The new mayor speaks
Homewood’s first female mayor outlines goals for her first term in office
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
For years, Homewood has been known for having the
largest city council. Despite being a municipality of 8
the city boasted 11 council members — a council president and two councilors for each of five wards.
But that notoriety is soon to change. Jennifer Andress, the recently elected mayor, will lead a five-member council that will set policy that City Manager Glen Adams will implement.
Thus, Homewood can be known for other attributes.
“There are so many great things that are happening,” Andress said. “There are so many people that want to be in Homewood — whether they
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
31 and Oxmoor Road once a revised plan goes back through the Homewood Planning Commission and the City Council.
The project requires closing the store for several months.
Mayor Alex Wyatt said store owners and developers hope the project, if approved, will take about seven or eight months with the new store opening before school starts in 2026.
Following an Aug. 25 public hearing, the council approved a $3 million incentive package, down from the $3.5 million package that was approved nearly two years ago when the original project to build behind the current building was approved.
Wyatt acknowledged that closing a business can be risky, but said The Pig is deeply ingrained in the community.
Jennifer
The view of the proposed new Piggly Wiggly from the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and U.S. 31 near Shades Cahaba Elementary School. Rendering courtesy of Piggly Wiggly.
Homewood Parks & Recreation
Central Barre
Wednesday, 5:15pm & Saturday 8:15am
Homewood Community Center
Central Barre is a small group fitness class incorporating barre, core, cardio, balance, strength training and stretch to give you a complete workout in 55 minutes. We use a variety of small equipment such as weights, resistance bands, balls and sliding discs to increase variety and provide real results. ellyngagnon@gmail.com
Dance Trance
Saturday, 9:30am – 10:30am
Homewood Community Center
Dance Trance is a high-cardio, high-energy dance fitness experience that leaves participants soaking wet! It is a non-stop workout that feels more like a party than an exercise class. www.dancetrancefitness.com
Fun For All Line Dancing
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
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 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
for more information.
Homewood Wrestling Club
Powered By Stronghold • Grades: Kindergarten – 6th Grade
Go to www.hwdwrestling.com for more information and to register
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+).
Homewood Parks Fall Festival & Homewood Witches Ride
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Homewood Central Park
Fall Festival: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Witches Ride: Takes flight at 5:30pm
For more information on this great event visit: www.homewoodparks.com
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Tim Stephens
October in Homewood brings both change and tradition. This month, we ask questions of new Mayor-elect Jennifer Andress as she prepares to take over as the city’s first female mayor after August’s municipal elections. Alongside that, the city is working on a comprehensive strategic plan and its 202526 budget, a blueprint that will guide the implementation of Homewood’s new governmental structure and the onboarding of its newly elected mayor and council. Solomon Crenshaw Jr. tackles both topics in this edition. Fall fun also takes center stage. Jordyn Davis gets you ready for Halloween with her guide of Homewood’s
best celebrations. We spotlight can’t-miss events, from trunk-or-treats to the city’s signature gatherings, plus where to shop locally for candy, costumes and décor.
Whether it’s civic change or seasonal spirit, this October issue offers a look at how Homewood moves forward together. Thanks for reading.
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Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown proudly celebrates Partner Glenn F. Till, Jr.’s 50th anniversary in the accounting profession.
From his start in 1975 to his role today as Managing Partner, Glenn has set the standard for integrity, professionalism, and client service across five decades.
We are grateful for his leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on our firm and community.
Congratulations, Glenn!
— The Partners & Team at Till, Hester, Eyer & Brown, P.C. Trusted Accounting & Advisory Services for 62 Years
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CITY
The man with the plan
Interim City Manager Glen Adams works to prioritize city needs through budget process
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
Homewood has gone without a comprehensive plan for more than 20 years. But like the city’s form of government — which is transitioning from a mayor-council model to one with a professional city manager — that too is changing.
As Homewood prepares to seat a new mayor and council under its recently adopted council–city manager system, the city is also laying the groundwork for its first strategic comprehensive plan in more than two decades. At the center of that convergence is interim City Manager Glen Adams, tasked with not just crafting a new city budget — but helping define how Homewood will govern, grow and invest for the next generation.
“What this (outgoing) council did is give me the authority to get with the Regional Planning Commission,” Adams said. “We were given a grant, which is an 80-20 thing. They’ll spend up to $400,000 and we’ll spend up to $100,000.”
That funding will support the creation of a comprehensive plan — a long-term roadmap that has eluded Homewood leadership since the early 2000s.
“People are going to be like, ‘Holy cow! That’s a lot of money,’” Adams said. “But it’s been over two decades since we’ve had a comprehensive plan.”
Visitors to the Homewood website may notice a link labeled “comprehensive plan,” but Adams said that document was never ratified by the council.
“So, we don’t have a comprehensive plan,” the interim city manager said. “This is an opportunity for a newly elected council to have a few months before they are in front of their constituents with city staff. The best thing on earth is (to have) somebody to facilitate a conversation that says, ‘What do we want to look like 25, 30 years from now?’”
That conversation is expected to begin in early 2026 — after Mayor-elect Jennifer Andress and a newly elected council take office in November.
And while the upcoming comprehensive plan process is still months away, Adams has already taken steps to demonstrate how a professional city manager can structure city priorities differently.
That includes presenting the city’s proposed 2025-26 budget, which outlines more than $128 million in operating and capital expenses.
At a public meeting on Aug. 25, Adams stood before the council to introduce the spending plan — the first to be developed under the new governance structure.
“This is probably one of the most vetted budget cycles I’ve personally been through,” Adams told council members, crediting staff and department heads for weeks of work. “Our total budget, and I want to remind everybody, this is going to change weekly until we are done with the budget because we’re getting refined information. So our total budget of all funds is $128,511,652.”
The proposal includes a $75.6 million operational budget, based on a 2 percent revenue increase and a $3.3 million carryover. It builds in a 3.5 percent cost-of-living raise
for employees, a 5 percent merit pay increase and a tiered bonus structure if surpluses allow. Nearly $21 million is set aside for capital expenses.
Adams also emphasized that his role isn’t just about fiscal oversight — it’s about equipping city departments to meet needs without added risk.
“One of my most important goals in life is to make sure that none of my subordinate leaders is accepting risk, meaning we don’t give them the things they need to be able to do their jobs,” he said. “I feel very comfortable with it. It is a balanced budget.”
Department heads have taken that charge seriously. Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead, speaking at the city’s first public budget hearing on Sept. 3, pointed to long-needed facilities and fleet improvements, including a replacement fire truck ordered in 2023 and $600,000 in design work for a new Fire Station No. 2.
“Fire Station 2... outlived its lifespan about a decade ago,” Broadhead said. “It is way past the time that it needs to be replaced.”
The fire department’s requests also include a $350,000 mini pumper for steep residential driveways and the long-term purchase of a $2.8 million ladder truck.
Adams said those kinds of operational decisions — guided by department priorities and shaped through strategic vetting — are only the beginning of what a professional manager model is meant to deliver.
“If somebody like a city manager comes up and asks the community this and I share any idea, it’s not a discussion, it’s an argument,” Adams said. “If a facilitator, a company, comes in and goes, ‘Hey, we’ve talked with citizens and these are some ideas, what do you guys think of that?’ That’s facilitating a conversation where the elected officials, the city staff and the citizens are all able to discuss it together, as a team, and come up with the best way forward.
