Issuu

STEVEN POTACZEK’S NOVEL • KAT BAILEY INTERIORS • OUR 2026 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

CENTURY STRONG HOMEWOOD CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

INAUGURAL INDUCTEES

HOMEWOOD ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

Heirloom

TASTES WINTER 2026 HomewoodLife.com Volume 10 | Issue 4 $4.95

THE FOUNDING STORY OF TINA’S MARKET

2913 LINDE N AVENU E H O M E WO OD, AL ABAMA @ CH R ISTO PH ERC OLLEC TION CH R ISTO PH E RC OLLEC TION .C OM

(205) 415-7536 GUNNDERMATOLOGY.COM GUNNDERMATOLOGY 32 CHURCH STREET, CRESTLINE 391 RELE STREET, MTN BROOK VILLAGE HomewoodLife.com 1

IN HOUSE CUSTOM JEWELRY MANUFACTURING

VESTAVIA HILLS SHARES CARD Purchase here

26-27

Vestavia Hills Shares

When we share,

we all win!

RETAIL ROYAL SPONSOR

SMART SHOPPER SPONSORS

FEATURES

100 YEARS OF HOMEWOOD One-hundred years after its incorporation, the city of Homewood is celebrating a milestone made possible by the grit of dreamers-turned-doers.

80 HIT THE ROAD

ABSOLUTELY ALPINE Formerly a logging and sawmill town, Leavenworth, Washington, was renovated in the 1960s to attract more visitors. Now, this Bavarian-style gem in the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat when looking for traditional, Christmas charm that feels like it’s out of a movie.

86 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What should you buy for friends and loved ones this season? Look no further than the shops right around you.

4 Winter 2026

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

arts & culture

19 The Age of AI: Steven Potaczek’s Message to Musicians 28 Read this Book: Mary Eller’s Top Winter Reads

schools & sports

31 Inaugural Class: The Homewood Athletics Hall of Fame 40 Five Questions For: Dr. Justin Hefner, Homewood City Schools

food & drink

43 Taste of Tradition: Tina Liollio’s Family History & Cuisine 52 Five Questions For: Paul Liollio, Tina’s Market

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 The Question 11 Instagram 13 The Guide 94 Chamber Connections 96 Out & About 110 Marketplace 112 My Homewood

home & style

57 Edgewood Bungalow: Katie Owen’s 1957 Home’s Makeover

HomewoodLife.com 5

contributors EDITORIAL

Michaela Bankston Anna Grace Breedlove Dave Domescik Avery Forrest Andrew Simonson Madison Smith Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

Hanna Allen James Culver Rachel Culver Lauren H. Dowdle Mary Eller Blair Ramsey Kate Seaver Carmen Shea Brown

DESIGN

Sydney Allen Jamie Dawkins Chrissy Gronke Morgan Lockhart Lavens Maginnis Miles Maginnis

MARKETING

Noah Brakefield Evann Campbell Octavia Campbell Rachel Henderson Junaid Khan Rhett McCreight Lauren Morris Tori Smith

ADMINISTRATION Amanda Boothe Carlee Chappell Mary Jo Eskridge Alec Etheredge Stacey Meadows Kayla Reeves Leslie Reeves Jennifer Robertson 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. Since interning with Shelby County Newsmedia over the summer, she has continued writing to gain hands-on experience as a journalist.

Lauren H. Dowdle, Writer

An award-winning writer, Lauren lives in Hoover with her husband, children and four fur-babies. She writes for a variety of local, national and international publications. A graduate from the University of Alabama, Lauren played the tuba in the Million Dollar Band, which is how she met her husband. When she isn’t writing or chasing around a toddler, she loves to bake for friends and family.

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.

Kate Seaver, Writer

Pursuing her degree in journalism and mass communications, Kate Seaver is a Samford University student, who loves writing and photography and hopes to continue sharing her community’s stories for years to come. She is always captured by stories about people, and she challenges herself to seek out the interesting bits in even mundane topics. When not writing or taking photos, she enjoys spending time outside, taking in the beauty of creation.

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.

6 Winter 2026

from the editor

T ON THE COVER

Roots & Recipes

Tina’s Market is a legacy of love spanning decades and oceans, and the proof is in each decadent delight on the menu. Photo by Blair Ramsey Design by Sydney Allen

The city of Homewood was incorporated in 1926. Now 100 years later, its citizens are celebrating a milestone anniversary, and I have the distinct privilege of being Homewood Life’s editor at this monumental time. In my short time as editor, I have witnessed the city electing its first female mayor—shoutout to Mayor Jennifer Andress. I have written about the Homewood Patriot Marching Band performing in Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day parades and the Rose Bowl parade, too. I have also witnessed Homewood High School rank as the No. 2 public high school in the state of Alabama, according to the U.S. News & World Report. I marvel at how our community has evolved over the years. Several iconic institutions such as Savage’s Bakery and Shaia’s have been in Homewood for decades. Lebanese immigrant SG Shaia, then only 17 years old, first stepped foot on Ellis Island in 1898. He, with his wife Badia, later opened their store in what is now downtown Homewood in 1922, exactly 104 years ago. It is still owned and operated by their family today. All these stories and more you can learn about in this issue’s feature, “100 Years of Homewood,” on page 69. In addition to these inspiring tales of resilience, you’ll also get to read about the inaugural class of the Homewood Athletics Hall of Fame, which was launched this past October. Read more about these legends on page 31. Steven Potaczek, a Samford University commercial music professor, recently published his novel, “Fear Not, Creative: Futureproofing Artistic Work in the Age of AI,” intended to help musicians learn how to protect themselves and their craft in the emerging world of artificial intelligence. Even if the only thing you can play is the radio, I recommend giving his feature a good read—check it out on page 19. Of course, our winter issue wouldn’t be complete without our annual holiday gift guide. From toys to jewelry, candles to food, there’s something for everyone in this section. The best part? Every gift is sourced from a Birmingham retailer near you! Flip to page 86 to learn more. Readers, as you pick up your copies in your local dentist’s office, hair salon, coffee shop or even right off your front stoop, I hope you pause and reflect at the weight of this issue. Let us stop and give thanks to those who came before us for making what was their dream a reality for us all. Happy Holidays,

annagrace@homewoodlife.com HomewoodLife.com 7

“ ” THE QUESTION

What is your favorite tradition we celebrate here in town? Absolutely nothing better than all of your neighbors gearing up for the We Love Homewood Day 5k followed by a day full of baseball and then a street party.

The Homewood Patriot Marching Band and all the events they are in! Also, Our Lady of Sorrows 4th of July Festival.

The Lighting of the Star and the Witches Ride!

We Love Homewood Day is so special! Anytime the band is there it is a great time.

Homewood Christmas Star and all of the store windows decorated so beautifully at Christmas and of course, the Christmas parade.

Watching the Homewood Patriot Marching Band on the field on television and in our parades. They never let us down and are a vital part of what makes Homewood home!

Always loved driving around Homewood during Christmas and seeing Christmas trees in the front yards.

Christmas Open House

-Matt Feld

-Leigh Anna Ivey Hall

-Bonnie Gray Robertson

-Elyse Kilgore Lewis

8 Winter 2026

-Melanie Stickler Falconer

-Stephanie Wood

-Rick Averyt

-Thomas Andrew Art

BEST

Dr. Rousso & Dr. Adams Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons

Deep Plane Facelift • Neck Lift • Rhinoplasty Eyelid Rejuvenation • Lip Lift • Fat Grafting Skin Renewal • Hair Restoration • Botox & Filler • Medical Spa

www.drrousso.com @roussoadamsfacialplastics

(205) 930-9595 HomewoodLife.com 9

10 Winter 2026

@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.

@southernintriugesports Homewood vs Mountain Brook photo gallery ready to go!!!

@fiddlesticksmusic Fall semester is ALMOST HERE! We can’t wait to make Music Together!

@thomasandrewart

@homewoodtoy_hobby

Our Young Creators after school program starts a week from today! We are very excited because we have some really cool projects planned for the fall.

Whether you say “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle,” we’ve got you covered!

HomewoodLife.com 11

THANK YOU FOR NAMING PRITCHARD ALLEN BEST MORTGAGE AGENT Undeniable Rates. Unparalleled Service. Uniquely Local.

Pritchard PritchardAllen Allen

Independent Mortgage Broker Independent Mortgage Broker

12 Winter 2026

Company NMLS#2552907 | Personal NMLS#1569469 Company NMLS#2552907 | Personal NMLS#1569469 pritchard@allenmtg.com | allenmtg.com pritchard@allenmtg.com | allenmtg.com Mobile 205.936.4136 | Office 205.306.0104 Mobile 205.936.4136 | Office 205.306.0104 880 Montclair Rd Suite 277, Birmingham, AL 35213 880 Montclair Rd Suite 277, Birmingham, AL 35213

THE GUIDE

2026 LIGHTING OF THE STAR & HOMEWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE DEC. 3 6:30 P.M. Downtown Homewood Join the Homewood Chamber of Commerce as they light the historic Homewood Star at the top of 18th Street as the official beginning of the Homewood Christmas Parade! Visit homewoodparks.com/ christmas-parade for more information. HomewoodLife.com 13

THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN NOV. 7 Gobbler 5K & 10K Masonic Park NOV. 9 Salute to Veterans Celebration Vestavia Hills Civic Center NOV. 11 Veterans Day Celebration Samford University NOV. 12 Glasses Up for Down Syndrome B&A Warehouse NOV. 13-14 Homecoming Samford University

NOV. 5

2026 Holiday Open House 5-8 P.M. The Shops of Downtown Homewood Get a head start on holiday shopping at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday shopping extravaganza.

Businesses will be staying open after hours, offering holiday discounts, festive camaraderie and some stores will have light refreshments, too. Stay up to date on this event by visiting businesshomewoodchamber.org/events.

NOV. 10

Edgewood Tree Lighting and Sip & Shop 6:30-8 P.M. Edgewood Business District Businesses in Edgewood will kick off the holiday shopping season with the lighting of the Edgewood Christmas tree! Those in attendance are invited to stay and shop and mingle with other attendees. Find more details at business.homewoodchamber.org/events. Share your news and events! Email submissions to annagrace@homewoodlife.com to be considered for our next issue.

14 Winter 2026

NOV. 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum NOV. 14 Mountain Brook FOP 5K Pig Run 3785 Jackson Boulevard NOV. 14 UAB Veterans Day 5K Railroad Park NOV. 14 Medicare Made Clear: What You Need to Know Levite Jewish Community Center NOV. 14 Deck the Heights Heights Village NOV. 17 2026 Mountain Brook Battle of the Badges Mountain Brook High School Rec Field 1 NOV. 19 Tree Lighting Festival Vestavia Hills Civic Center NOV. 19 Crestline Village Holiday Open House

THE GUIDE NOV. 20-21 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Concert: English Light Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center NOV. 20 All is Bright Vestavia City Center NOV. 22 “Handel’s Messiah” Presented by the Alabama Civic Chorale Riverchase United Methodist Church NOV. 26 Sam Lapidus Montclair Run Levite Jewish Community Center NOV. 27-DEC. 24 Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm DEC. 3 Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House DEC. 3-13 “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley” Homewood Theatre DEC. 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum DEC. 5 Bluff Park 8K Bluff Park United Methodist Church DEC. 5 Bluff Park Christmas Parade Bluff Park Community Park DEC. 5 Alabaster Christmas Parade Highway 31 South DEC. 5, 12 & 19 Christmas at the Station Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

DEC. 3

Hanging of the Green & Lighting of the Way

4-9 P.M. Reid Chapel at Samford University To kick off the Christmas season, Samford University will host its annual Hanging of the Green event from 4-5 p.m. in Reid Chapel. Attendees can look forward to a candlelit walk across campus, a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and beautiful seasonal décor. Afterwards, the university will host its Lighting of the Way event,

featuring the lighting of the huge Christmas tree at the center of campus. Visit samford.edu/events for more information.

DEC. 10

The 16th Annual Legacy League Christmas Home Tour VIEWINGS FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. OR 4-8 P.M. Appointed homes in Homewood, Mountain Brook & Vestavia Hills The Samford University Legacy League’s 2026 Christmas Home Tour will feature five uniquely beautiful homes in Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. The Legacy League is a philanthropic organization that provides life-changing scholarships for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. Advance tickets are required; sales will open in early November. Visit samford.edu/legacyleague to learn more. HomewoodLife.com 15

THE GUIDE DEC. 6 Mountain Brook Holiday Parade Mountain Brook Village DEC. 6 Holiday Parade & Party in the Park 3215 Endeavor Lane DEC. 10-11 & 14-16 Hamilton Christmas Lunch & Tour American Village DEC. 12 Lights on the Bluff Church on the Bluff

STAY TUNED

HOMEWOOD MENORAH LIGHTING & HANUKKAH CELEBRATION Each year, Chabad of Alabama lights a giant menorah and hosts a time of reflection and celebration during the Hanukkah season. As of press time, event details have not been released about this event. Attendees can look forward to fun, festive games, food, music and dancing. Everyone is invited to attend! To stay updated on this event, follow @chabadofalabama on Instagram.

