Homewood Star January 2012 by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star | January 2012 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Volume 1 | Issue 10 | January 2012 Red Nose Run- pg 9

Sam’s Super Samwiches

Piggly Wiggly - pg 17

- pg 16

National tournament returns to Lakeshore By KATIE STEWART

Hands spin wheels at incredible speeds and shoot basketballs across the court. At the Pioneer Classic at The Lakeshore Foundation, players race up and down the court and the crowd cheers like at any other basketball tournament, but for this one the athletes play in wheelchairs. “Walking into Lakeshore Foundation’s field house can put anyone in sensory overload,” said Mary Allison Milford, recreation specialist and one of the coaches for the Lakeshore Sharks. “The smell of metal grinding against metal and burning rubber as tire treads screech to a halt upon the hardwood greet fans at the door.” The Foundation will host its 25th Annual Pioneer Classic wheelchair basketball tournament the weekend of Jan. 13-15. The National Wheelchair Basketball Association Division III, Women’s Division and youth wheelchair basketball teams travel from across the country to participate in the annual tournament. “The Pioneer Classic is arguably one of the longest-running sporting events in Birmingham and has showcased the nation’s best talent in wheelchair basketball

See BASKETBALL | page 10

January Features Best of Homewood Ballot

City Council

Tips for resolutions

Shining Star

Herb Trotman

Lauren Denton

Julie Williams

Restaurant Showcase

Business Spotlight

Sports

School House

Calendar of Events

Like us

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Come out to the Lakeshore Foundation to watch teams from all over the country compete in wheelchair basketball Jan. 13-15. Photo courtesy of the Lakeshore Foundation.

Bettering schools, bettering the community By RICK WATSON First graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary have a new way to tell where they are having reading problems: by recording and playing back themselves reading on iPads. “The iPads offer an opportunity to reach children who have various learning styles – kinesthetic, visual and auditory all at once,” said Betsy Crimi, a HHS graduate and current Homewood first grade teacher and resident. “It’s added a whole new aspect to teaching children.” Elizabeth Stewart’s special education class at Homewood Middle School also uses the iPads. They had used iPods on a trial basis, but the smaller screens were a challenge for the students. Integrating iPads into lesson plans is part of the new campaign “Build a foundation, be the difference” for the Homewood City Schools Foundation. “We are so grateful to the Homewood Foundation for making such a difference in the lives of students with special needs in Homewood,” said Stewart. The foundation’s grants have helped extend the middle school’s award-winning Engineering Through Robotics program to the high school and all three elementary schools. The results are impressive. In the 2010 BEST competition, Homewood

Reed Johnson and Josh Galloway use an iPad provided by the Homewood City Schools Foundation. Photo courtesy of Mac Logue.

Middle School finished second in the state against mostly high school teams. They went on to compete in the regional finals at Auburn University. Seventh grade math teacher Sherry Putt used a foundation grant to buy tools such as hands-on equations and angle viewers. Angle viewers, iPads and other learning tools that the foundation supplies are all integrally tied to the larger community. “The quality of schools is an indicator of the community’s health,” said Jane Marie

Fabric of Homewood

Marlin, president of the Homewood City Schools Foundation. Research has shown that homes in communities with quality schools sell for a premium. The people of Homewood understood this connection and decided to start a foundation in 1996 to provide resources to help teachers teach better and children learn better. In the beginning, the foundation funded mostly big programs and technology projects for classrooms, but the

See SCHOOLS | page 14

A Father and Sons Operation Mon-Thur: 7-7 Fri: 7-6:30, Sat: 9-4 1915 Oxmoor Rd. • 871.6131 hunterscleaners@gmail.com

| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

Renaissance Consignment Boutique is ready to receive your dresses!! The time is fast approaching for prom, pageant and upcoming weddings. A new year with many events requiring formal wear, so allow Renaissance to be your one stop shop. We would love to consign your dresses and invite you to shop our huge selection for fashionable dresses. We have sizes from toddler to plus, so there is something for everyone! No Appointment needed to bring dresses by for us to look at for consignment.

Need Dresses ?

Over 2000 dresses can be shopped in our expanded formal area with professionals to assist in your selection. Accessories for all formal wear are available. Before you shop anywhere else, please come by to see all the fashion options at Renaissance. The prices and variety are excellent.

You can now Shop Online Anytime, New items added daily 6801 Cahaba Valley Road (Hwy 119) 1/4 South of Hwy 280, Along with Bellini’s, Cantina, and Edgars Bakery Opened 10-6 daily with extended hours on Thursday until 9 pm. Closed on Sundays.

205-980-4471

www.RenaissanceConsignment.com Ectetera • Ed Hardy • Ferragamo • Free People J Crew • Joe’s Jeans • Juicy • Kate Spade • Laundry • Lily Pulitzer • Louis Vuitton • Marc Jacobs •

Matt & Nat • Michael Kors • Michael Stars • Moth • Nanette Lepore • Nicolle Miller • Paige • Prada • Rock & Republic • Saks • Snow • St. John • Sweet Pea • Tano • Theory • Three Dots • Tory Burch • True

Got Dresses ?

Johnson • Burberry • Carlisle • Chip & Pepper • Christian Louboutin • Citizens of Humanity • Coach • Cole Haan • Cynthia Steefe • Dana Buchman • David Meister • Diesel • Dolce & Gabbana • Donald Pliner •

7 for Mankind • Anne Klein • Anthropologie • Antik Denim • BCBG • Betsey Donald Pliner • Ectetera • Ed Hardy • Ferragamo • Free People J Crew

The Homewood Star | January 2012 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

BIRMINGHAM’S BIGGEST LOSERS All of us at some point in our lives make that decision...... Now’s that time!

The fact that you’re reading these words means mentally you’ve taken the 1st step to your permanent weight loss plan for 2012. You are about to embark on the most incredible weight loss journey of your life. In one round of the HCG countdown diet phase, your body will be amazingly different. In just 30 days you will be leaner, lighter, more energetic and healthier, but that’s not all. Mentally, you will be more focused and confident. You will have learned what it takes to make incredible changes, not just to your weight, but in all areas of your life. Maybe you are reading this because you know the person in the picture, who lost a bunch of weight, or maybe you’re unhappy with your own weight. Maybe you want to take control of your life. Maybe this is your time to take the big loser challenge. Whatever your motivation, InShapeMD will help you every step of the way. InShapeMD will provide you with their proven HCG countdown diet plan that will help you lose up to 30 lbs in 30 days. If you are feeling sluggish, tired, stuck at your weight, ashamed of what you’ve become, embarrassed by how you look, or worried about your health. Now’s your time! InShapeMD will show you exactly what you need to do to unlock your true potential and become the person you’ve wanted to be. It’s not just about the weight; it’s about taking control of your new life.

Bryon Coleman lost 82 Lbs in 90 days!

You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!

START NOW!

Lose 30lbs by March 30th 2012 and become eligible for the

FREE Cruise!

1919 28th Ave. South Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-1216

$100 OFF the CountDown Diet. Expires 3/31/12.

| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

Editor’s Note

Drummer Jake Schiller marched with the Homewood High School marching band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Photo courtesy of Cindy Wade.

Contributing Photographers Anna Cate Little | Rick Watson

Publisher Dan Starnes

Editor

Where were you when the ball dropped on Times Square on New Year’s Eve? Hopefully, you were celebrating with loved ones – ringing out the old year, with all its memories firmly in place, and ringing in the New Year with all its promises still unrealized but at least possible. A new year has descended upon us, and with it comes the demands of commitment. Actually, it’s dealing with the realm of what is possible (not likely, but possible) that makes this time of year so appealing to me. For just a day or so here in the first week or two of January, anything goes. I could, for example, become a completely organized person. It’s possible. So in the spirit of the possible, this year our staff, along with a few Homewood students have graciously decided to share a few of its collective resolutions, and in turn, we would love to hear from you the resolutions you committed to. It is officially the start of 2012 and, hey, anything’s possible. This is also a great time to welcome you to a new year with The Homewood Star. For those of us trying to recoup from holiday fêtes and feasts, we share advice from several local fitness and nutrition gurus that just might help you with your personal goals. Also, check out our business spotlight this month on the Piggly Wiggly grocery store. Known for years as simply, “The Pig,” the store has teamed with UAB on a nutritional incentive program, “Eat Right by UAB,” designed to educate consumers on healthy food items to buy and eat. Our shining star feature this month

“To live in the moment! Be grateful for today!” – Blake

Managing Editor

Creative Director Keith McCoy

Editor at Large Joe Samuel Starnes

Published by Homewood Star LLC

Sales and Distribution

Happy New Year! anything’s possible!)

(And remember,

Staff New Year’s Resolutions

Ashley Berkery Madoline Markham

focuses on a special young lady who is in fifth grade at Hall-Kent Elementary School. Cora Steele has an amazing spirit that will inspire you to accomplish any goal you think is impossible to overcome. Cora not only finished the HallKent Fun Run, but also she is currently working towards her new goal to complete the 26 miles of the Mercedes Marathon next month. Read her encouraging story on page 9. This month The Legacy League is hosting Heaven is for Real author, Todd Burpo at Samford University’s Reid Chapel. You won’t want to miss this inspiring event that’s highlighted on page 15. Are you recently engaged and planning an upcoming wedding? Our article on page 12 offers wedding wisdom from local vendors to help your planning process run smoothly. Have a unique, creative or especially romantic proposal story? We would love to hear about it, and possibly feature it. Please email your engagement story and photos to Ashley@ thehomewoodstar.com to be considered for an upcoming article. Thank you for your support of our newspaper, and always, we are here for your input and feedback. We look forward to a great 2012 with you – our readers and advertisers.

