The Jane Austen Society Brings England to Homewood.
It’s the people who make Homewood the community that it is! Here we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.
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When the lingering summer heat leaves you longing for crisp air and crunching leaves, Lexington, Kentucky, offers the perfect autumn getaway. FALL IN LOVE WITH
PHOTO BY JAMES CULVER
PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY
ADMINISTRATION
Alec Etheredge
EDITORIAL
Michaela Bankston
Dave Domescik
Daniel Locke
Anna Grace Moore
Tyler Raley
Andrew Simonson
Noah Wortham
CONTRIBUTORS
Hanna Allen
Katharine Armbrester
James Culver
Rachel Culver
Amanda Pritchard
Blair Ramsey
Kelsea Schafer
Kate Seaver
Katelyn Smith
Mary Margaret Smith
DESIGN
Sydney Allen
Jamie Dawkins
Rowan Futrell
Connor Martin-Lively
MARKETING
Noah Brakefield
Evann Campbell
Octavia Campbell
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Tori Smith
Viridiana Romero
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Anna Marie Cleckler
Mary Jo Eskridge
Stacey Meadows
Lauren Morris
Kayla Reeves
Leslie Reeves
Brittany Schofield
Hanna Allen, Writer
A Samford University student, Hanna Allen is studying journalism and mass communications with a concentration in print and a minor in writing. She is a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has a deep passion for storytelling and exploring the ways strong writing can connect people and ideas. She is currently interning with Shelby County Newsmedia, in order to grow as a writer and gain hands-on experience as a journalist.
James Culver, Photographer
James lives in the Birmingham area with his wife, Rachel, a native of Homewood, and their three children, Callie, James III and John Michael. James is a graduate of Auburn University and spent years in Atlanta working as a graphic designer, creative director and photographer. He specializes in event, real estate and portrait photography, and he can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @jculvercreative and at jculver.com.
Blair Ramsey, Photographer
Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.
Kelsea Schafer, Photographer
Kelsea is a student at the University of Alabama, pursuing a news media degree in the College of Communications and Information Sciences. Her passion lies in capturing moments, telling the story and preserving memories. When not in class, she can be found photographing Alabama athletics, spending time with her family and friends or at the lake with her dog, Riley. Kelsea’s work can be found at kelseaschaferphotos.com and on social media @kelseaschaferphotos.
Homewood Life is published quarterly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Homewood Life is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Homewood Life, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.
Homewood Life is mailed to select households throughout Homewood, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit HomewoodLife.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting HomewoodLife.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.
Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@homewoodlife.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
THE COVER
A Fine-Tuned History
Homewood Music's very own Bob Tedrow is preserving the art of building and repairing instruments by hand.
TThis is now my fourth autumn serving as editor of Homewood Life. I happen to manage four other magazines here in Birmingham, but what makes this publication so special to me is the magnetic community — the people who make Homewood truly a haven in which to grow up and grow old.
With help from my two new interns, Hanna Allen of Samford University, and Katelyn Smith of Auburn University, we created this issue, featuring both old and new businesses, longtime residents and newcomers, to showcase the diversity of this wonderful city. In this issue, you’ll read stories from just a handful of wavemakers who are moving Homewood forward.
A visit to Homewood Music is synonymous with traveling back in time, appreciating the art of not just creating music, but also the handcrafting of instruments for which we owe such beautiful melodies. Homewood Music founder Bob Tedrow can build, repair and play almost any instrument, including concertinas, which are composed of 1,000 moving parts or more. His entrepreneurial journey — which started 36 years ago in Homewood — is one of resilience and reward.
Across town, Joe Ortega, co-founder of Birmingham Boulders, is climbing to new heights, literally. His rock climbing gym in West Homewood features numerous, nearly 50-foot-tall walls for climbing — some with a 360-degree view. He built his business from the groundup, wanting to expand Homewood’s options for climbing. Birmingham, he believes, has some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Southeast, and our fine city rests right in the heart of it all.
Writer Katharine Armbrester and photographer Kelsea Schafer perfectly captured the essence of the Jane Austen Society of Alabama at the society’s annual ball this past March at the Homewood Public Library. The Janeites, as they lovingly refer to themselves, are a group of avid readers, writers, artists and enthusiasts who share an affinity for one of England’s most prominent writers. The society, which is open to everyone, meets regularly to discuss how the lessons from stories such as “Pride and Prejudice” are just as relevant today as they were when they were first written.
Each of these features is incredibly different, and yet, that’s what makes Homewood so wonderful. This community is filled with wavemakers — men and women who, no matter which flag they fly or what ballot they cast, are united behind one idea: Homewood means “home” for all.
As you read this issue, I hope you are reminded of just how special this city is and the people who call it home.
Best,
Photo by Blair Ramsey
Design by Rowan Futrell
” “THE QUESTION
Where’s your favorite place to get coffee in Homewood?
Baba Jaba Coffee
-JJ Thomas
Demetri’s
-Lon Shelton
Caveat Coffee
-Kaitlin Brown
Dawn Patrol before work or riding. It’s the place to go!
-Joseph Dabbs
Red Mountain Expresso
-Lindsay Keith Kessler
Honest Coffee Roasters
-Gerald Frazier
Frothy Monkey
-Matthew Poss
O.Henry’s -Julie Marix
@cbmphoto
@homewoodlife
Tag us in your Homewood photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@slicepizzabrew
We’re teaming up with Chopped Champion @chefmarcbynum for our FIRST-EVER brunch collab; and it’s going down at Slice Homewood.
Baby Maeve’s newborn session at home!
THE GUIDE
THE HOMEWOOD FALL FESTIVAL & HOMEWOOD WITCHES RIDE
OCT. 26
2 P.M.
Homewood Central Park
Halloween is not all tricks — get your treats at the annual Homewood Fall Festival, which will feature rides, games, food trucks and a costume contest! Then, stay for the 13th annual Homewood Witches Ride right after the festival and watch as riders, dressed up in their “witchy” best, “fly” on a 2.5-mile bike ride through town while throwing candy to the children watching. Registration opens on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and registration fees are $60 per rider. To find where to register or how to donate, follow @homewoodwitchesride on Instagram.
Friday Night Lights
Come out to cheer on the Homewood Patriots and the John Carroll Cavaliers this season!
HOMEWOOD
AUG. 22: v. John Carroll
AUG. 29: at Briarwood
SEPT. 5: vs. Mortimer Jordan
SEPT. 12: at Woodlawn
SEPT. 29: vs. Jackson-Olin
SEPT. 26: vs. Mountain Brook
OCT. 3: at Gardendale
OCT. 17: at Parker
OCT. 24: vs. Minor
OCT. 31: at James Clemens
AUG. 23
Back to School Bash
4:30-8:30 P.M. Patriot Park
Grab your pens and pencils, it's time to go back to school, but first, start the year off by enjoying a fun day at the annual Back to School Bash at Patriot Park! Featuring bounce houses, rides, food vendors and live entertainment, there is something for the whole family to enjoy!