DEC. 12 Trussville Christmas Parade Downtown Trussville DEC. 12 Pelham Christmas Parade Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena

Dr. Jeremy Edgerly

Your Local Source for Exceptional Eye Care A GIFT BOUTIQUE SPECIALIZING IN HOME DECOR, SEASONAL GIVING, JEWELRY, CLOTHING & SHOES. S H O P W R A P S O D Y . C O M

205-341-9595 • mtnbrookeyes.com 921 Jemison Lane, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 16 Winter 2026

@ S H O P W R A P S O D Y

auburn | homewood | hoover | madison | trussville

Allison Insurance is honored to have been recognized as the Best Insurance Agency in Mountain Brook-a reflection of the trust our clients place in us every day. Whether you need personal insurance-including home, auto, or umbrella-or business insurance, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.

We believe strong relationships are built on trust, consistency, and genuine service. Let us show you the difference a dedicated insurance partner can make.

205-738-7444

team@allisonagency.net

YOUR HOME. THIS SEASON. TOGETHER. For thirty years, Birmingham families have trusted us with the spaces where their cherished holiday memories are made. This season, let's begin with yours. Together, we’ll make it beautiful.

FOUR SHOWROOMS:

your project. your way. 18 Winter 2026

Valleydale Rd. Trussville McCalla Downtown Birmingham

&CULTURE

ARTS

MUSICAL MENTOR

Industry veteran leaves his mark on the next generation through songs, teaching and new book. BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

HomewoodLife.com 19

20 Winter 2026

From performing in front of thousands to hearing his songs on popular TV shows, Steven Potaczek has an impressive list of achievements from his decades in the music industry. Now, his work as a producer, professor and author has given him a way to impact even more lives as he continues to follow his passion. Originally from Chicago, Steven met his wife, Amanda, during college. They started the band, 1000 Generations, where he played piano and she played electric guitar. The group went on to sign with a record label and had their song, “Fail Us Not,” reach the Billboard Christian Top 40 at one point. After the couple had two daughters, Steven switched to producing music full-time and

collaborated with bands such as Skillet and The Band Perry. He’s since written Billboard Top 40 hits and had songs featured on shows including “New Girl,” “Dance Moms,” “CBS Evening News,” “America’s Next Top Model” and “Parks and Recreation.” His list of accomplishments has only grown. Steven has consulted for organizations like National Geographic, MTV, the NBA and the Heartland Film Festival, and he’s also earned accolades like the John Lennon Songwriting Award and Gospel Music Academy’s “Song of the Year.” Those opportunities came from his continuous work on various projects—and often from being in the right place at the right time. “It requires persistence and dedication to keep

HomewoodLife.com 21

“

We’re always on the bleeding edge of discussing what the industry looks like and how to make a living in it. Our industry has changed so much more than we thought it would, but the fundamentals have stayed the same much more than we imagined. –Steven Potaczek

22 Winter 2026

”

going in the face of rejection,” he says. Through the years, his career has put him on stage in front of countless people, but it wasn’t the big events that made the largest impact on him. It was hearing about the personal connections people have with his music. “I’ve had so many encounters where someone

will share that my song helped them get through a difficult season of life,” Steven says. “Those are the moments that stick with me. That’s why art has such tremendous value.” He now has the opportunity to form connections with the next generation and empower them in his role as an educator. Steven is the founding director

2026

HomewoodLife.com 23

HOME TO THE NEW GAMES AND THE CLASSICS!

HOMEWOOD TOY & HOBBY SHOP 2830 18th St. S, Homewood (205) 879-3986

Thank you for voting us Best Kids Clothing Store in Vestavia!

Where to Listen and Read Though his band, 1000 Generations, stopped recording in 2012, Steven Potaczek has continued to impact the industry through music. He works with artists in a range of roles including as a full producer, mix engineer, session player and co-writer. To hear music from his recent clients, visit hereaftermusic.com. Songs from 1000 Generations can also be found on music-streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Steven is also leaving his mark with his nonfiction book, “Fear Not, Creative: Futureproofing Artistic Work in the Age of AI.” The book was published Oct. 1 by Bloomsbury Publishing, which was the original publisher of the “Harry Potter” series. His book is available at all major booksellers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books and more.

and associate professor of the commercial music program at Samford University, and he’s also been honored with a DownBeat magazine educator award. One of the things he says he enjoys about teaching is helping students discover and follow their passions. “I really love when lightbulbs go off in students,” he says. “It’s so impactful when students suddenly make a connection and really start pursuing what they feel called to do.” 24 Winter 2026

He started teaching at Samford in 2020 with 12 students in the commercial music program, and it’s now become one of the fastest-growing majors in the School of the Arts with about 45 students. The program offers classes with concentration areas in songwriting, music production, performance and the music industry. It’s designed for students who want to build a career in the music industry, whether that’s as a performer, songwriter, entrepreneur, producer or other creative path. “Not everyone is going to be a performer or producer, but I hope they find what they’re exceptionally good at and passionate about,” Steven says. “Then they can intersect that with the world’s greatest need and see how to make a career out of it. My goal is to train professionals.” He also leads Samford’s commercial music flagship band, Lakeshore, which performs at events and venues from around the world. The auditioned ensemble includes singers, horns and a full rhythm section, and they perform R&B, funk/soul and pop hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé and original songs written by students. Whether at a gig or in the classroom, Steven says

he strives to provide students with industry insight, education and support like he received from his mentors while in college—and he also shares about things he wished he had been taught. “The music industry is such a closed system. It really is about who and what you know,” he says. “It’s hard to make money in an industry that’s shrouded in mystery, and I enjoy eliminating that for students.” To prepare students for an ever-evolving industry, Steven discusses current events, new revenue stream options and other updates. Several of his students have gone on to have careers in the music industry including becoming or working with Grammy and Dove Award winners. “We’re always on the bleeding edge of discussing what the industry looks like and how to make a living in it,” Steven says. “Our industry has changed so much more than we thought it would, but the fundamentals have stayed the same much more than we imagined.” One of the aspects that continues to change is technology. While building up the commercial music program, Steven began seeing the impact of ChatGPT on both his students and peers. Many

I strive to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am. Animal Hospital, Veterinary Care, Boarding & Grooming 2810 19th Place South, Homewood, AL 35209 StandiferAnimalClinic.com

STEVEN

EK’S POTACZ

NOVEL •

RIORS •

EY INTE

KAT BAIL

OUR 2026

HOLIDAY

GIFT GUID

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Y STRONG CENTUR CELEBRATES

Your Stories. Your Community. Your Magazine.

OD Y HOMEWO NIVERSAR 100TH AN

RAL INAUGUTE ES ICS INDUC LET WOOD ATH HOME FAME HALL OF

Heirloom

TASTES

ORY DING ST THE FOUN A’S MARKET OF TIN

Visit HomewoodLife.com or call 205-669-3131 to subscribe for $14.95 plus tax (4 issues) a year.

ER 2026

WINT ife.com HomewoodL | Issue 4 Volume 10 $4.95

HomewoodLife.com 25

worried how artificial intelligence (AI) would impact the arts and if there would still be jobs in the industry. So, he began researching AI to learn more about how it worked and what the forecast of technology looked like, especially in the music industry. “This is a field where there’s not a lot of education happening, so I thought it was an opportunity to educate on what AI really is and isn’t,” Steven says. “The good news is that with the right knowledge, I feel like AI is not something that needs to be feared. There’s a way to coexist with it and in spite of it.” Steven compiled his research into a book to help others understand and prepare for the future of technology in the industry. His nonfiction book, “Fear Not, Creative: Futureproofing Artistic Work in the Age of AI,” came out Oct. 1, and he also had a book launch at Homewood’s Little Professor

• COOLING • HEATING • PLUMBING

Bookshop to celebrate. The book shares his insights and findings on how to make a living as an artist— including musicians, designers and makers of all types—in a new landscape that’s saturated with AI. “I think knowledge is power,” Steven says. “The book is meant to educate people, not just about AI, but about how to make a sustainable career in the arts amidst the new world we live in.” Changes in the music industry are also happening at a local level, but those are things Steven is eager to experience—and watch progress for generations to come. “I’m so impressed with the creative scene here in Birmingham. There’s a lot happening and a lot of potential,” Steven says. “It’s at the beginning stages of what I saw in a lot of other creative cities like Nashville. It’s an exciting time to be in Birmingham, and I’m excited to be a part of the scene.”

• GENERATORS • MAINTENANCE PLANS • EASY PAYMENT PLANS

SCAN TO SCHEDULE

(205) 277-0589 26 Winter 2026

ARTS & CULTURE

READ THIS BOOK

Reads to Lift the Holiday Spirit Recommendations from

Mary Eller

Homewood Public Library Assistant Department Head of Circulation

Mary Eller is a Homewood native and has been a librarian for more than 20 years. Her love of all things Christmas comes from the wonderful holiday traditions she experienced growing up in Homewood. She is also a mom to two amazing adult children who always come home for the holidays! Here, she recommends some of her favorite books to get you into the holiday spirit this season.

A Married Little Christmas

By Abby Jimenez | Romance Bring on the holiday cheer in this delightful collection of three feel-good novellas. “A Married Little Christmas” is a collection of three interconnected holiday novellas that somehow manage to be hilarious, deeply emotional and incredibly romantic all at the same time. Every story is filled with Abby’s signature wit, unforgettable characters and the kind of emotional depth that makes you feel completely invested in just a few pages.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

By Ally Carter | Mystery “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” is a holiday romantic mystery built around a vanished author, a country manor cut off by snow and two writers who would rather avoid each other but are forced into the same dangerous puzzle. When both are invited to spend Christmas at the home of legendary crime novelist Eleanor Ashley, what begins as an eccentric house party turns into a locked-room case with real danger. The novel mixes suspense, wit, emotional recovery and a love story shaped by trust.

The Tree That’s Meant to Be

By Yuval Zommer | Picture Book This heartfelt, gorgeous Christmas picture book that’s destined to become a holiday classic is about a crooked, little fir tree and a powerful message about love and embracing what makes you different. This is a charming, classic-feeling holiday story with a heartfelt message about celebrating our differences and sticking by our friends. Families will love reading it together and talking about kindness, generosity and the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is Coming

By Charles & Debra Ghigna | Poetry Picture Book Thoughts of Christmas become joyful poems in this celebration of the holiday season. Twenty-seven poems illustrate the anticipation, delight and warmth of Christmastime. These charming verses will wrap readers up in the exhilaration of decorating the house in Christmas finery, going on the hunt for the perfect tree and all of the other wonderful events of the holiday season. Even better, this book was written by two Homewood residents, Charles and Debra Ghigna!

An Anthology of Christmas

By Auriol Bishop | Nonfiction “An Anthology of Christmas” explores some of the most amazing Christmassy facts from the natural world. Readers can discover things like why the traditional Christmas tree is usually a pine, spruce or fir in this impressive collection that showcases hundreds of fascinating facts about Christmas. Beautiful photography and illustrations complement storybook descriptions, teaching friends and families all about this magical time of year.

