The Homewood Star January 2017 by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star

Volume 6 | Issue 10 | January 2017

‘Positive Strides’

After one year in ofﬁce, police chief crossing projects off his list.

See page A9

Growing Together

Homewood City Schools invites residents to be a part of its strategic planning process by weighing in on proposed facilities expansion.

See page B1

Back for More

Patriots lead scorer not resting his hat on last year’s state championship.

See page B9

INSIDE Sponsors .......... A4 City .................... A6 Business ..........A10 Food..................A13 Community ...... B4

School House .. B8 Sports ............... B9 Opinion ............ B12 Real Estate...... B13 Calendar ..........B14

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

2017 A

LOOK AHEAD F

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, A20

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

or the city of Homewood, 2017 is shaping up to be no small year. From sidewalks and road paving to commercial developments and a new police building, there’s a lot being planned for the next 12 months. The Homewood Star has proﬁled several of the projects we’ll be following in the upcoming year. Read on to ﬁnd out when Pizzeria GM is coming to West Homewood, how the Police Department is using its new license plate readers, what renovations the Parks and Recreation Department is making this year and more.

SIDEWALK PROJECTS, A21

BIKE SHARE PROGRAM The city of Homewood is still considering a bike-share program, but as part of a broader regional program rather than an individual city system. “The whole point of this initiative is interconnectedness,” said Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames. On Nov. 21, the results of a feasibility study by Bantam Strategy Group were released after almost a year of work. The ﬁnal results of the study were based on Homewood data

See AHEAD | page A16

Learning to overcome fear

facebook.com/thehomewoodstar Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit #54

Former resident decides to turn childhood experience into lesson on display for all By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Jason Lee moved in 1986 with his mother, Billie Gray, and brother to Homewood. Photo courtesy of Jason Lee.

Jason Lee doesn’t enjoy recalling or talking about some of his childhood years in Homewood. In fact, he said a part of him still “wants to turn around and run

away” when he discusses the sexual abuse he experienced at the hands of his assistant Boy Scoutmaster. But Lee continues to talk about his experience, so no other victim of childhood molestation feels like they’re alone. Lee moved to Homewood in 1986 with his mother, Billie Gray, and brother. Because she was busy trying to support her

See DISPLAY | page A15

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A4 • January 2017

About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell Breaking your New Year’s resolutions might be as much of a tradition as setting them in the first place. I looked back over this last year and realized that I don’t think I hit a single one of the targets I set for myself when 2016 was just getting started. That’s a little disheartening, but I’m trying to reframe it in my mind as a chance for growth, not a personal failure. I’ve always had a big problem with failure. Being a Type-A, perfectionist sort of person has meant that even just coming up a little short on a goal could send me into a spiral of self-criticism. It’s never a healthy place to be, and I have to continually be on guard so that one tiny misstep doesn’t knock me back on my heels. But I shouldn’t see my resolution-breaking as a failure — and neither should you. In 2016 I found new goals that I never could have predicted

last January, and I met them. My life took turns that I couldn’t have seen coming, and flexibility is no bad thing. Reflecting on the goals I didn’t reach is also a chance to realize why I didn’t reach them. There’s that famous adage about doing things the same way every time

and expecting different results. So I’m not going to approach my resolutions the same way I did last year. If my shortcomings in 2016 are a chance to learn about myself and do better in 2017, then can I really call them failures? If you are feeling like you came up short in 2016, be kind to yourself and don’t fall into the trap of assuming one failure defines you as a person. But don’t let it stop you from raising the bar for yourself in the New Year and finding a way to reach that bar, either. You are capable of great things if you just don’t let yourself get stuck in the same old things.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

A float filled with dancing penguins passes through downtown for the annual Christmas parade. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

The Homewood Star

Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Digital Media: Director of Photography: Sports Editor: Page Designers: Community Editor: Community Reporters: Staff Writers:

Copy Editor:

Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Heather VacLav-Hooper Sarah Finnegan Kyle Parmley Cameron Tipton Emily VanderMey Erica Techo Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Lexi Coon Emily Featherston Sam Chandler Louisa Jeffries

Contributing Writers: Grace Thornton

Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen

Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith

James Plunkett Jon Harrison Gail King Eric Clements

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: Homewood Star PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnespublishing.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

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

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Please Support Our Community Partners 30 A Realty (B5) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B11) Alabama Power (A5) Alison Bruhn Style Consulting LLC (B4) America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses (A3) ARC Realty (B2) Assurance Financial (A7) Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers (B13) Bedzzz Express (A20, B1) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (A16) Birmingham Museum of Art (A3) Bob’s Bikes (A18) Cardiovascular Associates of the Southeast (B11) Case Remodeling (A17) Children’s of Alabama (A8) Dish’n It Out (A17) EW Fit (A8) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (A19) Homewood Parks and Rec (B3) Huffstutler’s (B14) Huntington Learning Center (A13) Hutchinson Automotive (B8) Issis & Sons (B1) Jacqueline DeMarco (A17) Jamie Goff, LAH Real Estate (A12) JJ Eyes (B7) Joe Falconer, RealtySouth (A2) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (B9) Kete Cannon, RE MAX Southern Homes (A18) Kidz Closet Consignment (B14) LAH Real Estate (B12) Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. (A16) Mr. Chen’s (B4) NextHome Southern Realty (A6) Nicole Brannon ARC Realty (B6) Over the Mountain Glass (B6) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (A10) Phoenix Builders (A14) RealtySouth Marketing (A11) Red Pearl Restaurant (B9) Ridout’s Valley Chapel (B13) Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk (B12) Salem’s Diner (A11) Shades Valley Dermatology (A15) Shuttlesworth Lasseter LLC (A9) State Ballet Theatre of Russia (B15) Tech-Ease (A12) TEDx Birmingham (B16) The Maids (A1, B8) The Whole Dog Market (B12) Uptown at BJCC (B14) Water Drainage Solutions (A10) Weigh To Wellness (B2) Wood & Spooner (A14)

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A6 • January 2017

City

$110 million bond brings Rosedale concerns to surface at work session

by SYDNEY CROMWELL A second work session on the city’s recent $110 million bond has been set after the ﬁrst, held on Dec. 19, ran out of time for public comment. The bond is slated to fund growth projects for the schools and park system, as well as a new public safety building. The meeting was set to discuss the creation of a task force to spearhead hiring a project manager to answer questions about current facilities, future demographics and other factors of the growth projects, as well as manage the construction itself. The Dec. 19 meeting was also planned to be a chance for residents to ask questions and air concerns about the bond. Only two residents spoke, despite more in attendance, because the meeting extended into the time allotted for the regular city council meeting. Both residents who spoke were Rosedale residents. One, 84-year-old Mary Edwards, felt that Rosedale has been overlooked in many city projects and has not received the funding or improvements that it deserves. While she likes the construction that is beginning on sidewalks in the area, Edwards said she wanted the city to take action on abandoned homes, consider amenities like a pool at Spring Park and respond to other Rosedale needs. “I’ve never heard, out of all this money, Rosedale’s name never has been mentioned. What do we get?” Edwards said.

Mary Edwards talks about Rosedale’s community needs at a Dec. 19 work session on the recent $110 million bond to fund growth projects in the school system and parks and recreation, as well as a new public safety building. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

The money allocated for parks in the bond is intended for improving and reconfiguring youth team ballfields at West Homewood Park and replacing the West Homewood pool with a new pool and tennis courts at Patriot Park. Spring Park has a pavilion and playground, but no ballfields or other amenities. Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames said

he and fellow representative Andy Gwaltney are setting a meeting in Rosedale in January to talk about abandoned homes and other issues the community would like to see ﬁxed. Thames said he has been driving through Rosedale to identify potential houses to begin the abatement process. The meeting is tentatively set for Jan. 24 at 5 p.m., at the Lee Center.

Rosedale resident Jeremy Cunningham added that in addition to parks and abandoned homes, he feels that Rosedale needs a business district similar to Edgewood and redevelopment along Central Avenue and B.M. Montgomery Street. Cunningham said he would like to see more historical markers and recognition for Rosedale, which predates the city of Homewood, and perhaps a committee specifically centered on improving that area of the community. Thames said the Rosedale committee could be discussed at their January meeting, and that the city’s master planning process in 2017 will include looking at business development in the Central and B.M. Montgomery areas. Ward 4 Representative Barry Smith said that the city’s historical commission is being revived and she would encourage its members to put Rosedale historic sites on their priority list. All council members at the meeting were in favor of creating a task force to manage use of the bond. The structure of the task force has not been decided, but based on discussion from the council it would be around 12 members including the mayor, schools superintendent, parks and recreation superintendent, a few council and school board members and potentially Police Chief Tim Ross. Council President Bruce Limbaugh set a second work session for Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. to hear from more residents in the Rosewood Hall council chambers.

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January 2017 • A7

Council approves study for Hollywood pedestrian bridge

Caliber, a sporting goods store planned for Central Avenue. Photo courtesy of Jared Lewis.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Council approves rezoning for Central Avenue businesses, Creative Montessori School By SYDNEY CROMWELL Four Homewood properties were rezoned at the Dec. 19 city council meeting. The ﬁrst request was at 2824 and 2826 Central Avenue, where property owner Jared Lewis asked to rezone the properties from Neighborhood Shopping District to Central Business District. This would allow him to make the properties a single parcel. Tenants Poulson & Poulson and Brandino Brass will remain in the building, but the other tenant has relocated and Lewis plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the space, as well as add parking and landscaping. The new tenant, Caliber, will be a sporting goods store occupying roughly 4,800 square feet and will carry gear for hunting, ﬁshing and other outdoor pursuits. One Rosedale resident, Jeremy Cunningham, spoke in opposition to the change as he felt that a different development would be better for the Rosedale area. However, the council voted

unanimously to approve the rezoning. The property at 1718 27th Court South was also rezoned from Neighborhood Shopping District to Central Business District, and owner Gray Murray said he plans to rehabilitate the existing building on the property for new tenants. Mary Edwards, who owns an adjacent property, opposed the request because she does not want a commercial property next door. Murray responded that his plans could improve the area in comparison to the currently abandoned and neglected property. “You’re pushing people out,” she said. “You could put a building in my yard and it probably would be pretty, but that’s not the point.” The council approved the rezoning request, as well as a request from Creative Montessori School to rezone 1630 28th Court South from Attached Dwelling Unit District to Institutional District. CMS Director Greg Smith said the property will be used as green space and a site for outdoor learning and activities.

