Homewood Star vol 3 iss 12 March 2014 by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2014

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Volume 3 | Issue 12 | March 2014

On to new heights

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A time to celebrate

Jordan Sims, as well as other Homewood High School seniors, shared the big news about where he will play college football. Find more National Signing Day coverage inside.

Sports page 21

WHO’S WHO of HOMEWOOD

These neighbors make you smile, teach you to push yourselves harder, mold your children to live with conviction and give because they want to. See Who’s Who of Homewood inside.

Special page 12

INSIDE Sponsors ................. 2 City ........................... 3 Business .................. 4 Community ............. 6 School House ......... 17 Sports ...................... 19 Calendar ................. 23 Opinion .................... 26

Schools foundation holding farm-to-table dinner under the stars By MADOLINE MARKHAM The idea grew from a lunch at Johnny’s restaurant. A group of Homewood City Schools Foundation board members knew everyone loves Homewood and its diversity, but they couldn’t think of any time designated to sit down and celebrate it. The idea for Homewood Grown sprouted from

there: a farm-to-table dinner to celebrate people who grew up here and people who chose to move here so their children could be Homewood grown. “When you say you are Homewood grown, it says a lot,” foundation board member Julie Keith said, noting how Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland often

See HOMEWOOD GROWN | page 25

The Homewood City Schools Foundation is planning its Homewood Grown dinner for April 3 at SoHo Square. Pictured are Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland, Foundation Board President Jill Kimbrell, Event Chair Rachel Stone, Roger Redmond of title sponsor Trust Building Services and Foundation Director Amy McRae. Photo by Madoline Markham.

A solution for Lakeshore traffic? I-65 Lakeshore exit potential site for state’s first Diverging Diamond By JEFF THOMPSON Drivers who use the Lakeshore Drive exit on I-65 know what a headache it can be. The heavy conflict from weaving movements, long cycles and multiple left turns required to access the interstate from Lakeshore have been on the City of Homewood’s radar since 2000. But within the next two years, the landscape at the exit could look drastically different.

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See LAKESHORE | page 24 The Lakeshore Drive exit on I-65 could soon look similar to this aerial view of a Diverging Diamond Intersection in Atlanta at Interstate 285 and Ashford-Dunwoody Road. Photo courtesy of Georgia Department of Transportation.

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About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Community Partners Homewood Star AccelAbility Physical Therapy (9) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (24) Alabama Gaslight & Grill (9) Alabama Outdoors (23) Alabama Power (10) ARC Realty (8) Bedzzz Express (28)

Children sled in the Hollywood area on Jan. 29 after the previous day’s snowstorm that shut down most roads in the city. Photo by Keith McCoy.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens (7) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (13) Brandino Brass (15)

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham An 18-wheeler was backsliding on the on-ramp to Red Mountain Expressway. Two cars in front of me, it was the threat to my lifeline — the one unblocked lane that could possibly get me home. I had been cool and collected for the first hour and a half it had taken me to travel what usually takes a minute, but sitting on that ramp, I, never ever a nail biter, found my nails in my mouth. What happened next was eerie. As I passed the truck at last, the expressway headed toward downtown Birmingham was practically empty. The other side was a gridlock. At the time, I had no clue that my three-and-a-half hour trip home on Jan. 28, with relatively little sliding on ice, would be a rare exception. My dad spent the night at his office downtown; my mom drove, then walked, then rode

in a police car and then caught a ride with a neighbor to get home; friends couldn’t pick up their infants from day care; the highway near my neighborhood felt like the apocalypse with the abandoned cars that lined it. My roommate and I felt guilty at home, like we should be doing something to help all the people stranded, but we had no clue how to do that. Instead, we checked in with loved ones to encourage them on their journeys and embraced the beautiful side of the day with a sled and neighbors who joined us on a hill with a canoe. News of strangers helping strangers and neighbors helping neighbors continued to flood into my quiet house that night — all of us on a level playing field, our lives halted for the sake of seeking simple safety and warmth. Check out

a few of the many stories of everyday heroes we collected on page 10. In putting together this issue, those snow stories are just one piece of how I have seen Homewood unity at its finest. Be sure to get your tickets for the Homewood Grown event on April 3 (see cover story), sign up for an upcoming run (page 6) now that the snow has finally cleared, and congratulate the first installment of our Who’s Who of Homewood winners (watch for more to come in our April and May issues). Here’s to memories from that winter where it snowed twice in a month, kids were out of school for yet another day, and springtime was all the more glorious in light of the extra-frigid season that preceded it!

Case Remodeling (21) Children’s of Alabama (17) Classic Gardens (25) Cottontails Village (25) Dawson Family of Faith (21) Edgewood Wealth Advisors (24) Fi-Plan Partners (11) Fred Smith Group (12) Harmony Landing (15) Hearlab (16) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (22) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (14) Homewood Parks and Rec (20) In-Rel Properties (3) Issis & Sons (27) Julie Ivy White (13) Lakeshore Foundation (4)

The Homewood Star Publisher : Creative Director : Managing Editor : Executive Editor : Staff Writer : Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :

Copy Editor: Contributing Writer: Interns:

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Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Katie Turpen Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Louisa Jeffries Amy Stillwagon Sydney Cromwell Rachael Headley Emily VanderMey 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: Editor@TheHomewoodStar.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

For advertising contact: Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Homewood Star is designed to inform the Homewood community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/ photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (25) Mitchell’s Place (23) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (12) RealtySouth Marketing (5) Salem’s Diner (24) The ARC of Jefferson County (16) The Maids (1) The Wade Team (22) UAB Health System Marketing (6) Vision Gymnastics (7) Vitalogy Wellness Center (18) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (19)

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March 2014

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City Mayor’s Minute Dear friends and neighbors, I recently was asked if I was surprised at the hospitality and kindness Homewood residents showed during the last two snow/ice storms. My answer was simple. No, I was not surprised because I routinely see our neighbors performing random acts of kindness. I do not think it takes any kind of storm or crisis to bring out the good in people here in Homewood. Sure, a storm certainly sheds a little brighter light on the good deeds because that’s where the focus is at the time. As mayor, I’m out in the community a great deal and hear many stories of families in need or situations that are in need of attention. But I also know personally of individuals who have stepped in to help and would never allow their name to be used. They help because it is the right thing to do — not because of the recognition. I also want to thank the numerous employees who chose to stay here and work assisting others. What our police and firefighters were doing was common knowledge because they were so visible, but some of our employees are never seen in the public. They just quietly go about doing the tasks needed like changing tires and putting chains on vehicles at midnight. I appreciate all those employees who came in and slept on cots, took very few breaks, and were always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the safety of our residents and the safety of our emergency personnel. Our workers in Homewood seem to rise to another level when there is any kind

of threat within our city. They are great people anyway but seem to just get better when they are needed the most. When all our spreaders were in use within the Street Department, the guys loaded another truck and started shoveling sand from the back without being asked to do that. I’m so proud of everyone from the dispatchers to the emergency personnel to the mechanics. They were all fantastic, and I never want us to take them for granted. It’s times like these and many others that remind me of how proud I am of Homewood, our workers and our residents. Duty seems to be an instinct, and you always show your true colors at every appropriate opportunity. Theodore Parker once said, “Let us do our duty in our shop or our kitchen, in the market, the street, the office, the school, the home, just as faithfully as if we stood in the front rank of some great battle and knew that victory depended on bravery and skill.” Sincerely,

Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

Displaying street numbers properly The Homewood Fire & Rescue Service has found it increasingly difficult to see some of the address identification numbers within the city. The lack of visibility could be caused by remodeling, architectural design or omission of the address number entirely. The absence of a properly displayed number can greatly inhibit the delivery of emergency service. Please follow the suggestions below for making your house or business address numbers visible in case of an emergency.

`` All numbers should be at least 4 inches tall. `` The numbers chosen should be a contrasting color to their background. Consider using reflective numbers. `` Numbers should be placed so that they are visible from the street. `` Street-mounted mailboxes should also be numbered on both sides. `` The numbers should not be blocked by vegetation. -Submitted by Homewood Fire Department

Community Center offers early enrollment specials Homewood Community Center is offering an early enrollment special in preparation for its grand opening in May. Earlier this week the Park and Recreation Board approved these specials: From Feb. 10-March 15, Total Access Membership packages will offer six months free as well as access to the temporary fitness center on

Green Springs Highway until it closes. From March 16-April 30, Total Access Membership packages will offer three months free as well as access to the temporary fitness center on Green Springs Highway until it closes. For more detailed information on membership rates, visit homewoodparks.com.

Dawson Family of Faith to host 5K, fun run Dawson Family of Faith will host its annual Perseverance 5K and Fun Run this month. This year’s race is scheduled for March 8 and will include a 5K run, a 5K walk and a 1-mile fun run. The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., and the 1-mile fun run begins at 8:45 a.m. This communitywide event offers fun for all ages, and a portion of each registration fee will

be given to Kids Connection, a ministry of the church. A closing ceremony during which prizes and giveaways will be awarded will follow the race. Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run, and late registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the fun run. For more information or to register, visit dawsonchurch.org.

