The Homewood Star
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Volume 2 | Issue 8 | November 2012
Building positive change in Homewood
Rising in the
rankings
Limbaugh begins term as council president By JEFF THOMPSON As newly elected Homewood City Council president Bruce Limbaugh enters his first term, the importance of communication – with both Council members and residents – will be his guide, he said. “I know the best and quickest way to earn respect is through transparency in communication,” said Limbaugh. “The reality is, we’re not going to provide the answer everyone wants to hear 100 percent of the time, but we are going to provide an answer.” After qualifying to run less than a week before the cutoff, Limbaugh received 57 percent of the vote in the August General Election to defeat his opponent, 12-year council veteran Jackie Langlow. His platform focused on his successes in the public and private sectors as well as strong positions on encouraging and including resident participation in local government. Specifically, Limbaugh said he wants the council to focus on faster responses to resident communication and aggressively New Homewood City Council President Bruce Limbaugh, pictured here with his wife Debbie on election night, begins his term in office this month. Photo by Dan Starnes.
See LIMBAUGH | page 15
Homewood Middle School cross country teams have been placing in meets just as the high school teams have risen during this season thanks to bigger teams and better placement at local invitational meets. In this issue, find out how both teams are attaining success.
Sports page 20
Adoption journeys
Fixing 280 one light at a time By JEFF THOMPSON
Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656
An Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) proposal to begin addressing the abhorrent congestion on Highway 280 is ready for scrutiny. On Monday, Nov. 19, ALDOT is giving the public the opportunity to review and comment on a new multi-million dollar plan to reduce average drive times down Highway 280. The plan focuses on proposed changes to 26 intersections between Hollywood Boulevard, located less than a mile past the Red Mountain Expressway interchange, and Hugh Daniel Drive, one intersection east of State Highway 119. “Our goal is to shorten a driver’s trip by three to five minutes,” ALDOT Director John Cooper said while speaking to the
Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce last month. “I believe this will cost $12-15 million, and we’ll be able to take it to bid by April and have it done by November 2013.” According to ALDOT Division 3 Engineer Brian Davis, the plan involves a long list of improvements, and the department has a different plan for each intersection. Among other things, the project includes eliminating some access points to the main highway, reconfiguring side streets and widening intersections. Mostly, though, it’s about the lights. Davis explained that the average cycle for a traffic signal on Highway 280 is 170 seconds, and the highway is only allocated an average of 65 seconds per cycle. The proposed plan could raise that to an average
See 280 | page 15 Alabama Department of Transportation Preconstruction Engineer Lance Taylor and Division Engineer Brian Davis review new plans to reduce traffic drive time on Highway 280. Photo by Jeff Thompson.
Jason and Amy Bickell along with big sister Molly brought home Frank, now 14 months, after a two-and-a-half-year domestic adoption process. Learn their story and that of the Waldens and Herrings, two Homewood families who have adopted internationally recently.
Community page 10
INSIDE Sponsors ............... 4 City ......................... 6 Celebrations ......... 8 Community ........... 9 Opinion .................. 19
School House ..... 20 Sports ................... 24 Food ...................... 26 Happenings ......... 28 Calendar ............... 30
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November 2012
The Homewood Star
moonlight MADNESS SALE DOORS OPEN AT 10PM ON THANKSGIVING Shop during our Moonlight Madness Sale and save even more on our already low outlet prices. Be one of the first 500 shoppers when the doors open at 10PM on Thanksgiving and receive a free gift with a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. Plus, text to win prizes throughout the night. Visit shopsofgrandriver.com for more information.
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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 3-14
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BMC_updatedbaby-VillageLiving-10x7_5.pdf TheHomewoodStar.com
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9/14/12
November 2012
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November 2012
The Homewood Star
About Us Please Support our Sponsors
Photo of the Month Todd Roberts with his daughter, Kindergartener Audrey, after she won the Hall-Kent Fun Run 5-year-old girl’s division. Photo courtesy of Todd Roberts.
Call for Santa Photos The Homewood Star is looking for funny kids photos with Santa to run in an upcoming issue. Email submissions to ashley@thehomewoodstar.com by Nov. 9.
Editor’s Note By Ashley Berkery I received a phone call earlier this year from a Homewood mom who informed me her son was getting married in October at the quaint Woodland Park on Woodland Drive right here in Homewood. She said that her son had special memories of the park from when he was in elementary school at Edgewood, and he told her many years ago that he wanted to get married there. Coincidentally, this little “pocket park” is a favorite place of mine. I walk my boys and my dog there almost daily. Well guess what? In mid-October, I was driving by and saw the loveliest sight. It was a gorgeous fall day. The park was closed for their private event. They had wedding bows, tables and chairs on the green grass, food, a cake, family
and friends mingling, and basically everything that gives me chills about a wedding. I am sure it was a beautiful ceremony – and one that was very special and precious to the groom. This is just one example of why I love Homewood so much. A young boy’s dream wedding came true at one of our hidden gems – a simple but special neighborhood park. We are proud to present a new section to our paper this month, The Homewood Star’s “Celebrations” section. It is a complimentary listing for all things celebratory: your engagements, your weddings, your anniversaries etc. If you will email me at ashley@thehomewoodstar. com, we’ll see if we can get your photos and information in the next available monthly issue.
With fall in full swing, Allison Banks with Allison Banks Design has shared exclusively with us some fall decorating tips to spice up your holiday tables. Be sure to check out her stylish ideas on page 18. Also, Homewood resident Tiffany Davis, who is co-owner of In Good Taste Catering shares her business story with us just in time for Thanksgiving (and just in time for you to relax this year and have your holiday meal catered to your door and to perfection). If you are traveling this fall, and especially over the coming holidays, please travel safely. We are always interested in your ideas for stories in future issues, and your feedback on how we are serving you is equally important. We appreciate the time you invest in reading The Homewood Star.
The Homewood Star
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Contributing Editor: Sales and Distribution :
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Ashley Berkery Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Matthew Allen Contributing Writers : Rick Watson Lauren Denton Dannelly Farrow Intern : Kaitlin Bitz Published by : Homewood Star LLC
Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@thehomewoodstar.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Ashley@thehomewoodstar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
For advertising contact: dan@280living.com Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of
editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
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A Touch of Whimsy (19) Alabama Allergy & Asthma (30) ALDOT (8) Aldridge Gardens (5) Aloft (20) Armor Insurance (6) Baker Lamps and Linens (13) Birmingham Speech and Hearing (24) Briarcliff Shop (24) Brookdale Place (9) Brookwood Medical Center (3) Children’s of Alabama (7) Christmas Village (31) D1 Sports (21) Davis Lawley for Judge (23) Dawson Day School (20) Four Corners Gallery (11) Full Moon Barbecue (10) Harmony Landing (9) Homerwood Chamber (24, 25) Homewood Antiques (17) Homewood Family Dentistry (3) Homewood Music (17) Homewood Parks and Recreation (22) iJump 280 (29) Iron Tribe (32) Jacqueline DeMarco (23) Jeannette Briscoe (14) Jimmie Hale Mission (16) Jo Jo’s Diner (23) Judge Sherri Friday (10) Junior League of Birmingham (5) Lovoy’s (12) Mountain Brook Art Association (14) MedHelp (26) New York Pizza (13) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (30) Piggly Wiggly (14) Plastic Surgery Specialists (11) Red Mountain Espresso (27) Regency Retirement Village (28) Respiratory Sleep Associates (31) Salem’s Diner (17) Salsarita’s (28) Second Hand Rose (27) Sharp Remodeling Specialty (21) Shops of Grand River (2) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (29) Southern Fireplaces (16) The Lingerie Shoppe (18) The Maids (1) The Wade Team (6) United Way (26) Vella, King and Jackson (18) Virginia Vinson for Judge (12) Wallace-Burke (15) Zounds (19)
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING NEEDS
NOVEMBER 14 -17, 2012
CAHABA GRAND CONFERENCE CENTER U.S. Hwy. 280
SNEAK PEEK PARTY
Free Parking
SNAPS WITH SANTA
MARTIE & THE MARKET
Wednesday, November 14 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 17 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 15 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
TICKETS
Enjoy brunch with Alabama’s own Martie Duncan, “Food Network Star” finalist & party planning guru.
$12 General Admission $36 Sneak Peek Party $24 Martie & The Market $10 Group Ticket * $24 3-Day Must Have Pass
Join Santa & Mrs. Claus for Snaps with Santa on Saturday morning - free with your general admission.
All events open to the public. Strollers welcome Thursday & Friday after 2:00 p.m. and all day Saturday. Stroller-Free Thursday & Friday until 2:00 p.m *Groups of 10 or more may purchase General Admission tickets to The Market for $10 per ticket. Not valid on JLB member quota tickets.
Thursday, November 15 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, November 16 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 17 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets: www.juniorleaguemarket.com All proceeds benefit the mission and community projects of the Junior League of Birmingham
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November 2012
The Homewood Star
City Thames wins Ward 1 council runoff
Mayor’s Minute
Dear friends and neighbors,
Homewood City Council member Britt Thames with wife, Amanda, and son, Britton.
By JEFF THOMPSON In the only runoff of the 2012 Homewood City Council election, Britt Thames defeated Danielle Benfield for the Ward 1, Place 2 seat in October. Thames received 206 votes to Benfield’s 148. “It was a lot of fun, though it was longer than we anticipated,” Thames said. “But one benefit of having the runoff was it gave me the opportunity to go through the ward a couple of times and meet the people more than once. I think it will make my work easier for me going forward.” Thames said his initial focus while serving with the council will be to increase his ward’s participation in city government. “One of the great things about Homewood is even though it’s surrounded by a metropolitan area it’s a small city and government can be very responsive,” he said. “What I’ve seen over the last 10 months is that people who take the time to ask for something from their council are usually satisfied by the response.”
Besides encouraging residents to communicate more with the council, Thames said his background in dealing with government from the state to the municipal level prepared him for upcoming projects in the city. Thames, now owner of The Booth in Tucaloosa, said his previous work in construction and property management will afford him valuable input regarding construction decisions. Thames said the primary projects he hopes to work on during his term are the construction of the new recreation center and the relocation of the Homewood Police Department to a facility that can better support the department’s size. In addition, he said he would like to develop a rolling plan to improve the city’s infrastructure. “One of the best things about having a landlocked city is we can focus on upgrading and repairing what we have rather than spreading out,” he said. Britt Thames, 32, received his business degree from Samford University. He is married to Amanda Thames, and the couple has one son, Britton.
ARMOR INSURANCE
At the end of October, the last regularly scheduled City Council meeting for the 2008 term marked four years as mayor having come and gone. It was an especially emotional night because it meant listening to many say goodbye to those council members whose term had ended. After speaking, I sat listening to each council member speak about things meaningful to them as they have served this City of Homewood, and it became very clear to me just how much we all have enjoyed serving. I came into office four years ago as mayor excited about the possibilities and nervous about how I would run a $40 million city. There were several things that gave me peace and confidence about doing the job. I knew right from wrong, my neighbors believed in me, I would never plan on spending more than was brought in, and my mom and dad taught me from an early age how to treat others. Another factor that gave me peace was having a really good council. I knew they could be a tremendous support to me and to this city and would help in every way possible. I can honestly say we all kept our word to each other as council and mayor—but more importantly as neighbors. Some of the council members have served with me since 2000, and I look back on some things that have happened since then. We’ve built a senior center, soccer fields, world-class walking trails and a new fire station, and we completely redesigned downtown Homewood. We’ve also built a new Fleet Maintenance Building and a new traffic department, increased landscaping on and revitalized the Greensprings area, and repaved more than $1.5 million worth of
streets. We have a new middle school on Valley Avenue, and we are nearing completion of West Homewood’s Patriot Park. And yet there is more to come. I fully expect to start building a new recreation center and continue to add to the walking trails, and the council has already approved more sidewalks. We are looking to start West Oxmoor Road’s improvements once final plans are completed and have already held a meeting last month looking at the long-range plans for West Homewood. The past four years in a row have ended in surplus, no employees have been laid off, and no workweeks have been shortened to meet budget. There have been a few nay sayers along the way, but I have never been willing to surrender Homewood’s dreams to the noisy negatives, and neither has the majority of the council. For we know that no one has ever stumbled onto something big while sitting down and nothing dies quicker than a new idea in a closed mind. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as mayor with this council and the members who have believed in Homewood. I’m grateful for them staying focused and positive and I will expect the same from those new council members coming in on Nov. 5. With kindest regards I remain Sincerely,
Scott McBrayer Mayor, City of Homewood
Happy Thanksgiving from “The Wade Team”
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283-2349
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107 Columbiana Rd Homewood, Al 747.0770 billy@armorinsofal.com
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
Rotary dedicates Estess memorial
On Sept. 24, the Rotary Club of Shades Valley dedicated a memorial to Glenn E. Estess Sr. The gathering took place in the Japanese Garden of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Estess was Rotary International President during its Centennial Year and a past president of RCSV.