“To focus on the order of my priorities: God, family, friends and work – and not to complain too much about the rest of my pregnancy!” - Ashley “To be on time!” – Lauren

Rhonda Smith | Angela Morris | Jennifer Ogilvie | Dan Starnes

“Other than working off typical holiday weightgain, I might revisit that manuscript I started years ago. My life-long dream is to write a book!” – Anna Cate “To tie more ﬂies and to catch more ﬁsh.” -Dan

“To devote less time to my computer screen and more to people in real life and to books.” -Madoline

Intern Katie Stewart

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: Ashley@thehomewoodstar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 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

Please Support Our Sponsors Advantage Payroll (15) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (7) Arden Photography (13) Armor Insurance (16) Bella Bridesmaid (13) Bridal Bliss Salon (12) D1 Sports (14) First Lenders (21) General Pest Control (5) Hamburger Heaven (14) Harmony Landing (8) Homewood Antiques (21) Homewood Chamber (10) Homewood Dental (11) Homewood Music (15) Homewood Parks and Recreation (18)

Hunter’s Cleaners (1) InShapeMD (3) Limbaugh Toyota (24) Lulie’s on Cahaba (8) Michael’s (10) Mountain Brook Chamber (17) Mountain Brook Sporting Goods (19) New York Pizza (22) Once Upon a Time (15) Oxmoor Orthodontics (9) Pastry Art (13) Piggly Wiggly (7) Renaissance Consignment (2) Renasant Bank (9) Salem’s Diner (9) The Wade Team (16)

The Homewood Star

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Mayor’s Minute Dear Homewood neighbors, Another year has come and gone, and the start of the 2012 year should be exciting. I want to take a moment to thank you as neighbors first for making Homewood such a great place to live. A city can only be as good as the people who live here, and we are so fortunate to have great people in Homewood. I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to live here with you and to serve as your mayor. I also want to thank all the city employees for the hard work they have done this past year. The calls answered by our Police Department and our Fire Department are always timely, and they have such a dedication to service. Our Street and Sanitation Department comes rain or shine to collect our garbage and trash, and I know you appreciate them as much as I do. It takes so many people to make a city operate correctly, and the work they do each and every day is a testament to their loyalty, service and dedication to make Homewood even better. There are just too many good things that happen each month to mention in such a small article. But I do want to say a special thank you to Jim ‘N Nick’s. Each year they provide meals to nearly 400 city employees for the Annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon at no cost to the employees or to the City of Homewood. We have so many good businesses in Homewood who are gracious with their giving to all kinds of events throughout the year. So many of them like Piggly Wiggly, Nabeel’s and Buffalo Rock are generous to our schools as well. When given the opportunity, please take a moment to thank them for all the sponsorships, donations and support of all that is good in Homewood. We have so many things to be thankful for here in the City of Homewood. I pray

Homewood’s fire trucks are having a difficult time accessing portions of the city due to narrow streets and on-street parking. Improperly parked vehicles have the potential to cause a severe delay in the arrival of a fire truck at the scene of an emergency. When seconds count, this delay may cause someone to lose their life, property damage at a fire to increase unnecessarily or a medical emergency to worsen. Please help us maintain adequate clearance for the passage of a fire truck. Keep the following points in mind when on-street parking is required by you or your visitors: ff City Code prohibits parking within 30 feet of an intersection.

ff Parking on both sides of the street

Sincerely,

Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

may leave inadequate clearance for a fire truck. The fire truck is incapable of negotiating the same turns and gap passage of a passenger vehicle. ff Parking in front of a fire hydrant or in a fire lane is prohibited. ff If you have a party or similar function at home, please inform your guests to maintain access for fire trucks. When choosing a parking place for your vehicle, remember to consider how it may affect access by a fire truck.

Senior Center book project

profusely. He removed his jacket then his tie and continued the lesson. With perspiration pouring, he reached into his hip pocket for his handkerchief to mop his face. He gave the handkerchief a big shake and held it up to his face with both hands. As his attentive students watched Bonnie’s hands, they discovered that Sunday Surprise his “handkerchief” was my My husband, Bonnie, was deaf, was fluent in Senior Center member Betty white Vanity Fair nylon panties that had apparently sign language, and taught Mann a Sunday School class for the deaf, young gotten into his pocket in the washing and old. One Sunday in the mid-70s, while machine. That ended the Sunday school dressed in his wash-and-wear polyester lesson for the day! suit, he became hot and began to sweat Homewood’s Senior Center is still collecting memoirs from members to include in their book project. Entries may be submitted to Senior Center Director Aimee Thornton. The following is an excerpt submitted by Senior Center member Betty Mann, age 79.

“A Company You Can Trust”

TERMITES • ROACHES • FLEAS • ANTS

3 MONTHS

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Keeping streets clear

ff Under City Code, an on-street parked vehicle must leave an unobstructed width of not less than 18 feet of paved street to remain open for the free passage of other vehicles.

this year brings continued success and happiness to you and to your family. Let’s take the time to develop great attitudes, do a good deed for someone else and remember there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. You count. You matter. You always have and you always will. With kindest regards I remain,

| January 2012 |

941-9882 SUB GARD

A TERMITE MONITORING SYSTEM

397 West Oxmoor Road • www.genpest.com

| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

2012

Homewood The Homewood Star will be taking votes for the Best of Homewood 2012 competition through January 31. To vote, mark one business in each category on this ballot and return to the ballot box at Hunter’s Cleaner’s, O’Henry’s (downtown and Brookwood Mall locations) or the Homewood Rec Center, or mail to The Homewood Star, P.O. Box 530341, Birmingham, AL 35253. You can also vote online at www.thehomewoodstar.com. Only one vote is allowed per person. Results will be announced in the March issue.

Name:__________________________*

 Wing Plus 3  Zaxby’s  Publix

1. Best Coffee Shop  Hart & Soul  O’Henry’s  Seattle Drip  Starbuck’s

     

*We ask that you list your name to ensure that there is only one vote per person. We will not release your name or in any way associate your name with your voting. Thank you.

2. Best Hamburger  Five Guys  Hamburger Heaven  Jack’s  Jim ‘N Nick’s  Salem’s Diner  Sam’s Deli  Sam’s Super Samwiches  The Baskits 3. Best Barbecue  Demetri’s  Full Moon  Jim N Nick’s  Saw’s  Urban Cookhouse 4. Best Chicken Salad  Jim N Nick’s  Nabeel’s  O’Carr’s  Piggly Wiggly  Sam’s Super Samwiches  Urban Cookhouse  Zoe’s 5. Best Wings  Dave’s  Demitri’s  Jim N Nicks  Oak Hill

6. Best Brunch Brio Crape Myrtle Cafe DeVinci’s Jackson’s Pinches Tacos Urban Cookhouse

7. Best Garden Shop  Garden Shop of Homewood  Sweet Peas 8. Best Salon  Affects  Blonde Salon  Fringe  Gary Anthony  Hair Group  Hopson James  Ole Timey Barber Shop  Richard Joseph  Salon U  Sanctuary  SAXX  Scia Scia’s  The Hair Group  Urban Style Salon  Other:_______________ 9. Best Dry Cleaners  Homewood Cleaner’s  Hunter’s  Monarch  Nina’s  Valley Cleaner’s 10. Best Meat and Three  Homewood Diner

   

Meat and Three Oak Hill Paw Paw Patch Piggly Wiggly

11. Best Place to Exercise  D1 Sports  Dawson Baptist Church  Homewood Rec Center  Irontribe  Pure Barre  Riviera Fitness  Shades Valley YMCA  Studio Fitness 12. Best Happy Hour  Brio  Dave’s Pizza  Dodiyos  Jackson’s  Jim N Nick’s  Michael’s  Oak Hill  Lovoy’s  Pinches Tacos Other: __________ 13. Best Place for Girl’s Night Out  Cocina Superior  DoDiYos  GianMarco’s  Jackson’s  Jinsei  Pinches Tacos 14. Best Place for Home Décor  At Home  Brandino Brass  Centuries Antiques  Four Seasons  Harmony Landing  Homewood Antiques and

Marketplace  Nadeau  Seibel’s  SoHo Retro  Tammy Connor Interiors  The Briarcliff Shop 15. Best Bakery  Dreamcakes  Icing on the Cookie  Pastry Art Bake Shoppe  Savage’s 16. Best Pizza or Italian  Dave’s  New York Pizza  Lovoy’s  DeVinci’s  GianMarco’s 17. Best Women’s Store  a.k.a. Girl Stuff  Collage  D’trespa Consignment Boutique  Doree  Molly Green  Pink Tulip  SOCA  Theodora’s 18. We hope to expand categories in future years of the Best of Homewood competition. What suggestions do you have for categories in future years? _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________

Vote online at thehomewoodstar.com

The Homewood Star

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

The Homewood Star

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| January 2012 |

Meet your City Council members David Hooks, Ward 4, Place 2 David, tell us about yourself and your position on our council. Describe how your job with Jefferson County also positively affects your council position. This is my second term on the Homewood City Council. I was first elected in 1992 but left in the middle of the term to serve on the governor’s cabinet as the director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. After ADECA, I went to work out of state. When I retired, we decided to move back to Alabama. My daughter, Rebecca, only made one request: to move back to Homewood. She graduated in 2005. Five years ago, the council representative for my ward resigned. Because of my prior experience and my work expertise, I was appointed to the position. I ran for reelection and was unopposed in 2008. I have been in the investment banking business since 1982. My specialty in the public finance arena has served me well in my role as interim finance chair on the Finance Committee of the City Council. When the new County Commission took office in November of last year, Chairman of the (Commission) Finance Committee Jimmie Stephens asked me to be his chief of staff. It is really impossible to explain just how many moving parts there are when you start negotiating, not just the sewer debt but also the school tax warrants and the county general obligation debt. Obviously, this experience has added to my knowledge base in working with Homewood as well.

Council member David Hooks

Can you explain the Alagasco project going on in parts of our community and when it is expected to be completed? My primary role as a council representative has been, and will continue to be, ensuring that when new installations are completed the streets are correctly repaired and all traces of work are erased. Growth, by necessity, brings interruption to our lives. Most people understand that and are willing to live with it as long as those causing the interruptions do their part to leave the place better than they found it when they leave. We are not sure when it is to be completed.

