Homewood Life, July/August 2018

ELIZABETH HUBBARD’S POTTERY • HOW CORD BLOOD SAVES LIVES • TOUR HOLLYWOOD’S LADY PAMONA

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

SAM’S DELI

INTO THE WILD

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JULY/AUGUST 2018 HomewoodLife.com Volume Two | Issue Four $4.95

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HomewoodLife.com 5

FEATURES

52

THE COCKTAIL MAVEN A Homewood resident since the age of 8, this local libation legend serves up must-try drinks mixed with engaging stories.

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LIFE BLOOD Umbilical cord blood can help treat blood cancers and save lives. Here’s how a few local women are working to make sure it’s doing so.

66

Bill Andrews is getting families outside and into the wilderness and beyondvand helping them connect and build confidence along the way

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PHOTO BY LAUREN USTAD

INTO THE WILD

41

52

PHOTO BY MARY FEHR

arts & culture

17 Fashioned from Clay: Elizabeth Hubbard’s Pottery 25 Five Questions For: Rising Film Star Maxwell Ross 26 Read This Book: Lori Nichols’ Children’s Picture Book Picks

schools & sports

27 Veni, Vidi, Vici: HHS’s Ancient Technology Construction 32 Five Questions For: Career Base Steals Record Holder Josh Hall

food

& drink

33 There’s No Place Like Sam’s Deli and Grill

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 9 #HomewoodLife 10 The Question 11 The Guide 74 Chamber Connections 76 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Homewood

40 Five Questions For: Kale Me Crazy’s Patrick Greene

home

& style

41 Spanish Sleek: New Life for Hollywood’s Lady Pamona 49 At Home: Curated Curiosities 50 In Style: Spend Your Summer in Stripes

HomewoodLife.com 7

contributors EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

CONTRIBUTORS

Jessica Clement James Culver Lindsey Culver Mary Fehr Amy Ferguson Madison Freeman Ashley Kappel Suzanne Mills Melanie Peeples Elizabeth Sturgeon Lauren Ustad Rebecca Wise

Jessica Clement, Stylist

Jessica Clement has been passionate about interior design and decorating since childhood. She graduated with a degree in interior design from the University of Alabama and started her own locally based design company, JMC Studio. As an interior designer, she believes that well-designed interiors should tell the story about the people who live there and takes pride in creating aesthetically beautiful and functional spaces.

Amy Ferguson, Writer

Amy is a marketing manager for Brookwood Baptist Health, an avid Mexican food enthusiast and native of Birmingham, where she lives with her husband, Eric, and their love-able chocolate labradoodle. She earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and her master’s from the University of Alabama, but faithfully cheers for the Tigers. When she isn’t watching a documentary, reading a biography or sniffing around local antique stores, she is helping her husband transform his love for woodworking into a small side business.

DESIGN

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

MARKETING

Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Kathy Leonard Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Madison Freeman, Stylist

Madison works as a clinical recruiter for Encompass Health and on the side is a fashion, home decor, travel and lifestyle blogger. To see all of her blog posts, visit insidemyopendoor.com or follow her on Instagram @ mbbfreeman. In Madison’s free time, she loves to travel with her husband and spend time with their golden retriever, Luna.

Ashley Kappel, Writer

Ashley grew up visiting Homewood, where her grandmother lived for 60 years, and eventually bought a home just a dozen doors down from where her mom was raised. When she’s not eating her way through local restaurants, she can be found at area playgrounds, the zoo and (let’s be honest) Costco. Ashley lives in Homewood with her husband, three children, and rescue golden retriever and works at Meredith.

Homewood Life is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Homewood Life is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers 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 $16.30 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.

8 HomewoodLife.com

from the editor

I

ON THE COVER

I used to hoard magazines. I’d stack up copies of my teenage good-girl reading diet of Brio one by one after reading them, and there they’d sit in a growing pile in my closet for years…until I went off to college and realized that literally all they did was sit there. So sadly, they met their demise. There began a pattern that carried into a diet of Relevant Magazine and Cooking Light, and later the New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair and Saveur in my ambitious reading days— flip through, stack, let them sit, purge, flip through, stack, let them sit, purge.

I often wonder what happens to these pages of Homewood goodness we produce. I hear reports that they are on your coffee tables and that your mother-in-law always asks where the latest issue is when she comes to town, which always makes my heart so happy. This I know for sure: one copy of each sits visible in my living room. Those I’m not sure I can part with. Ever. They are my babies, nurtured from mere ideas to completed story-filled pages. And don’t we hold onto what is most dear to us?

I’m guessing that if this set of pages sits around for more than a day or two in your home it might be in part because our cover doesn’t look too shabby with your décor or makes a nice local addition to your guest room. But more likely it’s because it’s about your place, and your people. If your friend is in a story, that gives it all the more staying power. If YOU are in a story or photo, my guess is it will get stored away in a box somewhere one day for your grandkids to uncover. Because don’t we hold onto what is most dear to us?

There’s power in stories, but all the more so there’s power in stories you particularly connect with, about the cocktail maven you grew up down the street from, the hospital where you became a mom or dad, or the adventure company that first introduced you to the joy of kayaking down a river. There’s power in stories about your classmates or your teenager’s classmates, your kid’s art teacher or your art teacher, the restaurant you stop by at least once a week on your way home from the pool, and that Spanish home in Hollywood you’ve admired from afar.

And so these are the stories that we give you in the pages that lie ahead. It’s my hope that you flip through, that you slow down where particular stories interest you, and when applicable, that you hold onto what is most dear to you.

A Treeline Expeditions Expedition Suzanne and Bill Andrews teach school by day and moonlight leading an outdoors adventure company.

Photo by Rebecca Wise Design by Connor Bucy

madoline.markham@homewoodlife.com

HomewoodLife.com 9

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#HomewoodLife

Tag @HomewoodLife in your Homewood photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@peeptoesandpineapples swinging into the weekend in this adorable swing dress from @kkbloomboutique | DO + BW never disappoints and this dress has easily become one of my faves for spring #fridaymood #doandbe #fashionblogger #springready

@lwgwaltney Perfect day for the Edgewood Spring Festival! #ionlytook2pictures #toobusyfindingkids #edgewoodpto #ees

@scottbutler1 State Champs!!

@tm_clips The End of a Perfect Day. #welovehomewoodday2018 #welovehomewoodday #edgewood #streetdance

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“ ” THE QUESTION

If you could have lunch with any Homewood resident past or present, who would it be?

HMS 7th grade math teacher Mrs. Morton! I am pretty sure she has taught math to just about everyone in Homewood!

- Julie Austin Head Zaharis

My son’s beloved preschool teacher at Hall Kent, Molly Remmert Rossell.

- Merin Graves

Bill Helf, one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He is a kind and gentle soul.

- Anand Bosmia

I would have lunch with Dyar Carlisle. He was hands down the best principal at HHS. His words will stay with me forever.

- William Manly

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The artist Frank Fleming lived on Saulter for years...would love to have lunch with him again.

- Langston Stabler Hereford

Coach Brown. 9th grade English teacher at the high school who made a lot of kids love English class and made English interesting and fun .- Alex Ann Hughes

I would give anything to have lunch with my Mama, Anna Keith, again. She was a lifelong resident of Homewood and very involved in the community as well.

- Lindsay Keith Kessler

I’d have lunch again with Lisa Littlejohn, the best fifth grade teacher Hall-Kent has ever seen! It’s been nearly 20 years since I was in her class.

- Christin Mize Knight

THE GUIDE

HOMEWOOD LIBRARY BLOCK PARTY AUG. 11 5-8 p.m.

LIBRARY PARKING LOT It’s time for the biggest block party of all, back for the fifth year to benefit our favorite library.

Play corn hole, eat dinner and listen to live music while your kids enjoy the bounce houses, a climbing wall and more fun activities. Tickets are $25 for adults (ages 16+) and $5 for children (ages 4-15). Admission for children 3 and under is free with adult purchase. Get tickets in advance at homewoodlibraryfoundation.org starting July 9 or do so at the door.

HomewoodLife.com 13

THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOMEWOOD

JULY FOURTH

JULY 10 Niki Sepsas Presents Greenland: Land Beneath the Polar Star Homewood Public Library 1 p.m.

JULY 11 Kent Wascom - The New Inheritors Alabama Booksmith 5 p.m.

JULY 12 Family Flix Homewood Public Library 6-7:30 p.m.

Thunder on the Mountain 9 P.M.

VULCAN PARK & MUSEUM The god of the forge will once again play host to everyone’s favorite fireworks display.

The show will last about 20 minutes and be choreographed to a soundtrack of patriotic favorites and popular music.

Photo by Rachel Callahan

July 4th Festival 12-4 P.M.

VULCAN PARK & MUSEUM The fun starts long before the fireworks as Homewood streets are filled with rides and inflatables plus a DJ’ed soundtrack. There’s no cost for admissions, but you can buy an unlimited attractions wristband for $10 near the intersection of 18th Street South and 29th Avenue South. Driving note: Two blocks of 18th Street South and one block of 29th Avenue South will be blocked for pedestrian traffic.

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OLS Festival and Trash & Treasures Sale 8 A.M.-3 P.M. SALE,

10 A.M.-3 P.M. FESTIVAL OUR LADY OF SORROWS CATHOLIC CHURCH Start off Independence Day with fun and games of all kinds for the 69th year of this festival. Plus, you can find almost anything under the sun at their Trash & Treasures sale, which is also open the day after the Fourth too.

JULY 14 Self–Defense for Women with Det. Juan Rodriquez Homewood Public Library Register Online 9:30 a.m.

JULY 14 ‘80s & ‘90s Glow Party Homewood Public Library/Kids 10:30-11:15 a.m.

JULY 15 A Celebration of Poetry: Reading Poetry for Pleasure Homewood Public Library/Adults 3 p.m.

JULY 15 Book Signing with Lorraine “Boots” Parker, Author of A Dividing Stream Homewood Public Library/Adults 3 p.m.

JULY 17 Tween Cake Pops Homewood Public Library Register Online 3-4 p.m.

JULY 20 OLLI Presents Preserving Alabama Land & Resources Homewood Public Library 1:30 p.m.

