Homewood star vol 3 iss 9 december 2013

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2013

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The Homewood Star Volume 3 | Issue 9 | December 2013

State champs

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Rose Bowl-bound

Cindy Wade reflects on her vision for Star Spangled Girls and their upcoming display in Pasadena

Rose Bowl Parade Watch the Homewood High School Band Jan. 1, 10 a.m.

Andy Smith crosses the finish line in first place at the state 5A cross-country meet, leading the team to claim the championship title. Read more in this issue.

Broadcast on HGTV, ABC, Hallmark, NBC, RDF TV, KTLA

Sports page 27

Holiday tour

The Legacy League’s Christmas Home Tour includes a stop at the Samford president’s house. Find event details in this issue.

Community page 12

INSIDE Sponsors ................. 2 City ........................... 4 Business .................. 8 Food ......................... 11 Community ............. 12 School House ......... 23 Sports ...................... 27 Calendar ................. 29 Opinion .................... 31

By MADOLINE MARKHAM On Jan. 1, the San Gabriel Mountains will spring into view as rows of band members nine wide turn onto Colorado Avenue in Pasadena, Calif.

“A vista opens up, and you can’t miss it,” said Cindy Wade, founding director of the Star Spangled Girls dance team. “It’s exquisite.”

And Wade would know. She’s traveled with Homewood High School to the Rose Bowl Parade two of the three times they have been.

“It’s a lot of beauty that’s out there with the lay of the land and the excitement of the people,” Wade said.

Along with the band and dancers, she was awake at 3 a.m. to get lined up before spectators arrived around 6 a.m., and she was there when they got to see the floats made of roses as they were being created.

“The first year we were thrilled to be invited because we were the smallest band there,” she said. “They were all huge like Homewood is now.”

On the first day of 2014, she will return

Cindy Wade, in black on right, and her husband, Buddy, in black on left, chaperoned the Homewood High School Band’s 2011 trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. They will chaperone the band this month on their trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Parade. Photo courtesy of Cindy Wade.

to Pasadena’s wide-open streets to see 320 Patriots — the largest HHS group ever to take part in the event — march past. She will be there to see them perform “Sing, Sing, Sing” before they step off at the beginning of the parade for the first time. Their performance in the parade will be broadcast to 400 million viewers in 200 countries.

Wade will be looking for her grandsons,

Wacky and tacky Dunn family the culprits behind Edgewood’s “Christmas Lights House”

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

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By MADOLINE MARKHAM Around 10 p.m. on a December night, Marty Dunn heard a noise outside her bedroom window.

Tourists clad in Christmas sweaters were streaming out of two tour buses and walking through the Christmas light “trail” in her front yard.

The Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour had

See DUNN | page 22

Linlee Dunn, right, changes the numbers on the inflatable Santa Christmas countdown in her family’s yard every morning, starting about 80 days prior to the big holiday.

She and her dad, Casey, left, put up around 40 inflatables in front of their Edgewood home each holiday season.

Photo by Madoline Markham.

drummer Hogan Bexley and tenor saxophone player Wade Bexley, as they pass by, but a special glisten will form in her eyes at the sight of girls in sequins.

The image of the Star Spangled Girls reminds her of the vision she cast for the ensemble when

See ROSE BOWL | page 22

2 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Community Partners AccelAbility Physical Therapy (13) Activ Care Living, Mount Royal Towers (3) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (13) Alabama Outdoors (21) Alabama Power (32) Alan Sheffield (17) Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe (10) Aloft Birmingham SOHO Square (4) Birmingham School of Music (26) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (26)

Homewood Middle School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently attended a leadership summit at The Exceptional Foundation, where they helped with a service project. To end the summit, students had a business lunch with local leaders, including Rep. Paul DeMarco (not pictured), HMS Principal Jimmie Pearson, Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland, Chief of Police Jim Robertson and Mayor Scott McBrayer. FCCLA is sponsored by HMS teacher Briana Morton. Submitted by student Amber Robinson.

Briarcliff Shop (25) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (24) Brookwood Medical Center (11) Cahaba Cycles (16) D1 Sports Medicine (27)

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham Last Christmas season I found myself in a lecture on the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art because, yes, I tend to choose to show up at events where most everyone is at least twice my age. One phrase the lecturer mentioned stuck with me: “absorbed beholding.”

She was talking about a way to view art, but I started thinking about how it did anything but characterize my life.

In the pre-social media age, I could sit and read a book for hours at a time or write a story without checking 17 windows on my computer in the process. But now I feel this constant need to look at updates on whatever device is within finger’s reach. It’s only when

I depart from the land of cell phone and internet service to blessed mountains and woods that I can dig deep in conversation or a book.

It’s then that I can be absorbed in beholding in the things I want to value and then that I can focus on the depth over breadth.

What would it look like to be totally immersed in the moment and not planning the next 1,500, to be fully present with people, to truly treasure the joy of gifts in my life?

It’s how I picture Homewood High School band members will feel as they march toward the peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Rose Bowl

Parade in front of millions of people on Jan. 1. I can’t imagine much else was running through Andy Smith’s mind as he crossed the finish line at the state cross country meet last month, or that dancers and scouts will be anywhere but the present moment they walk the streets of downtown Homewood in the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 10.

As we walk into parties, bake up treats, do the shopping and wrapping, let’s absorb not just the extraordinary moments that are few and far between but also behold whatever you treasure about the season, moment by moment.

Merry, merry!

Dawson Family of Faith (14, 20) Edgewood Service Center (24) Escape (6) First Lenders Mortgage Corp. (25) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (22) Harmony Landing (10) Homewood Antiques and Marketplace (12) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (8) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (23) Homewood Parks and Rec (26) Homewood Soccer Club (29) Iz Cafe (4) Jacqueline DeMarco (12) Jimmie Hale Mission (19) Joe Falconer (22) Julie Ivy White (18) Levy’s Fine Jewelry (1) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (12) Mountain Brook Art Association (6)

The Homewood Star neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Publisher : Creative Director : Managing Editor : Executive Editor : Staff Writer : Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries Interns: Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty Published by : Homewood Star LLC

Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Editor@TheHomewoodStar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

For advertising contact: Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use

of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Homewood Star is designed to inform the Homewood community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

Please recycle this paper

Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (19) RealtySouth Marketing (5) Regency Retirement Village (9) Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk (22) Salem’s Diner (17) Savage’s Bakery (18) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (15) The Cook Store (17) The Maids (8) The Sewing Room (7) The Tower Birmingham (3) The Wade Team (17) Urban Style Salon (14) Vision Gymnastics (20) Wallace-Burke (28)

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2013

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The Homewood Star

City

Construction begins on new Central Office for school system

The new Homewood City Schools Central Office is anticipated to be completed in July 2014 on the former Magnolia Apartments property.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Construction on the new Homewood City Schools Central Office at the former Magnolia Park Apartments property on Valley Ave. began in early November.

The construction, anticipated to be complete

by July 30, 2014, is part of a master plan for the property that was first presented in March.

“In our current location, the Central Office staff does not have adequate office space,” HCS Superintendent Bill Cleveland said. “Our current building was designed as a house, and we have 15 people working here. We have employees sharing open offices, which can be difficult when meeting with teachers and new employees or when holding interviews.”

The new one-story, approximately 15,000-square-foot Central Office building will

also offer more space for professional development and storage that the current building on Oxmoor Road lacks, and the layout will be more accessible for visitors. The building will be constructed on the southeastern corner of the property adjacent to the existing Community Garden so that the main entrance to the building will be a patio or porch that serves as an entrance to the garden.

Other future plans for the property include a greenway along Valley Avenue, a cross-country course, a 200-meter track, athletic and maintenance storage buildings, and parking for baseball fields and tennis courts. As the Central Office looks ahead to future solutions for school growth, a new school on the property has also been discussed.

For the current construction period, Brasfield & Gorrie has placed three trailers in the

lower parking lot at the end of Dale Avenue next to the community garden. A gate now prevents parking in that area.

Phases for the construction of the new building are as follows, as outlined in a letter Dr. Bill Cleveland sent to parents of Homewood City Schools students: ff Phase I: A portion of the track will be demolished where the new Central Office will be located. The building pad was anticipated to be completed by the end of November. Installation of a sidewalk along Valley Avenue will begin by the first of December.

It will run the entire length of the property to the middle school. ff Phase II: The existing road to the tennis courts and the remainder of the track will be removed next. At this time, underground

utilities will be installed. Also at this time, the Valley Avenue demolition will begin. ff Valley Avenue Side Demolition: The concrete slabs from the apartments will be removed. Only the slabs that are visible from Valley Avenue will be removed. ff Phase III: The remainder of the parking lot where Brasfield & Gorrie trailers are located will be removed and replaced with grass. This is anticipated to be complete in June.

In addition to Brasfield & Gorrie, William Blackstock Architects, Holcombe Norton Partners landscape architects, LBYD Civil and Structural Engineers and Skipper Consulting are working on the project.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2013

Mayor’s Minute Dear friends and neighbors, The holidays are approaching quickly, and Christmas in Homewood can be a wonderful time!

Please be aware that this is the season when criminals can take full advantage of our generosity and count on us not to think.

Remember to keep packages in your trunk if at all possible when shopping and keep valuables in your vehicle out of view. We often make it too easy for criminals to see what is available to them. Remember to lock your car even when it’s sitting in your driveway at home.

Remember, also, that several years ago I started a program that enables you to contact the police department if you are going to be out of town. Simply call the HPD and let them know, and an officer will physically come to your home each day you are gone to check your residence. If you see any suspicious activity, please notify the police department as it is happening. Too often a report comes in stating a neighbor saw something 15 minutes ago. By then, it is usually too late.

I would also like to remind you to shop Homewood first. This is our chance to return the favor by purchasing as many items from local stores and merchants as possible. Throughout the year, our merchants sponsor activities that directly help our schools, bands, sports teams and all things Homewood. This is only possible

when we support them. It also helps our city because your tax dollars fund all the services provided and pay our employees who work so hard.

And lastly, let’s pay it forward. There is a reason the Bible teaches us it’s better to give than to receive. As many of you know, my dad passed away recently in an accident. I called my mom the other night to check on her, and she said Mr. Jimmy (a neighbor) was over helping her get the faucets outside wrapped to keep them from freezing. Emotionally, it upset me because I didn’t even think about doing that for my mom; it was just something Daddy always made sure was done. But it immediately reminded me to go help someone else just as Mr. Jimmy had helped my mom.

How many of us know someone who could use help like that? Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

Sincerely,

Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

DeMarco to run for Congress Republican state representasuccessfully sponsored bills to tive Paul DeMarco announced strengthen Alabama’s ethics his candidacy for Alabama’s laws and promote government 6th Congressional District in transparency.

October.

