HomewoodStarAugust 2011 all by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star | August 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Volume 1 | Issue 5 | August 2011

Tornado Dog

Homewood Happenings

Wish granted

- pg 17

- pg 6

-pg 9

A runner’s tale, seven years after cancer By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Jennifer Andress became a local celebrity when she was featured on the cover of Runner’s World in July. Like the others featured on eight different covers, the Hollywood resident had “outrun cancer” and found her way into a running addiction. Andress had responded to a call for cancer survivors on the Runner’s World Facebook page earlier this year and went to New York for a photo shoot in March. The magazine’s editor detailed how Andress, 42, had been diagnosed with breast cancer at 35 when she was 24 weeks pregnant with her second son. She had a masectomy and six lymph nodes removed while pregnant. Three weeks after giving birth, she began radiation and four months later had another mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. All of that was seven years ago. She’s been cancer free since 2005 and busy running and raising her two boys, Will, a rising first grader, and John, a rising third grader, with her husband, Keith. The press she received this year was a way for her sons—and all the people she has met in recent years who don’t necessarily know

Jennifer Andress with her husband and sons before the Boston Marathon in April. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Andress.

what happened—to learn her story. After her magazine debut, Andress was written up in The Birmingham News,

Magic City Post, and other local media, and it was hard to find a copy of the issue with her cover around Birmingham.

“People tell me they’re glad to have a normal person on the cover who is passionate about running,” she said. Andress’ sons loved sitting on the set of the Good Day Alabama on Fox 6 when their mom was interviewed and then watching the weather broadcast. “It was amazing,” John told his mom afterward. Will knows all the stories of all the runners in the issue and their diagnoses, just as he can name every president and every teacher at Shades Cahaba Elementary by first and last name. He asked if they could frame the cover with Amy Dodson, a professional runner who lost her left leg to sarcoma at age 19 and later had her cancerous left lung removed, like they’d framed the one with his mom. Runner’s World wanted Andress to come to New York for a photo shoot on April 11, the day Representative Paul DeMarco was dedicating a new metal slide at Shades Cahaba. The dedication was an event she couldn’t miss. DeMarco is a close friend who was in her wedding, and the slide was built specially for her two sons and other hearing impaired students at the school; the existing plastic slides could

See ANDRESS | page 17

August Features Jimmie Hale Mission thrift store opening in Mazer building Editor’s Note

Mayor’s Minute

City Council

Back to School Q&A

The Great Book of John

Lauren Denton

Boot Camps

Homewood Sports

Business Spotlight

Restaurant Showcase

School House

Calendar of Events

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By RICK WATSON Bargain hunters in Homewood and surrounding communities will soon be able to “get a bargain and give a blessing” when the new Jimmie Hale Mission Possible Bargain Center opens later this year. The upscale thrift store has leased the former Flooring & Rug section of the Mazer complex on Green Springs Highway in Homewood. All profits from the Mission Possible Bargain Centers go to support nonprofit Jimmie Hale Mission’s programs and services for homeless and disadvantaged people in Birmingham. Jimmie Hale began a lease on the Mazer Flooring & Rug building on July 1 with a goal of opening for business in September. Vestavia Hills had earlier turned down a proposal for their new Bargain Center location. According to Tony Cooper, , who has been the executive director of Jimmie Hale Mission for the past 21 years, many people in the area support the mission, but a vocal group in opposition turned out for the city council meeting where it was under discussion. As it turns out, Mike Mazer called a few days later and offered Mazer’s Flooring and Rug showroom in Homewood as a retail space for the Mission Possible Bargain Center.

Tony Cooper, executive director of Jimmie Hale Mission, in front of what will soon be their newest thrift store location. Photo by Rick Watson.

“The Homewood Chamber of Commerce told us they wanted us to come to Homewood, and when I went to the Homewood City Council meeting to discuss the proposal, they gave Jimmie Hale Mission a standing ovation,” Cooper said. The Mazer building is “move-in ready.” “All we have to do is add a loading dock and build dressing rooms to be ready to go,” Cooper said. Cooper is excited about the location

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because it’s in the middle of a vibrant, high traffic business district just off of Interstate 65 and close to Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. He said that because thrift stores share customers, being close to the Salvation Army and America’s Thrift Stores is a bonus. The Homewood facility is the fourth Mission Possible Bargain to open since the original store opened in the Eastwood

See JIMMIE HALE | page 9

| August 2011 | The Homewood Star

Editor’s Note

Kate, Lori and Sam Graphos held a lemonade stand in front of Sam’s Super Samwiches in July as a part of The Stand Against MS. Together with a lemonade stand run by Brandon, Katie and Preston Suttles in front of Savage’s, they raised more than $1,000 for multiple sclerosis. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Contributing Photographers

August is here and that means two things: the slower summer days are dwindling and the beginning of school for another year is at hand. Our staff has enjoyed its first summer as a team and to kick off the back-to-school season we have included, for your enjoyment, photos of our first days of school. My second grade year at Edgewood Elementary was a special one – it was the year that I met Miss Jean Reed for the first time, and what a privilege it was (and is today)! I have fond memories of being in her class, and I still enjoy friendships made that year at Edgewood. If you have a special teacher you would like to tell us about, email me at ashley@thehomewoodstar.com to share your story. As the school doors open, it’s a natural time to think about staying well in the coming cooler months. To help you with that, we have included some health tips and other important information on school vaccines from Homewood’s well known family pediatrician, Dr. Keith Stansell. Lauren Denton writes about the transition from summer to fall in her Ordinary Days column on page 10. There are countless fun things to look forward to as fall approaches – and as we all know, football is on the forefront of most of our minds. Speaking of football, Homewood City Schools has welcomed a new Athletic Director, Kevin Tubbs, along with a new head coach, Doug Goodwin at the high school. You can read about them in our school house news. Are you a divided household as soon as football season begins? Do you and your spouse wear different team colors and try to chant “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle” louder

Ashley Berkery and Miss Reed

than the other? Do your children have to switch team gear every other weekend to be fair? If so, we would love to hear the story of how the fall football season plays out in your home, with your family. Email me to be considered for an article in an upcoming issue. Over the years, Homewood has produced some great musical talent. This month we are proud to highlight an emerging band with roots right here in Homewood. We’ll also introduce you to some very special people living right here among us, including Reed Johnson, a student at Homewood Middle School who found out this summer that the Make-AWish Foundation granted his wish trip to Puerto Rico. My wish for you is that you are as touched by his story as I was. As always, we are here to listen to your feedback, check out your story ideas and help promote your events. If you would like to submit a photo for consideration as our “Photo of the Month,” please email me your submission by the 15th of the month. Enjoy the “dog days” of August and let’s get ready for some football!

Staff school photos

Anna Cate Little | Rick Watson

Publisher Dan Starnes

Editor Ashley Berkery

Managing Editor Madoline Markham

Dan Starnes

Keith McCoy

Madoline Markham

Mia Bass

Alison Grizzle

Blake Rhodes

Anna Cate Little

Lauren Denton

Creative Director Keith McCoy

Published by Homewood Star LLC

Sales and Distribution

Dan Starnes | Angela Morris

Intern Mia Bass

Copy Editor Heather Reid

Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@thehomewoodstar.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Ashley@thehomewoodstar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 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. Please recycle this paper

Correction In “Rotary’s chalk art winners” on page 6 of the July issue, we listed the winner’s name and job title incorrectly. Michel Le is a graphic designer/art director.

Please Support Our Sponsors Alabama Allergy and Asthma (16) Arden Photography (4) Armour Insurance (9) Barbara Wheeler (4) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (13) Brandino Brass (6) Brookwood Medical Center (20) Buffalo Rock (3) Fagan Sports Medicine (12) First Lenders (16) General Pest Control (3) Hamburger Heaven (6) Harmony Landing (7) Homewood Antiques (15) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (10) Homewood Dental (14)

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| August 2011 |

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| August 2011 | The Homewood Star

Mayor’s Minute The past month has been really busy for Homewood. Last week, I, along with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, hosted the first Mayor’s Business Forum, where business owners across Homewood were invited to share their thoughts and ideas on topics ranging from the economy to business hours. A central key to the meeting was the discussion regarding merchants in downtown Homewood staying open later to allow residents to shop in Homewood after getting off work. When you compare the businesses in downtown to the businesses in Edgewood, there is much room for opportunity. Edgewood is thriving and shopping sales are up mainly because the businesses are open. There are some businesses in downtown beginning to stay open later, and it could be very exciting for our city if the retail stores could stay open a little longer operating in conjunction with the wonderful restaurants already open in the evenings. And by the time you read this article, Homewood will have already sponsored the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) field hearings on the State of the Municipal’s Securities Market. The event will be bringing approximately 250 people from across the country to our City Hall for the meeting and will greatly help our merchants and restaurants. The Birmingham Business Journal announced that Homewood has been selected as “The Most Walkable City” in the State of Alabama. With our SOHO development and pedestrian-friendly

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downtown area, Homewood has been ranked now among the nation’s top cities for walking. With the Broadway Sidewalk Project now complete, residents can walk from Green Springs Highway to the Edgewood Business District; it also opens the possibility of adding more sidewalks for everyone to enjoy. Fox 6 also featured our city on their “Our One Mile” segment and showcased the Greenway along Lakeshore Drive beginning on Green Springs Highway and ending at Brookwood Mall. Homewood, like so many communities, continues to look for unique and creative ideas to increase our share in the market place. We already have some of the best restaurants, some of the best businesses and certainly some of the most friendly people in Alabama. Please continue to support our local vendors. It helps them, and it certainly helps our city’s ability to continue to offer free services to our residents. Thank you again for making Homewood such a great place to live and work. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at your convenience. With kindest regards I remain, Sincerely,

Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

New setback regulations for home renovations By ALISON GRIZZLE Over the years, residents such as Andrea Knight have been denied simple and reasonable renovations due to Homewood’s zoning ordinance. Knight was approved to add a sunroom area on the back of her house but was later denied the right to screen in her back deck because it would enclose an area outside of the specified approval region. Recent amendments to the codes, however, may change her house’s fate. Denied approval in cases like Knight’s stems from the “straight line rule.” The rule regulated where house renovations could extend based on a line drawn between the closest rear corners and a line drawn between the closest front corners of adjacent homes on either side of a house. If there were no adjacent homes on a side, the minimum setback, or distance from a property line, was 20 feet for the rear and 35 feet for the front. The rule prevented certain additions for houses on a curved road or for people whose neighbors had not made any changes to their homes. “When I first came to work in Homewood, I had concerns with this ordinance,” said Director of Engineering, Planning and Zoning Greg Cobb. “One of my concerns was how you could draw a straight line between houses on a curved road.” Cobb and the Zoning Commission listened to citizens’ concerns about the “straight line rule” and responded by publishing a new ordinance. The ordinance was presented in a public hearing and approved by the City Council. The final

amendments were a result of a yearlong process and seek to preserve a certain standard of class, make accommodations for growing families and provide safety from fire spread. “The major change was the elimination of the straight line,” Cobb said. The new ordinance focuses on the distance from property line or right of way instead of the straight line. “I would encourage anyone who has had front or rear setback issues in the past to bring their property survey to our office for review. We still have rules, but I believe they work much better now.” Succinctly, a house in a Neighborhood Preservation District zone should fall within certain criteria: the front should be a minimum of 25 feet from the property line or the right of way; the rear should be a minimum of 20 feet from the property line; the living area should not take up more than 50 percent of the lot, and the rear accessory structures shall not take up more than 30 percent of the backyard. The side setback regulations depend on whether the house is one or two stories and on the width of the lot. For the most part, all Homewood homes are required to follow the same building codes, including setback rules. A majority of homes are located in Neighborhood Preservation Districts, but a few are labeled Planned Residential. All lots within the same zone follow the same regulations, regardless of the side of Homewood. Some neighborhoods such as Glen Cove and Huntingdon Ridge have additional covenants that govern home remodeling in addition to zone codes.

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Meet your City Council members Hunter Payne – Ward 4, Place 1 Hunter, tell us about yourself and how long you having been serving on our city council. I have been serving on city council for two and a half years since I was elected in August 2008. A very dear friend of mine told me, “It’s not how much money you make, it’s not what you have, it’s what you wind up with that is what counts.” I want to be measured in the end by how I have helped the people I care about in Homewood. That being said, I feel my position is to be a servant to the people of Homewood. It is my responsibility as a council member to protect and preserve our neighborhoods, schools and small businesses. These three things allow us to sustain the changes coming in our region and allow us to provide the safety, certainty and security the people of Homewood expect. On July 26 the City Council voted 5-3 to allow property owned by Samford University to be rezoned from Neighborhood Preservation District to Institutional. As a member of the Planning and Development committee, can you tell us a little about this decision? When I ran for public office in 2008, I told my constituents that all I wanted to do was what they wanted me to do. My constituents wanted the Council to approve the rezoning for the homes on Lakeshore only with the following conditions: Sell all residential properties back to the public to restore neighborhoods to their original NPD status; secondly, agree not to purchase any more residential properties in Homewood; also, acknowledge the spirit and intent of our NPD zoning as a good neighbor. Instead, the adjacent neighborhoods could be compromised, and the majority of City Council let the citizens down again who came out in force on this issue against the rezoning. All the citizens ask for is a transparent and open process with good communication with its citizens, then vote on issues based on the public input they receive. The issue at hand was really Neighborhood Preservation. Either you were for it or you weren’t. The rezoning issue came about very quickly, and we will be more prepared next time. I believe the Homewood we see is the Homewood we will be. You are very hands on with your ward members. Tell us about recent positive feedback from them on efforts that you

Council member Hunter Payne.

are making to push our city forward? I really want the public to be involved in our activities and decisions. The best thing the city has done recently is the public forum regarding the city’s capital project plan. I helped spread the word with 150 signs I made that focused on ten issues as they relate to capital dollars. Friends and family put signs in their yards, and we had record attendance. Taxpayers were able to voice their concerns and what they would like to see us do with their capital revenue. The public input was in favor of more sidewalks and better accessibility throughout the city including the new Red Mountain Park. Additionally, the public wants us to complete the Greenway. Citizens and business owners have told me they have been very encouraged by recent events including a July meeting that was held regarding the new rec center. Lastly, those of us who know you personally know how much you love Homewood. What is your favorite quality about our community? Mainly the spirit of the people. We are a very diverse community of people coming together to maintain and improve what we all love about Homewood’s past, present and future. When the people of Homewood are involved in the activities of our city leadership, the outcome is always better and more insightful.

Homewood City Council Board and Commissions vacancies The positions below are open for the official council boards and commissions. If you are interested in applying for one of the vacancies, send your resume along with a cover letter to Linda Cook, City Clerk, 2850 19th Street South, Homewood, Ala. 35209. For more information you may contact your ward representative or Linda Cook at 332-6107 or Linda.cook@homewoodal.org. For updates on filled positions, visit www.homewoodal. org.

Arts Advisory Council- Ward 2, 3, 4, 5 Birmingham–Jefferson County Transit Authority Educational Building Authority Historic Preservation Commission- Ward 4, 5 Homewood Board of Adjustments and Appeals Homewood Board of Education- Ward 1 Homewood Board of Zoning Adjustments- Ward 1, 3 Homewood Commercial Development Authority Homewood Downtown Redevelopment Authority Homewood Environmental Commission Homewood Industrial Development Board Homewood Library Board- Ward 1, 4 Homewood Municipal Housing Code Abatement Board- Ward 2, 3, 4, 5 Homewood Park & Recreation Board- Ward 4 Mental Retardation Authority Special Care Facilities Financing Authority Transit Advisory Committee

| August 2011 |

The Homewood Star

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Animal lovers see a silver lining to the April 27 devastation and despair in the form of a four-legged two-year-old terrier mix known as Mason the Tornado Dog. Sending a message of strength and determination, Mason’s Hardware displacement Cabinetry conveys what so many people are still Lighting looking for—hope. Mason Decorative was hanging in the garage of Hardware his North Smithfield home when suddenly Kitchen & Bath a tornado ripped off theAccessories garage doors and picked him up. Although it’s not known how far he was carried, Mason crawled his way back home on two broken legs. Lucky for him, his resilience has helped him heal after receiving metal plates and screws to secure the breaks in his bones. Chuck Eagar, clinic manager at Vulcan Park Animal Care in Homewood, has been caring for Mason to ensure he receives the best medicine, laughter and love. He is sharing the duty with BirminghamJefferson County Animal Control Adoption/Rescue Coordinator Phil Doster, who picked up the dog initially.

Not only has Mason made friends in the Birmingham area; he’s also become a celebrity across the nation. Mason has appeared on both local and national news outlets such as Fox 6, Matt Murphy on WAPI, Fox and Friends and NBC Weekend Today. He was also featured in People magazine. Mason has been recovering, and his casts were taken off June 30. “He is healing on schedule,” Doster said. “He will need a few more weeks of cage rest before he can go home, but we hope he will be reunited with his family in a few short weeks.” Although his owners respectfully request to remain anonymous, they are looking forward to their reunion. “Mason is a great example of the love and devotion that animals have for people,” Doster said. “It is a testament to the love of his owners also.” To keep up with Mason’s progress, “like” his Facebook page, Mason Thetornadodog.

Keeping a watchful eye on children By MARY ELLEN SNELL It is August and our are children walking and playing on our neighborhood streets for their final weeks of summer freedom. It is important that we teach our children to prepare them for the new school year. “It is never too early an age to start teaching your children safety tips, especially when dealing with strangers,” said Homewood Police Department watch liaison Detective Sgt. Juan Rodriguez. You might not know that during this past year in Homewood there were reported instances of suspicious strangers and cars following preteen children near schools. Thankfully, these children had been informed by parents to be careful and aware while walking the streets and cautious of slowly moving or unusual cars and strangers as well as to report suspicious behavior to parents. When reviewing safety tips with your children, it’s important to do it in a way that is non-threatening. Encourage your child to trust his/her gut instinct and to feel safe in sharing their fears. Stranger danger Make sure your children know your family’s rules about talking to or accepting gifts or rides from strangers. A suggested rule is that no matter how friendly someone is or how nice someone looks, a child should only speak to a stranger if they are in trouble, if there is an emergency, or if they do not have a cell phone to dial 911. A child should never come near a stranger in a car asking for help or asking them to get inside of the car. A child should scream for help and run away if they feel unsure about

someone. Program 911, parent’s phone numbers and Homewood Police Dispatch (332-6202) into a child’s cell phone speed dial. Make sure a child is taught to give name, address, phone number and location to report an emergency. Displaying your child’s name Teach young children that someone who knows their name can still be a stranger. Never display your child’s name on clothing, knapsack/bag or personal items. A stranger could use the information to help gain the child’s trust. Do not put your children’s names on your vehicle. • Have a child carry a hidden stick-on ID label when they go to a public place where they might get lost. Attach it inside of their clothing, pocket or backpack. • A child’s fingerprints are a recommended means of identification to have on file by parents in case of a lost child. Some police departments offer this service. Home fingerprinting kits are available on-line. • For bicycling safety, insist on a helmet and identification including name, address and phone number inside the helmet. If someone tries to take your child from a bicycle, teach them to hold on to it closely; getting a child off a bicycle into a vehicle is very difficult. For more information on neighborhood watch, please contact Sgt. Juan Rodriguez at 332-6200, or Mary Ellen Snell, East Edgewood Neighborhood Watch President, at 527-8908 or maryellensnell@gmail.com.

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| August 2011 |

Back to school health tips with Dr. Keith Stansell By MIA BASS Pediatrician Dr. Keith Stansell shared with us his tips for staying healthy this school year. He practices at Alabama Pediatrics on Highway 31.

most colleges. Students should consult their college or university for more specifications. Without these vaccines, students will not be able to register for school in the fall. For additional information, contact your child’s pediatrician or call Alabama Pediatrics at 879-7888.

