The Homewood Star TheHomewoodStar.com
April 2014
Volume 4 | Issue 1 | April 2014
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Celebrating four years of neighborly news
Return of the trucks
Support PreSchool Partners at its annual Food Truck Round Up at Colonial Brookwood Village. Read more about this and other festivals in April in this issue.
Community page 8
Park Board Chair Chris Meeks and Parks and Recreation Director Berkeley Squires take a look at the exterior of the new Homewood Community Center, set to open in May. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Take a peek
Homewood love
New community center to open next month By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Preparations are underway for We Love Homewood Day to return to Homewood Central Park this year. Find the full schedule inside.
When the City of Homewood was designing its new Senior Center in 2002, the average age of its residents was 55. A decade later, that number had dropped by 20 years. So when plans for a new
community center came into motion, the City and Parks and Recreation Board had the community’s families in mind. “Our seniors have the nicest senior center in the state, and once this is done, I feel like we will have the top community center in the state as well,” said Berkley
Squires, director of parks and recreation and public services. After 13 months of construction, the new center next to Homewood Central Park is scheduled to open in mid-May. In the planning stages for the center, the Park Board took into consideration the comments of
both members and residents who are not members about what they wanted in a facility. The result is a $16 million, 51,000-square-foot center with two full-court gymnasiums, a cardio room with more than 4,000 square feet, additional
See CENTER | page 28
See full floor plans and feature details for the new Community Center inside
Community page 10
INSIDE Sponsors ................. 2 City ........................... 4 Business .................. 6 Community ............. 8 Sports ...................... 14 Home & Garden ..... 19 School House ......... 24 Calendar ................. 30 Opinion .................... 31
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What now? Oxmoor hotel denied business license, but next moves by both sides unclear
By JEFF THOMPSON By April 1, America’s Best Value Inn & Suites could be vacant. During a public hearing in March, the Homewood City Council decided not to renew the hotel’s business license for 2014, effectively making further operations at the hotel, located at 260 Oxmoor Road near the I-65 exit, illegal. However, the details of closing the business, removing its patrons and monitoring the property were not immediately available. “They’ll have a reasonable time to vacate their tenants, but they’ll have to stop doing business,” Homewood City Attorney Mike Kendrick said. He added that he could not
Owners of America’s Best Value Inn & Suites present their case for their Oxmoor Road hotel to receive a business license renewal. From left are attorney Josh Watkins, Shawn Patel, Dennis Patel and Mike Patel. Photo by Jeff Thompson.
define “reasonable” but estimated it was “within the next seven days.” For residents of West Homewood, the council’s decision could change the landscape of the exit. The 160-room hotel might sit dark
and vacant on the side of I-65, but in doing so — as the council hopes — it would reduce the transient population that has shown a propensity for attracting the Homewood Police Department.
“[Chief of Police Jim Roberson] pulled statistics from all the hotels on that exit, and this one is the worst. That’s why we started
See HOTEL | page 7
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The Homewood Star
About Us Photo of the Month
Please Support our Community Partners
Ben Ueltzen and John Bell from Homewood-based New Latitude Movers had a little fun with Christopher Walker and Wilkes Keenan while making a delivery on Grove Place. Photo courtesy of Liz Landgren.
Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to editor@thehomewoodstar.com
Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham The past few years I have thought a lot about waiting for exciting things to come, and working on this issue was no exception. I don’t know about you, but I was more than ready for this Alabama-pretendingit’s-Michigan winter to thaw. I couldn’t wait for my slow weekends of avoiding the frigid outdoors to get filled up with festivals, fundraisers, runs, park play dates and dinner gatherings on the patio in a way only springtime brings. As I donned a hard hat to tour the new community center construction site, watching a man paint the gym floor reminded me of all of you who are working out at the temporary fitness facility. Glancing out of the fitness classrooms over the trenches that will soon be a pool, I thought of
all the kids (and parents!) who are eagerly anticipating a brand-new pool area back in their backyards. Rusty Holley at Parks and Recreation assured me the pool will be on a tight schedule but that it will be open for Memorial Day. Can I get an amen? Pool opening day is going to be glorious, no doubt. Basking in the early spring sunshine as days grow longer (yay for afterwork runs!) brightens all the parts of me that have grown sluggish and dark over the preceding months. Max Ross will have his party, the Edgewood students will get to play at their festival, We Love Homewood Day will move back to Homewood Central Park, the Arts Council will bring painting classes to our parks. But as much as I revel in these
anticipations fulfilled, I’m learning that I’ll move on to my next set of can’twaits and please-get-here-soons. That’s when I go back to something I read a few years ago by Francois Fenelon that talks about our souls being incessantly in suspense about the future, “constantly in the air, without being suffered to touch a foot to solid ground.” With that in mind, when I start fixating my thoughts on my late summer vacation while I stand in line at the Food Truck Round Up or have a break in activity at Birmingham Celebrates, I plan to slap my ever-running stream of unnecessary thoughts and focus on what else Fenelon taught me — to eat my daily bread, enjoy my gifts day by day and let tomorrow worry about itself. Happy April!
The Homewood Star
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Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com
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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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Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (8) Alabama Gaslight & Grill (23) Alabama Outdoors (24) Alabama Power (17) Alabama Symphony Orchestra (29) ARC Realty (25) Bedzzz Express (32) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (14) Birmingham Speech and Hearing (24) Briarcliff Shop (18) Campaign to Elect David Faulkner (1) Case Remodeling (22) Christopher Glenn (20) Classic Gardens (20) Construx (35) Dawson Family of Faith (18, 27) Decorating Dens Interiors (19) Edgewood Wealth Advisors (14) Escape (27) Fi-Plan Partners (9) Fred Smith Group (30) Harmony Landing (29) Homewood Arts Council (13) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (31) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (4) Homewood Parks and Rec (26) Issis & Sons (23) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (31) Julie Ivy White (28) Junior League of Birmingham (10) Kidz Closet Consignment (14) LAH Real Estate (11) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (16) Mountain Brook Art Association (30 Olio Oils and Balsamics (11) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (30) RealtySouth Marketing (5) Red Mountain Theatre Company (16) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (3) Salem’s Diner (16) Savage’s Bakery (24) Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (25) Sweet Peas Garden Shop (22) Tables & Contents Antique Markets (28) The Maids (8) The Wade Team (10) UAB Health System Marketing (15) Vision Gymnastics (27) Vitalogy Wellness Center (7) YMCA Camp Hargis Retreat (12) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (6)
TheHomewoodStar.com
April 2014
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The Homewood Star
City New options for pedestrian bridge project By JEFF THOMPSON The scope of the pedestrian bridge project on Hollywood Boulevard could be expanding. The project is a joint venture to create a walking path connecting Homewood and Mountain Brook. The bridge, as initially planned, would travel along the north side of the Hollywood Boulevard bridge across U.S. 280 and connect a trail system that circles the Birmingham Zoo. During the Mountain Brook City Council’s regular pre-meeting in March, Council member Jesse Vogtle said some factors uncovered during the project’s development require more consideration. Namely, expenses for both communities have increased beyond what was allocated in their 2014 budgets. In addition, the two communities are concerned about congestion on the bridge following the Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT’s) U.S. 280 Intersection Improvement Project. “Changes to Highway 280 have created a real traffic situation on the Hollywood Boulevard overpass,” Vogtle said. “The impacted cities are starting to scratch their heads and consider pursuing this in a much bigger way.” Vogtle said the use of Hollywood Boulevard as a “Michigan left” — a U-turn site for drivers changing directions or crossing U.S. 280 — has crowded the intersection and bridge. Both communities also consider the current bridge unsafe for pedestrians, and the cities are now jointly looking into a simultaneous solution for both issues. “I want us to discuss not only the pedestrian bridge, but I also think it would be smart for us to be proactive on other issues,” Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said. That could mean a bigger bridge. For the time being, the development of the project has been put on hold while the cities involved arrange a collaborative discussion.
A runner crosses the Hollywood Boulevard Bridge over U.S. 280 in early morning traffic.
McBrayer said he plans to reach out to Mountain Brook Mayor Terry Oden to assemble a meeting among project stakeholders in the coming weeks. “So far, this has just been about sidewalks and a pedestrian walkway across the bridge,” McBrayer said. “We have an opportunity to widen the scope and address all these issues at once.” The current Hollywood Bridge is approximately 50 years old, Vogtle said, and the communities investing in the project are concerned that ALDOT could schedule construction on the existing structure in the near future. This could limit the lifespan of the pedestrian bridge project as it’s currently proposed. Basically, the cities involved want to make sure that if they put up the pedestrian bridge, it isn’t torn down anytime soon. “What a waste of money that would be,”
McBrayer said. Vogtle said he expects the bridge’s replacement or widening to come up in the joint meeting, which could lead to a request for increased funding for the project. Rep. Paul DeMarco, who initially secured federal funding for the pedestrian bridge, said he believes there is a need to move quickly on creating safe paths across U.S. 280 on Hollywood. He added that he looked forward to working with both communities and ALDOT to make it happen. “When we first started, the idea was to create collaboration between these cities and the state,” DeMarco said. “We got that, and we’ll move forward. This project is about the safety of our residents and anybody else who walks across that bridge. It’s not safe, and thank goodness nobody has been hurt. We need to get this done sooner rather than later.”