“Since 2005, I’ve worked The Homewood resident hard in the Alabama legislature seeks to fill the seat that will be to represent the people with vacated by Republican Spencer conservative, reform-minded Bachus. The 6th District covers principles that are now needed Chilton, Bibb and Shelby counin Congress,” DeMarco said. “I ties as well as parts of St. Clair have supported common sense County, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa and practical ways to make local and Coosa counties. and state government work best for the people of Alabama.”

“The Sixth District is a special place for [my wife] JacqueFor now, DeMarco said he line and me,” DeMarco said. “It plans to talk with the people Paul DeMarco is our home. I share the values of of the 6th District, to share his the many small businesses and hardworking vision and his hope for their support. families who also call this home.”

DeMarco is a partner in the law firm of ParAccording to a release, DeMarco currently sons, Lee and Juliano, P.C. He graduated from serves as chairman of the Judiciary Com- Auburn University in 1990 and received his mittee in the Alabama House of Representa- law degree from The University of Alabama tives, Joint Oversight Committee for Alabama in 1993. He lives in Edgewood with his wife, Homeland Security and co-chair of the Jeffer- Jacqueline, a clinical psychologist. son County House Delegation. DeMarco, who DeMarco is the third Republican to has a strong reputation as a fiscal conservative, announce his candidacy for the seat. The prihas championed public safety legislation and mary will be held June 3.

Don’t let a ladder ruin Christmas Ladder accidents are responsible for 90,000 emergency room visits each year. For many, the annual ritual of hanging Christmas lights will result in a trip to the emergency room, and some falls may be fatal.

Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief Rusty McCombs recommends preparing for safe Christmas light hanging projects anywhere ladders are used. Safety begins with planning, and each plan should include an inspection of the equipment being used. Not only should your lights be tested before you begin hanging them, but the ladders you are using should be inspected also. McCombs recommends implementing the following safety procedures:

ff Before using a ladder, especially a

ladder that has been stored for a while or borrowed from a friend, inspect it for cracks or broken joints. ff Remember this: “If it does not look safe, it probably isn’t.” ff Place your ladder on a stable, even, flat surface. Never place a ladder on top of

another object.

ff One person should be holding the base of the ladder while someone is on it.

ff Use the one-to-four ratio to ensure a

stable working platform. Place the base of the ladder one foot away from whatever it leans against for every four feet of height. ff When using an A-frame stepladder, make sure the brace is locked in place. ff If climbing onto another surface such as a roof, make sure the ladder extends at least three feet past the platform you are climbing onto. This way, you can hold onto the ladder as you step onto the roof. ff Secure tall ladders by tying or fastening the ladder to prevent movement. ff Always face the ladder when climbing up or down. ff Keep both feet on the ladder. Never put one foot on a rung (step) and the other foot on a different surface. ff Never stand on the top step or on the paint shelf of a stepladder. ff Never leave ladders unattended. Kids love to climb them.

-Submitted by Homewood Fire Department

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The Homewood Star

City faces budget challenges with sidewalk plans

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Homewood City Council is assessing the feasibility of sidewalk projects on Mecca Avenue and Rumson Road. However, there might not be enough money in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Budget to complete both.

The current budget appropriates $400,000 to city sidewalk projects, but $50,000 is earmarked for sidewalks repairs near Edgewood Elementary School. The remaining $350,000 is slated for projects on Roseland Drive and South Forest Drive, and what’s left after those could be used on Mecca Avenue and Rumson Road.

“We’re talking about spending money we don’t have,” Council President Bruce Limbaugh said.

Mecca Avenue Mecca Avenue is almost entirely a one-way street, and many children walk it every day to get to Homewood Middle School. The proposed plan is to add 950 feet of sidewalks at a cost of approximately $58,000.

The sidewalks would be built into the existing street rather than onto the property on either side. This would slow down local traffic and be more cost-effective because the city would not have to build retaining walls or purchase rights-of-way access for surrounding properties.

The proposed plan would narrow the street from 24 feet wide to 20 feet. The city would create sidewalks using this space and about a foot of the existing curb line. Residents favored the idea of sidewalks, but they acknowledged a smaller road would affect many homeowners who park in the street.

“There’s lots of kids walking in the morning and in the afternoon, and the cars speed by pretty quickly trying to make the school bell. So I think it’s a great idea and it adds to property values,” Mecca resident Drew Galloway said.

“Even if they had to go into the easement and it affected my yard, I’d still be for it.”

Mecca Avenue sidewalks are a high priority for the council because of the road’s connection

Mecca Avenue is currently a one-way street under consideration for sidewalk projects.

Children use it to walk to Homewood Middle School, but traffic allegedly moves quickly down the street. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

to the middle school. To reduce costs, council members considered spreading the project over several years. They also suggested paving a shorter section on Mecca or making the street into a cul-de-sac instead of building sidewalks.

While this option might be less expensive and would reduce traffic speed, it would also make it more difficult for some parents to get their children to the middle school.

“We could kill two birds with one stone if we do this right. We could solve a safety problem, a traffic problem, [and] a crime problem,” council member Britt Thames said.

Rumson Road Many children also play or walk to school on Rumson Road, and a hill on the street near Windsor Drive has created visibility problems and several complaints about safety and speeding cars. The council would like to see sidewalks stretch from Windsor Drive to Shades Valley YMCA. Putting sidewalks on this stretch would cost between $260,000 and $280,000, partly because the section from Windsor Drive to Yorkshire Drive would cut into homeowners’ properties, requiring right-of-way acquisitions and other expenses. Although residents agreed that

Rumson needed sidewalks, some were opposed to giving up yard space to them.

“I don’t have any room for them to build a sidewalk on this side,” said Rumson resident P.J. Elrod. “[But] I think they’re nice because they’re safer than being in the street, and there’s a lot of people who walk, run and ride bikes up and down this street.”

Several cost-saving alternatives were proposed for Rumson. One solution was to create “curb islands” in the middle of the street, which would cut up to $80,000 from the project budget and wouldn’t affect residents’ yards. However, these islands wouldn’t be as safe as traditional sidewalks since residents and children would still cross the street to access them.

The council also considered painting a temporary pedestrian and bike lane onto the street but decided this would not be any safer than the islands. The most favored proposal was to put sidewalks only in the most dangerous section, from Windsor to Yorkshire and save the rest of the project for future years.

“The sidewalks are something that citizens want us to do,” Limbaugh said. “Yes, there’s a finite amount of money; we get that. But if the word ‘safety’ is involved and we’re saying no, we need to look in the mirror.”

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2013

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CHAMBER UPDATE Lighting of the star Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

The top of 18th Street will come aglow on Dec. 3 at the annual star lighting.

The 200-pound star, crafted by Douglass W. McConnell more than 60 years ago, holds about 1,200 lights and takes about a week to prepare and install.

This year’s celebration will feature performances by school choirs. Hot chocolate from

Savage’s Bakery, coffee from O’ Henry’s, cookies and more will be served. Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer will light the star.

“The star has always been a patriotic sign of the community,” said Tricia Ford, director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. “It has simply become synonymous with our city.”

Annual luncheon featuring Attorney General Strange Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m.

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange will speak at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Luncheon on Dec. 17. New Chamber Board members will also be announced at the event.

As the state’s chief law enforcement officer, Luther works with Alabama’s district attorneys and law enforcement personnel to investigate and prosecute crimes throughout the state.

Most recently, he took a stand against the IRS and its targeting of citizens based on their political beliefs. He also joined with

attorneys general from across the country prevent the federal reach of Affordable Care Act and is now working with Alabama’s own EWTN, the world’s largest religious broadcasting company, to hold back the act’s affects on religious liberties. Luther has also taken on EPA regulations.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Main Ballroom of The Club. Tickets are $30 per person or $150 for a table of six.

For tickets or more information, contact the Homewood Chamber office at 871-5631.

Holiday Open House Edgewood and 18th Street came to life after hours on Nov. 7 at the annual Holiday Open House hosted by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

Merchants offered a variety of specials including in-store events, door prizes, treats, beverages and more.

Families enjoyed the festive decorations while completing their holiday shopping gift lists, and a complementary trolley shuttled guests from downtown Homewood to Edgewood.

Festivity, Collage Designer Consignment, The Pink Tulip and other stores participated in the Holiday Open House last month.

Photos by Madoline Markham.

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The Homewood Star

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Homewood Happenings

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TheHomewoodStar.com

Now Open Pep Boys auto parts store and service center held its grand opening celebration for its new location at 816 Greensprings Highway last month.

948-1233. pepboys.com.

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Relocations and Renovations Stock & Trade Design Co., formerly e-Homewood Interiors, has moved to the former Forbes Piano location at 3048 Independence Drive.

The store offers a wide array of home furnishings as well as custom pieces from local artisans.

413-8531. stockandtrade.com.

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Christopher Architecture & Interiors, owned by Chris Reebals, is renovating the space formerly occupied by Tidmore Flags at 3040 Independence Drive. The firm is a full-service architectural and interiors business that serves both commercial and residential clients.

783-1350. christopherarchitects.com.

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Vlachos Orthodontics, 3045 Independence Drive, is renovating its office.

871-5557. vlachosorthodontics.com.

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Varicosity Vein Center and Vitalogy Wellness Center are renovating the interior and exterior of a building on U.S. 31. Varicosity plans to move in December from its current St. Vincent’s location, and new business Vitalogy plans to open in mid-January.

Their new address will be 2704 29th Street.

592-1800. varicosityveincenter.com.

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Molly Green, a women’s boutique, has moved from Homewood to the Riverchase Galleria, Suite 2000. The store is owned by Bluff Park natives Brittany Hartwell and Anna Miller.

637-7211. mollygreenboutique.com.

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News and Accomplishments Dreamcakes, 960 Oxmoor Road, is planning to sells its buttercream icing in stores and to extend its storage space to the rear of its building. The buttercream should be in stores and the building project complete in early 2014. dreamcakes-bakery.com. 871-9377.

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Cahaba Cycles, 2834 South 18th Street, is holding a special promotion for the month of December where customers can bring in old bikes and receive a credit toward a new bike purchase. The store will then donate the used bikes to area children in need for Christmas. Also, the National Bicycle Dealers Association named Cahaba Cycles on its 2013 list of America’s Best Bike Shops. Participating stores that receive the highest scores on an application were visited by a mystery shopper who rated the store on appearance, website and customer service both in person and over the phone.

879-3244. cahabacycles.com.

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Pinches Tacos, 300 Hallman Hill East, Suite 109, recently started serving breakfast.

536-6511. pinchestacos.com.

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Hirings and Promotions Honors Real Estate, 174 Oxmoor Road, has hired Lloyd Whitworth as a qualifying broker.

940-8552. honorsrealestate.com.

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Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, 504 Brookwood Blvd., has hired Malinda Baucum, CRNP, to join their staff as a nurse practitioner.

