The Homewood Star Volume 4 | Issue 11 | February 2015
Moon pie toss
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Repurposed cheer
A children’s Mardi Gras parade will descend on Homewood Central Park this month. Find the details inside.
See page B1
Festival of food
HHS students recreate floral arrangements to give away By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Rosewood Hall will be filled with local eats for the annual Taste of Homewood event. Read more about it in this issue.
See page B3
INSIDE Sponsors ...................A4 City .............................A6 Business ....................A9 Community ...............B2 School House ...........B6 Sports.....................B9 Calendar ................. B14 Opinion .................... B15
Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit #830
facebook.com/thehomewoodstar
One man had recently had a stroke but had few visitors. Another lost his wife three months earlier. But they didn’t feel as alone on a Sunday afternoon when four teenagers came into their rooms at Mount Royal Towers to deliver flowers they had arranged. In fact, one of the men’s children later
Emerson Neely, Margaret Neely, Julia Neely and Camille Smith arrange flowers to deliver to area nursing homes and hospitals. Photo by Madoline Markham.
thanked the girls for coming and said how much it meant to him. Homewood High School students Julia and Margaret Neely and Camille Smith have played soccer together for years, but now they have a new reason to spend time together. The girls have organized Petals with a Purpose, a group that rearranges flowers left over from weddings or other events and delivers them to senior living facilities and other people in
need of cheer. Camille has long lived in a world of flowers. Her mom, Suzanne Martenson, owns Stems & Styles, and Camille has helped her create corsages for Homewood homecoming and other events. Often Suzanne would leave arrangements from leftover flowers for Julia and Margaret’s mom, Amy, on their porch.
See FLOWERS | page A23
City considers new public safety building By SYDNEY CROMWELL Police Chief Jim Roberson has to drive 10 minutes across Homewood to talk to many of his officers. The center of Homewood’s police activity is the department’s headquarters on 29th Avenue South, but the building no longer has room to house motorcycle scouts, traffic patrol, narcotics, warrant detail or the training center. The department has grown so large that it no longer fits in the original headquarters, which was built in 1980. The police department currently has 102 employees who answered 38,759 calls and issued 11,212 traffic citations in 2014, according to numbers provided by Sergeant Andrew Didcoct. These operations are spread out across four rented or city-owned buildings on 29th Avenue South, Oxmoor Boulevard, Citation Court and Bagby Drive.
See POLICE | page A22
The Homewood Police Department has outgrown its 29th Avenue headquarters, which were built 35 years ago. Photo by Madoline Markham.
The Homewood Star
A2 • February 2015
14th Annual
Homewood Chamber of Commerce
Taste of
Homewood The best food and beverage Homewood has to offer! Thursday, February 19, 2015 Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm $30 per person prior to event purchase tickets online at www.homewoodchamber.com $35 at the door day of event
Title Sponsor
The Homewood Star Supporting Sponsors Aabco Rents • CBS 42 • Restaurant Depot State of Alabama Tourism Department Former Representative Paul DeMarco Senator Jabo Waggoner www.homewoodchamber.com (205) 871-5631
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A3
The Homewood Star
A4 • February 2015
About Us Please Support our Community Partners
Photo of the Month
Ronald McDonald stretches before the Red Shoe Run Fun Run in SoHo last month. The event benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham One Valentine’s Day I experienced three dates in one night. The catch? None of them was mine. Somehow at the end of the evening, all three of my roommates and their significant others ended up exchanging flowers and thoughtful gifts in three different rooms in our house, just as I arrived home from a rather enjoyable chocolate-laden night with friends. Needless to say, that combination can throw off the emotional state of even the most content single woman. But what stands out most about that Valentine’s was not the night of the three dates but what I found the next morning. I emerged from my room to see a bouquet with a beautifully scripted note addressed to me. The unique florals, arranged like — pardon my stereotype — only a creative female
can, stood out from the other three of fancy, yet slightly generic, roses elsewhere in the house. You see, there is something about friends going off script to do something for you that says love in a way even the most well intentioned sweetheart couldn’t. It wasn’t about the flowers as much as the thoughts of the ones who got up early that morning to get them. That’s how it is with the girls who are involved with Petals with a Purpose (see cover story). As they and their moms were describing moments greeting lonely seniors with bouquets they made, it was obvious that it was their presence even more so than the flowers they carried that brought light into each room they visited. Not much is really known about
Saint Valentine, a quick internet search reveals, but we do know that he was martyred, giving up himself for something greater he believed in. So that’s how I am approaching this season, asking how I can find ways to show love to those around me, the more unexpected, the better, and not just in the form of chocolate (although that is quite the strong love language in my book). A quick glance at this issue reminds me that Homewood knows all about giving already. Within just a few pages, you’ll read about student runners raising money for The Bell Center, the work of nonprofit organizations spotlighted in our volunteer guide, and events to raise money for Kiwanis projects, church programs and scholarships. Let’s all go out and select bouquets, literal or figurative, for people in our lives this month.
The Homewood Star
Publisher: Creative Director: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers:
Editorial Assistant: Photographer: Graphic Designer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution:
Copy Editor: Contributing Writer: Published by:
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham David Knox Katie Turpen Jessa Pease Sydney Cromwell Madison Miller Karim Shamsi-Basha Emily VanderMey Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Nathan Pearman Louisa Jeffries Lauren Denton Homewood Star LLC
Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Editor@TheHomewoodStar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
For advertising contact: Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of ed-
itorial 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.
Adventure Travel (A22) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A17) Alabama Outdoors (A16) Alabama Pediatric Dentistry (A15) Alabama Power (B3) ARC Realty (A10) Bedzzz Express (A24) Birmingham Museum of Art (B16) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (A15) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A17) Brookdale Place University Park (A6) Early Arts Preschool (A9) Escape (B5) Fi-Plan Partners (A21) Fred Smith Group (A20) Gina G Falletta, State Farm (A11) Granite Transformations (A20) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (A2) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (A23) Homewood Parks and Rec (B12) Homewood Public Library (A19) Homewood School of Music (A19) Homewood Toy & Hobby (B9) Hoover Title Mart (B2) Issis & Sons (A7) Joe Falconer (B11) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (B9) Julie Ivy White (B2) Kelli Gunnells Realtor (A6) Korduroy Krocodile (A11) Mantooth Interiors (B13) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (A16) Morningside at Riverchase (A21) MVP Training (B14) Over the Mountain Glass (A8) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (A13) Planet Fitness (A14) Project Share (A13) RealtySouth Marketing (B7) Riviera Fitness (B4) Salem’s Diner (A9) St. Vincent’s Health Systems (B10) Stead & Fuller Insurance (B4) Sweat and Gears (A5) The Maids (B6) The Sewing Room (B15) The Wade Team (A8) The Whole Dog Market (A9) UAB Division of Urogynecology (B8) Urban Home Market (A3) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A12, A22, B6) Water Drainage Solutions (A11) Weigh To Wellness (B1) Which Wich? (A16) Wolf Camera (A1, B15)
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A5
Burn Here (No, not that burn) First class Free
sweatandgearsstudio.com
The Homewood Star
A6 • February 2015
City Mayor’s Minute
Dear friends and neighbors, On Jan. 20, I had the privilege of giving our State of the City Address at The Club to a great audience. I appreciate so much the Homewood Chamber of Commerce supporting this event each year. It gives me the opportunity to brag on Homewood and all that has happened within the past year, and it also gives me a platform to discuss all the great opportunities that lie ahead for us as residents and business owners. As a side note, I need to correct myself on last month’s Mayor’s Minute. I gave statistics last month that were month-to-date numbers for the police department instead of year-to-date as I stated in my article. I apologize if it confused any of you to read those statistics. This past year the City of Homewood’s Police Department dispatch answered the call 38,759 times. That is an incredible amount of calls. I have been telling you in previous articles how busy they have been, and the numbers prove it. During that time, the police stopped 16,492 vehicles and issued 11,212 citations. Our busiest shift is the evening shift that operates from 2:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. The officers arrested 750 felons and made 2,245 misdemeanor arrests. Motor vehicle theft is up just over 12 percent, and we are working hard to decrease that amount. Please help us by locking your
vehicle at night and taking your valuables out of your car. The vast majority of vehicles stolen were because keys were left in the car and the doors were unlocked. We have also added a third canine, Banjo, to our police force, which gives us a dog on each shift. He, Justice and Shiloh are valuable resources on traffic stops when we believe drugs are involved. The City of Homewood’s Fire Department dispatch sent trucks out 3,703 times this past year. Of those calls 99 were fire calls, 18 were severe weather calls, 344 were to assist and 2,362 for emergency medical assistance. The department also responded 93 times to hazardous condition calls. In addition, the fire department invested a total of 62,044 hours conducting training in fire suppression, EMS operations, technical rescue operations and hazardous materials operations. Homewood firefighters also attended numerous specialized training courses at the Alabama Fire College including Structural Collapse, Trench Rescue, Confined Space Rescue and Rope Rescue. They performed operational maintenance and painted 697 fire hydrants, tested over 4 miles of fire hose, and inspected 3,120 businesses, including 240 pre-fire planning visits to numerous schools, churches,
and homes around the city. And finally, the city has a brand new 100-foot aerial platform truck that will serve its residents for many years to come. I also promised in earlier editions I would provide some end-of-year numbers for your review. I’m pleased to announce the city ended the year with another surplus totaling just over $410,000. When we started the year, there was a projection that we would have to use $1.5 million in carryover fund balance, but it was not used. We were able to cut expenses throughout the year and still managed to provide $350,000 in bonuses to employees and transfer $500,000 into our capital projects fund — and still leave the $410,000 surplus. For the past six years since I became mayor, our city has averaged $958,762 in surplus revenues over expenses, and I am so grateful for the hard work of so many who helped to achieve this for our city. Homewood was once again blessed in 2014, and I look forward to many new opportunities in 2015. The city council and I ask for your continued prayers as we move forward in this New Year that we make wise decisions that enhance our city for the benefit of everyone living and working here. Sincerely, Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood
Samford programs to move to Southern Progress property By MADOLINE MARKHAM Next year at this time, classes are scheduled to be in session on Samford University’s new property, the former Southern Progress campus. The university completed its purchase of the 28 acres last month for $58 million. The land currently houses three large buildings and 1,073 parking spaces adjacent to Samford’s eastern side of campus. “We are really excited about it because we felt like we can utilize the property better than anyone else because we are adjacent to it,” said Randy Pittman, Samford’s vice president for university advancement. “We had to do something because the university is growing. We can move in quicker than if we built from the ground up.” Pittman said it will take about 10 minutes to walk from the center of the existing campus to the newly acquired buildings. It takes about the same amount of time to walk from the center of campus to its other end where tennis courts are housed. Southern Progress’ current Southern Living, Cooking Light, Coastal Living and book publisher Oxmoor House operations will move to the building farthest to the west on the property after it is built out to fill their operational needs. Time Inc. is signing a multi-year lease with Samford for the space. Samford’s growing College of Health Sciences will be moving into two of the other buildings following renovations. An engineer is now working on the appropriate location for a pedestrian and road connection between the existing campus and newly acquired property. An architect has been redesigning the existing buildings since negotiations between the university and corporation started. Office spaces will be reconfigured into classrooms in addition to some minor renovations. The existing magazine test kitchens will still be used as kitchens for the school’s nutrition program but will be reworked as education space rather than purely experimental space. Several Samford faculty and staff members will move into the buildings before students use them as they work to establish new programs for the school including graduate level physical therapy, speech and hearing disorders and social work departments. Undergraduate programs will be housed in the space as well.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A7
Police beard competition winner announced
Homewood Police Officer Ted Springfield, Chief Jim Roberson, Officer Scott Blake and Officer Jerry Suttles pose after Blake won the “best beard” competition.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Homewood Police Department’s Beards for Bucks fundraising event surpassed its financial goals and awarded a bearded winner before year’s end. A collection of officers paid a $100 each, which went toward Susan B. Komen for a Cure and the Exceptional Foundation, to grow a beard starting Oct. 6. They also asked the public for donations to these organizations. In total, the officers raised around $3,300. Officer Scott Blake’s beard won the final
“best beard” competition on Dec. 29. A panel of judges selected Blake’s beard as the winner based on ratings of length, fullness and color. He was awarded with a $50 gift card to Michael’s Restaurant. “They did a great job for a great cause,” Police Chief Jim Roberson said. “I am proud not only of these gentlemen but also of the whole department because they are giving back to people who support us.” Officers Ted Springfield and Jerry Suttles were also in the running for the final prize.
