TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2013
The Homewood Star Volume 2 | Issue 11 | February 2013
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Flavor frenzy
Burgers on
Broadway
Taste of Homewood returns By MADOLINE MARKHAM At JoJo’s Diner on Broadway, serving a Hot Burger or Rueben is all in the family. Learn more about their menu and new expansion in this issue. Photo by Madoline Markham.
There is only one night each year that gathers the best Homewoood eats in one room. And this year it’s set for Feb. 21. The 12th annual Taste of Homewood event will take place on that Thursday from 5:308:30 p.m. at Rosewood Hall in SOHO. “I look forward to everyone enjoying the food of Homewood and all the many tastes of the different restaurants,” said Homewood Chamber of Commerce Director Tricia Ford. “We feature something for every palate.” Ford said several new restaurants are among the 30 vendors participating this year, including Little Donkey and Full Moon BBQ. Entertainment will be provided by Alan Barlow, and like always, the event will feature a Mardi Gras theme. The Chamber started Taste of Homewood 12 years ago with only a few restaurants participating, but it began to grow after finding a new home at Rosewood Hall. This year the Chamber anticipates hosting around 500 guests. Ford said there is also
See TASTE OF HOMEWOOD | page 9
Food page 11
The shoe
still fits
Pastry Art Owner Dennis Gregg helps a Taste of Homewood participant select the right flavor of Baby Bite at last year’s event. Photo by Keith McCoy.
New shopping spots on the horizon
Since 1955 children have visited Sikes in downtown Homewood for a pair of Mary Janes or tennis shoes. Meet the family who has owned it all these years inside. Photo by Keith McCoy.
Business page 13
By MADOLINE MARKHAM
Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656
Fresh Market, DSW, two Dunkin’ Donuts and other retailers are coming to Homewood this year, Mayor Scott McBrayer announced in his State of the City address on Jan. 15. Fresh Market, an upscale grocery store, and DSW, a large shoe retailer, will locate adjacent
to the new Target on Lakeshore Drive next to Colonial Brookwood Village. Target is slated to open March 10. A Dunkin’ Donuts will be located nearby beside the Shell station on Lakeshore Drive in front of the Target development. The second will be located at Oxmoor and Greensprings in the former Rally’s Hamburgers location. A Restaurant Depot, a wholesale foodservice supplier, will fill the 53,000-square-foot former Bruno’s in Wildwood. When The Homewood Star posted this development news to Facebook on Jan. 15, readers responded with an overwhelmingly immediate positive response.
“We were just saying that Homewood should have a Fresh Market,” Meredith Schaumburg Husnik said. “It’s so exciting!” One reader voiced concern about the traffic, especially near Homewood High School, that the new developments on an already congested Lakeshore will create. Also slated for construction in Homewood in 2013 are a Pep Boys auto parts and car repairs, Moretti Apartments on Valley Ave. and a 66bed nursing facility near Brookdale Place on University Park Drive off Lakeshore. Read The Homewood Star in print and online for more details on these new developments and any measures to be taken to address traffic concerns.
A Father and Sons Operation Mon-Thur: 7-7 Fri: 7-6:30, Sat: 9-4 1915 Oxmoor Rd. • 871.6131 hunterscleaners@gmail.com
INSIDE
Sponsors ................. 4 Celebrations ........... 5 City ........................... 6 Food ......................... 11 Business ................. 12 Community ............ 14 School House ........ 18 Sports ..................... 22 Calendar ................ 23 Opinion ................... 23
facebook.com/thehomewoodstar
We Love Homewood Hunter Payne and sons Winston and Collier
2 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
The Art of Dentistry
Deanne L. Vail, DMD & Julie L. Webb, DMD
Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, LLC Beautiful Smiles For ALL AGES
New Patients Welcome Most Insurance Accepted Cosmetic Treatments:
Actual Patient Photos
• Veneers • All Porcelain Crowns • Zirconia Bridges • Implant Dentistry • In Office Whitening with Fluoride • Cosmetic Bonding • Cosmetic Recontouring of Natural Teeth • Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available • WiFi Available
1752 Oxmoor Rd.• www.homewooddental.com • 868-4577 No representation is made that the quality of dental services to be performed is greater than the quality of dental services performed by other dentists.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038(531)
Intersection Improvements on SR-38 (US-280) at SR-119 and Additional Lanes on SR-119 from Corporate Drive to Brook Highland Parkway Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Church at Brook Hills – Student Center 3145 Brook Highland Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35242 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Display maps prepared for this project will be available for inspection. Information packets, which include a comment form, will be provided to you at the sign-in table. Representatives from ALDOT and the Design Consultants will be present to assist in explaining the display maps, discussing the scope of the project and responding to your questions and concerns about the project. Your written comments regarding this project may be submitted during this meeting, or by Friday, March 15, 2013 to the address listed below:
Meeting Location End Project
Mr. Brian C. Davis, Division Engineer Alabama Department of Transportation – Third Division P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745 Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner For additional information or for individuals requiring special assistance contact the ALDOT - Division Office, (205) 581-5725. Request for special assistance should be received at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting.
Begin Project
Updated information on the proposed US-280 Intersection Improvements will be available at this meeting: PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038( ) US Highway 280 Intersection Improvements/Access Management From Hollywood Boulevard to Doug Baker Boulevard
February 2013 • 3
TheHomewoodStar.com
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4 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
About Us Meet our intern
Photo of the Month
Please Support our Sponsors ALDOT (2) aloft Birmingham SOHO Square (7) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (5) Alabama Fertility Specialists (10) Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates (6) Brookdale Place (11)
Allie Saxon, a Nashville native, is a senior English major at Birmingham-Southern College. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and enjoys volunteering with the sorority’s local philanthropies. Allie enjoys writing, fashion, working with children, the arts and sports. She loves reading poetry written by Adrienne Rich.
Homewood Fire Department built a snow man during the Jan. 17 snow storm. Photo courtesy of Charlie Boyd.
MORE ONLINE
Find snow day photos at thehomewoodstar.com.
old grandmother, the kind of priceless, and humorous, counsel you just can’t get except from a grandmother. Speaking of love, it sometimes carries a meaning that reaches beyond just hugs and kisses. Love can be interpreted as loyalty, honor or sacrifice. Edgewood resident Buzz Veal shares an amazing story of his days in Vietnam and how he ended up honoring one of his fellow soldiers, a friend with whom he served. Read his inspiring story on page 10. We have delicious recipes to share with you this Valentine’s holiday – and, of course, all are desserts. Check out the sweetest of the sweets on page 7. And speaking of delicious, have you tried a burger from JoJo’s Diner yet? If not, you must go to Broadway’s latest quaint diner for one. It’s a fortunate thing for me that JoJo’s is a short walk from my house! Its Restaurant Showcase is on page 11.
D1 Sports (22) Dominique V. Backus, D.D.S (8) Escape (18) First Lenders Mortgage Corp (22) Gauntlet Fitness (24) Harmony Landing (9)
Editor’s Note By Ashley Berkery ‘Tis the month of love, candy hearts and chocolate. And did I mention love? I never really enjoyed Valentine’s Day until I got married four years ago. Even last year, we celebrated quietly at home with tacos, a baby on the way and Noah’s homemade painting for Dad. But this year I am more excited than usual. There is a lot to do in Homewood in February, and we have a great issue that captures the best of it for you. You will find articles that will inspire you, recipes for sweet treats that will tickle your taste buds, and lessons on love and marriage. Edgewood resident Dr. Jacqueline Dillon DeMarco is a dear friend and a professional clinical psychologist. Her article, “Scuffed Shoes – The Key to a Happy Marriage,” is one you will definitely want to read on page 8. We could all use an extra dose of wisdom, especially the advice from her 93-year
Children’s of Alabama (19)
Homewood Antiques and Marketplace (8)
Our Business Spotlight this month celebrates 58 wonderful years of Sikes Shoes anchoring the hill in downtown Homewood. I went there as a little girl for new shoes and am now shopping there for my own children. It is truly a special experience that every child should enjoy (and it often includes an “after shoes” trip nextdoor to Savage’s for a smiley face cookie). Long-standing businesses like Sikes make Homewood the special place it is, so be sure to read their profile on page 13. And lastly, we at The Homewood Star love you, our readers and advertisers. We appreciate you and hope that you have a February filled with love and happiness. I can’t send each of you a valentine, but perhaps this issue of The Star will suffice. As always, reach me at ashley@ thehomewoodstar.com should you have any questions, feedback or story ideas to share. I love hearing from you!
Homewood Chamber of Commerce (16) Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (2) Homewood Parks and Rec (20) Jacqueline DeMarco (10) Jo Jo’s Diner on Broadway (15) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (15) New York Pizza (15) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (5) Piggly Wiggly (11) Plastic Surgery Specialists (10) Powell Pediatric Dentistry (18) RealtySouth Marketing (21) Red Mountain Theatre Company (6) Regency Retirement Village (13)
The Homewood Star
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Contributing Editor : Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :
Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Ashley Berkery Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Contributing Writers : Anna Cate Little Lauren Denton Katey Courtney Merrick Wilson Rick Watson Eddie Macksound Intern : Allie Saxon Published by : Homewood Star LLC
Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@TheHomewoodStar.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Ashley@TheHomewoodStar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
For advertising contact: dan@TheHomewoodStar.com Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of
editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
Please recycle this paper
Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace (3) Salem’s Diner (13) Second Hand Rose (12) Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (9) Southern Fireplaces Homewood L.L.C. (12) The Wade Team (7) VCA Becker Animal Hospital (23 ) Vella, King & Jackson (14) Wallace-Burke (14) Zounds (13)
February 2013 • 5
TheHomewoodStar.com Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email ashley@thehomewoodstar.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!