871-9661. alabamaallergy.com.

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Closings Moxii has closed its retail location, 111 Broadway, Suite 3, in Edgewood.

The interior design and home décor shop will continue to operate as an online-only business focusing on online sales, design and college dorm design.

637-1756. moxii.com.

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Business news Business news Business news

to share? to share? to share?

Now Open

Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion Expansion Expansion Anniversary

If you are in a brick and mortar business Homewood andand want to share your If in you are in a brick mortar business event with thewant community, in Homewood and to share your If you are in a brick and mortar business let us event with theknow. community, in Homewood and want to share your let us know. event with the community, let us know.

The Homewood Star The Homewood Star The Homewood Star Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com

Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com

Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com

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The Homewood Star

Business Spotlight 18 Street S.

The Pink Tulip

Read past Business Spotlights at TheHomewoodStar.com

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2848 18th Street South 870-7258 thepinktu.com Monday- Saturday, 10 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

By INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE Creativity runs through Letty Algren’s veins.

She calls her 94-year-old mother, Helen Stewart, not only her best friend but also “an all-around Martha Stewart.”

Letty channeled her mother’s creativity directly into her store, The Pink Tulip, right down to Stewart’s distinct calligraphy on the store logo. In fact, it was her mom who helped her and husband, Duff, furnish the first Pink Tulip boutique when it opened in fall 1986.

The Pink Tulip, named after Letty’s favorite flower, began as a home furnishing and gifts store in Birmingham’s Southside. The couple added clothing over time, and now the boutique carries ladies clothing, accessories and seasonal décor in its downtown Homewood and Cahaba Village stores.

Each piece in the store reflects Letty and Duff’s knack for finding detailed novelty items.

“Even basic tees have something unique about them,” Letty said. “Whether it’s small ruffles on the sleeves or the fabric, we pay close attention to detail.”

To avoid seeing fashion clones, The Pink Tulip goes as far as to refurbish thrift shop items.

At the store, customers can find cheese graters turned into light fixtures, hand-painted frames and handmade jewelry.

The owners try to make the store a place of enjoyment, not just a place for purchasing. Letty likes when customers notice the uniqueness of a piece and ask her how it was created.

And others have taken notice. Cooking Light and Southern Living magazines have featured the store’s furnishings to accentuate food in

(left) The Pink Tulip sells youthful, casual clothing for teens and women as well as handcrafted and costume jewelry and a wide selection of scarves. (above) Britt Lindsey, assistant buyer for the boutique, serves a customer at the cashier’s drawer.

photo shoots.

The store took on a new customer base when Letty and Duff’s 19-year-old daughter Hadley became a teenager. It was then that Letty gained a new perspective on fashion to add to her selection. Since then, the boutique has featured a blend of casual, feminine and rustic-styled clothing that is playful enough for teens and conservative yet

Merry Christmas

Thank you Homewood for a Great Year!

2925 18th Street South, Homewood 205-871-0585 www.harmonylanding.com Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

fresh enough for women.

“We want to help them find things that make them feel fabulous,” Letty said. “We love to hear about when our customers get compliments on their outfits.”

The Pink Tulip also features a wide selection of scarves, a must-have piece in every female’s wardrobe according to Letty. She also said boots,

leggings and novelty tops are essential for every girl’s closet.

Nearly 30 years after first opening, the Algrens have gained much experience and developed a niche style for their boutique, but it did not come with ease.

“Our success has been a blessing from the Lord,” Letty said.

TheHomewoodStar.com

December 2013

Restaurant Showcase

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Red Pearl Restaurant

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By SYDNEY CROMWELL At Red Pearl Restaurant, diners see their food at its freshest. Near the entrance stands a row of tanks with live tilapia, crabs, bullfrogs and other creatures destined to become part of the restaurant’s authentic Asian cuisine. While this may be an unexpected greeting for customers, it’s part of the experience that distinguishes the meals at the Red Pearl.

Dining at the Red Pearl is a taste of home for residents like Min Gao, who is from Shanghai, China, but living in Homewood while she works toward a master’s degree in education at Samford University. She works at the Red Pearl and said the food is “pretty much the same” as the meals she enjoyed at home. Gao eats at the restaurant about once every other week.

“I like that I can eat fresh and live seafood,” Gao said. “Also, when I’m waiting for the dishes, I can look around in the market.”

The restaurant and its accompanying Super Oriental Market were started 12 years ago to serve the growing Asian population in Birmingham.

Linda Lin, manager, describes the food as “a little bit of everything,” including meals from Hong Kong and the Szechuan province.

There are no fortune cookies at the

Clockwise from top left: Seaweed and Egg Soup, White Rice and Mongolian Beef. Bullfrogs are on the menu at the Red Pearl Restaurant. An employee selects live blue crabs for a customer. The Super Oriental Market offers fresh and frozen Asian food. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

Red Pearl, but the menu does feature some familiar favorites like Egg Rolls, Cashew Chicken and Kung Pao Shrimp alongside more traditional Asian meals. The adventurous diner can also try Sautéed Snails, Manila Clam Noodle Soup or Szechuan-Style

Pork Intestines.

While the Red Pearl is primarily frequented by Asian customers, many others have also embraced the unique selection of food that can’t be found at a typical Chinese restaurant.

A meal at the Red Pearl is best

enjoyed with a group because buying and sharing a number of dishes allows customers to experience a range of flavors with their friends. Plus, the menu’s variety and affordability means diners often have trouble deciding on just one meal to eat.

Popular dishes include Steamed Fish, Hot and Spicy Blue Crab and Bok Choy. Gao recommends the Sautéed Sweet Pea Leaves, and Lin’s personal favorites are the Crispy Salted Squid, Ginger and Onion Lobster and Sautéed Bullfrog.

12 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

Community Holiday home tour returns The Samford University Legacy League will hold its third annual Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 12. The 2013 tour features five homes in Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook, and proceeds help provide scholarships to Samford University for deserving students with financial need.

Phyllis and Roye Tinsley’s home at 2800 Overhill Road in Mountain Brook was built in 1947 by Donald and Mary Alice Beatty, who were pioneers in the aviation field. Today the home is known for the dome added to the ballroom during renovations and for its gallery-like art collection.

The four homes in Vestavia are conveniently located near each other. 2604 Vesclub Circle is the country English home of Redonda and Lowell Broom and is full of antiques and old pieces that have been “picked up here and there” during the Brooms’ travels.

Janet and Jarry Taylor’s home at 237 Monterey Place is known for a collection of metal goats that occupy the yard and participate in seasonal decorations. The Taylors also proudly display the Congressional Medal of Honor, of which Janet’s father, a Marine four-star general, was a recipient.

Practically around the corner from the Taylor home, Danielle and Bart Yancey at 2312 Shades Crest Road rebuilt about two years ago and decorated it with European styling with rustic and organic elements. It includes lots of wood and iron pieces that visitors will find interesting.

The final home is the residence of Legacy League’s executive director and Samford’s president, Jeanna and Andy Westmoreland, located at 1994 Shades Crest Road. The Samford president’s home is known for its magnificent view of the Samford campus and also for Jeanna’s collection of nutcrackers, which are always on display at Christmas. Holiday hors d’oeuvres prepared by members of the Legacy League will also be

Children’s Dance Foundation presents Freeform

Children’s Dance Foundation students and staff are preparing for its free dance performance, Freeform, this month.

The Children’s Dance Foundation will present Freeform, a mix of dancing by CDF students and staff, on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. Saturday’s show will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday’s show will begin at 2 p.m.

The performance will take place at the Children’s Dance Foundation Studio Theater. It is free to the public, but seating is limited and Legacy League president Karen Bergquist and Samford Ambassador Shea Summerlin at last year’s house tour.

Photo courtesy of Caroline Summers.

served at the home.

All homes will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and from 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased through Dec. 10 at samford.edu/legacyleague. Tickets will also be available at featured homes during tour hours. For questions about the tour, please check the website or call 726-2247.

reservations are highly encouraged. The performance is about 45 minutes long.

For tickets or more information, visit freeform2013.eventbrite.com or call Shellie Chambers at 870-0073.

Children’s Dance Foundation is located at 1715 27th Court South. To learn more about its work, visit childrensdancefoundation.org.

Nutcracker comes to Wright Center The Alabama Ballet will present George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Wright Center this month.

Alabama Ballet is one of only seven dance companies around the world granted permission to present this traditional holiday classic due to strict choreography, costume and set specifications. Balanchine’s version of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many.

Before each performance and during

intermission, a Nutcracker Boutique will be open in the lower lobby of the Wright Center.

Popular nutcracker gifts and collectibles will be available for purchase.

Show times include December 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m. and December 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Public tickets range from $20-$55.

For more information and tickets, visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

Red Balloon Sale

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December 2013 • 13

TheHomewoodStar.com

A place for everyone HHS graduate seeks to help students pay for extended day program

By INTISAR SERAAJ-SABREE Zach Isbell is cool.

That’s what the kids at EDP (Extended Day Program) at Shades Cahaba Elementary think.

He’s only 21, but he’s built up five years worth of relationships with the students while working for the program.

He has also taken notice of students who aren’t in EDP. “We get a lot of kids who stay for late pickup, but they just have to sit in the EDP area and not participate in the program and homework help because they can’t pay for it,” he said.

And the need didn’t end there. He has heard anecdotally about kids who go home after school but aren’t supervised when they get there.

“And I know they are not getting any homework help [like we have at EDP],” Isbell said.

With these thoughts in mind, he had the idea to help kids with the cost of EDP in May but didn’t know what that would look like.

A month later, he was filing paperwork for a nonprofit organization, Project Homewood, to fill just that need.

Isbell’s roots in the program run deeper than this five years in EDP and four as a student at Homewood High School.

The same month he got the idea for Project Homewood his aunt Sandra Vella retired as EDP’s founding director. Vella almost began crying when Isbell asked her to be a part of the board of directors.

“She told people that it was the greatest retirement gift anyone could have given her,” said

Zach Isbell catches up with Kalell and Evan Peoples on the playground at Shades Cahaba Elementary. Isbell first started working with them when Kalell was in fourth grade and Evan was in kindergarten. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Isbell, a public administration major at Jefferson State Community College.

Isbell further honored the legacy of his aunt by naming the only scholarship Project Homewood currently has after her. The Sandra Vella Scholarship will award Homewood students in kindergarten through fifth grade who cannot afford to attend EDP the funds to participate during the school year and/or summer.

In addition to providing children with a place to stay while their parent(s) work late, EDP offers homework help, a healthy snack, and several activities such as arts and crafts, sports

and reading.

During Isbell’s time in EDP at Hall-Kent Elementary School and while working with Shades Cahaba’s EDP, he realized that the program also gives students a jump-start in developing the social skills they might not have developed until middle school.

