The Homewood Star September 2011 by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Volume 1 | Issue 6 | September 2011

Lake Lovers Winners- pg 2

Good People

Samford Football

-pg 14

- pg 12

Getting to know Pat Sullivan By WILL HIGHTOWER Samford head football coach Pat Sullivan is entering his ﬁfth season of coaching the Bulldogs. The Heismanwinning quarterback at Auburn talked with us about his career and the upcoming football season.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Final phases of Homewood’s Shades Creek Greenway, which runs along Lakeshore Drive and currently ends at Green Springs Highway, are on track to begin in the next year. The Homewood City Council has authorized Mayor Scott McBrayer to proceed with the ﬁnal consultation and design for the project. When the greenway is completed, you will be able to walk, run or bike from Colonial Brookwood Village to West Homewood Park. In the end, the greenway will connect one university, two high schools, two major shopping areas, six residential neighborhoods, several apartment complexes, ofﬁce buildings, churches and two existing parks. “Ever since I have been on the city council I have been working to try to get the Greensprings to West Homewood Park plan moving,” said City Council President Allyn Holladay. “I have brought it up every single funding cycle, but the funding mechanism and support have not been

How did you get in to coaching initially? It is something that I always felt compelled to do. My wife, Jean, was a big part in that decision. She told me that I didn’t want to wake up at age 50 and not be doing what I wanted to be doing, which was coaching. It had to be a joint decision because of all the hours it takes. I had been coaching my son, Patrick, in soccer and doing Auburn radio while doing insurance. I had been successful in that, and Jean had been successful in real estate. But we gave it all up when I decided to coach. You recruited Ladainian Tomlinson to play at TCU while you were the head coach there. Could you see the NFL career he had in front of him? You know, you never see that kind of thing. A lot of that is about being in the

See SULLIVAN | page 13

September Features Editor’s Note

Mayor’s Minute

City Council

Making Homewood Home Again 8 10 Lauren Denton Dat Good Sauce

Homewood Sports

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Restaurant Showcase

School House

Calendar of Events

Homewood Happenings

Like us

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New phases approved for Shades Creek Greenway

See GREENWAY | page 6

Samford head football coach Pat Sullivan. Photo courtesy of Samford Athletics.

Lakeshore property rezoned for Samford By MADOLINE MARKHAM Ten residential lots, including seven homes, on Lakeshore Drive between Samford University and Odum Lane have been rezoned as institutional property. Samford owned the land and requested the rezoning as a part of their master plan for the campus to build more dorms and parking. Council members and residents remain divided on whether this outcome is best for the surrounding neighborhood, but regardless of opinion, the final decision was a compromise between Samford and Homewood. “Not one single person was 100 percent satisfied,” Council President Allyn Holladay said. “That testifies to how much of a compromise it was.” Many residents were in opposition to the rezoning because they feared it would hurt the surrounding neighborhood and property values; they also complained that Samford was not forthcoming about their plans. On July 7, about 50 Homewood residents gathered for a meeting in opposition to the rezoning request. Representatives from Samford, Sarah Latham and Buck Brock, spent three to four weeks in dialogue with neighbors to listen to their concerns and work on a compromise.

c i r b a F of Life

A sign in a yard on Hollywood Boulevard encouraged neighbors to attend the July 25 city council meeting for the vote on rezoning property owned by Samford University. Photo by Madoline Markham. “We tried to learn from what we heard back and spent a lot of time on phone calls and over email listening to neighbors and the city council to form our plan and the covenant,” Latham said.

“It was a really hard process,” council member Jackie Langlow said, “but it was so much more enjoyable because people were really trying to work together.” “The fact that the neighborhood was concerned opened dialogue with Samford that created a better relationship than we’d had in years and made sure the neighborhood would feel comfortable with additional proffers,” Holladay said. On July 25 the Homewood City

Council voted 5-3 in favor of the rezoning request. David Hooks and Hunter Payne, who represent Wards 4 where the affected neighborhoods are located, as well as Walter Jones, voted against it. About three-fourths of the approximately 100 people who attended the meeting walked out of the council chambers after the vote. Three council members were not in attendance for the vote. President Allyn Holladay was unable to be there due to a death in the family but had a statement read in support of the rezoning.

See SAMFORD | page 9

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| September 2011 |

The Homewood Star

Editor’s Note

Avery Stansell, Kennedy Kuria, Will Stone and Anna Claire Stone at Homewood Jersey Night and Kick-off Pep Rally on August 12. Photo by Ashley Berkery.

Contributing Photographers Anna Cate Little | Rick Watson

When did someone decide to have school start in early August? My first years at Edgewood Elementary typically began in the third or even fourth week of August. This year, I felt a bit lonely on August 10 as I headed out with my 15 month old for our usual morning walk. Edgewood was quiet— too quiet, in fact, without the hustle and bustle of kids out and about. Eventually, as I do every year now, I felt that seasonal sense of change, but it was change in a good way. There is now the occasional breeze softly drifting down Broadway; the trees are still green but are taking on hints of gold in some places; and occasionally, you can hear the strains of music coming from a nearby practice field as bands tune up for the coming games. With all this change I find myself actually looking forward to fall. I realized as we were putting together this issue that Homewood has a lot going on in September. With Labor Day kicking off the month, there couldn’t be a much better way to celebrate than by grilling out with friends and family. You’ll find articles in this issue about an interesting variety of business owners who sell the kinds of items that make Labor Day special— and they all live amongst us here in Homewood. Perhaps of even greater significance than the backyard grill and Labor Day treats is the fact that with the release of this issue we are in full football mode here in Homewood, in the Birmingham region, in Alabama, and across the nation. At no other season of the year do we plan our weekends so far in advance based on

who’s playing at home each weekend. If you’ve not taken in a Samford Bulldogs home game yet, you may want to after reading our proﬁle this month on Pat Sullivan, Samford’s head coach. This Heisman trophy legend has an amazing outlook on life, on and off the ﬁeld, and his is truly an inspirational story. Also on the sports page, you can read about Homewood High School’s returning quarterback, Stephen Baggett, and the Patriots’ chances of winning the state championship again this year. As long as you are in a calendarmarking mood, don’t fail to highlight the 8th Annual Exceptional Masterpieces Art Show, Pieces of Yesteryear, coming September 22 at the Exceptional Foundation. These talented young men and women have been working extremely hard over the summer to perfect their art and are very proud of what the show has to offer. It is a fundraiser you won’t want to miss. And while you’re at it, mark down September 29 for the 39th Annual Birmingham Greek Food Festival. In these pages, look for the restaurant showcase feature on Nabeel’s and the Greek heritage of its owner John Krontiras. I am here, as always, for your feedback, comments and story ideas. Please email me at ashley@thehomewoodstar.com. In the meantime, here’s wishing you and your families a great start to the fall season.

Lake Lovers Photo Contest Winners Best Action Photo

Best Pet Photo

Publisher Dan Starnes

Editor Ashley Berkery

Managing Editor Madoline Markham

Creative Director Keith McCoy

Published by

Yorkie Sophie May. Photo by Shari Schaefer. Tricia Peterson and family.

Best Fishing Photo

Best Kid Photo

Homewood Star LLC

Sales and Distribution

Dan Starnes | Angela Morris

Intern Mia Bass

Copy Editor Heather Reid

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

Reed and Jake Vella. Photo by Traci Vella.

Seven-month-old Caroline on Lake Martin. Photo by William Middleton

Please Support Our Sponsors Alabama Allergy and Asthma Centers (11) Arden Photography (10) Armor Insurance (6) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (7) Brookwood Medical Center (14) Buffalo Rock (15) Douglas Beckham (19) Fagan Sports Medicine (12) First Lenders (17) Four Corners (5) General Pest Control (3) Harmony Landing (5) Homewood Antiques (12) Homewood Cosmetic Dentistry (3) Homewood Mortgage (4) Homewood Parks and Recreation (16)

Hunter’s Cleaners (1) LAH Barbara Wheeler (13) Longworth Collection (19) MedHelp (9) Middle Mediation (9) Needleworks (6) Ngage (13) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (11) Piggly Wiggly (13) Prime Time Treasures (17) Salem’s Diner (11) Shophomewood.com (8) The Wade Team (6) UAB Medicine (20) Vulcan (10) Wallace Burke (4)

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Dear neighbors, It is that time of year for our annual paving project to begin. This year the City of Homewood will re-invest $370,000 back into our infrastructure by addressing some of our roads considered to be in the poorest condition. Since becoming mayor, I have asked the council to send me a list of roads and streets from their district needing attention. Council members have submitted that list, and after inspecting each road submitted, a list of streets has been created. Paving will take place in all ﬁve districts. I understand there are many roads not on this list that need addressing, but the amount of money each year has to be carefully considered to get the most out of our paving project. For example, I would love to repave West Valley Avenue, but it would mean an additional $296,000. I have been asked to explain how money is obtained to pave within our city. When you purchase gas in Homewood, a portion of your money goes into the 4-and-5-cent Gas Tax Fund that can only be used to pave streets. The amount of money Homewood receives is based on the number of gallons sold and not on the total price you pay at the pump. It greatly beneﬁts our city when purchases are made right here at home so the money can be reinvested into our community. The State of Alabama collects those taxes and then sends to each city its portion

of revenue. This year the list includes: Durham Drive, 28th Avenue South, Grove Place, Evergreen Avenue, Wena Avenue, Huntington Court, Delcris Drive and Forest Brook Drive. In the very near future, residents living on these streets will be contacted by the paving company informing them of when to expect paving to begin. In conjunction with paving, I will be adding additional funds to this year’s budget to add more sidewalks in our city. We have listened to our neighbors, and sidewalks seem to be a very popular feature and certainly increases the value of our properties. As mentioned on page 9 of The Homewood Star, Homewood has been ofﬁcially announced as the “Most Walkable City” in the State of Alabama. We have a real opportunity to build upon that and continue making improvements in this area. I appreciate my city council for the support they continue to give me and look forward to the continued improvements that are in the near future. With kindest regards I remain, Sincerely,

Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

Chamber of Commerce events Coffee and Contacts. Join The Homewood Chamber of Commerce for Coffee and Contacts hosted at Mayfair Apartment Homes on September 7 at 7:30 a.m. The new Mayfair is well placed in the Homewood community and brings together a unique blend of rustic French design and modern tastes. It is located at 3450 Manor Drive. For more information, call 871-4678. Monthly Luncheon. The monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon, sponsored by Homewood Chamber

member ProAssurance, will take place on September 20 at 11:30 a.m. in the Homewood Library. The luncheon will feature guest speaker Mike Warren of Children’s Health Systems of Alabama. Mr. Warren is President and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Children’s Health System of Alabama and Children’s Hospital, an independent, not-for-proﬁt, free-standing pediatric healthcare center. For more information on the luncheon and reservations, visit www. homewoodchamber.org or call 871-5631.