Holiday crime prevention tips By SGT. ANDREW DIDCOCT Members of the Homewood Police Department want residents to enjoy the holiday season this year, but they encourage you to beware of your surroundings.
ff Avoid leaving electronics and other items in your vehicle. ff Make sure your residence doors and windows are secured. ff Properly dispose of electronic boxes and gift wrappings. ff Place all used gift wrappings in dark colored trash bags. ff Don’t advertise or alert criminals of recent gifts or purchases. ff Use caution when interacting with solicitors. ff Check on elderly residents who might live alone. ff Request an extra-patrol of your residence if you are going out of town. ff Report suspicious activity to the Homewood Police Department by calling 332-6202.
Annual Holiday Open House
Homewood and Edgewood merchants are getting ready for the 11th Annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Businesses in the Edgewood and 18th Street downtown areas will be open late. The Homewood Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event to encourage the community to shop locally in smaller boutiques closer to home and to support our local businesses this holiday season.
More than 2,000 people attended the event last year. Organizers hope that special in-store events, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and plenty of free parking will help top that number this year. To further ease parking worries, a free holiday trolley will be making stops between the downtown area and Edgewood to accommodate shoppers. Maps featuring trolley routes and parking areas will be available in the businesses and on homewoodchamber.com.
Jogging safety in Homewood By SGT. ANDREW DIDCOCT This time of year the streets of Homewood are buzzing with pedestrians – walkers, runners, cross country teams from local schools, running groups from the Trak Shak, parents pushing jogging strollers and children walking to school. It seems as though every weekend there is a road race in the area of Homewood Park. Be sure to follow these tips to ensure your safety while using our roads on foot:
ff Do not assume a driver sees you or is willing
to drive around you. Just as you drive defensively, walk or run in the same manner. Do not assume that the vehicle will stop or give you the right of way. ff Limit the chances of being struck by using the
sidewalks when available (it is the law) and avoid the busy streets. ff Joggers and walkers should wear bright reflective clothing. Early morning and late evening can be dangerous because of limited visibility. ff Take advantage of the many sidewalks and the jogging trail on Lakeshore Drive. ff Cross the road at a designated crosswalk. Do not take shortcuts between parked cars. ff Because it will impede your ability to hear, listening to music while walking or jogging is not recommended. ff Carry a cell phone with you in case of emergency. ff Above all, always be alert and don’t assume vehicles see you or are willing to yield.
Trinity to hold Hanging of the Green Trinity United Methodist will observe the beginning of the Advent Season Sunday evening, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. with a worship service of Hanging of the Green and a program of sacred music of the season led by Trinity’s Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra. Included will be special works by bass soloist Dr. Won Cho of UAB’s music faculty and piano soloist Dr. Kathryn Fouse, Samford University’s Associate Dean of Music. Both are leading participants in Trinity’s music ministry. In conjunction with “Hanging of the Green,” the service will include scripture, prayers, liturgy, and it will be Trinity’s principal music
program of the holiday season. The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present anthems of the season, and Trinity musical ensembles Praise Alliance, Seeds of Faith and the William A. Gardner Handbell Choir will also be part of the service. There is no admission charge, and everyone is cordially invited. A nursery is provided, and free valet parking is available. Trinity is located at 1400 Oxmoor Road and can be reached at 879-1737. For more information on the church, visit trinitybirmingham.com.
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November 2012
Celebrations
The Homewood Star Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email ashley@thehomewoodstar.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!
A Woodland Park wedding
Jost-Barnett
A founding Edgewood Elementary “Ranger” marks 18 years of park history
Russell Hooks and Amber Karasiewicz married at Woodland Park on Oct. 13.
By KAITLIN BITZ In 1994, teacher Ann Damsgard and her Edgewood Elementary School fifth grade class turned a small piece of land left over from a housing development off Edgewood Boulevard into Woodland Park. “It was in sad condition and overgrown,” Damsgard said. “Kids would play in it and climb trees, but it was mainly just not a nice place to be.” The “Woodland Park Rangers” Damgsard started began working alongside the city of Homewood to turn the piece of land into
something more. “How many kids have never climbed a tree or been to the creek? City kids don’t always get to do that,” Damsgard said. “There were a lot of people who were interested, and the city thought it was worth fixing it up.” Eighteen years later, Woodland Park Ranger Russell Hooks, 29, married Amber Karasiewicz in the memorable spot on Oct. 13. “We were looking around at different venues, and Woodland Park is kind of outrageous hidden gem of the Birmingham area,” Hooks said. “I thought it would be nice to have an outdoor fall wedding.”
One of the couple’s first dates was at Woodland Park, and they both liked the idea of getting married at a place that marked so much of their history. “Having that personal tie with the park is very neat,” Hooks said. In order to enjoy the atmosphere of the park, Hooks and Karasiewicz had reception games such as giant jenga and corn hole. Damsgard is now retired from teaching but is still involved in the Homewood community. She was thrilled that the Woodland Park project is still a part of Hooks’ life. “It’s really special to hear that he finds some peace and joy in what we did. Those memories are powerful,” Damsgard said. “It was probably a little unusual for a class to make a difference in the community and in our world, and obviously he carried that with him for a while.” Hooks hopes that by having his wedding at Woodland Park he can draw more attention back to the location. “Since Amber and I had one of our first dates there, we thought it needed love,” Hooks said. “I think it’s a valuable place to Homewood. It would make me happy if more people in Homewood knew about it and got to go and enjoy it.” Vendors for the wedding were: Kathy Milam of The Alabama Gift Company in Gadsden, event planning; Evelyn Criswell Catering; and Tammy Pope of Homewood, photography.
Audrey and John Jost of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Lydia Jost, to Tyler Barnett, son of Jane and Jack Barnett of St. Louis. The bride-elect is currently employed as a third grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood. She is the granddaughter of Art and Ginger Sharbel of Vestavia Hills. Miss Jost is a 2004 graduate of Spain Park High School and a 2008 graduate of Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and Golden Key. The prospective groom received an undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas. He is currently a law student at the University of Missouri and anticipates graduating in 2013. The wedding will be held May 18, 2013 at St. Elias Maronite Church.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING
PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038( ) US Highway 280 Intersection Improvements/Access Management From Hollywood Boulevard to Doug Baker Boulevard Monday, November 19, 2012 Cahaba Grand Conference Center 3660 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35243 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Begin Project- Hollywood Blvd.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) personnel will be on hand to answer questions regarding the project. The Open House will begin at 4:00 PM. The Comment Period will be conducted between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, which includes a presentation on the proposed project. Any person wishing to comment during this period must register at the Sign-In Table. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE CONTACT: Mr. Brian C. Davis, Division Engineer Alabama Department of Transportation – Third Division P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745 Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE RECEIVED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING
End Project – Doug Baker Blvd
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
Reviving the Rosies
By RICK WATSON
Francis “Fran” Carter was a riveter in the days when Rosie rose to be a cultural icon. Now that many years have passed, she has worked to preserve the memory of those who held traditionally men’s jobs during World War II. “We were not women’s libbers, and we weren’t fighting for any rights. We were simply trying to get the war over and get the boys home,” said the resident of Brookdale Place off Lakeshore Drive. The Mississippi native had been studying to become a teacher at a junior college, but like many women during World War II, she longed to do something that helped the war effort. Her first choice was to join one of the women’s auxiliary services such as the WACS, WAFS or WAVES, but she was the youngest of her family and her mother was in poor health. “Mother didn’t want me to be that far from home. She was afraid I’d be killed,” Fran said. When Fran got an opportunity for a military job at an aircraft plant in Birmingham, her mother relented. Fran moved in with her brother, who lived in the area, and went to work at Betchel, McCome and Parsons Aircraft Modification Center. This enterprise later became Hayes Aircraft. She worked as a riveter affixing sheet metal parts on B-29 airplanes, a job held by men before the war had started. With that, Fran became a Rosie the Riveter, a cultural icon representing American women who went to work in jobs previously held by men during World War II. Fran, like most Rosies, wore coveralls while she worked. She couldn’t wear jewelry, and women with long hair had to wear nets
or scarves so their hair wouldn’t get caught in machinery. “We loved our coveralls, and we changed fashion in those days,” she said. Before Rosie the Riveter came along, all the women wore dresses, but afterward, it became acceptable for women to wear slacks. Fran was courting a number of men during this period of her life, but all of them were in the military, and coincidentally, all their names were John. One John was in the Navy in the South Pacific, a second John was in the Air Force, and the third, John Carter, was in the Army. Carter eventually won her heart, but he had to wait until she could break up with the others in person. Carter was still overseas when he learned of the breakup via V-mail (a precursor of Airmail). He sent a local jeweler some money and asked him to pick out a selection of rings from which Fran could pick. “It wasn’t very romantic, but I picked out a ring,” Fran said with a laugh. When Carter returned home after the war, he and Fran married in 1946. After their marriage, both went back to college, one to Mississippi State and the other to Southern Mississippi, and both went on to earn doctorates. Now great grandparents, this year they both celebrated 90th birthdays and their 66th wedding anniversary. In 1997, the couple visited the Little White House in Warm Springs, Ga., where Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to rest when he was president. There they saw a skit performed by a woman who was the daughter of a Rosie the Riveter. The skit got Fran to thinking that someone
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Community
Fran Carter, pictured with her husband John, founded the American Rosie the Riveter Assocation. Photo by Rick Watson.
should start an organization that recognized the legacy of these women who helped win the war. With a little encouragement from her husband, she founded The American Rosie the Riveter Association with the purpose of preserving the history and legacy of those women. “Our mission is patriotic, historical and educational,” she said. Fran wrote the bylaws to get the ball rolling. The group includes Rosie the Riveters;
Rosebuds, the daughters and granddaughters of Rosies; and Riveters, husbands of Rosies. Last year, 28 of the more than 4,000 international members in the organization met in Phoenix, Ariz., to preserve the impact they had on the outcome of World War II. To learn more about the American Rosie the Riveter Association, visit rosietheriveter.net or contact Fran Carter at 822-4106.
AY D I L HO HOUSE OPEN 8-10 NOV.