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School vaccines For children entering kindergarten, the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is required as well as the polio vaccine; measles, mumps and Health tips rubella (MMR) vaccine; and Dr. Keith Stansell Although there will the chickenpox vaccine. certainly be a spike in the Kids entering sixth grade are required to have a tetanus, diphtheria medical clinics following the first few pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. They are also weeks of school, one of the best ways to encouraged to get the meningococcal prevent sickness is the everyday task of vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine and the HPV washing your hands. “You can reduce up to 75 percent of illnesses by washing your (human papillomavirus) vaccine. The HPV vaccine is now suggested for hands,” Stansell said. It’s also important to girls and boys as a preventative measure remember to continue taking medication for allergies and other chronic illnesses. against cervical cancer and genital warts. Young adults are required to have Although you may feel better during the the Tdap vaccine, tetanus vaccine and summer, allergies come back quickly in the meningococcal vaccine along with the fall. meningitis vaccine before enrolling in

Back to school Q&A By MIA BASS

Caleb Cartee

Kindergartener, Edgewood Elementary Parents: Andy and Keri Cartee Siblings: Chloe (2) You’re going to do lots of things in school. What do you think you’ll like the most? I like to draw! So art and painting will be really fun. What do you think your teacher will be like? I think she’s going to have green eyes. And maybe blonde hair. Some teachers play being mean, but they are mostly nice. I hope she’s mostly nice. Do you think you’re going to eat in the cafeteria or bring your lunch to school? I’m going to bring my lunch in my Spiderman lunchbox!

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Grace Studinka

First grader, Hall-Kent Elementary Parents: Kevin and Elizabeth Stundinka Siblings: Frank (8) and Henry (3) How was kindergarten? I had a lot of fun with reading time. I learned how to read Dr. Seuss, and that’s my favorite. We had centers and construction sites, too. What did you think of your teacher? My teacher was Miss Greer, and she’s a really nice teacher. The only time she gets really, really angry is when people don’t do the right thing or don’t listen. Do you have a best friend? Helen! I met Helen last summer, and she was in my kindergarten class. But I don’t think she’ll be in my first grade class. Maybe Susannah will because she wasn’t in my kindergarten class. What do you think first grade will be like? I think I’m going to learn about a lot of hard stuff. And my mom says I might get to have my own desk in first grade.

Jack Cannon

Kindergartener, Shades Cahaba Elementary Parents: John and Hope Cannon Siblings: Adam (14), Noah (3), Nick and Luke (20 months) What do you think your favorite food in the lunchroom will be? Chicken nuggets. What have you been up to this summer? Zoo camp! What are you excited about in kindergarten? I get to walk to school. But I’m not excited about naps. What do you think your favorite part might be? I like music and I’m a really good dancer!

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| August 2011 |

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Homewood’s chapter in The Great Book of John

The Great Book of John: Bekah Fox, Chip Kilpatrick, Taylor Shaw, Alex Mitchell. Not pictured: Garrett Kelly. Photo courtesy of Cary Norton.

By PATRICK COPELAND According to renowned composer Philip Glass, music is a place. And if that’s the case, then Homewood is likely being heard across the world thanks in part to The Great Book of John. The five-piece rock act features two Homewood natives, Chip Kilpatrick (drums) and Garrett Kelly (keys). Kilpatrick and Kelly as well as Taylor Shaw (guitar) were also members of the band Wild Sweet Orange. Part blues, part folk, part rock, The Great Book of John has brought a fresh approach to what many would consider the Americana genre. Certainly much of that is due to Kilpatrick and Kelly’s Homewood roots. And while the band is relatively new to the scene, the members have been playing music together in various forms for over half a decade, making an appearance with a former band on the The Late Show

with David Letterman and performing to crowds in the thousands at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago. “I’m really proud and thankful to have worked with such talented band mates, Jeffrey ‘Wizard’ Cain (producer) and one of the best engineers on the planet, Daryl Thorp,” Kilpatrick said. “I think we have a masterpiece on our hands, and I’m not just saying that because I’m in the band.” That masterpiece will be released on August 16 via their label, Communicating Vessels, and has many waiting in anticipation thanks to their recently released and daring cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart,” which , according to many critics and fans, is nothing short of sublime. More information about the band can be found on their website, www. thegreatbookofjohn.com.

Seniors John Alden Williams, Annie Smith, Robert Cox, Molly Williams and Andy Bass in front of Yankee Stadium in New York. Photo courtesy of Kyle Bass.

By MIA BASS Dawson Baptist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church both have strong youth choirs and are neighbors in Homewood. In 2003, the choirs began collaborating for a Fourth of July celebration and a community-wide Thanksgiving service. Both choirs have been invited to sing the national anthem at an Atlanta Braves game and choral directors are working to go to Atlanta together. This summer, Trinity’s choir went to New York City and Dawson’s choir to England. Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity’s Cross and Flame Youth Choir combined with the Genesis Singers from Prattville United Methodist Church in June for a choir tour. All 93 singers departed with a group of adult and college-aged counselors on June 4 and hit the ground running when they arrived in New York. Their first stop was a choral festival in Brooklyn hosted by Fenimore Street United Methodist Church. “It was a really cool, different experience,” Andy Bass said. The home choir, which specialized in the African-American gospel style, was most excited about the handbells Trinity brought. The choir attended a service at St. John the Divine and sang for a contemporary congregation at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. They enjoyed the street vendors at Central Park and the horsedrawn carriages. The next morning, they sang for an Episcopal Church that runs Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. The kitchen feeds more than 1,000 daily. Singing at the Bowery Mission was a special experience. Fanny Crosby, a blind woman, composed “I am Thine O Lord” or “Draw Me Nearer” in 1875 after volunteering several years of her time at the Bowery Mission. The choir sang this at Trinity United Methodist during the Good Friday service this year. “It really meant a lot to me,” Choral Director Scott Robertson said. The group got to see Wicked at the Gresham Theatre and sing for the New York City Mission before ending the

week with a New York Yankees games. It wasn’t all singing for these middle and high school students. They saw Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the Statue of Liberty while they toured in New York before coming home and singing for Trinity in Homewood and First United Methodist Church in Prattville. Dawson Baptist Church The Dawson Chapel Choir left for the United Kingdom in July. More than 75 high schoolers from Dawson arrived in Torquay on July 9 to perform with the Youth Arts Showcase at Upton Vale Baptist Church. The group also provided morning worship at Upton Vale. The group made a similar trip four years ago and was there for the Queen’s birthday parade. “I also got to try one of the most popular foods in England, fish and chips!” Kathryn Harris said about the previous trip. Virginia Moore went four years ago and enjoyed visiting and singing in Westminster Abbey, where the royal wedding took place this April. While the group worked with local churches to make a difference in their ministry, they also paired with the British Baptist Mission Society to sponsor concerts in other places. Through this society, the chapel choir sang for St. Cuthbert Mayne School and two residential care homes. Dawson made sure that the funds raised by these concerts would be used for special mission projects throughout the United Kingdom. The choir raised more than 4,000 pounds, which is roughly $6,400, that will be used to begin establishing churches in India. Like the worship the choir leads at Dawson on Sunday nights, they also performed for the Silver Street Baptist Church in Tauton, the Counterslip Baptist Church in Bristol and two churches in Coventry. The group got the chance to take a break and sightsee in London before returning home on July 16 and giving a homecoming concert for Dawson on July 17.

Samford Adult Degree Program offers evening classes Admission and registration is underway for fall semester classes in Samford University’s Adult Degree Program (ADP). Samford’s ADP enables adults to earn a bachelor’s degree or complete a paralegal certificate through evening classes. The Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies is designed especially for working adults, according to

program director Laura Lee. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 29. “It is not too late to get admitted and registered for the fall 2011 term,” Lee said. Registration is now through mid-August. Financial aid is also available for students in the program. For information, call 726-2898 or visit www.samford.edu/adultdegree.

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

The Homewood Star

Homewood student receives Puerto Rican “wish” By ASHLEY BERKERY William “Reed” Johnson III is a rising seventh grader at Homewood Middle School who is enjoying a typical summer like most other kids his age. Except for one difference—he just received a once-in-alifetime Christmas gift in July, news that the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama granted his wish trip to Puerto Rico in December. Reed, who lives in Hollywood with his family, was born second in a triplet birth and was the smallest of the three, weighing just less than two pounds. “He has been a fighter since the beginning,” said Reed’s mother, Lindsay Johnson. “He still fights daily to overcome obstacles due to his cerebral palsy but does it all with a huge smile.” “Most ‘wish’ children apply for trips to Disney World or shopping sprees,” said Alabama Director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation John Sweeney, “but Reed’s wish was inspired by his weekly coffee dates with his dad, his love for watching Spanish cooking shows and fishing at his grandparents’ house.” Reed’s wish will include cooking classes, trips to various coffee plantations and time to relax and fish. Sweeney also said the Make-A-Wish Foundation is honored to have a recipient from Homewood, the community where the Alabama non-profit organization is based. When asked what he is most looking forward to about his trip, Reed said that he is so excited to go with his brother and sister, Emma Clare and Bishop. “We are practicing our Spanish and looking on the computer for fun things to do in Puerto Rico,” he said. Reed’s mom says that he loves Mariachi bands and all of the bright colors

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Triplets Emma Clare, Reed and Bishop Johnson on a recent family vacation. Photo courtesy of the Johnson family.

in their clothing, as well as testing the recipes he sees on Spanish cooking shows. Every Saturday morning, Reed wakes his dad up earlier than the rest of the family, and they have a special coffee date right in their own home. “What fun to be able to experience a working coffee plantation,” said Reed’s father, William Johnson. “Although we live as if Reed is perfectly healthy, we are aware that there is an underlying problem that qualified him for this wish. We are so blessed and thankful for this trip and the memories we will make there as a family.” The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Foundation creates memorable wish experiences for both child and family that are not clouded by financial concerns. The average cost of granting a wish in Alabama is $7,000. For more information on the Make-AWish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama or how to help, please visit www.ga-al. wish.org or call 205-254-WISH (9474).