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The Homewood Star

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Now Open Marc-1 Express Car Wash, 550 Palisades Blvd., is now open. Its hours are Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m.7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 624-3430. marc1carwash.com.

Relocations and Renovations Mi Pueblo Supermarkets #3, 813 Green Springs Highway, is moving into the former Food World and Belle Foods location down the highway at street address 216. The chain moved location #2 to the former Food World in Pelham last spring. 941-2770.

Murray Building Company, Inc. has moved from Linden Avenue to a newly renovated space in the 1900 at SoHo building on 28th Avenue to accommodate its growth in the commercial construction industry. 802-3917. murraybuildingcompany. com.

SeniorCare Geriatric Healthcare Services is moving from 1 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 200, a block away to a new office at 1280 Columbiana Road around April 1. 916-0105. seniorcareofalabama.com.

New Ownership Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, 1830 29th Avenue South, Suite 175, is under new ownership by brothers Stuart and Kent O’Rear. 637-3311. whichwich.com.

March 2014

News and Accomplishments Brookwood Medical Center has received the Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association. The recognition signifies that the center has reached an aggressive goal of treating heart failure patients according to the guidelines of care recommended by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology. 877-1000. bwmc.com.

Dreamcakes, 960 Oxmoor Road, is now selling 16- and 32-ounce containers of its all-natural icing. The icing should also be available at Birmingham-area grocery stores soon. 871-9377. dreamcakes-bakery.com.

Daniel Murray, president of Murray Building Company, 1900 28th Avenue South, has been reappointed to the board of directors for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama. This will be his fourth term. 802-3917. murraybuildingcompany. com.

Homewood-based Rave Redux Decorating Services has received the Best of Houzz 2014 Award for Customer Satisfaction. The 3-yearold decorating company was chosen by more than 16 million monthly users who comprise the Houzz community. The business is owned by decorator Kim Burdette. 994-4211. ravereduxdecorating.com.

After 12 years of ownership, Mary Glen Carlton is selling The Briarcliff Shop, a store featuring home accessories, furniture, lamps and gifts. 870-8110. thebriarcliffshop.com.

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Community

MS Society to hold annual walk, awareness week Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. During MS Awareness Week March 3-9, the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is encouraging area residents to join the movement to bring about a world free of MS by getting involved throughout the week. The organization will also hold its annual 1-, 2- or 3-mile walk April 5 at Homewood Central Park. “Whether you have MS yourself, know someone with MS or are simply committed to building a better community for us all, you can make a difference in the lives of the more than 6,300 people who live with MS in Alabama and Mississippi,” said Jan Bell, president of the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter. MS Awareness Week will kick off with a party on Tuesday, March

Lakeshore to host Spirit of Sochi family festival Homewood Central Park welcomes participants in last year’s MS Walk. Photo courtesy of the MS Society.

4 from noon to 1 p.m. at Rosewood Hall, and area residents are encouraged to wear orange — the color of the MS movement — during the week or email a legislator about an issue important to people with MS, such as health benefits or accessibility. On April 5, registration for the walk starts 7:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine.

Participants will be recognized for top fundraising, best team shirts, best team tent, most creative team names and largest team. Volunteers are also wanted for the event. To volunteer, visit nationalMSsociety.org/alc, and to sign up for the walk, visit walkMS.org. More information can be found at nationalMSsociety.org/awarenessweek.

Make a difference at Muscular Dystrophy Walk This year’s Muscular Dystrophy Walk will honor adults and children with any of the more than 40 muscle diseases in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s program. It will be held at Homewood Central Park on March 22 at 10 a.m. The walk provides fun and light

exercise with kids, friends, parents, grandparents, students, corporate teams and more, but most importantly, participants walk to raise funds to help 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 information, visit mda.org.

As the eyes of the world turn to Sochi, Russia, for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Lakeshore Foundation is bringing the Spirit of Sochi to Birmingham. As a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, Lakeshore is hosting the first U.S. communitywide celebration and viewing of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony broadcast. Lakeshore Foundation is internationally recognized for its significant contributions to the Paralympic movement including the most recent distinction of receiving the prestigious Rings of Gold award from the United States Olympic Committee in 2013. “This is a great opportunity for us to educate the community about the power of [Paralympics sports] and what we do for the people we serve,” said Lakeshore Foundation President Jeff Underwood. “The Spirit of Sochi celebration is an opportunity for Lakeshore and for Birmingham to again distinguish ourselves as leaders in the

Spirit of Sochi Saturday, March 8 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lakeshore Foundation 4000 Ridgeway Drive Paralympic movement. We hope that everyone in the community will make plans to be at Lakeshore on March 8.” Inside Lakeshore’s 129,000 - squarefoot facility off U.S. 31, Spirit of Sochi will feature a traveling interactive tour featuring 12 winter sports, an Alabama Olympians and Paralympians autograph booth, cultural treats from Sochi, an exhibition of summer Paralympic sports, food truck games and more. The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will also be broadcast on a large screen. -Submitted by the Lakeshore Foundation

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March 2014

Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off going a decade strong Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off Colonial Brookwood Village Saturday, March 8 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $10 day of, $15 in advance Visit exceptionalfoundation.org

The cook-off was held at Colonial Brookwood Villlage for the first time last year. Photo by Brian Wallace.

he Exceptional Foundation will hold its 10th annual Chili Cook-Off this year at Colonial Brookwood Village. The event is Saturday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in the parking lot next to Belk. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off and other fundraising efforts provide threequarters of the funds needed to ensure that The 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-served basis, starting with corporate sponsors. Returning corporate sponsors will be given the opportunity to participate first, followed by new sponsors. This year’s Northwestern Mutual of Alabama Chili Cook-Off is presented by Regions Bank. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges

with a grand prize, first runner-up and second runner-up. The People’s Choice Award is given to the team who gets the most votes by patrons at the event. The Spirit Award is given to the team with best tent decoration and 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 for The Exceptional Foundation. Tickets can be purchased on

exceptionalfoundation.org or at The Exceptional Foundation location 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 donation per ticket. Admission is free for children 12 and younger. For more information, contact Margaret Klocke at mklocke@exceptionalfoundation. org or call The Exceptional Foundation at 870-0776.

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The Homewood Star

Gulf South Championship returns to Samford

Christian Brothers University Men and the University of Alabama-Huntsville Women were last year’s Gulf South Basketball Champions. Photos courtesy of Gulf South.

By JEFF THOMPSON This month, the Raymond James Gulf South Conference (GSC) Basketball Championship is coming back to Homewood. And, in its second year at Samford University, GSC is expected to again pull out all the stops to show the host city and its residents it’s thrilled to be here. The tournament, which begins March 6, will stretch over four days and include 14 games — seven between collegiate men’s teams and seven between women’s. The conference championships are scheduled for March 9. GSC commissioner Nate Salant said last year’s move to Samford’s Hanna Center was a hit with the conference’s coaches and student-athletes. “They loved the facility, and they also loved being in Homewood,” Salant said. “Every team was housed in Homewood, and every team ate all of its meals in Homewood restaurants, so the traveling parties and fans experienced a lot of

what makes the city special.” In 2013, the conference reserved more than 530 rooms, almost exclusively in Homewood, for players and coaches. He estimates the total economic impact of hosting the tournament at Samford was in excess of $100,000. But while important, money isn’t everything, he said. “Our goal is atmosphere and excitement,” Salant said. “This is not a dollardriven event. We know we’ll never make big money because we aren’t a big conference like the SEC, but our basketball is as good at our level as big conferences are at theirs.” Last year, GSC lined up several events and specials to show its appreciation to the city. While all haven’t been rescheduled, Salant said GSC is targeting the finals on March 9 as “Homewood: Your Championship City Day.” During the games, students ages 12 and younger who live in Homewood will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult presenting proof of residence (driver’s license).

Salant added that city government “stepped up big” to help accommodate the championship last year. Homewood City Council member Britt Thames said the city seized the opportunity to promote Homewood during the event, and the community was featured during games with multiple opportunities including TV commercials. “We’ll be promoting the city as a whole,” Thames said. “It’s good for everyone involved to have this tournament here — especially since this is a Birmingham-based conference.” GSC’s headquarters is located in Shelby County. Salant said the Birmingham area is the geographic center of the conference, which includes schools from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. “It’s very clear Samford wants this to happen,” Salant said. “They’ve been extremely welcoming, but everyone in Homewood is that way. There’s such a strong sense of community here.”