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Mayor’s Minute

Rotary district governor Martin Uptain, past-president Lester Hollans and new Rotary president Jim Ceyte.

Jim Ceyte was installed as 2011-12 president of the Homewood Rotary Club on July 14. He succeeds 2010-11 president Lester Hollans. Ceyte, owner and president of Mortgage Resources, Inc., has been a member of Homewood Rotary since 1998. Other Homewood Rotary ofﬁcers for the new club year are Paul Scholl, president-elect; Janice Scholl, secretary; and Josh Carnes, treasurer. Directors are William Johnson, club service; Mike Hathorne, community service; Mike O’Kelley, vocational service; and Al Murray, international service. At-large directors are

Ted Teague and Darwin Metcalf. Homewood club projects include a Chalk Art Festival and bake sale during We Love Homewood Day activities each May, a Job Shadow Day for high school students in April, the annual presentation of dictionaries to local third grade students and ﬁnancial support of the Homewood Library. The club annually awards about $12,000 in scholarships to deserving Homewood High School graduates. The 56-member club meets each Thursday at noon at the Homewood Library on Oxmoor Road.

The Homewood Star | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Meet your City Council members Jackie Langlow – Ward 5, Place 1 for setting the budget for next year. How long have you served on our council? I have served on the council for 10 years, and I am in my third term. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve. We have a unique and wonderful city.

Council member Jackie Langlow.

Jackie, what are some of the big topics under discussion right now with the council? Some of the topics under discussion now are Part Two of the Hallman Hill development as well as another proposed development on the Hillside Circle property and the elevated 280 plans. We just ﬁnished work on a rezoning issue on Samford University property where they are building dormitories in an effort to place more students in housing on campus. While controversial, this turned out to be a great effort on the part of the neighbors, Samford and the city to work together. Guidelines were set up for the future to collaborate on property use, and it made everyone aware of the importance of Neighborhood Preservation District zoning. In the end, the vote truly was one for neighborhood preservation as it set restrictions and timelines for future land use. Lastly, we are about to start the process

What are your top priorities for this term? Top priorities for this term are to continue long range planning for the city, increasing green space and walkability, building relationships that support our business owners, supporting our educational system, being proactive in the 280 development plans, supporting our many great employees, addressing the day-today concerns of citizens and working with the mayor to deliver a realistic capital and operating budget that meets the needs of the community. What is one thing that people might not know about the city or our city government? One thing people may not realize about the city is we are landlocked and only about seven and a half miles wide. Any future development that supports our tax base and our schools has to be done in that limited space. About our local government, we have two representatives for each ward and one council president. What are you and your family looking forward to this fall in Homewood? My children and I are looking forward to all the routine Homewood activities that make it such a great place to live: Patriot football, the Patriot band, lunch at Hamburger Heaven, long walks on the greenway, trick or treaters on Halloween and hopefully some nice cool fall weather! GO PATRIOTS!

Exceptional masterpieces by exceptional children By ASHLEY BERKERY It’s no doubt that The Exceptional Foundation in Homewood, founded in 1993, has seen its fair share of exceptional children come through its doors. They are a creative, social and active bunch, always brainstorming unique ways to raise money for their organization. On September 22 at 6 p.m., the Birmingham Young CPA Chapter along with the Exceptional Foundation Artists will host the 8th Annual Exceptional Masterpieces Art Show, Pieces of Yesteryear. The art show, a culmination of a year‘s hard work and artistic endeavors, will take place at The Exceptional Foundation in the gymnasium. Painted canvases and handcrafted items will be for sale, with proceeds directly benefitting The Exceptional Foundation. “I love the art show and The Exceptional Foundation,” Exceptional Artist Stephen Dabney said. “I like to help set up tables and chairs. I like to go to the art show and see all of the paintings and spend time with my friends.” Stephen has been working extremely hard on his fish painting that will be available at the art show this year. “My painting reminds me of the summer, and I love the summer,” Dabney said. “I like to go to Lake Martin and fish on the dock.” Tickets are $35 for individuals. A VIP package may be purchased for $250 which includes an early preview from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., two VIP tickets, specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a live art demonstration by Exceptional Artists and the first opportunity to bid on silent auction

Exceptional Artist Stephen Dabney paints for the 2011 art show.

items. To purchase tickets visit the website, www.exceptionalfoundation.org, call 8700776 or stop by Hunter’s Cleaners. Sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, EGS Commercial Real Estate and Jemison Investment Co., Inc. The Exceptional Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that strives to meet the social and recreational needs of the mentally and/or physically challenged population of the greater Birmingham area. The foundation receives referrals from schools, providing services for the schoolage exceptional population during afterschool and summer hours. More critically, the foundation fills the gap for exceptional people who reach age 21 and can no longer find opportunities for social interaction within the school system. They ensure that participants are able to take field trips, compete in sports, socialize and meet new people in supportive settings.

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| September 2011 | The Homewood Star

The master plan for the Shades Creek Greenway extends to West Homewood Park. Illustration courtesy of Macknally Land Design.

GREENWAY

CONTINUED from page 1

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there until recently.” Phase Two will extend the Shades Creek Greenway under I-65 behind Wildwood and terminate across from John Carroll Catholic High School. Phase Three will extend to West Homewood Park. “We are likely to start design effort for Phases Two and Three within three months,” said Fred Hawkins, a city council member and civil engineer. “Phase Two should be ready for construction within a year.” Hawkins also said in about three months there will be a series of public meetings to present the greenway plans and get public input. “We get so many requests for having events on the Lakeshore greenway we have now,” Hawkins said, “and this whole thing being built will be an economic driver. Plus, the amenity to the public will be tremendous.” Holladay noted further benefits of the trail. “Any time you put in an amenity, property values go up,” she said. “It’s also been proven that opening a greenway deters crime.” The greenway project has received approval for federal funding through the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is run by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. The project is estimated to cost about

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$8 million. Federal air quality funds will pay for 80 percent of construction, and Homewood will pay for 20 percent. Homewood has agreed in principal to fund this 20 percent, but details about the sources for funding are currently under discussion by the city’s finance committee. According to Lea Ann Macknally, president of Macknally Land Design who has worked on the design of the project since 2000, the new phases will continue the existing 12-foot wide multi-use asphalt trail. Along phase two, a bridge will cross to the north side of Shades Creek. Any bridges built will be similar to the one currently in front of Homewood High School. The bridges are made of prefabricated cor-ten, a self-sealing steel that looks weathered and allows for longterm durability. All directional signs, entry markers and mile markers will also look like those on Phase One. Macknally Land Design is currently working to update the design, originally created in 2004, to meet new ALDOT plan set requirements. The original plan called for a fly-over connector over Lakeshore Drive to land on the north side near John Carroll Catholic High School campus. Macknally and the council are currently revisiting this part of the plan to determine the safest, most cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing option. There is a potential for an at-grade pedestrian crossing instead, but details

are yet to be determined. Hawkins said an alternative plan could save as much as $2 million. There will be a cost savings on the new phases because the ALDOT requirements for Phase One stipulated that the trail must be able to support 18-wheelers, according to Macknally. Because ALDOT requirements now do not view the trail as a roadway, costs of earthwork, stone work and engineering will be less. Walmart has donated trail right of way property behind their building to the City of Homewood, but other properties on the trail must still be negotiated. Supporters of the greenway are enthusiastic that the plans for these new phases will at last be brought to life. “By continuing the greenway, not only are we spurring economic development,” Holladay said, “but we are also stretching to an area that needs revitalization and to an area that is otherwise disconnected from the city. It will create more links for that portion of West Homewood and to create more of a community for all of Homewood.” Long term plans don’t end with Phase Three at West Homewood Park, either. “It will be a no-brainer to connect to Red Mountain Park,” Holladay said. “We would have a whole community of outdoor recreation for exercise and a connection for all of Homewood and the communities around us. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to showcase everything that we have.”