Mountain Brook Inn site could be developed By SYDNEY CROMWELL The former site of Mountain Brook Inn on U.S. 280 could become the home of a hotel and office building. City planner Vanessa McGrath said the initial proposal for the site includes a 10-story office building, a hotel between six and 10 stories and a parking deck. She noted that the plan is still in its early phases and will still need to go before the planning commission for final approval before any construction can begin. Graham and Company Commercial Real Estate is one of the firms working on the proposal. Dan Lovell of Graham and Co. said the company
hopes to receive its final approval in February, but right now the details are still up in the air. He said that more information will be available between mid-January and mid-February. One hurdle facing the project is zoning. Currently, the Mountain Brook Inn site is zoned C4B, but McGrath said in 2007 the council removed hotels from approved C4B zoning uses. In order for the project to proceed, the council will have to amend the zoning rules to allow hotels again. The council had planned a hearing for Jan. 26 to consider this amendment, which was after the press date of this issue. For updates, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
Heroin death rates rise in 2014 By SYDNEY CROMWELL The heroin-related death rate for Jefferson County more than doubled in 2014. According to Deputy Coroner Bill Yates of the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, there were 129 confirmed heroin deaths last year, compared to 58 in 2013. Across the county, the number of deaths from heroin overdose has been rising each year since 2010, when there were 12 deaths. The growth between 2013 and 2014 was the largest single increase since that time.
Yates said Homewood had seven confirmed heroin deaths this year, and the city neighbors other highly impacted areas. Within the city limits of Birmingham, 55 heroin-related deaths occurred in 2014. Vestavia Hills had seven confirmed deaths, and Hoover had between six and 10 fatalities. The Coroner’s Office also lists one death in Mountain Brook. Yates said heroin is suspected as a contributing factor in other 2014 deaths, so the total may rise as more toxicology reports are completed. “Those numbers can change until all our cases are closed out,” Yates said.
Council updates By MADOLINE MARKHAM During January the Homewood City Council: }} Listened to a Teacher of the Year recommendation letter read by Nancy Ferren, president of the Homewood Board of Education. She said she read the letter as a thank-you to the city and the council for how they work with and support the schools and the city. }} Appointed Marco Gonzalez to the Medical Clinic Board. }} Decided to close applications for a Ward 3 Park Board position on Jan. 23.
}} Amended the Fiscal Year 14-15 budget for encumbrances outstanding. }} Authorized paying invoices for Dec. 15, 2014 through Jan. 2, 2015. }} Set bid opening date Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. for police vehicle equipment. }} Authorized the city to negotiate a third floor lease agreement with Hamilton Mortgage. }} Heard Ward 4 Representative Heather Reid give a report on the Homewood Wishing Tree that was set up the day after Christmas on The Curve on 18th Street.
A8 • February 2015
The Homewood Star
City continues bus service negotiations
By MADOLINE MARKHAM The city’s bus service negotiations with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) are moving forward on a more positive note. The city had originally planned to cut mid-day service on two of its three BJCTA routes and contract with ClasTran to provide VIP paratransit services between roughly 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, ClasTran decided to hold off on making an agreement to give the city and the transit authority more time to negotiate. Most of the specially-called finance committee meeting on Jan. 7 involved council members asking BJCTA representatives about amounts charged in recent years. These charges had concerned the council enough to cut its funding in half for FY 2015. In FY 2013, Homewood paid BJCTA $226,262 for 1,315 service hours and budgeted for a similar amount for the following year. However, the city was charged for $274,142 in FY 2014, an increase of $47,880 with no prior notice of rate change and that was not stipulated in any contract. It was this jump that started Homewood’s concerns with transit service, Ward 3 Place 2 Representative Walter Jones said. BJCTA representatives said the increase was a result of what the
BJCTA Executive Director Ann August, left, discusses previous charges for Homewood with the city’s Finance Committee. Photo by Madoline Markham.
county tax assessor charged because Homewood was among a subset that paid ad valorem tax for the transit authority. No one had an answer as to why that amount was charged without consulting city staff that was not present at the meeting. “The collection of ad valorem has nothing to do with what we pay,” Homewood attorney Mike Kendrick said. The two parties agreed that
BJCTA would continue to look into the cause of the 2014 charges and that now they must consider how to most efficiently use Homewood’s funds moving forward. “We all want bus service, but let’s customize it to fit Homewood’s needs as best as possible,” Jones said. “I think there’s a amicable compromise here,” Ward 1 Place 2 Representative Britt Thames said. “While none of us are transit engineers, we want to
address the concerns of residents who are seeing empty buses.” Former BJCTA Board Chair Johnnye Lassiter was ousted from her position a few days before the Jan. 7 meeting and was replaced by Patrick Sellers. Lassiter was the one who initially ordered the decision to stop Homewood bus service on Dec. 22. That decision was prevented by the city council’s decision to pay for full services through Jan. 31.
Sellers suggested BJCTA representatives hold a work session with the Homewood Planning Department regarding specifics of bus routes moving forward. Jones asked that they also look at whether they are effectively using ClasTran for special needs transportation. “If we are making any more changes, they need to be for the long term,” Jones said. Sellers and Board Attorney Courtney French also asked for additional funding beyond the current budgeted amount, which is half of the previous year’s budget, as a part of a new plan. In response, council members asked that BJCTA suggest general ways Homewood can make more efficient use of funds before discussions about money begin. “I do feel so much better about what we have talked about today,” Jones said in conclusion. “There is obviously commitment on both sides now.” Whatever they do, the two groups emphasized that they want to keep communication open. “That’s the key,” council president Bruce Limbaugh said. Jones said he anticipated coming to a conclusion on the plan for transit by the end of January. For updates on the bus negotiations, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A9
Family-run store celebrates 30 years of filling a church supply niche By MADISON MILLER Growing up, Danny Bostany and his seven siblings had an extra incentive for doing well in school. When students received perfect scores on quizzes or tests in their Catholic parochial school, they were given small religious trinkets as rewards. “I tell people it was a 10 cent holy card that started the business,” Bostany said. Shortly after he and his siblings completed school, the Benedictine nuns who educated the Bostanys left Birmingham for Cullman. Bostany and his siblings realized that Birmingham lacked a place to buy Catholic and Christian novelties. “[We thought] if we’re wanting this, maybe other people are too,” he said. At a Sunday family dinner, the Bostanys came up with an idea: they would start a church supply store. Bostany’s younger sister, Joanne, was enrolled in UAB’s business school at the time. She decided to create a mock business plan for starting a church supply store in Birmingham. After receiving a high grade, Joanne and her siblings decided to make the plan a reality. In 1984, she opened Alpha Church Supply and Gifts in her sister Judy’s basement. After hitting hard times early on, Bostany joined the business
Owner Danny Bostany stands in the storefront of Alpha Church Supply and Gifts. Photo by Madison Miller.
with the intention of helping his sisters earn enough money to gain back their investment and then close. Once he started, however, he saw its potential. “Within a few months, I realized that it was probably something that would go if we just [kept] at it,” he said. The store celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Although it has moved several times, it has been
HOMEWOOD
•
located in Homewood for 20 out of its 30 years in business. It recently acquired a new building after outgrowing its old space on Greensprings Avenue. The store also enjoys being able to serve a wide variety of churches in Homewood and throughout the Southeast. Eighty percent of Alpha’s business is in items shipping to churches
ALABAMA
877-8797
Wayne Salem, Owner
2913 18th Street S. www.salemsdiner.com Monday - Friday: 6:30 am - 2:00 pm Saturday: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK
that have become regular customers. They can provide churches with any supply needs from communion wafers to stained glass windows. The store has even helped build a church with its supply resources in the past. Much of Alpha’s business is with liturgical churches because their ceremonies require specific supplies. However, the store frequently
receives orders from churches of all denominations. “It’s a very nice feeling to know that you were able to be a part of that community’s worship,” he said. Although online and catalog orders are their largest portion of business, Alpha also maintains a storefront for shoppers to drop in. Their store features Christian gifts that might be hard to find at other Christian gift stores. “Because we’re a Catholic gift shop, they’re usually looking for sacramental gifts,” he said. “[Cards] for priest’s anniversary or a nun taking final vows… you’re not going to find at Hallmark because they wouldn’t be sold that often.” Bostany said that his business is particularly lucky with its clientele. The store has rarely taken a loss due to clients not paying bills. Although churches are not immune to tough economic times, Bostany said basic liturgical needs are always important and working with churches usually means working with honest and loyal individuals. “I’m a big believer in God and God’s will,” he said. “Everything that we did wrong, we were able to overcome. It’s a very rewarding business.” Alpha Church Supply and Gifts is located at 121 West Valley Ave. For more call 942-5750 or visit alphachurchsupply.com.
The Homewood Star 18 Street S.
A10 • February 2015
Homewood Happenings
3
280
9
6 28th Ave S
4
10
31
7 280
r Rd
oo Oxm
e Av ll ey
Rosedale Dr
Ind
epe2 nd enc eD
Va
r
11
149
er
yH
wy
Va
s ng pri
d
Hw y
or R
o Oxm
D re
o esh Lak
65
r
on tg o
m
5
M
nS ee Gr
W
S
e Av y e ll
31
149
W Oxmoor Rd
1
kw eP r o
y
h
W
s ke La
8
“We got exactly the house we wanted” When Lynlee and Alan Palmer decided to sell their home and buy more space for son Mac, daughter Adele, and the family’s black lab Champ, they looked to long-time friend and experienced Realtor Kim Maddox with ARC Realty for guidance. “We had some challenges selling our home, but Kim worked through the obstacles,” says Alan. “Our search for a new home started right here,” says Lynlee, referring to the location of their new home in Mountain Brook. “We looked at other houses, but we got exactly the location we wanted. I’d be happy to live here forever.” Helping clients (who typically become friends) is what Kim loves about being a Realtor. “It’s rewarding to help a family find a home they love.” Kim made a move last year, too, to ARC Realty. “This is an exciting time to be a Realtor, and the ARC team makes it fun. ARC believes in training and customer service, which translates to happy customers!”
A Relationship Company
4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 205.969.8910
www.arcrealtyco.com Mac, Champ, Lynlee, Adele and Alan Palmer on the front porch of their new Mountain Brook home
Kim Maddox • (205) 790-4044 • kmaddox@arcrealtyco.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A11
Now Open
New Ownership
Wells Fargo Dealer Services has opened an office at 200 Wildwood Parkway, the first in Alabama, that will work to increase automobile leases in the Birmingham area. 994-7000. wellsfargodealerservices.com.