2925 18th Street South • Homewood 205-871-0585 • www.harmonylanding.com Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
10 November 2012
The Homewood Star
New families, new homes, amazing lives By KAITLIN BITZ In honor of National Adoption Month, The Homewood Star talked with several families in the community who have taken the adoption journey to become “forever families” to children in need of a home. Amy and Jason Bickell adopted for traditional reasons – they were struggling to have children. But even after a successful in vitro fertilization treatment that resulted in their first child, Molly, the couple decided to push through with the adoption process. After two and a half years of the open domestic adoption process, Amy and Jason brought home a bouncing baby boy from North Carolina. Frank, now 14 months, is a perfect match for the Bickells. “I think that once you get into the process of adoption and you finally have that child, it’s really amazing how divine it all is,” Amy said. “His personality fits so well with our family. You realize that it really is meant to be.” Amy and Jason still maintain contact with Frank’s birth mother. Although this is not the case with every domestic adoption, Amy feels it was the right one for her family. “We stay in touch through texts and emails, and we will always stay in touch,” Amy said. “I think the more honest you are, the better the experience.” She has also made the decision to employ a full disclosure policy as Frank gets older. “After talking to friends who had adopted or been adopted, the general consensus was to tell them from day one. We are going to tell him how special he
Homewood’s Walden family adopted 2-year-old Benjamin last year. Photo courtesy Heather Swanner Photography.
is and what I went through to get him and how wonderful adoption is,” Amy said. “I think being an adoptive mother also makes me very conscious of trying to be the best mother I can be because I have a birth mom out there who is counting on me.” Julie Herring knew she would adopt from childhood. “Being open to adoption was an important discussion prior to marriage to Everette,” Julie said. “There are just too many kids who don’t have families. There are so many people who are scared of adoption and I’ve never felt that way.” Julie grew up around adoption – her younger brother Cory was adopted
from South Korea. After she and her husband Everette had two of their own children, Charlie and Edie, they made the decision to begin pursuing an international adoption. Because of Julie’s family’s previous adoptive roots, Asia seemed like an ideal location. Because of China’s efficient adoptive programs, they made the decision to adopt a Chinese child with special needs, starting the process in March 2011. In April of 2012, they were matched with their daughter. Her form of congenital heart disease known as Tetralogy of Fallot, or TOF would require an operation later down the road, but she was otherwise a healthy toddler. A few months later, they were able to bring two-year-old Katie Herring, also
known as “Choo Choo” home to meet her new brother and sister. “The rewarding part is knowing that there’s one less orphan out there and one more child who gets to experience what family and love can be,” Julie said. “It’s been a challenge bringing a person with an unknown history and unknown likes and dislikes in and incorporating her smoothly within the family. But the greatest gift of adoption for us is the honor of being precious Katie’s mom and dad — we are the lucky ones.” Mendy and Forrest Walden felt called to adoption after having three biological children. “We always felt like we would do
it at some point,” Mendy said. “After we had our third child, we really started praying about what our family was going to look like. The more we prayed about it, the more God was showing us we were supposed to adopt, so we took that leap of faith.” Almost two years after starting the process, they were matched with their son, Biniam, which translates into the English name Benjamin, from Ethiopia. After a grueling 27-month process adopting from a third world country, riddled by less advanced technology and adoption law changes, just to name a few, they were finally able to bring Benjamin home. Now two and a preschooler at Trinity United Methodist Church, Benjamin loves Steel City Popsicles and palling around with his 5-year-old brother, David. The Waldens feel strongly about educating Benjamin about his heritage. They often talk to him about his homeland. For his upcoming Gotcha Day, they plan to take him to an authentic Ethiopian restaurant in Atlanta to celebrate. “We won’t be able to hide it, he’ll always know where he’s from,” Mendy said. “Maybe one day he’ll want to go back and visit and we’ll definitely take him. The other kids want to go too!” All three families agree that research, including spending time with a family who has adopted, is the most important thing for those looking to adopt. “One of the reasons we chose to live in Homewood is because of its
See ADOPTION | page 11
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
11
West Homewood residents give feedback on future development By JEFF THOMPSON
Julie and Everette Herring’s children, Edie, Katie and Charlie. Photo courtesy of the Herring Family.
Jason and Amy Bickell with their children, Molly and Frank.
diversity. I’m very excited that we’re seeing so many people adopting,” Julie said. “I think it will make it easier for the adopted kids because they will be able to identify with their peers.
We have a support group that has coffee once a month and play dates about twice a month, and it’s been good for Katie to see other Birmingham families with Chinese babies.”
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Residents of West Homewood were welcomed to the Homewood Senior Center on Oct. 11 to provide input on a master plan for the future of the community. Organized by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB), the plan will look at development in the West Homewood neighborhood over the next 20 years. Its development, according to Project Manager Philip Amthor, will cost approximately $100,000 and is being funded with $80,000 in federal grant money and $20,000 in matching funds from the City of Homewood. During the open forum in October, RPCGB solicited feedback from residents on a number of potential projects in the community. Diagrams indicating a new traffic plan for West Oxmoor Road on the west side of Interstate 65 received the most attention, as the plan proposed closing roads and removing signals to allow for better flow through the area. “Cobb Street is a speedway,” said resident Mona Reynolds. “We like (the plan) very much because it makes it where the speedway won’t exist any longer.” Other residents were hesitant to give approval, as the plan for traffic may reduce access to some businesses in the area and limits access to Oxmoor’s westbound lanes from businesses on the south side of the road. According to RPCGB, other issues raised by residents of West Homewood are security concerns and the desire for more retail businesses and restaurants in the neighborhood.
Darrell Howard, Deputy Director of Planning for the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, explains proposed changes on West Oxmoor Road to resident Mona Reynolds. Photo by Jeff Thompson.
Based on the results of the public forum, Amthor said RPCGB will collect the data and develop a master plan for the area that may be available for implementation by spring 2013.
12 November 2012
The Homewood Star
Happy, fun, weird and…momish Liz Landgren creates popular art in her Edgewood home By KAITLIN BITZ
Landgren’s studio overlooks Edgewood Elementary School’s playground. Photo by Kaitlin Bitz.
If you live in Homewood you most likely know Liz Landgren. And if you know Landgren, known to children as “Mrs. Lizard,” you also know that most of her days are spent painting in her unique Edgewood studio, otherwise known as her “tower.” There, she works until her three children return home from school. Landgren’s studio used to be in her basement next to the water heater, so the art studio she now has overlooking Edgewood Elementary School’s playground became a newfound haven when she and her husband, Brett, remodeled the space a few years ago. Liz picked out fun tile colors that she never planned to wipe off when they were spattered with paint. Her children, Bess, 11, Fox, 9, and Banks, 7, have a special area in her studio where they can come create their own artwork. The spiral staircase, the only access to her “tower,” adds a modern flair to her home. Liz, an art major at Ole Miss, started out by doing pet paintings. “One day, I pulled out all my paints for a huge honking picture of my dog, and someone saw it. It was a snowball effect from there,” Landgren said. “Birmingham Magazine did a feature on my pet paintings, and I was able to quit my job in retail, which was a huge blessing.” Since then, Landgren has expanded to painting many different subjects including
trees, angels and children. She has continually changed her style and focus since her start, but she still does popular pieces such as her owl paintings. Landgren also uses her art talent as a ministry to comfort others in their times of need. She has become known for sending pieces to parents who have lost children. “I would hear about people who had lost children or were going through a hard time, and it was such a blessing to do a painting for someone,” Landgren said. “Mrs. Lizard” can also be found around the schools helping children with various art projects each year. Most of Landgren’s work is done through commission, but Facebook has also been an important networking tool. She usually does a couple of shows a year, including Hot Strings, which took place at The Preserve on Sept. 30. She has two Homewood shows coming up this month: Holly Days on Nov. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at 117 Eastwood Drive, and Homewood Creatives on Dec. 7 and 8. Paintings start at $20. “My art is an escape for me,” Landgren said. “I’m something other than a wife and mom when I’m painting. I tried to be a serious artist for a while, but those pieces always ended up not so great. I realized I’m not a serious person. I decided to stick with fun and to stick with who I am as a person, which is happy, fun, weird and mom-ish.” To contact Liz about a show or a commission, email liz_landgren@yahoo. com.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
13
Edgewood Presbyterian celebrates 100 years By ERIC VELASCO Edgewood Presbyterian Church celebrated its centennial in October by reviving a symbol of its past while building a foundation for its future. The congregation first met under a tent at the corner of Oxmoor Road and Peerless Avenue on Sept. 23, 1912, and chose the name Edgewood Presbyterian Church on Oct. 12, 1912, according to a church history edited by Melissa Tate, a retired Samford University professor. The Centennial Celebration included reinstalling a church bell that called residents to worship from 1916 until 1952, when Edgewood’s original wooden sanctuary and bell tower were condemned and torn down. The bell was brought out of storage for the church’s 95th anniversary and restored this month to a new tower in time for the 100th. Members also are launching a $250,000 capital campaign to replace the 50-year-old air conditioning units and make other physical improvements, upgrade technology, update landscaping and retire debt. The official Centennial Celebration was held Oct. 28, and featured guest preacher Terry Newland, executive director of The Synod of Living Waters, which serves the regional church governing bodies in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Known for its huge stainedglass window depicting Jesus, tiny Edgewood Presbyterian Church is a prominent landmark on Homewood’s street of churches. Many know Edgewood as the final station in the
annual “Way of the Cross” procession in Homewood on Good Friday. “A lot of people mention they have seen Edgewood and noticed our ‘Christ window,’ but never have been inside,” said Rev. Sid Burgess, the church’s current and longest-serving pastor. “This is an opportunity for folks to see us from the inside, as well.” Edgewood Presbyterian Church formed when members of Oak Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Rosedale Cumberland Presbyterian Church congregation merged. They built a wooden sanctuary, installing a bell that had been donated to the Rosewood church in 1898. Hard financial times soon forced Edgewood to affiliate with several denominations. But the transition back started in 1925, when some affiliates split off to join a new congregation down Oxmoor Road, now known as Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Another group left Edgewood the next year to help form nearby Trinity United Methodist Church. Again affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Edgewood’s congregation expanded rapidly before and after World War II. But a rift led to a split in 1950, when the pastor was called to a church in Tennessee and 184 of Edgewood’s 519 members left. Termites also were gnawing away at the sanctuary, which was condemned as Edgewood marked its 40th anniversary. Services would be held in the education building for the
(Left)The original Edgewood Presbyterian Church opened in 1916, but was torn down in 1952 due to termite infestation. The current sanctuary was opened in 1967, but the church could not afford a new bell tower until its centennial celebration this year. Photos courtesy of Eric Velasco. (Below) Tom Coan (left) and Steve Jones complete a new bell tower outside Edgewood Presbyterian Church. The bell, built around 1898, called worshippers for 36 years, had been put in storage but was reinstalled in time for the church’s centennial.
next 16 years. A session vote in 1962 in support of racial integration led to another membership split as opponents left Edgewood. The remaining congregants celebrated the dedication of the current sanctuary in 1967, but they could not quite raise enough money for a replacement bell tower. Today’s Edgewood congregation was hewn from the Presbyterian Church debate to allow women to be ordained and gay people to be members. The opposition at Edgewood, including the minister and about half the congregation, left in 1978 to form a new church.
See CHURCH | page 15
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14 November 2012
The Homewood Star
Clean comedy for the community Local troupe teaches, performs improv By KAITLIN BITZ Comedy acts and charity go together for David Grissom and Kris Genschmer. The two are business partners in Positively Funny Inc., a company that uses sidesplitting improv comedy to raise money for their anti-bullying initiative, known as Bullying Is Not Funny. The best part? All of their comedy is clean and family-appropriate. “Everything we do is for the purpose of helping young people,” Grissom said. “In order to help young people, you need to be able to allow them in your audience.” Positively Funny started in July 2010 when the duo began performing around town and offering classes at Children’s Dance Foundation in Homewood. The seven level classes take place over an eight-week period and teach everything from SNL-style sketch writing to musical improv. Grissom and Genschmer have now graduated more than 70 students from their classes. “A lot of people take our level one course not wanting to progress to public performance,” Genschmer said. “Sometimes they just take it jumpstart creativity, handle conflict at work or to be a better public speaker. My wife took our level one and uses it everyday as a school teacher.” Positively Funny also offers workshops for students where Grissom and Genschmer use their improv talents to teach children about bullying and its negative consequences. “Our tagline is, ‘comedy with a purpose.’ We just try to use our talents to bring positive change to our young people,” Grissom said. “The antibullying workshops are improv-based. The principles of improv reinforce anti-bullying
David Grissom and Kris Genschmer perform on a Tuesday night at The Rare Martini. The troupe also teaches classes at Children’s Dance Foundation in Homewood. Photo by Kaitlin Bitz.
because improv is all about acceptance and agreement.” The organization also offers corporate services to companies looking to improve their staff’s teambuilding, group dynamics, leadership skills and more.
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For adults and youth looking to enjoy the comedy show, Positively Funny performs every Tuesday night at The Rare Martini at 7 p.m. They also book private holiday shows. Grissom and Genschmer hope to continue spreading their anti-bullying message as well as
performing for Birmingham residents. “There’s no bigger honor than making people laugh,” Grissom said. For more information about Positively Funny Inc.’s classes, anti-bullying initiative, corporate services or private bookings, visit positivelyfunnyinc.com.