JIMMIE HALE

CONTINUED from page 1 area in 2000. The other stores are located in Pinson and Hanceville. “We strive for the ‘wow’ factor when new customers walk into our stores,” Cooper said. People are often surprised how neat, clean and organized the stores are when they come in to a Jimmie Hale Mission Possible Bargain Center. Mission Possible Bargain Centers stock what they call “gently used” merchandise, which is then sold at affordable prices. This attracts customers of a variety of income levels. Some people drive up in their Mercedes or BMW to shop at the Mission Possible Bargain Center, Cooper said. “These people could afford to shop anywhere in Alabama, but they love finding chic clothing for a bargain.” Like other thrift stores, all merchandise comes through donations. Jimmie Hale schedules some pickups, but they have to be selective because it can be costly, especially if the donation is small. Most people choose to drop off their donations at the stores. Donors also receive a tax deduction. Customers also have the satisfaction of knowing that the dollars they spend at

| August 2011 |

the Mission Possible Bargain Centers go to support worthy programs and services. The recent outbreak of violent tornadoes in Alabama in April also left many people homeless. “Personal storms can be just as devastating as natural storms,” Cooper said. The proceeds from the thrift stores, provide funding that allows Jimmie Hale to offer needed assistance to these people. “The Jimmie Hale Mission has done so much to help others, and we are fortunate to have them,” said Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer. “I trust they will continue to bless others while here in Homewood. The residents of Homewood are very compassionate and accepting, so I have no doubt about the success of the Jimmie Hale Mission. “ Cooper said he and others at Jimmie Hale were a little down after Vestavia Hills did not approve their original location proposal, but after the reception at the Homewood City Hall, they knew they’d found the right place for their store. For more information about the Jimmie Hale Mission, visit www. jimmiehalemission.com.

The Mission at Jimmie Hale When you shop at the Mission Possible Donation Center, your money goes toward these programs: • Jimmie Hale’s Shepura Men’s Center has a brand new 160 bed shelter, dining hall, clothing distribution and learning center. • Jessie’s Place for Women and Children is a home for homeless and hurting women and children seeking shelter while preparing to reach self-sufficiency. • Royal Pine Center in Blount County is a Bible-based, 12-step recovery facility for men. They just completed a million dollar expansion for this facility near the town of Bangor in Blount County. • Stewart Learning Centers have provided training and job readiness that have helped more than 500 people get jobs in the past four years.

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August 2011 | The Homewood Star

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As I type this, we’re still in the middle of a sweltering heat wave, and summer officially started only a few weeks ago. However, in the library, in the check-out line at the grocery store, at playgroup get-togethers, I’m already starting to hear the first rumblings of “the school year.” As we all can attest, it seems like school starts earlier and earlier every year. When I was growing up, Labor Day was the last big hurrah before school started, but now August 1 is barely behind us before we start to see neighborhood children walking towards the elementary schools. There’s always been something to signify to me that the school year is beginning, regardless of whether or not I’m in school. Growing up, it was obviously the start of that first semester. I went to a private school in Mobile, so going to the August uniform sale meant the end of lazy days and brought the aroma of scholarly things to come. Once in college, summer break ended and the school year began in a flurry of dorm room assignments and RA meetings. School is behind me now, but August still brings indicators of exciting things to come. When I was working at Southern Progress, it was the Homewood High School marching band. Starting in August, we’d exit the building at the end of the day to strains of tubas and snare drums floating across Lakeshore from the practice field. The sound always reminded me of lively Friday night football games, pep rallies,

good friends and making memories. Once I got married, the countdown to SEC football began about two days after the previous season ended. Matt is a diehard Auburn fan, and sometimes I think when he can’t sleep at night, instead of counting sheep, he counts days left until the first “Waaaaaaaar Eagle! Hey!” And he’s not the only one. In fact, I’m sure I’m in the very small minority of people who aren’t in love with college football. I think it’s because I just don’t understand it all. Despite almost six years of marriage to my football-loving husband (and a lifetime before that of a football-loving dad and brother), I still see a bunch of large men jumbled together like pick-up sticks. Maybe this will be the year I learn to love it. For those of you who aren’t up on the countdown, today I heard on the radio, “Only 66 days left until kickoff!” By the time you read this newspaper, it’ll be about half that. So get your folding chairs, grills and koozies ready. However you plan to celebrate the end of summer vacation, I hope you can enjoy these last days of “freedom” before the new year starts, whether school is in your future or it’s a distant memory. Enjoy the crickets serenading the end of the day, make as many trips to the swimming pool as you (or your kids) can handle, and go ahead and take a jump through the sprinkler. I may be wishing for some cooler temps right about now, but I know in just a handful of months, I’ll be reminiscing about these lazy dog days of summer.

40 years of Three On A String By ASHLEY BERKERY

Three On A String began its career forty years ago in 1971 at the Lowenbrau Haus, a small folk music club in Homewood that was located underneath Jack N’ Jill Shop and Sikes Childrens Shoes just off of Oxmoor Road. “We started in a Tuesday night slot and worked our way to the weekends, where we stayed for almost 10 years,” band member Jerry Ryan said. After a one year gig on Southside at the Cadillac Café, they returned to their Homewood roots, playing at a club called The Stage Door that was located just past “The Curve” where the SoHo complex is now located. Harkening back to their Homewood origins, Three On A String played to a packed house at Out Takes, located almost exactly between the sites of the two former clubs. Three On A String plays a reunion celebration every five years. On August 6, they will hold a 40th celebration at Mountain Brook High School’s Fine Arts Center. Tickets for the 2 p.m. show are

Three On A String band members Bobby Horton, Jerry Ryan and Brad Ryan. Photo courtesy of Jerry Ryan.

$25, and tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $30. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 854.3957.

Book sale and computer classes at the library Homewood Public Library will be hosting its annual Friends of the Library book sale August 12-15. Thousands of books, audio books, CDs and DVDs will be for sale and all proceeds go to benefit the library. The prices are reasonable, and refreshments are offered on Friday night for $2. Admission to the sale is free all other days. Sale hours are Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. The library is also holding computer

classes during August. All classes will be held from 2-4 p.m. 8/2- Introduction to Word 2007, Part 1 8/4- Introduction to Email 8/9- Introduction to Word, Part 2 8/23- Introduction to Excel 8/25- Introduction to the Computer 8/30- Introduction to PowerPoint To register, email sswindle@bham. lib.al.us. For more information about the library, visit www.homewoodpubliclibrary. org.

The Homewood Star

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| August 2011 |

Boot camp craze

Firm Body Bootcamp participants do push-ups on yoga mats in 30-second intervals. Photo by Mia Bass.

By ASHLEY BERKERY and MIA BASS Boot camps are all over Homewood. Driving by Homewood Central Park before or after work, you can’t miss seeing them. We found out that they look intense because they are intense. We gave one a try ourselves. Firm Body Bootcamp Firm Body Bootcamp is just one of the fitness boot camps in Homewood Central Park. It blends cardio and strength training in sessions three days a week. We experienced the intensity of a boot camp firsthand when we joined this summer. Firm Body provides accountability and gives you that extra push when you feel like you’re about to give up. “Give up” was not in our vocabulary that evening – we pushed through, savoring the quick 30 second breaks between stations in front of mist fans that help you beat the outdoor heat. As beginners in the Firm Body Bootcamp, we were exhausted by the end of 45 minutes. Leaders of these boot camps keep everyone going with a mixture of upbeat music and encouraging words. We rotated between four different stations: one focused on weights, one on pushups, one that toned your arms with stretching bands and one that worked your arms and core by supporting yourself. “Everybody wants to look good, but nobody wants to work hard,” instructor Romen McDonald said. At that point, we were happy to have made it through. McDonald is offering a free week of his Firm Body Bootcamp to any Homewood resident. To see dates and times of classes and to sign up for your free week of “No Excuses, Just Results” Firm Body Bootcamp, go to www.firmbodybootcamps.com and click on free week. For more information, call 835-9770. Studio Fitness Studio Fitness offers a boot camp in its facility on Central Avenue. All classes last four weeks and normally include 10-

12 people. Early registration is encouraged, but participants can also sign up on the day of. There are beginners in both classes, and instructors focus on individual ability levels. Both classes focus on core strengthening intensified with kettle bell exercises and punching on water bags. They have a session led by Geno and Kevin that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. It works as a total body workout that focuses on light weights, core work and agility. If you’re looking for high intensity, a boxing class is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. This class is led by Haley and Michael and features boxing drills, sprints and agility skills. To participate, you need to have a yoga mat, five to eight pound weights, full form boxing gloves, a hand towel and bottled water. Studio Fitness is located at 2900 Central Avenue. For more information, visit www. studiofitnessllc.com or call 414-3644. CrossFit Birmingham CrossFit Birmingham also offers a Rigorous Bootcamp in Homewood Central Park, unless there is inclement weather. This boot camp is also broken down into monthly segments, but anyone is welcome to begin at any time with a prorated cost. The only thing you need to bring with you is a yoga mat and bottled water. The trainers work to accommodate every fitness level because most exercises comprise 30-second intervals, so you can work to your strengths. CrossFit Birmingham works with the essentials as well to make sure everyone knows the proper technique when it comes to squats or pushups. Without those basics, you won’t see results and may risk injury. They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 a.m. as well as Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Richard at 3964523 or richard@rigorousbootcamp.com. You can also visit their Facebook page for various videos on what to expect in a boot camp workout.

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Senior Center supports tornado relief On Friday, May 27, Homewood Senior Center hosted a dance benefitting tornado relief efforts that raised more than $1,000. Eighteen-piece big band Ain’t Misbehavin’ performed. Deborah Wilson of Premier Jewelry supplied door prizes and donated a percentage of her sales. Special performances were provided by Ms. Senior Homewood Elizabeth Fell, as well as Kim Smith and Steve Hadley of Dr. Dance Studio. Sponsors included Park Board Member Paula Smalley, Deborah Wilson and Valerie Childers of Brookdale Place Senior Living Community.

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12 |

August 2011 |

Homewood Sports

8-year-old National League All Stars 10-year-old All Stars

bring home the bronze The Homewood Youth Baseball League’s 10-year-old National All-Stars came in third in the 2011 Metro All-Star Tournament. Mountain Brook came in second, and Oak Mountain placed first

in the tournament. This was a great achievement for this team after winning only two games in the 2010 tournament. Go Patriots!