Both Homewood and Mountain Brook’s city councils have approved funding for a feasibility study to look at traffic and pedestrian options on the Hollywood bridge. The feasibility study is an APPLE (Advanced Planning, Programming and Logical Engineering) grant that will provide preliminary engineering work and different options to relieve traffic congestion and make pedestrian access easier on the bridge over U.S. 280. The study will include the area from Mountain Brook Village to Malaga Avenue. Mike Kaczorowski of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham said the grant will assess existing conditions, rights-of-way and utilities, as well as develop design concepts for the project, up to $60,000. The city requesting the study must pay 20 percent of the cost. The two cities are splitting the cost of the 20 percent portion they are expected to pay, which will be $6,000 per city. Homewood is taking the lead on the project since Mountain Brook already has three other APPLE grant projects in the works. “I think this could be a huge regional success,” Ward 5 Representative Jennifer Andress said in initial discussions of the grant on Nov. 21. A pedestrian bridge in the Hollywood area has been on the council agenda for a few years, but council members noted that conditions on the road have changed in that time, and now the problem encompasses vehicular as well as foot traffic. The APPLE study will take about nine months to complete and the firm chosen

for the study will present solutions to the two cities that include or exclude use of federal money. Using federal money makes the project a better financial deal for Homewood and Mountain Brook, but sticking with local funding sources is likely to make the project move more quickly. At the Nov. 28 meeting, the City Council: ► Approved placement of a small cell tower support structure in the city rightof-way at 508 Old Saulter Road. Several council members objected to adding new poles around the city, as more requests are likely in the future, but they approved the request on the grounds that there was not an existing support pole that could be used in that area. ► Approved sign variances at 2819 Central Ave. and 2933 18th St. S. ► Approved reduction of the speed limit on Grace Street. ► Approved a transfer of up to $700,000 in surplus funds from the General Fund to the Capital Project Fund, now that employee bonuses for the year have been paid. ► Approved sidewalk improvements to take place in the city right-of-way at 2758-2764 B.M. Montgomery St. ► Awarded a city hall janitorial services contract to Trust Services and a contract to manage and maintain Rosewood Hall to Red Clay Event and Bar Services. ► Reviewed an investment report for the city’s rainy day fund, which earned 2.55 percent interest last year and increased from $10.8 million to $11.1 million. ► Declared a 1991 fire apparatus and other fire department equipment surplus.

The Homewood Star

A8 • January 2017

Council reduces speed limit on Grace Street By SYDNEY CROMWELL The speed limit on Grace Street is now set to 15 miles per hour after a vote at the Dec. 12 City Council meeting. The possibility of reducing the street’s speed limit was first introduced on Nov. 28, but because the reduction was more than 5 mph, the council had to wait for a traffic report on the street before final approval of the change. Due to Grace Street’s proximity to Homewood Middle School, it is a popular walking and biking route for students. The council supported the change as a safety measure for both pedestrians and drivers on the one-way street. The council also heard a presentation from Shades Cahaba fourth-grade teacher Rebecca Smith’s class on animal abuse. Several members of the class shared facts about animal abuse in Alabama and asked the council for more strict rules on what is considered adequate shelter for Homewood pets. Council president Bruce Limbaugh thanked them for their concern for animal welfare and promised that the council would take their request under consideration. The council also: ► Approved the addition of streetlights at 897 Mountain Ridge Drive and at the Mecca Avenue and Frisco Street intersection at a cost of $140 per year per streetlight. ► Approved a fence variance at 315 LaPrado Circle. ► Approved adopting a new version of the International Building Code, which has a less stringent version of the energy code than the previous one from the International Code Council that Homewood had adopted. ► Rejected bids for a police uniform

Fourth-graders from Shades Cahaba Elementary give a presentation to the City Council about animal abuse. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

contract, enabling Chief Tim Ross to negotiate with Gall’s Uniforms independently. ► Approved payment of $1,500 to the Gulf South Conference in advertising funding, in exchange for the conference teams staying in

Homewood hotels. ► Carried over discussion of the six sidewalk projects planned for 2017. ► Set a Jan. 9 public hearing for a fence ordinance variance request at 3101 Roxbury

Road. ► Dropped consideration of a retail beer and wine license for Black Pearl Asian Cuisine, 180 State Farm Parkway, based on a lack of approval from the ﬁre department.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • A9

Chief Ross reflects on first year in office Chief Tim Ross at his desk in the Homewood Police Department. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Tim Ross started his term as Homewood’s police chief in January 2016 with a list of goals to accomplish. One year later, he’s crossed most of those projects off his list. One of the key indicators for his success in the first year since replacing former Chief Jim Roberson is the department has seen a decrease in major crimes within the city. In August, Ross reported to the City Council that burglary was down 22 percent; automobile theft down 16 percent; robbery down 37 percent; and vehicle burglary down 20 percent. That trend continued through the rest of 2016, along with an average 9 percent increase in traffic stops. “We’re not seeing any increases in any of our major crime categories, so I’m very proud of that,” Ross said. Another major goal for Ross was to bring the department up to full staffing. In 2016, Homewood Police hired 10 new officers and seven civilian and support positions, leaving only two vacancies remaining. “This is the closest we’ve been to full staff here in the department in many, many years,” Ross said. “I think it’s made a big difference in what we’re able to do in the community.” Having that extra manpower has allowed Ross to promote nine officers and have individual officers participate in the local FBI task force, the Secret Service cyber crime unit, the district attorney’s white-collar crime task force and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office metro area crime center. He also re-staffed the HPD vice and narcotics unit to focus on drug trafficking and prostitution. “I think we’ve made some positive strides this year toward combating that time of crime,” Ross said. His first year in office has helped Ross make more connections across the community. Though he has been with HPD since 1988, he said being chief brings a whole new dimension to relationships with the City Council, government department heads, community leaders and residents’ watch groups. “It’s given me a very much more broad relationship base than I had as a police officer,” Ross said. In response, Ross said he has received an outpouring of support from the community. After national tragedies such as the police shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, community members brought food for the department, and the City Council readily approved his request for additional ballistic vests. “There’s really no equipment that I’ve asked for that I haven’t gotten,” he said.

Ross added that he encourages his officers “to get out and know the people they’re serving” while on shift to continue preserving the good relationship and trust they have with Homewood residents. Ross has also seen new equipment added to the department’s resources in 2016. This includes a new radio system for the first time in 13 years and predictive policing software that tracks and anticipates crimes. The department also began using two license plate readers in late 2016, which is discussed in more detail on page ____ in the Year in Preview. One piece of technology Ross is excited about is the FATS (firearm training simulator), which will give more immersive training in situations where officers must decide whether to use deadly force. Given the ongoing national conversation about officer-involved shootings, Ross said this kind of training is

especially important for his officers. “It will give us just a great ability to train our officers in an area that we have seen nationwide has become extremely controversial, and police have been under tremendous scrutiny when they make decisions like that in the field,” Ross said. The new public safety building on Bagby Drive is the one thing Ross had hoped to make more progress on in 2016, but he anticipates more work will be done in 2017. This is also discussed in greater detail in the Year in Preview section on page A19. In 2017, Ross said he hopes to continue the downward trend in crime, keep the department fully staffed and continue looking for new ways to improve the department. “It’s been really busy, but I feel like it’s been very productive and rewarding at the same time,” Ross said.

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Coming Soon Caliber, a hunting and ﬁshing outﬁtter, will open on March 1 at 2822 Central Ave. 475-8012, caliberxl.com

Relocations and Renovations Homewood Musical Instrument Company has moved to 1712 28th Ave. S., after being located for many years on Central Avenue adjacent to Nabeel’s Café and Market. 879-4868

January 2017 • A11

News and Accomplishments Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, 504 Brookwood Blvd., was named the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year at their December luncheon. 871-9661, alabamaallergy.com

O’Henry’s Coffee, 2831 18th St. S., recently had solar panels installed on its roof. The project will allow the company to reduce its expenses while continuing its mission of being environmentally conscious. 870-1198, ohenryscoffees.com

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A12 • January 2017

Apparel business soaring Homewood-based Aviate aims to become premium travel brand By EMILY FEATHERSTON

Aviate digital marketing specialist Jordan Hovater, who is a junior at Samford University and worked for Aviate as an intern, inspects merchandise at the company’s Homewood headquarters. Photo by Emily Featherston.

They say there’s no place like home, and one Homewood business wants to make it easier for people to take a piece of home with them on the road. Aviate, headquartered in downtown Homewood, is best known for its airport code hats that allow the wearer to show off the city of their choice. Aviate got its start in May 2015, beginning with “BHM” and nine other prominent cities, such as Los Angeles’ “LAX,” owner Ben Lancaster said. The first batch of hats, about 2,000 between the 10 cities, were sold in about a month. In June 2015, Lancaster took over full ownership of the business after splitting with a business partner. He said he immediately rebranded and got to work, adding another 10 cities and changing the company logo into something he said he believed could go further. “To me, when I saw it, I didn’t look at the present. I looked at the future,” he said. In the time between June 2015 and this fall, Aviate has grown to include 100 cities in 22 states — with several celebrities such as Zac Brown and Carrie Underwood requesting hats. However, Lancaster said he doesn’t plan to stop there. He said his goal isn’t to simply continue adding cities until every airport out there has a hat. Rather, he said his goal is to transform Aviate into a premium travel brand. “The airport codes on the hats, they’re always going to be there,” he said. “[But]

we’re currently positioning this company, Aviate, to be a premium travel brand.” By fall 2017, Lancaster said, Aviate hopes to have a wide variety of premium travel products, including leather goods, luggage, headphones and anything else a traveler might need. “We basically looked at the travel market and what gaps there are and what needs to be ﬁlled, and we’re going to ﬁll that gap with our stuff,” he said. Lancaster emphasized that the growth process will not simply be taking a prefabricated product, such as a mug, and slapping a logo on it. Aviate’s products, he said, are 100 percent customized and designed in-house. “We’re in the process of doing everything we need to do to get there,” he said. Lancaster said while the brand has grown across the country, not many people know about the brand other than recognizing the BHM hats. “A lot of people think we just do Birmingham stuff, and when they tell them we do other cities, [they] are surprised,” he said. And while Lancaster said he wants to see the brand continue to grow beyond Birmingham, he said he is happy to be in Homewood. “This is home to me,” he said. “I’ve been here for 13 years.” He said it has been his dream for the last 10 years to not only own his own business, but to own one in a place where he could walk to work and enjoy being part of the community. “I take pride in where I’m from, and that’s kind of what the concept of the company was founded on,” he said. Aviate products can be found at several retailers throughout Homewood and greater Birmingham, including Pure Barre on 18th Street, which his wife owns, as well as Alabama Outdoors and Gus Mayer. Items also can be purchased online and shipped all over the world.

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WHAT’S COOKING

January 2017 • A13

Ring in a lucky New Year with a clean-eating and hearty soup By EMILY FEATHERSTON

Jennifer Mims of Real & Rosemary recommends starting the year with a clean but hearty bowl of New Year’s soup. Photo by Emily Featherston.

