The Homewood Star Volume 5 | Issue 12 | March 2016
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
ALWAYS
Taking Action
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Blue Line Combatives, a weekly self-defense class, is arming the community with knowledge.
See page A20
On the Mat
Macy Squires and Max had an instant connection when they met, and he’s been by her side almost constantly for over a year. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Service dog accompanies Homewood student to school, work By SYDNEY CROMWELL Homewood High School freshman Darcy Gibbs is challenging herself on the wrestling mat.
See page B14
INSIDE Sponsors ........ A4 City .................. A6 Business ......... A8 Chamber......... A11 Community ... A12 Opinion .......... A12
Camp Guide.. A22 School House..B8 Sports ..............B11 Medical Guide.. B18 Real Estate.....B21 Calendar ........B22
back and forth to Macy’s mother until she realized something was wrong with her daughter. “That’s when we knew he would do good as a service dog,” Macy said. After a few months of training at Roverchase in Pelham, Max earned the purple vest that marks him as a service animal. He’s trained to lie across Macy’s legs if she’s about to have a seizure or lick her arms to indicate that her blood sugar is low. His early warnings give her enough time to get to a safe place or take insulin. “They told me when we started it was going to be a trust thing, and I was either going to be
See MAX | page A30
Developers eye new Edgewood retail space By SYDNEY CROMWELL
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Along with her backpack and books, Homewood High sophomore Macy Squires brings something extra to school each day: Max, her service dog. Max spends most of the school day lying quietly next to Macy’s desk, unless he recognizes the signs, imperceptible to humans, that Macy is about to have a seizure or her blood sugar has dropped dangerously low. “He’s probably saved my life a couple of times,” Macy said. Macy’s seizures began in eighth grade, and she was homebound for part of the year. After a seizure caused her to fall and hit the back of her
head, forming a hematoma, Macy said her family began looking for “outside of the box options.” That’s when they learned about the possibility of a service dog, trained to detect scent changes that precede seizures and hypoglycemia. The only problem: Macy was allergic to dogs. The Squires couldn’t get just any service dog. Fortunately, Max is a poodle, a hypoallergenic breed, and both of his parents were therapy animals. When they first met Max, Macy said it immediately felt right. “My mom cried. It was just kind of like an instant bond, you couldn’t break it,” she said. He almost immediately proved his worth. About a week after bringing Max home, Macy passed out due to a blood sugar drop. Max ran
The Edgewood Service Center is the subject of a proposed renovation project to become a retail and office space. Photo by Frank Couch.
When Homewood resident Michael Murray is walking or driving through his city, he said he’s always looking out for interesting properties to own or develop. It’s a side effect of his job as an associate broker at Shannon Waltchack Commercial Real Estate. In more than 20 years living in Homewood, Murray said one of those properties is the Edgewood Service Center at 1017 Oxmoor Road. The building itself, as well as its location, makes the service center a prime
YOU’RE THINKING SPRING CLEAN.
candidate for what Murray called “adaptive reuse” — fitting an existing building to a new purpose rather than constructing something new. “This is one that I’ve had my eye on for literally years,” Murray said. Murray said the service center has operated in Edgewood for nearly 40 years, but within a few months it could be the site of shops and offices. Shannon Waltchack is in discussions with the owner of Edgewood Service
See EDGEWOOD | page A31
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A2 • March 2016
The Homewood Star
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A3
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce proudly presents
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 5:30-8:30PM Please join us for the 15th Annual Taste of Homewood! Enjoy food and beverage from more than 30 Homewood-area restaurants at one of Homewood’s most anticipated events of the year!
TICKETS
$30 until March 9th $40 at the door
To purchase tickets, visit www.homewoodchamber.org Proceeds from the event will go to the Chamber's scholarship fund for local students as well as economic development efforts in the community Sponsored by
The Homewood Star
A4 • March 2016
About Us Please Support Our Community Partners
Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell I always enjoy stories that fall outside the norm. If your career, your hobbies or your life experience is unusual, I’m immediately interested. So this month, I really enjoyed meeting and writing about Robert and James Merchant, two brothers who have each won their school geography bees and are hoping to go head to head at the state competition. I also had a great time talking to Steven Westbrook, who is one of a few hundred people in the area keeping the old school art of radio communication alive. The story of Darcy Gibbs, a Homewood High student who has found her place as the only girl on the wrestling team, was my favorite read this month. It made me wish I had been brave
enough – or strong enough – to try out for a sport like that in high school. Aside from those and the other great stories in this issue, we’ve also got the details on all the events happening in Homewood this month, from food fundraisers and 5Ks to the annual Way of the Cross. The weather may not feel quite like spring yet, but the increasing number of outdoor events assures me that a new season is on the way. Enjoy those first warm rays of sunshine!
BEHIND THE LENS By Frank Couch Max Lewis tries his hand on the slide trombone as members of the Over The Mountain Chapter of Moms Club gather for a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras parade in Homewood’s Central Park. Max’s mother said she has picked up several instruments, including the trombone, at local yard sales. She said she just can’t pass up a good instrument — even though she doesn’t play them — because they come in handy for impromptu parades. Technical Data : NIKON D810, Lens (mm): 70, ISO: 320, Aperture: 10, Shutter: 1/60. Got a question or idea for another Behind the Lens? Email me at fcouch@ starnespublishing.com.
The Homewood Star
Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Photography: Video Editor: Page Designers: Community Reporters: Staff Writers:
Sports Reporter: Associate Editor: Copy Editor:
Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Frank Couch Cherie Olivier Cameron Tipton Emily VanderMey Ana Good Erica Techo Jon Anderson Emily Featherston Sam Chandler Kyle Parmley Lucy Ridolphi Louisa Jeffries
Contributing Writers: Lauren Denton Rick Watson Sarah Cook Marienne Thomas Ogle Leah Ingram Eagle Lauren Tobin Steve Irvine Jesse Chambers Grace Thornton
Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes
Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett
For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: Homewood Star PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnespublishing.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
Published by: The Homewood Star LLC Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Homewood Star is designed to inform the Homewood community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
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30 A Realty (A15) Addiction Recovery Program at UAB (B18) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B19) Alabama Outdoors (B5) Alabama Power (B3, B7) Alys Stephens Center, Art Play (B8) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (B22) ARC Realty (A5) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (B24) Birmingham Museum of Art (A23) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (B19) Black Pearl (B5) Blank Canvas Academy of Fine Arts (A29) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (B10) California Closets (A12) Central Alabama Cadillac Dealers (A11) Children’s of Alabama (B4) Children’s of Alabama (B20) Construx (B8) Cottontails Village (B22) Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare (A8) Dawson Family of Faith (A12) Dawson Music Academy (A24) Dish’n It Out (A8) Dreamscape Landscape Development, LLC (A10) ERA King Real Estate Homewood (B17) EW Fit (A9) FBC Mortgage/Nicole Brannon ARC Realty (B1) First Lenders Mortgage Corp. (A21) Home Instead Senior Care (B15) Homewood Arts Council (B12, B17) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (A3, A20) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (B9) Homewood Parks and Recreation (B2) Hutchinson Automotive (A20) IronTrust Ins. (A30) Issis & Sons (A19) Jersey Mike’s Subs (A2) JJ Eyes (A7) Joe Falconer, RealtySouth (B21) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (B10) Kete Cannon, RE MAX Southern Homes (B14) Keystone Consulting & Design LLC (B6) Korduroy Krocodile (B22) LIST Birmingham (A16, A17) Mason Music Studios (A29) McWane Science Center (A13) Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware (A19) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (B21) Planet Fitness (B16) RealtySouth Marketing (B23) Red Mountain Theatre Company (A25) Red Pearl Restaurant (B14) Salem’s Diner (B6) Samford Summer Camp (A27) Savage’s Bakery (B12) Shiki Thia and Sushi (A31) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (B20) St. Vincent’s Health Systems (B11) Taco Mama (A32) The Altamont School (A22) The Dance Foundation (A26) The Maids (A1) The Whole Dog Market (A9) Tom Williams BMW (A5) UAB Division of Urogynecology (A21) Water Drainage Solutions (A9) Weigh To Wellness (A6) Whale of a Sale (B6) Willow Homes (B13) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (A28)
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A5
” Stacy Flippen found our perfect empty nest.” When Sally and Ben May decided to buy a new home for their next phase of life as empty-nesters, they turned to Realtor Stacy Flippen with ARC Realty to guide the process. “Stacy brought energy, persistence, and professionalism to our search for a home in Homewood,” says Sally. “Not only did she deliver the desired result, she became a friend and neighbor along the way.” Stacy’s knowledge of the area and connections with other Realtors were keys to the May’s success. “We couldn’t keep up with the pace of houses being bought and sold in Homewood,” says Ben. “Stacy’s tenacity and determination led us quickly to the house we now happily call home.” Stacy says being a part of ARC Realty also gives her a distinct advantage. “ARC is a Birmingham-based company. Our leadership team understands this community and is committed to providing the best customer experience.”
A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 205.969.8910
www.arcrealtyco.com
Stacy Flippen • (205) 966-8406 • sflippen@arcrealtyco.com
The Homewood Star
A6 • March 2016
City
Council debates signs for new Cracker Barrel concept restaurant
Council approves new street light, 4-way stop By ERICA TECHO The Homewood City Council approved two public safety projects at its Monday, Feb. 8, meeting. The public safety committee had voted 5-0 to recommend installing a street light at or near 209 Clermont Drive because that is a dark area, said public safety committee chairperson Patrick McClusky. Walter Jones, chairperson from the finance committee, said the committee recommended appropriating funds for the street light. The council also approved installation of a four-way stop at the intersection of 28th Ave. S., Montessori Way and Woodfern Court. McClusky said the public safety committee received a report from Homewood Police Chief Tim Ross and voted 5-0 to recommend approval. A public hearing was held in regard to a sign ordinance variance at 1922 19th Ave. S., the future home of fast-casual restaurant Real & Rosemary. The request was for an additional blade sign that sticks out from the building. Jennifer Mims, owner of Real & Rosemary, said they requested the variance so that the sign can be seen as people drive by the restaurant. There were no comments from the public. “I personally think it looks fantastic,” said
council member Barry Smith. Mims said the restaurant will serve soups, salads and sandwiches and will be a family-friendly environment. She said they hope to open by the end of the month. The council moved to approve the variance. Also at the Feb. 8 meeting, the council: ►Approved the consent agenda, which included dropping discussion on the coyote problem, following a recommendation by the public safety committee, and dropping consideration of a change order for the West Homewood Project, per recommendation from the finance committee. ►Approved to use West Homewood Phase I money to add fencing and seating at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Raleigh Avenue. ►Set a public hearing for consideration of a front yard fence variance to the fence ordinance for a property at 1732 Wellington Road. ►Approved a restaurant retail liquor application for Taco Mama Edgewood. ►Accepted a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant in the amount of $34,220.89. The grant will be used to purchase capital equipment for the fire department. The council also approved an amendment to the grants fund budget reflecting the grant.
By SYDNEY CROMWELL A new restaurant chain is opening its inaugural location in Homewood this March, but their proposed signs stirred disagreement among council members and local residents. Holler & Dash, a new restaurant concept from Cracker Barrel, is opening at 2801 18th St. S. in mid-March, according to the representative who attended the Jan. 25 City Council meeting. The restaurant is requesting sign variances to allow a sign to hang over the sidewalk and a mural on the building’s side wall. The mural originally depicted a large rooster, ridden by a cowboy swinging a lasso, next to a wall of diagonal stripes and the phrase “It’s all good in Homewood.” In a special issues committee meeting, council members expressed strong dislike of this design, and the Holler & Dash representative agreed to work with them on the matter. The council members’ concerns included overall aesthetics and the appearance to drivers heading into downtown Homewood. After discussion, the stripes and slogan were removed from the mural and the rooster was made significantly smaller. When brought before the full council, other 18th Street businesses had mixed feelings. A representative of Watts Realty and Steve Thomas of Soho Retro both said they supported the new business and its mural, which Thomas said had a “whimsical aspect” that could draw in more shoppers. The owner of a.k.a. Girl Stuff said she felt the mural was “tacky” and would upset residents, shoppers and other business owners because it does not match the area. A fellow Homewood resident agreed and added that she felt a big company occupying the space would take away from the appeal of downtown Homewood. The council voted to approve the hanging sign and mural on condition that new mural designs, reflecting the revisions made during the meeting, are approved by all council members. Ward 1 Representative Michael Hallman voted
Holler & Dash is a new restaurant from Cracker Barrel, which is opening its first location in Homewood this month. Image courtesy of Homewood City Council.
against the measure. During the meeting, the council also: ►Approved a fence variance at 1527 Roseland Drive for the owner to construct a wroughtiron fence to prevent children from getting injured on a steep drop on his property. ►Approved payment of up to $6,500 to install a speed monitoring sign at the West Oxmoor Road/Huntington Glen intersection to resolve speeding issues. ►Approved the transfer of up to $500,000 from the 2014-2015 budget surplus for additional capital project funding. ►Approved funding of a decorative street sign at the East Hawthorne Road/Oxmoor Road intersection. ►Approved funding to lease mailing equipment. ►Approved up to $2,000 to place an ad in the 2016 Homewood magazine. ►Authorized the mayor to enter a new contract with Freedom Probation Services. The company increased its liability insurance, including its coverage of Homewood, at no cost to the city. ►Authorized the mayor to sign a contract for quarterly payments to the county transit authority (BJCTA), despite concerns over the authority’s failure to provide requested ridership data. ►Rejected all bids for landfill services, so the city can negotiate with another provider.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A7
Mayor’s Minute By Scott McBrayer Dear friends and neighbors, The city of Homewood continues to be blessed. On Jan. 19, I had the opportunity to present my annual State of the City address at The Club. I thought you might find some of the things I discussed interesting, so I wanted to recap some statistics from the past year along with discussing some upcoming projects. I’m pleased to announce that since becoming Mayor, our city has finished with a surplus for the seventh year in a row. This year, we are projecting (audit not quite completed) a surplus of $810,300. Our city has total surpluses over the past years of $6,562,869 averaging just over $1.1 million per year. Our Rainy Day Fund has increased to just over $10.8 million, our Public Investment Account contains just over $7 million, and our Debt Service Account contains just under $11.3 million, bringing total cash on hand to just over $46 million. The City also contributed to the Homewood Board of Education $15,609,406 through sales and ad valorem taxes. Our Fire Department received 3,376 calls this past year. Of those calls, 102 were actual structure fires and we responded to emergency medical situations 2,425 times. I thought it was interesting that our busiest time of the day is 3 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Our busiest month was July, followed by August, and February and May were our slowest months. Our firemen responded to the Brookdale Retirement Community 367 times last year, making it the most frequented response location in the city. Our Police Department received 38,114 calls this past year. That is an incredible number, but they answered the calls. Our police department
stopped just over 15,000 cars last year for various reasons resulting in 9,137 tickets. Numbers have decreased in every major category with the exception of unlawful breaking and entering of vehicles, mainly because of cars being left unlocked. Our police and detectives have done a great job this year and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude for the protection and service they provide. I don’t have room in this column to specifically mention all the statistics from every department, but I want to say how proud I am of every department we have and all the employees who work so hard. It’s easy to be an average city, but it takes a great deal of effort, dedication and determination to be a city above average, and that’s exactly what we are because of a lot of employees, residents, businesses, and visitors all working together. The city of Homewood’s future is bright, the state of the city is excellent and we expect this upcoming year to bring more positive change for police, firefighters, drivers, pedestrians and shoppers in Homewood. I appreciate so much the opportunity you give me to serve as your Mayor and thank each of you for all you’ve done this past year to help make Homewood successful. The Bible says in part that where there is no vision, the people perish. Thank you for supporting our vision for Homewood. With kindest regards I remain Sincerely,
City extends deadline for Oxmoor Road lot proposal
The city will consider new proposals for this lot at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Oxmoor Road, after an RFP ended in February. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
By SYDNEY CROMWELL The city gave interested developers an extra week to respond to its request for proposals for the vacant lot at 165 Oxmoor Road, next to Patriot Park. The original deadline of Feb. 15 fell on President’s Day, when city offices were closed, so the deadline was extended to Feb. 22. Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins said he anticipated receiving anywhere between one and three proposals for the lot, which has been under discussion for several months. This is the second RFP process for the lot, after the city rejected its first two proposals due to serious questions or reservations about each. Tom Walker, who is part of the team that proposed a food truck park and beer garden on the site, said that they have prepared a new proposal that keeps the original idea but better fits into the area’s zoning requirements. Walker said that after the lengthy process that has gone into the lot, he hopes a decision can be made quickly on this new set of proposals. “We’re at the point where we can’t afford to spend much more time on it,” Walker said. “We
hope that the city recognizes how much work everybody has put into this.” The other original proposal, a two-story retail and event space concept called The Grove, will not be making an appearance in this round of the RFP. Developers Sonya DiCarlo and Paula Harris said they have chosen not to participate, but would be willing to negotiate with the city outside the RFP process if the city is still interested in constructing The Grove. “We do not feel this RFP provides the details needed in order to move forward and lead to success for both parties. In part, the new zoning/building code specifications for West Homewood seem to be at odds with the current property lines and the timeline details are not outlined,” DiCarlo and Harris said in a letter sent to the city’s engineering, planning and zoning department. As of now, a timeline for considering and deciding on the new set of proposals has not been determined. This issue of The Homewood Star went to press before the new RFP deadline had been reached. For updates on the new proposals, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
The Homewood Star
A8 • March 2016
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TheHomewoodStar.com
Coming Soon Holler & Dash, a new restaurant concept owned by Cracker Barrel, will open later this month at 2801 18th St. S., in the space formerly occupied by Amy Head Studio. This will be the new restaurant’s first location.