City’s credit rating raised Financial services company Standard & Poor’s (S&P) raised the City of Homewood’s credit rating on March 7. The City’s general obligation (GO) warranted an increase one notch to AA+ from AA following a routine surveillance. The company rates borrowers on a scale from AAA, just one grade above AA+, to D. According to S&P’s credit analyst, Homewood will “likely maintain its consistent financial performance, supported by what we consider, good financial management practices and its strong economy.” S&P also said that it does not expect the rating to change in the next two years. “Homewood’s budgetary flexibility will likely remain very strong, and city residents will likely continue to participate in the broad and diverse Birmingham metropolitan statistical area,” a statement read.
Hop and Shop set for April 12 Homewood businesses are organizing a special Easter shopping event for all ages on Saturday, April 12. Merchants in downtown Homewood and Edgewood will offer customers the opportunity to hunt Easter eggs that hold discount coupons, candy and other prizes in their stores. The Hop and Shop event will also feature the Easter Bunny. The event is sponsored by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. For more, visit homewoodchamber.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
April 2014
Shopping center poised for new life
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LIFE IS SHORT. MAKE GOOD DECISIONS.
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9% Mi Pueblo, a multicultural supermarket currently located on Green Springs Highway, is poised to move down the road to the former Food World location. Its owner said that the interior of the new store would more closely resemble the look and feel of their Pelham market, pictured here. Photo courtesy of Mi Pueblo.
By GREG HEYMAN Two new businesses and infrastructure improvements are expected to keep the Green Springs Shopping Center at the corner of Oxmoor Road and Green Springs Highway looking attractive. The closing of Food World and Blockbuster Video last year threatened to keep the shopping center from full occupancy. Park Grimmer, president of Grimmer Realty, said the situation has been remedied with the addition of Mi Pueblo and Lux Beauty Supply. Grimmer said the new businesses are only a small part of efforts to assure the shopping center remains nice-looking. “We’re going to spruce up the whole shopping center,” he said. Lux Beauty Supply opened in March in the old Blockbuster Video building. Grimmer said Mi Pueblo is scheduled to open sometime in May or June, depending on renovations to the space previously occupied by Food World. Mi Pueblo currently operates a smaller Homewood store at 813 Green Springs Highway. Owner Joel Rivera describes Mi Pueblo as a “multicultural supermarket.” “It’s not only Mexican products, we also have products from here, the United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, Puerto Rico, Asia, Africa, Jamaica and India,” he said. Rivera said relocating to a larger space would allow the store to more adequately meet customers’ needs. “We have been in this area since 2009, and we have grown so much that we feel like moving our store to a bigger location will help us be able to cover the needs that the customers have,” he said. The store will encompass 38,500 square feet, and another 2,500 square feet will be used for a restaurant serving authentic Mexican food to eat there or take out. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and will include a buffet as well as a menu. Grimmer said improvements to the shopping center are expected to be completed about the same time Mi Pueblo opens and include repainting facades, upgrading lighting,
resealing and re-striping the parking lot, and landscaping. “It will definitely improve the looks of the shopping center and that area,” he said. The new businesses will also bring a different look to the shopping center with the signs advertising each establishment and a distinctive appearance for each building. The Homewood City Council approved sign variances for Mi Pueblo and Lux Beauty Supply at its Feb. 24 meeting. City Engineer Greg Cobb said changes include a larger sign for Mi Pueblo than one used by Food World and the addition of a sign in the rear of the building that can be seen from Interstate 65. Lux received variances for signs that can be seen from Green Springs Highway, in addition to a sign in the back that faces the shopping center because it is separate from other businesses in the strip mall. “If it (a sign) doesn’t meet the ordinance, it has to go before the City Council for a variance,” Cobb said. Grimmer said the building where Lux Beauty Supply is located will also have a different look, with the blue canopies used by Blockbuster replaced by metal awnings. Apart from the look the new businesses will bring, Grimmer anticipates shoppers will enjoy the same experience they’re accustomed to — with a fresher appearance. “It’s pretty much going to stay the same, it’s just going to be cleaned up and brightened up,” he said. Other businesses in the shopping center include Kmart, Fred’s, A 1 Nails, Stellar Staffing, Compass Bank and offices for Grimmer Realty Co. Inc. Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said he’s excited about the addition of Mi Pueblo and Lux Beauty Supply to the shopping center. “We’ve been blessed in Homewood to be able to bring in good businesses,” he said. McBrayer said having the shopping center fully occupied again would help all businesses located there. “The more traffic you have in the area where there are businesses, the better off you are,” he said. “All the stores will benefit by them being there. It brings customers into a specific area.”
Chamber luncheon to feature state superintendent
Dr. Tommy Bice
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18% RealtySouth sells more homes than the 52% next 5 competitors 11% combined. When you make good 9% decisions, you reap solid results. 5% 5%
Source: TRENDGR APHIX, Inc. This representation is based in whole or in par t on data provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors® or its Multiple Listings Service for the given. Neither the Association nor its MLS is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflec t all real estate ac tivity in the market. (*Sales volume figures are rounded in thousands.)
LIST WITH THE BEST.
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will honor an outstanding student from each Homewood school during its annual Excellence in Education Award luncheon on April 15. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice will be the guest speaker of the event. The event, held at The Club from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., will acknowledged the Chamber’s 2013-14 Achievement Award winners, and the high school recipient will be awarded with a scholarship. To purchase tickets, visit homewoodchamber.com or call 871-5631. RealtySouth Market Share-VillageLivingHALF.indd 1
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Now Open Designer Shoe Warehouse, 1 DSW, 45 Brookwood Village, is now open between Fresh Market and Target in Colonial Brookwood Village. This is the retailer’s second location in the Birmingham area. dsw.com. Tables & Contents, 1712 28th Avenue South, is a new monthly market carrying both new and vintage home furnishings and accessories. The three-day shopping event is open the second Thursday through Saturday of each month and features everything from pottery, glassware and original artwork to tables, lamps, chairs and chandeliers. 585-7838. tablesandcontents.com.
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Next Level Graphics is now open at 2780 BM Montgomery Street. The store prints large banners, signs, posters, Fathead wall decals, vehicle wraps, stickers and magnetic signs. 807-3409. nextlevelgraphicsllc.com.
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Relocations and Renovations Dobbins Group recently purchased a 1,100-square-foot office located at 3006 Cook Street. The office will undergo renovation to offer a new commercial space while preserving its historic charm. 503-4000. dobbinsgroup.net.
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News and Accomplishments Urban Cookhouse, 2846 18th Street South, has been honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a Blue Ribbon Small Business for 2014. The restaurant was one of about 100 businesses to be selected and will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., in June. 879-0883. urbancookhouse.com.
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April 2014 Jan Marie Jacks of Dreamcakes Bakery, 960 Oxmoor Road, has been named to the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 Class for 2014. Organized by the UAB Alumni Association, the class recognizes the top 25 businesses owned or operated by UAB alumni. 871-9377. dreamcakes-bakery.com.
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James Marbourg, OD, vice president of Eye Health Partners and VisionAmerica of Alabama, 250 State Farm Parkway, has been named to the UAB Excellence in Business Top 25 Class for 2014. 943-4600. eyehealthpartners.com.
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Thomas Jackson, wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, 569 Brookwood Village, has been named to Barron’s magazine’s top advisor rankings in the United States for 2014. 298-7443. wealthmanagement.ml.com.
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Hirings and Promotions Tim Carlisle, CPA, CFE, CFF, and Meredith Smith, CPA, have joined Mauldin & Jenkins, 2000 Southbridge Parkway, Suite 501, as partners. Mauldin & Jenkins has provided audit, accounting and tax services since 1918. 445-2880. mjcpa.com.
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Anniversaries Huffstutler’s Hardware, 2732 Central Avenue, is celebrating 10 years in its current location. 871-2121. facebook.com/huffstutlers.
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HomeFit, an in-home fitness consulting business located at 1919 Oxmoor Road, Suite 391, recently celebrated its first anniversary. The business holds personal training sessions and fitness consults in clients’ homes. 675-7412. homefitconsulting.com.
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HOTEL
from page 1 here,” Kendrick said. “That’s just a matter of fact.” Over the past two and a half years, Homewood Police Department (HPD) has visited America’s Best Value Inn & Suites at least once a month. Sometimes, officers are at the site as often as twice a day, Roberson said, adding the establishment was a “drain on our resources.” According to a report compiled by HPD and City Clerk Linda Cook, the hotel has been the location for 148 arrests and 241 reported offenses since June 2011. Among those, the report lists 35 arrests of wanted fugitives, 20 arrests related to prostitution, 33 drug arrest or arrests related to drug use, two suicides and one homicide. “By my math, that’s 969 days, and you’ve had 148 incidents. That’s one a week,” council member Patrick McClusky said during the hearing. Hotel owners Dennis, Mike and Shawn Patel said they recognized the high crime rate at their business and appealed to the council for direction on specific changes. “Please don’t think we are OK with this,” Mike Patel said. “We are not — really not. We’re victims of this as much as anyone else in the city.” But the council didn’t feel the same, nor did residents of the area, including Cobb Street’s Erik Heninger. “I kind of laughed when I heard that,” Heninger said. “Because it’s hard for me to hear a business owner say they’re a victim of their own business.” During the hearing, the council members allowed the Patels unlimited responses to their questions. With the majority of their time, members of the family explained recent changes to the business model to note increased security measures at the hotel. They also insisted that none of the proprietors found the situation acceptable.