RECIPE:

► 2 tablespoons olive oil ► 2 garlic cloves, minced ► ½ pound collard greens, thinly sliced ► 4 cups black-eyed peas ► 3 cups water ► 3 cups chicken broth

► ½ teaspoon hot sauce ► 1½ pounds ham, shredded ► 6 scallions, finely chopped ► 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar ► Salt and pepper, to taste

STEPS:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over

Ask any Southern grandparent what you’re supposed to eat on New Year’s Day, and the answer is likely to be simple: greens and black-eyed peas. That’s because greens and black-eyed peas are enduring symbols of good luck: “peas for pennies, greens for dollars and cornbread for gold,” as the saying goes. It’s unclear exactly where the tradition started, but anyone with roots in the South has likely heard of it. “My grandmother always wanted us to do that,” said Jennifer Mims, co-owner of Real & Rosemary in downtown Homewood. Real & Rosemary opened a little less than a year ago in March, but Mims said the experience still feels new. Focused on clean, preservative-free food, the menu changes often. “It’s been really fun each season to come up with new menu items,” Mims said. And for the new year, Mims said it was an easy choice to bring new life to the traditional greens and peas. “We’re excited to offer it as a soup as something a little bit different this year,” she said. New Year’s soup is based on a hearty broth that diners can still feel good about eating. “Even though it’s hearty, it’s still pretty light and clean,” she said. Mims suggested pairing the soup with a slice of skillet cornbread and a glass of cabernet sauvignon for a truly cozy meal. With recipes like the soup that are new but still familiar, Mims said she has enjoyed bringing a piece of herself to the restaurant scene in Homewood. “I love the fact that it’s like having my house open all the time,” she said. Real & Rosemary is at 1922 29th Ave. S. For more information, go to realandrosemary.com.

low heat. 2. Add garlic, cooking for two minutes while stirring well. 3. Add collard greens, black-eyed peas, water, chicken broth, hot sauce and salt, and bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat and simmer until the peas are tender, about 20 to

25 minutes. 5. Add ham and cook until warmed through. 6. Remove from heat and add pepper, scallions and vinegar. 7. Optional: Serve with skillet cornbread and a glass of cabernet sauvignon.

The Homewood Star

A14 • January 2017

Chamber Children’s CEO speaks at ﬁnal 2016 chamber lunch By SYDNEY CROMWELL As the chamber celebrated its accomplishments in 2016, Children’s of Alabama CEO Mike Warren spoke about some of the ways the hospital serves not only Birmingham, but the entire Southeast. Warren has been with Children’s for nine years, following careers at Alagasco and Energen. When he asked the chamber audience how many had known someone who was a patient at Children’s, a majority of the crowd raised their hands. “Thank you, but I hope you never have to come back,” Warren said. Children’s Hospital was founded in 1911 and moved into its current location four years ago. Warren said the building was given a gold LEED certiﬁcation for energy use recently. There are presently about 380 beds and bassinets in the hospital, along with 5,000 employees treating patients from every Alabama county as well as Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida. Warren said Children’s treats about 15,450 inpatients, 675,000 outpatients, 24,500 surgeries and 71,000 emergency room visits in a year. The surgery staff performs about 400 heart surgeries in a year, and about 110 organ transplants have happened at Children’s since March 2013. One project Warren called attention to is the Impact Fund, which takes community donations to meet exceptional needs “that we otherwise wouldn’t due to budget.” These needs have included a neonatal acute dialysis machine, a surgical microscope, an epilepsy

Children’s of Alabama CEO Mike Warren speaks at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce December luncheon. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

seizure brain monitoring machine, two Berlin heart ventricular assistance devices, a gait lab, a single slice dental CT scan and an airstrip mobile monitor allowing a physician to monitor heart patients in real time from any location. As he described each of these machines and their use, Warren showed pictures of Children’s patients who had beneﬁted from them. One was Jayden, a young child who

was given a Berlin heart machine for four weeks until he could receive a heart transplant. Three weeks after the transplant, Jayden was able to return home. “The bottom line for me is Children’s is a terriﬁc asset for the state and our community, but frankly, it’s an asset I hope you never need,” Warren said. Warren pointed out that about 60 percent of Children’s patients are on Medicaid, a

Preview of

January Luncheon

The January chamber luncheon will be the annual State of the City address. Mayor Scott McBrayer will speak to the chamber and provide an update on the city’s status as it heads into 2017. The city Employee of the Year awards will also be presented. The luncheon will be Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the ballroom at The Club. Visit homewoodchamber.com for more information about luncheon registration and upcoming chamber events.

program he said needs sufficient state funding in order for Children’s to continue to function. Any child, no matter their family’s economic status, can experience a health crisis, and Warren said all Children’s patients benefit from Medicaid because it helps the hospital provide care to every patient even if they don’t personally use Medicaid. “Will we have the resources we need? ... The answer is yes, if we have the Medicaid,” Warren said. As this was the chamber’s annual year in review meeting, several outstanding members of the business community were recognized at the Dec. 13 lunch. These included: ► Ambassador of the Year: Al Wood ► Rising Star: Jennifer Mims of Real and Rosemary ► Business of the Year: Alabama Allergy and Asthma ► Community Patriot Award: Your Pie The 2017 board was officially inducted and two of the four outgoing members, Michael Morgan and Bill Todd, were recognized for their distinguished service to the chamber. Former president Mike Brandt handed off the gavel to new chamber President Mandy Schwarting.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • A15

A Bristlecone Project exhibit on display in New York City. Photo courtesy of David Lisak, Bristlecone Project.

DISPLAY

CONTINUED from page A1 family, Gray looked for ways to build a support network for her sons. That included Boy Scout Troop 97 at Trinity United Methodist Church. “That was our hub and kind of our home away from home,” Lee said. The troop’s assistant scoutmaster was Don Corley, an established member of the community who had been part of the troop for a long time. What no one knew then, however, was Corley used his position to take advantage of some of the boys in his troop, including Lee. At the time, Lee never said anything to his mother or anyone else. There were “layers and layers of reasons” he kept quiet. His mother had recently been divorced and was struggling with supporting the family, so he didn’t want to add to her burdens. Lee said discussing sexuality as a teenager would have been difﬁcult anyway, let alone about something he knew was wrong. “Part of the molestation and part of that relationship is an element of grooming involved and training the child not to tell anyone else,” Lee said. Though he said he is proud of his time in the troop, including becoming an Eagle Scout,

those memories are all tainted by Corley’s presence. He left the state in 1992 to go to college, fully intending to close the door on everything from those years. “I left. I didn’t want to go back, I didn’t want to talk about it. I wanted to lock it up in a little box and never look at it again,” Lee said. Then he got a call from the Homewood Police. Corley had attempted to molest another boy who had told his parents, and an investigation was underway. Lee decided to share his story. From there, Gray said the investigation seemed to grow exponentially as more children willing to talk about their abuse came forward. “We believe the number right now is 43 victims of Don Corley over a 30-year span,” Lee said. Knowing her own son was a victim, however, still leaves feelings of guilt and personal grief for Gray. “I was pretty devastated to think that I had been totally unaware that this had been going on to my child,” Gray said. She wasn’t the only one. Gray said one of the other scoutmasters for Troop 97, who has since passed away, kept saying, “I can’t believe that man fooled me,” for years after the news came out. Many of Corley’s victims wanted to keep

their privacy, but Lee and two others pressed charges. Lee had been reluctant to talk about that part of his life for years, but once he chose to talk to the police, he wanted to see it through. “Once I decided to talk, I got rid of the fear,” Lee said. “I made a commitment to put Don Corley in jail.” Corley pleaded guilty prior to trial and went to jail in November 1995. Gray recalled that “half of Homewood” was at the courthouse for the day of his sentencing. At that point, Lee thought his participation was done. A few years later, when Corley became eligible for parole, his lawyer contacted Lee to ask him not to oppose Corley’s parole petition. But Lee was convinced that his molester should serve his full 30-year term. That led to the creation of 30 is 30, Lee’s campaign to spread awareness about child molestation and Corley’s story in particular. 30 is 30 serves multiple purposes. Lee uses his website to encourage people across the world to write letters to the Alabama parole board in opposition every time Corley has a parole hearing. The next parole hearing is in April, and Lee said he is hoping to send a ﬂood of letters to the parole board. He also keeps in touch with fellow victims and a few of Corley’s family members,

who have wounds of their own after Corley’s actions came to light. Lee said he was surprised, though, by the number of people who reached out to him through 30 is 30 asking for help healing from their own experiences or because they believe their child might have been molested. In many cases, they have no idea what steps to take. “I’ve had so many people reach out to try to ask for help and guidance. It made me realize there’s really no leadership available and accessible on this topic,” Lee said. Lee was contacted by the Bristlecone Project, a part of the 1 in 6 campaign that profiles male victims of sexual abuse and assault, to share his own story. He gave not only his story, but also the idea to set up a display of some of the profiles in Homewood. Since Lee now lives in Atlanta, Gray took the initiative to get the City Council’s approval. They want the Bristlecone Project, which will be on display from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6 at Rosewood Hall, to show other sexual abuse victims that the future can be brighter than the past. “It’s to show victims of molestation not as victims, but as current successes,” Lee said. “People aren’t alone. You’re not doing this yourself. You’re not trapped; you’re not damaged. You can come out of this.” David Lisak, who is one of the Bristlecone Project organizers, said there are about 78 men who have participated so far. The display will include posters of a few of these men and their pictures and stories, as a way to break the stigma of talking about childhood sexual abuse. “They’re pretty gripping,” Lisak said. “It’s a very personal kind of moment between a viewer and the man who’s being depicted on the poster.” One of the profiles on display will be Lee’s story, and he will be making the trip back to Homewood when the display arrives. Lee said the Bristlecone Project display is a chance for Homewood to face an ugly part of its past and show tangible support for molestation victims even if they never come forward. “It’s a ripple effect. It starts with Corley, but then it broadens out. I’m so proud of Jason and what he has done,” Gray said. For more information, go to 30is30.com and bristleconeproject.org.

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The Homewood Star

A16 • January 2017 Eighteenth Street South is one of two major commercial development locations planned for new construction in 2017. Rendering courtesy Michael Mouron.