JULY 24 That Puppet Guy Dr. Dinosaur Homewood Public Library 10:30-11:15 a.m.

JULY 27 OLLI Presents Continuing Conversation on Climate Change Homewood Public Library 1:30 p.m.

JULY 30 Teen Mad Hatter’s Ball: A Murder Mystery Homewood Public Library Register Online 6-7:15 p.m.

JULY 31 Melissa Radke Eat Cake. Be Brave.

Alabama Booksmith 5 p.m.

AUG. 8 First Day of School Homewood City Schools AUG. 15 Lisa Patton - Rush: A Novel Alabama Booksmith 5 p.m.

AUG. 16 Watermelon Scrimmage Homewood Middle School 3:45 p.m.

AUG. 17 Jersey Night Homewood High School AUG. 21 Homewood Chamber Membership Luncheon Samford University 11:30 a.m.

AUG. 23 Homewood Middle School Football Jamboree At Simmons 5 p.m.

AUG. 30 Homewood Middle School Football Games At Bumpus 5 p.m.

THE GUIDE AUG. 25

Bell Center Tailgate Challenge 11 A.M.-2 P.M.

THE BELL CENTER You don’t have to wait for Labor Day to start tailgate season. Stop by tents for teams all over the SEC and beyond for tasty treats at this event to support The Bell Center for Early Prevention Programs. Plus there will be live music and kids activities, and celebrity judges will be on hand to judge each of the teams on most team spirit, best tasting food and best all around.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door for ages 13+ and free for children 12 and younger, and can be purchased at thebellcenter.org.

JULY 12-29

JULY 28

The Three Musketeers

Sidewalk Sale

WEDNESDAYS-SATURDAYS 7 P.M. SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS AT 2 P.M. BROOKWOOD VILLAGE

DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD

It’s well worth venturing into late July heat to catch discounts up to 75 percent off at your favorite downtown Homewood retailers

It’s like a free performance on the green, only it’s in the air conditioning.

Come out to see this youth production of the classic tale of Athos, Parthos and Aramis’ duels. It all takes places on the upper level of the Macy’s wing across from Hibbett Sports. Find tickets on Eventbrite.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN JULY FRIDAYS & SUNDAYS Various Movies Alabama Theatre alabamatheatre.com for listings JULY FRIDAYS Free Friday Flicks Veterans Park, Hoover facebook.com/ BackyardMovieParties/ SUNDAYS Jazz in the Park Various Parks & Times JULY 6-29 Mamma Mia! Red Mountain Theatre Company Dorothy Day Jemison Theatre Alabama School of Fine Arts

JULY 25

Twilight 5K Retro Run 7 P.M.

TRAK SHACK Dig out your old polyester, split shorts, tube socks, aviators, afro wigs and whatever else you can come up with for this step, or rather run, back in time. Be sure to stick around for the costume contest afterward and hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

Register at runsignup.com.

TUESDAYS

West Homewood Market 5-8 P.M.

160 OXMOOR ROAD Pick up farm-fresh produce and dinner from your favorite food trucks. Plus shop around at arts and crafts vendors or take in some live music. The market runs through the first Tuesday of August.

Learn more at westhomewood.com.

JULY 8-11 Birmingham Barons vs.

Mississippi Braves Regions Field JULY 13-15 World Deer Expo BJCC Exhibition Halls JULY 14-15 Sloss Music & Arts Festival Sloss Furnaces JULY 18 Flicks Among the Flowers Jaws Birmingham Botanical Gardens 6 p.m. Gates, 8 p.m. Film JULY 18-22 Birmingham Barons vs.

Jackson Generals Regions Field JULY 21 Market Day Sales Mountain Brook Village JULY 24-27 Birmingham Barons vs.

Tennessee Smokies Regions Field JULY 26-AUG. 5 Hairspray Jr. Virginia Samford Theatre

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THE GUIDE AUG. 2-6 Birmingham Barons vs.

Mobile BayBears Regions Field AUG. 3-4 Secret Stages Music Discovery Festival Avondale AUG. 10-19 Birmingham Restaurant Week AUG. 14-18 Birmingham Barons vs.

Tennessee Smokies Regions Field AUG. 20-26 Sidewalk Film Festival Downtown Birmingham AUG. 24-28 Birmingham Barons vs.

Jackson Generals Regions Field

HHS Football Schedule Bring on the Friday night lights. Don your red and blue, and we’ll see you at Waldrop Stadium. All games take place at 7 p.m.

Aug. 23: Vs. Hueytown Aug. 31: At Vestavia Hills Sept. 7: Vs. Pelham

Sept. 14: At Helena Sept. 28: Vs. Center Point Oct. 5: Vs. Minor Oct. 12: Vs. Chelsea Oct. 19: At Carver Oct. 26: At Jackson-Olin Nov. 2: Vs. Bryant

HomewoodLife.com 17

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&CULTURE

ARTS

CRAFTED FROM CLAY There’s more to Elizabeth Hubbard’s pottery than repurposed dirt. It’s imperfect like we are.

BY ELIZABETH STURGEON PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER HomewoodLife.com 19

A

Artistic precision. It’s holding a paintbrush just right to control your stroke. It’s knowing how to mold something seamlessly. It’s mixing the perfect color for a canvas. It’s translating something imagined into something tangible, all by the hands of the artist.

Elizabeth Hubbard does not work with this type of control. She’s skilled at what she does, but she truly loves losing all control in her pottery. “You’re creating something and trying to manipulate it, but it never turns out the way you want it to turn out, like life in general,” she says.

The artist characterizes this surprise as a quality of Raku, a process in which a piece of clay is fired in a kiln, removed while glowing red, and placed into a sealed, newspaper-lined can. The smoke and flame fill the space and color the glaze. It’s only when Elizabeth delicately cleans each piece that she sees the colors that emerge from the process. As she scrubs the pottery to remove each piece of soot, the iridescent purples or bright turquoises emerge, and

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she sees her final piece.

Elizabeth is known for her Raku pottery, particularly her bowls, and it’s her favorite medium.

“Clay came out of the ground, and you watch it evolve into something from dirt to something pretty,” she explains. “The cracks and brokenness are a part of me. Pottery’s messy, and my life’s messy. It really represents a lot of us.” The clay flows in Elizabeth’s bowls, moving up and down to create a soft edge rather than a crisp, stiff one. In some bowls, layers of clay weave in and out to form the structure, and in others, smooth clay blends with cracked, colorful texture.

Although she only took up pottery when she took a class in Gainesville, Georgia, Elizabeth always painted and knew that her life had to relate to art.

She was born with 96 percent hearing loss, and while she considered pursuing other careers, she knew that art is what she could do and how she would thrive.

“My hearing loss is part of me. It’s made me who I am

“

People always say that they can’t do art. Nothing’s going to look perfect, but it gives you therapy. It shuts your mind down, and you get immersed into what you’re doing.

-Elizabeth Hubbard

HomewoodLife.com 21

Caring for your Family

Celia Davenport, DMD 2940 Clairmont Ave S, Birmingham 205-277-2297 davenportdentalandwellness.com 22 HomewoodLife.com

today,” Elizabeth says. It’s never been something she’s tried to hide.

In addition to her own painting and pottery, Elizabeth teaches art classes in Studio on Linden in downtown Homewood, sharing her enjoyment and philosophy of art with others. From children’s art camps to women’s home gatherings, she finds beauty in just creating anything, not something refined and perfect. “Kids do too much,” she says of children who were like her sons growing up and committed to an intense sport or activity. “They’re striving to be so perfect in what they’re doing, and in art, you don’t have to be perfect. There’s no such thing as being perfect in art.”

In preparation for five weeks of art camps held at local churches, she collects her materials in her basement, her own personal studio out of her Homewood home, lined with bowls, molds, supplies, and the paintings she is working on. But art still fills her house beyond her workspace. “I always buy art from other artists.

This house represents me and my style. You can tell all the styles are totally different,” she says. From a large and colorful Joan Curtis abstract to a Jayne Morgan honey bear in her kitchen, both local artists, her home truly unites dozens of different ideas and styles within the purpose of buying original art.

GATHER. CREATE. CONNECT. That’s the motto for Elizabeth’s new adventure, Makers and Creators after dark, a group for women to come together and learn a new art. From mixed media to flower arranging, it’s a relaxed atmosphere of simply creating art and meeting new people. The events will be going on throughout the summer, and you can find the schedule on the “Makers and Creators” Facebook page.

HomewoodLife.com 23

Elizabeth Hubbard teaches kids art classes at Alabama Art Supply.

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FAMILY MEMBERS VERIFIED THAT SHE ONCE TALKED NON-STOP DURING A 5-HOUR ROAD TRIP TO FLORIDA.

“I’m always trying to educate people about art, about buying local art, not manufactured art pieces,” she explains. “Your art will last longer than your furniture and is worth more than your furniture.” Elizabeth walks around her home knowing the name of every artist behind each work, articulating her personal connections with them. The bright colors in the paintings flow on each canvas and warm the walls of her home.

She knows the artists’ journeys, how they like to paint and the style they enjoy.

Beyond sharing the importance of local art with others, Elizabeth finds beauty of the artistic practice that she wants others to see, the same experience she creates in her art lessons and classes for children. “People always say that they can’t do art. Nothing’s going to look perfect, but it gives you therapy. It shuts your mind down, and you get immersed into what you’re doing,” she says.

There’s something beyond the final product of art that she

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3/26/18 11:17 AM

admires, and she seeks to share the experience of making art with everyone, allowing anyone to make something one-of-a-kind. She remembers working on a painting with Bess, a child born with cerebral palsy and with very limited use of her arms and legs.

She wanted Bess to experience some of the painting

that other children were working on, a large painting of an angel. She guided Bess’s hand and placed it in yellow paint to layer onto the angel’s wings. “I know she could feel the paint, the angel was coming out of her,” she says. “I could feel the connection through her eyes.”