“That’s how you create the vision,” he continued. “I’m really excited about that because a city manager really gets the authority for the direction of the city from a comprehensive plan and gets the authority to execute it from the council. As you develop a budget as a city manager, it’s always balanced against the priorities and requirements that are set forth in the comprehensive plan.”
Adams said he has spent the past six months getting to know Homewood — a community that values its neighborhoods, schools and character.
“The community speaks pretty well,” Adams said. “Schools are very important. The traffic pattern and parking (are) an issue but it
Budget Timeline
► Aug. 25: City manager presents proposed budget
► Aug. 26: Homewood elects new mayor and council
► Sept. 3-29: Departmental budget hearings
► October: Budget finalized
► November: New administration takes office
► Jan-Feb 2026: Comprehensive plan kickoff
► 2026-28: Fire Station No. 2 rebuild, traffic overhaul, capital projects
shouldn’t supersede the community’s eclectic values of every house is different. That’s part of what makes the community amazing.
“The neighborhoods make the communities because the neighborhoods are full of people who trust each other and are friends and they have similar goals,” he continued. “Most of the people are an average age of 29.4 years. Most of the people came here because they have kids in school and so they have like requirements in their community to support, not only but the Parks and Rec capability to support the extra kids can participate in. They become closer through the network of the different sports things that their kids are participating in. Everything that’s wrapped around community engagement is important to them.”
“They want a sustained or improved quality of life, or they don’t want the change and you kind of saw that with Samford,” Adams said, referring to a development plan recently presented by Samford University. “I don’t think Samford’s plan was necessarily bad. It was just moving too fast, and they don’t have the (citizens’) trust yet.
“With the university, you have a strong president that understands things,” the city manager said. “Otherwise, it would not still be growing while other universities are figuring out how they close things down. You have a good leadership team over there and they’re fighting different things. I recommended they get involved with a comprehensive plan and talk to the community while doing the comprehensive plan. They’ll be better off in getting the values of the community and sharing the things that are important to them.
“If they choose to do something like this again, it’ll align correctly with the community’s (vision). I think that’s a good opportunity for them.”
Budget at a Glance
Budget built on 2% revenue growth and $3.3 million carryover
► Total budget (all funds): $128.5 million
► Operational spending: $75.6 million ► Capital projects: $21 million
► Homewood City Schools: $27.3 million
► City share for diverging diamond: $5.85 million
► Fire and police capital requests: $3.9 million
► BOE bond repayment: $3.21 million
Figures current as of Aug. 25 — subject to change during September hearings.
Adams said he has spent the past six months fighting to understand an eclectic community with different neighborhoods of very similar character. He has seen some apartment complexes that should probably be condemned and hotels that have been fenced off and probably should be condemned.
Adams said he has seen houses going up between houses that are more than 100 years old.
“The neat thing is they’re putting in those houses with character,” he said. “It’s not a cookie cutter you see in some communities where you just see six different floor plans across 150 homes. There is a good balance going on right now and that’s a matter of listening to the people during the comprehensive plan development to further understand because you can’t understand a community in six months. I’m pretty good at doing that, but you can’t.”
Adams expects that work on the comprehensive plan will begin in late January to February 2026. That process will take 18 to 20 months. The new council must first get its footing.
“If you’re not on the ground for a couple months and you start right in on this, it’s a whirlwind,” he said. “It’s not easy to govern. You have to give them an opportunity to get their feet on the ground and then start participating in this comprehensive plan.”
– Starnes Media’s Tim Stephens contributed to this report.
Interim City Manager Glen Adams presents the proposed 2025-26 budget at the Homewood City Council meeting in August.
Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
Fall into a Stronger You
Leaves should fall, not you! Whether it’s yard work, holiday prep, or everyday activities, our physical therapists will help you keep your balance, stay healthy, and spend more time with the people who matter most.
Visit TherapySouth and keep moving strong all season long! Scan the QR code or give us a call to schedule an appointment. therapysouth.com
(205) 968-1283
1280 Columbiana Rd., #160 Homewood, AL 35216
Lisa Bor, Clinic Director
(205) 558-6400
2610 19th Street South Homewood, AL 35209
Philip Moore, Clinic Director
Ryan Murrell, HMS band director
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: What
Why do you enjoy playing this instrument so much?
A: My primary instrument is trumpet. Honestly, the instrument I enjoy playing the most depends on the music I am playing. All instruments have wonderful things about them that I like.
Q: What do you see as your primary role being a middle school band teacher? How do you think middle school band instruction differs from high school band?
A: Three things: Teach students how to be good people; Show them that the band room is a safe place for all students; Help find their place in the music world and show them the different avenues they can take with music.
Q: What is the most difficult instrument to encourage middle schoolers to play? Why?
A: Honestly, it isn’t the students, it’s the parents sometimes. When a small child wants to play the tuba, a parent automatically says, “Is that going to be too big for my child?” We have to remind them that the child will grow and that we have smaller tubas for 6th graders.
Q: How do you encourage a love of band for middle school students?
A: We encourage a love for band by showing the students that we care for them as people. If they feel like they are seen and that they matter they will do their part in doing the best they can.
Q: Why did you decide to become a teacher rather than focusing on your instrument as a performer? Other than as a band instructor, what opportunities do you have to shine as a performance artist on your primary instrument?
A: I became a teacher in order to give students the opportunities that I had when I was in school. As a person who came from a single parent household, I can relate to those students who are in the same position as I was. I am also a parent so I can also do my job through the lens of a parent. As amazing as it would have been to have been a performer, I believe I am exactly where I need to be. I have had numerous opportunities in performing at local churches, the HMS and HHS Show Choir Bands, weddings, theater gigs and even at the World Games. When someone needs an instrumentalist and I get a call, I am always excited to do it if I can make it work in my schedule.
ACCOLADES
Star Spangled Girls win top honors
By APRIL COFFEY
The Homewood High School Star Spangled Girls earned multiple awards this summer at the American All-Star Camp including: 1st place in Competition Routine; Superior Plus in Competition Routine; Superior in Home Routine; Most Admired Award; All Blue Evaluation Ribbons. In addition, 15 dancers were named All-Stars.
The Starlets JV Dance Team also held a home camp this summer where they received a Superior Award trophy, All Blue Evaluation Ribbons and four All-Star selections from the Universal Dance Association.
On Aug. 30, the Star Spangled Girls hosted a dance clinic for K-8 students. Participants learned group routines and joined age-level dance and technique sessions. The event concluded with a halftime performance at the Sept. 5 HHS-Mortimer Jordan football game.
HHS RANKS NO. 2
Homewood High School was ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 1 in the Birmingham metro area in the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.
The school moved up one spot from last year and was also ranked No. 363 nationally. Rankings were based on graduation rates, state-required test performance, college readiness and AP course participation.
Homewood earned a score of 97.97 out of 100. The school’s AP participation rate is 67% with a total minority enrollment of 36% and 29% of students considered economically disadvantaged.
HOMEWOOD HELPS PARTNERSHIP
Homewood City Schools continues its partnership with Homewood Helps to support students experiencing food or housing insecurity.
