The Homewood Star Volume 5 | Issue 6 | September 2015
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Park jam
Pickin’ in the Park Acoustic Music Festival is returning to Homewood Central Park this month. Find all the details inside this issue.
Community page B2
See ya, summer
Gone to the dogs Homewood discussing new dog regulations By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Summer might be over, but the memories live on. See the winners from our annual Summer Fun Photo Contest inside.
Photo Contest page B10
INSIDE Sponsors ...................A4 City .............................A6 Business ....................A12 Community ................B2 School House ...........B13 Sports .......................B16 Opinion .................... B20 Calendar ................... B21
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People are always walking up and down Ann Haden’s West Homewood street. In the last month, however, she noticed that several of them have been carrying golf clubs and baseball bats. It didn’t make sense until Haden heard that her friend, Homewood animal control officer Robbie Bagby Hurst, had responded to several recent dog attacks, one of them nearby. She realized her neighbors who walked by were scared of loose dogs.
Joshua Gough plays with his dogs at Patriot Park. Gough created a Facebook page to advocate against breed-specific legislation after the issue came before the city recently. Photo by Keith McCoy.
“That really kind of horrified me,” said Haden, who had never previously felt unsafe in her neighborhood. “You don’t normally see people walking through West Homewood with weapons. You just don’t see it.” The city of Homewood has begun considering ways to strengthen its current ordinances in response to eight attacks that have happened since October 2014. These incidents included five attacks on humans and three on pets. In one case on July 6, a pair of loose pit bulls attacked multiple people, including the responding police officer, and one of the dogs was shot
and later euthanized. The public safety committee, which has been considering new ordinances, and many residents agree that change needs to be made to protect the public and punish irresponsible dog owners. No one can agree, however, on the best route to achieve that. Pit bull problems Early committee discussion in July included
See DOGS | page A22
Katrina’s
wake
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Hurricane Katrina was a life-altering force. Its waters rose up tens of feet in New Orleans. Its surge breached levees, wrecked buildings and ended lives. It stranded residents all over the country, some of them nearly 400 miles away in a city known as Homewood. Ten years have passed since Aug. 29, 2005, but for people in the wake of the storm, the weeks and months and years of transition that followed are still vivid. Here, we share the stories of some of those who came to Homewood. On the front lines Beverly Vappie, 11, and her mom, Jean, came up to Birmingham on Aug. 28, 2005, to be near an aunt who lived in Birmingham. However, her dad,
See KATRINA | page A21
Russell and Jean Vappie reminisce with HHS Band Director Ron Pence on a recent trip back to Homewood. The Vappies lived in Homewood following Katrina and were band booster presidents in 2011. Photo by Keith McCoy.
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A2 • September 2015
The Homewood Star
A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER
TREE CREWS WORKING IN HOMEWOOD THROUGH EARLY 2016 Alabama Power crews are working in several Homewood neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system. As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door to door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed. If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Homewood and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2016. Also, you can go online to alpwr.co/vm for more information about these safety and reliability measures, as well as resources for property owners who would like recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.
Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your business. Vegetation Management Group 205-257-2155 | apcvm@southernco.com
Š 2015 Alabama Power Company.
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8/19/15 1:49 PM
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September 2015 • A3
faster
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The Homewood Star
A4 • September 2015
About Us Photo of the Month
Please Support our Community Partners
Colby Watkins pulls his daughter Kennedy Rose Watkins in an “Alabama rickshaw” at Patriot Park. Photo by Keith McCoy.
Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham Sometimes our best work in the paper — and life’s most significant experiences — can’t be planned. I first interviewed Russell Vappie about his experience in Hurricane Katrina on the phone (see cover bottom story). He and his wife, Jean, now live in New Orleans, though, so I figured there was no way we could take a photo of them in Homewood. Then, the day before our pages went to press, Russell called me. As it turns out, he and Jean were finishing breakfast at Demetri’s Barbecue, stopping into town on their way back to Louisiana. They had dropped their daughter, Beverly, off for her fall semester at Spelman College in Atlanta. Quickly, the plan unraveled. Could I take their picture? Sure. Where in Homewood was most
significant to their time here? The schools. Twenty minutes later, we were at Homewood High School. What were they involved with there? Beverly was a Star Spangled Girl. They were Band Booster presidents. A few minutes later, we were catching Band Director Ron Pence in the final minutes of his
free period. There time slowed down. As our creative director Keith McCoy snapped photos, Ron told the Vappies about this year’s Spanish-themed field show, and both swapped remembrances of Friday nights past and the significance of their relationship. Often we have to ask people to smile in photos, but this time they just came naturally — the best way. The next period of band started later
than normal. Even after the photos had stopped, the reunion continued. This had been the place where the Vappies’ daughter had been crowned homecoming queen, the place where they had led the band parents in cheers at boosters meetings and the place where fellow Star Spangled Girl parents insisted on feeding them dinner weekly while Jean underwent chemo after her second breast cancer diagnosis. “This is what we do here in Homewood,” Jean recalled the parents telling her after she at first tried to humbly decline the dinner offers. An hour after Russell called me, the Vappies headed back to New Orleans and I back to my computer for final edits. But we both left with a renewed sense of the richness in relationships that is unavoidable in Homewood.
The Homewood Star Publisher: Creative Director: Managing Editor: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers: Community Reporter: Copy Editor: Graphic Designer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution:
Contributing Writer: Interns: Published by:
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham Sydney Cromwell David Knox Katie Turpen Madison Miller Erica Techo Roy L. Williams Louisa Jeffries Emily VanderMey Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Lauren Denton Jordan Hays Chris Griesedieck Olivia Burton The Homewood Star LLC
Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: madoline@starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
For advertising contact: Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com
Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of ed-
itorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Homewood Star is designed to inform the Homewood community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/ photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
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30 A Realty (B15) Addiction Recovery Program at UAB (B17) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A21) Alabama Outdoors (B2) Alabama Partners for Clean Air (A6) Alabama Power (A2) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (B16) ARC Realty (B4) Bedzzz Express (B1, B24) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (A10) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (B20) Birmingham Tennis Academy (A14) Brandino Brass (B23) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A10) California Closets (B7) Chickadee (B10) Children’s of Alabama (B6) Classic Gardens (A6) Construx (B7) Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare (A19) Creative Montessori School (A20) Dish’n It Out (B11) Do Di Yo’s (B20) ERA King Real Estate Homewood (A15) EW Fit (B6) FBC Mortgage/Nicole Brannon ARC Realty (A23) First Lenders Mortgage Corp. (B8) Gina G Falletta, State Farm (A22) Granger Thagard Associates (B14) Homewood Arts Council (B9) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (A5) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (B1) Homewood Parks and Rec (B18) Homewood Toy & Hobby (A12, B19) Indian Springs School (A17) InSight Eye Group (B20) Issis & Sons (B13) JJ Eyes (A7) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (B12) Kelli Gunnells Realtor (B16) Kete Cannon, RE MAX Southern Homes (B22) Korduroy Krocodile (B14) L.V. Berry Inc. (B14) Lori Zucco Insurance Company (B12) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (B20) Morningside at Riverchase (A9) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (B10) Planet Fitness (B5) RealtySouth Marketing (B3) Red Mountain Theatre Company (B17) Resolute Running Training Center (A3) Road Runner Moving (B11) Russian Ballet (A13) Salem’s Diner (A14) Samford University Center for Science and Religion (A22) Savage’s Bakery (B8) Sikes Childrens Shoes (A21) Simply Ponds (A22) Spring Valley School (A20) The Altamont School (A18) The Maids (A1) The Wade Team (B21) The Whole Dog Market (B12) Tom Williams BMW (A8) Total Beauty and Skin Dermatology (A11) Treeline Expeditions, LLC (A24) UAB Center for Exercise Medicine (A15) Weigh To Wellness (A16) Whale of a Sale (A14) Willow Homes (A12) Wolf Camera (B23)
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A5
2015 As community leaders, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Star Trustees serve as the foundation of support for the Homewood Chamber, enabling the organization to promote and sustain a thriving business environment and community.
2015 Star Trustees
The Homewood Star
A6 • September 2015
City Homewood to host annual Patriot Day event
City officials from Homewood as well as Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook will take part in the annual Patriot Day Ceremony.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM The fifth graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary don’t remember where they were when a plane hit the first World Trade Center tower. They weren’t yet born. But this year on Sept. 11, they will get a history lesson on the day that those older than them will never forget. The city of Homewood is joining with Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills to hold their annual Patriot Day Celebration at the plaza in front of City Hall in Soho. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. “The fifth graders will be a part of it and experience some of what people experienced that day,” Homewood Police Deputy Chief Bob Copus said. Army Captain Christopher Tanner will be the keynote speaker for the
ceremony. Tanner has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and now serves as an assistant professor of military science at UAB. A Birmingham native, he attended the United States Military Academy. Also during the ceremony the Homewood High School show choir will also perform, the Homewood Fire Department will conduct a bell ceremony, doves will be released and a bag piper will play “Amazing Grace.” “The purpose is to take a moment out of our busy days to remember what happened on that day that changed all our lives,” Copus said. “It should be a very meaningful ceremony.” The three cities alternate hosting the annual Patriot Day event. Homewood last hosted it three years ago.
Downtown businesses and city working to solve tree problem
Trees line 18th Street in downtown Homewood. Photo by Jordan Hays.
By SYDNEY CROMWELL Due to leaves and other debris from trees on the 18th Street sidewalks, several businesses have experienced flooding, leaks and even electrical fires after their roof drains have been clogged in storms. These included Savage’s, a.k.a. Girl Stuff and Four Seasons Gallery. At the Aug. 17 special issues committee meeting, some of these businesses came to the committee to request a solution. Chip Watts of Watts Realty said they didn’t feel trimming back the branches would be an effective long-term solution. They requested that the city seek out another answer, such as removing the trees and replacing them with a smaller species. “[Flooding] happens almost every storm that we have now in Homewood,” Watts said. Margaret Scott of Savage’s Bakery said some of the trees became a problem once they grew over the roofline of neighboring buildings, and the trees are expected to increase in size. As the trees grow, she worries that full tree limbs will
begin falling on store roofs. The root systems have also cracked some sections of sidewalk. “My dad is an avid gardener, [and] actually planted a garden in the back alley. He loves trees, just as I do, and that is why only the trees that are causing property damage are of concern,” Scott said. They have suggested removing the trees and replacing them with smaller species such as crepe myrtles. The city is considering the cost and feasibility of this idea. “Not only do the business owners want relief from roof damages that incur unnecessary monthly expenses, but we all want the city, and especially 18th Street, to remain one of the most beautiful streets in Homewood’s business district,” Scott said. The city has already trimmed back the problem trees, which Scott said hasn’t been done in over two years, while they look for a long-term solution. Environmental specialists have also been looking at the situation as well.
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September 2015 • A7
Bill passes legislature, could annex land into city jurisdiction
The electronic billboard that was installed and later removed at Lakeshore Drive and Green Springs Highway earlier this year sparked new legislation regarding annexation. Photo by Oliver Morrison.
By ERICA TECHO The Alabama State House passed a bill Aug. 10 to annex pockets of Jefferson County lands to the City of Homewood. If Gov. Robert Bentley signs the bill into law, Homewood will be able to bring six pockets of land under its jurisdiction. The idea to annex small islands of land under Jefferson County jurisdiction came before the legislature years ago, said Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins. At that time it failed, but the conversation started up again following the installation of an electronic billboard near the Lakeshore Drive-Green Springs Highway intersection. The billboard was placed on Jefferson County land, which meant it did not have to follow the standards and regulations set by the city of Homewood. “Right now these pockets of land that are still in the county and not considered part of Homewood have different rules which allow things... that Homewood does not allow,” Hawkins said. Such things include electronic billboards, but also pawnshops and pay day loan shops. Annexing the land to Homewood would allow the city to prevent these structures and help with current issues involving fire, police and other emergency services. Rep. David Faulkner worked with Rep.
John Rogers to help move the bill through the House and said the bill will help the city of Homewood. “Anytime that you have property completely surrounded by one city, it is probably better to go ahead and take that property, get that property within your city because you have issues come up, such as the sign, that do not comply with city ordinances,” Faulkner said. In addition to the state of these areas of land, Faulkner said the unanimous request submitted by the Homewood City Council is another reason he wanted to help the bill pass. Having islands of land with different rules can be confusing for residents, Faulkner said, especially if they see projects that go against city regulations. “Your citizens live all around these properties and expect these properties are a part of Homewood, and yet when it turns out they are complying with a different set of regulations, it causes a problem,” he said. The bill faced limited time in the legislature’s special session, moving through the House in a matter of days. Amid other topics and bills discussed in the special session, Faulkner said the bill was a positive experience. “This bill has been one of the bright spots of the special session, so I’m glad we’ve been able to take care of this for the citizens of Homewood,” he said.
Brewery starts construction on Central Avenue By ERICA TECHO Bringing a brewery in Homewood was a four-year process. Joe Pilleteri spent that time planning, finding investors and taking steps for city approval, working toward opening Red Hills Brewing Company. “I owe a lot of people,” Pilleteri said. The brewery became reality when Pilleteri ordered the brewhouse and fermenters in July. At that point, he said, there was no turning back. Construction began on Aug. 11, and taproom plumbing and bathrooms are being installed. The brewhouse and other equipment should arrive in mid-September. Opening a brewery in Homewood was the right fit, Pilleteri said, because residents are “Homewood-centric,” frequenting local businesses rather than going elsewhere. “With this town. if it fails, it’s going to be on me,” he said. Even in a walkable community, Pilleteri said he plans to work out extra parking. There
are about 40 spots in front of and behind the brewery and a few across the street, but the 2,300-square-foot taproom could hold as many as 100 people — depending on what the city says. The start of construction brings a reality to the project, Pilleteri said, but there is plenty more work to be done. In a notebook filled with to-do lists, Pilleteri has projects that range from designing a tap handle to working with the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board. He hopes the brewery will open in November, but no official date is set. Pilleteri has encountered hiccups throughout the process, but he said these problems aren’t a deterrent. “As long as new problems keep coming up, and it’s not the same one over again, I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” he said. The brewery is located at 2821 Central Ave., adjacent to Little Donkey and Steel City Pops. More information can be found on redhillsbrewing.net.