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
CHURCH
CONTINUED from page 13 The remaining core of 85 members voted in Edgewood’s first women elders, Nell Barron, Estelle O. Wilbanks and Irma Kennedy. They, along with Carolun Hammill and Amy Duckworth are credited with holding Edgewood together as it sifted through a series of pastors during the 1980s. Then Burgess – a 20-year veteran of radio and television in the Birmingham area before graduating the seminary – accepted a shared call to Edgewood and another church. His first service at Edgewood, on Nov. 4, 1990, was attended by 25 people. But the congregation quickly grew under Burgess’ dynamic leadership, resulting in a grant by the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation in late 1991 that allowed Edgewood to
hire Burgess full-time and add key part-time staff. Edgewood was also one of the first area churches to establish a website. Under Burgess’ leadership, it has expanded its ministries and commitment to racial, social, environmental, stewardship and local causes. The church, for example, tithes to the First Light Shelter for Women. The capital campaign will provide an additional tithe to the Living River presbytery camp and conference center on the Cahaba River. Now with roughly 250 members, Edgewood Presbyterian Church is a demographically and socioeconomically diverse congregation that reflects the PCUSA slogan, “Open Hearted, Open Minded.”
15
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280
CONTINUED from page 1 of 110 seconds. With that extra 45 seconds, a car traveling at the 55 mile-per-hour speed limit – pending it wasn’t stopped by another light – could cover almost seven-10ths of a mile. The predicted time savings of three to five minutes may even be an understatement, Davis said. ALDOT is currently installing a high-tech traffic signal system called SCATS along Highway 280, which uses an adaptive computer system to reduce traffic delays by adapting to fluctuations in traffic. That project was bid before the proposal to alter intersections, and the two haven’t been modeled together. But with all the positives that come from a shorter drive down 280, Davis said he is aware ALDOT will be asking drivers to do things differently. At multiple intersections, ALDOT is proposing to remove the ability for drivers to either travel directly across or make left turns. However, the voices of many will likely outweigh the voices of a few. Division 3 Preconstruction Engineer Lance Taylor said some parts of Highway 280 carry more than 100,000 cars a day. “We have got to consider the issues for the 100,000 to be more important than the issues of the couple thousand trying to get from one side (of Highway 280) to the other,” Davis said. “Change is scary and change is sometimes painful, but our
goal is to balance that so at the end of their trip they say, ‘I’m better off because I saved four or five minutes.’” Davis and Taylor stressed the proposal being discussed on Nov. 19 was not the big fix for the highway’s traffic dilemma and has nothing to do with an elevated highway or toll road. In fact, four of the intersections that provide drivers with the most headaches – Rock Ridge Road, Interstate 459, Valleydale Road and Highway 119 – aren’t included. He said these intersections required a more time-intensive and costly commitment from the department. “I think the department will always be working on a long-term solution for 280,” Davis said. “But if you can spend $12-15 million and make a pretty decent improvement in the meantime, then all of a sudden you make it a more usable facility while you develop your solution. “Those people out there need a break and they need it today.” ALDOT will hold its public involvement meeting to discuss the new proposal on Monday, Nov. 19 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, located at 3660 Grandview Parkway. An open house to review the project begins at 4 p.m., and will be followed by a comment period at 5 p.m. For more, see page 8.
LIMBAUGH
CONTINUED from page 1 fill open positions on committees and boards. At the same time, he plans to weigh the need for some boards against their effectiveness or importance to city operation. Beyond the walls of City Hall, Limbaugh, 60, owner and president of Limbaugh Toyota, is focused on Homewood’s economy. For the past 10 years, Limbaugh served as a member of the Homewood City Schools Board of Education and was president for the three of those years. During that time he was a proponent for the development and implementation of a strategic plan for Homewood schools that took effect in 2007. He said that during this term he intends to pursue a strategic plan for the city as well, one that takes a long look at options for certain areas. “I want to look at what we can do around the Green Springs and Wildwood areas, and it certainly needs to be businesses that step in rather than non-businesses,” he said. “I don’t pretend to have the answers. I think I’ve got the questions. And I think to get those areas going it’s going to take reaching out to some expert advice.” Limbaugh said he has already had discussions with current and incoming council members about developing the plan, as well as implementing citywide neighborhood associations. He wants to be a listener to both residents and members of government and solidly set a tone of communication for moving forward. Outgoing president Allyn Holladay, a member of the council for eight years who served the past three as president, said Limbaugh is stepping in to an important but gratifying role. She thinks he’ll do well in the position. “It’s a very big responsibility, and many don’t understand what it takes to run a city with a $50 million budget,” she said. “For me, the challenge has been immense, but this council rose to it and I hope the next will as well.” Under Holladay’s leadership, the council
gained momentum with projects including the building of Patriot Park, the addition of Target to the Brookwood area and the development of a new recreation center for the city. And while the latter has been a point of contention for some Homewood residents, Limbaugh said he sees many positives in the project. “My grandchildren use the pool, and young moms love having that as a place to go during the summer,” he said. “I think there will be some neat features in the new building that will make it an ideal location for get togethers, and I think that has some real value.” But, as Limbaugh comes in at the close of planning for the center, he and other incoming members will have little to do with decisions about the facility beyond selecting contractors from solicited bids. He said he wished the project had cost less than the proposed $16.5 million, which he added could limit opportunities for his administration to tackle other projects around the city. He also said that his other wish was for an Olympic-size pool that could host swim team competitions. “I think that frankly those decisions have been made by the previous council though, and I respect that,” Limbaugh said. “In my mind that ship has sailed.” As he takes his place this month at the head of the council, Limbaugh said his only hope is to make the best of his decision to run – one he said was made neither in haste nor on his own. To him, taking on the role of president is a family affair, as his wife, Debbie, was extremely supportive of his determination to make Homewood a better place for their children and grandchildren who reside in the city. “If you asked me really why I’m doing this, it’s because I deeply love all my grandchildren, and I want to build a deep change in our city they can enjoy for many years to come,” Limbaugh said.
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16 November 2012
The Homewood Star
The Market returns with holiday gifts
Kindergartener’s tower featured in national Lego magazine
State Traditions, owned in part by Homewood resident Maury Lyon, is planning to release new children’s polos as part of the Junior League Market.
Local residents can give back to the community while shopping this holiday season. The Junior League of Birmingham’s annual three-day shopping extravaganza, The Market, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center located off of U.S. Highway 280. The Market provides a venue for shoppers to purchase unique items that cannot regularly be found in the greater Birmingham area. New to The Market this year is MADE in the deep south, a one-of-a-kind jewelry line created by Birmingham native Michela Bruno Swafford. The line was developed by deconstructing antique jewelry pieces and mixing them with rustic leather and other vintage pieces. Also new this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be special guests at The Market on Nov.
17 from 9-11 a.m. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free to The Market. The Junior League of Birmingham is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The funds raised through The Market support the organization’s 35 community projects. The three-day shopping event kicks off with The Market’s Sneak Peek Party on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 7-10 p.m. Whole Foods Market will offer wines, and Good People Brewing Company will provide beer tastings. The evening will feature a Diamond Giveaway sponsored by Diamonds Direct where attendees will have the chance to win a one-carat diamond with the purchase of a glass of champagne. There will also be a silent
auction. Martie & The Market brunch will host Food Network Star finalist Martie Duncan on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. Duncan, a native of Alabama and “party guru,” will share some of her party tips and recipes while showcasing Bromberg’s serving pieces. Tickets to The Market are $12 for general admission or $24 for a three-day Must Have Pass. The Sneak Peek Party is $36 and Martie & The Market is $24. Groups of 10 or more may purchase General Admission tickets to The Market for $10 per ticket. This offer is not valid on JLB quota tickets. All events are open to the public. Strollers are welcome Thursday and Friday after 2 p.m. and all day Saturday. For more details and information on the Junior League of Birmingham’s Market, visit juniorleaguemarket.com.
Caleb Cartee. Photo courtesy of Cartee family.
By DANNELLY FARROW Caleb Cartee, a kindergartener at Edgewood Elementary, was featured in the September/October 2012 issue of Lego Club Jr. Magazine. Caleb is an avid reader of the magazine, in which children from all the country can submit pictures of their own Lego creations. Last year Caleb and his father, Andy, decided to build a tower out of Lego pieces that was taller than 3 feet, 8 inches, Caleb’s height. Not only did they accomplish their goal, but the completed tower was also exactly four feet tall. After submitting the picture a few months ago, Caleb was excited to find his picture on page 13 in the latest issue of his favorite magazine. Caleb is now saving up his allowance for more sets to continue to build creative Lego designs.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
A celebratory evening with Young Life Young Life Birmingham, a non-denominational Christian ministry active at both Homewood Middle and Homewood High schools will hold its annual fundraising celebration entitled “BUILT TO LAST” on Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at The Vestavia Country Club. The banquet is a complimentary event and anyone is welcome to attend. Guests can expect to not only be moved by keynote speaker John Vicary, Field Senior Vice President of Young Life, but also to enjoy the fun and laughter unique to the ministry. Alumni, parents and those who would like to learn more about the organization are encouraged to attend. For more information or to be added to the guest list, call the Birmingham Young Life office at 870-5742 or email susieank@gmail.com.
17
Troop 320 welcomes new Eagle Scout
The 2012 Young Life Banquet Committee: Jason Zinn, Jamie Ankenbrandt, Whitney Reidinger, Ashley Murray (Banquet Chair), Susie Ankenbrandt and Julie Tapscott. Photo courtesy of Susie Ankenbrandt.
Holiday art show at Brookwood A two-week holiday art show will be held in the lower level of Colonial Brookwood Village at the end of the month. The Mountain Brook Art Association event will run Nov. 17-Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. It will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Work in all sizes and price ranges from the top artists in the metropolitan area will be available for sale. Ten percent of all sales will be donated to the local chapter
Forgotten Carols musical to visit Samford
of Make-A-Wish Foundation, a nonprofit that grants wishes for critically ill children Featured artists will appear at the show daily to offer on-site demonstrations. The opening reception will be held Nov. 16 from 4-8 p.m. at Cocina Superior. A Grand Finale party will be held Nov. 30 from 5-8 p.m. at Brio Tuscan Grille. For more information on featured artists and additional events, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.
The Leslie S. Wright Center at Samford University will host Forgotten Carols this holiday season. In Forgotten Carols, Constance, a nurse who is too practical to be bothered by Christmas, cares for an elderly patient, John, and he walks her through the untold carols of the more “forgotten” characters in the Christmas story. The musical will be performed Nov.17 at 7 p.m. Tickets for adults are $20. Student tickets are available for $15. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.
Mackenzie Sexton with Troop 320 Eagle Scout Adviser and Assistant Scoutmaster Tom Gester. Photo courtesy of Larry Bleiberg
Boy Scout Troop 320 welcomed Homewood resident Mackenzie Sexton, 18, as a new Eagle Scout on Sept. 9 in a ceremony at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church. Guests of honor included Alabama State Rep. Paul DeMarco, who earned his Eagle Scout rank in Troop 320. For his Eagle service project, Mackenzie built an information kiosk marking the entrance to Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve near Scottsboro.
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18 November 2012
The Homewood Star
Spicing up home décor with
pumpkins By ASHLEY BERKERY The Homewood Star had the pleasure of chatting with Homewood resident and interior designer Allison Banks with Allison R. Banks Design about new fall trends for the home this season and how to decorate in fashionable, yet affordable style. “This year one of the trends that we are seeing is the use of pumpkins to style the inside of your home, not just the outside areas or porches,” Banks said. “Pumpkins come in all sizes and shapes and are able to spice up your average, everyday centerpieces.”
ff Use fresh flowers mixed with branches and berries from your yard to make an organic fall arrangement.
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ff Little accents of ribbon and small pumpkins at each place setting add color to simple white plates and clean glassware.
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ff To pull your centerpiece together, use a small tray underneath your flowers and pumpkins. This helps to protect your table and makes it easy to move around if you need to adjust it while you’re entertaining guests.