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The Homewood Star | September 2011 |

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Brookwood gives to Hackleburg

HEIRLOOMS HEIR HEIRLO LOOM OMS S IN BLOO BLOOM Alabama’s Premiere Antique Show Featuring Nationally Recognized Dealers Benefiting Birmingham Botanical Gardens

To further Homewood’s relationship with Hackelburg in tornado relief and recovery, Brookwood Medical Center donated a deﬁbrillator to the City of Hackelburg at the Homewood City Council meeting on Aug. 8: Stephen Preston, Vice President for External Affairs at Brookwood Medical Center; Mayor Scott McBrayer; Sara Moulton, RN and Assistant Surgery Director; Garry Gause, CEO of Brookwood; and Kerry Tirman, COO of Brookwood at the city council meeting. Photo courtesy of Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

Red Diamond Lecture Series proudly presents

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AfterTunes concerts at Vulcan Vulcan Park and Museum will host its seventh season of Sunday afternoon concerts this fall in the Vulcan AfterTunes series. Gates open at 1 p.m., and the concerts start at 3 p.m. Will Hoge will perform on September 25 and Scars on 45 on October 9. The band for October 23 will be announced soon. General admission tickets are $15; they are $7.50 for Vulcan members. Tickets can be purchased on www.visitvulcan.com. Snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase. VIP packages ($75) include two general admission tickets, a parking space, four drink tickets, an autographed poster,

a frisbee and afternoon snacks for two. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales help support Vulcan Park and Museum’s ongoing mission to preserve and promote Vulcan. Seating is on the park grounds and is first-come, first-served, and you are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. All parking is free. Once the limited parking is filled, there will be a free shuttle service available in the Jefferson County Board of Education parking lot across the street from Vulcan Park and Museum’s main entrance. For more information, visit www. visitvulcan.com/VulcanAfterTunes.html or email info@visitvulcan.com.

October 7 • 10:30 a.m. • $30 Tickets: bbgardens.org/antiques

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General Admission: $10

enhancing lif e with plants

Kick’n Chick’n Wing Festival By AMANDA E.H. PRITCHARD Sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned wing is a magical taste for wing lovers. Saturday, October 1, Magic Moments is putting on its annual wing fest in downtown Homewood. What is even better than chicken wings is the fact that the festival beneﬁts the local charity. “Magic Moments touches my heart,” said Kassady Gibson, a Magic Moments Junior Board member, wish maker and Kick’n Chick’n Wing Festival Chair. “It’s such an amazing organization that gives back so much to the community. I’m lucky to be a part of it.” Area restaurants will be judged by local celebrities and one wing connoisseur for the Finger Lick’n Chick’n People’s Choice Award. Gibson said supporters can expect more wings and won’t have to miss football. “This year, we’ll also have all the football games playing throughout the

enhanc ing lif e with plants

event space, so fans won’t miss one tackle or touchdown.” Kicking off at 11 a.m., the festivities will last until 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 prior to the event and $15 at the door with proceeds directly beneﬁting Magic Moments. The mission of Magic Moments is to fulﬁll the non-medical wishes of chronically ill Alabama children, providing them an opportunity to turn away from illness and suffering – if only for a moment – and feel what it is like to just be a kid again. “In 2010 we granted 33 wishes in Jefferson and Shelby counties alone,” said Bebe Goodrich, project manager for Magic Moments. “So far this year, we’ve granted 20.” For additional information on Kick’n Chick’n Wing Festival or to volunteer for the event, visit www.bhamwingfest.com. To purchase tickets call 939-9372.

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Events to honor tenth anniversary of September 11 September 11 marks the tenth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Two local events will be held on this anniversary: City remembrance service The city of Homewood is joining with the cities of Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills to hold a service of remembrance on September 11. The event will be held 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at Vestavia Hills High School, 2235 Lime Rock Road. A Hero’s Welcome On September 8, the Lakeshore Foundation will host A Hero’s Welcome to welcome and honor severely injured

military personnel as well as police officers, firefighters, first responders. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Invitees will include military personnel injured in the line of duty; police officers, fire fighters and first responders; national, state and local political leaders; military leaders; corporate leaders from Birmingham and the Southeast; Lakeshore Foundation supporters; and other distinguished members of our community. Proceeds support the work of Lakeshore Foundation. For more information, visit www. lakeshore.org.

September 8 featuring

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Signature Drink: Midori Melon Punch

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| September 2011 | The Homewood Star

Making Homewood home again Anoop and Manisha Mishra By ALISON GRIZZLE Earlier this year a strand of posts on Facebook caught the attention of Homewood residents--past and present. Anoop Mishra posted, “Just moved into our new home and had first cup of coffee on the deck; one neighbor baked cookies to welcome us; another has kids the same ages as ours who have hit it off. Homewood, I think we’re gonna like it here!” And the responses rolled in: “Yeah Homewood,” “I still miss Homewood,” “Who wouldn’t love Homewood?” “I think Homewood is the only one of the ‘burbs I could live in,” “ Homewood is lovely,” “We are in our 6th year here—know and love our neighbors—grateful for the schools.” The posts paint the picture of what everyone knows to be true – Homewood is a great place to live. And, when someone is lucky enough to return home, a certain sense of pride and satisfaction comes with the move. Like many Homewood graduates, Mishra is making Homewood home again. The trip has been adventurous, but he is back and loving it. After graduating from Homewood High School in 1989, he attended Birmingham-Southern College, where he majored in political science. He then traveled to Szekesfehervar, Hungary, where he taught English and American history—a venture that was repeated a few years later by Tom Jeffries, a 1993 HHS graduate. After returning to Birmingham, Mishra worked in economic development for Operation New Birmingham. Deciding to further his education, he enrolled in University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business where he earned his

Adesh, Anoop, Annikah and Manisha Mishra. Photo courtesy of the Mishra Family.

MBA. His experiences and degrees landed him in a strategy consulting job based in Atlanta. During this job he spent many of his days traveling to Chicago and New York. It was while Mishra lived in Atlanta that he met his lovely wife, Manisha, on a trip to his parents’ native country, India. Anoop was visiting his family’s hometown and spending time with a friend. The friend’s wife kept insisting that he meet her best friend, Manisha. Anoop insisted back that he lived in the States, had no intention of dating someone abroad and he did not have the time to pursue a relationship. Refusing to accept his excuses, his friend’s wife introduced him to Manisha. Needless to say, a web camera and instant messaging became the new couple’s best friend. They continued to talk and got engaged in 2003.

“After becoming engaged, I realized that I needed a work-life balance, and I wanted to be back in Birmingham,” Mishra said. He began working for EDPM, a company that manages employee screening for other companies, and the couple started their family two miles from Homewood. They have two children: Annikah, 6 and Adesh, 4. Their move to Homewood has landed them in a home that the Mishras plan on occupying for a long time. “We really liked the idea of Homewood because it was landlocked—a defined community that was stable in size,” Mishra said. “We thought that this characteristic along with the great school system helped to create stability in home values. When Manisha and I were looking for houses, we wanted to be in West Homewood because we thought that it had a great

offering of newer homes in an established community.” The Mishras chose a home in Huntington Ridge, which is a part of Forrest Brook 0.2 miles from his parents’ house. “Manisha loves the Homewood house, and she loves the area,” Mishra said. The family has embraced Homewood and all it has to offer. Both children play in the Homewood soccer league, Annikah takes ballet at the Children’s Dance Foundation and Adesh plays t-ball at West Homewood Park. Manisha and Anoop run with a group from The Track Shack on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. “We love running through the neighborhoods,” Mishra said. “Homewood offers a safe place to run with a nice balance of flat spaces and hills.”

SHOP HOMEWOOD. COM

The Homewood Star | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Ninety years of adventure Isn’t that a nice change?

Wayne Smith with Frank Donaldson at a book signing at Little Professor Book Center.

Frank Donaldson grew up during the Great Depression. He became an FBI agent and pilot in World War II before serving as US Attorney and teaching law school for 40 years. Not to mention he’s been enjoying marriage for the past 60 years. With that much in one lifetime, Donaldson wrote

Glimpses of an Abundant Life, a collection of many of the stories that brought him here to Homewood. His memoir was published in March, and he recently held a book signing at The Little Professor bookstore. His book can be found at Little Professor or online at www.createspace.com/3561124.

Homewood most walkable city Homewood has been ranked the most walkable city in the state with a score of 60 from Walk Score. According to Walk Score studies, there are several reasons walking is a more valuable way of transportation. For example, one study highlights that

for every 10 minutes a person spends in a car on a daily commute, activities in communities fall by 10 percent. Birmingham, Selma and Florence came in behind Homewood with a walkable score of 40.

Samford

CONTINUED from page 1 Along with granting the rezoning, Samford agreed to a set of proffers with the city that will be made into a covenant. These include a seven-year moratorium on Samford’s petitioning the city for additional rezoning in this area and that Samford will not seek to open a north entrance on campus for seven years. Samford also agreed to reduce the number of undergraduates living in off-campus houses, and Latham will serve as a liaison between Samford and the neighborhoods. Latham is currently working on a survey for 300 neighbors and plans to have coffee with neighbors in the area. “It turned out to be a vote for neighborhood preservation because it set the parameters for better relationships in the future,” Langlow said. Some residents feared that the rezoning would set a precedent for more rezoning of property that would hurt neighborhoods, especially because Samford owns more lots north and west of its campus already. To the contrary, Holladay said that a rezone is unique to conﬁnes of its immediate situation and that this decision did not necessarily set a precedent. Council members in favor of the rezoning argued that it was the best use for the property. Most property on Lakeshore is institutional and business property already, and the lots were contiguous with Samford’s current campus property. “In many ways, it was part of the Homewood master plan that talks about reducing driveways on major thoroughfares like Lakeshore,” Moody said. Langlow walked the property under consideration many times during the discussions and pointed out that the new dorms and parking will create more of a buffer between the campus and the neighborhood than exists now on Currie Way. The new dorms will be set 70 feet from the property line, and an 18-foot-high, 15-foot-deep buffer between the properties will be put in place. In addition, four of the seven houses on the rezoning property have been bought, and the developer hopes to move them elsewhere in Homewood. Council member Payne remains

opposed to the rezoning, arguing that neighborhoods are the cornerstone of Homewood and should be preserved. He said that the proffers are a cop-out. Payne also stated that because of the rezoning, Homewood will not receive revenue from property taxes on those 10 properties. He believes Samford has a vision to grow all the way to Green Springs. “I think Samford is a wonderful institution and that they are an ambassador to our city,” he said. “I just don’t feel like they should continue to buy property in Homewood.” Regardless, the neighborhood preservation discussion is not over. The Campaign for the Preservation of Homewood’s Family Neighborhoods is holding an organizational meeting in room 116 of the Homewood Library on September 12 at 6 p.m. Their goal is to ensure the 2012 election of representatives from each ward in Homewood to the Homewood City Council who are committed to preserving Homewood’s family neighborhoods. Holladay said that her discomfort regarding the rezoning initially resulted from not knowing Samford’s intent for the property before the rezoning request came to city council. After the dialogue with Samford over this issue, she hopes that there will not be any more surprises. “This particular issue awakened Samford to the fact that they cannot be in a silo by themselves,” Holladay said. “In order to move forward, that silo has to open up to include the neighbors and the city in their long-term plans.” Council members will continue to discern how to best serve the needs of its citizens, and according to Holladay, Samford is just as much of a citizen as everyone else. “A lot of people are still very upset and bitter about the decision,” council member Vance Moody said, “but I hope that that mindset does not win the day. I believe Samford is honest and forthright about their desire to dialogue with the neighborhood and be good neighbors.” What do you think about rezoning these properties for Samford? We want to know your opinion. Email us at ashley@thehomewoodstar. com or leave a comment on thehomewoodstar. com or our Facebook page.