Kleimeyer-Culbreth
Engagement story told by the bride-to-be On Dec. 4, my boyfriend, Matt Culbreth, told me that before he headed home he had to meet his mom on the highway to “pick up some bills.” Now, I know he thought he was being sneaky, but I was secretly hoping those bills were very pretty. I knew he and I both had a day off on Thursday, and I was hoping for an early Christmas present. My wish came true that Thursday night. After looking at Christmas lights and eating dinner at Italian restaurant in English Village, we headed to Samford because we hadn’t seen the campus all decorated for Christmas and we knew it was beautiful at nighttime. Matt asked if I would like to open my presents from him under the tree. He took out a little gift box, and inside was an ornament. Four more little boxes followed, and Matt talked about what they meant to us and how they were going to go on our Christmas tree. The fourth one was a 2012 ornament because,
as he said, it was going to be the best Christmas I had so far so we needed to remember it. Finally, Matt took out the last ornament, telling me he thought I was going to like it the best. I definitely got extremely anxious at this point, and it took me a second to take “the ornament” out after seeing that it was a ring box! I knew what that meant. I saw a sparkling ring and quickly threw my arms around Matt, exclaiming how beautiful it was. Matt asked me to marry him, looking into my eyes with a huge smile on his face. I screamed, “Of course!” and a few other sweet things, hugged him, and then started running in circles calling my family and texting all of my friends as Matt did the same. We celebrate our second anniversary on Valentine’s Day, and we’ll be married at Reid Chapel on July 13 of this year. Craig Kleimeyer interned for The Homewood Star and is a graduate student at Samford, where she and Matthew Culbreth met as undergraduates.
Celebrations Mullins-Patton
Kristin Marie Mullins and Christopher Michael Patton united in marriage on Nov. 10 at Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church. The wedding was subtly unified by a theme of light throughout the church and reception hall to signify the light of the Lord guiding the bride and groom’s path for their future. The ceremony was co-officiated by Kristin’s childhood pastor, the Rev. Brad Allison, and her uncle, the Rev. Allan Poole. Standing beside the bride was her maid of honor, Meagan Mullins, accompanied by her bridesmaids Ashley McCullars, Stephanie Sweatt, Ellie Poole and Lacey Viner. The groom was surrounded by his close friends, including his best man, Trever Tummins, and groomsmen Bryan Vaughn, Zach Pelham, Jonathan Jeans and Feras Sadik. The new Mr. and Mrs. Patton were welcomed into the reception hall with cheers and love from their friends and family. After the wedding, the couple cruised the Southern Caribbean. They are beginning their life as husband and wife in their new Clarksville, Tenn., home. Kristin, a Homewood native, is a speech-language pathologist working with special needs children, and Chris is an accountant serving as a controller for a manufacturing company.
Photo courtesy of Jevois Photography.
Parrish-McSorley Dana Lynn Parrish and Alexander James McSorley married on Oct. 6 at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church. Lacy Lee Kamber was the Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids were Beth McSorley, Miranda Smoot, Lacy Hartley, Brooke Turner Stone, Lauren Kemp Ebrahimi, Katie Kemp and Anne Wallace. Joey McSorley was the Best Man. Groomsmen were Jason Parrish, John Joseph, Andy Boohaker, Joseph Tatonetti, Brandon Watkins, Butch Owens, Scott Swiderski and Rusty White. The bride, a Homewood native, was given away by her father Rev. Tom Parrish. Rev. Jimmy Aycock and Rev. Tom Parrish officiated. The reception followed at Rosewood Hall in Homewood. The couple resides in Hoover. Photo courtesy of Jevois Photography.
6
• February 2013
The Homewood Star
City Mayor’s Minute
Dear friends and neighbors,
On Jan. 15, I had the opportunity to deliver the State of the City Address at The Club. I always look forward to that speech because I have the opportunity to discuss all the positive achievements that have taken place over the past year. Today, I would like to recap parts of the speech I think you will find interesting. When I was first elected Mayor in 2008, I knew one of the most important and impactful characteristics I would need to possess as Mayor would be to have the ability to Focus On The Outcome (FOTO). Whether we are playing sports, involved in politics, or running a successful business, a common denominator exists. Do we get caught up in the little things that knock us off track or do we focus on the outcome? Focusing on the outcome has probably become one of my most important jobs. All of our decisions for the City must be based on character, honesty, civility, vision and truthfulness. With the absence of even one of these fundamental qualities, you end up with a government that is greedy and broken, serving no one but those in charge. It is important that we stand firm, tell people the truth and make decisions that affect Homewood in a positive way. Sir Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” All of our city departments have had
a very busy year, and I’m proud of them for the work they have accomplished. It’s been said that government does not produce revenue but that it consumes it. But I’m proud to report for the fourth year in a row the City of Homewood has created more revenue than has been consumed. The city has brought in just over $3.9 million more than it has spent in the past four years. We were able to give raises to our employees, continue longevity and provide a bonus to each employee for their hard work and frugality. We have built a Rainy Day Fund consisting of more than $10 million and a Capital Project Fund with $8 million. So you can see that Homewood continues to move forward despite the economy and despite the naysayers. The history of Homewood and the great advances that have been made possible is not a story of cynics or criers of doom. Rather it’s a gallant chronicle of the optimist — the determined people, men and women, who dreamed great dreams and dared to try whatever it took to make them come true. So we too move ahead with a strong State of the City and look forward to a great 2013. Sincerely,
Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood
Homewood Police Participate in Race to the Top of the Tower On Thursday, Jan. 10, Homewood Police Sergeant Eric Hampton and Janie ShellworthWhite, a member of the Homewood Police Foundation and President of the Homewood Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, participated in the 2013 Race to the Top of the Tower in Orange Beach. Participants raced 33
flights of stairs to the top of Turquoise Place Tower. Shellworth-White finished in fifth place with a time of 5:54, and Sergeant Hampton finished in 5:59 in seventh place. Proceeds from the race went to the Special Olympics of Alabama.
Space heater safety By LT. JASON HALLMAN Electric space heaters are responsible for many injuries, deaths and fires every year because of careless use. “The dangers of space heaters can be greatly minimized by understanding and following some basic safety concepts,” said Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan. HFD recommends these tips for space heaters: ff Keep space heaters at least three feet away from household combustibles. ff Keep children and animals away from space
heaters.
ff Never leave a space heater unattended. ff Do not use extension cords on space heaters. ff Never operate a space heater while you are sleeping.
ff Do not use space heaters to dry other items. ff Never place any other items on top of the space heater.
ff Make sure your space heater has an automatic
tip-over switch that turns the heater off if it is knocked over. ff Look for a UL mark on your space heater. This means it meets stringent safety standards. – Submitted by Homewood Fire Department
February 2013 • 7
TheHomewoodStar.com
Canine officers, a budget surplus and lots of Homewood love Mayor delivers annual State of the City address By MADOLINE MARKHAM There was a special guest appearance from the Homewood Police Department during Mayor Scott McBrayer’s State of the City address on Jan. 15: canine officer Shiloh. When a bank robbery suspect ran into the woods after dark last year, it was Shiloh who found him in a ravine. And when a burglary culprit saw Shiloh, he climbed a fence back over to the side of the police. Shiloh’s work was just one of the many praises McBrayer sung of the city during his hour-long speech to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Club, reminding everyone what we love best about the City of Homewood. “Our school system is second to none,” McBrayer said. “And we have the finest police department and fire department in any city.” Last year the Homewood Fire Department responded 3,560 times, with an average response time of five and a half minutes. “That’s incredible,” McBrayer said. Homewood Police Department responded to 24,235 calls in 2012.
For the fourth year in a row, Homewood ended the year with a surplus, McBrayer said, creating more revenue than it consumed. The room applauded at this announcement. Then, the mayor had all the city’s department heads and city council members stand. “That is why we have a surplus,” he said, referring to each of them. The 2012 fiscal year ended with a $1.9 million budget and a surplus of $1 million. The surplus, when added to the general fund, totaled nearly $4 million over the past four years. At year’s end, plans for the Homewood Community Center and Lakeshore Greenway were underway. Patriot Park had been completed, and Target was set to open March 10. For 2013, the city is planning for more sidewalk projects, the purchase of two new clam shell brush loaders, progress on the new phases of the Lakeshore Greenway project, the Oxmoor Road project, and $60,000 in fencing at West Oxmoor Park.
Mayor Scott McBrayer talks about how Shiloh, a member of the canine unit, has been instrumental in his role with the Homewood Police Department over the past year.
City honors employees of the year The City of Homewood named it’s public service employees of the year following Mayor Scott McBrayer’s State of the City address to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 15. Gregory Garrett Firefighter of the Year Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan recognized Garrett’s role as not just a paramedic and firefighter but also as an apparatus operator (fire engine driver) and breathing apparatus repair
specialist. Bresnan also recognized Garrett for his work ethic and leadership skills. Eric Marquard Police Officer of the Year Homewood Police Chief Jim Roberson spoke of how Marquard, a 19-year police veteran and Patrol Division Lead, has a professional demeanor that inspires others. Marquard also is a member of the tactical team, a firearms instructor and a field training officer, Roberson said.
Oanh Nguyen City Employee of the Year Library Director Deborah Fout recounted how Nguyen, an administrative assistant at the Homewood Public Library, was born in Vietnam and served four years in the U.S. Air Force before coming to the Library in 1999. Fout and McBrayer both spoke of how Nguyen not only does her job well, but also helps behind the scenes at the library and other areas of city administration.
Police Chief Jim Roberson announced Eric Marquard as Officer of the Year on Jan. 15.