Back Row: Reid Harrison, Alex Kamau,Len Irvin, Caleb Reid, Charlie Goode, and Christopher Kirk. Front Row: Fritz Bolongaro, Alan Isenhower, Max Heath, Hardy Smith, Jacob Sitton, and Jack Briese. Photo courtesy of Kamau Karanja

Homewood swimming Star Spangled Girls attend All-Stars camp Front Row: Larkin Williams, Wesley Williams, John Hale, Alex Harris, Graham Holder, Crawford Doyle, Chris Stephan, Ben Morton, Jack Dorough, Ky Burdeshaw. SecondRow: John Firnberg, Grayson Kelley. Back Row: Max Hale, Parham Williams, Carter Doyle, John Dorough. Photo courtesy of Leslie Doyle.

Anna Grace Gibbons (top) and Isabel Burgess compete in recent Homewood swim meet at Homewood Central Pool. Photo courtesy of Shannon Burgess.

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STRESS FRACTURES AM I AT RISK IF I DO TOO MUCH OF MY SPORT?

• WHAT: “Unusual or repeated stress” and / or heavy continuous weight on bone. (Other types of fractures are usually characterized by a solitary, severe impact). Stress fractures are also known as “very small sliver or crack in the bone” or “hairline fracture”. • WHERE: Typically in weight-bearing bones, i.e., tibia (lower leg bone) and metatarsals (foot bones). • WHO: Common sports injury in athletes who run and jump on hard surfaces, such as distance runners, basketball players, and ballet dancers. • WHEN: Typically, pain and tenderness associated with weight bearing. Runners may describe pain of their leg or foot during their run and, possibly, at rest. • WHY: When the bone’s response stress cannot maintain the pace of the repetitive demands, a stress fracture may result.

Repeated trauma: Bones are constantly attempting to remodel and repair themselves, especially during a sport where extraordinary stress is applied to the bone. Over time, if enough stress is placed on the bone that it exhausts the capacity of the bone to remodel, a weakened site—a stress fracture—on the bone may appear. The fracture does not appear suddenly. It occurs from repeated traumas, none of which is sufficient to cause a sudden break. However, when added together, overwhelm the cells that remodel the bone.

The 2011-2012 Star Spangled Girls. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ayers.

By JENNIFER AYERS The Homewood High School Star Spangled Girls attended All-Stars camp in July. American All-Star is based in Mandeville, La., and is an opportunity for dance teams to learn great routines as well as create memorable bonding experiences with their teammates. This year at All-

Star private camp the Spangles learned a variety of routines, including kick, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. The routines learned at camp will be performed at pep rallies, dance recitals and other events during the school year.

Six-year-old All Stars place second in metro tournament

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The 6-year-old Homewood All Stars team finished their season with 6-2 record and placed second in the Metro 6-Year-Old T-ball tournament held at Hoover-East Park. Front row: Antonio Jackson, Rigdon Gibbons, Carter Vail, Melvin Stringer, Parker Sansing, Kamal Amerson, Logan Blomeyer, Charlie Reeves. Back Row: Coaches Rusty Sansing and David Reeves. Not Pictured : Jayden O’Neil, Jon Merrell; Coaches Tyler Vail and Robbie Gibbons. Photo courtesy of Rusty Sansing.

Homewood Sports | August 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Doug Goodwin joins Homewood High as new head coach

Connect with

By BURKE SMITH, Class of 2011 What drew you to Homewood for the position of head coach? Homewood has an excellent academic and extracurricular reputation around the state. During the interview, I realized the positive things I had heard were true. I also love the location because it is a lot closer to our families.

What are some of your interests off the field? I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy reading, watching sports, golf, hunting and fishing. Describe your ideal player. My ideal player is someone who is self motivated. I like players who are committed to excellence, dedicated to the team and confident in their ability to win regardless of the circumstances.

Do you see football as a way to teach life lessons and if so, what lessons can be learned? Absolutely, it teaches life lessons. The ones that come to mind include commitment, work ethic, social skills and fighting through adversity.

If you had a message for the Homewood community football fans, what would it be? We are really excited to be here and are looking forward to meeting everyone. Football is a community activity that requires a lot of people pitching in to help us achieve success. We will certainly need everyone’s support as we work to get things going. Our football future is bright.

Where did you grow up, and what were some of your youth football experiences? I grew up in Sylacauga. I started in peewee football and continued playing through middle school, high school and college. I really like the competitiveness and physical aspects of football. I chose to be a teacher and a coach because of the influences of my former coaches.

HHS Head Football Coach Doug Goodwin.

Date 8/19/11 8/26/11 9/02/11 9/09/11 9/16/11 9/23/11 9/30/11 10/06/11 10/14/11 10/21/11 10/28/11

Opponent Location Gardendale Home Bessemer Away Thompson* Home Spain Park* Away Mtn. Brook* Home Huntsville Home Vestavia* Home Hoover* Away Oak Mtn.* - HC Home Pelham* Away Grissom Away * Region 6 Game

Time / Result 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00

Homewood Athletic Director announced Homewood City Schools has announced Kevin Tubbs as athletic director for the school system. Tubbs comes to Homewood from Mountain Brook High School, where he served as the Physical Education Department Chair, coach and teacher for four years. Tubbs earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a certification in physical education. In 2008, he received his Master of Arts in education from the University of West Alabama. Throughout his 17 years in education, Tubbs has served as a teacher and coach in Jefferson County,

Mountain Brook and at Birmingham-Southern College. At Birmingham-Southern he assisted in the creation of the first women’s basketball team (NCAA Division I) and served on the NCAA Gender Equity Committee. At the high school level, he served on the Alabama High School Athletic Association District 5 Basketball Committee as well as coached, coordinated and managed various aspects of successful athletic programs. Tubbs will bring his background and experience with technology, financial management and communications to Homewood City Schools.

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HHS football preview By MIA BASS and DOUG GOODWIN

The Homewood Patriots kick off this football season on August 19 against Gardendale. After hiring new head coach Doug Goodwin, all offensive, defensive and special teams systems are new to all Homewood players and coaches. Goodwin is happy with the effort everyone has put forth during winter, spring and summer practices. Homewood only has five starters back on offense and four on defense. With a young team that is still learning, Goodwin says that it will be important for this team to remain aggressive throughout each game. Defensively, they will base out of an odd man front. Offensively, they will run a multiple formation system and work to spread the ball out. It is important to look at progress from week to week in order to find an offensive

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rhythm. Looking at strengths in running and throwing will add to Homewood’s offensive personality as the season progresses. Several players are competing for kicking positions and Goodwin is pleased with what he sees. Homewood’s coaching staff for the 2011 season is Doug Goodwin (Head Coach), Freddy Lawrence (Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator), Dustin Goodwin (Offensive Coordinator), Jim Crowder (Running Backs Coach), Ben Bergerson (Offensive Line Coach), Aryvia Holmes (Wide Receivers Coach), Doug Gann (Tight Ends Coach), Dexter LeBlanc (Defensive Line Coach), Carter Doyle (Linebackers Coach), Russell Martin (Cornerbacks Coach) and Devin Goodwin (Safeties Coach).

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August 2011 | Business Spotlight

Business Spotlight 2817 18th Street South 637-7210

Molly Green

By ANNA CATE LITTLE

Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Molly Green is not a person, it’s a concept. The idea for an eco-friendly clothing boutique came to owner Brittany Hartwell when she recently decided to move back to her native Birmingham. A fashion merchandising major at Lipscomb University, Hartwell has introduced downtown Homewood to a shop like no other around: stylish threads made with sustainable materials. Looking for her own identity in the colossal fashion industry, Hartwell found that she was drawn to a more creative, unexpected style. Shopping at Salvation Army, having clothes swaps with friends and learning to sew was much more fashionable (and green) in her mind. While choosing a more organic and “clean” diet, Hartwell realized that organic can transfer to all facets of life, including clothing. After owning four restaurants in Florida together, Hartwell and her husband decided to move closer to family and slow down a bit. And that’s when the concept came to her. “I knew it had to be something I could

really stand behind, fashion-wise; it needed to be different than what everyone else had,” Hartwell said. “Because really you can find almost anything you want on this street… except for sustainable fashion!” So just what is sustainable clothing? Well, it’s the opposite of “fast fashion,” which includes many large, affordable retailers who source their clothing to thirdworld countries where factories are mass producing in sub-par conditions. It goes beyond the use of organic cotton (cotton production accounts for 25 percent of all pesticides used in the United States) and other organic textiles such as bamboo, hemp and soy. “Many of the designers will use recycled fibers,” Hartwell said. “They’ll take the remnants left on the cutting room floor, and they’ll spin them back together and add PET to strengthen the fibers. They use low-impact dyes that are less chemically harmful. A lot of the time they can tell me exactly where the fabric came from and who made it.”

Eco-chic clothing at Molly Green.

Anna Miller with sister and Molly Green owner, Brittany Hartwell. Photos by Anna Cate Little.

Currently the store sells pieces from nearly 20 designers, a number that is quickly climbing. “Most are in the U.S., which is huge because we need to think about where our clothes are being made,” said Hartwell. “And we haven’t even touched it yet. Every day I find a new designer online, and I say, ‘I just have to have them.’” Another facet of making “eco-chic” clothing is reducing the amount of clothing turnover. “[The designers’] goal is to create something that’s quality and will last for years,” Hartwell said. “The problem with fashion right now is that it’s very trenddriven and not about people seeking their personal style, only what’s being marketed

to them.” Molly Green opened its doors on May 7, and Hartwell, along with her dutiful employee and sister, Anna Miller, believes the concept is slowly catching on. “People are eating well, and they’re choosing organic options for what they put in their body, just not what they put on their body,” she said. “They just don’t realize their impact, the buying power they have.” Hartwell is also very pleased with the boutique’s location in the heart of Homewood’s shopping district. “We were really lucky to find this space,” she said. “We have an awesome landlord, and it’s just so cozy. Everybody’s really friendly.”