What do you love about Homewood? I say this somewhat in jest but also to make a point. When I first ran for council at 21, I asked the mayor what I needed to do to keep my constituents happy. He thought for a moment and then responded, “Just make sure the high school football team keeps winning. As long as they are winning, all the other issues can be dealt with.” I truly believe that Homewood’s moving back to 5A in sports will be good for the city as a whole. The thing about Homewood that makes it such a great place to live is that it is a community. While both my children are grown, I still enjoy attending the high school sporting events, the homecoming parade, the Christmas parade, We Love Homewood Day, the Salamander Festival, Fourth of July at Our Lady of Sorrows, Kiwanis Pancake Day, the list goes on. It makes me proud to brag about our band attending the Macy’s Day Parade. Where else in the world still offers a lifestyle that allows you to let your kids play by themselves in the neighborhood and know they are safe? There are many little plastic green men holding flags on our streets that say “kids at play” put out by the local residents so kids can play safely in the neighborhood. Homewood is a great place to call home!

What are some issues on the horizon for Homewood in 2012? Does Homewood have issues to address for 2012? Yes. Sales tax revenues have been declining for the last three years, housing sales are down, and local businesses are struggling. However, when compared to what other cities around the country are facing, our problems are minor.

You serve as chairman of the Financial Policy Committee at the National League of Cities. Has this been beneficial? Yes, I was able to host the committee in Homewood in August, which brought 40 elected officials from around the country to visit our city. It has given Homewood a seat at the table in developing national policy on issues that affect cities across the county.

A Fresh Start to Your New Year

Nichols retires from library Dennis Nichols, head of the Adult Services Department at Homewood Public Library, retired in December. Nichols had been with the library in this position since September 1, 2000, but had previously worked at the library from 1983-1986. He has also held positions at other libraries, including the Monroeville Public Library and the Birmingham Public Library system. Nichols has been a member of the Alabama Library Association for more than 24 years. He has chaired and served on several committees and, ultimately, served as President of the Association in 2009-10. He was awarded the Eminent Librarian Award in 2011 for his commitment to the organization. He served a two-year term as president of the University of Alabama’s library and information science honor society, the Beta Phi Mu, two-year term as President of UA’s Library School Association, and president of the Jefferson County Public Library Association.

Check Out Our Daily Fresh Catch in Stores or on facebook. Like us on facebook at Piggly Wiggly Homewood

Dennis Nichols

93 Euclid Avenue 3800 River Run Drive 3000 Independence Crestline 776-8755 Drive, Homewood 870-5640 879-0084 www.pigglywigglybirmingham.com

| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

New Year’s Resolutions Homewood students share with The Homewood Star their New Year’s Resolutions for 2012.

“I want to get into a good college. I also want to finish strong in my senior year.” -Lin Kabachia, Homewood High School

“I want to have a 4.0 average my first semester in college.” -Tre Winn, Homewood High School

Happy New Year from Harmony Landing

“My New Year’s Resolution is to start a rock band and play an actual show somewhere.” -Mason Wingo, Homewood High School “I resolve to be more helpful to my parents by getting ready for school in the mornings and not making them run late. I also resolve to be a team leader and to assist those with lesser skills.” -Eric Hepp, Homewood Middle School

Tips and tricks to help your resolutions stick

2925 18th Street South • Homewood 205-871-0585 • www.harmonylanding.com Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Members of Iron Tribe Fitness experience consistent and intense workouts that make goals attainable. Photo courtesy of Forrest Walden.

By ASHLEY BERKERY If jumping on the weight loss bandwagon in January and falling off by February is your typical modus operandi, read on for a few helpful tips from local fitness and nutrition professionals. Make resolutions realistic, lose the “quick fix” mentality and reward yourself from time to time. -Beth Hubrich, nutrition and food communications specialist for the Calorie Control Council Making your resolutions realistic means that you won’t lose weight overnight. Instead, Hubrich suggests focusing on losing one to two pounds a week. A quick fix of swearing off carbs or dessert might last for a month, but her expertise says it won’t stick long term. And with all of the hard work, Hubrich says to reward yourself with a break. “If you find yourself off track cut yourself some slack and don’t beat yourself up,” she says. The reward (other than food) could be pampering yourself with a massage or manicure, or going to play a sports game.

871-9696

Increase your power and be consistent to achieve fitness results from your resolution. -Forrest Walden, owner of Iron Tribe Fitness in Homewood Increased power leads to increased intensity. “Intensity is the shortcut to good results,” Walden said. Such intensity lowers triglycerides, improves blood pressure,

decreases body fat, increases respiratory fitness, increases strength and improves muscle tone and definition. Although Walden promotes results from intense workouts, he also says consistency in your fitness regime should come first. In order to be consistent, he suggests three things: Focus on the volume of work prescribed and not on the loads, scale prescribed workouts according to bodyweight, and use speed as an intensifier before weight. Reconsider jogging and low-calorie diets. -Romen McDonald, owner of Firm Body Boot Camps Instead of committing to jogging, which can be boring and hazardous to the knees, McDonald suggests interval training to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Low-calorie diets are another resolution to stay away from, according to McDonald. After seven days of a lowcalorie diet, your Leptin levels go down, which allows your body to burn fat. “Your body needs a certain amount of fuel or energy to run, so if you create a calorie deficit diet your body will derive energy by eating itself, and as soon as you get off the diet your metabolism is lower than when you started and weight gain is almost guaranteed to happen,” he says. For more information on fitness tips visit www.irontribefitness.com and www.askromen. com.

The Homewood Star

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| January 2012 |

Red Nose Run HOMEWOOD

The 8th Annual Red Nose Run will take place on Jan. 7 in SOHO. Kids can enjoy the 1-mile Fun Run with the Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Clown as well as Ronald McDonald, while others can run or walk in the 5K and 10-mile courses. All proceeds of the event benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. The race start times are 7 a.m. for the 10-Mile, 7:15 a.m. for the 5K and 8:30 a.m. for the 1-mile Fun Run. If you register early, you can pick up your packet at the Ronald McDonald House Jan. 4-6. On Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 you can pick them up from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. On Jan. 6

you can pick them up from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ronald McDonald House is located at 1700 4th Ave. South. Late registration packet pickup is Jan. 7 at 6 a.m. at Soho Square, Rosewood Hall. Keep in mind that this is on race day. Due to race day parking limitations, participant registrations are limited, so be sure to register early. Participants in the races receive goodie bags that contain a $5 off coupon for Ringling Bros. tickets, a clown nose, a longsleeve race tee shirt and more. For more information, visit rednoserun-bham.com.

ALABAMA

877-8797

2913 18th Street South

Runners from last year’s Red Nose Run start the race. Photo courtesy of SimPhoto.

By KATIE STEWART

•

Monday–Saturday 6:30am to 3pm www.salemsdiner.com

HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

A Shining Star - Cora Steele DEBORAH A. S EMA , D. M . D.,

M . S.

SPECIALIST IN ORTHODONTICS Braces for Children and Adults

205-942-2270 www.ovortho.com The Alabama Dental Act requires the following disclaimer in all dental ads: “No representation is made that the quality of the dental services to be performed is greater than the quality of dental services performed by other dentists.”

Tucker Brant and Wilson McCraw assisted Cora across the finish line of the Hall-Kent Fun Run.

By ASHLEY BERKERY Much larger than any physical problems are Cora Steele’s tender, caring heart and her determination. Despite a genetic disorder known as Trisomy Three, the deletion of the 21st chromosome, Cora received an Honorable Mention award for completing her first race, the Hall-Kent Fall Festival Fun Run with the help of her entire fifth grade class cheering her on. Cora is still on a medical journey for an exact diagnosis. She battled liver cancer as a toddler, had a liver resection, bladder surgery in early elementary school and last year in fourth grade had back surgery to insert titanium rods, which means she is unable to bend her back at all. “We were all lined up on the side of the road with tears flowing down our cheeks as she finished,” Suzanne Humphries, Cora’s teacher, said. Wilson McCraw, a fifth grade peer of Cora’s since pre-school, finished the Fun Run then circled back to help Cora to the finish line. “Cora even finished before some of the other people,” McCraw said, “and that is pretty cool.” Jennifer Journey was in charge of the Fun Run and coordinated the starting point for Cora and how she would finish the race. Since this is Cora’s last year at HallKent, her mom, Jennifer Steele, decided it would be nice for Cora to train for the Fun Run in her P.E. class. The school came together to honor Cora in her training endeavors as a final hooray before she graduates to the middle school. “We told Cora in August about the training and the Fun Run, and she was excited,” said Steele.

Cora is in a wheelchair and communicates through an electronic device, but is able to walk with her gait or leaning against her teacher’s legs. Every day at school Cora trained for the race by walking outside or in the hall if the weather was bad. Supporting Cora is no exception for Cora’s peers. Whether it is with class assignments, reading, or training for her Fun Run, they are there to support Cora on her level with what she needs. “You always want your child to have good friends and that has been hard for Cora,” Steele said, “so it filled my heart to see her classmates encouraging and helping her.” Cora’s mom said that her expression was priceless when her friends rallied behind her to the finish line. “Her smile and demeanor completely changed, even the way she carried herself changed,” her mom said. Cora’s parents have signed her up for the Mercedes Kids Marathon, where kids run the full 26 miles over five months. Her half-mile Monday walks with Mrs. Humphries at school count towards the 26 miles, and Cora will walk the last mile the day of the race to complete her new goal. As for Mrs. Humphries, she is extremely proud of Cora. “This is a bittersweet time for me,” she said. “Cora has been with me all day every day and has taught me more than I ever could imagine. She is one special girl who, although I will miss dearly, I know will make new special memories next year at the middle school.”