“Seeing them blossom from being shy and scared to totally being on their own makes everything worth it,” said Isbell. “I love it!”

Isbell hopes to soon raise enough money through Project Homewood to send five to 10 children to the summer program because it is

the most expensive. In the future, he also hopes to extend the organization’s reach to other cities.

With the board of directors composed of Homewood alumni, Homewood teachers and Homewood citizens, Project Homewood already reflects differences the organization will make that will directly affect the community.

“When you donate, you’re donating to a cause that you’ll be able to see in your own community,” Isbell said. “And it’s tax deductible.”

To learn more about Project Homewood, visit projecthomewood.org or contact Isbell at 8073206 or projecthomewood@gmail.com.

14 • December 2013

H

The Homewood Star

Christmas Parade returns to Homewood

omewood residents are getting ready for the next big event of the holiday season — the City of Homewood’s Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Scheduled for Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m., the parade will feature the appearance of Santa Claus in the city, as he rides through downtown on his way to the plaza at SoHo Square.

The parade will begin at the Homewood Library and travel east on Oxmoor Road; turn left onto 18th Street S.; travel under the Christmas Star; turn right onto 29th Avenue; turn left onto 19th Street; travel past City Hall; turn left onto 28th Avenue; and end at the intersection of 18th Street.

The parade will include dozens of participants representing businesses and organizations from across the city who will throw candy and other trinkets to eager children lining the sidewalks.

Last year, thousands came out to be part of the special event.

“We encourage participation in the parade from all school groups, churches, clubs, neighborhoods, civic groups, businesses and individuals,” said Rusty Holley of Homewood Parks and Recreation. “We love to have new and unique entries in this annual event.”

Awards will be given for Best of Show, Best Use of Lights, Most Lights and Best Decorated Vehicle. Along with the parade awards, the Quality of Life Group Award will be presented.

Following the parade, Santa will help light the city’s Christmas tree at City Hall in a special ceremony and will be available for photos afterward.

“The parade is the essence of Homewood, and all the folks that make the city great are involved,” Mayor Scott McBrayer said.

– From staff reports

Families from across Homewood attended the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2012. Pictured are Madelyn Harwell (6), Amelia Edgeworth (6), Brooks Harwell (5) and Charlie Edgeworth (5).

Photos by Jeff Thompson.

Santa Claus closes out the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2012.

Mayor Scott McBrayer leads the procession during the last year’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.

December 2013 • 15

TheHomewoodStar.com

Event raises support for Sims Garden

Coker dances with the Rockettes Homewood Middle School student Anna Coker participated in a Master Dance Class with the Radio City Rockettes at the Atlanta Ballet Centre in November. The intensive dance class for intermediate and advanced dancers featured the Rockettes’ precision dance techniques including tap, jazz and the famous kick-line choreography.

A member of the Homewood Middle School Dance Team, Anna has been dancing with the Alabama Ballet for nine years and will be performing in her fifth year as a member of the community cast in Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. She is the daughter of Lynne and Jim Coker.

Anna Coker, top right, with friends at a Master Dance Class with the Radio City Rockettes. Photo courtesy of Courtney Reed, Director of Education & Community Outreach Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation.

Girl Scout Troop 152 at the Market Day.

A new Market Day this fall raised $1,200 for the Sims Garden, located at 908 Highland Road in Edgewood.

“It was great to see a diverse group of residents from all areas of Homewood, and many families with young children touring the garden and learning about the five specific gardens located within the six-lot area,” organizer Mary Ellen Snell said.

The goal of the event was to match the

$1,500 the city has proposed for funding in the budget for next year. The amount has been reduced from $10,000 in previous years and follows the city’s plan for the garden to become more self-sustaining.

Heather Hallman and Amanda Thames hosted a Ladies Bake Sale Table, and several local vendors sold goods while businesses offered sponsorships. Arnie Rutkas provided tours of the garden.

Hipps voted UNA Homecoming King

Homewood Creatives to host holiday show Homewood Creatives, a group of area women that specializes in different types of art, is planning a show for Dec. 6-7. The show will run from Friday 5:30-9 p.m. on and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 110 West Hawthorne Road.

Different types of art will be available for purchase including pottery, paintings, jewelry and photography.

For more information, visit the Homewood Creatives Facebook page.

Homecoming King Tate Hipps and Homecoming Queen Katie Mauldin. Photo courtesy of Shannon Wells.

Tate Hipps, a 2011 Homewood High School graduate, was selected by his peers to be this year’s Homecoming King for the University

of North Alabama. Tate is a junior majoring in film and digital media.

16 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

Hit the ground running with your resolution

By LAUREN MORIARTY There’s no need to wait for Jan. 1 to start a New Year’s resolution. The Birmingham Track Club’s third annual Resolution Run at Red Mountain Park offers 3-, 5- and 10-mile races open to all ages on Dec. 28.

“Participating in the Resolution Run is a fun way to ring in the New Year because it is such a unique way to celebrate — with a sense of challenge and commitment,” said Mike Mahon, president of the Friends of Red Mountain Park.

“Whether you want to leave something behind in 2013 or resolve for something new in the coming year, the beautiful park trails provide an experience that inspires and renews.”

While the event is family friendly, trails include rocky terrain unsuitable for strollers.

A donation of $15 or more is requested but not required to participate. Funds raised benefit Friends of Red Mountain Park, a volunteer organization responsible for helping to maintain the park’s grounds.

The first 500 people to register will receive T-shirts.

Following the run, the Birmingham Track Club will award door prizes. Parking will be clearly marked along Frankfurt Drive.

Mahon encourages all to participate.

“We hope everyone will want to start the new year on a positive foot here at Red Mountain Park,” he said.

Birmingham Track Club Resolution Run Dec. 28, 8 a.m.

Red Mountain Park 2011 Frankfurt Drive To register, visit trakshak.com

Runners make their way through Red Mountain Park trails during last year’s Resolution Run. Photos courtesy of Red Mountain Park.

December 2013 • 17

TheHomewoodStar.com

Homewood churches plan holiday events

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Churches around Homewood are getting ready for Christmas with a variety of events, including plays, concerts and caroling. If you and your family want to join in the Yuletide festivities, be sure to attend these events: Dec. 1 ff Oakmont United Methodist will hold its annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Hanging of the Green at 11 a.m. Visit oakmontmethodist.org to learn more. ff Learn to make an advent wreath with Trinity United Methodist from 4-5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Visit trinitybirmingham. com to learn more. ff Hear the classic Christmas section of Handel’s Messiah at Trinity United Methodist. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the Trinity choir and orchestra, along with the choir from First United Methodist in Prattville, will give two free performances. Visit trinitybirmingham.com to learn more. ff Join Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian for the Hanging of the Green and an Advent service at 6 p.m.

Dec. 4 ff Join Covenant Presbyterian for the Women’s Christmas Countdown at 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature guest speaker Beth Dalbey and time for creating gifts for the church’s ministry in the Fairfield community. Visit covpres.com to learn more. ff Shades Valley Lutheran will hold its first Advent service at 7 p.m. The service is part of their Advent theme, “Walk to Bethlehem.” Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org to learn more.

Dec. 8 ff Enjoy a Christmas teatime with Shades Valley Lutheran from 2-4 p.m. Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org to learn more. ff At 4 p.m. join Trinity United Methodist for its children’s performance. The first through fifth grade choirs and handbell players will perform “The Light before

HOMEWOOD

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Christmas.” Visit trinitybirmingham.com to learn more. ff First Baptist Church of Birmingham will host the Hanging of the Green at 5 p.m., followed by Christmas fellowship at 6 p.m.

Visit fbcbirmingham.org to learn more. ff At 6 p.m., see a 200-person choir and 40-piece orchestra perform classic Christmas songs at Dawson Family of Faith’s Carols to the King.

Dec. 11 ff The second part of Shades Valley Lutheran’s Advent services will be at 7 p.m. Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org to learn more.

Dec. 15 ff See the Shades Valley Lutheran Christmas Pageant, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” at 10:30 a.m. ff Senior adults can join First Baptist Church of Birmingham for a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Visit fbcbirmingham.org to learn more. ff First Baptist Church of Birmingham is going caroling at 5 p.m. Visit fbcbirmingham.org to learn more. ff Enjoy a Christmas concert with Covenant Presbyterian at 6 p.m. The church’s adult and children’s choir and vocalists will perform traditional hymns and contemporary songs, followed by singing Christmas hymns with the entire congregation. Visit covpres.com to learn more. ff The children and students of Dawson Baptist will perform at 6 p.m. in “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain.” ff Enjoy a Christmas Cantata, followed by a Christmas tea, at 6 p.m. with Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian.

Dec. 18 ff Shades Valley Lutheran will have its final Advent service at 7 p.m. Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org to learn more.

Dec. 21 ff Join Dawson Baptist at 5 p.m. for a service with a 300-person choir, carols and the lighting of 1,500 candles. Visit dawsonchurch.org to learn more.

Dec. 22

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Monday–Saturday 6:30am to 3pm www.salemsdiner.com

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ff Trinity United Methodist will hold its annual “Service of Lessons and Carols” at 8:45 and 11:30 a.m. The service will feature Trinity’s orchestra, handbell players, and adult and children’s choirs. Visit trinitybirmingham.com to learn more. ff Join Dawson Family of Faith at 5 p.m. for a service with a 300-person choir, carols and the lighting of 1,500 candles. Visit dawsonchurch.org to learn more.

Dec. 24 ff Services for all ages will be held at Trinity United Methodist. At 4 and 5 p.m., families with young children can participate in a special service where children are encouraged to dress up as characters from the nativity story. Personal communion will also take place from 4-6 p.m. Families or individuals can drop in at any time during those two hours. Finally, at 7 and 11 p.m.

Trinity will host a traditional candlelight communion service. Visit trinitybirmingham.com to learn more. ff Covenant Presbyterian will host traditional candlelight services at 4:30 and 6 p.m. Visit covpres.com to learn more. ff For those with a tight schedule, join Dawson Family of Faith at 5 p.m. for a 35-minute service featuring carols and participation in communion. Visit dawsonchurch.org to learn more. ff Participate in communion and a Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m. with Oakmont United Methodist. Visit oakmontmethodist.org to learn more. ff At 5 p.m., First Baptist Church of Birmingham will have a carol and candlelight service. Visit fbcbirmingham.org to learn more. ff Services at Shades Valley Lutheran will be at 5 and 8 p.m., with music beginning 30 minutes beforehand. The services will include communion. Visit shadesvalleylutheran.org to learn more. ff From 5 to 7 p.m., Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian will host drop-in communion services.

18 • December 2013

Ironman down

The Homewood Star

Holiday art show at Brookwood

Featured artists Janet Tillery paints in the lower level of Colonial Brookwood Village during last year’s Holiday Art Show. Photo courtesy of the Mountain Brook Art Association.