1
Relocations and Renovations Brik Realty, previously located at 3430 Independence Drive, Suite 40, has moved its offices to Pepper Place in Birmingham. 206-4321, brikrealty.com
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Four Seasons Gallery has relocated to 2817 18th St. S. The gallery offers unique products including original art, home décor and florals. 803-4059, 4seasonsantiquesandart.com
March 2016 • A9
News and Accomplishments Breakout Birmingham, a facility offering real-life escape room adventures for small groups, located at 2717 19th Place S., has expanded. The facility has leased a building adjacent to their existing facility and has now doubled the size of their capacity. 282-4798, breakoutbham.com
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Anniversaries 5
“When it rains, we drain!”
Alabama Goods, 2933 18th St. S., is celebrating its fifth anniversary this
month. 803-3900, alabamagoods.com
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Appears at a former location
Business news
to share? Now Open Coming Soon
Relocation Expansion Anniversary
If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and want to share your event with the community, let us know.
The Homewood Star Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com
FOOD • TREATS • TOYS COLLARS • SELF WASH
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The Homewood Star
A10 • March 2016
‘Real food’ at Real & Rosemary By SYDNEY CROMWELL For Jennifer Mims, rosemary is the first herb she remembers seeing her mother use in the kitchen. It’s part of a childhood in small town Alabama where farmers markets were the only way to get fresh produce and real, homemade food was a staple. She’s bringing those same sensibilities to the table with Real & Rosemary, which is set to open by March 1 at 1922 29th Ave. S. if construction finishes smoothly. “I’m trying to keep things really simple,” Mims said of the restaurant concept. The lunch and dinner restaurant has been planned by Mims and business partner Nate Carlson since May 2015. Real & Rosemary, from its patio benches to the wood, fabric and marble used in the interior seating, is built around a sense of comfort and a slightly patchwork style. “It’s such a beautiful building with all the brick in it. I want it to feel like it’s been lived in,” Mims said. “I hope customers feel welcome when they come.” Some of the unique design elements include a painted sprig of rosemary on one of the exterior walls, a marble dining bar near the entrance and a “living wall” of plants on the patio. The menu is built out of Mims’ childhood memories, travels and her own experiences in the kitchen. She said the experience of cooking all of her daughter’s baby food for two years taught her a lot about nutrition, but she also realized there simply wasn’t enough time when her second child was born. The dishes at Real
Real & Rosemary • WHERE: 1922 29th Ave. S. • HOURS: 11 a.m.9 p.m. • WEB: realand rosemary.com
Above: Jennifer Mims stands on the outdoor patio of Real & Rosemary while it is under construction. The restaurant is scheduled to open early this month. Photo by Sydney Cromwell. Below: A rendering of Real & Rosemary’s interior. Image courtesy of Real and Rosemary.
& Rosemary are designed to be both tasty and filling, while made of ingredients she’d be happy to feed to her children. “I feel that’s a type of food you can eat over and over again, with good flavor profiles,” Mims
said. “Eating clean, real food is a good way to live.” Real & Rosemary will serve fast casual dishes based around vegetables and lean protein, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. There will be beer and wine all day, as well as a cocktail bar that opens at 4 p.m. Mims said customers can dine in or get catering or to-go orders. Along with regular parking in front and behind the building, Mims said there will be spots specifically for to-go order pickup. The city of Homewood added some parallel parking spots for her restaurant in front of the building. Because downtown spots are always hard to get, Mims said she hopes the easy walk from 18th Street to her storefront will
encourage pedestrian diners. Mims said there will likely be organic and local ingredients in some of the menu, but the restaurant will be focused more on ingredients with less processing and additives. The first goal for Real & Rosemary, Mims said, is to become a close member of the Homewood community. She said she’s already received positive reactions from residents and fellow downtown business owners. Eventually, Mims said she would like to expand the business and take her “real food” concept to new locations. Since she’ll be at Real & Rosemary every day, Mims also has a personal goal for the restaurant. “When the restaurant opens, there’s a very good chance I’ll never have to cook at home again,” she laughed.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A11
Chamber Public officials discuss safety at chamber luncheon By ERICA TECHO Business owners received fire prevention and safety tips at this month’s chamber luncheon. The February Homewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon featured an emergency response panel with Police Chief Tim Ross, Fire Chief John Bresnan and Jefferson County Emergency Agency director Jim Coker. Paul DeMarco moderated the panel, which covered safety steps businesses can take as well as steps public safety departments take. Ross said as the new Homewood Police chief, he has a few projects he plans to tackle. One of those is making sure the police department is fully staffed. “We have been working a little short-handed for several years here,” he said. “It is a difficult time, as you can imagine, to recruit and retain police officers.” Since becoming police chief, Ross has promoted two lieutenants and three sergeants, and he plans to hire more police officers and support staff. “If we can do that, we will be fully staffed and be better able to serve this community the way it needs to be served,” Ross said. The department will also implement this year new software to assist in crime prevention, Ross said. The software, PredPol, utilizes crime data to help predict locations where crimes may occur. Ross said the software will allow the department to allocate resources where they are most needed. “I think that we’ll see a significant reduction in crime as a result of that software,” Ross said. Overall, Ross said the city of Homewood is a relatively quiet area and does not see much criminal activity, but he gave chamber members a few tips to protect themselves and their businesses. To make their businesses less of a target, Ross suggested Homewood residents always call the
Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan discusses fire prevention and safety at the February Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Photo by Erica Techo.
police if they see something suspicious. Having police on the scene for a non-incident is better than missing out on information because someone did not call, he said. Locking doors during business hours, especially back entrances, and receiving site security assessments from the police department are also steps Ross suggested. Ross said in the future, he also hopes to provide business owners with training for active shooter situations. About 20 percent of active shooter events are stopped by a civilian before police arrive on scene, and Ross said it is important for Homewood residents and business owners to be prepared just in case.
In regard to fire safety, Bresnan said Homewood benefits from residents who know when to call 911. People acting quickly in the face of a fire helps prevent losses, he said. Bresnan also said that fire prevention officers at Homewood FD help limit fires through regular inspections at Homewood businesses. “As far as I know, there is nothing on fire in Homewood right this minute,” Bresnan said. “So our fire prevention staff is doing a well of a job.” When fire prevention staff come out to a business and tell them to get rid of certain extension cords or a space heater, Bresnan said their intention is not to interrupt business, but to use past fire data to prevent future incidents. “Our primary objective there is to limit the fires in Homewood,” he said. Rather than individual safety measures, Coker discussed what Jefferson EMA has done to keep the county and the city of Homewood safer during emergencies. Coker said they have started to utilize social media and mobile communications to better serve the public. “We used to be very inward-focused. Now we’re very outward-focused,” he said. One mobile technology system Jefferson County EMA is making available to its cities will allow residents to receive alerts about local events. Coker said city officials can use the service to send text message alerts about road closures or other event updates. “Now you have reached out to your citizens, you’re making things more convenient for them,” he said. “You’re disrupting them less.” Coker also discussed Jefferson County EMA’s participation in the 2021 World Games. Planning has already started for the event, and he said there is still plenty of planning to go. “It’s not that we have five years to get ready for it, it’s that we only have five years to get ready for it, so we are not waiting at all,” Coker said.
Preview of
MARCH Luncheon
Soong
The March 15 meeting of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce will feature Dr. Weily Soong from Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center as the guest speaker. Soong is a Birmingham native and did his residency at Yale. Soong treats both adult and pediatric allergy and immune system needs. He is also the medical director of the Clinical Research Center of Alabama and the current president of the Alabama Society of Allergy and Immunology. Soong also works with a medical mission group in Nicaragua, the Alabama Allergy Coalition and the Assistance League of Birmingham. The luncheon is at The Club, and networking begins at 11:30, with the program beginning at noon. Contact the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at 871-5631 for more information about registration.
THIS SPRING, BREAK FROM THE HERD 2 0 16 ES C A L A D E
V I S I T Y O U R L O C A L C A D I L L A C D E A L E R TO D AY
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The Homewood Star
A12 • March 2016
Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Raising them to leave They say the goal of parexerts that independence. enting is to raise your kids so Before she goes from thinking they will one day leave you. our little four-person family As the mother of two young is the coolest thing around to children, that concept is hard thinking we’re actually kind to swallow. of embarrassing. From thinkIt’s hard to imagine them ing her parents have all the actually wanting to be away answers to thinking we don’t from me when some days, I’d actually know a thing. pay them to leave me for just Maybe kids are smarter five minutes so I can go to than we give them credit for, Denton the bathroom alone. because when it comes down However, it reassures me to think that to it, we parents really don’t know all that the day when they finally push me away much. is years away — surely middle school at We scour the books, read the articles least, if not high school. (I know all the that float around Facebook, search Scripparents of teenagers are shaking their ture for verses that speak to parenting, but heads at naïve, little me.) really, we just wing it. We take all that But the truth is, even at the tender knowledge and hope, all those tears and ages of 3 and 6, I already see hints and prayers, and we do the best we can. whispers of that future leaving. It doesn’t We hope we can raise our kids to be start with the walking to school alone or kind, generous, brave, gentle creatures spending the night away for the first time who stand up for themselves and other or getting a driver’s license. It’s when the kids. Who work hard and develop their toddler says, “No, Mama, I do it myself.” brainpower and physical talent. Who don’t It’s when the preschooler says, “I can walk end up hating us when they turn 13 (or is into my classroom alone.” It’s when the it 11? Lord help me). big kid says, “Can you just drop me off We may be raising our kids to leave us, then come back and pick me up later?” but I hope along the way we can impart Their knobby-kneed independence is enough grace, enough kindness, enough both exciting and heartbreaking. Even cra- humor and love that if they do leave — as zier is the fact that I, as their parent, am they probably will and should — they’ll supposed to help them along in their inde- gladly come back again and again. pendence, in this journey away from me. I hear middle school is the time in I’d love to connect! Email me at Laurenwhich big changes take place, and I find KDenton@gmail.com, find me on Twitter comfort in the fact (or hope?) that I have @LaurenKDenton, or visit my blog at at least five years before my oldest really laurenkdentonbooks.wordpress.com.
Community Library unveils new Krayon Kiosk station
Children use the library’s new Krayon Kiosk after its unveiling Jan. 21. Photo by Erica Techo.
By ERICA TECHO Homewood Public Library has a new resource for its young patrons. The library on Thursday, Jan. 21, unveiled its Krayon Kiosk, a station of four iPads with youth-appropriate apps, in the children’s department. Laura Tucker, head of children’s services at the library, said the apps will help promote early literacy and reading readiness in young children. “We’re really excited by this opportunity,” Tucker said. The kiosk was funded through a grant from the Rotary Foundation and donations from the Homewood Rotary and Rep. David Faulkner,
R-Mountain Brook. “This station will promote literacy, learning and education for the youngest of patrons, and it’s equipped with age-appropriate applications that will fully engage the toddlers, the preschoolers and elementary age students who come to the library,” library Director Deborah Fout said. The station cost around $3,800, including the cost of the iPads. After unveiling the kiosk and holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony, three children were able to play games on the iPads. Homewood Rotary Club, Homewood Chamber of Commerce and library board members were in attendance at the unveiling.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A13
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A crowd walks down Oxmoor Road behind the cross-bearer during the 2015 Way of the Cross. Photos by Madoline Markham.
Way of the Cross to mark Good Friday By SYDNEY CROMWELL For the 22nd year, a crowd of people from Homewood churches will make their way down Oxmoor Road, led by a huge wooden cross. The Way of the Cross is an annual Good Friday tradition shared by around a dozen Homewood churches, said Edgewood Presbyterian pastor Rev. Joe Genau. This year’s ceremony starts at 2 p.m. on March 25. Participants will gather at the Homewood Central Park amphitheater. After prayer, singing and readings, one person will pick up the eight-foot-tall cross – originally built by Edgewood Presbyterian member Ken Smith out of landscape timber – and begin the procession. There are eight stations along the roughly onemile walk from the park to the closing of the ceremony at Edgewood Presbyterian. At each station, Genau said the gathered crowd will stop for more prayer, biblical verses and songs. Then a new person will pick up the cross and continue the journey. “The crowds are always really good … and they seem to find it very meaningful,” Genau said. Last year, the participating churches were All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Bethel AME, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Dawson Family of Faith, Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Friendship Baptist Church, Oakmont United Methodist Church, Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church, Second Presbyterian Church, Shades
Valley Lutheran Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. Genau said each participating church picks a representative to carry the cross. He said he looks for a church member who has not done it before, who will be physically strong enough to carry the “pretty heavy” cross and will appreciate the spirituality of the moment. “It’s really moving for folks,” Genau said. Once the procession reaches Edgewood Presbyterian, they close with a final set of prayers, verses and the hymn “Were You There?” Since Bill King, the rector at the time for All Saints Episcopal, started the Way of the Cross tradition in April 1994, the event has stayed very similar from year to year. However, this year Genau said his church is slightly changing their part of the tradition. As the final stop in Way of the Cross, Genau said the church always opens at 2 p.m. for those who wish to see the closing of the ceremony but cannot participate in the walk. On Good Friday and throughout Holy Week leading up to Easter, Edgewood Presbyterian will have an installation of the “stations of the cross.” This is a guided prayer and meditation built around the story of Easter, and Genau said he hopes people will participate and reflect on the season as they wait for the procession. “We love this event, it’s always fun and we’re excited to add our own little touch this year,” Genau said. “We’re trying to make a prayerful experience for folks.”
N0W — MAY 1
PRESENTED BY
Congregants read Bible verses and sing hymns at one of the stations during Way of the Cross. BMetroBodyWorlds_VerticalAd_REVISED.indd 1
MCWANE.ORG 2/10/16 4:10 PM
The Homewood Star
A14 • March 2016
Taste of Homewood to celebrate 15 years
Mary Scott Pearson, of official Wine 10K training partner Resolute Running, runs on Lakeshore Trail. Photo courtesy of Joseph Longoria, National Center for Sports Safety.
Wine 10K to have fun, fitn ss on tap Homewood’s favorite restaurants serve up their samples to visitors at Taste of Homewood. Photo by Keith McCoy.
By EMILY FEATHERSTON One of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s most popular events will celebrate its 15th year of showcasing the city’s restaurants and vendors this month. Taste of Homewood, sponsored by The Homewood Star, will return to Rosewood Hall and SoHo Square on Thursday, March 10. The event usually boasts around 30 food vendors, as well as beer and wine samples. While Chamber Director Meredith Drennen said the full list of participants wouldn’t be nailed down until closer to the event, many favorites, such as AlaBev, are already signed up. “It’s an event that restaurants get excited to participate in,” she said. “There’s been some new additions to
Homewood this year. We’re excited to get them involved.” One of those newcomers, Your Pie pizzeria, committed early on to being a part of the event. Drennen said what makes Taste of Homewood different from similar area events is that it is a “tasting event at heart,” and has unlimited samples. Tickets are $30 in advance and will be $40 the day of the event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. With an expected attendance of around 500 guests, Taste of Homewood benefits the Chamber’s many programs, including scholarships for Homewood students and the Chamber’s economic development efforts. For more information about Taste of Homewood and to register for the event, visit homewoodchamber.org.
From left: Lewis and Lindsey Chitwood and Julie and Jay Brandrup enjoy the inaugural Elvis Ball in 2015. Photo courtesy of Creative Montessori School.
By EMILY FEATHERSTON The National Center for Sports Safety is bringing a new event for Homewood’s running and libations enthusiasts. The Wine 10K will combine running, fundraising and a good time on Saturday, March 12, and will benefit the NCSS. The race will follow a mostly flat path starting at Patriot Park and ending at Lakeshore Park Plaza, which will also serve as the location for the post-race festivities. Race partner International Wines will provide sparkling wine for the mimosas to be given to runners after the race, a partnership that inspired the run’s name. In addition to the mimosas, there will be additional vendors providing wine samples, and Trim Tab Brewing Company is scheduled to provide craft beer. NCSS Director of Advancement Joseph
Longoria said he anticipates it to be a “pretty fun post-race party.” Longoria said there has been a good community response, and the group is expecting more than 400 runners to participate. “It should be a really good turnout,” he said. Online registration for the event will be available starting at $55 until Wednesday, March 9. Participants will be able to register in person until 7:30 a.m. on race day, but the price will increase. Packet pickup will take place at The TrakShak in downtown Homewood on Friday, March 11. The race will begin at 8 a.m., and the post-race festivities will commence at the conclusion of the run. For more information or to register, visit wine10k.com.
Creative Montessori’s Elvis Ball back for 2nd year By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Elvis Ball, benefiting the Creative Montessori School in Homewood, is returning for its second year of Las Vegasthemed fun. The 2nd Annual Elvis Ball will take place on Saturday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Old Car Heaven at 3501 First Ave. S. The event will feature ‘70s disco music with DJ Stevo, casino gaming and popular Elvis impersonator David Lee. There will also be both silent and live auctions, and an appearance by the tap-dancing group the Sugar Babies.