Aloft Birmingham Soho Square, 1903 29th Ave. S., has been sold to a Florida-based company, Island Hospitality. 874-8055. aloftbirminghamsohosquare.com.
1
Brik Realty, 3430 Independence Drive, Suite 40, is now open. The firm was founded by local real estate veteran Gusty Gulas. 206-4321. brikrealty.com.
2
Wags ‘N Whiskers, a training and pet care facility, is now open at 2804 Crescent Ave. Its services include training, daycare, boarding, bathing, grooming, an oncall veterinarian and a pet taxi. 902-9247. wagshomewood.com.
3
Coming Soon Complete Feet, a company 4 specializing in custom orthotics and foot health, will open this spring at 2811 18th St. S. 822-1606. Covenant Classical Schools & 5 Daycare’s new Homewood campus is holding a grand opening Feb. 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will feature tours and a celebration at 151 Covenant Way near the Old Columbiana Road-Carr Avenue intersection. The 15,000-square-foot building includes 12 classrooms for infants through kindergarten. 396-1250. ccslion.com.
Relocations and Renovations The Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place S., is undergoing renovations. 870-4242. alabamabooksmith.com.
6
7
News and Accomplishments Carmen Garrett was named the 2014 Employee of the Year at Regency Retirement Village, 285 West Oxmoor Road, at a ceremony in December. 942-3355. regencybirmingham.com.
8
Hirings and Promotions
to share? Now Open Coming Soon
ERA King Real Estate, 2700 Rogers Drive, Suite 300, has hired Lionel Webster as a residential real estate agent. 566-4255. eraking.com.
9
Anniversaries Vitalogy Wellness Center is holding its one-year anniversary celebration Thursday, Feb. 5, from 4-7 p.m. Treatment and product specials will be available during the event and the entire month of February. The center is led by medical director Dr. Farah Sultan. 413-8599. vitalogywellness.com.
10
Closings Applebee’s, 579 Brookwood Village, has closed after 25 years in operation. The restaurant’s lease was not renewed. The restaurant’s owner is looking for a location to open a new Applebee’s in the area. 879-5673. applebees.com.
11
Business news
Relocation Expansion Anniversary
If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and want to share your event with the community, let us know.
The Homewood Star Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com
Water Drainage Solutions 244-1114 244-111 1114 111 4
French Drains • Floodwater Management Systems Downspout Services • Foundation Drains Drainage Basins • Erosion Control AL G.C. License # 43737
WaterDrainageSolutions.com
The Homewood Star
A12 • February 2015
Listing outside the box Duo pioneers flat fee real estate company By MADOLINE MARKHAM A new Homewood-based real estate business is embracing technology and streamlining the selling process to serve its clients. With List Birmingham, sellers pay a flat fee of $2,500 to list their home and receive full real estate services. By contrast, in a traditional real estate model, the seller would pay 5-7 percent commission. “With this model we know we can turn a profit and save the seller money,” said Brent Griffis, who started List with co-owner Melvin Upchurch in 2014.
On an average house listing of $350,000, Griffis said their model saves the seller $8,000. In market extremes, the owner of a $147,000 house would save $900, and the owner of a $875,0000 house would save $24,000. Griffis said their new structure is a “lean machine.” Their showing service is outsourced, and Upchurch likens their model to Southwest Airlines, seeking efficiency and reducing overhead expenses wherever possible. Plans for expansion include adding staff but not locations. Most client meetings are held at the sellers’ home or a coffee shop. Griffis and Upchurch also believe using
This house on Hollywood Boulevard listed by List Realty was under contract recently. Photo by Madoline Markham.
web-based tools is what best serves their customers. Ninety percent of buyers start their home search online, so having your listing come up high on Google searches is key, the List owners said. And so they are working toward giving clients’ maximum exposure online. For the flat $2,500 fee, sellers get professional photographs of their house, a showing service that is available seven days a week from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., a for-sale sign, a lockbox and a web page build out. Each home service costs the same to List, so they believe it should cost the seller the same as well.
“We don’t treat [houses of different prices] any differently,” Griffis said. “There’s no reason the value should be different.” Together, Upchurch and Griffis are filling a niche in a real estate market where information is more readily available and both buyer and seller are getting savvier. “More people are looking for a limited fee, but no one was providing a service at that level,” Griffis said. Before starting List, Griffis had been working in traditional real estate for 11 years and looking for a way to build an alternative model. Upchurch, a real estate entrepreneur, had an
TheHomewoodStar.com alternative real estate model up and going, but Griffis saw how it could be tweaked and how he could help fill in its holes. Together they swapped out-of-the-box prototype ideas, putting together the parts of the real estate business they had found worked well. List Realty came into being in February 2014. “There are flat fee companies, but their service is discounted,” Upchurch said. “That’s what distinguishes us from other companies.” Griffis oversees the technology and marketing for the business and Upchurch the operations and business model. But they make all their decisions together. Their combined experience in the local real estate business has been key to List’s start. For instance, Griffis has used his existing relationships with local real estate companies and his existing client base, both of which gave List credibility from the get-go, he said. For the first several months business was heavy on referrals, but now they are starting to get calls from people who have seen them online or on for-sale signs in yards. People who have tried the for-sale-by-owner route find that List not only saves them money but also provides them the expertise of an agency to give them exposure and help with negotiations, the entrepreneurs said. So far, List has sold a lot of homes in Homewood, where both Upchurch and Griffis make their home. Griffis is a Homewood High School graduate (and brother of current HHS quarterback Carson Griffis) and lives in Edgewood, and Upchurch and his wife, Jill, who also works for List, have lived in Hollywood for a decade. But they have also listed houses 40 miles in either direction, from Alabaster to Pinson to Trussville from their Homewood office. In the future, List could expand to other mid-sized markets where innovative models are scarce, and Upchurch said they would look within Alabama first. But for today, both Griffis and Upchurch are focused on what excites them to wake up morning after morning — listing houses with the List model. To learn more about List, visit listbirmingham.com or call 616-6008.
February 2015 • A13
List Real Estate owners Melvin Upchurch and Brent Griffis stand with their families outside their office. Pictured are Robin and Brent Griffis with Logan and Luke, and Melvin and Jill Upchurch with Bram. Photo by Madoline Markham.
© 2015 Alabama Power Company
FOR ALL AGES
The Homewood Star
A14 • February 2015
Restaurant Showcase
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
65
e Av y e ll
149
Va
ee Gr
W
Read past Restaurant Showcases at TheHomewoodStar.com
s ng
pr i nS Hw
d
Cobb St
y
or R
o Oxm
437 Green Springs Highway, Suite 141 874-9199 hwy55burgers.com Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Noon-9 p.m.
Raleigh Ave
By MADOLINE MARKHAM A new Green Springs restaurant is stepping back in time. Neon lights, teal booths, and pink walls outfit Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries’ 1950s-style interior. Instead of ordering at the counter, customers sit down to order and eat food. It plans to open Feb. 2 next to Publix. The chain is known for its burgers, cheesesteaks and custards. The Andy’s Burger, which is made fresh to order, features specialty seasoning in a combination that won the 2012 BurgerBusiness.com Burger Brackets. It comes with the choice of 16 different toppings including sautéed mushrooms and onions, plus a drink, for $6.99. There’s also a 55-ounce burger, if you are up to the task. “People do it,” said Gerd Anderson, Alabama’s franchiser for the chain. “It’s amazing. Often they are the skinny guys, too.” You’ll also find hot wings, a grilled chicken sandwich and hot dogs on the menu as well as some items that can’t be seen at a typical burger chain. There’s a shrimp po boy, a salad with chicken or shrimp, and chicken cordon bleu. “You are not going to be hungry,” Anderson said. And then there’s the custard. Anderson said the frozen treat is made on site and is creamier than regular ice cream. The base is always vanilla, but heath bar, chocolate, strawberries and other
(above) Hwy 55 is known for its burgers and cheesesteaks. (left) The restaurant features a 1950s dinerstyle interior. Photos courtesy of Hwy 55.
mix-ins are added for specific flavor profiles. Similar to a Dairy Queen Blizzard, the Hwy 55 Concrete lightly blends toppings such as heath bar chunks into the custard. They can also make it into a milkshake. “Homewood is going to love it, I am sure of it,” said Anderson, who is a former Hollywood resident. Hwy 55 began in 1991 as Andy’s Cheeesteaks & Cheeseburgers and over the past three years has expanded from its North Carolina base into
a national chain. The Homewood location is its second in Alabama; one opened in Pell City last April. Homewood franchisee Kevin Butler said he chose Hwy 55 after the “great feeling” that came from meeting with the people behind it in Mount Olive, North Carolina. He, of course, is a fan of the food, too. “If a family of six comes in and not everyone likes hamburgers, there’s something on the menu that everyone’s going to like,” he said.
He said the cheesesteaks are awesome and has heard people from Philly say they think they are better than the ones they have had at home. He also noted that the shrimp is breaded and cooked on site. It was the frozen custard, though, that garnered the most enthusiasm from him. “That custard is unreal,” Butler said. “It’s not like getting ice cream out of a machine. It’s homemade just like you would make homemade ice cream.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A15
Chamber
Mayor Scott McBrayer delivers his State of the City address.
Fire Chief John Bresnan presents the Firefighter of the Year award to Lt. Robert Harris.
Police Chief Jim Roberson presents the Police Officer of the Year award to Trent Rickets. Photos by Madoline Markham.
Mayor delivers State of the City address By MADOLINE MARKHAM The state of Homewood is excellent and getting stronger, Mayor Scott McBrayer stated during his annual State of the City address on Jan. 20. McBrayer delivered the speech during the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at The Club. As a part of the talk, McBrayer recognized the work of the police and fire departments. “I wish you could hear some of the calls they go on,” he said. “They are not easy jobs.” The only police incident to increase last year were vehicle break-ins, which McBrayer said can be reduced if people lock their doors. He also highlighted an increase in the number
of vehicles stopped in 2014. In total, 16,492 vehicles were stopped, 11,212 citations were made and 750 felons were arrested. The fire department had a record busy year, but the number of structure fires were down. McBrayer also announced that the city finished out the last fiscal year with a surplus. This is the city’s sixth year to do so, with an average of a $958,782 surplus each year. “The council has always trusted my budget, and we work hard to make sure they can trust it,” McBrayer said. In FY 2014, the city thought it might have to use $1.5 million from a carryover fund, but in the end they did not have to utilize it. The city awarded $350,000 in employee bonuses before
ending the year with a surplus of $410,000. “That’s good business and a good use of taxpayer money,” McBrayer said of the bonuses, which he feels are important to recognize how the city staff finds new and better ways to do things. Also during the luncheon, Chamber President Merrick Wilson introduced new Chamber Director Meredith Drennen, and the following city awards were given: } Firefighter of the Year: Lt. Robert Harris } Police Officer of the Year: Trent Rickets } City Employee of the Year: Rick Addington, Department of Planning, Engineering and Zoning
Preview of
March
Luncheon Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m. The Club Speaker: Betsy McAtee, CEO of Dreamland BBQ Visit homewoodchamber.com for tickets
The Homewood Star
A16 • February 2015
Meet Homewood’s new
chamber director Meredith Drennen has been serving as the new executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce since Jan. 12. Drennen came to the Homewood from the Birmingham Business Alliance, where she served as the director of operations and worked in the profession for a total of eight years. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. Currently, she is in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management program. As she started in her new position last month, The Homewood Star asked Drennen about her background and her plans for the chamber.