“The Wade Team” Our Heart Is In Homewood and So Are We
Your Realty Specialists
Cindy Wade & Danielle Wade 283-2349
966-9600
cwade03@gmail.com • daniellewade03@gmail.com
1703 OXMOOR ROAD across from Homewood Park
8 • February 2013
Scuffed shoes
The key to a happy marriage? By DR. JACQUELINE DILLON DEMARCO
understand and empathize with what your spouse is saying and feeling. This can reduce problems related to My 93-year-old grandma, who was miscommunication and may validate married for more than 70 years, told your spouse’s feelings. me her secret to a lasting marriage: “If It is also important to spend quality you don’t want to shine his shoes for time with one another. Although cell the rest of your life, don’t start now.” phones keep everyone connected and She gave me good advice because are great methods of communicating couples fall into routines, or patterns information, time spent together is of behavior that become familiar over priceless. Set a “date night” every time. While some of these patterns are month or every other week that is healthy, some are also unhealthy. The reserved for just you and your spouse. first step toward improving a marriage On your date night, put your phones is recognizing these unhealthy patterns. away and try to stay in the moment. A common misconception about Use this time to communicate and marriage is that arguing is “bad.” If reconnect with one another. couples do not disagree at some point The truth is, marriage can be in their relationship, they think it is hard, and you have to work at it just doubtful they are communicating as you do anything else. More than effectively and honestly. What matters half of marriages end in divorce, and is not if a couple argues; it is how the the rate increases when it comes to couple argues. Arguing by constantly second marriages. Further, unhappy criticizing your spouse, making marriages are associated with both personal attacks toward your spouse, physical and emotional stress, which becoming defensive or emotionally can lead to increased risk of physical shutting down may be red flags that illness and potentially even shorten there are some unresolved problems in your life. So, investing in the time your marriage. Dr. Jacqueline Dillon DeMarco with her husband, and effort to improve your marriage In order to improve your relationship, Paul. Photo courtesy of Jacqueline DeMarco. can potentially lead to a longer and communication is key. Many arguments healthier life for both you and your feel angry when…”), and be brief when begin because of miscommunication or spouse. In the long run, wouldn’t you defining your problem. It is also important lack of communication, and then making to be a good listener. Many times, we are rather have scuffed shoes and a happy false assumptions to fill in the gaps. To so focused on making our own point that marriage? I know I would. communicate effectively, especially Homewood resident Dr. Jacqueline we do not completely “hear” what our when communicating is a problem, some Dillon DeMarco is a clinical psychologist spouse is attempting to tell us. important points to remember are to start Repeat back to your spouse the gist of in private practice in Office Park who positive and be specific about what you what they are trying to convey and see offers both individual and couple therapy are communicating. Then, express your if you are correct. Further, attempt to to adult clients (ages 18+). feelings using “I” statements (ex: “I
Red Balloon Sale
Saturday February 16th! antiques, furniture, artwork, gifts, children’s items, custom nursery bedding, area rugs, jewelry, home accessories, lamps, monogramming, upholstery service, custom slip covers, and so much more!!!
930 Oxmoor Road www.homewoodantiques.com (205)414-9945
The Homewood Star
Call for applications:
2013 Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County By EDDIE MACKSOUD The Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County is accepting applications from female high school students graduating in 2014 and residing in Jefferson County. The deadline for receiving applications is March 1, 2013. The program, formerly Jefferson County’s Junior Miss, will take place July 19-20 at Samford University. Interested young women may visit DistinguishedYW.org to apply. There is no entry fee. Participants compete in the categories of fitness, self-expression, interview, scholastics and talent. Last year, awards included more than $13,500 in cash-tuition scholarships and more than $460,000 in college-granted scholarships. With a qualifying GPA and test score, any participant in the program is eligible to compete for scholarship awards. The Jefferson County representative will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery, where she will compete for additional scholarships. All state winners will travel to Mobile to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2014 and for a share of more than $125,000 in cash scholarships. Founded in Mobile in 1958, then as America’s Junior Miss, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for young ladies in high school. During its 55-year history, more than 700,000 have participated. Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. National sponsors include the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Encore Rehabilitation, Spanx Foundation, Mobile Gas: a Sempra Company, Alabama Power Foundation and Regions Bank. For more information, contact Eddie Macksoud, Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County, at 907-0210 or jefferson@distinguishedYW.org.
February 2013 • 9
TheHomewoodStar.com
Valentines treats
By RICHARD LAMOREAUX Owner, Mangia Mangia
RECIPE
Red Velvet Cake Bites
1 Prepared Red Velvet Cake (for example, Duncan Hines box recipe),cooled 16 oz. Cream Cheese Frosting 24 oz. Vanilla Flavored Candy Coating, melted Crumble cake in a bowl with your hands. Mix Cream Cheese Frosting with cake crumbles. Roll mixture into small balls and drizzle the melted candy coating over top of cake balls. Refrigerate until serving.
RECIPE
Petite Cheesecakes
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature 3 egg yolks 3/4 c. sugar 3 egg whites, beaten stiff 4 T. butter melted 1 box graham cracker crumbs Topping (recipe below)
Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg yolks and mix. Then add sugar and mix thoroughly. Fold in egg whites. Melt butter and use to brush mini muffin pans with butter. Place a spoonful of graham cracker crumbs in each cup and then shake the tin until each cup is covered inside with Topping crumbs. 1 cup sour cream Shake excess crumbs onto wax 2 T. sugar paper and reuse. Continue until all 1/2 tsp. vanilla pans are dusted with crumbs. Place all ingredients in a small Fill the cups almost full with cream microwavable bowl. Cook in cheese mixture. microwave for approximately Bake at 350 degrees for 15 min. two minutes. Cool well before topping.
Put 1 tsp. of topping mixture on top of each cake in the center. Remove from tins carefully by using a butter knife around the edges. Chill or freeze until serving.
TASTE OF HOMEWOOD from pg 1
increased interest from people all over Birmingham and the state in the event. Money raised is returned to the Chamber to support local businesses. The Homewood Star, CBS 42, Alagasco and Samford University Radio are sponsoring the event. Tickets to Taste of Homewood are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, located in the
Homewood Library, or online at homewoodchamber.com. For more information on Taste of Homewood, call Tricia Ford at 871-5631. Go Online TheHomewoodStar.com ff See a full list of participating restaurants. ff Watch a video from last year’s Taste of Homewood for a sneak peek of this year’s event.
2925 18th Street South • Homewood 205-871-0585 • www.harmonylanding.com Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Area residents enjoy last year’s Taste of Homewood event.
10 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
A more personal mission A Vietnam veteran’s search to learn more about the man who saved his life
By JEFF THOMPSON Arguably, the most important person in the life of William C. “Buzz” Veal was Lenny Nute. If not for Nute, Veal might never have attended Cumberland Law School and opened a law firm in Birmingham. He might have missed marrying his wife, Dell, or fathering two daughters and welcoming a stepson, Brian, into his family. He might never have seen his three granddaughters, Madison, Avrie and Claire. Because without Nute, Veal believes he wouldn’t be alive. Leonard K. Nute had 120 days remaining on his tour when Veal was assigned to Nute’s platoon in 1966. They were stationed in the Quang Tin province near the Cambodian border of South Vietnam. With infantry embedded deep in the jungle, one of the most important members of the platoon was the man responsible for outside communication – the Radio/ Telephone Operator (RTO). “The RTO was usually carefully chosen,” reports tourofdutyinfo. com. “He had to be someone with experience, who wouldn’t get rattled under fire… It was also a dangerous job, since the radio antenna said to the enemy, ‘Shoot me first.’” As RTO at the time, Nute was responsible for the regiment’s PRC25, a 23.5-pound metal box the size
of a case of soda. It was cumbersome to carry and came with grave risk. Nute’s commanding officers tried to strip him of the duty and pass it to Veal. “They saw me and thought, ‘Oh here’s a big guy, he’ll get to carry the radio,’” Veal said. But Nute declined. He held onto the heavy metal box, and Veal believes it’s what cost Nute his life. “For 25 years I couldn’t even talk about it,” Veal said. “They brought a mobile Vietnam Memorial Wall to Birmingham several years ago, and a buddy took me down there and showed me (Nute’s) name. “I just couldn’t stay.” Over the past decade, Veal began to learn that the more he talked about his experiences in Vietnam, the better he felt. Eventually, he decided it was time to tell the story of the man who saved his life. He wanted those who knew and loved Lenny Nute to find closure – and know that he would always be remembered. Veal set out to find Nute’s friends and family, calling around Nute’s hometown of Hudson, N.H., a city of approximately 25,000. After a frustrating lack of success, he drafted a letter in 2010 and sent it to both The Birmingham News and New Hampshire’s Hudson-Litchfield News. Both papers published the piece, but, in the Northeast, it had entirely different meaning. According to a story by Doug
Homewood resident and Vietnam War veteran William “Buzz” Veal, left, salutes the memory of the man he credits for having saved his life, Lenny Nute, in Hudson, N.H. in 2011. He is joined by Gene, Mary and Jim Nute. Photo by Doug Robinsin. Reprinted courtesy of the Hudson~Litchfield News.
Robinson printed July 30, 2010 in the Hudson-Litchfield News, Nute’s death certificate reads he died of “multiple fragmentation wounds.” Unknowingly, Veal’s letter explained to Nute’s hometown just how that came to pass – right there, on the front page. It was a rare occasion that the chaplain would come to the deep woods to visit the troops, but this day he did. We were over near the Cambodian border. Nute kept a small cribbage board with him, and we played some that evening. Then, my squad was sent to be a listening post for the night. We went out past the bottom of the hill where the rest of the platoon and some mortars were set up. The next morning, we were hit hard by the North Vietnamese. I was with my squad at the bottom of the hill, and as we started up the hill the next morning, a bullet went over our heads. Then it really broke
loose. The first mortar round landed beside Nute, and he died on that small hill somewhere west of Pleiku, Vietnam. Veal said the Hudson-Litchfield News called him after they received the letter, and told him Nute was not only remembered but that his legacy had also been preserved. As the first Hudson soldier killed in the war, Nute’s high school gym now bears a plaque dedicating the facility as the “Leonard K. Nute Gymnasium.” But it kept going. For 44 years, the American Legion Post in Hudson had honored Nute’s memory with a 21-gun salute, which Nute’s brother, Gene, attended every year. Veal called the Legion post and confirmed what the paper told him. He told the woman on the other end of the line he was absolutely going to be there for the 45th year. “Well I just got my new Grand
Marshal,” she replied. So, in 2011, Veal and his wife went to New Hampshire, where they were received warmly. They met Gene Nute, saw the plaque that bore Lenny’s name and witnessed the salute. He and Dell then visited Lenny’s grave. “It’s amazing how he’ll always be a young guy,” Veal said. After the trip, Veal said his regret was in his timing. Nute’s parents had already passed away, never knowing the extent to which their son’s heroism extended. But if not for Veal and his courage to break the silence, many more still wouldn’t. “In my mind, it’s not about me,” Veal said. “It’s about the people like Lenny who died when they were 20 years old and never had the opportunity to tell their stories. I lived through it just so I could.”
