Homewood Star November 2025

Charting the future

By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.

Glen Adams said the experience of being interim city manager in Homewood has been better than he expected.

“It’s a lot better,” he said. “I found that our directors are phenomenal. They understood how to team very quickly, and they take it to a level that you would have expected of a city that’s been under city management for decades. That’s how well they’re working together.”

By KELLI S. HEWETT

In Homewood, November means flags on porches, the Homewood Pops band playing patriotic tunes, students preparing for assemblies and neighbors lining the streets for Birmingham’s Veterans Day parade — the oldest in the country.

But this year, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, we wanted to ask a personal question: What does patriotism mean to you — and how do you live it, here in Homewood?

We invited veterans, artists, civic leaders and neighbors from across Homewood to share their reflections. Not about politics. Not about headlines. But about daily life — what they believe, how they act and how we might all find common ground through love of country, even when we disagree. Their answers weren’t political. They weren’t rehearsed. They came from daily life — they just asked us to listen.

The University of Alabama Where Legends Are Made

At The University of Alabama, you’ll find more than a college education — you’ll find a path to academic excellence, leadership and the foundation to achieve your highest potential.

Recognized as one of America’s Top Colleges 2026 by Forbes and ranked among the top 2.4% of global universities by the Center for World University Rankings, UA continues to attract some of the most talented students from across the country and around the world. UA is home to 1,260 National Merit Scholars currently enrolled, and our alumni have earned some of the nation’s highest honors, including 69 Goldwater Scholars, 17 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars and 45 Hollings Scholars. In Alabama, more students chose to attend UA in 2025 than any other school in the state. This reflects both the quality of the education offered and the University’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators and professionals right here at home.

TOP-RANKED ACADEMICS

At UA, you can choose from more than 100 majors in eight undergraduate degree-granting colleges and schools. Many programs rank among the best in the nation, including business, nursing and public relations. If none of the traditional majors are quite right, you can forge your own

path through New College, which allows highly motivated students to customize their own course of study. Additionally, through the Accelerated Master’s Program and the STEM and CREATE Paths to the MBA, high-achieving UA students can work toward a graduate degree while pursuing an undergraduate degree at the same time.

As an R1 research institution, UA offers students access to cutting-edge labs, awardwinning faculty and hands-on research experiences.

Our competition teams, including the robotic mining team Alabama Astrobotics and the Alabama Forensic Council — the University’s speech and debate team — consistently rank first in national competitions.

UNRIVALED STUDENT LIFE

Beyond the classroom, students build leadership skills, discover new passions, and make connections through more than 650 student organizations. Over half of our students find leadership opportunities within these groups, which span a range of interests including academic, social, religious, political, arts and sports. Additionally, 39% of students are involved in UA’s Greek system — one of the largest in the country. You can learn about all of UA’s organizations at Get On Board Day at the

beginning of each fall and spring semester. And if there isn’t an organization to match your interests, UA encourages you to start your own.

PREPARED TO SUCCEED

UA students have access to a range of career-building resources, setting them up for success in their future careers. The UA Career Center hosts numerous career fairs each year, while academic colleges organize their own specialized networking events that connect students with alumni and future employers. When students graduate from UA, they join a global network of 260,000 alumni. Several Young Alumni groups are active across the country to help you make the transition from college student to young professional, as well. From internships and job placements to mentorship and professional development, UA alumni can help open doors in every field and industry.

APPLY TODAY

UA applications are open for the 2026 entry terms. Students who apply by December 5 will receive priority consideration for admission. As part of our commitment to investing in the state’s future leaders, Alabama residents can apply for free through the UA Undergraduate Application for the spring, summer or fall 2026 entry terms.

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Tim Stephens

What does patriotism look like in 2025?

This month, we explore that question through a uniquely local lens — not from podiums or platforms, but from school assemblies, parade routes and personal memories. Our cover story by Kelli S. Hewett honors Veterans Day by gathering reflections from veterans, first responders, artists and civic leaders about what service, identity and belonging mean today.

We also go inside Homewood’s

first year with a professional city manager. Solomon Crenshaw Jr. talks with Glen Adams about budgeting during a political season and navigating change at City Hall. And don’t miss April Coffey’s inspiring profile of Samantha Dillashaw — a Homewood eighth grader whose story of resilience, talent and determination is everything you hope for in a hometown feature.

As always, thank you for reading. Your time and trust mean the world.

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At Starnes Media, our editorial approach reflects our values of proactivity, service and achievement.

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April Coffey Solomon Crenshaw Jr. Jordyn Davis Tosha Gaines Warren Caldwell Don Harris Cot Tindall

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

Tuesday, 2:30pm – 3:45pm Fitness Studio 2

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

Tai Chi Classes

Homewood Parks & Recreation

Classes & Activities

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 Friday: 4:00pm-5:00pm – BroYo (Men’s Yoga) 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

Homewood Youth Basketball Rec League Basketball

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.

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+).

Misc. Information

Homewood Christmas Parade Tuesday, December 9, 2025

For more information on this great event visit: www.homewoodparks.com

Christmas Camp

Camp Dates:December 22nd, 23rd; 26th; 29th-31st / January 2nd

Registration Begins: Wednesday, November 5th

information and to register

For registration packet and more information visit: www.homewoodparks.com

CITY

By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.

The fiscal 2026 Homewood budget includes two projects that have been discussed for years — a police substation downtown and a divergent diamond interchange at Lakeshore Drive and Interstate 65.

“With the police department moving out to West Valley, we felt like there needs to be a presence downtown to provide people with access to the police department in this area,” Mayor Alex Wyatt said. “I think that will provide a way for people to feel that they both see the police more regularly and know where to go to address the police when they need to downtown.

“I think adding a presence is always a good thing in terms of the growth of everything that goes on at night in downtown,” he continued. “The more that grows, I think that's good for the city. We've certainly enjoyed having the new restaurants that have come over the past, say, seven years or so. They've all done really well and been successful. I think they've added a good element to downtown Homewood.”

The police substation will be located on the first floor of City Hall, in the southwest corner of the building. Interim City Manager Glen Adams said the idea had been discussed before but didn’t move forward until now.

“It's not anything that wasn't discussed,” he said. “It was just kind of forgotten that it was discussed because of so many different things that were going on. They basically said that this was an opportunity to bring it up and meet some concerns of the citizens at the same time and solve that equation.”

Adams clarified that the substation will not

in there and a couple drops for computers,” he said. “It's not something that's going to be hugely expensive. We have to create an access point, a separate access point outside.”

The fiscal 2026 budget totals $127 million and places a heavy emphasis on infrastructure spending.

“We're spending more on capital improvements, both in one-time purchases for the departments and for repairing the community's infrastructure, than we have in a long time,” the city manager said. “It's a little bit of everything.”

That includes nearly $2 million for drainage and stormwater prevention projects.

The divergent diamond interchange — known as a DDI — was originally planned for fiscal 2026 but was pulled into the fiscal 2025 budget.

“That was in my original plan (for fiscal 2026) until the DDI came in to last year's budget timeframe,” Adams said. “That's so critical to this community and growing, or continuing to grow, the west side of Homewood. When you have bad traffic interchanges, nobody wants to go to that area. This eliminates ... it probably make it (the interchange) 50% more efficient, which is really good.”

The Lakeshore Drive interchange with Interstate 65 is being redesigned through a contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

serve as a second headquarters.

“All an annex really does is create a workplace, start-and-finish point for a team of officers,” Adams said. “There's a footprint coming in and around this entire (downtown) area in a regular flow so they're (officers are) going to be seen on a regular basis. That kind of disappeared when you moved everything over there to the

west side of the city. Now it provides that additional support back here.”

The space is currently leased by Auburn Community Church for storage, and the transition will begin when the lease ends in December.

The substation is expected to cost about $50,000.

“We're talking about putting some cubicles

“It's an 80-20 split,” Adams said. “This has been on the books with the city for more than 14 years. I'll just say there are differences of opinions of how we got to this point 14 years later. I will tell you it's the right thing to have been done.”

Adams said he hopes to have a project timeline in November.

In one of his final acts as mayor, Alex Wyatt discussed the proposal to build a police substation on the first floor of City Hall, in the southwest corner of the building at the Oct. 13 Homewood City Council meeting. “I think adding a presence is always a good thing in terms of the growth of everything that goes on at night in downtown,” Wyatt said. Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

Providing Advice & Guidance for

Financial Future.

Dancing through the pain

Homewood Middle student overcomes

illness to reclaim her passion

By APRIL COFFEY

From the stands at Homewood Middle School’s first pep rally of the 2025-26 school year, it’s hard to believe that eighth-grader Samantha Dillashaw has ever struggled to find her rhythm. She leaps and twirls across the floor with the HMS Dance Team, her infectious energy and beaming smile reflecting both joy and resilience.

Behind her vibrant performance lies a difficult journey. For years, Samantha was sidelined from her passion due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease that affected her ability to move freely.

Samantha’s symptoms began as early as age four. “The pain was constant,” she said, describing how it moved through her ankles, knees, wrists and neck. Because pain was part of her daily reality, she didn’t initially realize it wasn’t normal.

Her mother, Dr. Sara B. Taylor, recalls the challenges of those early years. “Samantha had trouble walking and standing from an early age. Instead of walking, she would army crawl to get what she wanted. Because she was so young, we didn’t immediately recognize that it was

a serious problem.” Samantha once described the pulsating pain in her foot to her parents as a “heartbeat,” as she lacked the vocabulary to adequately explain what she now knows is throbbing pain.