The Homewood Star
A8 • September 2015
Lt. Atkinson leaves HPD for Irondale By SYDNEY CROMWELL Homewood Police Lt. Ken Atkinson said his goodbyes to his fellow officers and city officials at a going away party on July 28. After 22 years with Homewood, Atkinson is taking the position of police chief for the Irondale Police Department. Friends and coworkers shared their memories and thoughts at the going away party, as did Atkinson’s father, former police officer and mayor Jimmy Atkinson. Current Mayor Scott McBrayer presented a resolution recognizing Atkinson’s service. Seeing the large crowd gathered to say goodbye and sign a book of well wishes, Atkinson said he was “humbled” that so many people wanted to attend. Atkinson grew up in Homewood, and Deputy Chief Bob Copus said he remembers seeing Atkinson grow from a high school student to an officer. They worked together on many projects, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run to support the Special Olympics. Copus said Atkinson was “vitally” part of several programs, including DARE, the SWAT team and training programs.
“I’m more excited to see him get an opportunity to grow,” Copus said. “He’ll just keep getting better.” Copus said he hopes someday Atkinson might have an opportunity to return to Homewood. After living in Homewood for more than 40 years, Atkinson said it’s difficult to leave a place and people he knows and loves. He starts his new position on Monday, Aug. 3, and has already been meeting city officials in Irondale. “I’m looking forward to the new challenge, but I wouldn’t give anything for the years at Homewood,” Atkinson said. He said the greatest lesson he learned in his time at HPD was to treat other people the way he wanted to be treated. In addition to teaching DARE in Homewood elementary schools, Atkinson was a 22-year crossing guard for Hall-Kent Elementary. Atkinson has seen children from his early years grow up and get married. Some parents came to the party to express how much they’ll miss him. “Working with DARE and standing at the corner of Hall-Kent are my fondest memories,” Atkinson said.
Lt. Ken Atkinson cuts the cake at his going away party. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Sign approved for Mr. Chen’s Restaurant By SYDNEY CROMWELL The newest tenant in the former Mazer’s building, Hometown Market and Mr. Chen’s Chinese Restaurant, had its sign variance approved at the July 27 city council meeting. The sign includes the names of both the
market and the restaurant, as well as Chinese lettering. The approval came with some modifications, however. The sign representative’s original plan included a sign totaling around 223 square feet. At the request of the council, Greg Cobb, the director of the engineering, planning and zoning
department, provided information on the sign sizes of the other building tenants. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has a sign totaling 199 square feet and PepBoys’ main sign is 144 square feet. “It just seems excessive to me,” Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames said of the Hometown Market sign.
Discussion led to the reduction of the sign’s size to around 200 square feet. The city council approved the variance on the condition that the size not exceed 200 square feet. The market and restaurant are located at 808 Green Springs Highway.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A9
COUNCIL UPDATES By SYDNEY CROMWELL At its recent meetings the Homewood City Council: }} Awarded Homewood Fire Department $15,000 for repairs to Engine 1 and Engine 5. }} Approved a rezoning request to allow Brookwood Medical Center to build an orthopedics center and parking deck, as well as associated road changes. }} Approved the mayor to enter an agreement with the state for the next phase in constructing the diverging diamond interchange at Lakeshore Parkway and I-65. }} Gave $55,000 to the police department to buy and outfit a new Chevy Tahoe to replace a wrecked vehicle. The council had previously decided not to fund the money due to the number of police vehicles sitting unused. Police Chief Jim Roberson reported at the July 20 committee meetings that these vehicles are in service, prompting the new funding. }} Appointed Ward 2 Representative Vance Moody as the council representative to the West Homewood CDRC, with wardmate Fred Hawkins acting as proxy. }} Approved a final payment of $65,900 to
the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority for services in the 2015 fiscal year. The council is considering route changes in the upcoming year. }} Approved a “dead end” street sign for the end of Acton Avenue to reduce the number of cars speeding on that street. }} Approved an ordinance prohibiting on-street parking at the intersection of an alley and the area near 862 Forest Drive. }} Requested that repaving the alley located near Sutherland Place and Parkridge Drive be added to the city’s priority paving list. }} Approved the creation of a parking solutions subcommittee to report to the planning and development committee. The committee will include city officials, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce and two local business owners. }} Approved a restaurant retail liquor license for the Holiday Inn Express Homewood, 492 Wildwood Circle. }} Declared the property at 1704 26th Ave. S. as a public nuisance due to excessive growth. }} Thanked city attorney Mike Kendrick, city staff and multiple state representatives for their work on sponsoring a bill allowing
Fire engines wait in the garage at Fire Station 1 off Central Avenue. The fire department received funding from the city at the July 27 meeting to repair two engines. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Homewood to annex some portions of county land on “islands” in the city. The bill passed the state senate and house and is waiting on the governor’s approval. }} Set a public hearing for Sept. 14 to consider dissolving the Community Development Review Committee (CDRC) for West Homewood. }} Approved a table wine license for Red Pearl Restaurant and Super Oriental Market, 243 W. Valley Ave., Suite 121. }} Approved the homeowner at 222 Devon Drive to work in the city’s right-of-way to construct
a parking pad and retaining wall, subject to signing an indemnification agreement. }} Carried over discussion of allowing work in the right-of-way at 3107 Whitehall Road to construct a parking pad. Homeowner Brett Bloomston said the current driveway is shared with a neighbor and is too narrow for all cars to park. Plus, the street usually has cars parked on both sides. The council was unsure that his request was considered a hardship. Bloomston will bring pictures and possible alternatives for the council to consider at its next meeting.
closer to what is in Edgewood and downtown. “It shows an economic commitment to that portion of town from the council and the mayor, and it shows how excited the city is to address the upgrade,” Wyatt said. Wyatt said the Parks and Recreation department was instrumental in addressing some of the lighting
and landscaping changes included in the project. Residents can expect some delays during the project. Wyatt said most work will be limited to one side of the road at a time and traffic can be redirected around. Repaving, which will occur toward the end of the two-month timeline, will also cause delays.
Oak Grove Road construction begins By ERICA TECHO Homewood residents will see new sidewalks and landscaping along Oak Grove Road in a few months. Construction on Oak Grove Road started on Aug. 10, and Jim Wyatt, head of the city’s
Engineering, Planning and Zoning department, said the contractor has 60 days to complete the project. The project includes work to sidewalks and crosswalks as well as repaving the road and re-landscaping. There will also be lighting changes, bringing the look of Oak Grove Road
The Homewood Star
A10 • September 2015
Econo Lodge discussion extended, warrants denied By SYDNEY CROMWELL The future of the Oxmoor Road Econo Lodge is still in limbo after a meeting of the Community Development Review Committee (CDRC) on July 30. Hotel owner Sam Patel, along with representatives from Sain Associates and WIlliams Blackstock Architects, presented his renovation plans for the property, which included demolishing two buildings and constructing a three-story extended stay Woodsprings Suites. Part of the Econo Lodge would remain open under this plan. The investment is around $6 million. The proposal required two warrants, or variances from West Homewood’s design ordinances, to be constructed. This included increasing the allowed setback width from 20 feet to 50 feet and decreasing the required amount of first story windows from 70 percent of the total area to 17 percent. Much of the meeting’s discussion centered on whether the proposal fit with the spirit of West Homewood’s design ordinances, which favor retail and walkability like the Edgewood neighborhood. CDRC Chairman James Ponseti found the proposal to be a “good faith effort” by Patel to improve the area and a good design, though he said it was challenging that this was among the first properties to be considered
Darren Hamrick of Sain Associates was one of the representatives for Sam Patel’s Econo Lodge renovation plan at the July 30 CDRC meeting. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
under the new regulations. “I think any way you look at this it’s an upgrade,” Ponseti said. Mayor Scott McBrayer and Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins, both committee members, were not in favor of the proposal. Neither liked encouraging more lodging development or the absence of retail. “Is all we’re doing putting a nice façade around something we’re not
really proud of?” McBrayer said. Ponseti encouraged compromise options, such as redesigning the new building to have retail on the first floor and hotel rooms on the floors above. Patel said he was open to the idea but could not give a timeline or make promises that such a development would happen. McBrayer compared the idea to placing hotel rooms above Saw’s BBQ in Edgewood.
“[The ordinance’s intent] is to have more of the Edgewood feel, which doesn’t include those type businesses,” McBrayer said. The committee also had concerns over the percentage of the property that would be renovated. By the West Homewood ordinances, if Patel’s renovations involved more than 50 percent of the property, he would be required to bring the whole property
up to the new standards. Patel and his representatives did not have the exact square footage of the renovation to determine whether they passed that threshold, but they offered an approval contingent on staying below 50 percent. Hawkins disapproved of keeping one Econo Lodge building in operation as a potential eyesore. Patel said he would consider selling that portion of the property to a city or developer in the future but could not make promises. “I don’t want to feed you a bunch of lies here. I’m going to keep improving it until the money runs out,” Patel said. He noted that his plans would drive up nightly rates at the hotel, bringing in additional revenue and better clients. Patel said he hoped his attempts to clean up the Econo Lodge in the past three years have shown his commitment to improving the property. “That depends on who you talk to,” Hawkins replied. During discussion of the requested warrants, members of the public were allowed to speak. Although the topic was supposed to remain specifically on the warrants, all residents who spoke included their general disapproval of the proposal and its effect on the neighborhood. The CDRC’s next meeting is Aug. 24. For coverage, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A11
Council discusses 18th Street shop parking signs By SYDNEY CROMWELL New parking signs could appear behind several businesses on 18th Street South, designating those parking spaces for shoppers only. At its Aug. 10 meeting, the city council carried over discussion of the parking to see if the committee can provide more long-term solutions. David Brandt of Fravert Services represented the businesses from 2800 to 2836 18th St. S., who wish to install new pole signs at the entrances of the parking lot between 18th Street South and Linden Avenue. The signs would inform drivers that the lot is for customers only and violators will be towed. There are already several of these signs on the property, which Brandt wanted to replace with larger ones to make them more visible. He was requesting both size and type variances. Homewood does not allow pole signs in its sign ordinance, and Brandt’s designs were 12 square feet in area, above the four square feet allowed. “They are not visible from the road,” Brandt said of the current red and white signs. “We want to make something that is indeed legible from the road so drivers don’t pull in the wrong lot.” The signs would list the names of businesses who use the lot, and he said it would be a “preventative measure” to avoid towing vehicles. He and several business owners in the audience, including representatives of Homewood Toy and Hobby and Shaia’s, said that parking had been an ongoing problem, especially around lunchtime. Concerns came from several council members, including Ward 4 Representative Barry Smith who felt that signs at each of the three entrances would create “a whole lot of red in people’s faces.” Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright said he was also concerned about overall
The council is considering new parking signs in the lot behind several 18th Street South businesses. Photo by Erica Techo.
limited downtown parking and closing off potential empty spaces to shoppers. In general, the council expressed their opposition to approving new pole signs. Wright first suggested that the parking solutions committee, which was recently formed to look at Homewood parking comprehensively, could provide long-term parking solutions
without having to install new signs. He noted that large signs have the potential to be “not welcoming” to shoppers, and that business owners are a “critical asset” in the parking solutions process. Brandt replied that the business owners are hoping to install the signs as part of a resurfacing project that will begin in September. Walter
Busenlehner of Homewood Toy and Hobby asked that he and other business owners be invited to the next parking solutions committee meeting, which committee chair and Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames said would happen. Chairman Bruce Limbaugh decided to carry the issue over so that the parking committee can discuss it.
The Homewood Star
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A12 • September 2015
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TheHomewoodStar.com
Now Open VannMan Employment Solutions held a grand opening and ribboncutting for its new location at 631 Beacon Parkway West, Suite 112. The company offers temporary and contract employment services as well as direct hire placements for both full- and part-time positions. 538-5173, vannmanemployment.com
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September 2015 • A13 Homewood Chamber of Commerce. The West Homewood business sells Italian ice made with fresh ingredients. 907-2125, magiccitysweetice.com Navigate Wealth Management, 1 Independence Plaza, Suite 816, has joined the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. 224-9500, navigatewealth.com
7
Smart Skin Med Spa held a ribbon-cutting and open house reception at its new location at 1754 Oxmoor Road. It also has a location in Crestline Village at 32 Church Street. 968-1301, smartskinmedspa.com
Medirest Inc., 233 Oxmoor Circle, has joined the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. The business provides medical equipment and service to homebound patients. 942-1616, medirestinc.com
Steel City Apparel, 1716 28th Ave. S., held a joint ribbon-cutting with its neighbor Neighborhood Hops & Vine. Steel City Apparel opened in November and does screen printing and embroidery. 413-4321, steelcityapparelinc.com
Hirings and Promotions
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3
Coming Soon Kellum & Company, a furniture store specializing in mid-century modern/Hollywood Regency style furniture, is opening at 1829 29th Ave. S. 874-9530, kellumandco.com
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News and Accomplishments Sprout: A Flower Market, 521 Palisades Drive, Suite C, held a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 28. The business is also a new Chamber of Commerce member. 533-9006, sproutflower.market
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Magic City Sweet Ice, 715 Oak Grove Road, has joined the
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Brik Realty, 3430 Independence Drive, has hired Henry Swain as a Realtor. 206-4321, brikrealty.com
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Founders Investment Banking, 2204 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 425, has hired Stephen Sistrunk as an analyst in support of transactions within the firm. 949-2043, foundersib.com
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Anniversaries Fab’rik celebrated its first anniversary last month. The boutique is located at 1817 B 29th Ave. S., and its hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. 582-9447, fabrikstyle.com
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JJ Eyes, 2814 18th Street S., is celebrating its one year anniversary. The business is owned by JJ Lamb. 703-8596, jjeyesoptical.com
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Business news
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The Homewood Star Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com
The Homewood Star
A14 • September 2015
Chamber
Gage Smith and Lauren Pearson were among those who attended the chamber luncheon. Photos by Madoline Markham.
Hatton Smith talks about his role as UAB Athletics Campaign Committee chair at the August Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.
Chamber speaker gives updates on UAB football By MADOLINE MARKHAM If you looked closely at Hatton Smith, you might have guessed what he would speak about to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 18. Pinned to his suit was a UAB Blazers pin, the same one several others in attendance wore. Smith, the CEO emeritus of Royal Cup Coffee, opened by saying he could talk about coffee or about the Rotary Trail he has worked on, but today he was there to talk about football. “We want to send a huge message that UAB football is back,” he said.