Food will be provided by area favorites such as Rojo Birmingham, Continental Bakery and Urban Cookhouse. The J. Clyde will provide complimentary beer, and wine and spirits will be available at a cash bar. Tickets for the event are $50, and proceeds will support the school’s efforts to provide a unique education experience that focuses on the individual child. Reserved seating for tables of eight is also available. For more information about Creative Montessori School or to purchase tickets for The Elvis Ball, visit cmskids.org.
Assistance League presents annual party for philanthropy By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Assistance League of Birmingham will present its annual Sunset and Song fundraising event on Thursday, March 17. The event atop the historic Kress Building will support the League’s three philanthropic programs: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy. The League, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Homewood, was recognized by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce as Best Business 2015 for its efforts to clothe children in need and provide them with necessary hygiene products through Operation School Bell. The St. Patrick’s Day event will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres made possible
by Bob Childs of Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis, Fisher and Goldfarb law firm. There will also be a silent and live auction benefiting the League’s three philanthropic programs. There will be 40 silent auction items, including gift certificates, vacation packages and other items. In addition, there will be five live-auction items. In addition to the party, there will also be a musical performance, Four for Time, at the Red Mountain Theatre Cabaret. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m., and tickets to the entire evening’s events are $125 each. For more information about the Assistance League of Birmingham, visit assistanceleaguebhm.org. Tickets can be purchased by calling 870-5555.
Assistance League of Birmingham members, from left, Jan Cochran, Beth Bucher and Mary Ann Wade enjoy last year’s Sunset and Song event. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kelly.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A15
Exceptional Foundation expects large turnout for chili cook-off
Proceeds from the annual chili cook-off go toward enhancing programs offered by The Exceptional Foundation. Staff photo.
By ERICA TECHO Last year, The Exceptional Foundation raised around $290,000 at its annual Chili Cook-Off. This year, they expect similar success. “We have no reason to think we will raise any less this year,” said Exceptional Foundation Executive Director Tricia Kirk. The cook-off is in its 12th year and will be March 5 at Brookwood Village again. Last year, Kirk said around 15,000 people attended and around 100 teams competed. Proceeds from the event go toward enhancing programs offered by The Exceptional Foundation. “As we’ve added on, we always look for ways to enhance the programs,” Kirk said. “The quality of our programs and the safety of our participants here is our number one goal.” In addition to the chili tasting, the will be a band and several sponsor booths with promotional items. Exceptional Foundation participants look forward to the chili cook-off, Kirk said, and attendees will see them walking around the event. “Our participants really enjoy the chili cookoff,” she said. “They’re on stage and they’re air-guitaring and they’re playing. They’re walking around and meeting all the people. They definitely entertain in the judge’s tent. …And they will definitely tell you if they like your chili or not.” The Exceptional Foundation is around 25 percent funded through participants, and the rest comes from donations, grants and its two annual fundraisers, including the chili cook-off. Homewood and surrounding cities, including Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Hoover and Pelham, also donate to The Exceptional Foundation. The Foundation realizes the influence Homewood’s support has on their program, Kirk said, and they look to give back to the community. One way they give back, she said, is through the
Exceptional Foundation 12th annual Chili Cook-Off • WHERE: Brookwood Village, 780 Brookwood Village • WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. • WEB: exceptionalfoundation.org
chili cook-off’s location. She said they always hope people will stick around and shop at Brookwood Village after the cook-off. “Hopefully it’s just a nice way to bring people to Homewood while we make a lot of money at it,” Kirk said. Families and caregivers of Exceptional Foundation participants as well as volunteers and schools who visit The Exceptional Foundation also spend a lot of time in Homewood, Kirk said. “All of these volunteers or the schools that are training here are coming to Homewood to learn more about The Exceptional Foundation, but they’re also learning about Homewood,” Kirk said. “[They’re] learning about what a wonderful school system we have, the diversity here in Homewood and the businesses we have.” Tickets for the chili cook-off are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. There are also multiple sponsorship options available. For more information, visit exceptionalfoundation.org. A preview of the chili cook-off:
280living.com/topics/video
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Kiwanis to host annual Pancake Day Courtesy of Tom Callison.
By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Kiwanis Club of Homewood and Mountain Brook will host their annual Pancake Day to benefit the Exceptional Foundation on Saturday, March 19. The event, which has been taking place for over 30 years, will begin at 7 a.m. Club president Tom Callison said that the group’s largest fundraiser of the year is open to the public, and all are invited to enjoy breakfast. There will also be activities for children such as face painting. Callison said there will also be a silent auction to support the club’s mission to “serve the world one child at a time.” Tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased
in advance from a Kiwanis Club member. With the ticket, guests can enjoy sausage, coffee and, of course, pancakes. “We’re an international organization, but our focus is on the local community,” Callison said. He added that this year, the group hopes to increase attendance to 1,000 participants — up from the usual number of 600 to 700. He said the Exceptional Foundation is one of the club’s Aktion Clubs — a group the Kiwanis Club partners with to support and engage. “We’ll use this for support and service projects around the city,” he said. For more information about Pancake Day and the Kiwanis Club of Homewood and Mountain Brook, visit homewood-mtbrook-al.kiwanisone. org.
TheHomewoodStar.com
The Homewood Star
A16 • March 2016 Participants hold a banner in the 2015 Parkinson’s Fighters Walk. Photo courtesy of Karen Virciglio.
By JESSE CHAMBERS The Service Guild of Birmingham will host its largest fundraiser of the year, the 28th annual Guild Gala, at The Club in Birmingham on March 19, at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the black-tie event will benefit The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, a facility dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years old who are at risk for developmental delay. The Guild provides financial support to Bell Center programs, as well as volunteer services. The Gala is a “wonderful event for people to make a difference in the lives of children of The Bell Center while connecting with others and making lifelong friendships,” Guild spokesperson Amber Kelley said. This year’s Gala will include a cocktail
4th annual walk to benefit research on Parkinson’s The Parkinson's Association of Alabama will host the fourth annual Parkinson' s Fighter Walk on Saturday, March 5, at the Samford University Track and Soccer Stadium. Karen Virciglio has been involved with the walk since it began, and said it has grown each year since it began in 2013. “We've had it at Veterans Park in Alabaster every year and loved it there, but we moved it to a location more central to Birmingham,” she said. Past walks have raised between $12,000$17,000. Virciglio said she hopes this year's event raises between $20,000-$25,000. All of the proceeds go to UAB Parkinson's research. Virciglio, a Hoover resident who was diagnosed with Parkinson's six years ago, said that many of the participants are patients at the UAB Division of Movement Disorders, which is home to one of the eight advanced enters for research
in the country, and she feels they are on the brink of finding a cure. “We feel fortunate to have this (facility) in our city,” Virciglio said. “They have several projects going on, and believe they’re going to find a cure. Parkinson’s is a progressive illness, and medicines treat it well, but most have side effects, some of which can be pretty bad on the body. We are hoping until they find a cure, they find better medicines and treatments.” The one-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. Dr. David Standaert, Professor and Chair of the UAB Department of Neurology will be the guest speaker before the event begins. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes. “Some people who may not even be able to walk it will still come out and enjoy the event,” Virciglio said. Registration fee is $30 and available at runsignup.com through March 1. Registration will also be available at 8 a.m. the day of the event.
The Alzheimer’s Research and Care Society is once again hoping to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research and care. The ARCS is bringing back the Mindbender 5K for its second year on Saturday, March 26. “There is no cure, no effective treatment and there are no survivors of this horrible disease,” ARCS founder Joan Baucom said. “We must be the voice for so many who no longer have a voice.” The 5K will start at Homewood Central Park at 8 a.m., and participants can either run or walk their way through downtown Homewood and Edgewood. There will also be a one-mile run or walk starting at 9 a.m. At the close of the races, there will be
an awards ceremony recognizing the fastest racers in each category and the top three fundraising teams. Participants are encouraged to register before March 15 to be guaranteed a T-shirt, which can be picked up during registration at the race, starting at 7 a.m. Registration for either the running 5K or the walking 5K is $30 for teens and adults and free for children 12 years old and younger. The one-mile fun run is $20 per person. While all ages are encouraged to attend and participate, animals, child strollers, skates or any wheels other than competitive wheelchairs are not allowed. For more information about the ARCS or to register for the Mindbender 5K, visit alzarcs.org.
Let us help spread the news! Email sydney@starnespublishing.com to submit your announcement.
“They provided services that were above and beyond what we even thought of as full-service. It felt like we were getting a boutique experience with bargain pricing.” “Buying a home was such a big deal for our little family. We have truly found the perfect home and could not be happier! I would recommend Brent to anyone! Professional, patient, friendly, and knows his stuff!”
Mary Elizabeth Angelo and Edwin Andrew Bullard were married Aug. 22, 2015, at The Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham. The 7 p.m. nuptial mass was officiated by the Reverend Douglas Vu. The couple was presented with a Papal Blessing from his Holiness Pope Francis at the conclusion of the ceremony. A reception followed at The Club of Birmingham. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Anthony Angelo of Vestavia Hills. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Joseph John Milazzo and the late Mr. Milazzo of Vestavia Hills and Mrs. Phillip Claude Angelo and the late Mr. Angelo of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Alvin Bullard of Florence, Alabama. He is the grandson of Mrs. Walter Clyde Scott and the late Mr. Scott of Opelika, Alabama and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wallace Hayes of Florence, Alabama. Given in marriage by her father, the bride had sewn into her bouquet her maternal great grandmother’s rosary beads and her maternal grandmother’s wedding handkerchief. The bride was attended by her sister, Catherine Ann Angelo, as maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Kaley Braue, Leslie Bullard, sister of the groom, Elise Carpenter, Julia Curran, Lacey Ezekiel, Karly Gowins, Nicole Hardenkopf, Tiffany Linn, Ashleigh McClenney, Paige Niewerth, Ellen Pantazis and Elizabeth Perrin, cousin of the bride. The groom’s father served as best man. The groomsmen were Vincent Angelo, brother of the bride, David Beasely, Bradley Bowling, John Paul Bruno, Joseph Bruno, cousins of the bride,
Andrew Cibulas, Caleb Davis, Andrew Downing, Drew Hawk, Zachary Miskel, Mitchell Moorer and John Tyler Thompson. Following a honeymoon trip to Excellence Riviera Maya, the couple is at home in Greenville, South Carolina.
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reception with silent auction, a formal seated dinner and a live auction emceed by the guys from the Jox Roundtable at WJOX-FM sports talk radio in Birmingham. Following the live auction, there will be dancing and live music from The Tip Tops. For more than 30 years, The Bell Center has provided critical early intervention services, including physical, occupational and speech therapies; special education services; and nutritional counseling to children in central Alabama at risk for developmental delay. The Club is located at 1 Robert S. Smith Drive. The Gala is by invitation only. To make a donation, contact Blair Crabtree at serviceguildgala@gmail.com. For membership information, contact Deana Hughes at president@theserviceguild.org. For more information about the Service Guild, go to theserviceguild.org.
The Mindbender 5K is returning for its second year of raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research. Photo courtesy of Joan Baucom, ARCS.
By EMILY FEATHERSTON
Celebrations
Service Guild to host gala
2nd annual Mindbender 5K aims to raise awareness
By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
March 2016 • A17
Melvin Upchurch & Brent Griffis LIST Birmingham owners & top producing agents Top 1% of all agents in the Greater Alabama MLS in 2015
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The Homewood Star
A18 • March 2016
SALAMANDER FESTIVAL Photos by Patty Bradley
2016
Clockwise from top left: Salamander Festival guests hold spotted salamanders. A spotted salamander crawls on a child’s arm at the Salamander Festival. A child looks at rocks on display with a magnifying glass at the Salamander Festival. Salamander costumes made an appearance at the festival.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A19
A20 • March 2016
ARMED WITH knowledge
The Homewood Star
By SARAH COOK
Homewood residents of all ages come to Blue Line Combatives to learn from police officer Jon Newland. Photo by Sarah Cook.
While shopping at Wal-Mart, 62-year-old Catherine Clements was approached by someone wanting to take her purse. She didn’t panic, though. She knew exactly how to handle the situation. Before she could take the time to feel fear, Clements recalled some maneuvers she learned in Blue Line Combatives — a weekly self-defense class taught at Homewood Community Center. After attending the class for just a few months, Clements said she has seen her confidence — and physical fitness — improve greatly. She credits her newfound self-defense skills for getting her out of what could have been a bad situation at Wal-Mart that day. “It’s frightening today because you hear all these horrible things on the news, and it’s just good to be prepared and have these skills,” she said. The class’s strong leadership, Clements said, is another reason why she attends. Jon Newland — a member of the Homewood Police Department who has more than 30 years of experience teaching self-defense — spearheaded Blue Line Combatives when he saw a
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TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A21
I want to train civilians to be able to overcome the bad guys, because we can’t always be there.
”
JON NEWLAND
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Aley Dyer practices her self-defense skills at Blue Line Combative, taught at the Homewood Community Center. Photo by Sarah Cook.
need for self-defense skills in the Homewood community. Standing at five feet six inches, Newland admits he became interested in self-defense at a young age because of his stature. By studying kung fu, taekwondo, karate, kickboxing and jiu jitsu, Newland was able to leverage his knowledge to launch the self-defense class. His law enforcement background helped, too. “I want to train civilians to be able to overcome the bad guys, because we can’t always be there,” Newland said. “Your personal safety is up to you.” Newland also preaches the power of self-confidence. “It’s remarkable what having a little bit of self-confidence can help you do,” he said. “I like to empower people like that.” Like Clements, Ray Deese, who has been attending Blue Line Combatives for approximately three months, said he took up self-defense as a way to build confi dence — and know how to protect himself in a life-threatening situation. “You’re getting your blood pumping, you’re working your muscles and you’re working your mind,” Deese said. “It’s just really good stuff.” Blue Line Combatives, Newland explained, is meant to simulate real-life situations — such as what to do if someone tries to take your purse
or threatens you while at an ATM. The class begins with Newland describing a scenario, and then he demonstrates how participants can maneuver themselves to safety. Newland said, however, most self-defense skills are basic — it’s just a matter of knowing what to do and when to act. “I still think it comes down to being able to punch well and kick well,” he said. “If you get those elements down, you’re pretty much prepared for anything.” Newland’s teachings know no age limit. Eight-year-old Aley Dyer, who has attended the class for a few months with her mother, April Dyer, said her favorite part of Blue Line Combatives is learning how to kick. “Aley came to me wanting to take a self-defense class, just to be able to stand up for herself at school and things like that,” April said. “I figured it would be something good for the family to do.” Newland said seeing his class transform into more confident citizens who can protect themselves is his favorite part of teaching. “I’ve done this in police work, I’ve done it on the street, I’ve done it in here — and I know what works,” he said. Blue Line Combatives meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Homewood Community Center. The class costs $10 per person. Call 296-1250 for more information.
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The Homewood Star
A22 • March 2016
summer camp
G U I D E special advertising section
As days turn warmer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime at last, and no summer is complete without a camp experience. Peruse our guide to learn more about which programs best fit your child s personality, interest, age and availability. No matter which you choose, it’s time to jump in for fun and adventure this summer!
The Altamont School
Summer at Altamont is open to interested first through 12th graders from all schools with an eclectic array of exciting choices for campers from sports and music to theater and astronomy, among many others. Camp takes place from June 6-July 15. Courses and camps offered at Altamont during the summer bring exciting options for acceleration, enrichment and credit. Summer programs are a great way for prospective families to learn about Altamont and current students to get ahead for the upcoming year. Credit Courses: High school credit courses include Altamont-required half-credit courses Speech, Laboratory Technology and Health, plus full-credit courses in Honors Geometry and ninth grade Honors Ancient and Medieval Civilizations. Elective Classes: Offerings for middle and elementary students include photography, astronomy, cooking, theater, languages and so much more. We also have enrichment classes in math
The Altamont School • WHERE: 4801 Altamont Road South • CALL: 879-2006 • WEB: altamontschool.org/summer
and English, as well as an intensive writing workshop. Sports and Music Camps: Hugely popular basketball and soccer day camps are open to players of all skill levels, from rising 1st through rising 12th grade. New music offerings this year include band camp, jazz camp and string camp. Whether it’s enrichment, enlightenment, entertainment, merriment, advancement or just a way to burn off some of that pent-up energy, Altamont has what your child needs this summer: something constructive to do.