2014 GSC Tournament Tentative Schedule March 6 Women’s Quarter Finals, 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Men’s Quarter Finals, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 7 Women’s Quarter Finals, 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Men’s Quarter Finals, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 8 Women’s Quarter Finals, 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Men’s Quarter Finals, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 9 Women’s Championship, 1:30 p.m. Men’s Championship, 4:30 p.m. All tickets to the 2014 GSC tournaments are general admission and are provided on a per-day basis. Adults, $8 GSC students, senior citizens (60 years or older) and active military, $5 (with proper identification) Children younger than 5 admitted free

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March 2014

Connecting cultures

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By MADOLINE MARKHAM Tracey Abbott’s perspective on the world first changed in fourth grade. She entered Linda Maxwell’s Homewood classroom afraid of Russia, as it was the height of the Cold War, but as the class began to study the country and its people, she learned that she has just feared what she did not know. “I have talked to class members on Facebook, and everyone remembers it clearly,” she said. That was her first taste of how personal connection can open up a society. Decades later, she has returned to Homewood to create similar connections with students in other countries. Since graduating from HHS in 1993, Abbott spent 10 years abroad. She worked for Kodak in Paris, Adidas in Germany and Amsterdam, then made her way to London, Dubai, South Africa and Moscow. In 2010, she moved to New York City, where she first visited as a Star Spangled Girl in 1991, to work as a corporate strategist for Foot Locker. After beginning a two year Henry Crown Fellowship recently, she began to formulate an idea to combine her passion for not just travel and culture but also for education for girls and running. The result is Culture Relay, a cross-cultural running program for high school girls, and she has reached out to Homewood High School for its pilot run. Starting in February, a group of 14 girls from Homewood High School are meeting once a week with a group of 11 high school girls from Jordan. Over the course of eight weeks, they are interacting through a new curriculum Abbott is testing, and each is assigned one-on-one to get to know another girl through Facetime, email, text and other online communication. Nancy Jones and Georgia Miller from HHS are leading the classroom portion of the program.

Homewood Culture Relay participants gather for a kickoff meeting in February; they wore T-shirts sponsored by The Wade Team/ SouthStar Properties. Front row: Culture Relay Founder Tracey Abbott. Second row: Waed Antar, Jenna Sakawi, Kendall Wulbrunn, Virginia Estes, Hanna Brook Gibbons, Sarah Tyndall, Lucy Williams. Back row: Skylar Owens, Ashton Benge, Hunter Midgett, Emily Kachelhofer, Olivia Pierce, Elizabeth Hale, Grace Bertram.

Abbott also recruited high school friends Ashley Berkery to assist with PR and Mega Daniel to help with fundraising, and Homewood’s Sweaty Moms Running Club is also helping spread the word. The girls are all training for a marathon relay a few days a week, with the Homewood girls under the coaching of Danny Haralson. The girls in Jordan will run the Dead Sea Marathon relay, and the same weekend, the Homewood girls will run a Culture Relay event in Birmingham. Once they have completed the relay, in the

second phase of the program the participants will incubate a service project and then bring their idea to life. “We want to create change leaders and are looking for girls who want to and are looking to make a difference in the world and also have athletic tendencies (although they don’t necessarily have to be runners),” Abbott said. Over time, she hopes to scale the program to connect multiple developing countries with developed countries. As the program grows, she said she would love for program alumni to come

back to mentor current participants. “The race is just the start to get them on the right path,” she said. “If a girl would know more about herself and have global confidence, that would be the success. I also hope they have fun and can say they have met and asked questions of people they would have never otherwise met.” To learn more or get involved, visit culturerelay. org. Community members can run or help with the Culture Relay race in April, dedicate training miles to the program or donate funds.

Snow day acts of kindness

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The Homewood Star

The horror of iced roads on Jan. 28 brought out neighborly acts throughout Homewoood

A four-wheeler ride My sweet [seventh-grader] Justin had been asking all day if he could take his four-wheeler out to help people. Well, he was able to do this. Chase Sanders was stuck at the high school all night, and someone was able to get him to the store up the street on Wednesday but wasn’t able to get all the way home due to the ice and abandoned vehicles. It was too far to push him up the hill in his wheelchair, so Justin took him home on his four-wheeler. Chase had a big smile on his face, and Justin loved every minute of being able to help out. Thank you Elizabeth Stewart for all you do and for asking Justin to help. -Donna Sullivan-Perreault People along the way As my husband, son and his friends walked home after abandoning their car on Columbiana, kind people along the way offered them their homes to warm up, food, hot drinks and a place to stay if they wanted. How wonderful to have so many people looking out for each other. Then Wednesday we went to see if we could get my son’s car moved, and angels on Columbiana worked to help us get the car moved to a safer location on Berry Road. What wonderful people we encountered! Not to mention the wonderful family that picked my daughter up from Homewood Middle School and kept her safe and loved for the night until we could walk to get her yesterday. I love living in this wonderful city! -Jill Co-Leader A home for strangers-turned-friends On Tuesday morning, Sarah Wisely Houser picked up her three-year-old from Our Lady of Sorrows, with her 1-year-old already in the car. As the snow started, she drove a few blocks to the Piggly Wiggly before realizing the roads were no longer safe to drive. She called her

Homewood residents Jami Wadkins and Nivada Spurlock helped Edgewood teacher and Bluff Park resident Carrie Baguley and her son Michael, a kindergartner at Edgewood, the day after the snow storm by giving them a ride in their four wheel drive vehicle. Spurlock and Wadkins also provided jackets, toboggans and hiking boots to help the Baguleys hike up the mountain to their home. Photo courtesy of Carrie Baguley.

husband, Dr. John Houser, who walked to her from UAB. She then went into the Piggly Wiggly to get diapers and other supplies, fearing she, her husband, and their 3-year-old and 1-yearold could be spending the night in their minivan. Patti Rice of Homewood was standing behind Sarah in the checkout line and overheard her tell the cashier she feared she and her family were going to be stranded in the car. Immediately, Rice, who had never met Sarah, offered to walk Sarah and her family to her home about a halfmile away. While there, Patti’s daughters Danielle, 12, and Mary Eggers, 14, both students at

Justin Perreault, right, helps Chase Sanders, pictured with his dad, get home after spending the night at the Homewood High School during the snow storm in January.

Homewood Middle School, kept the children entertained for hours. When it became apparent that the roads would not be passable for the indefinite future, Patti cooked them a warm dinner, provided them a place to sleep for the night, and greeted them in the morning with pancakes and breakfast casserole. That morning, Sarah was able to find a childhood friend a short distance away that could further host the family until things cleared up. Patti helped the Housers find a way to drive their car as close to the house as possible while avoiding any iced-over hills, and then escorted the family

the remaining distance for their departure. The Housers will forever be thankful to Patti, Mary and Danielle, who did not hesitate one moment to provide for strangers in need in every possible way. Hampton Inn hospitality I was stranded with hundreds of others at the Hampton Inn on 280 Tuesday night. There were no rooms available, so I slept on the floor. Several people who had a room came around with their extra pillows, towels and bed sheets for those of us who had nothing to sleep on or

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2014

A Polaris Ranger transports people down an iced-over U.S. 31 the day after the storm. Photo by Keith McCoy.

Homewood High School student Hunter Kimbrell, center, abandoned his car on Columbiana Road on Jan. 28 after driving five hours and started walking home. All he had to help keep him warm was his band uniform that was still in his car from a trip to Pasadena. Photo courtesy of Jill Kimbrell.

cover with. They also emptied their fruit baskets and passed out what they could to people who hadn’t eaten in over 12 hours. Everywhere I went, I saw selfless people helping by pushing cars, donating food and giving rides to complete strangers. I accepted a ride from two different people who could get me as far as possible so I could continue to my home. After 28 hours, I made it, but it was only because of the countless people who helped me along the way. I’m so proud to live in this wonderful place that is full of kind, selfless individuals. -Darby Wesson

U.S. 31 became a pedestrian thoroughfare after Jan. 28’s iced gridlock. Photo by Keith McCoy.

Restaurants and churches moonlight as hotels One of my co-workers was trying to get home and got as far as Green Springs. She stopped in the Paw Paw Patch to see if she could get a bite to eat. They were not open as a restaurant, but the owner was cooking for her staff who were stuck there for the night and invited my co-worker to come in and stay. She fed her as well as any others that stopped in and provided them with booths to sleep in and a breakfast in the morning. Another story I heard was of a friend of a co-worker who sought shelter at First Baptist

Birmingham on Lakeshore. Throughout her stay she noticed an older gentleman who was going around picking up after folks, and when everyone settled down for the night, he went and cleaned the bathrooms. She assumed he was part of the church staff until she talked to him right before she left yesterday. He was Robert from Pinson, and he was also there for the shelter offered by the church. He said he is a handyman by trade and that it was his desire to serve others in exchange for the gift of food and a place to stay during the storm. -Jeanette Malone

• 11

Pushing cars, shoveling ice After walking home from school, my son, Jake Collins, who is a teacher at Homewood Middle School walked up to Highway 31 in the Shades Cahaba area and helped push cars up the highway until dark. He shoveled ice off the highway and pushed cars all afternoon. Some ladies in that neighborhood kept bringing him hot coffee, which was really nice. He took a stranded couple to a safe place to stay overnight. There were others out there helping too, but I don’t know their names. It’s great to live in a neighborhood where we all help each other. I thank God every day that I live in such a great community and that I have great kids (they are adults but still my kids). -Deborah Collins Night at the library Although our offices at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce are located in the Homewood Public Library and I having entered those doors five and six days a week for over five years, spending the night there had never crossed my mind. Two of us didn’t make it out when the snow started and were very fortunate that had a warm comfortable place to stay. I’d like to say thank you to Octavia and John Krontiras at Nabeel‘s for keeping the market open so we could buy food; Anthony Krontiras for trying to find those stranded people a warm place to go; the library staff for checking on us and letting us raid all of the refrigerators in the building; Leslie for feeding the animals in the children’s department and braving the water bottle in the chinchilla cage; CVS manager Jonathan Whitten, who slept on the floor by the front door so he could to let people in from the cold; Piggly Wiggly, who is always there to serve the community; and Mayor McBrayer for holding us together along with our incredible city departments. We appreciated the invitation from the police department to come and share their pizza and Subway sandwiches, not to mention taking time to talk with us. -Tricia Ford

12 • March 2014

Take us with you.