The district’s goal is to ensure every student has a bed to sleep in and consistent access to meals outside of school. Families may apply for assistance through the Homewood Helps website. Community members may also contribute by volunteering or donating.
The Homewood High School Star Spangled Girls celebrate their success at the American Allstars Camp. Photo courtesy of Homewood High School.
Ryan Murrell
ANNOUNCING
The Alabama Department of Transportation Announces Public Involvement Meeting for:
PROJECT NUMBER: ATRP2-37-2024-278
Access Management on SR-3 (US-31) from Old Montgomery Highway to Ventura Avenue, including Signal Modifications
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 • 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM City of Homewood – City Hall • 2850 19th Street South Homewood, Alabama 35209
This will be an Open House Meeting without a formal presentation. During this meeting, the public will have an opportunity to review project information and maps, ask questions and discuss the project with ALDOT staff and the project designers. Project information will be online after the meeting at
www.ALDOTInvolved.com
Your comments may be submitted at the meeting, by mail, email or voicemail. Comments must be received by Friday, November 14, 2025. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE CONTACT:
Mr. DeJarvis Leonard, P.E. Region Engineer
Alabama Department of Transportation – East Central Region P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745
Attn: Mrs. Dannette Ratcliff
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE RECEIVED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING
Business Buzz
SPOTLIGHT
Bob’s Bikes keeps cyclists riding in style
By JORDYN DAVIS
SPOTLIGHT
The Homewood Star is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
Penzey’s Spices strives to make the world a better place — one seasoning at a time
By JORDYN DAVIS
If you were to pop into Penzey’s Spices in Homewood and discover the infinite ways you can spice up Thursday night dinners, you would also find a sense of belonging. Known for its welcoming environment and rich flavorings, Penzey’s has made it its personal mission to support inclusion while also offering locals a chance to spice up their lives with global
Penzey’s Spices come from all over the world and are inspired by all regions. They offer signature spices, ranging from curry to roasted garlic to salsa and pico. In addition to their hundreds of spices readily available, they also carry hand-crafted salt and pepper shakers, mugs, gift boxes, magnets and jar sleeves.
First opened in 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Penzey family originally began the spice shop as a coffee and spice business, then known as “The Spice House.” The company continues to honor their spice tradition by focusing solely on global spices while simultaneously calling for a better world. According to their website, they continue to focus on creativity and inclusivity.
“Part of all this works because as a Spice
Spices is open 10 a.
business we are a reminder that sometimes the community we are a part of is not just our own backyard. Sometimes our community really is the entire planet and everyone on it. Our spices come from all across this planet, our seasonings are inspired by all regions. We’ve traveled the world for you and can tell you its kindness and decency know no borders,” Bill Penzey says on the Penzey’s website.
The Homewood location is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at 2939 18th St. S.
Penzey’s
Photo by Jordyn Davis.
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 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.
• 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.
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.”
Home & Garden Fall Guide
Discover local businesses that specialize in keeping your home and garden at their best
There’s lots of landscapers in business, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Birmingham.
The company’s experts, all licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.
“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.
The fall is a great time for Gardner Landscaping to install more shade trees in your yard.
Adding shade trees offers greater privacy and lovely fall colors, as well as allowing greater energy conservation in homes and requiring less irrigation to retain ground moisture.
Gardner Landscaping can also plant beautiful hedges along your lot lines to cancel road noise, provide privacy year round and hold moisture. The hedges clearly mark the lot lines and provide a better solution than wooden fences, which don’t last as long.
The creative use of trees and shrubs — as well as plants and flowers — will enhance the beauty and value of any property.
Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.
In addition, the company is “very good at building outdoor play and entertainment areas,” Grant says.
The team stays abreast of the latest
Experience outstanding service and custom window coverings at Budget Blinds
Our communities benefit greatly when residents shop local as much as they can and support their small businesses. This is especially true when a business is family-owned and based in rocksolid values, like Budget Blinds of Birmingham, which is located in Vestavia Hills.
BUDGET BLINDS ► 2130 Columbiana Road ► 205-824-3300
► budgetblinds.com/birmingham
Shutters, solar shades and woven wood products are among the top sellers at Budget Blinds. You can now take advantage of a new energy tax credit applicable to the purchase of plantation shutters where you can file for 30% off on your income taxes (up to $1,200).
Steve and Michelle Thackerson own and operate Budget Blinds. A married couple who live and work in Vestavia Hills, they have been serving their customers faithfully for over 30 years.
An unwavering commitment to delivering the finest customer service is at the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy. “We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve says.
The couple’s family-oriented approach extends to their employees, all of whom have worked at the shop at least 12 years.
At Budget Blinds, which offers all types of custom window coverings, the caring, highly trained personnel take the time to understand their customers and to provide them with top-quality products that fit their lifestyles.
And when you call the Budget Blinds location in Vestavia Hills to get information or to schedule an appointment, you speak to someone in the local office – not a person in a faraway call center.
Large chain stores simply can’t replicate that sort of personalized service and customer experience.
In addition, all window coverings are custom made to fit each home, and the local employees of Budget Blinds do all of the in-home measuring and installation. “Anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Steve says.
Motorization and cordless options for window coverings also remain popular. Motorized options allow you to control blinds, shutters, solar shades and draperies from anywhere, and can be used with your home’s automation system. “We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Steve says.
Customers also benefit from the buying power of Budget Blinds, the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.
“Budget Blinds has huge national volume, so we get exclusive warranties that no one else can offer,” Steve says. “We get the same products as our competitors, but we get better pricing and warranties because we’re the world’s largest retailer of custom window coverings.
Budget Blinds has exclusive warranties given by the manufacturers to Budget Blinds customers only.
“Our prices are competitive, and we offer a onetime free replacement on all products for five years, and on select products for a lifetime,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.”
Budget Blinds is more than just a business for the Thackersons. It’s a reflection of who they are – a family that works together, cares about their community and strives to provide the best service possible.
Request a free in-home consultation or visit the Budget Blinds showroom Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
MOTORIZED
HOME & GARDEN
Transforming homes with custom storage solutions
Since 1982, Closets by Design has built a reputation for integrity and customer satisfaction. From noobligation in-home consultations to custom designs and quality construction, their products offer value and function.
Closets by Design simplifies life by designing, building and installing custom closets, garage cabinets, home offices, laundries, pantries, wardrobe mirror doors and more — all floor-based and adjustable. With a wide selection of finishes, accessories and hardware, customers get the customized look they’ve always wanted.
They offer three closet system choices, each maximizing space and creating organization for clothes and beyond.
“We build each closet with the customer in mind,” General Manager Tyree Melton said. “We can help customers take their garage a step further and transform it into a workshop, garden center or arts and crafts room, all with plenty of storage.”
Melton said his favorite product is the home office system, “because
that is where you create, work and communicate. In this digital age, your home workspace is fast becoming one more refuge in your home sanctuary.”
For small spaces, Closets by Design offers the foldaway designbed™ system — customizable, multi-functional and ideal for saving space. Pantries are another popular solution, with easy-toreach shelves, long and short storage, and options to complement laundry rooms.