TheHomewoodStar.com
summer camp
G U I D E
March 2016 • A23
special advertising section
Get inspired at Birmingham Museum of Art summer camp Give your child a fun summer of endless inspiration! The Birmingham Museum of Art offers a one-of-a-kind camp where children experience amazing art firsthand. The Museum Studio Summer Art Camp is the only summer experience in the region that gives your child immediate access to our collection of original artworks from around the world. This year, the BMA’s Museum Studio School offers youth entering grades 1–9 the opportunity to learn about the role of art and design in problem-solving. Inspired by art that spans every continent and 4,000 years, campers will brainstorm, create, and test their own artistic solutions to some of the challenges of their worlds. The Summer Art Camp at the Birmingham Museum of Art is the only summer experience in the region that gives your camper immediate access to nationally known experts in the art world and our collection of original artworks from around the world and throughout human civilization. Founded in 1963 with the goal of giving the region a working model of social change, the Education Department at the BMA offered some of the state’s first integrated studio and art history classes for area K-12 and college students. With over 600 tours and programs serving more than 50,000 youth annually, our founding objectives have now become time-tested methods of building empathy, critical thinking skills and creativity. Campers will experience a summer of funfilled, hands-on activities and will create a variety of media, including drawing, painting and sculpting. At the end of the week, for the last 90
minutes of camp, there is a wonderful presentation for parents, guardians and museum staff. Camp will take place from June 13-July 29, 2016, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an extended day studio option from 3:30-5 p.m. General tuition is $200. Early registration is March 1. Those who register by this date will receive a 20 percent discount. The extended day studio includes an additional flat fee of $50. Camps scheduled this summer include grades 1-2, June 13-17; grades 3-5, June 20-24 and June 27-July1; grades 6-7, July 11-15, July 19-22; and grades 8-9, July 25-29. The Birmingham Museum of Art, one of the
finest regional museums in the United States, houses a diverse collection of more than 26,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts dating from ancient to modern times. The collection presents a rich panorama of cultures, featuring the museum’s extensive holdings of Asian, European, American, African, Pre-Columbian and Native American art. The mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art is to provide an unparalleled cultural and educational experience to a diverse community by collecting, presenting, interpreting and preserving works of art of the highest quality.
Birmingham Museum of Art • WHERE: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. • CALL: 297-8073 • WEB: artsbma.org/museum-studio/
A24 • March 2016
summer camp
G U I D E
The Homewood Star
special advertising section
Tune up at Dawson Music Academy
Has your child ever been interested in playing the guitar? Piano? Violin? Or you would like for him or her to just tryout a few different instruments or learn more about the basics of music? Join us for Dawson Music Academy’s Summer Music Camp: Instruments of Praise on June 20-24, 2016. Music camp is a great way to sample what our music academy has to offer. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade have the opportunity to explore the instrument of their choice (violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, harp, percussion or voice). DMA Music Camp specializes in small group classes that offer personalized instruction from our DMA staff. Classes are available for campers who have no experience or
who have played for many years. Campers are grouped with other students of similar musicianship to help them grow and develop their talents. In addition to focusing on a primary instrument, our music campers participate in fun and interactive large group activities that center around musical aspects that help each child improve his or her musical skills. Afternoon sessions include instrument classes, show choir classes, art, drawing, and praise band basics. This is the twelfth year of Dawson Music Academy’s Summer Music Camp. Over 125 campers attend our music camp experience each summer. Full-day camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register by May 1 to receive the early bird
price of $210. Morning only camp is from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Register by May 1 to receive the early bird price of $110. Online Registration opens March 15 at www.dawsonmusicacademy. org. Please email Kimberly Jones, Administrative Director, for more information. We hope to see you this summer! If you are unable to join us for summer camp, we welcome the opportunity to help you develop your talents through private lessons. The Dawson Music Academy (DMA) provides classical music lessons in a Christian environment for students of all ages and all levels of ability. We desire to help students learn about music, improve his or her musical skills and apply those
Dawson Music Academy • WHERE: 1114 Oxmoor Road • CALL: 871-7324 • WEB: dawsonmusicacademy.org
skills to praise God through music. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6
TheHomewoodStar.com
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G U I D E
March 2016 • A25
special advertising section
Find your place at RMTC
For kids who feel like all the world’s a stage, Red Mountain Theatre Company’s education workshops and camps provide the opportunity to hone singing, dancing and acting skills. With six different offerings, these programs are not just for the experienced actors. The Basic and Blast Bootcamps are non-auditioned. Basic Bootcamp is geared toward children ages 4-6 for the development of their creative skills. Each week, students will use music, crafts, dance and drama to explore a different theme such as Under
the Sea, Superheroes or Fairytales. The other non-audition type camps are Blast Bootcamp and Spring Break Blast, which teaches kids and teens ages 7-18 all the basic skills of musical theater through music, dance and acting. Students can audition for the Recruit, Intermediate and Advanced Bootcamps on March 12 and 13. Recruits, ages 7-18, will learn specialized skills like improvisational comedy, jazz dance and choral singing. This camp focuses on enhancing the performance skills of all young
artists. Intermediate Bootcamp is for students ages 9-15 who are ready to take their theater training to the next level. Students will gain skills in intermediate dance steps and song interpretation. Advanced Bootcamp is for students ages 13-18 who will focus on learning complex production numbers straight from the Broadway stage. Students train for three weeks to become triple-threat performers, becoming experts in singing, dancing and acting. This elite camp is
RMTC Education Programs • WHEN: March 28-April 1 and June 6-24 • CALL: 324-2424 • WEB: redmountaintheatre.org/education
for those who want to be the best of the best.
A26 • March 2016
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G U I D E
The Homewood Star
special advertising section
The Dance Foundation offers variety of camps for kids The Dance Foundation offers a variety of summer camps for students entering 4K through 6th grade. Camp runs from June 6 through August 6 and range in price from $120 to $225. There is a camp for each age group that is tailor made to engage their imaginations and develop artistry in a fun and creative environment. “Once Upon a Fairytale” is the perfect camp for those entering 4K and 5K. The camp provides daily adventures for campers drawn straight from classical fairy tales that you know and love. Campers will delight in delving into trunks filled with costumes and creative artifacts to bring their favorite fairy tales to life. Cost of the half-week, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. camp for students entering 4K is $120. Children will enjoy being a part of “Cinderella,” “Elves and the Shoemaker,” and “The Snow Queen.” For students entering 5K, the full-week, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. camp is $160 and campers will dress in costumes provided by The Dance Foundation and participate in movement, music, art and drama for fairy tales that include “Sleeping Beauty,” “Living Quan-Yin,” “Robin Hood,” “Twelve Dancing Princesses,” and “Peter and the Wolf.” “Once Upon a Ballet” offers first and second grade campers the opportunity to learn classical dance steps and gestures of famous characters, make costumes, explore the use of props, and dance along with the traditional music of “Giselle,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Swan Lake,” and “Rodeo and Coppelia.” The Dance Foundation’s “Imagination Lab”
The Dance Foundation • WHERE: 1727 27th Court South • CALL: 870-0073 • WEB: thedancefoundation.org
camp is a combination of classes, creative sessions and rehearsals, all working toward the students creating their own work inspired by a theme. This summer’s themes are super heroes, “Star Wars” and “Frozen.” For the student who is interested in or serious about dance, there is the Dance Intensive, which includes classes in a variety of styles,
plus improvisation, choreography, rehearsal and participation in the making of a dance for the camera. The Dance Foundation also offers a Theatre Intensive for students to study the art of live acting through voice, movement, theatrical improvisation and scene work. All of these creative camps are led by
professional teaching artists in dance and theater. Full-day camps will culminate with an informal sharing of work for family and friends. In addition to camps, The Dance Foundation offers weekly classes for ages 1 to adult, June 6-August 6, including Movement-to-Music, Teen Ballet, Teen Contemporary Dance, Adult Contemporary Dance and Dance especially for Special Needs children. Their unique approach to teaching the art of dance inspires imaginative learning in young dancers and cultivates technique and artistry as they mature. “Unique to our community is our annual Stage Door Youth Theatre Company production,” said Shellie Chambers, director of youth and adult programs. “This year, we will present Pippi Longstocking in our Studio Theatre, June 23-26. All those in 4th grade and up are invited to audition for a role on April 18.” Rehearsals will take place M-F, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., June 1-21. For more information on The Dance Foundation’s unique programs, please visit thedancefoundation.org.
TheHomewoodStar.com
summer camp
March 2016 • A27
G U I D E special advertising section
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY SUMMER PROGRAMS 2016
Samford University Summer Camps Samford University offers a summer of thought-provoking, empowering and fun summer camps for all ages and areas of interests. Whether your student is interested in the arts, sciences, athletics, theater or math, they will find the perfect camp to stimulate their minds and prepare them for a stellar future. Athletic Summer Training camps June 10-12 host a clinic for high school students interested in athletic training, sports medicine and physical therapy. The three-day residential, hands-on educational opportunity on the Samford campus requires a $200 resident fee, and registration includes meals, housing, fun evening activities on and off campus, CPR/AED certification, a T-shirt and materials. The $170 commuter fee and registration includes lunch, CPR/AED certification, a T-shirt and materials. Students should register online by May 1. Piano students will love the Piano and Chamber Music Institute, June 5-11 for grades 7-12, where students will further their performance abilities while increasing their general knowledge of music. For grades 1-12, there is Adventures in Music Camp, which runs from June 13-17 and July 11-15. This camp offers piano and voice students the opportunity to enhance their solo and ensemble performance, music history and theory knowledge. For theater enthusiasts, there is Imagine! Drama Camps June 13-17 and 20-24. There is a one-week camp for grades K-5 and two week camp for grades 6-12. Each camp gives students the chance to plan, create and participate in a theater production. Animate! June 20-24 or June 27-July 1 for grades 8-12 is an academy for worship, theology and the arts. For the book lover there is the Great Ideas Summer Institute June 19-24 for high school juniors and seniors to engage in lively discussions about the Great Books. Alabama Governor’s School for rising
Samford University • WHERE: 800 Lakeshore Drive • CALL: 726-2011 • WEB: samford.edu/programs/ summer-programs
12th-grade students is a 13-day residential program on the Samford campus that provides academic, creative and leadership experiences for gifted high school seniors who are nominated by their high schools. For students interested in learning more about the areas of justice and medicine, there are J.D. Calling and M.D. Calling. J.D. Calling, June 27-30, grades 11-12, features expert panels, a mock trial, analysis of legal cases and advice about law school application. M.D. Calling, June 27-30, grades 11-12, features pre-medicine advising, expert panels, networking and field trips. There is also Bulldog Pharmacy Camp, June 26-July 1, for high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen with an interest in a career in pharmacy. For those who want to focus on scholastics, there is the Summer Debate Institute from June 26-July 9 for grades 9-12, where a national caliber staff emphasizes 21st century debate skills. The Minority Youth Science Academy from June 26-29 for grades 9-12 offers college preparation and mentoring for outstanding minority students with an interest in science. The Quantitative Finance Summer Institute, June 19-24 for high school juniors and seniors, teaches the mathematical and analytical methods of modern finance. And the Micah Summer Institute, June 26-July 1, based on the verse Micah 6:8, teaches the concepts of justice, mercy and humility.
Piano and Chamber Music Institute • June 5–11 Further your performance abilities while increasing your general knowledge of music Writing Camp • June 6–10 or July 25–29 Become a better writer and submit your work in contests and publications Athletic Training Summer Clinic • June 10–12 Learn about careers in athletic training, sports medicine and physical therapy; participate in hands-on demonstrations Alabama Governor’s School June 12–24 Provides academic, creative and leadership experiences for gifted high school seniors; students are nominated by their high schools Imagine! Drama Camps June 13–17 and June 20–24 Plan, create and participate in a theatre production Adventures in Music Camp June 13–17 (piano) or July 11–15 (piano or voice) Enhance your solo and ensemble performance, music history and theory knowledge Great Ideas Summer Institute June 19–24 Engage in lively discussions about the Great Books with faculty and students Quantitative Finance Summer Institute June 19–24 Study business methods used in modern finance with faculty and professionals
Animate • June 20–24 or June 27–July 1 Train for worship leadership; register as an individual or a team from your school or congregation Bulldog Pharmacy Camp June 26–July 1 Learn about careers in pharmacy, participate in hands-on demonstrations and tour health care facilities Micah 6:8 Summer Institute June 26–July 1 Explore concepts of justice, mercy and humility with Samford faculty and students Minority Youth Science Academy June 26–29 College preparation and mentoring for minority students interested in science Summer Debate Institute June 26–July 9 Learn 21st-century debate skills to compete at the highest levels J.D. Calling June 27–30 Features expert panels, a mock trial, analysis of legal cases and advice about law school application M.D. Calling June 27–30 Features premedicine advising, expert panels, networking and field trips The Martian Frontier June 27–30 Explore cutting-edge science and the challenges of a human mission to Mars
Art Studio for Teens June 20–24 Use various art media for creative projects with experienced artists
Learn more and view registration deadlines at samford.edu/go/summer
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G U I D E
The Homewood Star
special advertising section
YMCA Summer Day Camp focuses on youth development Youth development is the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical processes that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful developmental process fulfills children and teens’ innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy. Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and teammates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what Summer Day Camp at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is all about — ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more achievement, and more belonging. The Y is a place where kids feel safe, welcomed and can express their individuality in an environment that provides positive relationships, encourages parent engagement, and helps children realize their passions and talents. It’s also loads of fun! To learn more or to register, go online to ymcabham.org/best-summer. Other YMCA Summer Opportunities YMCA Camp Cosby The YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s sleepaway camp, Camp Cosby, offers a one-week, co-ed, safe and structured experience for children ages 6 to 16 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. YMCA Camp Cosby gives children a chance to play hard, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun and structured environment. Your camper will develop new skills, gain confidence, make friends and have an amazing experience. campcosby.org
200+ wooded acres complete with swimming pool, hiking trails, fields for games, rock face for climbing, and our own private lake, it is the perfect backdrop for the traditional camp activities that we offer. Activities include: ►Hiking ►Fishing ►Canoeing ►Lake swimming ►Archery ►Rock climbing ymcabham.org/hargisretreat
YMCA Hargis Retreat Unlike other Day Camp programs, Summer Day Camp at Hargis is really camp! Located on
Summer Adventures In Learning (S.A.I.L.) The Summer Adventures In Learning program works with struggling students in grades 3-5 who
BEST
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EVER!
BEST. SUMMER. EVER.
Summer Day Camp
YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM #BestSummerEver
REGISTER TODAY!
ymcabham.org/bestsummer
need extra help. Summer Adventures In Learning is designed to help prevent learning loss, offer chances to explore new interests and skills and close the achievement gap for children from lower income communities. ymcabham.org/sail THINGAMAJIG® Invention Convention Friday, July 22 THINGAMAJIG® is a daylong event that combines STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), active fitness and play, creative eco-art and team challenges into one child-focused festival. Learn more online at ymcabham.org/ thingamajig.
YMCA Day Camp • WHERE: 3551 Montgomery Highway • CALL: 870-9622 • WEB: ymcabham.org/shadesvalley
TheHomewoodStar.com
summer camp
G U I D E
March 2016 • A29
special advertising section
Blank Canvas Summer Art Camp
Blank Canvas Summer Art Camp offers hands-on learning about art and artists. “We will have fun and get messy as we explore the many different ways art can be created. We will also be learning about some of the greatest artists of today and in history by exploring their methods with hands-on activities,” said Katherine Kuykendall, artist and instructor. Summer camp sessions times are 10 a.m.3 p.m. ($200 per week) with extended hours available (8 a.m.-5 p.m. will increase the price to $250 per week). These sessions will be offered on the following dates: Session 1 is June 6-10; Session 2 is June 13-17; Session 3 is June 20-24; Session 4 is June 27-July 1; Session 5 is July 11-15; Session 6 is July 18-22; Session 7 is July 27-31. We also plan to offer a spring break camp March 28-April 1 with the same pricing and hours for ages five years old to 14 years old. Projects will
Blank Canvas Summer Art Camp • WHERE: 1816 28th Avenue South, Suite B • CALL: 410-0494 • WEB: blankcanvasacademy.com
be tailored to meet the individual child’s age and skill level. Students should register at least the week before the session they wish to attend. Kids should bring their own lunch, drink and snack. There will also be drinks and snacks for sale for $1 per item. Also, it is important for parents to know that they should make sure their children are dressed prepared to get a little messy. We will provide aprons.
Mason Music Camp
Mason Music offers summer camps for every age group so there’s something for everyone. Mason Music Camp for Beginners is perfect for children ages 6-9 years old, who have little or no experience with music or musical instruments. Students will learn how to sing and play instruments like the guitar, piano, drums and violin. Sessions are from June 6-10 at the Bluff Park Studio; July 11-15 at the Mountain Brook Studio; and August 1-5 at our Cahaba Heights Studio. The cost of this camp is $175. The Princess and Pirate Preschool Music Camp teaches little princesses and pirates about the world of music from 9-11 a.m. Sessions are from June 13-17 at the Mountain Brook Studio and July 11-15 at the Cahaba Heights Studio. The cost of this camp is $125 for 3-5 year olds (who are potty trained). For 10-18 year olds, Mason Music’s Rock Band Camp, from June 20-24 at the Cahaba Heights Studio, is perfect for kids who are ready to take their music skills to the next level. Students are placed into bands and learn how to play in a group setting, culminating in a “battle of the bands” at the
Mason Music Studio • WHERE: Bluff Park 761 Shades Mountain Plaza, Cahaba Heights 3187 Cahaba Heights Road, Mountain Brook 2903 Cahaba Road • CALL: Bluff Park 582-2238, Cahaba Heights 908-7059, Mountain Brook 874-9596 • WEB: masonmusicstudios.com/music-camps/
end of the week at a local venue. Overdrive is for 13-18 year olds who have extensive training in their instrument. Overdrive will take place July 18-29 at the Cahaba Heights Studio. The cost of this camp is $1,000. Students will play together, write together and perform live together. Every student will spend time in Mason’s professional recording studio and receive a copy of their band’s original song and music video.