A G R E E TO A G R E E

Where two sides meet to find one suitable solution. MIDDLE ME DIAT ION . C OM | 2 0 5. 4 6 7. 855 2 o r 205. 2 7 1. 3 1 5 3

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September 2011 | The Homewood Star

Ordinary Days By LAUREN DENTON

Little white lies I read recently about how malleable children’s brains are in the ﬁrst few years of life. Journalist Peggy Orenstein, in her book Cinderella Ate My Daughter (which is a necessary read for mothers of girls, but that’s another column for another day), says, “Every interaction, every activity, strengthens some neural circuits…and the younger the child, the greater the effect.” So, if kids are more “programmable” the younger they are, then Kate’s little brain is being programmed all day long, and it’s my job to make sure good stuff is going in. However, a recent incident made me wonder if what I’m giving her is always the good stuff. Kate woke up at 5 o’clock one morning just as I sat down to do my usual two hours of editing. After a couple of fruitless attempts to get her back to sleep, I decided we might as well just start the day. I told Kate that I was going to get some coffee and that I’d be right back. And I fully intended to do so. But when I left the room, she didn’t cry. She was actually really quiet, and since her lights were still off, I wondered if maybe she’d go back to sleep. I stood there outside her door for a quiet minute or so and thought, “Great, I can get my work done!” Then, hello guilt. I realized I had just lied to my daughter. I imagined her lying in her little crib, conﬁdent that mama was going to come back in to get her, and there I was, ecstatic

that she wasn’t crying and thinking I could do my own stuff for a little while before she got antsy. I deliberated about what to do and almost went back in to get her since that’s what I’d told her I was going to do. But I didn’t. She was quiet and eventually starting talking to herself happily, and I got some work done. But I felt guilty for the rest of the morning. The more I thought about it, I realized I tell her little white lies all the time. In the car driving to the grocery store, “We’re almost there,” even if we just pulled out of the driveway. Cutting her ﬁngernails (which she hates), “I’m almost done,” even though I’ve only just cut the ﬁrst one. At some point, probably sooner rather than later, she’s going to wise up and start holding me to what I say. And she should! To be honest, I’m a bit ashamed that this little 24-pound, giggling ball of curls is making me see my not-so-honest parts. I guess it takes a toddler to make me take a good, hard look at myself and my faults. I came across a verse in my Bible study recently that came back to me after that incident. “Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways.’” That’s something everyone can take to heart, perhaps especially if little ones are watching and taking in everything you do. Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@ gmail.com.

Samford Wright Center Schedule

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The Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University has planned an array of symphony concerts, musicals, ballet—something for just about anyone. Tickets are available through samford.edu/ wrightcenter or by phone at 726-2853. Sept. 23- Alabama Symphony Orchestra SuperPops: Dailey and Vincent Oct. 15- Miss Samford Scholarship Pageant Oct. 21- The Midtown Men (Wright Center) Oct. 26- Maestro Goes to the Movies, a Kid Concert (Birmingham Music Club) Oct. 28- Alabama Symphony Orchestra SuperPops: The Music of Abba by Arrival Oct. 31- Seussical The Musical (Classic Productions) Nov. 13- Alabama Symphony Orchestra SuperPops: Audra McDonald Nov. 18- The Blind Boys of Alabama with Sara Watkins Dec. 1-3- White Christmas (Samford) Dec. 9-11, 16-18- The Nutcracker (Alabama Ballet) Jan. 7- Samford Honor Band Jan. 21- Alabama Symphony Orchestra SuperPops: Marvin Hamlisch

Jan. 27- Alabama Dance Festival: Brazz Dance Theater Jan. 28- Alabama Dance Festival: EVIDENCE, a Dance Company Jan. 29- Alabama Dance Festival: Alabama Dance Showcase Feb. 16-18- Samford Step Sing 2012 Feb. 24-26- Swan Lake March 3- David Lomeli (Birmingham Music Club) March 9-10- Alabama All-State Choral Festival March 16, 18- Carmen (Opera Birmingham) March 27- The Peking Acrobats (Wright Center) March 30- Ballet Hispanico (Wright Center) April 7- Alabama Symphony Orchestra SuperPops: LeAnn Rimes April 13-15- Alice in Wonderland (Alabama Ballet) April 21- ASO SuperPops: Show Boat in Concert May 4- BRAVO! Birmingham (Birmingham Music Club) May 5- ASO SuperPops: The Music of John Williams: An 80th Birthday Tribute

Lay theology classes offered The Lay Academy of Theology at Samford offers non-credit evening classes and other study opportunities led by Beeson Divinity School faculty for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education. All fall classes run six weeks starting the week of September 26. Each class costs $79 if registered before the week of September 19 and $105 afterward. Courses offered for the fall are: Romans: The Gospel Proclaimed and Applied, taught by Dr. Frank Thielman,

Mondays, 6-8 p.m., text required Micah’s Major Minor Prophesy, taught by Dr. Mark Gignilliat, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. The Story of Joseph, taught by Dr. Allen Ross, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. The academy will also offer a class, The Reformation in England and Scotland, taught by Gerald Bray, January 30-February 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m. daily. For more information or to register, visit www.beesondivinity.com/layacademy or contact Devon Bagwell at 726-2731.

The Homewood Star | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

It’s just Dat Good

DEBORAH A. S EMA , D. M . D.,

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Martin Brooks displays his Dat Good barbecue sauce and rub. Photo by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM When Martin Brooks first concocted his mustard-based barbecue sauce, so many people who tasted it said, “Ooo, dat’s good,” that the name stuck. Years later, the longtime Homewood resident and former restaurateur bottles and sells the all-natural sauce and a new seasoning and rub to sell in Homewood and beyond. The spicy-sweet sauce is designed to be put on meat after cooking. As the sauce’s tag line suggests, you’ll want to sop up every last bit of it with bread. “We recommend it for pork or ribs,” said Mike Barnett, owner of Alabama Gas Light and Grill, “but I like it on hot dogs more than on anything else because the bun sops it up.” Brooks prides the sauce and rub on being low sodium and low calorie with neither MSG food additive nor corn syrup. “It’s the best stuff out there; plus, Martin’s one of our neighbors,” said Peter Neuberger, who lives near Brooks in the Hollywood area and uses the sauce regularly. “It has the right taste without overwhelming the meat.” He likes to use it on chicken, ribs, barbecue, hamburgers and anything else that goes on the grill. Neuberger also brings bottles of the sauce when he visits friends and family. “Some people bring a bottle of wine,” he said, “I bring a bottle of barbecue sauce.” Brooks first started making barbecue sauce when he moved to Birmingham in 1978. He developed and tweaked this mustard-based recipe over the years to give to family and friends and used it to top the meats he smoked at home. A Homewood resident for more than 20 years, Brooks owned New York Pizza and then Camellia Café before venturing into creating a food product line. “The sauce was a hobby; now it’s full-time,” he said. The sauce went on the market five years ago and the rub earlier this year. Most barbecue sauces use corn syrup

as a sweetener, and you can find only one or two barbecue sauces without preservatives on a typical grocery store aisle. Dat Good is an exception. It’s packed with flavor from tomato puree, honey, vinegar, molasses, sugar, paprika, garlic, onion, tumeric and just enough salt that it doesn’t leave you asking for more flavor. “You don’t need more salt because meat already has salt in it,” Brooks said. As for the rub, the first ingredient is brown sugar, and you taste the sweetness with the kick of cayenne pepper. Brooks worked with a friend, a Louisiana tailgater Brooks described as a “spice doctor,” to develop the formula for the rub. “Most rubs are nothing but salt,” he said. Dat Good only has 130 grams per serving. Brooks said you can use the rub to sauté onions and peppers for an omelet, to add flavor to scrambled eggs or tilapia, to caramelize onions to put in baked beans— virtually anything. The best way to grow a following for the sauce is of course for people to taste it. Brooks pulls a display cart out of his black minivan at grocery stores and lets people taste the sauce on potatoes and the rub by dipping their finger in it. “Teenagers in the store love it,” he said. Brooks is also working on a Dijon cream sauce to market next. “My goal is to have one product of my line in every aisle of the store,” he said. Dat Good sauce and rubs are available in Homewood at the Jack Rabbit Texaco, Brookwood Shell station, Alabama Gas Light and Grill, Pierce-Tabor Paint, Alabama Goods and Piggly Wiggly. You can also find it at Whole Foods and Western and other Piggly Wiggly locations in Birmingham or order it online through www.datgood.com. Businesses can contact Brooks at datgoodsaucecompany@gmail. com if they are interested in selling or serving the products.