The Homewood Star

WHO’S WHO of HOMEWOOD

Every morning men and women wake with a hope of building something better in the space around them, and The Homewood Star is offering the community a chance to say, “thank you” to them. Over the coming months, the pages that follow will highlight members of our community whose impact is so wide that hundreds chose them to be featured, likely because they had been touched personally. These neighbors make you smile, teach you to push yourselves harder, mold your children to live with conviction and give because they want to. They, and the dozens of others nominated who aren’t featured on these pages, are reason to celebrate. Their faces and stories remind us of all the people in Homewood who make us proud to call it home.

Award-winning community journalism on your mobile phone. thehomewoodstar.com

Photography by Alec Dixon. To see more of his work, visit alecdixoncreative.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

WHO’S WHO of HOMEWOOD

Most Social John Burdeshaw Lifetime Homewood resident, ExpoDisplays salesman John Burdeshaw knows people in every decade of life in Homewood. He’s lived in the area for 47 years, leaving only to attend UAB. As a child, he delivered newspapers, and he is known to many for being the bartender at TC’s for 12 years. There’s not a kids’ sporting event — or event for any age, for that matter — where you won’t see him. Photo by Brian Wallace.

March 2014 • 13

14 • March 2014

WHO’S WHO

The Homewood Star

of HOMEWOOD

Best Teacher Kim Virciglio Edgewood Elementary kindergarten teacher Kim Virciglio is in her 36th year educating kindergartners at Edgewood. “Everyone who has had a child in her class would say they love her,” said Charles Ghigna, recalling his son’s time in her class 20 years ago. “She helps the children who are lucky enough to be in her class get off to a great start in Homewood schools, and does it with grace and poise. She’s the ideal of a teacher.” Photo by Alec Dixon.

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205.978.8900 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday by Appointment

2824 Central Avenue Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35209 www.brandinobrass.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

WHO’S WHO of HOMEWOOD

Best Coach (Youth Leagues)

Rick Baguley Youth league coach, HHS teacher and coach Rick Baguley is not just a coach: He’s a life mentor to athletes of all ages. A 1994 Homewood High School graduate, he returned to coach Homewood students and is still at it 16 years later. Currently he serves as junior varsity basketball coach and assistant athletic director at HHS. He has also volunteered to coach the Homewood Soccer Patriot League and Upward Basketball teams for his sons, 6-year-old Michael and 4-year-old Ben. Photo by Alec Dixon.

March 2014 • 15

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WHO’S WHO

The Homewood Star

of HOMEWOOD

Most Musical Theresa McKibben Edgewood Elementary music teacher Theresa McKibben is spreading her love of music throughout the city. For 24 years, she has encouraged elementary students to be involved in the arts. The school’s choir, which meets before school, has attracted more than 100 students. She is involved in the music program at Trinity United Methodist Church, where she directs the men’s choir, sings with the Seeds of Faith ensemble and sanctuary choir, and directs a summer music camp for children. She also performs with bluegrass group The Dill Pickers and in theatrical productions at the Virginia Samford Theatre. Photo by Alec Dixon.

March 2014 • 17

TheHomewoodStar.com

School House HHS senior honored in magazine

Genny Pittman with her parents, Liz and John.

Homewood High School senior Genny Pittman was honored as a teen spotlight in Potential magazine and featured alongside her parents, John and Liz Pittman. Potential is a multimedia resource for parents of college-bound teenagers. In each issue, high-achieving students in the seventh through 12th grades are featured and nominated for the Reach Your Potential scholarship. Teens are recommended by their school or community leaders for excelling in one or more of the following areas: academics, business, leadership, philanthropy, overcoming adversity, citizenship and community service, athletics and the arts. The magazine’s advisory board chooses teens each issue to feature and select which of the finalists will receive the $500 scholarship. Pittman has received several honors as a

swimmer: Olympic trial swimming qualifier in 2012, a four-time state champion in the 100-meter backstroke, an All-American swimmer since 2010 and Scholastic All-American swimmer. She also is a member of Peer Helpers, Student Government Association and Birmingham Belles and is a church lector. Pittman is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, and she has received the Homewood Chamber of Commerce award as the outstanding student of Homewood Middle School. She swims about nine times a week before and after school and does 5 a.m. morning laps and workouts. “Genny is an avid swimmer,” school counselor Alison Hill said. “Her dedication is admirable and her commitment to her schedule and time management is outstanding.”

Fifth-grader wins Hall-Kent geography bee

Robert Merchant and Windham Hewitt hold up their geography achievement certificates.

Hall-Kent Elementary School fifth-grader Robert Merchant won the school-level competition of the 2014 National Geographic Bee in January. With the title, he also won a chance at a $50,000 college scholarship. Windham Hewitt, a fourth-grader, came in second place in his first time to compete. Seventeen fourth- and fifthgrade students passed the preliminary written quiz to participate in the schoolwide competition. The school-level bee, during which students primarily answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 26th annual National Geographic Bee.

HHS senior honored by music association Homewood High School senior Joey Crittenden was awarded the 2014 Young Composer Award at the Alabama Music Educators Association conference in Montgomery. AMEA promotes the advancement of music education through professional development, curricular support and advocacy. Crittenden and the Homewood Patriot Band are under the direction of Ron Pence.

Joey Crittenden

18 • March 2014

The Homewood Star

Band students earn All-State and All-District honors Several Homewood Patriot Band members earned All-State and All-District honors for the 2013-2014 school year. All-State Band honors were Joey Crittenden, Bennett Valentine and Sam Cross. Max Paris was chosen as an alternate. All-District Band honors

were Emi Ferderber, Max Paris, Joey Crittenden, Bennett Valentine and Sam Cross. The HHS Patriot Band participated in the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., in January. The band is under the direction of Ron Pence.

Front row: Emi Ferderber and Joey Crittenden. Back row: Sam Cross, Bennett Valentine and Max Paris.

Air Force JROTC earns high marks

Sergeant Vincent Simmons, cadet Mikaela Harris, cadet Killian Faulk and Major Don Bailey.

The Homewood High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps received high marks from Headquarters Air Force JROTC in January. Retired Air Force Maj. Don Bailey inspected the HHS cadets and class facilities, and he spoke favorably of the program run by Sgt. Vincent Simmons. This evaluation is required every three years. During the evaluation, two HHS cadets were recognized and given awards for their service. Mikaela Harris and Killian Faulk received the Outstanding Performer award, which is presented to the top 2 percent of the cadet population.

Money raised for cancer research during BeardStrong fundraiser Homewood High School recently held its annual BeardStrong fundraiser to raise money for cancer research. Assistant Principal Matt Kiser’s beard raised the most money among the 14 faculty and staff members who participated. The largest single donation came from senior Nashawan Mahyoub, who raised more than $70 through donations at a Bessemer grocery store owned by his family. This is the second year that Mahyoub has made the largest donation. BeardStrong 2014 resulted in more than $170 in donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of former HHS administrator John Finley.

HHS senior Nashawan Mahyoub. Photo by Pamela Houston.

March 2014 • 19

TheHomewoodStar.com

Sports HMS wrestler wins Metro South Championship

HMS basketball finishes season undefeated

By KYLE CANNON Last year, seventh-grader Carial Tarter placed fifth at the Metro South Middle School Wresting Tournament. Not satisfied with this accomplishment, he wrestled in the off-season and focused on winning first place for his eighth-grade year. “Wrestling is my sport,” Tarter said. “That’s what I’m good at, and that’s where I want people to know my name.” His weight class was full of talented students from the Metro South area, so this was no easy task. Before the Metro South Tournament, Tarter won first place at the Vestavia Kickoff Classic, second place at St. Nick Invitational and Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Metro South Duals. Going into the Metro South Championship, Tarter had a record of 25-5. One of his loses came from a very capable opponent at Liberty Park and the other from a gifted Pizitz wrestler. To win the Metro South Championship, Tarter had to wrestle hard and stick to his technique. He did that, winning every match at the tournament and becoming the first Metro South Champion for Homewood Middle School in many years. In addition to Tarter’s win,

Carial Tarter won first place at the Metro South Championship for the 119-pound weight class.

