to visited some exotic location — but I wouldn’t my grandparents’ house and the huge fireplace trade them for even the most extravagant things. that dominated their den. Next to the fireplace I remember one particularly warm Christ- was a big basket of pecans and an ancient metal mas that felt more like early fall than the end nutcracker. Every Christmas, Papa would keep of December. Growing up in Mobile, having a slow burning fire going, and I’d spend hours a cold (or even chilly) Christmas day is never next to the fireplace cracking pecans and listena guarantee. On this particular Christmas, the ing to the adults talk about years past. rather beachy 70-something degrees caused my As I think back to Christmas memories dad to go into holiday overdrive. He decided to I savor, it reminds me of the importance of crank up the AC and build a roaring fire in the impressing sweet memories on my kids that fireplace. If it wasn’t cold outside, by golly, it they can think back on as they grow. While would be chilly inside with a crackling fire prac- our worship of Jesus is the most important part tically begging for roasted chestnuts and bare of our celebrations, I think He’s also honored feet propped in front of it. Well, Dad achieved when we hold tightly to our loved ones and his goal of creating a roaring fire, so much so enjoy all these moments He’s given us — even that it caught the top of the chimney on fire and if our memories include dancing elves. roared right out the top! Nothing says Christmas Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@ quite like a visit from the fire department. gmail.com. You can also find her on Twitter @ Not long after Matt and I were married, he LaurenKDenton.