Smith went on to recount how he, childhood friend Tommy Brigham, Mike Goodrich and Craft O’Neal met one night at Birmingham Country Club to talk about how to help bring back the program. That led to meeting with UAB President Ray Watts and a group of civic and business leaders, where they learned the bottom line was the university had a deficit that had to be covered. Inside that room that night, the group raised $4 million. “We said, ‘We are going to guaranteed that debt to bring back UAB football, and that’s exactly what we did,’” Smith said. Next Smith presented the university’s next
steps for the athletics program. Smith, who now is the chair of the UAB Athletics Campaign Committee, and others have visited Temple University in Philadelphia, a similar school, to get ideas for facilities like those they plan to bring to UAB. The first step, Smith said, is for the school to have good facilities. The school has hired Mark Ingram as its new athletic director and hopes to have Coach Bill Clark’s contract approved by the board in September. The current plan is to build new football facilities and have a team again in fall 2017, with a new stadium to open in 2017 or 2018. “If we get a 25,000-35,000-seat stadium, it’s
going to be fun,” Smith said. “You are going to want to go... I am for Birmingham, this is about Birmingham... When the city center is alive, there’s no doubt the city will be alive.” The UAB Athletics Campaign Committee’s plan is to raise $13-14 million for facilities. They currently have about $8 million pledged. The next Homewood Chamber of Commerce meeting will be held Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club. Chuck Stark, CEO of Brookwood Medical Center, will speak. For more information visit homewoodchamber.org.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A15
Community discusses steps to battle prostitution By ERICA TECHO Homewood residents held their third meeting to update community discussion about prostitution. At the August forum at Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church, WellHouse founder Tajuan McCarty thanked the Homewood community for persisting in the fight against prostitution. “This is the first community that has continued a conversation,” McCarty said. “… I’m excited about tonight too because I think this is our next step in the community and an update.” Rep. Jack Williams offered an update on the Human Trafficking Safe Harbor Act, which was unable to pass through the Alabama State Legislature. The bill included steps to protect minors who are being prostituted so that they are treated as victims rather than criminals. It also allows for a three-day retention period, which Williams said is to prevent women from being bailed out of jail and taken to another city quickly after arrest. “I wanted to make sure we stopped that cycle, where an hour after arrest they went with their pimp,” he said. Although the law unanimously passed the State House, Williams said it was unable to pass the Senate. It is unlikely it will return to the legislature this year, but he hopes it will be discussed in the first 30-day session next year. To help the bill in the future, McCarty suggested having
WellHouse founder Tajuan McCarty holds up an example of the toiletry bags that volunteers pass out to girls and women who are being trafficked. Photo by Erica Techo.
conversations and reaching out to legislators. Things such as the Safe Harbor Law help bring important conversations to communities, McCarty said. Some changes can already be seen in how prostitution cases are handled by some law enforcement agencies. Officers will call McCarty when young women are brought in for prostitution. Sometimes, officers will work to provide them resources rather than immediately arrest them.
“To have the police call, that’s something new that’s happening, and it’s a really great step,” McCarty said. The WellHouse is a faith-based organization, and McCarty said another important step is bringing up the issue of prostitution in church. She encouraged Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Nic Seaborn to provide a safe space for men and women to discuss temptations or times they were victimized. “[It helps] to just be able to say sex
in church, in the South,” McCarty said. As a result of community support, volunteer coordinator Susie Gunter is working to organize a Special Ops team for the Homewood area. Special Ops is a group that goes around a community, offering to pray for or talk to people on the street, including drug addicts, homeless individuals or sex trafficking victims. “We are very much in the baby stage of planning,” Gunter said. “This
is not something we’re just going to jump out and start doing.” She is hoping for a group of volunteers who are committed to going out one hour a week as well as a plain clothes police officer willing to volunteer their time. Changes in the WellHouse are also on the horizon. The organization has been able to gain land to house more women, moving up from 25 beds at this time. That expansion will also help women with children, said WellHouse development director Ashley Anderson. The WellHouse has brought in four women in the past four days who are pregnant. Care for women and their children is a positive step in helping, Anderson said. “To imagine that that life is going to come in, and we’re going to be able to provide for this young lady and her baby, we rescued two people, not just one,” Anderson said. Along with helping bring awareness to these issues, Williams said working with the city to improve plans for development could help reduce the issue. Conaway noted construction on Oak Grove Road as a step toward a better community. “A developer could come in and price these folks out of business. It wouldn’t solve the problem, but it would solve your problem,” Williams said.
MASTERS Trial Metformin to Augment Strength Training Effective Response in Seniors Are you 65 years old or older, feeling weak or fatigued, and finding it more difficult to be physically active? If so, you may be interested in the MASTERS Trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial at UAB to determine if the addition of a medication (metformin) will improve the effectiveness of strength training in older adults. Participants receive supervised exercise training 3 days per week for 14 weeks with certified trainers in the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, and free assessments of health and functional status, body composition, and fitness. Funding: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging (Grant #1R01AG046920) Principal Investigators: Marcas Bamman, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham Charlotte Peterson, PhD, and Phil Kern, MD, University of Kentucky To learn more: Complete the questionnaire at www.uab.edu/masters-trial (preferred) or call 205-934-6231
Moving Research into Medicine
www.ERAKing.com uab.edu/exercise
The Homewood Star
A16 • September 2015
Food
Rafiki’s shares Kenyan cuisine with Homewood By MADISON MILLER When Charles Gakumo brought his wife to his home country of Kenya, she became infatuated with its food. “She felt like we couldn’t just keep it to ourselves,” Gakumo said. After coming to the U.S. for school and settling in Birmingham, Gakumo raised goats on a farm in Pell City as his father had taught him in Kenya. He often sold their meat to be used in cities with a more diverse palate than Birmingham. It was not until his wife tasted African cuisine that he knew that Birmingham was ready for a taste of Kenya. “I took a leap of faith and opened it and never looked back,” he said. Since Rafiki’s Grill opened last year, Gakumo has noticed several trends in his customers. Many walk through the doors wanting to try something new. He sees the eager look on their faces as they look over the menu and ask questions about the dishes. Although Gakumo has suggestions for first-timers, he doesn’t like to give away too much detail. “I see their faces when they want to try African food,” Gakumo said. “It’s more like jumping the cliff. Everyone will be quiet and then all of a sudden when I start hearing the plates, people start talking, and that’s when I know the food has spoken its voice.” Customers who have never tried African food are often unsure of what kinds of ingredients are used. Gakumo said that he likes to keep everything as fresh as possible.
Gakumo often suggests meat and veggie samosas with a side of kachumbari, or African salsa, to first-time customers. Photos by Madison Miller.
Owner Charles Gakumo stands at the entrance of Rafiki’s Grill.
“We try to stay as much as we can in the basic, natural way,” he said. “We feel that food has been distorted with chemicals [in other restaurants], so we try to stay natural.” Fresh curry, cilantro, turmeric and other herbs are popular throughout the dishes. Stews with chicken, beef and goat along with grilled meats serve as the restaurant’s main dishes. The restaurant is also popular for vegetarians looking for a flavorful meal. For many first-time customers, Gakumo
suggests ordering a samosa, a lightly breaded pocket filled with either veggies or meat along with fresh seasonings. A side of kachumbari, or African salsa, is served on the side for an added kick of flavor. Since opening, Gakumo has noticed that many of his customers are either from Africa or have spent time visiting the continent. He said his food authenticity is what keeps them coming back. “After someone has that meal and we get to talk, I realize that its much more than the food,”
Gakumo said. “Food is just a tip to bring back memories. They become determined to feel like they’re back home.” Gakumo said that his loyal customers are how he remains in business. Rather than spend money or time on advertising or creating a media plan, he prefers to let the food and loyal customers spread the news through word of mouth. Gakumo’s ultimate goal is to keep the restaurant feeling like a home. “I feel like it’s being an ambassador,” Gakumo said. “When two cultures intertwine, I believe the first thing is always food. Then, from food, it goes to bigger things, so I feel good that it’s bringing all of those things together.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A17
Birmingham
Private School Guide Special Advertising Section
Indian Springs School A17 The Altamont School A18
Covenant Classical Day Schools Spring Valley School
Indian Springs School
Our mission is clear. We seek to develop in students a love of learning, a sense of integrity and moral courage and an ethic of participatory citizenship. Inspired by the motto “Learning through Living,” we are committed to the idea that in learning to balance individual achievement with the values and principles of democracy, students can develop to their full potential. Named by Business Insider one of the smartest boarding schools in the nation, Indian Springs School brings together students from across the street and around the world, creating a diverse, respectful community that builds bridges among people and cultures and creates opportunities for new styles of learning, understanding and growth. Taught by dedicated, award-winning faculty on an idyllic 350-acre campus, our programs awaken intellectual curiosity both in class and out. Our students love learning because they get to explore their own interests. Unique class schedules and independent studies allow them to push themselves to new heights, and creative
Key Facts Grades 8-12 190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, AL 35124 988-3350 ExperienceSprings.org excellence beckons — in the arts, on the field, in school governance, in student-run clubs and in our brand-new, state-of-the-art classrooms, which opened in August thanks to the generosity of many dedicated alumni, families and friends. Most importantly, our students are happy as they discover who they are and who they want to be. With our mission to guide us, we know that they will be ready for college and prepared for the world.
A19 A20
Creative Montessori School
A20
A18 • September 2015
Private School Guide Special Advertising Section
The Homewood Star
The Altamont School
Altamont is more than a school where talented, smart individuals gather together to learn. It is a community of caring, like-minded leaders who come together with the common goal to inspire, educate and encourage one another to reach their full potential. At Altamont, we are preparing students to be good citizens; educating compassionate, curious, students; committed to producing well-rounded students; a rigorous school with strong core values; a family. We will encourage and support our students’ interests; graduate mature, enlightened students who are prepared for their life and career; prepare the next generation to be critical thinkers; do everything in our power to see your child succeed. We do this because we care; we believe in unending possibilities; we’re small, passionate, and competitive; we believe in truth, knowledge and honor. Each day at Altamont, we strive every day to improve the fabric of society by graduating
compassionate, educated individuals capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. That is never more important than in today’s changing and fast-paced world. Preparing students for the world requires both balance and breadth, and this is where Altamont’s faculty stands out. No matter a student’s passion or strength, each one is nurtured and allowed to grow, mature and learn in a caring environment. We are confident that our students are articulate, passionate, and ethically aware young people who will make a difference in the world, hold themselves to a higher standard and lead trustworthy lives. Altamont is a small family with socio-economic, ethnic and religious diversity, and our Honor Code is essential to the fulfillment of our mission. The school has an intensive college preparatory academic program with a personalized college search program, including an annual college tour. The school also offers many opportunities for children to develop multiple talents by
participating in arts, foreign language, leadership programs, community service, clubs, class projects, science competitions and sports — all at the same time. We seek highly motivated students who crave greater breadth and challenge in all areas of school life. The school awards approximately $1,000,000 in merit and need-based scholarships each year in order to attract the best, brightest and most diverse student body. Altamont’s main campus is located on 28 acres on the crest of Red Mountain just south of downtown Birmingham. The main school building houses 40 classrooms, two science wings, a fine arts center, a student center, an art gallery and sculpture garden, a computer lab, a 14,000volume library and special studios for chorus, art, photography and orchestra. The athletic facilities include two gymnasiums with basketball and volleyball courts and a weight room. The main campus offers six tennis courts, a soccer field, and a track. A second campus provides another
Key Facts Grades 5-12 4801 Altamont Road South Birmingham, AL 35222 879-2006 altamontschool.org
gymnasium as well as soccer, baseball and softball fields. Please join us for one of our Open Houses to learn more about our school, our students, our mission and what sets us apart.
Private School Guide
TheHomewoodStar.com
Special Advertising Section
September 2015 • A19
Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare
At Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare (CCS), we strive to maximize each child’s early school experience. Our teachers nurture and encourage our students, developing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to succeed at the next level. We aim to enhance young minds through their academic abilities. Our studies go beyond the basics of reading, math and writing. Extended studies include arts and crafts, Bible, sign language, biblical character development and Spanish, to name a few. CCS also uses the A Beka Book curriculum, which is a comprehensive, quality curriculum written from a Christian perspective. The “classical” in CCS is an education dependent upon a three-part process of training the mind. The early years of school are spent in absorbing facts, systematically laying the foundations for advanced study. The first years of schooling are called the “grammar stage” because these are the years in which the building blocks
for all other learning are laid. In the early school years, the mind is ready to absorb information. Children at this age actually find memorization fun. So during this period, education involves not self-expression and self-discovery, but rather the learning of facts. Rules of phonics and spelling, rules of grammar, poems, the vocabulary of foreign languages, the stories of history and literature, descriptions of plants and animals, the facts of mathematics — the list goes on. This information makes up the “grammar,” or the basic building blocks, for the second stage of education, which is the “logic stage,” and the third, which is the “rhetoric stage.” Alongside our academic standards, we offer security and encouragement to create a positive atmosphere that’s conducive to learning and growth. With songs and games, we make learning fun and memorable for little ones. We seek to show God’s love in our everyday interaction. From Bible lessons to the meals we provide, your
Our goal is to transform the world one child at a time by instilling in them a love for Christ, a love for each other and love for learning.
HOMEWOOD
VALLEYDALE
151 Covenant Way Homewood, AL 35209 205.968.1255
25 Southlake Lane Birmingham, AL 35244 205.444.5437
PELHAM
TRACE CROSSINGS
450 Huntley Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205.620.2626
5390 Magnolia Trace Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-5437
ccstc@ccslion.com
child is engaged and actively attuned to God’s creation and grace in the world around them. Every effort is made to equip each child with foundational character attributes that will be displayed in their daily actions — while learning and while at play. We treasure the wisdom found in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” As Christian parents and teachers, we realize that instilling good (biblical) character traits in our children while they are young is vital in preparing them for a successful future. The foundational aspects of character that we focus on are: respect, honesty, obedience and kindness. In addition to these four character traits, our teachers emphasize one character trait each week. Covenant Classical Schools wants to assure our parents that their child will be placed in a room that is best suited for them individually (developmentally speaking, this encompasses
Key Facts Six weeks-Kindergarten 151 Covenant Way Homewood, AL 35209 968-1255 covenantclassical.com
their physical, emotional and social needs). At each stage, we provide classrooms that provide the specific nurturing and encouragement that children thrive in. CCS endeavors to create a community that serves and loves, and we invite you to experience the difference.