Homewood Fire seeks old photos Homewood Fire Department is requesting that residents help them recover some of the history of HFD by allowing Homewood Fire’s archivist, Karen Delaine, to make copies of old pictures involving Homewood fire fighters, fire stations, fire trucks and fire scenes. Future website links displaying the vintage photographs are planned. Please submit old photos to Karen Delaine. She may be reached at 332-6154 or Karen.Delaine@homewoodal.org to schedule pick up or drop off of photos. All original photographs will be returned after copies are made.

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September 2011 | Homewood Sports

Homewood Sports

New season, new starters for Samford football HHS Cheerleaders at Media Day By JOEY MULLINS and MIA BASS The Samford football team enters the 2011 season with new players, new coaches and a lot of anticipation. “I’m excited about this year’s team,” said Samford Head Coach Pat Sullivan. “We had a really good spring with a lot of enthusiasm. There are some unknowns on both sides of the ball because we lost a lot of good players from last year’s senior class, and they are going to be hard to replace.” Following the 2010 season, Sullivan made a few changes to the offensive coaching staff. Rhett Lashlee was hired from Auburn as the new offensive coordinator,

Senior quarterback Dustin Taliaferro. Photo courtesy of Samford Athletics.

Antonio Carter was hired to coach the team’s receivers and Travis Trickett will work with the slot receivers and tight ends. The offense will be ramped up into a spread offense. Although the defense must replace seven starters, Sullivan said he expects the defense to have another strong unit this fall. Samford lost three of its four starters on the defensive line after the 2010 season. Defensive end Alex Davis returns, and Austin Hayes will start at the other defensive end. Jeremy Towns and Nicholas Williams will compete for the starting defensive tackle slot while Devyn Keith and Nicholas Williams compete for nose guard. They also have to replace tailback Chris Evans, the all-time leading collegiate rusher in the history of Alabama. He had 4,575 rushing yards in his career. Fabian Truss is the slated starter at tailback. AllAmerican Bryce Smith also graduated last year after starting three seasons at middle linebacker. Keith Shoulders, Justin Shade and Josh Jackson are all competing for this position. Dustin Taliaferro returns as quarterback after starting the majority of the past three seasons. Last year he passed for 1,427 yards. Cameron Yaw returns as the team’s place-kicker, averaging 62.3 yards on kickoffs. Greg Peranich will replace Samford’s All-SoCon p unter B ob H ooper. Samford’s season kicks off on September 3 against Georgia Southern at Samford.

Freshmen cheerleaders at Media Day on August 5: Zoey Johnson, Caroline Duncan, Amanda Le, Savannah Wright and Charlsey Crocker.

Stephen Baggett returns as HHS quarterback Playing quarterback is not new to Homewood High School senior Steven Baggett. He returns as the team’s starting quarterback again this year, but although his position is not new, some of the coaching staff is, including Head Coach Doug Goodwin. “This year is a new start for our team,” Baggett said. “We have great new coaches, and our main goal is to make the playoffs, eventually being state champions.” Baggett claims his main rivals this season are Mountain Brook, Spain Park and Vestavia but also says that every game will be a challenge and they have to give 100 percent each week in order to win. “We have to take each game as it comes, yet still ﬁxing our sites on state,” he said.

Free safety John Hudson and quarterback Stephen Baggett at the HHS Media Day.

Fagan Sports Medicine

Concussion Alert!

School days are here! Athletes are back on the field. Ringing of the school bell is not our concern but having an athletes’ “bell rung” is. Sports related concussions are a major concern for those of us caring for young athletes. Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is concerned too. If you have an athlete that is involved in high school sports are you aware of the AHSAA Concussion Policy? Any student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be removed from the contest and shall not return to play until a medical release is issued by a medical doctor. Any health care professional or AHSAA certified coach may identify concussive signs, symptoms or behaviors of a student athlete during any type of athletic activity. Once concussive signs are identified, only a medical doctor can clear the athlete to return to play. It’s the law in Alabama (AL HB108). A bill passed into law June 9, 2011 requires: • Education of coaches, parents, athletes • Removal from play of any athlete suspected of having sustained a concussion • Requires written authorization from a medical professional before the athlete can return to practice/game Drs. Fagan and Lal are experienced at recognizing and treating athletes with concussions. Same day appointments are available. Check out the website: www.fagansportsmedicine.com for more information on concussions in athletes and for information on making same day appointments. Dr. Fagan and Lal are also available to provide further information to coaches and athletic trainers.

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Homewood Sports | September 2011 |

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citizens.

CONTINUED from page 1 right place at the right time. Ladainian had character and a strong work ethic. When you get that with his kind of ability, it’s a really good combination. How will it feel to return to coach against Auburn? (The Bulldogs play at Auburn on November 19.) I have a lot of feelings whenever I go back there because I have a lot of good memories. I have a lot of friends there, too, but it will be a good feeling to be on the Samford sideline. Which coaches have influenced your coaching? Well, starting young, I played in the Toy Bowl league as a kid, and Brother Christopher was my coach. That along with good influences from coaches continued on through high school. My most influential coach was Coach [Shug] Jordan. We had a good relationship, and he was a great person. What is the difference in recruiting at Samford as opposed to a place like Auburn or TCU where you have formerly coached? With recruiting there’s always a lot of similarities. Number one, you have to identify players and then see if they fit in your program. Samford is a wonderful place and has an awful lot to sell. The situation at TCU was very similar to Samford’s when I came–not much success, not very good facilities and maybe not much of a commitment to athletics. So I am very proud of the change at both TCU and Samford. We have come a long way in our five years here. We are starting to attract the right kind of players both on the field and off the field, where our guys will be good

What do you expect from Dustin Taliaferro as he enters his fourth year of starting at quarterback? I hope it’s a great year for him. He has had ups and downs, but he has that ability so we are very hopeful and excited for him. How do you replace Chris Evans, who had over 1,000 yards rushing for each of the last four years? Well, there have been a lot of contributors besides Chris over the last few years. It’s going to take two or three players to replace his contributions. I’m looking forward to Fabian Truss having a great year, and we also signed three freshman running backs this year. What does the future hold for the Samford football program? The program is on an upward spiral. When we started five years ago, there were a lot of new things needed. We changed conferences and I am not sure if we were ready for that. The change to the Southern Conference was a step up in the caliber of play from top to bottom. So it has taken a while to adjust, and we are still not quite where we need to be. Do you keep in touch with any of your old teammates? What you get out of athletics, when it’s all said and done, is relationships that last your whole life. It’s not about how many yards you threw for, how many touchdowns you scored, how many tackles you had. I’m very fortunate to stay in touch with my former teammates. And it’s the same way with the kids I have coached. You have bounced around the Birmingham area several times in your life, correct? I went to John Carroll in high school.

When Jean and I came back from playing pro ball, we lived in Mountain Brook for six years, and since we came back to coach at Samford, we live in Vestavia. What was it like to see your alma mater finally win another national championship? I was excited for them. I think it’s very important for the state of Alabama. The state should be proud. When you look back at Alabama winning the national championship with Mark Ingram winning the Heisman, and then Auburn doing it with Cam winning the Heisman, it speaks volumes about the state. Talk about the differences in the game today and when you played, as far as training, recruiting, etc. Well, recruiting is much different. Back then, there were no restrictions. Coaches could call you anytime, visit you, take you out to dinner, and alumni could do the same thing whenever they wanted to. Today, it’s totally different. As far as the game itself, I think all the intangibles are the same. Of course, today players are bigger, stronger, and faster. But the same values still matter. If you work hard and have a commitment to your team, you will succeed. That was the same yesterday, today, and in 20 years it will still be the same. I will say the game is more complicated now. There are differences in the playbook, but many of the formations and plays we used are still used today. As a former pro player, what did you think about the NFL lockout? I don’t know much about the ins and outs of it, but I do think there needs to be benefits for former players. I have lots of friends who have issues today from their playing days.

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September 2011 | Entrepreneur Spotlight

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Good People Brewing Company |

By ASHLEy BERKERy

114 14th Street South 317-1363

www.goodpeoplebrewing.com Good business. Good beer. Good People. Homewood locals Michael Sellers and Jason Malone are the good people behind the good beer. As friends in college, Sellers and Malone always thought brewing beer would be a fun hobby. Both Sellers and Malone took professional jobs after graduation, Sellers with a software company and Malone with a financial planning firm, but they also decided to start brewing their dream. Malone moved to Birmingham from Tennessee into Sellers’ old house on Montevallo Road when Sellers and his wife moved to Homewood. And the brewing began from their homes. “We decided to give it a shot and spent two years working out our business plan and testing our beers,” Sellers said. In 2006 the friends incorporated their brewing hobby, and by January 2008, Good People Brewing Co. had moved into The Mill restaurant in Southside, where they began cleaning and prepping for brewing. In the meantime, Malone and his family moved to Homewood. They were looking for a great place to raise their kids. “We decided on Homewood because of the great family feel that it has as well as the great schools they offer,” Malone said. Sellers agrees with his partner. “Homewood has one of the best feels of all of the over-themountain communities,” he said. Brewfest 2008 was Good People’s first public appearance. “We were super nervous, but the event well exceeded our expectations and gave us the confidence to launch into the market,” Sellers said. For them, July 4, 2008 was not only a Fourth of July celebration but a business breakthrough—the first time consumers could purchase the beer at local restaurants. The marketing behind Good People packaging is unique. No bottles, only cans, are available for purchase. The oxygen levels are better for the beer in cans, and they don’t let in light like bottles do. “We felt cans were more conducive to our outdoor southern lifestyles,” Sellers said. “Bottles are prohibited at public places such as beaches and lakes, and those are the best places to drink beer here in the South.”

