Homewood Star vol 3 iss 7 October 2013 by Starnes Media

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October 2013

The Homewood Star Volume 3 | Issue 7 | October 2013

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Spicy or sweet?

Get ready to chow down on Birmingham’s best at this year’s Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest, set for Oct. 12 in downtown Homewood. Find all the details in this issue.

Community page 19

Let’s get together

At Edgewood Elementary School, the cafeteria starts serving lunch to its approximately 800 students at 10:30 a.m. and doesn’t wrap up until 1:30 p.m. Seeing evidence of school population growth at Edgewood and other elementary schools, Homewood City Schools is now considering how to accommodate increasing student population in its facilities. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

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At one time, rising enrollment at Edgewood Elementary School presented a specific problem for Principal Patricia Simpson. “Specials,” the school’s term for activity classes like music and art, were once on a five-day rotation schedule. But as the number of students climbed, these classes began to burst at the seams. “Sometimes I had a class and a half or even two classes in at a time,” said Edgewood music teacher Theresa McKibben. Simpson’s solution, now in full effect at the school, was to amend the rotation schedule. Students now attend each special class once every seven days. And because extending the rotations left gaps, Simpson filled them with even more activities — technology, expressive writing and social studies. “You have to adapt, and we’ve done that,” she said. “But we wouldn’t have done it if there weren’t more students now than there used to be.” Homewood City Schools (HCS) is now looking to address how education facilities will accommodate the increasing growth in school enrollment. Last month, Homewood City Schools Superintendent Bill Cleveland charged a Strategic Planning Committee to develop a solution for

the growing student population. Enrollment numbers fluctuated for many years, he explained, but have grown year after year since 2006. Back then, Edgewood had approximately 500 students. Now, the school serves nearly 800. “We start serving lunch at 10:30 a.m. and don’t slow down until almost 1:30 p.m.,” Simpson said. The Central Office is asking the committee of educators, administrators and community members for direction. For now, walls can be moved to fit children in a school, but such small changes will not be sustainable in the long term. “We still have places where we can do things like that, but the things we can do will end,” Cleveland said. “You have to face these [issues] honestly. Everyone is talking about it anyway.” The Strategic Planning Committee developed the overall HCS Strategic Plan three years ago, as HCS does every five years, to guide the system. However, Dr. Betty Winches, assistant superintendent for instruction, said they did not then recognize the pattern of growth like they do now. And that’s why they have come back together to address the issue. Much like three years ago, the committee will research the issue and come back to the Central Office with a

See SCHOOLS | page 29

Homewood City Schools Enrollment, 1980-2012

1800 1600 1400 Student Population

Community page 21

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Elementary School

1200 1000

High School

800 600

Middle School

400 ‘80

‘ 88

‘84

‘ 92

‘ 96 Year

‘00

‘ 04

‘08

Homewood Population by Age 500

0-4

5-17

Age

18-64

65+

-500 U.S. Census data from censusviewer.com/city/AL/Homewood.

Above, Homewood City Schools enrollment numbers show that elementary school population has grown every year since 2004. Middle school population has also grown since 2006 but with a less dramatic increase. Left, city population data confirms that the number of school-aged children in the city is growing.

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Enrollment data provided by Homewood City Schools. Enrollment data is the average of the first 40 days of school for each respective year. For 2006, it was the enrollment from 20 days after Labor Day.

Change in City Population, 2000-2010

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Homewood City Schools starting work on plan to accommodate growing student population

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The Homewood Star

Photo of the Month

About Us Please Support our Community Partners

Shades Valley Lutheran Church recently held a workday to maintain a new trail in the Wildwood Forest Preserve. The group worked with Fresh Water Land Trust and chose the date to be a part of a national Lutheran day of service. Participants were Jim, Gretchen and Maggie Sexton; Shannon and Alex Curlings; Gail and Quinn McCormick; Bruce Montgomery; Stephen Schrader; Dot Smith; Lane Graham; Greg Vitalis; Johnny, Will and Garrett Poole; and John and Cameron Giordano. Photo courtesy of Gretchen Sexton.

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham

It’s about time

This month’s cover story has been a long time in the works. Your comments resounded with unity when we first covered Homewood City School’s new plans for the former Magnolia Apartments property on Valley Avenue back in March. The need for a new elementary school of some sort takes precedent over all other hopes and dreams for the space, you said. Digging into HCS school enrollment data confirms the extent of the concern about school space. The 45-degree angled jump of blue on the graph on the cover illustrates what parents and teachers at Egdewood and Hall-Kent elementary schools have been seeing these past several years: there are a ton more elementary-aged kids than there used to be! What I learned in sitting in on a HCS meeting, as the story explains, is that they are now looking at how to best accommodate the growth but not just in the short term. All those elementary schoolers are going to eventually be middle schoolers and high

schoolers, and HCS wants to make changes that will be best for Homewood students not just this year or two years from now but, as Dr. Betty Winches said, 20 to 30 years down the road. So the big picture is this: a long-term solution is in the works. For the meantime, sit back and be patient, and also share your ideas for how HCS should handle the growth. Email us at editor@ thehomewoodstar.com or comment on our Facebook page with your ideas,

and we’ll pass them on to the Strategic Planning Committee. We’ll continue to track the committee’s plans, so stay tuned for more in future issues. Moving beyond the cover, here are my top picks why I am loving Homewood all the more thanks to this issue: • The victory of Broadway Park vs. condo developer (8) • New Mexican food and a weekend to try indoor cycling for free (10) • Chocolate chip cookie dough egg rolls (13) and eating chicken wings for a good cause (19) • Getting to know the man who built a VW Beetle into an electric car (and who patiently explained complicated car stuff to me and gave me a ride around West Homewood!) (18) As always, thanks for reading and making Homewood, well, home, for all of us. Enjoy your month of crisp-temperature mornings and the autumn hues that will soon line our streets!

The Homewood Star neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

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Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Louisa Jeffries Katie Turpen Intisar Seraaj-Sabree Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty 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: Editor@TheHomewoodStar.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 editorial 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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AccelAbility Physical Therapy (31) Activ Care Living, Mount Royal Towers (10) Alabama Power (9) Alan Sheffield (25) Aloft Birmingham SOHO Square (28) Bedzzz Express (2) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (26) Birmingham Parent, Fall Family Fest (21) Birmingham School of Music (26) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (21) Brandino Brass (23) Briarcliff Shop (23) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (16) Brookwood Medical Center (8) Cafe Iz (15) Children’s of Alabama (7) Classic Events (30) Edgewood Service Center (6) Eighteenth Street Orientals (17) Fair Haven Retirement Community (25) Fi-Plan Parnters (17) First Lenders Mortgage Corp (19) Granger Thagard Associates (21) Harmony Landing (20) Hearlab (6) Homewood Antiques and Marketplace (16) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (25) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (22) Homewood Parks and Rec (24) Indian Springs School (19) Iron Tribe (32) Jacqueline DeMarco (20) Jim Johnson LMT (27) Julie Ivy White (29) Junior League of Birmingham (13) LAH Real Estate (14) Margot Walbert, DOM (18) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (18) Michael’s (3) Mitchell’s Place (28) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (11) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (5) Salem’s Diner (20) Samford After Sundown (11) Savage’s Bakery (29) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (12) The Wade Team (12) United Way (15) Urban Style Salon (18) Vision Gymnastics (27) Vulcan Park and Museum (26)

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City

The Homewood Star

Tips to prevent kitchen fires As you transition into cooking inside more than out as temperatures start to drop, consider that cooking fires are the number one cause of structure fires. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has chosen “Prevent Kitchen Fires” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12. Learning to cook safely can prevent injury to you or others and can also prevent damage to your home. Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan has provided the following safe cooking tips.

ff Never use a charcoal, gas or wood

burning grill or a turkey fryer inside your home or garage. ff Turn on the hood exhaust fan when using your stove or oven in order to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. ff Make sure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are tested, and change their batteries regularly. ff Stay by the stove when a burner is on. A stove fire can erupt quickly, so it is important that you are near it to put out the flames. ff If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove. ff Don’t wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. Loose clothing could easily brush against a flame and catch fire. ff Turn pot handles away from the front of the stove and away from traffic. This tip will prevent your elbow from knocking against the handle and spilling food, or even worse, hot oil or fat onto you or the burner. ff Clean the grease off your stove regularly. ff Heat oil gradually. Never pour oil into a hot pan because it can burst into flames within seconds. It is safer to pour oil into the pan before you turn the burner on.

Homewood firefighters use safe cooking practices in the department’s kitchen.

ff If grease or oil in the pan ignites, smother

the fire with a fire extinguisher, a lid or baking soda, and turn off the stove. Never use water, which causes grease fires to spread. ff Maintain a dry chemical (ABC) fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in your kitchen. -Submitted by Homewood Fire Department

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October 2013

Hawkins to serve as school board president Christopher L. Hawkins will serve as president of the Homewood Board of Education for a one-year term. He was appointed to the board for a five-year term effective January 2012 and served as vice-president last year. Hawkins, a lawyer with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, represents debtors and creditors in out-of-court business restructurings, Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases and bankruptcy-related litigation regulations and has assisted financial services companies in bankruptcy compliance matters. “We congratulate Chris on this recognition of his service to Homewood and the city’s highly regarded school system,” said Firm Chairman Beau Grenier. “Chris is a leader who represents the firm well in his community and civic involvements.” Hawkins earned his J.D. summa cum laude from The University of Alabama School of Law. He also has a B.S. summa cum laude from Spring Hill College.

Christopher Hawkins

Shooting for the horizon

Homewood Police Officer Nathan Lane participates in a shooting competition.

Homewood police officers Nathan Lane and John Springfield represented Homewood in a shooting competition in Paulding County Georgia in August. The duo competed against 35 officers, troopers, deputies and agents at the event. The competition benefitted Shoot for the Horizon, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children with special needs and builds special parks and facilities for them. “Competition was very steep; there were 12 shooters that were of very high skill level,”

Lane said. Each of the three shooting events was based on speed and accuracy. Lane won two of the three events in the Speed Plates and the Headto-Head dueling tree courses. The two officers said they are thankful for the opportunity that allowed them to help raise about $3,500 for Shoot for the Horizon, Lane said. For more about the organization, visit shootforthehorizon.com. -Submitted by Homewood Police Department

Chamber to hold golf tourney On Thursday, Oct. 10, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce will take over the Valley course at Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley. The 12th annual Homewood Chamber Golf Classic is sponsored by Brookwood Medical Center and OnMark Physical Therapy. Over the past years, the tournament has raised funds for scholarships for Homewood High School students, supported many community events and provided opportunities for Homewood businesses. As Homewood Chamber’s largest annual fundraiser, all proceeds benefit the organization’s work in the community. More than 100 golfers are anticipated

to participate, and many sponsorship opportunities are available. The four-person scramble format will kick off with a noon shotgun start. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the putting contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. Registration fees include range balls, cart and green fee, a goody bag, and a chance to win a new Limbaugh Toyota with a hole in one and door prizes. Immediately following the tournament, an awards ceremony for all participants will serve a barbecue supper sponsored by Full Moon. For more email director@homeoodchamber. org or call 871-5631.