Q A
What drew you to apply for and accept a position heading up the Homewood Chamber? As a Homewood resident, I am particularly interested in seeing our community grow and
thrive. Naturally, when Tricia Ford announced her retirement, I was interested in the opportunity to both give back to our community as well as utilize my skill set and expertise in chamber management.
Q A
What unique assets does Homewood’s business community have? Homewood has such a diverse business community, from the industry in West Homewood to the shops downtown and in Edgewood. This offers unique opportunities that many communities don’t have.
Q
How did your time with the Birmingham Business Alliance prepare you to serve Homewood in a similar capacity? During my time with the Birmingham Business Alliance, I was able to serve in a variety of roles. This allowed me to experience the entire body of work that a chamber produces.
A
In my first role, I managed the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce’s young professional recruitment and retention efforts, and ultimately a variety of committees and councils. After the merger between the Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Board, I managed all of the BBA’s events, a key function and benefit to chamber members. From 2011 until 2013, I helped implement the BBA’s Community and Regional Stewardship section of Blueprint Birmingham, their strategic plan. Most recently, I have been managing the organization’s executive committee and board of directors, as well as managing the strategic plan as a whole. The exposure I experienced to chamber organizational management, community development, and economic development prepared me to transition to the Homewood Chamber, and hopefully lead it to continued growth and success.
New Chamber Director Meredith Drennen addresses the chamber at its January luncheon. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Q A
What plans or ideas do you have for the chamber going into the future? In the short term, I want to establish quality networking events, professional development opportunities, and programs for chamber members. Over the long term, I hope that our entire body of work can relate to a strategic plan that has the input of the board, the city, chamber members and the community as a whole.
Q A
How long have you lived in Homewood, and what attracted you to live here? I moved to Homewood officially in 2011, but my husband and I purchased our first home in March of 2013. We were attracted to the
top-notch school system, the walkable neighborhoods and the sense of community Homewood offers.
Q A
What do you love most about Homewood? The community. The residents of Homewood are so welcoming and work so hard to make sure our schools, shopping districts and neighborhoods maintain a high level of excellence.
Q A
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself? My husband and I adopted our first dog, Patton, in October of last year, and my favorite pastime is walking him through Edgewood.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A17
Call for
NOMINATIONS C OMMUNITY
C OMMUNITY
OF THE YEAR
OF THE YEAR
M EMBER
C AUSE
Visit
thehomewoodstar.com/award by Feb. 8 to nominate Voting will take place Feb. 23- March 8
The Homewood Star
A18 • February 2015
The perfect match Finding the right volunteer opportunity
By SYDNEY CROMWELL Volunteering is all about service to others, but the best volunteers are enthusiastic about the work they do. If you’re looking for a way to get involved in the community, find the right fit for your skills and interests from this list of Homewood-based organizations below.
For the adventurous Friends of Red Mountain Park 2011 Frankfurt Drive Indulge your love of the outdoors by spending some of your weekend time with the Friends of Red Mountain Park. The first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon is a work day, where volunteers clean the park, mark trails and work on new projects like the dog park. From October to April, the group also hosts guided hikes on the third Sunday of each month, and volunteers can lead the hikes or help the guides by carrying water and first-aid kits. However, volunteers are welcome to help out at other
times, too. “We try to have a lot of flexibility so people can be involved for as long or short a time as their schedule allows,” said Friends of Red Mountain Park member Mike Mahon. The Friends also welcome youth groups, corporate teams, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to set up their own workdays. Its goal is to have 100 Eagle Scout projects in the park over the next five years. Get involved: Email Mike Mahon at mike@ friendsofredmountainpark.org.
For the sports fan The Lakeshore Foundation 4000 Ridgeway Drive For those whose favorite time is spent in the pool, on the field or in the court, the Lakeshore Foundation brings together athletics and service to people with physical disabilities. Volunteers can help with youth programs, athletic teams, recreation and fitness programs. The foundation’s sports include swimming, archery, rugby, basketball, track and field, flag football, and wheelchair and ambulatory sports. Volunteers can also work at the front desk, help with special events such as the Lakeshore Amazing Race, give tours,
assist in research or produce photos and videos. Amy Belcher, the foundation’s volunteer coordinator, said the ideal Lakeshore volunteer is “outgoing, energetic [and] willing to pitch in and help.” Adults can volunteer at the foundation year-round, but teens ages 15 to 18 must first attend the Leader in Training summer program in order to volunteer. There is also a special college student program that requires a 36-hour commitment per semester. Get involved: Email Amy Belcher at amybel@ lakeshore.org.
For the animal lover Greater Birmingham Humane Society 300 Snow Drive If four paws set your heart aflutter, you can help make abandoned and rescued animals happy and healthy as they wait for a permanent home. Humane Society volunteers can work with cats or dogs to give them exercise, training and entertainment, or by producing photos and personality descriptions to encourage visits from potential owners. Volunteers can also help with the adoption process by assisting potential adopters, creating packets, cleaning the adoption rooms and doing everything possible to make the adoption process run smoothly. The Humane Society also needs people willing to work from home following up with recent adoptions or to drive the adoption bus to partner shelters and events around Birmingham.
For the fun-loving The Exceptional Foundation 1616 Oxmoor Road Time flies when you’re having fun at the Exceptional Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to provide activities and socializing for people with mental and physical disabilities, and it’s a good time for both volunteers and participants. You can help the foundation by playing board games, making arts and crafts projects, coaching or playing sports, putting together a puzzle or just enjoying Wednesday karaoke with the participants. Volunteers also help with field trips to places around Birmingham. Community Outreach Coordinator Caroline Sparrow said the Exceptional Foundation has volunteers of all ages as well as groups from local businesses, schools and organizations. These volunteers help the foundation to offer more
to its participants, and Sparrow said that she tries to connect volunteers with the activities that interest them. Volunteers do not have to commit to a schedule or certain number of hours. The foundation allows volunteers from 8 a.m. to noon and 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the school year, and those same hours Monday through Friday during the summer. Volunteers can come in any day during those hours and stay as long as they want. To work at the Exceptional Foundation, volunteers must be at least 16 years old and participate in a 45-minute orientation session. The sessions are held the first and third Monday of every month at 4 p.m. Get involved: Call Caroline Sparrow at 870-0776 or email her at volunteer@exceptionalfoundation.com.
Mary-Grace Wilson, the volunteer coordinator, said there are roles for anyone who is “passionate about the mission” of the Humane Society. Volunteers can choose to work mainly with pets or interact more with people, as long as they are committed to improving the lives of animals in the shelter. “We take and we need all types of personalities,” Wilson said. “An upbeat, positive personality is number one across the board.” Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and commit to working eight hours per month for six months. There is an orientation and training program to properly prepare volunteers for their roles, and the cost of the program and supplies is $20. Get involved: Apply online at gbhs.org.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A19
For everyone Amedisys Hospice Care 2204 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 110 Not sure where your talents fit in? Your place might be at Amedisys Hospice Care. In helping the hospice patients and caregivers, Volunteer Coordinator Diane Rogers said there are a variety of opportunities for anyone with “a heart for the elderly and terminally ill [and] a willingness to help families out in trying times.” Volunteers can participate in activities such as reading, watching movies, playing games or creating art projects. They can also simply sit and talk to patients and their families. They can cook and deliver meals, clean homes, run errands or provide a respite for caregivers. Rogers said some volunteers give their time
as massage therapists, cosmetologists, musicians and more. Any talent that can bring a smile to a patient’s face or help to their families is welcome. “Our opportunities for volunteers are really endless,” Rogers said. “It truly is anybody who has a gift and wants to share it.” Amedisys asks for a once-a-week commitment, but Rogers said the hospice is flexible in scheduling to fit its volunteers’ needs. Training in handling hospice patients’ needs is required before beginning to volunteer. Get involved: Call Diane Rogers at 868-9221.
For the child at heart The Bell Center 1700 29th Court S. Bring light and learning to a child by volunteering at The Bell Center. Through a toddler program called All About Me, volunteers at The Bell Center work oneon-one with children at risk for developmental delays. For two hours per week, therapists and special educators work with the volunteers to help each child reach individual goals in fine motor skills, speech skills and learning. Much like a regular preschool, the children and volunteers also participate in snack time and creative activities. “Anything that they need, the volunteer is there to help with,” said Marketing and Projects Coordinator Mary Ashley Canevaro. “The classrooms really are a good time and very rewarding.”
Canevaro said the center is looking for anyone “who’s willing to donate their time to spend a couple hours with a baby.” Volunteers must commit to two hours per week for a semester or year if they want to do hands-on work with the center’s children. However, Canevaro said The Bell Center also accepts students volunteering for internship hours and volunteers at special events and fundraisers. Before working with the center, potential volunteers must pass a background check and attend a training session, which is held the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Get involved: Email Volunteer Coordinator Gina Henley at ghenley@thebellcenter.org.
The Homewood Star
A20 • February 2015
Valentine’s Gift Guide For the
For the
OUTDOORSWOMAN
DOG LOVER
Hunter Gloss Back Adjustable Rain Boots $158
Jazzy J Designs Collar $20 These fashion-forward collars are hand stitched in Birmingham. Coordinating leash and dog bow tie designs are also available.
This update to the classic rain boot can be adjusted at the back to tighten the fit. Alabama Outdoors 3054 Independence Drive 870-1919
The Whole Dog Market 2937 18th Street 783-1169
For the
SENTIMENTAL 5-by-7-Inch Folded Valentine’s Day Card Starting at $2.49 Give your special someone something special with a card personalized with your photo and sentiment. Wolf Camera 2711 18th St. South 870-5892
For the
INDULGENT Gift Cards Any amount Visit the store or go online to pre-purchase specific spa treatments or any dollar denomination for your sweetheart. Escape Day Spa 100 Broadway Street 414-6062
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A21
Join Us for the Samford Business Network Birmingham Quarterly Meeting and Breakfast featuring
Robert Moore President of LPL Financial The #1 independent broker-dealer for 19 straight years*
Robert Moore will present what it takes to lead the largest independent broker-dealer in the nation. Robert will discuss his international business experience and how it shaped his own leadership style. He will also share his expertise on capital markets and the important choices facing our generation for continued prosperity and freedom. When Thursday, February 19, 2015 From 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM CST
Hosted by:
Where The Harbert Center 2019 4th Ave. North Birmingham, AL 35068
Register at www.fiplanpartners.com/robertmoore For More Information Contact Kara Kennedy at (205) 726-2364
Securities Offered Through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Samford University is not affiliated with LPL Financial. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2014, based on total revenue.