Good People Beer owners Jason Malone and Michael Sellers in the downtown warehouse that is home to the brewery. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Local grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly and Western were supportive of the beer and began carrying the brand. In order to sell their beer at Publix, Sellers and Malone had to submit requests to the corporate headquarters in Tampa. In 2010 Good People was approved by Publix and now has a presence in the mega chain grocery store. Currently sold in Birmingham, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, Sellers said they have plans to eventually expand to other markets. “Our first goal is to get our tap room open here in Birmingham, and then we will

focus on launching into other markets such as Auburn, Montgomery, and eventually out of state.” In June of this year, the brewery was licensed to sell beer, and as soon as the tap room is complete, guests will be able to take tours, buy pints and sample different varieties of beers. “Although there were risks involved going from the corporate world to owning our own business,” Sellers said, “it was the outpouring of support from the community that kept us motivated and gave us the confidence to pursue our dream of making good beer for good people.”

Nabeel’s Café

Homewood Flavor | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Restaurant Showcase 1706 Oxmoor Road 879-9292

By MIA BASS

Café Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Market Hours: Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. www.nabeels.com With its house-made Greek dressing, gyros and other signature dishes, Nabeel’s is, without a doubt, a Mediterranean staple. And with the care for customers marked by the name plates on the booths commemorating regulars and its central, walkable location, it is, without a doubt, Homewood. The only point of confusion is that it is owned by not a Mr. Nabeel but by John Krontiras, who bought the restaurant from Nabeel Shunnarah 19 years ago. This restaurant is a melting pot of Krontiras’ Greek heritage, his wife, Ottavia’s, Italian heritage and a nod to original owner Shunnarah’s Lebanese upbringing. The original menu under Krontiras consisted of only two items: The Camelrider (the original sandwich coined by Shunnarah) and the Greek Salad, using only the finest fresh feta cheese and olives. An integral part of the Homewood community, Nabeel’s supports functions for local organizations like the Exceptional Foundation, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Senior Center. Nabeel’s used to be home to three separate shops before Krontiras and his wife bought the place from Shunnarah in 1994. Formerly, the corner housed Nabeel’s (in the space nearest Our Lady of Sorrows), a beauty shop in the middle and a flower shop at the corner of Central Avenue and Oxmoor Road. Krontiras gradually expanded Nabeel’s through the beauty shop and flower shop to form a complete restaurant and market by 2000. Now Nabeel’s is made up of three large

Nabeel’s owner John Krontiras. Photo by Madoline Markham.

rooms, plus Nabeel’s market on the corner. Krontiras prides the place on its offerings from around the world, especially the items you can’t find in an ordinary grocery store such as Chinese pine nuts, fresh phylo dough, Turkish pistachio nuts, Greek dried figs and Russian sausages. Krontiras is proud that Nabeel’s can accommodate different prices and different occasions. He says his price points make it possible for people to eat with him multiple times per week. Sandwiches and salads fall in the $6 to $8 range, and Nabeel’s also offers a steak and lamb chops for just under $20. Diners can enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights or simply grab a quick, casual meal throughout the week. “You can come dressed in flip flops or come in a

tuxedo,” Krontiras said. Krontiras enjoys making his own signature items at the restaurant, such as Nabeel’s Gloria Classic Greek dressing used on salads and for marinating meat. Bottled dressing can be found at Whole Foods, Western Market, V. Richards and Piggly Wiggly. Krontiras also makes his own Pita Crunchies and mint iced tea. They also offer some favorites from the menu by the pound. These include the classic Taramasalta (a creamy dip made with olive oil and ﬁsh roe) and Tzatziki Dip (yogurt, chopped cucumber and mint), along with tabouli, chicken salad and tuna salad. Krontiras wasn’t always in the restaurant business. He grew up in Greece and made the move to America in 1964.

He originally resided in Washington D.C., where he later met and married Ottavia. The two moved to Birmingham in February of 1971 for his job in marketing and information technology. After working for 25 years, Krontiras was laid off; on the same day, Ottavia visited her favorite Nabeel’s Market. Nabeel told her the place was for sale, and after talking with her husband, they bought the business, which had originally opened in 1971. Krontiras now runs the restaurant with the help of Ottavia and their son, Anthony. His favorite part about Nabeel’s? “It makes you feel like you aren’t in Birmingham— it’s like you can get away for a night.”

Refresh Homewood Digiorgio’s Out Takes Rest.

2902 18th St. S.

205-871-9995

Dragon Restaurant

114 Wildwood Pkwy

205-945-8711

El Gringo

100 Frankfurt Circle

205-613-1335

Homewood Diner

162 Oxmoor Rd

205-941-9994

La Bamba Grille

1006 Oxmoor Rd

205-637-7331

Los Compadres

308 Oxmoor Rd

205-945-8002

Milano’s

191 W. Valley Ave.

205-942-2732

Mr. P’s Deli

813 Shades Crest Rd

205-823-6136

Mr. Wangs

217 Lakeshore Pkwy

205-945-9000

Okinawa Japanese Rest.

148 Wildwood Parkway

205-917-1111

Paw Paw Patch

410 Green Springs Hwy

205-941-1117

San Miguel

201 Green Springs Hwy

205-942-1740

7 Mares Bar & Grille

700 Valley Ave.

205-637-7331

Sharks Fish & Chicken

254 Greensprings Hwy

205-283-7722

Compliments of Buffalo Rock/Pepsi

Pepsi Refresh Coupon

Get 1 FREE Fountain Drink including Free Refills with any Food Purchase at the following locations:

Digiorgio’s Out Takes Rest., Dragon Restaurant, El Gringo, Homewood Diner, La Bamba Grille, Los Compadres, Milano’s, Mr. P’s Deli, Mr. Wangs, Okinawa Japanese Rest., Paw Paw Patch, San Miguel, 7 Mares Bar & Grille, Sharks Fish & Chicken Coupon valid August 1st - October 31st, 2011

16 |

September 2011 | Homewood Parks & Recreation

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Activities

Birmingham School of Dance

2011 - 2012 School Year Session: September 10th – May 21st Enrolling now: $37.00 per month ﬁrst student $27.00 second student Registration Fee: $25.00 Contact us: (205) 945-3094 - dance.Birmingham@gmail.com – 3807 Jackson Blvd 35213

Classes Oﬀered Ballet and Fairy Tales™ and Tap Combo Monday 4:45-5:25 (Homewood Recreation Center) (3-4 yr olds) Jazz/Tap/Ballet Combo Tuesday 4:45-5:30 (Homewood Recreation Center) (5 and up) Dancenastics ™ Monday 5:30-6:20 (Homewood Recreation Center Room #100) (5-7) Tuesday 5:30-6:20 (Homewood Recreation Center Room #100) (8 -12)

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

H.E.A.T (Homewood Explorer Adventure Team)

The H.E.A.T. program gives middle school students a chance to experience athletics, cultural arts and outdoors along with providing community service to our local area. These diﬀerent areas of emphasis are designed to develop well rounded young adults both socially and culturally. Registration: Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm - Homewood Community Center Main Oﬃce Program Fee: $75 Per Participant (Homewood Residents only -- grades 6th – 8th) For more information contact: Rusty Holley at 332-6705 rusty.holley@homewoodal.org

Kindermusik with Kelly Alligood

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.

Class Schedule: Wednesdays 9:30 Village (infant to 18 months) 10:30 Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30 Village (infant to 18 months) 1:30 Family Time (0-5 years multi-age class)

Day: Thursdays Times: 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

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

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 Classes start September 12, 2011 * 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

Yoga for Adults!

Thursdays 9:30 Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 10:30 Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30 Village (infant to 18 months) 1:30 Imagine That (3-5 years) Classes are held January through May and August through December. You can enroll at any time. Call us at 205.552.6129 or email us at Kelly.alligood@ charter.net for more information. Visit us online at http:// kellyalligood.yourvirtuoso.com.

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 selfconfidence, 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: 1st session: Sept 22 – Nov 10th 2nd session: Jan 12 – March 1st 3rd session: March 8 – May 3rd (no class March 19-23)

Interested in beginning a yoga practice, but not sure where to start? Curious about the mind and body benefits of yoga and meditation, and wanting to integrate these into your fitness routine? Kelly can show you how! Join us for an Introductory Yoga Practice and experience the benefits of a regular yoga practice for yourself. The classes will feature Hatha yoga in the Vinyasa (flow) style and will emphasize breathing, focus, and freedom of movement with gentle, noncompetitive instruction. Class offerings: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 8:00 - 9:00 am. Cost: $20 unlimited class times per month or $5 drop-ins; your first class is FREE. To enroll, please email Kelly Creel at trinityk73@hotmail.com or call 205.529.9360.

Yoga for Kids!

Research shows that children can beneﬁt from yoga and meditation just like adults! Yoga can build conﬁdence, concentration skills, listening skills, and mind-body awareness in children. Join Kelly for fun and gentle yoga for children, with a Hatha style yoga practice designed with children in

mind. The classes will feature breathing practices, gentle and fun yoga poses (asanas), and will end with a short meditation/ concentration practice. Try it - your child’s ﬁrst class is FREE! Cost: $20 per month (4-5 classes per month). Class oﬀerings: Tuesday afternoons, 3:30 - 4:15 pm. To enroll, please email Kelly Creel at trinityk73@hotmail.com or call 205.529.9360.