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Plans for Broadway Park move forward as building company withdraws proposal By SYDNEY CROMWELL Residents in Edgewood have scored a victory in their quest to build a park off of Broadway Street. Drake Homes LLC had intended to build condominiums at the park’s planned location, but the company withdrew its proposal after facing pressure from local homeowners. A group called Friends of Broadway Park and Community Garden, which has campaigned for the park’s creation since March, attributed this success to its members’ letter-writing campaign and interviews on ABC 33/40 and Fox 6. “We like to think that they heard the community’s concerns about what development of that area would do to the neighborhood, the traffic and the families who walk, run and stroll though there daily,” said Van Gunter, a member of Friends of Broadway Park. Even with this obstacle removed, the park is not a definite addition to Edgewood yet. While residents are making plans to convert the lot, which sits at the intersection of Carr Avenue and Saulter Road, into an enjoyable public space, the City of Homewood has not yet made a decision to purchase the land. At a public works committee meeting on Sept. 9, the committee discussed the feasibility of purchasing and improving the lot. The land would cost $220,000, and the Parks and Recreation Department estimates that benches, landscaping, paths and other improvements will cost $50,000-60,000. Due to this expense, the committee also considered using a smaller, neighboring lot as a compromise between community and budgetary needs. If that lot were used, the city would not buy the land but rather make an agreement with the owner to place benches and paths on the lot in return for keeping the grass cut. “It would be a done deal if we had property being donated to the city. We’d be all over it,”

said Walter Jones, a member of the committee. “But that’s not the case. So it’s mainly a financial matter.” The committee ultimately made a motion to send the park proposal for a vote. They recommended approval if the funding was available but were uncertain if the finance committee would agree. “I think everybody is in favor of more green space,” said committee member Rich Laws, “but the way it is, I don’t think we have the votes to be able to buy it.”

Left, Edgewood resident Emily Brown walks near the potential site of a Broadway Park, pictured above, with her 5-month-old twin daughters. Brown said that she would be excited to have a park within walking distance. “Anything that gets us out of the house for something free to do is great,” she said. Photos by Intisar Seraaj-Sabree.

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A drug-free Homewood Schools partner with community to observe Red Ribbon Week

Homewood Red Ribbon Week Events Prescription Drug Safety Public Forum Tuesday, October 22 Noon-1 p.m. Dawson Church

DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, October 26 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Target, Colonial Brookwood Village

By KATIE TURPEN Red Ribbon Week won’t just be confined to Homewood classrooms the week of Oct. 23-31. This year, the Safe & Healthy Homewood coalition is partnering with businesses, city government and the Homewood Police Department to spread awareness about the dangers of teen drug use. “The school district has always participated in the national observance, but this is our first year taking the programs out into the community,” said Carissa Anthony, prevention and development coordinator at Homewood City Schools. “I think it will really send a strong message to the students.” The Chamber of Commerce will place red ribbons on lampposts throughout Homewood during the week of Oct. 21. On Oct. 22, Homewood City Schools will be co-sponsoring a Prescription Drug Safety Public Forum with Rep. Paul DeMarco, which will help people to recognize signs and symptoms of dangerous drug use. On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Homewood Police Department will be sponsoring the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which provides an opportunity for people to dispose of their prescription drugs in an environmentally safe and convenient way. The event will be held at Target Shopping Center at Colonial Brookwood Village from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homewood Police Officer Keith Smith said the DEA sponsors these events twice a year to

Homewood High School Peer Helpers lead awareness activities about the dangers of drug use.

prevent people from throwing away or flushing their narcotics. “Neighboring cities have done this event, but this is Homewood’s first one,” Smith said. “We’ll have the canine unit out there. The Target pharmacy has been really supportive. We hope it goes well.” Beyond the month of October, anti-drug educational programs occur at Homewood

Middle School and Homewood High School throughout the year. Both schools sponsor Peer Helpers, an organization of students who pledge to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free and are trained to report to an adult when a fellow student is in trouble. The peer helpers serve as mentors and tutors for their peers during the school year and attend a mandatory retreat in August at Camp World

Song. They are selected in the spring by a faculty and advisory team. “[The peer helpers] lead educational programs on different topics throughout the year such as drug awareness and suicide prevention,” Anthony said. “It is a good cross-age program that helps to model good behavior for the other students.” For more information on National Red Ribbon Week, visit redribbon.org.

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Homewood Happenings

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Now Open A newly renovated Residence Inn by Marriott is now open at 50 State Farm Parkway near Wildwood. 943-0044. marriott.com.

Coming Soon The Assistance League of Birmingham will open a new boutique, Encore Collection, on Saturday, Oct. 5 inside The Shops of Assistance League at 1755 Oxmoor Road. The store will feature women’s clothing and home décor items. It will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Proceeds from the boutique will benefit the three philanthropic programs of Assistance League: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy.

Sweat and Gears, an indoor cycling studio, is opening Oct. 12 in the former Iron Tribe Fitness building at 2809 Central Ave. The studio is a payby-the-ride facility with no membership required for use. On the opening weekend, Oct. 12 and 13, anyone can participate in a class for free if you register online in advance. 532-1677. sweatandgearsstudio.com.

Catrina Mexican Cantina is 4 La opening soon at 230 State Farm Parkway at the former Locos location. The owners also run a La Catrina at 2409 Acton Road in Vestavia Hills.

Relocations Skin Wellness Center of Alabama moved into a new location in September. The center offers professional cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology services. Its new address is 2908 Central Avenue, Suite 150. 871-7332. skinwellnessal.com.

October 2013

News and Accomplishments Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market is among 12 Retail of the Year honorees who will be recognized Oct. 8 at an Alabama Retail Association luncheon. The level of the individual awards will be announced at the event.

Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, LLC is collecting Halloween candy from trick-or-treaters. Dr. Deanne Vail and Dr. Julie Webb are giving $1 per pound of candy as well as toothbrushes. Each participant will also be entered into an opportunity drawing to win special prizes. All candy is donated to Operation Gratitude, which then sends the candy to deployed U.S. military. Unopened candy will be collected at the dentistry on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 868-4577. homewooddental@gmail.com. homewooddental.com.

Coffee co-owner Taylor McCall and his 8 Seeds band, Indelible Worship, are launching a first book, James, in a project that involves turning the books of the Bible into music on Oct. 1. indelibleworship.com. Brookwood Medical Center plans to open a specialty hospital for chronically critically ill patients on its campus. The 38-bed Select Specialty Hospital of Birmingham would be relocated from Trinity Medical Center. It employs 125 medical professionals. bwmc.com, selectmedical.com.

Salon U, 2824 Linden Ave., was listed 10 on Elle magazine’s top 100 U.S. salons for the second consecutive year. Every year in August, the magazine’s fashion and beauty editors reveal the best salons in America by state. Salon U is the only salon representing Alabama’s best for 2013. 870-8708. salonustyle.com.

Closing 11

Camp Taco, 437 Green Springs Highway, recently closed.

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Business news

to share? Now Open Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion Anniversary

If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and want to share your event with the community, let us know.

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Business Spotlight W

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609 Oak Grove Road 942-9001 thebriary.com Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

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The Briary

Read past Business Spotlight at TheHomewoodStar.com

Raleigh Ave

By KATIE TURPEN Tobacconist Skip Elliot sinks into the tan sofa inside his shop’s smoking room and points to the array of eclectic pictures on the walls. One is of a monkey in a dress, and others include snapshots of his relatives. “People come in here from all the around the country and say, ‘Gosh, I wish I had one of these [spaces] in my house,’” Elliot said. “It’s what you’d really expect a tobacco shop to look like.” The Briary Pipe and Tobacco Shop sits inside a quaint 114-year-old farmhouse across from Patriot Park in West Homewood. The business began in 1974 on the upper level of what was then called Brookwood Mall. After 26 years, Elliot decided he needed to venture outside the mall and enlisted the help of a real estate friend to scout a new location. In November 2000, he received a call about the farmhouse on Oak Grove Road. In 45 minutes, Elliot contacted the real estate agent, went to see the house and made an offer. “I always thought it was amazing that it worked out the way it did,” Elliot said. “Even after 13 years, every day when I get here I do feel comfortable.” The shop specializes in pipes from many countries but also sells cigars,

(above) Tobacconist and pipe maker Skip Elliot is the owner of The Briary Pipe and Tobacco Shop in West Homewood. (left) The shop’s smoking room offers comfy couches, a palm leaf fan, a guitar and an array of amusing pictures and artifacts for customers to enjoy. Photo by Katie Turpen.

tinned and loose tobacco as well as smoking accessories and gifts. Elliot even makes his own pipes at his Alabaster home, but those are a rare

treat for customers. “We have a lot of pipes. That’s what makes us different,” Elliot said. “I make pipes myself, but I make

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very few and they sell the same day. It’s very gratifying. It’s hard to believe that you can do something that’s appreciated to that degree.”

Elliot said plans to revitalize the West Homewood area around him will work in his shop’s favor, given that he has not retired by the time the plans become action. 2014 will mark the shop’s 40th anniversary, and Elliot has special plans up his sleeve that include slow-cooked barbecue. Every year around January or February, the shop hosts what Elliot calls “an insane annual event.” He usually invites a Danish pipemaker and tobacconists from around the country who crowd the store and front yard. A slow smoking pipe contest is also part of the fun. “It’s one of few things you don’t want to do fast,” Elliot said. “The last one smoking wins. It’s always fun to watch. These people are so serious.” Elliot takes pride in the fact that his store is known countrywide and that generations of families are part of his loyal customer base. Customers drive from Iowa and Kansas just to step inside the farmhouse and sink into the smoking room couches for a brief break from reality. He even recalls a time in Chicago when he ran into a man from Ottawa, Canada. “People in Canada know who we are! Isn’t that amazing?” Elliot said with a laugh. “You would never imagine that it’s such a small, quiet little place. It’s hard to believe.”

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TheHomewoodStar.com

Restaurant Showcase 18 Street S.

Jackson’s

Read past Restaurant Showcases at TheHomewoodStar.com

Rosedale Dr

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Bar and Bistro

1831 28th Ave. South 870-9669 jacksonsbarandbistro.com Monday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. • Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Wednesday- Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m. -1 a.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

By KATIE TURPEN Chaotic, upbeat and super casual — this is the vibe Jackson’s owner Tom Sheffer aimed to create more than seven years ago when he was looking to expand his Nashville restaurant located near Vanderbilt University. “We kept coming back to Birmingham two or three times a year,” Sheffer said. “I really like the energy here in Homewood.” Since opening in September 2006, the expansive patio has become a familiar spot for those looking for a place to brunch, lunch and hang out for late-night eats and drinks. The restaurant attracts a variety of customers from the business professionals at lunchtime to local college students in the later evening hours. “Nobody needs to worry about dress here,” Sheffer said. “We just want everybody to come in and relax.” Sheffer said his time spent in Spanish bistros in Europe inspired the interior design of the restaurant, which has an open kitchen, stone pizza oven and an upstairs loft space. Funky art pieces by Paul Wilm from Naked Art adorn the walls. “We’re an American spin on a European bistro,” Sheffer said. “And for comfort, we have this big American bar.” Sheffer dubs his menu as “creative comfort food.” The menu offers everything from Steak Frites to a Baltimore BLT to Tacos Del Mar. “We have a lot of different cuisines, and we’re always trying new things,” Sheffer said. “People may not realize we get fresh produce every day. We also get fresh seafood.”