The Homewood Star
Main Building
r Rd
oo Oxm
ve yA lle
280
28th Ave S
31
Ind
epe
Va
Narcotics Detail/ Traffic Patrol
nd
enc eD
r
ore
ng
esh Lak
sH
r Rd
wy
o
o Oxm
Hw
pri
Warrant Detail/ Motorcycle Scouts Rented Space
er y
Va
65
Dr
on tg om
W
yS
149 ve yA lle
nS ee Gr
“If you ever took a tour of this place, you’d see immediately that we’re overcrowded,” Roberson said. “We’ve outgrown this place to the point that I’ve had to parcel different pieces of this department out.” The city is now taking the first steps toward bringing the police department back together in a new public safety building. Finance Department Director Melody Salter said the finance committee decided to carry over $30,000 in the fiscal year 2015 budget for a feasibility study. The study would include a needs assessment for the police department and cost estimates for a new building. The feasibility study was originally budgeted for the 2014 fiscal year but was never carried out. Ward 5 Place 2 Representative Peter Wright said this is not the first time a new building has been discussed, and the study does not mean that a construction project will definitely be approved. If the city moves forward with the project, Roberson said there’s not enough land at the 29th Avenue South property to tear down the existing three-story headquarters and construct a new building that can meet the department’s needs. He believes the most likely spot for a new public safety headquarters is a city-owned lot at the intersection of Bagby Drive and West Valley Avenue, but at this point there is no formal list of possible locations. Aside from space constraints, Roberson said the issues with the current police headquarters start right when people walk in the door. Instead of being greeted by an officer in a lobby, visitors stand in the hallway and use a telephone to talk to police and gain access to the rest of the building. Inside, Roberson’s office doubles as a small conference room, and the jail no longer adequately accommodates prisoners. The cells were built to hold a higher number of male than female inmates, but the ratio has changed since 1980. Roberson said at times the police have had to relocate male inmates to make room for the female ones. Additionally, the maximum capacity is 24 people, and he said there have been times in the past few years when the police have had to house as many as 39 inmates at once. In the busy months of August and September, the jail is almost always at its limit. “During those times, we’re bumping right at max
Current Homewood Police Offices
Rosedale Dr
M
CONTINUED from page A1
W Oxmoor Rd
POLICE
18 Street S.
A22 • February 2015
31
149
Homewood Police Training Center
W
y
h
s ke
La
kw eP or
capacity,” Roberson said. Storage is also a problem. The department’s warehouse is overflowing and is developing a mold problem. The headquarters has 12 parking spaces, and one interview room doubles as a polygraph room. Sometimes, the police take people to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office because it has better polygraph capabilities. “[The police headquarters] just doesn’t fit the purposes of the Homewood Police Department in 2015,” Roberson said. Roberson also has a wish list for the
potential new building. A larger conference room and employee break and fitness rooms are on the list, along with training facilities that can accommodate more than the current 25-person limit. A lobby staffed with officers or volunteers to help the public would also be a great benefit, he said. Extra space is needed in several places: jail cells, parking, the property room, the armory and extra land to plan for future growth. Roberson would also like a covered carport so the officers could fill their gas tanks and unload prisoners in inclement weather.
“There’s a lot of things a building like that would allow us,” Roberson said. Since a new public safety building isn’t even guaranteed yet, Roberson will have to wait a while before finding out if he gets the items on his wish list. He’s excited, though, about the possibility of a single, centralized headquarters and the effect it could have on both morale and management. “It’d be great if I could just get on an elevator or climb steps [to visit the divisions],” Roberson said. “I’d like to see all of our officers under one roof.”
2704 20th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • A23
Bell Center looking for Mercedes runners
Petals with a Purpose created these arrangements for Homewood residents Paula Smalley, who suffered from an accident recently, and Laura Williams, who opened her home to Smalley when she left the hospital. Photo courtesy of Amy Neely.
FLOWERS
CONTINUED from page A1 Amy had already begun to think that perhaps others could benefit from the flowers when the girls came up with the idea. Amy had worked in a rehab hospital in the past and knew firsthand how lonely people can become, which excited her all the more about the project. “The Homewood community has come out of the woodwork to be supportive,” Amy said. “People are excited that young girls are doing it.” The day after a wedding or other event where Suzanne has leftover flowers, the girls and the Neelys’ younger sister,
Emerson, gather in the Stems & Styles storefront on 28th Street South, pulling out limp flowers and placing others together to form new arrangements in containers to give away. Suzanne has given the girls some instruction but mostly allows them to come up with their own creations. Before completing a bouquet, they insert a stick and top it with a handwritten note, stamped with the bike with flowers that has become their logo. As the endeavor grows and more girls ask to participate, Suzanne is thinking about planning a container drive and plans to give her wedding clients a form asking if they want to donate their flowers after the event. Mostly, however, she is excited to share the way her daughter
and her friends are practicing what she calls “learning tools of life.” In addition to arranging and delivering, the girls are writing thank-you notes to the clients who donate flowers from their events. “We are proud because they [choose to do this when they are] are busy with sports, school and friends, and it is a good learning lesson,” Suzanne said. Although Amy lets the girls deliver the flowers while she sits in the waiting room, she has seen the benefits for those who receive them, too. “To have four young girls coming in is a bonus, and if they have flowers with them that’s even better,” Amy said. For more information, visit the “Petals with a Purpose” page on Facebook.
Mercedes-Benz Marathon’s official charity, The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, is offering an opportunity for run participants to support its work. The BellRunners program is designed to motivate and support runners or walkers who agree to raise $100 per mile in honor of a specific child of The Bell Center during the race weekend, Feb. 20-22. Each BellRunner is paired with a child and runs in his or her honor. The Homewood-based center is a nonprofit organization that offers therapies to infants and toddlers who are at risk for developmental delay or who have diagnoses such as Down syndrome, spina bifida, cerebral palsy or premature birth. Children are not required to have a specific diagnosis to benefit from the physical and occupational therapies, speechlanguage pathology, and early childhood special education that the center offers through transdisciplinary teams. BellRunners have special access to Resolute Running’s Couch-to-5K training program in Homewood as well. BellRunners are offered VIP services during the race weekend, such as waived entry fees into the marathon, access to a heated tent on the race’s starting line in Linn Park, VIP access at the post-race party, a 15 percent discount throughout the year at The Trak Shak and BellRunner-exclusive socials. In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, participants may run or walk the 5K or half marathon or create a five-person relay team of individuals ages 11 and older. The relay is held on the same course as the individual marathon. For more information on relay teams, the BellRunner program, or how to raise money for a child at The Bell Center, contact Kelly Peoples at 879-3417 or visit thebellcenter.org.
N E T D S I S D E AY R P
SA L E
造 造
The Homewood Star
SECTION B Community B2 School House B6 Sports B9 Calendar B14
Mardi Gras comes to Homewood MOMS Club organizes children’s parade at park By MADOLINE MARKHAM On Feb. 17, strollers will transform into floats for a Mardi Gras parade at Homewood Central Park. Toddlers donning masks will be pulled in wagons, and older kids walk — all passing out beads and moon pies. Some of the older children will decorate boxes to wear to become their own “float,” while others play maracas, tambourines and whistles as they make several laps around the park. A CD will play New Orleans brass band music, but you won’t be able to hear it over the kids’ shouts. “Kids are told so much to be quiet,” said Melanie Lewis, president of MOMS Club International, Over the Mountain Chapter. “But here we tell them to be loud.” Now in its fourth year, the club is inviting the community to join them either as participants in the parade or as audience members. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. In case of rain, the parade will be postponed to the following day. The club will provide beads and moon pies for participants. After the parade, the group will
Hunter and Gabrielle Gonzalez rode in a wagon for last year’s Mardi Gras parade. They are pictured with their mother, Eva. Photo courtesy of Anne Henderson.
gather to eat cake or cookies under a pavilion. It’s the one day many of the moms said they don’t monitor their kids’ sugar intake. Members of the MOMS Club thought the timing of Mardi Gras was perfect. After the activities of
the summer, fall and holiday season, moms are looking for an exciting activity in the winter as they await spring break. In addition to the parade itself, the event provides a second activity for families: decorating wagons,
making posters and other advance preparations. “We are making our own fun in February and getting our kids out and active,” Lewis said. Lewis fell in love with the New Orleans parade season when she lived
there for a year. “It’s a way of life down there,” Lewis said. “Everyone is so happy having a good time. We got to know people who stand in the same spot every year.” Upon moving to Birmingham, she was surprised to not find any Mardi Gras celebrations here. Lewis teamed up with fellow MOMS Club member Eva Gonzalez, who had lived in Baton Rouge, to organize the first parade. They said they would love for it to be a large community event one day. “Who doesn’t love a parade?” Lewis said. The parade is one of many events the MOMS Club holds throughout the year. The organization acts as a support group for stay-at-home moms and organizes play dates, a book club, lunches, hiking, kids’ crafts and other events. Around 40 moms currently in the group use one another as sounding boards for questions about what’s going on in the area and the going rate for the tooth fairy. They also raise money for the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s Weekenders backpack program. For more information, search for “Homewood’s 4th Annual Mardi Gras Parade” on Facebook or visit the “MOMS Club of Birmingham, Over the Mountain” page.
The Homewood Star
B2 • February 2015
Community Anita Renfroe to speak at Samford Legacy League luncheon “Laughter breaks down walls. It disarms people,” says Christian comedian and Women of Faith headliner Anita Renfroe, who will speak at Samford Legacy League’s Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, Feb 19. The Atlanta resident came into the spotlight a decade ago when a YouTube video of her singing everything a mother says to her children in a single day to the tune of the “William Tell Overture” was viewed
Joshilyn Jackson
by millions. Since then, she has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, CBS’s The Early Show, Fox & Friends, The Gospel Music Channel and Nickelodeon’s Mom’s Night Out. Renfroe is the author of numerous books including Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You: Kids, Carbs, and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse. In fact, Legacy League members said her approach to life fits well with their theme for the year, “The joy of
the Lord is our strength,” found in Nehemiah 8:10. The luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at The Club costs $50 per person, $25 of which is tax-deductible. Reservations to the luncheon are required and may be made at samford.edu/legacyleague. Proceeds from the luncheon will provide scholarships to deserving students with financial need. Anita Renfroe
‘gods in Alabama’ author coming to library event
Consignment sale returns to Trinity
Best-selling author Joshilyn Jackson will speak about writing, life and her novels March 6 at Homewood Public Library. Jackson has written six novels, including gods in Alabama, A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty and her newest, Someone Else’s Love Story. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments, and a book
Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood will hold its spring Lil’ Lambs consignment sale on Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 in the church’s gym. The sale features gently used infant and children’s clothing, accessories, toys and nursery items. Sellers receive 70 percent of the proceeds, and the remaining 30 percent helps support Trinity’s children’s ministries. Everyone is welcome. Sale hours on Friday are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m.-noon. Most items are half-priced on Saturday. Trinity is located at 1400 Oxmoor Road. For more, visit trinitybirmingham.com or call 879-1737.
signing will follow. Advance tickets can be purchased for $25 in the Homewood Public Library Adult Services Department or by calling 332-6625. Visa, MasterCard, cash and checks are accepted. All proceeds from the event go to the Friends of the Homewood Public Library, a nonprofit organization benefiting the Homewood Public Library.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B3
Taste of Homewood returns this month By MADOLINE MARKHAM You can try 30 restaurants, caterers, bakeries and coffee shops in one space this month. The 14th annual Taste of Homewood event will take place Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Rosewood Hall in SoHo. “Each year the Taste of Homewood celebrates many wonderful flavors found across our community,” Homewood Chamber President Merrick Wilson said. “Everyone loves going out to dinner with friends, and this event brings some of the best dishes and beverages from your favorite restaurants, caterers, and bakeries to one place.” Like always, the event will feature a Mardi Gras theme. The chamber started Taste of Homewood 14 years ago with only a few restaurants participating, but it began to grow after finding a new home at Rosewood Hall. The Homewood Star, Aabco Rents, CBS 42/WIAT, Restaurant Depot and the State of Alabama Department of Tourism are sponsoring the event. Tickets to Taste of Homewood are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, located at 7 Hollywood Blvd., or online at homewoodchamber.com. For more information on Taste of Homewood, call 871-5631.
Participating Vendors* Birmingham Beverage
Homewood Gourmet
Pepsi/Buffalo Rock
JoJo’s
Birmingham Budweiser
Jackson’s
Brio Chick-fil-A Chili’s Grill & Bar Nabeel’s Ruth’s Chris
The Happy Catering Company Urban Cookhouse *As of Jan. 16. For an updated list, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
Area residents try various dishes at last year’s Taste of Homewood event. Photos by Ben Breland, bwbphotographs.com.