Interior Design Class with Judy Carter

Judy Carter from J.Carter & Co., Inc. will be teaching a fun and exciting Interior Design Class for the homeowner this fall. She has 25 years experience and wants to share that with you. She has been published in the Birmingham Business Journal and the Birmingham News. You will learn about color, space planning, furniture, fabrics, window treatments, and how to accessorize a room. Each student will choose a room in their home to decorate. This is a hands on project. Location: Homewood Community Center Dates: Tuesday’s - September 20th, 27th October 4th, 11th, 18th Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Cost: $100 for the ﬁve class session Registration: Please call Judy to register for the class. A minimum number of students must be reached to have the class sessions. For additional information or questions contact Judy: 205-492-1080 (or) jcarterandco@att.net

Lee Community Center Activities Chairﬂow

Site: Lee Community Center Dates / Day: Tuesday’s ongoing Time: 11:00am - 12:00Noon Fee: None Instructor: Jackie Tally Information: This class is sponsored by St. Vincent’s Hospital The Good Health School. A chair exercise class designed to stretch and strengthen the body for improvement in physical and mental health. For additional information call 332-6182

Hoop Fitness Class

Site: Lee Community Center Dates / Day: Wednesday’s ongoing Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm Fee: $50.00 / 6 weeks or $10.00 a class Information: Our class includes stretching, dance, and ﬁtness moves while burning up to 600 calories in one hour. For additional information contact Bhoops@ aurahoops.com

Medicare Workshop

Site: Lee Community Center Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 Time: 11:00am Fee: None Information: If you are 60 or over don’t miss this free information workshop. Please RSVP by Friday September 9, 2011 to Lee Center 205-871-7304.

Healthy Living Seminar

Site: Lee Community Center Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Time: 12 noon Fee: None Information: Monthly series of health topics for Senior Citizens sponsored by St Vincent’s. RSVP to lee Center 205-871-7304 by Monday September 12, 2011.

www.Homewoodparks.com

School House | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Chef program at HMS Homewood’s Child Nutrition Program worked with Samford University Chef Chris Vizzina this summer to make school lunches healthier and tastier. Vizzina is teaching school cafeteria employees how to incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients into school lunch menus as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Chefs Move to Schools program. The program pairs chefs with schools in order to create healthy meals that meet schools’ dietary guidelines as well as appeal to the students. Child Nutrition Program Director Carolyn Keeney said with Chef Vizzina’s help, they are not only making meals healthier but also getting the students

Samford University Chef Chris Vizzina works with Homewood and Mountain Brook staff members on how to make healthier and tastier lunch menus.

involved and excited to continue to make healthy choices. Last year Vizzina

Homewood City Schools Calendar

Homewood City Schools welcomes new teachers Homewood’s new teachers learned more about the school system this summer during New Teacher Orientation.

Athletics Men’s Winter Adult Basketball League

An organizational meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Homewood Community Center in room 100. All participants must be 19 years or older. All games will be played at the Homewood Community Center gym and Lee Center gym on Wednesdays or Thursdays beginning in December. The minimum number of teams is 7, maximum number is 10. Fee includes oﬃcials, scorekeepers, trophies and tournaments. Contact Linda Sellers at 332-6706 for more information. Team fees $400

Youth Wrestling

Registration Begins: September 12th, 2011 Homewood Community Center Main Oﬃce (Monday – Friday / 8:30am-5:30pm) Season begins early November and goes through early February Practice Information: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Ages: 6-13 Tournaments held various locations. Program Fees: Homewood Resident Fee: $50 Non-Resident: $100 For more information: contact Rusty Holley at 332-6705 (or) rusty.holley@homewoodal. org

Fall Girls Softball

Homewood Parks and Recreation oﬀers Fall Girls Softball for girls ages 6 – 12. Our fall program is dedicated to improving player’s individual skills, team work, and sportsmanship. We encourage all teams to practice once during the week in addition to the practice or game on Sunday. The Fall Season runs through the month of October. Practice Begins: Sunday, September 11th, 2011 Fall Games: All games on Sunday (To begin: late September / early October) Registration: July 18th – September 7th, 2011 Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm Homewood Community Center Main Oﬃce Program Fee: $40 Homewood Residents / $50 Non-residents

hosted two cooking demonstrations for Homewood students.

Program fee includes jersey for games For more information please contact: Rusty Holley at 332-6705 (or) rusty.holley@ homewoodal.org

Tennis with Dave Luesse at West Homewood Park

Call for Private & Group Lessons: Tennis Dave Luesse at 967-5875 Early Fall: Starting August 29 Kids’ Lesson with Rally Ball: Boys & Girls 5 to 11 Monday 6 p.m. and / or Wednesday 6 p.m. Plus 3 Saturday Play Days Late Fall: Starting October 10 Kids’ Lesson with Rally Ball: Boys & Girls 5 to 11 Monday 6 p.m. and / or Wednesday 6 p.m. Plus 3 Saturday Play Days

9/5- Labor Day 10/10- Professional Development 10/21- Parent Conferences 11/11- Veterans’ Day 11/21-22- Professional Development 11/23-25- Thanksgiving holidays 12/21-1/2- Mid-Winter Holidays 1/3- Teacher Workday 1/16- MLK Holiday 2/20- Professional Development 3/19-23- Spring Holidays 4/20- Inclement Weather Holiday 5/20- Baccalaureate Service 5/21- Graduation 5/24- Last day for Students

10% OFF any item expires 9-30-11

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Benefits philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Birmingham

THE HOME LOAN SPECIALIST

Kids’ Fall Tennis League First Practice August 18 Adult Tennis League Fun Mixed Doubles / Starts September 15

Homewood Tennis with Jenny Robb

The PLAY Program Ages 4 – 10 The PLAY Program is designed to teach children the basic fundamental techniques and tactics of tennis in a fun and positive environment. The emphasis is on simplifying the game so kids can enjoy tennis from the very beginning. Classes utilize concepts of the QuickStart format, which features modiﬁed courts and equipment to maximize the learning process. The PERFORMANCE Program Ages 11 – 18 The Performance Program is designed to advance fundamental techniques and tactics of players actively competing in USTA tournaments, local leagues, and school tennis. The emphasis is on developing proﬁciency in competitive situations. For more information, please contact Jenny Robb: jennywrobb@gmail.com or 205-902-1188. For detailed information on all programs, please visit our website: www.homewoodtennis.com

www.Homewoodparks.com

Jody Brant

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

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18 |

September 2011 |

Homewood Events

Homewood Star Calendar

9/1, 8, 15, 22, 29- Alabama Outdoors climbing wall. 2-6 p.m. Admission: Free. 3054 Independence Drive. More information: 870-1919.

9/1-3- Encore of Homewood Thrift Shop, Final Summer Clearance. Benefits

philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Birmingham. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1755 Oxmoor Road.

9/5- Labor Day – Schools closed. 9/6 – Fiddle Session with Bob Tedrow with Homewood Musical Instrument Company.

Beer and wine now available. 7-9 p.m. Hart & Soul in Edgewood. Admission: Free. Like Hart & Soul on Facebook and receive a 10 percent discount. More information: 871-4420.

9/7- Robert Olen Butler, author of A Small Hotel. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. More information: www.alabamabooksmith.com.

9/8- Samurai Animanga Club. Grades 6-12 should come by after school for popcorn

and screenings of popular anime episodes. 4 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Admission: free. More information: www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

9/8- A Hero’s Welcome. An evening to welcome and honor severely injured military personnel as well as police officers, firefighters and first responders. Keynote speaker is Colonel David Sutherland. 6 p.m. Cocktails, 7 p.m. Dinner. Lakeshore Foundation, 4000 Ridgeway Road.

9/7- Marlin Barton, author of The Cross Garden. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. More information: www.alabamabooksmith.com.

9/12- Campaign for the Preservation of Homewood’s Family Neighborhoods organizational meeting. 6 p.m. Homewood Public Library, Room 116.

9/17- Oakmont UMW Trash & Treasures Sale. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Oakmont United Methodist, 914 Oak Grove Road.

9/22 – 8th Annual Exceptional Masterpieces Art Show, Pieces of Yesteryear. 6 p.m.

The Exceptional Foundation. 1616 Oxmoor Road. Admission: $35 for individuals and $250 for a VIP package. Tickets available: www.exceptionalfoundation.org, by phone at 870-1776 or at Hunter’s Cleaners.

9/22 - SURVIVE & TFT ATHLETICS nutritional seminar for athletes or upcoming athletes. 5:30 p.m. Homewood Library, Room 101. More information: 877- 5619833.

9/24- Get Hooked. If you’d like to learn how to crochet, come with a crochet hook (size H, I or J) and a skein of light-colored yarn. 2 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Admission: free. More information: www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

9/10- Harvest Day. Learn about harvest season with crafts, story time, music,

games and animal demonstrations. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. Admission: $14 (adults) $9 (kids 12 and under, senior citizens). More information: www. birminghamzoo.com.

Sports 9/3- Samford v. Georgia Southern. The bulldogs’ season opener. Samford University. Admission: $15. More information: www.samford.edu.

9/10- Samford v. Stillman. The bulldogs play Stillman. 6 p.m. Samford University.

Admission: $15. More information: www.samford.edu. Mondays and Wednesdays -SURVIVE & TFT ATHLETICS Speed Training sessions. One free class offered. 5:30 p.m. For pricing information and to register call the SURVIVE office in Homewood at toll free 877- 561-9833. Fridays- SURVIVE & TFT ATHLETICS Strength and Conditioning sessions. One free class offered. 6 p.m. For pricing information and to register, call the SURVIVE office in Homewood at toll free 877- 561-9833.

Music & Arts 9/4- Jazz in the Park. Features the Neo Jazz Collective, Ricky Powell, Heritage

Band and Dee Lucas. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Railroad Park. Admission: free. More information: www.magiccitysmoothjazz.com.