AHEAD

CONTINUED from page A1 such as demographics and infrastructure, as well as two public involvement meetings in spring and an online survey that received 82 responses. Public response, according to the ﬁnal report package, was mostly positive toward the idea of a bike-share, with some concerns about lack of bicycle-friendly roads in the city and public safety. A demand analysis was also performed, taking into account topography, bike infrastructure and the density of population, retail, recreation and other factors. The analysis showed the most demand for bike-share use likely would be in SoHo, Edgewood and the trailheads of the Shades Creek Greenway. The feasibility study recommends a Homewood system of 200 bikes spread between 20 bike-share stations around the city. These could be added in phases, though the study recommends launching with at least half that number. Bikes can be rented for $6 a day or $75 for an annual membership, with use fees accruing on bike checkouts longer than 30

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

xpect to see construction crews at work on 18th Street and Wildwood shopping center this year, as two significant development projects begin. Hatfield Auto Parts, Wolf Camera and Little Professor Bookstore all sold their 18th Street South properties to Michael Mouron of Capstone Properties in fall 2016. Mouron said in December that he is planning demolition in spring to construct 17,600 square feet of new restaurant and retail space. Hatfield Auto and Little Professor are relocating, and Mouron said the two retail buildings to replace them will take about 14 months of construction. Some highlights of the project include 136 private parking spaces, six tenant spaces, rooftop dining and sidewalks and landscaping to

be completed as part of the city’s 18th Street improvement project. Visit thehomewoodstar.com for more details from Mouron on the development. Across town, Oldacre McDonald is beginning significant renovation work at the Wildwood shopping center. Plans include the construction of two roundabouts, one between Chick-fil-A and Walmart and the other at the Hobby Lobby entrance to the property, and the creation of a road within the parking lot to connect the roundabouts and improve traffic flow. Bill Oldacre said in an August City Council meeting the development firm also plans to construct several new retail spaces: 150,000 square feet of anchor retail space on the west end of the property, located in the city of Birmingham; three smaller buildings constructed on existing

significant costs to be funded by corporate minutes. Zyp Bikeshare representatives have sponsorships or grants. said in previous meetings these use fees can be avoided by docking a bike at a station and However, Thames said there has been interest from Homewood and immediately checking it out again the city of Birmingham before the first 30 minutes to connect bike-share elapse. systems not only The study also noted that the city with each other, but with surrounding could work with a municipalities. nonprofit specifThis has practiically made to cal benefits for administrate the bike-share prometro-area cities, as they can share gram and solicit resources and sponsorships logistics, as well from corporations as work together in to help fund the program. obtaining grants and sponsorships. Initial installation It would also be and start-up costs for beneficial for riders, a full 200-bike system Thames said, not only would cost about to ride between cities $1.35 million, and A bike-share docking station in downtown operational costs are and use docking staBirmingham. Photo courtesy of Zyp Bikeshare. tions anywhere, but projected to range also for commuters. between $200,000 Thames noted that a Homewood resident who and $400,000 per year. The study projects the may drive to work downtown could rent a 200-bike system would generate $600,000 in revenue over the first five years, leaving bike on his lunch break using his Homewood

membership, rather than having a membership in both cities. With that in mind, Thames said he thinks it would be a mistake for Homewood to create its own system without these connections. Thames said he expects to see a regional nonprofit set up in summer 2017 that would help apply for federal grant funding and gauge other cities’ bike-share interest, as well as implement and operate bike-share programs later on. More vendors for bike-share equipment will also become available this year, which could drive some costs down. The next step would be to confirm budget costs for Homewood and make the final decision whether the city will start a bike-share program. Thames said any grant money probably will not be available until 2018, which will affect when the program actually begins, if approved, but the city can continue to plan and look at its options in the meantime. And since Homewood already has completed this feasibility study, it would probably be the first city outside Birmingham to bring its program online. “I think we have a leg up,” Thames said. The full feasibility study is available online at homewoodbikeshare.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • A17

parking spaces; and a retail site replacing the vacant Outback Steakhouse location. The ﬁrm is in talks with national retailers for these new spaces, Oldacre said, as well as existing vacant spots and the Ofﬁce Max, which is planned to close. City Council members have said a Starbucks will be occupying one of the three new freestanding buildings. Other changes include new monument signs, additional lighting, new paint, landscaping and metal awnings to replace the fabric ones. Oldacre McDonald received incentives from both Homewood and Birmingham to offset their development costs. In November, Oldacre said more details would be available soon regarding development progress and plans for the shopping center’s future.

ARTS COUNCIL SCHEDULE

he Homewood Arts Council will establish its 2017 schedule later this month, according to council Chairwoman Diane Litsey. Litsey said the council must work with the city government, including parks and recreation, to set dates for its events because they The Handmade Art Show use city facilities. and Pickin’ in the Park However, they have will come together for the decided the months second time in fall 2017. for their major Photo by Emily Featherston. annual events: ► Gallery Exhibits featuring local history and artists at Rosewood Hall Lobby in March, May and September; ► Jazz in the Park concert with Magic City Smooth Jazz at Central Park in April; ► Pickin’ in the Park and Handmade Art Show at Central Park in October. For more information, ﬁnd the Homewood Arts Council on Facebook or contact Litsey at 2137866 or diane@thedancefoundation.org.

SIDEWALK PROJECTS

omewood has several projects in store for 2017 to make traveling easier for vehicles and pedestrians. The city’s $2 million paving project is set to continue. Building, Engineering and Zoning department employee Greg Cobb said paving will start with the roads that are listed in worst condition by a Volkert Engineering study. Those streets include segments of 28th and 29th Avenue South, 18th Street South, 16th Place, Park Ridge, Barber Court, College Avenue, Wellington Road, Ridge Road, State Farm Parkway, Clermont Drive, Hall Avenue, South Forrest Drive, Columbiana Road, Tamworth Lane, Devon Drive, Brookwood Medical Plaza Drive, Independence Court, Briscoe Road and Shadow Lawn Drive. Each of these segments is under a mile in length. For the 2017 ﬁscal year that started in October, $2.3 million is budgeted for paving projects. It may take longer than one year to complete repaving of this set of streets. Once completed, the city can move on to its streets in better condition and repave, seal cracks and otherwise repair them. This will be a multi-year project to complete the entire city, but Cobb said the new pavement will last about 17 years, depending on use, before a new surface or more repair work is needed. New sidewalks are also on the way, as the city has allocated $437,000 for new construction and $50,000 for repairs. Cobb said the new construction will include Parkridge Drive, Mayfair Drive and parts of Saulter Road, with other projects to be added later. As they repair sidewalks, the city will also be bringing them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Cobb said this takes acquisition. So, the city significant time and will ask for approval expense, as many from Birmingham’s of Homewood’s Metropolitan older sidewalks Planning Organeed signifinization to cant changes swap the two to build road projects. wheelIf the chair-accesMPO agrees sible ramps. to the switch, He hopes to Cobb said get downtown construction area sidewalks on Lakeshore compliant Drive could first, and then begin in spring start from 2017 and Homewood’s wrap up in schools and roughly six work outward Residents study maps of the proposed Lakeshore months. diverging diamond interchange at a public to eventuThe project meeting in August. The Lakeshore project could ally bring is supposed get moved up to 2017 if the city receives approval the entire to improve from the Metropolitan Planning Organization. city into traffic flow Photo by Sydney Cromwell. compliance. by having “To anytraffic tempobody looking at it, it seems like it moves rarily cross to opposite sides of the road at a snail’s pace. It really doesn’t,” Cobb on the bridge over I-65. said. This would include removing the Fellow BEZ employee Vanessa existing southbound ramp for I-65 and McGrath said the city greenway also building a new ramp, creating a single will see progress in 2017. There are still left turn lane from eastbound Lakeshore right-of-way easements to be acquired Parkway to Wildwood Parkway, adding from property owners surrounding the right-in and right-out access at the Wildproposed greenway path. Once those wood shopping center with Walmart easements have been acquired, McGrath and Sam’s Club and adding westbound said the path will take about a year to and eastbound auxiliary lanes between complete, at most. Wildwood Parkway and the southbound “I hope to see it finished by 2018,” she I-65 ramp. said. It’s also possible that a sidewalk would Finally, the city of Homewood will be added to the project and connect to the attempt to move up the Lakeshore greenway. diverging diamond intersection project Despite the large scope of the Laketo 2017. shore project, Cobb said he believes Cobb said the West Oxmoor “turkey it will move quickly once approved foot” intersection project was planned to because it mostly involves working with come first, but it has been delayed with existing infrastructure rather than entirely issues of project cost and right-of-way new construction.

The Homewood Star

A18 • January 2017 HOLLYWOOD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

n November, the City Council revived discussion of pedestrian access to the Hollywood Boulevard bridge over U.S. 280. Mike Kaczorowski of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham presented an option to use an APPLE (Advanced Planning, Programming and Logical Engineering) grant to conduct an engineering and feasibility study of solutions to improve both vehicle and pedestrian use of the bridge. The APPLE Grant, administered by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, will assess existing conditions, rights-of-way and utilities, as well as develop design concepts for the project, up to $60,000. The city requesting the study must pay 20 percent of the cost. “It helps cities feel better about getting a big federal project,” Kaczorowski said. Ward 5 Rep. Jennifer Andress said the Mountain Brook City Council is willing to help with the project and already has approved paying half of the 20 percent fee. This would leave Homewood paying up to $6,000 for the study. Homewood

LICENSE PLATE READERS

is taking the lead in requesting the APPLE grant because Mountain Brook already has other APPLE grant projects in motion. After meeting with ALDOT and former district Rep. David Faulkner, Andress said she thinks the right approach is to treat the bridge as a trafﬁc issue rather than a safety issue. “I think this could be a huge regional success,” Andress said. The scope of the study will extend from Malaga Avenue in Homewood to Mountain Brook Mike Kaczorowski presents APPLE study options Village. Kaczorowski said the for the Hollywood Boulevard drive at a November APPLE study will take nine committee meeting. Photo by Sydney Cromwell. months, so potential solutions could be available by summer. be addressed is working around the cemeKaczorowski said the ﬁrm tery near the bridge. Options for that can that conducts the study can provide also be included in the study. options with and without the use of If the results of the study provide an federal money, in case Homewood and obvious solution that both cities agree Mountain Brook want to use local funds on, Kaczorowski said construction could to move the project more quickly. begin as soon as fall. Andress added that ALDOT may be The full council approved funding the able to provide some funds for construcAPPLE study on Nov. 28. tion as well. One issue that will have to

WEST HOMEWOOD EATERY

estaurateur Giani Respinto is projecting a September 2017 opening of Pizzeria GM, his new restaurant next to Patriot Park. The City Council voted in October to sell its property at 165 Oxmoor Road to Respinto, who opened and operates GianMarco’s in Edgewood. Respinto paid $135,000 for the lot, with some incentives offsetting the cost through ad valorem and business license

cost abatements and 50 percent of sales tax revenue for 10 years. Respinto said at an Oct. 10 meeting that he expects to invest about $600,000 in the property. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant would have New York-style pizza by the pie, with the most expensive item being $15. Other menu items include salads, small plates, sandwiches, desserts and 20 draft beers and six draft wines on tap. The renderings Respinto provided

include two different outdoor seating areas, one speciﬁcally for the bar and one for the remainder of the restaurant, and a games area that would have space for bocce ball, horseshoes and cornhole. There would be 23 off-street parking spaces. Respinto said he expects construction on the site to last about six months before the fall opening. The Homewood Star will continue to cover the development as Pizzeria GM’s construction gets underway.

n late 2016, the Homewood Police Department installed license plate readers on two of its evening shift cruisers. The readers will automatically scan every license plate they encounter while in use, comparing the plates to databases to see if there are matches with reported stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants or any other red flags. “We’re excited to see how it’s going to work for us and what we get from it,” Police Chief Tim Ross said. “We want to use it to our advantage in fighting crime.” Ross said information collected by the readers is stored at the police department for 30 days, accessible only to the officers who use the readers, their supervisor and Ross. This storage gives the police the chance to revisit their data if a later crime has a possible Homewood connection, but Ross said they limited storage due to privacy A license plate reader installed concerns on a Homewood police cruiser. from the City Photo courtesy of Homewood Council. “We Police Department. don’t want to infringe on anyone’s privacy any more than we have to in solving crimes,” he said. Despite those privacy concerns, Ross said, the police department has handled similarly confidential data for many years with discretion. He noted the police have always been able to take down license plate numbers and cross-reference them with criminal databases, but the readers can do it automatically and on a much larger scale. Ross also emphatically said the police department would never sell or share the information

TheHomewoodStar.com they collect through the readers. The two ofﬁcers handling the license plate readers both work the evening shift, from 2:30 to 10:30 p.m. This is the department’s busiest shift, Ross said, which gives it the biggest opportunity to test its new tools. The ofﬁcers were chosen based on past interest and skill in using new technology. Ross said he has seen several other police

January 2017 • A19 departments use these readers, and he expects the practice to become more widespread across the nation. He said it’s possible he’ll ask for additional license plate readers when he puts together his budget requests in the fall for ﬁscal year 2018. First, however, the two readers in use will have to prove they make a real difference in efﬁciency and crime-solving ability.