Jackson’s famous Cookie-Dough Egg Rolls are ﬂash fried in pastry and topped with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Despite the array of offerings that represent different countries and traditions, Sheffer mentions a small plate and a dessert item that keep many loyal customers coming back again and again. “I always joke if we took everything off but the Buffalo Feathers and the Cookie-Dough Egg Rolls, we could still do great business,” Sheffer said. There’s an obvious reason for this favoritism: flash-fried wonder. The Cookie-Dough Egg Rolls — fried chocolate-chip dough in pastry — are topped with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. For the Buffalo Feathers, pieces of juicy, pulled white-meat chicken are flash fried in a hot sauce. Behind the expansive bar under low-hanging mood candles, Jackson’s bartenders serve

Tom Sheffer is the owner of Jackson’s Bar and Bistro in SoHo Square. Photos by Katie Turpen.

The Pacific Panini is filled with blackened ahi tuna, Monterey Jack and pico de gallo.

up specialty, “newish” cocktails such as the Gentleman Jackson, which contains Gentleman Jack whiskey, Blue Moon, house sours, marmalade and bitters. The bar is stocked with 30 different beers including a local selection on tap and what Sheffer refers to as a “tight but good wine selection.” “We make a lot of the ingredients in house,” Sheffer said. “We make our own grenadine. We make our own bitters.” Outside of happy hour and late night, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays lasts until 3 p.m. Forget your average mimosa paired with eggs and toast. The menu offers twists on classics drinks such as the Asian Mary made with wasabi vodka and the Cypress, a blend of champagne and grapefruit juice. Then sink your teeth into one of ten omelettes such as

the Alpine, a gooey delight of Swiss cheese and Broadbent bacon. The restaurant’s weekly specials include half-price wine on Sundays and half-price beer, well drinks and call drinks on Tuesdays until midnight. And just in case you thought you heard everything, the bar has a late night menu that includes oven-baked S’mores and the bistro’s specialty flatbreads and pizzas. When asked his favorite part of being a restaurant owner in Homewood, Sheffer gives several answers. “The social part, getting to talk to different people,” Sheffer said. “Also, putting together a creative menu, meeting with new providers. It’s hard work but it’s a fun business. It’s great because Birmingham is very food-conscious right now.”

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14 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

Community School running teams partner to support Bell Center Homewood runners are starting early to prepare for the Mercedes Marathon Relay in February 2014, and for a good cause. The running programs at all five Homewood City Schools are creating the Patriot Partners program. From fifth grade to high school, HCS runners of all abilities will be recruited to train together as they unite a love for running with a spirit of giving. Coaches from each of the schools, along with cross-country coaches from Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School, will work with the five-person teams to prepare each runner for their leg of the 26.2-mile relay. Students will also be responsible for fundraising to support the Bell Center, an organization that provides special education, speech and physical therapy and other services to children at risk for developmental delay. Lars Porter, Homewood High’s crosscountry head coach, looks forward to seeing the

students work together for a great cause. “Road racing today has really become a cause-related sport, and we wanted our kids to experience the enormous satisfaction that can come from being a part of something bigger than themselves,” he said. “With this program, we hope that our students and athletes will discover the joy of using their talents to serve others.” The HCS running programs have experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, and Porter understands that this brings the opportunity and responsibility to give back to the community. “The Bell Center is such an amazing resource that has impacted thousands of families throughout Birmingham,” he said. “And having the center here in Homewood, along with their longstanding ties to the running community, just made them a natural fit for us. It’s a new partnership that I hope will remain for many years.” The Patriot Partners program will kick off

Runners from all five Homewood City Schools, along with Coaches Lars Porter, Eric Swope and Josh Donaldson, join Bell Center student Frances McCalley and her father, Will, as they prepare for the Patriot Partners for the Bell Center kickoff event.

at the Bell Center’s Magic City Mile race on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m. in downtown Homewood. Following the race, an information meeting will be held at the Bell Center at 3:30 p.m. for

students interested in becoming Patriot Partners. The Bell Center is located at 1700 29th Court S. For more information abot Patriot Partners, contact Lars Porter at lporter@homewood.k12.al.us.

Card offers discount on retailers

Edgewood Church to observe Children’s Sabbath

The Junior League of Birmingham, local retailers and restaurants are partnering to bring back the Shop Save & Share charity shopping event. Cardholders can receive a 20 percent discount at more than 500 retailers and restaurants throughout the Birmingham area. Participating Homewood merchants include: Alabama Outdoors, Arceneaux Gallery, Centuries, Festivity, Homewood Toy and Hobby, Molly Green, Cahaba Cycles, Eighteenth Street Oriental Rugs, Shoefly Shoe Boutique, White Flowers Gallery and Pinches Tacos.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, Edgewood Presbyterian Church will participate in the 22nd annual observance of Children’s Sabbath, promoted nationally by the Children’s Defense Fund. Parish associate Joe Genau will lead the day’s worship service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The multi-faith weekend seeks to inspire congregations and religious organizations to work on behalf of children through prayer, service and advocacy throughout the year. The Edgewood observance will focus on the orphanage in Haiti supported in part by the church’s weekly nickel-a-meal hunger offering. The orphanage, located on the Central Plateau in Haiti,

The $40 purchase of a Shop Save & Share card is a donation to the Junior League of Birmingham that offers card holders savings from Oct. 23-Nov.3. Funds raised support the JLB’s community projects that address some of Birmingham’s most critical issues, including literacy, domestic violence prevention, health education, and life skills for families in transition. Visit jlbonline.com or shopsaveshare.net to purchase your Shop Save & Share card. -Submitted by Junior League of Birmingham

houses 60 children and provides a daily meal to an additional 650 children in surrounding villages. The congregation will hear first-hand reports from local attorney Stewart Wilbanks and Matthew 28 cofounder Mark Hopkins, both of whom participated in a mission trip to Haiti back in July. Music for the Edgewood Church’s observance of Children’s Sabbath will feature the Birmingham Girls Choir, under the direction of Margaret Heron. The choir of 18 girls ages 6 to 12 celebrates diversity through the study and community-wide performances of choral music and rehearses weekly at Edgewood Church. The church is located at 850 Oxmoor Road.

October 2013 • 15

TheHomewoodStar.com

Ballroom dancing marathon to benefit Exceptional Foundation

Lakeshore welcomes heroes

The Exceptional Stars, made up of participants in The Exceptional Foundation, performed a swing exhibition at last year’s event. There will be a larger group of these participants doing a waltz exhibition this year.

For the past 10 years, ballroom dancers from all over the Southeast have gathered in Homewood for a weekend full of dancing and dance classes. Many weary hours later, with happy faces, sore feet and brains full of new dance moves, these folks are already looking forward to the following year’s event. The event originally started during National Ballroom Dance Week to earn money for a new dance floor for Homewood Senior Center, but money raised through this year’s event will benefit The Exceptional Foundation, a non-profit organization for special needs individuals. This year’s event will start on Friday evening, Nov. 1 with a dance featuring live music by Birmingham dance band The Classics at The Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. There will be exhibitions by local dancers, including a special exhibition by the foundation’s

Exceptional Dancing Stars. Saturday will feature six hours of dance workshops taught on three dance floors by nine different teachers. Our Lady of Sorrows’ school and Family Life Center will provide extra dance space for dancers of all levels. Dances offered include the fox trot, waltz, swing, rumba, mambo, cha cha, tano and bolero. Saturday evening brings semi-formal dance at the Exceptional Foundation with music by the Tradewinds, exhibitions and food. Finally, a “Fun Competition, 2nd Edition,” presented by Dennis Woods will be held Sunday from 1-4 p.m. for dancers of all levels. Entry for competitors is $15, and spectators can attend for free. The weekend pass for the event costs $90, or $99 after Oct. 1. To request a registration form, email curtnwendy@hotmail.com. A la cart prices are also available.

Sloan Gibson. Photo courtesy of Lakeshore Foundation and Bernard Troncale.

A recent evening expressed gratitude and support for our nation’s injured service members and their families whose personal sacrifices make our freedom possible. A Hero’s Welcome event was hosted by Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood. Lakeshore has been serving veterans for more than 30 years, initiating the Lima Foxtrot program in 2006 for those injured in recent conflicts. Since then, more than 1,600 injured military and their families from 44 states have benefitted from sports and recreation camps. A Hero’s Welcome is one of several events supporting Lakeshore’s program. The event’s keynote speaker was United Service Organization President Sloan Gibson, who is leading the USO’s efforts

to support wounded, ill and injured troops and their families. Special guests included three-time paratriathlon world champion and retired U.S. Army Lt. Melissa Stockwell, paralympic gold medalist and retired U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder, Chief of Paralympics Charlie Huebner, Gen. James E. Livingston, and Coleen A. Boyle, PhD, of the CDC. The evening’s emcee was retired U.S. Army Sgt. Noah Galloway. “Lakeshore, Birmingham and our state play an important role nationally in supporting our injured service members,” said Lakeshore President Jeff Underwood. “I am proud to say that Lakeshore is on the leading edge of ensuring our nation’s injured military and their families have access to life-changing opportunities on a regular basis.”

16 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

The return of the Hall-Kent’s annual festival and fun run

A day without shoes

Middle school students helped raise awareness of the importance of shoes by going a day without wearing them and crafting shoes out of water bottles.

At a recent weekend retreat, Dawson Middle School Ministry joined a global movement to raise awareness of the importance of shoes. The students went 24 hours without wearing shoes and participated in various activities including making shoes out of water bottles.

A portion of each participant’s retreat cost went to providing shoes for children through Kids Connection, a local children’s resource center. In the end, $1,000 was donated to help local children in need of shoes. -Submitted by Kristen Torres

Pull out that little black dress

The 79th annual Hall-Kent Elementary School Fall Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3-7 p.m. The Fall Festival will offer a wide variety of activities including a cake walk, gold fish walk, book walk, photo booth, inflatables for children, rides for all ages and a group bake sale. There will also be a silent auction that will feature themed baskets created by each class, as well as other items from local businesses. Raffle tickets will also be available for

sale, and there will be a costume contest. The festival caters to all age groups and budget ranges. It is Hall-Kent’s only fundraiser for the entire school year and the proceeds go directly to the classrooms for the students. This year, like last year, the Fall Festival’s one-mile Fun Run will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. Organizers ask that participants pre-register for the event. For more information on either event, contact the school at 423-2430.