Jimmy Harrison and Mary Ben Fitts by the countdown clock at the Ironman in Panama City Beach in November.

Maneuvering around kids and work schedules, Mary Ben Fitts and Jimmy Harrison completed the Ironman Triathlon in Panama City Beach this fall after training together in Homewood. The event entails a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a marathon (26.2 miles).

“A year ago, I never would have thought it was possible to commit the time and training necessary around work and kids’ schedules,” Harrison said. “Once I registered, I had to make it work. ” Both athletes are longtime marathon runners and completed their first half Ironman in 2008.

“We are both blessed to have very supportive spouses and families who were excited about our

participation in the event and were our cheering section, as well as many friends and the incredible Vulcan Tri group of which we are both members,” Fitts said. “The most rewarding part for me as a mom was to see the excitement in my children and their friends and hear them say, ‘Wow! I want to do that one day!’”

Harrison is married to Lisa, also a marathoner, and father of Emily (HHS senior), Mary Elizabeth (HMS eighth grader) and Reed (Edgewood fifth grader).

Fitts is married to Tom and is mother of Jacob (HHS freshman), Judson (Shades Cahaba fifth grader) and Katharine (Shades Cahaba first grader).

A two-week show will offer shoppers an opportunity to buy gifts of art by local artists.

The Mountain Brook Art Association event will run Dec. 5-19 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily in the lower level of Colonial Brookwood Village.

Work in all sizes and price ranges from the top artists in the metropolitan area will be available for sale. Proceeds from all sales will be donated to Birmingham’s Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center.

Holidays at the Assistance League Santa Claus welcomed customers to the annual Holiday Open House at the Shops of Assistance League on Nov. 3.

The Shops are decorated for the season and offer a wide range of unique holiday décor and gifts at 1755 Oxmoor Road.

Assistance League President Jan Service and Melinda Thornbury with Santa Clause (a.k.a. James Reach) at the Shops of Assistance League of Birmingham.

Featured artists will appear at the show daily to offer on-site demonstrations.

The opening reception will be held Dec. 5 from 4-8 p.m. and will be catered by Cocina Superior. A Grand Finale party will be held Dec. 15 from 5-8 p.m. and will be catered by at Brio.

For more information on featured artists and additional events, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

December 2013 • 19

TheHomewoodStar.com

A Soviet conspiracy?

JFK devotee publishes fictional book about the John F. Kennedy assassination

By MADOLINE MARKHAM When the sound of a gunshot rang through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Jack Owens knew he had to tell John F. Kennedy. He tried to run to Kennedy’s car, but he couldn’t get there before the shot pierced him.

In reality, Owens was not in Dallas when Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, but over the decades to follow, this scenario at Dealey would play out over and over again in his dreams.

“From the first time I saw John Kennedy in the mid-50s, I admired him,” Owens said. “I was so happy when he was elected, and when he was killed, I never got over it.”

Every weekend following the assassination Owens walked from his college in Washington, D.C. to Arlington Cemetery to visit Kennedy’s grave.

He had watched Kennedy’s press conferences weekly starting in high school, and today he owns transcripts of all of them, along with Kennedy’s letters from when he was a teenager and college student, ones he said are full of both eloquence and wit.

“He had a big heart and understood the needs of poor people like the coal miners in West Virginia where I grew up,” he said.

Owens followed Kennedy’s call for young people to go into public service, and after retiring in 1999 from 30 years as an FBI agent based in Homewood, he has published a book about the greatest influence in his life.

“I was very suspicious about the government findings that he was killed by just one person and not a

Following a 30-year career with the FBI, Jack Owens has written a novel about the John F. Kennedy assassination. Photos courtesy of Jack Owens.

conspiracy when I was in college and law school,” he said. “From the time those findings came out, the American people didn’t believe it, and I didn’t either.”

But his time immersed in the Bureau’s forest of files depicting

events before and after the Kennedy assassination convinced him the FBI got it right. That didn’t stop his imagination from wandering, though. If he was going to write a book about the assassination that was interesting, he knew it had to involve a conspiracy.

Watchman: JFK’s Last Ride, which was published in November by Keith Publications in Arizona, blends what Owens knows as fact with what he created as fiction. Even as he describes the plot, the lines between the two are blurred.

“Many things you will read are true, but the characters are mostly fictional,” he said.

In the novel, three Soviet gunmen conspire to kill Kennedy, as inspired

by Owens’ interest in counterintelligence during the Cold War. “I met so many Soviets that I felt like I had a handle on how they worked and tried to recruit spies in America,” he said.

In fact, Owens said Lee Harvey Oswald, who was convicted for the assassination in real life, had spent two years in the U.S.S.R., and after the assassination, the Soviets were assuring the U.S. that they did not send him.

With the Kennedy book published, Owens is now working under contract on three novels set in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa about a serial killer named Pok, a religious zealot who was inspired by the profiles of dozens of serial killers Owens encountered while in the FBI. He’s been told it’s funny, just like the JFK book, as it mimics the dialogue among his FBI colleagues.

“You need a sense of humor because you see the dark side of the people and the good side, too,” he said.

Owens and his wife, Patricia, a longtime Homewood High School chemistry teacher, live in their third Homewood home, and their six children are graduates of Edgewood Elementary and Homewood High School.

For more about his books, including Watchman and a memoir about his FBI career, visit jackowensbooks. com.

20 • December 2013

Homewood Gift Guide

The Homewood Star

Our editors’ picks for the season

For the angelic Iron Candle Holder Small $20, Medium $24, Large $50 Put a red candle in this angel for the holidays, and swap it out with another color to leave her up year-round.

Harmony Landing, 2925 18th St. South, 871-0585

For the sophisticated Glass Terrian Serving Platter $180 This turquoise platter will add sparkle to any room.

Wallace-Burke, 1830 29th Avenue South, 874-1044

For the hostess Raven’s Nest Gift Packs $12.99 Garden Party Mix, Mulling Spices and a Christmas tree spreader come ready to gift to your favorite hostess or friend — no wrapping necessary.

Homewood Antiques and Marketplace, 930 Oxmoor Road, 414-9945

For the techie Outdoor Tech Buckshot Rugged Speaker $49.95 This 3.7-inch-tall Bluetooth speaker puts out quality sound for 32 feet around it. Plus, it’s water resistant and can be mounted to your handlebars.

Alabama Outdoors, 3054 Independence Drive, 870-1919

For the decorator Regina Andrews Votive Holder $26 The antique mirror reflects the colors in your room and is the perfect addition to anyone’s bookshelf or side table.

Defining Home, 1916 28th Ave. South, 803-3662

For the neighbors Custom Printed Napkins $12-14 for 50 Customize cocktail, lunch or dinner napkins in your color of choice with friends’ names and/or a message they’ll want to share with their guests.

The Scribbler, 2919 Linden Ave., 271-8135

TheHomewoodStar.com

Homewood Gift Guide

December 2013 • 21

For a personal touch Personalized Burlap Pillows $35-55 Add a monogram, last name, anniversary year or your favorite saying to these pillows, available in a 14- to 20-inch square or a 12-by-24-inch rectangle shape.

Top Stichin’, 923 Oxmoor Road, 943-8440

For the one who is hard to buy for Homewood Star Gift Certificate Any price Let them pick out what they want from their favorite Homewood retailer with a certificate in the denomination of your choosing.

Homewood Chamber of Commerce, 1721 Oxmoor Road, 871-5631

For the collector Fontanini Nativity Sets $20-150 Kids can’t break this Italian nativity. Start a collection with the Holy Family ($50) or a seven-piece manger set ($150) and then add figurines to the collection each year.

The Briarcliff Shop, 1829 29th Ave. South, 870-8110

For the fashionista For the musician Hohner Old Standby Harmonica $14 Kids and adults alike will be playing along to their favorite tunes with this small, classic instrument.

Homewood Musical Instrument Co., 3027 Central Ave., 879-4868

Bead Bracelets $7.50 each Stuff a stocking with these beads, and she will be able to mix and match the neutral tones with any outfit.

A Touch of Whimsy, 2937 18th Street South, 490-6196

22 • December 2013

ROSE BOWL from pg Homewood High School opened in 1972.

Their uniforms have remained the same since 1976 — a silver and red sequined halter with white gloves and knee-high white boots like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders wore. At each performance Wade checked every part of their look; it was part of their grade in the class. Their lipstick was always red, their ears studded with rhinestones, their hair up in a headpiece, and their legs covered in suntan-colored opera hose.

Just like the Rockettes, she wanted their looks indistinguishable from one another and their steps to be precise.

“They look professional from head to toe,” she said. “If you don’t know them, it’s hard to tell who is from yesteryear and who is from today. They are unusually and uniquely polished wherever they go. That was always the case.”

A New Orleans native, Wade also wanted the girls to bring the excitement of Mardi Gras parades to the field.

DUNN from pg

1

arrived at 115 Hawthorne Road.

After a short online investigation into the tour, Marty’s husband, Casey, the mastermind behind the holiday display, found that their house had been dubbed “Santa’s Trailer Park.”

The name conjured up a single reaction in him: pride. There wasn’t even a hint of embarrassment, he said. After all, he had cultivated the more than 30 inflatables on display.

Starting around Thanksgiving, the lights at the Dunn house are on from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and Christmas Eve they stay on all night.

Casey and his decorating partner in crime, daughter Linlee, 8, are ever eager to make their first Lowe’s trip of the season to look for the latest holiday inflatables. This year alone they are adding Santa in a bathtub, Santa in a deer stand, Santa hanging on the gutter and Santa in a hippie van, along with a Tacky Sweater Party

The Homewood Star 1 In 1998 Wade retired from Homewood High School to join her son, Billy, in the real estate business, but only when one of her former Star Spangled Girls, then an Auburn graduate, was able to take her place. Today pictures of her years with the Star Spangled Girls line the walls of her Oxmoor Road office. She organized a band reunion performance in September that raised $1,800 for the band uniform fund, and she chaperones the parade trips any chance she gets.

Still, her legacy with the girls was about more than way they look on the field, although she admits she’s always loved glitter and sparkles.

“One of the most gratifying things is for girls to come back in their 20s or 40s and tell me they knew how to be prepared and be accountable when they entered college, jobs, medical school,” she said. “‘No one was stricter than you,’ they tell me. Being a Star Spangled Girl is not about steps, it’s about life.”

sign Linlee gave her dad for Christmas last year.

Those will join Santa in the outhouse, Santa in the hot air balloon, Santa with Mrs. Claus in a swing and an assortment of others in the collection.

Then there’s the laser Christmas lights Casey saw on QVC late one night that were advertised as “Disney technology made affordable.” They are also making their debut.