NEW PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE

iscussion about a new public safety building was revived in 2016, but no concrete steps were taken. This year, Police Chief Tim Ross is confident the plans will move forward. “We know where we’re going. We know what we want already,” he said. Preliminary plans from 2011 lay out a public safety building that will gather the Homewood Police Department from its four buildings under one roof. That will include extra room to grow, training space and separate entrances for the public and officers. “That building is going to answer a lot of whether or not we get what we need to continue to grow,” Ross said. The final layout is still to be determined, including the size of the jail. The department has more than 20 cells, but Ross said there is a trend of declining use. So, the department must decide whether to make a bigger jail to match overall growth in the department, keep the size the same or even choose to contract out jailing services, so they are no longer managed by HPD. Ross said the city also must decide whether to sell, lease or otherwise use the current headquarters at 1833 29th Ave. S. “It’s served us well for 36-plus years. We look forward to being in a new building that will serve us that long, if not longer,” Ross said. Funding to construct the new public safety building will be part of the same $110 million bond the city took out in late 2016 for its

A 2011 rendering of the possible new Homewood public safety building. Image courtesy of CMH Architects.

growth plan for the school system and parks and recreation department. Ross said the 2011 estimate put the cost of the project in the $13 million to $15 million range, but that number has not been updated to reflect its current situation. Ross said he expects to see the plans finalized and perhaps even the first groundbreaking in 2017. If things go smoothly, he said it would be possible that HPD could move into the building in 2018, but a lot of factors will influence the project and could change that timeline. “That’s coming. I’m very confident that in 2017, we’re going to see a lot of progress toward that goal,” Ross said.

PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

ne of the major projects funded Squires has said previously he believes the by the city of Homewood’s pool project would take about 10 months. The recent $110 million bond could West Homewood fields would be completed see progress this year. over about two years, timed so construction Parks and Recreation does not interfere with various Homewood Director Berkley Squires said he hopes to teams’ seasons. begin improvements at West Homewood Extra traffic is a consideration on both and Patriot parks later this year. of these projects, particularly The plan includes removing at West Homewood where West Homewood Park’s youth league teams may pool and reconfiguring eventually compete its existing playing with school traffic fields to make more if Homewood City room for baseball, Schools decides softball and multo relocate tipurpose fields, Homewood as well as tennis High School to courts, batting that property. buildings and a The Patriot Park permanent mainaquatic center will tenance department include additional facility. Two tennis parking around courts and an aquatic the senior center, center, potentially and Squires said in a including a lap pool previous interview and splash pad, would he has asked project be installed at Patriot A proposed aquatic center at Patriot Park. designers to look at Park. additional entry points Rendering courtesy of Harbert International. If the school system on the West Homepursues a proposal wood Park property. to relocated Homewood High School to The two projects are expected to cost city-owned land adjacent to West Homewood about $30-35 million, funded by the city Park, Berkley said the ballfield layout will bond that also will pay for expansion leave room for the high school’s athletic projects at the schools, a new public safety needs. He said there would likely be some building for the Homewood Police Departoverlap in fields used for youth and high ment and, if money is leftover, likely more school teams. street paving work. Squires emphasized construction timelines The city plans to repay its bond with the are still tentative, but he would like to begin introduction of a 1-cent sales tax increase that on the West Homewood fields in summer and was passed in late 2016. the Patriot Park pool in late winter.

The Homewood Star

SECTION

B JANUARY 2017

Community B4 Events B5 School House B8 Sports B9 Calendar B14

23RD ANNIVERSARY HELP US CELEBRATE 23 YEARS OF A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

Homewood residents invited to join school system planning teams

By SYDNEY CROMWELL As students return from winter break, Homewood City Schools is inviting residents to be a part of its strategic planning process. The strategic plan, which the school system completes every five years, is meant to guide every aspect of growth, changes and decision-making for Homewood schools. At the forefront this year is the proposal for expansion of Homewood’s schools, which was first presented to the public in September. The plans provide additional room for students either through construction of a fifth-grade wing and small addition at Homewood Middle School or through additions at all three elementary schools as well as the middle school. The proposal, which was put together by B.L. Harbert International and local architecture firms, includes a model for relocating Homewood High School to a property adjacent to West Homewood Park to provide additional room for growth. It is also possible to make some changes to the existing high school property, though options there are limited by topography. The school system has not officially announced which plan it intends to pursue for all levels of student body growth. In

November, the City Council approved a $110 million bond, paid for with a 1-cent sales tax increase, to fund the school system expansion as well as growth plans for Homewood Parks and Recreation. This expansion will be one of the most significant parts of the strategic planning process, but HCS spokesperson Merrick Wilson said there are many ways for community members to be part of the strategic plan creation. In early January, the district website will have a signup form for the strategic plan “action teams.” Any Homewood resident or HCS employee can view proposed strategies and sign up for a team. The strategies the teams will discuss include instructional formats, learning spaces, financial resources, technology, wellness and professional learning. Wilson said action team members are not required to have a special skill set other than a willingness to meet with their action team regularly. Signups will only be available for a week, and notices will be sent out through the HCS social media and rapid notification system when the forms have been posted online. The final strategic plan will be presented to the Homewood Board of Education at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. Find out more about the action teams at homewood.k12.al.us.

Homewood City Schools is considering relocating Homewood High School to a property adjacent to West Homewood Park. Renderings courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

B2 â&#x20AC;¢ January 2017

The Homewood Star

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • B3

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Dance Trance Tuesday & Thursday 5:45pm-6:45pm Wednesday & Saturday 9:30am-10:30am All Classes at Homewood Community Center – Fitness Studio 2 Dance Trance is a high-cardio, high-energy dance ﬁtness experience that leaves participants soaking wet! It is a non-stop workout that feels more like a party than an exercise class. www.dancetranceﬁtness.com

Young Rembrandts Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses stepby-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.

Blue Line Combatives Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Call or email for additional information: Instructor Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com • 205-296-1250

Belly Dancing with Aziza

360 Personal Trainer Fitness Bootcamp Bootcamp style ﬁtness classes at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/ Fri 5:30am-6:30am Michael Brooks – michaelbrooks360@gmail.com

Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp Join this all women’s bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday – 5:45am-6:45am www.homewoodﬁt.com

North Star Martial Arts North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarkarate.com. 205-966-4244 • masterjoe@northstarkarate.com

Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes Steel City Cheer classes cover all cheerleading & tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning, and tumbling. Grades 4th – 9th & all skill levels welcome. Monday 5:30pm – 6:30pm For more information contact DeeDee: PDEveritt@gmail.com • 901-734-0277

Entourage Line Dance Class

Class Fee: $60 cash only Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net www.azizaofbirmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday: Beginners Tuesday: Intermediates

Saturdays 11:00am-12:30pm Homewood Community Center – Fitness Studio 1 Cost: $7.00 per class Come join us for your alternative to exercise. A Fantastic way to burn calories and have lots of fun while you do it. Contact Michele Bryant Tolliver Dance Instructor - (205) 718-6375

YoLIMBER

Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew

Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. All levels welcome. Thursday 9:30am-10:30am Friday 9:30am-10:30am Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 mac@yolimber.com

Royce Head Personal Training Affordable small group training sessions are available to members in the community center weight room. Each 30 min workout is fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. $25 Per Session (or) 12 Sessions for $250 Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665

Tango Argentino Introductory lessons and guided practice. New students are taught basic Tango technique and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practice and exchange tips to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome. HWCC Fitness Studio 2. 1st & 3rd Wednesday each Month 7:00pm-8:30pm

@homewoodparks

Beginning ballet moves taught as a foundation for many types of dance. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and ﬂexibility while developing listening skills and strengthening muscles. Come try us out, the ﬁrst class is free. January Classes: Thursday 12th & 19th / Monday 23rd & 30th. 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional information call Claire: (205) 879-8780

HomeFit Fitness Consulting

“With personal training starting at $60 per 45-minute session, HomeFit is one of the area’s fastest growing fitness companies, proudly serving Homewood Community Center with Alabama’s elite mobile personal training team. HomeFit will provide you with the personal attention of an insured, nationally certified Fitness Consultant. Contact HomeFit today to experience why they are the ideal option for your busy schedule. Visit www.homefitconsulting.com to learn more.”

Celestial Yoga Relaxation • Meditation • Yoga Body Alignment • Breathing Techniques Homewood Community Center – Fitness Studio 1 Saturdays 1:00pm-2:00pm Instructor: Celeste Smith. 205-862-0371

Homewood Senior Center Seated Exercise Class – Mon,Wed & Fri (10:30am) 45-60 min. Gentle joint movement as warm-up; stretching & strength portions are led with an emphasis on proper breathing; includes 10 min of standing exercises designed to practice balance/weight shifting. Line Dancing “Smart Moves” – Tue & Fri (9:30am) Beginner to Intermediate movement sequences are taught for each song, a sequence is repeated multiple times but facing a different direction with each repetition. Fridays at 9:00am in January – Line Dancing for Absolute Beginners. DanceFit with Galina – Tues 2:00pm; Fun and easy movements to music from various genres. Low to moderate intensity exercise focusing on muscle conditioning, balance, range of motion and flexibility. Review and practice of the Tai Chi the last 15mins of class. Yoga – Wed (1:15 Chair / 1:45 Standing / 2:00 Floor) Yoga class is divided into three segments, participants have the option to participate in as little or as much as they desire. 30 minutes of chair yoga; is followed by 15 minutes of standing yoga and the class concludes with 15 minutes of floor yoga. Programming Idea Meetings – Jan 4th, 9th, & 12th at 1:30pm and Jan 13th at 11:30am. Each meeting is limited to 9 members, so you must sign up for your desired date to reserve a seat. If there is program, project, or trip which you’d like for the Senior Center to offer, this is a great opportunity to voice your preference. Additional Info: aimee.thornton@homewoodal.org Tai Chi – Thurs 2:00pm: Very slow movement sequences repeated multiple times. Weight shifting and directional changes are executed through slow transition. Gentle on the joints and safer than dance for persons with equilibrium challenges. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. Swing Era Jazz Band: “The Usual Suspects” – 1st Thursday, 5:007:20pm – you are invited to come listen – or even get up and dance – during their rehearsals. They are a 10 piece band that includes 7 musicians and 3 vocalists. Art Class – Tuesday, 1:00pm-3:00pm – Class will include beginners as well as people who want to refresh their skills for drawing or painting. For those who do not draw, there will be non-juvenile coloring pages available. Bring your own supplies. Instructors, Johnie & Melvine Sentell, have extensive teaching experience in various settings and are excited to offer these classes at Homewood Senior Center.

