Homewood Star August 2025 by Starnes Media

Shaping the future

heads to the polls in historic election

By SARAH OWENS

hange is coming to Homewood — and on Aug. 26, voters will decide who leads that change and what it will look like.

In September 2024, Homewood residents approved a transition to a city manager–council form of government, making this year’s municipal election a historic milestone. Under the new structure, the city will move from a fiveward system with 11 councilors to a four-ward system with four council members and a mayor who will serve as

On the Ballot: Meet the candidates running to serve as the next mayor or city council member.

See page 24

council president. This will create a five-member voting body responsible for making decisions on city matters.

As Homewood enters this new era, the council and mayor’s office will see a wave of new leadership. All but two current council members are stepping down. Only Jennifer Andress and Nick Sims are seeking re-election — though Andress is running for mayor, and Sims will be representing a newly drawn ward.

See VOTE | page 20

Ask the Candidates: Candidates for mayor and council share their views on key issues facing the city. See page 28

Back to school: New programs, policies, faces await Homewood students this year

EMILY REED

Homewood students will log in to more than just reading and math this fall — they’ll be among the first in the nation to tackle a brand-new cybersecurity program.

As Homewood City Schools prepares to welcome students back Aug. 7, a slate of new programs, policies and faces awaits — all part of the district’s ongoing effort to stay ahead of the curve in education. With campuses ready to open, here are

a few new things at Homewood and John Carroll Catholic High School for the 202526 school year:

NEW CYBERSECURITY COURSE

Homewood High was one of 500 schools in the country selected to participate in the pilot program for a new cybersecurity course.

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Cristy York said the overall goal for the course is to provide students a unique

“Not only will this course provide an additional and new

exploration, but it will prepare students for a job field that is currently growing and has widely available job opportunities,” she said.

Homewood High School is launching a new cybersecurity course this year. Staff photo.

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Sarah Owens

August brings high stakes and new beginnings across Homewood — in classrooms, at City Hall and under the stadium lights.

This month’s issue features our comprehensive voter guide ahead of key local elections. Homewood faces a mayoral race and contested council seats that will shape the city’s future as it transitions to a new form of government. We’ve compiled candidate profiles, Q&As and side-by-side comparisons to help you cast an informed vote.

Emily Reed leads our back-to-school coverage with a look inside Homewood High, while Kyle Parmley gets you ready for kickoff with football previews for Homewood and John Carroll.

Also inside: a spotlight on the Parks and Recreation Department’s fall programs and a profile of Mary Biggs, a mom who kept Homewood City Schools running smoothly behind the scenes. Later this month, don’t miss Under the Lights — our annual football preview magazine, free at sponsor locations around town. From elections to rivalries, August sets the tone. Be informed. Be present. Vote. And we’ll see you under the lights.

For advertising, contact: dan@starnesmedia.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sowens@starnesmedia.com

or return photos submitted.

Please Support Our Community Partners

Alabama Pediatric Dentistry (10)

Alabama Power Company (6)

Aqua Systems of Birmingham (27)

Barlow Wealth Advisory Group (11)

Bromberg’s (31)

Bryant Bank (23)

Budget Blinds (19)

Chris Lane for City Council Ward 3 (21)

Clearview Strategy Partners (26)

Closets by Design (1)

Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (7)

ENT Associates of Alabama (21)

Gardner Landscaping (3)

Publisher: General Manager/Editor in Chief: Community Editors: Sports Editor:

Design Editor: Graphic Designer:

Contributing Writers:

Dan Starnes

Tim Stephens Sarah Owens Jon Anderson Kyle Parmley

Melanie Viering Ted Perry

Emily Reed Malia Riggs

Guin Service (1)

Home Instead Senior Care (15)

Homewood Chamber of Commerce (23)

Homewood Parks and Rec (32)

Homewood Theatre (25)

Issis & Sons (18)

Jennifer Andress - Homewood City Council (7)

JJ Thomas for City Council Ward

2 Homewood (15)

John Manzelli - Political (8)

KEYSYS (4)

Nick Sims, Campaign for Homewood Ward 2 (10)

One Man & A Toolbox (20)

Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (29)

Production Assistant: Operations Specialist:

Client Success Specialist: Business Development Exec: Account Exec:

Simeon Delante Sarah Villar

Warren Caldwell Don Harris Cot Tindall

Paul Simmons for Homewood City Council (12)

Piggly Wiggly (24)

Prime IV (8)

RFG Advisory (13)

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School (5)

Sikes Children’s Shoes (29)

Sims Garden (5)

South Dallas Turf Farm, Inc. (25)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (27)

SouthState Bank (9)

TherapySouth (17)

TrustMark Bank (19)

Winslow Armstead for Homewood City Council (2)

Find Us

Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/ homewoodstar) to read the latest news on our website, find where to pick up the latest print issue, follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

Lakeshore owl, referendum coverage scores APA honors for The Homewood Star

By STAFF

Coverage of a pesky owl and a major change in Homewood’s government helped The Homewood Star win several awards for journalistic excellence at the Alabama Press Association’s annual convention at the Perdido Beach Resort in June.

“I survived the Lakeshore Owl,” the tale of a pesky feathered menace that was swooping onto and terrorizing runners along the Lakeshore trail, captured two first-place awards, both by Savannah Schmidt. Her written account was praised by judges for its creativity and won first place for Best Spot News in the APA’s Division E. The video that accompanied the story, also by Schmidt, earned first place for Creative Use of Multimedia.

Schmidt also won second place in the Photo Essay category, shared with freelance photographer Richard Force, for scenes from the 2024 high school football season.

The Homewood Star community editor Sarah Owens earned accolades for her coverage of last year’s referendum that changed the city’s structure of governance. Her coverage of the voting results earned second place in Online Breaking News, while her overall coverage of the issue leading up to and after the vote earned third place for In-Depth News Coverage.

Both Owens and Schmidt earned additional accolades for their work with other Starnes Media publications. Owens, who earlier this year was named the state’s Emerging Journalist of the Year by the APA, also serves as community editor for Village Living. Her story about Mountain Brook teen Lulu Gribbin’s road to recovery after surviving a shark attack while vacationing in Florida earned first place for Best News Feature. Under Owens’ direction, Village Living

was selected as the state’s most improved newspaper in Division E.

Owens also played a key role in a first-place award for Best Public Service for her lead article in a multi-story package titled “The power to save: Why talking about mental health matters.”

Versions of the article appeared in all six Starnes Media publications, including The Homewood Star, Village Living, 280 Living, Cahaba Sun, Vestavia Voice and Hoover Sun. The entry was credited to Hoover Sun and shared with collaborators Jon Anderson and Taylor Bright.

Schmidt earned eight APA awards for her work across Starnes Media’s publications in writing, photography and videography.

The Homewood Star’s contest success added to the overall tally for Starnes Media, led by the Hoover Sun, which posted 27 total awards across editorial and advertising. Those included the high school sports coverage by sports editor Kyle Parmley for Under the Lights, the magazine

Hoover Sun editor Jon Anderson, Starnes Media GM Tim Stephens and The Homewood Star editor Sarah Owens collect awards at the 2025 Alabama press Association’s annual convention in Orange Beach. Photo by Wendi Cambron.

and podcast shared across all Starnes markets. The preseason magazine was named Best Niche Publication for both its editorial and advertising content, a sweep, and the podcast earned first place for Best Podcast. Parmley also won first place for Best Local Sports Column, which was entered under the Hoover Sun but also appeared in The Homewood Star.

The Hoover Sun was the overall winner for General Excellence in Division E. The Sun won first place for Best Newspaper Website and the Advertising Sweepstakes Award for overall advertising quality as well.

Another Starnes Media publication, 280 Living, won first place in the FOI-First Amendment category for Taylor Bright’s coverage of leadership and policy changes at the North Shelby Library.

This year, 53 publications submitted 1,725 entries in the annual contest. The Michigan Press Association membership judged the entries.

TO ENTER

• Open to all ages, individuals, teams, businesses and etc.

• Make & name a scarecrow

• Keep it PG-13

• Bring a scarecrow, including materials to support it, to 908 Highland or 913 Irving Road by 9/20 (before 7pm)

• Public voting 9/20 to 10/24

• Late entries will be accepted, but will miss out on votes.

• Winners awarded on 10/25

• Prizes awarded in multiple categories (i.e. kids, adults, teams, etc.) and will include cash, gift cards, Halloween-themed items and more!

QUESTIONS?

Call 205.332.0949 or email simsgarden@homewoodal.org Make a scarecrow to display at Miss Sims’ Garden 6th Annual Pumpkin Patch.

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School is pleased to offer three outstanding classes as part of our Lay Academy offerings this fall! Our courses are designed for interested laity as well as ministers desiring continuing education. Courses include “Life in the Psalms,” led by Mark Gignilliat, “Christology of the New Testament,” led by Osvaldo Padilla and “Spiritual Formation with the Early Church,” led by Stefana Dan Laing. Register today!

STEFANA DAN LAING

GIGNILLIAT

Homewood Parks and Rec team gears up for a season of play

By SARAH OWENS

Fall may still feel far off in the Alabama heat, but for Homewood Parks and Rec, it’s already game time.

Flag football and volleyball are coming online. Basketball is looming. Uniforms are ordered. Coaches are queued. And somewhere, in between emails and field layouts, a few staffers are still wrangling lifeguard shifts to keep the pools covered through the last blast of summer.

“We put a ton of work into getting the seasons ready,” said athletic coordinator Ben Haskins. “Kind of the whole point of our job is to make sure kids and parents and everyone participating in the rec sports and everything we do, they don’t have to worry about anything. They can just show up and have fun.”

That seamlessness is the point. For Homewood’s Parks and Rec team, the goal is simple: kids and parents show up, have fun and never see the logistics underneath.

“Just seeing all the work we put in paying off, and everyone’s having a good time, they’re not having to worry about everything, because we did our job correctly,” Haskins said. “It’s just fun getting to see that.”

Ben Dawkins, another athletic coordinator, said the structure of the year — with different seasons always rotating — keeps the work fresh.

“Summer means pool season, and spring brings flag football, and then it kind of keeps going,” Dawkins said. “But for me, that just keeps me interested in it all year. Also, every year you’re kind of rotating back to the same stuff, so you get to make improvements every year. So if you’re just always trying to be a little bit better, it’s kind of nice to be able to see it.”