Private School Guide
A20 • September 2015
Special Advertising Section
The Homewood Star
Spring Valley School
Creative Montessori School
Spring Valley School is an independent, nonsectarian school for students in grades 2-12 who struggle with dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning differences. It is the only school in central Alabama devoted to impacting the lives of children with learning disabilities, and it serves children from all over the Birmingham area and beyond. Founded in 2000 by parents seeking better educational opportunities for their children, the school is a nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. The school recognizes that the learning processes of these students differ from that of their peers and that each student possesses unique academic needs. As a result, the school offers a multi-sensory (visual, auditory and tactile), language-based instructional program presented in small classes (between five and nine students). Core beliefs include – (1) A successful student sets academic goals and monitors progress in achieving them. (2) Students excel when they are actively involved in the learning process. (3) Students thrive when high expectations are coupled with opportunities to achieve academic
Creative Montessori School (CMS) is dedicated to providing the most authentic Montessori environment for our students. Because we value each child’s unique potential, we can nurture our students’ inherent ability to meet challenges with divergent thinking skills, self-confidence, adaptability and resilience. Children at CMS learn all the same things that children in a traditional school will learn — plus practical knowledge such as conflict resolution, social responsibility and environmental stewardship. It is how they learn and how they feel about learning that is quite different and truly valuable. The Montessori classroom is designed to foster intellectual curiosity in every student by facilitating individualized, independent, purposeful work within a warm and peaceful setting. The result is children who fall in love with learning, knowing that they carry within themselves the tools they need to engage the world and fulfill their potential. Students are allowed to learn at their own pace under the caring and thoughtful guidance of a professionally trained
Key Facts Grades 2-12 605 Hagood Street Birmingham, AL 35213 423-8660 springvalleyschool.org success. (4) The curriculum must incorporate a variety of teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles. (5) Students become good citizens by contributing to their community through leadership and service. Spring Valley School is accredited through SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). To learn more or to discuss admission, contact their administrative assistant at 423-8660 to set up an interview with the executive director and a tour of the school.
Key Facts 18 Months - 6th Grade 1650 28th Court South Homewood, Alabama 35209 879-3278 cmskids.org Montessori teacher. Founded in 1968, CMS is the Birmingham area’s first Montessori school; the first local private school to be racially integrated from inception; and the first to offer science, world geography and foreign language to preschoolers. Nearly 50 years later, CMS enrolls students from 21 zip codes, and is located on a 2-acre campus in the heart of Homewood. Our affordable tuition makes exceptional education accessible to families with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Creative Montessori School provides an authentic Montessori environment that empowers children to discover their own unique potential to shape their future and transform the world around them.
205-879-3278 • www.cmskids.org 1650 28th Court South • Homewood, AL 35209
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A21
KATRINA
CONTINUED from page A1 Russell, a police lieutenant, remained in New Orleans to report for work. They wouldn’t speak to him until two and a half weeks later. When Katrina hit New Orleans the next day, Russell assisted with rescue efforts in the seventh police district until the waters rose high enough to strand him and nearly 20 other officers at Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital. “Inside everyone was staring out the window like they were in a state of shock,” he said. “You could see the water rising and it nearing the top of the stop sign. We all ran toward the elevator, but it wasn’t working so we ran to the stairwell. Below us, we saw water whirling around up the stairwell.” On the sixth floor, the officers organized themselves and helped care for the nearly 750 patients. “You could only deal with what was in front of you,” he said. “None of us knew how to think about it; no one realized the magnitude of what we had experienced.” Eventually, helicopters airlifted out the patients and later the officers. Russell continued to work in New Orleans and travel to Birmingham on weekends until that December, when Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer. Back in Birmingham, the Vappies had settled in an apartment in Homewood near Russell’s sister-inlaw and her husband. Beverly would go on to become a Star Spangled Girl and graduate from Homewood High School. “The people were great,” Russell said. “Birmingham was really lifesaving. The school system was an overwhelmingly good environment
Homewood High School graduate Aaron Ernest and his family moved to Homewood following Hurricane Katrina. He went on to compete on LSU’s track and field team. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.
for our daughter. She thrived, and I don’t think she had any emotional scars from Katrina.” After Beverly went on to Spelman College in 2012, Russell and Jean, who is in remission, moved back to New Orleans into their original — yet freshly repaired — home. Finding a new home As a counselor at Homewood High School, Kenya Bledsoe worked with several New Orleans families to get them settled in Homewood in the fall of 2005. The students came with no records, and there were no schools from the past to call. “Typically when a student comes in we assess their records and look at a transcript to place them accordingly
to what they have had,” Bledsoe said. “We had to be creative and resourceful with placement tests and what they had.” But the school’s relationship was about more than class schedules. They ensured they had lunch to eat and school supplies to use. The school’s support was largely emotional as well, providing individual and group counseling to help with the transition. “They were uprooted and somewhat traumatized,” Bledsoe said. “We welcomed them, reassuring them that we were going to educate them and support their emotional needs as best as we could.” The school’s Peer Helpers collected money to help them with basic necessities, and the counselors directed them to different agencies to help
them with clothes and other supplies. “That’s the beauty of being here in Homewood,” Bledsoe said. “If we put the call out to help, [the reaction] was above and beyond everything we had seen, even if it was a year later. I have never seen us come together like this.” Homewood-based Family Guidance Center was one of the agencies where Homewood families received assistance. Regina Allison worked with grant money to assist 20 families though the organization. They paid water bills, bought school clothes on tax-free weekend and helped them get birth certificates (many had fled without them) so children could register for school. “We gave them a security blanket,” Allison said. “We wanted families to have the services they needed.”
To stay or go Eventually some families Bledsoe and Allison knew moved back to New Orleans, while others became so integrated in the school system that teachers and students forgot they had transferred in. “Once the kids got settled, they basically decided it would be better if they stayed here,” Allison said. “And it was so painful for them to go home. Six to eight months later it still looked like ground zero. Just driving over that bridge, they started having terrible thoughts.” Among those who stayed were Dawnelle Ernest and her five kids. After living in New Orleans for 33 years, she left Aug. 28 for what she thought would be a weekend away while the hurricane hit. Now she’s been here 10 years. She and her children moved into a Super 8 on Vulcan Road and then an apartment in Homewood. At the time, Anesia was 15, Arielle 13, Arthur 12, future track star Aaron 11 and Aronique — who graduated this year — 8. “It was really rough,” she said. “I had no idea what my next move was. [Later] we settled into our home and it got much better, but in the beginning it was a rough road.” Many families had lived in New Orleans for generations and lived in homes their grandparents bought. Above all, the Ernests and others were looking to put down roots again. They wanted whatever normal life looks like. “Each had a different story to tell, but the common thread was they all wanted a sense of home,” Allison said. “They wanted a place where they could say, ‘This is my little slice of earth.’”
A22 • September 2015
The Homewood Star
Resident reactions think Homewood Do Do youyou think Homewood needs legislation needs newnew legislation in in response to dangerous dogs? response to dangerous dogs?
Which of the following do you think would be beneficial in preventing dog attacks? Increased fines for owners of loose dogs
support specific regulations Do Do youyou support specific regulations around ownership of certain around thethe ownership of certain types of dogs, such bulls? types of dogs, such as as pit pit bulls? 80%80%
80%80%
60%60%
60%60%
40%40%
40%40%
20%20%
20%20%
Stricter leash laws Bans on tethering dogs outside Increased fines and/or jail time for owners of dogs that attack humans or other pets Spay/neuter programs More animal control officers Microchipping Registering pets with the city Regulations on housing dogs None of the above 0% 0% 0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Unsure Unsure
No No
0% 0%
Yes Yes
Unsure Unsure
No No
Yes Yes
Of the 180 survey respondents, 68 percent live in Homewood and 17 percent work in Homewood but do not live there. Eighty-three percent are dog owners.
DOGS
CONTINUED from page A1 the possibility of specific regulations around certain breeds such as pit bulls. Some area cities, including Gadsden and Irondale, have limitations on the way pit bulls can be kept and require registration to keep track of the animals in the city. In four of the recent dog attacks in Homewood, responding officers described the dogs as pit bulls or pit bull mixes. Residents responded negatively to the idea of breed-specific legislation (BSL), creating a Facebook page and filling the council room during the Aug. 3 committee meeting. They argued that pit bulls are not more dangerous than other breeds and regulating them will not solve the vicious dog problem.
Joshua Gough, the resident who started the Fight BSL in Homewood Facebook page, said he opposes these ordinances because they lump well-behaved dogs in with bad ones if they happen to be a certain breed. Gough has worked in dog training and with an area mastiff rescue. “Breed-specific legislation is an ineffective solution to animal control problems because it does not address the real cause of the issue — irresponsible ownership,” Gough said. Gough was joined by hundreds of residents and business owners in opposing the idea, including Whole Dog Market owner William Finney and Homewood Animal Hospital veterinarian Michael Kilgore. They all supported considering breed-neutral ordinance changes. “I think there’s a lot of communities that have made a mistake by banning pit bulls,” Kilgore said. “It’s a sweeping generalization that doesn’t
need to be made.” At the Aug. 3 meeting, the public safety committee and listening council members agreed that they did not want to pursue BSL and would look at other alternatives. “I think that’s the proper way to go. Let’s strengthen [the ordinance] and let’s see if that is a sufficient deterrent to address the increased occurrences that are taking place with dog bites and go from there,” Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright said. “I don’t think we have to do a kneejerk, breed-specific ordinance.” Looking at the options Enforcing current ordinances is a challenge. Homewood ordinances allow Hurst to give a $50 fine for loose animals, which she said is not a deterrent for many owners. A dog attack is a misdemeanor with a $500 fine, and the judge can
choose to remove the dog from the city or have it euthanized. Being the sole animal control officer, Hurst said she doesn’t have the time or ability to be everywhere she needs to be. There’s no shortage of possibilities for changing Homewood’s dog ordinances. Hurst and the committee members have looked at a number of other cities’ ordinances and other measures. These have included stricter leash and tethering laws, spay/neuter requirements, microchipping, registering pets and increasing penalties for loose or dangerous dogs. Each of these options comes with challenges. Microchipping and pet registration requirements have been generally unpopular, as many residents see it as a government intrusion. Many of the dog owners who opposed BSL do encourage spay/neuter programs as responsible ownership, but don’t want to see the city penalize owners
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • A23
Advocates against breed-specific legislation filled the available space in the city council’s work room for a meeting on new dangerous dog ordinances.
who do not do so. “[Microchipping] doesn’t seem to link to the behavior of the dog,” Ward 4 Representative Alex Wyatt said. “But it may nevertheless serve a purpose in terms of identifying a dog that’s misbehaving.” Increasing penalties has received support across the board, including the idea of possible jail time for repeat offenders. Gough and several council members have supported a tiered penalty system as a possible deterrent for vicious dogs, but city attorney Mike Kendrick warned that giving a dog multiple chances could endanger the public. “Dogs don’t need to have more than one bite,” Kendrick said. Gough, Haden and Kilgore all pointed to Huntsville as a possible model for new legislation. Huntsville’s penalties are no higher than Homewood’s, capping at $100 for a third offense
Over 30 people showed up for a discussion of new dangerous dog ordinances after the possibility of banning or regulating pit bull ownership was raised. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
of keeping a dangerous or nuisance animal and $500 for a third offense of letting a known dangerous animal loose. However, Huntsville has detailed definitions of what constitutes dangerous or nuisance animals. “If they don’t feel safe in our neighborhood, then we need to do something to change their feelings,” Haden said. “We need to change the ordinances so they have the bite they need.” James McLeod, who was bitten by a loose Labrador retriever in October, said he felt the police handled his case well. He doesn’t support more leash laws, as his dogs enjoy playing off-leash in the park, but he does think the city should be stricter in euthanizing or removing dogs with a known aggressive history. “The dog came for my throat,” McLeod said. “There’s no question about that. I wouldn’t want that dog around my nieces and nephews, my wife. That would be the end of that.”
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John Lee said he is still “traumatized” after a neighbor’s dog attacked and severely injured his pet Chihuahua in May. His dog survived, but Lee feels he should have been warned about the neighbor’s dog so he could have protected his pet. Additionally, he said animal control is not doing enough to enforce the laws currently on the books. Lee recommended that animal control immediately pick up an animal that has attacked another person or pet. If a vet or witness can corroborate the severity of the attack, he said euthanasia should be an option on the table. “You might as well not have [an animal control officer],” Lee said of the current situation. Taking action With so many opinions and options to consider, the council is deliberately taking its time with the process.
So far, only one concrete ordinance change has been proposed. The public safety committee approved an amendment limiting outdoor dog tethering to a maximum of one hour. Tethering has been connected with aggressive and anti-social behaviors in dogs. The time limit would allow owners to let their pets outside for brief periods, while still allowing the police to respond to all-day tethering or inhumane conditions. The amendment was sent to the full council for approval on Aug. 24. Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins said discussion of further changes would likely be sent back to the public safety committee. Piece by piece, both council members and residents hope to create regulations to protect both pets and humans. “We need to do something so that neighbors feel safe,” Haden said.
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SECTION The Homewood Star
B
Events B5 Photo Contest Winners B10 Sports B16 Real Estate B19
SEPTEMBER 2015
Patriots’ Gentry looks for even bigger things in 2015 By DAVID KNOX It was the opening game of the 2013 football season, and the sophomore defensive end was pumped up. It’s not every kid who gets a chance to be a starter as a 10th-grader at a program like Homewood High’s, but Griffin Gentry wasn’t just any kid. It was already apparent he had Division I potential. On the first defensive play from scrimmage, the Vestavia Hills quarterback threw a pass that was picked off by the Patriots’ Maurice Mayo. Gentry quickly turned into a blocker for his teammate, but as Mayo returned the interception, he fumbled the football. Gentry dove for the ball, and as he reached his arm out to gather the ball in, a player landed on his shoulder. His shoulder was broken. Dislocated, fractured growth plate. Season over. “I was pretty upset. I thought that was going to be my year to get seen [by college scouts],” Gentry said. “I really wanted to play with that group of seniors because I had pretty good friendships with them all. It was pretty hurtful. “I was very eager ... [as] a first-time starter in varsity football and I messed up my shoulder and missed the whole season,” Gentry said. “I felt like people were depending on me then I had to wait for next year.” Coach Ben Berguson agreed. “We were really disappointed when that happened. We had such high expectations for him. So coming into his junior year, he was kind of flying under the radar. We knew how good he is, how special he is, because we couldn’t block him in practice.”
See GENTRY | page B17
Griffin Gentry runs down a Briarwood Christian ball carrier. Gentry made 106 tackles last season. Photo by Scott Butler.