The Homewood Star
A30 • March 2016 Homewood High School sophomore Macy Squires with her service dog Max, who alerts her to seizures and hypoglycemia. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Watch clips of Macy and Max:
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MAX
CONTINUED from page A1 all in or not in at all,” Macy said, adding that by the end of the first month working with Max, she felt she could “fully rely” on him. Just having him by her side has also been beneficial. “My seizures have decreased since I’ve had him, and I think part of it is probably stress relief knowing that he’s going to let me know ahead of time and there’s not going to be falling. Basically I don’t stress out about when’s it going to
happen,” Macy said. When Max’s vest goes on in the morning, he’s ready to work. He’s calm and always paying attention to even slight changes in Macy. He enjoys the sights and sounds of going to school with her each day. “He loves coming to school. He’s probably the most excited person in the morning,” Macy said. Jami Wilson, Macy’s physical science teacher, said some of the teachers at HHS were initially nervous about Max coming to school, as they didn’t know if he would be a distraction. Those concerns were quickly put to rest. After the novelty of a poodle walking the halls wore off,
TION C E S IAL
n e m Wo f o d o o w e 2016 Hom
SPEC
Coming in July Email matthew@starnespublishing.com for more information
students and teachers have seen Max as another regular part of their high school day. “Honestly, I’ve loved having him in class with Macy,” Wilson said. “She’s done so well with it. It’s just like it’s no big deal. It’s Macy and Max, no different from somebody with a backpack. It’s just she has a dog and a backpack.” Macy has also brought Max to visit special education students at Homewood High. “I thoroughly enjoy visiting with them and they all love him, and he loves having that attention,” she said. After school, Max accompanies Macy to honor band and chamber woodwind practice,
where she plays the bassoon. Macy doesn’t do marching band, in part because of the physical strain on her body and partly because Max hates the drums. Macy also works at Roverchase some afternoons, helping to handle and bathe the dogs while Max gets some time off to play. Because she works with the people who trained Max, she never has to worry about her dog being welcome in the workplace. While people at school and work are used to seeing Max, people at stores and restaurants are not. Macy said employees sometimes stop her because they think service dogs are only for the blind or that he isn’t trained well enough to come inside the store. “It’s not a common thing you see every day in the business world, and I think there could be more awareness,” Macy said. In December, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society awarded Max their 2015 Olivia Bearden award for his service to Macy. When they get home, however, the vest comes off and it is Max’s cue to relax. He will run, play with other dogs and act like a typical family pet. Max will accompany Macy through her remaining two years of high school and through college. She wants to study veterinary medicine and eventually would like to work with an organization to provide service dogs for others. Macy said she would like to work with individuals with autism, diabetes or other conditions that place them lower on the priority list for most organizations, so they can experience the same life improvements that Max has brought to her. “I think he’s opened my eyes to a different side of the world,” Macy said.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • A31
This initial rendering shows overall goals for the redevelopment of Edgewood Service Center, though final designs or tenants are not available yet. Courtesy of Shannon Waltchack Commercial Real Estate.
EDGEWOOD
CONTINUED from page A1 Center to buy the property and has already released a flier advertising the leasing space to potential tenants. “Edgewood’s on fire and it’s such a desirable place to live and the retail core is thriving,” said Derek Waltchack, one of the principals of Shannon Waltchack. The flier states that the owners of Edgewood Service Center are retiring. However, owner Carolyn Pettus said in a mid-February interview that a final decision has not been made. If the deal is finalized, Shannon Waltchack wants to gut the interior of the 9,000-square-foot building, repaint it and ready it for a mix of restaurant, retail and office tenants. The garage doors would be replaced by glass and retail storefronts. “The bones of the building are wonderful,” Waltchack said. “The garage lends itself to good retail spaces, and we’ll actually have some parking for those retailers, which will be unique to Edgewood.” There are about 100 parking spots within a block of the service center, which they agreed would be enticing to new tenants. The number of residents within walking distance also adds to the appeal. Depending on tenants’ needs, the 7,000 square feet on the first floor could be divided in different ways. The first rendering of the proposed renovations, which was included on the leasing flier, shows signs for Gulf Oil and Sinclair Oil. These throwbacks to the history of the Edgewood Service Center, which started as a gas station, are not a definite part of the final plan. However, Murray and Waltchack agreed that the history of the building deserves recognition in the renovation. When customers walk in the new shops, both men want them to see signs of the past blended with the new. “We want to play off the heritage of the prior use,” Waltchack said. Murray said the garage would be split between retail and restaurant space. A twostory portion of the building, on the left end as viewed from Oxmoor Road, would have offices on the second floor and either retail or another office space on the ground floor.
“I see this as a sister development to the Hollywood,” said Waltchack, referring to the Shannon Waltchack development on Hollywood Boulevard that houses Over Easy and Mexico Lindo. Though information about the project only became public in early February, Murray said the real estate firm is already in negotiations with potential tenants and seeking more. They’re looking for one or two restaurant concepts and a clothing store or similar tenant. “We want to find retailers that are as unique as the neighborhood,” Murray said. Edgewood Service Center is already surrounded by several dining options, including La Bamba, Saw’s BBQ, New York Pizza, Sam’s Deli and Grill and the newly opened Taco Mama location. Dreamcakes and Edgewood Creamery provide dessert options, and Sprout & Pour offers cold-pressed juices. Despite this buffet of food choices within less than a quarter mile, Waltchack said he isn’t worried about the new restaurants oversaturating the market. “I think who we’re talking to is so unique that there won’t be any competition between the two,” Waltchack said. Amanda Blake Turner, the owner of Sprout & Pour, said she was excited to see more retail options and would love to have health or fitness related business neighbors to complement her own store. In a discussion of the topic on the What’s Happening in Homewood Facebook page, many residents supported the idea of a small grocery market, a breakfast place or coffee shop. Since Hart and Soul closed in 2015, none of those options exist in Edgewood. “I personally think it is a great idea. I think a couple of small retail stores and a coffee shop that specialized in breakfast would be perfect,” said Chris Collins of Homewood Antiques. As of The Homewood Star’s press date, the deal between Shannon Waltchack and the Edgewood Service Center had not been finalized. If the sale occurs, Murray said, no information can be released on tenants until lease agreements are complete. However, he said they are planning to have renovations done for tenants to move in by mid-summer 2016. “The concepts who we’re talking with… we feel will be very well received in the community,” Murray said.
The Homewood Star
SECTION
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School House B8 Sports B11 Medical Directory B18 Calendar B22
MARCH 2016
The voices on the radio By SYDNEY CROMWELL
A
s a child, Steven Westbrook never believed his grandfather’s stories. It seemed like a myth that a blind man living in Birmingham would listen to radio broadcasts from Nazi Germany and Japan, waiting to hear news of any local soldiers that he could report to their families. When he grew up, Westbrook happened to find his grandfather’s name on the roster of a WWII-era Shortwave Amateur Monitors club. His grandfather’s stories were true, and they were Westbrook’s first introduction to the world of amateur radio. Amateur radio operators, often called hams, are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast over radio airwaves under individual call signs. Hams can use their radio equipment to talk to other operators around the world or provide emergency communications when traditional communication methods fail. Westbrook, now a Homewood resident, has been a ham for about five years, but his involvement in the world of radio started much earlier. “I grew up around it,” he said. Westbrook’s father worked for AT&T in the 1970s and later owned his own electronics company. Westbrook recalls helping to install language learning software and equipment in several high schools, including Homewood High. This led to an interest in taking apart and rebuilding radios, especially older ones. “When you get into it, you can understand it and
Steven Westbrook with some of his favorite radios housed at the Alabama Historical Radio Society in downtown Birmingham. Westbrook is a Homewood resident and a ham radio operator. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
See RADIO | page B17
The Homewood Star
B2 • March 2016
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Zumba with Camille
Tango Argentino
ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance, and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages and both sexes! Tuesday and Thursday: 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Camille 256-452-2500 camillescruggs@gmail.com
Introductory lessons and guided practice. New students are taught basic Tango technique, and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practice and exchange tips to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome. HWCC Fitness Studio 2. First and third Wednesday of each month. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Young Rembrandts
Young Rembrandts drawing classes use step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Contact Chris Roberson at 205-943-1923 for more information and to register or visit youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
360 Personal Trainer Fitness Bootcamp
Bootcamp style fitness classes at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m. Michael Brooks: michaelbrooks360@gmail.com
Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp
North Star Martial Arts
Join this all-women bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday and Wednesday – 5:45 a.m.-6:45 a.m. homewoodfit.com
North Star Martial Arts’ primary focus is to make a life-lasting impact on our students and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or northstarkarate.com 205-966-4244 masterjoe@northstarkarate.com
Acting Out Academy
Acting Out Academy is a kid’s performing arts classes at the Homewood Community Center Thursday 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. (Encore: After School Program) Thursday 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Advanced on-camera) actingoutacademy.com • 205-440-2699 meg@actingoutacademy.com
Belly Dancing with Aziza
Class Fee: $60 cash only Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net azizaofbirmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is five weeks long. Monday: Beginners Tuesday: Intermediates Thursday: Advanced
Blue Line Combatives
Wednesday’s 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Call or email for additional information: Instructor Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com • 205-296-1250
YoLIMBER
Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes
Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. All levels welcome. Friday 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 mac@yolimber.com
Steel City Cheer classes cover all cheerleading and tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning and tumbling. All ages and skill levels welcome. Monday and Tuesday 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Contact DeeDee: PDEveritt@gmail.com 901-734-0277
Royce Head Personal Training
Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp
Affordable small-group training sessions are available to members in the community center weight room. Each 30-minute workout is fast, fun, safe and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. $25 Per Session or 12 Sessions for $250 Call Royce for more information: 205-945-1665
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew
Beginning ballet moves taught as a foundation for many types of dance. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. Mondays 4 p.m.-4:45 p.m. For additional information call Claire: 205-879-8780
Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. Location: Homewood Central Park A class for moms of all fitness levels! This 45-minute class focuses on interval training with the use of bands, body weight and your child’s stroller! mommyandmetime.com
HomeFit
With personal training starting at $60 per 45-minute session, HomeFit is one of the area’s fastest growing fitness companies, proudly serving Homewood Community Center with Alabama’s elite mobile personal training team. HomeFit will provide you with the personal attention of an insured, nationally certified fitness consultant. Contact HomeFit today to experience why they are the ideal option for your busy schedule. Visit homefitconsulting.com to learn more.
@homewoodparks
Homewood Senior Center Seated Exercise Class – Mon, Wed and Fri (10:30 a.m.) 45-60 min. Gentle joint movement as warm-up; stretching and strength portions are led with an emphasis on proper breathing; includes 10 min of standing exercises designed to practice balance/weight shifting. Line Dancing “Smart Moves” – Tue and Fri (9:30 a.m.) Beginner to intermediate movement sequences are taught for each song, a sequence is repeated multiple times but facing a different direction with each repetition. Styles of music vary. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. DanceFit with Galina – Tues 2:15; Fun and easy movements to music from various genres. Low to moderate intensity exercise focusing on muscle conditioning, balance, range of motion and flexibility. Review and practice of the Tai Chi the last 15 mins of class. Adaptive Yoga & Gentle Yoga – Wed (1:15 - Adaptive and 1:45 p.m. Gentle) Half hour of gentle guided stretching and breathing, using a chair. Appropriate for persons who wish to avoid exercise on the floor. Participants have the option to continue for the 2nd half hour with gentle guided stretching and breathing on floor mats. Therapeutic Massage – members only. Licensed massage therapist Jim Johnson is available by appointment. $45 for 1 hour table massage, $20 for 20 minute chair massage. Contact Jim directly to schedule an appointment: 915-1769 or massage.jim@gmail.com
Tai Chi – Thurs (2 p.m.) Very slow movement sequences repeated multiple times. Weight shifting and directional changes are executed through slow transition. Gentle on the joints and safer than dance for persons with equilibrium challenges. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. Meditation Sampler and Laughter Yoga – March 14. Yoga instructor Kathy Hagood will lead participants in a variety of meditation modalities as an introduction to these different approaches. After 45 minutes of meditation, the session will conclude with 15 minutes of Laughter Yoga. Join us to balance and ease your mind. The perpetuation of this trial activity beyond these dates will depend on the attendance and response at the two introductory sessions. Kathy Hagood Personal Training – members only. Kathy focuses on orthopedic issues and restorative training to improve fitness for mature adults, including those with equilibrium, flexibility, strength or other chronic health challenges. Sessions are $35/hour, Contact Kathy at 422-4025 or krhagood@yahoo.com Swing Era Jazz Band – “The Usual Suspects” – March 3, April 7 and May 5; 5 p.m.-7:20 p.m. You are invited to come listen – or even get up and dance – during their rehearsals at the Senior Center. The usual suspects is a 10 piece band that includes 7 musicians and 3 vocalists.
Misc. Information We Love Homewood Day 2016
Saturday, May 7, 2016 Save the date and come celebrate Homewood! Vendor and sponsorship information available at homewoodparks.com
Summer Camp 2016
Registration Information can be found at: homewoodparks.com/recreation/day-camps/summer-camp/
Homewood Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 19, 2016 The Homewood Easter Egg Hunt is for toddlers up to 10 years of age. Children will hunt for eggs in age specific groups. There is also a section for children with special needs. Location: Homewood Patriot Park Time: 11 a.m.
Watch for these Sports Coming Soon... Swim Team – Summer 2016 Girls Volleyball – Summer 2016 Football – Fall 2016 Flag Football – Fall 2016 Cheerleading – Fall 2016 Visit homewoodparks.com for information about the above sports including registration dates.
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B3
A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER
TREE CREWS WORKING IN HOMEWOOD THROUGH EARLY 2016 Alabama Power crews are working in several Homewood neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system. As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door to door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed. If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Homewood and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2016. Also, you can go online to alpwr.co/vm for more information about these safety and reliability measures, as well as resources for property owners who would like recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.
Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your business. Vegetation Management Group 205-257-2155 | apcvm@southernco.com
Š 2015 Alabama Power Company.
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B4 • March 2016
The Homewood Star
Protecting the mountain By SYDNEY CROMWEL
Waterford Falls is a subdivision on Shades Mountain that was built without proper precautions. Some of the first residents of Waterford Falls filed lawsuits after repeated mudslides, and many immediately sold their homes. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
The trees that surround Larry Rodick’s home on Shades Mountain aren’t just beautiful scenery to him — they’re protection from mudslides that save the city $1.5 million. As the president of Friends of Shades Mountain, Rodick keeps a watchful eye for urban development that could threaten those trees and the mountain they stand on. “Our mission is to preserve it, protect it and keep it like it is,” Rodick said. “We think its sort of a treasure for the county. It’s the largest urban forest left in Jefferson County.” Friends of Shades Mountain started in 2003 after Rodick and some friends joined the residents of Kemp Drive in protesting a proposed neighborhood on the mountain. The development plan called for the removal of large swaths of trees and the creation of a steep road and 14 homes, but Homewood officials eventually rejected the plan after the residents’ response. Rodick realized that Shades Mountain needed people to stand up for it. The group now has around 50 dues-paying members and focuses on the 12.5-mile stretch of Shades Mountain between U.S. 280 and Highway 150. The mountain runs through portions of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Birmingham and unincorporated Jefferson County. Many parts of the mountain are already covered in roads, neighborhoods and businesses. However, Rodick estimates that a majority of the
“
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B5
Our mission is to preserve it, protect it and keep it like it is. We think its sort of a treasure for the county. It’s the largest urban forest left in Jefferson County.
”
LARRY RODICK
Friends of Shades Mountain President Larry Rodick points out undeveloped forests during a drive along the north side of Shades Mountain. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
mountain, around 1,900 acres, has not yet been developed. These areas, Rodick said, are not only beautiful but also are home to a variety of wildlife, including species like the scarlet tanager that could not live near Birmingham without Shades Mountain. Additionally, the forest saves the Birmingham area from mudslides, excess storm water runoff and air pollution. “Any time you take trees off and replace it with cement, you’re going to get much more runoff than you would
have had otherwise,” Rodick said. There is already evidence of what happens when parts of the mountain are too heavily developed. U.S. 31 cuts across the mountain and often faces rock and mudslides after severe storms. Shades Creek, which runs along the north side of Shades Mountain, has recently seen increased pollution and decreased oxygen levels and fish populations due to nearby development. “The creek is already not in good shape according to scientists who look
at it,” Rodick said. “In spite of everybody’s efforts to control what goes in the creek, there’s still a lot of bad stuff that goes in.” Rodick points out one neighborhood, Waterford Falls, as “a perfect example of what not to do.” When the neighborhood was built around 15 years ago, the developers sheared off trees and part of the mountain face without creating a barrier for erosion. Rainstorms almost immediately brought mudslides down on the houses, and many new homeowners
quickly re-sold their houses and moved out. Rodick and his wife, Annie, remember residents putting up signs saying, “Don’t come here.” “It was the biggest mess I’ve ever seen,” Rodick said. The Friends of Shades Mountain have not directly stopped any developments since their first one in 2003. However, Rodick said he has noticed increased scrutiny from planning officials for proposed Shades Mountain developments, and he believes the group is partly responsible for that.