February 2013 • 11
TheHomewoodStar.com Read past Restaurant Showcases at TheHomewoodStar.com
Restaurant Showcase
JoJo’s Diner By MADOLINE MARKHAM For brother and sister Joe and Zelda Resha, food is all in the family. With inspiration from each parent seasoned in the restaurant business, plus their own flair, they opened JoJo’s Diner on Broadway in April. “(The business) is in our blood, I guess,” Zelda said. “Joe was in the insurance business before, but he enjoys this a whole lot more.” Joe, the owner, runs the kitchen and created the menu. Zelda, 10 years his junior, manages the cash register, waits tables and is also the restaurant baker. Occasionally Joe and Zelda’s mom, Phyllis, fills in for one of them, but generally you will find only the brother and sister and cooks William Robertson and Barrett Andrews. The diner’s space is small, with four booths and four bar stools, but their business is continuous. Meat dominates the menu, which is best known for its burgers and Reuben. “Meat was always a subject in our house growing up,” Zelda said. “We grind our own combination of brisket and chuck for all the burgers. We corn the beef for our Rueben. People from up North are surprised that it tastes like one from home; they say it’s incredible.” And everything on the menu has a story. Jinky’s Chicken Salad is their dad Tommy’s recipe and is named for a restaurant he used to own. The
JoJo’s Diner on Broadway 903 Broadway Street 877-8058 Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-close
on Broadway
JoJo’s Diner Manager Zelda Resha and Owner Joe Resha. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Jerk Chicken Sandwich evolved from a Jerk Chicken appetizer Tommy served at his restaurants. The marinated chicken is topped with grilled peppers and onion and spread with Joe’s jerk mayo. The whole family loves spicy things, so Joe created a hot burger with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño dill pickles and chipotle ranch on a jalapeño cheddar bun. Joe is also the mastermind behind all their daily specials, which they post on Facebook. “He doesn’t go by any recipes, and it’s always incredible,” Zelda said. A cousin nicknamed Babs suggested they make a burger with fried egg on top; the Babs burger is a
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bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg. Pretty much everything on the menu — eggs, fries, burgers, even lettuce and tomatoes — is sprinkled with Joe’s special seasoning mix. “We call it the ‘248,’” Zelda said. “Joe made it up.” Another specialty ingredient is the JoJo sauce, their blend of mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup. “I can’t tell you much more than that, but it’s incredible,” Zelda said. “People put it on fries, burgers and anything else they can. It’s not barbecue-y like other burger sauces.” JoJo’s all-beef hot dogs are topped with Downtown Sauce, another one of Joe’s secrets. It’s like a chili sauce. The Broadway Dog is topped with
sauerkraut and onion, and the Slaw Dog with a vinegar-based Lebanese (Tommy is Lebanese) slaw sauce made with lemon, olive oil and mint. For the winter season, Joe is serving up his specialty brisket, sausage, bacon, beef and bean chili, served with a grilled cheese. One last – but certainly not least – note on the menu: breakfast is served all day. “We are the only place I know where people can order a burger with a side of grits,” Zelda said. And to top off a meaty sandwich, JoJo’s makes milkshakes with whole milk, ice cream and syrup, or Zelda always has an offering of brown sugar cookies, cake pops or her latest
creation, Crème Brulee Cupcakes. This month, Jo Jo’s is expanding into retail space to the right of the diner and will start selling Alabama craft beer and wine. Zelda said their customers are becoming like family, too, as they are watching kids grow up. Joe is a 1995 Homewood High School graduate. Zelda recently moved to the area and said she doesn’t plan to leave. The close ties of brother and sister to the business of feeding people and making them happy, and doing so in Homewood, are likely to stay strong to the next generation – Joe’s 3-yearold son, Joseph Jr. or “Jo Jo,” is the diner’s namesake after all.
12 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
Homewood Happenings Hunter’s Cleaners to offer home delivery service
Hunter Payne delivers dry cleaning to local homes in his business’ new GEM. Photo by Allie Saxon.
Hunter’s Cleaners in downtown Homewood started offering a new eco-friendly automobile for home deliveries late January. The Polaris GEM (Global Electric Motorcar) e4 has an area where garments can hang without wrinkling, as well as a storage area for bags of clothes. The cleaning service will provide deliveries to homes around the downtown Homewood area and will service most of the Hollywood and Edgewood areas. The service runs 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more, call Hunter’s Cleaners at 871-6131.
HHS student places in D1 competition D1 Sports Training Facility in Homewood recently participated in the National D1 Testing Day along with the 17 other D1 locations across the country. Carson Griffis, a ninth grader at Homewood High School, broke two national records for the Developmental Group, ages 12-14. His broad jump was 8 feet, 7 inches, and his proagility was 4.22 seconds. He also placed second nationally in the 20-yard dash at 2.7 seconds and the medicine ball throw of 45 feet, 31 inches. D1 offers speed, agility and strength
Carson Griffis
training for athletes of all ages. For more information, visit d1sportstraining.com.
Dave’s Pizza re-opened its doors Jan. 14. The restaurant temporarily closed following the death of owner Dave Morrison in early December. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The restaurant features $2 beer Monday-Saturday, Feed the Family for $14.99 Tuesday and half-off bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays. Dave’s is located at 1819 29th Ave. South in downtown Homewood. For more, call 871-3283.
Belk, Inc. presented a check for $10,000 to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, which is based in Homewood. Kelli Holmes, Director of Development, former Greater Birmingham Humane Society; Jacqueline Meyer, Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Humane Society; and Jan Clevenger, chair of the Belk Western Division.
Skybucket celebrates 10 years in music business By MICHAEL SEALE
Dave’s Pizza back in business
Belk donates to humane society
Travis Morgan, owner of Homewood-based Skybucket Records, developed his vision for the company with only a love of music and the hope it would survive the industry’s high failure rate. Currently, as he gears up to celebrate the label’s 10th Anniversary with an event in February, few independent record labels can boast what Homewood-based Skybucket can,
“Back when we started Skybucket, there was really only one other label (in Birmingham) to my knowledge,” Morgan said. “They were kind of at the tail end of putting out records. They had their style, and the rest was wide open. It’s like opening an ice cream shop next to a swimming pool in the summer. Well, something like that.” What made Morgan want to venture into the business was an excitement he had for the Birmingham music
scene. “I used to be into Remy Zero when I was in high school, and discovered Verbena shortly after that. I’ve always been into record labels since I recognized what they were. Labels’ purposes resonated very highly with me.” Morgan said he is thankful to still have momentum as Skybucket moves into its second decade of business. The 10th anniversary event is set for Feb. 8 and 9 at Bottletree Café in Avondale. For more, visit skybucket.com.
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February 2013 • 13
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Business Spotlight
Read past Business Spotlights at TheHomewoodStar.com
Sikes Shoes
Sikes Childrens Shoes 2920 18th Street South 879-3433 Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
By RICK WATSON The wildly popular TV series The Little Rascals hit the airwaves in 1955. That same year on Valentine’s Day, Sikes Shoes opened for business. “Frankie Sikes always said that every city needs one good children’s shoe store,” current owner Frank Youngs said. Youngs married into the Sikes family in the early 1960s, and his father-in-law offered him a position with the store. “I’d just graduated from the University of Alabama as a marketing major and needed a job,” Youngs said. Fortunately the work suited him. Sikes opened a second store in Vestavia, and Youngs moved to that store in 1968. He stayed there until 1991, when he bought the business from Sikes’ son. The location at 2920 18th Street is situated perfectly to service not only Homewood customers, but also customers in surrounding neighborhoods such as in Mountain Brook, Vestavia and Hoover. “We have customers who come from Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Montgomery to shop at our store,” Youngs said, adding he thinks it’s because the business has stayed true to its original mission of carrying only quality footwear and providing great service. Some businesses complain about the impact the Internet and big-box
Halie Fulmer helps Mia Paige Kendrick find the perfect shoe with the perfect fit. Photos by Keith McCoy.
stores have had on small businesses, but Youngs said he’s kept customers by offering quality shoes for kids that are guaranteed to fit. The clerks know how to measure a child’s feet and fit them with shoes that wear properly, according to Youngs. Unlike Walmart, when you come into Sikes Shoes, you will see a familiar face. “Our people have been here for 10 and 15 years,” he said, pointing out that one woman who works at his
Jack and Jill children’s clothing store next door has been working there 30 years. The iconic store runs like a welloiled machine, according to Youngs. “I don’t do a lot of work, I have great employees who handle the dayto-day operations,” he said. “The business is like a pretty good train on the track. My job is to keep it there.” The rewarding thing for Youngs is that families have bought shoes
Sikes owner Frank Youngs
at Sikes for generations. “We have young mothers who got their shoes at Sikes as a child, bring their kids in for their first pair of shoes,” he said. There’s a lot of talk about changing demographics in Homewood, but Youngs said he doesn’t see it. The only thing different now is that it seems some young mothers are looking for “the next hot thing” in shoes. Youngs said chasing trends
is a fast way to lose your shirt, so to speak. “You can’t get too far off track on trends. I also don’t plan to try and ‘out Walmart’ Walmart.” Youngs had four sons with his first wife Nancy, and later became a stepfather to a son and daughter by his second wife, Karen. He now has two grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren, the latest being a granddaughter.
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14 • February 2013
Community Troop 97 honors four Eagle Scouts
The Homewood Star
Making a difference at the Muscular Dystrophy walk This year’s Muscular Dystrophy Walk will be held to honor adults and children with any of the more than 40 muscle diseases in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA’s) program. The walk will be held at Homewood Central Park on March 16 at 10 a.m. The event provides fun and light exercise with kids, friends, parents, grandparents, students, corporate teams and more, but
participants walk to raise funds to help the MDA foster research and provide vital services to families affected by neuromuscular disease. Participants can start a team, join a team or individually walk. For every dollar donated, 77 cents supports MDA’s research, health care services and education programs. For more, visit the event’s page on mda. org or call (800) 572-1717.