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26 HomewoodLife.com

ARTS & CULTURE

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Maxwell Ross

Rising Hollywood Film Star TEXT BY ELIZABETH STURGEON PHOTO BY KRISTIE LAROCHELLE/KP STUDIOS

Ten years of acting has made for a robust resume for 17-year-old Maxwell Ross. He’s built up his career from local commercials to the big screen culminating in roles in films in theatres this summer: Tag with Jeremy Renner (now in theatres) and Night School with Kevin Hart (releasing in September). He attended Homewood Middle School before he started home schooling, and he was sure to be in town to go to HHS’s prom this spring with friends. He is planning a move to Los Angeles for school to be close to more acting opportunities—but not before chatting with us at O’Henry’s.

What were some of your first experiences in front of the camera?

I was the little kid with freckles and spiky hair, so I did more modeling at first. Then I got smaller commercials. My favorite commercial I’ve ever done was for this amusement park in Georgia where we just got to be followed around all day and go wherever we wanted. I was 7, so this was the best. I built my way from there. I remember enjoying being on set, so I wasn’t thinking about it as a career but more of a fun hobby.

When I was first getting into it, I liked getting all the attention, but now it’s for the passion.

choices, and I had a fight scene. Usually bully scenes allow for that openness.

What was it like working on Tag with Jeremy Renner?

On the set of Tag, Jeremy was coming back for another shot, and it was convenient for me because I play the younger version of him. I was going to stay however long to meet him. When I met him, he was super cool. Usually you’re intimidated from thinking about it, but when you meet them, they’re super inviting and really warm. Our character Jerry is the one who’s never been tagged ever while playing the game. He’s nimble, athletic and kind of like Sherlock Holmes What roles do you enjoy playing?

I like any role that allows me to be free to in that he understands his surroundings make decisions. I did this summer movie and how to manipulate everybody around camp out in L.A. It was one that was post- him. He’s like the Robert Downey Jr. apocalyptic with no parents and gangs of Sherlock Holmes where he slows down kids running around, and I was one of the time like that. Whenever I met Jeremy, main villains. That was a lot of fun because we went over certain things so that I could I could be crazy and make my own weird make it clear that we are the same

character.

Do you know how much screen time your roles will get in advance?

It’s so delicate whether or not a scene will get cut. You have to be careful on how boastful you are, and you’ve got to be ready to be disappointed. You still get paid, but that’s not the point. When you’re first starting, 10 seconds of screen time doesn’t seem like a lot, but it’s 10 seconds of time in front of casting directors.

What type of movie do you want to be in someday?

Anything with superpowers would be a lot of fun to film. People tell me I look like a vampire, so I feel like that would be fun to do too. I’m transparent pale, so I think it would work. I was such a huge fan of Nightwing, Robin’s alter ego. I remember when I was little thinking he was so cool, so for nostalgia’s sake, that would be an awesome role.

HomewoodLife.com 27

READ THIS BOOK

Children’s Picture Books Recommendations from

Lori Nichols

Children’s Book Author & Illustrator

Lori began illustrating in the second grade, when she won the Humane Society poster contest at her school, and she hasn’t looked back since. She grew up in Pennsylvania marveling at everything from acorns to frogs to big sisters and now makes books about them all. She is the author and illustrator of the award-winning picture book, Maple, and its companion books: Maple & Willow Together, Maple & Willow Apart and Maple and Willow Christmas Tree. Here are her picks for other good reads.

Alma and How She Got Her Name

By Juana Martinez-Neal I grew up in Pennsylvania surrounded by aunts, uncles and grandparents of Italian descent, and I sometimes find myself missing a deep sense of connection to those roots. When I read this book, I was incredibly touched at the homage to family heritage and how meaningful names can be. Martinez-Neal’s soft, monochromatic pencil illustrations are surrounded by loads of white space allowing the reader to restfully explore her rich, emotional drawings.

Hello Lighthouse

By Sophie Blackall I am a huge fan of Sophie Blackall and thought when she won the Caldecott Award for Finding Winnie that there’d never be another book quite as beautiful. I was wrong. Hello Lighthouse is filled with beautiful imagery that will give you a peek into the quiet and oftentimes spectacular world of a lighthouse keeper. Children and adults alike will enjoy Blackall’s beautiful, nautical-world illustrations watching the change of seasons and lives.

Doll-E 1.0

by Shanda McCloskey Charlotte is always tinkering with electronics, coding and clicking with her head in the cloud. With her sidekick dog, Blutooth, there’s nothing she can’t do–which we learn when she fixes all her parent’s technological gadgets.

But then, Charlotte is given a doll and she has no idea what to do with her. Until she discovers the doll can say ‘mama’ and has a battery pack. The upgrades begin!

Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship

By Irene Latham & Charles Waters When Irene and Charles are paired up to do a poetry project at school, they’re not sure they want to be partners.

They reluctantly begin their assignment and what comes from it is a refreshing exploration of everything from hair, church, shoes, food and forgiveness. Exploring diversity using a fresh perspective of a poetry project, we are able to step into the lives of both characters as they navigate their way through their differences.

Islandborn

By Junot Díaz When Lola’s teacher asks the class to draw pictures of the places they emigrated from, Lola is tentative. She has no memory of the island she came from. With the help of her family and neighbors, she discovers her fantastic cultural story and uses her imagination and creativity to let their memories becomes a part of her. This beautifully written and illustrated book touches on heritage, culture and the things that connect us to our past.

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SCHOOL

&SPORTS

VENI, VIDI, VICI

How Homewood High School students came, saw and conquered the creation of colossal Roman structures.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER HomewoodLife.com 29

Each spring high school students from all over Alabama don togas and compete in Olympic-style games and mythology trivia alike. It’s Ancient Rome come back to life, in the form of what is called the Junior Classical League convention.

When it comes time for the 3D model competition, you’ll see small scale models of the Roman coliseum or maybe even a chain mail shirt made of soda can pop tops. Then a life-size chariot is rolled onto the scene, bike wheels and all, and then a 14-foot siege tower. As far as we can tell, Homewood High School students are the only ones in the state building these colossal replicas. “I think people were really impressed because most people build cardboard 30 HomewoodLife.com

models, not 14-foot towers,” senior Homewood Theresa Hardin says.

The tower had been in the works for the past three years, the chariot for two, and a third project, a groma (more on that to come), one year. It’s all the work of the school’s Ancient Technology Team—a sort of Latin-meets-robotics endeavor that involves recreating ancient Roman technologies.

And then there’s a third reason students like to get

Katherine Coulter, Theresa Hardin and Anne Papple built this siege tower over three years.

involved with the team: “Mr. Welle is the coolest person ever to possibly exist,” senior Katherine Coulter says of their Latin teacher and club sponsor Doug Welle.

The groma was crafted by two freshmen interested in both Latin and woodworking—who both bought “Varsity Latin” shirts at the convention this year.

“Latin seemed like the most fun and interesting language,” George Breeden says. “I love building things, and this club was the closest I could get to doing it.”

But what is a groma exactly? We had to ask, too. Answer: a surveying tool with pendulums on all four ends of crossbar that is used to plot right angles for roads and setup army camps. “Everything the Romans did would have been utilized to build aqueducts and roads,” Welle explains. “It’s a simple tool, but it says more about the operator than the object itself.”

The club got its start five years ago with an innovation grant Welle wrote with the school’s physics teacher at the time. Like the students, Welle is a fan of using power tools. In some ways, he says, it was just an excuse to do woodworking and get students involved. He’d built furniture before, but this would be his first foray into Roman structures. “It’s taking some of the historical stuff they had learned to another level, connecting the physical with the abstract stuff they learned,” he says.

And so each spring semester they take over the school’s robotics room and its power tools a few afternoons a week (robotics competitions are in the fall). In physics class you might make something out of PVC pipes, but for these projects students stay “reasonably true” to HomewoodLife.com 31

MEET THE TEAMS Chariot

Siege Tower

Hunter Bryant Shira Hamby Joshua Hynds Franz Mercado

Katherine Coulter Theresa Hardin Anne Papple

Groma George Breeden Michael Moorman

assembling something out of wood, partly because that sets up a unique set of challenges.

For the chariot, that meant using clamps to bend the wood to make a yoke, before adding bike wheels (“It would have been a bit too difficult to craft raw wheels,” Franz Mercado says.) and coating the structure in red, yellow and blue paint. In ancient times, it would have been pulled by a horse, likely with both an archer and warrior in it, but since the school didn’t have a horse on hand, they used human power instead.

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The three seniors, all females, who built the siege tower perfected their use of the dremel (their favorite power tool) and the circular saw along the way. “You could build a roof on a house with the skills they have developed,” Welle says. But instead of a house, they created a tower used as an access point to a wall, drawbridge and all, that Romans used when they were taking over a city.

“I became really impressed that (the Romans) would chop down the trees nearby and build (a siege tower) 30 feet high in a day or two,” senior Anne Papple says, noting their structure was only half that height and took far longer to build. The chariot team was similarly impressed by the Romans’ ability to build hundreds of chariots in a matter of

days. “And (the chariots) were perfect and went into battle with them,” Franz says. “It shows how smart the Romans were.”

Welle, whose interest does in fact dig far deeper than just woodworking, provides context for it all: “The Roman army was an Army Corps of Engineers, and they were really organized and repetitive.

They always built the same thing, and everyone knew their job and they had the tools for it. That’s how they could do it so quickly.”

Next up, this year’s groma team has their eye on crafting a trebuchet, the medieval successor to the

catapult. What would they catapult in it? “The question is who we would catapult in it,” Welle says. Probably tennis balls, maybe some rocks, the students echo.

As to this year’s projects, Welle’s future students will take out the groma to make measurements using geometry, and the siege tower will have a second life as parts of other projects (RIP siege tower). As for the chariot, word is that Welle is talking about pulling the drum major or mascot in it at football games. Time will tell whether he was joking or not.

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SCHOOL & SPORTS

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Josh Hall

National Record Holder for Career Base Steals & 2018 HHS Graduate PHOTO BY SCOTT BUTLER

212 was the golden number for Josh Hall—the national career stolen base record he was striving to break. Not only did he break the record on April 20, he also finished his high school career with 224 career stolen bases.

Here’s what his dad, Lee, the coach for four years of high school, and Josh had to say about it all.