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ff Mix pumpkins of different colors and sizes for a full look with lots of texture.
For a great selection of pumpkins with various colors and sizes, Banks suggests Piggly Wiggly and Homewood Garden Shop.
WEDDINGS
Banks’ styling tips
PA N T I E S & B R A S CHEMISES
Banks suggests Homewood retailers such as Oodles of Ribbon, Dorothy McDaniel’s and Sweet Peas for floral arrangements and ribbon that will pull together a nice centerpiece for entertaining. For linens, glassware and dinnerware, she recommends local stores such as Harmony Landing and At Home. Photos courtesy of Allison Banks.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
19
Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Hurry up and slow down! More than ever, Kate is right now. A good portion repeating things she hears of my life consists of us say. She says things like, feeding my kids (whether “Hang on, Mom,” “I’ll be that’s at socially acceptable right back,” and “Be gentle mealtimes or at three in the with baby sister,”— things she morning), exercising when obviously hears us (especially I can, taking Kate to school me) say often. Something I’ve and picking her up, going to noticed myself saying a lot the grocery store and going is, “Come on Kate, we’re in to church on Sunday nights. a hurry.” I didn’t think much Other than picking Kate Denton about my always being in a up by 1 p.m. and hopefully hurry until a few days ago when I went making it to church before the sermon in Kate’s room to get her up from her nap starts, I really don’t need to be rigid and the first thing she said was, “Are we about the time schedule — something in a hurry, Mom?” that’s difficult for a person like me who I remember my own mom telling me really likes predictability and plans. But that when my brother and I were young, I’m starting to see that if my youngest she accepted the fact that she had to daughter needs to eat again or if my very move a little slower. Either my brother active and curious three year old needs or I would inevitably want to stop and to stop and examine a ladybug, so be it. look at a dog or pick something up off Most everything else can wait without the ground just when she was trying to my world coming unglued. get somewhere on time. She realized My mom learned this lesson, and, in she just had to slow down and be okay fact, every parent has to learn this at some with things moving at a slower pace. It’s point. I am no exception. Life doesn’t taking me a while to learn that lesson. have to be lived going fast. I don’t need I find myself getting frustrated when to be in a hurry to do everything. I’d like Kate dawdles on the way to the car when for my daughters to see me enjoying our we’re in a hurry to get somewhere. Or life together — not always hurriedly she wants to walk instead of ride in the moving them through it from one task to stroller, and I tell her she has to ride so the next. It’s especially crucial for me to we can…you guessed it, hurry. Why focus on this here as the holiday season is my life always moving at such a fast is about to begin. I wrote in this column pace? Or if it’s not, why do I think it a year ago about not hurrying through needs to be? the holidays. Maybe I’ll finally learn that Because the reality is, there’s not lesson this year! much in my life right now that I need to be on time for — or at least nothing that Laura Denton can be reached at can’t be done in 10 minutes instead of laurenkdenton@gmail.com.
My South By Rick Watson
Toothache
There should be some kind of law that I’d drank too much tequila when I drooled, says, “No dental work after the age of 60.” “It wheels murty nung.” I’m talking about banning root canals, Then he put what sounded like a wood extractions or any procedure that causes chipper or perhaps a stump grinder in your mouth to smoke like a brush fire. But my mouth to get through the crown and sadly, these procedures are totally legal. down to the roots. When he finished up, I I woke up one night this past week with stopped at the front desk to settle the bill. a bit of a toothache. That’s odd, I thought to My portion, after what the insurance would myself. I had a checkup recently, and they pay, was enough to buy a flat-screen TV. found no problems. But the fact remained Then today it was back to my regular — my jaw was hurting a little. dentist to finish the job. It seems the old Watson I got up and drank some buttermilk with bridge had to come off and one of the jaw cornbread and tossed down a couple of Advil, and the teeth had to come out. Then she would fit me with a next morning it seemed like an unpleasant dream. Then new bridge when everything healed. a few nights later, the same thing happened again, so I She had one of the women who worked in made an appointment to see my dentist. bookkeeping break the bad news about the cost. She She tapped on my teeth like she was playing a spoke like a grief counselor as she explained all the xylophone, but none of them hurt. She then took charges. X-rays. After close inspection, she took a tiny “So, do you want to have the work done?” she asked. implement shaped like a scythe and gouged under one What I wanted to say is, “No, I think I’ll live the of my bridges. rest of my natural life in excruciating pain.” But “Hmmm,” she mused. “How long have you had this instead I whipped out my debit card, and she scurried bridge?” I told her I got it when Carter was in the White off as if she’d won the lottery. I could almost hear her House. She failed to see the humor in my quip. I doubt say, “Woohoo, now we can all go to the beach this she was born when Carter was president, I thought to weekend.” myself. She looked young, but at my age, most people Obviously I’m having fun at the expense of my look young. But I digress. tooth-worker friends. They were all very professional After studying the X-ray, she saw two potential and can’t help the fact that insurance pays so little. problems. She recommended I go to an endodontist. But I got to thinking — do people do that don’t I wondered why I should see someone who studied have insurance or the money to pay what the insurance insects, but then my brain rebooted and I realized she company doesn’t pay? I’d be willing to bet there are meant some kind of dental specialists. a lot of people these days that go without treatment The endodontist looked younger than my regular because they can’t pay. dentist, so I didn’t bother hitting him with the “Carter I am grateful that we’ve been in a position to pay for was in the White House” gag. After more X-rays, he problems when they arise, but we won’t be going to the said my back tooth that had a crown needed a root beach this weekend. canal. You can learn more about Rick Watson at www. He came out with a needle as big as a bicycle hand homefolkmedia.com. He is available for speaking pump and shot me full of Novocain. After a few engagements and other events. Contact him at rick@ minutes, he asked if my jaw felt numb. I sounded like homefolkmedia.com.
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20 November 2012
The Homewood Star
School House
OLS elects new officers
Hall-Kent autumn art project
Second graders in Jerome Isley’s class with their autumn projects.
Hall-Kent Elementary School second graders in Jerome Isley’s class shared their favorite autumn activities through a creative writing and art project. Each child worked through the Writing Process as they completed a descriptive writing sample.
The self-portraits they created included a pair of glasses that reflected illustrations of what they enjoy doing during the fall season. They hung up their projects outside their classroom to share with the school.
Presidential awards for math and science
Our Lady of Sorrows recently elected eighth grade officers for the 2012-2013 year. Back row: Brooke Bouton, Isabela Restrepo, Morgan Adamson. Front row: William Chamoun, Damien Stephens, Sam Kyle.
Two Homewood City Schools teachers were selected as elementary school science recipients of the 2012 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Recipients were: Rita Schell, LEAD teacher at Hall-Kent Elementary School; and Pam Smith, LEAD teacher at Edgewood Elementary School. This is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of mathematics and science. The awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
Smith
Schell
The Dawson Family Of Faith is excited to announce the opening of our new day school...
The Dawson Day School is dedicated to enriching the spiritual, physical and intellectual development of all children in our care, helping them realize their fullest potential in a warm and loving Christ-centered environment. The Dawson Day School serves children 18 months to 4 years old (by December 31, 2012) and will open January 8, 2013 and run through May 15, 2013. School hours are 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
To register or for more information, please call 871-8771 or visit our website at www.dawsonchurch.org/dayschool.
Dawson Memorial Baptist Church 1114 Oxmoor Road • Birmingham AL 35209 (205) 871-7324 • Prayer Line: (205) 795-PRAY www.dawsonchurch.org
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
Harris named Student of the Week
HHS Band recognized
Homewood High School student Eden Harris was chosen as the WBMA Channel 33/40’s America’s First Federal Credit Union “First Class Student of the Week” for the week of Oct 1.
The HHS Patriot Band during the Homecoming Parade.
In September, the Homewood Patriot Band was named WVTM Channel 13’s Band of the Week. Channel 13 filmed the band during the Homecoming Parade and at the Homecoming game. The Patriot Band was also Charter Cable’s
21
Team of the Week. Charter sent a film crew to the Homecoming Parade to make a presentation to the band in front of City Hall. The band will be performing pre-game entertainment on Jan. 5, 2013, at the BBVA Compass Bowl Football game.
Teachers walk to school
Shades Cahaba art teacher honored
HHS faculty and staff walk together from O’Henry’s to school as part of National Walk to School Day.
Shades Cahaba Elementary School art teacher Mary Jane Coker, pictured with students in her classroom, was recently named the Alabama Elementary Art Teacher of the Year by the Alabama Art Education Association.
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Homewood City Schools’ employees participated in the National Walk to School Day in October. Employees modeled a healthy lifestyle as they met at their schools and walked together to enjoy coffee at participating “Cup for a Buck” coffee locations. HCS employees
D
wore Walk to School T-shirts, and participating coffee shops gave them a cup of coffee for a dollar. Participating Homewood businesses were O’Henry’s at Brookwood, O’Henry’s downtown, Hart and Soul and Homewood Diner.
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22 November 2012
The Homewood Star
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION
Homewood Community Center Activities Zumba
ZUMBA is the new craze sweeping America! It is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour! Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or camillescruggs@gmail. com Days & Times: Homewood Community Center Auditorium Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30pm Saturday 9:00-10:00am
Karate
Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Homewood Community Center from 4:00-5:00 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
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 welcome; with no dance experience necessary to enroll. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Tuesday night for beginners, Wednesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Times 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
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 self-confidence, 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! Location: Homewood Community Center Auditorium Day: Thursdays Times: 3:30 – 4:15 pm for Ages 3-5 (Preschool) 4:15 - 5:00 pm for Ages 6 & up (Elementary) Fee: $80.00 for Homewood residents, $85 for nonresidents For More Information: (205) 981-2720 www.headoverheelsgyms.com
Head Over Heels: Ready – Set – Cheer! New Class to Homewood Community Center
Info: Ready - Set - Cheer! Our first class for Cheerleaders! Class includes instruction on cheer motions, jumps and basic tumbling. Flexibility and cheer conditioning will also be covered. Tumbling skills: handstands, cartwheels, backbends, splits, backbendkickovers, power hurdles, and drills for round-offs. Location: Homewood Community Center Auditorium Day: Tuesdays Times: 4:15 - 5:00 pm For More Information about Ready, Set, Cheer! (205) 981-2720 www.headoverheelsgyms.com
@homewoodparks
Kindermusik
As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik offers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! This is accomplished through our extraordinary classroom experience and unsurpassed At Home materials. There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years. Classes Offered & Schedule: Wednesdays 10:30am - Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30am - Village (infant to 18 months) 1:30pm – Family Time (0-7 years multi-age class) Thursdays 9:30am - Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 10:30am - Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30am - Village (infant to 18 months) 1:30pm – Imagine That (3-5 years of age) Classes are held August through December; Homewood Community Center Room 100. You can enroll for classes at anytime! For more information call or email Kelly at: (205) 552-6129 (or) Kelly.alligood@charter.net Please visit http://kellyalligood.yourvirtuoso.com for more information or to enroll
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew
Your child can be a fairy, a princess or a butterfly while keeping ballet traditions alive and having fun with classical music. The beginning ballet moves taught are the important foundation for many types of dance. The French names for steps will be introduced. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. The environment provided is a happy and age appropriate one. Claire has been teaching ballet since starting as a teenager in Montgomery. Then, after moving to Birmingham, she started teaching with Birmingham Ballet. She has taught preschoolers in Mother’s Day Out and Day Care as well. Girls may wear any color leotard and tights for class, with pink ballet shoes. Classes meet once a week on Mondays at The Homewood Community Center. Times & Location: Monday 3:45pm-4:30pm / Homewood Community Center Room 100. Please contact Claire to enroll or for additional Information: (205) 879-8780
Young Rembrandts
Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! We believe that drawing is a skill that can, and should be learned by all children. Young Rembrandts classes are both fun and educational, and our step-by-step curriculum is developed to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Our weekly classes are for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Class will be held in Room 100 off the basketball court at the Homewood Community Center. If construction on a new Community Center begins, we will provide an alternate location until construction is complete. All new lessons monthly and each year! Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www. youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime. WEDNESDAYS, 3:30 – 4:30 PM September 5th - May 15th Enroll anytime! $40 monthly
www.Homewoodparks.com
Athletics Youth Wrestling
Registration: Homewood Community Center Main Office (Monday – Friday / 8:00am-5:30pm) Practice Information: Mondays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 6th grade team will practice just after school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday till 5:30. Ages: 6-13 Program Fees: Homewood Resident Fee: $100 Non-Resident: $150 Fee includes 5 tournaments including the STATE tournament. For additional information contact: Jakob Stephens at 332-6709 (or) Jakob.stephens@ homewoodal.org Linda Sellers at 332-6706 (or) Linda.sellers@ homewoodal.org
Homewood Patriot Lacrosse Association
HPLA works in collaboration with Homewood Parks and Recreation, Homewood City Schools, and Greater Birmingham Youth Lacrosse Association (www.gbyla.org). Spring Lacrosse Registration: 10/1/2012 – 12/1/2012 Boys Divisions (based on age as of 9/1/12) – u9, u11, u13, u15, Junior Varsity, Varsity Girls Divisions (based on grade) – 4th-5th, 6th-8th, Junior Varsity, and Varsity All practices are at West Homewood Fields – High School Teams play games at Waldrop Stadium For more details please go to: www.homewoodpatriotlax.com HOMEWOOD LACROSSE DAY – FREE T-shirt & LACROSSE INSTRUCTION 11/11/2012 – 2:00pm at Weygand Field in West Homewood
City Wide Special Event Homewood Christmas Parade Tuesday, December 11, 2012 – 6:30pm Please visit www.homewoodparks.com for more information!