Through her years at Edgewood Elementary, Samantha continued to struggle. Most heartbreaking was having to stop dancing — something she had loved since age three.

“For nearly six years, until she was 10 years old, she was repeatedly misdiagnosed,” Taylor

Samantha Dillashaw, an eighth grader at Homewood Middle School, has overcome tremendous obstacles. Diagnosed at an early age with rheumatoid arthritis, she spent most of her 5th grade school year in a wheelchair due to an extreme flare up in her ankle. Still, she stayed active in extracurricular activities, and by 6th was out of the wheelchair, and dancing her way into the Patriot Singers show choir and HMS dance team. Photo courtesy of Sara B. Taylor.

was accurately diagnosed and began receiving proper treatment and accommodations. By the end of sixth grade, she was out of her wheelchair, playing recreation softball and preparing for show choir and dance team tryouts.

“I was nervous but not optimistic,” she said of those first auditions. “Even though I wanted to be chosen for the show choir and dance team, I had only been out of a wheelchair for a few months. I had not even been walking for long.”

She began training in the pool, using the water to support her body while rebuilding strength. “I worked my muscles, even doing leaps in the pool,” she said.

Samantha earned a spot with the Patriot Singers show choir, but not the dance team. “I was motivated, but I felt hopeless,” she said. “I couldn’t do my leaps or complicated turns. The pain was just too much.”

Still, she didn’t give up. She continued her monthly injections and committed herself to a year of recovery — rebuilding technique, strength and confidence.

By the next spring, Samantha was ready to try again. This time, she made the dance team. “I was miserable the first time at dance team tryouts because I couldn’t show my skills,” she said. “The best thing now is just feeling normal.”

said. By fourth grade, Samantha required a wheelchair just to attend school. “It was discouraging. The medication Enbrel worked for a while, but by the end of sixth grade, it was not working anymore, and I had to switch medications. It takes these types of medications almost a month to work after you begin taking them,” Samantha said.

Finally, through the collaboration of medical professionals and support from her teachers and Homewood City Schools, Samantha

In addition to the HMS Dance Team and Patriot Singers, Samantha performs with Red Mountain Theatre’s ensemble, plays in the HMS Band, takes voice lessons and continues studio dance training.

Her mother credits Samantha’s determination. “She now has times where she feels normal, and that is a blessing,” said her mother. Samantha adds with a grin, “Now I feel crazy good.”

SPONSORED CONTENT

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Brandino Brass in Homewood offers a huge selection of top-quality decorative and architectural hardware, as well as interior and exterior lighting.

A respected, family-owned business founded in 1948, Brandino Brass also designs such items as custom brass shelving, gate hardware, mailboxes and fireballs.

Brandino Brass offers quality unmatched by chain stores, and the friendly sales team possesses tremendous taste and product knowledge. They enjoy helping customers navigate their many options and find the perfect items for their homes.

Well-known throughout the Southeast, the store is the go-to place for homeowners, architects and designers who are renovating or building a house.

Among the local designers who trust Brandino Brass is Sarah Butler of Sarah Butler Interiors.

“Brandino always has great choices and is easy to work with,” Sarah said.

“I love seeing all the options in the showroom. The salespeople are great at suggesting items and showing me what will work well.”

Sarah used Brandino when she worked with Jaclyn and Brandon Gardner, a couple who built a new house in Cahaba Heights in 2021. She and the Gardners turned to Brandino Brass for all their cabinet hardware.

“Sarah said Brandino has a great reputation and offers lots of unique options,” Jaclyn said. “I was excited to see what these options were gonna be.”

The company carries many unique, high-end hardware makers and vendors. “Some of the hardware brands we used

can only be ordered with Brandino,”

Sarah said.

Sarah enjoyed working with the Gardners. “It was a fun project, because the clients had great taste and were more adventurous in some of the choices they made,” she said.

Choosing the right hardware is critical for a home. “Hardware choices can elevate the design and in some cases actually make the design,” Sarah said.

Sarah also educated Jaclyn on the importance of hardware in a home’s interior.

“You don’t always think about those little details on cabinets, but Sarah

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told me, ‘Your hardware is kind of like jewelry or accessories. When you get your cabinets, that’s your opportunity to make things look unique.’”

For example, Jaclyn had an upstairs bathroom and said she wanted it to be “a little fun and kind of different.”

The team at Brandino Brass “really took into consideration what the vibe of the room was,” she said. “They showed me hardware that was a little less traditional.”

Jaclyn was “very happy” with the result. “The bathroom was really pretty. To this day, people go into my bathroom and say, ‘This is so cute.’ I’m so glad we went that route and didn’t buy basic boring items that you see everywhere.”

Working with Brandino Brass “was a wonderful experience,” Jaclyn said.

The Brandino Brass staff was “very patient” as Jaclyn and Sarah asked to see different options, Jaclyn said. “The open dialogue and communication really helped.”

“It was a good experience,” Sarah said, adding that she still uses Brandino Brass and usually works with Brandon, who has since gone to work for the store.

Jaclyn was happy with the final results in the house. “I loved it,” she said. “It’s one thing when you are in the store, but when you see it installed, oh my gosh, it looks even better.”

Where timeless design meets everyday life. From stunning kitchens to cozy cornerseven for the four-legged family members. Every detail is crafted with style, function, and a whole lot of heart. Beautifully built for the way you live.

Brandon Gardner and interior designer Sarah Butler collaborated on the Gardner family’s home in Cahaba Heights, selecting unique hardware from Brandino Brass to bring style and personality to every space.

SCHOOLHOUSE

In the Classroom

GET TO KNOW

Homewood High senior JT Watts

By APRIL COFFEY

Q: What activities do you participate in at Homewood High School?

A: I am involved in Key Club and a freshman mentoring club. I play football and wrestle, and by the end of my senior year, I will have taken more than 20 AP classes.

Q: How do you find time to do those activities and keep your grades up?

A: I try to keep a healthy and manageable schedule that won’t cause me too much stress or be something I can’t handle. I organize and plan out what I need to prioritize before I commit to doing other things.

Q: Where would you like to attend college? What do you want to pursue as a career or a college major?

A: I want to pursue accounting because I am very interested in finance and business, and I love math. The University of Alabama seems like a good fit for me because it’s an opportunity to meet many new people and build relationships that play a role in future success. Both my parents, Tyler and Jana Watts, attended Alabama, and my sister, Tanner Watts, goes there now.

Q: What do you enjoy about living in

Homewood?

A: What is great about Homewood is the community and the prestige of the school. Homewood is a very close-knit community that is very involved in daily life. The high school is also academically superior and allows you to challenge yourself immensely through different courses. There are also ways to get into trades and ROTC careers.

Q: Your senior year will be a success if… what?

A: I believe a big part of senior year is figuring yourself out and beginning to plan out what you might want to do in the future. I also want to be able to participate in sports without getting hurt.

Q: What is your favorite subject?

A: My favorite subject is math. Math is a very deep subject that goes on and on and on with more to find out. It is very challenging, which I enjoy, and it really makes you think — it enables your cognitive abilities to grow.

Q: Who is your role model and why?

A: I would say my role model is my dad, Tyler Watts. I have always looked up to him due to the things he has done for my family and me. I hope to do the same when I am a father someday.

ACCOLADES

By APRIL COFFEY

At the beginning of October, the Homewood Rotary Club donated a personal dictionary to every third grade student in Homewood City Schools.

Students at Hall-Kent, Shades Cahaba and Edgewood Elementary schools each received a copy to support vocabulary development and literacy. The gift aims to help students see the dictionary as a “treasure trove of words and language.”

GABUAT WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Homewood High School student Christa Gabuat received a Silver Medal in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for her original photograph — selected from more than 310,000 submissions nationwide.

Gabuat was one of only six students from Alabama to earn a medal. Her teacher, Matthew Oberneder, who teaches Photography 1, 2 and AP Photography, received an Educator Award for his role in supporting student success.

FOUNDATION AWARDS STAFF GRANTS

On Sept. 26, the Homewood City Schools Foundation awarded $143,545 in educator grants across all five HCS schools. The funds — raised through the Give 189

campaign, community events and charitable gifts — will support classroom resources, professional development and innovative instructional ideas submitted by HCS teachers.

10 NAMED MERIT SEMIFINALISTS

Ten Homewood High School seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists for 2025–26, placing them among the top 1% of students nationwide based on PSAT performance.

This year’s semifinalists are Micah Snow, Porter Copeland, Julian Wiesen, Graham Steele, Judson Eanes, Alex Wahl, Shelby Parks, Adair Powers, Madeleine Taylor and Lucy Player.

Students from Shades Cahaba Elementary with the dictionaries purchased and donated by the Homewood Rotary Club.

Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

The 2025 ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

Joel Barlow, founder of Barlow Wealth Advisory Group, explains what the bill does — and how you can make the most of it.

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill?

Passed in July 2025, it’s the largest tax overhaul in years. It makes permanent the lower tax rates from 2017 and introduces new deductions and clients.

What are the biggest changes for working families?

► Overtime Deduction: You can deduct part of your overtime pay (up to $12,500 for singles, $25,000 for couples, 2025–2028).

► Child Tax Credit: Temporarily raised to $2,500 per child through 2028.

► SALT Deduction Relief: The cap has been increased from $10,000 to $40,000 for certain taxpayers.

What are the biggest changes for small business owners, estates, and high-income taxpayers?