What are some of your earliest baseball memories?

Josh: When my dad was the coach at UAB, I would hang out with those players at practices and games, starting when I was like 2 years old. I started playing baseball when I was 4. I fell in love with it at a young age. It’s like a love more than a game.

Lee: I don’t think he had a choice.

Growing up with me as a coach, he’s been drug to a baseball field since the day he was born. I’m thankful they had the same passion for it that I did. We don’t really hunt or fish in our family, we just play baseball.

Can you talk some about your stealing strategies?

Josh: I have always been fast, and I have developed it over the years by doing strength and agility training. My start at first base or second base is the key to stealing, so that’s something I have focused on. I get my start from Billy 34 HomewoodLife.com

Hamilton of the Cincinnati Reds and Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals, two of the fastest guys in the MLB right now.

It’s picking up your front foot a little bit and setting it down really quick. It helps you be more explosive.

What steals stand out the most from your high school years?

Josh: Stealing home is pretty cool. I have done it five or six times in my high school career, twice this year. When the pitcher sees you running, you don’t really know what’s going on in his head. And then he tries to throw it, but once you are safe, it’s a pretty cool feeling.

Lee: Typically your teammates fly out of the dugout, and it’s just a momentum changer. It’s the rarest steal of all the steals. It gives your team so much energy.

“Don’t get out. Get on base,” especially for the national record. It was in the playoffs, and it was a bigger scale with more people and news coverage. I remember getting on base and looking up and taking this deep sigh of relief, knowing what was about to happen.

Twenty years from now, I’m not going to remember how I got on, I’m just going to remember looking up and seeing the whole team jump out of the dugout and rush onto the field.

You’ll be playing for Ole Miss next year. What are you looking forward to about college ball?

Josh: I’ll be playing in the SEC, and that’s a dream come true for me. They are second in the nation this year and their average attendance is over 8,000 a game. That’s a larger crowd than I have What was going through your head ever played in front of. I watch a lot of when you were breaking those college baseball on ESPN, and it’s cool watching it knowing I’ll be in their place records?

Josh: At the plate, you are thinking, next season.

&DRINK

FOOD

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE SAM’S Locals know they can always feel at home when they eat at Sam’s Deli and Grill.

BY SUZANNE MILLS PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR HomewoodLife.com 35

Sam Daibes, who is originally from Jordan, works in the kitchen of his Edgewood restaurant.

Y

You might be from Homewood if you or your children have ever rolled down the grassy hill inside the Sam’s Deli and Grill courtyard. There’s something about the simple charm of this neighborhood favorite that puts customers at ease.

Owner and operator Sam Daibes wouldn’t want it any other way.

His gigantic smile practically speaks for itself. “I love every family. I like socializing with them,” Sam says. “They know I’m going to treat them right when they come here.” Longtime Homewood folks may know Sam from his days managing the Purple Onion on Green Springs. Others may remember when Sam later managed Moneer’s, which occupied Sam’s current location. When Moneer’s closed, Sam decided to turn the business into his own.

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Nestled in the Oxmoor Road strip of Edgewood, Sam’s Deli serves a delicious mix of American and Greek-style foods. From salads and chicken fingers to gyros and falafel, it’s easy to find a favorite dish at Sam’s. “They have the best hummus and cheeseburgers around,” says 11-year-old Edgewood student Julia Dabney. “It’s our first pick when we want to go out to eat,” adds Julia’s mother, Natalie.

Originally from Jordan, Sam currently lives with his wife, Suzan, and their two children, 12-year-old Scarlett and 11-year-old Matthew. He moved to the United States to study English in college more than 30 years ago. At that time, he didn’t have much experience making food. He jokes that his mother taught him how to cook an egg right before he left.

Despite his novice kitchen skills at the time, Sam’s

“

Sam’s is as much a Homewood institution as the pool, park and Piggly Wiggly.

”

-Minda Campbell, Homewood resident

HomewoodLife.com 37

uncle helped him find a job washing dishes at The Pita Stop just two days after moving here. He’s been working in the restaurant business ever since. And Homewood residents are thankful for that.

“We always have wonderful customer service and my kids love to see Sam,” says Homewood mom Alison Henninger. It’s also the kind of spot where young families like the Henningers are likely to run into friends, a nice bonus for kids looking for some fun.

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Visits from these children stand out as one of the most rewarding parts of Sam’s job. Considering that he’s been serving some Homewood families for decades, he feels a special bond toward them. “I love seeing the kids grow up—especially when they come back to visit,” he says.

While patrons rave about Sam’s food and relaxed atmosphere, Sam has faced some difficult times while running his restaurant. When a fire struck the deli a year and a half ago, Sam was forced to

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ASK SAM Sam gladly shares a few fun facts about Sam’s Deli and Grill.

How long has Sam’s Deli been in Homewood? 16 years

What is the most popular item on the menu? Hamburger

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What is the item kids like best?

How many employees work at Sam’s?

What’s your favorite food on the

What are the usual business hours?

What is your wife’s favorite?

What would you be doing if you

Chicken Fingers

menu? Mushroom Swiss Burger

Beef Kabob and Philly Steak Fun fact about the menu?

I haven’t raised prices in three years.

3 or 4

8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closed on Sundays)

weren’t running Sam’s?

Probably running another restaurant somewhere else!

Thank you for voting us

BEST SWEET TREATS! temporarily close. However, his faithful customers refused to let him stay down for long. Social media exploded with Homewood residents trying to help Sam raise enough money to get his restaurant back in business.

Long-time customer and friend Minda Campbell explains it best. “When the news of the fire at Sam’s traveled around Homewood, our community was collectively shaken,” she says.

“Sam’s is as much a Homewood institution as the pool, park and Piggly Wiggly, and our devotion to Sam, his business and his family was evident and overwhelming. In a matter of days, the fundraising goal was shattered. Still, people just kept giving.

There are countless reasons to love Homewood. For me, the way we always come together to love, support, and take care of one of our own, is by far my favorite.”

Watching the community rally behind him touched Sam deeply. “These people are family, not just friends,” he says of those who helped him. It’s these relationships that keep Sam’s Deli in the heart of Homewood. While Sam laughs about how nice it would be to retire one day, locals don’t need to worry about him leaving anytime soon. “I’d like to just stay right here,” Sam says of his future.

Cookie Fix

2854 18th Street S Homewod, AL www.cookiefix.com 205-582-2623 HomewoodLife.com 41

FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Patrick Greene

Kale Me Crazy Homewood Owner PHOTO BY ATLYS MEDIA

Poke bowls, kale salads, smoothies and lots more superfoods are making their way all into one new-to-Homewood concept, and Patrick Greene was sure to place it less than a mile from a dozen fitness studios, though he says their food is not just for fitness buffs. As of publishing time, the restaurant was set to open in late June next to Ashley Mac’s and Classic Wine in Soho. For now, here’s what Patrick has to say about the concept.

How did you discover Kale Me Crazy?

My twin brother lives in Buckhead (in Atlanta) and goes about five days a week to Kale Me Crazy. He says the atmosphere and the food was the best he’d ever had. I saw they had a whole menu of super foods and organic whole food items on the menu. I made several trips to Atlanta and fell in love with the product and the process. It fits well into my lifestyle since I eat well and am into fitness.

How did the concept get started?

Roi Schlomo is an entrepreneur and the brain child of the product. He had about 30 units of Yogli Mogli (frozen yogurt shops) and sold that off, and saw a need for a concept like Kale Me Crazy in Atlanta with cold press juice and whole food smoothies.

He started with the fitness market, but now it’s developed into healthy-minded market.

Now they have 13 stores in Atlanta. It’s crazy how fast they have grown. There’s a

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store in the Raleigh area and another coming soon to North Carolina.

What should we order?

My favorite smoothie is the Recovery with banana, cherries, cashews, coconut yogurt, almond milk and vegan protein.

The best food item is the Chicken Pesto Wrap with Pear and Apple Salad. The No. 1 seller is the Recovery Smoothie, and the No. 2 is the Tuna Poke Bowl (tuna dressed in house marinade, with avocado, cucumber, carrots, edamame, radish, toasted sesame seeds, spicy vegan mayonnaise, and furikake served on a bed of jasmine rice).

Our ingredients are all organic, and the produce is brought in every morning fresh.

We cold press juice and make our own almond milk every morning from raw, unpasteurized ingredients.

Roi has done a really good job creating a product that is healthy and it tastes really good. I don’t like kale alone, but when you add peanut dressing and carrots and quinoa, it tastes really good. There is not one thing that tastes like a superfood. We are in the South, we are used to barbecue and meat and three. You can feel like (this concept) might not be for you, but my advice is to try it.

Have you always eaten this type of food?

When I got into my early 30s, I started paying attention to eating healthier. It’s been an evolution for me. I do have my cheat meals. And I have learned it costs a lot of money to go to Whole Foods and prepare and cook a healthy meal. With Kale Me Crazy though, I saw an opportunity to help Birmingham with a healthy lifestyle What would you say to someone who restaurant. thinks superfoods sound a bit weird?

&STYLE

HOME

SPANISH SLEEK

Hollywood’s Lady Pamona has taken on new life that harkens back to her original glory.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD HomewoodLife.com 43

A

Ashley Brigham was taken aback when she first saw the house on Pamona Avenue. “Whoa, talk about a fixer upper,” she told her husband, Grant, who had spotted the 1925 Spanish-style Hollywood house on the market. But then she and her friend Wellon Bridgers went inside. “We walked in and caught the vision for the house,” Ashley recalls. “It sounds cheesy, but the house spoke to us. We saw it could be really special.”

To paint a picture of the state of disrepair they had found the house in after years of neglect, Wellon and Ashley had entered through the rotted front doors to find a dead bird and its nest nearby—a fitting find considering their new business name, Ndéké (Congolese for “nest”) Homes. “The idea came to us of taking something that was really forgotten and bringing it back to life as a nest for someone else,” Ashley says. Ashley, who lives nearby in Homewood, brings expertise in real estate to their enterprise, and Wellon that of an artist, with their husbands assisting on business aspects of the endeavor.