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| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

11th Annual

Homewood Chamber of Commerce

Alabama Dance Festival By KATIE STEWART The Alabama Dance Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary at the Wright Center Jan. 28-31. The Dance Festival is the largest in Alabama, with over 4,000 participants annually. Friday evening’s performance features Brazz Dance Theater at 8 p.m. The show brings a fusion of Afro-Brazilian and contemporary dance to the stage. Tickets range from $20 to $45. The Dance Festival presents EVIDENCE, a Dance Company, on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. EVIDENCE focuses on

Taste the best food, wine & beverages Homewood has to offer! Thursday, February 23, 2012 Rosewood Hall at SoHo 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce $30 in advance • $35 at the door www.homewoodchamber.com

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the integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. Tickets range from $20-$45. The last day of the Festival will demonstrate the diversity of Alabama’s regional dance talent with the annual Alabama Dance Showcase. The show begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $17 general admission. For more information or to hear about special festival package pricing, call the Wright Center Box Office at 726-2853.

Salamander Festival set for Jan. 28 The Friends of Shades Creek will hold their annual Salamander Festival on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Homewood Community Center auditorium. The free event marks the season when salamanders migrate from the mountain of Homewood Forest Preserve by Homewood High School to a wetland pool to find a mate and lay eggs. “If you’re lucky, you might see them do their dance in the wetland pool,” said

Michelle Blackwood, president of Friends of Shades Creek. Biologists will be at the festival to talk and answer questions about the salamanders. The festival will also feature music by the Herb Trotman Band, dancers, a chocolate fountain and other food, and crafts for kids. For more information on the Friends of Shades Creek, visit www.shadescreek.org.

Relay For Life of Homewood Kick-Off 5K Run Everyone in the community is invited to help kick off the 2012 Relay for Life season with a 5K Run on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Homewood High School. Come out to the fundraising event to hear more about what the American Cancer Society is doing in the Homewood community. There will be music, fun, competition, and a special message from a local cancer survivor. Free breakfast is provided for all registered runners and all registered Relay team captains and participants. Runners who pre-register will also receive a T-shirt. On race day, registration opens at 8 a.m., and the race will begin at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $25. Relay For Life volunteers will be available at the high school starting at 8 a.m. to answer questions about Relay For Life of Homewood and

help you sign up your Relay team. You can pre-register online at http:// bitly.com/Relay5KRegistration or fill out a paper registration form with check or cash. Paper registration forms can be downloaded at RelayForLife.org/Homewood or picked up at any Homewood school. The Homewood Relay For Life event will be held on April 27 at Homewood Central Park starting at 4 p.m. Everyone is also invited to this free event as the Homewood community unites in the fight against cancer and supports those who have been affected by cancer. For more information or to register for the 5K, visit Relayforlife.org/Homewood, or contact Kristin McDonald at 930-8896 or Kristin.McDonald@cancer.org.

BASKETBALL

CONTINUED from page 1 over the years, from up-and-coming young players to Paralympians,” said Lakeshore Foundation President Jeff Underwood. “We are always proud to host this special tournament.” The event began in 1987 when Jo Fowler and other members of BellSouth’s all-volunteer community service organization, now known as the AT&T Pioneers, raised $6,000 to fund Lakeshore Foundation’s first wheelchair basketball invitational. Twenty-five years later, the Pioneer Classic has become a long-standing tradition among competitive players as well as an opportunity for newcomers to experience the growing sport. “This event is one of the premier wheelchair basketball tournaments in the United States based on size and level of competition,” said Lisa Hilborn, associate director of athletics and recreation. Teams come from all over, including Texas, Illinois, Nashville, New York, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia. “From the prep division to collegiate, Lakeshore brings in the nation’s top teams to compete,” Milford said. “The Pioneer Classic Championship is a very prestigious title to hold.”

The Lakeshore Foundation also has two youth teams that participate in the tournament, the Lakeshore Lakers varsity team and the Lakeshore Sharks prep team. While the country’s top wheelchair athletes are facing off, these teams train to one day become like the athletes they get to see in the tournament. “I love coaching the Sharks, which is our team of 6 to 12 year olds, because I get to be a part of the kids’ earliest stages of basketball development,” Milford said. “Here is where they learn the fundamentals of the game and begin to set goals for the future. I began playing wheelchair basketball when I was their age, and it is so cool to come full circle and give back to athletes that I can relate to.” The tight-knit wheelchair basketball community welcomes the public to come out and be a part of their sport as well. The event gives the Homewood community a chance to witness the excitement of the sport and to see the outcome of all the hard work of the athletes. The Pioneer Classic tournament is open to the public to attend. There are also opportunities to volunteer. For more information, visit www. lakeshore.org.

The Homewood Star

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| January 2012 |

Music a way of life for Herb Trotman By RICK WATSON What’s the difference between a banjo and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle? Answer: You can tune a Harley. Herb Trotman, who is a banjo picker extraordinaire, knows a million banjo jokes. He’s also the owner of the independent music store Fretted Instruments on Linden Avenue. Fretted Instruments came to Homewood in 1974, when Gerald Ford was in the White House. David Walberg and Ricky Stone were both partners for a time, but Trotman is now the sole owner of the iconic music store. As its name implies, the store sells guitars, banjos and mandolins. The prices range from entry level guitars for beginners to high-end instruments played by the people you see on stage and on TV. The folks at Fretted Instruments offer music lessons and do some basic setup and repairs of stringed instruments. When Trotman reflects on why he got into the business, he adjusts his porkpie hat and looks off into the distance before saying that he loves the sound of the instruments and watching people learn to play music. “Music is a great stress-releasing hobby and a very creative outlet,” he said. It seems that Trotman was destined for a career in music because, he said, everybody in his family played something. He started playing the banjo while still in high school, 55 years ago. “I love playing music in bands,” he said, “and I was blessed by being inducted into the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2010.” When asked what distinguishes Fretted Instruments from other larger music chains, Trotman is quick to say, “Our honesty is only surpassed by our incompetence.” Another motto at Fretted

Instruments is, “The customer isn’t always right, but their mother is,” and their business plan states, “We don’t know where we’re going, but we’re on our way.” Jilda Phillips Watson has purchased several instruments from Fretted Instruments. “I just love Herb and all the folks there,” she said. “They have always treated me right.” She pointed out two times when Trotman went above and beyond for the community. Several years ago, a local home for disadvantaged youths wanted to start a program to offer basic guitar lessons for the kids. Watson approached several music stores to see if they’d consider donating a used guitar for the cause, but none of the businesses were willing to help. Trotman looked back through his inventory and found a guitar that had been scratched slightly during shipment. He donated the guitar, and the music program at the home became a reality. “This simple gesture on Herb’s part changed the lives of kids,” Watson said. On another occasion, Trotman was in the audience at City Stages in Birmingham, where the famous folk artist Odetta, was scheduled to perform. Odetta made it to Birmingham, but inclement weather kept her guitarist grounded in New York. An urgent call went out to find a guitar for Odetta to play herself. Watson, who was the assistant stage manger for the Alabama Sampler stage, realized that Herb Trotman was in the audience and asked if he’d consider loaning a guitar to Odetta for the performance. Trotman agreed and retrieved a folk guitar from Fretted Instruments in time for Odetta. The show went on without a hitch. “We were so grateful that Herb was

Fretted Instruments owner Herb Trotman. Photo by Rick Watson.

in the audience,” Watson said. “He helped us when we were in a real bind...but that’s Herb.” Odetta called Trotman afterwards and thanked him personally for loaning her the guitar. When asked what distinguishes small businesses from the larger chain stores, Trotman says that it’s the relationships. He greets customers, be they regulars or first

-timers, like an old friend. Many people seem to agree that small independent businesses like Fretted Instruments are what make Homewood so special. They add character and a sense of home. Anyone who spends a while with Herb and the folks at Fretted Instruments would probably agree.

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The Homewood Star

| January 2012 |

Wedding wisdoms

The holidays have come and gone, but for some couples ‘tis the season for wedding proposals and planning. Some of Homewood’s unique wedding vendors graciously share their expertise on how you can have a stress-free planning and shopping experience for your special day.

Picking the wedding cake

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe owners Carol and Dennis Gregg specialize in wedding cakes. The offered their advice on selecting the right cake designer and cake at the best price: They suggest allowing six months before your wedding to book a baker. Remember to allow plenty of time to set up an initial consultation and tasting beforehand. Be prepared to provide basic information such as your wedding date, location and approximate number of guests. Always make sure the baker is reputable and has a facility registered with the local health department. Choosing a friend or relative to make your cake can be a recipe for disaster; there is no substitute for experience. When considering your budget, decide what aspects of your wedding are most important to you and allocate your money accordingly. The Greggs recommend you don’t skimp on your cake; you can always have a beautiful cake on a smaller scale. Keep in mind the cake will be prominently displayed and photographed. They recommend augmenting a smaller cake with their signature baby bites to stay in budget.

Choosing your perfect dress

The seasoned and professional bridal team at Bridal Bliss on Linden Avenue has almost 50 years combined experience working with wedding designs, haute couture gowns and brides-to-be. Their expertise ensures success in finding your perfect, affordable dress. Here’s what their experts recommend: Plan your budget before you start shopping so that you will know exactly what you have to spend on the dress. The dress should be the first thing you shop for. Full service couture gowns need to be ordered within six months to one year of the wedding date. Gowns take around four to six months to come in, and you want to make sure to leave time for fittings and accessorizing. Keep an open mind in selecting the dress. Often what you end up with is not what you originally had in mind, so be flexible when trying on different styles. When you revisit a dress, especially more than once, that usually means that is the dress for you. Follow your heart and listen to yourself. You are the one wearing it and it is your day. In order to eliminate stress, avoid taking your entire wedding party gown shopping. Too many opinions may be overwhelming. Taking your mother and a close friend, or perhaps your maid of honor is sufficient. Kristen Duro and Fashion Director Gary John Walls hold the Principality of Monaco Collection Gown inspired by Grace Kelly and exclusive to Bridal Bliss. Photo by Ashley Berkery.

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Wedding cake from Pastry Art.

The Homewood Star

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| January 2012 |

Your very special day deserves a very special cake. Arden Photography shot this wedding at Cathedral of the Advent. Photo courtesy of Arden Photography.