The department’s largest program is

basketball — spanning kindergarten through eighth grade and occupying every inch of gym space they can find. “It’s just like the pools,” said Superintendent of Athletics and Aquatics Jakob Stephens. “It takes an army of us to run it.”

Stephens credits his staff with bringing energy, creativity and stamina to the work — even as they continue managing Patriot and Central pools through the peak heat. Staff members check pool chemicals every two hours,

Cooler Choices Start Here

Energy savings aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer tips, tools and resources designed to help you save energy in ways that fit your needs.

Visit alabamapower.com/summer to learn more.

mentor teen lifeguards and support each other when schedules change or emergencies arise.

“We overstaff,” Stephens said. “Regardless if there’s five swimmers in the pool or 150, we have the same number of lifeguards out there.”

That vigilance — and heart — is what Stephens says separates Homewood from other cities he’s worked in.

“Knowing that Homewood is a place where people want to move to and knowing that it’s not just the schools, but the park and rec is part

of that as well,” he said, “it means a lot.”

While it’s a heavy workload, athletic coordinator Josh Matthews says the reward for all the effort is simple: “One of the biggest joys is kids coming up, and they will run up and be like, ‘Coach Ben, did you see what I did? Yeah, I threw a touchdown!’ It’s one of those feelings that’s hard to replicate.”

For more information on Homewood Parks and Recreation or to register for programs, visit homewoodparks.com.

Children in first through eighth grade can register for the city’s flag football program until Aug. 8. Staff photo.

Empowering donors to give back with purpose and ease through Donor Advised Funds

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, founded in 1959, brings together the collective generosity of individuals, families and businesses to drive lasting change across Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties. By pooling resources and investing in nonprofits, the Foundation helps build stronger communities for all who call the region home.

Long-time Homewood residents Tom and Ivy Spencer chose to open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) in 2005 at the Community Foundation. The Spencers’ fund allows them to target the specific causes they care about while drawing on the local knowledge and expertise of Community Foundation staff. Creating a DAF at the Community Foundation allows donors a convenient and easy way to do their charitable giving.

“The Community Foundation is a one-stop shop,” Tom said. “You donate a lump sum to the fund, and that’s your one large charitable investment for the year. You have one deduction and very little paperwork. The Community Foundation takes care of sending out all your donations, and you can keep track of what you’ve given in the past. You can see how much went to a particular cause, and that helps you know how much to recommend for the current year.“

Among some of the causes that Tom and Ivy support are Cahaba River Society, Jefferson Country Greenways Coalition, Independent Presbyterian Church, STAIR of Birmingham and public radio and television.

The Community Foundation also keeps its donors well-informed. “The Foundation is constantly making its donors aware of community needs and successful organizations that are addressing those needs,” Tom said. “It’s inspiring to know more about the good people out there working to make Birmingham

and the region better.”

Tom and Ivy Spencer enjoy the ease and convenience of their Donor Advised Fund.

“The Community Foundation is a one-stop shop. You donate a lump sum to the fund … for the year. You have one deduction and very little paperwork. The Community Foundation takes care of sending out all your donations.”

“They keep you connected and educated,” Ivy said. “You get emails. They have speakers. They invite you to events.”

The Spencers believe it’s important to contribute to their community.

“I think it was always important in our families growing up,’ Tom said. “We both learned from our parents that you needed to be involved in your community if you wanted it to thrive.”

”It feels good to help your community and to feel a connection,” Ivy said.

Big believers in greenspace, the Spencers became supporters at about the time the Community Foundation was spearheading a fund drive for the Three Parks initiative, which raised millions of dollars for Red Mountain Park, Railroad Park and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.

“It was great seeing the community come together – the public and private sector – to make the parks a reality,” Tom said.

The Spencers stress the fact that you don’t have to be wealthy to support the Community Foundation

or to start a DAF.

“You don't have to have great means to be part of this,” Ivy said. “It is a form of planned giving.”

“We started as, and remain, very modest donors,” Tom said. “We don't have a ton of resources but we wanted to be very systematic.”

Donor Advised Funds are simple to establish, requiring minimal paperwork, and can be established with an initial contribution of just $15,000. Donors receive the benefit of an immediate tax deduction and are able to maximize their charitable impact by supporting the causes they care about most.

• To learn more about starting a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), contact Liz Edwards at 205-327-3808 or ledwards@cfbham.org.

• For more about the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, call 205-327-3800 or go to cfbham.org.

Signing off

Mary Biggs retires from Homewood schools after more than a decade of behind-the-scenes volunteer service

By SARAH OWENS

For more than 13 years, Mary Biggs has been a quiet force behind the scenes of the Homewood City Schools system.

What began as a desire to be involved at Edgewood Elementary — where her children, Patton and Audrey, attended — grew into a long-running commitment to every school her kids moved through. From kindergarten classroom parties to high school PTO communications, Biggs stayed one step ahead of what parents needed.

“I really just wanted to be able to be inside the school, be able to really get to know their teachers and the children that they were in class with,” Biggs said. “And I mean, it’s crazy, because I watched these kids from the time they were in kindergarten. They have all just graduated.”

Both of her children are now students at Auburn University.

At Edgewood, Biggs was involved in

creating the school’s memory book, chronicling the year’s happenings. “Mary hand drew every page in a book and made sure that every child was represented so they all got to be excited about their memory book,” said Jason Biggs, Mary’s husband. “When you think about it that way, how many parents that don’t even know Mary’s name were touched by the work that she did? And that’s just one example.”

Through middle school and high school, Mary launched social media accounts for the schools and helped answer questions directly from confused parents. “I get the most random — like I got a message just the other day from somebody I hadn’t talked to in years,” she said.

“And they were like, ‘You probably know the answer to this.’”

As a PTO president and communications lead, Biggs helped manage events, raise funds and — most notably — revive the high school’s weekly newsletter. She wrote and distributed it every weekend, even while on vacation, because “people relied on it so much.”

“Just the depth and breadth and quality of information that was shared was really profound,” said Homewood High School Principal Joel Henneke, “so she really just took that whole newsletter to a whole new level.”

Henneke first worked with Biggs while he was at Homewood Middle School, where he spent four years as assistant principal and one as principal. They moved to the high school together four years ago when Biggs’ daughter became a freshman and Henneke became the school’s principal.

“She sort of matriculated with me, and I cannot tell you what a blessing that was,” said Henneke. “Just her heart or passion for being a

POSITIVE LEADERSHIP FOR HOMEWOOD

JOHN MANZELLI

part of the community and making sure we’re all in the know and up to speed on what’s going on and where we need to have our kids or what’s on the calendar has been very helpful, and I will miss her deeply.”

When her daughter Audrey graduated in May, Biggs officially stepped back — though

With over 25 years of executive and educational leadership, I’ve led milliondollar operations, revitalized key institutions, and built strong publicprivate partnerships. I’m running a positive campaign — focused on real

solutions, not partisan divisions. I’ve walked every block of Ward 3 and met so many incredible residents. Thank you for your time, your ideas, and your hospitality. Now, I ask you to come out on August 26th and make your voice heard. AS YOUR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, I WILL:

• Ensure open, transparent city finances — with online access for all citizens

• Put neighbors first — just as I did when I stood against the Creekside overdevelopment

• Explore the best possible paths forward for the development of Brookwood

• Demand smart, community-focused development from Samford that respects its neighbors

• Invest in our arts, parks, and public infrastructure

• Support family-first initiatives — from sidewalks to ensuring our schools remain strong Let’s build a Homewood that works for everyone.

Mary Biggs with her Homewood PTO newsletter. Biggs has volunteered with Homewood City Schools for over 13 years, keeping the wheels turning and parents informed behind the scenes.

not before helping train her successor and leave behind a template.

As for what comes next, Biggs has already launched a Facebook group for Auburn’s Class of 2029.

“I can’t not be in the know — or help people be in the know,” she said. “That’s what I do.”

Photo courtesy of Mary Biggs.

Homewood High School’s 1st yearbook

By STAFF

Homewood High School was founded in 1972, and its first yearbook gives us a glimpse into the life of the class of 1973.

The school’s first yearbook, “Heritage of ‘73”, memorializes the first year of education at HHS in photos, capturing Homewood birthday celebrations, the first Miss Heritage Pageant, football and basketball games, homecoming queen, the senior Student Government Association and more.

The hallways come to life on the pages, but you don’t have to look beyond the first page to get a feel for what the school was all about.

“Heritage, that is the title and the beginning of the inheritance for Homewood. We are the heritage of future years. We have the opportunity to pass down order or chaos, wisdom or mockery of wisdom, concern or apathy. As we build we have one advantage: we, as individuals, are not without past experiences. We know of troubles, but we have ideals already formed to conquer these troubles. But whatever we build, we cannot rely on it to bless itself. We must bless it ourselves, hallow it, change it, make it, or this school will not work. The annual is the culmination of the actions and the ideals of us students. Our actions and ideals are, Heritage,” reads the editor’s note at the front of the book.

Homewood High School’s first yearbook published in 1973. The book was titled “Heritage of ‘73” and documented the ideas and actions of the school’s students that year. Inset: The cover. Photos by Sarah Owens.

BUSINESS

Business Buzz

ANNIVERSARIES

NOW OPEN

Samford University recently celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for Samford Horizons Phase 1. The ceremony celebrated the completion of two new residence halls and the Bill and Kimerman Stevens Plaza. Samford Horizons Phase I includes $300 million in investment. Other projects to be completed before August 2025 include two additional residence halls accommodating 513 first-year students and an expansion of the north parking facility with more than 500 new stalls.

The Collective, a hair salon, recently opened a new location in Homewood. The salon originated in Pepper Place and has expanded to their second location in West Homewood at 169 Oxmoor Road, Suite 105. Services offered include haircuts, styling, color and more. Appointments can be made online. 205-558-9541, thecollectivebham.com

Bryant Bank is celebrating 20 years of business. The bank has a location in Homewood at 1919 28th Avenue South, Suite 101. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to p.m. Monday- Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Drive-thru hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The bank is closed Saturday and Sunday.