VI RG ALDEN LN IN IA RD

K O

HILL CIR

N W ES W O TM O O DR R RY ID EC ELA W G N RO AR E FT D D LO RI RD N RD R CK G SL TO EY N R CROMWELL DR D D

HE RM IT AG E

E RD

FF RC LI BR IA

D O

BR IA RC L IF F

BR O

M O UN

SHO OK

PIPE

SH OR TR T

LINE

KYLE LN

60 K L

DO LL Y

OLD BROOK TRL

D R R

K OO BR

O LL Y D

DR W

§ ¦ ¨

AC T

AL TA

VI E ND R

AL TA GL E

SE TT LE RS RE LN DB UD LN

ALTARIDGE DR

115

BIRC HWO OD LN

RD OO D

44 K L

D ER

TA AL

L K

SKYLAN D DR

RI DG

CA LEWIS ST HA BA TR L

ROYAL OAK DR

KNOLLWOOD DR

RD SH OO KH ILL

ABINGDON LN

FL OR IDA

HW Y6 0

BLUE JAY RD

IDG KY R

PK W Y

SU RR EY

BA LM OR A

SMY ER RD

CI R YE R SM

CH EV CE AL DA L RD N EL LL N

DR O O D LE W AN G

GREEN VALLEY RD

RIL L

ING TO N

LE X

LIM ER

OC K

TURNHAM LN

SAGEWOOD TRL

BY WICKFORD RD RD

MAYLAND LN

WIL LO U

BADH AM DR

CHESTNUT ST

M O

BIG SP W RINGS DR AT KI N S G LE N AB D R IN GD ON RD

BEA VE UM VE ON SC ST TD L W R OO UB D D HI R LL S DR

SUNSET DR

NT CL AI RE

POST OAK RD

YNN

O KW O

DON ITA CT DONIT A DR

SQUIR E LN GRESHAM DR

HAMPTON DR

DRAKE ST

D R ID G E GRA YL

PARLIAMENT LN

ROC

19TH ST S 19TH ST S

17TH PL S

RA LA CE NT

RIDGE RD

ONT DR CLE RM

RD A MB IA N

CO LU

20TH ST S

AV E

13TH ST S

18 TH

EDGEWOOD BLVD

MB IA

CEDAR BARK LN

EASTWOOD DR

VESTAVIA FOREST PL

LIN D

VI ST A

CH ER RY L

W O O

CLIFF PL

WAY ST

REST DR

S FO

KENIL WO

BROADWAY

EDGEVIEW AVE

BL VD S

BROA D

CO LU ER AL C RY RD FO RES T RD R AV D E CHESTER ST

SH AD ES

RE GE NT LN QU EE NS VI E

MARION ST

RTH D

5TH ST S

PA LI SA DE D R O XM O O

COBB ST

WOODLAND DR

JOYCE ST

1ST PL S 2ND ST S

11TH PL S

4TH ST S

1ST PL S 2ND ST S

1ST ST S

CENTER PL SW CENTER WAY S CENTER WAY S

HADEN ST

IVY LN

AUDUBON CIR

RD R OX M OO

PATTON ST

OX MO OR

PINE LN

W OXMOOR RD

CITATION CT

INDUSTRIAL DR

L TR IA IN DU S

O R O XM

ILL

LINCOLN ST SW

GOLDWIRE ST SW

AV E

IO N

AV IA T

R IVER BA R

CAHA

2ND A

N DR

L MIL

APRIL DR

ROBIN SO N DR O

TON OVER

VALLEY CIR

R CI

LE BRIARG

RD OOD

WREN RD WHETSTONE RD

SH A

L RD DEL

62 WEATHERTON DR K L D

WYNWARD RD

CE TR

CHARTER RD

ROC KY RIDGE RD

CAMMACK RD

LD O

WEBB CIR

CENTER ST S

BOLIN ST SW

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR

BAINS

13TH PL SW 13TH ST SW

12TH PL

13TH WAY SW

14TH ST SW

17TH PL SW

17TH ST SW

16TH WAY SW

AS PE N

ER S

JEF F ST SW

EL M

GAP R D

16TH PL SW

AV ES W

18TH ST SW 18TH ST SW

18TH ST SW

MIMS ST SW

19TH ST SW

18TH PL SW

19TH ST SW

19TH PL SW 19TH ST SW 18TH WAY SW

19TH PL SW

24TH ST SW

19TH ST SW 18TH WAY SW 18TH PL SW

21ST ST SW

23RD ST SW 22ND ST SW 21ST ST SW

27TH ST SW

25TH ST SW

28TH ST SW 27TH ST SW

SH ER WO OD RD

GALAXIE DR SW M AP LE AV E SW

NORWICH DR

MILLW

COVENTRY DR

CORAL ST

OSTLIN CT

21ST ST SW

LOCKERBIE DR

M PU

24TH ST SW

280 £ ¤

INDIAN CREEK DR

22ND ST SW

CI R

E KE

E ER T SMY

OD WO ING AB

IR BC LU SC VE

OS LO

28TH ST SW

EST RD PINE CR

64 K L

CIR

PANORAMA DR

ND LA

CI R

CR UZA ND R

HUNTERS CV

DH BA RI DG VI ED KI R NG

L K

113 MISTY LN

FOXGLEN CIR

R GA

O ER CH

VESTAVIA

MONTEREY

LN TA VIS

31 £ ¤

O BR

I GR

ALPINE CIR

ER C COM

T R K ED EE CR

VE ST

Y AD SH

LA K

RIDGEVIEW DR

MERRYVALE RD

DR ITZ PIZ

GEORGIA AVE

MALIBU PL

R EY SS MA

AVIA

T VES

CR ES T

K EE RD CR LL HI AN DI IN

D OL

D OR ILF GU

D OO W OK

O BR

KENTUCKY AVE

L TR

L HIL ER OV

D R OR X D A DS F IN IR W FA DR E IR DR SH M RK RHA YO DU RD RUMSON N DR HAMPTO

R ST

E RD CH RY KO HIC

CANYON RD

D CIR

E CR

SY EA

RD SMYER

D AD TR SH STNU

CATALA RD

R GE CAROVE L

CEDARWOOD RD

SOUTHVIEW

LINDA VISTA LN YORKMONT CIR

D OD S