AUG. 22: at Homewood
AUG. 29: vs. St. Michael’s
SEPT. 5: vs. Carver
SEPT. 12: at Hayden
SEPT. 19: vs. Ramsay
SEPT. 26: vs. Montevallo
OCT. 3: at Wenonah
OCT. 10: vs. Briarwood
OCT. 17: at Corner
OCT. 31: at West Blocton
Admission is free, but patrons can buy a wristband for $10 that allows unlimited ride access. Learn more about the event at homewoodparks.com/special-events.
AROUND TOWN
AUG. 5-10
Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Lookouts Regions Field
AUG. 7
Donuts with the Director 7 Hollywood Boulevard
AUG. 7
First Day of School for Homewood City Schools
AUG. 11
First Day of School for John Carroll Catholic High School
AUG. 14
Coffee & Connections
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness
AUG. 14
Painting Large with September Reed Homewood Public Library
AUG. 16
Crestline Tent Sale Crestline Village
AUG. 16
Mustache – ‘90s Country Party with Live Music from Mustache The Band Avondale Brewing Co.
AUG. 19
Homewood Chamber August Membership Luncheon Samford University
AUG. 23
Cahaba Heights Cocktail Crawl Cahaba Heights Business District
AUG. 26
Homewood Municipal Election
AUG. 28-29
Three on a String The Homewood Theatre
SEPT. 9-14
Birmingham Barons vs. Biloxi Shuckers Regions Field
HOMEWOOD
JOHN CARROLL
SEPT. 16
Homewood Chamber
September Monthly Breakfast
Brookdale University Park
400 University Park Drive
SEPT. 28
Revvin' 4 Research Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson
SEPT. 29
Elevation Rhythm — Goodbye Yesterday Tour 2025 Iron City Bham
OCT. 1
Shaboozey — The Great American Roadshow Avondale Brewing Co.
OCT. 5
Bolt for Breast Cancer 5K & Fun Run
Crestline Field at Crestline Elementary School
OCT. 9-19
“The Butler Did It” Presented by the Homewood Theatre
OCT. 21
Homewood Chamber October Monthly Luncheon and Legislative Update The Valley Hotel
OCT. 28
Business After Hours with the Homewood Chamber
ERA King Real Estate Homewood Office 1701 28th Avenue South
OCT. 30
Calera Goes Pink Golf Tournament
Timberline Country Club
OCT. 31
Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade Church Street in Mountain Brook
SEPT. 25
"Dinnertainment"
6 P.M.
The Country Club of Birmingham
The Exceptional Foundation is hosting its 12th anniversary celebration of "Dinnertainment!" The dinner and a show will feature members of the Exceptional Foundation showcasing their talents in art, music, theater and more! Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. For more information, visit exceptionalfoundation.org.
OCT. 4
Jimmie Hale Mission Rescue Run
7:45-9:45 A.M. Downtown Homewood
The Jimmie Hale Mission will host its annual 10k and 5k runs, starting and finishing on 29th Avenue South in downtown Homewood. The mission also offers a one-mile fun run. Each runner will receive a race T-shirt, swag bag and food and water after the race. All proceeds benefit the Jimmie Hale Mission. For more information or to register, visit jimmiehalemission. com/2025rescuerun/.
ARTS CULTURE&
A FINE-TUNED HISTORY
Bob Tedrow’s old-fashioned musical instrument repair shop offers high-quality services.
BY KATELYN SMITH
PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY
MMusic is fleeting, specifically live music. One performance can go on for hours, but when it is over, only the silence is left and the memory of the sweet melody that was playing.
In this specific store, the music lingers in the air, even in the instruments that decorate the walls.
Bob Tedrow, the owner of Homewood Music, has been repairing, making and playing with instruments for a large portion of his life. Specializing in concertinas, violins and all kinds of guitars, he offers a wide range of high-quality instruments and exceptional services to ensure every customer is satisfied.
Tucked into the streets of downtown Homewood, Homewood Music has walls lined with various kinds of instruments, ranging from banjos to electric guitars. Each one is finely crafted, and some are even built by Bob or his team, themselves.
The store itself is known for being “behind the times,” favoring the old way of hand-crafting instruments rather than relying on factory machines.
“Everything we do is old-school, or by hand, like
they did in 1900,” Bob says. “We take apart very expensive antique guitars and banjos and mandolins and ukuleles. Everybody here plays music. Everyone here has built world-class instruments.”
There are more than 100 different procedures that he and his team offer in the shop. From stringing instruments to brass and woodwind repair, to guitar and banjo repairs and hand-crafting concertinas and squeezeboxes, the store fulfills any musical need.
“The skills that we learned to build instruments, we also use to repair and adjust and restore instruments,” Bob says. “So, we do the real cuttingedge work, the real fine adjustments and fine-tuning of instruments that you can’t get from a factory.”
He not only builds and repairs instruments, but he also plays them. Music has been a part of his life since he was a child.
Although he was not aware of it at the time, his grandmother was a jazz pianist who played the stride piano-style, popular in the 1920s.
Growing up in a musical environment, Bob had always been drawn to the idea of playing an instrument and making music himself, so he began
playing the banjo and ukulele. In high school, he made his first banjo.
He attended college at Colorado State University because, despite his love for music, he knew he needed a degree. There, he met many different musicians and eventually began playing with a few of them in a Bluegrass band.
He traveled around Colorado and Wyoming,
playing in the band with his banjo in bars and little rooms. He even played at the second Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 1975, an annual music festival.
His favorite part of performing is the people he performs with and the finished product they create.
“Making a product that is positive synergy, where the whole is greater than the individual parts,” he says, later adding, “making something like that
happen is ephemeral. That’s what’s fun about music: You play, you do a good job and then it’s gone, nothing but a memory, I guess, or a feeling that you can either grasp or give to somebody else.”
In college, he earned his degree in occupational therapy, in addition to playing in the band. After graduation, he got married and moved to North Carolina, where he secured a job at Broughton Hospital, a psychiatric facility.
As a therapist in the hospital, he had access to all the equipment, including a wood shop, a pottery shop and a leather shop. With all the tools available, he decided to learn how to play, repair and make musical instruments.
After buying a book about how to repair band instruments, he taught himself in his free time. During his lunch break and after work, he would practice taking flutes and clarinets apart.
Although he enjoyed his job as an occupational therapist, he decided that he was more suited to working with musical instruments.
Eventually, his wife wanted to attend law school, so they moved to Homewood, where they have now
Fun Facts
Bob Tedrow’s work life might be shrouded in music, but there’s more to him than playing instruments. He owns a farm where he enjoys riding on his tractor and going fly fishing in the creek. He has four dogs, three children and six grandchildren. He has been married to his wife for 49 years, and his favorite instruments are the banjo, ukulele and concertinas. To follow his career, visit his Facebook page (Bob Tedrow’s Homewood Music/Tedrow Concertinas).
been residing for nearly 40 years. When he first moved here, Bob rented a space in the back of a business called Fretted Instruments, where he operated a repair workshop.
“I bought enough wood to build two sawhorses, and then I used the two sawhorses to build two workbenches,” he recalls. “Then, I started to work at the workbenches, and I tied a pillow to the sawhorses,
and that’s what I sat on. So that’s how I started.”
He started working for the educational department of the symphony for Birmingham City Schools, so he could repair their bands’ instruments.