205-802-6300, bryantbank.com

Rousso Pediatric Dentistry is celebrating one year at 2716 18th Place S., Suite 100, right by the Valley Hotel. Dr. Emily Rousso understands the unique needs of children and strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where they feel safe and comfortable. She takes the time to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs.

205-203-0584, roussopediatricdentistry.com

Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort is celebrating two years in business. The business combines expert veterinary care and surgical procedures with a resort for boarding in an upscale, modern environment. The fearfree facility is designed to minimize stress for pets while Dr. Claire Bellman and staff care for them. Emergency veterinary care is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

205-406-6710, birminghamanimalhospital.com

Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Shoppe, 1919 28th Ave. S., Suite 113, has been serving specialty burgers in the Homewood community for two years. The restaurant is a casual dining establishment, offering customers gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs made from American wagyu beef. Craft beer, top shelf bourbons and whiskeys are also on the menu. Diners can stop by Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 205-834-8648, whiskeyfoxtrotbham.com

The Homewood Star is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

Do you have news to share about a business in Homewood or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Alabama Aegis, Inc., 2910 Linden Ave., Suite 203, has been serving senior citizens and those with special needs for 31 years now. The organization provides life care planning services to maximize the client’s quality of life by assessing immediate needs and preparing for potential needs in the future. Alabama Aegis also provides services to oversee and coordinate care in nursing homes and recreational therapy. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 205-871-2007, alaaegis.com

CLOSING

DeVinci’s Italian Restaurant, located at 2707 18th St S in Homewood, will close Aug. 10 after 64 years in business. The announcement was posted to Instagram. The family’s statement thanked generations of customers and noted the building will transition to a new owner who “shares the same love for food and people.”

A farewell to Art Alley

By SARAH OWENS

For 25 years, Art Alley Gallery has stood quietly in the heart of Edgewood — a warm, light-filled space where original artwork and real conversation always took center stage. This fall, the gallery will close its doors for the final time.

“It’s just come to a time in our life where now we have nine grandchildren,” said owner Jim Smith. “We have a set of 4-month-old twins. So we just want to spend more time with family and each other.”

Smith, who opened the gallery in 2000 after leaving a corporate job that kept him on the road, built Art Alley on the belief that art was meant to be personal — and approachable. “We never did any prints, no reproductions of any kind,” he said. “We’ve tried to stay true to who we were.”

As Smith bids the shop farewell, he reflected on what made the space special:

“To our community of collectors, art lovers and curious wanderers who walked through our doors — you made this gallery alive,” Smith said. “Your enthusiasm, your questions, your willingness to be moved by art — you were never just visitors. You helped sustain not just our business, but our belief in art’s essential role in our lives.”

Inside its walls, Art Alley hosted work from across the Southeast and far beyond — including artists in London and Canada, and they even shipped work to collectors in Ukraine and Russia. Yet its heartbeat was

always local. “We love Homewood, and just wanted to really bring something to the community,” said Smith. “Back then, Edgewood was very tired and sleepy, and all this stuff hadn’t started happening. When I think about when we started what was around — Trilogy Leather and Edgewood Frame Shop, and then us — everything else is new down here. We’ve seen it grow and we’ve seen it change. We’ve seen it evolve to what it is today. But we’re really grateful for the artists that supported our gallery, because it was all developed on relationships.”

It’s those relationships Smith said he’ll miss the most — the conversations, the curiosity, the artists and return customers who became friends.

Smith attributes their success to the artists who trusted Art Alley with their creations.

“From emerging artists taking their first brave steps into the art world to established creators who honored us with your creations, you filled our walls with beauty that lifted spirits and opened minds,” said Smith.

The shop will close on Sept. 20, and Smith aims to sell as much inventory as possible before the final day.

As that day nears, Smith is clear-eyed — and grateful.

“Art Alley may be closing,” he said, “but the connections we’ve made, the art we’ve championed and the community we’ve built together — these live on.”

Visitors can explore the gallery’s final offerings Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the close date.

Jim Smith, the owner of Art Alley, is closing the doors of the art shop in Edgewood. The shop will close on Sept. 20. Photo by Sarah Owens.

► ADDRESS: 305 Broadway St.

► BED/BATH: 4/3.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,981 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Edgewood

► LIST PRICE: $1,200,000

► SALE PRICE: $1,375,000

► ADDRESS: 1569 Valley View Circle

► BED/BATH: 3/2.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,794 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Valley Avenue area

► LIST PRICE: $499,900

► SALE PRICE: $533,000

► ADDRESS: 106 Yorkshire Drive ► BED/BATH: 5/3.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,449 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Hollywood ► LIST PRICE: $1,295,000

► ADDRESS: 39 Edgehill Road

► BED/BATH: 3/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1377 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Edgehill

► LIST PRICE: $499,900

► SALE PRICE: $517,500

► ADDRESS: 501 Kenilworth Drive ► BED/BATH: 3/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,876 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Edgewood ► LIST PRICE: $875,000 ► SALE PRICE: $771,000

► ADDRESS: 1809 Parkside Circle

► BED/BATH: 4/3

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,399 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: West Homewood

► LIST PRICE: $524,900

► SALE PRICE: $502,950

SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Save the Date

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

► Where: Homewood City Schools

► When: Thursday, Aug. 7

► Call: 205-871-9663

► Web: homewood.k12.al.us

► Details: Students in Homewood City Schools will begin the 202526 academic year on Aug. 7. The district, known for its commitment to excellence in education, serves approximately 4,000 students across five schools. From kindergartners entering the classroom for the first time to seniors at Homewood High School marking their final first day, students and staff are preparing for a year focused on learning and growth.

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

► Where: Patriot Park

► When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

► Call: 205-332-6700

► Web: homewoodparks.com/special-events

► Cost: $10 wristband for unlimited rides

► Details: This event kicks off the new school year with rides, bounce houses, food and live entertainment. There is no admission charge, but to jump and play on the bounce houses and ride the mechanical attractions, you can purchase a wristband that will provide unlimited access to everything. Proceeds from the wristband sales go to benefit the Homewood High School Band.

HOMEWOOD STAR CANDIDATE FORUM

► Where: Rosewood Hall

► When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

► Web: thehomewoodstar.com/news/ homewood-star-candidate-forum

► Cost: Free

► Details: The Homewood Star will host a candidate forum ahead of the 2025 municipal election, where 12 candidates are running for mayor and City Council seats. The forum will offer voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates in a public group setting. All candidates are invited to attend and answer questions on key city issues.

ELECTION DAY

► Where: Homewood polling locations

► When: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

► Web: cityofhomewood.com/elections

► Details: Homewood residents will head to the polls on Aug. 26 to elect a mayor and City Council representatives. Those chosen will lead the city into a new era, as Homewood transitions to a new form of government when officials are sworn in this November. The city will adopt a city manager–council structure, featuring one councilor from each of four newly created wards. The mayor will serve as council president under the new format.

► For more events news, connect with the Homewood Star online by scanning the QR code.

► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Sarah Owens at sowens@starnesmedia.com.

HOMEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL WATERMELON SCRIMMAGE

► Where: Homewood Middle School

► When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

► Cost: Free, but feel free to bring your own watermelon

► Details: The annual Watermelon Scrimmage will return to Homewood Middle School, continuing a 27-year tradition that brings the school community together to celebrate the upcoming football season. The event showcases the seventh and eighth grade football teams, cheerleaders and dance team. One highlight is the watermelon relay challenge, where students pass a watermelon through their legs, one at a time.

CITY MEETINGS

Aug. 4 & 18: Finance, Planning and Development, Public Safety, Public Works and Special Issues Committees, 5 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 5: Arts Council, 6 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 7: Board of Zoning Adjustments, 6 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 7: Park Board, 6 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 11 & 25: City Council, 6 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 12: Planning Commission, 6 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 12: Historic Preservation Commission, 6 p.m., City Hall

Aug. 19: Environmental Commission, 6:30 p.m., Homewood Community Center

Aug. 21: Beautification Board, 12 p.m., City Hall

FIRST FOOTBALL GAME OF THE SEASON

► Where: Waldrop Stadium, 266 Snow Drive

► When: Friday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.

► Web: gofan.co/app/school/AL1074

► Cost: $11

► Details: Homewood High School’s varsity football team will kick off its 2025 season at home against John Carroll Catholic High School on Aug. 22. The matchup marks the Patriots’ first game of the year and sets the tone for the upcoming season. Fans can expect an exciting night as Homewood looks to build momentum early. With returning talent and high energy, the Patriots are eager to start strong in front of their home crowd.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Mondays: Virtual Library Yoga with Jackie Tally, 2–3 p.m.

Aug. 1: Sip & Strokes, Large Auditorium, 6:30–8 p.m.

Aug. 2: Adult Crafting: Sips & Pokes 2-D Yarn Felting, Room 102, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Aug. 5: Adult Crafting Henna - With September Reed, Room 109, 6:30–8 p.m.

Aug. 15: Pop-Up Sushi Class for Adults, Round Auditorium, 6–8 p.m.

Aug. 17: Book Swap, Round Auditorium, 3:30–5 p.m.

Aug. 18: Fairy Gardens, Round Auditorium, 3:30–4 p.m.

Aug. 19: Watercolor Weird Art, Room 110, 4–6 p.m.

Simplifying the Complex

Aug. 26: Niki Sepsas Presents - Birmingham: Feeling the “Magic”, Round Auditorium, 2–3 p.m. A Casual Q&A Event With Your Neighbor—Joe Stephens, CFP®

From saving for college to navigating job changes, caring for loved ones, or simply making

neighbor here in Homewood, for a casual, no-pressure Q&A event at Freddy’s Wine Bar. Bring your questions, or just listen in. From saving for college to planning for retirement, Joe makes the complex simple.

Tuesday August 19, 2025 5:30-7:30pm

Wine Bar - Homewood 1706 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209

bites and beverages will be provided

SPORTS

UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Patriots set up for big season

By KYLE PARMLEY

A check of a thesaurus should have Homewood football as a synonym to the word consistency.

The Patriots are the picture of it. Homewood has qualified for the state playoffs 13 years in a row and has advanced beyond the first round nine of those years.

They appear to be primed to make that 14 straight years this fall, as Homewood has the pieces in place to be one of the top Class 6A teams yet again.

“I think it’s just the closeness of this community and our team,” Homewood head coach Ben Berguson said. “They do everything together, so they’re really close, and they play for each other.”

