November 27, 2014 by Over the Mountain Journal

Merritt Milam is opening Wags ‘n Whiskers Comprehensive Pet Care in Homewood in December. Photo special to the Journal

open Wags ‘n Whiskers Comprehensive Pet Care at 2804 Crescent Ave. in downtown Homewood in December. The business will offer dogs and cats an experience “defined by compassionate care, positive reinforcement and unrivaled comforts, technologies and conveniences,” said Milam, who is also the head trainer. “We wanted to provide a one-stop shop for pet owners where they could find the highest quality pet services and products, and so Wags ’n Whiskers was born,” Milam said. “We believe pets are family, and that is how owners can expect their animals to be treated while they are visiting or staying at our facility. Whether their pets are boarding or at our fun-filled daycare, pet owners can rest assured that their animals are in loving, compassionate and experienced hands.” Milam, an animal behavior collegecertified dog trainer, said she has been caring for animals in the Birmingham metro area for several years and is looking forward to opening her business and joining the Homewood community. “It always has been my greatest passion to foster stronger relationships between pet owners and the animals they love,” Milam said. “We are excited to become a part of Homewood and to showcase the benefits of positive reinforcement training in the Birmingham area.” Wags ’n Whiskers is an all-indoors

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 43

business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and climate-controlled facility. Other amenities include luxurious boarding suites for dogs and cats. The suites include spacious accommodations, soothing music and video monitoring so owners can check in on their pets while they’re away. Additionally, Wags ’n Whiskers daycare has a low camp counselor-to-pet ratio, which Milam said ensures more time can be devoted to each animal and the overall safety of each pet. Milam said Wags ‘n Whiskers is now taking holiday boarding requests at info@wagshomewood.com. For more information, visit wagshomewood.com. Homewood

Alpha Church Supply Has New Home November has been a month of celebrations for Alpha Church Supply in Homewood. The business capped off its 30th year with an open house event at its new store at 121 West Valley Ave. Nov. 9. Dozens of well-wishers mingled, shopped and toured the new store. The festivities wrapped up with a blessing of the building and the business by Chorbishop Richard Saad from St. Elias Maronite Church. Danny Bostany started the business in 1984 and said it has been growing– and moving–ever since. Bostany said the growth of the company necessitated moves to several new locations over the years but that the company wanted to stay in Homewood. “We love being in the Homewood area because it is so central to all of our metro customers, and it is a great place

and the Certified Graduate Remodeler professional designations from NAHB and is recognized by the GBAHB as a Master Remodeler.

to do business,” he said. Bostany said the new location is already proving to be a good move. He said the store has greater visibility at the West Valley Avenue building and that foot traffic has increased.

Hoover

Insky’s Kinkade Gallery Is Closing after 13 Years

Vestavia Hills

Pike Is HBBA 2014 Remodeler of the Year A Vestavia Hills resident was recently honored by the Home Builders Association of Alabama. Elliott Pike of ELM Construction was named the HBBA 2014 Remodeler of the Year during an awards ceremony at the organization’s convention Nov. 7 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. The Remodeler of the Year award recognizes a remodeler member who has shown outstanding service to his or her local and state associations, community and the remodeling industry as a whole. Pike serves on the board of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders and is also a member of the Remodelers Council board. “I am humbled to have been chosen for this award,” Pike said. “My family and my GBAHB friends have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. I have received this award mostly due to their faith in me. I am thankful for this award and most thankful for them.” Earlier this year, Pike participated in the GBAHB’s Builder Blitz project with Habitat for Humanity. His remodeling work was honored with two Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards earlier this year. Pike is also active with the National Association of Home Builders’

Elliott Pike of Vestavia Hills has been named the Home Builders Association of Alabama’s 2014 Remodeler of the Year. Photo special to the Journal

Remodeler 20 Group and has been an active participant in the National Remodeling Show. He has earned the Certified Aging in Place Specialist

After 13 years of representing the art of Thomas Kinkade and other artists, Insky’s Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery in Hoover is closing its doors. The gallery at 181 Main Street #225 in the Patton Creek Shopping Center is now liquidating all of its inventory and fixtures. The gallery was first opened in 2001 by Robert and Jo Ann Holder at the Riverchase Galleria. “We have reached the place in our lives when it is time to retire,” Robert Holder said. “We are extremely grateful to the many good friends and customers we have had the pleasure of serving.” ❖

holiday

open house sale! sat., nov. 29th Wed., dec. 31st

Alpha Church Supply owners Pal Bostany and Danny Bostany recently hosted an open house at the new location on West Valley Ave. Photo special to the Journal

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11/14/14 2:26 PM