“We don’t condone, and we don’t tolerate nonsense,” Mike Patel said. “I don’t wake up every day with my father and brother and go to work looking for trouble.” When the hearing closed approximately three and a half hours after it began, it appeared for a brief moment that a probationary period for America’s Best Value Inn & Suites would be proposed. However, when it came time to make a motion, “deny” was the first and only option on the table. In a roll-call vote, voting to deny the business license renewal were Fred Hawkins, Vance Moody, Bruce Limbaugh, Patrick McClusky, Rich Laws and Peter Wright. Voting against were Jenifer Champ Wallis, Heather Reed and Michael Hallman. After the meeting, Council President Bruce Limbaugh said owners now need to make decisions about the future of their business. However, their options are limited. Kendrick said with the denial of the license for 2014, the owners could start a new business and apply for a new license, or they could wait until 2015 and reapply under the same ownership group, ADMA, Inc. Attorney Josh Watkins represented America’s Best Value Inn & Suites owners Dennis Patel and his sons Mike and Shawn Patel during the hearing. He denied comment after the hearing but alluded to a possible appeal of the council’s decision. This could take the form of a lawsuit against the municipality in civil court. “This is a nuisance to our public,” council member Peter Wright said. “Regardless of why that is ... the bottom line is you have to operate your business and figure it out. It’s your business.”
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The Homewood Star
Community Rounding up the food trucks
Area residents pose for a photo at last year’s Food Truck Round Up benefiting PreSchool Partners. This year the event is scheduled for April 26.
Birmingham’s food trucks will converge at Colonial Brookwood Village for a good cause on Saturday, April 26. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the upper Macy’s parking lot, the trucks will feature their local cuisine to benefit PreSchool Partners, which prepares at-risk preschool children and their parents for kindergarten in Birmingham City Schools. Funds raised will directly help the 140 people and 70 children enrolled in the program and reach those who aren’t enrolled. This year’s goal is to exceed last year’s $76,000. Food trucks attending will be Cantina, Dreamcakes, Ezell’s Catfish Cabin, Full Moon BBQ,
Goodies Ice Cream, Mellow Mushroom, Melt, Nola Ice, Off the Hook, Repicci’s Italian Ice, Shindigs, Slice and Spoonfed Grill. Good People Brewery, Supreme Beverage and Coca-Cola will provide beverages, and Birmingham Mountain Radio will provide live music. There will also be two bounce houses, face painting and balloon art by clowns. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $20 or on-site for $25. Each ticket comes with three tokens to redeem at the trucks and beverage stations. Additional tokens can be purchased, and kids 10 and under get in free. For more, visit preschoolpartners.org.
Planning a party with a purpose By MADOLINE MARKHAM Max Ross can often be found cheering on basketball teams at The Exceptional Foundation and dancing with the center’s participants during halftime. The eighth grade Homewood Middle School student first got involved with the center’s work with adults with special needs through Homewood Men Striving for Success under Coach Steve Sills, but now he is planning something of his own for his friends there. With the help of his mom’s event planning skills, Max is inviting the community to his 14th birthday party at the center, to raise money for its programs. As he announced in a special YouTube video, Max’s Party for a Purpose 2014 will take place April
4 from 6-8 p.m. All Steve Sills will be the DJ for the dance party, attendees are asked to make a minimum $5 and Homewood busidonation to the Excepnesses are donating tional Foundation for food and drinks. There admission. will also be a photo His weekly videos booth. with updates are a team While his mom helps secure sponsoreffort. His mom writes the scripts, his dad ships and volunteers, films and edits them at Max is thinking about his media studio, and game ideas and posMax, who has been sibly asking everyone acting since age 7 and who comes to wear Max Ross featured in commerpajamas or a weird hat. cials, brings them to life on screen. “I am looking forward to making Max is hoping friends from his people happy,” he said. “I want people to come and have a good time.” different involvements will join him, as will families from the community For more, find Max’s Party for a and his friends from the center. Coach Purpose 2014 on Facebook.
Edgewood Spring Festival returns Edgewood Elementary School will host its Spring Festival, the school’s only fundraiser, on Saturday, April 26 from 2-6 p.m. on the school grounds. Festivities include inflatables, carnival rides for all ages, games and
prizes, and festival food. A silent auction featuring artwork, trips gift cards and packages from local businesses will be held in the school gym from 2-5 p.m. A live auction will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets and armbands will be
available for purchase on the day of the festival. All proceeds go directly back into Edgewood’s classrooms to benefit teachers and students. For more information, contact Shannon Taylor at taylorshannonb@gmail. com.
Flower show coming to SoHo Little Garden Club of Birmingham is hosting a juried flower show on Tuesday, April 8. The event will be held at Rosewood Hall, 2859 19th Street South in Homewood, from 3-5 p.m. as a
part of the club’s regional meeting for Garden Club of America. Locally, the Red Mountain Garden Club is also an affiliate. The show will feature floral arrangements, a horticulture
division, photography division and conservation division. The show is open to the public. For additional information, contact zoneviiimeeting2014@gmail. com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
April 2014
Painting in the Park
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Homewood Arts Council presents outdoor art classes this month
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Dori DeCamillis and her daughter Annabelle share both a love of art and a love of teaching it. The co-owner of Red Dot Gallery, Dori’s strength lies in getting people started from the beginning and keeping them going at their own pace, while Annabelle, 19, is good at getting students to see things the painter has a hard time seeing. “The main thing we try to get people to do is let go of perceptions of what things are supposed to look like versus what they can bring to the table as an individual,” Dori said. “It takes a lot of trust in your teacher to explore your own voice.” The mother-daughter duo will be teaching a series of painting classes on Saturday mornings in April. Homewood Arts Council’s “Painting in the Park” series will rotate though different Homewood parks. Dori and Annabelle will craft their versions of the paintings in advance and then will encourage participants to discover their own voice in their creations. Participants can sign up for just one class or all four. Each one will feature a different painting, and people of all skill levels are invited to participate. Phillip Forstall, owner of Forstall Gallery in the Palisades, is donating easels for the classes and is putting together an art kit for people who do not have their own supplies. Dori teaches oil painting at Red Dot, but because these will be shorter classes, she plans to use acrylics, which dry faster. This year Dori is celebrating the 10th anniversary of opening Red Dot Gallery with fellow artist Scott Bennett. The space is a working studio, teaching space and gallery to display the owners’ and students’ work. A Colorado native, Dori moved to Birmingham in 1994 after discovering it in her travels
Painting in the Park Series Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. April 5: Patriot Park Pavilion 1 April 12: Overton Park Pavilion April 19: Central Park Pavilions 6 & 7 April 26: Patriot Park Pavilion 1 RSVP to homewoodalartscouncil@ gmail.com, facebook.com/HomewoodArtsCouncil or 886-5978.
Mother and daughter Dori, right, and Annabelle, left, DeCamillis will teach an upcoming Painting in the Park series held by the Homewood Arts Council. Photo courtesy of Dori DeCamillis.
around the country selling art at festivals and living in a motor home for three years. Most recently she has been working on Exhibit A: Paintings of Alabama Places, inspired by the historical and natural wonders in the state, and self-portraits of her own mind-states, which each depict an animal in a private mythology. Annabelle, an art student at UAB, has art credit in her own right. Her mom said she has become a “local celebrity.” She was awarded a gold medal at the 2012 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and her winning painting was chosen to be on exhibit at the
U.S. Department of Education. She was also chosen as a YoungArts finalist and scholarship recipient, which sent her to Miami for a week to study with world-renowned artists and exhibit her paintings at the Miami Museum of Art. Despite what some people think, Dori said it’s easier to teach someone art who has no training than someone with training who has preconceived ideas about what they are doing. “People who come into a class with no experience are fine,” she said. “They just listen and learn. People call and tell me that they are bad and scared, and I tell them they are the perfect
person to have because they have no bad habits to break. If you can write your own name, you can draw or paint. You just need a teacher to train your eye.” Dori recommends not choosing which class to attend based on the subject matter of a particular week. The joy of art, she said, is not on the subject but in the learning process. With each painting, you will learn different aspects of basic design principals such as colors, shadows, blending and composition. “Each painting is different, so you will learn something different in each,” she said.
10 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
We Love Homewood Day Annual festival and Spirit Scamper set for May 3
Laine Litton waves a banner during last year’s We Love Homewood Day Parade. Photo by Brian Wallace. By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Construction on the new Homewood Community Center will be complete just in time for We Love Homewood Day to return to Homewood Central Park. Last year the event was plagued by rain at Patriot Park and the Homewood Senior Center in West Homewood. May 3 will bring the return of everyone’s favorite festivities: rides and inflatables, an arts and crafts and vendor expo, a Rotary bake sale, the Lions Club barbecue sale, a silent auction and live entertainment.
The day kicks off with the Spirit Scamper run, which starts at Homewood High School at 7:30 a.m. Back at the park, a $15 wristband will provide unlimited access to rides, and individual tickets will also be for sale for 50 cents each. The climax of the day is the parade of the high school band, cheerleaders and all kinds of vehicles and floats that proceed from the Homewood Library to Edgewood starting at 6 p.m. “The parade is the most fun part to me,” said Rusty Holley of Homewood Parks and Recreation.
“I remember riding in the parade one year, and we saw as we topped the hill at Trinity United Methodist the whole area was solid people. It was neat to see.” For more on We Love Homewood Day, visit homewoodparks. com/special-events/we-lovehomewood-day or contact Rusty Holley at 332-6705 or rusty. holley@homewoodal.org. Updates on the event will be announced on Twitter @homewoodparks, on Facebook and on the website. For more on Spirit Scamper, visit spiritscamper.com.