Berguson said this year’s team has 29 seniors on the roster. One of those is quarterback Kaleb Carson, who got a few starts toward the end of last season for an injured Will Myers and thrived.

“Kaleb got a lot of experience last year, which gives him a lot of confidence going into this season,” he said.

Plenty of seniors, a starting quarterback ready to take over and a reliable defense are among the factors that give Berguson high hopes entering 2025.

OFFENSE

Carson is the type of quarterback who “wants the ball in his hands” in the big moments, according to Berguson. That bodes well for the Patriots’ offense. That unit was successful last fall, posting 33.8 points per game.

The running back room will search for some new names to become stars this season. Senior Davis Griffin appears to be capable of handling the bulk of the carries, with Chappy Chapleau and Reid Goldstein also pushing for their opportunities.

Berguson said this year’s receiving group is the deepest and tallest in program history.

Tomon Felton is the one with the most returning experience and production, and the Patriots are hoping he’s poised for a big season. David Walden and Davis Litton are expected to produce out of the slot, with sophomore Kamryn Foster eager to make a name for himself.

Henry Delk, Cornell Warren, Landon Pettus, Winn Heath and Caleb Jackson are all part of that position unit as well.

Adding to the competition to catch passes

from Carson are tight ends Hayes DeCoudres and J.T. Watts, two versatile and talented players who can catch passes and block.

The offensive line will need to prove itself, with only two returning starters. Henry Studinka is the returning center and Bardon King is back at guard. Gray Keown has moved over from the defensive line, while Tristan Bell and Edwin McBride are expected to become new starters as well. Asher Ketcham, Walker Bostick and Drew Berguson are also in competition and will get their chances.

DEFENSE

Homewood’s defense under coordinator Freddy Lawrence is always among the most consistent in the state and gets better throughout the season. The Patriots averaged allowing just 14.8 points per game in 2024.

This year’s unit has plenty of returning contributions in the front seven, while looking to fill a few holes in the secondary.

Along the line, Randall Jaquez will be a starter at nose guard for the third year, while Ford Hawkins is back and is a dependable force up front. Rod Lambert is back from injury, while Major Moorer and Dennis White will be in the rotation. Berguson also mentioned freshman Jakari Haynes as a future standout.

At linebacker, Luke Eldridge is the returning leader on the inside. At outside linebacker, Joey Luckianow and Henry Templeton are back, giving the Patriots plenty of experience in the middle of the defense. Parker Lindsey, Charlie Dabbs, Darren Stitt and J.D. Jordan are names to watch as well.

In the secondary, seniors George French and John Martin are back at corner. John Griffin is a starting safety for the third year in a row. Those three give the Patriots plenty of confidence, and new names will need to step up and help out as well. Guys like Ollie Whitten, Locke Tyree, Michael Luckianow, Quincy McGhee, Tate Burdeshaw and Bryon Long will all get their shot.

SPECIAL TEAMS

While specialists aren’t part of the mainstream recruiting services, Hardy Butler is officially the first five-star prospect Berguson has had the privilege of coaching. Butler was recently awarded a fifth star by Kohl’s.

At punter, Gabriel Carlson has come on strong over the summer and given Berguson reason to believe he can take over that role. Carson is also an option at kicker, with Ketcham and Judson Eanes also in play.

Looking for more Under the Lights? Scan the QR code (or go to qrco. de/under-the-lights) to follow us on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.

Joey Luckianow (49), left, and Randall Jaquez (34) Photo by Richard Force

Kaleb Carson (3). Photo by Richard Force.

John Griffin (3). Photo by Savannah Schmidt

Home Instead leads

Home Instead is a long-established, locally owned business that offers the finest, most compassionate non-medical, in-home care services for seniors and their families in the Birmingham area. Owner Dan Pahos was inspired to open Home Instead by his personal experience – caring for his own aging parents in Minnesota. He quit his job selling industrial supplies and opened the Birmingham franchise of Home Instead – the first in

“Our administrative staff have an average tenure of 11 years, and several have been with me for 20 years,” Pahos said. “Many of our CAREGivers stay

way

SPORTS

UNDER THE LIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Cavs out to prove 2023 was no fluke

By KYLE PARMLEY

The last thing John Carroll wants is for 2023 to be an outlier.

That 9-3 season represents the Cavs’ lone playoff appearance over the last 16 years, and they appear eager to change that in 2025.

The last time John Carroll posted a 3-7 season — in 2022 — the Cavs responded with nine wins the following year.

“We’ve got another senior-heavy group,” head coach Will Mara said. “They’re using last year to fuel what we do now.”

How do they repeat that improvement? By continuing to seek growth on a daily basis.

“One percent has been our big motto,” said Mara, now in his sixth year. “Every minute of every day, of every rep — whether it’s in the weight room, doing the running, the agility, the conditioning, or the 7-on-7 work — paying attention to those little tiny details and finishing all the way through.”

The Cavs lost seven games last fall, with at least four of them solidly within reach. They hope those incremental gains help flip the script this fall.

Pat Sullivan Field has a new look this year, with fresh turf and several facility upgrades underway.

“It’s been fun for the kids to watch,” Mara said.

OFFENSE

Unlike last fall, the Cavs return their starting quarterback. Garrett Barnes was thrust into the fire last season and gained valuable experience. He now has full command of the offense — along with his “cannon” of an arm.

Aubrey Coker started at running back as a freshman before suffering an injury, but he’s back and expected to have a big season. Debo Battle is also in the backfield mix.

Barnes will have several familiar targets. Jackson Rankin returns as one of the Cavs’ top two-way players. Braden White is another returning contributor. Kannon Hammock, Kieran Ford, Braden Bentley, Manley Fleming and Jason Williams are also names to watch.

Truman Vines plays both ways, serving as a tight end on offense. Isaac Kelley will also rotate in, while Andy Everett handles more of a fullback role.

The offensive line should be a strength. All five projected starters either started or played significant snaps last season: Hugh Tighe at left tackle, Nick Garrido at left guard, Colton Redmond at center, Bo Burke at right guard and Josh Chandler at right tackle.

DEFENSE

John Carroll has implemented some new defensive schemes in an effort to improve a unit that allowed 24 points per game last year. There’s a mix of veteran and young talent along the defensive front. Nic Gagliano has anchored the line for most of his high school career. Jacob Childress, who holds an offer from North Alabama, will also make an impact. Tighe sees time on defense as well.

Freshman Connie Tripp has big potential and is part of the Cavs’ next wave.

In the middle, Alex Plaia leads the linebacker corps. Bobby O’Farrell, Niajel Morgan and Joseph Hounkpe are also expected to play key roles.

The secondary features plenty of experience. Rankin enters his fourth year as a starter and is versatile across the defense. Garvey Hannon will start at safety, with Hammock and Vines providing support there.

Battle is expected to start at cornerback, with Jayden Starks, Judah Metcalf and Williams also in the mix.

SPECIAL TEAMS

John Carroll boasts a pair of reliable

specialists. Ryan Swetz, a punter with a 4.5star rating from Kohl’s, returns with a big leg. Max Sullivan, a soccer player, will handle kickoffs and field goals.

The Cavs are still searching for a full-time long snapper.

Looking for more Under the Lights? Scan the QR code (or go to qrco. de/under-the-lights) to follow us on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.

Garrett Barnes (12). Photo by Ted Melton

Nick Garrido (50). Photo by James Nicholas

Alex Plaia (1). Photo by Savannah Schmidt

COMMUNITY

56 for 56: The finish line … or is it?

By TIM STEPHENS

So I didn’t lose all the weight. But I lost a lot of things that were heavier.

Fifty-six pounds became 56 truths I’ve learned along the way.

1. There was a time I thought I could outwork anything.

2. Deadlines. Emotions. My own wiring.

3. I set a goal: 56 pounds by 56 years old.

4. But somewhere along the way, I realized this wasn’t just about weight.

5. I’ve done this before. Over and over. Lose big, gain big. Burn bright, then burn out.

6. Not from lack of willpower, but because I was undiagnosed, misunderstood, and praised for the mask.

7. I was praised for doing the work of five people. But no one ever asked why I did it.

8. Turns out, I’m not lazy, or flaky or inconsistent.

9. I’m neurodivergent. ADHD. RSD. CPTSD. Possibly undiagnosed autism. Definitely high-functioning masking.

10. I used to think the crash was a failure. Now I know it was the only honest response.

11. I don’t hate the grind. I’m built for it. But I can’t stay in that gear forever.

12. My brain is a supercomputer with no cooling system.

13. It can do six months of work in six hours, then lock up for six days.

14. I didn’t miss my goal because I gave up.

15. I missed it because I finally stopped abusing myself in the name of performance.

16. I still love intensity. But now I know sustainability is the harder discipline.

17. I thought I was disciplined. But I only knew extremes — all in or burned out.

18. I haven’t found the middle. I’m just learning to name the pattern before it owns me.

19. I didn’t run out of motivation. I ran out of mask fuel.

20. I was never too much. I was never broken. I just didn’t know the name for what I was fighting.

21. Every setback wasn't a weakness. It was my nervous system screaming for help.

22. I wasn’t falling behind. I was breaking cycles.

23. Rest isn’t quitting. Silence isn’t failure. Stillness isn’t laziness.

24. I finally know what real self-care looks like. And it’s not a massage or a cheat day.

25. It’s saying no without guilt.

26. It’s asking for help before the crash.

27. It’s not explaining your boundaries.

28. I don’t owe access to everyone who remembers a different version of me.

29. I’m not who I used to be. And I’m not sorry for that.

30. I don’t have to give more of my time or myself than I have capacity to give.

31. I don’t have to burn out to be worthy.

32. Success is not a sprint. Healing is not linear.

33. I don’t want applause. I want peace.

34. This journey wasn’t about pounds. It was about patterns.

35. But I earned every single one of them.

36. This wasn’t just a weight loss goal. It was a reckoning.

37. I did lose weight – 35 pounds – just

not all of it.

38. I lost the shame.

39. I lost the guilt and pain of things that were not mine to own.

40. I lost the story that said I had to earn rest.

41. I lost the mask.

42. And I found the truth.

43. The truth is: knowing what you're facing doesn't make it easier to face.

44. ADHD isn’t a quirk. It’s not a superpower. Not knowing until my middle 50s cost me more than most people will ever know.