► SALT Deduction Relief cap increased from $10,000 to $40,000 for some taxpayers.

► 20% QBI deduction is permanent,

Joel Barlow CPA, CFP®, CPWA® Founder

► Where: 400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 350

► Phone: 205-732-9012

► Email: info@barlow-wag.com

► Web: www.barlow-wag.com

with phase-out amounts increased.

► Base capital gains tax rates remain the same.

► Opportunity Zone program becomes permanent with a rolling 10-year basis starting in 2026, which can assist with deferring capital gains in certain circumstances.

► Unified Lifetime exemption increases to $15 million (approximately $30 million for a married couple) with inflation indexing going forward.

► 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying business assets is now permanent with a high phase-out threshold of $4 million indexed for inflation.

How about seniors?

There is a new $6,000 deduction per senior taxpayer aged 65 or older ($6,000 per taxpayer >64). It helps retirees on fixed incomes but phases out at higher incomes.

Any new deductions I might not expect?

Yes. If you finance a new, U.S. assembled vehicle, interest on that loan may be deductible (up to a maximum of $10,000 through 2028). That’s in addition to the overtime and senior deductions.

Sounds great — what’s the catch?

► Many deductions phase out once income crosses certain thresholds.

► Some provisions are temporary and disappear after 2028.

► The law adds new complexities, like a remittance excise tax starting in 2026.

How can a tax professional help?

By planning ahead, you can:

► Try to keep your income at or under significant deduction limits.

► Decide whether to itemize or take the standard deduction.

► Time purchases (like a vehicle) for potential tax savings.

► Potentially avoid costly mistakes that could reduce your refund.

What should I do right now?

► Review your 2025 income projections.

► Track overtime, childcare, and vehicle expenses carefully.

► Schedule a tax planning consultation before year-end (tax planning must occur before January 1).

What’s the bottom line?

The bill is full of opportunities — but only if you know how to claim them.

Without professional guidance, you could leave thousands on the table.

Contact Barlow Wealth Advisory Group today to learn more about how this “beautiful bill” can work beautifully for you.

An Integrated Approach to Taxcentric Wealth Management

• New rules. New savings. Same expert guidance. From higher child tax credits to new senior deductions, the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill changes the way you file. We’ll help you navigate the complexities and maximize your return. Plan ahead with Barlow Wealth Advisory Group.

• The 2025 Tax Law doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The law brings opportunities — but also complexities. We’ll help you track deductions, time purchases, and avoid costly mistakes, so you can file with confidence. Call today to review your 2025 income projections.

• Families. Seniors. Business Owners. You all benefit. The new law provides something for everyone. Our advisors will help you identify the deductions and credits that fit your situation. Email info@barlow-wag.com to get started.

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BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

Stone Hollow Farmstead has opened a second Birmingham-area retail location in downtown Homewood, sharing space with Tracey Barrett Interiors at 2817 18th St. S. The Harpersville family farm, founded in 1999 by Deborah Stone and now run with her daughter Alexandra, is known for jams, pickles, infused vinegars and salts, popcorn, caramels, goat cheeses and fresh-cut flowers. The new shop, called Stone Hollow Farmstead Of Earth & Home, features heirloom goods, seasonal provisions and fresh blooms. A grand opening celebration was held Oct. 9-11.

The Craft Room, a new craft store and workspace, is now open in the West Homewood neighborhood. The shop offers lightly used craft supplies for purchase along with shared space for customers to work on projects together. It also serves beverages and snacks. Located near The Collective and Seeds Coffee at 169 Oxmoore Road, Suite 109.

RENOVATIONS

White Oak Family Dentistry has unveiled its newly renovated office at 1905 Oxmoor Road in downtown Homewood. The family-owned practice, led by Drs. Nathan and Mechay Gray, now features refreshed interiors and an expanded focus on patient comfort. The warm, inviting space is designed to put patients at ease while offering a full range of services — from pediatric dentistry and root canals to clear aligners and sleep medicine. whiteoakfamilydentistry.com

The Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Homewood at 500 Shades Creek Parkway recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting for its newly renovated lobby. The updated space features a modern, welcoming design tailored for travelers and local professionals, with comfortable seating, expanded work areas and convenient access to The Bistro. Located near Samford University and downtown Birmingham, the hotel offers updated guest rooms, on-site dining, a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and flexible event space.

The Homewood Public Library has begun Phase III renovations, a project funded by the City of Homewood to update and improve community spaces while keeping the library open to patrons. Upgrades include a remodeled Large Auditorium with new flooring and a redesigned stage, a new kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, renovated Children’s Department restrooms, refreshed gallery wall coverings, and ADA-compliant café restrooms. The project also brings new paint and furniture in the café.

NEWS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Sonesta ES Suites Birmingham Homewood, located at 50 State Farm Parkway, has been sold for $3 million, according to public records dated Sept. 30. The buyer, 50 State Farm Parkway Property Owner LLC, is linked to Mitulkumar Mahen Patel, whose companies operate hotels in Dothan and Birmingham. The 4.13-acre property includes a 120-room, three-building hotel.

Hamrick, assistant director of operations at the Homewood Public Library, has been named the 2025 Librarian of the Year by the Jefferson County Public Library Association. The award, presented Oct. 3 during JCPLA Staff Day, recognizes Hamrick’s leadership and service.

A pair of Homewood-connected women were among 15 persons from Alabama who were honored Sept. 13 when the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) announced the winners of its 2025 Professional Communications Contest. The announcement was the final event of the organization’s 2025 National Conference in Golden, Colorado. Homewood native Jennifer Hallman placed in Children’s Book/Fiction. The Vestavia Hills resident earned her prize for her book “How Mae Got Moxie.” Carolyn Sherer, a current Homewood resident, placed third in Writing/Essay, Chapter, or Section in a Book for “Sheltering in Place.” All of the Alabama winners are members of Alabama Media Professionals, which is an affiliate of NFPW. Hallman, Sherer and the other Alabama winners are members of Alabama Media Professionals, an affiliate chapter of NFPW.

CLOSINGS

Homewood Shoe Hospital, a Central Avenue fixture for more than 50 years, will close in December as owner Victor Costa and his daughter, Mariana Elchert, shift focus to their growing shoe lift company, Shoe Lift Express. The longtime shop will continue taking repairs through year’s end while expanding the online business, which provides custom shoe lift modifications and orthotics for customers nationwide. The store and its equipment are for sale, and the owners are seeking a buyer to continue the legacy in the same space. 2900 Central Ave. 205-903-1188, shoeliftexpress.com

ANNIVERSARIES

Several businesses at The Edge Homewood on Green Springs Highway are marking one year in operation. The Edge offers a food court-style experience along with green space to relax, retail stores for shopping and a future entertainment venue. The QueBicle is open daily and serves local Chef Nick Carpenter’s take on barbecue and sides, including BBQ tacos, nachos and mac and cheese. PopBar and Baba Java operate in a shared space, offering all-natural gelato in popsicle form with more than 80 rotating flavors, and expertly crafted,

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

sustainably sourced coffee, respectively. B’ham Burger offers burgers and hot dogs with toppings such as a fried egg or avocado. Shin Ramen Noodle and Asian Cuisine owned by Young Shin — who also owns The Standard and Pho Pho — offers ramen bowls, rice bowls and other custom Asian cuisine. Eighteen South is also marking its first anniversary at The Edge in Homewood. The men’s apparel shop offers premium clothing brands and styles for every occasion. theedgehomewood.com

Freddy’s Bistro and Bar has been open in Homewood for one year. The restaurant offers casual dining with lunch, dinner and weekend hours. freddyswinebar.com

The Pink Tulip is celebrating the first anniversary of its second location in The Grove shopping center. The locally owned boutique offers women’s clothing and accessories. thepinktulipclothing.com

Bandwagon, a Homewood-based sports boutique owned by David and Leah Knight, is celebrating four years in business. The store offers custom community and lifestyle apparel at its Homewood and Vestavia Hills locations. bandwagonsports.com

Celebrate Birmingham is celebrating three years at 1743 Reese St. The party decor shop offers balloons, rentals and custom installations for events. celebratebirmingham.com

Sasquatch Toys and Comics, 145 Citation Court, is marking its second year in Homewood. The store features vintage and modern toys, comics and collectibles. “Sasquatch Toys and Comics” on Facebook

Cowlicks, 1923 29th Ave. S., is celebrating two years in Homewood. The children’s salon offers haircuts and styling in a kid-friendly atmosphere. cowlickscuts.com

Taco Mama is celebrating 14 years since opening its first location in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. The Homewood restaurant on Oxmoor Road remains a neighborhood favorite for tacos and margaritas. tacomamaonline.com

Michelle

GET TO KNOW

Alabama Goods co-owner Sherry Hartley

By JORDYN DAVIS

Q: How long have you owned Alabama Goods? What has been something extremely rewarding from owning the shop?

A: Beth Staula and I started Alabama Goods in 2007 and opened our store in Homewood in 2010, doubling our space in 2013. There are so many rewarding aspects to our business. Unlike stores that order inventory made elsewhere, we get to know each vendor personally and are proud that we can help them grow their business. Because we are working with artists and crafters, the products we offer are different and unique. Customers enjoy shopping at Alabama Goods because they know they will find something that cannot be found at other stores, whether they are shopping for themselves or buying gifts. They also know that our incredible staff will take good care of them. For the past few years, we have been voted the Best Gift Store in Homewood and Best in Customer Service. In addition, we have the best customers. They are pleasant, kind and loyal.

our new operations center has a loading dock for pallet deliveries and a drive-in bay. We felt like we had arrived.