PurpleStride run to raise support for pancreatic cancer research Eagle Scouts Zach Blomeley, Zach Sims, Ross Page and Chris Campbell. Photo courtesy of Andi Sims.
Recently, Troop 97 of the Boy Scouts of America celebrated the achievement of the Eagle Scout rank for Ross Page, Chris Campbell, Zach Blomeley and Zach Sims, all from Homewood. Collectively, these young men have logged almost 400 nights of camping, more than 100 merit badges, more than 20 leadership positions, hundreds of miles of hikes, thousands of hours to their community and an Arrow of Light each. In addition, they have traversed and experienced many BSA high adventure bases and hiking trails including: Florida Sea Base, Double H, Philmont, Pinhoti, Chickamauga, Fiery Gizzard and Appalachian Trails. Chris Campbell and Zach Blomeley also received the Order of the Arrow designation. Each young man started his scouting career in the first grade as Tiger Cubs and has worked his way up through the ranks as a Cub Scout, crossed
over to Boy Scouts and now have reached the elusive level of becoming an Eagle Scout, an accomplishment achieved by less than 5 percent of all Boy Scouts. Presently, Ross Page is a freshman at the University of Alabama majoring in business and a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Chris Campbell, Zach Blomeley and Zach Sims are seniors at Homewood High School, where Campbell and Blomeley play in the Homewood High School Band and Sims serves as captain of the Homewood Patriots football and wrestling teams. Campbell plans to study mechanical engineering in the fall while Blomeley has plans to attend Auburn University. Sims is currently being recruited to play college football and recently started as center for the Alabama Team in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game.
Wear Your Pride!
UAB Medicine/ UAB Compre-hensive Cancer Center will hold Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN) PurpleStride at Homewood Park on Feb. 23. This event will have a timed 5K on a USATF-certified course and 1-mile fun run/ walk to honor and remember loved ones, as well as kids’ activities, music, a special Zumba warm-up and more. Gifts can be donated to a specific
individual, team or a general donation. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to pancreatic cancer research. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the race will begin at 8 a.m. For more information, please contact Kathryn Brekle at kbrekle@ pancanvolunteer.org or visit kintera.org/ faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1039982. To make a donation, call (877) 272-6226.
February fun at Shades Cahaba festival The Winter Festival is returning to Shades Cahaba Elementary on Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Entertainment will include outdoor games, a rock climbing wall, inflatables and slides. Inside, there will be more games, including Girly Girl Salon, where kids can have their nails painted and add a splash of color to hair. At the Walk the Plank room kids can be a pirate complete with eye patch and
tattoos. There will also be a silent auction with gift cards and services from many local merchants, as well as summer camp packages. Proceeds benefit the Shades Cahaba Elementary School. Games and lunch are paid for with tickets. Tickets are 50 cents each, and individual wristbands are $15. For more information, contact Stephanie Kennedy at srfkennedy@gmail.com.
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February 2013 • 15
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New York fashions come to Birmingham for Fashion Week
Tango for a good cause, dessert included
By ALLIE SAXON
Enjoy decadent desserts and a dance lesson with your sweetie at the annual Takes Two to Tango fundraising event for the Children’s Dance Foundation. Participants will also take home a treat from event sponsor Café Dupont. Dance lessons will be taught by Dancing with the Stars pro Fabian Sanchez. The cost is $75 per couple. To make a reservation, call 870-0073. For more information, visit childrensdancefoundation.org. Children’s Dance Foundation is located at 1715 27th Court South in downtown Homewood.
Birmingham Fashion Week is back for its third annual event starting Saturday, Feb. 23, with the finale runway show on Saturday, March 2 at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham. Showcasing world-renown designers and top models, the week’s schedule has expanded from four days to seven days of runway shows and parties. Homewood boutiques Soca, Theodora, Shaia’s and Bella Bridesmaid are sponsoring different events during the week. “I love bringing the big New York names to Fashion Week that would never think about visiting Birmingham,” said Jeana Lee Fleming, Fashion Week co-founder and owner of Bella Bridesmaid in Edgewood.
“They are so blown away by everyone and the Southern hospitality that they want to come back and bring their designer friends.” The schedule includes designer runway shows, fashions from local boutiques, and model and design competitions highlighting the latest fashions of the season. This year a new fourth runway night will feature lifestyle designs from Lulu Lemon, The Pants Store and more. Designers Annie Griffin, Southern Proper, By Smith, Prophetik, Heidi Elnora, Leona Collection and What Goes Around Comes Around, as well as international designers will contribute clothing. Not only will there be local and national celebrities in attendance, but they will also judge design and
model competitions. Birmingham Fashion Week benefits many nonprofit organizations, including Alabama Forever, which aids communities in need, and Camp Smile-A-Mile, which provides a year-round program for children with cancer in Alabama. Fleming recommends getting tickets early. Last year, each night sold out, and she is expecting bigger crowds this year. “Even if you are not just into fashion, it’s a fun night,” she said. “The energy is so high, and there is something for everyone.” General admission and VIP seating are available, with an after party following each show. Tickets range from $15-$85. For more information, visit bhamfashionweek.com.
The Bell Center to host Guild Gala Birmingham Fashion Week model displays one of the many extravagant dresses that will be modeled in the show. Photo courtesy of Chuck St. John.
Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off moves to Brookwood Village The Exceptional Foundation’s Ninth Annual Chili Cook-Off has a new venue this year: the parking lot next to Belk at Colonial Brookwood Village. This event will be held March 2 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off and other fundraising efforts provide three-fourths of the funds needed to ensure that Exceptional Foundation participants are able to gather daily for social activities, take field trips and compete in sports. The nonprofit organization provides social and recreational activities to mentally challenged individuals in the Greater
Birmingham area. Cook-off teams are reserved on first-come, first-serve basis, starting with corporate sponsors. Returning corporate sponsors will be given the opportunity to participate first, followed by new sponsors. A panel of judges will select winners for Grand Prize, First Runner Up and Second Runner Up, and the People’s Choice Award will be given to the team who gets the most votes by patrons at the event. The Spirit Award is given to the team with best decoration or costume, and is voted on by the judges and
Exceptional Foundation participants. The Fundraising Award goes to the team who sells the most tickets to the event. Tickets can be purchased on exceptionalfoundation.org or at The Exceptional Foundation prior to the event for a $10 donation per ticket. The day of the event, tickets can be bought at the entrance for a $15 per ticket. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, contact Margaret Klocke at mklocke@exceptionalfoundation. org or call The Exceptional Foundation at 8700776.
The annual Guild Gala benefitting The Bell Center is being held for its 24th consecutive year on Feb. 25 at The Country Club of Birmingham at 5:30 p.m. The Service Guild works to support the The Bell Center in Homewood and its specialized programs for children with developmental delays. The Oz-inspired theme is “There’s No Place Like The Bell Center.” The event this year will be a sit-down dinner and fundraising auction. Lance Taylor of WJOX’s Rountable is the host for the evening. Jack Granger, of Granger, Thagard & Associates, Inc., will conduct a live auction during the event. Before the live auction begins, guests will enjoy cocktails and a silent auction. The night will conclude with dancing and music by The Double Feature Band. Ticket price is $125 a ticket/$250 a couple. For more information, contact Tommie Ford at guildgala@theserviceguild.org.
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16 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
Former art teacher publishes Second graders collect children’s Mardi Gras book supplies for Habitat families By ASHLEY BERKERY Do you ever wonder how Tuesday got so fat? Many of Jo Ann Brown’s Edgewood Elementary students have, and asked her that question over the years. So, as a retired art teacher, she put her skills to good use and wrote and illustrated Fat Tuesday: A book about Mardi Gras. “Fat Tuesday is a character in this educational activity book for children of all ages,” Brown said, “but most importantly I wanted to share the truth of what the day really means.” As Brown states in her book, the real reason for all the excitement is because it is the last fling before the strict Lenten season begins, which is all about sacrifice and self-control. To create the story, Brown compiled her art lessons from over the years where the students studied fun facts about Mardi Gras. They learned how French settlers held the first American Mardi Gras in Mobile in 1703, how parties and parades were hosted by groups of people called krewes, and what the special Mardi Gras colors, purple, green and yellow symbolize. Along with making colorful Mardi Gras masks and fun jewelry, Brown also creatively
Jo Ann Brown, a retired art teacher from Edgewood Elementary. Photo courtesy of Jo Ann Brown.
incorporated cooking lessons into her art projects. “Not many people understand what the tradition is behind the King’s Cake or why there is a plastic baby baked inside, so I like to explain how it symbolizes the king’s search for the baby Jesus.” Fat Tuesday comes complete with a fun and inexpensive mask activity that kids can make at home. Souvenirs are included with the book if it is purchased locally. Brown hopes that fun and learning will take place in your home this Mardi Gras season through her words and illustrations, because as the last page of the book says, “Live it up while you can, because on Wednesday – the party’s over!” Books may be purchased at Seasons to Celebrate in downtown Homewood or by emailing Brown at joannbrownart@gmail.com.
Neily Stephens, Charlotte Lee, Molly McCollum, Lily Giffin, Walker Heath and Julia Mitchell .Not pictured: Chandler Binkley, Sidney Dobbins, Mary Britt Garlington , Laine Siegel. Photo courtesy of Katherine Mitchell.
In November, Sisterhood and Servants, a service group of second graders at Edgewood Elementary, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to collect kitchen-cleaning supplies to give to new homeowners. Girls went from door to door with their “sweet sales pitch,” and some asked friends and family to contribute.
They originally hoped to collect five buckets worth of supplies, but the girls ended up presenting Habitat for Humanity with 24 packed Welcome Buckets. Members of the group were invited to a Habitat home dedication for the Bland family in Roebuck to personally present them with a Welcome Bucket.
Resolution Run fun
Cathy Patterson, Jane Lucas, Donnette’ Hulsey, Kimberly Oehrlein and Jamie Stephenson at Birmingham Track Club New Years Eve Resolution run at Red Mountain Park on Dec. 31.