But the key to their partnership is their shared love of design—and Africa. The two formed a quick bond at their kids’ soccer practice a couple of years ago after realizing Wellon runs a nonprofit, Mwana Villages, based in the Congo, and Ashley had lived in Uganda. And then when Ashley walked into Wellon’s house for dinner soon thereafter, she immediately thought, “(Wellon) loves design. We are going to be best friends.”

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Ndéké’s mission came to play for the first time in the Pamona house, to honor the home’s historic architecture

by George Turner (who also designed other Spanish style homes in Hollywood) but bring a more modern touch to it, adding freshness and boldness while restoring the integrity of the original design.

Wellon and Ashley took the four-bedroom home down to its studs, did some research on its original plans and step by step brought it back to life over eight months.

Where they could they left original tile, tubs, pedestal sinks and cedar closets, but much had to be replaced due to disrepair.

The addition to the back house was a bit of a different story. “You had this beautiful 1920s architecture in the front, and it was a ’90s party in the back,” Ashley explains, noting that they worked to bring a consistent look and feel to the entire home.

When it came to aesthetic, Ashley and Wellon designed a moody canvas of dark hues mixed with light they think could accommodate any style of furnishings from antiques to minimalist modern. But before selling it, they got to play up their own style by staging it with many pieces from their personal collection—including the nest they’d found, now spray painted and placed under a glass cloche on a bookshelf. Even as they pass off the keys to a new family as they’d envisioned, one piece of Lady Pamona will come with them into future projects: the ndéké.

Lighting A vintage spherical fixture makes a statement above the round table in the dining room. Wellon and Ashley wanted to make sure it coordinated with the custom steel fixture in the entry way and the antique pendants in the kitchen since they all three are visible as you enter the home.

HomewoodLife.com 45

Kitchen The former tiny box kitchen was opened up to this spacious gathering area. The pendant lights, originally from a British ship and purchased at Leaf N Petal, set the tone for its bold and moody design. Light spills in the window over a copper sink with Spanish sensibilities onto the hearty and veiny leathered granite on the island that features a sleek induction range. Elegant large Calcutta marble tiles on the backsplash are positioned against industrial streamlined steel shelves.

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Bar A single clean shelf in this space off the kitchen showcases its window, one of more than 25 in the house.

The space underneath was left open so future homeowners could add a wine fridge if they like or leave it open.

Sunroom After studying the house’s original plans downtown in Linn-Henley Research Library, Ashley and Wellon decided to replace a door in this room with windows to make it a true sunroom once again. The result is light and airy.

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Living Room This space was part of an addition to the house added in the 1980s, also featuring a master bedroom and spacious basement and garage. Wellon and Ashley added built-in bookshelves (staged with the nest - or ndéké - they’d found) on one wall and took down walls to open the space.

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Exterior Each Spanish house in Hollywood has its own unique twist, and Pamona’s is its three front doors, newly replaced with these custom mahogany style and casings, and flanked by original iron rails and new custom lights. Both the terrace tile and floral street number tile are original, but the mauve exterior was painted over with Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore with an Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams trim. The expansive front yard has been regraded, and an Italian cypress now stands on either side of the front as characteristic of Spanish style homes Wellon and Ashley had seen in an old photo.

Entryway The original stone fireplace is a nod to the original plaster style of the house. Around it Wellon and Ashley designed arches as entry points to other areas of the house. A custom piece of art Wellon created for this space hangs above the fireplace.

HomewoodLife.com 49

BEHIND THE SCENES Design & Floorplan: Ndéké Homes

Tile, Framing, Sheetrock,

Painting & Other Contracting: Luis Chavez

Architect: Will Brothers

Engineer: Jonathan Smalley Cabinet Hardware: Ashley Norton

Appliances: Bosch

Select Lighting: Leaf & Petal, Mayer Electric

HVAC: Yates Heating and Air

Electrical: Sammy Rubin, Master Electrician

Plumbing: Stephens Plumbing

Countertops: Marble and Granite Imports

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Master Bathroom Like most of the bathrooms in the house, the master bath boasts a marble floor and shower.

Curated Curiosities AT HOME

Photos & Text By Jessica Clement

A home tells the story of who lives there and what their interests are. Make sure yours features items that pique your curiosity and add substance to the space. A collection of boxes, geodes or sculptures can create interest on a bookcase or coffee table, and a Turkish rug can deliver warmth and boldly welcome guests.

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1. 18-Karat Gold Agate Cheeseboard- Kellum & Company, $398. 2. Peace Sign Brass Sculptural- Kellum & Company, $159. 3. Turkish Yastik Rug- Eighteenth Street Orientals, $285. 4. Molecule Vases- Kellum & Company, $189-$268. 5. Glacier Italian Throw- Three Sheets Linens, $93. 6. Dyed Sea Snakeskin Boxes- Kellum & Company, $229-$319.

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Jessica Clement is an interior designer and stylist who believes that well designed interiors should tell the story about the people who live there.

HomewoodLife.com 51

IN STYLE

SPEND YOUR SUMMER IN STRIPES 1

BY MADISON FREEMAN PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD

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1. WHITE STRAW HAT This fun straw hat is so in right now and adds street style to the look.

Ambiance | $95

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2. PINK HOOP EARRINGS Every girl needs a pair of good to hoops, and this simple pink pair is both affordable and stylish.

SOCA | $14

3. STRIPED MUSTARD JUMPSUIT BY EVERLY This yellow jumpsuit is the perfect flattering piece for summer vacation.

SOCA | $69

4. BETTYE SLIP ON SANDAL

BY REBELS These casual flats add a fun element this complete styled look.

SOCA | $55

5. SUNGLASSES BY QUAY

Madison is a local fashion, home decor, travel and lifestyle blogger opening her door up for you on insidemyopendoor.com.

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Round out this ensemble with fashionable shades.

SOCA | $65

4

1. PINK FRONT TWIST TOP This silky and stylish top would also pair well with white shorts or pants.

Ambiance | $44

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2. CIRCLE STRAW BAG These tropical straw bags are everywhere right now. They are perfect to bring on a vacation and add a fun element to everyday outfits.

Fabrik | $78

3. NAVY CARMEN PANT This denim hue makes a teen’s summer wardrobe versatile and fun.

SOCA | $92

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4. KELSEY CORK WEDGE

BY QUPID

3

These neutral wedges dress this summer outfit up and can be worn with just about anything.

Fabrik | $38

4

SUMMER MUST-HAVES 1. POPPY RAFFIA EARRINGS Fabrik | $28

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2. ROSE LACEY CROSSBODY SOCA | $47

3. PASTEL PINK BEADED BAG BY AMERICA & BEYOND Ambiance | $34 and $39

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54 HomewoodLife.com

The Cocktail Maven

A Homewood resident since the age of 8, this local libation legend serves up must-try drinks mixed with engaging stories.

By Ashley Kappel | Photos by Mary Fehr

HomewoodLife.com 55

Talking to Clair McLafferty is a challenge, and not an unpleasant one. She’s bright, engaging and loaded with witty responses for any conversation. She’s equally well versed in whiskey facts, modernist literature and physics theorems, meaning that she’s basically the ideal balance in left-brain logic and right-brain creativity and has the banter to prove it. You might say she’s the perfect bartender. You might be right.

Clair’s path hasn’t been straight. She moved to Homewood for third grade, then switched to Creative Montessori, then back to Homewood for middle and high school. She attended Wake Forest before transferring to Birmingham-Southern to complete degrees in both physics and English. She lifeguarded at Homewood’s Central pool. She learned how to bartend at Octane in Homewood. She poured at Marble Ring. She’s been a full-time freelancer since 2015. She tutors local kids in math and science. She wrote a book, The Classic & Craft Cocktail Recipe Book: The Definitive Guide to Mixing Perfect Cocktails from Aviation to Zombie, in exactly seven weeks to meet a publisher’s deadline. It’s rumored that she may even sleep, on occasion.

But Clair, who grew up on Hambaugh Avenue, isn’t interested in giving you her life story. She wants to 56 HomewoodLife.com

know yours. “I’m a huge nerd,” she says. “I’m not really capable of pursing anything in half measures,” something made clear in her responses to the quick questions we asked her in the sidebar. When asked about her favorite spirit, she talks about tequila at length, bubbling about agave, repasado and blanco with such passion that it’s easy to forget that you’ve only tried it in a margarita. But what she most wants is for you to feel more comfortable at any bar you choose to step into, even the ones that feel a little fancier than your local favorites.

“At Octane, we learned not to take ourselves too seriously,” Clair says. “We had to find a way to connect with people who come into the bar. Making drinks is fun, but the most important thing is providing guests with a good experience.”

The best way to do that, according to Clair, is to ask

Clair McLafferty mixes up old fashioneds in home kitchens and bars alike.

HomewoodLife.com 57

questions. “If there’s no menu, ask questions,” she said. “If you don’t understand, ask. Go on off peak hours and with an idea of what you want. If you can describe the flavor of a drink you liked somewhere, bartenders can be very helpful.” One example she used was to say, “I really like whiskey sours. Can you make me something like that that isn’t just a whiskey sour?” That, according to Clair, gives the bartender enough direction but also plenty of freedom for their artistry in the cocktail. “It can be scary to ask the first question,” she allows. “But once you do, you can find that they want to share their knowledge, and bartenders have an amazing wealth of knowledge.”

Clair’s cocktail knowledge runs deep and wide. It’s easy to picture her behind the bar, mixing, pouring and chatting as she garnishes. She can provide the history of most any spirit laced with a few “did you know” facts before mentioning how alcohol historically overlapped with apothecary and medicinal uses, all the while drawing out your preferences and aversions.

She works her story into yours in a way that’s compassionate and welcoming, a dynamic combination coming from a bartender. “But it’s not about me,” she says. “Often it’s not really about the cocktails!”

When she’s not pouring or writing, Clair consults with local bars, serves on the WBHM Junior Board

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and acts as the secretary of the local chapter of the US Bartenders’ Guild. “I’m fortunate to have met many people who are generous with their knowledge and time,” she says. “Being a writer has gotten me a lot of

WHERE TO FIND CLAIR? Your local library! Clair is teaching quarterly cocktail classes at the Homewood Public Library. She serves the cocktails before she shows you how to make them so that you can engage in a little “taste memory” of how to make it while it’s being made.