Garage systems cut clutter dramatically, with counter and storage space for hobbies from gardening to woodworking. Mudrooms can also be customized with shelves, drawers, hooks and baskets to help families stay organized.
“I love giving our customers the highest level of service,” Melton said. “Helping them bring their dream closet to life.”
If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.
However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.
Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox.
One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.
“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss. Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.
“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.
One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle
larger home improvement projects. Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from online. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.
One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.
Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets in 2001 to help customers get organized and find elegant, cost-effective storage solutions for their homes. “My passion for curing clutter led me to share that skill with others,” she says. “It helps you enjoy yourself and have a better quality of life.”
Space Cadets designs and installs built-in closets for renovations and new construction and offers storage solutions for every room in your house, including garages and entertainment centers. The company’s professional organizers will put your home in order. Customers can also browse the Space Cadets retail center for organization products from brands like iDesign, Spectrum, YouCopia, and OXO.
Art of Drawers makes your space work smarter
Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets in Birmingham to help people get organized and find elegant, affordable storage solutions. She provides topquality custom closets, professional organizing, and accessories.
To complement her offerings at Space Cadets, McBrayer purchased the Birmingham franchise for Art of Drawers, which makes high-quality products to increase storage and accessibility in kitchen, pantry, and bathroom cabinets.
And Space Cadets, formerly located at Brook Highland Plaza, now has not one but two convenient retail locations, both of which offer a fun, boutique-style shopping experience.
“We took our one bigger store and divided it up into two smaller stores so we could cover more territory,” McBrayer says.
One is located in The Mercantile at Brook Highland, a boutique marketplace that McBrayer calls “one of Birmingham’s best places to shop.”
In August, Space Cadets opened a second location in The Hub at Knox
Square, an innovative development in Hoover where people seeking to buy or sell a house can find all the services and vendors they need under one roof.
“We want to service more areas to be closer to everyone, making Space Cadets more convenient and accessible,” McBrayer says. “You can save yourself the 30 minute drive across town, and shop for everything you need to get organized close to home.”
Art of Drawers offers custom, solid-wood drawers with dovetail construction, soft-close functionality, and full-extension glides, as well as dividers and pull-down organizers. “There’s nothing better in the marketplace,” McBrayer says.
In addition, her designers help homeowners find storage solutions tailored to the way they use their kitchens, and they offer expert installation. “We don’t waste space,” McBrayer says. “We go down to the millimeter to exhaust every usable inch of space in your cabinets.”
Art of Drawers products make it easier for people to reach items hidden at the back of their cabinets.
This is especially helpful for seniors, who can access their drawers and cabinets without getting on their hands and knees or risking falls. “Our older clients want to live in their own homes as long as they can, and these products help make their homes safer,” McBrayer says.
Art of Drawers also offers excellent storage options under kitchen and bathroom sinks, which are often a jumbled mess. “People love these solutions,” McBrayer says.
Art of Drawers complements Space Cadets perfectly. “We offer everything you need to get organized,” Kim says.
Art of Drawers products are on display at two Birmingham locations: The Mercantile at Brook Highland and The Hub at Knox Square.
Recently sold homes in Homewood
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► ADDRESS: 1108 S. Shadesview Terrace
► BED/BATH: 2/1.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,236 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Homewood
► LIST PRICE: $430,000
► SALE PRICE: $430,000
► ADDRESS: 14 W. Lakeshore Drive ► BED/BATH: 4/3
3,204
► ADDRESS: 119 Oxmoor Road
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,332 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Edgemont
► LIST PRICE: $419,900
► SALE PRICE: $419,900
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
EVENTS
Halloween in Homewood
By JORDYN DAVIS
No one does Halloween quite like Homewood. From hundreds of witches throwing candy for a good cause to picture-perfect family events, here are some ways to go all-out this season. Homewood Witches Ride. Join hundreds of Homewood witches as they ride across the city, cackling and throwing candy for locals on Sunday, Oct. 26. This annual event follows a designated route and will end with a special fall festival at The Edge in Homewood. All proceeds from the ride benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Center at UAB, which funds research for rare types of cancer. Visit the event website to register or learn more.
The Edge Homewood Witches Ride afterparty. Cool down after a night of howling and cackling with drinks and good vibes at the exclusive afterparty located at The Edge in Homewood. This event is free for the community and will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26. Trick or Treat at the Homewood Public Library. The Homewood Public Library returns with its annual trick-or-treat festivities on Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wear your best costumes, bring the biggest candy bag you can find and trick or treat across all library departments.
Frank N Steins at Cahaba Brewing. Join Libby’s Friends, a local nonprofit that aims to ease the financial burden of those living with disabilities, and Southern Home Structural Specialists to enjoy cold brews, hot dogs and community on Saturday, Oct. 25.
LOCAL GOODIES IN HOMEWOOD
Grab a pumpkin spice latte from your favorite local coffee shop and check out these great shops to find all things fall — and don’t forget the festive treats.
Cookie Fix in Homewood has a seasonal rotation of fall-themed cookies and returning flavors. Get in on this warm, gooey action with signature flavors such as crispy chocolate pecan, five-star walnut, Game Day blondies and more. Cookie Fix is at 2854 18th St. S. and is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Blended Bungalow has everything you need to spruce up your home with fall favorites. From cute porcelain lamps to orchid pots, you can get lost in the variety of cozy fall décor. The shop is at 1925 29th Ave. S. and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sim’s Garden is a local favorite, historically known for its annual scarecrow contest. In addition to the contest, the garden also offers a pumpkin patch, mums and special events featuring its famous “fall mix” locals can’t get enough of.
If you’re going for the spooky-yet-eclectic vibe this year, Antique Market on Linden has you covered. Expect timeless, vintage pieces perfect for creating the ultimate haunted house aesthetic. Located at 2828 Linden Ave., the shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pink Tulip Clothing’s new fall selection has officially dropped for the season. Choose from casual dresses, midi skirts and tops. Pink Tulip Clothing is located at 2848 18th St. S and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
COSTUMES GALORE
Discover the best places to find — or create — the perfect Halloween costume.
Spirit Halloween is a go-to spot for all things costumes. You can find just about everything — from dead cheerleaders to your favorite Pokémon character.
King’s Home Thrift recently opened in Homewood and offers a selection of Halloween costumes and decorations for the family.
Chains such as Hobby Lobby, Target and Walmart also have great costumes for a reasonable price.
TRICK-OR-TREAT HEADQUARTERS
Bring the kids to some of the locals’ picks for “best candy” and “best decorated” neighborhoods. Edgewood is known for being charming and walkable. Rosewood is safe, accessible and full of trick-or-treaters. Oxmoor Road is known for fun, decorated houses.
BEYOND THE BLOCK
Atrox Factory in Leeds is a popular haunted house attraction, known as the largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast. The haunted walkthrough opens on Friday, Oct. 3. Tickets begin at $30. Visit www.atroxfactory.com.
Conjure Haunted Attraction is Birmingham’s newest haunted house, located downtown. It features a frightful walk-through, Halloween supply shop and monthly rave events.
The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden will be open through Nov. 2. Families can enjoy hayrides, inflatables, a petting zoo, live entertainment and a variety of food and crafts. Visit greatpumpkinpatch.com.