28 Winter 2026

Celebrating Excellence in Insurance CAC is proud to be named Mountain Brook’s Best Insurance Agency of 2025, with Billy Walker recognized as Best Agent in 2026. Our Personal Lines Practice offers top-tier advisory and insurance services for high-net-worth clients, including: • Aircraft • Watercraft • Builder’s Risk • Private Collections • Life Insurance • Automobile Insurance • Personal Excess Liability • Homeowners Insurance • Equine Insurance Protection Thank you, Mountain Brook, for your trust and support!

cacgroup.com

HomewoodLife.com 29

30 Winter 2026

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

HONORING PATRIOTS Homewood recognizes coaches, student-athletes and athletic contributors in inaugural Hall of Fame. BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

HomewoodLife.com 31

Homewood Patriots The 17 Hall of Fame inductees have countless achievements, but here are a few of their top successes:

DICKEY WRIGHT

RONALD NORED

ALVIN BRESSLER 1972-1974 First-ever football coach at Homewood; won first-ever state title in 1974 SUSAN COOK 1972-2003 Coached girls’ basketball, softball, track, gymnastics and swimming; inducted in the AHSAA Hall of Fame; won more than 700 games in volleyball ROBERT DAVIS 1988-1991 Played football, wrestling, track and field; won the school’s only Mr. Football Award; Top 25 scorer of all time in AHSAA AARON ERNEST 2007-2011 Played football and track and field; USA Today All-American; considered by Tom Esslinger to be the greatest track and field athlete to ever come through Homewood High School TOM ESSLINGER 2005-2020 Winningest coach at Homewood in terms of championships; coached track and field and cross country KATY FRIERSON FREELS 2004-2008 Played soccer for Homewood and U.S. National Women’s Soccer League; considered by most to be the best female soccer player from Homewood 32 Winter 2026

GERALD GANN

GERALD GANN 1979-1994 Longest tenured head football coach at Homewood; inducted into the AHSAA Hall of Fame and Marion County Sports Hall of Fame

BOB NEWTON

KIARA CHASE

BOB NEWTON 1976-2008 Two-time Coach of the Year; inducted into the AHSAA Hall of Fame; football field named after him in 2009

CHRIS GRAY 1984-1987 First-Team All-State; played for Auburn University; drafted by the Miami Dolphins; won Ed Block Courage Award

RONALD NORED 2004-2008 Two-time area champion; state runner-up; First-Team All-State; one of the best leaders and teammates in Homewood basketball history

MICHAEL GROSS 1970-1985 First Homewood High School principal; served as superintendent; major supporter of athletics

TIM SHEPLER 1995-2024 State champion; 11-time area champion; 591 wins as head coach (662 wins during his whole career)

AUSTIN HUBBARD 2002-2006 Led baseball team to only Final Four appearance and third-ever Elite 8 appearance; drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays

KIARA WILLIAMS CHASE 2012-2015 One of the most decorated track athletes at Homewood regardless of gender; SEC Scholar Athlete; Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year

DAVID JONES 1971-present (not currently full-time) Only member of the football staff for all six state championships; former head coach for track and basketball

DICKEY WRIGHT 1981-2010 Five-time state champion as defensive coordinator and wrestling head coach; coached 37 individual state champions; inducted into the AHSAA Hall of Fame

EVAN MATHIS 1996-2000 Four-year starter at University of Alabama on offensive line; Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowl 50 with Denver Broncos)

Since Homewood High School opened in 1972, it has seen its share of award-winning athletes and coaches, along with other school and community members who helped the athletics program thrive. Now, the school wants to honor those contributors by creating its Athletics Hall of Fame, says Rick Baguley, athletic director at Homewood High School. The idea for the Hall of Fame is one that Rick and others—like Keith Brown, Homewood High School pitching coach; Jon Lunceford, assistant athletic director; and Debbie Chancellor, athletic director assistant—have talked about for a while. This past winter, they came together to turn that dream into a reality. “We love this place, and we’re really excited,” Rick says. “We felt like the timing was right to start the large endeavor of planning and figuring out how to handle this monumental task.” Homewood City Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Hefner shared his insight and guidance

CHRIS GRAY

and encouraged them to create a committee with a diverse group of members to decide the Hall of Fame. The 11-person committee was composed of community members, administrators, long-time teachers, coaches and people who love and invest in Homewood, Rick says. “I’m grateful for the support of Dr. Hefner and the board of education to allow and support us to do this,” Rick says. “I love our team and our committee, and I’m honored to be a part of this.” The group met multiple times during the spring and summer to create a rubric for selecting the inductees before they began taking public nominations June 1. Potential inductees could be former coaches, student-athletes and contributors, but no active full-time coaches or players were considered. They then built a resume highlighting the accomplishments, leadership and service for each nominee to discuss and vote on. “We were very excited with the nominees to HomewoodLife.com 33

DAVID JONES have a diverse group of both men and women and old and younger nominees with many sports represented,” Rick says. “One of my favorite days was when we discussed and shared everything about each candidate. After that spirited debate, each of our votes counted the same. The meeting with the committee was incredible.” The committee selected 17 inductees for the inaugural class. While the first class of Hall of Fame inductees covers a variety of sports and each decade since the school started, all the candidates love the community and have been very successful in what they accomplished during their time in Homewood. “It was a great day at Homewood High School to reach out to those who have given so much to try to return the favor,” he says of notifying the inductees. “There were plenty of smiles, several tears and some were shocked, but there was just a great appreciation for the work we’ve done and the way we did it.” The inaugural class was recognized Oct. 1 during an induction ceremony at Rosewood Hall. It was a night of celebration with meet- and -greets, dinner and a ceremony to recognize each

LAURA LANE salon

WHERE BEAUTY FEELS AT HOME. HAIR · COLOR · EXTENSIONS · BARBERING in the heart of Mountain Brook Village

2839 Cahaba Road · 205.825.7661 ·lauralanesalon.com

34 Winter 2026

2816 Culver Road · Mountain Brook, AL scottterrystudio.com

AUSTIN HUBBARD

MICHAEL GROSS

LOCAL BANKING. LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. Personal service and local decisions from bankers who know your community, season after season.

MEMBER FDIC | EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

HomewoodLife.com 35

TOM ESSLINGER inductee. They were also honored during halftime at the home football game against Calera High School on Oct. 2. “We want to honor their legacy and what they’ve done for this community and Homewood athletics,” Rick says. “We wanted them to know how much of an impact they’ve had.” One of those inducted was student-athlete Katy Frierson Freels, who played soccer from 2004 to 2008 and then played on the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League. She also played soccer at Auburn University where she was named captain, was a Hermann Trophy finalist, played professionally at Sky Blue FC, played on the U23 national team and now coaches women’s soccer at Florida Tech. She’s considered by most to be the best female soccer player to come from Homewood. Football star Chris Gray, another inductee, played at Homewood from 1984 to 1987 and was First Team All-State. He went on to play for Auburn University and was later drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round. Chris also played for the Chicago Bears and most notably the Seattle Seahawks, where he holds the

Stop by and check out why some people say we are the best lunch spot around. oakhillbarandgrill.com 36 Winter 2026

AARON ERNEST

ROBERT DAVIS

ALVIN BRESLER

SUSAN COOK

TIM SHEPLER

JUST A SMILE AWAY

brighterimagedentistry.com

205-591-6220 HomewoodLife.com 37

KATY FRIERSON FREELS

38 Winter 2026

franchise record for consecutive starts with 121 and is ninth overall in the NFL at 146 games started. Known for his accomplishments in both football and baseball, Austin Hubbard played at Homewood from 2002 to 2006. He won state championships in football and First Team AllState in baseball, and he led the baseball team to their only Final Four appearance and third Elite 8 in 2005. He was also the only quarterback to win back-to-back championships and led Homewood to their only undefeated season. Known as the best baseball player in school history, Austin was drafted in the 14th round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Coach David Jones has been with Homewood since the doors opened and continues to help with the football team. The only member of the football staff to be a part of all six state championships, David has also been the head coach for track and basketball. These are only a few of the exceptional individuals who were inducted. Check out the “Homewood Patriots” sidebar for a full list of all 17 inductees. As a coach and teacher for more than two

EVAN MATHIS

decades, and now in his third year as athletic director, Rick says he wanted to find a way to connect the traditions and achievements of people from the past to keep them relevant and honored in the new world of high school athletics since it’s those people who continue to make Homewood athletics successful today and in the future. “I have a strong belief in the power of the pack, which to me means our coaches do a great job of creating teams and camaraderie,” Rick says. “When we combine every characteristic of hard work, excellence, grit and toughness, we’ve been able to create some great teams.” They want the Hall of Fame to last for years to come and plan to induct about five people each year going forward. Nominations will open in the spring of each year, and alumni and anyone in the community are welcome to submit their nominees. “Homewood has such a rich tradition in athletics,” Rick says. “We want to make sure the younger teachers, coaches and students know that the people who came before them were trailblazers and a great representation of our school.”

You belong here.

Scan to see why. WOMEN’S GYM | 45 MINUTE TRAINER-LED CAMPS | CHILDWATCH INCLUDED | FREE TRIAL

HomewoodLife.com 39

SCHOOLS & SPORTS

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Dr. Justin Hefner

Homewood City Schools Superintendent PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Homewood High School was ranked the No. 2 public high school in the state of Alabama by the U.S. News & World Report in August 2026. Taking home first place was New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, a magnet high school with a small population and a strong focus on science and engineering curricula. Arguably, Homewood is the best traditional high school in the state, and even more impressively, the school was ranked the No. 212 public high school nationally as well. Here, Homewood City Schools Superintendent Dr. Justin Hefner reflects on the school’s success. U.S. News & World Report evaluates schools on state assessments, college readiness and graduation rates. In which areas does Homewood excel, and where has the school made significant strides in recent years? While our school system doesn’t focus toward any rankings specifically, we remain deeply committed to district-wide excellence. We strategically support every facet of our educational framework to ensure our Homewood ranks No. 212 nationally, students have every opportunity to excel. We placing it among the top 1.2 percent of continue to add more Advanced Placement high schools. To whom do you attribute courses and our open-enrollment policy allows any Homewood High School student the school’s continued success? Our success belongs to everyone. to challenge themself and work towards Homewood High School thrives because of college credit. our exceptional leaders, teachers and staff, alongside a dedicated community of parents With such a diverse student population, and students. Together, Homewood High Homewood is a melting pot of culture. School works tirelessly to inspire creativity, How does this diversity strengthen the among students and foster innovation and empower every community student to reach their full potential and teachers? Homewood’s diversity strengthens our achieve future success. school community by offering students and What does being ranked the No. 2 public high school in Alabama mean to you as superintendent? These rankings offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on the outstanding work taking place at Homewood High School. Above all, it is a time to celebrate our dedicated teachers, staff and students for their hard work and commitment to excellence.

40 Winter 2026

teachers a rich, real-world environment, where they learn to collaborate with and learn from individuals of varied backgrounds and perspectives. Navigating these everyday interactions fosters deep mutual respect among students, a core value that prepares them to leave Homewood High School ready to engage thoughtfully with the broader world and treat every person they encounter with dignity and respect. What do you think students gain most from their time at Homewood? Students at Homewood High School receive a world-class public education that thoroughly prepares them for both college and career pathways. Through a wide array of programs, activities and clubs, our students build strong character and take immense pride in being Homewood Patriots. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure they graduate not only academically empowered, but also equipped with the integrity and values needed to make a positive impact in the world.

JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com For Appointment: 205.478.0455 JBandCoJewelry.com Thank you for voting us Mountain Brook’s Best Jewelry Store! HomewoodLife.com 41

After more than 50 years in the jewelry business, Jimmy Agnew is retiring! Put an Agnew’s bow under your tree one last time and shop our final sale before we close our doors.

Enjoy 30% off almost everything through November 27. 40% off starting Black Friday. 50% off beginning December 11.