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Restaurant Showcase 180 Oxmoor Road 941-1668

| August 2011 |

Hamburger Heaven

By MIA BASS

www.hamburgerheavenrestaurant.com Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Hamburger Heaven’s walls are coated in Alabama and Auburn paintings, photos of famous celebrities and even Homewood High School and Parks and Rec teams. Like the rest of the city, owner Kirk Roberts just loves Homewood. Paula Deen even stopped by to check out the cheeseburger last year. “I didn’t believe it when my manager told me she [Paula Deen] was in the dining room,” Roberts said, “But there she was. She said she heard we had some good food and we brought out a few milkshakes after she finished the cheeseburger.” Their special sauce is what sets the burger apart, so what’s the secret? “It’s really just a mixture of ketchup and mustard with a little Worcestershire thrown in,” Roberts said. The sauce can be ordered online so you can use it to grill at home. The ground beef used in the hamburgers is delivered fresh daily. “We have a guy who comes in at 5 a.m. just to hand-pat the burgers,” Roberts said. Unlike other places, the burgers are cooked on a char grill, like your grill at home. The meat is never frozen, and lettuce, tomato and onions are cut fresh every morning. Burgers come with lettuce, tomato, onion and Hamburger Heaven sauce. Of course Hamburger Heaven is famous for its burgers, but the menu offers other options as well. Roberts said his three-decker club, grilled chicken breast and grilled chicken salad are also popular. The kids’ meals offer a choice between a mini-cheeseburger, two chicken fingers, a

Hamburger Heaven manager Aisha Bacchus and owner Kirk Roberts. Photo by Mia Bass

grilled cheese or a hot dog, and each comes with free ice cream. Hamburger Heaven’s famous milkshakes are made with real fruit and are hand-spun on a spinning wheel. You can choose between the traditional vanilla, chocolate or strawberry or branch out to banana, peach, peanut butter, cherry or orange dream. They also have sundaes, hot fudge cake and flurries packed with some of your favorite candies. The restaurant started serving breakfast in December 2009. “We’ve really had a good crowd come out for breakfast,” he said. They offer biscuits with meats including sausage, bacon, chicken and ham and also have the Southern staples, grits, hash cakes and scrambled eggs. For those rushing to work in the morning, the Breakfast Quickie is the way to go. It’s a combination of grits, scrambled eggs,

cheese and your choice of meat in a bowl you can take with you. Most customers don’t know that Hamburger Heaven offers catering for parties and tailgates. Roberts got into the hamburger business five years ago. It took two years of convincing from his friend, Pete Flack, but Roberts opened the first Hamburger Heaven in Homewood. Although Roberts has earned a grade of 100 from the Alabama Health Department four times and has won multiple awards for Hamburger Heaven, one stands out above the rest—The Educational Service Award presented by Homewood City Schools. “Only one business receives the award per year and it was an honor,” Roberts said. Roberts and Hamburger Heaven host pancake breakfasts and other fundraisers that go to help various organizations in

Homewood. In February, Hamburger Heaven hosted a pancake fundraiser for the baseball and softball teams at Homewood High School, and they also handle an annual fundraiser for the cheerleaders. “Hamburger Heaven Night” is a designated night for a percentage of Hamburger Heaven’s sales benefits a team, school or organization. It’s also popular amongst the park and rec league teams as well. Roberts has raised his two children in Homewood. His oldest son, Wilson, just graduated from Homewood High School in May and will attend UAB in the fall. His youngest, Henry, is a rising junior who plays baseball at Homewood. So for the real question, is Roberts an Alabama or Auburn fan? Though I hate to admit it, he might be the nicest Auburn fan I’ve met yet.

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August 2011 | School House

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Edgewood art teacher Celia Castle.

Edgewood’s art teacher Celia Castle will travel to Italy, France and Spain to explore some of the world’s most famous art and architecture in museums and other venues. The Masterpieces of the Mediterranean is a trip created by the Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning program. Castle’s goal is to create teachable moments to share in her art curriculum through the study of historical art masterpieces and artifacts. The experience begins in Barcelona, Spain, at the Salvador Dali Museum. Through the integration of art into math, literature and history, Castle will create lessons based on these experiences from Masterpieces of the Mediterranean. Along the trip she will see Antoni Gaudi’s famous architecture, Henri Matisse Museum, Marc Chagall Museum, Michelangelo’s famous frescos at the Vatican in Rome, the Picasso Museum and many other historical art venues.

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EAC President Barbara Lummis awards Victor Corder with the EAC Service Award.

The Educational Advisory Committee gives an award each year to an individual or business who has committed an extraordinary amount of time and resources to our schools and to our students in Homewood. During the Homewood Board of Education June meeting, the EAC awarded Victor Corder with the 2010-2011 Service Award. Even though his daughter has already graduated from Homewood High School, Corder continues to be the delightful “go-to guy” on Friday nights at the football games. He has spent hours and hours organizing and

running the concession stands during all of the HHS football games, and he is well known for his wonderfully positive and contagious spirit. Corder always arrives early to set up and direct volunteers, and he stays to close up each night. He is delightful to work with and is always willing to help others. The Educational Advisory Committee and Homewood City Schools thanked Victor Corder for all he does for our community and students.

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Homewood City Schools Wellness Coordinator Nivada Spurlock, HHS students Aaron Ragsdale, Kathryn Ford, Rachel Levkoff and Mayor Scott McBrayer.

Mayor Scott McBrayer met community members at the Homewood Shades Creek Greenway to walk and promote healthy lifestyles. The Freshwater Land Trust joined Mayor Scott McBrayer to showcase the Greenway as part of the “Our One Mile” segment on Fox 6’s Good Day Alabama.

Homewood High School students who have been focusing on fitness, nutrition, and fitness for life met with Mayor McBrayer and the City Council members at the trail to let them know that HHS students support the Greenway and recognize the health benefits it brings to our community.

Homewood Happenings | August 2011 |

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Homewood Happenings

Alabama Goods

D1 Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Wild Rock Grill

Tax free weekend benefits Homewood

Alabama Goods recently made the move from Pepper Place in Birmingham to downtown Homewood. Owners Sherry Hartley and Beth Williams strive to provide a wide selection of goods produced in Alabama, by Alabamians. These items range from the jewelry of local artists to wall art, coasters and baby items. They offer onesies and various bibs. Many items, including the pottery, come from the Birmingham area, and one potter is from Homewood. Alabama Honey and Dat Good Sauce

Wild Rock Grill has opened as a new fresh face in the Wildwood North development just off of Lakeshore Drive next to Lowe’s. Owner Tom Stallworth has lived in Homewood for more than ten years and was partner of the chain restaurant formerly located in the space. Creatively expanded menu options and a redesigned interior and exterior make this restaurant perfectly suited for Homewood and surrounding residents. The upscale grill menu is available

are available. Home accents such as an Alabama-shaped ornament or a wind chime made of recycled wine bottles are especially beautiful. Gifts for the Alabama or Auburn fan in your family are easy to find here too. Collegiate items include ceramic platters for gameday, doormats and necklaces. Alabama Goods is located 2933 18th Street South. They are open MondaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.alabamagoods. com or call 803-3900.

for lunch and dinner, and a new meat and veggie menu with a Southern flair is available during lunch, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Happy hour, 4-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, features $2 bottled and draft beers. Wild Rock Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. -10 p.m. on Sundays. For more information visit www.wildrockgrill.com or call 9430080.

ANDRESS

CONTINUED from page 1 interfere with their cochlear implants. After the dedication and PTO meeting afterward, Andress boarded a plane for New York. The prop stylist on the photo shoot brought boxes of running clothes for Andress to try on, but she ended up wearing her own Lululemon shorts from their Birmingham store and a Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama shirt she had made for the shoot. One week after the photo shoot, Andress ran the Boston Marathon. Her husband and children, in-laws and mother came up to support her. Andress said her kids are obsessed with Ryan Hall, a professional runner at the Boston. “I hope you beat Ryan Hall,” Will told his mom before the race. Hall did beat her (he placed fourth overall), but Andress qualified to run it next year by 2 and a half minutes. “I really want to go back,” she said Even after her surgeries in her midthirties, Andress said she walked a lot. But it wasn’t until she was 39 that she began to think more seriously about getting back into running. She gradually started running again like she’d done in her 20s and racing to raise money for the Bell Center, where her children had gone when they were first diagnosed as hearing impaired. In the fall of 2009, John was entering first grade and had just had cochlear implant surgery. Shades Cahaba Principal Sue Grogan orchestrated putting John in Mrs. Lisa Mooresmith’s class; she knew Mrs. Mooresmith’s daughter, Lilly, who was also hearing impaired. When Andress began volunteering at the Bell Center that same fall, she found that Lilly Mooresmith was in her class. It was Lilly who inspired Andress to run her first marathon, the Mercedes, in 2010. Andress had been running half marathons to raise money for the Bell Center, but with this chain of events at the schools, she knew she had to step it up. “If I am going to do this, I am going to do this,” she thought. And she did. She raised $5,500 for the Bell Center and ran the marathon in 3 hours, 43 minutes, which qualified her for the Boston Marathon. “God put that whole chain of events together,” Andress said. “There is no other explanation for it.” For now, she’s back to training with

Orthopedic Sports Surgeon, Dr. Geoff Connor, recently opened a sports medicine clinic, D1 Orthopedic Sports Medicine, in affiliation with D1 Sports Training in Homewood. The clinic, located at 1651 Independence Court, Suite 211 is behind Brookwood Hospital, overlooking D1’s indoor football field and training facility. Dr. Connor specializes in sports medicine and arthroscopic reconstruction of knee and shoulder injuries. “I am extremely excited to open this clinic in such an awesome facility that is right here in Homewood, a community where my wife Tammy Kubiszyn Connor grew up and our

family now calls home,” Connor said. You might recognize Dr. Connor from his presence on the sidelines at Homewood Patriot football games. Dr. Connor has provided medical support for Homewood football for the past five years, and was also on the sideline for two state championship teams when he was a resident physician at UAB. Appointments are now being accepted and can be made by calling 803-3700. Dr. Connor’s new clinic is on the web at www. D1sportsdoc.com, as well as on Facebook at D1 Sports Medicine and Twitter @ D1Sportsdoc.