Harry Potter’s Adult Potions Class Friday, July 13 6:30 p.m.

Vodka: A Spirited Seminar Friday, Nov. 9 6:30 p.m.

The events are for ages 21 and up. Tickets, $12.50 each, include two adult beverages and light refreshments, and can be purchased at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

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QUICK QUESTIONS FOR CLAIR Favorite Homewood treat: O’Carr’s chocolate cheesecake

Favorite glass: Whatever makes you

comfortable! Glencarin or neat glasses are my favorite, but at home I’ll drink out of whatever you give me.

Must-have bar tools: Shaker and a jigger or shot glass. If you use a shot glass, fill it to the brim so the measurements are exact.

Underrated cocktail ingredient: Herbs! Try rosemary with gin or

whiskey, or any combination of plain sours, citrus, and booze.

Best drink to order out: Try a new bar’s Old Fashioned, then you can

decide what to order next. An Old Fashioned tells me a lot about a bar’s technique.

Favorite Homewood memory: Riding bikes with neighborhood friends to get milkshakes at the diner where JoJo’s is now.

Favorite cocktail to make for friends: Something easy! Combine lavender, simple syrup, lime juice and rum.

Best ice for cocktails: 1 ¼-inch

cubes—they’re standard, uniform, and I know how they melt. Bigger cubes require more water in the drink. With smaller cubes, don’t add any water because they’ll melt faster.

One thing you should never do:

Make a cocktail if you think you’ll hate it. Food, drinks, and flavors have such a psychological phenomenon that if you think you’ll hate it, you will.

Favorite spirit fact: Agave is not a cactus, it’s in the artichoke family.

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access in the industry, but the writing is very difficult because there’s so much nuance, and also you’re talking about alcohol.”

Recently, several industry veterans have quietly gone sober. “There’s an inclusivity movement to make everyone who’s 21 and up comfortable at bars,” says Clair, who welcomes the shift. “The nonalcoholic drinks on the menu taste just as good.” Bartenders are no longer just about pouring drinks into glasses, “It’s about the hospitality,” Clair notes.

“And it’s leading to more talk about health and wellness in the industry.”

What’s next in the craft cocktail world?

Clair would, of course, know. “I think cocktails will follow some of the culinary trends and revert to simpler drinks.

Getting the classics right. Returning to basics. Remaking dive bar drinks like the grasshopper with craft ingredients and techniques.” As for Clair, she’s working on a second book, continues to freelance for various publications, tutors kids in math and science while sipping Briar Patch tea at O’Henry’s, and consults for various local bars on technique and the customer experience. Perhaps also, a nap.

HomewoodLife.com 61

Life Blood

Umbilical cord blood can help treat blood cancers and save lives. Here’s how a few local women are working to make sure it’s doing so.

By Amy Ferguson | Photos by Lindsey Culver

62 HomewoodLife.com

When you’re a pediatric nurse, it’s hard to not bring work home or let it affect your day-to-day life.

Especially when cancer is involved. For nine years, Catherine White cared for thousands of kids fighting a variety of blood cancers at Children’s of Alabama who were waiting to be matched with a bone marrow donor for a life-saving transplant. But surprisingly (at least to those of us who aren’t clinical), the bone marrow isn’t really what patients need. It’s what’s inside the bone marrow that matters: stem cells. Stem cells reside in adult bone marrow and fat, as well as other components of the body including the umbilical cord. That’s why, when Catherine became pregnant in 2010 with her first child, she began researching local options for cord blood donation.

“I knew how precious cord blood could be to another person in need, and I couldn’t imagine just letting it go

to waste,” Catherine says. “Knowing that a child needs a transplant and that no match can be found for them is absolutely heartbreaking.”

To Catherine’s dismay, her investigation into cord blood donation options revealed that the closest bank was in Florida. To make things even more inconvenient, a successful donation from Catherine meant “mountains of paperwork” and required “special packaging within a cord blood retrieval kit.”

But to Catherine, going through those steps were just as important as giving birth to a healthy baby.

When a mother chooses to donate her umbilical cord blood after delivery, she is potentially saving the life of someone with a life-threatening disease.

Because of its rich stem cell supply, cord blood has the HomewoodLife.com 63

Catherine White helped bring blood cord donation to Brookwood Medical Center when she was pregnant with her daughter Anna Lynn, pictured here with Brookwood's Dr. Ashley Tamucci.

ability to treat blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Families can pay to have their cord blood privately banked, ensuring their child has more medical options later in life if needed. But as of the time of this article’s publication, only one hospital in the Birmingham area offers free cord blood donation, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Homewood.

Actually, it was Catherine’s determination and passion that inspired her OBGYN, Brookwood’s Dr. Ashley Tamucci, to bring cord blood donation to the hospital. After four years of running into dead ends, Dr. Tamucci finally discovered that LIFESouth, the company that manages Brookwood’s blood transfusions, offered cord blood donation services through the arm of their company called LifeCord. And since LIFESouth is located on Brookwood’s campus, this was the perfect solution for retrievals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But as Dr. Tamucci was finalizing agreements with LifeCord, tragedy struck. Her life-long best friend, Chappell White Anderson, received a heartbreaking diagnosis: lymphoma—one of the cancers that benefits 64 HomewoodLife.com

from cord blood donations. This only fueled Dr. Tamucci’s fire to launch the program as soon as physically possible. Three months after Chappell’s diagnosis, in the fall of 2014, Brookwood began officially accepting donations. Chappell shared the excitement of the launch, but as she was waiting to be matched with a donor, she lost her battle a short month later at only 46 years old.

“Ironically, I had no personal interest in this at first,” Dr. Tamucci admits. “But now, in honor of Chap, I want to do everything I can to educate women, because I don’t think enough are aware of what exactly cord blood donation is and why it’s so important. This is truly a priceless resource that can help people fighting awful blood cancers.”

People like Homewood resident Howard King, for example, who in 1998 at age 44, learned his flu-like symptoms were actually manifesting into something much worse: acute myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer that can progress quickly if not attended to immediately. His doctors promptly started him on chemotherapy, but his body did not respond to the

HomewoodLife.com 65

5 THINGS YOU (MAYBE) DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CORD BLOOD 1. More than 80 diseases can be treated with cord blood, including cancer, blood disorders, immune system disorders and genetic diseases.

2. Patients are more likely to find a cord blood match than a bone marrow match.

3. Less than 1 percent of cord blood in the United States is collected for transplants.

It’s simply discarded.

4. African-American or black patients only have 76 percent chance of finding a match on the registry. More minority cord blood donors will help increases these odds.

5. 55 percent of women would have donated their cord blood if they knew it was an option.

Source: LifeCord | Cord Blood 66 HomewoodLife.com

treatment. Only a bone marrow transplant would keep him alive.

Because only 30 percent of patients suffering from blood diseases find a donor from their immediate family (according to the US Department of Health and Human Sciences), it was nothing short of a miracle when not one but two of Howard’s four siblings were perfect matches and able to donate.

Because Nancy (King) Ferren was the younger of the two siblings who matched, doctors took some of her marrow and gave to her brother. The whole process from diagnosis to transplant took about five months and after one year, Howard was completely cured.

Nancy, who has a nursing background, admits she hasn’t researched cord blood donation enough to officially advocate for it.

“I’ll be completely honest. I haven’t

read a lot about [cord blood donation],” Nancy confesses. “But, I will acknowledge that the advances we’ve made in medicine now are crazy. We’ve gone from complete bone marrow transplants to stem cell transplants to cord blood donation. It’s wild!”

To this day, Nancy remains on the bone marrow registry and says she would donate 100 times if she could. Her only regret is that she cannot help everyone.

Still, as a Caucasian woman, her bone marrow would never match with the two groups who are least likely to find a suitable match: African Americans and Latinos.

According to BeTheMatch.com, only 11 percent of its 16 million donors on the bone marrow registry identify as Latino; only 5 percent identify as black or African American. For this and numerous other reasons, Nancy says, “There’s no reason

why everyone shouldn’t at least look into [joining the bone marrow registry].”

Sarah Aultman, an OBGYN at Brookwood who lives in the heart of Homewood, has similar thoughts about cord blood donation: “My question is, ‘Why wouldn’t you do it?’”

To Dr. Aultman, educating the community about this natural, priceless resource is crucial. Of course, she encourages all her patients to donate, but her passion has also driven her to reach out to her peers in all local hospitals, including the competitors, to hopefully bring about a cord blood donation program at each of these facilities.

“I think the general population doesn’t know that cord blood donation is effortless, free, can treat cancer and can be used in place of bone marrow transplants,” Dr. Aultman states plainly. “I’m confident that more families would be excited to donate if they knew it was a possibility and that it doesn’t affect the birth experience in any way. It’s a non-painful way to help ensure that people in need of life-saving transplants can find a match.”

It’s been eight years since Dr. Tamucci and Catherine set out on their accidental journey together at Brookwood, but Catherine still remembers it like it was yesterday.

“I will never forget when my husband handed the box [with the donation] to the courier and said, ‘Be very careful with this; it’s going to save someone’s life.’ All this time I thought it only mattered to me, and I couldn’t have been more proud,” Catherine recalls. “I am so incredibly thankful that Dr. Tamucci saw my passion, and worked so hard to make it easy for countless families in the future to choose to donate precious, life-saving cord blood.”

July is National Cord Blood Awareness Month. To learn more about cord blood donation, visit lifecord.org.

Editor’s Note: Writer Amy Ferguson is a marketing manager at Brookwood Baptist Health. Upon learning about cord blood donation, she was inspired to use her voice to bring awareness to its life-saving abilities.

Dr. Ashley Tamucci, right, with her friend Chappell White Anderson

HomewoodLife.com 67

Unplug+Connect Bill Andrews is getting families outside and into the wilderness and beyond—and helping them connect and build confidence along the way.

By Melanie Peeples | Photos by Rebecca Wise & Contributed

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On a hot summer day last year I yearned for water.