Helena Hollow runs Oct. 3-31 and offers more than 25 farm activities along with six acres of
The Homewood Library Foundation hosted its first ever trunk-ortreat event at the Homewood Public Library in October 2024. Hundreds of children and their families gathered to enjoy games and collect candy and other treats provided by the over 30 local businesses and organizations that participated. Staff photo.
pumpkin picking. Visit helenahollow.com.
FUN FOR THE KIDDOS
Hoots and Hallows at the Birmingham Zoo takes place on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This daytime event features candy and magical moments with the beloved wildlife at the zoo.
Flicks Among the Flowers is a beloved event hosted by the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This free event will feature a screening of Casper. Bring the family and a lawn chair and enjoy a great movie among the flowers on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
HIDDEN GEMS
The Homewood Public Library is hosting a Thrift Store Ghost Painting class on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Transform old thrift store paintings into spooky new masterpieces by adding ghosts, pumpkins and other Halloween elements.
Hall Kent Elementary Fall Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy hallway trick-or-treating and lots of family fun.
Essentially Glowing Homewood Fall Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at noon. Families can look forward to food, drinks, live music, crafts, shopping and a chili cook-off.
Homewood Witches Ride returns for its 13th year with new theme
By JORDYN DAVIS
The Halloween season in Homewood is about more than costumes and candy — it's about community. One of the city’s most beloved events, the Homewood Witches Ride, returns for its 13th year with a new theme, “Battle of the Bands,” and some exciting additions, including a fall festival and post-ride party at The Edge.
Riders and spectators are encouraged to register early for this year’s ride, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 26. Registration opened Sept. 2.
What started in 2012 as a simple tribute has evolved into one of Homewood’s most anticipated fall traditions. The event began with Janie Ford Mayer, who wanted to honor her late mother, who passed away due to a rare non-smoker lung cancer. Her mother had fondly participated in the South Walton Witches Ride in Florida, and Mayer decided to bring that energy to Homewood.
That first year, Mayer and co-chair Daphne Dickinson dressed as witches and rode through the neighborhood, tossing candy to children. “That night, we had around 80 riders that showed up, and they didn’t quite know what they were getting into. They saw my Facebook page, and the word spread like wildfire,” Mayer said.
Inspired by the success, the next year’s ride became a fundraiser for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We got the Homewood Police Department involved, an improved map, and a legitimate fundraiser platform. The event has blown up since then,” Mayer said.
The event has grown each year, attracting hundreds of participants and spectators. Riders dress up in elaborate costumes and “fly” across
Homewood on decorated bikes, tossing candy along designated zones. “We have certain candy zones, which will be posted on Instagram in the coming weeks,” Mayer said.
This year’s route includes a new ending location at The Edge, a local outdoor food
and drink venue, where the Halloween party continues with music, food, and drinks. Organizers expect a lively celebration to cap off the ride.
Mayer said she’s most looking forward to seeing the community come together again.
“Each year, I’m blown away by the creativity of the witches that participate in the ride,” she said. “We so look forward to this ride and are ready to make this the best year yet.”
New co-chairs Ryan Player and Brett Cole have joined the leadership team this year, helping to plan and coordinate the event. Mayer said she’s proud of the entire team’s efforts and how far the event has come.
The Witches Ride remains a fundraiser at heart. “Our team is so grateful to work with O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. We’re lucky to have them here in Birmingham,” Mayer said. “Dr. (Barry) Sleckman runs it and is absolutely incredible. They are super supportive of us and help us with planning. Every single donation goes to the cancer center, which provides research funding for cancer patients.”
For more details, costume inspiration, route updates and donation opportunities, follow @homewoodwitchesride on Instagram.
Scenes from the 2023 Homewood Witches Ride. Photos by Ian Logue.
Save the Date
JIMMIE HALE MISSION RESCUE RUN
► Where: The Curve in Homewood, 1830 29th Avenue South, Birmingham
► When: Saturday, Oct. 4, 7:45-11 a.m.
► Details: The 10K begins at 7:45 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and the fun run at 9 a.m. Registration includes a high-quality race T-shirt and swag bag for the first 400 participants. Packet pickup is available Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 at Trak Shak, 2839 18th Street South, and on race day at the old Homewood Police Station parking lot. Entry fees are $40 for the 10K, $30 for the 5K, $30 for the 1-mile fun run, $20 for the Sleep In option and $25 for virtual runs. Proceeds benefit the Jimmie Hale Mission
► Website: jimmiehalemission.com
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GOES WILD
► Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham
► When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 5-7:30 p.m.
► Details: Gates open at 5 p.m. with access to ambassador animals, the Reptile Exhibit, Alabama Wilds barn, face painting and an instrument petting zoo. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. outdoors under the stars. General admission tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children 2-18 and free for kids under 2. VIP options include reserved seating and pre-concert receptions with ASO musicians. Food and drinks will be available throughout the event, with optional preordered meals from Nourish 205.
► Website: alabamasymphony.org
MOVIES ON THE MOUNTAIN
► Where: Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham
► When: Friday, Oct. 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (showtime 6:45 p.m.)
► Cost: $10 adults and children; $8 for Vulcan members
► Details: Round out the outdoor movie season with “Hocus Pocus” under the stars at Vulcan Park & Museum. Hosted by Vulcan’s Junior Board, this fall favorite invites families to enjoy spooky fun with scenic views, lawn seating and classic movie snacks. Local food vendors will be on-site, along with beer and wine for adults. Don’t miss a photo with mascot V and a chance to soak up one last picture-perfect night on the mountain.
► Website: visitvulcan.com
COMMERCE CUP PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
► Where: The Picklr, 1031 Montgomery Highway #101, Vestavia Hills
► When: Friday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.
► Details: Players and spectators can enjoy competition, coaching sessions, sponsor booths, food and networking. Ticket options include Tournament Play ($75 per player or $150 per team), Learn & Rally ($75) for beginners and Players Lounge ($25) for spectators. All tickets include breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Proceeds support Chamber programs, events and scholarships for Homewood students. Sponsorships available.
► Website: homewoodchamber.org
Patriots ascend heading into final month
By KYLE PARMLEY
The Homewood High School volleyball team has shown flashes of how good it can be.
But there have also been some moments to grow from. The Patriots are still learning, still building and still chasing the consistency that can carry them to their goals as the season hits the final stretch.
“We're really just trying to stay consistent,” senior middle hitter Walker Binkley said. “Throughout the whole season, we’ve gone up and down. We’ll have a good game, and then we'll have not so much of a good game.”
For teammate Mae Noerager, a senior opposite, the key lies in sticking together.
“When we stay up high, it's due to our communication levels, because that's part of our basics,” she said.
“When we really lean on each other and we're just connected, that's why we are a good team.”
Head coach Grace Burgess agrees that the group’s biggest challenge has been learning how to play together in high-pressure moments.
“The newest one, the one that we're really focused on right now, is how to play together, how to be a unit and how to be better for each other in tense moments,” Burgess said.
The Patriots have tested themselves against some of the state’s toughest programs and each match has provided a different lesson. Spanish Fort and McGill-Toolen are two of the top programs in the state. Homewood showed some positive signs against Spanish Fort and knocked off McGill in a tournament.