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The West Homewood Lions Club will smoke 2,500 pounds of Boston butts as well as spare ribs to sell at We Love Homewood Day. All proceeds will go back to the community. Photo by Madoline Markham.
We Love Homewood Day Schedule *All events will take place at Homewood Central Park unless otherwise noted. 8 a.m. - Spirit Scamper 5K/1-Mile Fun Run, Homewood High School 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Spring in the Park Festival 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Rotary Club Bake Sale 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. - West Homewood Lions Club Barbecue Sale 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Arts and Crafts/Vendor Business Expo 10 a.m. - Silent Auction 6 p.m. - We Love Homewood Day Parade, route from the library to Edgewood 7-9:30 p.m. - We Love Homewood Day Street Dance, Edgewood Business District
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April 2014
April walk/run roundup Kidney Foundation Birmingham Walk-a-Thon April 5, Samford University Track and Soccer Stadium The Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Birmingham Walk-a-Thon is taking place on April 5 at the Samford University Track and Soccer Stadium. The event will include music, children’s activities, inflatables, food and prizes for best T-shirt and highest fundraiser. Adults must raise a minimum of $30 to participate in the event, which will include breakfast, lunch and snacks. Children and kidney disease patients can attend for free. Participants can choose to walk one lap or 5 miles either as an individual or as part of a team. Participants are encouraged to wear green to support kidney disease awareness or create team T-shirts. This year’s fundraising goal is $190,000. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on April 5, and the Walk-a-Thon begins at 9:30 a.m. To register online, go to akfbirminghamwalk.kintera.org. For more information, contact Paige Connell at paige@alkidney.org or call 996-5777.
Walk MS: Birmingham April 5, Homewood Central Park The National Multiple Sclerosis Society hosts the annual Walk MS to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research, advocacy, education and patient support. The funds raised at the Birmingham walk will help more than 6,000 people living with MS in Alabama and Mississippi. There is no registration fee, but everyone who raises more than $100 will receive a Walk MS T-shirt. This year’s fundraising goal is $235,000. The event will include live entertainment, food and a wellness fair, rain or shine. Participants will have the option to walk 1-, 2- or 3-mile routes. Registration and check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m., the opening ceremony will be held at 9:15
a.m. and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Funds raised can be turned in the day of the walk or by mail to the chapter office at 801 Shades Creek Parkway, Suite 100B. For more information, contact Andrew Bell at andrew.bell@nmss.org or call 879-8546 or 1-800-344-4867.
Iron Warriors Rave Run April 12, Homewood High School This is the second annual running event benefiting the Aerospace Booster Club. This year’s Iron Warrior Run is rave-themed. The entry fee is $25, and each participant will receive glow bracelets, a T-shirt and a gift bag with coupons. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m., and the race starts at 8 p.m. The event will benefit the Samford University Aerospace Booster Club and the Lakeshore Foundation. The obstacles will not be mandatory. Register at active.com or contact the Samford ROTC Detachment at det.012@maxwell.af.mil.
Relay for Life April 25, Homewood Central Park The annual Relay for Life fundraiser will be held on April 26 at Homewood Central Park from 4 p.m.-midnight. Participating teams of 10 to 25 people raise money for cancer research and support programs, and team members take turns running or walking laps during the relay. There will also be activities throughout the night to honor cancer survivors and caregivers and remember those who lost the fight. This includes the Survivors’ Lap and the Luminaria Ceremony, in which candles are lit in memory of past cancer patients and support for those who currently have cancer. The registration fee is $10, and participants who raise more than $100 will receive a Relay for Life t-shirt. Sign up at relayforlife.org/homewoodal to create or join a team, walk as an individual or participate in the Survivors’ Lap.
• 11
12 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
Celebrating reading, celebrating Birmingham Brookwood Village event features book drive, festivities for kids By MADOLINE MARKHAM Last year Homewood kids helped give more than 30,000 books to other kids. Through Birmingham Reads, Homewoodbased Better Basics collects books for its literacy programs in high-needs schools while creating literacy awareness in communities like Homewood. “It’s a great way to build diversity in the community,” said Executive Director Karen Kapp. “It pulls folks from all parts of the city together to celebrate reading.” For the third year in a row, Edgewood, Shades Cahaba and Hall-Kent elementary schools are participating in a competition to collect the most new or gently used books. “All children need books in their homes to read, and the more books they read, the better readers they become,” Kapp said. “Through Better Basics programs, we try to match interest levels with reading levels and provide books that correlate. We want kids to read for pleasure. The gap is widening between affluent and lowincome students, and we are working to provide equitable resources for all kids.” The books that are collected are then distributed throughout the school year to kids in Better Basics’ eight programs. Because of the Birmingham Reads drive, the organization is able to put tens of thousands of books into homes, Kapp said. On Friday, April 18, Better Basics will be in front of Books-A-Million at Colonial Brookwood Village starting at 4:30 a.m. to collect books from schools as well as community members.
Kids participate in festivities at Colonial Brookwood Village as a part of Better Basics’ Brookwood Celebrates event last year. Photo courtesy of Better Basics.
“A lot of people hear about it on Alabama’s 13 that morning and come by with a box of books that day,” Kapp said. “It’s a great way for the entire community to celebrate reading and promote literacy. There are 90,000 illiterate adults in central Alabama, and the more we can do to create awareness about it, the better.” The week culminates in a festival held in partnership with the Junior League of Birmingham at Colonial Brookwood Village on Saturday, April 19. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Better Basics invites the community to celebrate
reading with entertainment and activities for kids as well as their favorite book characters. The book drive will continue during the event, and the winning school will be announced. At the event, there is also an attendance competition between schools, and the school with the highest attendance —which last year was Hall-Kent — wins a Popsicle party. But before both of those days, Better Basics will coordinate around 615 volunteers to read in every elementary school classroom in Birmingham City Schools, all on April 17 at 1
p.m. Each child in every class will also receive a copy of the book — last year that meant more than 13,000 books. “It’s a great one-time opportunity for folks to go into the schools just for one hour a year,” Kapp said. “It gives them an opportunity to see if they enjoy it, and if they do, they end up volunteering through our regular programming. It gives people in the community the opportunity to give of themselves, and they love it.” For more, visit betterbasics.org/ birminghamreads.
April 2014 • 13
TheHomewoodStar.com
Fresh Maine lobsters coming
Local scouts achieve Eagle rank
Chase Kelly, Justin Fletcher, Nick Anderson and John Bailey.
Assistance League members Rochelle Simms, President Jan Service, Beth Clarke and Mary Ann Wade get ready for this year’s Lobster Sale.
For the sixth year, Assistance League of Birmingham is selling freshly steamed Maine lobsters. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the three philanthropic programs
of Assistance League: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy. Lobsters are $25 each. The deadline for ordering is
May 2. Drive-through pickup will be Friday, May 9 from 3-6 p.m. at Assistance League of Birmingham, 1755 Oxmoor Road. Call 960-1040 to order.
In March, friends and families of Nick Anderson, John Bailey, Chase Kelly and Justin Fletcher joined together as Troop 97, sponsored by Trinity United Methodist Church, celebrated and recognized their rank achievement of Eagle Scout. Together the young men earned 121 merit badges, had at least 321 hours of nights camping, served in various
leadership positions and received various prestigious scouting awards. Each of their Eagle projects benefited the community. As it states in the Eagle Scout Challenge, young men who reach the rank of Eagle Scout are expected to exemplify in their daily life the high principles and values expressed in the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.
Samford gala to feature illusionist
Bargains return at this year’s JLB Carousel
Legacy League, an auxiliary of Samford University, will present its Scholarship Gala Celebration on Thursday, May 8. For the first time ever, the event will be held on Samford’s campus in the Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center and will combine a culinary feast with a show by Christian illusionist Curt Anderson. The gala will benefit scholarships for students to attend Samford. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited; reservations are required and can be made at samford.edu/legacyleague
Birmingham’s largest garage sale is scheduled for April 26 and 27. The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel will be held in the former JCPenney location at Century Plaza Mall, 7580 Crestwood Boulevard. There will be more than 100,000 items for sale, including adult clothing, appliances, art, books, music, children’s clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and
through May 2. A $75 per person reservation (of which $37.50 is tax-deductible) includes a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet, catered by Executive Chef Chris Vizzina, and the show by Curt Anderson. Guests who wish to add valet parking, reserved table seating, preferred seating for the show and an event photo may opt for a deluxe reservation for $125 per person (of which $72.50 is taxdeductible). Sponsorships at all levels are welcomed. For more information, call 7262247 or visit the website.
sporting goods, rugs and toys. Proceeds support community projects with the Junior League’s partner agencies. “I always come to purchase holiday decorations, whether it is for Christmas, Easter or Halloween,” said Erin Hamby of Homewood. “I love having something new to add to my collection every year.” The weekend kicks off with a Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 24. For $40 a ticket, VIP admission gets you in the door at 6 p.m. for early bird shopping privileges (double the listed prices), and
general admission (7 p.m.-10 p.m.) is $30 a ticket. This year tickets will be pre-sold on Friday, April 25 from 3-7 p.m., when shoppers may purchase up to four tickets at $10 each to the Saturday sale. Bargain Carousel will run Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ($10 tickets for 8-10 a.m. or $5 tickets from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. with free admission and halfprice merchandise. For more, call 879-9861, visit bargaincarousel.net or like the event on Facebook.