Their ultimate goal is to create a preservation district bounded by Highway 150, U.S. 280, Shades Creek and Shades Crest Road. The district would restrict what can be built and “keep developers from just scouring the mountain.” Through the efforts of Friends of Shades Mountain, Rodick wants the mountain to look almost exactly the same in a decade as it does today: covered in leafy trees rather than rooftops. To learn more, visit friendsofshadesmountain.org.
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The Homewood Star
B6 • March 2016
Homewood men accept Legion of Honor award By LAUREN TOBIN
William Massey is one of seven WWII veterans honored for their service to the people of France with the French Legion of Honor. Photo by Lauren Tobin.
World War II veteran and Homewood resident William Massey, 95, was recently awarded the Legion of Honor — the highest honor in France — for his service on June 19, 1944, in Bordeaux. Massey, whom The Homewood Star profiled in February 2012, said he accepted the honor not for himself, but for all the soldiers who volunteered their service to the U.S. “As far as I’m concerned, I have in mind accepting it in honor of those who volunteered their time to join the Armed Forces in 1943,” he said. As a B-17 fighter pilot, Massey saw both victories and tragedies. He celebrated with his crew when they successfully completed a mission, and he mourned with them when they lost a man. “They say one in four men who go out on a mission won’t come back,” he said. “In a bomber crew, you have to work closely together and when the time comes that you lose someone, it’s quite upsetting.” Massey enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 21 after Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. “I knew that being of good health and the age bracket I was in, unless I volunteered for the branch of service I wanted, I would be drafted and put where they needed me the most,” he said. “I went immediately and volunteered for cadet training to be an Army pilot. Before that time, I had never been on a plane — I had never been off the ground.” When the United States joined World War II in 1941, the Air Force was not yet established as a
military branch — Massey and his men were the first of their kind. “When I graduated flight school and got wings, I was asked what plane I wanted,” he said. “That didn’t mean anything, though, because half of the class went to B-17 planes and half went to B-21. Everyone in my class became bombers because at the beginning of the war, we had nothing in the way of air power.” Massey said he chose to enter flight school because he thought it would be the most exciting. When he began flight school, he thought it would be an accomplishment to simply graduate. “That’s the only reason I chose the Air Force,” Massey said. “It did prove to be real exciting and I feel like I did accomplish the purpose for which I enlisted.” There were four squadrons with 15 aircrafts apiece. The operations officer would schedule three squads to fly and one squad to rest each day, though sometimes the airmen would not enjoy such a luxury. “Sometimes when it was your time to rest, your aircraft was needed so badly in the air,” he said. “It was tiresome, but we were young and we just kept flying.” Massey joins six other men, and the son of one man, who fought against Nazi Germany in France. Another Homewood resident, Don Echols, was also given the Legion of Honor for his service as a staff sergeant in the 458th Bomb Group. Massey was in the 401st Bomb Group. The Honor recognizes those who offered service to the French Republic, including American soldiers who fought on French territory during War World II in Normandy, Provence, Ardennes or Northern France.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B7
In for a Dime, in for a novel Local author Bill Kelly sets a story in Homewood in his fourth novel By ERICA TECHO If something is worth doing for a little, you might as well go all the way. That’s the premise of Bill Kelly’s latest novel, “In for a Dime.” Kelly first started writing about 10 years ago, after he retired. This is his fourth book and his first contemporary fiction piece. “Everything I tried to put into this book is here and now,” Kelly said. The story is based in Homewood and follows 80-year-old widower John O’Neal and 19-year-old runaway Lauren Wilson. Throughout the novel, Kelly includes familiar landmarks — Brookwood Mall, the Green Springs Kmart and Barber’s Dairy. There have been changes in Homewood since he started the book two years ago, but Kelly said residents can still connect. “I know that everything’s changing, but I think that the people who live
around here are going to catch that and remember that because there’s been a lot of changes in West Homewood,” he said. By including the Homewood landmarks, Kelly said he hopes readers will realize the great things about Homewood. He said he hopes it will instill pride in readers from the Homewood area. “Homewood is a neat place to live,” he said. “There’s so many thoughts about Alabama, misconceptions about Alabama. Homewood is a nice place to live, and the park [Patriot Park] has really transformed West Homewood in many ways.” The book follows the development of O’Neal and Wilson’s relationship, as he grieves his wife’s death and she tries to leave an abusive past behind. Kelly said he would describe the story as a love story, although it’s not what people
Bill Kelly recently published his fourth novel, “In for a Dime.” Photo by Erica Techo.
traditionally think of as love. “It’s a strange love story, though. Most people think of love stories, we sometimes think of love as being sexual or at least lovey-dovey, and true love, I think is a lot more than that,” he said. “It’s being there in spite. You signed up for the dime, but you get the dollar.” Kelly spent eight years in seminary after high school, and he said that experience has influenced his style of writing. All of his books have a moral to the story, Kelly said, and “In for a Dime” is no different. “I thought if I was a person approached by a young lady, it’s hard to turn someone down when it’s a charitable thing,” Kelly said.
While this is his fourth novel, Kelly said he is still learning. For his first few novels, however, Kelly said being a little uninformed meant he could write what he knew and learn from there. “There was a lot I didn’t know,” Kelly said. “It would have taken me a lot longer if I knew what I was doing.” Kelly said one of the things he has learned the most about is dialogue and its importance. When he started, he had a book with no dialogue in the second half. “I should have given him a coconut or something to talk to,” he said. “A lot of things can be done with dialogue that I didn’t know.” After he retired, writing was not
the first activity Kelly tried. At first, he took on painting as a hobby, and even though he was able to sell a few paintings, it was not as satisfying. So instead, he started writing. “I like the writing part. I get so wrapped up sometimes in writing that I’m surprised when I look outside and see that it’s rainy or sunny when what I was writing was in the snow,” he said. Kelly said he already wrote the book he hopes to publish next, it’s just a matter of final edits. “In the book, “Kathleen,” I have a mother who is texting or talking [on her cell phone] and hits her [Kathleen], breaks her leg,” Kelly said. “So that’s how I start that one.”
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER STORMS Ken Fine – Lineman, Power Delivery
Before the Storm
After the Storm
1. Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle.
1. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold but avoid driving when those conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
2. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
3. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. 4. Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
2. Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
3. Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
5. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
CAUTION: Carbon Monoxide Kills • Never use a generator, grill, camp
stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. • Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
In an emergency, call:
For more safety tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/stormsafety
1-800-888-APCO (2726)
© 2016 Alabama Power Company
As an Alabama Power customer, we want you to know we are prepared for the winter season. When a major storm hits, you can be assured our linemen will be on the job to quickly and safely restore your service. Meanwhile, there are things you can do to be better prepared for severe winter weather and its aftermath.
The Homewood Star
B8 • March 2016
School House
BROTHERS AT THE BEE Brothers Robert and James Merchant are both National Geographic geography bee champions By SYDNEY CROMWELL Robert and James Merchant know their way around a globe. The two brothers are this year’s school National Geographic geography bees at Homewood Middle School and Hall-Kent Elementary, respectively. For seventh grader Robert, this is his fourth school win — the first as a fourth grade student at Hall-Kent — and he’s hoping for a fourth trip to the state bee. It’s the first win for fifth grader James, as well as the first time he qualified for Hall-Kent’s competition. At Homewood Middle, Robert won by correctly identifying Vancouver as the largest city in British Columbia, which also hosted the 2015 Women’s World Cup. James doesn’t remember his winning question, but after several tiebreaker rounds he made “a lucky guess on this insane question” by naming the African country of Chad – and won. “It was Chad. I think I’m going to remember that for a long time,” James said. Robert became interested in geography through an elementary school computer game identifying U.S. states and cities. He began studying hard to qualify for the first time as a fourth grader. When he won and went on to compete at the state bee, Robert remembers feeling small on the stage next to a bunch of middle school students. After a fifth place finish at the state level, Robert decided to keep studying and competing at the bee. In fifth and sixth grade, he repeated
Robert Merchant, left, and James Merchant, right. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
his fifth place finish at state. This year, Robert is studying harder in hopes of landing the first place spot, which would take him to the national competition in Washington, D.C. “Obviously this year I’m hoping to place higher,” Robert said. James, who has sat in the audience for the past three years to watch his brother compete, directly credits Robert for his involvement in geography bees. “It was mostly my brother because in fourth grade, I didn’t really care about it,” James said.
“He has a real passion for it and I thought it would be fun to compete, and he really inspired me.” He studied all the suggested National Geographic sites – the Weird But True geography facts were his favorite – but James said his older brother was his best resource preparing for the school bee. Robert said his little brother was able to win with a lot less studying than he had under his belt at the same age. “I couldn’t have done that in fifth grade,” Robert said. It can be nerve-wracking to answer questions
on stage, but James has his own reasons to hope for a spot in the state bee. “I hope I make it to state because I want to beat him really bad. I’m not sure that that will happen, but I hope so,” James said. Lisa Littlejohn, the Hall-Kent teacher who has given the geography bee questions for both Robert and James, said it’s impressive how many facts the Merchant brothers and other children can remember. “Some of the questions are so hard. Some of them I don’t know and the judges, we all look at each other. We don’t even know how to pronounce the countries,” Littlejohn said. If both Merchants qualify for the state level, she said they will be supportive of each other regardless of how they rank. “It’s exciting. They know so much,” she said. “Nothing would be better than for them to come in first and second place.” Both James and Robert said they’re proud of each other for their wins and want to enjoy themselves if they make it to the state bee. “I think I’m going to lose if I’m competing against my brother. It’s going to be really hard but really fun to meet new people and trying to keep up. I’m going to try my best and nothing more I can do than that,” James said. The Alabama geography bee is held at Samford University. According to National Geographic’s geography bee website, school-level winners will find out if they qualify in early March, and the state bee is held on April 1 in every state.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B9
Show choir wins grand championship Members of The Network pose with their grand championship trophy. Photo courtesy of Scott Thorne.
By SYDNEY CROMWELL Homewood High School’s show choir, The Network, was named Grand Champion at the Jackson Prep Show Choir Masters competition on Jan. 23. They were also awarded Best Vocals. Students in The Network beat groups from 30 schools in four states. All three Homewood show choirs traveled to the competition, director Scott Thorne said.
The competition marks The Network’s 16th grand championship in the past seven years. “What sets The Network apart from other groups is the commitment to present an 18-minute competition show that is not only high energy and entertaining, but has a message that can positively impact each student and audience member,” Thorne said. The show choir will also compete in Montgomery, Albertville, Opelika and Lafayette, Indiana, this season.
Hall-Kent library shares lessons on giving The fourth- and fifth-grade students at Hall-Kent Elementary School had a lesson during their Library LINKS rotation with librarian Emily Strickland about doing their part as a volunteer or how to serve others in our community. The lesson centered around the book Knit your Bit: a World War I Story by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Steven Guarnaccia. Sometimes trying something new can make a lasting contribution. Knit Your Bit showed Hall-Kent students that it could be as easy as finger knitting learned from a YouTube video or collecting can tabs to share with families at Ronald McDonald House. ‒ Submitted by Homewood City Schools.
Mary Clare Ingram, Kylie Humphries and Layla Padgett are fourth-grade students in Kati Hale’s class. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.
ELECTRICAL FUN IN ELEMENTARY CLASS Learning was a “snap” for Shades Cahaba Elementary School firstgraders in Allison Woods’ class. The students conducted experiments using Snap Circuits, an electronic discovery kit. Snap Circuits allows students to build more 100 projects and enjoy educational fun while learning about electronics. With the kits, the students are able to make projects such as flashlights, doorbells, and AM radios. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.
The Homewood Star
B10 • March 2016
4th-grader Noah Elmore wins geography bee Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School fourth-grader Noah Elmore won this year’s geography bee competition. Elmore was one of 10 students from fourth through eighth grade in the schoolwide competition that included an oral test about geography. Seventh-grader Campbell Farr was the runner-up. Elmore has also taken a written geography test to try and qualify for the state competition. If his score is in the top 100 in Alabama, Elmore will competed at Samford University in Homewood this spring. ‒ Submitted by Mary Stephens Pugh.
OLS geography bee contestants, front row from left: Emma Leonard, Maddie Cobb, Samantha Magruder, Noah Elmore and Jack Carlisle. Back row: Jack Briese, Bradley Jordan, Maela Banks, Grace Kingrey, Clay Guerrera and Campbell Farr. Photo courtesy of Mary Stephens Pugh.
Parent Todd Sitton and Homewood Middle School Principal Jimmie Pearson hold a $500 grant. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.
Homewood Middle gets $500 grant Homewood Middle School was honored to receive a grant from Exxon Mobil Education Alliance program. HMS was nominated for the grant by HMS parent Todd Sitton, and the $500 grant will go towards supporting curriculum in math and/or science. ‒ Submitted by Homewood City Schools.
International evangelist Justin Fatica with Hard as Nails ministries speaks to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School students. Photos courtesy of Mary Stephens Pugh.
International Catholic evangelist visits OLS Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School students welcomed international Catholic evangelist Justin Fatica and his Hard as Nails ministry to Birmingham. Fatica spoke at the school, sharing a message titled, “I’m amazing.” The message discussed the challenges everyone faces, even if those problems are not readily apparent.
“Everyone is amazing, even those who hurt us or that we don’t like,” Fatica said. “You never know what someone is going through. Everyone has problems, and many people including you may feel alone, but others may be going through it too.” He spoke to OLS sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders and students from St. Aloysius
Catholic Church in Bessemer, discussing coping with hurt and mending relationships that may be strained. In addition to the middle school assembly, Fatica also held a children’s book reading with OLS kindergarten through fifth-grade students. ‒ Submitted by Mary Stephens Pugh.
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B11
Sports NATIONAL SIGNING DAY 2016
JAKE BURDESHAW ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Safety ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
GOING TO THE
NEXT LEVEL H
Samford University
▶ MASCOT: Bulldogs ▶ FAST FACT: Accepted a
preferred walk-on status from coach Chris Hatcher at Samford.
By KYLE PARMLEY
omewood High School honored six student-athletes on the 2016 edition of National Signing Day, as five football players and one soccer player put pen to paper to officially declare their intentions as to which school they would choose to pursue future academic and athletic ventures. Here’s a brief profile of each student-athlete.
Photos courtesy of Scott Butler.
WESLEY BUTLER ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Linebacker ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
Birmingham-Southern College
▶ MASCOT: Panthers ▶ FAST FACT: Played football and wrestled at Homewood.
The Homewood Star
B12 • March 2016
ANNA FRIERSON
GRIFFIN GENTRY ▶ SPORT: Soccer ▶ POSITION: Midfielder ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive tackle ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Auburn, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Tigers ▶ FAST FACT: Her sister, Katy,
▶ LOCATION: Columbia,
Auburn University
also played soccer at Auburn. Anna was named first team all-state in 2015.
CARSON GRIFFIS
University of South Carolina South Carolina
▶ MASCOT: Gamecocks ▶ FAST FACT: “My dad told me that this is a once in a lifetime deal and that I need to enjoy it.”
DERRICK UNDERWOOD ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Wide receiver ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Running back ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Auburn, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Tigers ▶ FAST FACT: Griffis was the
▶ LOCATION: Livingston,
Auburn University
starting quarterback at Homewood for three years and will be a preferred walk-on at Auburn.
University of West Alabama Alabama
▶ MASCOT: Tigers ▶ FAST FACT: Homewood
coach Ben Berguson called him “the best zone back I’ve ever coached.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B13
Patriots post strong performances at state meet
Ann Mosely Whitsett rolled to a pair of podium finishes at the Class 6A state indoor track and field meet, placing third in the 800 meters and second in the 400 meters. Photo by Sam Chandler.
By SAM CHANDLER Even before the season started, Homewood head track and field coach Tom Esslinger knew his Patriot girls would face an uphill battle in their quest for a Class 6A indoor state title. With Pelham returning nearly all members from its 2015 championship team, it would take a series of Panther miscues for the blue trophy to change possessors. At the AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Feb. 5-6 at the Birmingham Crossplex, those foibles never came, as the Homewood girls secured a second straight runner-up finish, totaling 88 points to Pelham’s 98. “Well, we were obviously disappointed not to win, but at the same time I think we really have to give credit to Pelham just because every step of the way they really didn’t have a lot of mistakes, and they stepped up and really performed well,” Esslinger said. “At the same time, we’re really, really proud of our girls. They did everything we asked of them. We had some ups and downs, but overall we really think we had a great meet.” Fueled by top-notch performances from Elysa Griffin, Caroline Lawrence, Ann Mosely Whitsett and Jasmine Griffin, the Patriot girls certainly didn’t go down without a fight. After scratching her first two attempts, Elysa Griffin, the reigning indoor long jump state champ, unleashed a leap of 5.51 meters (18-1) to outjump the field by one inch and defend her title. She also placed third in the 60-meter dash and ran legs on the state champion 4x200 meter and 4x400-meter relay teams. The 4x200 relay, composed of the Griffin sisters, Whitsett and Christian Hill, recorded a blistering time of 1 minute, 42.72 seconds to win by nearly five seconds. The 4x400 relay, comprised of the Griffin sisters, Lawrence and
Kristie Looney, crossed the line in 4:04.60. In addition to her spot on the relay, Lawrence earned an individual title in the high jump, clearing the bar at 1.62 meters (5-4). “Her winning that was huge just because at that time that really put us back in the hunt to win,” Esslinger said. Whitsett placed second in the 400 meters and third in the 800 meters, while Jasmine Griffin tallied a fifth-place finish in the 60 and fourthplace finish in the 400. Notably, Aiya Finch posted a third-place finish in the triple jump. On the boys side, Homewood totaled 58 points behind strong showings from Andy Smith and Jackson White, tallying a third-place finish. Smith, battling back from injury, collected the seventh individual state title of his decorated career, cruising to a 3,200-meter victory in 9:46.93. He also captured a fifth-place finish in the 1,600 meters, posting a time of 4:34.95. “For him to come back was really a high point,” Esslinger said. “I think it sets Andy up really well for a great outdoor season.” In the pole vault, White soared over the bar at 3.50 meters (11-6), sealing a runner-up finish. Additionally, the boys 4x800 relay rolled to a state championship for the third in a year row. Comprised of Tucker Wilson, Sean Conboy, Paul Selden and Hunter Poole, the relay notched a time of 8:14.36. Inspired by the positive performances from the state meet, Esslinger believes the future of the Patriot program looks exceptionally bright. “I want to thank our coaching staff – Lars Porter, Josh Donaldson and Deanna Swope— they do an amazing job just all the way around; we feel really fortunate,” Esslinger said, “Between that and the kids doing everything they can, we feel like we’re in a good spot to keep competing for championships.”