POWER TO
BUILD DREAMS
© 2015 Alabama Power Company
Safe, affordable, reliable electricity is one form of power we provide, but not the only one. Meet Sharon Scott. She has a new home that’s affordable, comfortable and energy efficient. With help from Habitat for Humanity and Alabama Power, Sharon will have a comfortable place to call home for years to come. That’s power to help build dreams. That’s Power to Alabama.
Read Sharon’s story at AlabamaPowerRealTalk.com.
POWI-3857 P2BuildDreams 10x7.5_Starnes.indd 1
1/21/15 4:17 PM
The Homewood Star
B4 • February 2015
Kiwanis Breakfast scheduled for Valentine’s Day You can start your Valentine’s Day off by eating pancakes for a good cause. The annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14 from 7 a.m.noon at The Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road. In addition to the breakfast, the event will feature children’s activities, face painting, clowns, live music and a silent auction that ends at 11 a.m. Breakfast costs $5 per person.
The event is held by the Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook and supports the organization’s work with Children’s of Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, local high school clubs, and other services benefiting children.
Kiwanis Club members cook sausage at a previous year’s Pancake Breakfast.
Roots of Alabama Gospel event to feature local artists
Patriot Partners teams raise funds for Bell Center
Alabama’s gospel music traditions flourish throughout the state in churches and Sacred Harp singings, on music stages and recording studios, at quilting bees and singing competitions. Now they are coming to the stage at Vulcan Park and Museum. Bobby Horton and the Birmingham Sunlights will perform together for the first time on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. as a part of the Vulcan’s Birmingham Revealed series. Tickets are $8 for members or $10 for nonmembers. For more visit visitvulcan.com.
Student athletes are set to run the Mercedes Marathon Relay Feb. 21-22, but first they are working to raise funds for a Bell Center for Early Intervention participants. The seven Patriot Partners teams are made pi of elementary, middle and high school runners, along with coaches and even Superintendent Bill Cleveland. Together, teams of five complete a full 26.2-mile marathon by splitting the distance: two 5Ks, two 10Ks and a 12K. Each team is running for an individual child at the center, which provides special education, speech and physical therapy and other services to children up to age 3 who are at risk for developmental delay — all without receiving any outside funding. Each team is charged with raising $2,620, or $100 for each mile they run. They held a yard sale on Jan. 24 and are still working to raise awareness and support for the center as they train for race day. For more information, visit facebook.com/PatriotPartners or thebellcenter.org.
Musician Bobby Horton will perform with the Birmingham Sunlights on Feb. 12.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B5
Birmingham lands 2021 World Games By DAVID KNOX The world is coming to Birmingham. Birmingham was awarded the 2021 World Games on Jan. 22, by the International World Games executive committee. A Birmingham contingent that included Homewood resident Scott Myers, executive director of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, was in Lausanne, Switzerland, to make its final presentation and hear the decision of the committee. During its meetings on Jan. 21, the IWGA executive committee had made a final assessment of the bids from Birmingham; Lima, Peru; and Ufa, Russia, and evaluated the delegations’ final presentations. The IWGA Executive Board took the final decision on the host city for the 11th edition of this multi-sports event at its meeting the next morning. This announcement is subject to successful negotiation of contractual conditions, and subsequent confirmation by the IWGA‘s Annual General Meeting in April 2015. The agreement with the next host city will be signed right after the AGM. The 10th edition of The World Games will be staged in 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland. The IWGA flag will be handed over to the representatives of Birmingham during the closing ceremony in Wroclaw in July 2017. Giving reasons for the decision in favor of Birmingham, President José Perurena mentioned the excellent bid presented by the host city.
The Birmingham contingent celebrates awarding of 2021 World Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Jan. 22. Pictured are David Benck, Edgar Welden, Ron Froehlich, Johnathan Austin, Homewood resident Scott Myers and Steve Mistrot. Photo courtesy of Jodi Benck.
“We are happy to showcase our sports in Birmingham in July 2021, and we are sure that we will be offered optimal conditions for our sportsmen and women there. All the bids we received were of very high quality, and it was not easy for us to reach a decision. We have to deliver nothing less than outstanding World Games. We are convinced that Birmingham will exceed these expectations,” Perurena said. Birmingham offers all prerequisites to stage an event like The World Games, the IWGA president added. This refers not only to the required
sporting venues and infrastructure. The city also meets expectations in terms of organizing skills and the support of the city administration and the National Olympic Committee. The World Games is a multidisciplinary sporting event consisting of non-Olympic sports that has been held every four years since 1981. It includes approximately 36 sports with more than 100 countries and 4,000 athletes participating. The event takes place over 11 days. Among the participating sports are aikido, archery, billiards, bowling, canoeing, dance sport, flying
disc, gymnastics, handball, karate, kickboxing, lacrosse, orienteering, powerlifting, racquetball, rugby and softball. Each city can add up to five “invitational sports,” or sports of local interest. Among the possibilities that have been recommended are three-onthree basketball, cricket and sporting clays, among others. World Games executives toured Birmingham and its sports venues, hotels, restaurants and college campuses in October. Unlike Olympics Games, no new venues would need to be built for the World Games. Some cities have
built new venues, but Myers said that’s absolutely not necessary for Birmingham. “We have all the facilities we need today to host a first-class World Games,” he said. The estimated cost to host the games is $75 million. A Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau study projected a $256.5 million economic impact from the games. Sam Addy of the University of Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research estimated a low of $230 million and a high of $280 million impact.
The Homewood Star
B6 • February 2015
School House Students place in national reading and writing contest Edgewood Elementary fifth-grade students Tully Mitchell and Luke Keown won second and third place in the HOAR GoDaddy Bowl Reading and Writing Contest. Tully won a $3,000 college scholarship, and Luke received a $1,500 scholarship. Both students are invited to attend the week-long events of the GoDaddy Bowl including the GoDaddy Bowl Mayor’s Luncheon, the Greers-Al.com Mardi Gras Parade and the Go Daddy Bowl football game. Edgewood was the only school among thousands of entries from the Gulf Coast Region with two contestants selected for the top 10.
Luke Keown
A step back in time
Tully Mitchell
Cleveland receives outstanding administrator award Homewood City Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland was selected as this year’s Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) Outstanding Administrator Award recipient. Cleveland was recognized during the ASAHPERD Fall Conference Awards Luncheon in November. ASAHPERD is a group of more than 1,200 teachers, coaches, trainers, future professionals, exercise scientists,
and recreation and dance educators, and students that seeks to promote and support healthy lifestyles of Alabama citizens through high quality programs in health, physical education, recreation, dance, sport and exercise science. ASAHPERD envisions that all citizens of Alabama will have the opportunity to enjoy a quality life through knowledge and active participation in healthy lifestyle choices.
Students dressed in period clothing for Colonial Day.
Edgewood Elementary School’s fifth graders held their American Colonial Museum this fall. The students dressed in period costume to present their research and new knowledge about life during the colonial period.
NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A CLEAN HOME. Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.
Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987
205-871-9338 www.MAIDS.com
Referred for a reason.
WELLNESS CENTER
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B7
Iron Chefs compete at HMS
Students prepare a spinach-filled dish during the Iron Chef competition.
Homewood Middle School students hosted their annual Iron Chef competition for students recently. Students made dishes using a secret ingredient, spinach. Four celebrity judges tasted dishes and named the team that created a mini quiche the winner. Other dishes that placed
were fire-roasted tomato and spinach soup, spinach and bacon cream cheese puffs, spinach ice cream, grilled chicken spinach salad, and shrimp and spinach alfredo. The event is a project of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) class at the middle school.
Shades Cahaba buddies send cheer overseas
60 YEARS STRONG! w ww.realtysouth.com
Shades Cahaba students assemble gifts into Operation Christmas Child packages.
Twelve Shades Cahaba Elementary School character buddy classes worked together on a holiday community service project, Operation Christmas Child. The students, teachers and parent volunteers sorted, packaged and wrapped donated
children’s gift items in boxes for international shipment. Since 1993 more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have received simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.
Nathan Jones named spelling bee winner Nathan Jones is the new Edgewood Elementary School spelling bee winner. Nathan is a fourth-grade student in Towns Carlson’s class and is the son of HMS teacher Michelle Jones. Third-grade student Maren Smith was named the runner-up for the bee.
Nathan Jones
The Homewood Star
B8 • February 2015
OLS students participate in holiday giving Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS) gave their gifts to a variety of organizations to help make the Christmas season bright. “Everyone enjoys the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Mary Jane Dorn, OLS principal. “They realize the need to help others, and at the same time it helps instill the importance of service in the students at a very young age.” Wee- Kindergarten students collected new toys for the children through the Catholic Center of Concern. Secondgraders gathered socks for residents at
Mount Royal Towers, a senior living community, while third-graders collected food for the Comunità Cenacolo America community in Hanceville. The other elementary grades gathered toiletry items for the Catholic Center of Concern to distribute to those families in need.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School eighth-grade students decorated the doors of residents at Mount Royal Towers, a senior living community.
ROTC cadets use flight simulator Five Homewood High School AFJROTC cadets visited the Birmingham Flight Center recently to fly in a full-motion flight simulator as part of their aerospace science curriculum. With assistance from simulator instructors, HHS cadets partook in a variety of real-world flight experiences, including critical system failures, engine out procedures, and even wind shear and wake turbulence. Killian Faulk, Denzel Royal, Keller Maharrey, Avram Goldstein and Alex Goodwine participated in the experience. Birmingham Flight Center is the only flight school in Alabama with a full-motion flight simulator. BFC full-motion flight simulator
McDuff selected for leadership forum Duncan McDuff has been selected as the Homewood High School representative for the Youth Leadership Forum. He was chosen based on his leadership in his school and community and for his interest in furthering his knowledge of Birmingham. There are approximately 44 students chosen from the Birmingham metropolitan area for the forum. Duncan McDuff
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B9
Sports Lakeshore teams finish fifth, seventh in Pioneer Classic Scores Final round Division III USM 40, Lakeshore Lightning 36 Georgia Hawks 57, Auburn 45 Shepherd 56, Music City 43 Championship Division Lakeshore Storm 68, San Diego 51 Chicago 66, Orlando 59
New York 71, Shepherd 46 Preliminary rounds Championship Division Chicago 69, Orlando 59 Shepherd 67, San Diego 48 Orlando 59, San Diego 50 Chicago 67, Lakeshore 57 New York 61, Orlando 42 Shepherd 67, Chicago 49 DIII Music City 56, Lakeshore 25
By DAVID KNOX The 28th annual Pioneer Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament was held Jan. 16-18 at Lakeshore Foundation. The Lakeshore Storm took fifth place in the Championship Division, winning 68-51 over
Georgia 52, Auburn 48 Auburn 45, Lakeshore 25 Georgia 58, USM 15 Shepherd 45, Auburn 23 Music City 44, Georgia 39 Varsity Lakeshore 18, Georgia 40 Lakeshore 17, Georgia 53 Prep Lakeshore 16, Georgia 26 Lakeshore 19, Georgia 30
San Diego. The New York Rollin’ Knicks took first place in the Championship Division with a 71-46 win over Shepherd. In Division III, Shepherd took home the championship with a 56-43 victory over the Music City Lightning. USM defeated the Lakeshore
Jerry Allred dribbles downcourt for the Lakeshore Lightning in the Pioneer Classic at Lakeshore Foundation. Photo by Damian Veazey/Lakeshore Foundation.