Homewood Senior Center AARP Driver Safety Course (for age 50+)
Thursday & Friday, November 1st & 2nd 9:00am – Noon For prices and to register, call instructor Joe Ross: 823-7067. Many auto insurance companies offer a discount for seniors who complete this course.
Homewood Senior Center Presentation
Would your organization like to have an informative presentation/slide show brought to you regarding Homewood Senior Center programs? Contact Dottie Anderson: 332-6501 or dottie.anderson@ homewoodal.org
Senior Nutrition Program for Citizens age 60+
In-house congregate lunch, Mon-Fri; Meals-onWheels* lunch, Mon-Fri. *must meet certain government-specified criteria for meal delivery Homewood Senior Center is a host site for the program. Lunch is served at Noon. Must be registered to participate Eligible participants are asked to make a voluntary donation of $1.50 per meal. For registration form & information, call Eloise Smith at 332-6503 or stop by the Senior Center before 3:00pm. Administered through the Jefferson County Office of Senior Citizen Services
November 2012 23
TheHomewoodStar.com
Homewood High School Homecoming
(Top Left) Homewood High School 2012 Homecoming Court: Giana Stallworth, Lauren Simmons, Mary Claire Nabors, Homecoming Queen Camille Ponseti, Lauren Collins, Franny Kyle and Samantha Hollis-White. (Left) Homewood High School seniors kept the tradition alive by wearing togas during Homecoming week activities. Photo courtesy of Pamela Houston. (Top Right) Rebecca Riley was named this year’s Miss Homewood, and Jabob Helf was named Mr. Homewood. (Right) Seniors Kate Sensabaugh, Kendal Wagner and Brianna Hazelwood were ready to “Rock and Roll All Nite” and party every day as rock band KISS during Homecoming week activities at Homewood High School.
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24 November 2012
The Homewood Star
Sports
HHS preps for playoffs The Homewood High Patriot football team (7-1, 6-0) was dominant on both sides of the ball through October and looks to ride the top ranking in 5A Region 4 into the playoffs. Besides leading its region, Homewood also jumped into the state’s top 25 rankings at No. 24 after defeating Sylacauga on Oct.
12. The Patriots, on a 6-0 streak at that point, followed up with a 69-7 manhandling of Shelby County on Oct. 19, bringing their record to 7-1. Homewood’s only loss was to Vestavia Hills in its first game of the season 32-17. Patriot Luke Porter, following the game against Shelby County, was leading Region
4 in passing with 652 yards, and 334 of those were to Region 4’s receiving leader Devonte Wallace. Alabama High School Athletic Association Playoffs begin Nov. 9 and end Nov. 30, with the 2012 Super 6 Finals scheduled for Dec. 6-7 at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Patriot basketball schedules for November HHS Athletic Association holds golf tournament fundraiser Homewood Varsity Boys *Game times 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 13: Parkway Christian Nov. 15: Mountain Brook Nov. 20-23: Rebel Classic @ Vestavia Hills High School Nov. 27: @ Hewitt-Trussville Nov. 30: Oak Mountain High School Dec. 4: @ Pelham
Homewood Varsity Girls *Game times 6 p.m.
Nov. 13: Parkway Christian Nov. 15: Wenonah Nov. 19-21: @ Pell City Thanksgiving Tourney @ Childersburg (Time TBD) Nov. 27: @ Hewitt-Trussville Nov. 29: @ Wenonah Nov. 30: Oak Mountain Dec. 4:@ Pelham
Homewood JV Boys
*Game times 4:30 p.m. unless indicated.
Nov. 13: Parkway Christian Nov. 15: Mountain Brook, 6 p.m. Nov. 20-23: Rebel Classic @ Vestavia Hills High School Nov. 27: @ Hewitt-Trussville Nov. 30: Oak Mountain High School Dec. 4: @ Pelham
Oct. 3 was a beautiful day of golf at Highland Park Golf Course as the Homewood High School Boys Varsity Basketball and Baseball teams held a golf tournament to raise money toward their tournaments in Orlando. The Varsity Basketball team, coached by Tim Shepler, will play their tournament in December, while the Varsity Baseball team, coached by Doug Gann, will head off to
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Leadership, Industrial Products, Inc. and Jim Ford with Commercial Signs and Graphics. “We were thrilled with the amount Basketball coach Tim of money that we raised,” Flach said. Shepler, baseball coach “Both of the boy’s teams will now be Doug Gann and HCS Athletic able to participate in outstanding and Director Kevin Tubbs competitive tournaments in Orlando, and we appreciate everyone that The winning team included chipped in to help with the event. We anticipate next year being even Clete Walker, Bob Smith, Parker Smith and Sam Drummond. bigger with two tee times.”
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Orlando in March. Fundraiser chairpersons Mary Flach and Megan Wyatt and cochairs Cindy Wade and Danielle Wade organized the tournament with 28 teams and more than 40 hole sponsors. Jim Burke Automotive donated a car for a hole-in-one prize and Urban Cookhouse provided lunch for the event. Other sponsors included Cathedral Church of the Advent, The Center for Executive
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The HHS Boys Varsity Basketball and Baseball team successfully raised money for their Orlando tournaments at a golf tournament in October. Photos courtesy of Danielle Wade.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012 25
HHS cross country teams place first, second at meet The ranking of Homewood High School boys and girls cross country teams, as well as their members’ individual rankings, has risen this season with a larger team size. On Sept. 29, the boys team placed first at the Kudzu Hills Invitational. Mike Rhody placed first with a time of 16:45 followed closely by teammate Alex Ngei, who finished fifth with a time of 16:58. Homewood girls finished second overall behind Hewitt-Trussville with Mary Margaret Jackson finishing third at 20:48 and Virginia Givhan finishing ninth at a time of 21:14. “I truly feel like my runners are in a unique position to gain even more ground on their individual times and their placement as a team,” said HHS Cross Country Coach Lars Porter. “All of them seem to get stronger with each meet, and I can’t wait to see where that leads us.”
HHS Boys Cross Country team placed first at the Kudzu Hills Invitational. Photos courtesy of Jalete Nelms.
HMS Cross Country season update
HMS’s Pierce Jackson, Will Smith, Jacob Fitts compete in a cross country meet.
The Homewood Middle School cross country girls won second place in the Spain Park Twilight Run on Sept. 15. Photos courtesy Susie Ankenbrandt.
HMS eighth grader Ann Mosely Whitsett won the overall Spain Park Twilight Run.
26 November 2012
The Homewood Star
For good taste, for good fun By MADOLINE MARKHAM Lately, In Good Taste Catering owners Tiffany Vickers and Mary Drennen have been experimenting with short rib grilled cheese sandwiches, sweet potato rolls with smoked chicken and pear barbecue sauce, and endive Caesar salad bites, much to the rave reviews of their clients. Even as their menus change for each event, though, one thing remains true every time — the fun their business brings to a party. “We end up being friends with many of our clients,” Vickers said. “We have fun, and the people we cook for have a good time with us.” The idea for the business came to Vickers and Drennen when they were both working in Cooking Light’s test kitchen in 2007. A catering venture would be a way to try new things and stretch themselves from a food perspective, they thought. The duo found a niche in catering small, upscale events like dinner parties and since then have expanded to larger and more diverse occasions. No two parties they cater are alike. “We tailor every party based on conversations we have with people throwing the party and throw out several different options,” Vickers said. Recently they catered a paleo diet menu — what Vickers calls a fun challenge — for a reception honoring longtime Sidewalk Film Festival Chairman Alan Hunter. In Good Taste’s Homewood connections run deep, especially in Edgewood — not far from Vickers’ home. They recommend clients to Dreamcakes Bakery, owned by former coworker and friend Jan Moon, for events, and Saw’s owner Mike Wilson, another friend and former coworker, offered a lot of advice when they started catering. Vickers and Drennen have catered an Exceptional Foundation event and were judges at the nonprofit’s Chili Cookoff for a couple of years. They also shot photos for their website at a friend’s house in Hollywood. Vickers and Drennen seem to more than have their hands full with small children, jobs (Vickers as Assistant Test Kitchen Director at Cooking Light and Drennen now as a freelance recipe developer and food stylist) and a catering business, but they don’t look at it that way, even as they are preparing for holiday parties. “It’s never been work for us,” Vickers said. “It’s like hanging out with friends, and I think that really comes through in our events.” For more information about In Good Taste, visit ingoodtastebham.com or call 968-0882.
Tips for Thanksgiving Success
From Tiffany Vickers
ff Make your stock from turkey wings and
necks a week prior to Thanksgiving and freeze it for extra delicious gravy. Any leftover stock can be held for up to a month in the freezer.
ff Plan to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for up to three days prior to Thanksgiving. Make sure you have it done earlier if you are brining your bird.
ff Get an oven thermometer and check
the temperature of your oven the week before Thanksgiving. If you are following family recipes or magazine/ book recipes, correct oven temperature will help you avoid unpleasant surprises from over- or undercooked dishes.
ff Plan to have some items that cook on the stovetop in addition to things in the oven. It will cut down on the oven space panic.
ff Consider making a breakfast casserole on Thanksgiving day that can sit overnight in the fridge. After all that cooking and eating, having something to simply pop in the oven to feed the masses will be a real treat!
ff Consider pulling all your platters and
special plates and flatware the weekend before the holiday to make sure they are in good shape and clean. It’s better then than when your turkey is carved and the guests are blowing dust out of the glasses.
ff Have fun and love your family… the food is just food but the family is something to really cherish.
Mary Drennen and Tiffany Vickers run In Good Taste catering. Photo courtesy of In Good Taste.
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November 2012 27
Restaurant Showcase
Read past Restaurant Showcases at TheHomewoodStar.com
Mangia Mangia By MADOLINE MARKHAM The first thing to know about Mangia Mangia is that it exists. The deli and catering company is hidden in the SouthBridge building behind Ruth Chris and Embassy Suites off Red Mountain Expressway. There, owner and chef Richard Lamoureaux serves up quick breakfasts, fresh deli sandwiches and Italian fare — all practicing what he learned from his Sicilian family to “mangia bene” (eat well). After attending Our Lady of Sorrows and then Homewood High School, Lamoureaux went to culinary school at Johnson and Whales and then spent five years in Steamboat Springs and Denver working for caterers before returning home to Birmingham. “I figured I could take what I learned there and do it at home where I have connections,” he said. Once back in Birmingham, he worked for a food distributor for several years while catering under the name “Magia” (the expression for “eat!” in Italian, pronounced “mahn-jah”) and then opened his own catering kitchen and deli in SouthBridge two years ago. While catering, he built a repertoire of Italian dishes, mostly his Sicilian family recipes with his own twist. “I have tried to mimic what I saw in Sicily,” he said, “but there everything — even the flour and water — is different.” Popular catering selections include Baked Ziti, Chicken Pesto Pasta, Greek Chicken and Meatloaf. In the style of New York delis, Lamoureaux bakes sub rolls, white and wheat, fresh daily and slices sandwich meat and cheese to order for lunch.