Athletics Homewood Soccer Club Homewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program. Levels of Play: Patriot for ages U-4 through U-8; Red Teams for recreational players U-9 and up; White Teams for recreation plus ages U-9 thru U-11; and Blue Team competitive teams for ages U-11 thru U-18. Additional information about all levels of play, including deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available at www.HomewoodSoccer.com , or call The Soccer Oﬃce at 205-874-9182.

Homewood Girls Softball Games are played during the months of March thru May with All-star play in the month of June. Registration Begins in January Additional information available at: www.homewoodparks.com Alissa Brock – 332-6715 (or) alissa.thurmond@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

www.Homewoodparks.com

The Homewood Star

B4 • January 2017

Community Joy League set to begin 60th consecutive season Joy League Baseball in Homewood begins registering boys and girls for its 60th consecutive season of daytime baseball on Saturday, Feb. 4. Registration continues each Saturday in February from 9 a.m. until noon at Edgewood Elementary School, 901 College Ave. League games, which are played Saturday mornings, will begin March 25 and end June 24, followed with a family watermelon picnic. Boys and girls ages 4-12 are eligible to play. Each team practices one hour a week. Cost per player is only $30. Now serving its third generation of players, the Joy League had an

interesting beginning. Several boys ages 10-12, including a son of Joy League founder John J. Smith Sr., tried out for area youth baseball teams. Many of them did not get on a team. However, they still wanted to learn how to play baseball. So, in the spring of 1958, Smith rounded up 67 of these boys, and the league was established. Smith visited ﬁre stations and police precincts in the area to recruit volunteer coaches, one of whom was then-Homewood Fire Chief Howard Fields. “Mr. Smith said many times that there are no benchwarmers in the Joy League,” league Commissioner Perry Akins said. “That’s still true today. From

the beginning, Joy League assured, and still assures, that every player plays in every game, and there are no tryouts.” Smith, an attorney who lived in Homewood, died in 2008 at the age of 96. There are four divisions — Bucs, Cards, Sox and Yanks — consisting of 16 teams. A total of 178 youth played last year. They are coached by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. All games are played at Edgewood Elementary School. Two former Joy League coaches, Perry Akins and Ted Hagler, currently serve as commissioners of the league. – Submitted by Bill Hutto.

The Bucs, above, are one of four Joy League Baseball teams in Homewood. Photo courtesy of Bill Hutto.

Birmingham Swim League swimmers score big at local, state meets During the past two months, Birmingham Swim League swimmers have performed in three meets. In September, BSL hosted its Sprint Into Fall meet at the CrossPlex; in October, they traveled to Mobile for the Vance Rose Invitational; and in early November, they hosted the Speedo Cranberry Classic Invitational at the CrossPlex. Each meet at the CrossPlex included more than 600 swimmers and featured teams from Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The meet in Mobile featured almost 400 swimmers and included teams from Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Even with well over 1,000 swimmers coming from all over the Southeast, BSL performed impressively from top to bottom. Homewood resident Jakob Icimsoy, 16, led

BSL with nine individual wins, while fellow resident Birch Ely, 16, ﬁnished with three individual wins. Wells Ely, 11, Lily Blish, 12, and Isabel Blish, 15, helped to contribute to team

scoring by ﬁnishing in the top eight of several events. Vestavia residents bolstered BSL’s point totals with Adeline Carroll, 13, Jake Casey, 17, Rachel Morris, 15, Chris Rubin, 15, and John Shields, 18, placing in the top eight over several events each. Mountain Brook residents Lauren Crabtree, 16, and James Hoyt, 18, combined to win four individual events, including the Girls 50 Fly and Boys 25 Free, respectively. Several Hoover residents impacted the team point totals. Erica Han, 14, Dana Mays, 13, Nicole Smith, 17, and Ariana Zamani, 13, combined to win 10 individual events. Fellow Hoover swimmers Caron Muir, 11, Abby Williamson, 15, and Justin Zhang, 16, also contributed points to the BSL total.

To top off the impressive run, BSL swimmers have combined to qualify in 31 events for the 2017 Short Course Southeastern Championship. John Nicholson, 9, leads the team with ﬁve new qualifying events, followed closely by Dana Mays, 13, with four new qualifying events. The championship meet will be conducted in February at Auburn University. In December, BSL split between several meets, with the 12 & Unders swimming at the Santa Splash at the CrossPlex; 13 & Overs competing in Nashville; and a few select qualiﬁers competing at USA Swimming’s Winter Junior National Championship in Columbus, Ohio. For more information on BSL or to join the team, visit BirminghamSwimLeague.org or email the coaches at Swim4BSL@gmail.com. – Submitted by Angela Morris.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • B5

Events Runners will take over SoHo Square on Jan. 21 to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House at Children’s of Alabama. Photo courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.

Red Shoe Run aims to raise $60K for Ronald McDonald House By EMILY FEATHERSTON For those looking to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, Ronald McDonald House Charities hopes to provide a day of exercise and fun, all while helping families. The 2017 Red Shoe Run on Jan. 21 will feature three races: a 10-mile run, a 5K run and a 1-mile fun run or walk. The races will begin at SoHo Square and wind their way through downtown Homewood. In addition to those who want to get out and get moving, this year the Red Shoe Run also will feature a “Red Shoe Snoozer” category, which allows a participant to donate to the cause from the comfort of their couch and act as a “virtual runner” in the event. Katie Hannah, special events coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, said the last 0.1 mile of the track will be highlighted for runners to understand exactly how close the Ronald McDonald House is able to keep families to pediatric patients at

Children’s of Alabama. “We are excited to provide a visual for our runners to see just how close they’re keeping families by supporting our mission,” Hannah said. This year, the Alabama chapter hopes to raise $60,000 through the event, with all of the funds staying at the local house. Participants are encouraged to raise $250, and the participant who raises the most money will be recognized with a special award. Additionally, teams can win awards for being the largest team, raising the most funds as a team or being the team with the most spirit the day of the event. Hannah also said this year’s event features special Team Ambassadors, who are children and families directly affected by RMHC’s work. Participants can register online until Jan. 17, as well as on race day. For more pricing information or to register, go to redshoerun-bham.org.

The Salamander Festival will include more slimy, swimming and crawling inhabitants of Homewood. Photo by Patty Bradley.

Crafts, music, creative learning among highlights of Jan. 28 Salamander Festival By GRACE THORNTON The salamanders will be there — will you? The upcoming Salamander Festival is set for Jan. 28 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Homewood Senior Center. “We will have real salamanders that kids can see and touch,” said Michelle Blackwood of Friends of Shades Creek. “We will also have some other animals like ﬁsh, frogs and turtles that come from Shades Creek.” The day will also feature music, activities and creative learning for kids and adults alike. Biologists will be on hand to answer questions, and The Herb Trotman Band will play again this year. “We’ll have free crafts for the kids, and there will also be dancing,” Blackwood said.

“We’ll also have people talk about our rivers and streams and what lives in them and how to protect our watersheds. It’s so important to protect that wildlife and their habitat. There are a lot of things that they do for us that we don’t even appreciate, and they do it for free.” Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Cahaba River Society will also have displays, and at 4 p.m., a storyteller will tell a tale about salamanders. The only cost at the event is a $1 charge for a plate of food at the chocolate fountain. Before the start of the festival, there will be a guided nature hike around the park at 2 p.m. at the door of the Senior Center. The Homewood Senior Center is at 816 Oak Grove Road. For more information, go to shadescreek.org.

The Homewood Star

B6 • January 2017

Church provides gallery space for emerging artists By EMILY FEATHERSTON Tucked in the administrative hallway of Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a small, quiet room that houses something unexpected: a working art gallery. The Joy Gallery was created in 2012 and showcases the work of local emerging and established artists who need a place to display and sell their work. Like most traditional art galleries, the Joy Gallery holds shows for a particular artist or couple of artists at a time, even holding openings for the exhibits. Curator Tom Dameron, a longtime Homewood resident and member of the church, said the idea for the gallery came after the Great Recession, when many of the galleries that held the works of lesser-known artists were forced to close. Dameron is an artist himself, who said he usually works in drawing and etching, and whose work portfolio is also on display at the gallery. He said the Joy Gallery was designed to allow local artists a place to exhibit their work while also educating church and community members about culture and art. “The art brings people together,” he said, adding he’s found the artists enjoy being a part of the process. The artists show their pieces for a month at a time, with the gallery open during the week, during church service times and by appointment. The proceeds of the art sales go directly back to the local artists, who are only asked to pay a 10 percent donation to the church, which keeps the gallery funded. “We wanted to make this as stress-free as possible,” Dameron said. He and fellow curator Maud Coirier-Belser, who is also an accomplished artist, do everything from hanging the pieces in the gallery to getting snacks for the openings. Artists also are asked to donate a piece after the show closes. The hall the Joy Gallery sits in is lined with pieces from the ﬁrst show in 2012 to the most recent.

The Joy Gallery at Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian Church showcases the work of local artists in one-month installments and is open to the public for viewing and to purchase works. Photo by Emily Featherston.

Pastor Derek Jacks said he has been supportive of the gallery since the idea originated, as he thinks it fulﬁlls the church’s ultimate goals by reaching out to both artists and those interested in art. “We want to encourage artists,” Jacks said. “We want to let them know that they are appreciated in the church. At least in our church.” Jacks said he thinks artists often feel alienated by religion, and that churches are often afraid of creativity, but that art and the Gospel

go hand in hand. “When you can do what you feel gifted to do, that’s a blessing in and of itself,” he said. Dameron agreed, and said part of the reason they wanted to form the gallery in the ﬁrst place was to validate creative expression within the church. “Maud and I ﬁrmly believe that having the gift to be an artist comes from God,” he said, “so therefore what better place to share art and culture than a church.”