Using a map of the city of Birmingham, he would mark all the city schools and travel around to them to pick up their instruments. He would take them back to his little space and repair them before delivering them back to the schools.
While he did this, he also worked for several pawnshops in the area, repairing instruments for their stores.
Eventually, he officially opened his business, Homewood Music, in 1989. He expanded to the present space on 28th Avenue South in 2016.
For nearly 40 years, Bob has been serving the Birmingham community with his musical expertise and exceptional craftsmanship. In fact, he is one of the few people in the world who can craft concertinas, a free-reed musical instrument with more than 1,000 moving parts, which he sells globally.
He invites customers of all backgrounds, whether they have been playing for a lifetime or have never picked up an instrument.
“I don’t care who you are, if you’re a doctor, a lawyer, a [Native American] chief or a beggar,” he jokes. “If you want to talk about a guitar, we have a common bond.”
The old-fashioned business Bob offers is one-ofa-kind, filled with tender care that customers cannot find elsewhere. To make lasting music, a fine-tuned instrument is needed, and a visit to Homewood Music is essential.
Homewood Music is located at 1712 28th Avenue South in Homewood. It is typically open MondayFriday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., but those interested can call for hours at 205-910-8262. For more information and inventory, visit hmi.homewood.net.
READ THIS BOOK
Horror Novels on the Shelves
Recommendations from Cat Sandler
Teen Librarian at the Homewood Public Library
Thirst
Cat Sandler is the teen librarian at the Homewood Public Library. Despite the chipper attitude she writes, she reads piles and piles of horror stories. She also does ultra colorful folk art in her free time. Here, she recommends five of her favorite horror novels readers will love this season.
By Marina Yuszczuk | Historical Horror
This time-bending vampire novel from Argentinian author Marina Yuszczuk will draw readers in with its lush and atmospheric writing style. The first half of the novel follows an unnamed Eastern European vampire through her journey to Buenos Aires in the height of the Yellow Fever epidemic, while the second half focuses on a modern-day woman struggling with losing her mother to a degenerative disease and taking care of her son.
Audition
By Ryu Murakami | Horror/Thriller
Not for the faint of heart, “Audition” is Japanese horror at its best. Widowed father Aoyama sets up a scheme to find a new wife and mother for his child by holding auditions for a fake film. Surprise — he finds the woman of his dreams! Everyone around him tells him to be wary of this off-putting new woman, but they’re obviously just jealous of the love he has found, right?
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
By Shirley Jackson | Gothic Horror
If readers liked “The Haunting of Hill House,” they’ll love Shirley Jackson’s classic, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle.” The Blackwood family has always lived on this hill in this house. The townspeople are just cruel to them, after their family so horribly died. There’s no reason for this treatment. It couldn’t be helped that they were all poisoned, now could it?
The Changeling
By Joy Williams | Horror/Magical Realism
One should be ready to have his thoughts twisted into pretzels. Pearl’s life has changed so drastically since going to live on the island. She has her son, Sam, who isn’t actually her son. The children are not actually children. The island is a prison, or is it a haven? Is she alive? Who knows for sure? Time to have another drink.
Chlorine
By Jade Song | Horror/Coming of Age
Competitive swimmer Ren has given everything to her craft. Her body is a finely tuned machine, honed for one thing and one thing only: swimming. Her coach — a drill instructor, her parents — unfocused and her friends — not understanding, she turns to what she knows and truly knows her. The water accepts her as she is, for what she really is: a mermaid.
SCHOOL SPORTS&
DREAM SET IN STONE
Joe Ortega, owner of Birmingham Boulders, discusses the larger facility, services and his fulfilled dream.
BY KATELYN SMITH
PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER
RRock climbing is usually an uphill ascent, and Joe Ortega knows plenty about the journey up. From climbing actual mountains to finally opening the gym of his dreams, he only keeps moving higher and higher with each step he takes.
Birmingham Boulders, once known as First Avenue Rocks, is a premier indoor rock-climbing facility. Whether someone is a complete beginner, training for their next climb or just wanting to have fun, this gym has something for everyone.
“We’re set up to host everybody,” Joe, the owner of Birmingham Boulders, says. “From brand new beginner, ‘I’ve never ever done this before, but I wanna try it out,’ all the way up to the serious expert who really wants to train hard.”
Filled with different types of rock walls, the main climbing area offers various levels of difficulty to suit all skill levels, from newcomers to experienced climbers.
For children and beginners, there is the intro
wall, a straighter and less challenging wall to climb. They also offer the auto-belay wall, which uses a harness, to anyone afraid of heights and looking to ease into climbing.
For a fun challenge, there is the S-Wall, the Wave Wall, the North Wall and the South Wall. Each one has more curves and varying levels of difficulty.
The Funnel Wall is a stand-alone piece located in the center of the gym, surrounded by rocks on all sides, providing a 360-degree view when climbing it. Lastly, in the main area, the Comp Wall offers competition-style rock climbing with more spreadout rocks of varying sizes.
For individuals seeking to train rigorously for climbing outdoor rocks or mountains, Birmingham Boulders offers the Forge, an area with challenging walls featuring more slants, rocks and difficulty. In that area, they have three different training boards: the 2016 Moonboard, the Tension Board 2 and the Red Board.
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
Alabama Rocks
According to Joe Ortega, Birmingham, Alabama, has some of the best rock to climb. It possesses some of the same sandstone as France, the birthplace of bouldering. Some outdoor places to climb in Birmingham and Alabama are:
MOSS ROCK PRESERVE HORSE PENS 40 LITTLE RIVER CANYON
Tag @homewoodlife in your climbing photos on Instagram, and we’ll repost some of our favorites. Happy climbing!
“Our red board is kind of like a famous training wall that’s really steep and really hard,” Joe says. “People can come from all over the world and try these problems that are only here, and they never change. It’s kind of like bringing a little bit of the outdoor aspect of climb challenges that are outside into the inside space.”
Along with the Forge, the facility also has a gym filled with weight racks, treadmills, resistance trainers and more to help strengthen the muscles and endurance for outdoor climbing. Birmingham Boulders also has a wide range of equipment to assist anyone with their rock climbing needs.
“We provide instruction as well,” Joe says. “We teach a lot of 101 and 102 classes where people are just starting to get into it. We got a small retail area with bouldering equipment and books you can buy and anything you would need to get started.”
Aside from its everyday rock climbing walls and training areas, Birmingham Boulders hosts many fun events, including summer kid camps, birthday parties and even lock-ins.
However, for Joe and his decade-long dream, it was not easy to open the professionally done space. It took a few years to finally get the facility he wanted.
Growing up, he would often accompany his father while he taught search and rescue among the rocky terrain of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. While his dad taught, he would practice climbing on the rocks in the area.
As he grew older, he fell in love with the sport, and it would develop into a dream of opening his own climbing gym one day, despite becoming an ER nurse.
In the 2000s, he began teaching classes on rock climbing at Rocky Mountain College in Montana, which sparked a renewed desire to make his dream a reality.
He ended up moving back to California to work for a climbing gym company called Touchstone. There, he observed the men who worked there and got to teach classes while also being desk staff, a route setter and a manufacturing worker.