Not to drink, and not the chlorinated kind you float in at a backyard or community pool. No, I wanted nature.

For me and my 9-year-old son. The idea of slipping kayaks through shoals began to overtake me. I could see us, floating past trees, watching green leaves wave in the wind, languid birds flapping in a blue, blue sky.

I could feel the water on my skin, see it beading up and rolling off my arms. The problem was, I don’t own a kayak or life jacket, or know the first thing about it,

other than you need someone downstream to give you a ride back up to your car. Truth is, I’ve always wanted to spend more time outdoors, but since I did not grow up in (or marry into) an outdoorsy family, I figured my fate was sealed. And I hated that meant my son’s fate was sealed, too.

That’s a common thread among people who pick up the phone and call Bill Andrews at Treeline Expeditions. For six years now, Bill has been helping HomewoodLife.com 69

TREELINE EXPEDITIONS TRIPS Kayaking on the Coosa Day Trip

Full Moon Paddling Trips on the Cahaba Full Moon Hiking Trips Expeditions (4+ days)

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Sea Kayaking in the Bahamas

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Adventures: Hiking, geocaching,

Afterschool Activities

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Paddling: An afternoon on the

Cahaba paddling and swimming in this jewel of Alabama

Mountain Biking: Pedal the trails

Suzanne and Bill Andrews in their Homewood office for Treeline Expeditions.

at Oak Mountain State Park and Red Mountain Park

Tinkering: Hands-on STEM

science and engineering activities including coding, robotics, and other problem-solving scenarios Teambuilding Excursions

An introduction to leadership & problem-solving for businesses, parents, teachers, coaches, counselors, or anyone else who wants to enhance connections with others while teambuilding out in nature To learn more, visit treelineexpeditions.com.

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other people who want to get outside but don’t know how, or don’t want to deal with the expense and inconvenience of all the gear that goes with an outdoor lifestyle.

He does all the planning, takes you out on the water (or the woods) and best of all, brings you back safely.

You might think Bill grew up an Eagle Scout, but you’d be wrong. Oh, he loved the outdoors growing up, but says he just never felt like he gelled with the Boy Scout pack he was a part of. He felt the same way at school.

“I was always the quietest kid in school,” he says, sitting in the small warehouse in Homewood that serves as his office, a classroom, and storeroom for all the

kayaks, mountain bikes and backpacks you need to venture outdoors. “I was voted least likely to raise my hand in high school.”

But when he tried an out-of-state, month-long expedition program as a teen, he found a confidence he didn’t feel anywhere else. “I found I had leadership qualities. It really brought me out of the shell I was in,” he says. He discovered that other boys actually listened to him, and the idea was planted, even then, that’s what he wanted to do for other kids.

After graduating from Samford University, he started teaching fifth grade at Mountain Brook Elementary, and he’s been there for 20 years, helping the quiet

“

When you can take all that other stuff away and it’s just time to play Yahtzee by the fire or it’s time to just chill in the hammock and just enjoy each other’s company and talk and learn—that’s so needed today.

-Bill Andrews

”

HomewoodLife.com 71

Treeline Expeditions leads kayaking trips in the Bahamas on the Coosa River here in Alabama.

kids—the daydreamers, like he was—find a way out of their shells. Bill says he knew early on that he wanted to create an outdoors program for the kids he saw in school, kids so in need of what nature can give them, but then he fell in love with fellow fifth grade teacher Suzanne. He wanted to marry her and adopt her two children, and that meant putting his dream company on the back burner. Which he happily did.

Somewhere around six years ago, when their kids were in high school, the itch came back. “Suzanne saw me googling, and said, ‘Let’s give it a go.’” So, they made the leap. The couple, now Homewood residents, 72 HomewoodLife.com

started by leading a week-long guided trip with high school-age kids to the Pecos Wilderness near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“All the right pieces fell into place,” Bill says. The people on the trip didn’t know each other, and Bill enjoyed watching them learn to work together and respect each other’s strengths. They hiked and camped and ate together, and he had a lightbulb moment: “I thought, ‘Okay, this is going to work.’”

Treeline Expeditions has been putting together week-long trips ever since, including an annual spring break trip to the Bahamas (Suzanne’s favorite), where

they kayak by day and spend nights on uninhabited islands. “We snorkel, spear fish and chill on the beach, Bahamas style,” Bill says.

They even plan custom-made outings for companies who want a bonding experience in nature. They just tell him whether they want a day trip or overnight excursion, and Bill puts it all together. He’s also a Wilderness First Responder, which means he’s had significant training in first aid for guides.

During the school year, since he still teaches school, Bill holds afterschool programs, taking kids hiking, mountain biking and kayaking—as long as it’s warm enough. He picks up kids from central pickup points in Homewood and nearby areas, gets them out in nature and returns them to his Treeline Expeditions office. If

Join friends and neighbors at the Homewood Library Foundation’s 5th annual

O

B L O CK PA R T Y

Saturday August 11th 5 – 8 pm 1721 Oxmoor Road - rain or shine Admission includes food, cold beverages, music, fun for all ages

Tickets at the door and at HomewoodLibraryFoundation.org Buy tickets online for automatic entry in prize drawings (and check out our sponsors while you’re there)

HomewoodLife.com 73

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the weather is bad, they work on S.T.E.A.M (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) projects in the Treeline Expedition classroom.

At first, he considered their company motto “Outdoors, Active, and Unplugged,” but more and more he wants to serve families who find it hard to break away from their phones and social media, and sees his mission as getting people to “Unplug and Connect” to each other.

“When you can take all that other stuff away and it’s just time to play Yahtzee by the fire or it’s time to just chill in the hammock and just enjoy each other’s company and talk and learn—that’s so needed today,” he says.

Watching kids build confidence, and families put down their cell phones and spend time totally focused on each other is his favorite part. “That’s why we do what we do,” he says.

74 HomewoodLife.com

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

Save The Date Happenings Wednesday, July 4 July 4th Festival 2018 Downtown Homewood 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Saturday, July 28 2018 Sidewalk Sale Downtown Homewood

Tuesday, August 21 August Membership Luncheon at Samford University

Saturday, August 25 Back to School Bash Homewood Patriot Park 4:30pm – 8:30pm

Thursday, October 11

Join us for the 2018 Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 28!

The seventh annual D o w n t o w n Homewood Sidewalk Sale will be held all day on Saturday, July 28th (the start time is dependent upon individual store hours).

Last year a large number of merchants and restaurants participated in the sale, and several more are looking

forward to being a part of the fun this year. Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early as select merchandise will be marked down up to 75%!

For more information about the Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale, please visit www. homewoodchamber.org.

Homewood Chamber Golf Classic RTJ- Oxmoor Valley

7 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD 76 HomewoodLife.com

HOMEWOOD, ALABAMA 35209

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Steel City Homes

3595 Grandview Pkwy., #250 Birmingham, Alabama 35243 256-466-1333 www.steelcityhomes.com

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Thursday, April 26 1045 Broadway St., Suite 101

Friday, May 11 2815B 18th St S

2815B 18th Street South Homewood, Alabama 35209 205-703-8821 www.wildthingsbhm.com

Kyocera Document Solutions 2192 Parkway Lake Drive Hoover, Alabama 35244 205-879-3309 www.kyoceraofalabama.com

Net-Fit Solutions

Walmart

Friday, May 25 209 Lakeshore Pkwy

5308 S. Broken Bow Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 205-423-5962 www.net-fitsolutions.com

Champion Windows & Sunrooms 309 Cahaba Valley Pkwy N, Suite H Pelham, Alabama 35124 205-245-3123 www.championwindow.com

205 - 871 - 5631

WWW.HOMEWOODCHAMBER.ORG HomewoodLife.com 77

OUT & ABOUT

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HOMEWOOD GROWN

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PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER

Homewood City Schools Foundation celebrated the school system under the stars at Soho at this annual event.

1. Billy and Danielle Wade 2. Tracy and Dean Thorton 3. Joe and Melanie Falconer 4. Christi Martin, Amy Jackson, Casey Thrash and Elizabeth Studinka 5. Larry and Lynette Mantooth 6. Kathy Pop and Courtney McCrory 7. Jody and Stephanie Brandt 8. Tom Jeffries, Carlton Kemper and Bart Marcum 9. Marty and Kathy Byrum, and Colt and Ashley Byrum 10. Suzanne and Kirk Mills

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OUT & ABOUT

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RELAY FOR LIFE

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Homewood Relay for Life raised funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society on April 27 at Homewood Central Park.

1. Suzanne Page, Leigh Moore, Tricia Barrenhic and Terri Morgan 2. Demi Shamsi-Basha and Skyler Owen 3. Merle Torliere and Emma 4. Celia Gannaway, Allison Carrier and Katherine Mixson

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5. Maddie Etheridge, Ashley Rainold, Winnie Niaaga, Zach McCain, Jeff Clements, Taylor Fortaine and Sydney Sample 6. Luke and Caleb Burgess 7. Eliott White, Diego Carvallo and Matthew Lynch 8. Ketzoti Belencourt, Noah Gantry, Emma Grace Clark, Meg Herndon, Maggie Sexton, Rachel Mau, Mowen Terri, Liles Morton, Theresa Hardy, Jared Prather and Joseph Falconer 9. Allison, Leena and Loralie Schaffer 10. Marissa, Kate and Ivey Crobin 11. Dylan Wells, Marci Smith, Noel, Linda, Erica and Jon Jarvis 12. Aspen Odom, Millie Durden, Jenny Chin-Lai, Emma Paine, Sierra Sosa, Allie Taylor, Ben Shirley, Hale Williamson, Jonathan Lehman. Cooper Reynolds, Josh McDonough, Andrew Calton 80 HomewoodLife.com

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We’re here for you

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Caring Our unique ~CareSteps~ care management system and highly experienced team

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Comfort Intimate, one-level setting inspired by the best southern lifestyle designers Family Family Owned with 30 years of dedication to families just like yours

FREE ~CareSteps~ Plan - Just for You

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Cottages The

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OUT & ABOUT

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WE LOVE HOMEWOOD DAY

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Everyone’s favorite day started with festivities in Homewood Central Park and wrapped up with a parade and street dance in Edgewood on May 5.