14 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
Sports Berguson named new HHS football coach
JV Patriots go undefeated
Will Hunt, Will Mizerany, Ronald Claiborne, Derrick Underwood, Alec Marsch, Lawton Dorough, Jake Burdeshaw, Toby Taylor, Terry James, Austin Patterson, Peyton Brown, Griffin Gentry and John Yarbrough with head coach Rick Baguley.
The Homewood High School junior varsity basketball team completed its season with a perfect record of 25-0. The team won the Spain Park Invitational,
the Metro Christmas Tournament and the season-ending tournament at Hewitt-Trussville. The team is coached by Rick Baguley.
Ben Berguson with his family.
Homewood City Schools announced in March that Ben Berguson will be the new head football coach for Homewood High School. Berguson has served as the assistant football coach to the Patriots for the past three years, and he had been serving as the interim head football coach since Feb. 26. “It is an honor to be a member of the Homewood Patriots,” Berguson said. “The Homewood community is enriched with tradition, and I look forward to continuing that rich history.” HHS Principal Dr. Zack Barnes said Coach Berguson knows the program inside
and out and has tremendous respect from the players. Athletic Director Kevin Tubbs agreed that Berguson has a wealth of experience as a football coach. “Coach Berguson is a leader beyond the football field, and he is dedicated to the students and teaching them the steps to be successful on the field and in the classroom,” Tubbs said. Berguson will also teach physical education and drivers education at HHS. He said he is looking forward to spring practice with the team and working hard for the upcoming season. -Submitted by Homewood City Schools
Swimmer ranks top in country Homewood resident Jakob Icimsoy was recognized on USA Swimming’s Top 10 list for the 2012-13 Short Course Season. According to results in Splash magazine, Jakob ranked eighth in the nation for 12-year-old boys in the 1,000-yard freestyle event. Jakob began swimming at age 9 at a local YMCA, and a year later in 2010, he joined the competitive swim team Hoover Blue Thunder (HBT). Jakob, an eighth-grade home-schooled student through Everest Academy, was also HBT’s Male Swimmer of the Year for 2012-13. He continues to train under head coach Rick Moulton and intends to swim on a collegiate level.
Jakob Icimsoy
TheHomewoodStar.com
WHO’S WHO
April 2014 • 15
of HOMEWOOD
Most Community Spirit Wayne Gibson Publix customer service associate No matter where he is or with whom he is talking, Wayne Gibson always boasts a smile on his face. He remembers not just customers’ names but special things about them. A Homewood High School graduate, Gibson is known and loved by many in the community — not just because he bags groceries but because of the relationships he forms. Photo by Brian Wallace.
16 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
WHO’S WHO of HOMEWOOD
Most Charitable Stanley Virciglio Piggly Wiggly Homewood president and co-owner Stanley Virciglio doesn’t tell many people no. Whether it’s sponsoring the Spirit Scamper race, a church event, a civic organization fundraiser or feeding a sports team at Homewood High School, the Piggly Wiggly man is returning the support he gets from the Homewood community at his U.S. 31 grocery store. “When people come by and they need something, we try to take care of the people in our community,” he said. “The more you give, the more you receive.” Photo by Alec Dixon.
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WHO’S WHO of HOMEWOOD
Most Artistic Liz Landgren Artist, mom of three Liz Landgren paints in her studio in her Edgewood home, but her artwork hardly stays within her walls. She has donated artwork to all three elementary schools and for festivals and fundraisers. Her paintings feature everything from owls to angels to a recent special commemorative piece she presented to victims of the Sandy Hook shootings. “She is always finding a way to reach someone in the community and celebrate them,” Heather Reid said. Photo by Alec Dixon.
April 2014 • 17
18 • April 2014
WHO’S WHO
The Homewood Star
of HOMEWOOD
Best Local Personality Neil Patrick Ice cream truck driver Neil Patrick has been Homewood’s “ice cream man” for as long as many people can remember. But he doesn’t just sell ice cream at special events, schools and birthday parties. He shows a genuine interest in the community’s children and keeps up with them as they grow up. People enjoy connecting with Patrick on Facebook, a reminder of how he is always present in the community. Photo by Jeff Thompson.
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Spring Home Guide
April 2014 • 19
Recreate your kitchen or bathroom By SYDNEY CROMWELL Case Remodeling has been a part of Vestavia Hills for nearly 10 years. Designer Randi Kierce described the firm as a “design and build” company, which means Case handles design, contracting and construction. “We build from start to finish,” Kierce said. The designers at Case Remodeling frequently redesign or construct basements, attics and additions for business and residential clients, but their specialty is in kitchen and bathroom design. If your kitchen or bathroom could use a facelift, use these tips from Kierce to make sure your project is a success.
1. Make it blend. Your new
kitchen or bathroom should match the style of the rest of your house. A modern kitchen in a colonialstyle home, for example, will look mismatched and jarring.
2. Mind your budget. Remod-
eling costs can add up quickly, so Kierce recommends creating a budget before you begin and sticking to it faithfully. Keeping a budget in mind will make it easier to avoid bigger, more ambitious redesign projects that you cannot afford.
3. Lighting is key. Proper light-
ing is essential to making your new kitchen or bathroom look good. Make sure to create a balance between overall lighting fixtures and task lighting, such as recessed or track lights.
4. Function before fashion. Make
sure your new space is designed to be useful before you buy “all the pretty things” like plumbing fixtures and appliances, Kierce said. If you have a beautiful kitchen but
cannot cook in it, then the redesign was a waste of time and money.
5. Keep it classic. New design trends may look great, but they change rapidly. Kierce
suggests choosing classic kitchen or bathroom looks, which will look good for years. For more information about Case Remodeling, visit casebham.com.
20 • April 2014
Spring Home Guide
Operation renovation
The Homewood Star
How to bring your home up to date
By RACHAEL HEADLEY Gary Hughes has grown up in the business of furniture. His family opened Greenbrier Furniture in 1965, and Hughes eventually became the secondgeneration owner. Last year, Hughes made the decision to team up with local business owner Steve Issis and expand the business to include carpet, hardwood, tile and rugs. Together, Hughes and Issis created the total resource home store for customers interested in updating their flooring, furniture or accessories. With an observant eye and many years of experience, Hughes has seen trends come, go and even come back again. Taking notice of what customers are currently requesting and buying, Hughes has several guidelines for keeping homes up to date for 2014. 1. Add accent color. There has been a move away from patterns and color in the last five years to a very neutral palate that is very soothing. But now, as things tend to ebb and flow, Hughes is experiencing a demand for more color. Using that neutral palate as a base and choosing colors that pop, add some interest and a reflection of your own personality. Hughes said he is seeing a lot more punches of color, including chartreuse, plum, French blue, pink, orange, lime, teal and aqua. 2. Watch women’s fashion. You’ll see home textiles lag about a year or two behind women’s fashion. They’ll take a nod from women’s apparel and let that flow into home textiles. 3. Refresh
classics. Hughes said it is still a
traditional market. Take a classic Europeanstyle piece of furniture that is hundreds of years old but has a fresh finish on it or is painted. This way it is not a trendy style, it is not a trendy silhouette, but the finish is interesting and not too formal. 4. Reflect your lifestyle with flooring. Hughes is seeing more relaxed finished looks in the flooring. It appears for right now, people are not wanting to go back to a
formal presentation in their homes. 5. Incorporate
classics into an updated setting. Classics are the clas-
sics. Customers are seeing a merge of classic furniture with a not-so-formal presentation. People will be drawn to the classic designs just as they have been for centuries.
Hughes said Issis’ attention to customer service has been a consistent dwar for customers. “We throw the mold away every day to serve
the customer,” Hughes said. “Steve’s favorite line is, ‘I am not the boss. The customer is the boss.’ He says that at least three times a day.” Issis at Greenbrier is located at 1493 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. Issis also has another furniture location in Pelham at 250 Cahaba Valley Road, and two flooring galleries, one at 2858 Pelham Parkway and the other at 2815 Greystone Boulevard. For more, visit issisandsons.com.
April 2014 • 21
TheHomewoodStar.com
Alabama Gas Light and Grill
Business Spotlight Rosedale Dr
2828 Linden Avenue 870-4060 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. alabamagaslightandgrill.com
31
By RACHAEL HEADLEY For Mike and Linda Barnett, outdoor living is more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. The Barnetts have owned Alabama Gas Light and Grill, a specialty outdoor living store, for a decade. Five years ago, they settled into their new storefront along Linden Avenue. The store specializes in grills, smokers, gas logs, gas lanterns, hearths and even patio furniture to improve the outdoor living experience. Alabama Gas Light and Grill was established in 1963 but was later purchased by Alagasco. Mike, a former Alagasco employee, found himself doing the merchandising for the company. When Alagasco was ready to sell the store, Mike bought it. With the expertise of working in the business of natural gas for more than 25 years and the added familiarity with the store, the Barnetts were ready to take on the business. Since its opening, Alabama Gas Light and Grill has carried the oldest gas grill line made in America, Modern Home Product or MHP, and the Barnetts still maintain that tradition. “We pride ourselves on carrying American products,” Linda said. “They will really last 20 to 30 years.” MHP is still manufactured in Antioch, Ill., by the same family that started the business in 1963. Carrying this product is important to the Barnetts, not only because they share the same founding year but also because Alabama Gas Light and Grill is a family owned and operated business as well. When looking for their new storefront, the Barnetts chose Homewood because of its
280
28th Ave S
18 Street S.
Read past Business Spotlight at TheHomewoodStar.com
Grilling Tips from Linda Barnett Grills are not just for meat. You can cook vegetables, sides and even desserts on the grill. Anything you do on your cooktop or in the oven, you can do on a grill. Barnett bakes cakes, cookies, s’mores and pizzas on her grill with the assistance of the temperature gauge. Don’t be afraid to try anything. New techniques, new foods and new spices will always lead to new discoveries. Grill with bacon. Try making bacon on the grill to add to dishes, or wrap it around a veggie such as asparagus. Cook outdoors to keep your kitchen cool. In warmer months, grilling outside keeps the extra heat out of your house. Mike Barnett, owner of Alabama Gas Light and Grill, is featured in the grill education videos on their website alabamagaslightandgrill.com. Mike and his wife, Linda, are active in their store and meeting with customers. Photo by Rachael Headley.