By AMANDA E.H. PRITCHARD Homewood shoppers have new incentives for back to school shopping as the annual Sales Tax holiday weekend approaches. Retailers throughout Alabama come together the weekend of August 5-7 to offer tax-free products and merchandise. Be sure to take notice of the designated items that fall in the “tax free” category, including: clothing under $100, books under $30, computers/computer equipment under $750 and school supplies under $50. “I have been participating in the tax free weekend as long as Homewood has

been a participant,” said Rilla Foley, owner of Harmony Landing. “I do it as a business builder and advertise the tax break as a ‘thank you’ to our customers for doing business with us.” The tax-free weekend also allows stores the opportunity to welcome new and regular customers through its doors. “This is definitely a discount for the customers to take advantage of,” said Meredith Carter, manager of Doree. For further details on Alabama’s tax free weekend visit www.revenue.alabama. gov/salestax/SalesTaxHol.htm.

FOHO Blockbuster Book Sale! Join us at the

Homewood Public Library

Jennifer Andress was featured on one of eight Runner’s World covers for the July “Outrunning Cancer” issue.

her 5:30 a.m. Saturday morning running group, The Gnomes, and preparing to serve as PTO President Elect at Shades Cahaba this school year. She’s scheduled to run races in Atlanta and Tupelo as well as the Ruben Studdard Half Marathon and the Vulcan Run in Birmingham in November. She also hopes to run the Boston and New York marathons in 2012. Andress continues to share her story with the hearing impaired, with cancer survivors and with women who are pregnant and undergoing cancer treatments. “I think we are here to share with other people,” she said. She also shares her love of running, an addictive thrill she is enthusiastic to encourage others to try. “Go get a good pair of running shoes,” she recommends to beginners. “Walk, then walk and run and then run. You have to be purposeful about it.” She recommends Run University training programs, such as the Couch to 5K, developed by Danny Haralson, who she calls Birmingham’s “godfather of running.” Like with breast cancer and many challenges in life, Andress said running is about goal setting. “You have to think here’s where you are, here’s where you want to be, and here’s how you get there.”

Friday night, August 12, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for the kick off event. A $2.00 cover charge will get you in the door for first choice of the THOUSANDS of books that have been donated for this event along with wine and refreshments. Friday, August 12 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. $2.00 admission refreshments Saturday, August 13 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 14 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 15 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Visa and MasterCard accepted Homewood Public Library 1721 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 Book sale contact: hcover@bham.lib.al.us.

18 |

August 2011 |

Homewood Star Calendar

Homewood Events

8/2- Samford Adult Degree Program Information Session. Faculty members, current

students and alumni will discuss the academic experience and answer questions. Enables adults to earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or paralegal certificate through evening classes. Classes begin August 29. 5:45-7 p.m. Samford University, Davis Library Room 235. More information: www.samford.edu/adultdegree.

8/3- Coffee and Contacts. Come meet the coaches and network with chamber members. 7:30 a.m. Athletic Field House, Samford University. More information: www.homewoodchamber.com.

8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25- Family-friendly climbing wall. Take your kids out for some afternoon fun. 2-6 p.m. Alabama Outdoors, 3054 Independence Drive. Admission: free. More information: 870-1919.

8/5- Free Friday Flicks: Tangled. A free showing with events beginning in the early

evening. 8:15 p.m. Homewood Central Park. Admission: free. More information: www.homewoodparks.com.

8/7- The SoHo Bridal Show. A bridal show offering brides to be the latest in fashion and trends. 1-4 p.m. Soho Square, Rosewood Hall. Admission: $15 (at the door) $10 (in advance). More information: www.sohobrialshow.com.

8/9, 8/16- Birmingham Children’s/Girl’s Choir Open Rehearsals. Welcomes all girls,

grades 1-high school who love to sing. There are three choirs: Prelude (grades 1-2), Intermezzo (grades 3-5), and Una Voce (grades 6 and higher). 5:30 p.m. Edgewood Presbyterian Church. More information: www.birminghamchildrenschoir.org.

8/10- First day of school for students. 8/11- Book Signing: Kevin Wilson. Wilson will speak and sign The Family Fang. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19 alabamabooksmith.com.

Place South. More information: www.

8/11- Watermelon Scrimmage. 7 and 8 grade boys football scrimmage. 4-5:45 p.m. th

Homewood Middle School. More information: www.homewood.k12.al.us/hms

8/12- First Annual Jersey Night Kick-Off Pep Rally. A pep rally catered by Full Moon

BBQ that recognizes all Homewood football players, from recreation leagues to varsity. 5:30-8 p.m. Waldrop Stadium. Admission: $10 (from any HHS varsity football player). More information: www.homewood.k12.al.us/hhs

8/12-15- Friends of the Library book sale. Thousands of books, audio books, CDs and DVDs for sale benefitting the library. Refreshments will be served Friday night. 8/12: 6:30-8:30 p.m. 8/13: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 8/14: 2-5:30 p.m. 8/15: 9 a.m.8:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Admission: $2 on Friday night, free all other days. More information: www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

8/14- Children’s Dance Foundation Community Fest. Activities for the family

Family Fun

8/6- Allstar Weekend. Known for “Suddenly Yours,” released last year, this band

showcased on the Disney Channel specializes in pop-rock. 8 p.m. Alabama Adventure. Admission: $35.99 (general) $25.99 (children and seniors), children under three are free. More information: www.alabamaadventure.com.

8/11- “Picture of Health” Gala. Presented by Birmingham Bombshell, this ovarian cancer research benefit and calendar release gala includes food from local restaurants and music from DJ Rafa. 7-11 p.m. Old Car Heaven, 115 35th Street South. Admission: $25. More information: www.thinkoflaura.org or call 2438590.

8/16- Get Wild! A family friendly event promoting bird conservation with glove-

trained birds. 1-2 p.m. Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain State Park. Admission: $3 (adults) $1 (children). More information: www.awrc.org.

Sports 8/5, 8/6, 8/7, 8/8, 8/9- Birmingham Barons v. Jackson Generals. 8/5, 8/8 and 8/9: 7:05 p.m. 8/6: 6:30 p.m. 8/7: 5 p.m. Regions Park. Admission: starting at $7. More information: web.minorleaguebaseball.com/schedule.

8/16, 8/17, 8/18, 8/19, 8/20- Birmingham Barons v. Montgomery Biscuits. 8/16-

8/19: 7:05 p.m. 8/20: 6:30 p.m. Regions Park. Admission: starting at $7. More information: web.minorleaguebaseball.com/schedule.

Music & Arts 8/7- Jazz in the Park. Features the Neo Jazz Collective, Kim Scott and Keith Williams. 5-8 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Admission: free. More information: www.magiccitysmoothjazz.com.

8/11- Cocktails in the Gardens. “Surf on the Tuft” will feature the music of Jon

Black and the signature drink: Sea Breeze. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Hill Garden. Admission: $15 (for non-members). More information: www.bbgardens.org.

8/12-14- Birmingham Arts and Music (BAAM) Fest. Features more than 200 local

and regional artists in different genres. 6-10 p.m. Venues vary, but include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, McWane Science Center, Birmingham Museum of Art and ArtPlay. Admission: $15/day, $35/weekend. More information: baamfest.com.

8/14- Jazz in the Park. Features the Neo Jazz Collective, Tena Wilson, Goodfellas

and On Purpose. 5-8 p.m. Vulcan Park. Admission: free. More information: www.magiccitysmoothjazz.com.

including kids’ craft zone, face painting, outdoor moonwalk and a silent auction. 2-5 p.m. Children’s Dance Foundation. Admission: free. More information: www.childrensdancefoundation.org or call 870-0073.

8/20- Ben Folds. Listen to the music of singer-songwriter Ben Folds. 8 p.m. Alys

8/15- Senior Center Violinists. A husband and wife violin duo from the Birmingham

8/21- Jazz in the Park. Features the Neo Jazz Collective, Overfloe and Jose Carr. 5-8

Symphony will play and lunch will be provided. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Homewood Senior Center. Admission: $10. More information: call Barbara Pilato at 229-7317 or email barbarapilato@att.net.

8/16- Homewood City Schools Board Meeting. Beginning of year discussions. 7 p.m. Homewood Board of Education. More information: www.homewood.k12.al.us

8/17- Book Signing: Patti Callahan Henry. Henry will speak and sign Coming Up For Air. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. More information: www. alabamabooksmith.com.

8/18- Homewood Middle School Jamboree. Middle school football preseason play. 5:30 p.m. (7th grade) 7:15 p.m. (8th grade). Pelham Middle School. More information: www.homewood.k12.al.us/hms.

8/20- Are U ABle? A 5K benefitting the Foundation for Physical Therapy by the

Department of Physical Therapy at UAB. 7:30 a.m. Homewood High School. Admission: $25 (5K) $20 (1 mile run/walk). More information: www.areuable. org.

8/20- Back to School Bash. A fun night with rides, inflatables, food and different

entertainment. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Homewood Central Park. Admission varies. More information: call Rusty Holley at 332-6705.

8/23- Homewood High School Open House Parent Night. Parents tour HHS and

meet teachers. 6 p.m. Homewood High School. More information: www. homewood.k12.al.us/hhs.

8/23- Chamber Luncheon. Sponsored by Johnston, Barton, Proctor & Rose and features a panel of experts on topics facing small businesses. 11:30 a.m. Homewood Public Library. Admission: $17. More information: www.homewoodchamber. com.

Stephens Center. Admission: $40 (general admission) $20 (UAB students only). More information: www.alysstephens.ua.edu/events.

p.m. Tom Bradford Park, intersection of Diamond Head Drive and Edwards Lake Road. Admission: free. More information: www.magiccitysmoothjazz. com.

8/25- The Taste of Birmingham. Showcasing the best flavors of our city that benefits

the Birmingham Boys Choir with a portion going toward the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. 6-9 p.m. The Club, Grand Ballroom. Admission: $100. More information: www.thetasteofbirmingham.com.

8/26-28- Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. A festival for independent filmmakers in downtown Birmingham. Friday: 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. Locations include theAlabama Theatre, Carver Theatre, McWane Science Center and Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Cabaret Theatre. Admission: $80 (sidewalk film and party pass) or $225 (VIP). More information: almovingimage.org.