Booking your photographer

There are several important aspects to consider when choosing a wedding photographer. Arden Ward of Arden Photography suggests the following tips: Look for a photographer who has a long business record. They will have the experience needed to capture your images beautifully. When interviewing wedding photographers, look for complete wedding portfolios and make sure you have confidence that they can capture the essence of the day. Be sure to book in advance especially during prime season. April, May and June

weddings typically book a year or more in advance. During the interview process be sure you feel comfortable with the photographer. Also, you will want to make sure the photographer’s personality complements your style. The photographs are one of the most important aspects in preserving your wedding day memories. It is best to appropriate your budget according to the importance of wedding memories to you, your groom, family and friends.

H o m e w o o d 2 0 5 . 8 7 7. 3 8 5 2 | I n v e r n e s s 2 0 5 . 9 9 5 . 5 8 5 5 w w w. p a s t r y a r t c a k e s . c o m

Pastry Art Wedding 280Living.indd 1

Karen Champion looks at dresses at Bella Bridesmaid in Edgewood for her wedding at Vulcan Park. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Shopping for your bridesmaids

Once you have selected your perfect wedding dress, it is time to choose what your bridesmaids will wear. The girls at Bella Bridesmaid on Broadway have just the right advice: Brides often say that picking out bridesmaid dresses is much harder than picking out their own gown and understandably so. On your first visit it is a good idea to bring one or two bridesmaids to try on dresses. Once you narrow down your selection to several that you love, then bring back the other bridesmaids to help you make the final decision. Do keep your bridesmaid’s body types in to consideration. Although it is hard to please

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everyone, you do want them to feel good in their dresses on your big day. Depending on the designer, bridesmaid dresses take anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks to order. Once the dresses arrive, you also should allow a few weeks for the bridesmaids to have their dresses in hand to allow for alterations if needed. Don’t feel pressured to choose a bridesmaid dress just because you think that your bridesmaids may wear it again. Keep in mind that your bridesmaids are in your wedding for you, not the dress. “Wedding wisdoms” is a paid advertorial section.

12/13/11 4:23 PM

| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

Ordinary Days A fresh new year By LAUREN DENTON People tend to laugh when I say I have almost my whole life documented in journals, but it’s true. I began my first journal when I was six years old. Believe it or not, I still have the journal in a trunk in my house. It has a puffy turquoise cover, and on the first page, I wrote about hoping my parents would buy a basset hound we saw in the pet store at the mall. In subsequent journals, I wrote about school, teachers, boys I liked, boys I didn’t like, friends, spend-the-night parties, pets, you name it. The journaling continued through high school, college, my single years after college and the first years of my marriage. It was my way of thinking through issues and processing events and emotions. I was still journaling regularly—at least every few days—right up until Kate was born. However, in the last two years, I’ve probably only written in a journal a handful of times. It’s definitely not for lack of needing to process and think through things—instead, it’s that I’m going, going, going all day, and when night comes, sitting down with my journal is the last thing on my mind! I’ve been thinking about all those years of journals lately because for many

years I wrote the same quote on the first day of each new year. “There is nothing else at this moment but a crisp, fresh, justunrolled space to color.” I don’t know who said it or even where I first read it, but it always helped me visualize the new year as a new space for me to live and move—a way to start fresh. Regardless of the fresh start, I usually avoid making New Year’s resolutions. I figure if I don’t say anything specific, then I won’t have to feel bad if I don’t keep up my end of the bargain. But this year, I do have one. It’s not going to make the world a better place (actually, my husband might think it will), or change anyone’s life, but it’s a practical one. I’m going to strive to be on time. Or more accurately, to not be late everywhere I go. Having a child has made this trait in me become much more pronounced, and I’m embarrassed to say I tend to be about ten minutes late every time I need to go anywhere. So, mark this down as the year for Lauren to be on time. Even if we don’t hit our resolution goals 100 percent, we still have a chance to live, move and breathe in this fresh, unrolled space. May it be a year of good things for all of us. Happy 2012!

Shades Cahaba students race in annual Owl Prowl

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Shades Cahaba students, families and teachers run together during their annual Owl Prowl.

Shades Cahaba Elementary had a strong turnout for their annual fall run, Owl Prowl. The weather was perfect, and the Shades Cahaba students wore their Owl Prowl T-shirts proudly while they ran with their classmates, teachers and parents. The overall student winners were Will

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approach has evolved. They now fund a wide range of initiatives that complement work done by the school board. The foundation’s funding is not only for technology but also to pay for teacher training, self development and other activities. “This foundation, founded by people and businesses in the Homewood community, has made a huge difference in the classroom,” Crimi said. “I am very proud of our community.” For more information on Homewood City Schools Foundation, visit www. homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com.

Stone and Laney Phelps. Every student that crossed the finish line received a medal for participation. The class with the most participation won a special prize, a field trip to BirminghamSouthern, where they will get to learn more about track and field events.

Support HCSF Eat at Zoe’s Kitchen in SOHO. From 4-9 p.m. on the first Thursday night of each month, 15 percent of profits go toward Homewood City School Foundation. Donate by mail or online. You can also make the foundation part of your charitable trust or the beneficiary of an estate or life insurance policy. For more information on how you or your business can support the foundation, visit www. homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com or email gclever@dadot.com.

The Homewood Star

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Bringing the past to life Samford professor writes about her family’s Titanic tale, the Wright brothers in Montgomery

82 YEARS BEHIND THE TIMES

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Author and Samford professor Julie Williams. Photo courtesy of Julie Williams.

Caldwell’s family had been serving as Presbyterian missionaries to Siam, or present day Thailand, but had decided to leave because of Caldwell’s wife, Sylvia’s, illness. They boarded the Titanic secondclass, hoping its large size would prevent her seasickness. However, the Presbyterian church believed that Sylvia was not in fact sick and that she and her husband were just using it as an excuse to leave Siam. Just after the couple arrived in New York, the church was waiting to take Sylvia to the hospital— not because of the rescue from the Titanic but for a medical evaluation to determine prior illness. A former newspaper reporter who researched colonial media in graduate school, Williams lives in a historic home near St. Vincent’s Hospital with her husband and two teenage sons. She is contemplating what to write about next, possibly the early space race. On the Wings of Opportunity and A Rare Titanic Family are available at Alabama Booksmith, Little Professor, Barnes and Noble and online retailers.

Heaven is for Real author to speak at Samford The Legacy League, an auxiliary of Samford University, will host Todd Burpo, author of Heaven is for Real, on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Reid Chapel at Samford University. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Samford University Legacy Scholarship. Heaven is for Real tells the story of Todd and Sonja’s four-year-old son, Colton, and his visit to heaven during emergency surgery. Colton survived the surgery and later told his parents about looking down and seeing the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. As Colton described “impossible to know” details about his miscarried sister and his great-grandfather, who died 30 years before Colton’s birth, the evidence for his experience in heaven became clear. Todd Burpo will share more of Colton’s story and the simple message that heaven is a real place during the event. For more information and tickets visit www.samford.edu/legacyleague or call 726-2247.

HOMEWOOD MUSIC

By MADOLINE MARKHAM For Julie Williams, journalism isn’t just a profession but a day-to-day record of history. By delving into newspapers and magazines, she paints pictures of the past. Lately, the Samford journalism professor and media historian has written popular history books about the Wright brothers and her family’s experience on the RMS Titanic. Always fascinated with the Wright brothers, Williams’ parents raised her in Dayton, Ohio and then North Carolina, but she never realized the brothers had spent time in Alabama until she discovered a photo of their flight school in Montgomery. After some research, she discovered that the first night flights were flown from Montgomery at the airfield that would later become part of Maxwell Airforce Base. Twelve years ago Williams wrote a research paper on media coverage of the one semester the school was in Alabama, and fellow historians encouraged her to turn it into a book. The final product, Wings of Opportunity: The Wright Brothers in Montgomery, Alabama, 1910, was published for the 100 year anniversary of the school last year. “I wanted it to be fun and readable and also useful to historians,” she said of the book. Since then she’s spoken to an engineers club in Dayton, a group in Kitty Hawk and many Wright fans. Following another idea from her family, this month Williams is releasing a book about how her great-uncle, Albert Caldwell, survived the Titanic. The book will publish this month just before the 100year anniversary of the 1912 sinking. Starting with only a photograph and memories of Caldwell, Williams pieced together the story of her great-uncle, his wife and infant son waking up after the motor of the ocean liner stopped, not seeing any reason to get off the boat at first and ultimately rowing away in a life boat an hour before the ship went down. Much has been written about the Titanic since the 1997 Hollywood blockbuster, but Williams thinks her book is unique because of the pre-story of her uncle and his family.

| January 2012 |

Once upon a time we had a flood in our Homewood store and we were sad.

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Join Rob Basso, Author of at the Homewood Library! $20 Admission includes Breakfast & Book!

Thursday, February 9th 2012 Homewood Library (Main Level Auditorium) 1721 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 8:15am – 10:45am How do you grow your business by forming trusted relationships and becoming a master networker?

During “Turning Contacts into Clients: Building Better Business Relationships” Rob Basso will discuss 5 points that focus on how to take your networking skills to the next level and build a better business through strengthened networking relationships. Rob will discuss how to: - Be authentic - Be an expert in your field - Use community service to create and strengthen relationships - Continue the conversation - Organize relevant and informative seminars to educate and empower Rob is a recent guest & contributor to: Fox News, Fox Business, Entrepreneur.com, American Express OPEN, New York Enterprise Report & Newsday.

RSVP by January 15th, 2011 For ticket information email Blair_Ussery@advantagepayroll.com or call 205-870-0605 Ext. 104 Heaven is for Real author Todd Burpo and his wife, Sonja. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Woodruff.