central location to all parts of the city and its proximity to families. Through cookouts and events, the Barnetts have been able to connect with the families and people in the community. “It has been a wonderful move for us to Homewood,” Linda said. “It has been the best thing we have ever done.” Despite the ideal location of
their store, the Barnetts’ work often takes them out of their building. Whether it is outfitting residences with their new gas logs or providing new fixtures for businesses and restaurants, they find themselves out in the community serving their customers, and for Linda, that is what makes their store really different. With the small staff of Mike,
Linda, two full-time employees and three part-time employees, the Barnetts value knowledge of their products and the ability to answer the questions that customers may have. In addition to in-person purchase counseling, their website features a series of videos to help educate the customer about aspects of grill ownership with themes such as “How to Shop for a Grill” and
“How to Build your Grill.” The store also hosts grilling classes for beginners and classes that teach how to get the most use out of a smoker. “We are experts in what we do,” Linda said. “We’ve been around it for a long time. We’re going to be here to support it for a long time. We have been in business for 40 years and will continue to stand behind our products.”
Spring Home Guide
22 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
Make your yard a standout this season The experts at Classic Gardens share their tips
Classic Gardens teaches customers how to use the right combination of potting soil and fertilizer to grow plants like these that bear tomatoes. Photo courtesy of Classic Gardens.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM Classic Gardens has established itself as a destination for not only the supplies but also the know-how to create a picture-perfect yard. Mike and Ann Pender started the business 24 years ago when their four children were ages 6 and younger. Today, three of the four children work for the family business, which offers retail, landscaping, irrigation, night lighting and lawn care services. Classic Gardens attracts gardeners to its Center Point greenhouses for its wide variety of plants, including 20 kinds of hydrangeas, 60 azaleas and multiple varieties of maples and dogwoods. “People will pass three to four places on way to Classic Gardens,” Mike Pender said. The garden business is also a destination for its expertise in everything from azaleas to zinnias, and they provide many at-home services
in the Over the Mountain area. One key to their advice is recommending a mix of good potting soil and fertilizers for plants — but only the least amount possible, and used properly. With that planting prescription, for the past 20 years, the business has been the No. 1 Fertilome dealer in the nation. The Penders hold a tomato seminar that teaches people to grow 12-foot-tall plants in a container, and they’ve got testimonials to prove their method works. The next two seminars will be held April 12 and 26 at 11 a.m. Still, the biggest segment of their array of services is lawn care. Pender emphasizes that they prioritize providing the best quality of services with environmentally friendly practices. For instance, they can help customers determine that a bug problem that looks like scorpions is actually small ladybugs, and that the most efficient way to treat certain types of bugs requires waiting for warmer weather.
Classic Gardens provides treatment to a front lawn. Photo courtesy of Classic Gardens.
When it comes to lawn maintenance, Pender recommends the following tips: 1. Use a pre-emergent herbicide. This treatment kills weeds before they germinate. Pender recommends treatment six times a year, a service that Classic Gardens offers by delivery. 2. Change your mowing patterns. If you mow in the same direction every week, you will create a “nap” in the grass that causes it to lay over. To avoid this, mow east to west one week, north to south the next and diagonal the third. 3. Mow low, slow and frequently. Mowing too fast causes grass to be torn instead of cut evenly, which can cause the grass to turn brown. Cutting grass low discourages most weeds and enables the
grass to stay as healthy as possible. Pender recommends mowing every week and said that every five days is best, depending on the weather. 4. Water infrequently. Pender recommends watering two to three times a week in the summer and less frequently when temperatures are lower. Watering less frequently encourages roots to grow deeper and hence be more drought-resistant. 5. Get your kids involved. Plant things like blackberries or blueberries, and generally encourage the next generation to enjoy working in the lawn. Classic Gardens is located at 1855 Carson Road, 35215. For more, call 854-4005 or visit classicgardens.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
Spring Home Guide
April 2014 • 23
Four ways to bring spring into your home By RACHAEL HEADLEY Keeping a home in harmony with the seasons can be tough, but Laura Purvis of Decorating Den Interiors knows how to utilize even the smallest accent to do just that. The former owner of a custom window treatment business, Purvis has experience in many areas of home improvement but discovered that her true passion was for interior decorating and design. Pursuing this led her to open her own franchise of Decorating Den Interiors in October 2013 as owner and decorator. This new endeavor allowed her to continue providing quality, custom window treatments to her customers while expanding her business into decorating. In order to brighten your home for spring, Purvis recommends updating or adding to several areas of the home.
1. Window treatments: If your drapes are
heavy and dark for the winter season, change them out for a lighter fabric. This will really open up the room. If you are looking for pattern, florals can be perfect for this season, as well.
2. Colors: If you are not looking to change out larger pieces like your sofa, add some lightercolored pillows to them. Accenting existing pieces with season-appropriate color is a small change that can totally transform the look of a room.
3. Accent pieces: Even small pieces can add
a darker, heavier look to a room. Switch out
those heavy, wooden candlesticks for glass table accents.
4. Floors: Heavy plush rugs may need to sit this season out. Try a lighter color in a sisal or flat-weave rug to make the floors reflect this season.
The Decorating Den Interiors franchise has been in business since 1969 and provides interior decorating services internationally in the United States and Canada. With access to more than 100 vendors and a free first consultation, Purvis is dedicated to making each home decorating experience easy and stress-free. By bringing all home dÊcor necessities directly to the customer’s home, Purvis allows her customers to see every pending change in their own environment: everything from the lighting to the structure of the room can change the look of a piece or a fabric. Above all else, Purvis values the time and the vision of the customer. The personalized customer service that Decorating Den Interiors provides is what Purvis says sets her and her business apart from other interior decorating companies. Through doing business in the greater Birmingham area communities, Purvis has enjoyed getting to know a variety of people who have become more than customers, but also friends. The diversity in style she works with provides her with new challenges and fresh perspectives every day. For more information about Decorating Den Interiors, visit decoratingden.com or contact Purvis at 447-4589.
Laura Purvis purchased a Decorating Den Interiors franchise in October 2013 after years of owning her own custom window treatment business. Photo by Rachael Headley.
24 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
School House
Harrison named Presidential Scholar Homewood High School student Emily Harrison has been named a United States Presidential Scholar candidate. The program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, up to 141 students are named as U.S. Presidential Scholars, and they represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. Around 3,000 candidates are identified for the academic component of the program, based on having scored exceptionally well on the SAT or ACT. All scholars are honored for their accomplishments during the National Recognition Program held in June in Washington, D.C. Harrison currently has over a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the Homewood Patriots volleyball team, Beta Club, French Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Physics Team, Key Club and Birmingham Belles. She has been honored with French National
Emily Harrison
Honor Society, National Honor Society, National French Exam Grand Concour Certificat d’honneur, AP Scholar with Honor Award, Homewood High School Distinguished Usher and Wofford Scholar.
National Merit Finalists awarded Homewood High School students Sarah Grace McDuff, Josh Gardner and Roman Paoletti, pictured, were named National Merit Finalists, and David Selden was named a National Merit Semifinalist.
April 2014 • 25
TheHomewoodStar.com
Making something grand
Harper King, Ian Maxwell, Alex Barron and Manolo Fernandel.
Hall-Kent second-graders in Jerome Isley’s class recently learned about famous AfricanAmericans, ending the study with a learning activity Isley hopes will last a lifetime. He gave each student a tiny piece of paper with a few marks and designs on it. The students only knew that it would be a puzzle when everyone completely replicated their tiny puzzle piece to a much larger size puzzle piece.
The end product was a secret until he put the puzzle up outside their classroom. Later, the class read Martin’s Big Words and talked about how Martin Luther King Jr. used big words rather than his fists to achieve his goal. The students learned to work together to take their small pieces and turn them into something grand.
McCoy receives service award Homewood High School junior Jordan McCoy has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and President Barack Obama. The award was given in recognition of his 1,000 volunteer service hours in the community over the past 12 months. Jordan McCoy with Homewood High School Principal Dr. Zack Barnes and Assistant Principal Matt Kiser.
26 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Athletics
Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility 809 Greensprings Highway, Homewood, AL 35209 (Former Jefferson County Satellite Courthouse)
Zumba
Kindermusik
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 & Thursday: 5:306:30pm • Saturday: 9:00-10:00am
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. For more information call or email Kelly at: 205-552-6129 (or) Kelly.alligood@charter.net www.kellyalligood.com
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
Young Rembrandts Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! 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. Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 9431923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
Royce Head - Personal Training Royce Head, former owner of Homewood Personal Fitness, offering personal training sessions at the Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility. $15 Per Session (or) $125 Per Month for Unlimited Sessions Call Royce for an appointment or more information (205) 945-1665
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, kidoriented 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! 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.