Front row: Luba Eady, Kassidy Crawford, Kalia Cunningham, Lia Roberson, Jasmine Griffin and Michia Robinson. Back row: Head Coach Christi Martin, YaMiah Hill, Tori Webb, Sakeria Hollis, Aliyah McCary, Kayla Mikula, Assistant Coach Erin Meacham and Assistant Coach Reba Hudson.

Homewood Middle School’s wrestling team placed at two different tournaments for 2014. Four boys, including Tarter, took home medals at the Metro South Tournament. At the first Hannah Gladden Girls Youth Championship, two HMS wrestlers, Jessie Toral-Javier and Jennifer Ontiveros, placed first in their weight classes. Tarter plans to continue off-season wrestling, and he competed in the state championship in February. Next year will kick off his high school wrestling career, during which Tarter hopes to start building a foundation for a college scholarship.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM For the first time in 23 years, the Homewood Middle School eighthgrade girls basketball team was named Metro South champions, finishing its season with a 22-0 record. The team defeated Berry Middle in the Metro South championship in February. The Patriots were up 21-4 in the first quarter and 35-11 at halftime before ending the game at 60-44. “From the beginning of the season, they just bought into what our offensive and defensive philosophies are,” coach Christi Martin said. “That is what just drove us to the end of the year.”

Last year as seventh-graders, half the team played on the seventh-grade team while the other half played on the eighth-grade team. Once they were all reunited on this year’s team, Martin said they were on a mission. “We had a saying on our game day T-shirts: ‘relentless,’” Martin said. “That was our defensive philosophy, and they really believed that.” Nine of 11 girls play AAU basketball, and half of them have played together since fifth grade. But it took following their team motto, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” to complete the season as such a strong team.

“These kids aren’t done, and that’s what’s so promising about the future for Homewood girls basketball,” Martin said. “You’re going to hear about them for the next four years. I think they have the opportunity to win state when they get to high school. My hope is that we can continue to build on this season for the program.” Also this season, Kalia Cunningham was named Metro South Tournament MVP, and Sakeria Hollis and Lia Roberson were named Metro South All-Tournament. All-Metro players for the season were Kalia Cunningham and Tori Webb.

20 • March 2014

The Homewood Star

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility 809 Greensprings Highway, Homewood, AL 35209 (Former Jeﬀerson County Satellite Courthouse)

Homewood Senior Center

Zumba

Belly Dancing with Aziza

ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour! Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: (256)452-2500 or camillescruggs@gmail.com Location: Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility Days & Times: Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30-6:30pm, Saturday: 9:00-10:00am

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. www.azizaofbirmingham.com

A stressful lifestyle is one of the biggest health challenges of modern society. Although we may not be able to control the circumstances of our environment, we can manage our reactions to them. Exercises, guided breathing practices and maintaining a positive perspective are tools that can help us keep calm and even when life gives us a lot to deal with. Yoga can help develop those tools. Join Jean Marie Campbell for an hour of gentle hatha yoga designed for both beginner and intermediate level students.. Wednesday’s 6pm-7pm at Homewood Senior Center A block of 6 classes can be purchased for $60. Drop-in fee is $13.

Young Rembrandts

When: Wednesdays at 1:00pm Costs: Free Instructor: Lou Lucas Information: Mr. Lucas represents a dance social organization called the Magic City Ballers.

Karate Classes are held at the Temporary Fitness and Programs Facility at various times based on age and level of experience. Monthly tuition is $55 - $65. Classes are for children and teenagers ages 4 and up. For more information please contact Master Joe at 966-4244

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. 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

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. For more information call or email Kelly at: 205-552-6129 (or) Kelly.alligood@charter.net, www.kellyalligood.com

News & Updates New HWCC Enrollment Specials Valid only with full paid Total Access Memberships Purchased between:

February 10 – March 15 2014 th

* Acess to Temporary Fitness Center until closing * Membership expires: November 30, 2015 (6 Months Free)

March 16th – April 30th 2014

* Acess to Temporary Fitness Center until closing * Membership expires: September 2, 2015 (3 Months Free) For additional membership options and information please visit www.homewoodparks.com

@homewoodparks

Draw amazing things with Young Rembrandts! Young Rembrandts classes are both fun and educational, and our step-by-step curriculum is developed to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Our classes are for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Please contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.

Homewood Chess Team Homewood Chess Team wants you! Beginners are welcome and the ﬁrst two weeks are always free promo weeks so come check us out! This year take the plunge and join Dr. Brooks and your current Alabama State Chess Champion Chess Team as we laugh and train in daily mardi-gras bead chess tourneys and compete for prizes in our daily music-driven chess puzzlers and watch zany chess movies and inter-face and inter-train with 20 sister chess teams including every Vestavia and Mountain Brook elementary school, The Randolph School, The Altamont School, Tuscaloosa Academy, The Highlands School, ﬁve Catholic schools, and many others. There has never been a party-based approach to chess like this, and Dr. Brooks’ unique, kid-oriented philosophy has made us 50-0 in our history, and counting! Our high-energy chess classes are developmentally and cleverly targeted directly at the kindergarten through 7th-grade set! Learn more and sign up for our school chess team at www.theknightschool.com or call and chat with Dr. Brooks at (205) 746-4952.

We Love Homewood Day 2014 Saturday, May 3, 2014 Save the date & come celebrate Homewood!

Summer Camp 2014 Information about 2014 Summer Camp is available at Homewoodparks.com

Summer Camp & Lifeguard Positions Please visit www.homewoodparks.com for more information

Community CPR Classes Tuesday, March 18th – Homewood Senior Center Tuesday, April 22nd – Temporary Fitness & Programs Facility Class Fee: $25.00 For more information contact Alissa Thurmond @ 332-6715

Gentle Adult Yoga with Jean Campbell

Detriot Urban Ballroom Dance Class

Meal Programs @ Homewood Sr. Center Monday-Friday, excluding holidays – Registration IS required, but Membership is NOT. $1.50 donation per meal is encouraged. For age 60+. Government subsidized lunch program. For more information or to register, call Aimee at 332-6500.

Upcoming Education Sessions Tuesday, March 11th – Guest Speaker: Fraud Prevention & Record Keeping, presented by Dr. Andreas Rauterkus (Asst Prof of Finance @ UAB). This is #2 in a 5-part educational series sponsored by Homewood Public Library. Free to the senior public, but please call 332-6500 to reserve a seat. Tuesday, March 18th - Health Talk: Hearing Loss Q & A, presented by Dr. Brian McCool of McCool & Bhuta Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists. Free to Senior Center members.

Creative Expression Mondays, 9:30am – Knit & Crochet Class, taught by Sr Ctr member Polly Kelly. Choose your own project and Polly will coach you through it. Free to members. Mondays, 1:00pm – Sunshiners Senior Chorus, with professional direction and live, professional accompaniment. The chorus occasionally performs at a facility or venue oﬀ-site or for peers at the Senior Center. For fun and visual variety, props and minimal costuming are sometimes used. Free to members. Mondays, 2:15pm – Clay Class, taught by JoAnn Brown, recently retired from Homewood School System. Participants may choose the project introduced by the instructor or ‘do their own thing.’ Clay, glazes, and kiln ﬁring are provided. Free to members.

Fitness Classes Line Dance, various skill levels – Taught by Jackie Tally & her associates. Beginner level – Mondays, 5:30pm, $5 paid to instructor Basic/Intermediate level – Tuesdays & Fridays, 9:30am, free to members Advanced level – Mondays, 6:20pm & Saturdays, 10:30am, $5 paid to instructor. Seated Exercise – Includes gentle joint movement, stretching, and strength building. Optional standing exercises for balance, while holding onto chair. Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30am; Fridays, 10:30am. Free for members. Tai Chi – Taught by Galina Waites. Chairs and adapted movements are provided for participants with balance/stamina challenges. Thursdays, 2:00pm. Free to members.

www.Homewoodparks.com

March 2014 • 21

TheHomewoodStar.com

Signing Day 2014 Seniors sign with major universities By MADOLINE MARKHAM Homewood High School seniors Jordan Sims, Sean Eaton and Dwayne Orso signed football scholarships on National Signing Day in February at the school. Sims will play for the University of Mississippi, Eaton for Delta State University and Orso the University of Oklahoma. “This has been a long and fun process, and it’s truly been a blessing,” said Sims. Eaton noted that his football experience has been an “incredible ride.” “Two years ago when I came here, I had no idea it would be like family,” he said. Orso thanked God, his family for encouraging him and coaches and players for supporting him. Homewood High School football coaches stand behind seniors Jordan Sims, Sean Eaton and Dwayne Orso on National Signing Day. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Frisbee team competes in championship The Alabama Youth Ultimate Forge team recently competed in the Youth Club Championship Ultimate — a first for any team in Alabama. Homewood players on the team are Ellie Wood, Chris Atchison, Zac Cain, Phillip Langland, Willis Wood

and Hank Womble. Youth interested in playing ultimate Frisbee, a mix of soccer, basketball, American football and netball, in the spring should contact leelavette@charter.net.