The Homewood Star
B2 • September 2015
Community Golf tournament to support athletics foundation
Pickin’ in the Park to fill Homewood Central with music
By CHRIS GRIESEDIECK Parents, community leaders, coaches and friends come together to support Homewood High School and Middle School athletics through the Homewood Athletic Foundation (HAF). “The HAF was created so community supporters of Homewood athletics could ensure that our student athletes not only have the ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels, but that their experience participating in our team sports is a great lifelong memory,” said Jay Moss, one of the HAF’s founding board members. Moss said the foundation achieves its mission by funding supplemental training, equipment and activities through grants to different sports. Last year’s grants allowed the volleyball, basketball and cross-country teams to travel for out-of-state tournaments during their seasons. Additionally, the football team received $4,000 for end zone video equipment. One way they help fund these grants is through an annual golf tournament. This year’s fundraiser will be Wednesday, Sept. 23 at
Local musicians brought guitars and other instruments to Homewood Central Park for last year’s Pickin’ in the Park event. Photo by Julia Olsson.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Homewood coaches, parents and more participated in last year’s tournament. Photo by Scott Butler.
noon at Highland Park Golf Course, which is located at 3300 Highland Ave. S. The cost for the golf tournament is $150 per individual or $500 for a team of four. Hole sponsorships are available for $250 per hole, as well as corporate sponsorships.
Participants can register for the tournament online at homewoodaf.net, by picking up registration forms at Homewood High School or by contacting Jay Moss at 515-5235 or jay@ redmtnrealtyco.com. To learn more about the foundation, visit homewoodaf.net.
Musicians covered every corner of Homewood Central Park on a Saturday last year. Plans are now underway to make that happen again at the second annual Pickin’ in the Park Acoustic Music Festival. The Homewood Arts Council moved the date back from June to Sept. 26 this year in hopes of more pleasant weather. “We are hoping it’s a nice cool day for everybody,” arts council member Bob Tedrow said. Like last year, several local bands will perform for 30-minute segments on stage, and everyone in the community is invited to bring their instruments to join
them throughout the park. Tedrow encourages everyone in Homewood, musicians and non-musicians alike, to come out for the free event full of jazz, bluegrass and contemporary music. Last year they even had a baby goat attend. “Bring grandma, bring the babies for guaranteed good old time fun,” he said. The arts council will set up tents to create shade and provide ice and water. Food trucks will be present as well, and “pick-nicking” is welcomed. The event runs from 3-7 p.m. on Sept. 26. For more information, check out Pickin’ in the Park’s Facebook page or email the Homewood Arts Council at HACPNP@gmail.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B3
Lineup set for Vulcan concert series
AfterTunes concerts take place on the lawn behind the Vulcan statue. Photo courtesy of Vulcan Park and Museum.
A lineup of up-and-coming artists will take the stage at Vulcan Park and Museum starting this month. The 11th year of the Vulcan AfterTunes is partnering with Saturn and The Bowery to present a series of monthly Sunday afternoon concerts. The 2015 event will feature Langhorne Slim & The Law on Sept. 20, Karl Denson’s Fantastic Fall Tour on Oct. 11 and Dom Flemons on Oct. 25. Food trucks and beer and wine vendors will be present, and attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. Gates will open at 1 p.m., opening acts
begin at 3 p.m., and the headliner acts will begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are now on sale for all events. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for Vulcan members and children ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. Ticket price includes live music and admission to Vulcan’s Observation Tower and Museum. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served. Light snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. No pets or outside alcohol allowed. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit visitvulcan.com.
Lil’ Lambs consignment sale returns
Shoppers peruse the Lil’ Lambs sale at Trinity in the spring. The sale is held twice a year. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Trinity UMC is gearing up for its annual fall consignment sale. The two-day Lil’ Lambs sale in the church gym will include a variety of products for children and infants, including clothes, furniture, accessories, toys, books and strollers. It will run Sept. 11 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m.-noon. Many items will be half price on Saturday.
Sellers at Lil’ Lambs keep 70 percent of the money they earn, but the remaining 30 percent goes toward children’s ministries. The sale is popular in Homewood because parents can easily find seasonal clothes at good prices. To learn more about the Lil’ Lambs sale, visit trinitybirmingham.com.
Boys choir concert to feature Chinese dance group The Birmingham Boys Choir is holding its first collaborative concert of the season on Sunday, Sept. 13. Traditional Chinese ensemble The Jasmine Dance Ensemble will join the choir for a 4 p.m. show at Brock Recital Hall at Samford University. The Jasmine Dance Ensemble practices and performs Chinese traditional dances for Chinese and other community events around
Birmingham and nearby cities in Alabama. It has performed at the Birmingham Chinese New Year Festival, Huntsville Chinese New Year Festival, Alabama Dance Festival, Asian Culture and Food Festival and Montgomery Holiday International Tasting. Tickets are $10 each and will be available at the door or by calling 767-9219.
The Homewood Star
B4 • September 2015
Monkey Run to benefit Camp Smile-A-Mile Monkeys will be on the run on Saturday, Sept. 19. That morning Camp Smile-A-Mile is holding the Monkey C Monkey Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run at Homewood Central Park to benefit its programs for children with cancer. Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year-round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families and young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. The camp decided to hold the monkey run during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Registration is $25 for the 5K and
$15 for the Fun Run through Sept. 5. Packet pickup and late registration will be at Trak Shak in Homewood Sept. 17 and 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The 5K will start at 8 a.m., and day-of registration will be open at the park from 6:30-7:45 a.m. The Fun Run starts at 9 a.m., and awards will be given at 9:45 a.m. Participants are encouraged to join in awards, entertainment and refreshments at Homewood Central Park following the race. To register online, visit campsam.org or runsignup. com/Race/AL/Homewood/ MonkeyCMonkeyRun5k.
Runners line up at the start line of last year’s Monkey C Monkey Run. Photo courtesy of Camp Smile-A-Mile.
Golf tournament to benefit chamber’s work in community On Oct. 8, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce will be taking over the Valley course at Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley. For more than a decade, the tournament has raised thousands of dollars in scholarships for Homewood High School students, supported many community events and provided Homewood businesses the opportunity to spend an afternoon together. All participations levels will be accepted. Participants will have the opportunity to play as an individual or on a four-person team. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To register, visit homewoodchamber.org. -Submitted by Homewood Chamber of Commerce
Teams of four can play in the chamber’s upcoming golf tournament.
Costumes for sale at The Dance Foundation The Bargain Costume Closet will return for its ninth year at The Dance Foundation on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2-4 p.m. The event serves as a kick-off for the sale, which will continue through September. The sale will feature donated costumes and dance wear for Halloween, dress up or dance classes. Funds from the sale will benefit the foundation’s programs. CDF will accept donated dance wear, recital or Halloween costumes, dance shoes, dress-up clothes, accessories and shoes in gently-used, clean condition. Donations will be accepted at the foundation. For more information, visit thedancefoundation.org. -Submitted by The Dance Foundation
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B5
Dinnertainment fundraiser to be ‘full of surprises’ Dinnertainment
Youth center construction update
Benefiting The Exceptional Foundation Friday, Sept. 11 The Country Club of Birmingham exceptionalfoundation.org
By JORDAN HAYS The Exceptional Foundation participants will show off their talents at the upcoming Dinnertainment fundraiser. The event began last year as a way to give dinner party attendees an understanding of what happens at the center on Oxmoor Road everyday. This year it is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11 at The Country Club of Birmingham. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides social and recreational activities for people with mental and physical needs. “I think that everybody, after they’ve been there, will know that The Exceptional Foundation is a fun, happy place because of what comes from the participants’ hearts and from their talents,” said Carmine Jordan, secretary of The Exceptional Foundation Board of Directors. “When they are there that night, and they doing a performance for a room full of people ... they shine and you just see the joy in their hearts.”
The Exceptional Foundation participants perform as a part of last year’s Dinnertainment event. Photo courtesy of The Exceptional Foundation.
The event will feature a larger stage and runway than last year’s, and based off of last year’s event, the fundraiser is sure to be full of surprises, according to Tricia Kirk, executive director of The Exceptional Foundation. Last year, Sam, a performer, asked for a round of applause for his mother before he began his performance.
Another performer, excited by the size of the crowd he would be performing for, walked up to the microphone and said, “Hell, yeah.” “We really don’t control what [the performers] have to say, and you kind of hold your breath during all of this fun that it goes off as you rehearse,” Kirk said.
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The Exceptional Foundation’s youth center has been completed. The space will provide summer and after-school activities for children with mental and physical disabilities. Construction on the center began late last fall. The Foundation serves people of all ages, so the youth center was constructed to provide an environment where younger participants would feel less intimidated, according to Carmine Jordan, secretary of The Exceptional Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re pretty crowded [at the Foundation],” Jordan said. “Because there are so many participants, it’ll enable us to provide a lot more quality programming.” The youth center has wide-open spaces, with areas dedicated to arts and crafts, games, physical activities and a rest area. “It’ll make it possible for them to be appropriately busy and also have some space for quiet activities as well as enrichment activities,” Jordan said.
Kirk was proud of the participants at last year’s event and was excited to see the message she wanted the foundation to get across to the public. “We are special people and we are a special place for those with special needs, and the message was delivered,” Kirk said. “Supporting individuals who are mentally challenged is a privilege.”
Without these sorts of fundraisers, The Exceptional Foundation would only be able to serve a third of the people they do now, according to Jordan. Tickets are $150 and include a cocktail hour and a seated dinner provided by The Country Club of Birmingham. Proceeds from the event will help fund the foundation’s work.
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The Homewood Star
B6 • September 2015
Applauding with their feet Local dance group gives back to the community
By MADISON MILLER When Cajun Zydeco dance in Birmingham was coming to an end, Marty and Kathy Brill stepped in. The dances’ previous organizer, who had been involved with the group for 20 years, decided to retire several years ago, leaving a void in Birmingham’s partner dance groups. “My wife and I love dancing,” Marty said. “We love dancing to a variety of different styles.” Brill is part of the Birmingham Swing Dancers. The group is involved in many types of dance at different venues throughout the city, including the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood. When selecting venues for hosting dances, Brill and other members of the group feel it is important to give back. After hosting dances at the Exceptional Foundation for the past year, Birmingham Swing Dancers have raised more than $5,000 for the organization and its programs. “It just wouldn’t be fair for us to do this and not give back something,” Marty said. The group enjoys hosting many different types of dances. Cajun Zydeco is one of the lesser-known styles. Coming out of the Cajun regions in Louisiana, the music relies on guitars, fiddles, accordions and strong vocals along with washboards, horns and more. “They brought with them their music, which was all fiddle-based music from France, and most of what they played were fiddle tunes,” group member Dolores Hydock said. “People danced just in response to music. The Cajun musicians will say, ‘You applaud with your feet.’” Marty and Kathy picked dancing back up four or five years ago after a long break in exploring the hobby. “My wife and I had danced a long time ago and then took it up again,” Marty said. “Then, a
Dancers attend a Birmingham Swing Dancers Cajun Zydeco dance. Photo by Madison Miller.
hole opened up in the [Birmingham Swing Dancers] agenda. Somebody who was doing a third Friday dance left, so we jumped in.” Although dances are usually held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Center Point, the group looked for another location to host dances when their usual space was not available. The
Exceptional Foundation was the perfect fit. Each of the Birmingham Swing Dancers’ first Friday night dances are for the benefit of the Exceptional Foundation, but about five to seven dances are currently held each month. Not all dances are in Cajun Zydeco style. Marty encourages anyone with an interest in partner
dancing to attend a dance. Instructors are on hand to give a brief lesson in the style before each night’s dance. For more information, visit birminghamswingdancers.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B7
A fresh look Food forest part of vision of Sims Garden’s new caretakers By JORDAN HAYS After the short stay of Sims Garden’s previous tenants, Ian Hazelhoff and Gaby Spangenberg have big plans for the community garden. “I think that the people who were here before us did a really great job with the garden and getting it started,” Spangenberg said. “I’m excited that we’re coming in right now … I think there’s so much room to grow, and I think we can definitely do that.” Catherine Sims, the “Plant Lady of Homewood,” gardened on her home’s property for decades and left it to the city in her will. Located on Highland Road, the lot is now a community botanical garden and a Southern Environmental Center Ecoscape partner. The new caretakers graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South. Hazelhoff received his degree in biology with a focus on systems biology. He said he is “more of the scientific guy. I know how to make the plants grow.” “I came into it wanting do something that was ecosystem/biology-centric,” Hazelhoff said, “and Gaby is more of a public health savant.” Spangenberg was director of the Sewanee Community Engagement House and a Bonner Scholar. Both opportunities gave her the chance to gain experience performing community outreach and engagement. She also received her degree in ecology and biodiversity, so she knows her way around plants as well. Making the garden handicap accessible is one of the goals Spangenberg is most excited about. She hopes to build or raise money for raised flowerbeds that would allow people in
New caretaker Ian Hazelhoff works in the Sims Garden. Photo by Jordan Hays.
wheelchairs to garden. She also plans to eliminate a fence and stairs that divide the garden and prevent people in wheelchairs from accessing parts of it. Doing so will also make it easier for parents to push strollers around and for the elderly to navigate. “The garden as it is now is beautiful and wonderful, but what we’re really looking at is fundamentally tweaking it so that it becomes a vehicle people are proud of and want to use in their everyday lives,” Hazelhoff said. Even with all their plans, Hazelhoff said the garden’s success will come down to how engaged they are with the Homewood community and
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Birmingham. One of the things Hazelhoff is excited for is growing a food forest based on berries and fruit along the garden facing Highland Road. There are blueberries, peaches and plums now, but Hazelhoff said they’re “a little too sparse.” Hazelhoff and Spangenberg will reorganize and plant more edible plants in a way that allows them to help each other thrive. For example, pairing apple trees and raspberries helps the raspberries to thrive by providing them shade from direct sunlight. “In the grocery store, [fruits] are some of the expensive items. In a lot of underserved
neighborhoods, people won’t buy them because they are expensive,” Hazelhoff said. “But if people can understand that they grow well here under the right conditions, then maybe they’ll come here when we’re doing a plant giveaway and plant them [at their own homes].” When Hazelhoff and Spangenberg are not at their day jobs, at Red Mountain Park and Clarus Consulting Group, respectively, they are tending the garden before and after work and on weekends. The couple hopes to make the garden a tool for educating the community about sustainability through community engagement events and workshops in the garden. Many of these workshop ideas are still in the works, but Spangenberg already knows she wants to host workshops on beekeeping, composting and eradicating invasive plants, as well as “looser” workshops where people can learn how to make drinks or snacks with food found in the garden. “This place is a phenomenal urban garden in the midst of one of the hottest neighborhoods in Homewood,” Hazelhoff said. “What that showed me was a chance to really impact people and show them where their food comes from and how to use their own backyards to accomplish some of those things.” The first few months of their work will be simplifying the garden and removing things that shouldn’t be there, such as invasive plants like Chinese privet and Japanese climbing fern, while simultaneously engaging with the community. Spangenberg said she will reach out to schools, camps, after-school programs, churches and senior centers for the first couple of months at the garden, in addition to daily garden work. “We really have a lot of exciting plans for the place, and it’s my confidence that those plans will be fleshed out in the coming months,” Hazelhoff said. “We have a really positive horizon here.” For more information on the garden or Friends of Sims, email simsgardens@gmail.com.