Q: What products/gifts are customers most drawn to??

A: Our top categories are gift baskets, pottery, jewelry, candles and bath and body. Gift baskets are so popular because people enjoy sharing a taste of Alabama. Our food crafters make delicious foods, and Alabamians love to eat and share this experience.

Q: What inspired you to start Alabama Goods?

A: Beth and I realized that there was not a one-stop source to buy things made in Alabama. We thought there was a demand — and we were right. It does take a lot of effort to curate the items we sell, much more than going to markets and placing orders. But that is also one of the things we love about this company — developing a relationship with those who make the products we sell.

Q: How did you find the makers you feature?

SPOTLIGHT

King’s Home opens thrift store in Homewood

By JORDYN DAVIS

Q: What makes your gift selection unique?

A: Our niche is that our products are made in Alabama, and we have a wide variety of products: pottery, bath and body, art, jewelry, gourmet food, gift baskets, T-shirts, tote bags and more. A big part of our business is corporate gifts. We receive large gift orders through our stores, and our operations center makes and ships the gifts. It was a big deal to us that

A: Beth and I travel across the state attending art fairs and craft shows, looking for interesting Alabama-made items. We receive referrals from customers and existing vendors. By now, a lot of people know about us, and we are frequently approached by makers about selling their items.

Q: What role do you hope Alabama Goods plays in the community?

A: We feel our products represent Alabama’s charm and essence.

King’s Home Thrift Store has opened in Homewood, drawing shoppers eager to support a nonprofit that aids children, mothers and families escaping domestic violence. The store features clothing, décor, books and accessories for all ages. Shoppers can also find specialized items like Prodigal Pottery by King’s Home and refurbished furniture made through the Women’s Work Program.

Every purchase at King’s Home Thrift supports the mission. All proceeds from in-store sales and second-hand donations go toward providing housing, counseling, education and employment opportunities for individuals recovering from trauma.

Since its founding, King’s Home has served as a safe haven for families across Alabama. Through its thrift stores, the organization not only provides affordable, quality goods but also supports survivors as they rebuild their lives through housing, counseling and job training.

Visitors to the Homewood location on opening day enjoyed special sales, refreshments and the chance to meet staff and volunteers dedicated to the mission of “hope and healing through community.”

King’s Home Thrift is located at 142 Green Springs Highway and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donation hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Hartley

Employees, patrons and supporters cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of King’s Home Thrift Store, located at 142 Green Springs Highway in Homewood. Photo courtesy of King’s Home Thrift Store.

BUSINESS

By JORDYN DAVIS

Husband-and-wife

chefs Chris and Laura Zapalowski own Homewood Gourmet, a longtime café staple that blends Cajun flavors with Southern-style cooking.

The restaurant opened in 1997 under Franklin Biggs, who became known for gumbo, fish plates, salads, rollups and poboys. After a cancer diagnosis forced Biggs to step away in 2010, the Zapalowskis — both former chefs at Birmingham’s James Beard Award-winning Hot and Hot Fish Club — took over.

Chris, a New Orleans native, brings Creole influence while Laura, a Birmingham native, highlights Southern comfort and seasonal produce. Together, they emphasize local ingredients, homemade sides and fromscratch cooking in a casual setting.

In 2023, Homewood Gourmet moved to a larger 1,500-square-foot space at 2705 Mamie

Foster Place, where it continues to flourish.

The menu features signature sandwiches and poboys such as shrimp remoulade, chicken pesto rollups and roast beef with debris gravy, alongside fresh salads, rotating soups and gumbo, and Southern-style sides like deviled eggs, black-eyed pea salad and pimento cheese. Bread pudding and other sweets round out the offerings, with catering trays and boxed lunches available for events and weekday meals.

Between them, the Zapalowskis’ résumés include work with Emeril Lagasse, Anne Kearney, Southern Living, Food Network and Time Inc. Digital Studios. They are members of The Birmingham Originals, The Southern Foodways Alliance and Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Homewood Gourmet is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

By JORDYN DAVIS

The mission of Real & Rosemary is simple: real food and good company. The Homewood eatery has embodied these values since opening in the spring of 2016. Founded by Jennifer Mims and her husband, Nate Carlson, the pair wanted to create a local haven for friends and family alike to come together and share a good, healthy meal.

Mims got her start in the culinary world at a young age. She was able to recall some of her first memories, being those with her mom, and rosemary was one of the first herbs she watched her mother use in family dishes. Now, she’s taking her passion, travel experiences and cherished childhood memories to her store in Homewood, where her team has recently dropped their new fall menu.

Some featured dishes include a spice-rubbed chicken plate, flounder cake plate, chicken

poppers and sides to accompany the entree, such as charred carrots, seasonal succotash and sweet potato casserole.

Customers are welcome to dine in, order to-go, or schedule catering orders. Upon its first opening, the city of Homewood added parallel parking spots in front of the restaurant, as well as designated spots for to-go orders. Real & Rosemary is located in Homewood at 1922 29th Ave S and is currently open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Chris and Laura Zapalowski

Staff photo.

► ADDRESS: 1640 Ridge Road

► BED/BATH: 3/3.5

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,404 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Homewood

Brookdale

► ADDRESS: 200 Hallman Hill E. Unit 113

► BED/BATH: 1/1

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 816 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Homewood

► LIST PRICE: $436,000

► SALE PRICE: $436,000

► LIST PRICE: $675,000

► SALE PRICE: $675,000

► ADDRESS: 104 Edgemont Drive

► BED/BATH: 3/2

► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,081 sq. ft.

► NEIGHBORHOOD: West Homewood

► LIST PRICE: $399,900

► SALE PRICE: $350,000

SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

EVENTS

Save the Date

AUTHOR VISIT: ALAN GRATZ

► Where: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood

► When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 4-5:30 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Details: Join the Homewood Public Library for an afternoon with Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee, Ground Zero, Allies and more. Known for gripping historical fiction, Gratz will deliver a 45-minute talk filled with insights into his writing process, behind-thescenes stories and inspiration for young readers. A book signing will follow the presentation, with titles available for purchase on-site from Little Professor Bookshop.

GLOW PARADE

► Where: Starts at Seeds Coffee, ends at Trinity West Homewood, Oak Grove Road, Homewood

► When: Sunday, Nov. 16, 5-7 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Details: Trinity West Homewood’s Glow Parade returns to light up the streets of West Homewood. Everyone’s invited to join — not just watch — this high-energy community event featuring glow sticks, lights, decorated bikes, strollers, pets and more. The parade begins at Seeds Coffee and ends at Trinity West with a tailgate celebration including inflatables, food and music. Glow gear will be provided, or bring your own. Shuttle service runs from Trinity West to Seeds until 4:20 p.m.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

► Where: Downtown Homewood

► When: Thursday, Nov. 6, 5-8 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Details: Kick off the holiday season with Homewood’s annual Holiday Open House, hosted by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy extended store hours, shopping discounts, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and festive extras — including a trolley running through downtown.

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

► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Tim Stephens at tstephens@starnesmedia.com.

LOVE YOUR TREES DAY

► Where: Patriot Park, 710 Oak Grove Road, Homewood

► When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 9-11 a.m. (doors open at 8:45 a.m.)

► Cost: Free (Homewood residents only)

► Details: Join the Homewood Environmental Commission for a morning of education, fun and eco-friendly action. Participants will learn from local tree experts, enjoy refreshments and receive a free native tree (one per household) upon completing the workshop. Activities include a tree planting demo, vendor booths and hands-on tips for choosing and caring for trees at home. Registration is required, and in-person attendance is necessary to receive a tree.

VETERANS TRIBUTE CONCERT BY HOMEWOOD POPS

► Where: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood

► When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

► Cost: Free

► Details: The Homewood Pops Community Band, featuring Homewood Patriot Band alumni and local musicians, presents a heartfelt concert honoring our veterans. This community performance offers a moving tribute through music and celebrates the service and sacrifice of military families. All are welcome.

OFFICIAL MEETINGS

Nov. 10 and 24: City Council, 6 p.m., City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers

LIBRARY

Nov. 1-30: Ellenburg Art Gallery — Miles Jackson. All day. Ellenburg Art Gallery. All ages.

Nov. 1-30: Monthly Spice Club — Sage Kits. All day. Adult Services. Adults.

Nov. 1 and 15: The Baby Bunch. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Infants and caregivers.

Nov. 3: Magnus Mondays — Podcast Club. 6 p.m. Room 102. Adults.

Nov. 4: Introduction to PowerPoint 2016. 2:30 p.m. Computer Training Lab & Zoom. Adults.

Nov. 4: Sound Baths with Dr. Lindsey Smith. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Adults.

Nov. 5: Teen Digital Art. 4 p.m. Room 109. Teens, grades 7-12.

MOVIES & MOCKTAILS: WICKED SCIENCE NIGHT

► Where: Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood

► When: Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.

► Cost: Free; registration required

► Details: Enjoy some “wicked” science with The Science Lady at Homewood Public Library’s themed Movies & Mocktails party. Kids and families will explore experiments, mix up mocktails and discover fun that may just defy gravity. Costumes encouraged, and registration is required for this event.

Nov. 6: Read It and Eat Book Club — The Simplicity of Cider. 6:30 p.m. Urban Cookhouse. Adults.