The Homewood Star
B14 • March 2016
CRAVING COMPETITION Homewood High freshman Darcy Gibbs finds her niche on wrestling mat
Gibbs claims that she has made boys cry after defeating them on the wrestling mat. Photos by Scott Butler.
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TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B15
Homewood High wrestling coach Eddie Crocker said he wasn’t sure how to react when Gibbs tried out for the high school team.
By STEVE IRVINE Darcy Gibbs, who admittedly doesn’t often follow the most traveled path, was looking for an unorthodox challenge. The Homewood High School freshman found it on the wrestling mat. “I first started because I had a few friends on the wrestling team in middle school,” said Gibbs, who was an eighth-grader at Homewood Middle School at the time. “They really inspired me to do it. I thought it was really cool, it’s unique and different. I’m really individual and I like being different.” How different is her choice of sports? Veteran Homewood High wrestling coach Eddie Crocker has been coaching high school wrestling in Alabama for 27 years. He doesn’t know the exact number of girls to participate on the high school level in the state but said he’s only come across two girls wrestling on the boys team. One of those — Hannah Gladden of Ohatchee High — is the only girl to qualify for the Alabama State Tournament and she did it twice. Before Gibbs could become a wrestler, she had to get blessing from her parents, who, according to Gibbs, “were thinking like it was WWE-type stuff.” After she got permission, Gibbs joined the Alabama Wrestling Chicks, which is part of the Warrior Wrestling Club in Alabaster and wrestles in girls’ competitions. “That program really helped me a lot,” Gibbs said. “There are a lot of other girls who can help me out. They were just there for me. They relate to me, too.” Gibbs has plenty of success in girls wrestling. She participated in the United States Women’s Nationals last May in Irving, Texas, placing sixth and earning All-American honors in the 95-pound schoolgirl division. In early February of this year, she placed second in the Alabama Girls Championship, losing in the 95-110 pound schoolgirl title match. In school competition, though, she wrestles against boys. “I was super nervous,” Gibbs said of her first match against a boy while wrestling for Homewood Middle School. “I lost so fast. He was a state champ. I really didn’t know what I was doing in the first match but I kind of got a hang of it near the end of the season. I wrestled him again this year and did a lot better – lasting all three periods.” Crocker wasn’t sure how to react when Gibbs asked to come out for the high school team. “This is the first for me,” Crocker said. “I have four daughters, who all would have been wrestlers if I would have let them. I’ve never had a girl come out for wrestling in 27 years of coaching so I wasn’t sure what to expect.” He did, however, know his expectations for Gibbs. “I didn’t change anything for her,” Crocker
said. “She had to adapt to training as a fighter, which is what we are. She’s done everything we’ve asked. I made no exceptions for her and I made no changes of routine. We do sandbag workouts — 25 to 35 pounds — she does the same workout as anyone else. She’s an athlete, that’s how we have to look at it. She chose to be a wrestler so we train her like a wrestler, train her to be a fighter.” Gibbs wouldn’t have it any other way. She enjoys the camaraderie she has with her teammates and craves the competition. She not only became part of the team but spent most of the season as a starter at 106 pounds. What’s been tough, though, is competing out of her natural weight class. She naturally fits into the 95-pound weight class but the lightest weight division in boys high school wrestling is 106 pounds. Crocker said having Gibbs on the team teaches an important lesson to her teammates. “I would think they would have to learn that role models today are different and people’s goal and desires today are different,” Crocker said. “If somebody chooses to excel in a different area, that maybe hasn’t been traditionally a strength, you just got to admire that because they are stepping out and taking a risk themselves. She’s taking the greater risk — socially, emotionally and even physically. All you can do is cheer for her.” Gibbs has won her share of matches, which often brings about an emotional reaction from the boys she beats. “They’ll either start crying or want a rematch,” Gibbs said. “It’s not a good reaction but it is satisfying for me.” Her reaction is different when she beats a girl. “When I wrestle girls, I kind of want to pull them aside after the match, when I beat them, and tell them what they could have done differently,” Gibbs said. “I’m trying to help raise up this sport for girls. It’s not just a boys sport.” Nearly 11,500 girls in the United States participate in high school wrestling, according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Six states — Alaska, California, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas and Washington — sponsor a state girls high school championship. Women’s wrestling is sponsored in 28 colleges nationally and it is also an official Olympic sport. Gibbs said she has hopes of wrestling collegiately at King College in Bristol, Tennessee. For now, though, she’s content with being a good teammate — whether for the Alabama Wrestling Chicks or Homewood High — and soaking up lessons along the way. “It’s mostly mental toughness and helping others, instead of putting them down,” Gibbs said when asked what lessons the sport has taught her. “It teaches me individuality and other’s individuality and to go do your thing, no matter what.”
The Homewood Star
B16 • March 2016
Basketball brings Williams back home Former Homewood High standout in pivotal role for UAB Blazers Homewood resident Dirk Williams’ athleticism has been on full display in his time at UAB. As a sophomore in 2014-15, he averaged 17.2 points in 27 games and was named firstteam AllPanhandle Conference. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Mitchell.
By KYLE PARMLEY Dirk Williams is exactly what UAB men’s basketball coach Jerod Haase looks for in a player. “When I first got the (UAB) job, one of the assistants said, ‘What is the prototype player look that you want us to recruit?’ And I said long, lean, skilled, talented and athletic,” Haase said. Perfect match. “That describes Dirk to a T,” said Haase, now in his fourth year as coach of the Blazers. The former Homewood High athlete is back in his hometown, playing a pivotal role for a UAB team that lost just one contributor to last season’s team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. His 6-foot-5 frame and long arms allow him to shoot over defenders, maneuver in the lane and defend athletic perimeter players, making his on-court value high to a new set of teammates. “He fits in well because he can shoot the ball,” teammate Denzell Watts said. “Dirk coming off the bench and giving us a spark is helping us out a lot. With his athleticism, defending the ball and offensive rebounds, he’s fit in pretty good.” Even with Williams coming into a team with already well-established roles, he has found no trouble fitting in seamlessly. “I actually fit right in,” Williams said. “They made me feel welcome and I just did what I had to do to get better so I could be on their level and keep it going with the team.” Before transferring to Williamsburg Christian Academy in Virginia for his senior year of high school, Williams played for Tim Shepler at Homewood High. The most eye-popping moment of his career may have been hitting seven consecutive three-pointers in a game against Altamont.
“He had a crazy night,” Shepler said, and added that he was a “pleasure to coach” in his time at Homewood. Williams was just a sophomore, and was pulled up from the junior varsity team for the game, making the feat that much more impressive. He finished that game with nine three-point makes in total. Before arriving back in the Magic City, Williams spent his first two collegiate seasons at
Tallahassee Community College. As a sophomore in 2014-15, he averaged 17.2 points in 27 games and was named first-team All-Panhandle Conference. “Dirk is a very talented player. His combination of athleticism and shooting ability made him one of the top recruits in TCC’s history,” said Steve Cherry, an assistant coach at TCC. “I think UAB got a really good player. He’ll continue to get better and have an opportunity to
play basketball for a living.” Haase has been pleased with Williams so far and sees more potential out of the junior wing as he continues to adjust to life back home. “Defensively, he’s come a long way just in the few months we’ve had him,” Haase said. “I think he could become a high-level defender. He’s not there yet but for him, to score at an efficient rate is going to be important for us, and that’s a piece he’s filling in.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B17
Historic radios, seen above and left, have been Steven Westbrook’s interest for decades, and he still enjoys taking apart radios and seeing how they work. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
Birmingham Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
RADIO
CONTINUED from page B1 work on it,” Westbrook said. “It’s something you can get your hands around.” He has been a member of the Alabama Historical Radio Society since the early 1990s. Walking around the society’s downtown museum, Westbrook will say he’s far from the most knowledgeable person in the society, but it’s hard to believe after he rattles off facts about every radio he passes. Once he retired, Westbrook finally took up the ham side of his radio hobby, joining a few hundred hams in Jefferson County. Westbrook said the experimentation, creativity and friendliness of his fellow operators drew him to add his own
voice to the airwaves. “You’ll find a lot of passion in radio … as a communication medium and as a source of friendship and camaraderie,” Westbrook said. “You’ll find friends you didn’t know you had.” Through the radio, Westbrook has talked to fellow hams around the U.S. and in South America. He’s also met Birmingham operators who have talked to hams in every country in the world, or who began as operators in WWII or recall answering panicked phone calls to their stations the night of the “War of the Worlds” broadcast in 1938. Though most operators steer clear of touchy subjects like religion and politics, Westbrook said he enjoys the conversations he’s had with perfect strangers that he’ll never meet in person.
SAVE THE DATE JOIN US FOR A FREE JAZZ CONCERT IN CENTRAL PARK ON APRIL 10TH Visit and “like” the Homewood Arts Council on facebook for more event details.
“It’s just me and the guy I’m talking to … No ones and zeros,” Westbrook said. “It’s just a voice, you don’t have anything to judge them on.” This year, Westbrook is also the chairman of the Birmingham Hamfest, an annual convention for amateur radio enthusiasts to meet, buy equipment and spare parts and swap information on their shared hobby. The Hamfest is at Zamora Shrine Temple on March 4-5, and this year’s special topic is emergency communications. Events like the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado highlight the continuing need for amateur radio even as it gets “outdated” by newer technology. When phone lines and other communication systems failed in the immediate tornado aftermath, Westbrook said hams were able to pick up their radio
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equipment, powered by battery or generator, and get to work. They could report conditions on the scene and provide a communication network for emergency personnel. Many local hams participate in an annual “field day” to test their response to a simulated disaster, so they can be prepared should a flood, tornado or other event knock out communication in Birmingham. “Ham radio still has its place,” Westbrook said. “It’s just phenomenal what you can do.”
The Homewood Star
B18 • March 2016
MEDICAL SERVICES
directory special advertising section
Addiction Recovery at UAB, B18
Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center, B19
Children’s of Alabama, B20
Birmingham Speech and Hearing, B19
Skin Wellness Center, B20
Addiction Recovery offering hope, guidance and support
For the person struggling with alcohol and substance dependence, the first steps toward recovery can be apprehensive and uncertain. The Addiction Recovery Program at UAB offers hope, guidance and support in those early steps toward a new life. Their staff is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers who guide and support patients as they learn new tools and behaviors to assist them in their recovery process. UAB’s Addiction Recovery Program focuses on treating the whole person with various types of therapies that include group and individualized therapy, individualized treatment planning, recovery
education, recreational therapy, family therapy, family workshops, linkage to sober living and discharge planning. In addition to these core services, UAB takes a unique approach to healing the whole person through activities that engage the mind, spirit and body. Activities such as rock climbing, drum circle, music and art help the patient reconnect to themselves and renew their spirits. Highly skilled specialists, comprehensive treatment and unparalleled medical resources replace a patient’s feelings of helplessness and uncertainty with hope and a firm foundation. As one of the region’s premier medical facilities, UAB has access to more than 1,000 expert physicians in 35 medical fields, including psychology and psychiatry. In addition, professional counselors work with patients on areas of concern such as pain management, sexual abuse, grief and trauma to deal with the problems underlying the substance dependency. Treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs. Upon arriving at the Addiction Recovery Program at UAB, the patient receives a comprehensive assessment by a team of specialists to determine the level of care needed and establish a plan for their recovery success. UAB offers both in-patient and outpatient care. Some patients may receive a combination of in and outpatient care. Patients also receive support for up to two years through the Aftercare Program. In addition to these programs, there is also an array of specialty services for individualized needs. The equine program offers experiential therapy through work with horses that allows patients to reconnect to their feelings. Equine therapy can be a major step toward reconnecting patients with themselves and their families. “Because horses are highly sensitive to congruency and feelings, it helps patients identify their own feelings,” said Terri Williams-Glass, clinical director. There are also programs that are specific to grief and trauma for patients dealing with the after effects of trauma that may have been experienced either in childhood or adulthood, as well as the pain of grief and loss. Since families are directly affected by the issues of alcohol and substance addiction, the Family Resource Program addresses these issues by assessing family needs and providing education about addiction and recovery. Relationship Group assists patients in dealing with relationship issues and teaches tools to build healthy relationships, set boundaries and communicate more effectively. In dealing with the whole person, the patient receives education and therapy to educate them about disease triggers, as well as to learn about diet and exercise to create a healthy lifestyle. As a result, patients replace old behaviors with new knowledge, support and sense of self to create a successful recovery, as they embark on a new life.
FAST FACTS Addiction recovery young adults • adults healthcare professionals 1713 6th Avenue South 975-7350 uabmedicine.org/addiction
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B19
Focused on community well-being
FAST FACTS Diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, food allergy, sinus, immune diseases Homewood, Hoover, Chelsea, Alabaster, Cullman, and Trussville (opening June 2016) 205-871-9661 Visit alabamaallergy.com for an appointment
Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center has been committed to provide the greater Birmingham area and their patients with the best treatment through their values of care, advocacy, service, integrity and accountability. While its primary office has remained in Homewood throughout the past 50 years, the practice has grown to include six locations. Other locations include Hoover, Chelsea, Alabaster, Cullman, and Trussville (opening June 2016). “Allergies, asthma and immune diseases can have a drastic effect on an individual’s quality of life. Our team of physicians, nurse practitioners and highly trained staff work together to help diagnose and treat patients who suffer from pediatric and adult allergies, skin disorders, sinus issues, asthma and immunological issues, as well as food and drug allergies,” said Helen Combs, practice development manager. Six board-certified pediatric and adult allergists, who include Dr. Weily Soong, Dr. Maxcie Sikora, Dr. John Anderson, Dr. Meghan Lemke, Dr. Sunena Argo and Dr. Amy CaJacob, provide patients with innovative care. These physicians are board-certified, uniquely trained and are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies (including environmental, food, insect and drug allergies), asthma and frequent cough, rhinitis (hay fever), sinus infections, eye allergies, Hereditary Angioedema and other immunological conditions. The specialists diagnose a patient’s conditions by collecting a complete medical history of each patient, performing a physical examination on the patient and assessing the patient’s environmental and other allergen exposure history. They may also perform tests, such as allergen skin tests and lung function tests. It is highly significant if the patient’s allergy symptoms occur in association with exposure. Allergy diagnostic tests such as skin tests or blood tests provide similar confirmation of what your health history tells your allergist. The focus is on achieving
a diagnosis and providing effective care and patient education to restore an optimal quality of life for our patients. “We believe all patients should be treated with, respect, kindness and courtesy. Our practice has been committed to providing the greater Birmingham area and our patients with the highest quality of care through our values of advocacy, service, integrity and accountability. We believe in spending the extra time to educate our patients, as well as serve our community through education, preventative medicine and outreach programs,” said Combs. The core values of Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center are reflected in the company’s social responsibility commitments across a number of areas. “As the largest allergy and asthma practice in Alabama, we are dedicated to contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we live, work and play. Our social responsibility efforts include corporate giving, local community relations, volunteerism, diversity and inclusion, ethics and compliance, wellness and sustainability initiatives. We partner locally to support, enhance, and continually improve upon these efforts, in addition to the progress we are making to positively impact the health and wellness of the individuals within our communities,” said Combs.