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February 2013 • 17
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A match made in heaven aTeam Ministries connects artist with patient for Heart2HeART Gala
By KAITLIN BITZ And JEFF THOMPSON When Jennifer Harwell began painting in her late 40s, angels were one of her primary subjects. She has a firm belief that, though unseen, they have contributed greatly to the direction of her life. And when she was diagnosed with colon cancer in May 2012, she believes angels were there for her. Dalton Payne, 16, shares that belief. On July 29, 2012, Dalton found himself fighting for his life after he was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s T-cell Lymphoma. Dalton’s angels are currently helping him through chemotherapy. Harwell is a self-taught artist from Oregon living in Birmingham, and Payne is a student from Pell City. Last year, they would come to find they had much to learn from each other, but they may have never had the opportunity if it weren’t for aTeam Ministries in Homewood. aTeam is a nonprofit organization committed to offering spiritual, financial and emotional support to children and their families within the pediatric cancer community. Annually, the organization pairs artists from around the Southeast with area children suffering from cancer. After the pair sends time together, the child creates a painting in the style of the artist, and the work is sold at aTeam’s Heart2HeART Gala, scheduled this year for Feb. 16 at Ted’s Garage. This year, Harwell and Payne turned out to be a match made in heaven. “Heart2HeART provides children with a vehicle for feeling some joy and some kind of encouragement instead of just talking about hospitals and needles,” Harwell said. “What was unique about our relationship, which Dalton hopefully won’t find with other artists, is that I too had a cancer diagnosis.” Although she was painting – even teaching – long before her cancer diagnosis, Harwell has always created with open emotion, channeling
Artist Jennifer Harwell was paired with 16-year-old Dalton Payne for aTeam Ministries’ Heart2HeArt Gala. Above is Dalton’s painting. Photos courtesy aTeam Ministries.
an ideal that hope and healing can be expressed through painting. Harwell draws on her childhood in Oregon, scripture and the football craze of the South among other sources for her vibrant art, which she creates using acrylic paint and a palette knife. “I always saw art as healing. I saw it through my classes where I had people from all walks of life,” Harwell said. “When you put a palette
knife in their hands and watch them unfold in one class, it showed them that it’s really not rocket science, it’s color and movement.” Dalton, in his time with Harwell, learned quickly, she said. From watching Harwell work he created an abstract painting that includes a reference to the hope he and Harwell share hidden in the corner – an angel. During the gala, both Dalton’s piece and the
painting Harwell crafted to pair with it will be auctioned off to raise money for cancer research. “He didn’t have any way of knowing what an inspiration he was for me,” Harwell said. For more information on the Heart2HeART Gala, visit ateamministries.org. For more information on Jennifer Harwell, visit jenniferharwellart.com or visit her store in the Regions Harbert Plaza.
Canvas Church spreading love across Homewood By KAITLIN BITZ Jon and Lisa Potter are of no kin to the book character, but they do have quite a magical story. The Potters were the image of the American dream. Jon was a member of corporate America pulling in six figures a year. He had three beautiful children and an amazing wife, yet he still did not feel fulfilled. So, he decided to abandon his career for a calling within the field of ministry. That was 11 years ago. Jon has now worked as a pastor in every corner of the Jefferson County map, including Mountain Brook, Birmingham and Homewood – as well as 19 countries across the world. Now, Jon and Lisa have started their own church right here in Homewood. “About a year and a half ago we felt the stirring to plant a church in Birmingham,” Jon said. “It was just sort of a natural progression from where we were.” Canvas Church began in the Cahaba Heights area of Mountain Brook, where it remained for eight months. However, Jon and Lisa did not feel that the area was conducive to their goals. They truly wanted to live up to the church’s name. “A long time ago I saw a church named Canvas down in Florida, and I thought that it was a very eclectic and cool picture of what a church should be — multicolored, multifaceted and kind of open to interpretation,” Jon
Jon and Lisa Potter and their three children. Elliot, 20 is a student at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. His two daughters, Barrett, 16, and Kelsey, 15, are students at Mountain Brook High School and Mountain Brook Junior High. Photo courtesy of Jon Potter.
said. “The Bible says we’re all God’s works of art, and it just kind of stuck with me.” Jon and Lisa then made the decision to move Canvas Church to Homewood. After creating a coalition with The Exceptional Foundation, Canvas Church has officially been meeting there since July of 2012. “My heart was for Homewood because of the demographic. I lov-
ed the small-town feel in the big city and the location just couldn’t be better for what we want to do,” Jon said. “You have middle class, upper class, and then the Rosedale class has a strong African American and Hispanic contingent. That went along with my vision for a multiracial church.” Canvas Church had its first major outreach in October of 2012, where
it fed more than 400 people from the community. The event, entitled Jumpin’ Jambalaya, featured live music, food and children’s activities. “It was our first ‘this is who we are’ event,” Lisa said. “We didn’t preach, we just wanted to tell the community that we were here and we want to love on people.” The Potters hope to continue
expanding their church as well as their involvement in the Homewood community. “So many people have been wounded by religion. I want our church to be a safe place to heal if you’re wounded or if you’re hurting,” Jon said. “I want to grow a multiracial, multicultural church. We believe sin is black and white but church shouldn’t be.”
18 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
School House
A step into the future HHS offers new Career Tech program By MERRICK WILSON Alexis Crenshaw is pretty sure she knows where she wants to go to college, but she’s having trouble deciding whether to become a chef or a lawyer afterward. To help make that decision, the Homewood High School junior is enrolled in the culinary arts class, where she is learning to make things like banana pudding and Nutella crepes. Next year she plans to take business law to see which profession she likes better. Crenshaw’s professionally oriented electives are part of the new expanded career-related electives in culinary arts, business law, financial planning, health and medical science and cosmetology. “[Students] might not realize what these careers entail,” said Dr. Betty Winches, assistant superintendent for instruction. “This allows them to see how these professionals spend their day while also having the opportunity to gain some actual training.” Dani Felty, who now serves as the career tech coordinator, saw a need for these electives when she was teaching computer applications at Homewood High School. In her class, the students did some career exploration activities and assessments, and she saw the need for
offering career ready classes. “Some students who choose to immediately go into the workforce need additional specific preparation to enter the workforce. Then you have the students who want to go to college, but they are undecided about what they want to major in and just need a little introduction into a field to decide on that major,” she said. Using a survey for grades 8-11, she identified the six courses based on student interest. “Once we knew which courses students wanted to take, we had to promote these brand new courses so students would know to include them during the course selection process,” Felty said. To promote the electives, she planned a career expo the day before students were expected to request classes for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. She invited three professionals from each of the areas of the new courses to share information about their careers and answer questions. Currently, 156 students are enrolled in these career related electives. Dr. Desiree Smith, who serves as the career tech administrator, said they would review the success of these electives each year. Just like other electives they will be offered in
Hysani Tubbs earns hours toward a cosmetology license through new course offerings at Homewood High School. Photo by Merrick Wilson.
response to student interest and need, she said. “The goal is to help undecided students make good choices, and for decided students to confirm their career paths,” Smith said. In her cosmetology class, senior Noell Marlowe is not only gaining awareness about the field but also earning training hours toward her license. “My nana and I would do each other’s hair and make-up when I was a little girl. I always knew I wanted to
do that for others,” she said. Through a partnership with Aveda Institute Birmingham, an Aveda instructor comes to HHS and teaches the students while allowing them to have hands-on experience using mannequins during the first semester. The second semester, the students take classes at the Aveda Institute where they earn hours towards becoming a licensed cosmetologist. Noell will graduate HHS with 90 hours of the 1,500 she’ll need to get her license.
“This class will better prepare her for immediate entry into the workforce,” Felty said. Hysani Tubbs, an eleventh grader, is taking the cosmology elective so she can become a cosmetologist to help her pay for medical school. “I know I want to go to medical school, but I also wanted to learn more about hair and make-up,” she said. “I enjoy it, because she doesn’t just tell us stuff or show us a Power Point. We get to be hands-on and experiment to learn.”
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February 2013 • 19
TheHomewoodStar.com
Debate team wins fall championship
Homewood Middle School Debate Team
In the first year of a debate program, Homewood Middle School’s five team came in top place with a 13-5 record over the course of two tournaments held at Samford University. Teams competed against more than 100 teams representing 22 Birmingham-area middle schools in the Birmingham Area Debate League. The
topic for the Fall Championships was “Resolved: that the United States Federal Government should restrict minor’s access to violent video games.” The Homewood Middle School debate team is sponsored by Mary Binkley and Austin Bonds. It is coached by Mike Janas, Skip Coulter and John Curtis.
LEAD students build spaghetti structures
Students work on a problem solving project with spaghetti noodles at Shades Cahaba Elementary.
Shades Cahaba students in Jennifer Bauman’s LEAD classes (Learning Enhancement and Academic Design) have been participating in stimulating activities to learn more about engineering and the process of problem solving. Fourth and fifth graders had 20 minutes to work in groups and build a structure that could hold the mass of a marshmallow using a certain amount of spaghetti noodles, tape and string. After the 20 minutes, the class as a whole talked about how difficult this was and what they could have done differently. Then the students had a second opportunity to build their structures. Fifth graders then built a 27inch tall structure that supported the marshmallow.
Schools award spelling bee winners
Hall-Kent Elementary School: Winner fifth grader Alyssa Baylon, center, and runners-up James Womack, left, and Harlan Alford, right.
Homewood Middle School: Seventh grader Hrithik Praveen, left, won by spelling “baccalaureate” and “delicatessen” correctly. Last year’s district winner, seventh grader, Hunter Callaway, right placed second, and sixth graders Keefer Boone and Hannah Crosswy tied for third.
Edgewood Elementary School: Winner Alex Kamau (Abby Chandler’s fourth grade class) and runner up Reed Jeffries (Jamie Wilson’s fourth grade class).
Shades Cahaba Elementary School: Runner up Avery Stansell and winner Ayona Roychowdhury, fourth grade.