Char Bonsack, Jan Service, Gwen Belle-Isle and Mary Ann Wade prepare for the annual Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Assistance League of Birmingham will host its Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show on Nov. 6. The annual affair will benefit the three philanthropic programs of Assistance League: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy.

White House Black Market will showcase fashions, and High Designs Jewelry, Southern Natural Soap and Merry Cheese Chips will sell wares. For additional information and to purchase tickets, which are $40, call 870-5555. For more visit assistanceleaguebhm.org.

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October 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 17

TheHomewoodStar.com

Fall festival roundup

Oakmont UMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fall Festival features games and more.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Homewood area churches are celebrating autumn with festivals and activities for the young and young at heart. Mark your calendars and bring your family to some of these events: Sunday, October 20: ff The Oakmont United Methodist Church Fall Festival is from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include a free hot dog supper, games, a bake sale, silent auction, hayrides and more. For more information, visit oakmontmethodist.org. Friday, October 25: ff Dawson Baptist Church will host its Family Fall Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dawson Family Recreation Center. The event will include carnival rides, games, a rock climbing wall, carousel, prizes, lots of food and a bluegrass band. For more information, visit dawsonchurch.org. Sunday, October 27: ff Trunk or Treat with Homewood

Church of Christ from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will include inflatables, pony rides and a free dinner. To learn more, visit homewoodchurch.org. Thursday, Oct. 31: ff Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church will have Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will include lots of candy and a bouncy house. For more information, visit rabc.org

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18 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

A new life for Herbie

West Homewood resident Miles Jackson built a 1974 VW Beetle into an electric vehicle. Photos by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM As the light turns green on Oxmoor Road, Miles Jackson presses the gas pedal on his 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. It makes about as much noise as a golf cart as it climbs to 38 miles per hour. Only then does Jackson change to second gear, the car emitting so little sound that the wheels seem noisy. “I get a lot of looks, especially when I leave [drivers] standing at a traffic light,” he said of the reaction of those next to him on the road. The VW looks a little different on the inside than it did in 1974. Instead of an engine, Jackson, a West Homewood resident since 1978, outfitted it with 16 6-volt golf cart batteries. And his gas bill? It runs about 3 cents a gallon. “It’s like an electric golf cart that’s street legal,” he said. “And it rides like a VW.” Together the batteries weigh 1,000 pounds,

about a third of the weight of the car, and offer 96 volts and 22,272 watts of power. Jackson first got the idea to build an electric vehicle several years ago when gas prices climbed close to $4 and he was filling up three trucks for his company plus his own pickup truck. Ten years ago he started brainstorming and researching, first for an electrical bike, which he later decided would not be practical in the rain. When he retired five years ago, he bought an old, rusty car shell and started to work, drawing on inspiration from other vehicles he found online. “I didn’t invent this; it’s my take on it,” he said. Having run an electrical contracting business, Positive Electric, for 25 years, the wiring came naturally to him. He took apart and rebuilt the body first, with help and parts from Jim Colly of Jim’s VW in Trussville. Adapting designs he found for a

Electrician builds vehicle to run on golf cart batteries

Jackson intends to use the vehicle to teach others about electricity and the mechanics of electric vehicles.

basic model, he outfitted the power with electric components he ordered from Electric Vehicles of America in New Hampshire. Many man-hours and $14,000 ($10,000 spent on electrical work and $4,000 on the base vehicle) later, he completed the vehicle just after his 70th birthday in April. Since then, he’s logged about 500 miles around town. The vehicle runs about 25 miles before it needs to recharge, and Jackson watches the power gauge fastidiously when he drives. Some days, Jackson said, he will take it out in the morning, charge it for six hours in the middle of the day and then drive later in the day. He’s revved the engine up to 60 mph and is trying to get it up to 70 mph. Fifty, he said, is comfortable. “It surprises people how fast it goes,” he said. Jackson also gets asked a lot of questions in parking lots, particularly at Lowe’s and his church, Edgewood Presbyterian. A few lucky

family members and friends have gotten to ride in his passenger seat. When someone asks about the car, he gives out his business card and is sure to share that he gives presentations and demonstrations at no charge. Using it as a vehicle for education was one of his primary aims when he started, and he’s outfitted the batteries with clear plastic covers so that people can see the insides as he explains them. So far he’s shown it to an amateur radio organization and at VW meets. “Most people are scared to death of [learning about electricity],” he said. Now that the VW project is complete (although he is still fine-tuning the suspension), he is busy with a bathroom renovation project for his wife of 40 years, Marilyn. And he said they might replace her 1989 Honda with a Toyota Prius one day soon. To contact Jackson, call 945-1769 or email elecvw@hotmail.com.

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TheHomewoodStar.com

The ultimate tailgate for a cause Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest returns to downtown Homewood By KATIE TURPEN Ask any Alabamian what makes the perfect fall Saturday, and the answer is likely to include one or all of the following: watching football, tailgating and enjoying savory chicken wings. Toss in an eating contest, a moonwalk, a variety of Magic City restaurants, craft brews and the opportunity to support a local charity, and the ultimate event of the season is born. On Oct. 12, Homewood will host the fifth annual Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest benefiting Birmingham-based charity Magic Moments. “We have a much bigger group planning the fest this year,” event chair Taylor McGuire said. “Birmingham Museum of Flight is going to have a plane set out. Also, Jim ‘N Nick’s will be hosting a special VIP tent.” Upon arrival, event attendees will be given vouchers to sample wings from local restaurants including Otey’s, Baumhower’s, Mellow Mushroom and Homewood Diner, which are all competing for the prestigious honor of the Thighsman Trophy. Additional honors include the Shake Your Tail Feather and Best Kick’n Hot Chick’n awards. Beer will also be sold throughout the day with proceeds benefiting Magic Moments. Community celebrities Birmingham Magazine Managing Editor Carla Jean Whitley, Senior Editor of Liquor.com Jason Horn and Birmingham News columnist Bob Carlton are among the judges selected for the restaurant

Those who attend Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest get to taste a variety of Birmingham’s wings. Photos courtesy of Nik Layman Photography.

Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest Oct. 12 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1850 29th Avenue, Homewood bhamwingfest.com

Guests chow down on wings with a variety of spices and ﬂavors at the 2012 Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest.

wing contest. The wing eating begins around the time college football kicks off and carries into the late afternoon. Big-screen televisions will broadcast SEC football coverage all day, and children can enjoy a bounce house, face painting and clowns. For the second time in its history,

the fest will include a wing-eating contest sponsored by Yuengling for 12 brave participants. Ten spots will be picked via random drawing and two spots will go to the highest bidders in a live auction. The person who eats the most wings in 5 minutes will receive a $250 gift card to Diamonds Direct and several

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gift cards from local restaurants participating in the fest. “We had to make it where names were drawn out of a jar, or else you’d have thousands of people showing up wanting to be a part of this wing contest,” McGuire said. The event will take place in the large parking lot directly behind Rosewood

Hall. McGuire said organizers chose this new location to help traffic flow in the downtown Homewood area. That way surrounding merchants can stay open and receive business. Magic Moments is a nonprofit organization that provides nonmedical wishes to chronically ill children as well as camping opportunities at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. Developed by the Junior Board of Magic Moments in 2009, the wing fest has given more than 25 children across Alabama the opportunity to experience something special such as a trip to Disney World or meeting a celebrity. The fest has become the charity’s signature event with this year expected to have the best turnout yet. “Last year’s event was great. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky,” McGuire said. “The event has just gotten bigger and better each year.” Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at bhamwingfest.com or by calling 939-9372.

20 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

Homewood resident moves on from post as U.S. military officer By SYDNEY CROMWELL For Major General N. Lee S. Price, breaking barriers has become the norm. Price, a former Homewood resident, was the first female program executive officer for the U.S. Army, responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of communication systems to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She started in the Alabama National Guard in 1975 and, after being commissioned in 1981, moved rapidly up the ranks. She was the first woman to reach the rank of brigadier general through the Army Acquisition Corps and led a team to design the network used to restore logistical communication after Hurricane Katrina. Price has received the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and multiple awards for meritorious service, and she was inducted into the Alabama Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Academy of Honor in 2009. Now, Price has retired from her post and returned to her hometown to enjoy friends and family. As she transitioned from military to civilian life, The Homewood Star asked Price about her Homewood roots and her advice for students who want to follow her path. What is your fondest memory of growing up in Homewood? I have only wonderful memories

a one-, three-, and five-year plan and review it each year. I know it sounds mundane, but if you don’t have a plan you will not succeed to the same heights as others will. It’s okay to deviate from that plan, but know where you are headed. I work in an area where less than 25 percent of youth qualify to be considered for service. Many are disqualified for what I’ll term the “folly of youth.” That leads me to always remind the younger population that we all have but one reputation and it is your responsibility to manage your own. I love speaking with young people; the army, of course, is largely comprised of the younger generation. I continue to learn from them as I teach lessons from the past. I’ve lived the American dream. Start your plans now; develop a game plan for achieving your dream and you too can achieve it!

of Homewood. I lived in a terrific neighborhood up on Crest Drive with lots of kids of comparable age. We were outside every day playing touch football, riding bikes, or having water and pinecone battles. I went to Edgewood Elementary and then on to Homewood Junior High. I always felt secure and knew I was surrounded by friends and family. Where were your favorite places to shop, eat, visit or relax in the city? Downtown Homewood today is pretty close to how it was when I grew up. Everyone shopped at Sikes, Savages and Colony Casual, and we enjoyed a lot of free time eating at the old Hikel drug store and Pasquales. There was a movie theater in Homewood that I frequented for matinees and remember the old newsreels that would play before each showing. The downtown Homewood area today is also great, and I love seeing that it’s staying so modern and the SOHO area is great. Besides participating in sports programs, how did the community prepare you for your career? The Homewood community itself always felt like a big family. I was too young to understand things like the tax structure, but I always had the sense of a community working hard to address problems or challenges. That kind of team translates well into the same type of constrained decision making that we experience in the military.

Major General N. Lee S. Price

What Homewood residents were your biggest role models growing up? As far as role models, I don’t have to look further than my parents. They definitely reflected the values that they taught all four of us kids to live by. One of the values that I carry with me is to treat people with dignity, compassion and respect, and my parents reflected those values every day. A secondary player is our own sports legend Coach Paul “Bear”

Bryant. His lessons in leadership also translate well to the teamwork of the military. One thing that I’ve never had to do in my 38 years of service is explain who Bear Bryant is; he’s a legend we can all learn from. What message would you send to Homewood students to encourage them? I am living my dream and passion. I encourage the youth of America to find where their passion is. Develop

HOMEWOOD

•

What message do you have for your parents and other residents who know you personally? I’ve stayed in touch with many of the folks that I went to school with and grew up with. In fact, I joke with some that I have no memories that predate me knowing them. Literally, we went to kindergarten at Mrs. Lloyd’s together and graduated from high school years later at Shades Valley (the old Shades Valley). I am looking forward to spending more time with them as opposed to just seeing them at the reunions. I’m thrilled to be coming full circle! I look forward to the journey “home.”