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Homewood Flavor

| January 2012 |

Restaurant Showcase

Sam’s Super Samwiches

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

2812 18th Street South 871-0046 Monday- Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Inside the narrow alley-shaped storefront of Sam’s on 18th Street is a wall that marks four decades of business. Plaques commemorate owner Sammy Graphos’ award-winning hot dogs and hamburgers as well as his and wife Sue’s involvement in the MS Walk. Photos of Graphos’ grandchildren and customers’ Christmas card photos are updated each year. There are signed photos of Bear Bryant and Mason the tornado dog, whom customer Dr. Bill Lamb rescued after the April 2011 tornados. Forty-five-year Homewood resident Graphos, 70, has been working behind the grill at Sam’s Super Samwiches for 43 years. The first three years he co-owned the restaurant with his brother Pete, then called Sneaky Pete’s, before selling out that franchise. Graphos now serves the kids of the kids who grew up eating his hot dogs “regular” (sauce, sauerkraut, mustard and onions) or “special” (with spiced ground beef) and his fresh-made hamburger patties, also topped with sauce. Hot dog restaurants like Pete’s, Gus’ and Lyric all coined a similar sauce when they opened in the mid-1900s, but Graphos said his is the best. Starting at 6 a.m., regulars stop by for a breakfast sandwich of bacon, egg and cheese on a bun or whole wheat bread. “We have the best bacon in Birmingham,” Graphos said of the specially sliced pork. And he serves the only “samwiches” in town until 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Graphos knows most anyone’s order

Sam’s owner Sammy Graphos wears a Birmingham-Southern shirt in support of HHS graduates he knows who now go to school there. He serves hot dogs, breakfast, and other “samwiches” from his 40-year-old restaurant on 18th Street daily. Photos by Madoline Markham.

when they walk in just as he knows the street where he’s worked six days a week for four decades. “I am the unofficial mayor of 18th Street,” he said. “If anyone wants to know what’s going on, they ask me.” Although Shaia’s and Homewood Hobby have been around as long as Sam’s, Graphos has seen shops come and go in the area over the years. “SOHO changed the dynamics of the area,” he said. “There are so many more people now.” Sam’s recently switched to Coco Cola products, but other than that not much has changed in 40 years. Graphos’ red 1995 truck has around 50,000 miles on it; he mostly drives back and forth from the restaurant to his house, which is a half-mile away. And his house

From

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is only two blocks from where his wife, Sue, grew up. Sue attended Shades Cahaba School just as did their children, Ted and Suzanne. This year Ted’s children, Kate and Sam, are in fourth and second grade, respectively, at Shades Cahaba. Kate and Sam love to come help at the restaurant. You’ll find photos of them on Sam’s wall. “They think their grandfather is famous because his picture was in the paper,” Graphos said. Graphos loves to welcome the rest of the after-school crowd as well. He says he is better with kids than adults. Each holiday season for the past 12 years the fifth grade art class at Shades Cahaba paints Sam’s storefront window with Christmas flair. Customer Heidi Beasley said Graphos

is her kids’ in-town grandfather too. Beasley met her husband, Brad, at Sam’s in 1997. Brad had been eating samwiches since he was around 10 years old, but it was Heidi’s first time in Sam’s. Today their whole family comes in almost daily. Graphos has overnighted hot dogs to California and served them as part of a lifelong customer’s wedding buffet, where they were the first food to disappear. His employees are as loyal as his customers. Behind the grill, George Derzis has been grilling burgers at Sam’s for 25 years, and Homewood native Paul Cook has been working there for the past five. Forty-three years into his career at Sam’s, Graphos still eats a hot dog most every day. He has no plans to go anywhere, he said. “You’ll find me on the grill (when I go).”

“The Wade Team”

Commercial/Personal Auto & Home Owners Insurance

Congratulations

Billy Wade

107 Columbiana Rd Homewood, Al 747.0770 billy@armorinsofal.com

to the Homewood Patriot Band on their 8th performance in the 85th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - From The Wade Team

Cindy Wade & Danielle Wade 283-2349 966-9600 daniellewade03@gmail.com cwade03@gmail.com

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Business Spotlight 3000 Montgomery Highway 879-0884

Piggly Wiggly

Business Spotlight | January 2012 |

BY ANNA CATE LITTLE

Mon.-Sat., 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

www.pigglywigglybirmingham.com In an age where smart phones interfere with smiles, greetings or simply making eye contact (guilty as charged), walking into the Piggly Wiggly takes one back to a simpler, friendlier time. The Homewood location, approaching its 35th year, may have evolved its merchandise with the times, but familiar faces and friendly greetings haven’t changed in decades. Louise, who started in the ‘70s, has retired but still returns during the holidays to serve up her famous dressing. Store manager Johnny Miller and market manager Ron Stevens have been there since 1983 and 1984, respectively. Frank and Travis, well, they’re mainstays on the front floor. You might see a long-time customer giving one of them a hug. “We have to be careful about that!” laughed owner Stanley Virciglio. “We say, ‘Don’t you hug them, you let them hug you.’” Originally a Winn-Dixie when Virciglio purchased the Homewood store in 1972, it operated as a Food Town until 1977 when he acquired the Piggly Wiggly franchise. He brought his son, Andy, to work from the time he was 11 years old, and now Andy co-owns and operates three Piggly Wiggly locations, including Crestline and River Run. “You can go anywhere and buy Charmin tissue,” said Andy. “It’s the same Charmin here as it is anywhere else, so we

The “Eat Right by UAB” display features healthy foods and recipes.

Piggly Wiggly Store Manager Johnny Miller, Vice President & Co-owner Andy Virciglio, President & Co-owner Stanley Virciglio. Photos by Anna Cate Little.

try to have the best customer service and differentiate ourselves in our produce, our wine, our meats and our service. We know we’re convenient, but we want people to want to come here.” The wine section has indeed received a facelift over the years. Since the first wine newsletter issued in 1999, this department has been the fastest growing by percentage of sales every year. Wine tastings are held every Friday from 4 until 6 p.m.; beer tastings are also Thursdays, 4 to 6 pm. “[Our] wine stewards really talk to our customers,” said Andy. “I believe you don’t try to up-sale [customers]. You earn their trust by giving them a good wine that’s not high dollar. There are so many good $9 and $10 bottles of wine out there.” “The first job I gave Andy was handling the beer and the wine,” said Stanley. “He’s done a really great job of improving our

wine business.” Another quality that gives Piggly Wiggly that neighborhood feel is the plethora of locally made products on the shelves. Naturally More peanut butter is a top seller. Bates turkeys, Millie Ray’s rolls, Dean’s cakes and even Nick Saban’s BBQ sauce are all Alabama-owned businesses. “Our philosophy is if you’re local and you’ve got a product, we’ll give it a try,” said Andy. “We’re local, so we try to support locals. A lot of times I don’t even ask questions, I just put it on the shelf and see how it does.” There’s also something to be said about fresh chicken. The Pig’s chicken breasts and whole fryers are freshly packaged onsite, rather than most grocers’ pre-chillpacked method. “That’s what we’ve built our business on,” said Stanley. Looking ahead in 2012, Piggly Wiggly

will team with UAB for a cutting-edge nutritional incentive program, Eat Right by UAB. The program, developed by UAB doctors and nutritionists, has been in the works for more than two years. “It’s a nutritional value system to help educate the consumer on the right foods to eat,” said Andy. “These items will be labeled throughout our store. In due time, we’ll have an awards program [through the website chiprewards.com]. You earn points for buying healthy items, and there are over two million prizes you can redeem with your reward points.” Even though Stanley has retired and battled prostate cancer, he can’t seem to stay away from the store. “Andy really handles everything, but I come down every day,” he said. “Even Sunday,” added Andy. “The employees see him and that’s important. A lot of customers have been coming here for years and still see him. It’s rare to have stores in communities where the community is part of the store. And Homewood is that way.”

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| January 2012 |

The Homewood Star

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION

Homewood Community Center Activities Yoga with Kelly Creel!

Kid’s Class: Cost: $20 per month (4-5 classes per month). Class oﬀerings: Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 - 4:15pm. Adult’s Class: Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 - 9:00am. Cost: $20 unlimited class times per month or $5 drop-ins; your ﬁrst class is FREE. For more information please email Kelly Creel at trinityk73@ hotmail.com or call 529-9360

Zumba

ZUMBA is the new craze sweeping America! It is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour! Homewood Community Center now has two instructors oﬀering classes: Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or camillescruggs@gmail.com Days & Times: Homewood Community Center Auditorium Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30pm Saturday 9:00-10:00am (No Saturday Class Jan. 7th)

Karate

Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Homewood Community Center from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Auditorium. Monthly tuition is $55 - $65. Classes are for children and teenagers ages 4 and up. For more information please contact Master Joe at 966-4244

Royce Head - Personal Training

Royce Head, ACE certified trainer and former owner of Homewood Personal Fitness since 1999, now offering small group weight training sessions at the Community Center weight room for only $10 dollars per session. This is a very affordable alternative to one on one personal training. Call Royce for appointment-- 945-1665

Kindermusik with Kelly Alligood

Kindermusik is the best choice in programs for you and your child. 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! This is accomplished through our extraordinary classroom experience and unsurpassed At Home materials. 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. Classes are held January through May and August through December. Enroll now! Call me at 205-552-6129 or email me at Kelly.alligood@charter.net for more information. You may also visit my website at http://kellyalligood.yourvirtuoso. com for more information or to enroll

Athletics Homewood Softball

Homewood Parks and Recreation oﬀers Girls Softball. Games are played during the months of March thru May with All-star play in the month of June. Registration: Begins: Tuesday, January 3, 2012 Ends: Friday, February 3, 2012 Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm Homewood Community Center Main Oﬃce Program Fee: $75 Homewood Residents $100 Non Residents Fee includes jersey, visor and socks for regular season play. Jakob Stephens – 332-6709 (or) jakob. stephens@homewoodal.org Rusty Holley – 332-6705 (or) rusty.holley@ homewoodal.org