Thank you for so many wonderful years of support! 311 Main St. Suite 109, Trussville, AL 35173 • (205) 661-3422 Tues - Fri 9:30AM - 5:30PM • Sat 9:30AM - 2PM 42 Winter 2026

&DRINK

FOOD

ROOTS & RECIPES

From rolling meatballs to expanding a culinary hub, Tina Liollio’s journey is rooted in tradition. BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

HomewoodLife.com 43

Tina Liollio does not think anyone is surprised she went into the food business. In fact, she was quite literally born into it. Her father’s family immigrated from Greece and opened restaurants all throughout the Southeast. Her “Papou” (grandfather) settled in Pensacola and opened Liollio’s Steak House in the 1960s, later expanding into Navarre Beach and Fort Walton Beach. “That’s where I spent all of my time, in the restaurant,” Tina says. “I was born in Fort Walton, and my parents always tell the story of the first place that they brought me home from the hospital was the

44 Winter 2026

restaurant to show the new baby. So, it’s in my blood.” Now at her very own Tina’s Market, she’s serving up many of the Mediterranean meals she grew up on, offering grab-and-go lunches, take-home meals and signature desserts. A recipient of the Rising Star Award in 2025 by the Homewood

Chamber of Commerce, Tina’s is beloved by the Homewood community and has recently expanded to bring even more market offerings to its loyal customers. A LEGACY ROOTED IN FAMILY AND FLAVOR At age 7, Tina’s family moved to Birmingham, where she grew up making meatballs on Saturdays with her maternal greatgrandmother, who was Sicilian. “I would roll meatballs with her on Saturday and then go cook them on Sunday. So, I learned a lot of the Sicilian stuff was just deeply rooted in being with that family and living so close by,” Tina says. Although she was surrounded by talented cooks growing up, she did not see herself going into the food or restaurant business. Rather, she saw herself going into creative advertising for businesses. HomewoodLife.com 45

2823 18th St. S, Homewood 46 Winter 2026

“That was what I really went to school for. I didn’t necessarily see myself taking this path, but it’s not a surprise based on my family history,” she says. Tina graduated in 2006 from Spring Hill College in Mobile with a degree in integrated communications and marketing. She started out as catering manager for the Riverchase location of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, where her father was an operating partner, eventually heading statewide catering across 14 locations and overseeing operations, marketing and call centers. “I saw a place where I enjoyed working with the guests. I enjoyed working with the nonprofits, and I really enjoyed the organizational planning of how you get to the final product of an event,” Tina says. She saw that many of the groups she worked with didn’t have the budget to hire a full-time event planner but needed help with a service or a food element of their event. She decided to launch Local Link in 2019 to provide affordable food-and-eventplanning consulting for nonprofits. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and delayed the 2021 World Games—where she had signed on as food and beverage coordinator— public gatherings stopped. She had to find a more creative outlet. “At that time, I started cooking more, and I leaned into family recipes, a lot of Greek recipes that I had not previously had time to perfect. I started delivering food to friends’ doorsteps,” Tina says. Once public events resumed, she paused the meal deliveries to fulfill her duties for the World Games. This was when she connected with people who encouraged the take-home meal concept and assured her that there was a strong market demand for it. Immediately after the World Games wrapped in 2022, a retail space opened in Mountain Brook Village. Tina first opened Teenie’s Take-Home Market, a small, pickup-only storefront without an on-site kitchen, in November 2022. “The Mountain Brook location was great, and it was a good way to see that people are interested in popping in to grab a fresh meal. It was just nice to meet the neighbors and connect with the community over there, and that was great for visibility for us. We met a lot of really nice neighbors and friends over there,” she says. However, as the business evolved, she needed more space. When she learned that Hero Doughnuts was moving, she decided to relocate to Homewood in March 2024 and changed the title to its current name. “We revamped it and we took the kitchen space and Goodies Toy Store took what I would call the dining room space,” Tina says.

Anders found his match

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

ChildrensAL •org

We are here in your neighborhood at Mayfair Medical Group and Over the Mountain Pediatrics.

HomewoodLife.com 47

Holiday Menu Highlights Holiday ham Roasted turkey

The “Crunchy” Ham & Havarti Sliders Brunch pita (breakfast casserole)

Meat lasagna Hash brown casserole Not Ya Mama’s Baked Chicken & Garlic Potatoes

Fire Chex Mix Signature Sweets

Macaroni and cheese Country green beans

House-made, Little Debbie-style Christmas tree cakes

Italian sausage balls Pumpkin bars The “Mamadear” Turkey & Pesto Aioli Sliders

Oatmeal creme pies Viral Dazzle Dot Cakes

Offering Wealth Management & Family Office Services

THE WELCH GROUP | WELCHGROUP.COM | 205.879.5001 3940 MONTCLAIR ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR | MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL The 2026 Mountain Brook’s Best recognitions were compiled by Mountain Brook Magazine based on public online nominations and voting, which ran between January 12, 2026, and March 7, 2026. This recognition will remain applicable until the next honorees are announced in 2027. No compensation was provided by The Welch Group in connection with the nomination or voting process. After being notified of the recognition results, The Welch Group paid a fee for the use of the winner’s seal and related publicity package. This award is not indicative of future results or client experience and is not a guarantee of any level of investment or advisory success. More methodology and additional details available at welchgroup.com/disclosures. A copy of our current written disclosure Brochure and Form CRS discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at welchgroup.com.

48 Winter 2026

The relocation of Goodies in early October 2026 led to the opportunity to expand once again, so now Tina’s Market occupies that space as well. A ONE-STOP CULINARY HUB For those who have not yet been to the “new” Tina’s Market, Tina likes to describe it as a one-stop shop. “You can come in, you can get lunch, you can get dinner to take home to your family, you could get a single meal, you can get a family-style meal, you can order catering if you’d like,” she says. “We’ll also now have wine to take home, or if you need milk or eggs, we’re planning to have those items, too.” Tina operates with a core kitchen-and-market staff of 6-8 people including her father, who serves as the in-house baker and provides fresh homemade breads and focaccia. Scratch-made, prepared dishes include their top seller, meat lasagna, which is made with locally sourced Italian sausage. Tina’s also caters extensively to dietary requests, offering many gluten-free items, vegetarian meals and “Power Plates,” high-protein and low-fat single meals. “I think what people really love about us is that we

have refrigerated and frozen options, so you can come in and just grab one that is ready to go from the refrigerator, as opposed to having a meal like that that you’ve got to thaw,” she says. “It’s freshly made here every day.” Tina’s store’s focus is spotlighting local entrepreneurs like Emily Hall, creator of The Breakup Cookie. They also partner with local businesses such as Cala Coffee, Rolls Bakery and The Italian Cookie Company. To celebrate the opening of the expanded Homewood space, Tina held a joint pop-up party with local entrepreneur Dalle Momo on Saturday, Oct. 24. “She’s originally from Nepal, and she’s really fun,” Tina says. “She prepares traditional Nepali dishes including samosas and momos, and I’m hoping to sell some of her products as well.” ONWARD, UPWARD AND DEEPLY CONNECTED Tina’s Market now has more space for special events like birthday parties, reunions, game nights and tailgate parties. Tina’s visions for the future include building an outdoor covered patio and a café-

HomewoodLife.com 49

Proudly serving our intentional neighbors in Homewood!

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

The Why Raises Our Standard.

Organization + Structure = Confidence Financial planning that helps brings clarity to your decisions and direction to your future.

Recognized by Homewood/Mountain Brook Life as a 2026 winner for Best Financial Advisor / Best Financial Advising Firm. Based on reader’s vote.

www.stewardly.com 50 Winter 2026

Caleb Bagwell, CFP®, CKA®, CEPA®

style area, where customers can sit and have a quick meal. “It’s probably about 1,700 square feet, and we have indoor space to hold up to 100 people for events,” Tina says. “We’ve always held events, but we just haven’t been able to do events as large as we will be able to with this space. The possibilities are endless.” Tina’s social media following also continues to grow, with more than 5,500 followers on Instagram. “Our Instagram is a silly time, and we definitely do not take ourselves too seriously,” Tina says. “We have fun on that, and you’ll see us there doing all kinds of dances. Instagram is probably the biggest place that people find us.” Tina says she is grateful to be surrounded by a very supportive community. “We try to be really involved with all the schools and as many of the churches as we can be, just to really get to know more people in the community too,” she says. “Being in the South, hospitality is such a part of it. I just grew up being around so many different hospitality industry people that it really just becomes a part of who you are.” Tina’s Market is located at 3027 Central Avenue in Homewood. To order online for pick-up or delivery, visit tinasmarketbham.com.

Plant-Based

VESTAVIA HILLS

Handcrafted

790 Montgomery Highway, Suite 118 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205-407-4157

Woman-Led

Locally Sourced

TRUSSVILLE

160 Morrow Avenue, Suite 104 Trussville, AL 35173 205-508-3237

HomewoodLife.com 51

FOOD & DRINK

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Paul Liollio

Baker at Tina’s Market PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Paul Liollio is a retired food service professional with more than 50 years of experience in multi-unit restaurant operations and off-premise catering. The former operating partner at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and partner at Liollio’s on The Sound, Paul has built his career on service to others, not just in the food industry, but also in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Vietnam War era. Here, he shares his pride in his daughter Tina Liollio embracing her family heritage and building her own dream business. How does it feel as a parent, seeing your daughter so passionate about giving life to her family’s decades-old recipes? We are thrilled that she is so connected to our family culture. Having a Greek father and Sicilian mother, Tina has a rich heritage deeply rooted in traditions that can be traced back for generations. She’s able to tap into that endless resource of recipes from my family’s small island in the Aegean Sea all the way over to her mother’s family island of Sicily.

What is your favorite meal on the menu? “Shrimp Feta-ccine” for sure is my favorite! The recipe is Tina’s variation on a dish I used to make in our family restaurant. Back then, I called it “Uncle Boss Shrimp.” It has a really awesome, Greek-comfort-food feel to it. Who can resist pasta? It’s a twist on the Italian fettuccine alfredo but Greek-style and not quite as heavy.

homemade Cinnamon Bread Focaccia, Pumpkin Bars, and of course, her homemade Christmas Tree Cakes.

What has been your favorite memory you’ve made baking alongside Tina? It’s the joy of collaborating and being around when friends drop by. When she was 3 years old, she used to surround herself with every doll and stuffed animal in the house and would hold conversations with the group. Now all grown up, I’m Which menu items do you think would watching her repeat that charming memory and make real friends in the be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner? Italians and Greeks celebrate that Homewood community. It’s great fun, What do you love most about baking holiday quite differently from our and Homewood is such a warm, familyfor Tina’s business? It’s the spontaneity and creativity of traditional American version. Tina has a driven community. Lots of families and bringing creations to life from scratch. It’s more traditional holiday takeout menu friends are always strolling in and out of really so much fun! I’m a first-generation that will be available for pre-order soon. the market, and Tina thrives on building American, like so many other cultures From that menu, my favorites are Ham & those genuine relationships. She loves to that immigrated to the U.S. during The Havarti Sliders, Spiral Cut Spiced Ham, network. Great Depression. Working together in a Meat Lasagna, Country Green Beans, family business is almost a rite of passage. Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Mac n’ Cheese, 52 Winter 2026

Thank you for voting Dr. Weissman as Best Orthodontist and our team as Best Orthodontics Practice in Mountain Brook! Voted Best Orthodontics Practice 3 Years in a Row!

Birmingham’s Best Braces Serving Children, Teens & Adults 36 Church St.Mountain Brook - 205-803-1115 202 Inverness Center Dr. Ste. 201 Birmingham - 205-991-9292 weissmanortho.com

HomewoodLife.com 53

2026

IMPACT REPORT Kids. Kindness. Partnership. Impact.

OUR KINDNESS JOURNEY Vision When we began the Sandlin Foundation for Kids & Kindness, we had a simple vision: bring good people together, support organizations already doing great work, and t u r n k i n d n e s s i n t o m e a s u r a b l e I M PA C T f o r c h i l d r e n a n d f a m i l i e s . W h a t has happened in our first year has exceeded anything we could have accomplished alone.

A Statement from Our Founders To o u r 1 7 C h a r i t y P a r t n e r s - T H A N K YO U . T h a n k y o u f o r t r u s t i n g u s , showing us where the needs are greatest, and getting up every day to do the work that changes lives. This has never been about the Sandlin Foundation doing it alone. This is about a community working together. -Sandy and Dwight Sandlin

6,230

1,300 +

Charity

Kids Impacted

Special Needs

Partners

100% PassThrough Donations

54 Winter 2026

Students

$3,054,900 TOTAL PROJECTED 2026 IMPACT $1,530,700 CASH INVESTED $750,000 COMMITTED - REMAINDER OF 2026 $774,200 IN-KIND AND MATCHING IMPACT

A TIMELINE OF KINDNESS JANUARY Cookie of the Month- Cookie Fix launches a yearlong partnership connecting everyday purchases with charitable impact. MARCH Be Our Guest- AAHOA & charity partners begin connecting donated hotel stays with families needing rest & renewal. SPRING Sandlin Academy for SuccessSandlin Foundation & Hoover City Schools advance a studentcentered model focused on leadership, life readiness, cares & needs. APRIL Hoover Heroes & Community Kindness- A new tradition recognizes extraordinary service, volunteerism & humanitarian leadership. MAY 300 Nights Out- Ady's BiG Army, Libby's Friends & Hoover Helps help provide 300 nights of respite & relief for families.

JUNE McGregor-Sandlin Playground- A new Hoover YMCA playground creates a lasting place where children can play, connect & belong. JULY Magic Moments Day Out in HooverNearly 50 Hoover businesses create a special day of dining, shopping, activities & memories for local families. AUGUST Sandlin Workshops- Free workshops launch to give Alabama nonprofits practical tools for fundraising, governance, operations & greater IMPACT. SEPTEMBER Kindness in Classrooms Goes NationalNASRO, Neighborhood Bridges & the Sandlin Foundation prepare a 25-site beta connecting school officers with community resources. SEPTEMBER Big Drip Washes for Kindness- Big Drip provides 100 free car washes & donates $2,500, turning a local promotion into direct community impact.