Nov. 13: Teen Theatre Thursdays. 4 p.m. Room 101. Teens, grades 7-12.

Nov. 13: Homewood Connected — How To Break Up With Your Phone. 6:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Adults.

Nov. 14: Document Shredding & Electronics Recycling. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Library Parking Lot. All ages.

Nov. 17: DIY Club — Geodes! 4 p.m. Round Auditorium. Children ages 6–11.

Nov. 20: Canva for Beginners. 2:30 p.m. Computer Training Lab & Zoom. Adults.

Nov. 20: Magic Hour Film Club — Days of Heaven. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Adults.

Nov. 24: Art on a Roll! 4 p.m. Room 102. Children ages 6–11.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Homeowners save money and time with Preservan wood-rot repair

Homeowners spend lots of hard-earned cash when they’re forced to replace rotten wood in their homes, including pricey doors, windows and columns.

But Preservan Birmingham offers a unique, eco-friendly wood repair method that uses epoxy resins to preserve building materials instead of replacing them. Developed by Preservan Franchising in 2016, the method saves homeowners millions of dollars annually by eliminating many wasteful, expensive renovation projects.

Hillary Edwards, who began operating the Preservan Birmingham franchise in October, wants to spread the good news.

“No one else is doing what Preservan does,” Edwards says. “It’s important to let people know that they don't necessarily have to replace their damaged wood windows or other building elements.”

The Epoxy Techs at Preservan can repair those elements for a fraction of the price.

“One of our customers in the Highland Lakes community was looking at spending about $100,000 to replace all the windows in his house, but we fixed the windows that had rot for less than $6,000,” Edwards said.

Not only that, Preservan did more than save that customer over $90,000.

“We saved him the time and hassle of having all his windows replaced,”

Edwards said. “This is so much more convenient and focused.”

Preservan techs complete most projects in less than 36 hours, saving clients the stress and delays of major renovations.

Edwards is also proud of Preservan’s positive environmental impact.

“It feels good to know that we are keeping huge amounts of construction waste out of our landfills,” she says.

For example, if that homeowner replaced all of his windows, the originals would have been discarded.

“Imagine what a pile of 30 large windows in a landfill would look like; and all the energy, time and resources used to create, transport, install,

Fall into a Stronger You

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remove and then discard them,” Edwards said. “When researching Preservan as a franchise option, I came across the statement that really resonates with me: The most sustainable approach is to repair what we already have.”

Edwards’ love of restoration began when she was a child and watched her parents restore a 1912 vintage farmhouse. She later worked with nonprofits, including a year serving with Americorps at Habitat for Humanity.

“I became enamored with homes and renovation,” Edwards said.

From 2006 to 2016, Edwards and her husband lived in Greece and where

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she was inspired by European artisans and craftsmanship. She moved to Birmingham in 2019 with her husband and four children. Edwards learned about Preservan while studying small-business and franchise opportunities.

She and her family live in Vestavia Hills, and they like living and doing business in the Birmingham area.

“Birmingham has a small-town feel with a lot of community, and we enjoy that aspect of it,” Edwards said.

HOMEWOOD

(205) 968-1283

1280 Columbiana Rd., #160 Homewood, AL 35216

Lisa Bor, Clinic Director

SOHO (205) 558-6400

2610 19th Street South Homewood, AL 35209

Philip Moore, Clinic Director

SPORTS

Emerging star

By KYLE PARMLEY

Kaleb Carson has had a standout season in his first full year as Homewood High School’s starting quarterback.

One of the primary reasons is the trust he has in his top target, fellow senior Tomon Felton.

Felton is typically the first person Carson looks to when he drops back to pass — and for good reason. Felton has elite speed and strong ball skills, a quarterback’s dream.

“He’s always been a big track star, and I knew that would translate into being a good receiver,” Homewood head coach Ben Berguson said of Felton.

Berguson has watched Felton develop since his days in the Homewood middle school football program. Felton and Carson are in the same class and have been playing football together for many years.

Last year, Berguson began to see signs Felton might be poised for a strong finish to his Patriots career.

“At the beginning of his junior year, I was just waiting for him to break out,” Berguson said. “He’s really done that in his senior year. To me, 1,000 yards is that key number you have to get to to win some of these postseason awards.”

While Felton would have loved to break out before his senior year, he watched and learned from standout receivers ahead of him like Kylen Newell.

“It was all God’s timing,” Felton said. “Watching them play had me thinking, when I’m a senior, hopefully I’m doing the same thing, making big plays.”

Berguson added, “He’s the guy now — there’s no one in his way. He’s very mature in handling everything.”

Through the first seven games of the season,

Felton had already surpassed 600 receiving yards. He is aiming for 1,000 yards and a spot on the all-state team.

“That’s always the first guy Kaleb looks for, and it’s that level of trust between quarterback and receiver,” Berguson said.

Felton won the indoor long jump state title last winter, helping the Patriots to their first indoor team championship in five years.

He has broken the 11-second mark in the 100-meter dash and also runs on several relay teams.

He hopes to play college football and already holds a few offers.

He will compete in indoor and outdoor track this school year, as his track training continues to build his explosiveness and speed.

When the Homewood offense dials up a deep

pass, there’s a good chance it’s drawn up for Felton.

He can beat most defenders deep and uses his 6-foot-2 frame to his advantage on passes across the field.

“The difference in him last year and this year is the way he competes for the ball and the end zone this year,” Berguson said.

Felton adds a dimension to Homewood’s offense that many defenses struggle to match.

Against Gardendale, Felton took a jet sweep 70 yards for a touchdown.

He can take short passes and break free. He can beat defenders over the top for the home run ball.

Felton assures his quarterback that getting him the ball is always a good plan.

“I just tell him, ‘I got you,’” Felton said.

Left: Homewood wide receiver Tomon Felton (8) celebrates a touchdown during a game against Mortimer Jordan on Sep. 5 at Waldrop Stadium. Photo by Richard Force.

Above: Homewood’s Tomon Felton (8) running for a first down during a game against John Carroll on Aug. 22 at Waldrop Stadium. Photo by Michael Jackson.

From walk-on to award winner

Auburn honors

Homewood grad

Carson Bedics

By APRIL COFFEY

Homewood High School graduate Carson Bedics is scheduled to be honored with Auburn University’s Cliff Hare Award during halftime of the Tigers’ Nov. 1 football game against Kentucky at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The prestigious award, presented annually since 1958, recognizes a senior student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in academics and athletics and embodies leadership, integrity and courage.

The award’s namesake, Clifford Leroy Hare, was a member of Auburn’s first football team and a longtime university leader — serving as a professor, dean of the College of Chemistry and later president of the Southeastern Conference. Bedics joins a notable group of past recipients, including Olympic athletes and prominent football players. His selection as a former walk-on in a non-revenue sport underscores the values Auburn seeks to honor.

Raised in the Birmingham area, Bedics moved to Homewood in middle school and credits his family and community for shaping his character and sense of responsibility. His decision to attend Auburn was influenced by its academic reputation, in-state tuition and family connection — his father is a 1994 Auburn graduate and lifelong fan. “The choice just made

sense,” Bedics said, emphasizing that there was no pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Although he set a state indoor record in the 1,600 meters while at Homewood High, Bedics was not heavily recruited. He reached out directly to Auburn’s coaching staff during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually earned a walk-on opportunity in cross-country. “The level of competition at the collegiate level is incredible,” he said. “Success came only through an intense devotion to consistency.”

That consistency paid off. Over the course of Bedics’ time with Auburn’s men’s cross-country program, the team steadily improved — rising from last place in the SEC to a fifth-place finish in 2023, the program’s best finish in more than a decade. In 2024, he and three teammates earned all-region honors. He was named captain of the

Homewood native and Auburn runner Carson Bedics, a former walkon, earned the university’s Cliff Hare Award for academic, athletic and community excellence — honoring leadership and perseverance. Photo courtesy of Auburn University.

“Prioritize your sleep schedule,” he joked. “But really, I had to sacrifice a lot of free time and social opportunities. That discipline allowed me to invest my energy where it mattered most.”

distance roster for his senior season, a reflection of his leadership and commitment.

Academically, Bedics pursued a degree in biosystems engineering, drawn to the program’s focus on sustainability and alternative energy. A campus visit and conversation with the department head helped solidify his interest in the field. “The biosystems curriculum is designed to develop new solutions for ecosystem resilience and alternative energies, which is very appealing to me,” he said.

He faced early challenges adjusting to college during the pandemic but rebounded, eventually earning Academic All-American honors in 2022. “Receiving that award was a tangible sign of righting my course at Auburn,” Bedics said.

To manage the demands of athletics and academics, Bedics leaned on discipline and routine.

Beyond the classroom and track, Bedics was involved in community service. He volunteered with Project Uplift, a mentorship program for at-risk youth in Lee County, and participated in environmental cleanups on public lands and waterways. “Giving back in small ways has always provided me with perspective and appreciation for the privileges I’ve been afforded,” he said. “I feel a responsibility to repay the investments others have made in me.” Bedics said the Cliff Hare Award came as a surprise. “Honestly, it came as a bit of a shock,” Bedics said. “There have been many distinguished former winners, including Olympic athletes and many notable Auburn football players.” As an athlete in a non-revenue sport, he expressed appreciation for broader recognition of student-athlete contributions. “It is often difficult for smaller sports to receive equitable exposure… I hope there continues to be more recognition for student-athletes who make an impact, regardless of their media exposure.”