The Homewood Star
B8 • September 2015
Hope on the river
Homewood resident shares his love of fly-fishing with children of abuse and neglect
By MADISON MILLER It took Steve Davis 32 years to tell someone. As a victim of childhood abuse, he struggled to find the strength he needed to voice what he had been through. But on the river, he discovered his voice. On Snake River in Irwin, Idaho, he drew comfort from fly-fishing. The connections he felt among friends and the confidence earned from the skills he learned at the Lodge at Palisades Creek gave him strength. It was the Homewood resident’s own experience on the river that inspired him to help other victims of childhood abuse. His organization, On River Time, gives children the opportunity to travel to Snake River, learn how to fly-fish and ultimately build connections with positive role models. Although he does not expect a complete healing process to occur, Davis hopes that these connections allow the children to find self-awareness. “Not being alone is a huge part of that,” Davis said. “Understanding that someone else has gone through what they’ve gone through [helps].” Davis started the trips four years ago when the original owner of the Lodge at Palisades Creek passed away. He was in the process of developing a picture book of the lodge and river when he realized that he wanted to share the spot’s opportunity for healing with others. On River Time partners with Big Oak Ranch, a children’s home founded by John Croyle and based in
The kids of On River Time try their hand at fly-fishing on Snake River.
Springville. The organization helps abused and neglected children toward a new life. Big Oak Ranch selects children to go on the fly-fishing trip based on merit. While there, the group stays in the lodge and floats 12 to 14 miles per day on the river. Each child has a boat with a guide and a chaperoning adult. For most of them, it is a trip of firsts from the plane ride to the fly-fishing itself. “They’re all dealing with adversity at a very young age through neglect or abuse,” On River Time Executive Director Jeana Durst said. “We feel
like this is a chance for them to have that spiritual experience, whatever that means to them.” The children also get the opportunity to see landscapes and wildlife not usually seen in Alabama. On this year’s trip, the group made a visit to Yellowstone National Park and experienced the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the canyon falls. They also saw bison, moose, bald eagles and even a grizzly bear, the highlight of the trip, Durst said. The first year, three children went to Snake River. Since then, fundraising
and sponsorships have allowed more children to go every year. This year, 10 children from Big Oak Ranch were selected for the trip. Next year, On River Time hopes to send 16 children. “It takes about $4,200 to send one kid on the entire experience,” Durst said. Each year, On River Time starts at $0 for the next year’s trip. Fundraising includes sponsorships from companies and friends across the country, as well as sales from merchandise such as T-shirts and Davis’ books On River Time and Picking Butter Beans. Having
taken this year’s trip in June, On River Time is in the process of starting over. “It’s a zero-sum game,” Davis said. “Every year, we start with zero.” On River Time hopes to expand its impact to areas outside of Alabama and Big Oak Ranch in the future. The organization is building a new cabin near the lodge that will allow more children to go on the trips. It is also planning on establishing a scholarship program for children who have attended. As the organization expands, Davis hopes that it will continue to be able to provide a positive impact and open up a dialogue about childhood abuse. When Davis became comfortable enough to tell people what he had been through, people did not know how to handle it. “People kind of search their shoes,” he said. “It’s not something people are comfortable talking about. We want to help people feel more comfortable.” Just as there are awareness campaigns for breast cancer, diabetes and other struggles of life, Davis wants to establish awareness for abuse. Though the children on the trip will continue to struggle with what they have been through, On River Time aims to help them to know the feeling of hope. Davis and his organization inspire them, but he asserts that the kids inspire him more. “If you’ve ever seen a kid catch a fish on a fly rod for the first time, it’s a big deal,” Davis said. For more about On River Time and their sponsorships or to purchase On River Time or Picking Butter Beans, visit onrivertime.org.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B9
Coding a future Homewood Public Library hosts club that teaches girls computer coding By JORDAN HAYS Kristy Snoddy found something that surprised her in The Wall Street Journal last fall. She read about Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization that seeks to close the gender gap in the computer science field. Through educating girls, the organization plans to help fill half of the 1.4 million computer specialist positions that the U.S. Department of Labor predicts will be open by 2020 with women, according to the Girls Who Code website. “Tim Cook [CEO of Apple] has said Alabama is so behind technology wise and coding wise,” Kristy said. “We don’t have a lot of coding here. So my mom told me, ‘If you think you can do something with coding, then find somebody and contact them.’” In December, Kristy reached out to John Johnstone, associate professor of computer and information sciences at UAB, about founding a club where Johnstone could teach coding. By January, Coding for Girls was up and running at the Homewood Public Library. In April, the club was accepted into the national organization Girls Who Code and became the first Girls Who Code chapter in Alabama. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 4-6 p.m., Johnstone teaches girls to write the code that runs the software programs they use every day. “If you look at an iPhone app, it’s
John Johnstone helps the Girls Who Code participants during club meetings. Photo by Jordan Hays.
written in code,” Johnstone said. “You need something to talk to the hardware because it does nothing without code. That’s the language you speak to the computer. The people writing those apps are computer scientists.” Code, such as JavaScript or C++, is a language that requires people to be precise. It has none of the ambiguity of languages like English. As a result, Johnstone said coding forces computer scientists to clean up their
ideas and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. “You’re giving instructions to a machine that doesn’t know how to interpret things subtly,” Johnstone said. “When you say something, you have to mean that. You have to think, ‘I want to measure volume.’ How would I turn that into a series of steps that is precise and expresses the thought, ‘What does it mean to compute volume?’ By wrestling with that,
you really understand the problem.” In a conference room at Homewood Public Library, the girls use a program called Khan Academy to learn JavaScript. In addition to the room, the library provides laptops and a smart board for the girls to use. “We’re trying to give them an environment where they don’t feel intimidated,” said Judith Wright, teen librarian for Homewood Public Library. “That’s part of the program
they started with Girls Who Code. They want to provide an empowering environment.” Kristy didn’t know any code before the club started. Now, she’s learning how to write JavaScript and is considering attending Emory University, Lake Forest College or Georgia Tech after she graduates from John Carroll Catholic High School.
The Homewood Star
B10 • September 2015
Summer FUN
Photo Contest
WINNERS
Keegan Smith enjoys sprinkler time in his grandparents’ backyard. Photo by Noel Merrill.
Find more contest entries by visiting thehomewoodstar.com
Evan, James and Tyler Wilson of Edgewood catch starfish in Orange Beach. Evan has started kindergarten at Edgewood Elementary, and James is in the preschool program at Hall-Kent Elementary School. Photo by Kristi Wilson.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B11
CONTEST RUNNERS UP
“Jumping for Joy, Summer is here!” Madeline Beam, Jane Head, Anna Jordan, Martha Ponder, Ann Huett Patterson, Mae Beth Bellenger. Photo by Mona Ponder.
Lily, age 2, at the park with Steel City Pops. Photo by Kristen Berthiaume.
Brooks Batson cools off at the Homewood Pool. Photo by Emily Batson.
Davis and Grayson cool off while washing cars. Photo by Kim Schaefer.
Papa Sock and his grandsons take a break on a hike in Highlands, North Carolina. Photo by Emily Batson.
First time standing in the Gulf! Love Seaside, Florida. Photo by Megan Fonos.
B12 • September 2015
The Homewood Star
‘Alive & Free’ to act Homewood resident lands a lead role in new film By JORDAN HAYS Meg Deusner handed Maxwell Ross a script as he walked through the door to the acting studio. “That’s your scene,” Deusner said. “You have three minutes to go over it.” The script was one Maxwell had never seen before and for a role, he said, he would never take. Still, Deusner said it was good to practice a cold read. Sometimes you walk into an audition, and they ask you to perform something you didn’t expect. “Who am I?” Maxwell said. “You’re Jorge.” “But I want to call him George.” “You can do that,” Deusner said and laughed. In those three minutes, Maxwell pored over the script to gather as much information as he could about Jorge — his personality, how Jorge feels about what’s happening in the scene, how he thinks. Maxwell did the same with his
character when he received the script for the new film Alive & Free. Maxwell, 15, has been acting since he was a small child, performing in commercials ranging from politicians to theme parks. An important part of his acting, Maxwell said, is knowing how the character thinks, what they feel and what they would do in a situation. Understanding the character allows Maxwell to become that character, or act. Maxwell has been trained to do this by his acting coach, Deusner. She uses the word “being” instead of acting when describing their work. “Our goal was to get Maxwell’s acting to a very truthful place,” Deusner said. “When you watch an actor on film and you’re taken away, you believe they’re having this experience, and you as the audience are taken away by that. It’s being instead of showing … When you’re on film, it has to be so real and truthful or else we don’t buy it.”
Maxwell Ross performs a cold read on a script with little to no rehearsal. Photo by Jordan Hays.
In Alive & Free, Maxwell’s character, Matt, speculates that his mother might be a spy after discovering a box filled with false IDs and passports. She had previously disappeared, and this discovery rekindles his hope that his mother may be out there. Throughout the movie, Matt grows closer with his family, a family that previously lived more like “roommates sharing a house” than a family sharing a home. “He’s very secluded in the beginning, and he doesn’t like talking to people unless he has to,” Maxwell said. “But during the climax of the movie, he realizes he has someone to talk to if he needs it, which is his family. He lost his mom, but what if he lost his brother or dad? He realizes that and starts to appreciate them more.” By using context clues and piecing
together parts of the script, Maxwell said he does his best to think like his character and become him. Maxwell’s style is similar to the method style of his acting idols, Heath Ledger and Johnny Depp. “I think Johnny Depp, even off the screen, is a really interesting character,” Maxwell said. “He’s really good at immersing himself into the roles he does. You can tell he’s not acting; he’s actually becoming that person.” Going forward, Maxwell hopes to make a career out of acting. He is currently looking at colleges and is considering Belmont University or Samford University’s theater departments. “I have nothing wrong in my life, but acting provides an escape from things like school and stress,” he said. “Some people my age resort to
drugs, but acting is my drug because it takes me out of my place in the real world … It allows for an escape into this other world. The role may not be any better. It may be worse than your real life, but it allows you to not worry about what’s going on in the world and allows you to focus on the story and your character.” Alive & Free was directed by Neil Hoppe and took approximately one month to film last October, according to Maxwell. The film is being produced by Lifeway, a Christian resource provider. For more information on the movie, visit aliveandfreefilm.com. For more information about Maxwell, visit facebook.com/MaxwellRossActor.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B13
School House New teachers start school year
Homewood City Schools Foundation donates projectors
HCS’s new teachers gathered at the Board of Education building before the start of the school year.
Homewood City Schools welcomed 20 new teachers during HCS Orientation on Aug. 4. The teachers learned about Homewood Schools’ mission and culture of learning while also gaining employee information and hearing from district leaders. The day ended with a lunch from Urban Cookhouse provided by the Homewood City Schools Foundation. The new teachers are: Edgewood Elementary êêMallory Edmondsonfifth grade êêShereen Glover- fifth grade
êêAmy Law- music êêStephanie Lorberbaum- SPED êêLeah McCluskysecond grade êêEmily Wilder- kindergarten Hall-Kent Elementary êêAllison Bassett- SPED êêAlex Constantine- SPED êêLeigh Ellen Herringthird grade êêTaryn Hopper- speech Ashley Paulk- third grade êêLindsay Shelton- fifth grade Shade Cahaba Elementary êêRachel Buie- first grade
êêChristie Crigger- LEAD êêAshten Dick- first grade êêWendy Story- assistant principal Homewood Middle êêKevin Hughes- eighth grade algebra êêSabrina Jemison- eighth grade science êêBill Whitehead- eighth grade social science Homewood High êêWilliam Alexander- physics êêMatthew Hardman- physics
Hall-Kent Elementary School Principal Abbie Freeman and Assistant Principal Kiana Coleman stand with the school’s new classroom projectors.
The Homewood City Schools Foundation recently provided 36 projectors as part of a plan to update equipment in schools throughout the system. This technology upgrade will provide teachers with the latest equipment to help make instruction more efficient and effective. Each year, the school system works to replace 20 percent of its technology inventory. “On behalf of Homewood City
Schools, I want to thank the Homewood City Schools Foundation for the generous donation of the 36 projectors that are being installed in our five schools,” said Dr. Desiree Smith, HCS curriculum/technology coordinator. “This donation is true to your mission of curriculum enhancement as it will impact daily instruction and learning for hundreds of students in our district.”
The Homewood Star
B14 • September 2015
School employees compete in corporate challenge Homewood City Schools’ employees and families showed up at Railroad Park in full force for the Birmingham Corporate Challenge at Railroad Park this summer. HCS faculty and staff members competed against corporate America and some of the biggest companies in the Birmingham Metro area. HCS had 86 employees competing in the challenges, and well over 100 people participating including family members of Homewood employees. The family-oriented event featured battles between companies of similar size including games of tug of war, dodgeball, a 5K run and fitness
walk, corn hole and rock climbing, as well as T-shirt contests and charity fundraising. HCS cross-country and track students even came out to cheer on their teachers on the 5K course. HCS was sponsored by The Movement, HCS’s program designed to change the way students and staff members think about health and wellness. Homewood was the only school system to participate in the event. HCS faculty and staff warmed up together before the 5K challenge during the Birmingham Corporate Challenge.
Wesson travels to Holocaust Museum for teaching workshop Darby Wesson’s Homewood Middle School students will learn about the Holocaust in a new way this year after Wesson’s experience this summer at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Wesson was one of more than 200 participants who attended the 19th annual Arthur and Rochelle Belfer National Conference for Educators, a three-day workshop for teachers hosted by the Museum in mid-July. The conference is a part of the museum’s ongoing effort to equip educators throughout the country with the knowledge and skills to
effectively bring Holocaust education in their classrooms. “In the face of rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial, educating students about this history is becoming increasingly urgent,” said Fredlake, director of the museum’s teacher education and special programs. Every year, the museum trains hundreds of teachers through training programs held in Washington and around the country. At the conference, the participants teamed up with museum educators and scholars in sharing rationales, strategies and approaches
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for teaching about the Holocaust, Nazi propaganda and antisemitism. They toured the museum and heard from Holocaust survivor and museum volunteer Henry Greenbaum, who survived the Auschwitz Buna-Monowitz camp and a death march to Dachau before being liberated by U.S. soldiers in April 1945. Once the participants completed the program, they received a set of educational materials and a voucher worth $100 to buy Holocaust-related materials in the Museum shop.