20 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION
Homewood Community Center Activities Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility
Belly Dancing with Aziza
Programs and services from Homewood Community Center are now located at our temporary facility which is the site of the former Jefferson County Satellite Courthouse, 809 Greensprings Highway, Homewood, AL 35209. Services at this facility include cardio & weight rooms, programs room for fitness and instructional classes, and administrative offices. Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility Hours Monday – Thursday: 5:30am – 8:30pm Friday: 5:30am – 7:00pm Saturday: 8:00am – 6:00pm Sunday: 1:00pm – 6:00pm Business Office Hours Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:45pm
Zumba
ZUMBA is the new craze sweeping America! It is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour! Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or camillescruggs@gmail.com Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Days & Times: Monday 5:30-6:30pm Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30pm Saturday 9:00-10:00am
Karate
Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility from 4:00-5:00 pm. Monthly tuition is $55 - $65. Classes are for children and teenagers ages 4 and up. For more information please contact Master Joe at 966-4244
Head Over Heels Gymnastics!
Gymnastics promotes coordination, flexibility and balance. We teach gymnastics at your child’s individual level in a fun, creative and positive environment, therefore developing self-confidence, a love for fitness and a sense of achievement. Skills are taught on a variety of fun props! Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Day & Times: Wednesday 5:15pm – 3-5 yr old 6:00pm – 6 yr old & up For More Information about our programs: (205) 981-2720 (or) www.headoverheelsgyms.com
Young Rembrandts
Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! We believe that drawing is a skill that can, and should be learned by all children. Young Rembrandts classes are both fun and educational, and our step-by-step curriculum is developed to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Our weekly classes are for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Classes have relocated to Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility. All new lessons monthly and each year! Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime. WEDNESDAYS, 3:30 – 4:30 PM Enroll anytime! $40 monthly
@homewoodparks
Class Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Class Fee: $60 cash only For more information contact Aziza at 879-0701 or azizaofbirmingham@att.net Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance (classic Egyptian style) with Aziza, award winning dancer, with 36 years of experience in performance and instruction. Women only, ages 13 and up are welcome; with no dance experience necessary to enroll. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Tuesday night for beginners, Wednesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Times times are 7:00-8:30pm. Beginners start with the basic steps, isolations and shimmies and progress to the intermediate class where you will learn to put the dance together with more advanced steps and combinations plus dancing with the veil; advanced classes include performing with zills, cane, veil with more advanced and longer performances. The classes are for anyone who wants to dance for fun and fitness, as well as those who wish to perform. Aziza has trained dancers to perform for many events in the Southeastern area in addition to dancers who perform regularly at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant in Hoover. www.azizaofbirmingham.com
Kindermusik
As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik offers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! This is accomplished through our extraordinary classroom experience and unsurpassed At Home materials. There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years. Classes Offered & Schedule: Thursdays 9:30am - Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 10:30am - Our Time (18 months to 3 years) 11:30am - Village (0 to 18 months) Classes have relocated to the Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility. You can enroll for classes at anytime! For more information call or email Kelly at: (205) 552-6129 (or) Kelly.alligood@charter.net Please visit http://kellyalligood.yourvirtuoso.com for more information or to enroll
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew
Your child can be a fairy, a princess or a butterfly while keeping ballet traditions alive and having fun with classical music. The beginning ballet moves taught are the important foundation for many types of dance. The French names for steps will be introduced. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. The environment provided is a happy and age appropriate one. Claire has been teaching ballet since starting as a teenager in Montgomery. Then, after moving to Birmingham, she started teaching with Birmingham Ballet. She has taught preschoolers in Mother’s Day Out and Day Care as well. Girls may wear any color leotard and tights for class, with pink ballet shoes. Classes meet once a week on Monday. Times & Location: Monday 3:45pm-4:30pm / Homewood Parks Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Please contact Claire to enroll or for additional Information: (205) 879-8780
Athletics Girl’s Softball
Homewood Parks and Recreation offers Girls Softball. Games are played during the months of March thru May with All-star play in the month of June. Registration: Now Open Ends: February 15, 2013 Monday thru Friday 8:00am – 5:45pm Homewood Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Business Office Program Fee: $60 Homewood Residents $80 Non Residents Fee includes jersey, visor and socks for regular season play. Jakob Stephens – 332-6709 (or) jakob.stephens@homewoodal. org
Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League
HPYBL is a youth recreational baseball league for the citizens of Homewood, as well as, surrounding communities. Please visit our website for more information about the upcoming Spring Season: www.homewoodyouthbaseball. com
Tennis with Dave Luesse
Programs & Events Offered Private and Group Lessons Kids USTA Team Tennis Kids Group Clinic and Rally Ball Adult Singles Park League Adult Mixed Doubles Park League Adult Tournaments (Singles, Doubles & Mixed) For more information contact Dave Luesse at 967-5875 or 901-9243
www.Homewoodparks.com
February 2013 • 21
TheHomewoodStar.com
Teachers of the Year Homewood City Schools recently announced the 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year. One teacher from each school was selected, and a committee of teachers, administrators and community members selected Jerome Isley as Homewood’s Elementary Teacher of the Year and Christie Morman as Homewood’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. To learn more about each teacher, visit thehomewoodstar.com.
Jerome Isley, Hall-Kent Teacher of the Year
Eric Swope, Homewood Middle School Teacher of the Year
DeLaine Ragland, Shades Cahaba Teacher of the Year
Johnny Washington, Edgewood Teacher of the Year
Christie Morman, Homewood High School Teacher of the Year
A special Hollywood ‘grandpa’ For Grandparents’ Day at Shades Cahaba Elementary, 11-year-old Pate McDaniel had an idea for a special guest to invite in addition to his grandfather: Victor Billingsly, an employee of the Homewood Sanitation Department. With the help of former city council member Jackie Langlow, the McDaniels tracked down Billingsly along his route to extend the invitation. Billingsly is known for the hand-written notes that he leaves for residents along his route in Hollywood each Christmas. Residents enjoy sharing stories of the sincere messages he leaves for them. Victor Billingsly, left, with Pate McDaniel and his On any given Monday or grandfather, Tony Todd Thursday you’ll see Billingsly passing out high-fives and back-slaps to assemble around him as they make their the neighborhood children who stop and way to school.
Swope wins writing contest Edgewood Elementary student Reed Swope was the third place winner in an expressive writing contest sponsored by the HOAR Program Management/ Go-Daddy.com Bowl Learning Through Reading Program. Reed’s writing was selected from 8,000 submissions. As third place winner, he was awarded a $1,500 savings bond. The program asked fifth graders from across Alabama and the Gulf Coast areas of Mississippi and Florida to submit book reports of 250 words. The top 10 of those reports were selected as finalists, and the student authors traveled to Mobile to write another report for the final competition. Finalists were assigned a book to read by contest organizers. In December, Reed and his
Reed Swope with his $1,500 prize.
parents traveled to Mobile, where he and the other finalists composed an essay from their assigned reading.
22 • February 2013
The Homewood Star
Sports Sims plays in State All-Star Game
Homewood senior Zach Sims, 70, snaps a ball during the state All Star game. Photo courtesy of Andi Sims.
Homewood senior Zach Sims (No. 70) was one of only three Over the Mountain athletes selected to play in the Alabama/ Mississippi All-Star Game on Dec. 15 in Montgomery. The game showcases the best in high school football from Alabama and Mississippi, and Zach snapped every ball as center for the Alabama Team. Sims is currently being recruited by Troy, UAB, Furman, Navy and Air Force and has two offers from Mercer and Stetson. The last time a Homewood High School athlete played in the All-Star Game was Ameer Abdullah, who now plays for the University of Nebraska.
OLS holds first Warrior Run
Joy League to begin 56th season
The 2012 Bucs baseball team of the Joy League in Homewood was last year’s Single A division champion. Photo courtesy Doug Akins.
Homewood Joy League Baseball begins registering boys and girls for its 56th consecutive season of daytime baseball on Saturday, Feb. 2. Registration continues each Saturday in February from 9 a.m.-noon at Edgewood Elementary School, 901 College Avenue. League games are played on Saturday mornings from March 30-June 29, followed by a watermelon picnic. Boys and girls ages 4-12 are eligible to play. Cost per player is $30. Each team practices one hour a week. Now serving its third generation of players, the Joy League has been an important part of youth life in Homewood since 1958 when the league was founded by the late John J. Smith Sr. “We have always lived by the motto, ‘There are no bench warmers in the Joy League’,” Commissioner Perry Akins said. “Every player gets to play in every game. We want the players to have fun and learn the great game of baseball.” Last year, more than 200 boys and girls played in the league. Doug Akins (823-4929) and Ted Hagler (9859608) direct Joy League play as Commissioners.
THE HOME LOAN SPECIALIST
Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School participate in the Warrior Run fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Mary Pugh.
Thousands of dollars were raised for Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School’s Warrior Run. The first-year event (named after the school mascot) was a part of a nine-day effort to raise money for the school’s media center. A motivational pep rally led by eighth grade students kicked-off the festivities. The event encouraged students to ask family and friends for donations on a per-lap basis or for a flat amount. For every $25 they received, a $1 Warrior Buck was awarded to each student. After all of the donations were collected, the students had the opportunity to use their Warrior Bucks to purchase items from the OLS Warrior Store.
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Community Events Feb. 7-28: Zara Edwards Gallery. Featured artist Rhea Gary’s work will be displayed. Monty Stabler Galleries. 5-8 p.m. Call 879-9888 or visit montystablergalleries.com. Feb. 9: Carnival for a Cure. Benefitting Relay for Life of Homewood. 7-10 p.m. Aloft Hotel. $10 per person. Call Mary Browning at 281-5992. Feb. 9: Wild About Chocolate. Benefitting the Alabama Wildlife Center. 6-8 p.m. Rosewood Hall in SoHo Square. Call Carol Argo at 6637930, ext. 5. Feb. 14: Samford Legacy League Membership Meeting and Program. 10-11:30 a.m. President’s home. Call 7262247. Feb. 16: Backyard Beekeeping and Pollinator Gardening. This program is part of the Sims Ecoscape in Edgewood’s education days and is taught by George Stegall and Arnie Rutkis Suggested donation $1. 1:30-3 p.m. The Sims Garden, 908 Highland Road. Feb. 23: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PurpleStride 2013. There will be 5K timed run and 1-mile awareness walk. Homewood Central Park. Call (877) 272-6226 or contact Kathryn Brekle at kbrekle@ pancanvolunteer.org. Feb. 25: Guild Gala. A night to enjoy good music, food and fun. 5:30 p.m. The Country Club of Birmingham. $125 a ticket/$250 a couple. Contact Tommie Ford at guildgala@ theserviceguild.org.