1. Bankston Roberts and Kristen McGee of Realty South 2. Rhett and Sharon Cooper, and Rachel, John Michael, James, and Callie Culver

5

3. Christina Almanza 4. Ben, Catherine, Avery and Benton Davidson 5. Wendy and Merrill Story 6. Sue Ellen Binkley and Michael Whitten of Vulcan Apparel 7. Sean, Emily, Olivia and Gavin Vanlandingham 8. Carrie and Lila Gargis 9. Kate Ray, Jason Lee and Aaron Cuzzort 10. Joseph, Wendy, TJ and Charlie Madden, and Jude Bingham 11. Sabrina and Rory Jones

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OUT & ABOUT

1

BOY SCOUT PANCAKE BREAKFAST

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Boy Scout Troop 97 held their annual Pancake Breakfast, Garage Sale and Silent Auction at Trinity United Methodist Church on May 12.

1. James Spencer, Jack Brant and George Cothren 2. Zoe Duncan and Ted Hamner 3. Rebecca and Molly Brown

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4. Eli Standard and Daniel Boackle 5. Harrison, Amelia, Pam and Bill Smith 6. Arline and Mirabel Savage 7. Caroline, David, Charlie, Meghan and Ellis Cain 8. Lucy, Maggie and Emma Sheffer 9. Sarah Wessel, Katherine Thompson and Anne Corttern 10. Donna Burgess 11. Katie Kirk, Moonyen Prather and Michelle Jones 12. Mo Alkahlout, and Stephen and Lilly Devries

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OUT & ABOUT

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HOMEWOOD LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICK-OFF

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Gutsy the Flying Fox showed off his acrobatic tricks to kick off summer reading on May 31.

1. Liam, Audrey and Isaiah Johnson 2. Michael and Tate Armstrong 3. Kate, Webb and Oliver Thompson 4. Elinor, Louis and Francis Green 5. Molly and Anna Wells Wallace 6. Nolan, Ryan and Caroline Isley, and Isaiah Johnson with Gutsy

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OUT & ABOUT

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HOMEWOOD CHAMBER EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION LUNCHEON PHOTOS BY MADOLINE MARKHAM

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce awarded its annual Excellence in Education awards to one student from each Homewood School in April. Not pictured is Hall-Kent recipient Kaylee Sills.

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1. Tiye (Homewood Middle School winner) and Tashaia Jamison 2. Annie An (Homewood High School winner), Fengqing Yue An and Anna An 3. Brad, Sadie (Edgewood Elementary winner) and Kathleen Busbee 4. Annie McBride (Shades Cahaba Elementary winner) with her parents

HomewoodLife.com 87

MARKETPLACE

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INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives.

Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets.

PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVERCLASS A Average $0.53 per mile deliver palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius. Work available 7 days/week. Can lead to full-time employment. Clean MVR and 2 years minimum tractor-trailer experience required. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 8084833 Pre-employment drug test required.

BEST CARS, INC in Clanton, AL. Double your Tax Refund • Up to $1,000 on purchase of select vehicles. Offer good through February 28, 2018. 1674 7th Street South, Clanton AL 35045 205-7553737 **Bring in this ad tgo qualify for Tax Refund offer!**

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. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)2800002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

B & J Metal Fabricators Offering more than roofing!

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CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Bent Creek Apartments.

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Class-A CDL Truck Driver needed. Great pay with health benefits, holiday and vacation pay. Home every night. Contact Cahaba Veneer office at 205-9269797.

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELLESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria. lupien@bhtonline.com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13/hour. Must be able to pass background screen.

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Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments. Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm. 535-A Hicks St. Montevallo • 205-665-2257 • TDD #’s: (V)1-800-5482547 • (T/A)1-800-548-2546.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Overthe-road positions available.

Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-the-road.

Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 Chase Learning Center & Day Care is Pelham is Now Hiring • PT Nursery • PT After-school. $8/hr. 5 days/ week. Great for college students! 205-620-1616

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Seeking two qualified individuals to fill two part time driver vacancies for Chilton County Transit. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license, a high school diploma, extensive knowledge of Chilton County Roads, clean driving record, and good math skills. No phone calls, please. Applications are available at the Transit office at 508 Enterprise Road, Clanton between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Applicants should send application or resume to: Employment Opportunity P. O. Box 1245 Clanton, AL 35046 Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •RN Med/Surg, 7am-7pm •RN Labor & Delivery, 11pm-7am 7-on/7-off •LPN CVMC Nursing Home, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am •RN ICU, 7am-7pm Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www. cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic. com or call 866-273-3984

DCH Health System Caring.

For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem. com. Apply online at: www. dchsystem.com Homewood Area Package Store. Day Shift (10am-6pm) Clerk/Stocker. Must be 21, have retail experience, be able to multi-task, able to work any shift. Good pay.

Call (205)585-8900

Edgar’s Bakery Interviewing candidates for cake decorators, front counter associates, bakery production workers, packagers, and drivers. Apply online: edgarsbakery.com or at your nearest Edgar’s location.

Job Posting: Human Resource Manager FullTime File Clerk/Data Entry Clerk Part-Time Please email resume: Oacinc5@ yahoo.com Or mail to: Post Office Drawer 559 Clanton, Alabama 35045 Certified Welders & Tank Fitters needed for field erected tanks. Work done in Southeast. Good pay and benefits. Call 800-728-8265 ext 224 Email resume to c.bradley@esptank.com Welder Training. Short Term Licensing . Call for Details .

866-432-0430 ESDschool. com $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

MECHANICS NEEDED! Evergreen Transport, LLC has two immediate openings for Class B Mechanics at its terminals in Calera, Al and Leeds, AL. Calera position is for night shift (Call Jason at 205-668-3316). The Leeds position will be the day shift (Call Chuck at 1-800-5255144). Job duties include repairing, maintaining and overhauling of heavy duty fleet truck/trailers and other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Taking applications for Part Time Assistant Cook Thursday/Friday/Saturday for growing business in Clanton Call Teresa: 334-235-0228 or call the restaurant between 4-10pm: 205-280-4949 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year.

100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends.

Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements.

Contact recruiting at 1-800634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments.

Columbiana, AL. Now

MARKETPLACE Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms.

Great Amenities Provided.

Call 256-560-0821. 99 Eagle Lane. info@hollyhand.com.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced sandblasters and industrial painters. Must be able to pass a drug test & E-verify check. Professional references required. Must be willing to travel. Please send resume to icgsecretary@ hotmail.com or call (205) 612-2064.

CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service. Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-2297144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-8707154 -Equal Opportunity Employer-” Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Service Technician. Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air. 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL. Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career?

Are you ready to control your own level of success?

See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop.

Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430

Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com

Odyssey Early Schools.

Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time.

BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers.

Pay Rate $9-$11. 20-25 Employees. Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50. Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting. talentreef.com/mommagoldbergs-deli (205)503-6190

Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.

Oxfordhealthcare.com

Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts.

Email resume to dcurtis@ grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-4384959 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www. naonsite.com

Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www. perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251470-0355 Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage. Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/vaulted Ceiling.

Calera Schools. Rent $1150.

FLAT SCREEN TV!! (205)4339811 The Salvation Army, Alabaster, is hiring (Seasonal) Angel Tree Coordinator • Kettle Coordinator • Required Skills: Driver, databases, computer, physical abilities.

Email resumes to: Rufus.

McDowell@uss.salvationarmy. org 205-663-7105 Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced. Free Book & Bible Study. PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205339-4837 Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k.

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@ southeasternfood.com

Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)2436337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822

WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record.

We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V

Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectrical.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-4539327.

WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com

TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com

NOW HIRING: •Master Plumber •Experienced Plumber’s Helper •Experienced Plumber Call 205-755-8555

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)3662269 or email: s.smith@ taylormadeinc.com Learn a Skill & Begin your Career! Earn $50,000 & More First Year. Hiring Hard Working Insulation & Afterpaint Installers!

•Immediate Openings •We Train you to Succeed.

Requirements: •Valid DL •Drug Test •MVR •Background Check. www. truteam.com/careers or 205.428.9381 The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/ mechanical skills, to operate forklift/farm tractors/ equipment/welding/ ground maintenance/ service equipment/check fluid levels/clean after use.

Maintain safe/clean area.

Requires valid-DL/reliable transportation. 334-365-2488 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable. Excellent benefits. Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street. Pelham, AL 35124.(205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane. Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753. 8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Opies Transport, Inc. NOW HIRING Class A Truck Drivers.

Needing to find a home? We are it. Apply today! 800-3419963 or opiestransport.com

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MY HOMEWOOD DAVE GRAY

Daxko CEO + Father of Three + Husband to Susan

Good Pizza, Good Times

Dave’s Pizza Great pizza, sports on TV, and the combination of casual outdoor dining and live music is perfect when you have young kids. Plus, over the past 15 years, this has been the location for our twice-a-year post-service day (Daxko Impact Day) parties.

Beneath the Star

Homewood Christmas Parade Christmas is my favorite holiday, and the parade is a great example of Homewood’s Americana (very Norman Rockwell-ish). Plus, my daughter is a Homewood Star Spangled Girl and her twin brother plays the tuba in the band, so I get to see them march in it.

Not-So-Secret Passageway

The Shades Cahaba Tunnel For 10 straight years, I walked through that tunnel from The Pig to take my kids to school each morning with a perfect 100 percent record of no tardies. Pictured is my very last day of my 10-year streak with Sammy, my youngest.

Put Me In Coach

Shades Valley YMCA I coached youth basketball there for years, I’m on the board of the YMCA, and now that my kids are older, they work out there as well. I have even dressed up as a 1980s Y member for Halloween.

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California Meets Homewood

Bar Taco One of Birmingham’s coolest eating venues. It feels like you are at a Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica. Plus, did I mention the “secret” fried avocado tacos?

Photo by Manny Vargas

HomewoodLife.com 91

THE DATEJUST 41 The essential classic, with a movement and design that keep it at the forefront of watchmaking.

It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

oyster perpetual DATEJUST 41

92 HomewoodLife.com

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oyster perpetual and datejust are ÂŽ trademarks.