“We have yet to start taking things away,” Marty said.

The front yard show started with a different tone, one Marty will assure you was more classy.

Casey was playing baseball in the Royals’ minor league when they first married and were living on Dixon Avenue. He was at home a lot during the off-season, so he used his free time to hand-make wooden Christmas decorations for their yard.

The only original decoration that remains is a wooden snowman. These days inflatables rule the show.

The HHS Band marches through downtown Homewood at Homecoming. Photo by Scott Butler.

A decade ago the couple moved to Hawthorne across from All Saints Episcopal Church, and Casey started working as the head baseball coach at Samford University. He had less time to make decorations, and inflatable holiday décor was new to the market.

Before Marty knew it, all her hopes of white lights and garland were forever gone. These days she doesn’t even see much need to decorate the inside of her house beyond stockings and a few other items.

The three-day process of installing the display starts around Thanksgiving, per Marty’s regulations. If Linlee had her way, it would start much earlier. Casey usually recruits some of the baseball players he coaches at Samford to help pull the goods out of the “Christmas explosion,” as Marty calls it, in their basement. Sometimes the students bring their girlfriends by later to tour the yard, Casey said.

Seven years ago Casey installed additional electrical breakers at the house, and four years

ago they switched to LED lights.

“That helped with the power bill,” Marty said, as Casey described how previously they could hear the electric meter spinning when the lights were on.

Now they also have a remote control that can turn on all the lights at once.

Perhaps the most exciting day of the season for Casey is Dec. 26.

He’s up hours before Marty to start taking down the decorations, but the best part comes after Lowe’s and Home Depot open. He makes his rounds to about eight stores to gather up whatever he can find that is on sale.

Marty said she doesn’t even ask how much he spends afterward, but whatever he adds to his collection, she knows she will see it in their yard in 11 months.

“We tell people we live in the ‘Christmas Light House,’ and they know where we live,” Marty said.

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December 2013 • 23

TheHomewoodStar.com

School House

FACS teacher Morton competes for national title Homewood Middle become a teacher. To School Family and Conensure her students are sumer Sciences (FACS) both college- and careerteacher Briana Morton was ready, she has made it her selected as a finalist for mission to incorporate the National Outstanding more technology into New Career and Technilocal classrooms. She has cal Teacher Award by the worked hard to acquire more than $15,000 in Association for Career and Technical Education classroom grants to make (ACTE). She is now one of this possible. only five finalists selected Morton is currently Briana Morton to compete for the 2014 the Region II ACTE Outnational title. standing New Career and Inspired to help students growing Technical Teacher. The national winner up in rural areas – like the community will be announced during ACTE’s she came from – Morton left a success- VISION 2013 conference in Las Vegas ful career in apparel merchandising to on Dec. 4.

The day books came to life

Maggie Serota’s third-grade class dressed in character.

Hall-Kent Elementary School thirdgrade students and teachers recently

dressed as book characters to celebrate their love for reading.

Pittman named Wendy’s Heisman finalist Homewood High School student Genny Pittman was named a state finalist in the Wendy’s Heisman contest. HHS student Aaron Stansell was also named as a school winner for the contest.

Since 1994, the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program has honored more than 395,000 of the nation’s most

esteemed high school seniors in partnership with the Heisman Memorial Trophy Committee. The leadership award honorees are well-rounded young men and women who excel in learning, performing, and leading in the classroom, on the field and in the community.

Genny Pittman and Aaron Stansell

Magic Tree House reading buddies Our Lady of Sorrows fourth-grade students celebrated the release of the 50th book in the popular children’s series, Magic Tree House, with firstgraders during Reading Buddies Week in October.

To kick off the event, the fourth grade students watched a live webcast hosted by Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series. Before the webcast, students were invited to submit questions to her. Then during the week, these students took time from their everyday studies to read to the firstgraders in small group settings, giving the younger students an opportunity to read as well.

“The week was a great experience for everyone involved,” said OLS fourthgrade teacher Andrea Dexter. “For the older students, it encouraged their leadership capabilities and gave them more confidence to be role models for the younger students. As for the little

First-grade students Timothy Meehan and Mary Catherine Golab are intrigued as fourth-grader Caroline Golab reads one of the Magic Tree House books to them.

ones, they have found some good mentors in our class and hopefully gained a continued

interest and love for reading.”

-Submitted by Our Lady of Sorrows

Deanne L. Vail, DMD & Julie L. Webb, DMD

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24 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

Turkey trotters

Putting a cap on drugs

Edgewood Elementary School students celebrated by “putting a cap on drugs.”

During Red Ribbon Week in October, schools stressed the prevention of substance abuse. Each school celebrated Red

Ribbon Week by hosting theme days that helped students learn about drug and alcohol prevention.

Students experiment in space Edgewood Elementary School’s Turkey Trot winners.

Edgewood Elementary School’s 13th Annual Turkey Trot was a huge success this year with more than 425 student runners. The students trained at least once a week and many times twice a week.

Since the beginning of school, Edgewood students have logged more than 8,000 miles combined in preparation for the Trot and the Mercedes Kids Marathon. The Trot was one more mile toward their goal of 25.2 before the Kids Marathon in February.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Boys

Kindergarten/First Grade Boys

First: Maris Owen Second: Livy Dunn Third: Sunny Ferren

First: Will Myers Second: Jake Dorough Third: Graham Doyal

Second and Third Grade Boys First: Harris Fowlkes Second: Henry Allen Third: Rigdon Gibbons

First: Bryan Sokell Second: Liam Dwyer Third: Fox Landgren

Kindergarten/First Grade Girls First: Camille Reidinger Second: Amelia Blish Third: Cate Geer

Second and Third Grade Girls

Fourth and Fifth Grade Girls First: Ulrika Kellen Second: Brinley Cassell Third: Anna Grace Gibbons

A team of Homewood High School AP chemistry students were selected to participate in a project titled “A Comprehensive Evaluation of Microgravity Protein Crystallization” with Dr. Larry DeLucas, director of the Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering at UAB. More than 90 students from central Alabama representing 10 different schools are participating in both the ground-based and flight-based experiments. In addition to the groundbased research, every school will have the opportunity to fly up to 10 different protein samples in space and analyze the results upon their return to Earth.

Homewood students visited the Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering in October to prepare their protein crystals for the tentative February launch of the SpaceX-3

HHS students visit the Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering at UAB to prepare for a research project in conjunction with the center.

unmanned rocket. Their crystals will be allowed to grow in microgravity and will return to Earth for analysis. HHS teacher Kelly Reaves will lead these students through this opportunity.

December 2013 • 25

TheHomewoodStar.com

Winches receives curriculum leader award Homewood City Schools’ Dr. Betty Winches has been selected as the 2013 Outstanding Curriculum Leader as selected by the Alabama Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD).

AASCD, an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), appointed a committee to review nominations for outstanding contributions to curriculum development, advancement or implementation.

Winches began her career in Homewood as a seventh-grade language arts teacher in 1975 after serving previously in Birmingham City and Huntsville City Schools. Since 1998, she has served HCS as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

“Dr. Winches is the ‘keeper of the vision’ for all curricular and instructional initiatives in the school district,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland said. “She is sought after as a mentor, and she uses her knowledge and experience to encourage even greater skills in our experienced teaching staff and in our new teachers.”

For more than 12 years, Patti Atkinson has worked with Winches as a current HCS Board member, former elementary PTO president and HCS Foundation member.

“Dr. Winches’ understanding of curriculum

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through the hallways, the school band played, cheerleaders cheered, and teachers, students and staff held out their hands for a “high five” of encouragement.

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Fantasy football doubles as math practice

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This event was a part of the Homewood City Schools wellness program, The Movement.

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Lilly Billingsley, Sydney Taylor and teacher Melissa Day research the latest player stats for their class’ fantasy team.

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Shades Cahaba Elementary fifth-graders have participated in a 10-week classroom fantasy football program this fall. The program facilitated an understanding of math and algebra as students act as owners of a fantasy football team.

Students determined their team, mascot and colors and then used iPads to research players to draft and later how they scored each week.

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26 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility 809 Greensprings Highway, Homewood, AL (Former Jefferson County Satellite Courthouse)

Zumba

ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour!

Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or camillescruggs@gmail.com Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Days & Times: Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30pm Saturday 9:00-10:00am

Karate Classes are held at the Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility at various times based on age and level of experience. Monthly tuition is $55 - $65. Classes are for children and teenagers ages 4 and up. For more information please contact Master Joe at 966-4244

Young Rembrandts Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts!

We believe that drawing is a skill that can, and should be learned by all children.

Young Rembrandts classes are both fun and educational, and our step-by-step curriculum is developed to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Our classes are for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Classes have relocated to Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility.

Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.

Belly Dancing with Aziza Class Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Class Fee: $60 cash only For more information contact Aziza at 8790701 or azizaofbirmingham@att.net Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance (classic Egyptian style) with Aziza, award winning dancer, with 36 years of experience in performance and instruction. Women only, ages 13 and up are welcome; with no dance experience necessary to enroll. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Tuesday night for beginners, Wednesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Times times are 7:00-8:30pm. Beginners start with the basic steps, isolations and shimmies and progress to the intermediate class where you will learn to put the dance together with more advanced steps and combinations plus dancing with the veil; advanced classes include performing with zills, cane, veil with more advanced and longer performances. The classes are for anyone who wants to dance for fun and fitness, as well as those who wish to perform. Aziza has trained dancers to perform for many events in the Southeastern area in addition to dancers who perform regularly at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant in Hoover. www.azizaofbirmingham.com

Kindermusik

As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik offers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! This is accomplished through our extraordinary classroom experience and unsurpassed At Home materials. There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years.

Classes are located to the Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility. You can enroll for classes at anytime!

For more information call or email Kelly at: 205-552-6129 (or) Kelly.alligood@charter.net www.kellyalligood.com

Homewood Chess Team

Homewood Chess Team wants you! Beginners are welcome and the first two weeks are always free promo weeks so come check us out! This year take the plunge and join Dr. Brooks and your current Alabama State Chess Champion Chess Team as we laugh and train in daily mardi-gras bead chess tourneys and compete for prizes in our daily musicdriven chess puzzlers and watch zany chess movies and inter-face and inter-train with 20 sister chess teams including every Vestavia and Mountain Brook elementary school, The Randolph School, The Altamont School, Tuscaloosa Academy, The Highlands School, five Catholic schools, and many others. There has never been a party-based approach to chess like this, and Dr. Brooks’ unique, kid-oriented philosophy has made us 50-0 in our history, and counting! Our high-energy chess classes are developmentally and cleverly targeted directly at the kindergarten through 7th-grade set!

Come join the fun as kids learn to love learning, learn that they are unspeakably smart, and learn how to absolutely cream their parents in chess!