8/28- Jazz in the Park. Features the Neo Jazz Collective, Foxy Fatts and RAW Jazz

Trio. 5-8 p.m. Sidewalk Film Festival. Admission: free. More information: www.magiccitysmoothjazz.com.

Food and Wine 8/6- Chef’s Peach Sensation. Full Life Ahead Foundation fundraiser. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Pepper Place. Admission: $15. More information: www.fulllifeahead.org.

8/19-28- Birmingham Restaurant Week. Features different prix fixe selections at $10, $20 and $30 at various restaurants in Birmingham. Restaurant hours vary by location. Prices: $10, $20 or $30. More information: www. bhamrestaurantweek.com.

8/24- Book Signing: Wayne Flynt. Meet Flynt and get him to sign your copy of Keeping

Homewood Music Listings

8/26- HHS v. Bessemer City. Homewood varsity football kicks off the 2011 season.

Wild Rock Grill

the Faith. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. More information: www.alabamabooksmith.com. 7 p.m. Bessemer City High School. More information: www.homewood.k12. al.us/hhs.

Special Events

8/5—Chrys Black, 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday night—Karaoke by Chance, 9 p.m.

Pinches Tacos

8/5-7- Alabama Sales Tax Holiday. Tax-free school items for a new school year.

Every Friday night—Live music with WJOX personality “Rock Star,” 7-9 p.m.

8/28- Southern Bridal Show. Meet with wedding professionals including caterers,

McCormick & Schmick’s

Begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and ends at 12 midnight on Sunday. For specifics, please call 334-242-1490.

florists and planners to plan your wedding day. 12-5 p.m. BJCC Exhibition Hall. Admission: $10 (includes a year’s subscription to Brides Magazine). More information: www.bjcc.org/events.

Do you know of events in our community? We would love to include them. Please email Ashley@thehomewoodstar.com by the 15th of each month for the publication in the next month’s issue.

Every Tuesday night—Jazz music with Lesa Paddick and the LP Trio, 6-9 p.m.

Nabeel’s

Every Friday night—Live violinist Every Saturday night—Live accordion player

Homewood Fashions

www.TheHomewoodStar.com

| August 2011 |

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Activities

Birmingham School of Dance

2011 - 2012 School Year Session: September 10th – May 21st Enrolling now: $37.00 per month ﬁrst student $27.00 second student Registration Fee: $25.00 Contact us: (205) 945-3094 - dance.Birmingham@gmail.com – 3807 Jackson Blvd 35213

Classes Offered

Ballet and Fairy Tales™ and Tap Combo Monday 4:45-5:25 (Homewood Recreation Center) (3-4 yr olds) This class is for the young dancer with little to no dance training. Students will improve coordination, posture, ﬂexibility and concentration by practicing the fundamental concepts of ballet and tap. Many props are used in this exciting class! Each class will also investigate character development through the study of traditional fairy tales and imagination. Jazz/Tap/Ballet Combo - Tuesday 4:45-5:30 (Homewood Recreation Center) (5 and up) Dancenastics ™ Monday 5:30-6:20 (Homewood Recreation Center Room #100) (5-7) Tuesday 5:30-6:20 (Homewood Recreation Center Room #100) (8 -12) Why hasn’t this been done before? This is cheernastics redone! This class will be a combo class of cheerleading, tumbling and dancing. Students will learn short routines to fun music like High School Musical and Hannah Montana. They will also be learning cheers, jumps and intro tumbling. They will practice rhythm and more complex movement patterns by performing beginning combinations. Students will improve coordination, concentration, balance, and rhythm through dance and cheerleading while establishing a solid foundation of technique 101 and having a blast.

Karate

Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Homewood Community Center from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Auditorium. 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

Kindermusik with Kelly Alligood

Kindermusik is the best choice in programs for you and your child. 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.

Class Schedule:

Wednesdays 9:30 Village (infant to 18 months) 10:30 Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30 Village (infant to 18 months) 1:30 Family Time (0-5 years multi-age class) Thursdays 9:30 Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 10:30 Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30 Village (infant to 18 months) 1:30 Imagine That (3-5 years) Classes are held January through May and August through December. You can enroll at any time. Call us at 205.552.6129 or email us at Kelly.alligood@ charter.net for more information. Visit us online at http:// kellyalligood.yourvirtuoso.com.

Firm Body Bootcamps

Firm Body Bootcamps is an intense fitness program designed to help you lose body fat and tone. Every time you come it’s a different workout so you never get bored. Class times available are MWF 5:30 am – 6:30am & 6:00pm – 7:00pm www.firmbodybootcamps.com

Zumba

Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music and dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness program. The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the entire body to create a one of a kind workout. Zumba uses the principles of interval training and resistance training to maximize calories burned, fat burning, and total body toning. Zumba targets areas of the body such as glutes, legs, arms, abs, and the most important muscle...your heart! The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the entire body. Get ready to sweat, have fun, and BURN some calories!!! Instructor: Camille Scruggs Costs: $5 Pay as you go -- NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED Punch cards available for 10 classes for $40 Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or camillescruggs@gmail.com Days & Times: Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm • Thursday 5:306:30pm Saturday 9:00-10:00am

Belly Dancing with Aziza

Homewood Community Center Auditorium Class fee: $60 cash only For more information contact Aziza at 879-0701 or azizaofbirmingham@att.net Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance (classic Egyptian style) with Aziza, award winning dancer, with 36 years of experience in performance and instruction. Women only, ages 13 and up are welcomed in class 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 are 7:00-8:30pm for beginners and 7:00-8:45pm for intermediates and advanced. Beginners start with the basic steps, isolations and shimmies and progress to the intermediate class where you will learn to put the dance together with more advanced steps and combinations plus dancing with the veil; advanced classes include performing with zills, cane, veil with more advanced and longer performances. The classes are for anyone who wants to dance for fun and ﬁtness, as well as those who wish to perform. Aziza has trained dancers to perform for many events in the Southeastern area in addition to dancers who perform regularly at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant in Hoover. www.azizaofbirmingham.com

H.E.A.T (Homewood Explorer Adventure Team)

The H.E.A.T. program gives middle school students a chance to experience athletics, cultural arts and outdoors along with providing community service to our local area. These diﬀerent areas of emphasis are designed to develop well rounded young adults both socially and culturally. Registration: (Will continue through the month of August) Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm - Homewood Community Center Main Oﬃce Program Fee: $75 Per Participant (Homewood Residents only -- grades 6th – 8th) For more information contact: Rusty Holley at 332-6705 rusty.holley@homewoodal.org

Howlynn Dog Obedience Training

We Train you to train your dog! Howlynn Obedience Training (HOT) is a program that oﬀers various levels of obedience training for dogs and their owners. Whether you wish to compete in obedience events or just want a well behaved pet to sit, stay and walk with you, HOT trains you to train your dog using positive reinforcement. www.howlynn.com Class Schedule: We meet Monday evenings at 7:00 P.M. for 6 weeks Classes start September 12, 2011 * Please call to conﬁrm class dates. * In order to have a class, we must have at least 3 people registered for class For further information on classes, please contact Irene Lynn at 205-908-8819 or 205-879-5966 or email UAB444@ bellsouth.net

www.Homewoodparks.com

Jazzercise

Burn up to 600 calories in one fun and powerfully eﬀective, 60-minute total body workout. Choreographed to today’s hottest music, Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, hip-hop, and kickboxing. All ages, levels and sizes welcome. Go to jazzercise.com for class information or call 1-800-FIT-IS-IT. Call your Homewood class owner, Leisa Crossley at 205-481-0895 for class days and times.

Head Over Heels Gymnastics!

Gymnastics promotes coordination, flexibility and balance. We teach gymnastics at your child’s individual level in a fun, creative and positive environment, therefore developing selfconfidence, a love for fitness and a sense of achievement. Skills are taught on the Swing Bar, Balance Beam, Trampoline, Springboard, Tumbling apparatus, and other fun props! Dates: 1st session: Sept 22 – Nov 10th 2nd session: Jan 12 – March 1st 3rd session: March 8 – May 3rd (no class March 19-23) Day: Thursdays Times: 3:30 – 4:15 pm for Ages 3-5 4:15 - 5:00 pm for Ages 6 & up Fee: $80.00 for Homewood residents, $85 for non-residents

Better Body Bootcamp

Class on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30PM - 6:30PM Bootcamp is one of the top fitness trends of 2011 because it is high energy, very challenging and you get results fast! It is for all fitness levels and combines exercises like squats, planks, sprints and lots of great core work. We measure you on the first and last day of class so that you can see your progress. Total cost is $150 for 12 sessions. Please call Cassie Moore at 205-355-8298 or e-mail us at WorkItBirmingham@gmail.com www.WorkItBirmingham.com

Athletics

Fall Girls Softball

Homewood Parks and Recreation oﬀers Fall Girls Softball for girls ages 6 – 12. Our fall program is dedicated to improving player’s individual skills, team work, and sportsmanship. We encourage all teams to practice once during the week in addition to the practice or game on Sunday. The Fall Season runs through the month of October. Practice Begins: Sunday, September 11th, 2011 Fall Games: All games on Sunday (To begin: late September / early October) Registration: July 18th – September 7th, 2011 Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm Homewood Community Center Main Oﬃce Program Fee: $40 Per Participant; Includes Jersey for Games For more information please contact: Rusty Holley at 332-6705 (or) rusty.holley@homewoodal.org

Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball

The Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League is a youth recreational baseball league for the citizens of Homewood, as well as, surrounding communities. The HPYBL board works with the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board in scheduling games/practices. Please visit our website for more information about the upcoming fall season. www.homewoodyouthbaseball.com

City Wide Special Event Back to School Bash

Saturday, August 20th 2011 – 5:30pm The Back to School Bash will be held August 20th from 5:30 – 8:30pm at Homewood Central Park. The event will kick oﬀ the new school year with an array of rides, inﬂatables, food and entertainment throughout the night. Proceeds go to selected community organizations. For more information contact Rusty Holley at 332-6705 (or) rusty.holley@homewoodal.org

| August 2011 |

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