Lightning 40-36 to take fifth place, and the Georgia Hawks beat Auburn 57-45 to win third place. Members of the Lakeshore Storm are Carl Milan, Ford Buttram, Joon Reid, Clayton Brackett, Derek Vanderbom, Jeremy Campbell, Kerri Vanderbom, RJ Rogers, Brad Lawler and Ryan Hynes. The team is coached by Lisa Hilborn.
Team members of the Lakeshore Lightning are Karneshia Patton, Jerry Allred, Brandon Green, Jess Dixon, Dylan Wilson, Brandon Reeves, John Mason and Rashad Bennett. Coach is Jeremy Campbell.
The Homewood Star
B10 • February 2015
No. 1 Homewood girls keep rolling Win Ramsay tourney, dominate Pelham, Briarwood By DAVID KNOX The Homewood High girls basketball team (18-2) remained in charge in Class 6A, holding the top spot in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll released Jan. 14. The Lady Patriots captured the Ramsay Hilltop Tournament by beating the host Lady Rams 55-47 in the championship game. Ajah Wayne led the way with 16 points, while Hannah Barber and Tori Webb each had 12 points. The Lady Patriots opened the tournament by beating Anniston 73-43 as Maya Cook scored 16 points. Wayne added 13 points and eight rebounds while Webb chipped in 10 points and five rebounds. Barber dished out eight assists and led the team in steals with three. In the second game, Homewood beat Jackson-Olin 61-34 to advance to second-round play. Homewood played stingy defense in the second and third quarters and outscored J-O 34-7. Barber led with 11 points, three assists and two steals. Wayne had nine points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Webb added eight points while grabbing eight rebounds. Shelby Hardy added five points and 11 rebounds. Lia Roberson chipped in seven points, and Kalia Cunningham contributed six points, four assists and five rebounds. In the semifinals, the Lady Patriots topped Demopolis 56-38. Wayne led all scorers with 19 points and five rebounds. Barber finished with 11 points, five rebounds and two steals, and
Roberson chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals. The Lady Patriots then opened the New Year by topping Northridge 60-21. Wayne led the way again with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Hardy and Maya Cook-Stroupe added 10 points apiece while Hardy also had six rebounds, and Barber dished out six assists to go along with eight points. Homewood dispatched Briarwood Christian in area play, cruising past the Lady Lions 69-33. The Lady Patriots dominated the second and third quarters with stingy defense. Outscoring Briarwood 50-13, they sealed the game and remained unbeaten in the area. Barber and Wayne led first half scoring to combine for 21 points. Barber finished with 15 points, five assists and four rebounds while Wayne added 11. Hardy had 12. The Lady Pats followed that with a 57-16 pounding of Pelham. A dominant 24-2 first quarter and a 16-5 second quarter kept Homewood unbeaten in the area at 3-0. Defense was the key, and all players were able to score. Sakeria Hollis was the leading scorer with eight points, while Wayne, Barber and Webb each had seven. The Lady Patriots were to finish out January with games against John Carroll, Huffman, Ramsay and Vestavia Hills. The area tournament is set for Feb. 5-7 with sub-regional play Feb. 13 and the regionals Feb. 16-20. The State Finals will be at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC Feb. 23-28.
Homewood’s Hannah Barber (23) drives for the basket. Photo by Scott Butler.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B11
Homewood boys stunned by buzzer-beater in Kings of the Court thriller By DAVID KNOX For three quarters, Homewood’s Patriots had Bob Jones’ boys just where they wanted them in their Kings of the Court Classic game at Bill Battle Coliseum on the campus of Birmingham-Southern College. The Class 7A visitors from Madison trailed Homewood virtually the entire game, and the Pats’ defense had held Bob Jones to just 29 points through three quarters. But Bob Jones scored 26 fourth-quarter points, the final two on a buzzer-beating floater, to defeat Homewood 55-54. Homewood dropped to 18-5. The Patriots, who led 30-17 at the half and by as many as 15 points, led from late in the first quarter until just 1:21 was remaining in the contest when Ryan Scruggs tied the game at 49 with a basket and a free throw. Ronald Claiborne drew a foul and made one of two free throws to give the Pats a 50-49 lead with 1:05 left. Bob Jones’ Jonathan Moss drew a foul and knocked in two free throws to put his team up 51-50 with 49.8 seconds remaining. Patriots point guard Malik Cook drove into the lane and was fouled and made both of his tosses to put Homewood ahead 52-51 with 43.1 left. But Ryan Dupree answered with a bucket to give his team the lead. Trailing 53-52, Homewood set a play up for Cook, who drove into
Homewood’s Malik Cook (00) goes in for a layup against Bob Jones during the Kings of the Court basketball classic at BirminghamSouthern College. Photo by Scott Butler.
the lane and floated home a runner to give the Patriots a 54-53 lead with just 3.3 seconds left. Bob Jones called a timeout with only two seconds left. But Bob Jones was able to get a pass all the way into the frontcourt, and Scruggs banked the shot off the glass for the winner. Scruggs finished with 17 points, 12 coming in
the fourth quarter. Cook led Homewood with 16 points. Homewood led 16-13 after one quarter and 30-17 at the half after holding Bob Jones to four second-quarter points. But Homewood’s turnovers and missed free throws allowed Bob Jones to hang around.
Former HHS coach selected for hall of fame By DAVID KNOX Former Homewood High football coach Doug Goodwin is one of 12 major contributors to prep athletics in Alabama to have been selected to the 25th class of the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. The 2015 class, which includes coaches, administrators, officials, media and an “oldtimer,” will be inducted at a special Silver Anniversary banquet commemorating all 25 years of the event March 23 at the Renaissance Hotel at the Convention Center in Montgomery. Besides Goodwin, who coached the Patriots from 2011-2013, inductees include longtime Vestavia Hills High tennis coach Nancy Becker; basketball coaches Steve Jefferson, Jack Doss and Bobby Wright; football coaches Steve Rivers and John Tatum; former Hoover High Athletics Director Myra Miles; track official Houston Young; and administrators Alan Mitchell and Ron Ingram. Selected in the “Old Timer” category was longtime Geneva County football coach James D. Chesteen. The 18-member Hall of Fame Committee made the selections from the 50 nominations on the Hall of Fame ballot. The Hall of Fame is located at the Alabama High School Athletic Association office in Montgomery. Sponsors of the Hall of Fame program are the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association and the AHSAA. Goodwin, a member of the AHSAA’s 200-win club as a prep football coach, began his head coaching career at Marion County from 1987-92, then at Lineville (1993-98), Demopolis (19992006), Russellville (2007-10) and Homewood (2011-13). He led Lineville to the state finals in 1996 and 1998, won a state title at Demopolis in 2004 while setting a state single-season scoring record (761 points) in the process. His Russellville teams reached the state finals in 2008 and 2009, and his Homewood teams won region titles in 2012 and 2013. His career record is 234-91 with five state championship appearances, and he was the first coach in AHSAA history to guide three different schools to the state finals. Goodwin was selected ASWA Class 4A Coach of the year in 2004 and the Alabama Football Coaches Association 5A Coach of the year in 2008. He coached in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game in 2005 and the North-South All-Star Game in 1998. A graduate of Sylacauga High School (1980) and Auburn University (1984), he currently serves as director of high school relations and NFL liaison for Auburn University.
The Homewood Star
B12 • February 2015
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center
Zumba with Camille
ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-10:00am Camille 256-452-2500 camillescruggs@gmail.com
Young Rembrandts
Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
Kindermusik
As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik offers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years. For more information call or email Kelly at: 205-552-6129 • Kelly.alligood@charter.net www.kellyalligood.com
Homewood Chess Team
Homewood Chess Team wants you! Beginners are welcome and the first two weeks are always free promo weeks! Learn more and sign up for our classes at www. theknightschool.com or call Dr. Brooks at 205-746-4952
North Star Martial Arts
North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Tiny Tigers (Ages 4-6) Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30pm to 4:05pm Juniors (Ages 7 and up) Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15pm to 5:15pm Adults Only Class Wednesdays 5:30-6:45pm Advanced Class Tuesdays & Thursday 4:00pm to 5:00pm Phone: 205-966-4244 Email: masterjoe@northstarkarate.com www.northstarkarate.com
Dance 4U – Line Dance Class
Line dance for a healthier you! Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm • Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm $7/Drop-in - $5/Seniors 65+ - First class is free Rosa Fisher (205) 910-8896 • rosafisher@yahoo.com
Belly Dancing with Aziza
Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday night for beginners, Tuesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Class Fee: $60 cash only • www.azizaofbirmingham.com Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net
YoLIMBER
Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. Participants of all levels welcome. Monday 8:30am-9:30am Friday 9:30am-10:30am Saturday 9:00am-10:00am Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com
@homewoodparks
Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp Join this all women’s bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday – 5:45am-6:45am For more info: www.homewoodfit.com
Royce Head Personal Training
Affordable small group training sessions; must be member at Homewood Community Center. Each 30 min workout is fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is designed a program to fit their fitness level. $25 Per Session (or) 12 Sessions for $250 Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew
Beginning ballet taught as a foundation for many types of dance. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm & flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. Monday’s 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional Information call Claire: (205) 879-8780
Tango Argentino Fundamentals and Practice
Introductory lessons and guided practice. New students are taught basic Tango technique and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practice and exchange tips to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome. 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each Month – 7:00pm-8:30pm
Tabata Bootcamp with Tamika Harris
Tabata Bootcamp is a group training program based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm • Saturday 8:00am-9:00am Class fee: $40 (4weeks) For more info: 205-249-7982 getfitwithtamika@yahoo.com
360 Personal Trainer Fitness Bootcamp Bootcamp style fitness classes at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30am-6:30am Michael Brooks – michaelbrooks360@gmail.com
Blue Line Combatives
Wednesday’s 7:00pm – 8:30pm Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Call or email for additional information: Instructor Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com • Cell # 205-296-1250
Steel City Cheer - Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes
Classes will cover all cheerleading & tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning, and tumbling. All ages & skill levels welcome. For more information contact DeeDee at PDEveritt@gmail.com or 901-734-0277. Sunday’s 4:00-5:00 pm • Fitness Studio 1
Homewood Senior Center Yoga class for seniors
Instructor Kathy Hagood: Wednesdays at 1:15pm. Free for Senior Center members; $5 guest fee for Non-member seniors. Sign up for this class by calling the center at 332-6500. We will offer the class for a 3 month trial period and then evaluate whether to continue further. Kathy is certified by the American Council on Exercise, and she currently teaches group exercise classes including balance/ strength, yoga, Pilates and Zumba.
Personal Training at Homewood Senior Center
Personal Training for Senior Center members only. Certified by the American Council on Exercise, Kathy focuses on orthopedic issues and restorative training to improve fitness for mature adults, including those with equilibrium, flexibility, strength or other chronic health challenges. Personal training sessions for members are $35 for an hour and are customized for each individual’s needs and goals. Contact Kathy at 205-422-4025 or krhagood@yahoo.com to schedule session at the Senior Center.
Acting Out Academy
Acting Out Academy is a kid’s performing arts classes at the Homewood Community Center Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm (Encore: After School Program) Thursday 4:30pm-5:30pm (Advanced on-camera). For more info and to register visit: www.actingoutacademy.com, call 205-440-2699 or email meg@actingoutacademy.com
Athletics & Special Events Homewood Girl’s Softball
Shake Your Soul Yoga Dance!