2100 B Southbridge Parkway, Suite 295 802-MEAT (6328) mangiabham.com Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lamoureaux’s mom, Sara, makes desserts like Red Velvet Cake and Chocolate Roulage from scratch. Photos by Madoline Markham.
Mangia Mangia owner and chef Richard Lamoureaux checks on a pan of Baked Ziti, one of the popular dishes from his catering menu.
“My dad grew up in Brooklyn, so I have a little New York in me,” he said. Lamoureaux encourages regular customers to try something different from their usual turkey or ham sandwich. “For our muffeletta, we use olive salad and bread from New Orleans,” he said. “For our reubens, we slice the meat fine fresh and thin and pile it high.” One of their most popular items, the chicken salad, is made with grapes, almonds, honey and a few secret ingredients. In addition to sandwiches, they serve chicken salad on a bed of greens or a trio of salads, which
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2601 18th Street S., Homewood
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can include a fresh pasta salad, tuna salad or fruit. Daily soup selections, also popular, rotate through selections like Roasted Red Pepper, Lobster Bisque, Tequila Chicken and Chili. The lunch menu also includes pizza and burgers. They offer daily lunch specials that they post to their Facebook page: a pasta on Mondays, sandwich on Thursdays, fish on Fridays, and dishes like Hamburger Steak or Chicken Parmesan the other days of the week. To complete the meal, Lamoureaux’s mom, Sara, who still lives in the same house on Woodbine Drive where Lamoureaux grew up,
Mangia Mangia makes fresh deli sandwiches and a variety other lunch and breakfast offerings from its SouthBridge office building location.
bakes cakes for the deli from scratch using the recipes her aunt first started teaching her at age 5. Selections include Strawberry Cream Cake, Italian Cream Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Sour Cream Coconut Cake and Chocolate Roulage. Cakes are available by the slice or can be ordered whole for $35.99 with two to three days’ notice. If any of these items intrigue you, try Mangia Mangia for lunch, and if you get confused finding them, just give Lamoureaux a call and he will direct you there. Here’s a hint to start with: if you park on the right side of building 2100 B, they are located just inside the entrance by the loading dock.
28 November 2012
The Homewood Star
Homewood Happenings
Awards and more for local businesses New Grapico cupcake at Dreamcakes
Homewood-based Buffalo Rock Company and Dreamcakes Bakery have partnered to create a limited-run Grapico Dreamcakes Cupcake. “We are thrilled about our partnership with Dreamcakes,” said Matthew Dent, president and chief operating officer of Buffalo Rock. “Our collaboration celebrates two great products produced right here in Homewood. It just seemed like a natural fit.” Located in the Edgewood neighborhood, Dreamcakes Bakery has been serving up cakes, cupcakes and other sweet treats for every occasion since 1991. “I can’t think of a better flavor for a new cupcake than Grapico,” said Jan Moon, owner and CEO of Dreamcakes Bakery. “We went all out with this recipe. The batter, filling and icing are all made with Grapico to give you that one-of-a-kind grape taste.” The cupcakes are now available at Dreamcakes Bakery and Cupcake Truck through November. For more information about Dreamcakes, visit dreamcakes-bakery.com.
Scribbler relocates
Custom stationary shop The Scribbler, which was originally based out of Mountain Brook, has now taken up residence at Studio on Linden in Homewood. Owner Ginny Hutchinson still offers traditional wedding invitations, social invitations and stationary by Crane and Company, Checkerboard
and William Arthur. Her store also offers current designs by Twist Paper, Sweet Pea Designs, Little Lamb, Stacey Claire Boyd and more. Hutchison also has her own line of custom stationary, stickers and calling cards available in store. As a holiday tradition, Scribbler will be featuring custom-made holiday napkins by Mary Conaway. Conaway has partnered with the store in this tradition for twenty years. The Scribbler’s new location, Studio on Linden located at 2919 Linden Avenue, is also a mixed-use space, meaning that several businesses are gathered under one roof. Elizabeth Knight Hubbard, who teaches art classes, also shares a location with Scribbler along with Janie Ford Mayer, a jewelry maker. The Scribbler is open Monday and Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and other times by appointment only. For more information, visit thescribblerinc.com.
Area businesses receive retail awards
JOY Gallery to feature local art
Saw’s named to Most Popular Cheap Eats list
Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church has opened a new art gallery, The JOY Gallery. The space is open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment. An exhibit of the artwork of Pam Truitt and Mary Margaret Binkley opens Nov. 4 with a reception from 1-3 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 30. Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located at 513 Columbiana Road and can be reached at 942-3051.
In September, the Alabama Retail Association and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Business announced this year’s retailers of the year and centennial retailers. Awards were given to 18 Alabama retailers. David and Andrea Snyder, coowners of Homewood’s Urban Cookhouse, were selected as GEE Emerging Retailer of the Year. Urban Cookhouse has been supporting local farmers by providing customer’s with locally grown food since 2010. Jake Reiss, owner of The Alabama Booksmith, received the silver award for Annual Sales Less than One Million Dollars. The independent bookstore has been open on 19th Street since 1999. The Alabama Booksmith was nominated by Tricia Ford, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.
Saw’s BBQ in Edgewood was selected for UrbanSpoon’s America’s Most Popular Cheap Eats list published last month. The barbecue restaurant was the only establishment in the state to be named to the list, which was selected from the online database’s more than 1 million restaurants. Restaurants on the list received the most coverage in the past year via blogger reviews, food critics and diner votes on UrbanSpoon.
On urbanspoon.com, 915 people have reviewed Saw’s, and 92 percent like it.Saw’s is located at 1008 Oxmoor Road and can be reached at 879-1937. To view their menu, visit sawsbbq.com.
New ADHD clinic
Focus-MD Birmingham is a new practice dedicated to scientific and evidence-based evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD, as well as related disorders. Dr. Tanikqua D. Moore will head up the Focus staff. She attended medical school at University of South Alabama and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Moore is using modern, FDA-approved technology not yet available anywhere else in Birmingham to complete precise diagnoses of ADHD. Focus-MD is located on Cahaba Road in Homewood. For more information, visit focus-md.com or call 769-0649.
Samford Wright Center upcoming season
Samford University’s Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center has announced what university officials call “a dynamic range of programming” for the 2012-13 season. The year’s schedule is highlighted by performances featuring Emmy Award winner Ed Asner, noted humorist Garrison Keillor, Tony Award winner Linda Eder and Grammy Award winner Neil Sedaka. For more, visit samford.edu.
Library calendar Nov. 3: Cereal and Cartoons. 10 a.m.Noon. Homewood Library. Call 332-6600. Nov. 3: Animal Communications Workshop with Debbie McGillivray. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Homewood Library. $125 for day long workshop. Reservations required. Call 332-6600. Nov. 5: Monday Movie. 3 p.m. Homewood Library. Call 332-6600. Nov. 8: Top Dog Learning Center with Diana Cook. 6:30 p.m. Homewood Library. Basic training tips for you and your pet. Call 332-6600. Nov. 10: A Special Language Learning Story Time. 10:30 a.m. Homewood Library. Call 332-6600. Nov. 13: Oxmoor Road Page Turners Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Homewood Library. Discussing In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. Call 332-6600. Nov. 15: Homewood Canine Unit. 6:30 p.m. Homewood Library. A look at Homewood’s newest members, the canine unit. Call 332-6600. Nov. 17: Monday Movie. 3 p.m. Homewood Library. Call 332-6600. Nov. 28: Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Homewood Library. Discussing The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Call 332-6600. Nov. 29: Just the Facts Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Homewood Library. Discussing Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orleans. Call 332-6600. Nov. 29: Dance off That Turkey Family Night. 3:30 p.m. Homewood Library. Zumba with Miss Christina. Call 332-6600. Thursdays: Mommy and Me. 10:30 a.m. Homewood Library. Call 332-6600.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012 29
Business Spotlight
Read past Business Spotlights at TheHomewoodStar.com
Pastry Art Bake Shoppe
1927 29th Avenue South 877-3852 pastryartcakes.com Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
By MADOLINE MARKHAM If you haven’t experienced the Baby Bite, be forewarned. These round, bite-sized cakes, laden with the perfect amount of icing, entice anyone with a sweet tooth to Pastry Art Bake Shoppe. “We have seen people in cars outside our Homewood location who will eat all six Baby Bites they just bought, and then some will come back for more to take home,” co-owner and pastry chef Carol Gregg said. Baby Bites, along with cakes and cupcakes, are baked fresh daily, and seldom are any left at the end of the day. Baby Bites sell for $1.25 each or $14.50 a dozen. “You just have to eat one to get your sugar fix,” Gregg said. “It’s almost guilt free.” For many, the caramel, red velvet and chocolate cakes taste exactly the way their grandmother used to make them. Pastry Art also receives accolades for the turtle and French vanilla flavors served daily, as well as others available only one day a week. On Tuesdays, there’s chocolate espresso and coconut; on Wednesdays, marble and Italian cream; on Thursdays, vanilla lemon and strawberry; and on Fridays, carrot and vanilla lime. Gregg’s husband and business partner, Dennis, recalls a “giant of a man” coming in one day and eating a Baby Bite. “Excuse me, ladies,” he said all of a sudden, “Would it jeopardize my manhood if I broke down and cried?” The cakes and icing are made from scratch, and the only food dye used is in the their most popular flavor, red velvet. But what makes them so unbelievably good? “It’s a trade secret,” Gregg said. The only hints she gives are that it’s all about quality and consistency and that they use “specialty” pans to make the small, round Baby Bite cakes. In fact, even with a second location on Highway
Pastry Art owners Dennis and Carol Gregg. Photo by Keith McCoy.
280 now, Gregg won’t share her secrets with her bakers at Pastry Art. “The recipes are all in my head,” she said. She always mixes part of the recipe, and the bakers finish off the process and decorate them. She’s also constantly tweaking recipes to make them better and experimenting with new flavors. “My wheels are always turning,” she said. A couple of Carol’s favorite cake flavors are hummingbird, pumpkin and chocolate pepper, specialty flavors that can be ordered by request. By request you can also order a fruit-forward orange, lemon or key lime flavored cake and icing; chocolate chip-filled cake; chocolate peanut butter; or cake with piped in filling, like chocolate cake with raspberry filling. Pastry Art is also well known for its wedding
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was her children who led her back into art, to use her sculpting talents to craft Baby Bites, cupcakes and cakes. Gregg did part-time seamstress and secretarial work when her kids were growing up and baked cakes for her kids and their friends. Her daughter’s high school graduating class requested something different for a cake, something like a petit four, so Gregg came up with her own take on what was to become the Baby Bite. From there, friends started requesting the bite-sized cakes for showers. After tweaking her cake and icing recipes over the years, she started selling slices of cake in her sister-in-law’s downtown Birmingham restaurant, Cameo Café. The cakes became popular, and many people began to order whole cakes. After the café closed, the Greggs seized an opportunity to open their own shop in downtown Homewood six years ago. The original idea was to be a bakery specializing in cakes, not necessarily Baby Bites, but the focus quickly changed when customers began to rave about the decadent little cakes. In fact, the Baby Bite name didn’t come about until after they opened. People had called them “cake bites,” “angel cakes,” “little pieces of heaven,” and all sorts of things, but it was “Baby Bites” that came to mind as a name and stuck. Now that the Baby Bite buzz has taken off in Birmingham, Gregg’s plans for the future remain in the business of butter and sugar. “I am going to keep doing it until I can’t do it anymore,” Gregg said. “My 10-year-old granddaughter wants me to do her wedding cake, and I don’t intend to stop.”