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October 2013 • 21

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Creating workforce assets Triumph Services partners with local businesses to hire adults with disabilities By KATIE TURPEN Daxko CEO Dave Gray admits when he first met with Triumph Services, he harbored a bit of fear and uncertainty. He wasn’t sure whether the skill level of adults with disabilities would fit into the team at his computer software company. A few years later, he sees the partnership as an eye-opening and overall good experience for Daxko. “I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Gray said. “It really changes people’s perceptions about these adults. They have a lot to add.” One of their employees, Jay Spradley, an office assistant, helps with morning setup and maintaining work spaces throughout the day. He also works on special projects for Daxko’s impact services such as calling members about their satisfaction with the company. Another, Josh Swank, works with the software product team, analyzing data and doing other indepth technical work. Gray said co-workers have seen a positive shift in Josh’s social abilities. “The four or five people that work close with Josh say he has been engaging in more conversations,” Gray said. “There has been a real dramatic shift.” Spradley and Swank’s success is the result of the work of one local woman who saw a need in the community five years ago. In 2007, Homewood resident Brooke Stephens and a colleague decided to extend the services of a UAB drop-in clinic for adults with disabilities that had recently closed. With that, Triumph was born. “The need is so great. We wanted to do something a little different,” Stephens said. “The UAB clinic was more of a reactive approach. Triumph equips them with the tools they need to actively solve their own problems.” Triumph helps adults with disabilities strengthen social and development skills they need to maintain their professional and personal relationships.

Triumph clients Jay Spradley (bottom left) and Josh Swank (top left) with their team leaders and CEO Dave Gray (top right) at Daxko in Homewood.

To do so, the organization partners with several Homewood businesses to ensure their clients can find work. “When we started in 2007, our philosophy was we could spend all our time training people with disabilities to be successful, but if we are not spending any time partnering with the community to embrace those individuals, then that effort is

kind of futile,” Stephens said. In addition to Daxko, Triumph’s 103 business partnerships include ones with Johnny’s Restaurant, Steel City Pops, The Creative Montessori School, Target, Gianmarco’s, Embassy Suites, Edgewood Catering, BooksA-Million, Green Springs Animal Clinic, Seeds Coffee, Sam’s Club and Aloft Hotel. Stephens

emphasizes that the variety of these businesses reveals that adults with disabilities can possess diverse skill sets. The organization’s model, “Live. Work. Play,” aims to make these adults happy in all aspects of their lives. Stephens said the active approach is crucial. “We go into the home and actually teach them what to do in certain situations,” Stephens said. “We go onto the work site and teach them how to get along with co-workers and their boss.” Since opening, the service has helped 250 adults and has grown from a staff of two to a staff of 15. Triumph’s support team consists of life coaches, therapists and job coaches who meet weekly to develop strategies for each of their clients. The majority of those receiving services have been diagnosed with autism, and Stephens emphasizes that no two clients’ needs are the same. “We tweak the model around the person,” Stephens said. “Each person’s services looks different. It’s not a one-size-fits-all model at all.” In 2012, Triumph was recognized as one of only three programs across the country that “provides effective employment for adults with autism.” The organization relies on grants and donations to stay in operation. In 2010, the Autism Society of America issued a “Call To Action,” which revealed that services for adults with autism are rapidly dwindling. Stephens says while programs exist to help children with disabilities, there is little support available once those children graduate from high school. Triumph’s goal is to fill that gap. “We are barely scratching the surface of this need,” Stephens said. For more information about Triumph, visit triumphservices.org. On Nov. 7, the organization will host its annual fundraiser, Taste of Triumph, at Iron City. The event will include beer and wine tasting, music, a silent auction and live auction. Tickets are $45, and all proceeds will benefit Triumph.

22 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

Scouts bridge to next level

Troop 790 members Miley Champagne, Sarah Lawson Mistrot, Natalie Smith, Lucy Bingham Harper, Anna-Li Bateman, Lola Mayer, Sadie Rowell, Ellis McCool, Margaret Rockhold, Lilly Langley, Mira McCool, Whitney Byington, Chloe Mayer, Paige Phillips, Annie Whitley, Sarah Whitley, Mimi Chapman, Cleo Cothren, Alexandria Champagne, Juliana Smith, Ella Harper.

In August, nine Girl Scouts from Troop 790 bridged to become Brownies and nine bridged to Junior Girl Scouts. Two younger sisters of current scouts also

joined the troop as Daisies, bringing the troop total to seven sets of sisters among its 27 members. -Submitted by Shirley Smith

Samford after Sundown offers new skills classes for adults A new semester of non-credit continuing education classes are underway at Samford, and some begin this month. For almost 40 years, the Samford after Sundown program has provided the Birmingham community the opportunity to learn new skills and hobbies from talented local photographers, artists, writers and others. Courses are offered in painting, drawing, photography, printing, creative writing, computer skills, Italian, Spanish, French and

more, and some are available online. New this term is an introductory class on precious metal clay and another on computer basics for first-time computer users. Various photography classes are usually particularly popular in the program. The program’s winter/spring term will begin in early January 2014 Visit samford.edu/sundown to see the latest course offerings, and to register online. For more information, call 726-2739.

Legacy League’s Sunset 5K to benefit Samford scholarships The Legacy League, an auxiliary of Samford University, is hosting its second annual Sunset 5K for Scholarships on Saturday, Oct. 19. Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships to Samford University for deserving students with financial need. The 5K run/walk portion of the event will start at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium at 5 p.m. and proceed along the Lakeshore Trail. The 1-mile Fun Run will take place on the Samford track starting at 5:45 p.m. The entry fee for the 5K is $25 through Oct. 11, and it goes up to $35 on Oct. 12. Entry fee for the 1-mile Fun Run is $10. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 400 registrants, and an after-race dinner will be provided for all 5K participants.

Sunset 5K and Fun Run Saturday, Oct. 19 5 p.m. Samford University Track Online registration is available on active. com up to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17. After that time, participants may register in person starting at 4 p.m. the day of the race. A mail-in registration form is also available at the Trak Shack or on the Legacy League website; it must be mailed in by Oct. 11. For more visit samford.edu/legacyleague.

Rotary raffle offers chance to win SEC Championship tickets The Homewood Rotary is holding a raffle to support its annual Homewood Education Foundation Scholarship Program. Ten dollar tickets enter participants in a chance to win a SEC Championship Atlanta Package: two tickets to the game, a twonight stay in Atlanta and two tickets to the Dr. Pepper Party. There will be other prizes awarded as well. Former Alabama Crimson Tide’s quarterback Tyler Watts will draw the winner on Oct. 17. The Rotary gives out roughly $15,000 in scholarships to four to five Homewood City School graduates each year.

“We generally look for graduates that are B and C students that cannot get a traditional scholarship on their own and are from financially strapped families,” Rotary president Joshua Carne said. “Otherwise, they generally would not go to college without our help.” To purchase raffle tickets, visit sec. homewoodrotaryal.org and enter “Homewood” in the “club name” blank. If you have questions or are interested in purchasing a large quantity of tickets, contact Carnes at 414-2171. A purchase of $100 worth of tickets earns you two additional tickets for free.

October 2013 • 23

TheHomewoodStar.com

School House

A helping hand Homewood Middle School Peer Helpers have begun a new year of doing just what their name says: helping their peers. The program provides them with the skills and resources necessary to encourage and help their fellow classmates. Peer helpers are expected to maintain high personal standards and be positive role models for their peers. The students serve as mentors at Homewood’s three elementary schools and as ambassadors and tutors at HMS. Together the helpers provide free afternoon tutoring

two days a week. All Peer Helpers must earn at least 30 hours of community service each year. Group service activities include: ff serving dinner at the Jimmie Hale Mission each month ff assisting with the preparations for the Mercedes Marathon weekend ff working at the Homewood elementary school festivals ff volunteering at the Birmingham Zoo for events such as “Boo at the Zoo,” “Hogwarts Night” and “ZooLight Safari.”

Homewood Middle School Peer Helpers gather for a group picture.

A classroom for the future Jennifer Cassity has no idea what the world her elementary students will live in will look like, but she designs lessons for that time. “We do know that careers in the future will require employees to be skilled in team work, technology and problem solving,” the Shades Cahaba Elementary School LEAD teacher said. “Our LEAD program is designed to help our children be ready.” LEAD, or Learning Enhancement through Academic Design, provides an opportunity for all elementary students in Homewood City Schools to experience learning enhanced by discovery and creativity.

Using activities full of science, math and engineering problems, the students explore, research and build. These activities encourage each child to discover their own learning strengths, as well as those of their classmates. “There are lots of conversations among the children about their learning strengths and how they can be successful as a group if they use what each individual does well,” Cassity said. As they design and build roller coasters or program robots to move, each child begins to understand how the math and science concepts they learn in class make sense in the real world.

Shades Cahaba students participate in team activities in LEAD class.

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24 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility 809 Greensprings Highway, Homewood, AL (Former Jeﬀerson County Satellite Courthouse)

Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility Hours Monday – Thursday: 5:30am – 8:30pm Friday: 5:30am – 7:00pm Saturday: 8:00am – 6:00pm Sunday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm Business Oﬃce Hours Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:45pm

Belly Dancing with Aziza

Class Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Class Fee: $60 cash only For more information contact Aziza at 879-0701 or azizaofbirmingham@att.net Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance (classic Egyptian style) with Aziza, award winning dancer, with 36 years of experience in performance and instruction. Women only, ages 13 and up are welcome; with no dance experience necessary to enroll. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Tuesday night for beginners, Wednesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Times times are 7:00-8:30pm. Beginners start with the basic steps, isolations and shimmies and progress to the intermediate class where you will learn to put the dance together with more advanced steps and combinations plus dancing with the veil; advanced classes include performing with zills, cane, veil with more advanced and longer performances. The classes are for anyone who wants to dance for fun and ﬁtness, as well as those who wish to perform. Aziza has trained dancers to perform for many events in the Southeastern area in addition to dancers who perform regularly at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant in Hoover. www.azizaofbirmingham.com

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! This is accomplished through our extraordinary classroom experience and unsurpassed At Home materials. 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. Classes are located to the Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility. You can enroll for classes at anytime! For more information call or email Kelly at: 205-552-6129 (or) Kelly.alligood@charter.net www.kellyalligood.com

Young Rembrandts

Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! We believe that drawing is a skill that can, and sWe believe that drawing is a skill that can, and should be learned by all children. Young Rembrandts classes are both fun and educational, and our step-by-step curriculum is developed to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Our classes are for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Classes have relocated to Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility. Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.

@homewoodparks

Zumba

ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour! Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or camillescruggs@ gmail.com Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Days & Times: Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30pm Saturday 9:00-10:00am

Karate

Classes are held at the Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility at various times based on age and level of experience. Monthly tuition is $55 - $65. Classes are for children and teenagers ages 4 and up. For more information please contact Master Joe at 966-4244.