After gaining experience at the store, he decided to finally open the gym he had always wanted.
In 2005, he moved to Birmingham, a place he
had visited many times because the rocks were excellent for climbing and the city had a great climbing community. However, there were no rock climbing facilities around, and he was determined to change that.
“I thought it was a great idea,” he says. “[I] talked to a bunch of people, nobody else really thought it was a good idea.”
Luckily, he managed to connect with the local climbing community and eventually purchased a small place downtown in August 2009 with Adam Henry, which he named First Avenue Rocks. It was
old-school, hand-built and grungier than he had intended, but it worked.
“It really was like your favorite dive bar or your favorite hole-inthe-wall taco shop,” he explains.
First Avenue Rocks could be described as a community project, as many people from the community contributed to its construction and added finishing touches.
His ultimate goal was to finally open the high-end facility he had always imagined, and it happened. In November 2016, following the success of his first gym, Birmingham Boulders opened, doubling the size of First Avenue Rocks, with Joe and Tim Diegmann at the helm.
The current gym has more of a finished, polished look to it, with stained wood, a vibrant blue color and professionally done walls. The big glass windows at the front are inviting and help the place feel more open.
The bigger, brighter and more professional rock climbing gym that he had been dreaming about for years finally culminated in Birmingham Boulders and now welcomes many happy customers from all over the area.
“The main thing is I want people to come in here
and experience something,” he says about his customers. “I want them to have a really good experience. I want them to succeed. I want them to get to the top, and I also want them to be challenged.”
Though opening a new business is an uphill climb, Joe Ortega has finally reached the top and
invites others to enjoy the view with him.
Birmingham Boulders is located at 136 Industrial Drive. It is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and on Sundays from Noon-8 p.m. For more information, visit bhamboulders.com or call 205-201-4616.
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Dr. Katie Thomas Homewood City Schools’ Teacher of the Year
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
On Wednesday, April 23, the Alabama State Department of Education announced the 2025-26 finalists for Teacher of the Year, and Edgewood Elementary School’s own kindergarten teacher Dr. Katie Thomas was named among the four finalists. She was chosen out of 155 teachers throughout the state. Not only is she now a state finalist, but Katie was also named Homewood City Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2024-25 as well. Here, she discusses her love for teaching and raising up the next generation.
How did it feel winning Teacher of the Year?
I was incredibly honored and humbled to receive this honor. It was a mix of pride and gratitude — pride in the hard work and dedication I put into teaching, and gratitude for the recognition from my students, colleagues and community. It also felt motivating, inspiring me to continue growing, learning and continuing to make a positive impact in Homewood.
Why do you love teaching kindergarten?
I love teaching kindergarten because it’s such a joyful and magical time in children’s lives. At this age, kids are full of curiosity, wonder and excitement about the world around them. It’s amazing to watch them discover new things every day, learn how to express themselves and develop important social and academic skills. Being part of their
first big step in education and helping shape their confidence and love for learning is incredibly rewarding. Plus, their enthusiasm and innocence make the classroom a lively, heartwarming place to be!
What moment from your teaching career has left the most profound impact on you?
My mom passed away on the third day of school last year. I was exhausted but went to school the following morning because it’s my happy place. The 7:45 a.m. bell rang, and one of my girls came running down the stairs, grabbed my arms and excitedly exclaimed, “I heard your mommy got to meet Jesus last night! I’m sorry you’re sad, but that’s so exciting!” As she skipped off to unpack, I realized how incredibly grateful I am to experience the world through their eyes.
What do you think is the most important role of an educator in her students’ lives?
I believe the most important role of an educator in her students’ lives is to be a guide and a source of inspiration. Beyond just teaching facts and skills, educators help shape students’ character, confidence and curiosity. They create a safe and supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to explore their potential. By modeling kindness, hard work, resilience and a love of learning, teachers can empower students to believe in themselves and become lifelong learners and compassionate individuals.
What do you hope your students gain from your class?
Above all, I want my students to leave my class knowing I love them and leave with a love for learning and the belief that they are capable and special, just as they are.
FOOD DRINK&
TAVERN LEGACY
Will Haver brings community, culture and burgers to life at Otey's Tavern.
BY HANNA ALLEN
PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY
WWill Haver never planned to take over a neighborhood tavern, much less open a second one. However, when the opportunity to buy Otey’s Tavern in Crestline came up in 2007, it felt like coming home.
“It’s the area I grew up in, and I thought it was a good match,” he says.
A Birmingham native, Will spent years in the food industry and was about to pivot to a career in real estate when Otey’s changed his path.
“I thought my career really was done in the restaurant business,” he says. “I went and got my real estate license, and then the opportunity to buy Otey’s came.”
Before that turning point, Will had been steadily working his way up in the hospitality industry. He began working as a waiter at Ezell’s Catfish Cabin in Tuscaloosa during his college years.
“I started actually waiting tables as a server and then, you know, became a line cook and then a prep cook, and then manager,” he says.
His passion for restaurants grew in tandem with his experience, blending his love for hospitality and teamwork.
Will studied business and small business management at multiple colleges before completing a hospitality management program at Auguste
Escoffier. Later, he worked as a food broker for Richard Gottlieb and Associated Brokers, where he gained a deep understanding of the business side of the food industry.
“I love to learn, and I learned so much from my family and work/life experience,” he says.
The decision to buy Otey’s combined that experience with a deeply personal connection.
“My wife, being a successful banker, excelled, and it afforded me the opportunity to get into Otey’s and kind of focus on that and build upon what we already had,” Will says.
In 2023, he opened a second Otey’s location in Edgewood — not just to expand the brand, but also to grow the business with people who helped define it. Longtime crew members, such as Rodney Davis and Ryan Burrus, among many others, have played key roles in shaping Otey’s culture.
“Rodney Davis has been a fixture at Otey’s for over 35 years,” Will says. “Ryan Burrus has been with me for over 10 years and has grown up through the ranks.”
Rodney is the culinary partner behind Otey’s signature burgers, wings and what Will calls a “hidden gem” on the menu: the blackened chicken sandwich with spicy slaw. Ryan, meanwhile, has grown into a leadership role, helping manage daily
Chef’s Picks: Otey’s Must-Tries
uRodney’s cheeseburger uBlackened chicken sandwich with spicy slaw uClassic wings
operations and training staff.
“Opening Edgewood gave me a way to honor that commitment by creating more space for them to lead and grow,” Will says.
For him, Otey’s is more than a place to eat. It’s a place to build a culture.
“Culture is what drives us,” he says. “It’s all about the people. We’re very good at hiring talented people, and we’re very good at developing people.”
He emphasizes that they never want to be in a position where they need to fill a job. Instead, they focus on finding the right fit.
“We do a lot of recruiting, but we’re looking for integrity, positive energy and effort,” he says.
That people-first mentality shows in the energy of both Otey’s locations. From live music and Singo to team trivia nights, Will has cultivated a space where people come together, both the team and guests.
“We’ve done some really fun, cool things,” he says. “I love watching people achieve their goals.”