Jaipur Color Collection

56 Winter 2026

&STYLE

HOME

BUNGALOW BEAUTY

Katie Owen’s 1957 home is reenvisioned with curated charm while staying true to its original, one-story bones. BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

HomewoodLife.com 57

Nestled under towering hickory trees, a quaint, 1957 bungalow sits proudly bearing an all-new look but still true to its original craftsmanship. When Katie Owen moved to Homewood, she was first drawn to the community for its Mayberry-esque feel, but what sold her was this lovely home oozing potential. Visionary and designer Kat Bailey of Kat Bailey Interiors soon came aboard, helping transform Katie’s home into a cozy retreat rich in ethereal colors, treasured collectibles and character around every corner. Shortly after moving in did Katie begin the renovation process. She started by redoing both bathrooms and later added on the front porch and landscaping to elevate the façade. She extended a wall

58 Winter 2026

of arbor trees along the house’s siding, which when lit under the evening sky, provide such a serene view through the galley-style kitchen’s and dining room’s windows. Kat reimagined the once-sterile gray interior with shades of jade and sangria, layering textiles and family heirlooms to make each space feel moody yet inviting. Though she loves every room, Katie says her favorites must be the living and dining rooms, both sentimental spots filled with family mementos. The dining room’s grass cloth-style wallpaper adds a unique texture, contrasting nicely with the decadesold portrait, which was passed down through Katie’s family.

Entryway Engulfed in swaths of natural light streaming in from the front door, the entryway is further illuminated under the warm glow of the scalloped brass flush-mount light. Exuding a rather handsome look, the front door and hardwood floors’ intricate wood stain pattern acts as a tether for the room’s overall design; whereas, the complementary abstract and alabaster lamp atop the gold console table raise one’s gaze throughout the vignette’s layered heights.

Taking center stage, decor such as an actual cowbell worn by a cow in Switzerland, a handcrafted stein from Germany and a stuffed prize pheasant are talking points on nearly every shelf of the living room étagère. Kat anchored the space with a handwoven, geometricpatterned rug whose bold crimson and navy hues perfectly complement the room’s more laid-back aesthetic. Katie enjoys passing her time sitting on her front porch, where she often sees children riding their bikes or joggers strolling along. Most shout a cheerful “hello” or offer a wave as they make their way down the street’s winding sidewalks. To her, this warm, welcoming neighborhood is the perfect place both to grow up and grow old, and now in her newly reenvisioned home, she looks forward to the many more memories she’ll make whether out and about or indoors settled in the carefully curated comfort of her own abode. HomewoodLife.com 59

Living Room Kat capitalized on an ethereal palette, contrasting the living room’s jade green walls with slipcovered sofas from Pottery Barn and mohair pillows. A classical, plaster bust alongside the center table’s aromatic florals and stacks of books is grouped together on the glass-top coffee table. Underneath, the tribal rug—which dates to 1959–rests over a jute rug foundation.

Break up the Holiday feast with one of our great pizzas! BESTPIZZAINBHAM.COM

Voted Mountain Brook’s Best Accounting Firm YOUR PATH TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS STARTS HERE (205)-802-7212 • borlandbenefield.com

60 Winter 2026

Vintage Étagère The antique étagère sports memorabilia from Katie’s trips all over the world—two of her favorites are an authentic Swiss cowbell and a handcrafted stein from Germany.

HomewoodLife.com 61

Dining Room The dining room is the perfect balance of new and old. The buffet is from Greystone Antiques, and the decanter was Katie’s birthday present from her sister. Anchoring the space, the dining room table is from Katie’s childhood home and was passed down from her mother, but the placement settings and more modern light fixture are compliments of Kat’s unique eye for design. 62 Winter 2026

Cuckoo Clock Interestingly, the grass cloth-style wallpaper adds a more rustic, defined look to the space, which is perfectly accented by the handcrafted cuckoo clock from the Black Forest in Germany, which is from where her grandmother hails.

HomewoodLife.com 63

Vanity The dip in the countertops, providing a little vanity, is original to the kitchen’s galley-style layout.

64 Winter 2026

Kitchen The previous owners redid the kitchen and added on the laundry room, which is accessible from this space, but Kat helped Katie spruce it up by incorporating the intricately designed backsplash to complement the unlacquered brass hardware and decorative touches. When Katie bakes homemade sourdough, sweet aromas waft up throughout the kitchen, engulfing the rest of the home in decadent delight.

HomewoodLife.com 65

Master Bedroom Cute, quaint and comfy are Katie’s three words to describe her bedroom. This upscale-yetunpretentious space feels elegant with its layered textiles and woven drapery hanging behind the bed.

66 Winter 2026

Hallway Katie loves purple, so Kat included a deep, rich shade of magenta for the corridor connecting the living room to the bedrooms and bathrooms. A gorgeous painting of a hummingbird by local artist Katie Adams accentuates the twilight hues of the space.

Kat Bailey Interiors To learn more about Kat Bailey Interiors or inquire about a consultation, visit katbaileyinteriors.com or follow the business on Instagram (@katbaileyinteriors).

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Front cover

HOMEW OOD

PAINTINGS

BY CARRIE

PITTMAN

out box

with white knock

TIVES • AT NHOUSE CREA

HOME WITH

OWS

THE MORR

GREE

• MEET THE

LIFE

Front cover

HOMEW OOD

CHILDHOOD

Your Stories. Your Community. Your Magazine.

out box

with white knock

TOUR SCAPING

WOOD LAND

S • AN EDGE

MEMORY ESSAY

ING APPROACH

• A NEW READ

LIFE

Y INTERIORS

L • KAT BAILE

CZEK’S NOVE

STEVEN POTA

H omewood L

T I ECEIBLSNTEURY STRONG ED AORTK ARTW TH DGUCTRAEELS B I NININAUDU MURAL

ife . com

H omewood L

ATES OD CELEBR HOMEWO IVERSARY 100TH ANN KAT JONES’ X POSTBO SWEETS

ife . com

ATHLETICS STORIES OF EWO &OD HOM ANGE E COVID CHHAL L OF FAM ANTS COVID CONST

HUNT

m ay /J une 2021

2021 MAY/JUNE .com HomewoodLife | Issue Three Volume Five $4.95

PUBLIC A GUIDE TO THE ARTWORK & IND IT ARTISTS BEH

m arcH /a priL 2021

IL 2021 MARCH/APR .com HomewoodLife | Issue Two Volume Five $4.95

• OUR 2026

HOLIDAY GIFT

GUIDE

THE REAL JULIEIS

TRY JULIE GEN REAL BACK IN THE HT TLIG WORLD SPO

D’S HOMEWOO RS NE ED. BEST WINYOU VOT WE TALLIED. ME. ET SEE WHO WON FATHER GOOSE

INSIDE HIS WHIMSICAL WORLD

H e ir lo o mS

TASTE

RY DING STO THE FOUN MARKET OF TINA’S

WINTER 2026 .com HomewoodLife Issue 4 Volume 10 | $4.95

ext Your N e r e h W Find Grand ! Awaits

Visit Homewood Life.com or call 205-669-3131 to subscribe for $14.95 plus tax (4 issues) a year.

Over 90 local shop owners in one place! W Formal EW Formal Wear Wear Section!! Section!! NE N Vintage ~ ~ Boutique Boutique ~ ~ Gifts Gifts Vintage Gourmet Foods Foods ~ ~ Children’s Children’s Gourmet DIY DIY ~ ~ Decor Decor & & so so much much more! more!

Mon - Sat 10:00am to 8:00pm | Sundays 12:00 to 6:00pm Conveniently located at The Shops of Grand River 6200 Grand River Blvd East, Leeds, AL 35094

www.GrandRiverPickers.com

HomewoodLife.com 67

The sky is no longer the limit

Over 31 Carats Total Natural Diamond Wedding Set

3166 Heights Village • 205-298-9144 • cummingsjewelrydesign.com

Designing dreams for over 50 years

Homewood 100 Years of

One-hundred years after its incorporation, the city of Homewood is celebrating a milestone made possible by the grit of dreamers-turned-doers.

By Anna Grace Breedlove Photos by Jake Collins & Contributed

morial

Me Dawson

Church Baptist

James Hugh Blair Hall

Dawson Memorial Bapti

st Church Sanctuary

Long before Homewood became a bustling city “over the mountain,” the Indigenous peoples and European settlers of Shades Valley endured years of economic hardship, war and threat of starvation. Yet their toil enabled their own survival, and through their perseverance, one of Alabama’s most thriving communities emerged, a place where people of all walks of life are welcome and can thrive. According to “Images of America: Homewood,” by Martha Wurtele and Jake Collins, the city of

70 Winter 2026

Homewood’s history dates back all the way to the time of Native Americans. With Red Mountain on the north side and Shades Mountain on the south side, the land in between became known as Shades Valley. In her book, “Homewood: The Life of a City,” Sheryl Spradling Summe says that not until the 1810s did European settlers begin moving into the valley, listing among its first white inhabitants “Daniel Watkins, who had fought with Andrew Jackson … (Watkins) brought with him several

The

Clo ver l

eaf

at L a

kes hor e

&U .S. 3

Herb

fin Grif

Homewood High School + Samford University

families, including members of his wife’s family, the Byars, from the Carolinas. Watkins lived first on land that eventually became the Rosedale area of Homewood.” Summe says that other early settlers included the families of Elijah Brown, 1851; Phillip Griffin, 1854; and James H. Shackelford, 1855. The valley consisted of largely marginal land, but families persisted, with each growing their own gardens and raising cotton that they spun themselves. Then in 1823, settler John Byars erected one of the area’s first mills, where he would grind corn for other residents. The mill was located near where U.S. 280 merges with Shades Creek. Not until the 1860s did settlers have other options but to trek across Red Mountain, a rather arduous journey, for provisions. Over time, more and more settlers began moving to Shades Valley and developing the land, providing the groundwork for what would become Birmingham’s future industrial boom. “Oxmoor and the entire Shades Valley area’s industrial life suffered the first of two major setbacks in April 1865 when Union General James Wilson and his invading army left Oxmoor and other

furnaces and fields all over the area in ruins,” Summe says in her book. Burdened by the decimated economy and burned fields, on top of the crippling stench of defeat, the South, especially the residents of Shades Valley, faced every sign of starvation. And yet, they prevailed. In “Homewood: The Life of a City,” Summe says that “ironically, the Civil War, as destructive as it was to the South’s agricultural economy, showed many potential investors in all parts of the nation the promise of the Birmingham Mineral District.” Enter stage right, the Mineral Trinity: coal, iron ore and limestone. The October 2019 article, “Birmingham’s History in a Trunk,” on visitvulcan.com, implies these three minerals were the saving grace for survivors postCivil War. Appointed by Alabama Gov. Andrew B. Moore, railroad engineer John T. Milner was chosen to survey the land for the South and North Alabama Railroad to intersect the Alabama and Chattanooga Railroad in Jones Valley just north of Shades Valley. Milner saw the area’s abundance of coal, iron ore and limestone as fuel for economic growth, and in 1870, investors bought up the remaining farmland HomewoodLife.com 71

Rosedale High School

Mountain Brook’s Best Antique Store Providing customers with one of a kind pieces that are both timeless and functional. 2843 Culver Rd. - 205-422-0417 Monday - Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm

72 Winter 2026

Rosedale Community for the proposed intersection. The city of Birmingham was later founded in 1871. Shades Valley saw unprecedented growth in the 1880s as the rise of industrialization also paralleled the expansion of individual communities. Wurtele

and Collins in their book, “Images of America: Homewood,” cite the rise of Homewood’s majority African American community, Rosedale, to developer Theodore Smith, who first began “investing in lots in Clifton and was instrumental in

Thank you to all my amazing clients and friends. Serving Mountain Brook for Over 60 Years!

I am honored to be named Best Real Estate Agent in Mountain Brook!

Voted Mountain Brook’s • Best Pizza • Best Place for a Family Outing • Best Kid-Friendly Dining

2837 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205.879.8603 • davenportspizza.com

Donna Savage 205-540-2777 HomewoodLife.com 73

changing the name to Rosedale.” Smith, along with Damon Lee, helped build Rosedale into a thriving hub for early residents as other families such as the Cunninghams, Lewises, Ogelsbys, Saulters and Shaiases also moved into the area. Wurtele and Collins credit John Archibald Kent for driving cattle from Tennessee to Shades Valley in 1899, as this move established miles of active farmland that later became West Homewood. In an interview with Collins on Homewood’s Centennial Celebration, he says, “By 1900, there were a ton of people living in Rosedale. What’s fascinating about it is white people and black people lived together in Rosedale. That’s super uncommon in the Deep South for white and black people to be living in the same neighborhood, living and working together.” Around this time, developers Stephen Smith and Troupe Brazelton purchased 1,700 acres in Shades Valley to create what would become Edgewood. The new subdivision and Rosedale saw growth skyrocket into the 1920s, and nearby Grove Park began booming, too. “When families of Grove Park approached attorney Charles Rice to help them create their

Shaia’s

Thank you for voting us as Best Pharmacy in Mountain Brook!