Homewood Chess Team

Homewood Chess Team wants you! Beginners are welcome and the ﬁrst two weeks are always free promo weeks so come check us out! This year take the plunge and join Dr. Brooks and your current Alabama State Chess Champion Chess Team as we laugh and train in daily mardi-gras bead chess tourneys and compete for prizes in our daily musicdriven chess puzzlers and watch zany chess movies and inter-face and inter-train with 20 sister chess teams including every Vestavia and Mountain Brook elementary school, The Randolph School, The Altamont School, Tuscaloosa Academy, The Highlands School, ﬁve Catholic schools, and many others. There has never been a party-based approach to chess like this, and Dr. Brooks’ unique, kid-oriented philosophy has made us 50-0 in our history, and counting! Our high-energy chess classes are developmentally and cleverly targeted directly at the kindergarten through 7th-grade set! Come join the fun as kids learn to love learning, learn that they are unspeakably smart, and learn how to absolutely cream their parents in chess! The Knight School is not just this year’s and last year’s and the year before’s Alabama State Chess Champions for both K-3 and 4-6; we are also the most compelling, kid-centered chess party in America. Learn more and sign up for our school chess team at www.theknightschool.com or call and chat with Dr. Brooks at (205) 746-4952.

Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew

Your child can be a fairy, a princess or a butterﬂy while keeping ballet traditions alive and having fun with classical music. The beginning ballet moves taught are the important foundation for many types of dance. The French names for steps will be introduced. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and ﬂexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. The environment provided is a happy and age appropriate one. Claire has been teaching ballet since starting as a teenager in Montgomery. Then, after moving to Birmingham, she started teaching with Birmingham Ballet. She has taught preschoolers in Mother’s Day Out and Day Care as well. Girls may wear any color leotard and tights for class, with pink ballet shoes. Classes meet once a week on Monday. Times & Location: Monday 3:45pm-4:30pm / Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Please contact Claire to enroll or for additional Information: (205) 879-8780

Athletics

Homewood Youth Wrestling

Online Registration is now available @ www.homewoodparks.com Registration Dates: Oct. 1 – Oct. 25 – Will not accept late registrations Ages: Kindergarten – 6th Grade Program Fees: Homewood Resident Fee: $50 Non-Resident: $100 For additional information contact: Alissa Thurmond at 332-6715 (or) Alissa.thurmond@homewoodal.org

Homewood Youth Basketball League

Online Registration is now available @ www.homewoodparks.com Registration Dates: Oct. 1 – Oct. 18 – Will not accept late registrations Age Groups: Coed League: Kindergarten & 1st Grade Boy’s Divisions: 2nd Grade / 3rd Grade / 4th & 5th Grades / 6th & 7th Grades Girl’s Divisions: 2nd & 3rd Grades / 4th & 5th Grades / 6th & 7th Grades Program Fee: 2nd-7th Grades: $75 Homewood Residents / $150 Non-Residents K – 1st grade (Coed League): $50 Homewood Residents / $100 NonResidents Contact Jakob Stephens at 332-6709 (or) jakob.stephens@homewoodal.org

Homewood Senior Center Senior Center Event Rentals

Don’t forget to check with the Homewood Senior Center before your next event. We now take extended hours rentals on Friday & Saturday nights until 10:00pm. Sunday afternoon is also available to rent from 1:00pm – 6:00pm. Please call 332-6500 for additional information. Auditorium Rental Rates Homewood Resident: $250.00 for 5 hours Non-Homewood Resident: $500.00 for 5 hours *Rental time includes setup and cleanup time **All rentals outside of normal operating hours are subject to availability, must be booked two weeks prior to event and must be for rental of the auditorium.

Gentle Adult Yoga with Jean Campbell

A stressful lifestyle is one of the biggest health challenges of modern society. Although we may not be able to control the circumstances of our environment, we can manage our reactions to them. Exercises, guided breathing practices and maintaining a positive perspective are tools that can help us keep calm and even when life gives us a lot to deal with. Yoga can help develop those tools. Join Jean Marie Campbell for an hour of gentle hatha yoga designed for both beginner and intermediate level students. Classes will begin with a quiet time for centering. After settling in, students will be guided through yoga poses, or asanas, that help keep the spine healthy. Flexibility and strengthening work will be a part of the practice and classes will ﬁnish up with time for guided relaxation and focused breathing. Wednesday’s 6pm-8pm at Homewood Senior Center A block of 6 classes can be purchased for $60. Drop-in fee is $13.

Zumba/RIPPED Fitness with Ashley Harris

Where: Homewood Senior Center Auditorium When: Tuesday’s 5:50pm – 6:50pm Open to the public; all ages welcome! For info/registration, contact Ashley Harris at 212-4697 or zumbajam@ yahoo.com

Special Events Homewood Parks Fall Festival

Thursday, October 31, 2013 5:30pm – 8:00pm West Homewood Park – Upper Multi Purpose Field (6 Acres Field) Event provides a variety of games, goodies, concession stand, and attractions Unlimited Attraction Wristband $5.00 per individual For more information contact David Primus at 332-6182 (or) david. primus@homewoodal.org

www.Homewoodparks.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

Pairing students with iPad Minis

iPad Minis are enhancing learning at Hall-Kent Elementary School.

First graders at Hall Kent Elementary School are using books, pencils, paper — and iPad Minis to learn this year. Teachers planned instruction that incorporates using the minis for writing, research and class presentation after receiving a class set of the devices through a proposal written by the first grade

teaching team. Often young learners have difficulty getting their thoughts on paper because their handwriting skills are not fully developed, so the minis will promote focusing on their thoughts and written expressions, encouraging them to think more in depth about their writing.

“I believe that young students will thrive using the same device each day, and the same one as their classmates,” said Becky Salls, technology specialist for the school. “As they become familiar with the mini, the learning will be the engaging part of the lesson, rather than the device.”

New records set for AP tests The 2013 testing year for Advanced Placement courses at Homewood High School was one of the most successful in the history of Homewood City Schools. More HHS students were tested than ever before while meeting the highest average score. A total of 270 students took 523 exams, passing 393, or about 75 percent, with a score of 3 out of 5 or better. Over the past ten years, the number

of students taking AP tests each year has increased by almost 100 and the number of exams taken has risen by close to 200. Four students were named National AP Scholars: Edward DeMetz, Will Palmisano, Rebecca Riley and Grant Smith. Another 29 students were named AP Scholars of Distinction. Funding for the test fees was provided by the Homewood Board of Education, allowing

more students to be involved in Advanced Placement courses. “We are so appreciative of Homewood City Schools’ commitment to support AP coursework and assessments in our school,” said Principal Zack Barnes. “We are pleased about the hard work offered by our students and our teachers to bring about these excellent results.” -Submitted by Homewood City Schools

October 2013 • 25

26 â&#x20AC;˘ October 2013

The Homewood Star

Sports

Star Spangled Girls named Camp Champions The Star Spangled Girls attended dance camp at The University of Southern Mississippi this summer with American All-Star.Â While there, they received many honors, including superiors on Home Routine, Judges Award, All Blue evaluation ribbons and first

place on Group Evaluation. They were also named Camp Champions, and many young ladies were chosen as All Stars during their time there. The Star Spangled Girls at camp.

Freedom wins Thunder Road Classic

04 Boys take division title

Front row: Coach Greg, Bassett, Will Simmons, Kalell Adamson, Joel Eidson, Ben Guerrera, Sam Tucker, Hunter Antonio, Harrison Wingo, Connor Smith, Matthew Gadhile. Back row: Ian Myers, Lucas Lamb, Bradley Taylor, Jake Henderson, Joshua Dale, Oliver Walton, and Will Mistrot. Not pictured: Thomas Payne.

Homewood Freedom 04 Boys were U11 Champions.

The Freedom 00 Boys team placed first in the Thunder Road Classic Soccer Tournament in Auburn in August. The team defeated the Wiregrass Futbol Club from Enterprise 4-2 and then the Amazons from

Homewood Soccer Club Freedom 04 Boys won the Boys U11 Division Championship at the Thunder Road Classic. The Freedom 04 scored a combined 30 goals while only allowing three goals in

Palmetto, Ga., 2-0. In the championship round, the team faced the Amazons again and won 2-1 in overtime. -Submitted by Cindy Wingo

four games. Everyone except the goalkeeper found his way onto the stat sheet by scoring at least one goal. The team is coached by Dave Condon.

October 2013 • 27

TheHomewoodStar.com

Patriots rebound from tough opener with strong September By TOM WARD The Homewood Patriots began and will end the season with stiff competition. The team’s first game resulted in a 34-14 loss to the Vestavia Rebels, who are ranked 10th in the state according to maxpreps.com, and will face Russell High School, ranked 26th in the state, in November. Ranking 33rd in the state, the Patriots have triumphantly rebounded from the tough 2013 season opener. Through September, the team continued to improve play. After Vestavia, Homewood combined an unstoppable offense with a stifling defense in route to a 42-7 demolition of Chilton County. Against Chilton County, tailback Walter Rutledge led the devastating offensive attack as he rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Carson Griffis was an effective field general, scoring a touchdown and completing 75 percent of his passes for 125 yards. Dvonta Barnfield, tailback cornerback, gained an enormous 97 yards and two

touchdowns on just three carries. And Devonte Wallace, the wide receiver and kick returner, joined the parade of gaudy offensive stats with 78 yards and a touchdown on just two catches. The following week, Homewood dominated every phase of the game against the Briarwood Christian Lions, scoring a whopping 24 points in the second quarter e route to a 38-14 win. The Patriots limited the Lions to only one first down and 52 yards in the first half, while Homewood gained 16 first downs and 260 yards by halftime. Rutledge, a senior, paced the ground attack with 145 yards on 31 carries. Quarterback Carson Griffis passed for four touchdowns and began the contest with a sizzling 8-for-8 in the first quarter. In September, the Patriots played Ramsay and Wetumpka, and will kickoff the month of October by playing Carroll Catholic. The Patriots end of the season matchup is against the Russell Wildcats. Keep up with the Patriots’ weekly progress in 2013 at thehomewoodstar.com.