@homewoodparks
Belly Dancing with Aziza Class Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Class Fee: $60 cash only For more information contact Aziza at 8790701 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. www.azizaofbirmingham.com
Homewood Youth Cheerleading HYC are a dynamic group of girls who are excited to cheer for the Homewood Youth Football League. HYC is a community cheerleading program for girls in grades 1st through 6th who live in Homewood and/or attend Homewood Schools. The girls are organized into 5 squads by grade level – 1st & 2nd grades cheer together, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades have individual squads. Please visit our website for more information: www.homewoodyouthcheer. com
Adult Softball – Coed and Men’s Leagues Registration begins April 1st – registration will close May 1st or as night’s reach there max number of teams. Games begin week of June 9th. League Days & Types ~ West Homewood Field #2 MONDAY Co-Ed Recreation – 6 Team Max TUESDAY Men’s League – 6 Team Max WEDNESDAY Men’s League – 6 Team Max THURSDAY Co-Ed Recreation – 6 Team Max For additional information about the league please visit: www.homewoodparks.com
Senior Softball League A senior softball league is played at West Homewood Park. The games are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:00am and 10:30am. The age limit is 55 and over. If interested in playing, please contact Ed Girard at 205-253-9562.
Homewood Swim Team Homewood Swim Team is not a learn to swim program but no experience is necessary. Swimmers compete against other swimmers with the same age and times during the meets. Children who are ready to compete, ages 5 – 18, will be divided into groups- older (more experienced) and younger (less experienced). We compete through the Jefferson County Swim League (JCSC) against other teams from our area. Unfortunately at submission deadline for April Homewood Star; some information and registration procedure has not been finalized. Please check www.homewoodparks.com for the most up to date information.
Homewood Senior Center Upcoming Education Sessions Tuesday, April 8th at 12:20pm - Credit & Credit Repair presented by Dr. Stephanie Yates Associate Professor of Finance at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. #3 in a 5-part series sponsored by Homewood Public Library. Tuesday, April 22nd at 12:20pm - Ocular Health presented by Dr. Sara Mullins from UAB Thursday, April 24th at 12:20pm - Combating Allergies during Spring presented by Jinnie Lacey, RN, Lakeshore Rehab
Fitness Classes Tai Chi – Taught by Galina Waites. Chairs and adapted movements are provided for participants with balance/stamina challenges. Thursdays, 2:00pm. Free to members. Gentle Adult Yoga with Jean Campbell – 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. Wednesday’s 6pm-7pm at Homewood Senior Center; A block of 6 classes can be purchased for $60. Drop-in fee is $13 per class. Zumba Gold (designed for seniors) w/Tai Chi ‘cool down’ – Tuesdays, 2:15. 45 minutes of Zumba followed by 15 minutes of Tai Chi to ‘cool down’. The last 15 minutes can also serve as an introduction/review for those interested in the Thursday full-hour Tai Chi class. Free to Senior Center Members. $5 for nonmembers.
Games at Homewood Senior Center Mondays 8:00am – Noon: Dominoes (players are willing to teach newcomers) 10:00am – 2:30pm: **Bridge After Lunch: Joker after lunch (games using cards & gameboard/marbles… players are willing to teach newcomers) After Lunch: Poker Wednesdays 10:00am – Noon: **Bridge Thursdays 8:45am – 11:00am: Bingo After Lunch until 5:00pm: RummyKub (players are willing to teach newcomers) After Lunch until 5:00pm: Ponytail Canasta (players are willing to teach newcomers) Fridays 9:00am – 11:00am: Bingo 1:00pm – 5:00pm: Poker After Lunch: Wii Bowling (players are willing to teach newcomers) **Regarding Bridge, there are established groups, but there’s room for more! We can start a new table and, occasionally, subs are needed to fill-in. Contact Center Director Aimee Thornton for an introduction to the groups.
News & Updates New HWCC Construction Updates Visit www.homewoodparks.com/ pardon-our-progress for updates on the construction project including monthly narrative and new images updated multiple times per month.
We Love Homewood Day 2014 Saturday, May 3, 2014 Save the date & come celebrate Homewood! For additional information please visit: www.homewoodparks.com
Community CPR Classes Tuesday, April 22nd – Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility Class Fee: $25.00 For more information contact Alissa Thurmond @ 332-6715
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
April 2014 • 27
28 • April 2014
CENTER
The Homewood Star
Level 0
from page 1 parking, free Wi-Fi, a multipurpose room, a 25-yard competition pool and a recreational pool. The building is also more energy efficient with a climate control system. B.L. Harbert International oversaw the construction of plans by Davis Architects. Membership is projected to increase by about 33 percent to around 5,800 members as a result of the new facility. Squires emphasized that the center does not strive to compete with commercial gyms but rather will be a family setting where Mom and Dad work out while their kids play basketball in the gym or watch TV in the new lounge area. The desire of its leadership is to provide fitness and recreation opportunities at reasonable prices. After months of anticipation, Squires said there is a lot of buzz in the community about the facility and that he is excited to get in it and get it open. “As a council or park board member said, it’s kind of like our country club, especially in the summer,” Squires said. “We think it’s going to be a great thing for the community for years to come.” For updates on the center’s opening, visit thehomewoodstar. com and watch our May issue.
Seating Area
Patio This shaded space will seat around 70. All concessions must be consumed in this area, according to health department regulations.
Around 110 lounge chairs, beach chairs and upright chairs will be placed throughout the area surrounding the pool, along with four 20-foot-wide Funbrellas.
Competitive Pool The pool features eight 25-yard lanes with starting blocks on either end for swim team practice and meets. Two 1-meter springboards are on the right end. Two nearly 25-yard lanes that run in the space between the boards and regular lanes will be available for lap swimming during daily operating hours.
Intermediate Pool Area At the side closest to the park, which will be no more than 4 1/2 feet deep, is a “vortex” that pushes water in a circular motion similar to the “current” in a lazy river. Swim lessons can take place in this area simultaneous to other activities in the other two pool areas.
Kids Pool Area A zero-depth entrance ramp area at both ends will lead to less than 2 feet deep at all points. A splash park area in its center will feature wet playground equipment like a dump bucket and spraying mushroom.
Birthday Party Room
Locker Rooms A family changing room was added to this area per the request of community members in planning meetings for the center.
Concession Stand This full-service eatery will feature foods like burgers, chicken fingers and French fries.
This room can be rented for an hour and a half at a time for birthday parties. For a fee of $200, members get use of the space along with 15 wristbands for nonmembers to attend a party and use the pool. Additional wristbands can also be purchased for guests. The pool will still offer after-hours parties in a two-hour block starting after normal hours for a fee of $400 for members or $800 for nonresidents.
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Level 1 Track (Level 2) A two-lane track will wrap around the circumference of the combined gyms. Twelve laps around the inside lane total a mile in distance. An elevator will make the track accessible for seniors who might have trouble on stairs.
Fitness Studios
East and West Gyms Two identical gyms can be divided with a curtain for up to four teams to practice at a time, which will help accommodate the nearly 400 children who played in the winter rec league. The adult basketball league, day camps and other programs will also use the courts.
The two studio areas will host a variety of fitness classes such as aerobics and Zumba, as well as community classes such as chess, Kindermusik and Young Rembrandts art club. The center also hopes to offer yoga, boot camps and other classes in the future.
New Membership Fees Total Access Paid Annually $175 for first household member, $25 per additional member
Senior (55+) Total Access Paid Annually $70 for first household member, $10 per additional member 55+, $25 per additional member under 55
Total Access Charged/ Debited Monthly $17.50 for first household member, $2.50 per additional member *12-month contract required, available starting May 1
Pool Only Homewood Resident Membership $150 for first household member, $25 per additional member
Community Center Hours Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
Event Room On the west end of the building, the room holds 75 people comfortably and can be rented for special events. A pantry/prep area features a sink and ice machine. Because the area has its own bathrooms and entrances, it can remain open for events even when the rest of the center is closed.
Lounge This space will feature vending machines, tables and chairs and TVs, making it ideal for an older child hanging out while a parent works out.
Cardio/Weights Room The windows in this room will look out over the pool and park outside. Each Life Fitness treadmill, elliptical machine, bike and Summit Trainer (stair climber) will feature individual LCD screens with cable, interactive on-screen workouts and iPod hookups. Unlike the former center, the weight room is contiguous with the cardio room. Larger TVs will be hung in this space around weight equipment.
All memberships are available to Homewood residents only, unless grandfathered in as a current non-resident All-Purpose Membership holder or non-resident Senior All-Purpose Membership holder. A household is defined as two adults age 23 and older with dependent children age 22 and younger residing in the same household. Children 3 years and younger are free but must be listed on membership.