HMS teacher Darby Wesson, right, with Holocaust survivor Henry Greenbaum, left.
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B15
Shades Cahaba students construct bridges
Maddie Griffin, Charlie Farrell, Claudia Patrick, Lissette Amezcua and Jackson Glenn
Each year the fifth-graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary School have participated in an academic bridge building unit of study. An architect from Davis Architects partnered with each class to help the students in designing, drawing blueprints and building the bridges. In addition, Davis provided all of the materials and gave a $100 donation to the most creative team’s charity of choice and a $200 donation to the strongest team’s charity. The bridges were tested to see which team built the strongest bridge. Team Cool Construction Crew from Naomi Goss’ class won by holding 9 pounds. They decided to donate their money to Jimmie Hale Mission. The Cool Construction Crew team members were Maddie Griffin, Charlie Farrell, Claudia
Patrick, Jackson Glenn and Lissette Amezcua. The Crew also won third place for most creative bridge. First place for most creative went to Building Bridges in Town Company (BBIT Co.) in Cambre Greene’s class. BBIT Co. donated their money to Neverthirst. Their team members were Lily Prewitt, Abby Dabbs, Hannah Bryant and Bailey Levering. The second place team for creativity was Building Bridges for the Ages, also in Greene’s class. Davis Architects attended at least one or two class periods per week while working on this unit of study, and Mayor Scott McBrayer and Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland spoke to the fifth-graders about teamwork at the event and served as guest judges.
Homewood High School students participate in Boys and Girls State
Sam Cross
Laura Mbogo
Four Homewood High School students were selected to participate in the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State this summer. These programs teach students how government works while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for their rights as a citizen. Rising seniors Sam Cross, Duncan McDuff,
Natalie Johnson
Duncan McDuff
Natalie Johnson and Laura Mbogo, along with students from across the state, ran for office, learned public speaking, created and enforced laws and actively participated in all phases of creating and running a working government. Cross was elected as Boys State attorney general and received a full tuition leadership scholarship from Auburn University.
The Homewood Star
B16 • September 2015
Sports Homewood boys shoot for another state cross-country title Girls hope to better last year’s second-place finish
The Homewood boys celebrate their 2014 cross-country state championship. Photos courtesy of Homewood Athletics.
By DAVID KNOX Lars Porter always has high expectations for his Homewood cross-country teams, and why not? The boys team hoisted its third straight blue trophy as Class 6A state champs last fall, and the girls team
surprised with a second-place finish. “I think it’s ours to take,” said Porter of his boys team’s chances. “We’ve got our strongest senior class… We feel confident, but we still have to do those things we’ve done the past few years to be successful. [We can] follow the process and be
our best when the time comes.” Andy Smith has the fastest time of any returning runner in the state. Hunter Poole, Fulton Williams, Jacob Russell Lister, Azariah Kipchumba and Paul Selden are also among the top 100 returning runners by time across all classes. Parker said there
are others who will also contend to crack the top group and push the others every day in practice. That kind of depth is cause for excitement. “We think it’s a realistic goal, if we handle our business, to win state,” Porter said. Smith’s PR is 15:42. “I want to
run under 15:20 and win state again,” Smith said. “That’s my personal goal. I want all of our top five guys to finish in the top 10, and of course, win state again.” He said he guards against complacency by continuing with the process that has gotten him where he is. “I try
TheHomewoodStar.com to stay confident in my training, not read the ranking and predictions, just go out and do my thing,” Smith said. Poole wants to run a sub-16 and be the type of challenger to Smith that Alex Ngei was as a senior last year. “We know it’s not just going to come to us, we’ve got to keep working hard,” Poole said. Last year the girls were runner-up to John Carroll, which Porter felt was the best he could get from that group. “I’m really excited about our girls,” Porter said. “We have some that are up and coming. Our high school girls have just continued to improve. Our rising seniors, Virginia Givhan and Mary Virginia Spencer, are two, for example … They have continued to work at it and get better and better. The Smith twins, Mary and Caroline, surprised us last year with huge races, and our goal is to see if they can put that together for an entire season and be very consistent at that higher level.” Others Porter mentioned included Hanna Brook Gibbons and Anna Spencer. There’s a very talented group of middle-schoolers that will no doubt join the team at the end of the year, but Porter’s impressed that his veterans high-schoolers are working hard in practice, setting a high standard. “What they’re doing that’s so impressive is they’re shifting the culture,” Porter said. “They’re taking ownership of the fact that it’s day in, day out, a relentless sport. They
September 2015 • B17 GENTRY
CONTINUED from page B1
Homewood’s girls were runners-up in 2014 to John Carroll Catholic.
just grind and they’ve pushed through and are not afraid to hurt. They’re willing to run through that wall and just push through the pain. “Virginia Givhan is this cute little blonde girl, but when she’s passing out after running across the finish line or throwing up halfway through and pushing on, you see just how competitive she is. “She’s a joy to have on the team.” Givhan said she started running in seventh grade for the varsity, and some seniors took her
under their wing. She said she’s just paying it forward. “We were just these little middle-schoolers. Them accepting us and talking to us helped us be confident in our running and comfortable training with them,” she said. “So I feel like now being able to help the new freshmen be comfortable with us will help us become a family. The team aspect is a huge part of it, even though running seems like an individual sport.” She and the other seniors ran together during the summer, and she said she felt more confident
and stronger heading into the season. Mary Virginia Spencer said that since the girls lost no seniors who competed at state, they think they have a shot at state. “The team really does depend a lot on the seniors and our mindset for every workout and every meet,” she said. “If we have the right mindset [and] are confident and are positive, I think the underclassmen will look up to that, and the team will be better as a whole.” The girls again will be chasing a very good John Carroll team.
Gentry came back with a vengeance his junior year, racking up 106 tackles from his defensive end position. Defensive linemen usually try to neutralize the offensive linemen and let the linebackers make the tackles, so that’s a phenomenal number of stops. “Those are linebacker-type numbers,” Berguson said. “I’ve never had a defensive end make that many tackles. He’s just got a nose for the football. He’s got great ball get-off and violent hands. “The most impressive thing about him is his motor never stops running. He just plays so hard. He wants to win.” He committed to Troy in late July over about 10 other offers. “I went to their camp, and I really enjoyed it and liked the coaching staff and the defensive line coach,” Gentry said. “I ended up taking a visit. I liked the field, I liked the campus, the education, the academic assistance they give freshmen. “And my favorite player came out of there — DeMarcus Ware [an eight-time Pro Bowler, now with the Denver Broncos].” It could have been predicted that Gentry was headed to a Division I career. He’s got the athletic pedigree. His father, Robert, played at Kansas and then briefly for the Atlanta Falcons and the Birmingham Stallions. His brother was an All-State defensive tackle at Homewood. And his great uncle is Richard Hendrix, the former University of Alabama basketball star. He’s gotten bigger and stronger, but he knows he needs to get even bigger and faster at Troy. He arrived at Homewood around 195 pounds. Now he’s up to 6-2, 265. He’s got his goals set to play as a freshman. Meanwhile, there’s the business of getting the Patriots back to the Class 6A playoffs. He’ll be the anchor, as he’s one of just three starters back on defense. “He’s got to anchor the defense,” Berguson said. “And I know he will. He sets his goals high. If he had 106 tackles last year, he’ll have 150 this year.”
The Homewood Star
B18 • September 2015
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Zumba with Camille ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-10:00am Camille 256-452-2500 • camillescruggs@gmail.com
Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
Kindermusik As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik offers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years. Contact Kelly Alligood: 205-552-6129 Kelly.alligood@charter.net • www.kellyalligood.com
North Star Martial Arts North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarkarate.com. 205-966-4244 • masterjoe@northstarkarate.com
Belly Dancing with Aziza Class Fee: $60 cash only Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net www.azizaofbirmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday: Beginners, Tuesday: Intermediates & Thursday: Advanced.
YoLIMBER Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. All levels welcome. Friday 9:30am-10:30am Saturday 9:00am-10:00am Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com
35209 Dance Line dance for a healthier you! Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm • Sunday 3:00pm-5:00pm $7/Drop-in - $5/Seniors 65+ - First class is free Rosa Fisher 205-910-8896 • rosafisher@yahoo.com
Royce Head Personal Training Affordable small group training sessions are available to members in the community center weight room. Each 30 min workout is fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. $25 Per Session (or) 12 Sessions for $250 Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665
@homewoodparks
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew Beginning ballet moves taught as a foundation for many types of dance. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. Mondays 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional Information call Claire: (205) 879-8780
Homewood Senior Center Seated Exercise Class – Mon (11:15am) / Wed & Fri (10:30am) 45-60 min. Gentle joint movement as warm-up; stretching & strength portions are led with an emphasis on proper breathing; includes 10 min of standing exercises designed to practice balance/weight shifting.
Tango Argentino
Line Dancing “Smart Moves” – Tue & Fri (9:30am) Beginner to Intermediate movement sequences are taught for each song, a sequence is repeated multiple times but facing a different direction with each repetition. Styles of music vary. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it.
Introductory lessons and guided practice. New students are taught basic Tango technique and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practice and exchange tips to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome. HWCC Fitness Studio 2. 1st & 3rd Wednesday each Month – 7:00pm-8:30pm
Zumba Gold & Tai Chi Review – Tue (2:15 & 3:00pm) Zumba Gold is designed at a slightly slower pace with easier directional transitions. Fun, lively music is used and several movements are repeated throughout a song to allow participants ample practice of each move. Review and practice of the Thursday Tai Chi class is completed the last 15mins of class.
360 Personal Trainer Fitness Bootcamp
Adaptive Yoga & Gentle Yoga – Wed (1:15 - Adaptive & 1:45pm Gentle) Half hour of gentle guided stretching and breathing, using a chair. Appropriate for persons who wish to avoid exercise on the floor. Participants have the option to continue for the 2nd half hour with gentle guided stretching and breathing on floor mats.
Bootcamp style fitness classes at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/ Fri 5:30am-6:30am Michael Brooks – michaelbrooks360@gmail.com
Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp Join this all women’s bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday – 5:45am-6:45am www.homewoodfit.com
Acting Out Academy Acting Out Academy is a kid’s performing arts classes at the Homewood Community Center Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm (Encore: After School Program) Thursday 4:30pm-5:30pm (Advanced on-camera). www.actingoutacademy.com • 205-440-2699 meg@actingoutacademy.com
Blue Line Combatives Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Call or email for additional information: Instructor Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com • 205-296-1250
Tai Chi – Thursday (2:00pm) Very slow movement sequences repeated multiple times. Weight shifting and directional changes are executed through slow transition. Gentle on the joints and safer than dance for persons with equilibrium challenges. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. Personal Training at HWD Sr. Center – members only. Kathy focuses on orthopedic issues and restorative training to improve fitness for mature adults, including those with equilibrium, flexibility, strength or other chronic health challenges. Sessions are $35/hour, Contact Kathy at 422-4025 (or) krhagood@yahoo.com
Athletics Homewood Youth Basketball League Registration Begins: October Boys & Girls Ages: Kindergarten – 8th Grade Go to www.homewoodparks.com for more information on the 2015-16 season.
Homewood Youth Wrestling Registration: October Ages: Kindergarten – 6th Grade Go to www.homewoodparks.com for more information
Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes Steel City Cheer classes cover all cheerleading & tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning, and tumbling. All ages & skill levels welcome. Monday & Tuesday 5:30pm-6:30pm Contact DeeDee: PDEveritt@gmail.com • 901-734-0277
Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp Tuesday & Thursday @ 8:30am Location: Homewood Central Park A class for moms of all fitness levels! This 45 minute class focuses on interval training with the use of bands, body weight, and your child’s stroller! www.mommyandmetime.com
Labor Day – Monday, September 7th Community Centers’ Hours 8:00am – 6:00pm
Homewood Central Pool 10:00am – 7:00pm Homewood Central Pool will close for the season at the end of operation on Labor Day