Howlynn Dog Obedience Training

We Train you to train your dog! Howlynn Obedience Training (HOT) is a program that offers various levels of obedience training for dogs and their owners. Whether you wish to compete in obedience events or just want a well behaved pet to sit, stay and walk with you, HOT trains you to train your dog using positive reinforcement. www.howlynn.com Class Schedule: We meet Monday evenings at 7:00 P.M. for 6 weeks * Please call to confirm class dates. * In order to have a class, we must have at least 3 people registered for class For further information on classes, please contact Irene Lynn at 205-908-8819 or 205-879-5966 or email UAB444@ bellsouth.net New Program: In addition to obedience, we now offer a Conformation class at the same time. Conformation is the examination of a dog to determine how closely it meets the breed’s official standard. This class teaches a handler how to manage the dog in a show ring so it can be presented at its best to the judge. Other topics include: handling tricks, ring etiquette, entries, etc. For more information about Conformation, please contact the instructors Dave & Sharon Rogers at lakeshrdal@aol.com or (205) 631-1632

Belly Dancing with Aziza

Homewood Community Center Auditorium Class fee: $60 cash only For more information contact Aziza at 879-0701 or azizaofbirmingham@att.net Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance (classic Egyptian style) with Aziza, award winning dancer, with 36 years of experience in performance and instruction. Women only, ages 13 and up are welcomed in class with no dance experience necessary to enroll. Each session is 5-weeks long on Tuesday night for beginners, Wednesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Times are 7:00-8:30pm for beginners and 7:00-8:45pm for intermediates and advanced. Beginners start with the basic steps, isolations and shimmies and progress to the intermediate class where you will learn to put the dance together with more advanced steps and combinations plus dancing with the veil; advanced classes include performing with zills, cane, veil with more advanced and longer performances. The classes are for anyone who wants to dance for fun and ﬁtness, as well as those who wish to perform. Aziza has trained dancers to perform for many events in the Southeastern area in addition to dancers who perform regularly at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant in Hoover. www.azizaofbirmingham.com

Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League Take Me Out to the Ballgame!! Registration for the 2012 Spring Season for ages 4-14. Please check the HPYBL website at www.homewoodyouthbaseball.com for more information.

Tennis with Dave Luesse

Programs & Events Oﬀered Private and Group Lessons Kids USTA Team Tennis Kids Group Clinic and Rally Ball Adult Singles Park League Adult Mixed Doubles Park League Adult Tournaments (Singles, Doubles & Mixed) Novice Future Stars Tennis Circuit 2011 For more information on any of these programs or events, please contact Dave Luesse 967-5875 or 901-9243

@homewoodparks

Head Over Heels Gymnastics!

Gymnastics promotes coordination, flexibility and balance. We teach gymnastics at your child’s individual level in a fun, creative and positive environment, therefore developing self-confidence, a love for fitness and a sense of achievement. Skills are taught on the Swing Bar, Balance Beam, Trampoline, Springboard, Tumbling apparatus, and other fun props! Dates: 2nd session: Jan 12 – March 1st 3rd session: March 8 – May 3rd (no class March 19-23) Day & Times: Thursdays 3:30 – 4:15 pm for Ages 3-5 4:15 - 5:00 pm for Ages 6 & up Fee: $80.00 for Homewood residents, $85 for non-residents

Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew

Your child can be a fairy, a princess or a butterﬂy while keeping ballet traditions alive and having fun with classical music. The beginning ballet moves taught are the important foundation for many types of dance. The French names for steps will be introduced. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and ﬂexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. The environment provided is a happy and age appropriate one. Claire has been teaching ballet since starting as a teenager in Montgomery. Then, after moving to Birmingham, she started teaching with Birmingham Ballet. She has taught preschoolers in Mother’s Day Out and Day Care as well. The program runs thru the school year. Girls may wear any color leotard and tights for class, with pink ballet shoes. There will be a short low key recital in May. Classes meet once a week on Mondays at The Homewood Community Center. Please contact Claire to enroll or for additional Information: (205)879-8780

Young Rembrandts Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! We believe that drawing is a skill that can, and should be learned by all children. Young Rembrandts classes are both fun and educational, and our step-by-step curriculum is developed to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Our weekly classes are for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Class will be held at the Homewood Community Center. Enroll anytime—all new lessons each session and each year. Please contact Chris Roberson at 943-1923 for more information or to register.

Youth Soccer Spring 2012 season registration will open on January 1, 2012 Homewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program for residents of Homewood and is also open to others with payment of a nonresident fee. There are three levels of play in the soccer program: The Patriot Teams: Player’s ages 3 to 7. Teams are established in three age groups, U-4, U-6 and U-8. It is intramural so all activities take place at Homewood Soccer Park. Introduces basic soccer skills and focuses on learning “The Joy of the Game”. The Red Teams: Recreational teams ages 8 and older that oﬀer players the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game in a reduced competitive environment while improving his/ her soccer skills. The Blue Teams: Are Select (Try out) teams that play at a competitive level. Blue teams are available starting at U-11 up to U-18. Detail information about all three levels of play, including deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available on our web site at www.homewoodsoccer.com, or call David Putman, Soccer Director, at 979-8974

www.Homewoodparks.com

Homewood Sports

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| January 2012 |

Homewood Sports

Edgewood’s Turkey Trot Homewood Soccer Team

wins state championship

The Homewood U-16 Freedom Team won the state championship. Photo courtesy of Lee Lavette

By TODD KEITH Edgewood Elementary Turkey Trot winners.

Parents, faculty members, siblings, and more than 400 students participated in Edgewood Elementary School’s Turkey Trot this year. The purpose of the Turkey Trot is to encourage families to get out and exercise together. Edgewood was also very grateful to the high school and middle school students who volunteered to help during the Trot. The Trot, which is a mile, also counted towards Edgewood’s Kids’ Marathon total the students need for the race in February. Winners for kindergarten and first grade boys were Henry Allen (first),

Harrison Hensarling (second), Rigdon Gibbons (third). Girls were Maris Owen (first), Linlee Dunn (second) and Sarah Kemper (third). For second and third grade boys, Will Sutton (first), Len Irvine (second) and Liam Dwyer (third). For girls, Anna Grace Gibbons (first), Brinley Cassell (second) and Victoria Thompson (third). For fourth and fifth grade boys, Connor Smith (first), Pate Owen (second) and Connor Warren (third). For girls, Olivia Dowda (first), Meg Robinson and Audry Nabors (tied for second).

The Homewood U-16 Freedom Team won the state championship in the Alabama Youth Soccer Association State Cup Tournament. This annual tournament is the only state-wide soccer championship and qualifies the team to participate in the US Youth Soccer Region III South Presidents Cup in Greensboro, N. C., in June. The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup is designed for those teams seeking additional challenges to play against teams of similar abilities for a national title. The cup provides a progressive, competitive experience to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to

participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community from the state to regional to national levels of US Youth Soccer. “After a year of hard work, the U-16 boys clenched the final match with a 6-0 win over Fusball,” Coach Mason Cook said. “The boys should be very proud of their undefeated season and their hard work. The club is especially proud of the way these young men represented Homewood with class and dignity throughout the season.”

Happy New Year 2012!!! Come join us to celebrate!

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| January 2012 |

School House

OLS Veterans Day Mass

HCS faculty win art awards Homewood City Schools employees were recognized during the Alabama Art Education Association (AAEA) Awards Ceremony. Hall-Kent Elementary School art teacher Kelly Campbell Berwager was named Art Educator of the Year, and she was also recognized for her Founding Hearts for Art project. HCS Instructional Support Coordinator Dr. Patrick Chappell also received an award for the Distinguished Service Outside the Profession.

The Our Lady of Sorrows School Cub Scout Troop 237 and Retired Lieutenant Colonel James B. Bright of the United States Marine Corps were a part of a special Mass celebration in honor of Veterans. Photo courtesy of Mary Pugh.

Honoring our veterans

Edgewood second graders perform at the Veteran’s Day program

Edgewood Elementary School’s second graders performed their 25th annual “Salute to Veterans Day” program. The

students put on two performances during the day for their classmates and then performed for their parents that night.

Hall-Kent art teacher Kelly Campbell Berwager, HCS Instructional Support Coordinator Dr. Patrick Chappell, SC art teacher Mary Jane Coker and HHS fine arts teacher Carolyn McDonald at the AAEA Awards Ceremony.

Edgewood students study colonial life

Edgewood Elementary fifth graders finished up their colonial life study by conducting Colonial Day for their parents and classmates. After studying and researching about colonial lifestyle, the students got to dress up in period costumes and present the information they learned about in their respective areas. The rest of the school and parents got to “tour” the room of different representations of colonial life.

January Sales Find great deals at these retailers Up to 25% Off

through mid-January Marguerite’s Conceits 2406 Canterbury Road Mountain Brook 879-2730

Up to 70% Off

Selected Merchandise Mitchell’s Paper Etc. 300 Doug Baker Blvd, Ste.100 408-0216

50% Off Christmas Decorations and 20% Off Fabric Rosegate Design 6801 Cahaba Valley Rd, Suite 102 980-5014

Up to 40% Off Winter Items Begins January 7 The Lingerie Shoppe 2403 Montevallo Road Mountain Brook 871-8994

Christmas Clearance 50-70% Off Fancy Fur 5291 Valleydale Road, Ste. 139 408-1693

Red Balloon Sale Discounts up to 40%

January 28th Homewood Antiques & Marketplace 930 Oxmoor Road 414-9945

Semi-Annual Tent Sale Up to 75% Off January 4-7 Lulie’s on Cahaba 2724 Cahaba Road Mountain Brook 871-9696

Winter Clearance Sale Up to 50 % Off Mid-January Mobley & Sons 112 Euclid Avenue Mountain Brook 870-7929

20% Off Entire Store

Mountain Brook Sporting Goods 66 Church Street 870-3257

20% Off Almost Entire Stock Jan 13th-21st The Cook Store 2841 Cahaba Road Mountain Brook 879-5277

50% Off All Fall/Winter Clothes & Accessories Town & Country 74 Church Street, Mountain Brook 871-7909

Sales last for all of January unless otherwise noted. Contact individuals stores for exclusions and other sale details.