In some other early-season matches, Burgess learned about her team while playing against Germantown (Miss.) and Spain Park. Her team had already played multiple matches in a tournament before facing Germantown, but the Patriots persevered through fatigue and won in
how her team matched the speed and athleticism of a team like Spain Park, a team that also has Final Four goals.
Burgess also spotlighted Kam Coleman and Addison Wood as two juniors who have stood out. Coleman has been a varsity contributor since her freshman days and has become a strong setter. Wood has led the team with her solid passing this season.
The seniors also see plenty of room for growth. The Patriots have beaten several quality
teams along the way and know there is still much room to still improve ahead of postseason play.
“I never think that there should be a limit,” Noerager said. “It all just depends on our core values and putting in the work every single day.”
As Homewood heads into the last part of the season, Burgess believes the team’s best is still ahead.
“When they mix the learning with just going out and playing and trusting their training, I think they're going to be so good,” she said.
In October, the Patriots host the Margaret Blalock Tournament. They finish out the regular season with home matches against Shades Valley, Cullman and Gardendale. Homewood should win its area tournament, then will head to the North Regional at the Finley Center, Oct. 22-24.
The Patriots have aspirations of returning to the state tournament, held Oct. 29-31 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
“I’m excited to see when it all comes together,” Burgess said.
straight sets. She was also impressed
Homewood’s Walker Binkley (8) hits the ball during a match against Parker on Sept. 9 at Homewood High School.
Photo courtesy of Scott Butler.
Under the Lights
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Early-season highlights
Photos by RICHARD FORCE, MICHAEL JACKSON AND TODD LESTER
John Carroll RB Aubrey Coker: Coker has emerged as the go-to running back for John Carroll, and gained 70 yards on 17 carries against St. Michael.
John Carroll WR Jackson Rankin: Rankin is one of the leaders on both sides of the ball for the Cavs. Against St. Michael, Rankin had five catches for 70 yards.
Homewood WR Tomon Felton: Felton has assumed the role of leading receiver for Homewood’s offense. In the Patriots’ win over Mortimer Jordan, he caught a long touchdown pass from Kaleb Carson.
Homewood RB Chappy Chapleau: Chapleau was impressive in Homewood’s win over Mortimer Jordan, rushing for two touchdowns.
Homewood defense: The Homewood defense pitched a shutout against Briarwood, allowing a total of 14 points in the first three games.
Homewood QB Kaleb Carson: Carson is off to a hot start in his first full season as the Patriots’ quarterback. He began the year with a big performance against John Carroll, completing 13 of 15 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
Patriots, Cavs aim to finish strong
By KYLE PARMLEY
The second half of the high school football regular season gets crammed into the month of October, with five Fridays on the calendar for teams to either jockey for playoff position or play out the string on an ultimately disappointing campaign.
Homewood and John Carroll aim to do the former, as each will look to finish strong in October ahead of a hopeful November playoff run.
HOMEWOOD
► Oct. 3 at Gardendale: These two teams became frequent playoff foes before being matched up in the same region this cycle. The Patriots took care of business last year in a 23-7 win over the Rockets, who have a new head coach this year in Eric Firestone. The Rockets are perennially a solid program and the Patriots will need to play their best at Driver Stadium.
► Oct. 10 – Open: Homewood gets its open date here before finishing with two region games and a Class 7A road trip.
► Oct. 17 at Parker: Homewood hung with the eventual Class 6A state champs last year, falling to Parker 27-17. The Patriots are likely going to need a win in this matchup to have any shot at a region title this fall. Parker has won Region 5 with a perfect 6-0 mark each of the last two seasons.
► Oct. 24 vs. Minor: Adrian Abrams got Minor back to the playoffs last fall for the first time in four years, so the Purple Tigers could be back on the upswing. It is highly unlikely the Patriots achieve a 41-0 shutout win against Minor like they did last season, but Homewood would love to cap off the region slate with a win.
► Oct. 31 at James Clemens: Homewood caps off the regular season with a trip north to
take on James Clemens, a program in its first year under new head coach Juan Johnson. Even with James Clemens being a 7A playoff team last fall, the Patriots took care of business against the Jets, winning by two touchdowns. A win over a foe like this will provide a boost heading into the postseason.
JOHN CARROLL
► Oct. 2 at Wenonah: John Carroll begins the month with a Thursday night road trip to
play Wenonah. The Cavs had beaten the Dragons four straight years until Wenonah took a 30-15 win last fall.
► Oct. 10 vs. Briarwood: John Carroll has never had much success against fellow private school foe Briarwood. But the Cavs really hung with the Lions last fall, only losing 21-17. Briarwood has won 11 straight meetings, dating back to 2006.
► Oct. 17 at Corner: Last year’s game against Corner was one of several examples of
the Cavs being close, but unable to get over the hump. The Cavs will look to finish out region play with a victory against a team that is coming off the best two-year stretch in program history, with 21 wins.
► Oct. 24 – Open: The Cavs have an open date ahead of the final regular season contest. ► Oct. 31 at West Blocton: Before last year, the two teams previously met in 1950. The results didn’t change, though, as the Cavs have won all three previous meetings.
Left: Homewood running back Reid Goldstein (4) runs during a game between Homewood and John Carroll on Aug. 22, at Waldrop Stadium. Photo by Richard Force. Right: John Carroll’s Aubrey Coker (25) breaks a tackle Photo by Michael Jackson.
Life in Homewood
GET TO KNOW
Yawanna McDonald, attorney
By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Tell our readers about yourself.
A: I’m originally from Columbus, Mississippi, about 40 miles west of Tuscaloosa). I graduated from Mississippi State University where I met the love of my life, Vernell McDonald, Jr. I’m mother of three: PJ, Savannah and Winston; and bonus mom to Charles and Dalen.
Q: Where do you work and what is your role there? What is the most rewarding thing about your work?
A: I’m a Partner at Campbell Partners LLC. I love helping and fighting for my clients and seeking the best outcome for them.
Q: Why did you choose to be an attorney? Did you always know you wanted to be an attorney?
A: Being an attorney is actually my second career. My first career was environmental scientist for several years before I pursued a law degree at Cumberland School of Law. My mom always referred to me as her attorney before I had any thoughts of going to law school. It wasn’t until I was finishing up my Master’s degree at Mississippi State (Hail State!) that I ever considered being an attorney. Advocating
for others who cannot speak for themselves is definitely my purpose
Q: Why did you choose to live in Homewood? What do you like most about living in this community?
A: There were three central things that we were looking for in our community: (1) great school system; (2) a welcoming community with diverse people; and (3) location. Homewood fulfills all three plus more. We love the Homewood schools and have been welcomed into the Homewood community meeting various people, and we’re centrally located so it makes it easy.
Q: As a parent, what is the most important lesson you hope to pass down to your children?
A: If there’s only one thing that I can pass along it would be God loves them. If they have this as their cornerstone, then whatever comes in life, good, the difficult, the joys, whatever—may come, having this foundational truth will keep them anchored.
Q: What is the accomplishment you are most proud of in your life?
A: This is a hard question to answer. I’ve been tremendously blessed so to put them in a ranking system, I think would not do it justice.
BACK WHEN
Homewood High School won its first homecoming in the school’s first football season
By TIM STEPHENS
On Oct. 6, 1972, the Homewood Patriots played their first-ever homecoming game — and won.