9/8- Cocktails in the Gardens. Matthew Devine of Downright will be the music for

the evening under the theme “Green and Serene.” The signature drink will be Midori Melon Punch. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hill Garden. Admission: Free (members), $15 (nonmembers). More information: www.bbgardens.org.

9/24- 8th Annual Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival. Several area jazz groups will

perform featuring Paul Taylor. The festival will also have an Art Village and vendors including Jones Valley Urban Farm and West End Community Gardens . 2p.m.-10p.m. 4th Avenue North and 18th Street. Admission: free. More information: www.justataste.org.

9/24- Best of Birmingham. The finest music students from UAB, Birmingham-

Southern, Samford, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Indian Springs and Altamont will perform. 7 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Admission: $10. More information: www.samford.edu.

9/25- Oakstock Outdoor Concert. Featuring the Beatlads and Cahaba Bend Praise

Band. Food, children’s activities and other festivities. 3:30 p.m. Oakmont United Methodist Church. Admission: free. More information: www.oakmontmethodist. org.

9/25- Vulcan AfterTunes. Gates open at 1 p.m. Music by Will Hoge at 3 p.m. Vulcan

Park and Museum. Admission: $15 or $7 or Vulcan members. More information: www.visitvulcan.com/VulcanAfterTunes.html or email info@visitvulcan.com.

9/28- High-Tech Hide-n-Seek. Join The Alabama Rambler to learn how to Geocache and then go on a mini-Geocache around the library to find some hidden treats. Snacks provided. Intended for grades 6-12. 4 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Admission: free. More information: www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Mondays – Half off Margarita Mondays. Pinches Taco. 300 Hallman Hill East, Suite 109. More information: www.pinchestacos.com or 536.6511.

Fridays – Wine tasting. Piggly Wiggly. 3000 Independence Drive. 5 p.m. Admission: Free. More information: 879-0884.

Saturdays- Aqua Zumba class. Wallace Pool at Lakeshore Hospital. 8 a.m.

Admission: $10 per class. Multiple classes available. More information: Neki McClinton Garrett, 249-6561 or ZumbaNeki@gmail.com.

Sundays – Bottomless Mimosa Brunch. Pinches Taco. 12 – 3 p.m. Cost: $12. 300

Hallman Hill East, Suite 109. More information: www.pinchestacos.com or 536.6511.

Special Events 9/11- 10th Anniversary 9/11 Service. A service of remembrance held by the cities of Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Homewood. 8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Vestavia Hills High School, 2235 Lime Rock Road.

Food 9/13- From the Garden to the Grill. Owner Angela Schmidt from Chef U will lead

this class on taking vegetables from your garden or famer’s market and grilling them perfectly. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Admission: $25 (members) $30 (nonmembers). More information: www.bbgardens.org.

Save the Date 10/1 – Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest hosted by Magic Moments. 11 a.m–4 p.m.. Downtown

Homewood on 29th Ave. between 18th and 19th Street. Admission: $15 at the door or $10 pre-event purchase. More information: www.bhamwingfest.com or 939.9372

10/1- Fiesta Hispanic Culture Festival. Music and dance stage; arts, culture, and

children’s activities; health and wellness information; multi-cultural food; and community villages, where event-goers can sample the various customs and traditions in Spanish-speaking countries. Regions Park, Hoover. More information: www.fiestahbc.com. 10/1- Bark in the Park. Mutt strut, pet adoptions, free nail trimming for pets, obedience training demonstrations, music, crafts, food from Johnny Rays and Dreamcakes. Hosted by the Shelby Humane Society and Alabaster Parks and Recreation. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Veterans Park, Alabaster. Free. More information: www.shelbyhumane.org or 669-3916 ext. 36. 10/1- Pony Express 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Benefits Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch. Includes music, refreshments, and kids’ activities. 7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. 5K, 9:15 a.m. Fun Run. Crestline Village. $25 for 5K and $15 for Fun Run before September 29; $30 and $15 after. More information: www.ponyexpress5k.com.

Theatre

9/16-18- 27th Annual Alabama Orchid Show and Sale. Friday and Saturday, 10

a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Admission: free. More information: call Show Chairperson Margaret Holder at 933-8688.

9/17- ZooGala 2011. Enjoy cocktails and a seated dinner in Trails of Africa, catered

by Kathy G and entertainment by Lava Lamp. Dress is black tie optional. 6:30 p.m. Birmingham Zoo. Admission: $350 (individual) $500 (couple). More information: www.birminghamzoo.com.

9/18- Shades Mountain Baptist Church 100 Year Celebration. 2017 Columbiana

Road. Celebration Service in the Worship Center, 9:30 a.m. New Wind Reunion in 4th floor Concourse, 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. “A Century of Song” in the Worship Center, 6 p.m. More information: www.shades.org/legacy or 822-1670.

9/24- Great Prostate Cancer Challenge. This 5K race and 1 mile fun run benefits

prostate cancer research, education and free screenings. 7 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park, Dogwood Pavilion. Registration: $25 (in advance) $30 (race day). More information: www.greatprostatecancerchallenge.com/races/ birmingham.

9/26- World Premier of Alabama’s Rick Bragg: Out of the Dirt, a documentary biography of the acclaimed storyteller/journalist/teacher/Pulitzer Prize winner. 7 p.m. Doubletree Hotel, 808 South 20th Street. More information. Tickets: $29. More information: www.alabamabooksmith.com.

Do you know of events in our community? We would love to include them. Please email Ashley@thehomewoodstar.com by the 15th of each month for the publication in the next month’s issue.

Family Fun

9/1- I Got Sick Then I Got Better. A one-woman show starring Broadway actress

Jenny Allen. Benefits the Lynne Cohen and Norma Livingston Preventative Care Program at UAB. Alys Stephens Center. 7 p.m. More information: www. nlovca.org.

9/17- C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. The touring cast will present the adaptation of Lewis’ novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. BJCC. Admission: $29 or $89. More information: www.bjcc.org.

Homewood Music Listings Pinches Tacos

Friday nights—Live music with WJOX personality “Rock Star,” 7-9 p.m.

McCormick & Schmick’s

Tuesday nights—Jazz music with Lesa Paddick and the LP Trio, 6-9 p.m.

Colonial Brookwood Village Wednesdays- Live music, vendors, food and drink, 5-9 p.m.

Nabeel’s

Friday nights—Live violinist Saturday nights—Live accordion player

Hart & Soul Friday nights- Live music, 7 p.m.

Wild Rock Grill

Wednesday nights-Karaoke by Chance, 9 p.m.

Homewood Happenings | September 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Homewood Happenings Zoe’s Kitchen fundraisers Support Homewood Schools. On the first Thursday of every month this school year, Zoe’s will donate to the Homewood City Schools Foundation 15 percent of gross sales during the hours of 4-9 p.m. In memory of Zoe Bromberg. Sept. 1-15 Zoe’s Kitchen is holding a fundraiser

to benefit Rise School, a school for children with special needs in Tuscaloosa.For every Dinner for Four purchased at locations in Birmingham, $5 will be donated to the school. Zoe’s SOHO location is 1830 29th Ave S, Suite 115 and can be reached at 870-1100.

ShopHomewood.com launches ShopHomewood.com now allows visitors to connect with many local stores in Homewood. It offers information about sales and events, links to other businesses, menus of local restaurants and general

information about local businesses. Gift certificates are also available to purchase via the site. For more information, contact Emily Lowery at 305-9988.

Longworth Collection Furniture

A Superlative Collection of Extraordinary Furnishings

SURVIVE & TFT Athletics SURVIVE teaches women effective yet simple real-life self-defense and offers educational programs for youth, and TFT ATHLETICS provides mental preparation for athletes as well as enhances their physical abilities.

A Drexel Heritage Dealer www.drexelheritage.com

Residents interested in safety awareness and self-defense seminars and other programs may contact the Homewood SURVIVE & TFT ATHLETICS office at 877-561-9833. For more information, visit www.survivetft.com.

Anniversary Sale

Custom Sofas, Loveseats & Chairs You choose the fabric, the style. Drexel Heritage does the rest.

New name and face-lift for Cahaba Cycles The former Homewood Cycle & Fitness, established in 1950, is now named Cahaba Cycles. When the Malki family bought the store in 2000, they originally left the name but now have changed it to be the same as their other three locations.

Faris Malki said they have also recently completed the front of their storefront facelift. Cahaba Cycles is located at 2384 18th Street South. For more information, call 879-3244 or visit www.cahabacycles.com.

We do not want all the business, “just yours.” Offering one-on-one personal service and attention Proudly selling Alabama-made Masland carpet. Chandeliers & Lighting

New Friends and Family Chiropractic Homewood Friends and Family Chiropractic has opened at 1015 Stuart Street in Edgewood. Dr. John Palmer and Dr. Belinda McCullen have delivered chiropractic care in several different countries around the world since 2006, and

D B

2408 Canterbury Rd. Mountain Brook Village 803.4040

now they have brought their commitment to relief and wellness to Homewood. For more information or to make an appointment, call 803-1234 or visit homewoodfriendsandfamily.com.

Douglas Beckham

Most major insurances accepted

________________________________D.M.D., P.C. 2045 Medical Center Dr, Suite 4 Birmingham, Alabama 35209

871-6600 • www.dbdmd.com

Patient Services

In addition to general, restorative, and preventative dental care, we also provide: • Cosmetic Dentistry • Implant Restorations • Botox Injections for facial wrinkles, TMJ problems, and migraine headaches

We also provide: • • • • • •

Whitening Geriatric Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry Root Canals Oral Surgery Night Guards

Douglas Beckham, D.M.D. Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry

No Insurance - No Problem Emergencies Welcome

New Patient Cleaning - $99 Porcelain Crowns - $775 valid through 9-30-11

| September 2011 |

205.934.9999 | uabmedicine.org/besthospital