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and specialty cakes, including specially decorated cupcakes, all made with the same cake and icing recipes as the Baby Bites. Anyone interested in these cakes should call to set up an initial consultation appointment. Many people will order just Baby Bites for a wedding with a cake topper on the stand or two small cakes with an array of Baby Bites. Their cheese coins, sold by the half pound ($9), are a popular addition to a groom’s table. You can call in preorders for Baby Bites and cupcakes as well. The five main flavors are available in any quantity; daily and specialty flavors must be ordered by the dozen. Gregg was an art major in high school and had dreams of becoming a medical illustrator, but she started a family after graduating college instead. It
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30 November 2012
The Homewood Star
Calendar
Homewood
Association Annual Art Show. Colonial Brookwood Village, lower level. Opening reception hosted by Cocina Superior Grill on Nov. 16, 4 p.m. Grand finale hosted by Brio Tuscan Grill on Nov. 30, 5 p.m. Visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.
Nov. 2-4: Ninth Annual Ballroom Dance Marathon. The Exceptional Foundation. Weekend tickets $85, or $15 per dance night and $65 for the dance workshop day. Competition is free for spectators. Email curtnwendy@hotmail.com
Nov. 17: The Forgotten Carols. 7 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Center. Musical. $20 for adults and $15 for students. Visit www.samford.edu/ wrightcenter/default.aspx.
Nov. 2-4: Southern Conference Women’s Soccer Championship. Samford University. Semifinals Friday at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Championship Sunday at 1 p.m.
Nov. 20: Thanksgiving Membership Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. Homewood Library. Featured speaker is Tony Cooper, executive director for Jimmie Hale Mission. Visit homewoodchamber.org/.
Nov. 2: Homewood v. Benjamin Russell High School Football Game. 7 p.m. Nov. 2: Private Readings with Animal Communicator Debbie McGillivray. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Homewood Library. Reservations required. $25 for 10 minutes. Call Leslie West, 332-6620. Nov. 3: Samford University vs. Wofford University. 2 p.m. Football game. Nov. 4: The Joy Gallery Opening Reception. 1-3 p.m. Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Featuring work by Pam Truitt and Mary Margaret Binkley. Works will be on exhibit through December 30. Call 942-3051. Nov. 4: Holiday Open House. 12:30-4 p.m. Primetime Treasures and Encore Thrift Shop. Shopping and food presented by Assistance League of Birmingham. Email Barbara Kelly, kell4600@bellsouth.net. Nov. 6: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Guest speaker is Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield. $20 per personVisit homewoodchamber.org. Nov. 6: Samford University Faculty Recital. 7:30 p.m. Samford School of the Arts, Bolding Studio. Call 726-2853. Nov. 6-7: Holly Days Gift Sale. 9 a.m.2:30 p.m. 117 East Drive. Vendors include Jennifer’s Kitchen’s homemade goodies
Nov. 27: Lighting the Homewood Star. 5:30 p.m. 18th Street, downtown Homewood. Visit homewoodchamber.com. Artists prepare for the upcoming holiday show at Colonial Brookwood Village Nov. 16-Dec. 1 held by the Mountain Brook Art Association.. Front row: Diane Hathcock, President Janet Sanders. Back row: Editor Susan Johnsey, David Nichols, Bob Moody, Ron Lewis, Show Chairman Robine Wright, Assistant Treasurer Carolyn Mitchell and Past President Lynn Briggs.
such as pepper jellies and specialty teas, Liz Landgren’s art and HomeTees. Email jenniferskitchen@gmail.com. Nov. 8: 11th Annual Holiday Open House. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Edgewood and 18th Street. Visit homewoodchamber.com.
of proceeds will go to Alabama Lions Sight Association. Call 902-5686. Nov. 10: Phi Mu Children’s Miracle Run. 8 a.m. Homewood Park. Proceeds go to Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Visit active. com.
Nov. 8: Samford University Legacy League Membership Meeting and Program. 10 a.m. President’s Home. Samford professor Dr. Julie Hedgepeth Williams will discuss her book, A Rare Titanic Family. Visit samford.edu/ legacyleague.
Nov. 12: No School. Veteran’s Day.
Nov. 9: Camilla Pecan Sale. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Piggly Wiggly on Highway 31. $8 donation is requested for each 12 ounce bag of pecans. Hosted by the Homewood Metro Lions Club. They will also have a collection box for unwanted hearing aids and eyeglasses. Portion
Nov. 16: Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. 8 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Center. Part of Wright Center Series. Visit tkt.xosn.com//tickets/ TicketHome.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=28900.
Nov. 13: Post-Election Marketing for Small Businesses. 6:30 p.m. Homewood Library. Discussing taxation, marketing, HR issues, and legal matters for small businesses. Call Leslie West, 332-6620.
Nov. 16 - Dec. 1: Mountain Brook Art
Nov. 27: Bizarre Bazaar. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Presented by The Wayfarers, an alumnae service organization for Girl Scouts of America. Unique gift items such as heirlooms, baked goods, and Girl Scout memorabilia will be available. Call 661-6229. Dec. 2: Hanging of the Green and Majestic Sacred Music. 6 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church. Observance of the first day of advent. Admission is free. Nursery provided. Call Bill Hutto, 871-1416.
Special Events Nov. 1: Anthony Bourdain. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Arts Center. Tickets start at $41.50. Call 975-2787. Nov. 1: Opening Reception for Art Exhibit by Maud Coirier-Belser and Homewood resident Tom Dameron. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Exhibit runs through the end of December. Call 414-3931. Nov. 1-4: Christmas Village Festival. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/events. php#.
DEBORAH A. SEMA, D.M.D., M.S. SPECIALIST IN ORTHODONTICS
205-942-2270 www.ovortho.com
Braces for All Ages
TheHomewoodStar.com
November 2012
Nov. 2: 10th Annual Day of the Dead Festival. 4 p.m. 1st Avenue South. $10 for adults, $3 for children 7-12, free for children under 7. Visit barehandsinc.org/dotd.html. Nov. 3: Dirt Dash. 6:30 a.m. Botanical Gardens. Visit bbgardens.org/dirtdash. Nov. 6: Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show. 11 a.m. Benefits Assistance League of Birmingham. Call 870-5555 or visit www.assistanceleaguebham.org. Nov. 6: Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Kevin Gillespie will be signing his new recipe book, Fire in my Belly. Visit alabamabooksmith.com. Nov. 8: The Firehouse Shelter Fifth Annual 5 Alarm Gala. 6-8:30 p.m. B & A Warehouse. $50 per person. Proceeds benefit The Firehouse Shelter. Email Doug Kovash, dkovash@firehouseshelter.com. Nov. 8-9: Briarwood Christmas Shop. Noon-8 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Free to the public. Email destinybutts@hotmail.com. Nov. 10: Straight “A” 5K. 8 a.m. Avondale Park. Benefitting Cornerstone School. Visit active.com. Nov. 10: Sixth Annual Holiday Market. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saint Mark United Methodist Church. Handmade items, baked goods, edible gifts, and more. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Call 822-1312. Nov. 10-11: Whistle Weekend. McWane Center. Train exhibit, The Rocky Mountain Express in IMAX, and free train whistle included with purchase of admission. Visit mcwanecenter.org. Nov. 14: The Market Sneak Peek Party. 7-10 p.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Whole Foods will offer wine and Good People Brewing Company will offer beer tastings. Diamonds Direct will offer the chance to win a one-carat diamond with purchase of champagne. Silent auction. Email themarket@jlbonline.com. Nov. 14: Book Signing. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Rick Bragg will be signing My Bookstore. Visit alabamabooksmith.com. Nov. 15: Martie and the Market. 9-11 a.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Proceeds go to Junior League of Birmingham. Email themarket@jlbonline.com. Nov. 15: Eighth Annual Finish the Fight Iron Bowl Party. 6:30 p.m. B & A Warehouse. $85 per person. Benefits Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Visit secure.reedgifoundation. com. Nov. 15: Holiday Tree Lighting. 6:30 p.m. Visit shopsofgrandriver.com. Nov. 17: Snaps with Santa. 9-11 a.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Free photos with Santa. Email themarket@ jlbonline.com. Nov. 24-25: Great Southern Gun and
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Knife Show. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/ events.php#. Dec. 1: Race to the Heights 5K. 8 a.m. Church of the Highlands Grants Mill Location. Visit active.com. Dec. 5: Red Mountain Garden Club Greenery Sale. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Botanical Gardens. Call Kathryn Corey, 327-3828.
Give the gift of “Freedom” this Holiday Season
Music and Arts Nov. 1-17: Secrets of a Soccer Mom. Terrific New Theatre. Visit terrificnewtheatre.com. Nov. 1-17: Love, Loss and What I Wore. 8 p.m. Thursday – Saturday. 2 p.m. on Sunday. Visit bftonline.org. Nov. 1-2, 8-9: Peter Pan. 2 p.m. Birmingham Children’s Theater. Visit bct123.org. Nov. 2: Alabama Symphony SuperPOPS!: A Broadway Romance with Ted Sperling. 8 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Center. Call 9752787. Nov. 2-4: Guys and Dolls Junior. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20. Call 324-2424. Nov. 2: Peabo Bryson. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Performance Art Center. Tickets start at $48.50. Call 975-2787. Nov. 8, 10, 15, 17: Seussical the Musical. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 18 at 2:30 p.m. LJCC Pizitz Auditorium. $15 for admission, $12 for students. Call Mindy Cohen, 879-0411. Nov. 9: Dido and Aeneas in Concert. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Nov. 16: Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. 8 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Center. Part of Wright Center Series. Visit www.samford.edu/ wrightcenter/default.aspx. Nov. 17: Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra Fall Concert. 3 p.m. Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Nov. 17: The Forgotten Carols. 7 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Center. Musical. $20 for adults and $15 for students. Visit www. samford.edu/wrightcenter/default.aspx. Nov. 19-22: Ho, Ho, Ho…A Merry Mouse Christmas. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Presented by Birmingham Children’s Theater. Visit bct123.org Nov. 28: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. 7:30 p.m. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/events.php#. Nov. 30 - Dec. 1: Bartok, Mozart, and Dvorak. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Visit alabamasymphony.org. Nov. 30 - Dec. 2: West Side Story. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. BJCC. Visit bjcc.org/ events.php#.
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November 2012
The Homewood Star
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Energized.
An Open Letter From A Multiple Sclerosis Victim To Anyone Else Who Craves... Life. Energized. My name is Corky Alexander, and this is my “Life. Energized.” story. One day, while still serving in the military, I was involved in an accident that left me recovering from 3 shattered vertebra and 2 ruptured disks. I was soon discharged and my fitness plummeted. Then, two years ago, while driving to the VA for a check up on my back, something very strange happened. I lost control of my body ... and my car. I crashed into 2 other cars. The doctors thought I’d had suffered a stroke, but a CT scan unearthed the real culprit. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, an inflammatory disease occurring when your body declares war on itself. Your immune cells launch a vicious attack against your nervous system. A crippled nervous system thwarts all attempts at muscular control. I can assure you, the jolting thought of never walking again will take your breath away. But it’s the unrelenting psychological warfare -- the threat of never being able to pick up your kids again -- that’s what crushes your soul. Thank God for my wife - my rock - who said, “You can’t let this stop you. You can’t quit!” It was at that point I reached out to my life-long friend, Forrest Walden, to see if his new gym, Iron Tribe, could help me. Miraculously, after joining Iron Tribe, the tremors in my hand, and the pain in my legs, began to dissipate! Four months later, none of my clothes fit. I’ve had to bore 3 new holes in my belt just to keep my pants on, because I’ve lost 20 pounds. It’s kind of a weird thing; I don’t know what’s going on. The weight, the symptoms, and the depression are gone. My life has been energized, from being depressed to a point not wanting to get out of bed, to now, where the first thing I want to do in the morning is get up and live my life! Iron Tribe works for me, and I believe it will work for anyone. Iron Tribe is much more than just fitness. Iron Tribe is ... LIFE. Energized.
WATCH Corky’s remarkable true story, go to IronTribe101.com/CorkyAlexander NOW.
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