It was just the sixth game in the first-year program’s history, and the opponent was Vestavia Hills. Sophomore quarterback David Fleisher was making his first start. He delivered. The Patriots earned a 15-6 win at Berry High School, where they played their home games that season.
“Did you see that sophomore quarterback?” head coach Alvin Bresler asked after the game, quoted in the Birmingham News. Bresler had taken over the new program that fall and was already seeing it take shape.
Amazing
Fleisher ran for one touchdown and threw for another — a 14-yard completion to Billy Holmes that set up the score. Chris Moore powered the run game with 85 yards on 11 carries, and the defense came up with three interceptions. Randy Galbraith, Charles Mizerany, Wayne Turnipseed and Holmes helped anchor the defensive effort.
The win improved Homewood’s record to 3-3 on the year. They would go on to finish 6-4 in their debut season. Two years later, the Patriots were state champions.
That first homecoming game marked more than a win. It was the night a young team — and a young school — began building one of Alabama’s most respected high school football traditions.
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.
The headline in The Birmingham News from Homewood High School’s first football homecoming game, a victory against Vestavia Hills, on Oct. 6, 1972. Retrieved from Birmingham News archives via Newspapers.com.
McDonald
GET TO KNOW
Singer-songwriter Cheyenne Chapman
By TIM STEPHENS
Cheyenne Chapman is a singer-songwriter performing across Birmingham’s most popular venues, including Soho Social, Otey’s, Saw’s Juke Joint, The Summit’s Culinary Dropout and more.
Q: How did you develop your love for music?
A: That was something that started when I was young. My grandfather played music, and he did that for a living. He would write music and things like that, so I got to watch him a lot growing up. When I was about 11 years old, I started writing music. My grandfather gifted me my first guitar at 13, and from there I just kept going with it. It became my obsession through high school. I continued on with choir and just learning more skills with singing. I think I’ve developed the most through being a worship leader. I’ve been put in a lot of positions, things through the last several years of leadership and development. Now not only do I sing for a living, inside and outside of church, but I also teach other people how to do that as well.
Q: How old were you when you got your first professional gig?
A: I think I was 23 when I got my first actual professional gig. But I didn’t start gigging at that time — that was more me showcasing my own
music. It was a few years after that that I started actually gigging more professionally.
Q: Who are some of your musical influences?
A: Starting from a younger age, I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock. Stevie Nicks was a huge inspiration to me growing up. If you ever listen, I have a lot of tonality that’s very similar to Stevie Nicks. I’m not a smoker, so I don’t think I’ll ever get that deep, raspy tone that she’s got, but I’ve always loved her sound and the way that she does music. From that point, I have a very diverse taste in music. I pull from all avenues and just kind of take what’s useful and grow on that.
Q: Where can people see you perform?
A: Publicly, I play a lot at Cahaba Brewing. I was playing at Trim Tab — they’ve been doing some things, so I may be back there soon. Saw’s Juke Joint, Otey’s in Mountain Brook and Homewood. If you’re a member of The Club, I am very frequently there, about three times a month. And then Culinary Dropout.
Q: What are some of your favorite songs to perform?
A: Number one would be my own music because I wrote it and I have a lot more passion toward that. Outside of that, I would say “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac or “Landslide” by
Fleetwood Mac, and then “Creep” by Radiohead. I love that song. It’s very emotionally driven. “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree,” I love singing that song. I’ve kind of made it my own through the years and I can have so much fun with it.
Q: Tell me about your original music — what should people expect?
A: I think I have two eras of my music. One era was me trying to find myself and struggling through a lot of issues and loss. I was still learning how to put songs together. Those songs had a lot more folk and rock. I would say I’ve hit a revamp in the last few years. The style of music that I’m writing now is a little more blues, still folk, and a little bit of rock as well. Every song that I write comes out a little differently. My style of writing has changed, and my way of putting songs together is also evolving. I’ve got one song out called “Lost and Wandering.”
Q: Where can people find your music online?
A: Cheyennechapmanmusic.com is a great place to go because it has everything all in one place. Otherwise, if you just wanted to check it out on YouTube or Spotify or Apple Music, you would just look up Cheyenne Chapman. “Lost and Wandering” is the one that I’m currently pushing.
Q: What’s the big dream? Where
do you want to take this?
A: The big dream is evolving. Each year I kind of find a different path that I want to take. Right now, it is just writing more material. Last year I was gigging so much that it took away time from actually creating the art. I took this year to kind of back off a little and create more. The idea is to get at least an album’s worth together within the next year and get in the studio and get something out. I’ve already traveled to Nashville. I went there last year to kind of dip my toes in that atmosphere. I love the Birmingham culture, honestly, and it’s growing.
Q: Is this your day job?
A: It’s my night job, I’d say. I started out gigging by getting a job at Saw’s Juke Joint years ago, and I’m still there. I do that three times a week usually, and it’s not because I have to anymore — it’s just because I love that place. I’m also on staff at a
church in Calera called Hope Mountain Church, and that’s kind of my day job.
Q: Did you go to college?
A: I started at Montevallo, but I did not complete college. I left and traveled abroad for a little while.
Q: Where did you go?
A: I stayed with my sister in Kuwait, then traveled to Dubai, Thailand, and then made my way back home. That was kind of the end of that time period.
Q: How did that travel shape you and your music?
A: It definitely impacted me. In Kuwait, there’s not as much to do, so that was my time period to reflect and find myself as an artist and as a young woman. My perspective started shifting because it’s so different there. After Thailand, I started writing a lot more calm music. Everything about that trip was just very soothing and relaxing.
14th year | A Craft Tasting Event November 1-2, 2025 | 12:30pm - 3:00pm Hoover Met Complex | Hoover, Alabama www.mossrockfestival.com
Cheyenne Chapman
Beer Snacks
“We’ve got a really special little slice of Jefferson County,” the mayor-elect said, “and we want to keep it that way.”
Following her election, The Homewood Star posed some questions to Homewood’s next mayor.
Q: How does it feel to now be the face of a city?
A: Wow. Well, I love our city so much, so I am honored to be that. Really, I can’t tell you how much it means to me to stand up in the region and represent Homewood. It’s a complete honor.
Q: How would you bring Homewood together after a pretty harsh election?
A: Just be open for any conversation that anyone wants to have. I am an open book. The folks who I have represented in Ward 5 know that. They know I’m accessible. They know I’m responsive. They know I’ve been here for open conversation, and I would just encourage that. We’re going to put forward a robust communication plan for the next term. We’ve already started those conversations. That’s one of the things I want to tackle on Day 1. One of the things we’ll talk about Day 1, implementing that.
Q: How will working with the city manager be different?
A: It’s already so much better. He’s been putting the budget together right now, so the budget process is different. The process has been completely different. He’s been working with Finance Chair Barry Smith, the finance director and the mayor (and) the council president. We’re starting these budget hearings. Glen (Adams) ... the budget has got his fingerprints all over it. He’s been up and running in the city since March, hands on. And all the department heads roll up to Glen. Glen has been full-time centralized
management. It has already made a huge difference. Everyone’s gonna pull in the same direction. We’re gonna be pulling in the same direction, versus having these 12 separate silos that we had.