Though Otey’s remains his home base, Will also founded Taco Mama in 2011, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant concept
that has since grown across the Southeast. The idea was born from visits to taquerias in larger cities and a desire to create something fresh, local and efficient.
“The fast-casual [Taco Mama] allowed me to create something in our neighborhood,” he says. “It was one of the first fast-casual restaurants that tried to elevate the food and hospitality.”
Taco Mama’s growth hasn’t taken away from Will’s roots at Otey’s. Instead, it complements the original vision: good food and genuine hospitality in places that feel like home.
“It’s never been about finding people; it’s about building with the right people,” Will says. “You gotta love what you’re doing. It’s going to get hard, and then it’s gonna get even harder. The only thing that pushes you through that is that you love what you’re doing.”
Will lives in Birmingham with his wife, Leigh; their two children, Sam and Elizabeth; and their golden retriever, Honey. Leigh now works with Will and his team, leading community engagement and facilitating leadership and culture.
Today, they are deeply involved in the local nonprofit world, and the couple stays closely tied to the community that has supported their work.
“We try to support where we can because they’ve all supported us,” he says.
More than 15 years after stepping into Otey’s as its new owner, Will still believes in the simple but powerful combination that brought him here in the first place: good people, good food, genuine hospitality and a hometown that shows up.
“It’s fun on both sides,” he says. “Otey’s is where it started.”
Van Moody
Owner-Operator of Kale Me Crazy in Homewood
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Dubbed a “superfood cafe,” Kale Me Crazy offers a plethora of healthy, delicious meals whose foundations are built on fresh, organic and raw ingredients. The business was first founded in 2013 by now-CEO Roi Shlomo, who sought to diversify the food industry after he learned just how unhealthy so many mainstream foods were in restaurants across the nation. Twelve years later, Kale Me Crazy is now a thriving business with 23 locations across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Texas. Here, the owner-operator of the Homewood location, Van Moody, discusses the need for healthy food options in living a balanced life.
Tell our readers the founding story of Kale Me Crazy in Homewood. How did this location originate?
Kale Me Crazy is a missional outreach of The Worship Center Christian Church (twccc.org) and The HUB Community Development Corporation (thehubcdc.org).
I am the founding pastor of The Worship Center and the board chair of The HUB CDC. The Ministry and the CDC both desire to help people live healthy and whole lives, and having access to healthy foods is essential to people living their best lives.
What is your background in the food industry?
We have owned and operated a coffee shop with grab-and-go food items for several
years prior to opening Kale Me Crazy. I am vegan, and for years, I have recognized the need for more healthy food restaurants in and around Birmingham. After meeting the creator of Kale Me Crazy and recognizing our similar passions for healthy living and healthy food options, we decided to partner together to open the Homewood location.
In your opinion, what are some of the best items to order and why?
Every item on the menu is outstanding! We have the best-tasting, healthy food period.
For the more adventurous eater, which combos would you recommend?
For the adventurous person who wants
to jump start healthy habits, I recommend doing one of our juice cleanses.
What is the best part of being in business in Homewood?
Homewood is a great city with incredible people. It’s an honor to have Kale Me Crazy in Homewood.
Kale Me Crazy is located at 1831 28th Avenue South, Suite 106, in Homewood. It is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. To learn more information, visit kalemecrazy.net/ homewood.
HOME STYLE&
ARTISTIC EXPANSION
The Snells’ newly expanded home features a mix of modern and eclectic styles inside.
BY KATELYN SMITH
PHOTOS BY MARY MARGARET SMITH
JJonathan and Kristen Snell have been proud residents of Homewood for many years and are deeply fond of the area. Now, raising their two daughters, the family knew they would need to add more space to accommodate the playful adventures of the children.
When they first bought the house, it was only a two-and-a-half-story plan. They wanted to add more square footage but did not want to lose the rich character and history the house already held.
The Snells decided to hire Kelly Neely as their interior designer to help expand their home. With the existing structure of the home already being so robust, they decided to add on to the back side of the house.
Kelly helped the couple obtain an upgraded kitchen with an eat-in breakfast nook, a new living room, a covered patio, a larger bathroom for both of their daughters, an office space and a guest bedroom and bath.
Using a mix of eclectic and modern styles, Kelly decorated each space with the intent of showcasing the Snells’ love of art and adding vibrancy. The rooms are colorful, artistic and inviting, enchanting any guest upon entry.
The living room leans more towards an eclectic style, with various colors and textures in the furniture that occupies it, complemented by an exotic art gallery wall. Yet, the kitchen is sleek and modern, featuring stained wood cabinets and a black countertop, with diamond-shaped lights above the island.
With the help of Bridget McCart, a local artist, the wet bar and girls’ bathroom gained an eye-catching pattern on the walls and toilet closet that suits the décor perfectly. The fixtures and finishes of the home were provided by Fixtures & Finishes, Brandino Brass and Millhouse Howell, polishing off the new room additions.
The house feels more open and is definitely large enough for Jonathan and Kristen to continue raising their family in the upcoming years. Despite the transformation of their home and exceptional decorations, the Snells find that the best décor is the laughter they share inside it as a family.
Breakfast Nook
The sleek, circular table, paired with navy chairs and a patterned sofa, is the perfect spot for the family to gather around and enjoy a meal before starting the often-busy day. With a large window in front of it, the space feels open and offers natural lighting that naturally wakes the tired mind in the morning.
Kitchen
With a large, open space for hosting and entertaining, the kitchen features a nice reeded detail on the cabinets and stove hood, giving it a seamless look along the wall. The symmetrical room also features a black soapstone countertop, provided by Surface One, and a backsplash that helps conceal spills and complements the white cabinets, provided by RTS Construction, and gold accents below.
Living Room
The Snells enjoy collecting all types of art, even if it is being sold on the side of the road, so Kelly wanted to incorporate that into this space. With an eclectic gallery wall and a custom limestone fireplace designed by herself, fabricated by Tracery Stone, the living room is part artistic and part relaxing.
Kitchen, Wet Bar and Living Room Stylist: Christina Brockman
Powder Room
The girls’ bathroom was specifically designed to be a lively but beautiful space that could grow with them. The muted pink decorations are sophisticated and complement the other fun patterns in the room, while the details, such as the flower-shaped glass knobs on the cabinets, add a playful touch.
Powder Room Stylist: Kathleen Varner
Composed of custom-painted walls by Bridget McCart, black cabinetry, striking painting and colorful barware, the wet bar has it all.
Wet Bar
The Regency Era
The Jane Austen Society brings England to Homewood.
BY KATHARINE ARMBRESTER
PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER
OOnce a year, beautifully dressed ladies and gentlemen descend upon the Homewood Public Library. The participating guests and patrons are eager to attend an annual ball inspired by England’s Regency Era. As gowns in every color flutter in the evening breeze and whirl on the dance floor, everyone enjoys a night of revelry, refreshments and impassioned conversation about Jane Austen and her beloved novels.
For more than 25 years, the Jane Austen Society of Alabama has gathered together devoted readers of the classic British author.
The spirited group of Austen fans who dance the night away at the library are often referred to as “Janeites,” and most of the attendees are members of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA), which was co-founded in 1979 by Joan Austen-Leigh, a descendant of the author. The nonprofit organization today boasts more than 5,000 members and 81 regional groups across the continent.