Now a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering, Bedics is focused on environmental sustainability and hopes to work in water resource management. He remains active in campus life through clubs and service while planning for the long-term impact he hopes to make.

Reflecting on his time as a student-athlete, Bedics emphasized the significance of the journey. “Representing Auburn as a student-athlete has been one of the most meaningful life experiences,” he said. “If I can have a similar leadership effect on others, I will know that I’ve spent my time well.”

Faces of Homewood

Desiree Gordon shines at Savage’s Bakery

By TOSHA GAINES

For the past four years, customers at Savage’s Bakery in Homewood have been greeted by the warm smile and caring spirit of Desiree Gordon. With a lifelong background in food service, Desiree has found her joy in one simple truth: people. “It is all about the customers,” she says. “I just want to treat people the way I want to be treated.”

Her dedication to customer service makes her more than an employee. She is part of the bakery’s heart. Whether she is handing over a fresh pastry or offering a kind word, Desiree sees her role as creating a welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door.

Though she is diabetic and rarely indulges in the sweet treats that surround her, Desiree admits to having a soft spot for the bakery’s cheese pocket. “It is all about the cream cheese,” she laughs. She also delights in the aromas of fall spices like ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg that fill the bakery each autumn, even if pumpkin spice is best enjoyed “in moderation.”

For Desiree, Homewood’s long summers make the arrival of fall even sweeter. Just like the season itself, she brings warmth, comfort and kindness that make Savage’s Bakery feel like home.

Amazing

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

Photos by Tosha Gaines.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Personal Care, Not Corporate Medicine

Oxmoor Medical Group brings back patient-first care with local roots, same-day access and a warm, independent approach to primary medicine

For Dr. Sarah Kunin, the decision to establish her own private, primary-care practice came down to one simple reason: providing better patient care.

As healthcare grew increasingly corporatized and burdened by bureaucracy, she felt her patients were being lost in the shuffle.

“Patients couldn’t reach our office when they called,” Dr. Kunin recalled, referring to the call center used by her former employer. “Now, when patients call, they can speak directly with our staff, and we can take care of them right away.”

In 2023, Dr. Kunin opened Oxmoor Medical Group in Homewood, restoring a sense of personal connection to modern primary care. With the help of friends and family, her vision for a more compassionate, accessible clinic quickly took root. She hired two nurse practitioners, and her father — and

longtime mentor — Dr. James Abroms even came out of retirement to lend a hand.

“It’s great to come in,” Dr. Abroms said with a smile. “I get to work with my daughter and see some of my old patients, who are really more like friends. It’s been wonderful.”

Nurse Practitioner

Kelly Herring, who joined the practice when it first opened, has watched Oxmoor Medical Group grow steadily over the past two years.

“Everyone benefits from primary

care and preventative medicine. Being able to observe and trend a patient’s progress is so fulfilling,” Herring said. “I also enjoy collaborating with Dr. Kunin and I appreciate her passion for taking care of patients.”

To meet the increasing demand, Nurse Practitioner Erin Rosier joined the team just over a year ago.

The journey to private practice began in 2022, when Dr. Kunin approached her brother, David Abroms, an accountant and entrepreneur, about taking the leap. The goal was to establish a thriving, traditional, insurance-based primary care office that could remain financially sustainable while giving patients the kind

Oxmoor Medical Group

• WHERE: 1817 Oxmoor Road, Homewood

• CALL: 205-870-4030

• WEB: www.oxmoormedical group.com

of personalized, attentive care they deserve.

While some cautioned against it, citing the challenges of operating a small private clinic in today’s complex healthcare landscape, Dr. Kunin remained undeterred. “My first and foremost priority was improving patient care,” she said. “To do that, I knew we had to go independent.”

At the start of 2023, David moved back to Birmingham to help open Oxmoor Medical Group. Now the clinic just celebrated its two-year anniversary.

Dr. Kunin credits the practice’s success to its dedicated staff — many of whom have been on staff since her father ran his private practice at the same location — and to the loyalty of their patients. “Practicing medicine here is such a privilege,” she said. “Our patients make it all worthwhile.”

While Dr. Kunin is now limiting new appointments to family members of existing patients, Practitioners Herring and Rosier are both currently welcoming new patients to the practice. Oxmoor Medical Group accepts all major insurance providers.

Sarah Kunin, MD

James Abroms, MD

Kelly Herring, CRNP

Erin Rosier, CRNP

COMMUNITY

Life in Homewood

GET TO KNOW

Adrienne Carter, MD, UAB Internal Medicine

By APRIL COFFEY

Q: Please tell our readers about yourself.

A: I am a 49-year-old mother of three sons: Ellis, Ethan and Emory. My husband is Dr. Hernando Carter. We have been married 23 years. I am from Birmingham. I graduated from Indian Springs High School. I then graduated in chemical engineering from the University of Alabama in 1998. After undergraduate school, I went to UAB School of Medicine. After graduation from UAB, I did an internal medicine residency at Carraway Hospital. I’ve had a passion for primary care and, after residency, I worked in primary care at Cooper Green until the hospital closed. For the last 12 years, I have worked at UAB in primary care.

Q: Why did you choose to live in Homewood? What is special to you about this community?

A: I enjoy running. One of the things I enjoy about living in Homewood is our robust running community. For the last 12-plus years, I have been running on Saturday mornings through our great city from the Trak Shak with the Birmingham Track Club. I love that Homewood is a diverse community made of loving families. It’s a great place to raise a family. It

has everything you need — great schools, restaurants and shops in a very central location.

Q: What is it like raising so many boys? What is the main lesson you hope to pass down to your sons?

A: It is a challenge raising three sons in a two-physician family. We have learned to work together. Our communication and planning is key.

Q: Why did you decide to be a doctor? What kind of medicine do you practice, and what attracted you to that specialty?

A: I’ve practiced internal medicine since 2005. I was always good at science and math. I just love people. I enjoy helping people and inspiring them to healthy living. I like the complexity of internal medicine, and I enjoy taking care of multiple complex problems and seeing people from the age of 18-100.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?

A: Something people may not know about me: I have run over 17 marathons (26.2). Running has taken me all over this country and even to Paris. I’m pretty much addicted to it. I may not be the fastest runner. I overall enjoy the camaraderie of group running, the physical challenges of races and just exploring the outdoors.

BACK WHEN

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Homewood’s 1st state football championship

By TIM STEPHENS

Homewood’s first state football title almost never happened — and not because of anything on the field.

In 1974, the Patriots’ playoff hopes were tied up in court. The AHSAA ruled Tuscaloosa High had used an ineligible 19-year-old running back, which would have given Homewood the Region 7 crown. But a Tuscaloosa judge ordered a new birth certificate issued, restoring the Black Bears’ season. A Jefferson County judge then reversed that ruling. Finally, the Alabama Supreme Court returned the decision to the AHSAA, which declared Tuscaloosa’s forfeit stood. That gave Homewood the region title and a playoff berth — just in time for the postseason to begin.

Head coach Alvin Bresler summed up the mood: “Tuscaloosa may get to the state playoffs, but we’ll go down fighting.”

Fight they did. Homewood beat Hueytown, Banks and Anniston to reach Legion Field. In the championship, the Patriots edged Dothan 10-7. Tim Calloway’s 41-yard field goal opened the scoring, and the decisive play came on a 21-yard run by Jimmy Lee Edwards off a beautifully executed pitch from quarterback Murray Legg. Dothan missed a game-tying kick with 2:57 left, and Legg clinched it with a 12-yard keeper that let Homewood run out the clock.

The win capped a 13-1 season, matching the program’s first two years of victories combined. Legg was named MVP and earned all-state honors before going on to play for Bear Bryant at Alabama, where he was part of the 1978 national championship team and the “Goal Line Stand” against Penn State. From courtrooms to Legion Field, the 1974 Patriots wrote the first chapter in Homewood’s championship tradition.

In this photo from the pages of the now-defunct Birmingham Post-Herald, Homewood quarterback Murray Legg (12) splits the Dothan defense for a gain at Legion Field. Legg was the offensive MVP as the Patriots won 10-7 for their first state title on Dec. 6, 1974. Photo retrieved from archives via Newspapers.com.

Carter

On the Mainstage

By APRIL COFFEY

Homewood Theatre is stepping into its fall season with a full slate of performances and student programming designed to bring the arts to all ages.

This year’s education offerings serve students from age 3 through high school. Weekly fall classes include Dramateers, a creative drama program for preschoolers and early elementary students; Young Artists, focused on improv and acting for grades 3-5; and Storytellers, a production-based class for middle and high schoolers. “We teach students from 3 years-18 years old, so there is something for everyone,” said education director Lexi Bresnan.

holiday lineup.

“More outlets for students to be creative makes Homewood ... Homewood,” Bresnan added.

After a fall lineup of performances that included “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” in September and “The Butler Did It” and “Through the Seasons” in October, the Homewood Theatre now gets ready for the

In December, the theatre presents two seasonal productions: the beloved Southern drama “Steel Magnolias” (Dec. 4-14) and the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life Live” (Dec. 23-28), performed in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast.

All performances take place at Homewood Theatre’s downtown location at 1831 28th Ave. S. Class registration and ticket information are available at homewoodtheatre.com.

By APRIL COFFEY

Dori DeCamillis is owner of Red Dot Gallery, located at 1001 Stuart St. in Homewood.

Q: Tell our readers about yourself.