The Knight School is not just this year’s and last year’s and the year before’s Alabama State Chess Champions for both K-3 and 4-6; we are also the most compelling, kid-centered chess party in America. Learn more and sign up for our school chess team at www.theknightschool.com or call and chat with Dr. Brooks at (205) 746-4952.

Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew

Your child can be a fairy, a princess or a butterfly while keeping ballet traditions alive and having fun with classical music. The beginning ballet moves taught are the important foundation for many types of dance. The French names for steps will be introduced. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles.

The environment provided is a happy and age appropriate one.

Claire has been teaching ballet since starting as a teenager in Montgomery. Then, after moving to Birmingham, she started teaching with Birmingham Ballet. She has taught preschoolers in Mother’s Day Out and Day Care as well.

Girls may wear any color leotard and tights for class, with pink ballet shoes. Classes meet once a week on Monday.

Times & Location: Monday 3:45pm-4:30pm / Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Please contact Claire to enroll or for additional Information: (205) 879-8780

www.Homewoodparks.com

City Wide Special Event

Homewood Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Parade begins 6:30 pm at Homewood Library; Tree Lighting Program begins at conclusion of Parade at City Hall Plaza.

For the most up to date information on this event please visit: www.homewoodparks.com

Homewood Senior Center Gentle Adult Yoga with Jean Campbell

A stressful lifestyle is one of the biggest health challenges of modern society. Although we may not be able to control the circumstances of our environment, we can manage our reactions to them. Exercises, guided breathing practices and maintaining a positive perspective are tools that can help us keep calm and even when life gives us a lot to deal with. Yoga can help develop those tools.

Join Jean Marie Campbell for an hour of gentle hatha yoga designed for both beginner and intermediate level students. Classes will begin with a quiet time for centering. After settling in, students will be guided through yoga poses, or asanas, that help keep the spine healthy. Flexibility and strengthening work will be a part of the practice and classes will finish up with time for guided relaxation and focused breathing.

Wednesday’s 6pm-7pm at Homewood Senior Center A block of 6 classes can be purchased for $60. Drop-in fee is $13.

Athletics

Homewood Soccer Club

Spring 2014 season registration will open January 2014 Homewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program for residents of Homewood and is also open to others with payment of a non-resident fee.

There are four levels of play in the Homewood Soccer Club program: Patriots: For age groups U-4 through U-8. Players play once a week with a practice followed by a game. U-8 players have a one time a week practice and play a game on Saturday each week. For all Patriot ages it is an intramural program without any travel.

Red Teams: Recreational teams for ages U-9 and up. Generally Homewood Soccer fields red teams up to U-14. Teams practice twice a week and play one game a week. Recreational teams are focused on maintaining a balance of player development, playing with friends, having fun, and a lower level of serious commitment. Teams play 4 home games and 4 games at other clubs in the Birmingham area.

White Teams: Recreational Plus for ages U-9 -U-11.

Blue Teams: For ages U-11 through U-18. Blue Teams are select teams, put together through competitive try outs. The teams play in the competitive AYSA State League. Games are played state wide, although most are in the Birmingham area. The required level of commitment is high and there are additional costs above those of Red Teams.

Detail information about all levels of play, including deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available on our web site at www.HomewoodSoccer.com , or call The Soccer Office at 205-874-9182.

Homewood Softball

Homewood Parks and Recreation offers Girls Softball. Games are played during the months of March thru May with All-star play in the month of June.

Registration Begins in January Additional information will be released on: www.homewoodparks.com Jakob Stephens – 332-6709 (or) jakob.stephens@homewoodal.org

Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League

HPYBL is a youth recreational baseball league for the citizens of Homewood, as well as, surrounding communities. Please visit our website for more information about the upcoming Spring Season: www.homewoodyouthbaseball.com

Homewood Patriot Lacrosse Association

HPLA works in collaboration with Homewood Parks and Recreation, Homewood City Schools, and Greater Birmingham Youth Lacrosse Association (www.gbyla.org).

For more details please go to: www.homewoodpatriotlax.com

News & Updates New HWCC Construction Updates

Visit www.homewoodparks.com/pardon-our-progress for updates on the construction project including monthly narrative and new images updated multiple times per month.

Homewood Parks on Twitter

For news, updates and athletic facility closures follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/homewoodparks/

December 2013 • 27

TheHomewoodStar.com

Sports

Cross-country boys win state

The boys show off their newly awarded state championship trophy at the state meet in November.

Homewood High School’s boys cross country team, led by sophomore Andy Smith, defeated Scottsboro 33-57 to take home the 5A state championship on Nov. 9.

The girls, led by Ann Mosely Whitsett, finished fourth with their best performance of the year. The average of the top five finishers’ times, 20.37, was the fastest in Homewood history.

After a trying week of illness and injury, the girls had to fight to perform as well as they did.

Their race can best be described as one full of determination and fortitude.

In the boys’ race, Andy Smith was the individual 5A champion, and Hunter Poole (16:55), Alex Ngei (16:47), Fulton Williams (16:32), Mike Rohdy (16:28) and Andy Smith (16:14) each received All-State honors.

The boys were favored to win the race after a great season. The competition, however,

really stepped up the week before, and Scottsboro specifically came on strong.

During the race, the Homewood boys team moved straight to the front of the field through the first mile. They took control of the race, but Scottsboro had a chase pack that placed some pressure on the team. In the end, the boys ran as well if not better than expected and won by a margin of 24 points.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was Andy Smith’s performance. While coaches knew how talented he was, he had not placed first on the team this season. He stole the win with a monster “kick” in the last 400 meters of the race. It was an impressive showing all around.

The team is coached by Lars Porter, Rebecca Phillips, Josh Donaldson and Michael Niezgoda.

-Submitted by Lars Porter, cross country coach

Sims to play in Army All-American Bowl Homewood High School senior Jordan Sims was honored by the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl for being named to the AllAmerican team in October.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the nation’s premier high school football all-star game, featuring the best 90 players in a classic East vs. West match-up every January in San Antonio’s Alamodome. Selection as a U.S. Army All-American is a prestigious honor for these athletes and musicians.

The Bowl counts Heisman Trophy

winners and more than 200 NFL players among its alumni. Throughout the years, the game has provided a launching pad for college and NFL stars such as Andrew Luck, Tim Tebow, Jamaal Charles, Percy Harvin, Patrick Peterson, AJ McCarron and De’Anthony Thomas.

The Army Bowl enjoys a worldwide television audience, and last year’s event drew a record crowd of 40,133.

The next Bowl game will take place on January 4, 2014, at noon CST.

Sergeant Michael Chambers, Jordan Sims, Coach Doug Goodwin and Sergeant Ernest Gentry.

28 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

Swimmer Genny Pittman signs with Auburn

BamaLax players head to national tournament

Marcus Yacu, Durston Synder, Elliott Yacu, Pierce Dalton and Len Irvine. Photo courtesy of Erin Watkins.

Five Homewood lacrosse players have been chosen to play on the elite lacrosse team BamaLax and will attend the Dicks Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions

Dec. 29-31 in Florida: Marcus Yacu, Durston Synder, Elliott Yacu, Pierce Dalton and Len Irvine.

OLS teams finish season strong

Genny Pittman, second from right on front row, signs to swim for Auburn. She is pictured with Coach Brian Wrighton and her parents and sisters.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Homewood High School senior Genny Pittman signed to swim at Auburn University next year in November.

“She is not only a gifted athlete but also a great student and person,” Birmingham Swim League Coach Brian Wrighton said at the signing. “She is one of the best people to ever swim with our program.”

A swimmer since age 6, Genny was the only

high school-aged swimmer from Birmingham to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials Swim Meet in 2012. She also holds the high school state record for the 100-meter backstroke.

Outside of swimming, Genny has served as SGA class president, a peer helper and a member of Beta Club at the high school.

This year she was named a state finalist in the Wendy’s High School Heisman contest.

Genny is the daughter of John and Liz Pittman.

The holidays are almost here!

It's not too early to order your holiday baby bites, cupcakes, and cakes at Pastry Art Bake Shoppe.

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Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School’s Junior Girl Division Volleyball teams placing No. 1 and No. 2 in both the Birmingham Catholic Diocese Toy Bowl regular season and tournament play.

The sixth grade team, coached by Ann Morel, won first place in the regular season, only losing one game to the school’s fifth grade team during that time.

Meanwhile, the OLS fifth grade team, which was coached by Doug Moellering, tied for second place for the season.

Sixth Grade Junior Girls Volleyball team. Front row: Maela Banks, Gracie Childers. Second row: Evie Moellering, Melanie Sullivan, Mary Beth Parmer, Amelia Pugh. Third row: Abby Morel, Summer Killin. Fourth row: Laurel Burkhardt, Bethany Truong, Angie Nelms, Sydney Lange, Anna Mollica and Coach Ann Morel.

TheHomewoodStar.com

Calendar

December 2013 • 29

Homewood Events Nov. 27-Dec. 6: Tamale Sale. Order pork, chicken, or pepper tamales online at hispanicinterest.org for $15 a half dozen or $25 a dozen. Pick up frozen tamales on Friday, Dec. 13 from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at ¡HICA!’s office, 260 West Valley Ave. Visit hispanicinterest.org, email tamales@ hispanicinterest.org or call 942-5505.

Dec. 5-19: Mountain Brook Art Association Annual Art Show. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Colonial Brookwood Village, lower level. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

Dec. 6: Martha’s Trouble Christmas Show.

8 p.m. Hart & Soul Coffee Company, 1014 Oxmoor Road. Free. Visit marthastrouble. com.

Dec. 6-7: Homewood Creatives Show. Friday 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, 110 West Hawthorne Road.

Find Homewood Creatives on Facebook for more.

Dec. 8: Bring Your Old Buddy Scramble. 10 a.m. Robert Trent Jones-Oxmoor Valley. $80 per player, $320 per foursome. The entry fee includes a round of golf with cart and tax, lunch, prizes, a 2014 RTJ Trail Card and a Loyalty Program Card. Visit rtjgolf.com.

Dec. 10: In-House Holiday Market. 9:30 a.m.2 p.m. Homewood Senior Center. Contact director Aimee Thornton at aimee.thornton@ homewoodal.org or 332-6502.

Dec. 10: Homewood Christmas Parade.

6:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood. Parade

starts at the Homewoood Public Library, travels through downtown down 18th Street and ends in front of City Hill. Visit homewoodparks.org.

Dec. 12: Samford University’s Legacy League 3rd Annual Home Tour. 10 a.m.2 p.m., 4-8 p.m. $25. Visit samford.edu/ legacyleague or call 726-2247.

Dec. 13-15, 21-22: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Times vary by date. Wright Center, Samford University.