45. Knowing now gives me the chance to be authentically me — maybe for the first time.

46. Trauma isn't a weakness. It's a memory

stored in the body.

47. High performance isn't always high health.

48. Most people see the output. Few ask about the cost.

49. I don't want to be admired. I want to be understood.

50. I don't want to impress. I want to feel.

51. My worth is not my productivity.

52. My peace is not a reward. It is a right.

53. My truth is not always easy. But it's mine now.

54. This wasn't a failure. It was a reveal.

55. So no, this isn’t the finish line.

56. I’m 56 years old. I know who I am. And I’m finally free to be me.

Starnes Media General Manager Tim Stephens and Hotworx’s Danica Kempinski celebrate his progress on his 56-for-56 journey. Staff Photo.

BACK TO SCHOOL

CONTINUED from page 1

This will be the first year for the course to be offered at Homewood High School, and 20 students are anticipated to take the course.

“This is a full-year high school course that covers the fundamentals of networking,” York said. “The course interweaves essential networking concepts with relevant, hands-on problem-solving activities to maximize students’ understanding of network hardware and configuration, the use of protocols to enable reliable and accurate transmission of data between different hosts around the world, and relevant security practices that secure the transmission of data both within and between computer networks.”

With the course, students should develop a better understanding of skills that will contribute to their ability to pass widely recognized professional cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): Networking.

NEW SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Homewood schools will have updated standards to teach with a new science curriculum, per the new Alabama Science Course of Study, which is reflected in the updated HCS Learning Targets for the 2025-26 school year.

In addition to the curriculum, there are new textbooks and supplemental resources that align to the new course of study in order to assist teachers in implementing the new learning targets.

LUNCH POLICIES

Homewood City Schools announced in July its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.

Children need healthy meals to learn,

Edgewood in 2016 as an instructional aide before becoming a classroom teacher in 2019.

[The cyber security course] is a full-year high school course that covers the fundamentals of networking. The course interweaves essential networking concepts with relevant, hands-on problem-solving activities …

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF INSTRUCTION CRISTY YORK

and Homewood City Schools offers healthy meals every school day.

The cost is as follows:

► Breakfast: $1.75 for elementary, $2 for secondary

► Lunch: $3 for elementary, $3.25 for secondary

► Reduced price: 30 cents for breakfast, 40 cents for lunch

Students who qualify for free or reducedprice meals include those from households receiving Alabama SNAP, FDPIR or TANF; children in households receiving Medicaid; foster children; children in Head Start programs; and children identified as homeless,

runaway or migrant. The district notifies households of eligibility once determined. Eligibility is based on guidelines that consider both household income and size. The income thresholds for eligibility have been updated for the 2025-26 school year.

NEW FACES

Ashley McCullars was named the new principal at Edgewood Elementary School. McCullars, a lifelong Homewood resident and longtime educator at Edgewood, stepped into her role as principal July 1.

Devon Davis was named assistant principal at Edgewood. Davis began his career at

Ellen Maple was named assistant principal of Hall-Kent Elementary. Maple has served the last 13 years as a counselor at Hall-Kent.

NEW YEAR SHOWCASE

It’s nothing new for the Homewood High School Patriot Marching Band to get a big opportunity to show its talent. But it never gets old to ring in the new year in California.

The Patriots will spend the fall preparing for one of the biggest honors in marching band tradition — performing in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2026.

It will mark Homewood’s sixth appearance in the iconic New Year’s Day parade, watched by millions around the world.

Homewood’s band, the largest high school marching band in the state with more than 375 members, has performed at other major events, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, in 2024. But few events carry the prestige of the Rose Parade.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our Homewood Patriot Band and the community of Homewood. We are so excited to once again be selected to march in the

Ashley McCullars was named the new principal at Edgewood Elementary School. Photos courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

Devon Davis was named assistant principal at Edgewood Elementary School.

Ellen Maple was named assistant principal of Hall-Kent Elementary School.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our Homewood Patriot Band and the community of Homewood. We are so excited to once again be selected to march in the Granddaddy of them all — the Tournament of Roses Parade 2026.

BAND DIRECTOR CHRIS COOPER

”Granddaddy of them all — the Tournament of Roses Parade 2026,” said Band Director Chris Cooper.

NEW FACILITIES

Across Interstate 65, John Carroll Catholic High School’s Cavaliers will take the field this fall on a newly overhauled Pat Sullivan Field, part of a $2.7 million renovation to the school’s primary athletic facilities.

The upgrades, completed in time for the 2025 football season, include a synthetic turf field, a new six-lane running track, updated stadium lighting and fencing, a new video scoreboard, and additional track-and-field amenities.

While football will benefit most visibly, Head Coach Will Mara said the improvements will enhance the experience for all sports and school activities. “The kids were stunned,” Mara said of his team’s reaction when he broke the news. “They went nuts. It was a genuine reaction.”

Principal Ronald Steele said the project reflects the school’s mission to educate students “in mind, body and spirit” and to serve the families of partner Catholic schools and parishes.

The project was made possible by the John Carroll Catholic High School Excellence in Athletics Foundation, established in 2023 by alumni, families and the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham. Notable alumni including Jean Sullivan, wife of the late Pat Sullivan, serve on the board. The first day of classes at John Carroll will be Monday, Aug. 11.

NEW CELL PHONE RULES

Gov. Kay Ivey signed a new state law in

team at ENT Associates includes 15

entalabama.com, or scan the QR code to connect with us

May that went into effect July 1, requiring students to keep their cellphones and other internet-supported devices such as earbuds and smartwatches turned off during the school day. The law is designed to lessen distractions for students so they focus more on learning. The board for Homewood City Schools was reviewing the law before sending out communication to parents on any changes that may be pertinent to the

Homewood High School Patriot Marching Band was surprised with an official invite to perform in the 2026 Rose Parade during a football game in October 2024. Photo by Scott Butler.

VOTE

CONTINUED from page 1

Joining Andress in the mayoral race is retired educator Robin Litaker. All four council seats are contested:

► Ward 1: Tiffany McIntyre, Paul Simmons II

► Ward 2: Incumbent Nick Sims, JJ Thomas

► Ward 3: Greg Cobb, Chris Lane, John Manzelli and Keith Young

► Ward 4: Winslow Armstead, Kristin Williams

With 12 candidates on the ballot, key issues such as communication, transparency, school support, public safety and responsible development are top priorities for both voters and those running for office.

Those elected will begin working alongside

Homewood’s first city manager, Glen Adams, who oversees the city’s daily operations and will report to both the council and the mayor. Under the new system, the mayor’s role also includes serving as president of the council.

This year’s mayoral race offers voters two distinct choices:

► Jennifer Andress: Jennifer Andress, external affairs and special projects director for the Freshwater Land Trust, has served on the Homewood City Council for the past nine years. During her tenure, she has been a vocal advocate for infrastructure improvements and environmental stewardship, helping expand the city’s greenways and trail systems. She has chaired the Planning & Development Committee and served on the Special Issues Committee. Her campaign focuses on strengthening public safety, supporting Homewood’s schools, protecting parks and

neighborhoods, and ensuring transparent leadership.

► Robin Litaker: Robin Litaker is a retired educator who worked for Hoover City Schools for more than 20 years. She ran for Congress in 2024 against U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell but has since turned her focus to local governance. A central theme of her campaign is improving accountability following recent financial scandals in the city. In April, former Finance Director Robert Burgett was convicted of embezzling nearly $950,000 in city tax revenue. A state audit later criticized city leadership for not detecting the discrepancies earlier. In response, Litaker is campaigning for stronger financial oversight, increased transparency and improved city operations.

Voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 26. If needed, a runoff election will be held on Sept. 23.

How to Vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 26. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A runoff, if needed, will take place Tuesday, Sept. 23.

RACES AND CANDIDATES

► Mayor: Jennifer Andress, Robin Litaker

► Ward 1: Tiffany McIntyre, Paul Simmons II

► Ward 2: Nick Sims (Incumbent), JJ Thomas

► Ward 3: Greg Cobb, Chris Lane, John Manzelli and Keith Young

► Ward 4: Winslow Armstead, Kristin Williams

POLLING LOCATIONS

► Ward 1: Senior Center, 816 Oak Grove Road

► Ward 2: Board of Education, 450 Dale Ave.

► Ward 3: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road

► Ward 4: City Hall, 2850 19th St. S.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Voters must be registered at least 14 days prior to the election. The registration deadline is Aug. 12. Register or update your information at alabamavotes.gov or in person at City Hall, any courthouse, or state-aid agency.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Voters who cannot vote in person may request an absentee ballot application from the city clerk.

Homewood residents will cast their ballots for the city’s next mayor and new city councilors on Aug. 26. Staff photos.

This year, as Bryant Bank marks our 20th anniversary, it’s our customers who deserve the accolades. For two decades, you’ve trusted us, believed in us and relied on us to help you meet your ﬁnancial goals. Without you, there would be no us. So thank you to our customers, who have been, and continue to be, a valued part of our family.

VOTER GUIDE MEET THE CANDIDATES

MAYOR

Jennifer Andress

Jennifer Andress currently serves on the Homewood City Council and is the director of external affairs at the Freshwater Land Trust. A longtime resident and community advocate, Andress is running for mayor with a platform focused on strengthening public safety, supporting Homewood’s topranked schools, and preserving the city’s parks and neighborhoods. She emphasizes the need for responsive and transparent leadership, pledging open communication with residents and a commitment to inclusive decision-making. During her time on the council, Andress has been active in infrastructure improvements and environmental stewardship, particularly expanding greenways and trails. She brings experience in civic leadership and community engagement, aiming to guide Homewood through its next chapter with a focus on collaboration, accountability and maintaining the city’s high quality of life.

Robin Litaker

Robin Litaker is a retired educator and longtime Homewood resident who is running for mayor with a focus on strengthening city operations and increasing transparency in local government. Her campaign emphasizes addressing everyday issues such as parking, public safety and effective service delivery. Litaker advocates for a more open and accessible city administration, pledging to listen to residents and foster greater public involvement in decision-making. With decades of leadership in education, she brings experience in organization, communication and community engagement. In 2024, Litaker ran for Congress against U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, further demonstrating her interest in public service and civic leadership. As mayor, she aims to bring a fresh perspective to city hall and ensure responsive governance for all of Homewood.