35 years of better hearing Since its founding in 1980, Birmingham Speech and Hearing has provided our community with exemplary hearing healthcare services, community education and speech-language diagnostics and therapy. Birmingham Speech and Hearing’s qualified professional staff is licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for speech-language pathology and audiology and nationally certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. Birmingham Speech and Hearing was founded in 1980 and has just celebrated 35 years of business. The faithful staff is committed to recognizing the individual value of each patient. Their service-oriented mission is demonstrated by local hearing health education, encouraging a culture of discovery in its staff, strengthening relationships with other healthcare practitioners in the area, and making investments in the community. Birmingham Speech and Hearing offers comprehensive audiology services including hearing evaluations, consultations, hearing aid sales, fittings and repairs, batteries, adjustments, custom earpieces for hunters and musicians and swimming. They provide assistive listening devices such as alerting systems, amplifiers for television and telephone as well as affordable FM systems. Audiology services for hearing impaired children are provided in all local area school systems. Lip reading classes and auditory processing evaluations are also available. Speech and language services including diagnostic evaluations and therapy address articulation, receptive and expressive language, stuttering and voice disorders. Screenings for speech, language and vision/hearing are available at local private school and child development centers. Difficulty with hearing loss can be a debilitating problem for both children and adults. Good hearing is essential for young and old alike. Compromised hearing can negatively affect the development of social skills, cognition, balance and safety. Some of the more common causes of hearing loss include exposure to noise in the work environment or
recreation, infectious disease, physical trauma, ototoxic drugs or chemicals, birth defects and developmental syndromes. The aging process is a significant factor, along with genetic susceptibility. Birmingham Speech and Hearing provides diagnostic testing followed by a recommendation of technology to assist the patient’s hearing needs. “Anyone can come in for a complete audiological evaluation if they are experiencing hearing problems. Once an evaluation is completed, we discuss potential technology to meet the needs determined by each personal lifestyle as well as budget. Our standard practice procedure is to offer a 30-day no-obligation, risk free trial period. Hearing technology should meet individual needs in a variety of lifestyle settings, be comfortable and affordable. Our goal is to help each person experience life to the fullest with the best equipment for them,” said Cynthia Serota, M.S., CCC-SLP, director of Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates. Products from all major manufacturers are offered, including Oticon, Lyric, ReSound, Phonak and Widex. Special financing options are available for those who qualify. As with hearing problems, speech and language problems can affect people of any age. When babies and young children do not acquire age-appropriate communication skills, they may be at risk for further problems. While some children outgrow speech and language difficulties, others may need professional help to reach their potential. Speech-language pathologists have the knowledge to evaluate and treat people of all ages who have communication delays and disorders affecting speech sounds, swallowing, voice, fluency (stuttering is disrupted fluency), receptive language (understanding what people say) and expressive language. “We are deeply proud to serve the men, women and children of our community, including military personnel,” said Serota. “We look forward to continuing our mission of service to this community in the future!”
Hear • Speak • Listen • Learn • Live
FAST FACTS Speech and hearing health services 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 4 Office Park Circle, Suite 301 871-3878 birminghamspeechand hearing.com
The Homewood Star
B20 • March 2016 l
U.S. News & World Report
This icon is not the official U.S. News & World Report best hospitals emblem.
2015-16
BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS
CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA IS . . . l The third largest pediatric hospital in the United States l Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets l The first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama l One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state l The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB l Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually l Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country
Russell Campus
1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place
Children’s South
205.638.9100
1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South
l Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast l One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama
1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 205.638.4800
Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clincis and After Hours care
l Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders
Pediatric Practice Solutions Primary Care Locations Alabaster (Greenvale Pediatrics) Bessemer (Pediatrics West) Birmingham (Midtown Pediatrics) Brook Highland (Greenvale Pediatrics) Clay/Chalkville (Pediatrics East-Deerfoot) Homewood (Mayfair Medical Group) Hoover (Greenvale Pediatrics)
McAdory (Pediatrics West) Montgomery (Physicians to Children/Central Alabama Children’s Specialists) Mountain Brook (Over the Mountain Pediatrics) Pell City (Pell City Pediatrics) Trussville (Pediatrics East) Vestavia (Vestavia Pediatrics)
www.ChildrensAL.org
Skin Wellness Center of Alabama The Skin Wellness Center of Alabama was founded in 2009 by Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, who also serves as the medical director. Dr. Hartman and his staff are committed to providing patients with comprehensive, state-of-the art care in medical, surgical and cosmetic services in a warm, inviting and innovative office environment. Not only do they serve the Birmingham community, but they also help to train dermatology residents and students at UAB, as well as treat local personalities and celebrities that travel from as far away as Atlanta and New York for their services. Dr. Hartman serves as assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. A native of New Orleans, he attended Emory University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After earning a doctorate of medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, he completed an internship in internal medicine at Tulane University Medical Center and a residency in dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Dr. Hartman is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. During his training, Dr. Hartman traveled to study at UCLA and Howard University, where he was an apprentice with experts in cosmetic procedures for all skin types. This knowledge has provided the basis for expertise in tailoring dermatologic surgery and cosmetic procedures that are safe and effective for patients from many diverse backgrounds. “Dermatology is important because the skin is the largest organ in the body,” said Dr. Hartman. “It is an indicator of internal problems and can provide clues to diseases of other organs. It is also the primary line of defense against infections,
environmental allergens, sun damage and trauma.” Services provided include: Fraxel Laser Resurfacing, Coolsculpting, Photofacials, Liposonix, Clear and Brilliant Laser, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, Cryoshape for Keloids, Dermaplaning, Botox, Dermal Fillers, SilkPeel Microdermabrasion, mole removal, skin cancer surgery, benign lesion removal, customized anti-aging regimens, acne treatment, phototherapy and many others. Dr. Hartman’s staff includes Rayna M. Dyck, MD, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, respectively from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, summa cum laude with University Honors. She received her Doctorate of Medicine in 2009 from the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota. Brittany Rigsby, CRNP, graduated magna cum laude from Samford University School of Nursing with a Master of Science in Nursing. April Smoke, Lead Aesthetician, is Board Certified by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology. Kinsey Carden is an Aesthetician in both Chelsea and Homewood locations, who received her education at Body Logic School of Esthetics and is board certified with the Alabama Board of Cosmetology. “Our focus is on the whole patient, not just the skin but the overall physical health, emotional health and social well-being. Skin is the most visible organ and when disorders arise, the whole world can see. That can take an emotional toll on a patient and we don’t take that lightly. We believe that beautiful skin must first be healthy. Our treatment strategies focus on this belief. We also have a staff that is diverse across all parameters and a patient population to match. Any patient can feel welcome, valued and understood at our office,” said Dr. Hartman.
FAST FACTS Medical, cosmetic and laser dermatology Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Birmingham: 1920 Huntingdon Road, 871-7332 Chelsea: 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6, 678-7518
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B21
Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
740552
35209
1604 Woodfern Drive
New
$259,900
740639
35209
320 Glenwood Drive E.
New
$499,000
740500
35209
420 Hambaugh Avenue
New
$344,900
740465
35209
1030 Edgewood Boulevard
New
$399,000
740411
35209
306 Edgewood Boulevard
New
$525,000
740169
35209
120 Glenwood Drive W.
New
$485,000
740046
35209
218 Lakeshore Drive
New
$649,900
739916
35209
219 Southwood Road
New
$279,900
739815
35209
1645 28th Avenue
New
$269,900
739758
35209
600 Forrest Drive
New
$329,900
740005
35209
117 Yorkshire Drive
New
$585,000
739704
35209
2089 Lancaster Road
New
$355,000
739592
35209
1410 Ardsley Place
New
$320,000
739429
35209
1027 Edgewood Boulevard
New
$250,000
739407
35209
1040 Broadway Street #518
New
$199,900
739344
35209
232 Montgomery Lane
New
$215,000
739264
35209
601 Devon Drive
New
$358,500
739248
35209
1509 Valley Place
New
$899,000
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Feb. 15. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
1604 Woodfern Drive
117 Yorkshire Drive
The Homewood Star
B22 • March 2016
Calendar Homewood Events March 2: University Lecture: Randall Bradley. 3 p.m. Reid Chapel. “Congregational Song as Shaper of Theology.” Visit samford.edu/ events. March 5: Chili Cook-Off for The Exceptional Foundation. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Brookwood Village, Homewood. $10 advance, $15 at gate. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org. March 6-7: Harlem Globetrotters. 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday. Samford University, Pete Hanna Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood. $28.50-$96.50. Visit harlemglobetrotters.com. March 8: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Meeting. 12 p.m. Homewood Chamber of Commerce, 7 Hollywood Blvd. Visit homewoodchamber.com. March 8: Voces8. 7:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Performance by the British octet. $25, $10 students. Visit tickets.samford.edu.
Dream. Harrison Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $6-$15.Visit tickets.samford.edu. March 11-20: Honk! Jr. Virginia Samford Theatre. Musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $15-$20. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. March 15: Homewood Chamber of Commerce March Membership Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Visit homewoodchamber.com. March 17: Virginia Reeves. 5 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Author signs “Work Like Any Other.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com. March 19: Exceptional Foundation Pancake Breakfast. 7 a.m. Sponsored by The Kiwanis Clubs of Homewood and Mountain Brook7 a.m. Tickets are $5 Visit homewood-mtbrook-al. kiwanisone.org.
Homewood Public Library Events Children
a.m. in the Round Auditorium.
March 2: Tinker Toddler. 1:30 p.m. Storytime for ages 5 & under encourages toddlers to explore their world through stories and play.
March 21: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Science, math and other S.T.E.A.M. concepts are brought to life through picture books and fun activities to promote Kindergarten readiness. For ages five and unde .
March 4 & 18: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Energetic movement class for ages 2½ to 4. Registration required. March 5: Our World Our Library (O.W.O.L) 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Celebration of International Women’s Day with stories and a craft. March 11: iTween: Cartooning. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Learn cartooning techniques. Open to 4th-7th graders. Online registration required.
March 21: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. March 26: Ms. Mandy’s Musical Meetup. 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Department. Musicians share their musical talents. March 28: Movie Marathon Part 1. 9:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Harry Potter movies 1-4. Snacks and drinks provided. March 29: Movie Marathon Part 1. 9:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Harry Potter movies 5-7. Snacks and drinks provided.
March 19: Spring Walking Tour #1. 9 a.m. Vulcan Park, 1701 Valley View Drive. Free. Visitvulcan.com.
March 11: Move & Groove Storytime. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. An interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance yoga and fun.
March 9: University Lecture: Cameron Jorgenson. 3 p.m. Reid Chapel. “Auchmuty Lecture: Why Theology? Must Faith Seek Understading?” Visit samford.edu/events.
March 19: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Red Diamond Super Pops! Series featuring Doc Severinsen. 8 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $14-$85. Visit alabamasymphony.org.
March 14: Moving Together. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. The Dance Foundation presents a program designed for babies ages 6 weeks to 6 months and a caregiver. Online registration is required.
March 10: Taste of Homewood. Rosewood Hall, Soho Square. Sample food and beverages from over 30 Homewood restaurants. $30 advance, $40 day of event. Visit homewoodchamber.org.
March 19: 28th Annual Guild Gala. 6 p.m. The Club. Hosted by The Service Guild of Birmingham. Music will be provided by The Tip Tops and the event will be emceed by the JOX Roundtable. Visit theserviceguild.org.
March 15: Infinity Ring Book Club: Divide and Conquer. 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. New book club will read through the Infinity Ring Series 4th-6th grade. Pizza and drinks provided.
March 8 & 29: Girls Who Code. 4-6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. This national club is geared toward empowering girls grades 6-12 who are interested in the computer science field No registration required, but participants are encouraged to bring their laptops.
March 19: My Little Pony Party. 10:30
March 21: Spine Crackers: Teen Book
March 8-9: Parenting Seminar: “Empowering Ourselves and Our Children.” 10 a.m. The Bell Center. Visit thebellcenter.org.
March 10-13: “A Midsummer Night’s
Teens March 7: Virtual-Reality. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. UAB’s Enabling Technology Lab demonstrates their coolest scientific equipment including virtual-reality headsets and a 3D TV.
Over 500 Booths!
Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex
March 4 - 6, 2016
Save money and time with an advance ticket purchase! Charge by 2/26 and tickets will be mailed to you. Ticket prices increase at the door!
TheHomewoodStar.com
March 2016 • B23
Homewood Public Library Events Cont. Club. 4:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. New teen book club will be diving into the world of Veronica Roth’s popular Divergent series.
Haiflich will answer all of your questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim.
March 31: Rough Draft Writing Crew. 4:30 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Improve your writing skills while meeting other teens who are interested in creative writing.
March 18: OLLI Bonus Program: Animal Behaviorist Lawrence Myers. 12 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University has learned to train animals and their owners.
Family March 7: Monday Musical: Singin’ in the Rain. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. March 16: Makers & Bakers. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Learn a new skill from our FACS Friends at the Homewood Middle School. March 21: Wild Cards. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. March 24: Homewood Library’s Birthday Party. 6:30 p.m. in the Large & Round Auditorium. Celebration of the library’s 75th birthday with crafts, games and cake. Adults March 3: Book Signing with Martha Wurtele & Jake Collins, authors of “Homewood.” 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. March 9: First Step Wednesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone! 2 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Geared towards casual users. March 12: Self-Defense for Women with Det. Juan Rodriquez. 9:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Join us as Detective Juan Rodriquez, owner of the Summit Training Academy, teaches you how to size up a situation and decide what to do. Participation in the workshop is free, but online registration is required as space is limited. March 15: Book Club Movie Night. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Everyone is welcome to our screening of “The Martian” starring Matt Damon. March 15: The ABC’s of Medicare. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Room 116 (Lower Level). Karen
March 21: Bossypants Book Club. 6:30-8 p.m. at Nabeel’s Café. Discuss You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day. March 22: Shamrocks, Leprechauns, and Danny Boy: Ireland with Niki Sepsas. 1 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Discussion of the legendary tales and majestic landscapes along the epic coast of the Emerald Isle. March 22: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. in Room 106 (Lower Level). March 23: Next Step Wednesdays: iPads & iPhone Intermediate Class. 2 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Geared toward the intermediate user. Join us as Apple® Certified trainers answer your questions on how best to use your Apple® device. March 31: Neuroscience Café: Traumatic Brain Injury. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Doctors and researchers from UAB discuss the latest treatments for this crippling injury. Events March 2-31: Tom Dameron Exhibit. The Ellenburg Art Gallery in the main lobby. March 5: AARP Smart Driver Course with Joe Ross. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Boardroom. The nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. Those who complete the course may be eligible for an automobile discount for up to 3 years. Registration required. AARP members $15, non-members $20. To register, please call Joe Ross at (205) 823-7067. March 7 & 21: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium.
Area Events March 1-5: Alabama Boys & Girls High School Basketball Championships. Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. 9 a.m. daily Monday-Saturday. $10. Visit ahsaa.com. March 3: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 113 22nd St. North, Birmingham. Featuring artists, performers and food. Free. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com. March 4-6: Cottontails Arts, Crafts and Gift Show. BJCC Exhibition Halls, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults, $2 children 6-12. Visit christmasvillagefestival.com. March 5: Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk. 9 a.m. Samford University Track and Soccer Stadium, 600 University Park Place, Homewood. 1 mile walk to raise money for Parkinson’s research and silent auction. $30. Register at www.runsignup. com. March 5: The Black Jacket Symphony presents: Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon.” 8 p.m. Iron City Birmingham, 513, 22nd Street South. $25. Visit ironcitybham.com March 6: Gray Ghost Gala. Weimaraner Rescue of the South’s 14th annual fundraiser. 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Gabrella Manor. Live music, hors d’ouevres, wine, beer, and many wonderfully exciting items available in our silent auction. $30 in advance, $35
s, d n a h e k a e sh w e r o f e B s. d n a h d l o we h
at the door. For more info: contactus@weimrescue. com. March 6-7: Harlem Globetrotters. 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday. Samford University, Pete Hannah Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood. $28.50-$96.50. Visit harlemglobetrotters.com. March 12: 2016 Taste of Teal Gala. Cahaba Grand Conference Center, 3660 Grandview Parkway. Benefiting the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. $75-$100. Visit thinkoflaura.org. March 17-April 2: “All in the Timing.” Theatre Downtown, 2410 5th Ave. South. Six plays in one evening. $12-$18. 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visit theatredowntown.org. March 19: Spring Walking Tour #1. 9 a.m. Vulcan Park, 1701 Valley View Drive. Free. Visitvulcan.com.
At RealtySouth, real estate doesn’t simply equate to hard negotiation and paperwork. For us, it’s more than a transaction. It’s the relationship that matters most. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been running in the same crowds. If I look familiar, it’s not necessarily because I sold your cousin’s home. We are in the same carpool line every afternoon. Our children have been classmates for years. Your community is our community. We are proud to be your neighbor. It’s Who We Are.
March 19: 28th Annual Guild Gala. The Club. Hosted by The Service Guild of Birmingham. Music will be provided by The Tip Tops and the event will be emceed by the JOX Roundtable. Visit http:// theserviceguild.org. March 19: Rumpshaker 5K. 8 a.m. Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd Street North. Benefitting colorectal cancer. Fun run at 9 a.m. $18-$30. Visit rumpshaker5k.com.
www.realtysouth.com
March 31: Relay for Life. UAB. Who We Are CLASSMATES ad-VillageLivingHALF.indd 1
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BOTANICAL GARDENS
SPRING PLANT SALE MORE THAN 100,000 PLANTS
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P r e v i e w P a r t y : Thursday, April 14 | 5 - 6:30 p.m. M e M b e r s - O n l y s a l e : Thursday, April 14 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Public Plant sale
Friday, April 15 | 9 - 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16 | 9 - 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17 | 11 - 3 p.m.
Brookwood Village (located in the Macy’s parking lot)
780 Brookwood Village Birmingham, Alabama 35209
205.414.3950 • bb ga rd en s. org
Staf fed by hundr eds of volunteer s r eady to answer your plant and gardening questions
Sta ffed by hundreds of vol u nteer s r ea d y to a ns wer you r p l a n t a n d g a r d en i n g q u es ti o n s