The Alabama chapter, or region, was founded in 1998 by Dr. Mary Jane Curry, author of the recently published “Jane Austen on Nature: The Novels as
Pastoral Literature.” At the time, Alabama was one of the few states without a region, and interest in Austen’s writing skyrocketed when the miniseries “Pride and Prejudice” aired on PBS in 1995.
Curry connected with several Tuscaloosa natives after attending the annual members-only general meeting of JASNA in New Orleans, and she was elected the first head of the Alabama region, known as a regional coordinator. Early meetings took place at the historic University Club in Tuscaloosa and then at The Country Club of Birmingham.
From the beginning, Curry and her fellow founding members set a high bar for future gatherings, and she fondly remembers a country club meeting that featured a performance of piano music from the Regency period.
“Among the many memorable programs over the years was former ‘Birmingham News’ editor William Crowe’s talk on the entire publication history of Austen’s novels,” Curry says, later adding, “with details about publishing houses, legal agreements, Austen’s income from sales and readers’ and critics’ responses.”
In recent years, distinguished scholars such as
Dr. Christine Colón of Wheaton College, Dr. Margaret Payne from Freed-Hardeman University and Dr. Peter Graham of Virginia Tech presented topics as varied as the depictions of single women and young heroines on the verge of adulthood in Austen’s novels, the influence of Lord Byron on her characters and the treatment of slavery in her novel, “Mansfield Park.”
“Austen fans are serious about their favorite author,” Curry says. “So, they read the biographies and background history as well as her novels several times over.”
Enjoying the dances, having tea and delicious refreshments, dressing in your best Regency finery brings the magic and romance of Jane Austen to you in this chaotic world.
-Mary Jane Curry
In her office as regional coordinator, Renee Gainer presides over the group’s meetings and often suggests topics for discussion. For last year’s Yuletide celebration, she led a fascinating discussion on the unusual origins of
various Christmas traditions. Members also learned the holiday was celebrated very differently in Austen’s time.
An Anglophile with a love for Austen’s fiction, Gainer found kindred spirits when she learned of the Alabama region of JASNA and its enthusiastic participants.
“I wanted to be a part of a group of people who enjoyed Jane Austen as much as I do,” she says. “After my first meeting, I knew that I had found a niche that I’d been looking for.”
Leslie West, the head of library services, says that since the first Regency Ball took place in 2017, it has become one of the bestloved annual events by both the Homewood Library patrons and staff, who enjoy having “a blast in the past.”
“The event is charming, almost like stepping back in time,” she says. “I love to see the various costumes participants wear. All of them are just beautiful, and the dancing is just regal.”
In recent years, members and curious Homewood citizens have met at the library in the weeks beforehand to practice the intricate Regency dances for the ball, and the result is always an impressive sight, even with the occasional misstep.
There has been an astonishing variety of memorable presentations in the 28 years of the society, and the meetings alternately take place at the Homewood Library and in members’ homes. The Janeites enjoy the novelty of visiting local members and their hospitality, and the centrality of the library is also appreciated.
Along with the eagerly awaited Regency Ball, other annual events include two elaborate luncheons, which present more opportunities for dressing in costume (including the bonnets and the occasional dashing uniform).
Every spring or summer, the Janeites travel to Greensboro to visit the antebellum home of University of Alabama instructor, Ian Crawford. In 2024, the presentation topic was on English common law and its influence on the United States Constitution, and it included a gripping reenactment of a real trial from the Regency Era.
In December, the Christmas luncheon also serves as a celebration of Austen’s birthday on Dec. 16, and this year marks the 250th anniversary of her birth. Members make an effort to bring a savory or dessert from the Regency Era: William Crowe’s Prince Regent’s Punch, salmagundi salad and a mouthwatering, layered cake called trifle are uncontested crowd-pleasers.
For a past Valentine’s Day program, a presentation on the cads, rakes and ungentlemanly gentlemen in Austen’s fiction led to a lively debate and laughs when Mr. Darcy
— the hero of “Pride and Prejudice” — was included, due to his haughtiness.
In 2024, the erudite teenage daughter of a Samford University professor led a spirited discussion of “Pride and Prejudice” and made sure to bring along the elegant fan that completed her
costume at the Regency ball earlier that year.
Every year, the group of “Janeites” grows, demonstrating that people of all ages and walks of life find something in Austen’s novels that speaks to them, and the events hosted by the chapter offer something for everyone.
To join the Alabama group, an application must be submitted on the Jane Austen Society of North America’s website. There are multiple memberships
available, and student membership is free until the end of 2025, with individual annual memberships beginning at $30.
Along with the quarterly printed newsletter and the annual journal, “Persuasions,” members are invited to attend the annual general meeting, a three-day conference hosted in a different city every year and which features Austen scholars and often actors from film and television adaptations.
JASNA has proved a magnet for lovers of English literature, and Curry believes that members find joy
not only in exchanging insights into Austen’s fiction, but also in having deep conversations about her literary influences, such as Shakespeare.
Gainer is happy to list just a few of the benefits of joining the Alabama region of JASNA.
“We offer the chance to deep dive into the world of Jane Austen and to socialize,” she says. “We are a fun group of people and are very inclusive to people on all levels of knowledge on Jane Austen.”
The chapter owes much of the success of the annual ball to the cooperation of the Homewood Library and its staff. In turn, West and her fellow librarians relish the opportunity to observe the intricate Regency dances and costumed participants.
“For a couple of hours, you are in a kinder, gentler place,” she says. “Enjoying the dances, having tea and delicious refreshments, dressing in your best Regency finery brings the magic and romance of Jane Austen to you in this chaotic world.”
The curious can request to join the Jane Austen Society of Alabama’s Facebook group, in order to find information about joining JASNA and attending future meetings. The next Regency ball will take place in spring 2026, and the Alabama Janeites look forward to welcoming new members, watching (and critiquing) new adaptations of Austen’s novels and much more dancing.
COMMUNITY LEADERS 2025
It’s the people who make Homewood the community that it is! Here we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.
Homewood Life
COMMUNITY LEADER 2025
The Edge, developed and owned by J.J. Thomas, will celebrate its one year anniversary in 2025. The family-friendly entertainment venue hosted a number of memorable events in its first year and looks forward to so many more in the future. The development has been recognized by AAA magazine for being a “hub for food and fun”, won Homewood’s Best New Business as voted by the community, obtained a Rising Star Award from the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, and recently received the Homewood Beautification Award for its significant improvements to the appearance and overall aesthetic of the Homewood area. The venue has multiple restaurants, a fitness studio and retail tenant, an outdoor covered food hall, large turf green space and a covered stage with 19 ft jumbo tv and professional lights and sound. It’s a great gathering spot for all ages for good times and great food and drink. 815, 817, 819 Green Springs Hwy • Homewood, AL 35209
COMMUNITY LEADER 2025
Soho Social, Soho Standard, and Social Taco are proud staples of the Homewood community, each offering a unique and welcoming dining experience. This year, we’re excited to more closely align with our sister restaurants—Mudtown Eat & Drink and The Ridge Eat & Drink in Vestavia—bringing our well-loved concepts & standards deeper into the community. With Dave Horn as sole owner, along with our new Operations Manager, Ryan Reese, and Events & Marketing Director, Bridgett Alday, we’re streamlining our vision and strengthening our presence throughout the Birmingham area. Each of our restaurants has its own personality, but all share a commitment to great food, genuine hospitality, and community connection. By bringing Mudtown and The Ridge into closer association with the Soho family, we’re reinforcing our dedication to consistency, quality, community, and continued growth. Whether you’re grabbing tacos with friends, making new ones, or hosting a family dinner, our mission remains the same: to serve Birmingham with heart and soul.