Coach Jay Pigford, James Poe, Willis Wood, Kaden Frames, Michael Fairley, Chris Atchison, Zac Cain, Dylan Krebs, Phillip Langland, coach Lee Lavette, Johnny Harvey, Sam Joyce, Eric Sjostrom, Jason Russell, Harris Pigford, Andrew Montgomery, Hill Balliet, Ellie Wood, Hank Womble. Photo courtesy of Lee Levette.

22 • March 2014

The Homewood Star

HHS boys win state title in indoor track Individual and relay state champions Kiara Williams: long jump, triple jump, 60-meter Andy Smith: 1600-meter, 3200-meter Alazae Hester-Taylor: triple jump Ann Mosely Whitsett: 800-meter 4x200-meter girls (state record): Elyssa Griffin, Kiara Williams, Christian Hill and Hunter Midgette 4x800-meter boys (state record): Logan Sadler, Mike Rohdy, Hunter Poole and Andy Smith

All-state performers

Homewood High School Boys Indoor Track and Field took home the 5A state championship title.

The Homewood High School Boys Track and Field team won its second consecutive 5A Indoor State Championship on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4. The title is the program’s third track and field state championship and the fifth for the track and cross-country program. Homewood led the meet from start to finish and beat second-place St. Paul’s by 52 points. “This is the most complete team we have ever had, and our coaching staff is so proud of all of the athletes for being so dedicated and committed,” said track and field head coach Tom Esslinger. “We scored in every single event except the 400meter, where we had an injury. The fact that we had so many competitors contribute combined with the way those not competing cheered shows how everyone truly did their part to help us have success.” Andy Smith and Alazae Hester-Taylor led the varsity boys in the win. Smith won both the

1,600-meter and the 3,200-meter and was the anchor leg of the 4x800-meter relay that set the state record. Hester-Taylor scored in four events and finished first in triple jump, second in high jump, third in the 60-meter hurdles and fourth in long jump. The 4x800-meter relay team of Logan Sadler, Mike Rohdy, Hunter Poole and Andy Smith set the state record to win the event. Additionally, the 10 other Patriots athletes earned All-State honors by placing in the top three. The varsity girls also placed second in the state meet for the second year in a row behind powerhouse St. Paul’s. “We hate it for our girls because they are such a great team, and they really performed well,” Esslinger said. “St. Paul’s has been an unbelievable team the last several years and had an amazing meet, but I know our girls will continue to work hard and get better so we can have a chance to beat them during the outdoor season.”

Kiara Williams had the best performance ever for a Homewood track athlete. She earned four gold medals by winning the long jump, triple jump, 60-meter and the 4x200-meter relay. Williams is also nationally ranked in both long jump and triple jump. Freshman Ann Mosely Whitsett won the 800-meter, placing second in the 400meter and placing third in the 1,600-meter. She was also a member of the 4x400-meter relay team that placed second. The 4x200-meter relay team of Elyssa Griffin, Kiara Williams, Christian Hill and Hunter Midgette set the state record. Seven other girls earned All-State honors by placing in the top three. In addition to Esslinger, team coaches are Lars Porter (cross-country head coach), Josh Donaldson, Rebecca Phillips, Michael Niezgoda and John Schultz. -Submitted by Tom Esslinger

Alazae Hester-Taylor: high jump, 600-meter hurdles Hap Williams: long jump Dominique Linson: high jump Alex Ngei: 1600-meter, 3200-meter Logan Sadler: 800-meter 4x400-meter boys: Davis Platt, James Brazeal, Tucker Wilson and Logan Sadler 4x200m boys: D’Vonte Wallace, Teverius Lindsey, Tyrone Carr and Cade Mullins Ann Mosely Whitsett: 400-meter, 1600-meter Kelly Young: shot put Elyssa Griffin: 60-meter 4x400-meter girls: Mary Margaret Jackson, Hunter Midgette, Joy Korley and Ann Mosely Whitsett 4x800-meter girls: Virginia Givhan, Chandler Bledsoe, Mary Virginia Spencer and Mary Margaret Jackson

TheHomewoodStar.com

HHS Basketball teams win area championships Both boys and girls varsity basketball teams at Homewood High School won their area championship games in February and proceeded to sub-regional play. The boys won the 5A Area 9 championship against Ramsay High School 50-45, and the girls also defeated Ramsay to finish their season 24-3.

The girls team celebrates after defeating Ramsay. Photo courtesy of Pamela Houston.

The Homewood High School boys team poses after its area championship win. Photo by Scott Butler.

March 2014 • 23

Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

Focusing on the good They say bad things happen in threes, Mobile. Both girls were in the back seat, but lately it seems bad things have been and while everything started out fine, the happening by the truckload. Almost atmosphere in the car began to dwindle around Evergreen. Tempers flared, naps every day I hear another sad story — cancer in people of all ages, difficult were short, snack bags were empty, diasituations with family members, chilpers were full, and someone had a major dren losing parents, parents losing chilmeltdown at a gas station in Prattville (it dren — the list goes on. When it seems wasn’t me, although I thought about it). everything is going wrong, it’s easy to As I stood there facing my screamlose sight of truth. ing 4 year old and a parking lot full of In my Bible study last week, we staring eyes, I asked myself, “What is Denton talked about how God is always at the good here?” I realized I’d learned work in the lives of His children, even in turbu- a few things — pack more food than I think I’ll lent times. Sometimes it requires us to look a little need, don’t forget the milk cups, and don’t make harder, but the good is always there, and that’s what the 4 year old use the potty before she says she we are to focus on. needs to go. What focusing on the good doesn’t mean is that Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble [or good], whatever is right, whatever is the difficult thing itself is necessarily good — cancer pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if is still bad, death is still hard — but it means Jesus is anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about there working good in our life through the bad thing. such things.” My mind goes haywire when I hear difficult stories This verse always reminds me of when a cousin from people I know: What if my friend’s mom’s of mine passed away several years ago. It was a very prognosis isn’t good? What if another friend’s pregsad death (not that any aren’t sad), and I couldn’t nancy has complications? What if our family is the travel to the funeral because I was in the last weeks next to hear bad news? But truth counteracts these of my pregnancy with Kate. Instead, I wrote his negative thoughts. wife a letter. In it, I mentioned the above verse from What’s true (and therefore good) is that underPhilippians. I told her that regardless of the tragedy neath us are God’s everlasting arms, and we can’t of his death, I chose to remember him in his kitchen fall lower than that. His strong arms are always cooking up delicious meals for our family’s Christ- below us, holding us, not letting us fall. We will pass mas Eve dinners at their house. I’d remember him through the waters, but they will not sweep over us. as a loving husband and a wonderful father to his We will pass through the fires, but we will not be children. I chose to dwell on the good things rather burned. That’s both true and good, and it’s enough than on the bad. to get us through everything from scary diagnoses Focusing on the good can also apply in situations to long car rides with unhappy kids. that are less serious, but nonetheless difficult at the Lauren can be reached at LaurenKDenton@ time. I recently made the drive back to Birmingham gmail.com. You can also find her tweeting writerly without my husband, Matt, after visiting family in things on Twitter.

24 • March 2014

The Homewood Star

65 In a Diverging Diamond, traffic crosses into opposite lanes at the bridge over (or in some cases under) the interstate. The crossing is signalized, and only one direction moves at a time. At Lakeshore, implementing this change would not require any bridge modifications, only the installation of signals.

ALDOT traffic counts indicate the stretch of Lakeshore between the interstate bridge and the leftturn lanes into Walmart and Sam’s Club handles twice as many cars per day as the bridge itself. Volkert, Inc. representatives said they believe the installation of the Diverging Diamond would reduce the congestion along this stretch and provide easier access from I-65 south to the retail centers.

LAKESHORE

CONTINUED from page 1 During its regular meeting in January, the Homewood City Council approved for Mayor Scott McBrayer to enter into an engineering contract with Volkert, Inc. The agreement would seek to address congestion issues on Lakeshore Drive between Green Springs Highway and the Homewood Commons retail district by

implementing inventive methods of traffic flow. Volkert’s 2013 proposal, selected by McBrayer among competing submissions to the City, is to install a Diverging Diamond Interchange at the site. The Diverging Diamond is a novelty of road engineering that is being constructed at interstate exits across the country. Perhaps most recognizable for Homewood residents would be the I-285 interchange with Ashford-Dunwoody Road in Atlanta near Perimeter Mall. If installed at

Vehicles accessing Lakeshore from I-65 would be able to merge into traffic that has crossed over without need for signals. At the Lakeshore exit, this would eliminate the need for the left-turn signals at the off-ramps from I-65 north and south.