Remaining Schedule All games are at 7 p.m. Oct. 4: Carroll Catholic Oct. 10: at Sylacauga Oct. 18: Shelby County Oct. 25: at Talladega Nov. 1: Russell High School

28 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

Get to know

Ivory Leonard Homewood High School’s new volleyball coach

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Can you tell us about your background playing and coaching volleyball? I played volleyball at Bradshaw High School in Florence and then played for two years at Northwest Shoals Community College. I then got a volleyball scholarship to Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn., where I finished my degree in history and geography with a teacher’s certification. While in college, I worked as a counselor at volleyball camps at University of North Alabama, and that’s how I got into the idea of coaching high school ball. The summer after I graduated I got a job as an assistant coach at Hoover High School literally two weeks before school started, and that brought me to the Birmingham area. What drew you to coach at Homewood? I had been at Hoover for four years when I heard about the opening at Homewood. I did some heavy thinking, and when I got introduced to the community, school and team at Homewood, I thought it would be a good fit for me. It was a good time for me to step into head coaching. I was hired in the spring and then started doing workouts with the Homewood volleyball team. What can you tell us about the team this year? They are working really, really hard and improving every day. Everybody has been supportive since I started. The six seniors especially are always willing to give 100 percent and come in with a positive attitude. They are the first to do anything I ask. It helps with the three sophomores on the team, which are really the future of the program, when the seniors are backing me up every step of the way. I appreciate their willingness to buy

Ivory Leonard gives pointers to the Homewood High School volleyball team during a game this season.

into what I am trying to implement. What can fans expect to see this season? I think we will have a successful season. We set a goal for every practice and every game, and our job is to accomplish that goal every day. People will see high energy and a go-allout type of team. I am really big on process. I don’t expect fireworks in the first game. I am looking forward to continuing to improve, so when we get to playoffs, we can continue to do well. I hope a lot of people come to take a look at us. They are not going to be the same team they were last year. How would you describe

your coaching style? I am very communicative. I think it’s unfair to expect things unless you tell students what you want. From the beginning, we had team meetings and individual meetings. I told each of them where I could see them going, so when I start calling for those things in practice and games, they know what to expect. They are held to that expectation every single day. That way everybody is on the same page from the very beginning. There is nothing that can stop me from getting you to achieve a point if we are both working on it. There have been times in practice at first where they thought I was loud or high-energy, but now they know to expect that from me. I am very intense, so my goal is that the girls

will mirror that personality. I am confident that the goals we set are going to happen. I am going to keep working with them, and they are going to keep working with me. Is there anything else you think people should know about how you and the team are working together? Not only has the team worked hard, but I have also pushed them outside their comfort zones to do things they haven’t done before. I teach tenth grade history in the classroom, and on the court I am teaching my concept of volleyball — what it looks like, how it should flow, what our identity is going to be as Homewood volleyball. Everything we go over is about our identity.

October 2013 • 29

TheHomewoodStar.com

SCHOOLS

Opinion

from pg 1

new big-picture plan that the Central Office will in turn work to implement. Dr. Desiree Smith, HCS curriculum and technology coordinator, is leading the committee. Gina Dorough, who moved on from her position as principal at Hall-Kent Elementary to work at a camp after last school year, previously headed the group. HCS enrollment data shows that elementary student population has grown each year since 2004. In 2006, the school system hit its all-time highest elementary enrollment, 1,571, and continued to grow by 209 students over the next six years. While elementary population has grown the most, those students will grow into middle and high schoolers. Middle school enrollment also started to increase in 2006, first slowly by 41 students from 2006 to 2009. Over the next three years, it climbed more rapidly by 117, presumably in part because three new grades had aged up from the growing elementary population in the area. High school enrollment has decreased by 50 students since 2006, but the nowseventh and eighth graders will soon be high schoolers. “We can’t tell you for sure [why there are more students], but we can tell you what you see when you look around,” Cleveland said, describing how residents are building bigger houses to accommodate their growing families. “We are just not used to this kind of growth.” Census data confirms the rise in the number of school-aged children in the area. While the overall Homewood population grew only marginally from 2000 to 2010, ages 5-17 grew by 10 percent, and soon-to-be-elementary students, ages 0-4 in 2000, grew by 17 percent. In light of this, Cleveland has a hopeful outlook about the future of Homewood City Schools. “[Growth] is a positive thing to deal

with if you deal with it,” Cleveland said. During their initial meeting in September, Strategic Planning Committee members and Central Office staff brainstormed preliminary ideas for solutions as well as other factors that will inform the process. HCS does not currently have funds set aside for a new school building, and property taxes cannot be raised due to a millage law passed by the state legislature in the 1970s. Also of note, the recently approved plan for West Homewood redevelopment will likely bring growth to the area. A new elementary school, intermediate school or other facility could be built on HCS’s recently acquired Magnolia Park property on Valley Avenue. Demolition has been completed on the property, and bids were opened last month to build a central office in the area of the old Homewood Middle School track on a small portion of the 24-acre plot. Dr. Kevin Maddox, assistant superintendent for business operations, suggested the committee start by asking questions they want answered and by gathering information. Cleveland encouraged them to “dream in the big, broad spectrum.” The Central Office gave no specific timeline to the committee, focusing on figuring out the best solution over immediacy. “We are looking for a 20- to 30-year plan,” Winches said. “We need a good solution and not a band-aid. We will be done when we are done asking all the questions.” What ideas do you have for growth in HCS facilities? Email your comments and suggestions to editor@thehomewoodstar. com, and we will share them with the Strategic Planning Committee. HCS has said that they welcome the input of the community regarding these efforts and will be speciﬁcally involving more feedback from stakeholders in the community with the process in the future.

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Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

The Facebook experiment A few days ago, I deleted Facebook hospital after having a baby. She has from my phone. Already, I feel like a relaxed smile, pearls around her a 10-pound weight is gone from my neck, hair done just so, and I think, shoulders. Let me explain. “How does she look so gorgeous I’ve been struggling lately with after just leaving the hospital? I things a woman in her mid-30s probably should probably see a dermatologist. shouldn’t be struggling with. Things like Or maybe find a new hairdresser.” insecurity, lack of confidence, worrying Then I started thinking about my about appearances — things typically own Facebook photos. Do I post buried deep in the heart of a teenager, pictures of the kids’ 6 p.m. no-napnot someone firmly ensconced in the day meltdowns? Shots of the house Denton middle of a pretty darn good life. after three hours of inside playtime on I couldn’t put my finger on the origin of these a rainy day? Photos of me with exercise clothes, no feelings until I read an ABC News article. A new makeup and three-day-old hair? No. Most of my study shows the more a person uses Facebook, the photos are a sanitized version of real life. Just like less satisfied and happy he or she is with his or her everyone else’s. life as a whole. A similar study found that when No one sees the diaper explosion that people look at the digitized version of their friends’ happened right after that angelic pose in the lives, they compare themselves to those ideals and flowers, or my friend getting up to nurse the feel their self-esteem plummeting. new baby all night (although if you knew this Bells went off in my mind. Although the studies particular friend, she likely still had her pearls focused on a median age of 20, they probably on!). And no one sees the chaos that usually could have focused it on me and gotten the same surrounds the photos I post. results. Yes, I can keep in touch with old friends On Facebook, everyone’s life looks perfect. and find out about weddings, babies and new jobs. In this light, it’s easy to see how constantly But when I dug a little deeper, I realized it can be scanning the news feed can make a person, even much more subversive than that. a happy one, feel less confident about how her The majority of my Facebook news feed consists own life appears. of photos of smiling faces in normal, everyday life. So, in an effort to halt the onslaught of Yet that “normal, everyday life” can sometimes perfect appearances, I’m quitting Facebook for make me feel like I’m not doing my own normal, a while. Instead, I’m focusing on God’s truth — everyday life as well as I should be. about kindness and mercy, the deceptiveness of I see new babies in angelic poses lying in fields appearances, and what gives a woman true inner of flowers and I think, “Why didn’t we have photos beauty. I will squeeze this truth into Kate and of Kate and Sela done like that?” I see first day Sela’s minds as much as possible before they of school photos and think, “I should have dressed begin to face whatever forms of social media are Kate in a better (more ironed, less breakfast- prevalent as they grow up. stained) dress on her first day.” Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@ I see an old friend, newly home from the gmail.com.

30 • October 2013

Calendar Homewood Events

Oct. 1-17: Homewood Rotary Raffle. Supports Homewood Education Foundation Scholarship Program. Enter for a chance to win a chance to win a SEC Championship Atlanta Package. $10 per ticket. Visit sec.homewoodrotaryal. org or call 414-2171 for large orders. Oct. 1-31: The Bell Center’s Annual Poinsettia Sale. Orders will be delivered in December. Benefits The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. Visit thebellcenter.org. Oct. 1: Homewood Night Out. 6-9 p.m. Target at Colonial Brookwood Village. Free. Call Homewood Police Department at 332-6204. Oct. 3: HHS Homecoming Parade. 3:30 p.m. Downtown Homewood. Oct. 3: Homewood Music Jam Session. 6 p.m. Hart and Soul. Visit hmi. homewood.net or call 879-4868. Oct. 4: Homewood High School Varsity Football vs. John Carroll/Homecoming. 7 p.m. Waldrop Stadium. Oct. 6: Hot Strings Music & Arts Festival. Colonial Brookwood Village. Artists, kids’ activities and live music. Three on a String, Mandolin Orange, Act of Congress and Matthew Mayfield will perform. Benefits local rescue mission and recovery center The Foundry. $15. Visit HotStrings.org. Oct. 10: Homewood Chamber Golf Classic. Noon shotgun start. Robert Trent Jones Oxmoor Valley. Cosponsored by Brookwood Medical Center and OnMark Physical Therapy. All proceeds benefit the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. Email director@ homeoodchamber.org or call 871-5631.

Oct. 10: Samford Legacy League Fall Luncheon. Vestavia Country Club. Featuring Amanda LeBlanc. Visit samford.edu/legacyleague Oct. 12: Birmingham Vision Walk. 10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. walk. Homewood Central Park. Proceeds will go toward fund sight-saving research. Visit fightblindness.org. Oct. 12: Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest. 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1850 29th Ave. Benefits Magic Moments. Visit bhamwingfest. com. Oct. 13: Vulcan AfterTunes: Rebirth Brass Band. 3 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Live music and kids’ activities. $15 adults, $7.50 Vulcan members, free for ages 12 and under. Visit visitvulcan.com. Oct. 12: Community Garden Work Day. 8 a.m. Homewood Community Garden, Old Homewood Middle School Site. Visit homewoodcommunitygarden. blogspot.com. Oct. 16: Coffee with a Cop. 8-10 a.m. Target Brookwood Village. Call 332-6204. Oct. 17: West Homewood Night Farmer’s Market. 6-9 p.m. Shades Valley Community Church. Arts, crafts, coffee, baked goods, plants and pottery will be available. Free. Visit westhomewood.com. Oct. 18: Homewood High School Varsity Football vs. Shelby County/ Senior Night. 7 p.m. Waldrop Stadium. Oct. 18: Homewood Historical Society Meeting. 10 a.m. Homewood Public Library Main Auditorium. John

Area Events

Krontiras, owner of Nabeel’s Cafe and Market, will introduce his book, Beloved Family Recipes: Family Recipes and Experiences from Travels around the World. Call Herb Griffin at 943-1967.

Oct. 23-Nov. 3: Shop Save & Share. Shoppers recieve up to a 20 percent discount at participating retailers using Shop Save & Share card. $40 per card. Visit jlbonline.com.