Your Holiday Shopping Starts With Us Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season!

(205) 871-0317 - crestlinepharmacyshop@gmail.com - 60 Church Street, Mountain Brook 74 Winter 2026

WE ARE PROUD TO own town, he saw an opportunity to incorporate all three towns into one city. Homewood was established in 1926 and was named for Edgewood’s slogan, ‘City of Happy Homes.’ Rice served as the first mayor and is considered ‘the Father of Homewood,’” Wurtele and Collins say in their book. Among the first city employees were Police Chief Red Cunningham and Fire Chief Bill Knox. According to hollywoodgardenclubbham.com, another nearby community, Hollywood, was first envisioned in 1924 by Clyde Nelson, who was only 26 years old at the time. Nelson owned Hollywood Land Company, which purchased land for a 750-lot neighborhood for $109,800. Nelson employed Rubee J. Pearse and George P. Turner to design the neighborhood and residences. The result was a gorgeous community of about 60-80 Spanish-style and Tudor homes. In 1929, Hollywood too joined the city of Homewood. Local churches such as Oak Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethel AME Church and Edgewood Presbyterian Church were formed at the turn of the 20th century. A longstanding icon in men’s high-end fashion, Shaia’s was founded by SG Shaia, a Lebanese immigrant, in 1922. In 1939, William Savage opened Savage’s Bakery on Highland Avenue before relocating to 18th Street South in downtown Homewood. Post World War II, Homewood made a name for itself as one of the most desirable cities in which to live for many Southerners. According to cityofhomewood.com/history-of-homewood, from 1940 to 1950, the city of Homewood’s population saw a 75-percent increase, forcing the police and fire departments to double in size. Yet another community, Oak Grove, was annexed into Homewood in 1955.

OFFER MANY DIFFERENT

TECHNOLOGIES SO THAT YOU CAN GET STRAIGHT TEETH IN A WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU. 3507 Old Montgomery Hwy, Homewood, AL 35209 205.879.0557 • backusbraces.com

Available 7 days a Week Adam Snable Branch Manager (205) 370-9231 2700 Hwy 280, Suite 290 E Mountain Brook, AL 35223 NMLS #203825 Guild Mortgage Company | NMLS ID #3274 asnable@guildmortgage.net

HomewoodLife.com 75

Manhattan Street Rail TrackS

During the mid-1950s to 1970, however, Rosedale began dissolving as a community due to severe encroachment by infrastructure projects, forcing residents out of their homes. “Red Mountain Expressway unfortunately split Rosedale up,” Collins says in his Homewood Centennial Celebration interview, later adding, “they destroyed—in order to build that highway—a significant portion of that historic black neighborhood. It really tore Rosedale apart. The

schools were desegregating at the same time, and unfortunately, that kind of put an end to what had been a very historic black neighborhood within Homewood.” Several times did the city of Birmingham try to annex Homewood, but each time, Homewood voters prevented this from happening. In “Images of America: Homewood,” Wurtele and Collins say that Robert Waldrop was elected mayor in 1968, and the following year on Dec. 22, 1969, he helped establish the Homewood City Schools System, with Virgil Nunn serving as the first superintendent and Michael Gross as Homewood High School’s first principal. When asked who he thought helped shape the city into what it is today, J.J. Bischoff, who serves as the chief of staff to the Homewood Mayor’s Office, says it is a culmination of dreamers who were willing to work for the greater good of their descendants. “There’s been so many people that have really done a great job; so many people I think have had a huge impact on the city and what it’s become,” Bischoff says. Over the past 80 years, Homewood City Schools have become some of the highest-ranking in the state of Alabama not only for academic excellence,

HANDMADE HOLIDAY PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US! Lee Branch 300 Doug Baker Blvd Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 730 - 9199

76 Winter 2026

Riverchase Promenade 1711 Montgomery Hwy Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 777 - 5465

Lane Parke 250 Rele Street Mtn. Brook, AL 35223 (205) 490 - 6842

Alabaster Promenade 100 S. Colonial Dr, Ste 1400 Alabaster, AL 35007 (205) 777 - 5465

Afton

Lee

Lee’s Grocery

1802 29TH AVENUE HOME WOOD, A L 205 . 802 . 9252 | @hemlinebirmingham HomewoodLife.com 77

but also for sports, fine arts, college readiness and more. In 2026, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Homewood High School as the No. 2 public high school in the state of Alabama and the No. 212 public high school in the nation. Most impressively, this puts Homewood in the top 1.2 percent of high schools in the United States. Under the direction of Chris Cooper, the Homewood Patriot Marching Band has now become the largest high school band in the state with close to 400 members annually. The band has performed multiple times in the Rose Bowl Parade, as well as overseas in parades such as Dublin and Celbridge, Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day parades in 2024. (This feat marks the band’s third invitation back to Dublin in program history). The AHSFHS reports that Homewood High School has racked up 66 state championships across football, boys basketball, girls basketball, volleyball, boys soccer, girls soccer, boys golf, boys tennis, boys cross country, boys track and field, boys indoor track and field, girls cross country, wrestling, girls track and field and girls indoor track and field. “I think we have a wonderful school system and government, and I think everybody being partners

in the community is what helps it grow,” Bischoff says. City-wide traditions such as We Love Homewood Day, the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Patriot Day Celebration, the Downtown Homewood Holiday Open House and especially the Lighting of the Star and Homewood Christmas Parade have become beloved events that draw thousands of people every year. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, businesses were forced to temporarily close, and many took a direct hit financially. “I think that people really went out of their way to support local businesses that had just opened or opened the year before,” Bischoff says. “All of the sudden, they were told they had to shut down and couldn’t have people inside their restaurants. People in the community actually supported them by buying and getting takeout. I think that helped us survive.” In his Homewood Centennial Celebration interview, Collins agrees, saying, “I think people who live and work here really have a strong sense of community … the people who live here really make this place great.” Now 100 years after its incorporation, the city of

A S I G N AT U R E E X P E R I E N C E I S C O M I N G TO M O U N TA I N B RO O K Discover a boutique residential community where refined surroundings, personalized service and thoughtfully curated experiences come together beautifully. To learn more, call 659.278.4545 or visit thejemison.com/contact

thejemison.com

78 Winter 2026

Independent Living / Assisted Living / Memory Care

Homewood City Hall Homewood’s legacy lies in the heart of every young resident with a dream, just as it did in their ancestors before. As Homewood looks to its next milestone anniversary, its unyielding spirit grows ever more across its neighborhoods, schools and businesses.

In that spirit of fellowship, Homewood residents’ compassion for one another remains the cornerstone of what it means to be a part of this community—a place where hard work and perseverance are the catalyst for dreams to become reality.

HomewoodLife.com 79

HIT THE ROAD

Absolutely Alpine

80 Winter 2026

Formerly a logging and sawmill town, Leavenworth, Washington, was renovated in the 1960s to attract more visitors. Now, this Bavarianstyle gem in the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat when looking for traditional, Christmas charm that feels like it’s out of a movie. By Kate Seaver | Photos by Abendblume Pension, Colchuck’s, Hotel Pension Anna, Kristall’s Restaurant and Lounge, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Leavenworth Sleigh Rides, Leavenworth Ski Hill, Rhein Haus and The Gingerbread Factory

HomewoodLife.com 81

HIT THE ROAD

Have you ever dreamed about taking a trip to the Alps but never made it happen? Allow yourself to be introduced to Leavenworth, Washington, a town that provides the alpine experience without the hazard of applying for a passport. A Bavarianstyle village in the midst of the Cascade Range, Leavenworth is located between Seattle and Spokane. Although Leavenworth is worth visiting in every season, it especially shines during Christmastime, when the snow-covered town is bedecked in lights for the entire season.

HOW TO GET THERE Since the town lies in the heart of the mountains, it is helpful to arrange transportation to reach Leavenworth. Leavenworth is about two-and-a-half hours from Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), 40 minutes from Pangborn/East Wenatchee Airport (EAT) and three-and-a-half hours from Spokane Airport (GEG). Rent a car to drive to town, or take Wenatchee Valley Shuttles. The shuttles pick up from Sea-Tac airport and drop off in Peshastin, about four miles from downtown Leavenworth. Once you arrive, Leavenworth is a primarily walkable town, and Leavenworth Shuttle and Taxi can accommodate all other transportation necessities.

82 Winter 2026

The History of Leavenworth How did a town in the middle of Washington become the tourist destination it is today? Before it was a Bavarian village, Leavenworth was a logging and sawmill town that thrived along with the railroad industry. However, when the railroad was rerouted and the sawmill closed in the 1920s, the town struggled for many years. In the 1960s, town leaders had the idea to renovate the town to give it a Bavarian theme to draw in more visitors and help the town survive. Along with changing the appearance, they began festivals and events to cultivate the atmosphere they were creating. The renovation idea worked! The town began booming and growing to become the dreamy destination it is today. To learn even more about Leavenworth’s intriguing history and the Native American inhabitants prior to the settlers, visit Greater Leavenworth Museum during your trip. For more information before you go, visit leavenworth.org and leavenworthvacationhomes.com.

Abendblume Pension

WHERE TO STAY Even the lodgings of Leavenworth stay on theme. Hotel Pension Anna is a family-run, old-world, Bavarian farmhouse with real German antiques. Every morning they provide a German breakfast at no extra cost, and it is right off Front Street, so you can easily walk anywhere you need to go. The business also has two other lodgings: Alte Kapelle, a genuine 1910 chapel renovated to be an inn, and Landhaus Erika, a boutique hotel inspired by Austria’s Tyrol region. Less than a mile away from Leavenworth is Abendblume Pension, a charming, country bed-and-breakfast with wood burning fireplaces where guests can curl up with a good book. Be aware, this B & B is reserved for adults only. Bavarian Lodge provides modern Bavarian charm with a variety of rooms to suit whatever needs your family may have. It’s full of heartwarming personal touches and features in-house dining at Woodsman Pub.

Hotel Pension Anna

HomewoodLife.com 83

HIT THE ROAD

Rhein Haus

WHERE TO EAT Restaurants in Leavenworth fully lean into the Bavarian inspiration and offer a variety of American and German cuisine. Kristall’s Restaurant and Lounge is one of the oldest restaurants in Leavenworth, serving American, family-style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to try its popular burgers and onion rings. Colchuck’s is a family-friendly restaurant in the middle of downtown, and among their German selections, they serve sausages, schnitzels with a modern twist and German beers.

Colchuck’s

The Gingerbread Factory

Rhein Haus serves brats, schnitzels and pretzels. Be sure to eat on the four-seasons patio on Thursdays when they have live music. For a sweet treat, head to The Gingerbread Factory. This bakery has it all from cookies, ice cream and other delicious desserts to breakfast foods and lunch wraps. Kristall’s Restaurant and Lounge

WHAT TO DO

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Leavenworth has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a mountain adventure or a cozy vacation. For the adrenaline junkie, Leavenworth Ski Hill has it all in one place. The hill provides access to both Alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Perhaps one of the best features is the sledding hill next to The Pub at the Club. Parents can sit with a drink and bite to eat while the kids sled to their hearts’ content. Another adventurous snow activity, snowmobiling, begins around mid-December, depending on the snow conditions. To experience, book a tour with Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours. For a more relaxing trip activity, catch a ride with Leavenworth Sleigh Rides. Sleigh rides can take up to six people and include a stop around a fire with hot cider. Make sure to bring your own blankets! To continue the Christmas cheer, book a visit to Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Experience the reindeer up close, feed them by hand and climb into Santa’s sleigh. Tickets can sell out several months in advance for the most popular November and December tours, so be sure to book yours as soon as possible!

Leavenworth Sleigh Rides

Leavenworth Ski Hill

HomewoodLife.com 85

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

holiday

GIF T GUIDE 1

1. Nest Candle Mantooth Interiors is your home for all Nest collections and fragrances. Our large selection of holiday scents make the perfect gift for friends and family! $49. Mantooth Interiors. Homewood. mantoothinteriors.com.

2. Julie Vos Earrings & Stackable Bracelets From everyday elegance to statement-making style, Julie Vos 24K gold-plated jewelry adds a touch of timeless luxury to any look. Shop our colorful gemstone stud earrings and stackable gold bangles. These beautiful pieces are perfect for gifting or elevating your own collection. $95-$125. Mum & Me Mercantile. Leeds. mumandmeleeds.com.