2925 18th Street South, Homewood 205-871-0585 www.harmonylanding.com Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
30 • April 2014
The Homewood Star
Calendar Homewood Events April 1-May 2: Assistance League Lobster Sale Ordering Period. Assistance League of Birmingham is selling freshly steamed Maine lobsters to benefit its philanthropic progr1ams. Drive-through pickup will be Friday, May 9 from 3-6 p.m. at Assistance League of Birmingham, 1755 Oxmoor Road. Call 960-1040 to place your order. April 1: An Evening With C.S Lewis. 7:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. $20-30. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. April 1: Homewood Police Department Citizen Police Academy First Session. Meets for seven consecutive Tuesday nights. Call Sergeant Eric Hampton at 332-6864. April 3: Homewood Grown. 6-9 p.m. The Terrace at SoHo Square. Benefits the Homewood City Schools Foundation. $100. Visit homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com. April 5: Walk MS. 1, 2 or 3-mile walk; entertainment; wellness fair. Homewood Central Park. 7:30 am. registration, 9:30 a.m walk. Visit nationalmssociety.org or active.com. April 5: Kidney Foundation Birmingham Walk-a-Thon. 8:30 a.m. registration, 9:30 a.m walk. Homewood High School’s Waldrop Stadium. Visit alkidney.org. April 5: Stephen Ministry Workshop. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dawson Family of Faith. The half-day workshop is designed to enhance participants’ care giving skills and to help other Christian churches begin a care giving ministry. $15. Contact Mary Pitner at 871-7324 or mpitner@dawsonchurch.org to pre-register.
April 5: Painting in the Park Series. 1011:30 a.m. Patriot Park Pavilion 1. Art class taught by Dori and Annabelle DeCamillis. RSVP to homewoodalartscouncil@gmail.com or 886-5978. April 5: Homewood High School Prom. 7 p.m. SoHo. April 6: Coffee with a Cop. 7-9 a.m. Starbucks Coffee, 231 State Farm Parkway. Join your neighbors and Homewood Police Department offers for coffee and conversation. Call 332-6204. April 8: Flower Show. 3-5 p.m. Rosewood Hall, SoHo. Held by the Little Garden Club of Birmingham. Email zoneviiimeeting2014@gmail.com. April 12: Painting in the Park Series. 10-11:30 a.m. Overton Park Pavilion. Art class taught by Dori and Annabelle DeCamillis. RSVP to homewoodalartscouncil@gmail.com or 886-5978. April 12: Iron Warriors Rave Run. 7:30 p.m. registration, 8 p.m. run. Homewood High School. The rave-themed run offeres optional obstacles. $25. Visit active.com. April 12: Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m. Homewood Patriot Park. Toddlers-age 10. Visit homewoodparks.com. April 12: Community Garden Work Day. 9 a.m. Homewood Community Garden, Old Homewood Middle School Site. Visit homewoodcommunitygarden.blogspot.com. April 12: Hop and Shop. 10 a.m.-noon. Downtown Homewood and Edgewood. Merchants will hide Easter eggs filled with candy, coupons or gift certificates in stores.
April 5: Fun in the Sun with Project Homewood. 2-5 p.m. Patriot Park. Inflatables, carnival games, dunk take and more to help raise funds for scholarships for the Extended Day Program. $10 wristbands. Visit facebook.com/ProjectHomewood.
April 15: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Club. An outstanding student from each Homewood school will be honored. Visit homewoodchamber.com.
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April 17: David Dorfman Dance. 8 p.m.
FOR ALL AGES
Wright Center, Samford University. The New York dance company will perform Prophets of Funk. $1525. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter. April 19: Painting in the Park Series. 10-11:30 a.m. Central Park Pavilions 6 & 7. Art class taught by Dori and Annabelle DeCamillis. RSVP to homewoodalartscouncil@gmail.com or 886-5978. April 19: Brookwood Celebrates. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Colonial Brookwood Village. Part of Birmingham Reads. Bring a new or gently used book to donate. There will be music and entertainment. Visit birminghamreads.com. April 23: Hip Swayers. 6-9 p.m. Hart & Soul Café. The duo from Worcester, Mass., will play original, upbeat, country-flavored Americana. Visit reverbnation.com/hipswayers. April 25: Relay for Life. 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Homewood Central Park. Visit relayforlife.org/homewoodal. April 26: Food Truck Round Up. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Macy’s Parking Lot, Colonial Brookwood Village. Food trucks and kids’ activities. Benefits Preschool Partners. $20 in advance, $25 on-site. Visit preschool-partners.org or email Allene Neighbors at Allene.neighbors@gmail.com. April 26: Edgewood Spring Festival. Inflatables, carnival rides, games, silent auction. 2-6 p.m. Edgewood Elementary School. Contact Shannon Taylor at taylorshannonb@gmail.com. April 26: Painting in the Park Series. 1011:30 a.m. Patriot Park Pavilion 1. Art class taught by Dori and Annabelle DeCamillis. RSVP to homewoodalartscouncil@gmail.com or 886-5978. May 3: We Love Homewood Day. Homewood Central Park. Visit homewoodparks.com. May 3: Spirit Scamper 5K and Fun Run. Homewood High School. 7:30 a.m. Visit spiritscamper.com
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Calendar Homewood High School Athletics April 3: Boys Tennis vs. Jemison. 3:30 p.m. April 3: Softball vs. John Carroll. 5 p.m. April 3: Baseball vs. Briarwood. 6:30 p.m. April 8: Boys Tennis vs. Oxford. 3:30 p.m. April 8: Baseball vs. Ramsay. 4:30 p.m. April 8: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Sylacauga. 7 p.m. April 10: Girls and Boys Tennis vs. Moody. 3:30 p.m. April 10: Softball vs. Ramsay. 5 p.m. April 14: Girls and Boys Tennis vs. Sumiton Christian. 3:30 p.m. April 14: Baseball vs. Vestavia. 6 p.m.
April 15: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. John Carroll. 4:30 p.m. April 15: Boys JV & Varsity Soccer vs. John Carroll. 6 p.m. April 15: Boys Freshman, JV & Varsity Soccer vs. Vestavia. 4:30 p.m. April 17: Softball vs. Fairfield. 5 p.m. April 19: Boys JV & Varsity Soccer vs. Briarwood. 1 p.m. April 21: Softball vs. Calera. 5 p.m.
Homewood Public Library Adults
April 1 & 8: Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. Room 108. Contact mawilson@gbhs. org or 942-1211. April 3-30: April in Paris Photo Exhibit. Regular library hours. Photos by Virginia Jones. Call 332-5519 for more information. April 3: Couponing Strategies with Heather Lebischak. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium.
April 22: Celebrate Earth Day!: The Proper Care of Trees with Stan Pella. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. April 29: Socialize!: Unlocking the Potential of Social Media for Your Business. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. April 30: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom.
Children
April 6: Book Club Movie Matinee. 3 p.m. Large Auditorium.
Tuesdays: Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome.
April 8: Oxmoor Page Turner’s Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom.
Wednesdays: Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome.
April 10: Feng Shui for Life Improvement with Katie Rogers: Outdoor Spaces. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium.
Thursdays: Mommy & Me. 10:30 a.m. For younger patrons and their guest.
April 12: Greater Birmingham Humane Society Adoption Day. 10 a.m.2p.m. Back parking lot. April 15 The A, B, C’s of Medicare. Noon & 6 p.m. Room 116, Lower Level.
April 12: Say Hola to Spanish. 10:30 a.m. A special language learning story time. April 24: Say Hola to Spanish. 4 p.m. April 27: Special Family Evening with Children’s Author Michelle NelsonSchmidt. 6:15 p.m.
Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Breath prayers walked in, I looked down and saw I once heard about something her little hands folded together in called breath prayers, the idea being that you pray continually as prayer. I love that she’s turning you move throughout your day. It’s to God in her “need” and seeing a way to remember that we’re conHim as the one who can help her the best. stantly in God’s presence and that our prayers should never cease, as As I get older, I find it’s easier for me to go to God with big issues Paul says in the New Testament. I don’t do it as it was intended (pray— I have enough perspective to ing a short phrase to the rhythm of understand that He really does your breaths), but when I think of take care of me and that He can Denton it, it’s a good way to make prayer take care of whatever problems arise, however big they are. But it’s often the as natural as breathing. I think more about these breath prayers now small things that trip me up — the things I that I have children. It seems I’m in constant think I can handle on my own, that are too need of mercy, grace and forgiveness as I shep- trivial to take to God. Maybe I talk to Matt herd these little ones through their day. I don’t or my mom or a friend about them. Maybe always notice the times I’m talking to God, I just sit and stew about them, or better yet, but my daughter Kate does. She often comes worry about them. Instead, I should take a cue in the room and asks, “Mama, why are you from my daughter and pray. God tells us to not talking in such a low voice?” Apparently, I talk be anxious about anything, but to pray about to myself, but I know at least some of those everything. times I’m praying. Easier said than done, right? It usually is, One good thing about these frequent prayers but the peace that comes from not only going is that they’re rubbing off on Kate, and hope- to God but also leaving the problem there at fully her sister Sela is picking up on them as His feet is priceless. Sometimes, if I’m feeling well. It’s getting to where Kate’s first reaction extra anxious about a particular issue, I’ll get a is often to pray. In her uncomplicated world, piece of paper and write down everything that’s these prayers are simple and often hilarious. bothering me. Often, I’ll cover the whole piece Just the other day, she found a little toy flash- of paper with words and phrases, everything light she’d been looking for. My husband Matt that comes to mind that is making me worry. found her shining it into the dark fireplace Then I rip up the paper. I tear it into the smallsaying, “Thank you God for helping me find est pieces I can and drop them in the garbage. this. I appreciate it.” Sure, maybe it’s a little symbolic, but it’s my Earlier that same day, we went to the drug- way of saying, “God, take this and do whatever store, and it was about to rain. I told her we you want with it. Just give me peace.” needed to hurry so we wouldn’t get caught Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@ in the rain. She said, “Well, I’ll just pray that gmail.com. You can also find her tweeting writGod will keep the rain away from us.” As we erly things on Twitter @LaurenKDenton.
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The Homewood Star