CITY COUNCIL - WARD 1

Tiffany McIntyre

Tiffany McIntyre, a West Homewood native and lifelong community volunteer, is running for the Ward 1 seat on the Homewood City Council. Her campaign centers on preserving the city’s small-town charm while guiding responsible and thoughtful growth. McIntyre’s priorities include supporting strong public schools, fostering safer and better-connected neighborhoods and providing transparent, family-focused leadership. She brings deep local involvement to her candidacy, having served with the Homewood City Schools Foundation, Homewood Athletic Foundation, multiple PTOs and the Service Guild of Birmingham. With roots in the community and a passion for public service, McIntyre aims to represent the values of Ward 1 residents and ensure that Homewood remains a welcoming and vibrant place for families and future generations.

Paul Simmons II

Paul Simmons II, a longtime Homewood resident and community advocate, is running for the Ward 1 seat on the Homewood City Council. A member of the Homewood City Schools Foundation Board, Simmons is campaigning on a pledge to serve with integrity, transparency and a strong commitment to listening to residents. His platform emphasizes responsive representation and ensuring that the voices of Ward 1 are heard and respected in city decision-making. Simmons also serves on the board of the Mike Slive Foundation, reflecting his broader commitment to service. As a small business owner and engaged citizen, he aims to bring a community-focused perspective and a desire to help guide Homewood’s future with thoughtful, accountable leadership.

CITY COUNCIL - WARD 2

Nick Sims (I)

Nick Sims, an incumbent member of the Homewood City Council, is seeking re-election to represent Ward 2. He also serves as vice president of allocations and grants at United Way of Central Alabama, bringing a professional background in nonprofit leadership and community development. Sims is campaigning on a platform focused on strengthening communication between the city and its residents, ensuring that public input is prioritized in local decision-making. A key priority in his next term is collaborating with fellow leaders and community members as Homewood works to develop a new comprehensive plan. With experience in both civic service and strategic planning, Sims aims to continue fostering a transparent, inclusive approach to city governance that supports thoughtful growth and community engagement.

JJ Thomas

JJ Thomas, a longtime Homewood resident and small business owner, is running for the Ward 2 seat on the Homewood City Council. His campaign focuses on improving public safety, strengthening city communication, promoting transparent leadership and supporting smart, sustainable growth. Thomas brings a business-minded perspective to city governance, with experience as the founder and CEO of Class Action Capital, co-owner of Slice Pizza & Brew and developer of The Edge. With deep roots in the community and a record of entrepreneurship, Thomas aims to bring practical problem-solving and strategic planning to the council. He emphasizes listening to residents and fostering open dialogue as Homewood con tinues to grow, with a commitment to preserving the character and quality of life that make the city unique.

VOTER GUIDE MEET THE CANDIDATES

CITY COUNCIL - WARD 3

Greg Cobb

Greg Cobb, a former longtime city employee, is running for the Ward 3 seat on the Homewood City Council. Cobb served the city for 22 years, retiring in 2021 as director of building, engineering and zoning. He began his tenure as a senior engineering inspector and went on to hold roles including principal engineering inspector, plans examiner and senior plans examiner. Throughout his career, Cobb was deeply involved in infrastructure planning, zoning and public works, helping shape many of the systems and improvements still in place today. With firsthand knowledge of Homewood’s neighborhoods, policies and municipal processes, Cobb is campaigning on experience, problem-solving and continued public service. He aims to bring institutional knowledge and practical leadership to the council.

Chris Lane

Chris Lane, a longtime Homewood resident and local business owner, is running for the Ward 3 seat on the Homewood City Council. Lane is the founder of C Lane Company, a Homewood-based business recognized as one of the Southeast’s leading produce distributors. His campaign emphasizes increasing transparency, expanding public involvement and pursuing reforms in how the city operates. Lane also prioritizes protecting Homewood’s nationally recognized school system and working collaboratively with fellow council members to help restore public trust. With a background in business leadership and a deep connection to the community, Lane aims to bring a results-driven, accountable approach to city governance. He advocates for inclusive dialogue, strategic planning and a city government that reflects the values and voices of its residents.

John Manzelli

John Manzelli, a Homewood resident and theatre chair at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, is running for the Ward 3 seat on the Homewood City Council. Manzelli entered the race after organizing a petition opposing the Creekside development, which garnered signatures from more than 600 residents. His campaign focuses on thoughtful redevelopment of Brookwood Village, improving traffic flow and parking access, and increasing transparency from both local officials and institutions like Samford University. A strong advocate for the arts, Manzelli also seeks to elevate Homewood’s cultural presence and support creative initiatives throughout the city. He brings a background in education, advocacy and community organizing, and is committed to ensuring resident voices are heard in shaping the city’s future.

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Keith Young

Keith Young, a 12-year Homewood resident and small business owner, is running for the Ward 3 seat on the Homewood City Council. He is the founder and owner of Change of Color, a company specializing in painting and home maintenance services. Young’s campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, smart economic development and public safety. He is also committed to supporting Homewood’s schools, protecting the environment, enhancing local parks and providing honest, responsive representation. With a background in hands-on service and entrepreneurship, Young emphasizes a practical, community-focused approach to city leadership. He aims to ensure that Homewood remains a safe, vibrant and well-managed city that reflects the needs and values of its residents.

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CITY COUNCIL - WARD 4

Winslow Armstead

Winslow Armstead, a Homewood resident and community leader, is running for the Ward 4 seat on the Homewood City Council. He currently serves as vice chair of the Homewood Planning Commission and is a member of the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustments. Professionally, Armstead is a senior strategic account manager with Altec, bringing experience in relationship-building and strategic planning. His campaign is centered on a commitment to listening to residents, uplifting community voices and preserving Homewood’s close-knit, small-town character. With a strong understanding of city planning and zoning processes, Armstead aims to help guide Homewood’s growth while maintaining the values that make the city unique. He pledges thoughtful, responsive leadership rooted in respect for the people and neighborhoods of Ward 4.

Kristin Williams

Kristin Williams, a Homewood native and active community volunteer, is running for the Ward 4 seat on the Homewood City Council. She works in client development at SouthOak Title and Closing Services and has been involved in numerous civic and youth-focused organizations, including the Homewood Lacrosse Board, Homewood Team Sports and the Junior League of Birmingham. Williams is campaigning on a platform that prioritizes smart, responsible neighborhood growth, enhanced investment in youth and recreational opportunities and deeper community engagement across all areas of the city. With lifelong ties to Homewood and a passion for family-centered leadership, she aims to foster collaborative decision-making and preserve the city’s welcoming, connected character while preparing for its continued growth and future challenges through thoughtful and transparent leadership.

VOTER GUIDE ASK THE CANDIDATES

Editor’s Note: Submissions have been edited for length and clarity. To read the full version, go to thehomewoodstar.com

Jennifer Andress for Mayor

What motivated you to run for office in Homewood’s 2025 election?

Robin Litaker for Mayor

I’m running for mayor because I care deeply about where we go next. I’ve spent the last nine years listening, solving problems, and delivering results that matter. I know this community, because I’ve lived it—as a mom, a neighbor, and a councilor. With big changes ahead, we need leadership that’s ready on day one. I’m ready to serve, ready to lead, and ready to keep delivering for Homewood.

How do you plan to improve communication between city leadership and residents?

How do you plan to guide development and manage growth — especially in areas adjacent to Samford University?

Good leadership starts with good communication. For the past nine years, I’ve made it a priority to keep Ward 5 residents informed through weekly newsletters, social media updates, and personal conversations with neighbors.As mayor, I’ll bring that same commitment citywide. Let’s be honest, Homewood isn’t used to having a mayor who consistently keeps you informed. I plan to change that. You won’t have to wonder what’s happening. I’ll keep you in the loop because it’s your city.

What we saw with Samford & Creekside was that the process worked. We want smart development and due to our great financial stability, we don’t need to make decisions based on tax revenue that could come at the expense of our quality of life. We are beginning the process of a comprehensive master plan that can be a 20 year road map for Homewood’s future. The plan will heavily rely on public input and professional expertise.

What are your priorities for addressing stormwater management and local flooding concerns?

How do you plan to support Homewood City Schools during your term?

Stormwater management is a priority because it affects safety, property values, and quality of life. We’ve already secured grants that have helped protect neighborhoods and increased staffing in our Engineering and Zoning Department. As mayor, I’ll continue pushing for smart infrastructure improvements and long-term solutions—not just temporary fixes. I’ll also work closely with at risk property owners to identify problem areas and ensure progress is collaborative.

One of Homewood’s greatest strengths is our public schools, and nobody appreciates that more than my family does. As a former PTO President and mom, I’ve seen our sons go through the system, from pre-K through graduation, and they’re now excelling in college thanks to the preparation they received. As mayor, I’ll continue work closely with our Board of Education to ensure our schools stay strong, because strong schools mean strong neighborhoods and a stronger Homewood.

I’m running for Mayor of Homewood because I believe we can be the best small city in America—one that’s trusted, transparent, and fiscally responsible. With $159 million in city debt and failed oversight, we need leadership that understands public finances and serves the people, not personal agendas. I bring experience in managing complex budgets with accountability. As Mayor, I’ll ensure residents and business owners are heard first and have the final say in shaping our future.

Most people are busy—but you still deserve to know when city projects or decisions affect neighborhoods or businesses. As mayor, I’ll create a Communications Committee of Homewood residents to improve how we share information and ensure transparency. We’ll use color-coded alerts, hold targeted neighborhood meetings, and publish monthly reports on city activity. No more behind-closeddoors decisions. City business is your business—and I’ll make sure you’re informed.

I earned my doctorate from Samford and deeply value its role in our community. But learning about a major project without informing the public raised serious concerns. Growth is expected—but transparency is essential. Our City Council must inform residents early and often, especially on developments that impact neighborhoods and businesses. As mayor, I’ll prioritize open dialogue, direct community input, and thoughtful planning—ensuring you’re part of the whole process.