3. Cozy Comforts Give the gift of ultimate relaxation with a cozy Weezie robe, soothing bath essentials from Formulary 55, and a luxurious Nodpod sleep mask. This thoughtfully curated collection is perfect for creating a peaceful, spa-like escape at home. Nona Ruth’s. Trussville. nonaruths.com.

4. Handcrafted Plant-Based Beauty & Cleaning Give the gift of everyday luxury with Magnolia Soap & Bath Company! Discover beautifully scented laundry wash, candles, handcrafted soaps, body scrubs, body butter, and home cleaning products. Thoughtful gifts for everyone on your holiday list! $7-$40. Magnolia Soap Company. Trussville & Vestavia Hills. mymagnoliasoap.com/trussville.

86 Winter 2026

6 7

5. Le Creuset 6.5 Qt. Dutch Oven

In the stunning new Nuit color, this timeless Dutch Oven is the perfect gift for the home chef. Its rich, deep blue finish and lasting quality make it ideal for everything from slow-cooked favorites to memorable meals shared with loved ones. Available in a variety of colors to suit any style. Special pricing: $290 until Dec. 31, 2026. The Cook Store. Mountain Brook. thecookstoremtnbrook.com.

6. Turkish Yastiks 2 by 3 Turkish Yastiks. $140. 18th St. Rugs. Homewood. 18thstreetorientals.com.

7. John Hardy Heishi Bracelets Hand-cut from precious gems and natural hardstones, each Heishi bead carries its own unique color, pattern, and character. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers. Mountain Brook. bartonclay.com.

8. Bloomingville Galet Vase Add a touch of organic elegance to any space with this textured stoneware vase. Featuring pebble-like details and a rich brown reactive glaze, each piece offers unique character and timeless style. $122. Crestline Pharmacy. Mountain Brook. Find us on Facebook.

9. Melissa & Doug Toy Sets Shopping for little ones? Melissa & Doug toys and activity sets make thoughtful gifts for curious kids. From creative crafts to imaginative play, these favorites deliver hands-on fun, learning and smiles for every occasion. Prices Vary. Montevallo Drug. Montevallo. montevallodrug.com.

HomewoodLife.com 87

10. Orbix Bowl The versatile sprinkle bowl is hand blown by Orbix Hot Glass. Orbix is an award-winning glass company in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. $69. Alabama Goods. Homewood | Hoover. alabamagoods.com.

11. HydraFacial The perfect gift? A refreshing, personalized treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates for an instantly refreshed, healthy-looking glow. It’s the perfect way to give someone a little time for themselves and a glow they’ll love long after the holidays. Gunn Dermatology. Mountain Brook. gunndermatology.com.

12. LuLu Mac Sweatshirt The LuLu Mac Sweatshirt is topping every teen’s Christmas wish list! Cozy, cute, and effortlessly stylish, it’s the perfect gift they’ll wear on repeat. Starting at just $63, it’s a holiday must-have this season! GiGi’s. Cahaba Heights. gigisbham.com.

13. Something for Everyone

Discover one-of-a-kind gifts at Grand River Pickers! From vintage treasures and unique home décor to charming accessories and collectibles, find something special for everyone on your holiday shopping list at this unique shopping destination. Grand River Pickers. Leeds. grandriverpickers.com.

14. Red Shed Indoor/Outdoor Rooster Statues Make a festive statement with oversized yard art! These 6-foot iron rooster figures feature whimsical seasonal designs and colorful details, creating eye-catching centerpieces for porches, lawns, entryways and holiday displays. $149.99-$249.99. Tractor Supply. Montevallo. tractorsupply.com.

88 Winter 2026

15 16

15. Baby Ganz Collection Wooden Playset

Give little ones a gift made for discovery with Baby Ganz Collection wooden toy sets. Featuring charming designs for hands-on play, these timeless treasures encourage early learning while making sweet keepsakes for growing families. $29.99. Smitherman’s Pharmacy. Montevallo. Find us on Facebook.

16. APNY Reversible Aviator Jacket

Double the style, double the fun. This fully reversible aviator jacket offers plush cream sherpa on one side and sophisticated black vegan leather on the other. Sized: XS-XL. Tailored with clean piping, functional pockets, and tortoise shell buttons. A “WOW” factor gift for her for sure! Serendipity has this and many others as impressive. $179. Serendipity Boutique. Cahaba Heights. love2shopus.com.

17. EyeCare Max Pro LED Device

Dr. Dennis Gross’ EyeCare Max Pro LED device helps boost collagen to smooth lines and wrinkles and lift and firm the eyes. The device also visibly firms and lifts skin and evens skin tone and texture. Woodhouse Spa. Birmingham.woodhousespas.com.

18. David Yurman Petite Cable Linked Bracelet In sterling silver with 14K yellow gold, David Yurman’s iconic cable motif beautifully adorns the universal symbol for unity or an unbreakable bond, creating a modern talisman meant to be collected, combined and treasured. $425. Bromberg & Company, Inc. Mountain Brook. Brombergs.com.

19. 24+7 Weekender Duffle in Ice Blue This is the perfect, machine-washable, lightweight travel partner with enough pockets and compartments to provide ultimate organization. The stay-together strap helps secure the shoulder straps, keeping them on your shoulder where they belong. The Blue Willow. Cahaba Heights. thebluewillow.com.

HomewoodLife.com 89

20. Heritage Mahjong Tiles Timeless, refined, and effortlessly elegant. The Heritage Mahjong Tiles are a beautiful nod to tradition with a thoughtfully modern touch — crisp white faces, rich layered edges in soft sage and deep olive tones, and a printed burl wood tile back that gives each piece a warmly layered, heirloom-quality finish. $475. At Home Furnishings. Homewood. shopathomefurnishings.com.

21. Wind River Windchimes From the first ring, the difference is clear. Each wind chime is designed and handcrafted in Virginia using premium materials, individually hand-tuned to precise musical scales for clarity and depth, and engineered to produce resonant, rich tones that carry beautifully through the air. $49.95-$225. Cedar Creek Nursery. Montevallo. cedarcreeknurseryandgifts.com.

22. Bypass Diamond Bracelet Elevate your bracelet stack with timeless Italian elegance. Crafted in 18KT yellow gold, this bypass cuff features an oval diamond and an emerald-cut diamond, each surrounded by a dazzling double halo. A luxurious statement with 1.10 carats total diamond weight. $21,300. Wallace-Burke. Homewood. wallaceburke.com.

23. Pixicade Draw & Play This award-winning STEM/STEAM toy lets kids turn physical drawings and stickers into playable animated video games using a companion app. $27.99. Homewood Toy & Hobby. Homewood. homewoodtoy-hobby.com.

24. Hammitt Grace Med in Calypso Suede/Gold A vibrant showstopper for any holiday wish list, this rich magenta suede silhouette is beautifully elevated with the Hammitt signature gold hardware. Featuring versatile strap options for effortless day-to-night styling, it’s the ultimate statement piece for the fashion lover who adores a pop of color. $625. Tula J Boutique. Trussville & Gadsden. tulajboutique.com.

24 23

90 Winter 2026

26 25

25. Montemaré For the woman who is always on the go, Montemaré is a gift that combines timeless style with everyday practicality. From chic crossbodies to thoughtfully designed travel bags, each piece makes staying organized feel a little more luxurious. Whether she’s heading to the airport, commuting to work, or planning her next getaway, Montemaré is a thoughtful gift she’ll reach for long after the holidays. $30-$220. Wrapsody. Hoover | Homewood | Trussville | Madison | Auburn. shopwrapsody.com.

26. Fleur Pots Inspired by Art Nouveau and Art Deco, the Fleur pot combines soft lines with architectural elegance. $23$28. Sweet Peas. Homewood. Find us on Facebook.

27. All-Star Skinny Scarf Saturday Silks’ All-Star Skinny Scarves featuring Auburn and Alabama designs are a refined take on gameday style, with a sleek, lightweight silhouette. $42. Hemline Birmingham. shophemlinebirmingham.com.

28. Yellow Gold Fashion Ring 14KT yellow gold fashion ring with 68 round diamonds weighing 1.08 carat total weight. Southeastern Jewelers. Hoover. southeasternjewelers.net.

29. Soaps and Skincare Products Delightfully scented plant-based soaps and skincare products that are handmade daily in our local shops/ makeries make wonderful gifts! Our artisan soap bars, bath bombs, shower oils, body buttters, scrubs, laundry soaps, scent boosters & home fragrances all SMELL WONDERFUL! $3-$59. Buff City Soap. Multiple Locations-See ad for details. buffcitysoap.com.

HomewoodLife.com 91

30. Lila + Hayes Pajamas Make Christmas memories even sweeter with matching Lila + Hayes pajamas for the whole family! Perfect for Christmas morning, holiday photos, and cozy traditions. These festive favorites range from $51-$74. The Lili Pad. Cahaba Heights. lilipadbham. com.

31. Petite Gold Cross Necklaces Necklaces featuring Ruby or Emerald with Diamond Accents. Call JB & CO for your appointment to let expert jeweler John Bromberg help you select the perfect gift. $1,650. JB & CO. Jewelry Boutique. Mountain Brook. jbandcojewelry. com.

32. Pomegranate Artpiece Puzzles Give the gift of creativity and relaxation with Pomegranate Artpiece puzzles. Featuring beautiful artwork and intricate details, these engaging puzzles offer a rewarding challenge for art lovers, puzzle enthusiasts and cozy nights in. $24.95. Falcon Art Supply. Montevallo. falconartsupply.com.

33. 14kt White Gold Sapphire & Natural Diamond Ring 1.79ct blue round sapphire with .68ct round natural diamonds. List price $6,300. 25% off sale price $4,725. Cummings Jewelry. Cahaba Heights. cummingsjewelrydesign.com.

34. Webkinz Plushies Give the gift of nostalgia with Webkinz plushies! These adorable, cuddly companions make delightful gifts for kids and collectors alike, offering soft snuggles, lovable personalities and timeless charm for every generation. Jubilee Gift Market. Montevallo. jubileegiftmarket.com.

92 Winter 2026

35. lola BLANKETS As the first retailer to introduce Birmingham to Lola blankets, Tracy-Barrett Interiors is thrilled to continue being your primary source for these luxe washable faux fur blankets! We listen to our customers’ requests and stock a variety of colors, patterns and sizes. Original Large $325; Medium $275; Baby/Travel $125. Tracy-Barrett Interiors. Homewood. Find us on Facebook.

36. Glo2Facial Give the gift of glowing skin and welldeserved indulgence this Christmas. Tanology’s Glo2Facial is a luxurious, personalized experience designed to leave skin radiant and refreshed. Gift cards are available for facials and our full menu of beauty services - the perfect gift of beauty, relaxation, and self-care. $200. Tanology. Cahaba Heights. tanologybeautybar.com.

37. Coffee & Wine Shop Meri Moon’s signature coffee roast, coffeethemed gifts and a thoughtfully curated wine collection. Not sure which bottle to choose? The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bottle for any wine drinker. Prices Vary. Meri Moon. Montevallo. merimoon.com.

38. Cast Iron Alabama Servering Tray Whether you say, “Roll Tide,” or “War Eagle,” this enamel, cast aluminum serving tray is the perfect accessory to spice up your game day or tailgating dinners. $62.50. Christopher Collections. Homewood. christophercollection. com.

39. Holiday Cookies

For one cookie or hundreds, Cookie Fix will sweeten your holidays with special holiday flavors and traditional favorites. Cookies from $2.75. Cookie Fix. Hoover | Vestavia Hills | Greystone | Homewood | Huntsville. cookiefix.com.

39 HomewoodLife.com 93

Homewood Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S

Upcoming Events

Recent Events July 25 - Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale

Aug. 6 - Business After Hours School Supply Drive

Aug. 18 - August Membership Luncheon at Samford University

Aug. 26 - Coffee & Connections at Birmingham Luxury Motors

Nov. 5

Holiday Open House Presented by Ray & Poynor

Nov. 17

November Membership Breakfast

Dec. 3

Lighting of the Star & Christmas Parade

Dec. 5

Breakfast with Santa at Samford University

Dec. 15

December Membership Luncheon & Annual Meeting

Jan. 19

January Membership Luncheon & State of the City

Join The Chamber

Sept. 11 - Patriot Day Ceremony

Chamber membership could be just what your business needs for a boost this year! Work, live or do business in Homewood? Apply for membership at homewoodchamber.org and start taking advantage of the many benefits that come with membership!