“Shake Your Soul” is a unique and invigorating path to body-spirit fitness incorporating elements yoga and dance. Classes will resume February 2015. Monday’s 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Class Fee: $10.00 drop-in Lorri Hanna: 612-867-2232 lhanna@barefootsoulswellness.com www.barefootsoulswellness.com
Registration: January 26th thru February 21st For additional information and Online Registration visit: www.homewoodparks.com Program Fee: $75 Homewood Residents $100 Non Residents Age Groups: 6 & under developmental league 8 & under • 10 & under • 12 & under Alissa Thurmond Brock – 332-6715 (or) Alissa.thurmond@homewoodal.org
Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp
We Love Homewood Day 2015
Tuesday & Thursday at 10:30am Location: Meet at pavilion (6&7) at back of park, closest to Central Ave. *Classes meet in Homewood Community Center Gymnasium in the event of inclement weather* A class for moms of all fitness levels! This 45 minute class focuses on interval training with the use of bands, body weight, and your child’s stroller! www.mommyandmetime.com
Saturday, May 2, 2015 Save the date & come celebrate Homewood! Vendor & Sponsorship information available at www.homewoodparks.com
Summer Camp 2015
Details were not finalized at the submission deadline for February Homewood Star. Information will be available on www.homewoodparks.com by early February 2015.
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B13
Homewood Real Estate Listings
400 Edgeland Place
MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
618257
35209
400 Edgeland Place
New
$309,000
619420
35209
320 Glenwood Drive
New
$367,500
619397
35209
412 Skyview Drive, G
New
$44,900
619368
35209
519 Cliff Place
New
$365,000
619228
35209
1140 Hardwick Lane
New
$197,000
619219
35209
1300 Beacon Parkway E, 604
New
$189,000
619193
35209
1133 Shadesview Terrace S
New
$199,000
619153
35209
724 Rockford Circle
New
$179,900
618976
35209
511 Yorkshire Drive
New
$359,900
618851
35209
734 Crest Lane
New
$389,780
618717
35209
400 Kenilworth Drive
New
$369,900
618632
35209
703 Warwick Road
New
$618,900
618616
35209
1609 Roseland Drive
New
$339,900
618568
35209
1830 29Th Avenue S, S400
New
$339,900
618543
35209
418 Edgewood Blvd.
New
$309,000
618340
35209
412 Edgewood Blvd.
New
$387,900
400 Kenilworth Drive
Real estate listings provided by greateralabamamls.com on Jan. 20. Agents and agency vary by property.
Take us with you.
Year End Clearance
SALE
Our distinctive selection of
Chandeliers, Table Lamps, Wall Lamps, Furniture and Upholstery Sale Priced NOW
Award-winning community journalism on your mobile phone. thehomewoodstar.com
"Our largest markdowns ever" Up to 70% off our entire in-stock furniture and lighting inventory 2813 18th Ave. South, Homewood
879.5474
mantoothinteriors.com
The Homewood Star
B14 • February 2015
Calendar Homewood Public Library Events 1721 Oxmoor Road 332-6600, homewoodpubliclibrary.org
Adults
Adult Services Desk or call 332-6625.
Feb. 3: Technology Tuesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. Jeff Mann, Apple-certified trainer for Alabama Tech-Ease, answers questions on how to best use your Apple device.
Feb. 17: The A, B, Cs of Medicare. Noon. Room 116, Lower Level. Karen Haiflich will answer questions on how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured and how to file a claim.
Feb. 3: Knit One, Read, Too. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Bring knitting, enjoy light refreshments and discuss books. Email hcover@ bham.lib.al.us or call 332-6621. Feb. 5: The Alchemy of Eros: Lust, Longing, Love and Loss with Jungian Analyst Lucie Magnus. 6:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Birmingham based Jungian analyst Lucie Magnus will examine the nature and maturation of love. Feb. 7: Murder in the Magic City. 9 a.m. Large & Round Auditorium. Murder in the Magic City is a mystery conference presented by Sisters in Crime for fans of all sub-genres of mystery novels. $30. Lunch, coffee, doughnuts, sodas and a goody bag are included. Visit murderinthemagiccity2014. com/what-authors-will-be-there/. Feb. 10: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. Feb. 13,14: Valentines Dinner Theatre: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. South City Theatre will present Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Buffet included. $25. Purchase tickets in advance. Visit the
Feb. 19: Night at the Oscars with Dick Sergento. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Hollywood enthusiast Dick Sergento explores the history of the Oscars as we prepare for the 2015 ceremony. Feb. 20: Homewood Senior Center Book Signing. 11 a.m. Round Auditorium. Aimee Thornton, Homewood Senior Center director, will discuss the writing project that resulted in Proceeding Over the Mountain: Life Memories Collection For Sharing as a Project of Homewood Senior Center. Feb. 25: Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss Ruth’s Journey: The Authorized Novel of Mammy by Donald McCaig. Feb. 26: Neuroscience Café: Multiple Sclerosis with Tara DeSilva, Ph.D. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Dr. DeSilva will report on the latest treatments.
Teens Feb. 3, 17: Coding for Girls. 4 p.m. This new club is geared toward empowering girls in grades six-12 who are interested in the computer science field. UAB Associate Professor John K. Johnstone will instruct.
Feb. 4: Duct Tape Madness. 4 p.m. Large Auditorium. See amazing creations made with duct tape. No registration required. Grades 6-12. Feb. 11: Anti-Valentine’s Day Chocolate Party. 4 p.m. Room 101. Chocolate-themed games and trivia with prizes. Grades 6-12. Feb. 18: Get Crafty: Bottle Wrapping. 4 p.m. Large Auditorium. Repurpose old bottles and jars with colorful yarn to create Pinterest-worthy crafts. Grades 6-12. Feb. 24: Really Retro Movie. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Will watch The Princess Bride. Grades 9-12.
Children Tuesdays: Wee One’s Storytime. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. A unique story time for one year olds and their caregivers. Wednesdays: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. All ages storytime filled with music and fun. Thursdays: Mommy and Me. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. A special storytime for younger patrons and their friends. Feb. 2-10: Valentine Makerspace. 9 a.m.close. Make a valentine for the children at Children’s of Alabama. Supplies will be provided. Feb. 7: Fancy Nancy’s Hearts and Tarts.
10:30 a.m. Put on fancy clothes for a special, fancy storytime. Feb. 9: Monday Movie. 3:30 p.m. Eat hot, fresh popcorn and watch some fairy rescue fun. Feb. 13, 27: Leaps and Bounds. 10:30 a.m. A fun and energetic movement class designed for children ages 2 1/2 to 4 years old. Registration required. Feb. 16: Monday Makerspace: Lincoln Log Cabins. 3:30 p.m. Create one-of-a-kind log cabins out of materials provided. Feb. 17: I Survived Book Club: I Survived the Nazi Invasion 1944. 6:15 p.m. Will discuss I Survived the Nazi Invasion 1944 by Lauren Tarshis. Feb. 19: First Annual Fairy Tale Ball Family Night. 6:15 p.m. Meet fairy tale characters in a grand evening full of games, crafts and snacks in the large auditorium. Feb. 21: Say Hola to Spainsh. 10:30 a.m. Learn Spanish while enjoying stories and a craft. All ages. Feb. 23: Monday Movie. 3:30 p.m. Eat hot, fresh popcorn and watch a classic animated film. Feb. 24: PJ Storytime. 6:15 p.m. Wear pajamas and visit the round auditorium for storytime.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2015 • B15
Calendar Homewood Events Feb. 5: Homewood Rotary Club Luncheon. Noon. Homewood Public Library. Annetta Nunn will speak. Visit homewoodrotaryal.org. Feb. 10: Edgewood Night Out. 3 p.m.close of business. Downtown Edgewood. Feb. 12: Homewood Rotary Club Luncheon. Noon. Homewood Public Library. Dave Rickey of the Birmingham Business Alliance will speak. Visit homewoodrotaryal.org. Feb. 12: Birmingham Revealed: Bobby Horton and the Alabama Sunlights. 5:30-7 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Members $8. Non-members $10. Visit visitvulcan.com. Feb. 14: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. 7 a.m.-noon. The Exceptional Foundation. Visit kcohmb.org. Feb. 17: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Visit homewoodchamber.org. Feb. 17: Children’s Mardi Gras Parade.
3:30 p.m. Homewood Central Park. Visit the MOMS Club of Birmingham, Over the Mountain page. Feb. 19: Samford Legacy League Scholarship Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Anita Renfroe will speak. $50 per person. Reservations required. Visit samford.edu/ legacyleague. Feb. 19: Homewood Rotary Club Luncheon. Noon. Homewood Public Library. John Bush will speak. Visit homewoodrotaryal.org. Feb. 19: Taste of Homewood. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Rosewood City Hall. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Call 971-5631. Feb. 26: Homewood Rotary Club Luncheon. Noon. Homewood Public Library. Dr. Ronald Alvarex will speak. Visit homewoodrotaryal. org. Feb 27-28: Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale. Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.noon. Trinity United Methodist Church. Visit trinitybirmingham.com.
Area Events All month: Small Treasures: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals and Their Contemporaries. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art. The exhibition will feature works of the greatest masters of the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age. Visit artsbma.org.
Feb. 13: A Night Under the Big Top. 8 p.m. The Club. Event benefits the Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center. Visit glenwood.org. Feb. 20-22: Mercedes Marathon. Check website for times. Boutwell Municipal Auditorium. Visit mercedesmarathon.com.
Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
An expectant heart A while back, my mom hand soap down the drain, but gave me a “grateful journal.” It at least her hands were clean.) included five lines for each day, Matt noticed my hair dryer and I was supposed to write five lying on the counter next to the things I was grateful for each sink. The dryer isn’t usually in day. Many days, it was easy to the kids’ bathroom, but I’d left come up with those five things; it there the night before when other days, it was harder. I disI’d dried the kids’ hair before tinctly remember a few days bed. Sela loves to try to plug where I actually wrote five things in, but thankfully she things I was not grateful for was too preoccupied with the Denton because it felt too hard to soap and water to realize the come up with the five good things. But for plug and an electric socket were right next the most part, remembering the good that to her. What could have involved a trip to happened throughout the day was a helpful Children’s hospital thankfully resulted only reminder to dwell on the positive instead of in wet PJs and a few soaked towels. the negative. I’m not necessarily a glass-half-empty These days, I do something similar. gal, but I can get in a place where I see the Instead of a journal, I use notecards, and I negative before I see the positive and somejot down a couple of lines each day about times expect that negative instead of hoping what happened, what we did, whom we did for the positive. In those times, it usually it with. I’ve been doing it for a couple of takes someone reminding me to look for years now, so when I flip to each day’s card, that positive, to expect the good, to hope I can see what we did on the same day one for the glorious. Striving to see the positive and two years ago. It’s fun to see that two in each day, in each moment even, fosters years ago I was up feeding my daughter an expectant heart, which we need to deal Sela in the middle of the night, one year with the truly negative things we see and ago she was “all over the place,” and today hear each day, whether in our own lives or she fried my hair dryer. Scary, yes, but we in the lives of those around us. That expectfound something to be grateful for even in ant heart helps us see the good in life and in the midst of the water and dead hair dryer. other people, and it helps remind us that our My husband Matt walked into the bath- ultimate hope, our ultimate expectation, is room to find our mischievous two-and-a- coming, and He will not disappoint. Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenhalf year old standing in the sink with the water running and bubbles filling the sink. ton@gmail.com. You can also find her on (She may have pumped the entire bottle of Twitter @LaurenKDenton.