For too long, we’ve been reactive, not proactive with stormwater management. We need to take this seriously—and now. What we must do: 1. Establish a clear, phased citywide infrastructure replacement and maintenance plan. 2. Enforce stronger oversight of new construction. 3. Implement natural solutions where possible—planting trees and vegetation to absorb runoff and prevent erosion. 4. Create a permanent maintenance program so we never return to this.

I’m a 33-year veteran educator, former Alabama State Teacher of the Year, and former school administrator. Our schools are one of the primary reasons families choose Homewood. I bring deep experience and understanding of how schools work—from finances and staffing to day-to-day operations and long-term planning. I’ve trained in multiple operational areas, including the National Incident Management System, which enhances my ability to advocate for school safety.

Paul Simmons II for City Council - Ward 1

The city of Homewood is in a transition. We’ve consolidated wards, hired a city manager and now you’ve consolidated the council members. So, it’s going to be a new form of government. … I’ve always served my community in several capacities — through the Homewood City Schools Foundation, the Mike Slive Foundation and other work. I have a heart for service, and what better way to serve than to represent the community I live in.

We’re fortunate to have several avenues for communication. … As part of my communication strategy, I plan to use every tool available—Facebook, Instagram, and more—because that’s where people are. I also recognize that the city already shares some information on its website, but I believe that can be improved. One of my key priorities is ensuring that communication from the city is clearer, more consistent, and more informative so residents truly understand what’s happening in our community.

I think the community as a whole wants progress, but let’s be honest, all progress is not created equal. So, I support growth with a purpose. That really means development that’s smart, sustainable, that’s really true to the character of Homewood. … We welcome any new opportunity, but I think we have to be mindful — welcoming in that new opportunity without losing the charm and the value that makes our neighborhoods what we call home.

You need a clear, well-thoughtout strategy in place. You can’t afford to make hasty decisions, especially when it comes to long-term issues like stormwater and drainage. But with the right leadership involved, I believe it’s a problem that can be solved.

Tiffany McIntyre for City Council - Ward 1

I’ve been really involved in Homewood for a long time.

I’m from here, graduated from HHS, and I have been involved in the school system at every level— with PTOs or Homewood City Schools Foundation, Homewood Athletic Foundation — but my kids are getting older now. Our youngest is going to be a sophomore this year, and I just wanted the opportunity to serve Homewood in a little bit different capacity. I love Homewood and serving is my passion.

I’ve had several people mention a monthly or quarterly West Homewood newsletter. That is something I plan on implementing to keep people up to date on what is coming up, or things going on up at city hall that people want to think about and contact me about or weigh in on. I really want to give people a chance to digest new ideas or new developments and have time to think about things and provide meaningful feedback.

In the past, it’s been difficult for us to get on the same page with Samford. I think there needs to be more give and take. Samford has a big impact, and we need to recognize that, but we are a big part of what makes Samford special, and they should acknowledge the community they are part of too. I’m excited to continue those conversations, because I know that we can work together on development that benefits both.

I never pretend to have all the answers, and I want to learn from those with technical expertise on these issues. I need more information on where problems exist before forming strong opinions. Homewood has benefited from the development of larger homes, especially in Edgewood, but that growth brings responsibility. Water runoff and infrastructure are city issues. We must own this and create plans so homeowners aren’t left to solve community-wide problems.

I believe strong schools build strong communities. My wife and I moved to Homewood because of the school systems. It’s a strong school system. However, I’m also proud to live in this city that values that. … I think Homewood has been very good at that. But I pledge to fight to keep public schools well funded, well supported and then closely connected to the families that we serve.

That is where my specialty lies. I am constantly involved in our schools and plan to continue doing what I’ve always done—being present, available, raising funds, and supporting our educators. We have the best teachers in Alabama, and I’ll bend over backwards to ensure they have the resources and training they need to stay that way. Supporting them means supporting our students and our community’s future. I’m committed to keeping our schools strong and thriving.

ASK THE CANDIDATES VOTER GUIDE

This past winter I asked my parents if it was selfish to run again, given the time away from family. They said without hesitation, “You have to run again. It is so important that good people run, and you cannot step away at a time when elected officials who are public servants are very much needed vs. those who are motivated by power and control.” I am running because I love my community.

The city manager position is an opportunity to improve communication. The manager’s office will be a full-time, staffed office serving as the city’s primary contact — coordinating information and reports for the public. Communication improvements made my first term: launched “Speak to Us Homewood,” posted Planning Commission/ BZA packets, created “Citizen Connection,” launched HPD app & alerts/crime reports, monthly Ward 3 newsletter and engaged in conversations.

The future of Samford will be implemented by the university and not the city directly, and the Samford Horizons Master Plan indicates their future proposed land use. The city’s comprehensive plan will in turn provide insight to Samford as to what the Homewood community would like to see as properties are considered for redevelopment. It’s important that Homewood residents engage in this vision building and that Homewood’s elected officials listen to its residents.

Stormwater management has been a main priority of mine, with a Stormwater Master Plan completed in my first term. We also secured $4 million-plus to repair or replace storm sewers, creek walls and related infrastructure, and improved policies relating to stormwater management. These improvements led to the city improving from a Class 9 to a Class 7 FEMA National Flood Insurance rating, resulting in a 15% premium discount for residents required to carry flood insurance.

The continued support of Homewood City Schools is one of the council’s most important actions. Our school system is exceptional and our annual budget commitment to the district from the penny sales tax and property taxes is key to their success — a commitment I will continue to support. As a councilor, I will fulfill my responsibility of appointing qualified school board members and allow those representatives to autonomously govern in collaboration with the superintendent.

JJ Thomas for City Council - Ward 2

I am running to give Ward 2 voters a choice. … We have all recently seen first-hand the significance that city government has on our daily lives, such as public safety, parking, major development projects near our houses and parks, protecting taxpayer money, and transparent communications. I am running because I believe I can do a better job for Homewood on these important issues that face us now and that will arise in the future.

The city must, and does, follow certain legal notification requirements. But I believe we can improve the notification methods by implementing best practices and using technology to ensure all citizens can receive timely notifications on any issues that may affect them and their family. Voters desire to track and participate in their city government, and I believe the council’s decision-making is much improved with prior input from the community.

There are smart-growth principles we can follow that have worked well in other college towns in balancing a nearby university’s growth with community concerns. I am of the opinion most of Homewood is proud to have Samford as part of our city and wants to see it flourish. Future proposed development needs to be patient and purposeful and might be best if phased out to ensure each part involves a more detailed analysis, explanation, and public participation process.

My priority will be to ensure our stormwater complies with federal and state regulations, while addressing immediate flooding issues and balancing infrastructure needs with community concerns and quality of life. Using the recent Stormwater Master Plan as a blueprint, I will work on identifying grants and public-private partnership opportunities to help fund the proposed capital improvement projects. The city has a plan but not adequate funding or capital allocation to execute it.

According to HCS’s Long Range Facilities Plan, they need to spend an additional $1.8 million per year for improvements to the physical condition of schools, and spend $13 million per year to maintain current facility conditions and address life-cycle needs. I would work to identify funding opportunities and partner with the superintendent and school board to ensure our facilities are safe and well-maintained, while also exploring future needs for expansion or replacement.

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Nick Sims (I) for City Council - Ward 2

Deborah Sema, DMD, MS

VOTER GUIDE ASK THE CANDIDATES

Chris Lane for City Council - Ward 3

Greg Cobb for City Council - Ward 3

John Manzelli for City Council - Ward 3

What motivated you to run for office in Homewood’s 2025 election?

How do you plan to improve communication between city leadership and residents?

Homewood is a city full of good people who want the same thing — a community that works, leadership they can trust, and a future that feels steady. But over the past few years, that trust has been tested. … My priorities are to stay grounded in what’s best for the people who live here, and that includes protecting the heart of our community: our businesses, our neighborhoods and, most importantly, our schools.

I would proactively communicate with residents about city projects early in the process to help shape initiatives that may affect their neighborhoods. I would host regular public forums and listening sessions. I am motivated to engage with anyone, at any time, about any topic. That philosophy has paid rich dividends in my business throughout the years, and it can in city government as well.

I’ve sat in those council meetings for 20 years. I went to every council meeting, Board of Zoning Adjustments and Planning Commission meetings. … Having spent all that time and all those meetings, I saw a lot of things that I couldn’t agree with, and so I said, “One day I’d like to be on the council.”

When the Creekside proposal was announced, I started speaking out — and before I knew it, people began finding me and sharing their concerns, their frustrations, and asking, “What can we do?” I felt a deep responsibility to my neighbors to keep fighting. As the filing period approached, I realized there was a lot of work that can be done in our community and there was an opportunity to step up, serve my community, and give something back.

I’ve always believed in public service and I’ve spent much of my career working behind the scenes to support ideals and leaders who were trying to do the right thing for their communities. I’ve worked for two Attorneys General, helped lead a statewide nonprofit focused on government reform, and stayed involved in the issues that impact people’s everyday lives. Public service is something I’ve always felt called to and now it’s the right time to step forward myself.

How do you plan to guide development and manage growth — especially in areas adjacent to Samford University?

One of the biggest issues [with Creekside] was the lack of full transparency from the city that these plans were being refined well before getting community input. Fortunately, the community rallied to let the city know of their concerns, but not without damage to the trust in city leadership. I believe the city and Samford can and will work cooperatively — again, with community input early in the process — to do what is best for Homewood and benefits Samford.

What are your priorities for addressing stormwater management and local flooding concerns?

How do you plan to support Homewood City Schools during your term?

Homewood has an aging infrastructure that affects our residents’ daily lives. There are areas where residents have dealt with flooding for years, with the city and county falling short on some promised repairs. I will meet with residents and businesses who have been impacted by stormwater issues, along with city services, to coordinate solutions. I will bring those needs and ideas to the city manager and City Council to request funding in the budget.

Our schools are vital to the success of our city. I am committed to keeping Homewood schools the top-ranked in Alabama — by giving them the resources they need to continue thriving and planning for the future. I believe my role as a councilor is to get out of their way so they can keep doing what they do best. Strong schools help create strong neighborhoods and a thriving city.

When you start developing along that watershed, you’ve got to protect your watershed, and all that development is going to increase your flood. No matter what — you cover up the land, so you’re going to increase your flood. So it’s going to start with the Planning Commission, and then it’s going to go to the City Council. So I think we’ve got checks and balances in place to control it a little bit.