The January showcase will feature the work of Jamison Harper and will run from Jan. 8 to Jan. 29. The opening reception will be Jan. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Homewood Cumberland Presbyterian church is at 513 Columbiana Road. The gallery is usually open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and during church service times. The art can also be seen by appointment by contacting Dameron at 942-3051. For more information, go to thejoygallery.org.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • B7

This year will be the 30th Annual Pioneer Classic tournament. Photo courtesy of the Lakeshore Foundation.

Pioneer Classic, Demolition Derby return to Lakeshore Foundation

By GRACE THORNTON It’s been recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious wheelchair basketball tournaments in the nation, and it’s open to the public — and free. And so is its rugby counterpart. Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood will host the 30th Annual Pioneer Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Jan. 13-15, then follow it up with the Demolition Derby Wheelchair Rugby Tournament Feb. 3-5. For the Pioneer Classic, the foundation’s adult and youth basketball teams will compete against 15 teams from across the country — more than 150 athletes in total going for Division I and Division II/III titles. The long-held tradition was started in 1987 by Jo Fowler and other members

of the Pioneer telephone company’s community service organization, the Pioneers, when they raised the money to hold Lakeshore Foundation’s ﬁrst wheelchair basketball invitational. And for the Demolition Derby rugby tournament, host team Lakeshore Demolition, one of the nation’s premier wheelchair rugby programs, will welcome 10 of the country’s best Division I and II teams. The tournament falls midway through the season for quad rugby, one of the fastest-growing wheelchair sports in the world, and teams will compete for three days in this 20th annual derby. Because of where it stands in the season, the tournament will serve as an indicator of the top teams and who will be competing for the U.S. Quad Rugby Association national title. For more information, go to lakeshore.org.

Runners ring in the New Year at the Resolution Run. Photo courtesy of Red Mountain Park.

Resolution Run kicks off healthy New Year By GRACE THORNTON Birmingham’s trails are begging for you to ﬁnish out the year in the outdoors, according to Monica Romano of Red Mountain Park. “Say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017 with a fun, healthy way to get out of the house,” she said of this year’s Resolution Run, set for Dec. 31 at Red Mountain Park. Four distances are available — a 20K race that will start at 7:30 a.m. and a 1-mile, 5K and 10K that will all begin at 8 a.m. Each costs $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the run. The cost includes a T-shirt, and all proceeds go to beneﬁt Red Mountain Park. Check-in for both advance and

same-day registration will begin at 7 a.m. The race will also contain a scavenger hunt with “great prizes” for those who find the items along the way, Romano said. “It will be items that are easy to carry along each of the race routes, and it’s not always the fast folks who are paying attention to finding them,” she said. But top finishers will receive prizes as well, she said. And there will be food and fun — vendors will be on site, ready to help race participants ring in the New Year. An interactive photo booth will also be available. For more information or to register, visit redmountainpark.org/resolutionrun. The Resolution Run is a rain-or-shine event.

The Homewood Star

B8 • January 2017

School House Edgewood Turkey Trot 2016 It was another great turnout for the 16th annual Edgewood Turkey Trot. More than 500 students ran in the annual fun run. The Turkey Trot is just one of 25.2 miles that Edgewood students will run in preparation for the Kids Mercedes Marathon in February. Homewood City Schools thanks Dr. Felicia Noerager for being this year’s event coordinator. She and many wonderful volunteers made this year’s race one of the best yet. Also, thanks to the HMS and HHS student-athletes who were there running with the kids, passing out key chains at the ﬁnish line, and helping in any way they could.

The kindergarten and ﬁrst-grade boy winners were Daniel Dobbins, Bennett Smith and Luke Gillis. The girls were Reagan Gray, Emmy Mitchell and Emma Claire Wells. The second- and third-grade boy winners were Daniel Vinson, Austin Nix and Josiah Batson. The girls were Jane Fowlkes, Vivy Mooney and Lexie Fowlkes. The fourth- and ﬁfth-grade boy winners were Harris Fowlkes, Will Meyers and Turner Gray. The girls were Sarah Kemper, Camille Reidinger and Eva White. – Submitted by Merrick Wilson.

Winners of the 16th annual Edgewood Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy of Merrick Wilson.

Middle school’s Trendsetters write supportive notes for police ofﬁcers

Photos courtesy of Andrea McCormack.

The Homewood Middle School Trendsetters club helps students become leaders in the community by supporting school events and participating in community service projects. The club met Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Homewood Police Department to deliver thank you cards from club members. They wanted to give thanks for the hard work the police department provides. – Submitted by Andrea McCormack.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • B9

Sports

BACK FOR MORE By KYLE PARMLEY Luke Touliatos’ first encounter with the Homewood High School boys basketball team was awkward, but the journey has only gotten better since. Following his freshman year of high school at the Westminster School at Oak Mountain, Touliatos moved to Homewood. He remembers his first encounter with his new teammates well. During the summer of 2014, Touliatos showed up for his first team practice. “I was already kind of nervous, and when I walked in, they were all kind of circled up,” Touliatos said. “I walked in decked out to play, and I come over there, and [coach Tim Shepler] introduces me.” However, Touliatos didn’t get to practice with the team that day. He was sent to the junior varsity gym for the day. “It was a little awkward,” he said. He eventually played the season on the varsity level at Homewood, and made more of an impact as the season wore on, particularly at the end of the year. “He had a couple big shots in the area tournament, so we knew he was going to be a contributor [going forward],” Shepler said. There was a gaping hole in Touliatos’ overall game that had to be patched before he was able to reach his potential: his ability to defend. “Luke’s a very talented offensive player,” Shepler said. “On the defensive side, he’s gotten better since he’s been here. He just has a knack for really making plays in games and doing that at clutch times.” Shepler’s defensive principle of emphasizing “help” defense was a new concept to Touliatos, but learning that was not the main reason he struggled. Once he began to put together a full effort on both sides of the floor, the tables began to turn. “I could score, but I couldn’t stay on the floor long enough to do a whole lot, because my defense was just not there at all,” Touliatos said. Heading into last season, the Patriots sat in a great position. With nine seniors and emerging stars in Touliatos and big man

Luke Touliatos led Homewood in scoring last season on the way to the program’s ﬁrst Class 6A basketball championship. Touliatos has ﬁt in well at Homewood, despite transferring in just two years ago. Photos by Kyle Parmley.

Trey Jemison, Homewood was primed for a big season. “I thought we had a great chance,” Touliatos said. “We lost Malik [Cook]… but we felt like we had a great chance to prove ourselves.” He was proven right, as he led the Patriots in scoring on the way to the Class 6A state championship, the ﬁrst under Tim Shepler in 20 years at Homewood and the ﬁrst in program history. Touliatos scored 14.3 points per game, as well as three rebounds and a pair of assists per contest. Touliatos has become a serviceable defender, and Shepler said he will have to rebound more this season as the Patriots carve out new roles for players after graduating those nine seniors.

Homewood leading scorer not content with last year’s state championship But Shepler wants Touliatos to become more of a leader in his final year at Homewood, following the dearth in that department with the mass exodus of graduates. “Luke didn’t have to worry so much last year about leading. He just was a scorer and did what he did. A lot of the seniors established the culture and the focus of our team,” Shepler said. Touliatos and Jemison will be the de facto leaders for Homewood all season, but Shepler said he believes that is a skill to be developed. The best players are not always the best leaders in his mind. “Being a good player doesn’t mean that someone’s always a good leader,” Shepler said. “We just talked to [Touliatos] about doing things that would help our team kind of develop the experience and maturity to make a run here.” Touliatos began recognizing the need and showing some of that leadership, speaking up when he notices an issue that requires addressing. In one of the first practices of the fall, he noticed his team not doing a drill at maximum effort. “Our guys weren’t making the sprints,” he said. “I felt like we were capable, but we just weren’t hustling as a team. I kind of felt this sense where everyone was content with that.” His message to the team was that the 2017 season is a fresh one, and that none of the benefits that comes from winning a state championship transfer to on-the-court accolades the following season. “You’ve got to have that mindset to go get your own [ring] this year,” he said. The Patriots still have talent. Touliatos went so far to say this year’s unit might be more talented than last year’s. But the 2016 Homewood team featured a potent chemistry, something that this team is still working to acquire. “You’ve got to like each other, and I think we all like each other,” he said. “We got to win a couple close games, maybe, and figure out how to do that. That was one thing last year’s team really knew how to do, was win those close games.” As far as personal goals, Touliatos aims to be better than he was last year. If he can do that, he hopes the opportunity for a college scholarship will present itself. “Why not just shoot for better than what you did last year?” he said.

The Homewood Star

B10 • January 2017

Homewood High School senior Caroline Lawrence clears the bar during a practice session Dec. 1 at Waldrop Stadium. Lawrence is the state’s top-ranked high jumper. Photo by Sam Chandler.

Jumping TO HER dreams HHS high jumper Caroline Lawrence excels on and off the track

By SAM CHANDLER

aroline Lawrence is the type of athlete coaches dream about. Well, at least that’s what Homewood High School head track and field coach Tom Esslinger said. Esslinger, now in his 12th year at Homewood, said Lawrence possesses a rare blend of drive and dedication that permeates all aspects of her life, in athletics or otherwise. “Not only is she a great athlete, but she’s also just a great person, takes care of academics, is involved in the community and is nice to everyone,” Esslinger said. “She is really just representative of what we want our program to represent overall.” Given her status as the state’s top female high jumper, Lawrence, a senior, is one of Homewood’s most recognizable ambassadors at track and field meets. This indoor season, she already has set a new personal best — with a clearance of 5 feet, 7 inches — that broke the facility record at the Birmingham CrossPlex, which has hosted nearly every indoor competition in Alabama since 2012. But Lawrence’s excellence, as Esslinger alluded to, extends beyond the track. She’s found success in nearly every endeavor.

WELL-ROUNDED STUDENT

When Lawrence isn’t jumping — or running or lifting — chances are she can be found with her nose in a book, studying and writing as she motors through her final year of high school. Lawrence has maintained a stellar 4.2 GPA throughout her time at Homewood High. She also scored a 31 on the ACT college entrance exam. “She’s concentrated on her study. Just like when she’s out here, she’s focused 100 percent on practice and getting better,” said Lawrence’s high jump coach, Deanna Swope, following an afternoon practice at Waldrop Stadium. “Every minute she fills up.” She certainly appears to. In addition to juggling academics and athletics, Lawrence is a student government representative and vice president of Key Club. She’s also actively involved at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. “It can get pretty busy,” Lawrence said, “but I like it. I like doing everything.”

Her diligence hasn’t gone unnoticed. This fall, she was recognized as Homewood’s recipient of the Wendy’s High School Heisman award. The accolade, according to its official website, recognizes student-athletes “who believe that good enough is never really good enough.” “It was a great feeling, and I was so thankful to my community and school for giving me that opportunity,” Lawrence said. “It was another dream come true.” According to Lawrence, she fulfilled her first dream last indoor track season.