Presented by Alabama Ballet. $20-$55. Call 975-2787 or visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

Dec. 14-15: Freeform. Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. CDF Studio Theatre, 1715 27th Court South. Free, but reservations are encouraged. Call 870-0073 or visit freeform2013.eventbrite.com.

Dec. 12: Edgewood Night Out. 3 p.m.-Close of Business. Eat at any businesses in Edgewood, 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Edgewood Elementary. This month Santa will be present from 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 17: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Guest speaker is Alabama Attorney General Luther STrange. $20. Visit homewoodchamber.org.

Dec. 18: The Exceptional Foundation Holiday Program. 11 a.m. The Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road. The public is encouraged to attend. Free. Call 870-0776 or visit exceptionalfoundation.org.

Alabama Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is scheduled for Dec. 13-15 and 21-22..

Homewood High School Athletics Dec. 3: Wrestling vs. Center Point/McAdory/James Clemens. 4 p.m.

Dec. 3: Girls Basketball vs. Oxford. 6 p.m.

Dec. 3: Wrestling vs. Hueytown. 4 p.m.

Dec. 6: Boys Basketball vs. Vestavia. JV 4:30 p.m., Ninth 6 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: Girls Basketball vs. Vestavia. 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Boys Basketball vs. Oak Mountain. JV 4:30 p.m., Ninth 6 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10: Boys Basketball vs. Pelham. JV 4:30 p.m., Ninth 6 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10: Girls Basketball vs. Pelham. 6 p.m.

Dec. 13: Boys Basketball vs. Spain Park. JV 4:30 p.m., Ninth 6 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: Girls Basketball vs. Spain Park. 6 p.m.

30 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

Calendar Area Events

Dec. 1: SuperJazz Concert. 3-4:35 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. $5, $3 with student ID at door only. Call 335-2961.

Dec. 12-22: ‘A Bluegrass Christmas Carol.’

Virginia Samford Theatre at Samford University. $20, $25. Classic Christmas carol “mountainized” with bluegrass group The Herb Trotman Band accompanying the musical. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 251-1206.

Dec. 2: 103.7 The Q’s Little Black Dress Party to Fight Breast Cancer. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Workplay. $15 regular, $50 VIP. Featuring Icona Pop and Chris Wallace. Call 380-4082.

Dec. 3: 36th Annual Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert. 7:30 p.m. Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road. This year, the choir will be joined by choir alumni and fathers of current choristers. Free and open to the public.

Independent Presbyterian Church will hold is Holiday Home Tour Dec. 14-15.

Dec. 5: Open House & World AIDS Day Event.

4:30-7:30 p.m. Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205 2nd Street South. Free. Call 322-4197.

South. Hoping to end their children’s obsession with Santa, aliens hatch a plan to kidnap Old Saint Nick himself. $15 students, $20 adults.

Visit theatredowntown.org or call 565-8838.

Dec. 5-7: Sloss Holiday Market. Thursday 6-9 p.m., Friday 3-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sloss Furnace. Local vendors sell art, crafts, food and more. Call 324-1911.

Dec. 6-8: Birmingham-Southern College Carol Service. Friday 7:30-9 p.m., Sunday 4:30-6 p.m.

Canterbury United Methodist Church. Free. Call 226-4597.

Dec. 5-22: Red Mountain Theatre Company presents ‘Tis the Season.’ Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m. RMTC Cabaret Theatre, 301 19th Street North. $30-35. Familyfriendly play featuring sights and sounds of the holiday season. Visit redmountaintheatre.org or call 324-2424.

Dec. 6-31: ZooLight Safari. Birmingham Zoo. More than half a million lights, music and holiday activities transform the zoo in a winter wonderland. $8 nonmembers, zoo members free. Visit birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409.

Dec. 5-22: Theatre Downtown presents ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.’ Fifth Avenue Antiques-Theatre Downtown, 2410 5th Avenue

Dec. 13: Birmingham Ballet’s The Muttcracker.

7:30 p.mBJCC. Dancers and dogs make for a memorable night benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. . $32.75, $43.75 and $54.50. Visit birminghamballet.com/ performances.htm or call 1-800-745-3000.

Dec. 7: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. BJCC. $41.65, $52.15 and $73.20. Call 7453000.

Dec. 7, 14, 21: Breakfast with Santa. 8 a.m., 9:15

a.m., 10:30 a.m. Birmingham Zoo. Members: $14 adults, $9 children. Nonmembers: $14 adults, $15 children. Visit birminghamzoo.com.

Dec. 7-8: Christmas at Arlington. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, 331 Cotton Ave. Featuring holiday décor, costumed period characters from holidays past, music and light refreshments. Call 780-5656.

Dec. 8: Southern Tales: Songs, Stories and Sing-a-longs. 2 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens presents Dolores Hydock and Three on a String. Visit bbgardens.org/southerntales.

Dec. 8: Birmingham Girls Choir Holiday Concert. 3 p.m. Shades Crest Baptist Church.

Featuring Una Voce, Intermezzo, and Prelude Choirs. Directors are Margaret Heron, Meredith Devore and Lindsay Walker.

Dec. 14: Decked Out Dash 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race. Oak Mountain State Park. Runners are asked to come “decked out” in holiday clothes and costumes. Benefits The Arc of Jefferson County’s programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. $30 for 5K, $25 fun run. Visit arcofjeff.org/2013-decked-outdash.

Dec. 14-15: Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday Home Tour. Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. All proceeds go to support church’s women’s ministries including Children’s Fresh Air Farm. $20. Visit ipc-usa.org.

Dec. 14-15: Birmingham Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. BJCC. Visit birminghamballet. com/performances.htm. Call 1-800-745-3000.

In 2013, our first year of eligibility for the Alabama Press Association’s Better Newspaper and Advertising Contests, Starnes Publishing won 26 awards.

26 Advertising 13

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We promise to continue our drive to deliver the best community content to Birmingham’s largest targeted monthly readership. Contact us anytime to submit story ideas or events or to learn more about creating award-winning advertisements for your business.

Village Living

280 Living

Sun

The Homewood Star

December 2013 • 31

TheHomewoodStar.com

Opinion Dec. 16-20: Christmas at Rucker Place. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Rucker Place, 1804 12th Avenue South. See the house decorated for Christmas and try out Chef Richard’s food. $25 per person. Email info@ruckerplace. com for reservations. Call 558-2485 or visit ruckerplace.com for more.

TV show comes to life on stage with hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage performing experiments and more. $38.10- $96.75. Call 1-800-745-3000.

Dec. 30: Annual Community Kwanza. 6 p.m.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Free. Visit bcri.org or call 328-9696.

Dec. 20: Mythbusters. 8 p.m. BJCC. Popular

Homewood Public Library Adults

Dec. 6: Friends of the Homewood Public Library Members Only Book Sale. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Friends Bookstore, Dec. 10: Oxmoor Page Turner’s Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Explore Lisa Lutz’s delicious debut, The Spellman Files.

Dec. 15: The Magic of Christmas. 3 p.m.

Large Auditorium. The Seasoned Performers, Alabama’s only professionally run senior theatre troupe, will present a collection of yuletide tales, tunes and reminiscences that the whole family will enjoy. Light refreshments will be served.

Dec. 17: The A, B, C’s of Medicare. Noon & 6 p.m. Room 116, Lower Level. Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how Medicare benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim.

Dec. 18: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Title to be announced.

Children

Tuesdays Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome Wednesdays Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome Thursdays Mommy & Me. 10:30 a.m. This is a story time for younger patrons and their guest. This month it will be held Dec. 5 and 12.

Dec. 2 & 16 Monday Movie. 3:30 p.m. Fulllength children’s movie and hot popcorn!.

Dec. 7 Say Hola to Spanish. 10:30 a.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Thursday. Language learning storytime.

Dec. 12: Lego Christmas Build. 6:15 p.m. Ages 5 and older. Registration is required and begins Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. Space is limited.

Dec. 13: After Schoolers Christmas Program.

3:30 p.m. Make a gingerbread house and enjoy sweet treats. Open to K5 and older. Registration is required and begins Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. Space is limited.

Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

Back where we belong For most of the 34 years of my life, much of the Christmas season took place at my parents’ house in Mobile. As a kid, I didn’t know anything different, but when I moved away to college, coming home felt different. I was returning to the place I belonged. After college when I lived with roommates then alone in my own apartment, returning home was even more meaningful. I spent those holidays soaking up as much family time and relaxation as I could. I looked forward to that respite every year, and I’d save up my vacation days to use for the holidays.

Fast forward a decade or so, and Christmas looks very different. Instead of looking forward to getting off work so I can hit the interstate and head for Mobile, I’m busy looking for a train set with a princess conductor (as requested by my 4 year old) and making sure the 18 month old doesn’t try to climb the Christmas tree.

Home looks very different than it once did, and while I love it, there are times when it feels like something isn’t quite right, like some puzzle piece in my sense of home is still missing. It’ll hit me out of the blue and perhaps even more often in the holiday season. I’ll feel nostalgic for something I can’t put my finger on. We’ll sing a hymn at church, and my heart will clench for reasons I don’t understand. I’ll be in the middle of a typical day, and a sense of longing will come out of nowhere and flood my mind and heart.

Then I stumbled on this verse in

Philippians a few days ago: “Our citizenship is in Heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there.” And another one in Hebrews: “This world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in Heaven.” Maybe that explains the mysterious longing that comes to me in unexpected times, the feeling of waiting for something, although I’m not sure what.

Even though I’ve been blessed to have wonderful homes during my life, I don’t belong here. I’m merely an exile, a stranger on earth. That missing puzzle piece in my life won’t slip into place until Heaven. Deep down, I think most of us long for that true home, no matter how satisfying our home life here on earth may be. And if our earthly homes haven’t been satisfying, we long for a Heavenly home even more.

So this month, instead of focusing on finding just the right gifts and a way to secure the tree to the wall, I’m trying to focus on the real meaning of home.

Instead of all the glittery Christmas extras, I want to set my thoughts on the Savior who comes from Heaven. While our home may be a place of happy chaos, especially around Christmas, it’s not everything. One day, a perfect sense of peace and belonging will replace all the longing and yearning, and I will be at home with my Savior.

Merry Christmas, friends!

Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@gmail.com.

1.25.14

VILLAGE TO VILLAGE 10K RUN REGISTER AT WELCOMETOMOUNTAINBROOK.COM Presented by

32 • December 2013

The Homewood Star

A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER Homewood 2013 - 2014

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Tree crews working in city through early 2014 Alabama Power contract crews are working in several Homewood neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system.

As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door-to-door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed.

If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 1-205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Homewood and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2014.

Also, you can go online to http://alpwr.co/vm where Alabama Power has further information about these safety and reliability measures, as well as resources for property owners who would like recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.

Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your business.

Vegetation Management Group 205-257-2155 apcvm@southernco.com © 2013 Alabama Power Company

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