Diverging Diamond Interchanges are currently in operation at 32 intersections in the U.S., with the majority located in the Midwest. At a Diverging Diamond in Springfield, Mo., the Missouri Department of Transportation released survey findings that showed 95 percent of drivers felt there was less congestion at the new interchange, and that daily traffic backups that sometimes had over a mile queue were completely eliminated once construction was complete. – from divergingdiamond.com

Lakeshore, Homewood would be the first community in the state to employ the technology. A Diverging Diamond crosses traffic to the opposite side of the road at the bridge, which creates an opportunity for drivers to veer left onto the interstate without stopping. It also allows vehicles approaching Lakeshore from I-65 off ramps to merge into traffic instead of waiting for a light. Imagine driving from Colonial Brookwood Village to Wildwood. As you approach the I-65

HOMEWOOD

•

interchange, you’ll be directed into the left lanes of the bridge, and opposing traffic will be on the right side of your vehicle. At the end of the bridge, you’ll be directed back into the lanes you were in when approaching the interchange. As of Feb. 10, Homewood and Volkert had not yet entered into an agreement. But, to learn more about the Diverging Diamond, The Homewood Star contacted Volkert, Inc. and discussed possibilities for the interchange with Project Manager Rob Vermillion.

ALABAMA

877-8797

Wayne Salem, Owner

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HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

March 2014 • 25

TheHomewoodStar.com Vermillion said Diverging Diamond Interchanges have received warm welcomes in Missouri. According to divergingdiamond. com, a Missouri Department of Transportation survey reports that 97 percent of drivers feel safer at the interchanges, and collisions were reduced by 60 percent over a five-month window of study. In Versailles, France, a Diverging Diamond has seen only 11 light crashes in five years, the site reports. Vermillion said Volkert recently completed design of Mississippi’s first Diverging Diamond. It is under construction now. The company’s experience with the design, meshed with the favorable geographic conditions at the Lakeshore exit, led it to propose Alabama’s first installation. “The Diverging Diamond lays out perfectly for that interchange,” Vermillion said. “There would be almost no need for grading, and the existing bridge appears to be wide enough to accommodate the design.” To install the Diamond, Volkert proposed to create access to I-65 Southbound on the south side of Lakeshore in the current rightof-way. The on-ramp would travel alongside the Sam’s Club property. The company also proposed to eliminate use of the circular access to I-65 south on the north side of the bridge, instead drawing straight-line access to Lakeshore for drivers exiting from southbound lanes. The straight-line access is important to the design. The most perilous point of the intersection occurs where drivers exiting I-65 south must merge across moving traffic to access the left turn lanes into Walmart. Average annual daily traffic counts, referenced from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), for that short distance are approximately double what they are at other points of the intersection. Approximately 52,000 vehicles travel it each day, as opposed to 27,000 that cross the bridge. According to Homewood Chief of Staff J.J. Bischoff, vehicles attempting to use those turn lanes frequently causes traffic to slow. He said Homewood’s initial idea to ease congestion

was to line up the I-65 Southbound off-ramp to Lakeshore with the entrance to Walmart. “ALDOT shot that down,” Bischoff said, noting the Department was bound by the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) use of public funds to acquire rights-of-way when Walmart and Sam’s Club were constructed. ALDOT Third Division Engineer Brian Davis said modifications to the interchange would need FHWA approval. However, he also said west of the Greensprings Highway intersection is where Lakeshore Drive — Alabama Highway 149 — turns to Lakeshore Parkway, which is no longer a state road. Davis said if necessary, Homewood would look toward Jefferson County for any financial assistance on the project. “We have to approve anything that’s done, but what we’re interested in is the interstate,” Davis said. “We chime in when how people get people on and off starts to have a negative impact.” Vermillion said a Diverging Diamond could likely be installed at Lakeshore without the acquisition of new right-of-way property. Volkert’s proposal to Homewood indicated that installing a Diverging Diamond at Lakeshore would cost approximately $3.5 million, assuming no bridge modifications were required. He added that the project could require as little as two years to complete. Included in the study phase timeline are approximately 6 to 9 months for obtaining traffic counts, conducting a corridor study and interchange modification study and obtaining the appropriate reviews. Any issues with roadway capacity will be verified by this initial traffic study, Vermillion said. This phase would be followed by another 12 to 15 months of design, followed by construction. Volkert is currently contracted with ALDOT on the connection of I-65 to I-22. Work can be seen in the Fultondale area. The project, when complete, would provide a direct connection between Birmingham and Memphis. In addition, Volkert has been contracted by ALDOT to replace the I-20/I-59 bridges through Birmingham.

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HOMEWOOD GROWN CONTINUED from page 1

talks about how education is about more than head knowledge. “No matter when you come into the system, the school has a goal to keep you at the very top, and you are a complete person when you leave.” The Homewood City Schools Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the April 3 event on the Terrace at SoHo Square. Food will be served family style at tables of 10, and the menu will be the creation of restaurateur Chris DuPont. DuPont, owner of Café Dupont, is opening a new restaurant in SoHo this spring and is also a Homewood resident and the parent of children in the school system. The event will feature: `` A video of alumni of various ages telling their personal stories about the impact of their Homewood education. `` Teacher Impact Awards given to five teachers, one from each school, as nominated by the community and chosen by a group of community members. `` Presentation of the Jodi Newton Scholarship for leadership and character. `` Sale of emerald green T-shirts with the Homewood Grown logo for $20. `` Live music. All funds raised will help support grants for Homewood schools and other foundation programs that aren’t a part of the school system’s normal budget. Each year teachers submit ideas for grants to the foundation. “It gives teachers the opportunity to collaborate between schools,” Keith said. “The results have a lot to do with the success of the school system.” As foundation board members point out, parents might not know something like an ACT prep class started with a foundation grant, but they know it’s unique to Homewood. The schools foundation also supports professional development training for school faculty and staff and provides new technology in the classroom and support for special education programs that exist only because of its support. This year the Homewood Grown event will

take the place of the annual Showcase event at Homewood Middle School. As the event continued to grow, foundation leadership felt they could not get their message across the way they hoped, and each school has started a similar Open House Night to display the work of students to their parents. Homewood Grown organizers said they are grateful to people in the community who are sponsoring the event. Title sponsor Trust Building Services’ owner Roger Redmond is a Homewood resident and parent of two Shades Cahaba Elementary students, and Brasfield and Gorrie is the video sponsor. “So many people who moved to Homewood say it’s because of the school system,” Foundation Director Amy McRae said. “It means so much to the businesses to have the school system, and we appreciate the community support of the system.” No matter who you are, Homewood Grown organizers are working to create an evening that is both fun and reminds them why they are glad to live in Homewood. “We want it to be a celebration,” Keith said. “I think people are going to be really moved, laugh, cry.” Organizers are encouraging Homewoodians to buy a table and invite their friends to join them with confidence that it will not rain that evening (although there is a backup plan to hold it in Rosewood Hall). A limited number of tickets are available for the event. For more, visit homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com.

April 3, 6-9 p.m. The Terrace at SoHo Square $100 per ticket Tickets available at homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com

26 • March 2014

Calendar

Homewood Events Feb. 28-March 1: Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale. Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Trinity United Methodist Church. Gently worn clothing, toys and furniture available for sale. Call 879-1737 or visit trinitybirmingham.com. March 1: Seeds Presents: Mike Gelderman. 7 p.m. Seeds Coffee, 174 Oxmoor Road. Free. Visit seedscoffee.com. March 6-9: Gulf South Conference Basketball Tournament. Pete Hanna Center, Samford University. $8 adults, $5 students/seniors/active military, free for children under 5. Visit gscsports.org. March 8: Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Belk parking lot, Colonial Brookwood Village. $10 in advance, $15 at gate. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org. March 8: Spirit of Sochi. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lakeshore Foundation, 4000 Ridgeway Drive. Festivities and a broadcast of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony. Free. Visit lakeshore.org.

March 8: Seeds for the Glass Jars Album Release Party. 6 p.m. Seeds Coffee, 174 Oxmoor Road. Visit theglassjars.net. March 11: Edgewood Night Out. 3 p.m.-close of business. Eat at any participating business in Edgewood, and 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Edgewood Elementary. March 15: Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook Pancake Breakfast. 7 a.m. Exceptional Foundation, 1616 Oxmoor Road. A pancake and sausage breakfast will be served for $5. Other festivities include a silent auction, moon bounce, music, clowns, face painting and games. March 16: Red Cross Blood Drive. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Parish Hall, 1728 Oxmoor Road. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Members will provide a hot breakfast. Call 871-8121. March 18: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Club. Dr. Howard Finch, dean of the Brock School of Business, will speak. Visit homewoodchamber.com.

Homewood High School Athletics March 1: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Briarwood. 2 p.m. March 4: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Gardendale. 5:30 p.m. March 4: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Gardendale. 7:30 p.m. March 6: Baseball vs. Hewitt-Trussville. 6:30 p.m. March 7: Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Randolph. 7 p.m. March 8: Baseball vs. Walker 10 a.m. & vs. Gadsden 3 p.m. March 13: Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Ramsay. TBD. March 14: Baseball vs. Mountain Brook 4:30 p.m. & vs. Northview 7 p.m. March 18: Baseball vs. John Carroll. 6:30 p.m. March 18: Soccer vs. Oak Mountain. Ninth 4:30 p.m., JV 6 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m. March 24: Baseball vs. Moody 10 a.m. & vs. Bibb County 3 p.m. March 24: Baseball vs. Shelby County 10 a.m. & vs. Shades Valley 5:30 p.m.