A: I’m proud to celebrate 21 years in business this month. We’ve taught thousands of people to paint, draw and create ceramic art, and our community is like a big family. Some of our students have been coming since just after we opened, and many have been coming for years. New students start up all the time, and our one-room-schoolhouse setup encourages the newbies and refreshes the veterans. I’m grateful for our dedicated supporters who’ve allowed us to do what we love all these years.

Q: How did your background prepare you to run the Red Dot Gallery?

A: Scott and I both studied art at university — I went to the University of Colorado and Scott studied at Ohio State University. We spent the first decades of our art careers as professional artists, selling our work nationally. Our careers as full-time artists gave us the experience and dedication to the arts needed to build Red Dot’s success across many areas.

Q: How was the Red Dot Gallery

founded? What was your initial inspiration?

A: Although we both loved making art full time, we wanted to ease up on travel and the business side of selling art. We decided in 2004 to open a studio together, hoping that teaching would be a new part of our income. Fortunately, we found we both loved teaching, and our classes caught on quickly. Not all artists take to teaching, but we enjoy it as much as making art.

Q: Why did you found the Red Dot Gallery in Homewood? Why did Homewood seem to be an ideal place?

A: Homewood is safe, central, family-friendly, and everyone expressed gratitude to have an art space in the neighborhood. Edgewood has been a perfect setting, with its restaurants and shops next door. Our students can make an outing of it and support local businesses. We’ve been very happy here!

Q: What do you envision for the future of the Red Dot Gallery?

A: Red Dot hopes to continue its mission for years to come. I’m inspired by how many lives have been transformed through the joy of making art together. … We often hear from students, “This is my favorite time of the week,” and “This is my therapy.”

DeCamillis

Photo courtesy of Homewood Theatre.

CONTINUED from page 1

Steve Skipper, a nationally recognized artist from Homewood, said his view of patriotism is rooted in honoring sacrifice and living out respect during a time when not everyone is respectful.

“It’s a deep love for the country I live in, and for the people of all races who paid the ultimate sacrifice to make it that way,” Skipper said. “I try to show it by treating everyone with the respect that honors them and their ancestors. The country’s greatness depends on continuing to do that, to respect every race and creed.”

In Homewood, signs of patriotism are easy to spot: flags flying from homes and businesses, schoolchildren honoring veterans, lapel pins worn proudly and hands over hearts during the national anthem. Some say patriotism is about tradition. Others point to action, such as voting, volunteering, or checking in on their neighbors.

“I’m a really big believer in being very honorable of the flag,” said Homewood resident Debbie Corum. “It started for me at football games when my parents said, ‘You will stand and salute.’ That’s something near and dear to me and it’s something we teach in our family to this day.”

The people we spoke to didn’t all define it the same way.

They had different views and opposing ideologies. But they all talked about how they try to live it.

Patriotic displays are often visible throughout the community, such as when the Homewood Patriots took to the field waving American flags to honor Veterans Day before a playoff football game against Fort Payne High School in 2017. Staff photo.

“Patriotism to me is being willing to work towards a better country,” he said. “It doesn't have to be about the military, doesn't have to be police, just being a good American. That's it. A good person, a good American, no matter what your background is. Understanding that a lot of people of every persuasion gave up many, many things, including their lives, for us to have this freedom.”

For retired Maj. Gen. David Burford of Greystone, patriotism is lived in the things he does daily to support his love of country, reflected in his military service.

“Patriotism is the faith of self-sacrifice, that you’ll join something bigger than yourself. It’s a love of country,” Burford said. “I’m very frustrated with the condition of the country. But everybody has to be able to speak up. That’s what this freedom is all about, the freedom to disagree.”

Burford served a combined 38 years in the active Army, the Army Reserve and the Alabama Army National Guard. He became an Army Ranger and a Green Beret and was deployed as a special forces operative just after 9/11. Today, he helps organize Birmingham’s Veterans Day parade as vice president of the National Veterans Day Foundation.

“There’s always room for differences,” said Burford, who also has a reputation for correcting improper flag displays at local businesses, based on the U.S. Flag Code. “But there’s no room for violence, not to push your position or resist someone else’s.”

Doug Jones of Mountain Brook served his country as a U.S. Senator from 2018-21. He said patriotism should be non-partisan.

Birthplace of Veterans Day: Birmingham prepares for annual parade

Most people don’t realize it all started right here.

Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran from Birmingham, was the driving force behind the creation of Veterans Day, organizing the first celebration in Jefferson County in 1947. He successfully lobbied President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who designated Veterans Day in 1954 as a national holiday honoring all who served–expanding beyond the original focus on World War I veterans celebrated as Armistice Day in the years before.

Birmingham is gearing up to host its annual Veterans Day Parade Tuesday, Nov. 11, a cherished tradition honoring those who have served and the sacrifices made by past and present military personnel and their families.

The National Veterans Day Foundation, a completely volunteer organization with no government funding, works throughout the year to plan the annual parade — the longest-running in the nation.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. David Burford of Greystone, an organizer, sees the parade as a reminder of how poignant patriotism and service can be.

“It’s an opportunity for us to plant the seed in young minds that patriotism matters,” Burford said. “It’s productive. It’s honorable. It can instill a curiosity that will eventually blossom into patriotism.”

Retired Army Maj. Gen. James Darden of Mountain Brook, another organizer, emphasized remembrance.

Veterans Day Celebrations

VETERANS DAY PRESENTATION WITH NIKI SEPSAS

► When: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 3-4 p.m.

► Where: Homewood Senior Center

► Details: Join local historian and speaker Niki Sepsas for a presentation on the history of Veterans Day.

SALUTE TO VETERANS CONCERT

► When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.

► Where: Homewood Public Library

► Details: The Homewood Pops Community Band will perform a patriotic tribute in honor of local veterans.

STEPSTONE CEREMONY

► When: Sunday, Nov. 2, 1:30 p.m.

► Where: Alabama Veterans Memorial Park, near Liberty Parkway

► Details: Hosted by the Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation, this tribute honors Alabama veterans recognized with engraved StepStones.

OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK

► When: Sunday, Nov. 2, registration at 1 p.m., walk begins at 2:30 p.m.

► Where: Veterans Park, Hoover

► Details: Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Alabama Chapter for the 17th Annual Central Alabama Out of the Darkness Walk.

UAB VETERANS DAY 5K

► When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 8 a.m.

► Where: Railroad Park, Birmingham

► Details: Presented by Viva Health, this run/walk supports UAB military-connected students.

“I think it means standing up for the beliefs and rights promised by the Constitution,” said Richard Berliner of Homewood, a former humanitarian aid worker during the Vietnam War and author of “A Different Journey: Vietnam 1965-1973. “I believe we live in a humane society. We should express our opinions without vitriol or accusations.”

Berliner sees parallels between today and the Vietnam era. “For some people there’s only two ways: the right way and the wrong way,” he said. “Sometimes you just set aside your differences and go forward with the things you do connect with.”

Homewood Police Capt. Ben Sutton sees patriotism as “loving your country, loving your community, understanding what it took to get here, maintaining the sacrifice of others and the many.

… It’s something we need more of.”

Sutton teared up as he spoke about the five generations of his family who’ve served in the U.S. military.

“I truly believe there are Republicans, Democrats, independents — people of all races and religions — who love this country,” said Jones, also a longtime civil rights attorney. “They are patriotic. They are devoted to this country. They just have different philosophies about how things should be run.”

He said the military remains one of the clearest examples of unity in service.

Dexter Cunningham of Homewood, a retired Navy veteran and longtime Birmingham police officer, agrees.

“Patriotism to me means the ability to have differing opinions and not be jailed for them,” Cunningham said. “I’ve sworn many oaths in my lifetime. None have been more meaningful than my willingness to sacrifice my life for those I don’t know and for a government that hasn’t always looked out for my best interests. My faith has always sustained me.”

Fred Shepherd, a political science professor at Samford University in Homewood, said division isn’t new.

“If you look back at history, you see a strong tradition of demonizing the opposition, sometimes without much nuance,” he said. “But

“It’s said that a person dies twice: one when they’re physically dead, and the second time is when they’re remembered no longer,” Darden said. “We cannot let that second part prevail; we have to always remember the fallen, whether or not it goes back to the Civil War, Revolutionary War–whatever it is. We cannot let those memories fade.”

National Veterans Day Parade The 78th annual parade features veterans groups, marching bands and community organizations.

there’s usually a corrective moment when people realize things have gone too far.”

While headlines and social media often amplify the loudest and most extreme voices, several people we spoke with said they don’t see that kind of division in their day-to-day lives.

Jones said those loudest voices often drive the conversation, but “that’s not mainstream.”

He said the real work of patriotism often happens through quiet efforts to listen, collaborate and give ground when needed.

“We’ve really got to focus a little bit more on how we can work together to achieve goals, knowing that we can’t always get what we want,” Jones said. “But as Mick Jagger says, ‘If you try sometime, you just might get what you need.’”

VETERANS DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT

► When: Monday, Nov. 10

► Where: RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley

► Details: The War on the Greens tournament supports Gold Star families and the Alabama Veteran organization.

NATIONAL VETERANS DAY PARADE

► When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1-4:30 p.m.

► Where: Downtown Birmingham

► Details: The 78th annual parade features veterans groups, marching bands and community organizations.

In the end, the people we spoke to shared the same instinct: That patriotism is something you live. And sometimes, the most patriotic thing you can do is simply listen.