Homewood Library Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22: Leaps and Bounds. A movement class for our friends 2-4 years. Registration is required and begins Jan. 28th. 10 a.m. Call 332-6619. Feb. 2, 16: Cereal and Cartoons. 10 a.m. Call 3326600. Feb. 4-8: Make a Valentine for Children’s Hospital. 3:30 pm. We provide the glitter and glue, and you provide the heartfelt sentiment that will
Calendar
make a child’s Valentine’s Day extra special. Call 638-9956.
club. 6-7 p.m. Register at 3326619.
Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Story Time. 10:30 a.m. Call 332-6600.
Feb 27: The Better Than Therapy Book Club . Join us as we explore Joshilyn Jackson’s “ A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty.” 2-3:30 p.m. Call 332-6600.
Feb. 7: Famed Birmingham Attorney and Author Richard Jaffe. There will be a book signing after his book talk. 6:30 p.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28: Mommy and Me. Mommy and Me is a story time program for our patrons who are birth to 2½ years old and are accompanied by their lap partner. 11 a.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 9, 21: Say Hola to Spanish. A special language learning story time for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 11, 25: Monday Movie. A movie for all ages. Real movie popcorn and juice is provided for children in attendance. 3:304:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Call 332-6600. Feb. 12: The Oxmoor Page Turners: “Quest for Justice”. Join us for nationally acclaimed Birmingham attorney Richard Jaffe’s Quest For Justice: Defending the Damned. 6:30-8 p.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 14: Anti-Valentine’s Day with The Hunger Games. Complete with popcorn and pizza following. 4-6:30 p.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 14: An American Girl Tea Party. You are cordially invited to an evening tea party hosted by your favorite American Girls. Dolls are welcome to attend. 6-7 p.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 19: The ABCs of Medicare with Karen Haiflich. All your questions about the how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim will be answered. Noon1 p.m., 6-7 p.m. Call 332-6600. Feb. 22: Creating Altered Books with Allison Rhea. Just take an unwanted book and use it as your canvas. Paint, collage, rubber stamp, scrapping, photomontage, and writing. 10 a.m.-Noon. Call Leslie West at 332-6620. Feb. 26: Sports Page Turners. Join us for our next installment in our sports centered book
February 2013 • 23
Special Events Feb. 2: Beaker Bash 2013Who Done It? 5-8 p.m. The McWane Science Center’s annual family-friendly fundraising event. Tickets may be purchased by calling 7148414. Feb. 2: Second Annual GHBS Jazz Cat Ball. Held at Old Car Heaven beginning 7 p.m. Cajun Cuisine, Silent Auction, Milo’s Tea Gaming Casino and more. Call 942-1211. Feb. 3: WWE Presents RAW Pre-Game Pandemonium. The Superstars of Raw return to Birmingham for the first time in 2013. Will the feud between John Cena and Dolph Ziggler end in Birmingham? 1 p.m. BJCC Arena. Ticket Prices: $95, $50, $35, $25 and $15. (Facility fees and service charges are additional). Call 745-3000. Feb. 4: BAO Bingo. Bingo game to raise AIDS awareness. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 3224197. Feb. 8: Phoenix Ball. Think of a premier social fundraising event. Now think of red carpets, Hollywood backdrops & paparazzi, vintage cars, delicious food, cocktail dresses, an ice luge, and a horned owl. 8 p.m.- Midnight. Old Car Heaven. $50 per person. Call 949-5989. Feb. 8-10: O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels. Featuring a wide variety of custom cars, trucks and motorcycles as well as restored and antique vehicles, our exhibitors, our vendors and tens of thousands of spectators make these annual shows informative, exciting, and fun. BJCC Arena. Child (ages 5 & under) free. Child (ages 6-11) $5. Adult $18. Call 458-8400. Feb. 12: The Price is Right Live Stage Show. To mark our 40th year on TV, we’ve created a touring version of the studio show with even more audience interaction! BJCC Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m. Call 745-3000.
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Feb. 13: 2013 Hearts of Hope Luncheon. The Hearts of Hope Luncheon benefits our programs for addicted and homeless women seeking Christian recovery, shelter, education and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. $75 per individual. Call 425-7737 ext. 26. Feb. 14-17: Birmingham Home and Garden Show. Show will feature The Living Fountain, gardens by Father Nature, Nature’s Edge, Southern Botantical, The Nelson Team, Art Marketplace, hero day and Kitchen Stage. Adults $7 online, $10 at door. Children 6-12 $3. Visit HomeShowBirmingham. com. Feb. 15: An Evening with Jim Brickman. Brickman will wow audience members with his hits including “Valentine,” “If You Believe,” “Love of My Life” and more, plus songs of hope for 2013 from his latest release, Believe. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens. uab.edu. Feb. 15-17: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend. Full marathon, Half marathon, Marathon relay, and Superhero 5K. Online registration fees. Call 870-7771. Feb. 15-17: Kami-Con. KamiCon is an anime convention that was founded at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL hosted by the student organization, The Bama SoS Brigade! BJCC Arena. To register, visit kamicon.net/ registration/. Feb. 16: aTeam Ministries 2013 Heart 2 HeART Event. The event gathers children with pediatric cancer and pairs them with a professional artist. This
is done to celebrate children by aiding them in expressing themselves through art. 6-9 p.m. $100 admission. Call 401-8232 or visit ateamministries.org. Feb. 16: 2013 Takes Two to Tango. Enjoy dancing lessons from choreographers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios and a treat from Cafe Dupont. Benefits Children’s Dance Foundation. $60 per couple. Call 870-0773. Feb. 21-24: 28th Alabama Clay Conference. Boutwell Municipal Auditorium. Adults $160, students $100. Visit alclayconference.org. Feb. 22: A Night Under The Big Top. In support of Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, the gala event features an extensive silent and live auction, casino fun and games, food and drink, and music from The Undergrounders. 8 p.m.-Midnight. The Club of Birmingham. $60 per ticket preevent. Call 795-3294. Feb. 22-24: Birmingham RV Super Show. Featuring several football fields of rv’s including luxury motor coaches, pull behinds, fifth wheels, campers, vendors, motorhomes, and toy haulers. BJCC Arena. Adults $7, children under 12: FREE with accompanying adult. Call (256) 509-3574. Feb. 22-24: Severe Weather Sales Tax Holiday. Alabama will hold its annual sales tax holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severe-weather preparedness supplies free of state stales or use tax. 12:01 a.m. Feb. 22- 12 midnight Feb. 24. Visit revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/ WPSalesTaxHol.cfm.
Feb. 22-24: It’s A Hoot! 2013 Columbiana Winter Retreat. All-inclusive retreat at the Alabama 4-H Center nestled on 246 acres of lush woodlands along the banks of Lay Lake. Alabama 4H Center. Call (251) 599-7033. Feb. 22-24: Alabama Ballet Presents The Sleeping Beauty. A grand classic, a stunning score, a simple kiss. Visit samford.edu/wrightcenter or call 726-4591. Feb. 23-Mar. 2: Birmingham Fashion Week. Bringing Birmingham together through fashion. Call 769-6515 or visit bhmafashionweek.com.
Save the Date March 2: Knights of Columbus 5K and Fun Run. Benefitting children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Pre-registration through Feb. 2, $15. Registration on Race Day, $20. Crestline Elementary School. 8 a.m. Call Amanda Marcrum at 705-1809 or email at amarcrum@arcofjeff.com. March 2: Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. The Mountain Brook Tree Commission will be giving away seedlings - mostly to elementary school students. 9 a.m.-Noon. Western in Mountain Brook Village, Piggly Wiggly in Crestline Village, Whole Foods in Cahaba Village and Piggly Wiggly in River Run. Visit mtnbrook.org. March 4-8: Love-Love Magic City “Finish the Fight” Tennis Challenge. Tournament to benefit the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. Registration will open February 1 and close February 25. Visit love-lovemagiccitychallenge. com.
Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Overcoming fear
On Dec. 14, I picked my oldest mind when I’m nervous or fearful is daughter Kate up from school in Psalms: “I will lie down and sleep like any other day. Kids were in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make swarming all over the school, me dwell in safety.” Another Psalm parents hurrying here and there, says, “He will have no fear of bad everyone chatting and smiling. But news; his heart is steadfast, trusting the day was different for 20 families in the Lord.” A different translation in Connecticut. As I ate my lunch says, “He will not fear evil tidings.” just before leaving to pick Kate I tend to be a bit of a worrier, up, I had watched with horror the and along with worrying comes a breaking news updates about the measure of fear. Worrying about Denton school shooting. something basically means I’m Very soon, people were saying, fearful of the outcome, whether that’s as benign “If it can happen at an elementary as how naptime will go or as monumental as school, it truly can happen anywhere.” whether the evil in the world will strike closer And it wasn’t an isolated incidence of violence. to my home. But God tells us not to worry or The movie theater in Colorado. The shopping fret, and to not fear evil tidings or the possibility mall in Oregon. And the month of December was of bad news. It doesn’t mean nothing bad will full of gun violence in Birmingham, including happen — it’s obvious just talking to friends and here in Homewood. It’s enough to make a person listening to the news that bad things do happen, live in fear of walking out the front door. even to those who trust in God — but that evil As I went through the next few days, I won’t win in the end. imagined what I’d do if I was at Publix and heard It may look like evil is coming out on top, gunshots in another aisle, or if I was getting especially when we see something as horrendous gas and someone pulled a gun out. It is nerve- as a school shooting, but we can lie down and wracking to think of all the “what ifs” and to sleep in peace and entrust our loved ones to let your loved ones walk out of the house when God’s care, knowing His hand is on us, guiding there’s so much evil in the world. To get through and protecting us, until He sees fit to bring us the day without hiding with my family inside, I home. started thinking about what God says about fear Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@ and peace. A verse that always runs through my gmail.com.
February 2013
The Homewood Star