Oct. 19: Samford Legacy League Sunset 5K. 5 p.m. 5K, 5:45 p.m. 1-Mile Fun Run. Samford University Track & Soccer Stadium. $25 in advance, $25 after Oct. 11 for 5K. $10 Fun Run. Visit samford.edu/legacyleague.

Oct. 25: Fall Festival. 6-9 p.m. Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Carnival rides, games, rock climbing wall, carousel, prizes, food and a bluegrass band. Visit dawsonchurch.org.

Oct. 19: Hall-Kent Elementary School Fun Run. 9 a.m. Hall-Kent Elementary School. Call 423-2430.

Oct. 26: Hall-Kent Elementary School Fall Festival. 3-7 p.m. Events will include rides for adults and children, inflatables, a silent auction and more. Call 423-2430.

Oct. 19-20: Fall Plant Sale. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Proceeds benefit the gardens’ programs. Visit bbgardens.org. Oct. 20: Fall Festival. 5-7 p.m. Oakmont United Methodist Church. Silent auction, bingo, cakewalks, free hotdog supper and children’s games. Visit oakmontmethodist.org. Oct. 20: Oktoberfest. Shades Valley Lutheran Church holds this event as a joint celebration with a couple other area Lutheran churches at the home a congregation member. Call 871-3512 for directions and further details. Oct. 20: Children’s Sabbath. 9:30 a.m. Edgewood Presbyterian Church, 850 Oxmoor Road. Event will feature the Birmingham Girls Choir. Visit edgewoodpc.org. Oct. 21-25: Red Ribbon Week. Various programs at Homewood City Schools. Oct. 22: Prescription Drug Safety Public Forum. Noon-1 p.m. Dawson Church. Sponsored by Homewood City Schools and Rep. Paul DeMarco.

The Homewood Star

Oct. 26: DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Target, Colonial Brookwood Village. Dispose of prescription drugs in an environmentally safe and convenient way. Oct. 27: Trunk or Treat. 4-7 p.m. Homewood Church of Christ. Inflatables, pony rides and a free dinner. Visit homewoodchurch.org. Oct. 27: Vulcan AfterTunes: Leon Redbone. 3 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Live music and kids’ activities. $15 adults, $7.50 Vulcan members, free for ages 12 and under. Visit visitvulcan.com. Oct. 31: Trick or Treat at the Homewood Police Department. 5:30-8 p.m. Sit on a Homewood Police motorcycle. Free candy, treats and games. Presented by the Homewood Citizen’s Police Academy.

Oct. 1-5: Oak Mountain State Fall Fair. 5 p.m. - 4 a.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1 p.m.-midnight Saturday. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Purchase tickets at the gate or at Walgreens. Call 985-4900 or visit oakmountainstatefair. com. Oct. 1-6: Rosenwald Revisited by Ann Smithwick. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Birmingham Museum of Art. Free. Ann Smithwick is a professional documentary photographer based in Memphis. She discovered her home was a former “Rosenwald School,” which established a foundation for AfricanAmerican education in the U.S. Call 254-2565 or visit artsbma.org. Oct. 3-6: Antiques at the Garden. 1-5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Sunday. Free for members, $10 for nonmembers. The show will include antique dealers from across the nation, presenting antiques, furniture, porcelain, fine art, silver, garden accessories and jewelry. Visit bbgardens.org. Oct. 3-6: ‘Bill W. & Dr. Bob.’ 7:30- 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 -4:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th Street South. $25-30, $17 for students and groups of 10 or more. This play tells the true story of how stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Bob Smith, both alcoholics, formed a relationship that was the genesis of Alcoholics Anonymous and the first 12-step program. Call 251-1206 or visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Oct. 5: Fiesta Hispanic Cultural Festival. Linn Park. Noon-8 p.m. The festival will display the culture, music and food of more than 20 Latin American countries. Visit

TheHomewoodStar.com

fiestabirmingham.com. Oct. 5: Bark in the Park. Veteran’s Park in Alabaster. Free. This all-day affair will feature activities for both pets and people, including contests, live entertainment, children’s activities and the Mutt Strut, a mile-long walk around the park benefiting homeless pets at Shelby Humane Society. Register online at barkinthepark. shelbyhumane.org. For more, email info@shelbyhumane.org. Oct. 6: New York Polyphony. 3- 4:15 p.m. Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Ave. North. Free. This ensemble is regarded as one of the finest singing groups in the world, ranging from medieval melodies to cutting-edge contemporary compositions. Call 226-3505 or visit adventbirmingham.org. Oct. 8: 2nd Tuesday Ballet Series. 7 p.m Alabama Ballet Center for Dance. Free. Get a behind the scenes glimpse of Alabama Ballet’s upcoming season productions and participate in a studio chat with Artistic Director Tracey Alvey. Call 322-4300 or visit alabamaballet.org. Oct. 10: America’s Got Talent Live. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. $27-$55.25. Call 1-800-745-3000. Oct. 10: Light the Night. 5:30 p.m. The Summit. Free. Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by celebrating and commemorating the lives touched by blood cancers by walking for a cure for cancer. There will be food,

entertainment, illuminated balloons and goodies. Call 9890098 or visit lightthenight.org/al. Oct. 11-13: The 9th Annual Barber Vintage Festival. 7:30 a.m. 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway. Three days of motorcycle entertainment, including The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Motorcycles by Moonlight Benefit Dinner. Call 699-7275 or visit barbervintagefestival.org. Oct. 12: History Hike. 9 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Park admission $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 11 and for senior citizens ages 62 and older. Learn about the history of Oak Mountain State park during a 3-and-a-half-mile round trip. Call 620-2520 or visit alapark.com/ oakmountain. Oct. 12: 11th Annual Art in Avondale Park. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4101 5th Avenue South. Free. Artists’ exhibits, music, food and children’s art activities. Visit artinavondalepark.org. Oct. 13: Civil Rights Concert. 5 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Jemison Hall. Free. The Magic City Choral Society Men’s and Women’s Chorus will lead a collaboration of choirs to present the world premiere of “Band of Angels” led by Alabama composer K. Lee Scott to remember the children who died in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in September 1963. Call 478-4615 or visit magiccitychoralsocietyy.org.

October 2013 • 31

Calendar Oct. 13: Break ‘n Bread Food & Wine Festival. 1-5 p.m. Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave South. $35 for adults ages 21 and older, $12 for youth ages 12 to 20 and free for children under age 12. Visit breaknbread.zeekeeinteractive.com. Oct. 17: Beer, BBQ and Bingo Party. 6:30 p.m. Avondale Brewery. Barbecue dinner from Golden Rule, Avondale microbrews, bingo prizes, live music. Hosted by the Junior Board of the Robert E. Reed Foundation, which supports patient care and GI cancer research at UAB. $25 per person or $45 per couple. Purchase tickets at reedgifoundation.com/ events or at the door. Oct. 19-20: Fall Plant Sale. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. For more, call 414-3950, email rwalters@bbgardens.org or visit bbgardens.org. October 22: Borealis Wind Quintet with Leon Bates. 7:30 p.m. Samford University Brock Recital Hall. Presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society. $25, $10 for students with ID. Call 726-2853 or visit www. samford.edu/arts/. Oct. 26: Zombie Chase. 10 a.m. Red Mountain Park. 5K run presented by Birmingham Young Professionals Kiwanis will benefit Better Basics, an organization that provides literacy intervention for elementary and middle-school students throughout Alabama. $40 before Oct. 12, $50 after Oct. 12. Visit facebook.com/ TheZombieChase.

Homewood Public Library Events For more, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6600.

Adults

Oct. 3: Book Signing with Alabama Author Skip Turner. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Tucker discusses his book Pale Blue Light, a tale set during the Civil War. Turner will sign books, and books are available for purchase. Oct. 8: Oxmoor Page Turner’s Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Explore Mary Roach’s Stiff, an exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. Oct. 10: Women & Entrepreneurship with Stephanie Yates. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Part of the MakingCents series, Stephanie Yates will provide us with an outline to becoming an entrepreneur with a profitable business. Oct. 15: The A, B, C’s of Medicare. 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. Room 116, Lower Level. Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how Medicare benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Oct. 18: Sugar: The Other White Drug with Jennifer Cole Conn. Noon. Large Auditorium. Jennifer Cole Conn will explore how we can handle this monster in our diet. Oct. 25-26: Mystery Dinner Theatre: Angel Street. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. South City Theatre presents Angel Street, a Victorian psychological murder mystery written by Peter Hamilton and directed by Donna Williamson. The buffet starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the buffet and show. Purchase tickets in advance, beginning Oct. 1. Make a reservation by visiting the Adult Services Desk at the Homewood Library or call 332-6625. Oct. 29: Book Signing with James Douglass, Author of ‘JFK and the Unspeakable.’ 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Nationally recognized Birmingham author James W. Douglass will

discuss his book JFK and the Unspeakable that verifies the certainty of the JFK assassination conspiracy, why it happened and why it matters. A book signing will follow. Books will be available for purchase. Oct. 30: Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Boardroom. We will discuss J. Courtney Sullivan’s latest book The Engagements, a novel about marriage and relationships.

Children Tuesdays Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome Wednesdays Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome Thursdays Mommy & Me. 10:30 a.m. This is a story time for younger patrons and their guest. Oct. 5: Star Wars Reads Day. 1-4 p.m. Join us for story time, Star Wars-themed activities and crafts that are out of this world. Oct. 17: An American Girl Costume Party. 6:15 p.m. Ages 6 to 12. Registration required, beginning Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. For more and to register, call 332-6619. Oct. 24: Halloween Ghost Tales. 6:15 p.m. Come have a treat and hear a “real ghost tale” around a campfire. This program is for older kids and parents. Oct. 31: Trick or Treat. 1-7 p.m. Show us your costume or give us a fright and we will treat you, and not trick you.

32 • October 2013

The Homewood Star

“They Laughed and Said, ‘Dude, You’re Fat.’ “But Then I Looked in The Mirror…”

“Iron Tribe got me off the couch -- and into shape!” –Jason The mirror was right. My friends were, too. I was fat. What a humiliating difference a few years can make …

Jason Before Iron Tribe

You see, 15 years ago, I was in great shape. Even played sports in college. But after an injury, I stopped exercising. I got lazy, and my body went downhill. Then, I married a marathon runner. She was in great shape, and I had to catch up -- fast. That’s when I found Iron Tribe Fitness. I started with their 101 Intro Program, which was a huge help for me. I was so out of shape, I couldn’t even do a pull-up. But the 101 helped me get my confidence back. I saw changes in my body, too -- in only 30 days. After graduating from 101, I was nervous to start the regular classes. But my coaches were there for me. They helped me learn the moves and get better. Then, one day … BOOM. I had a great

Jason is down 60lbs and loving life!

great and feel even better, on my lunch hour. With my schedule, I never thought that would be possible. I went from a 265-pound couch potato to a 205-pound Iron Tribe Athlete.

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The best part about Iron Tribe? I got my confidence back. I got in shape again. It’s been fun. And it’s fast -- I get in, get my workout done, and get out in less than 55 minutes! Now I can look

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