7 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD 94 Winter 2026

HOMEWOOD, ALABAMA 35209

F i n d U s O n l i ne

Ribbon Cuttings July 10 - Bryant Bank

New Members uAIR EXPERTS LLC uGoodwyn Mills Cawood uTidal Wave Auto Spa

July 14 - New Shoes Ice Cream Social

uZoZo’s Kitchen uEdgewood Wealth Advisors uPark Place Capital uThe Little Donkey uElemental Health

Aug. 7 - Icona Health

uWOW Windowboxes uRuth’s Chris Steakhouse uThe Wildflower Alliance uEBike Oasis uBuildUp Community School | Youth BuildUp

Sept. 10 - Elemental Health

205 - 871 - 5631

uByrd Firm, PLLC

WWW.HOMEWOODCHAMBER.ORG HomewoodLife.com 95

OUT & ABOUT

HOMEWOOD SIDEWALK SALE 2026

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Saturday, July 25, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce held its annual Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale, partnering with local businesses to promote shopping local and supporting small business in the community. 1.

Laura, Giselle, Roberto and Angela Medina with Gabi Aleman

Tara Cole and Christy Hamilton

Maggie and Ellie Faye Helms

Will and Lauren Kerbey

Bobby Foxx and Parker Addison Blakeney

Emmy Hall, Velma Spencer and Kells Mayo

The Ellis family

Savannah Walker, Claudia Edell and Sara Biswal

Britini and Eric Dellapenna

10. Harrison and Destiny Kuykendall 11. Tessa and Fraser Glass 12. Margaret Ann McGregor and Madison Mayfield 13. Jessica and Lily Hall with Harper Grace and Kathie Knickrehm 14. Riley Edwards and Lorri Thornton 15. Jillian and Stewart Rogers

96 Winter 2026

OUT & ABOUT

Rooted in Relationships. Growing Together. In Mountain Brook, we've found more than a place to live; we've found our people and our home. And we're committed to preserving and strengthening this special community for generations to come.

HomewoodLife.com 97

OUT & ABOUT

HOMEWOOD CHAMBER LUNCHEON

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Tuesday, Aug. 18 at Seibert Hall, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly luncheon, featuring guest speaker and Samford University Head Football Coach John Grass. 1.

Angela and Rosa Hill

Amanda Owens and Libby Ray

John Grass and David Knight

Charis Williams, Patrick Lippincott, Jenna Adams, Taylor May-Smith, Aria Foster, Lainey Pritchett, Presley Parrish, Ella Anderson and Jake Barton

Bethany Adams and Chase Fryar

Lauren Leach and Amanda Owens

Daniel Johnson, Lilly Anne McClain, Rush Lachina, Lydia Burnham, Tyler O’Bryan, Carmen Davis, Tanner Wages and Jackson Herauf

Haley Joe Breed and Kathryn Slaughter

Courtney Heath, Shay Gartman, Beck Taylor and Michael Morgan

10. Carter Schultz and Jared Miller 11. Cicely Jones and Rosa Hill

98 Winter 2026

OUT & ABOUT

INTERNAL MEDICINE & PEDIATRICS Concierge Care for the Whole Family

TRUSTED PARTNER IN YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH

205.380.8820 signaturehealth.com HomewoodLife.com 99

OUT & ABOUT

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Saturday, Aug. 29 at Patriot Park, the city of Homewood celebrated the start of another wonderful school year at Back to School Bash, which featured rides and attractions, food vendors, live entertainment and more. 1.

The Hill and Sullivan families

The Smith family

The Butler family

The Walker, Burrell, Tynes and Elkins families

Laura Kate, Ian and Suzy Conerly

The Ehrensperger and Brewton families

Yasmeen Yousuf and Jacob Cantrell

Emma McKenzie, Charlotte Johnson, Anna Linebaugh and Ruby Wolverton

100 Winter 2026

HomewoodLife.com 101

OUT & ABOUT

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY & PATRIOT DAY CELEBRATION

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Friday, Sept. 11 in SoHo Square Plaza, the cities of Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills joined together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks and honor all 2,977 lives lost that fateful day. 1.

Philip and Erin Yost with John and Sonja Richardson

DeWayne Daniel and Rosa Hill

Avery Brown, Ashley Curry and Tracy Thornton

Joyce Roberts and Sam Martin

Dee Park and Gary Palmer

Jennifer Andress, Jason Rhoads and Gary Palmer

Jennifer Andress and Brian Bowman

Jennifer Andress with J.J. and Delmar Bischoff

Graham Smith and Chris Lane

10. Nathaniel Rutledge and Shay Gartman 11. Lisa Christopher with Karen and Steve Odle

102 Winter 2026

OUT & ABOUT

Holiday Gifting Holiday Gifting Birmingham

Homewood

Hoover

Vestavia

HomewoodLife.com 103

OUT & ABOUT

MEET-AND-GREET WITH CHARLES GHIGNA

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Homewood Public Library, Homewood author Charles Ghigna held a meet-and-greet and discussion of his latest book, “The Lost Book of Life: New and Selected Poems.” 1.

Charles and Debra Ghigna

Karin and Sam Bell

Bethany and Lucy Evans

Debra Ghigna, Erin Isbell and Bethany Evans

Carmen Patrick and Julie Brannon

Debra Ghigna

Charles Ghigna and Terry Thrasher

Charles and Debra Ghigna with Erin Isbell and Julie Brannon

104 Winter 2026

Mountain Brook's

Best Real Estate Team

Left to Right: Leigh Anne Lambert, Amy Lee, Jen Stinson, Liza Roitman, Cindy Hodges, Ashley Lewis, Fred Smith, Langston Hereford, Amanda Dabbs, Donna Savage, Emily Williams, Cole Rudder and David Crane. Not Pictured: Katie McKibbin

THE FRED SMITH GROUP We are excited to share that we have been chosen as the area’s Best Real Estate Team... AGAIN! We are truly grateful to our clients who continue to support us and to refer us to colleagues, friends and family. Since 1995, our team has proudly represented buyers and sellers across the area, closing on well over 5000 properties. What sets us apart is simple: Teamwork. Experienced agents, marketing experts, and dedicated listing and closing coordinators uniquely position The Fred Smith Group to deliver the highest quality service in the Birmingham area. Our team has the Magic City covered! From pricing and marketing, to negotiations, we’ve got you covered and with Realty South’s trusted brand backing us, we serve you throughout your buying or selling journey. Our clients know they can rely on us for expert advice, quick results, and a seamless experience. Our reputation is built on results, trust, and a commitment to excellence. You can count on The Fred Smith Group - for every move you make!

HomewoodLife.com 105

OUT & ABOUT

JIMMIE HALE MISSION RESCUE RUNS

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Saturday, Oct. 3, local patrons gathered in downtown Homewood to participate in the Jimmie Hale Mission’s 10K and 5K races, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. 1.

Perryn Carroll, Asia Anchrum and Anthony “Boston” Taylor

Mac Farley and James Williams

The Bell family

Rhonda Truett and Cheryl Mattrella

Trish Portuese, Judy Loo, Rachel Sills and Peg McKie

Amanda and Uriah Carr

Kevin and Avery Hodges

Maggie Weems, Marcela Doria and Emma Hall

Dylan White, Jason Nodjomian and Amanda Cuomo

10. Aimee Justice and Brooklyn Snow 11. Team Ottaviano with OrangeTheory Fitness 12. Leslie, Caleb and Nathan Haynes

106 Winter 2026

OUT & ABOUT

MANTOOTHINTERIORS.COM HomewoodLife.com 107

OUT & ABOUT

HOMEWOOD CENTENNIAL FILM FESTIVAL

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Homewood Senior Center, members of the Homewood City Council and local residents gathered to watch several short films documenting the city of Homewood’s history. 1.

Brian Wallace, Jennifer Andress, J.J. Bischoff, Courtney Heath, Cale Smith and Barry Smith

Brian Wallace and J.J. Bischoff

Brian, Lynn, Hallie and Neil Luckianow

Cale Smith and Jennifer Andress

Kyle and Barry Smith

Eddie Griffith and Brett Weis

108 Winter 2026

HomewoodLife.com 109

MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Homewood Life Magazine • 205.669.3131

Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walkin applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)4449774.

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/ A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer

HomewoodLife.com

all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)2097787 (205)683-3257 Software Engineers III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line).

des issues & supp all ACX Refuse engin’g needs on produc line. Must be willing to travel domestically 5%. Please submit resume to legalcompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference job id: 9326335.

Manufacturing Engineer – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, Security Guard for AL). Responsible Gated Community for manufacturing in North Shelby eng’ing, County Full-time Bama Concrete industrial & or Part-time. Must Now Hiring: process eng’ing have pistol permit. Diesel Mechanic related functions Call Brittany 2054 Years Minimum w/in scope of Production 991-4653 Experience. responsibility at Engineering CDL Preferred. Autocar. Please Technician – Become a Dental Competitive Pay. Assistant in ONLY Positions offered by submit resume to Great Benefits. HL Mando America Legal 8 WEEKS! Please Apply in person: Compliance@ Corporation visit our website 2180 Hwy 87 gvwgroup.com. (Hogansville, GA). capstonedental Alabaster, 35007 Reference Job ID: Increase first pass assisting.com or yield by improving 9737474. call (205)561-8118 Now Hiring For and get your career measurement Utility Positions systems & optimize MONTEVALLO started! Starting pay Large 2BR Duplex machining $15.14/hour Must on dead end street, A C Construction, processes. be able to pass carpenter type to Submit resume background screen. 7101 N Highfield work for some of Dr, Birmingham AL to cindy.smith@ Please apply at: rent. (205)21335242 seeks 7 FT, hlcompany.com. www.bc.com 8550. Reference Job ID: perm Assemblers in Apply at nearest 8445038. Central Alabma P&F COIN SWA, acastillo@ Wellness Mental COMPANY: We Current Products ac-constructionllc. Health Services Pay The Highest Lead Engineer, com Attn Office locations in Prices In Town! ACX – positions Atanacio Castillo Calera, Clanton, offered by Autocar, 561 First St. N, JP#3845211 Pelham, and 280! Alabaster, AL LLC (Center Point, 205-651-0077 Visit 35007 “WE BUY AL). Dev, mnge our website to learn ETS Restorations & SELL GOLD & & mentor current more centralalbama & Tree Service SILVER” *Scrap/ prods engins to “From street to wellness.org Broken Jewelry root-cause & solve walls, we do it 110 Winter 2026

*Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany. com For All Your Masonry Needs•Block •Brick •Concrete Repair •Brick Cleaning •Painting Call 205643-0729 or email srichardson 642@gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES! 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 205369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

FIDELITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IT’S YOUR STORY. IT’S YOUR PLAN.

At Fidelity, no two wealth plans are the same. That’s because no two people are the same. By taking the time to get to know you and your full financial picture, we can help you create a comprehensive plan that’s as unique as you are. Birmingham Investor Center 216 Summit Blvd, Suite 218 Birmingham, AL 35243-3507 205.983.6101

Wealth Planning Overview

Investment minimums apply. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. The Fidelity Investments logo is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 © 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 1066901.16.0

HomewoodLife.com 111

MY HOMEWOOD SHARON SMITH

Samford University Legacy League Managing Director

Christian Service

Supporting Legacy League Students I have a front row seat to God’s redemptive work—the joy of seeing students overcome incredibly difficult pasts to step into bright futures. I love serving with caring supporters from our community to help young people— many who are first-generation college students.

Eat Local

Urban Cookhouse There’s lots to love in Homewood, but a “go to” for us is the smoked turkey from Urban Cookhouse. I often purchase it to take on trips, and my mom from North Carolina requests it every time I come!

Get Outdoors

Beauty in Nature I’m a big fan of walks on Lakeshore Trail—an easy meeting spot for sure. When I have more time and want to feel like I’ve taken a quick trip to the mountains, I love going to Red Mountain Park.

Sentimental Spots

Memories with Family Several local spots give me “flashbacks” to visiting Birmingham with young children. Our kids loved cooling off in the bubbling fountain and wandering through “Panda Paradise” (the Japanese bamboo forest) at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I’m also sentimental about Crestline’s Tot Lot and the Alabama map on the ground at Vulcan, which literally helped me get my bearings here.

Fellowship in Community

Christmas Home Tour Samford Legacy League’s Christmas Home Tour tops the list! I love celebrating Christmas in ways that honor the Lord and help others. The tour is a joy-filled holiday tradition that has raised more than $500,000 for need-based scholarships. People come from nearby and multiple states to enjoy it!

112 Winter 2026

HomewoodLife.com 113

114 Winter 2026