The Homewood Star

Homewood Public Library Events Adults Tuesdays: Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. Room 108. Sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Participation in the workshop is free, but reservations are requested since space is limited. Contact Mary-Grace Wilson, GBHS volunteer coordinator, at mawilson@gbhs.org or 942-1211. March 3-30: The Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Show. Open during hours. Library Gallery. The exhibit will feature the works of Robin Nance Metz, a 1978 graduate of Homewood High School who studied art at the University of Montevallo and Auburn University. She will give a talk March 9 at 2:30 p.m. March 6: Essential Oils, Aromatherapy and Your Health with Molly Bridges. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Young Living Essential Oil Team Leader Molly Bridges will explain how essential oils can provide you with a more natural and effective way to care for your family. March 10: Strategies for Social Security with Elaine Simmons. 9:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Elaine Simmons, a highly regarded Social Security expert, will be presenting this witty and entertaining explanation of the complex Social Security laws and breaks them down in a manner that is easy to understand. March 11: Oxmoor Page Turner’s Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Explore Rhett Butler’s People by Donald McCaig. March 13: Feng Shui for Life Improvement with Katie Rogers: Kitchens and Dining Rooms. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Certified feng shui consultant Katie Rogers will also talk about the feng shui of food and how your refrigerator could be making you keep on excess weight.

March 18: The A, B, C’s of Medicare. Noon & 6 p.m. Room 116, Lower Level. Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how Medicare benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. March 18: Technology Tuesdays: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About NOOKs. Simple Touch 11 a.m., HD & HD+ noon. Large Auditorium. Join Barnes & Noble’s Fleming Bails for NOOK tutorials designed to provide you with easy-to-follow instructions that help you get the most out of your NOOK. For more information, contact Leslie West at 332-6620 or lwest@bham.lib.al.us. March 21: Good Grief: Managing the Emotional & Financial Issues of Widowhood with Dr. Jacqueline DeMarco & Donna Cates. Noon. Large Auditorium. Dr. Jacqueline DeMarco and Donna Cates provide practical tools for widows as they cope with their grief and loss and begin organizing their finances, understanding their investments and developing a long-term financial plan. March 22: Greater Birmingham Humane Society Adoption Day. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Back parking lot. The GBHS Mobile Unit will have dogs that have been screened for good health and behavior. March 22: AARP Smart Driver Course with Anne Walker. 9:30 a.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. The AARP Smart Driver Course, offered by AARP Driver Safety, is the nation’s first and largest refresher course designed specifically for older drivers. Those who complete the course may be eligible for an automobile discount for up to three years. Registration required. $15 AARP members, $20 non-members. Call Anne Walker at 637-6100. March 25: Technology Tuesdays: Macinstructor: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 1 p.m. Large Auditorium. Rick Stawarz is the Macinstructor, a former Apple employee

Taste of Homewood On Feb. 20 the Homewood Chamber of Commerce welcomed a crowd for a feast of the best our city’s restaurants have to offer.

Photos by Ben Breland, bwbphotographs.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

who now specializes in teaching individuals and businesses how to get the most out of their Apple products. This is our workshop geared towards casual users. March 26: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Discussing Unsaid by Neil Abramson.

Children Tuesdays Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome. Wednesdays Story Time. 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome. Thursdays Mommy & Me. 10:30 a.m. This is a story time for younger patrons and their guest. This month it will be held March 6, 13 and 20. March 20: American Girls. 6:15 p.m. Ages 5-12. Space is limited. Registration begins March 17 at 10 a.m. Call 332-6619 for more information or to register. March 27: Zoo to You. 10:30 a.m. See the Birmingham Zoo at the library in this funfilled program.

Teens March 22: Self–Defense for Teen Girls. 9:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Detective Juan Rodriquez of the Homewood Police Department will teach special techniques for breaking an attacker’s grasp and other things you can do to get away, as well as ways to surprise your attacker and catch him or her off guard. Free, but reservations are required as space is limited. For reservations, contact Leslie West at lwest@bham.lib.al.us or 332-6620.

Calendar

March 2014 • 27

Area Events Feb. 22-May 18: Delacroix and a Matter of Finish. Birmingham Museum of Art. The first Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) exhibition in the U.S. in more than a decade features the work of the leader of the French Romantic Movement, who was often heralded as the “father of impressionism.” Call 254-2565 or visit artsbma.org. March 1: Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. 5K walk/run 8:00 a.m., 1-mile walk/run 9:00 a.m., awards ceremony and survivor celebration 9:45 a.m. Visit conquercancerrun.org. March 2: Birmingham Boys Choir. 4 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. A collaborative concert with Traces of Blue, an a cappella jazz group that appeared on NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” Visit birminghamboyschoir.com. March 2: Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. 3 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Visit alysstephens.org. March 3-7: “Finish the Fight” LoveLove Magic City Challenge Tennis Tournament. A city-wide doubles-only tournament for ladies, levels 2.5-5.3, at facilities throughout Birmingham. Entrance fee is $50 per player. Proceeds support Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation’s funding of GI cancer research. Visit reedgifoundation. com/our-events or love-lovemagiccitychallenge.com. March 7-9: Birmingham Ballet: Hansel and Gretel. March 7 at 7:30 p.m., March 8 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., March 9 at 2 p.m. BJCC. Tickets available through BJCC central ticket office. Visit birminghamballet.com or bjcc.org. March 8: Professional Bull Riders. 7:30 p.m. BJCC Arena. Featuring up-and-coming bull riders and riders not competing on the elite Built Ford Tough Series. Call 1-800-745-3000 or visit bjcc.org. March 8: ASO Wells Fargo Classical EDGE: Mohammad Fairouz. 7:30 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Mohammed Fairouz

will premiere his newest violin concerto along with violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Tickets $15-$35. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens.org. March 13: Gabriel Iglesias: Unity Through Laughter. 8 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. Visit alabamatheatre.com. March 14: Shamrock Shindig. 6 p.m. Avondale Brewery. Enjoy food, drinks, prize drawings and music to benefit programs for people with intellectual disabilities through the Arc of Jefferson County. $50 per person, $80 per couple. Visit instagift.com/shamrockshindig. March 14-15: Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. March 14 at 6 p.m., March 15 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. BJCC. Mickey Mouse and friends perform live. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and BJCC central ticket office. Visit bjcc.org. March 15: Rumpshaker 5K Run/Walk. 8 a.m. Sloss Furnaces. Raising awareness about colorectal cancer. Register at rumpshaker5k.com. March 15: Elton John & His Band. 8 p.m. BJCC. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and BJCC central ticket office. Visit bjcc.org. March 16: UAB Department of Music presents: “Around the World in 80 Minutes: A Musical Extravaganza.” 4 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $48, $36 and $24. Student tickets are $10. Call 975-2787 or visit alysstephens.org. March 16: Harlem Globetrotters “Fans Rule” Tour. 4 p.m. Pete Hanna Center, Samford University. Admission $22-$85. $20 additional for pre-show event beginning at 2:30 p.m. Call 1-800641-HOOP. March 19: The NotWedding Birmingham. 7-9 p.m. BridgeStreet Gallery and Loft. A bridal show in the form of a big, fake wedding allows brides to truly experience the vendors in action. General admission $30, VIP admission $40.

Visit thenotwedding.com. March 20: Brian Regan. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Brian Regan presents his comedy show. Tickets are $39.75, available at livenation.com. March 21: Ron White. 7:30-10:00 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Ron White presents his comedy show. For mature audiences only. Visit ticketmaster.com. March 22: SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championship. All-day event beginning at 8 a.m. BJCC. Visit gymnasticschamps.com. March 22: Taj Mahal. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Taj Mahal, blues and world musician, will perform at ASC for the second time in his over 40-year career. Admission for section A is $62.50, section B is $53.50 and section C is $43.50. Visit alysstephens.org. March 27-29: Joyce Meyer Ministries. March 27 at 7 p.m., March 28 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., March 29 at 10 a.m. BJCC. Admission is free and no registration required. March 28: Diamonds and Denim Gala. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Discovery Alabama Center at Watermark Place, 4500 Alabama Adventure Parkway, Bessemer. Fundraiser to benefit the Birmingham area Tuskegee Alumni Scholarship Fund. $50 Gala ticket, $75 VIP Gala ticket, $500 table sponsorship includes 8 VIP Gala tickets. Call 425-4529. March 28: Birmingham Barons vs. Chicago White Sox (Exhibition Game). 6 p.m. Tickets $14-$28. Call 988-3200. March 29: Red Diamond SuperPops! Series. Rhapsody in Blue: The Best of Gershwin with Christopher Confessore. 8 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University. Maestro Chris Confessore leads the ASO in music by Gershwin. Admission $24-$62. Call 975-2787. March 29: Walk to End Lupus Now. 8-11 a.m. Veterans Park. Walk-up registration opens at 8 a.m. Walk begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free. Call 1-877-865-8787.

28 â&#x20AC;˘ March 2014

The Homewood Star

Through March 9th