School House

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

The power of a community of learners

| January 2012 |

THE HOME LOAN SPECIALIST

BY MERRICK WILSON The Homewood schools’ mission is to empower every student to reach his or her unique potential. But in some cases, we learn important lessons from our students when we least expect it. Hall-Kent Elementary School second grade teacher Jerome Isley had one of those moments. He thought he could help out during the school’s Fall Festival silent auction by offering a “Teacher for the Day” position to the highest bidder. He had no idea that this auction item was going to be such a memorable and teachable moment for him and one of his students. As the student winner, Carson Williams, shadowed his teacher throughout the day, Carson asked if they could make a copy of their hands on the copy machine. As they were copying their hands, Carson told Mr. Isley that he realized it takes a lot of work to teach a group of kids. Carson said he learned that it takes more than one person to do what needs to be done during the school day. “This was an incredible teachable moment that happened right before our eyes,” Isley said. He said that they realized that it takes a good team that works together to be successful. “It takes a community of learners

Jody Brant

Hall-Kent teacher Jerome Isley was shadowed for a day by student Carson Williams.

helping each other daily to do great things at school and in life,” Isley said. “It was really fun that I got to teach the class Problem of the Day,” Carson said. “I learned that it takes more than one person to teach 19 kids.” Isley framed the copy of their hands and put Carson’s Teacher of the Day nametag at the top. Now every time he looks at it, he’ll remember that the real prize at the silent auction was the lesson he and his student learned together.

HMS Team Robot wins big at UAB

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Red Balloon Sale is January 28th! The HMS Team Robot at the Blazer BEST Competition.

The Homewood Middle School Team Robot took home three awards at the Blazer BEST Competition at UAB’s Bartow Arena. The students won the third place trophy for BEST Robotics after the robot made it all the way into an exciting final round with three local high schools. HMS also took home a first place award for their engineering notebook, which communicated the engineering process.

Finally, the team took home the third place BEST award for their display set up, interviews and marketing presentations, as well as the performance of the robot. The combination of strong engineering and effective marketing placed the HMS Team Robot in the final four groups, which allowed them to move on to the regional competition at Auburn University in December.

antiques, furniture, artwork, gifts, children’s items, custom nursery bedding, area rugs, jewelry, home accessories, lamps, monogramming, upholstery service, custom slip covers, and so much more!!!

HMS honors Coach of the Year Homewood Middle School Cross Country and Track Coach Eric Swope was named the Metro South Cross Country Coach of the Year. This is the third year in a row he has won this award. HMS Coach of the Year Eric Swope.

930 Oxmoor Road www.homewoodantiques.com (205)414-9945

Calendar of Events

| January 2012 |

Homewood Events 1/7 – Red Nose Run. Come out and run 10

miles, a 5K or a one-mile fun run. Race day registration, 6 a.m. with races beginning at 7 a.m. SOHO. More information: www. rednoserun-bham.com.

1/7 - Get Hooked! Learn the basics of

crocheting—just bring a crochet hook (size H, I or J) and a skein of light-colored yarn. The library will provide light refreshments and instruction. 2 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Ages 10-adult. More information: homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

1/7- Mommy and Me Bootcamp Launch. 10 a.m. Our Lady of the Sorrows Gym. More information: 356-0374, mommyandmetime. com. 1/8 – The Bridal Market. 1-4 p.m.

Movie Monday. Children’s Department, Homewood Public Library. 3:30 p.m.

Special Events

1/25 - Game On! Come after school to play

2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday. BJCC Arena. Tickets: $22-$50. More information: www.bjcc.org.

1/23-

Wii and XBOX Kinect games! Bring your friends or make new ones here. Snacks will be provided. 4 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Grades 6-12 only. More information: homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

1/26- Todd Burpo, author of Heaven is

for Real, presented by Legacy League auxiliary of Samford University. 7:30 p.m. Reid Chapel at Samford University. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Samford University Legacy Scholarship. More information: samford. edu/legacyleague.

Admission: $15 at the door. Rosewood WHall. More information: thebridalmarket. com.

1/26- Mommy & Me story Story Time for birth – 30 months with a lap partner. 10: 30 a.m. Homewood Public Library.

1/10- Goal Setting Seminar. 7 p.m. Iron

1/30- Games Galore. Assistance League of

Tribe Fitness. More information: www. irontribefitness.com.

1/12 - Samurai Animanga Club. Come for

popcorn and episodes of anime on the big screen! 4 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Grades 6-12 only. More information: homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

1/12- Mommy & Me story Story Time for birth – 30 months with a lap partner. 10: 30 a.m. Homewood Public Library. 1/14, 20- Leaps & Bounds for ages

30 months to 4 years with an adult. Registration Required. Homewood Public Library. More information: 332-6619.

1/17- Homewood Chamber of Commerce

State of the City Membership Luncheon. Mayor Scott McBrayer will be the keynote speaker, and awards for Firefighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and City Employee of the Year. Tickets: $17. Homewood Public Library. For reservations: www.homewoodchamber. com

Birmingham, 1755 Oxmoor Road. 9:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon. Tickets: $25. More information: 870-5555.

1/28- Relay for Life Kick-off 5K Run.

8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race begins. Registration: $25. Homewood High School. More information: Relayforlife.org/ Homewood or contact Kristin McDonald at 930-8896 or Kristin.McDonald@cancer.org.

1/28- Salamander Festival. Held by the

Friends of Shades Creek. 3-5:30 p.m. Free. Music, dancers, food, crafts for kids and information about salamander migration. Homewood Community Center Auditorium.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays- Story Time at the Homewood Public Library 10:30 a.m. There will be no regular story times on Jan. 3 and 4. Fridays – Wine tasting. Piggly Wiggly. 3000 Independence Drive. 5 p.m. Admission: Free. More information: 879-0884.

your bulldogs. 7 p.m. Samford University. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children. More information: samfordsports.com.*

1/6-7 – Monster Jam 2012. 7:30 p.m. Friday,

1/14 – Samford men’s basketball v.

1/15 - Martin Luther King Day. Civil Rights Institute. BCRI Galleries open to the public at 9 a.m. Admission: free. More information: www.bcri.org.

1/14 – The Bama ShootOut. Come out and support your local schools in this exciting sporting event. 8:30 a.m. BJCC Arena. Tickets: $12. More information: www.bjcc. org.

1/19-22 – Birmingham Boat Show. Opens

1/26 – Samford men’s basketball v.

at 4 p.m. Thursday and noon FridaySunday. BJCC Exhibition Hall. Tickets: $10 for adults, 12 years and under free with paid adult. More information: www.bjcc. org.

1/21 - 2012 Village 2 Village Run. Starts in

Mountain Brook Village 8 a.m. for the 10K, 9:30 a.m. for the Fun Run. Registration is available at www.active.com.

Music & Arts 1/13 – Katt Williams. Come out and enjoy a great show sure to be filled with laughs. 8 p.m. BJCC Arena. Tickets: $52. More information: www.bjcc.org. 1/27-29

- Alabama Dance Festival. Celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2012, the Dance Festival is the largest in Alabama, with over 4,000 participants taking part annually. Brazz Dance Theater at 8 p.m. Friday, EVIDENT Dance Company 8 p.m. Saturday, Alabama Dance Showcase 2 p.m. Sunday. Wright Center, Samford University. Admission: $20-$45 for Friday and Saturday events, $17 for Sunday. More information: www.samford.edu/ wrightcenter.

Sports

Chattanooga. 3 p.m.*

Georgia Southern. Come out and support your bulldogs. 7 p.m.*

1/28 – Samford men’s basketball v. Davidson. Come out and support your bulldogs. 2 p.m. *

1/30 – Samford men’s basketball v. College of Charleston. Come out and support your bulldogs. 5 p.m. * *Ticket pricing is the same for all Samford basketball games.

Save the Date 2/8-2/11 – Birmingham Fashion Week. On Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m. there will be a kick-off party at Gus Mayer at the Summit. For more information on tickets and other events: www.bhamfashionweek.com. 2/23- Taste of Homewood. Showcases

the city’s food, wine and beer as well as musical entertainment. Admission: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For tickets: www. homewoodchamber.com.

2/25 - 24th Annual Guild Gala, held by the Service Guild of Birmingham. Benefits The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. The Country Club of Birmingham. The Wizard of Oz theme will be “There’s No Place Like The Bell Center.” Tickets and more information: Tommie Ford at tommiesford50@gmail.com.

1/5 – Samford men’s basketball v. Appalachian State. Come out and support

Homewood Happenings Mommy and Me Time Fitness Mommy and Me Time now offers mothers an opportunity to get active with their children From push-ups, sit-ups, and planks that involve leaning in to kiss and sing to your little one, to squats and lunges while holding and lifting your little one, Mommy

and Me Time incorporates many fun body conditioning exercises that will captivate your child’s attention. Classes meet Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Of Sorrows Catholic Church Gym. For more information, visit mommyandmetime.com.

Brookwood Medical Center Brookwood Medical Center announced the expansion of its metro Birmingham physician network. The Medical Center has acquired a long-standing practice in Homewood. Dr.

Bonnie Armour’s family practice located on 20th Ave. S., near the Vulcan is now within Brookwood Medical Center’s healthcare network. For more information, visit bmc. com.

Bridal Market on Jan. 8 Perfect Wedding Guide & Engaged will be hosting “Bridal Market, A Runway Event” on Jan. 8 at Rosewood Hall in Downtown Homewood from 1 to 4 p.m. Pre-register at TheBridalMarket. com for an Engaged shopping tote and to receive $5 off tickets. Brides also can pick up a copy of Perfect Wedding Guide for

one free ticket. Tickets will be $15 at the door. For details on booth reservations, sponsorship opportunities and tickets, contact Katie Calhan at 637-0735 or Katie. calhan@pwg.com or visit thebridalmarket. com.

The Homewood Star

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| January 2012 |

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The Homewood Star

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

| January 2012 |

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