Homewood resident Dorothy Ziss emigrated from Canada and became a U.S. citizen. Her view of patriotism is rooted in appreciation for the freedoms she now calls her own, and for a country she chose to call home.

“We live in such a wonderful country,” she said. “There are so many freedoms to do what is important to you. That’s what being American means to me.”

Tim Stephens and Malia Riggs contributed to this report.

Shepherd

Jones

Burford

Skipper

Sutton

Corum

Berliner

Cunningham

Home Instead delivers expert, compassionate in-home senior care

Home Instead is a locally owned business that provides the finest, most compassionate home health care services for seniors in the area. Owner Dan Pahos opened the Birmingham franchise of Home Instead in 1997 after caring for his aging parents in Minnesota, and his driving purpose in running the company remains.

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of seniors and those who love them,” Pahos said. “We give families a way to allow an aging loved one to age in place, in the comfort of their own home.”

Based in Vestavia Hills, Home Instead is distinguished by its extensive employee training.

“Each CAREGiver receives a two-day, in-person, instructor-led training on all the equipment used in a home,” Pahos said.

Condoleezza Bell, who works in Home Instead human resources and trains new employees, said she’s “very proud” of the company’s training.

“I’ve worked for other agencies that don’t offer two days of training at all. A caregiver may be lucky to get three hours of training.”

It’s important that caregivers learn “how to give the best care possible no matter what the illness is, so we stick to Home Instead training standards,” Bell said. “We want our caregivers to be 100% competent and comfortable with caring for another human being. I don’t mind going that extra mile for additional training for those that need it.”

Bell has worked for Home Instead since 2012 and is proud of the long tenures of many of the company’s employees.

“What makes Home Instead special is that we have caregivers that have been with our company for 10-plus years,” she said. “They are loyal, dedicated and still love working for Home Instead.”

Pahos said he’s fortunate to have such “loyal,

dedicated employees,” including both caregivers and administrative personnel.

“We have the expertise and experience to help you deal with your eldercare situation, be it short or long term,” he said.

“Working for Home Instead is very gratifying,” Bell said. “As a caregiver, I had the privilege of helping someone remain in their home, and to be able to honor

• Where: 2059 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills

• Call: 205-822-1915

• Web: homeinstead.com/bham

Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation to help you decide the best care plan for your family.

that wish made me feel that I made a difference in someone’s life.”

Home Instead also offers excellent customer service, with highly trained client service managers who develop detailed care plans and provide ongoing case management.

“This is included for free in our hourly rates,” Pahos said.

Home Instead offers a wide range of services for seniors, including personal care, home helper, transportation, and companionship services, as well as hospice support. The company also cares for seniors with dementia, chronic illnesses, arthritis, and diabetes.

“It’s a privilege to be able to help seniors and their families with our seasoned, responsive staff that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year,” Pahos said.

“It’s so rewarding to know we can make a difference for seniors and help them age in place in their home,” said Director of Operations Andrea Martin.

Home Instead was recently listed at No. 5 in Alabama in Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers by State 2025.”

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate

Downtown Homewood Holiday Open House

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Homewood for the Holidays

Edgewood Tree Lighting and Sip & Shop

BreakfastSantawith

Lighting of the Star & Christmas Parade

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9TH

Kick off the holiday season with Downtown Homewood's most anticipated shopping event! Enjoy sips and bites + visit with Santa as you explore the wonderful offerings from local businesses.

6-8:00PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

Join the merchants of Edgewood for a cheerful evening of shopping, sipping, and holiday fun — all leading up to the lighting of the Edgewood Christmas Tree at 6:30 PM!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 8:00AM-12:00PM

5-8:00PM 6:3OPM

Join us alongside Samford University for a very merry breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive morning with breakfast, activities, and a complimentary photo with the jolly man himself.

Celebrate the season as we light the Historic Homewood Star at the top of 18th Street. The parad and lighting of the Christmas tree will follow immediately after.

Condoleezza Bell leads caregiver training at Home Instead, ensuring every employee is confident and compassionate in their care.

Some have described government in Homewood as a series of silos with people narrowly focused on their concerns with few keeping an eye on the big picture. Adams said if that was the case, it’s not now.

“Not anymore,” Adams said. “I think individually our directors ... feel they’ve quickly understood that they’re equivalent of a CEO of their organization. But now they recognize they’re part of a corporation and the corporation is the city. They are very good at working with each other and teaming and creating groups of people to solve issues without having to get anybody involved. They do it intrinsically themselves. It’s absolutely great.”

This fall, Adams oversaw his first Homewood budget under the new council-city manager system. That is a $128.5 million budget with $27.3 million allotted for schools, a 3.5% cost of living adjustment for city employees and 5% merit bonuses.

Outgoing Mayor Alex Wyatt gave Adams high marks on his work with the budget.

“Glenn’s been great in looking at capital projects in a different way than we have before, more strategically and more of a longterm plan,” Wyatt said. “We’re being more proactive about that. I think that’s something that he’s done a better job than we have done in the past, in the sense that it’s less about what’s happening this year and more about what’s happening over the next five years, the next 10 years. How do we plan for those things so we make sure we have the money for them?”

Wyatt stopped short of calling the city’s prior work on capital projects as reactive.

“I think what Glen has done – and I think this is why you create a city manager – is so that you have that central authority, full-time authority that can look at things on a broader scale and put together a plan that pulls in the

advantages of all of the city and all of the departments,” the mayor said. “(He) can put that on a schedule for long term. It just takes someone that is here every day to be able to do that.”

That perspective helps balance longterm matters like Fire Station No. 2 design ($600,000 now, $10 million planned for 2026–28), the Diverging Diamond interchange to I-65 ($29.2 million total and Homewood’s share of $5.85 million), and $2.18 million for stormwater/creek walls.

The 58-year-old identifies himself as an Army brat who frequently moved from place to place. That nomadic nature continued when he joined the Army and he’s been just as nomadic as a civilian.

“Home for me,” Adams said, “is wherever my wife is.”

These days, Bridgit Adams is about an hour

away from Homewood.

“She is currently in Pell City because this is not a permanent job until they sign a new contract with me,” the interim city manager said. “So, she’s in Pell City and that’s where home is right now. But I live just up the street in the apartment complex.”

Adams’ journey into municipal administration began when he moved in 1994 to Georgia, where one of his neighbors was an alderman for the Savannah Council.

“He kind of talked to me about councils and cities and leadership, and then we got sideswiped by a hurricane,” he said. “It was downgraded to a tropical depression, but it sat on top of Savannah for quite some time, dumping rain. Lots of areas flooded, lots of trees fell down. I watched a city administrator and worked with his team to get the city’s services back up and running in such a fast

time. I was so impressed that I actually started changing the direction of where I was going in my military career so that I could get the skills I needed, whether or not I’d ever had the title.”

The manager of a city or county is the facilitator of the vision. Hopefully, Adams said, the city council or county commissioners are involved in the development of the comprehensive plan that creates that vision 25 to 30 years out.

That manager is somebody who’s able to look at a community and look at what the best interests are and then facilitate the development of that vision that has been created.

“It’s not always an easy job, but somebody has to do it,” Adams said. “I’ve always been a life of service. My dad was (in) service. My mom was (in) service. It’s just ingrained in us. A member of my family has been in the military since the creation of this country,

Glen Adams attended his first Homewood City Council meeting on March 10.

Photo by Sarah Owens.

“It’s not always an easy job, but somebody has to do it,” Adams said. “I’ve always been a life of service. My dad was (in) service. My mom was (in) service. It’s just ingrained in us.

GLEN ADAMS

”so I understand service. It’s just in us. To me, there’s no difference. I’m serving this community.”

Homewood is paying a $100,000 match for the comprehensive city plan. The city is receiving $400,000 support from the Regional Planning Commission on the 20- to 30-year roadmap that ties directly to his philosophy of planning for the long term.

The interim city manager said he didn’t want to experience what he did during the two prior times he was an interim city manager. The first time, his employer required him to be on Facebook. He told the Homewood council he didn’t want to have an account this time.

“This way, I can stay out of that kind of fray,” he said. “I hate to be negative on social media, but social media isn’t a resource that shows the truth very well. People who read stuff on social media are not necessarily going to immediately look up and find out any validity of the information that’s presented so the arguments are not necessarily based on fact.

“I would much rather have people come up here and ask me the tough questions face to face and hold me accountable to my responses,” Adams said. “You know that the council is going to hold me accountable for it.”

Already, about 20 residents have hosted Adams at their house as he looks at the situation that they’re living with. They are happy with his engagement, he said.

“I’m not afraid to go out and see things,” the city manager said. “I’m not concerned about the ramifications or implications of me being there. When you come from my background, your whole intent is to make things right. I can’t make everything right. Some things are beyond my control.”

Adams cited an example where a developer is granted permission to build parking in an easement.

“It may have been granted but it’s in the easement. We don’t own the requirement to fix that,” he said. “You guys developed it. It’s your development. We granted you the right to do that but we don’t own the repair.

“That’s very difficult for people to hear,” said the city manager, calling himself a principle-based leader.

“Principal-based leaders don’t work well with people who are politicians with agendas,” he said. “I work well with politicians who want the city to be the best. I fit here really well because it even looks like in this election, the people who want the city to perform the best were elected. That was a neat thing.

“I’m working with a team that’s putting the city first, and I’ve been hearing from all the directors that somehow, way, shape or form over the decades, the city has always elected the right people. That’s kind of comforting coming from the directors. And they’re saying, regardless of anything else, the right people are being elected.”