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
September 2015 • B19
Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
726402
35209
1425 Oxmoor Road
New
$439,000
726396
35209
202 Acton Ave.
New
$349,900
726345
35209
250 Hollywood Blvd.
New
$489, 780
726332
35209
133 Rockaway Road
New
$319,900
726278
35209
1509 Valley Place
New
$975,000
726276
35209
1830 29th Ave., # 210 South
New
$579,000
725857
35209
1730 16th Place South
New
$149,900
726007
35209
303 La Prado Circle
New
$539,900
725944
35209
1006 Irving Road
New
$249,900
725882
35209
100 Hallman Hill, #305
New
$449,900
726078
35209
1608 28th Ave. South
New
$309,000
725763
35209
306 Glenwood Drive West
New
$425,000
725731
35209
300 Mecca Ave.
New
$233,900
725703
35209
3437 Sander Court, #A
New
$99,900
725692
35209
1300 Beacon Parkway E., #710
New
$144,900
725672
35209
534 Edgeknoll Lane
New
$169,900
725668
35209
404 Woodvale Lane
New
$189,900
725625
35209
536 Oxford Circle, #20
New
$346,000
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Aug. 17. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
1425 Oxmoor Road
1608 28th Ave. South
The Homewood Star
B20 • September 2015
Opinion Letter to the editor
Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Pedestrian danger
Snakes in the yard
In your July issue of The Homewood Star, you wrote an article on Mrs. Paula Smalley, a woman who was hit by a car in downtown Birmingham. My heart went out to Mrs. Smalley, and I wish nothing but the very best for her. I have lived in Homewood for four years now, and while I am not yet a homeowner here, I have taken to the small town ways immediately. I love this community, and I love its people. When my husband and I moved to Homewood, the first thing I did was get rid of my car. We are a one-car family not out of necessity, but out of the sheer pleasure I get from walking to work (Penzey’s Spices), the library, church and the numerous restaurants that Homewood has to offer. Lately, however, walking has become a dangerous thing in Homewood. I am constantly having to defend myself when crossing on the crosswalk where Oxmoor and 19th Street meet. People in automobiles have no patience for people who need to cross there. I have been honked at, cursed at and in one instance ignored altogether to where I came within inches of being struck. Only yesterday, I saw a woman in a car grow furious at a man crossing the street with his child. Apparently, they weren’t moving fast enough even though the walk light was still flashing. You ask anyone in Homewood who jogs or walks, and they will tell you how challenging it is to cross on 19th Street. On July 29, I was almost run down while walking on the sidewalk. A woman coming from a dentist’s office parking lot failed to
notice me walking near her as she waited for traffic to pass so she could enter into Oxmoor Road. She pressed on the gas and turned into me. If I hadn’t been paying attention, if I’d been distracted by a cell phone, or an iPod, or a child, I would have been struck. Instead, only my right arm was grazed by her rearview window as I jumped back out of the way. She never saw me until she heard me screaming. That’s when she slammed on the brakes. I was too shaken up to do anything but walk away. Later, when I returned home, I found dirt streaked across my arm and shirt. Every day is a challenge for the joggers and pedestrians of Homewood. People park in our crosswalks waiting for the light to change, they turn into you and go around you as you’re crossing the street, they run stop signs and red lights like they don’t exist. The worst places to cross any street in Homewood surprisingly enough are the places where children play (where Roxbury and Huntington Roads cross is a fine example for people who ignore stop signs) and people meet (try crossing over Oxmoor to the Homewood Park without someone coming off of Central making you a hood ornament). Pedestrians count on traffic laws to keep us safe. I have serious concerns for the pedestrians of Homewood, and I can only hope for someone else to share those concerns. Thank you for your time, Valerie Hendricks Woods
Earlier this summer, we got us? With scared, overprotected a phone call from our neighkids who don’t know how to bor telling us they’d spotted tell good from bad, safe from a copperhead snake in their unsafe, helpful from harmful. backyard, heading toward our Those of us who are worrybackyard. We were out of town ing about our kids and praying at the time, which was good for our kids started out as kids because I likely wouldn’t have just like our own, and we all allowed the kids back in the ended up mostly okay — and yard for at least a week. It was our parents were just as wora scary thing knowing a danried for us as we are for our Denton gerous snake was in our sacred children. Sure, overall things space — the space where we’re comfort- may be scarier today than decades ago, able letting our kids run free and unsuper- but the basic concerns were still there. vised, knowing they’re safe and protected: Our parents took care of us, showed us a gate surrounding the yard, nothing sharp, right from wrong and good from bad, said soft pine straw under the swing set, etc. a bunch of prayers, then sent us out into And here comes a snake invading our little the world. And here we are, doing the same safe island. for our kids. The more I thought about it, the more When we got back in town, I wasn’t I realized it was a picture of us, our kids even sure how to go about ridding the and the world around us. Just like all par- yard of a poisonous snake that hadn’t ents, we want to safeguard everything for shown itself again. Plus, the creek behind our kids as much as we can. We talk to our house had flooded since the snake them about strangers and dangers and not was spotted, so I told myself it was gone, to accept candy from anyone they don’t flooded out of our yard by the water and know. We tell them to look both ways hopefully sent way down the creek, along before crossing the street, to not run away with all its snake friends. The next day, from us in a crowded space, to listen, as I unpacked and reorganized our life, obey and not run with scissors. But when Kate and Sela wanted to play in the yard. it comes down to it, snakes can still invade I poked around in the bushes for a few the yard, and we can’t do anything about it. minutes with a long stick, trying to scare We can’t even really protect our kids from away anything still there, and then said a them. Well, we could make them wear prayer and let them out to play. head-to-toe rubber suits or barricade them I’d love to connect! Email me at Lauindoors where (presumably) nothing bad renKDenton@gmail.com or find me on can happen, but where would that leave Twitter @LaurenKDenton.
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Calendar Homewood Events Sept. 10-11: Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale. Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Trinity United Methodist Church. Many items will be half price on Saturday. Visit trinitybirmingham.com/kids/lil-lambs/. Sept. 11: Patriot Day Ceremony. 9 a.m. Homewood City Hall. Sept. 11: Dinnertainment benefitting The Exceptional Foundation. The Country Club of Birmingham. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org Sept. 13: Bargain Costume Closet. The Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court S. 2-4 p.m. The sale will continue at The Dance Foundation through
September. Donations are still welcome. Call 8700073 or visit thedancefoundation.org. Sept. 13: Birmingham Boys Concert and The Jasmine Dance Ensemble. Brock Hall, Samford University. 4 p.m. $10. Call 767-9219. Sept. 15: West Homewood Farmers Market. 5-8 p.m. 160 Oxmoor Road. Live music by The Holsombecks. Visit westhomewood.com. Sept. 15: Edgewood Night Out. 3 p.m.Close of business. Downtown Edgewood. Proceeds will benefit Edgewood Elementary School. Sept. 15: Homewood Chamber of
Commerce Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Featuring speaker Chuck Stark, CEO of Brookwood Medical Center, and sponsored by Iberia Bank. Visit homewoodchamber.org.
Slim & The Law. 3 p.m. opening act, 4 p.m. headliner. Vulcan Park & Museum. $15 adults, $8 members and children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. Visit visitvulcan.com.
Sept. 17: Homewood High School Homecoming Parade. 3:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood.
Sept. 23: Homewood Athletic Foundation Golf Tournament. Noon. Highland Park Golf Course, 3300 Highland Ave S. $150 individual, $500 team. Visit homewoodaf.net.
Sept. 19: Monkey C Monkey Run. 8 a.m. 5K, 9 a.m. Fun Run. Homewood Central Park. The run benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile’s programs for children with cancer. Visit campsam.org. Sept. 20: Vulcan Aftertunes: Langhorne
Sept. 26: Pickin’ in the Park Acoustic Music Festival. 3-7 p.m. Homewood Central Park. Bring your own instrument play or just come to listen at this Homewood Arts Council event. Email HACPNP@gmail.com.
Homewood Library Events Kids Tuesdays: Wee Ones. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Ms. Mary will hold a fun and energetic storytime for ages 24 months and under. Wednesdays: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Ms. Mandy will tell stories filled with music and fun. Thursdays: Storyday with Nay Nay. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime for ages three and under. Sept. 4 & 18: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Energetic movement class for children ages 2 ½ to 4 years. Registration is required and begins on the Monday prior to the class that week.
Sept. 8: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. Large Auditorium. Learn strategy and have fun in equal measure. For kindergarten through 12th grade.
Sept. 14, 21, 18: Preschool Playtime. 1011:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. The library will provide stations and a fun morning of play. Ages 3 and under.
Sept. 17: Who Let the Dogs Out? 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Doggy fun complete with doggy tricks and doggy snacks the whole family.
Sept. 9 & 23: Wild Cards. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Share your favorite card games.
Sept. 15: Book Battle Buddies: SciFi Vs. Mystery. 4:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. First through third graders decide what books are best from different chosen genres from September through March, resulting in our March Madness winner. Snacks and activities will be provided Registration required and begins online Sept. 8.
Sept. 19: The Neverland Pirates. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Celebrate Talk Like A Pirate Day by going on an adventure with Tinkerbell and her pirate friends.
Sept. 10: iTween: Pokemon Party. 4 p.m. Round Auditorium. Crafts, games and snacks based on your favorite creatures for fourth through seventh grade. Sept. 11 & 25: Move & Groove Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance, yoga and fun. All ages. Sept. 14: Monday Movie. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Popcorn, drinks and a swashbuckling adventure with Kermit and the gang.
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Sept. 15: I Survived Book Club. 6 p.m. Round Auditorium. Will discuss Lauren Tarshis’ I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2011. For fourth to sixth grade. Registration required and begins Sept. 8.
Sept. 21: LEGO Club. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Join us for an exciting new building challenge each month for kindergarten through fifth grade. Sept. 27: Our World Our Library (O.W.O.L.). 2:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Stories, activities and crafts about multiculturalism and diversity for kindergarten to third grade.
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Calendar Homewood Library Events (continued)
Sept. 28: Monday Makerspace: Minecraft Mania. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Get ready for some pixilated crafty creeper fun. Sept. 28: Banned Books BINGO. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Win prizes while playing a BINGO game about our favorite banned books.
Teens Sept. 1: The Road to College. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Admission counselors from several local colleges and universities will be present to answer questions regarding financial aid, ACT vs. SAT, application timelines and more. Sept. 3: Teen Anime Club. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Join the Teen Anime Club and dive into the world of Japanese culture. Sept. 8: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. Large Auditorium. Learn strategy and have fun in equal measure. For kindergarten through 12th grade. Sept. 8 & 22: Coding for Girls. 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Club geared toward empowering girls who are interested in the computer science field. Sept. 9: ACT Practice Test. 9:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Teens are invited to take this free ACT Practice Test offered through Kaplan Test Prep. Registration is required and can be completed by via the library’s website. Contact Judith Wright at jrwright@bham.lib.al.us or 332-6622 for more information. Sept. 10: iTween: Pokemon Party. 4 p.m. Round Auditorium. Crafts, games and snacks for fourth to seventh graders. Sept. 14: Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
– Introductory Meeting. 6 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. The TAB is open to teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active role at the Homewood Public Library. An application must be submitted for consideration. Application materials can be downloaded from the Library’s website or picked up at the Adult Services Desk. Sept. 15: Teen Movie. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. See the latest film in the Fast and the Furious series. Popcorn and refreshments provided. Sept. 28: Banned Books Bingo. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Win prizes while playing a Bingo game about our favorite banned books.
Adults Sept. 1 & 15: Job Search Tips with Jack Norris. 12:30 p.m. Room 101. Local career counselor Jack Norris presents a program covering a variety of topics including resume building, interviewing skills, networking and keeping a positive attitude. Sept. 1: Technology Tuesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. Round Auditorium. Workshop geared toward casual users. Sept. 8: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Boardroom. Will discuss Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Sept. 9: Next Step Wednesdays: iPad & iPhone Intermediate Class. 2 p.m. Large Auditorium. Workshop geared toward intermediate users. Sept. 10: Hellenic Heartbeat in the Deep South with Niki Sepsas. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Author Sepsas discusses the immigrant journey of faith taken by thousands of
Greeks in the late nineteenth century. Sept. 11: Getting Out of the Sedentary with Lisa Eaker. 12:30 p.m. Room 101 (Lower Level). Eaker, a certified group exercise instructor, presents a program designed to provide motivation toward an active lifestyle. Sept. 14 & 28: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. Large Auditorium. Free yoga class. All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required, but please bring your own mat. Sept. 15: The A, B, Cs of Medicare. Noon and 6 p.m. Room 116, Lower level. Ask questions about Medicare benefits.
Homewood Athletics Sept. 3: Homewood High School Volleyball vs. Hewitt-Trussville. 5 p.m. Sept. 4: Homewood High School Football vs. Pelham. 7 p.m. Sept. 11: Homewood High School Football at Briarwood Christian School. 7 p.m. Sept. 18: Homewood High School Football vs. John Carroll Catholic/ Homecoming. 7 p.m.
Sept. 21: Bossypants Book Club. 6:308 p.m. Nabeel’s Café. Will discuss Bossypants by Tina Fey.
Sept. 22: Homewood High School Volleyball vs. Bragg/ Elementary/Middle School Night. 5 p.m.
Sept. 26: Self-Defense for Women. 9:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Detective Juan Rodriquez will teach how to size up a situation and know what to do in an attack. Free. Registration required.
Sept. 22: Homewood High School Volleyball vs. Clay/Hewitt. 5 p.m.
Sept. 26: AARP Smart Driver Course with Anne Walker. 9:30 a.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Course will provide researchbased information to help update driving knowledge and skills. Registration required. AARP members $15, non-members $20. Call 637-6100. Sept. 29: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. Room 106, Lower Level. Grief/ loss group sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Reservations requested. Email mawilson@gbhs.org or call 942-1211. Sept. 30: Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.
Save the Date Oct. 8: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic. Robert Trent Jones-Oxmoor Valley on the Valley Course. Visit homewoodchamber.org.
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Calendar Area Events Sept. 1: Chris Brown: One Hell of Nite Tour. Oak Mountain Ampitheatre. Visit theoakmountainamphitheater.com.
members and children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. Visit visitvulcan.com.
Sept. 3: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. Downtown Birmingham. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com.
Sept. 20: U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team vs. Australia. 1:30 p.m. Legion Field. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Sept. 3: Lady Antebellum Wheels Up Tour. Oak Mountain Ampitheatre. Visit theoakmountainamphitheater.com.
Sept. 24: For Better or Worse. 7 p.m. A gospel stage play by Tyesha Brown. Visit alabamatheatre.com.
Sept. 7: Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie Eatin’ Contest. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Visit tannehill.org.
Sept. 24: The Art of Hope: Speaking the Unspoken. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company. Event by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Junior Board for local artists to express the effects of mental illness. Visit afspartofhope.com.
Sept. 11: Dinnertainment benefitting The Exceptional Foundation. The Country Club of Birmingham. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org Sept. 11-Oct. 4: Big Fish. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre. Tickets start at $30. Visit redmountaintheatre.org. Sept. 16: Lecture: Spiritual Moderns: Twentieth-Century American Artists and Issues of Religion. 6:30 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art. Visit artsbma.org. Sept. 17: Van Halen. Oak Mountain Ampitheatre. Visit theoakmountainamphitheater.com. Sept. 18: Jeanne Robertson. 7:30 p.m. The Alabama Theatre. Family-friendly comedy. Visit alabamatheatre.com. Sept. 19: Dash of the Dead Zombie 5K. Warehouse 31, Pelham. Visit warehouse31.com.
The route for the Boulevard Blast 5K runs through the historic Norwood neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Natalie Isom Sansom.
Sept. 19: National Eating Disorders Walk. Avondale Park. 9 a.m. check-in, 11 a.m. walk. The first annual event seeks to raise awareness and funding to battle anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Visit nedawalk.org. Sept. 19: Monkey C Monkey Run. 8 a.m. 5K, 9 a.m. Fun Run. Homewood Central Park. The run benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile’s programs for children with cancer. Visit campsam.org.
Sept. 20: Trucks by the Tracks. 11 a.m.5 p.m. Railroad Park. Live music, food trucks, beverages and more. $5 adults, free for children 12 and younger. Visit railroadpark.org. Sept. 20: Ariana Grande. 7:30 p.m. Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Legacy Arena. Visit bjcc.org. Sept. 20: Vulcan Aftertunes: Langhorne Slim & The Law. 3 p.m. opening act, 4 p.m. headliner. Vulcan Park & Museum. $15 adults, $8
Sept. 25: Russian Grand Ballet Presents Swan Lake. The Alabama Theatre. 7 p.m. $1555. Swan Lake, based on Russian folklore and German legend, follows a heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell. Visit ticketmaster.com. Sept. 26: Boulevard Blast 5K. 9 a.m. 5K, 9:30 a.m. Fun Run/Walk. 3136 Norwood Blvd. Benefitting the Norwood Resource Center. Register at active.com. Sept. 27: Magic City AIDS Walk & 5K Run. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Railroad Park. Visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org.
(Progressive Financing)