Q: You are the first woman to be mayor of Homewood. Does that bring any opportunities?
A: I have always sort of operated on a countywide level as far as my job here, where I work, and just sort of the work that we’ve done with the Jefferson County Council Coalition. I’ve got a lot of great relationships across the county. I don’t anticipate those relationships changing at all, just continuing to work with our surrounding municipalities, our county commissioners, surrounding mayors. I’m just really looking forward to
just doing great things for the region and representing Homewood. In that regard, I’ve got great relationships with our state representatives and senators. Already, I have heard from Representative Terri Sewell’s office. I’ve already heard from Congressman Robert Aderholt. I’m just honored to continue working for Homewood.
Q: What are the opportunities to move Homewood forward in this new era of a new governmental structure?
A: I think you’ll see things run more efficiently at the council level. The way we’ve operated in the past is we referred something to committee and the committees (met) the following week and then it got sent back out to the council for the next week. Now we’re going to have pre-council meetings and then
go straight to the council. I think you’re gonna see things move more efficiently. We’ll do away with the committee structure since it will only be five of us. I think that’ll be less cumbersome as well.
Q: When the new council takes office, will there be pre-council meetings on the same day as the council meetings?
A: Yeah, we’re going to model what, for example, what Mountain Brook has been doing. You won’t see this every-other-weeks (committee meetings), which is what you’ve been seeing.
Q: How will you work with the council to get things done?
A: This new role is also the role of the council president. I’ll be the one setting the agenda and leading the meetings. I’ve had great relationships. I’ve already been working with Winslow (Armstead, the new Ward 4 councilman) for five years on the Planning Commission and, obviously, with Nick (Sellers, the Ward 2 councilman) on the council for five years. I look forward to getting to know (new Ward 1 councilman) Paul Simmons and then whoever is going to be the Ward 3 representative. I’m a very easy person to work with and very accessible. (I’ll) just be working with them as a team. We’ll have some training before everyone gets sworn in to make sure everyone understands the process and Robert’s Rules of Order and things like that. There’ll be some transitions with the folks who are brand new, but, fortunately, there’s continuity with folks who are experienced with city boards. Winslow has been the vice chair of the Planning Commission so he’s been leading meetings and he knows Robert’s Rules of Order. And, obviously of course, Nick has his experience on the council. We’re lucky that we’ll have continuity because we are losing institutional knowledge. We look forward to just continuing on and we’ll have help with Glen and then some of the folks that have experience.
Deborah Sema, DMD, MS
Homewood Mayor-elect Jennifer Andress gets a kiss from her husband, Keith, on election night. Andress received more than 71% of the vote in her race against Robin Litaker. Photo by Tosha Gaines.
PIGGLY WIGGLY
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“Our community wants to support this store so badly and wants to be able to, quite frankly, have a bigger store with more offerings, where they can do more shopping there, and where they have more storage to handle that,” he said. “There's no doubt in my mind the community will support this when it reopens because this is a Homewood business. This is one of the things in Homewood that has always been important to people and it will continue to be. I'm confident that they will come back.
“I think this is a wonderful thing for everyone, and it's going to make for the best Piggly Wiggly I've seen,” the mayor said. “Not just for this project, but in comparison to other Piggly Wigglies around the city. I think this one's going to be the best one. I think it's going to be something that the community can be proud of.”
Wyatt said Homewood wants a better Piggly Wiggly. He added that he’s heard the owner say that Homewood deserves a better Piggly Wiggly.
“That store is very important to the family, and they want this one to be something to be proud of, not just for them but for the city,” he said. “We appreciate that attitude. That's the attitude they've always had about Homewood. Whether it's giving stuff to charities within Homewood, whether it's helping with the community in multiple ways and just being a part of the community, they've been such a long-standing and integral part of the community.
“(It) is important for us to make sure that they stay there,” Wyatt said. “I'm excited that we've managed to do that, and managed to do it with a plan that is the best possible plan.”
As he did two years ago, developer Murray Legg spoke to the council, representing McConnell White & Terry Realty and Insurance Co.
“After a lot of discussion and a lot of back and forth, we have decided the best route to go, not only for Mr. Terry but I think also for the city and the neighbors,” Legg said, “and that is to enlarge the store where it sits right now.”
As council members flipped through a ring-bound book of pictures, Legg guided them through the proposed store at U.S. 31 and Oxmoor Road. A color photo showed how the front of the store will look from Shades Cahaba Elementary School across U.S. 31.
“The entrance will be on the south side of the building,” Legg said, referencing the CVS drugstore. The presentation included photos from inside the Crestline location of Piggly Wiggly.
“You guys originally agreed to cut $3.5 million dollars for a larger construction amount,” Legg said. “Now we're not having as large a store and we're not spending as much, we feel like it's only right to go back and ask you to reduce that amount. We're asking for $3 million in incentives versus $3.5 (million).”
Concern was raised about the original plan
because of the proposed location of the loading dock. Those concerns appear to have been alleviated as the loading dock of the proposed building will be where it has been.
“We feel like we've really improved the loading situation from what the previous ideas would be,” architect Robert Thompson said. “The (delivery) trucks will be where they are now, which is basically hidden from view.”
Legg referred to a map of the proposed new store, pointing out a change from the current store.
“We've taken out all the parking out front and also on the north side of the building,” he said. “We turned that into green space for when kids come out of the tunnel for Shades Cahaba. They can wait there for their parents to come and pick them up. We're trying to think about all the things that could possibly happen and try to make it safer for the children.”
The removed parking slots will be replaced with other spaces on the property. Thus, the current 85 parking spaces will become 137.
Council member Barry Smith expressed appreciation to the developers and Piggly Wiggly owner Andy Virciglio for working on the project for so long.
“I know it's been an up-and-down process, but I think in the end, we've gotten to a place where this is a really great plan,” she said. “I think everybody is so excited about it. Andy, I know you're excited.”
Said Virciglio: “Thank you guys for being patient.”
“We were happy to be patient,” Smith replied, “because I think the end result was well worth the wait.”
Because the plan has changed, the development team must return to the city’s Planning and Development Commission to again get approval. From there, the developers will come back to the council for the plan’s final approval.
Prior to the Aug. 25 meeting, Wyatt said the best possible plan for The Pig was worth the wait.
“It's more attractive for them. It's more attractive for the city,” Wyatt said. “Somehow, through all of this, we got to the best plan. It took a little while to do it, but I am absolutely convinced that where we are is the best plan that has existed on this at any point in time.
“We don't have the issues with the loading dock on Courtney (Drive) that came up last time,” he continued. “Those are now resolved because of where it's going to be. The store is going to be a very esthetically pleasing store, right there on the corner at a very important corner for the city.”
The mayor said the grocery store is sort of a gateway to the city. And the green space that’s part of the new plan will tie into what the city is doing with the entry to the tunnel that passes under U.S. 31 to the elementary school.
“We're going to end up doing it all at once,” Wyatt said. “But that green space will provide a much better, a much safer way for children to get into the tunnel and out of the tunnel going across the street to school. Really, everything about it improved.”
Developer Murray Legg presents plans for the new Piggly Wiggly to the Homewood City Council on Aug. 25. Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