Water is the number one problem we have, above anything else, and it’s going to be that way from now on as we keep on developing. If we don’t keep a handle on that and prepare for it, we’re going to have problems.

Well, I’m an open door. You can call me anytime, and I still have people call me. I’ve been retired for four years, and I still have people call me asking for help or they don’t know who to contact. … I like to be more hands-on, and when problems come up, solve them. If I can’t solve them, I’ll find somebody who can. Keep them like they are. … I think our schools are fine. We leave them alone. Don’t mess with the schools. Don’t overload them by building more apartments — that was a concern.

The key is prioritizing communication and using tools that work. We need a responsive, easy-to-use system that includes text alerts and real-time updates. Platforms like CivicReady and CodeRED are used by cities across the country to send mass notifications through text, email, and app push alerts. These systems are easy to opt into and reliable enough that residents will actually use them. It’s about meeting people where they are — and making sure they’re in the loop.

All development should follow a clear strategy, with Brookwood Village as the top priority. We must assess what’s viable in today’s market and consider incentives when necessary. Development is about impact, not just buildings. Samford has every right to grow, and its success benefits Homewood. However, the Creekside proposal is a non-starter. I’m committed to collaborating with Samford on solutions that work for both the university and the city. Progress must be mutual, not one-sided.

Stormwater and flooding are serious and growing issues in Homewood. We need to bring in experts to help us understand the causes and design longterm solutions that work. This means listening to engineers, studying what’s worked in other cities, and making sure we invest wisely. It’s not something we can fix overnight, but we have to start now — with the right people guiding the process.

My own children attend Homewood City Schools because of their excellence — and I want to make sure that standard continues for every family. I recently met with our superintendent to talk about exactly this. Some of our elementary schools are in real need of long-term repairs or even replacement. The most critical role for the City Council will be helping identify funding sources to support these capital needs.

One thing I’ve heard from people over and over is that they just want to know what’s going on and why decisions are being made. I think communication has to go beyond just posting meeting agendas or sending out alerts. It’s about being visible in the neighborhood, listening to your neighbors’ concerns, and taking the time to explain the thinking behind a vote or a policy even if it’s not always popular.

Samford University is a valuable part of our city. It brings jobs, cultural opportunities, and millions of dollars in economic impact to Homewood. As Samford continues to grow, it’s essential that we make sure that growth is thoughtful, transparent and aligned with the city’s longterm vision — especially for the neighborhoods nearby. I don’t see Samford as the enemy. In fact, I believe strong partnerships with institutions like Samford can help us find solutions that work for everyone.

Stormwater and localized flooding are serious issues in parts of Homewood, impacting roads, parks, and even private property. While progress has been made, there’s still work to do to make sure every neighborhood is protected. Last year, Homewood received a $1 million grant to help fund a critical $1.8 million stormwater project, a step in the right direction. We need to make sure that money is being spent wisely, equitably, and with long-term impact in mind.

Homewood’s public schools are one of the main reasons families choose to live here. But with Edgewood Elementary bursting at the seams, Shades Cahaba in need of major updates, and growing conversations about the potential need for a new intermediate school, it’s clear we need to plan ahead—not play catch-up. As a parent and longtime resident, I know how critical it is to support our schools not just with praise, but with real resources and longterm planning.

Keith Young for City Council - Ward 3

ASK THE CANDIDATES VOTER GUIDE

One of our core family values is to serve. We have always embraced service in Homewood, first by coaching our daughter’s Homewood rec basketball team for four years. I have served on the Planning Commission since 2021, and now as the Vice Chair. I have served on the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) since 2024. My valuable experience and deep commitment to serving Homewood has inspired me to run for council.

Jennifer Andress has an excellent newsletter that we need to keep. With fewer representatives and wards we must be creative in how we are meeting resident’s needs. I have already started to explore the value in utilizing virtual calls to make participation easier and more convenient for families with busy schedules. I’d also like to create multiple channels for input like committees focused on key issues i.e. Brookwood Village, Creekside development, safety and traffic concerns.

We need a long-term strategic plan. For example, Brookwood Village redevelopment should align with a broader vision along the Lakeshore and Shades Creek corridor. The same applies to areas like Green Springs, Valley Avenue, Downtown, and so on. I will work with the city as a voice for our ward to ensure a clear, forward-thinking roadmap is in place that will serve us now and tomorrow.

Stormwater management is an ongoing challenge. We consistently review cases at the BZA. Much of the challenge is from increased building density and aging infrastructure. We must continue evaluating our infrastructure and continue efforts to balance the demand to build and update property alongside the impact on adjacent properties. Long-term, solving this issue will require collaboration between neighbors and the city, thoughtful planning and ongoing infrastructure investment.

Strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community. As a city council member, I will work to ensure that we appoint school board members who are deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student. I will also work in supporting initiatives that provide the resources and facilities needed for top-tier education, ensuring no student learns on an empty stomach, and championing programs that enrich the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Kristin Williams for City Council - Ward 4

I decided to run for city council because I have raised my three boys here and I love this city. Loving Homewood is not just a day for our family. It is a way of life. We have seen great decisions made over the 32 years we have lived here, and we have seen some not great decisions. I have also witnessed activity that is cause for concern, so I decided to jump in the race.

I believe in transparency in our city government and plan to hold town hall meetings and office hours. I also plan to publicize the upcoming council, planning, and zoning committee meetings so citizens have a better chance to plan and prepare.

Samford is a vital part of our city. We need to be good neighbors and allow their growth, while minimizing the impact on the rest of our city. Samford is in Ward Four, so it is of great concern to my constituents. We need to hold townhall meetings with homeowners, students, the President of Samford and all the stakeholders. I would encourage active, organic communication regarding the needs of Samford and the citizens of Homewood.

Stormwater management is a regional issue. With more than 28,000 residents, we still depend on parts of stormwater infrastructure designed and built for less than 10,000 residents 80 to 100 years ago. We need to continue to invest in expanding and upgrading the aging infrastructure and work closely with residents, businesses and other stakeholders as we move forward to make sure solutions are feasible and will allow Homewood to be its best.

The job of the city council is to nominate outstanding people to the Board of Education. I would welcome the opportunity to interview and support strong advocates for Homewood City Schools. Educators know how they educate best. Let us give them the tools and support their needs to maintain the excellence we have had the privilege to experience and lay a solid path for the future of our system and our students.

Winslow Armstead for City Council - Ward 4

Classes & Activities

Homewood Parks & Recreation

Central Barre

Wednesday, 5:15pm & Saturday 8:15am

Homewood Community Center

Central Barre is a small group fitness class incorporating barre, core, cardio, balance, strength training and stretch to give you a complete workout in 55 minutes. We use a variety of small equipment such as weights, resistance bands, balls and sliding discs to increase variety and provide real results. ellyngagnon@gmail.com

Dance Trance

Saturday, 9:30am – 10:30am

Homewood Community Center

Dance Trance is a high-cardio, high-energy dance fitness experience that leaves participants soaking wet! It is a non-stop workout that feels more like a party than an exercise class. www.dancetrancefitness.com

Fun For All Line Dancing

Fitness Studio 2

Tuesday, 2:30pm – 3:45pm

Beginner and Beyond Beginner line dance instruction encompassing a variety of music genres, e.g., pop, country and R&B. You will learn line dance terminology, line dance steps, and, of course, line dances to specific music. Homewood Community Center

$5.00 per person per visit funforalllinedancing@gmail.com

Senior Center

Tai Chi Classes

North Star Martial Arts

North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarma.com. 205-966-4244 • info@northstarma.com

Bench Aerobics

Step & Line Dance

Monday, 5:00pm – 6:00pm (Step Aerobics) Tuesday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Step Aerobics) Thursday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Cardio Line Dance)

Homewood Community Center

Fitness Studio 2

Cost: Classes are FREE (with donations) For more information contact Rosa at 205-253-9344 or benchaerobics@bellsouth.net

Royce Head

Personal Training

Affordable personal training available to members in the Fitness Center at the Homewood Community Center. Workouts are fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665

YoLimber

Wednesday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm - Warrior Sculpt Friday, 8:00am – 9:00am - Basics Class Friday, 9:30am – 10:30am - Regular Class Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music at Homewood Community Center. All levels welcome. Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com

All classes are suitable for anyone who is willing to take the time to learn these beautiful, liberating and empowering sets of movements (forms). For additional information about Tai Chi Classes, contact Galina at: galinawaites@gmail.com

Sun Style – Tuesday at 1:30pm

Arthritis and Fall Prevention – Wednesday at 1:30pm Yang Style – Thursdays at 1:30pm

Chair Fitness

Monday / Wednesday / Friday at 10:45am

Great for individuals with stamina or balance issues. Focuses on joint mobility, stretching, strength, & balance.

Senior Lunch Program

Weekdays, Noon – 12:30pm – The lunch program does not require membership but does require enrollment (for ages 60+).

Fast Track Line Dance

Saturday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Homewood Community Center

Fitness Studio 2

We learn the current and classic intermediate-advanced line dances.

*This class is not for beginners. Jackie Tally - jgtally@aol.com or Helen Woods - aquafool@aol.com

FIT4MOM

FIT4MOM Birmingham provides fitness classes and a network of local moms to support every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy, through postpartum and beyond, we serve our community by offering our fitness and wellness programs to help keep moms strong in body, mind and spirit. View our website for Membership Plans, Passes and Schedule. https://birmingham.fit4mom.com/

Argentine Tango Lab

Sunday, 4:00 – 5:30pm

Weekly tango laboratory / practice for milongueros seeking to improve their dancing skills and explore interconnection, movement and musicality. Fundamental tango skills expected. Milongueros with all levels of experience are welcome. Non-marking shoes with leather or suede soles required.

Hosted by Chalo at the Homewood Community Center in Fitness Studio 1. $5 per class.

Misc. Information

Summer 2025 Pool Information

For end of season pool information, membership and hours of operation: Please visit: www.homewoodparks.com

Homewood Youth Volleyball

Registration Ends: Early August Age Divisions: 2nd Grade – 8th Grade

For more information visit: www.homewoodparks.com

Back to School Bash Festival

Saturday, August 23rd 4:30pm – 8:30pm

Homewood Patriot Park

For more information visit: www.homewoodparks.com