COMMUNITY LEADER 2025
AT HOME FURNISHINGS
Caitlin Green began her ownership of At Home Furnishings and sister store, Three Sheets Linen Shop, at the end of 2023 – stepping into a beloved Homewood legacy with fresh vision and a deeply rooted foundation. Her journey with the company began nearly 18 years ago, growing from team member to manager of Three Sheets before becoming sole owner of both stores. Today, Caitlin brings renewed energy and a forwardthinking approach to shaping each store’s identity and role in the Homewood community – expanding selections while honoring the timeless charm that made them local favorites. Under her leadership, At Home Furnishings has become more than just a showroom; it’s a thoughtfully curated space that welcomes the community and offers a wide range of possibilities for everyone. Caitlin and her dedicated staff prioritize exceptional service and strong community ties, supporting local nonprofits and hosting events like pet adoptions and girls’ nights. Though each staff member has a different role, service is at the heart of everything they do, and they are proud to continue the level of care that Homewood knows and loves.
From left to right: Gabby Bass-Butler, Asst. Head of Children's Services, Judith Wright, Library Director and Cristina Castor, Head of Children's Services
Fall in Love with Bluegrass Country
By Kate Seaver | Photos by VisitLEX, Keeneland & Contributed
When the lingering summer heat leaves you longing for crisp air and crunching leaves, Lexington, Kentucky, offers the perfect autumn getaway. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and “Bourbonland,” Lexington is renowned for its unique culture and welcoming environment. From apple orchards and bourbon trails, to horse riding and fine dining, curate the autumn trip of your dreams in bluegrass country.
where to stay
Distinguished society and cultured lifestyle go hand in hand in Lexington, which was once referred to as the “Athens of the West.” It has retained much of its history, now hosting restaurants and inns in these historic homes.
Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast In a building that has been standing since 1883, this adorable bed-and-breakfast provides a cozy interior to match its classic exterior. The breakfast is fantastic and a perfect example of southern hospitality. The establishment features a full-service bar offering local bourbons and is in close proximity to all of the wonders of Lexington.
21c Museum Hotel This hotel in downtown Lexington seeks to blend contemporary art with hospitality. Featuring an art exhibit with more than 50 pieces, the hotel promises guests quite distinguished accommodations. For a truly unique experience, book the Nightwatch suite — a hotel room and an art installation in one. For the more average enjoyer, 21c offers usual hotel rooms. Around the corner and connected to the building is Lockbox, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Elwood Hotel & Suites If you see a mural of flowers blossoming around the corner of a building, you know you’ve reached this boutique hotel. This pet-friendly accommodation highlights its abundance of natural light and homey atmosphere. Elwood features a restaurant of its own, too. Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar provides live music and comfort food.
Elwood Hotel & Suites
21c Museum Hotel
WHERE TO DINE
The land of bourbon serves delicious southern cooking and good eatin’ everywhere you turn.
The Merrick Inn Merrick was the name of a highly successful thoroughbred raised on this horse farm in the early 1900s. In this historic house that was built before the Civil War, this restaurant serves elevated southern cuisine for brunch through dinner. Try the shrimp and grits, chicken cordon bleu or the fried chicken for a sure winner.
Joe Bologna’s Restaurant & Pizzeria This Italian pizzeria is housed in a former synagogue with preserved architecture and stained glass windows. The breadsticks, pizza dough and sauces are all made in-house. The breadsticks are an absolute must-try, especially paired with garlic butter. Enjoy this restaurant throughout the week, but know it is closed on Mondays.
Distillery District
Explore these pubs and distilleries, making Lexington famous for its bourbon:
uBarrel House Distilling Company —
The barreling house of the old Pepper Distillery is where this distillery is located, and it offers tours and tastings. Stop by the Elkhorn Tavern beforehand for food and cocktails.
uJames E. Pepper Distillery — This historic distillery operated from the American Revolution to 1967 and was reopened in 2017. It still uses original recipes.
uLexington Brewing & Distilling Co. — Known as the beer of bourbon country, this brewery uses fresh bourbon barrels to produce barrel-aged beers. It’s the only combination-brewery-and-distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
uWise Bird Cider Co. —
Although not bourbon, this cidery creates small-batch craft ciders using 100 percent freshly pressed apples.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
The Merrick Inn
Joe Bologna’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
HIT THE ROAD
WHAT TO DO
With many family-friendly activities tied to the countryside and rolling farmland, Lexington boasts the ability to craft the perfect fall itinerary for every visitor’s interest.
Visit Orchards — Eckert’s Versailles Orchard, located 20 minutes outside of Lexington, will fill your belly with apple butter and warm cider donuts, while the kids run through the corn maze and pick apples and pumpkins.
Evans Orchard & Cider Mill boasts fun for the whole family with a play area and a barnyard for the kids, as well as a farmers market with fresh produce picked daily.
Horse Riding Kentucky Horse Park offers horseback riding on a guided, 35-minute-long trail ride suitable for beginners. This park also holds live shows, has grounds for camping and a horse museum.
Thoroughbred Park
Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
Viewing History At the Mary Todd Lincoln House, discover the family home of our 16th president’s first lady. Book a self-guided or guided tour to learn about her life and politics during her time. Stop by the historic Patterson Cabin, built around 1780, by one of the area’s earliest settlers. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, the distinguished estate belonging to Henry Clay, offers tours to learn about and appreciate Clay’s contributions to United States politics. He represented the state of Kentucky in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives during the Antebellum era and helped found the National Republican Party and the Whig Party.
Venture outside the city for a day to take in the beautiful fall foliage and hike at Red River Gorge. Go to The Arboretum, a 100-acre public garden to soak in more of the fall foliage. See a concert or catch a show at the historic Lexington Opera House, a theater built in 1886. A classic Lexington landmark, Thoroughbred Park captures the city’s commitment to the equine world with several bronze, lifelike statues capturing the spirit of racing near the finish line.
How to Spend a Day at Keeneland
A trip to Lexington would not be complete without a visit to Keeneland, the nation’s largest Thoroughbred auction house. A national historic landmark open 365 days a year to the public, Keeneland holds seasonal, world-class racing as well. Created to be a gathering space for all, Keeneland has beautifully landscaped grounds that everyone can enjoy.
uStart your day with breakfast at Keeneland Track Kitchen. You could find yourself eating alongside the trainers, jockeys and owners!
uChoose from the five offered tours of the grounds for whatever piques your interest. You could see the morning training workouts, the behind-the-scenes of the auction house or the operations of the stables, including care of the horses.
uAttend a race during the Keeneland Fall Race Meet held Oct. 3-25. Be aware, there is no racing on Mondays or Tuesdays, so plan accordingly to incorporate or avoid the races in your trip.