REGENT DR

BRID AN EM

E DG RI

COL

UE BL

VD BL

INWO

COLUMB IA DR

IA AV ST VE D

RD SOUTHWOOD RD OD VE STAV WO IA CT UTH SO D LR E TYSON DR R LAU

PI NE

GLENWOOD RD

WHITE WAY

DG RI

CO JA

R SC E DE AV RD FO AL

L HO

NT A MOU

SHADES CREST RD LY

149 T S

W NA LEO

ERWIN CIR

99 K L

DR RK PA

D LR

99 K L

ES OD RH

A RR MU

SUNS ET

IL YH

D YR

E LN ER RIDG OV PINE

D SR D ING DR ST OO HA HW T U SO

DEVON DR

EDGEHILL RD

RLY DR

CURRIE WAY

POINCIANA DR

LANCASTER RD DR

OFFIC E PA RK C IR

Y Y HW

R HB

O C

Y W H

PO MAL INC AGA IAN A A D VE R

D NR GTO LLIN WE

E RIL

ITY RS IVE UN

IR FA

IS MA

RE DR WOODME

LA RK SP UR

CE LU

29TH AVE S

R BLVD WINDSO

RD GE RID VW TER SAL

LV EB RN

HICKORY KNL WOODBINE DR

E PIN

JAFFEE ST

97 K L E AV

E GL

T ES

A SH

E DR

FAIR MAY

WAV E

AL NE

E AV

SHERWOOD PL

S RI LC DE

E RU

W NT KE

HO R

ES AD SH

LA ROSE

SAULTER RD

T ES CR

S LAKE

Y KW

HAPPY LN

LN OL IST BR CAMDEN RD

RALEIGH CT

S ON MM CO

GATSBY

L EY P R VALL ND D

E AV

REESE ST

R OME

I 65

OAK GROVE

O SH KE LA

MOOR CT

RD OOR OXM GROVE PL

T ES CR

H 28T

CT S

TG MON OLD

KENT DR

RM FA E Y AT W ST

SNOW DR

NS ER DF RE

65 § ¨ ¦ 65 § ¨ ¦

ALLEN AVE

28TH

ROSEDALE DR

CIR AN RM SHE

AN LC VU

W PK

LN D R R O D O M BEN LL HI OW L IL W

OR CIR

RALEIGH AVE HALL AVE

27TH AVE S WOODFERN DR

L EP IAG D RR YR CA UR RB E RD NT R A C OO RM R RD CHESTE HE AT HE

CIR DO RA

GILLON DR KENT LN

R EW D

L DP LA N ER T GRACE ST SUTH NS TTA A H IRVING RD N MA

DIXON AVE

CARR AVE

EY VI

SOUTH LN

P LA

Y GB BA

LL VA

STERRETT AVE

LN GE N L

20TH PL S

T RS HU

MECCA AVE

CK RO

O AC BE

VIE

IL K HV ES OC AV NGLIS EAC A P E ST TH 21 20

S VE

ST S 18TH

L VA

Y LE

WARWICK DR S

AVE

BE CK HA M

DR GE RID EY LL AVE A V POPLAR PL EY

16TH

18TH AVE S

L DR

W PK

IL NOB H

W PK

AVE S

VALL

22ND AVE S

CHASTINE CIR

L OL KN GE ED

WAY VENETIAN

RD FO AL

R TE

15TH

21ST AVE S

1ST ST S O AC

19TH AVE S

RD OR FOREST DR MO OX

MM SU

95 K L

DGE 3 DR SKI LO EW

ST S

NO WE

H NA

OR MO OX

OAKMOOR DR RIDGEMOOR DR

IDLEWILD CIR

29TH

SH LAKE

PK O RE

14TH AVE S ES S AV CT TH 10TH 10 16TH AVE S

ES S AV

OXMOOR BLVD

AQUARIUS DR

BA RB

OX RESE ARCH PKWY

PI RB GA SU

OXM O

RK PA

E AV

20TH AVE S

I YV SK

YM OL

OSTLIN CT SS GO

E AV E EY AV L L SH U VA

GEMINI CIR IR RK C W PA

N O AV LE INE

LODGE

FR AN KF UR TC IR

MASON AVE SW

HERITAGE WAY

H 12T

U CO

Y NT

T AT M

H 8T

14TH AVE SW

16TH AVE SW

LYON LN

RAMBOW AVE

NE SYD

SW W PL T S

R D D W AR E S

GOLDWIRE WAY SW

14 TH 15

SW W E S AV VE A M SA DAR L BA CE

PRIN EN S GRE

17TH AVE SW

BALSAM AVE

MAPLE AVE

A RI LO G

S ST SW ROBERT

17TH WAY SW

FRANCIS AVE SW

W AV E S 7TH AV

H 6T

PALMER AVE

JACKSON AVE SW

ANN DR SW

18 K L

MIMS AVE SW

SNAVELY AVE DAWSON AVE SW

IS HK O

LOWER POLECAT RD

JACKSON AVE SW

PARK LAWN AVE SW

T 15

NORTHLAND AVE SW MAYFIELD AVE SW POWDERLY AVE SW

15 TH 16

A RN LO

RS FE

E AV ON

TH 14

F JE

RN LO

21ST ST SW T SW DS 23R SW RD W A RK H S T S SP W 25T TS HS 26T

A PE

E AV

ON RS

E AV

V SW R A E AV INE E ON ST LO TT A O C SC

A OS

ALABAMA AVE SW

RD LANE PARK RD BA HA CA

E AV

V UE EN EU AV NU

AVENUE W

12TH ST S

A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER Homewood Scheduled Trimming - Winter 2014 Spring 2015

459

§ ¦ ¨

N ACTO

459

RED WING

Tree crews working in city through early 2015 Alabama Power contract 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 2015. Also, you can go online to http://alpwr.co/vm where Alabama Power has further 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.

POWI-3795 TreeTrimmr14-MB Homewood.indd 2

11/14/14 4:04 PM