Patterson Cabin
Homewood Chamber of Commerce
CONNECTIONS
Recent Events
Upcoming Events
Aug. 7
Donuts with the Director
Aug. 14
Coffee and Connections at Prime IV Hydration and Wellness
Aug. 19
Membership Luncheon at Samford University
Sept. 16 September Membership Breakfast
Sept. 26
Dedication of Samford Freshman Residence Halls
Oct. 21
October Chamber Luncheon and Annual Legislative Update
Oct. 28
Business After Hours Sponsored by ERA King Real Estate
Nov. 6 2025 Holiday Open House
Find Us Online
Sign
Ribbon Cuttings
May 13 - Homewood Library Sound Garden
June 17 - Samford’s New Greek and Upper Division Student Housing
May 14 - Smile Craft Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
June 24 - Rise Red Mountain’s New Outdoor Space
New Members
uCadence Bank
uExpress Kitchen Hoods, LLC
uRise Red Mountain
uWet Row Lofts and Townhomes
uSmile Craft Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
uCapstone Marketing Group
uUAB Arts
uBattle Republic
uGlenwood
uLandmark Development
uDog U
uHome Repair Services
uBooks Built
uSoHo Nails & Spa
uLogo Express Inc.
uPayroll & Benefit Solutions
HOMEWOOD LIBRARY FOUNDATION BLOCK PARTY
On Saturday, April 5, the Homewood Library Foundation held its annual festival, featuring inflatables, carnival games, food and beverage vendors, a silent auction and more.
1. The Hill family
2. Darla Benefield
3. Katherine Thompson and Julia Stewart with Lauren and Joey Johnson
4. George Pantazis and Brooks McCreight
5. Stanley Fowler
6. Liz Moye, Michelle Hamrick, Mary Katzman, Julie Jurotich and Colleen Varner
7. Stanley Fowler
8. Marli Peters and Jan Mattingly
9. The Sellers, Hollis and Phillips families
10. Ella Brown and Meghan Manix
PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
EASTER EGG HUNT
PHOTOS BY AMANDA PRITCHARD
On Saturday, April 12 at Patriot Park, Homewood Parks and Recreation hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt.
1. Clark, Orin, James, Evelin and Reid Bratches
2. Jasmine and Alice
3. The Liendo family
4. Lydia, Nicole, Ellis and Irving Jones
5. Jonas Justice
6. Grace, Justin and Bryce Hughes
7. Jadiyah Duke and Joy Kirk
8. Commander and the Easter Bunny
9. Jadiyah Duke
10. Carina Hershy
11. Bruno Burks
12. Abbie, Mary Harbin and Conway Rowan
HOP ‘N SHOP
PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
On Saturday, April 12, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce partnered with the businesses of downtown Homewood to host an Easter-themed shopping day as businesses offered discounts and patrons took photos with the Easter Bunny.
1. Ana Pitard
2. Caroline Lawrence
3. Sophie Leavitt and Eliza Martin
4. Wendy Sizemore
5. Betsy Koepsel, Fran Chaiprakob and Cat Beaton
6. Reese Osborn
7. Farley
8. Christine Long
9. Heather Stignani
10. Tricia McCain, Walker Binkley and Claire Jordan
11. Jennifer Dorman and Alice Hawley
WE LOVE HOMEWOOD DAY
PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER
On Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, the city of Homewood held its annual festival, featuring the annual We Love Homewood Day 5K, a party in Homewood Central Park and more.
1. Elizabeth and Julia
2. The Bendall family
3. The Bridell family
4. Claire and Holland
5. Keyara and Taylor
6. Lucy and Eliza
7. The Hannah family
8. Sophia and Savannah
9. The Daris family
10. Dolly
11. Pariya and Wilson Wheeler
HOMEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
On Saturday, May 17, at the Pete Hanna Center at Samford University, Homewood High School held its commencement ceremony for the class of 2025.
6. Ellie Moncrief, Cate Geer, Abby McElheny and Emma Lawrence
7. Ruby Skelton, Caroline Cherry and Izzy Knudsen
8. Anthony Pasley and students
9. The Spears family
10. Paola and Lizbeth Ceron with Natalia Perea
PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
OLS FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER
On Tuesday, July 1, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church held its annual Fourth of July festival, featuring meals, familyfriendly games and activities, a raffle and the Trash & Treasure rummage sale.
1. Mitch Goodwin, Alli Eakes, Leah Randall and Adam Lucy
2. Isabella and Susan Corsini
3. Charquise Drakes with Rachel and Thsia Briggins
4. The Ferguson family
5. Erica Wilson and Anna Roberts
6. Emma, Miller and Theresa Robinson
7. The LaRussa family
THE CITY OF HOMEWOOD’S FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL
The city of Homewood held its annual Independence Day festival, featuring family-friendly games and activities, rides and attractions and more on Friday, July 4.
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Sales Associate (Part-Time) at Earthly Treasures Thrift Store: Earthly Treasures has part-time sales associate positions available. The person applying for this position will be cross trained to function/ work in all areas of the thrift store. To download the application or get more information for this position stop by the thrift store or go to our website at shelbybaptist.org/ job-opportunities/
Now Hiring!
Termite Treaters and Inspectors Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control
Better Together
When two leading healthcare systems come together, extraordinary things happen. As Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital — now strengthened by awardwinning healthcare leader Orlando Health — we are bringing you expert medical care with the patient-first approach you deserve. With an even brighter future ahead, we’re excited to enhance exceptional, faith-based care in your community. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BaptistHealthAL.com/BrookwoodHospital
MY HOMEWOOD
BO SEAGRIST
Homewood City Clerk
Fellowship in Community
Homewood Christmas Parade
I love the holiday season, and I love how all the streets and businesses are decorated throughout the season. I love watching all of the floats process down 18th Street and 29th Avenue South. It’s great to see all the children get excited about Christmas and Santa Claus.
Sentimental Spots
Homewood Central Park
I love Homewood Central Park. Many times, I would go out there for a walk and see people relaxing or playing sports and having parties at the pavilion. It is a beautiful park, and I just enjoy seeing people out there. The park also hosts several great events year round such as the annual Homewood Witches Ride, whose proceeds benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB Hospital.
Eat Local
Oak
There are so many wonderful places to eat. If I had to pick just one, it would have to be Oak Hill and the fried green tomatoes. No matter what I get from there I always get them.
Serving Constituents
Homewood City Clerk
I am called to serve — called to serve my co-workers, called to serve local residents, called to serve this community. I love this city! It has been so good to me and my family and has provided me with blessings that I don’t deserve. There is no better way to show my gratitude than by being kind and encouraging to the people that I have the privilege to meet here. It is an honor to serve here in Homewood.
Get Outdoors
18th Street
I love going over to 18th street, especially during the holiday season. I love to grab a cup of coffee and sit out and watch families and friends shop and bond. I grew up in Hartselle, Alabama, and 18th Street reminds me a lot of there.