TOPFLIGHT ATHLETE

Since she started competing in seventh grade, Lawrence has proved to be an above average high jumper. In her first season, she cleared a bar that stood 4-10 — a notable accomplishment for an athlete who at the time was only about 7 inches taller. Over the next three years, Lawrence increased her personal-best jump by 4 inches. Five times she scored points at the state track and field meet. But amid all her success, Lawrence said something was still missing. She found it last fall, just in time for the 2015-2016 indoor season. “It just clicked one day, like everything I had been doing,” Lawrence said. “I had always been jumping high, but I never really had the form for it. It just clicked.” The addition of a refined jumping form to Lawrence’s already potent combination of natural athleticism — she used to play basketball and volleyball — and ideal build — she’s now 5-9 — transformed the then-junior into an unstoppable force last school year. “A lot of it is muscle memory, just like getting it down and getting the hang of it,” Lawrence said of her form. “But when I’m in the air, I’m thinking about getting my head back to create more space between my hips and the bar to get over and clear it.” Rarely beaten, Lawrence added 4 inches to her personal-best height during the indoor and outdoor seasons. First, she improved from 5-2 to 5-4. That’s the height at which she made her original dream come true. At February’s state indoor championships, Lawrence cleared the 5-4 bar to capture her first individual state title. She beat the runner-up finisher by 2 inches. “I never even thought I could do it,” she said. “It was a

dream come true, honestly.” But Lawrence didn’t settle there. Two months later — at the state outdoor meet — she leaped over a 5-6 bar to claim her second title. Esslinger said Lawrence’s breakout campaign, which also included an All-State finish in Caroline Lawrence heptathlon and a leg on the Patriots’ state champion mile relay, surpassed his own expectations. As a sophomore, Lawrence had battled a pair of stress fractures in her left foot. The injury had limited her ability to jump. “You could just kind of tell she had that special drive, special determination to overcome anything that kind of got in her way,” Esslinger said. “And she really did it.”

MORE DREAMS TO CHASE

A lifelong Auburn fan, Lawrence already has made her college decision. In the fall, she’ll join the Tigers track and field program and begin working toward a degree in nursing. “My heart’s just always been at Auburn,” said Lawrence, whose parents and siblings all attended the university. “I love it there.” But until then, Lawrence will look to defend her state medals and help Homewood chase a state title. The Patriots have placed second the past four indoor seasons. Lawrence will play a key role if the team is to stump the streak. In addition to high jumping, she will compete in the horizontal jumps, sprints and hurdles. More dreams, it seems, could be on the brink of fulfillment. Any obstacles Lawrence encounters along the way are bars merely waiting to be cleared. “She’s just a great example of hard work, and what you can do when you work hard and use your talents that you’ve been given,” Swope said.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 • B11

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The Homewood Star

B12 • January 2017

Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

Cleaning up closets and words more than ever we all need to hear words of encouragement and You’ve heard me say this here before: I don’t like to make peace. New Year’s resolutions. Some may use the “name it, claim it” Months ago, Kate came home from school saying someone mentality of “If I say my goal is to exercise for an hour every day, then I will do it,” but I don’t buy it. I can tell myself I’ll on the playground had called her a name and made her feel bad. take 20 minutes a day to tackle the closets in my house, but that We talked about how she felt and why kids sometimes say mean doesn’t mean it’ll actually happen. And a little reminder taped things. I told her one thing she could do was to turn around and to my bathroom mirror probably won’t make me do it either. make someone else feel included. When a Bible verse is quoted so much it has a name, like “The Golden Rule,” it can sound trite, but I have friends who’ve done this fancy Japanese decluttering system. I think it has something to do with removing everything I’ve been using this one lately with Kate and Sela. I think the idea from your house that doesn’t give you joy. I’ve heard people of treating other people the way they want to be treated makes say after the decluttering process, they were able to lose weight, sense to kids. And the way we treat people — whether child or Denton get along better with their spouses (or realize they wanted to adult — often starts with the words we use. As is usually the case, when I’m working to teach something to my daughdivorce them) and increase sales at work. All from cleaning out your house? I understand that my closets are a probters, I’m teaching it to myself, too. I’m a pro at overreacting, and I always lem — we have things on the top shelves that I stuck there 11 years ago when cringe when I say things in front of them that I wouldn’t have said if I’d we moved into the house, intending to get to it at a later time, but never did. given myself a second to think first. When things get hairy at home — they’re I don’t even know what those things are, just that they’re up there, waiting arguing; I burn dinner; someone knocks over the basket of folded clothes — for me to find them and throw them out! But I don’t think cleaning them out I find that if I can speak calmly and quietly, fires go out a lot quicker than if I overreact or get angry. Using those gentle, quiet words gets the girls’ is going to turn my life around and make everything perfect. Even thinking about those closets makes me feel jittery, so I just pretend attention and honestly, it calms my spirit, too. And trust me, the house works I’m Scarlett O’Hara and say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Instead, I’m a lot better if Mama’s spirit is calm. working on words — the ones I use and how I teach the girls about the One of these days — hopefully soon — I will tackle our closets. Maybe ones they use. I’ve been trying to remind them of how we have the power it’ll change my life; maybe it won’t. But I have a feeling that changing the to encourage people and build them up by choosing our words carefully. words we use in our house and in our life will go further toward spreading The Bible talks about using a bit in the mouth of a horse to turn the whole peace and joy than tackling those dust bunnies and mysterious boxes filling animal and using small rudders to steer large ships. “Likewise, the tongue is a the top shelves of our closets. small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest I’d love to connect! You can email me at Lauren@LaurenKDenton.com, is set on fire by a small spark.” If our words are like sparks, we can choose visit my website LaurenKDenton.com, or find me on Instagram @LaurenKwhether to start a fire with our words — sowing arguments, anger, jealousy, DentonBooks, on Twitter @LaurenKDenton, or on Facebook. My first novel, hurt — or we can use our words to sow peace and harmony and understandTHE HIDEAWAY, releases April 11, 2017, and is available for pre-order ing. In this new year with so much political change and uncertainty ahead, from Amazon.

TheHomewoodStar.com

January 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ B13

Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

769649

35209

300 Crest Drive

New

$389,900

769650

35209

721 Crest Lane

New

$357,500

769555

35209

815 Columbiana Road

New

$389,900

769482

35209

307 St Charles Street

New

$480,000

769204

35209

1148 Hardwick Lane

New

$366,000

769148

35209

116 Edgemont Drive

New

$268,000

769146

35209

818 College Avenue

New

$399,900

769113

35209

1064 Sherbrooke Drive

New

$194,900

769100

35209

108 Raleigh Avenue

New

$210,000

769094

35209

207 Windsor Drive

New

$499,900

769662

35209

111 Hanover Drive

New

$349,500

769084

35209

1617 Beckham Drive

New

$199,780

769081

35209

11 Ventura Avenue

New

$850,000

768954

35209

2529 Mamie L Foster Place

New

$183,500

768953

35209

405 Yorkshire Drive

New

$450,000

768932

35209

417 Hambaugh Avenue

New

$419,900

768640

35209

1504 Primrose Place

New

$474,000

768591

35209

311 Edgewood Boulevard

New

$579,500

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Dec. 19. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

300 Crest Drive

111 Hanover Drive

The Homewood Star

B14 • January 2017

Calendar Homewood Events Jan. 5: Samford vs. Furman Men’s Basketball. 7 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under free. Visit samfordsports.com.

Jan. 14: Daily Painting with Amy Collins. 10 a.m.4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. $95. Supplies needed, lunch provided. Visit forstallart.com.

Jan. 11: Samford vs. Mercer Men’s Basketball. 7 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under free. Visit samfordsports.com.

Jan. 19-22: Birmingham Boat Show. BJCC Exhibition Halls. Thursday-Friday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Visit birminghamboatshow.com.

Jan. 13-15: Pioneer Classic Basketball Tournament. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Lakeshore Foundation. Wheelchair basketball tournament. Free admission. Visit lakeshore.org.

Jan. 19-22: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Out of This World. 7 p.m. Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. BJCC Legacy

Arena. Tickets start at $15. Visit ringling.com. Jan. 20-22: 3 Decembers. RMTC Cabaret Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Presented by Opera Birmingham. Tickets $35-$50, students $10. Visit operabirmingham.org. Jan. 21: Red Shoe Run. 7:30 a.m. Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square. Registration $20-$45. Visit redshoerun-bham.com. Jan. 23: Kevin Wilson Signing Perfect Little World. 5 p.m. Alabama Booksmith Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

Jan. 25: Samford University Men’s Basketball vs. ETSU. 7 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15. Visit samfordsports.com. Jan. 28: Mixed Media with James Knowles. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. $95. Supplies needed, lunch provided. Visit forstallart.com. Jan. 29: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School Open House. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. 1720 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. For information, call the school ofﬁce at 879-3237 or visit olsschool.com.

Homewood Public Library Events Children Mondays, Jan. 9, 23 & 30: Preschool Playtime. 10 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. For ages 3 and under. Tuesdays: Wee Ones Storytime. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. For ages 24 months and younger. Wednesdays: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. Music and storytime for all ages. Thursdays: Storyday with Nay Nay. 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Storytime for ages 3 and under. Jan. 4: Reading Buddies. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Practice your reading aloud skills each month on a different group of people (or animals). Online registration is required. K-3rd grade. Jan. 6 & 20: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m. in the

Round Auditorium. Energetic movement class designed speciﬁcally for children ages 2½ to 4 years. Online registration required. Jan. 6: TGIF BINGO. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Jan. 7: Spanish Enrichment Program. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. For 3rd-5th graders. Registration required. Jan. 9: STEMologist Club. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. K-5th grade. Jan. 9: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. For preschool-12th grade. Registration required. For ages 10 and up. Jan. 10: Tween Trivia Night. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. For 3rd grade and up. Use your knowledge of TV shows, movies and books to win

prizes. Jan. 11: Homeschool Hour Jr. Goes to Outer Space. 1:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Ages 10 and up. Jan. 12: iTween: Learn to Sew. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Learn the basics of sewing. Online Registration is required. Open to 4th-7th graders. Jan. 13: Move & Groove Storytime. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. An interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance, yoga and fun. Jan. 14: Baby & Me Storytime. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Educational and engaging storytime filled with songs, fingerplays and short stories. For babies up to 12 months.

Jan. 17: Paper Bag Book Club. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Discussing mystery/adventure books. Jan. 17: The Art of Fencing. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Join the Birmingham Fencing Club as they present a demonstration and explain what fencing is all about. Jan. 18: Kids in the Kitchen: Winter Treats. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Test culinary skills and learn some great techniques for making holiday inspired treats. K-5th grade. Jan. 19: Homeschool Hour: Virtual-Reality. 1:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Enabling Technology Lab demonstrates their coolest scientiﬁc software and equipment, including virtual-reality headsets. Registration required. For ages 10 years old and up.

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TheHomewoodStar.com Jan. 19: Throwback Thursday Family Night. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Music, crafts and fun. Jan. 20: Kid Coderz. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. One-hour coding class for grades 3rd6th will introduce coding basics. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop. Registration required. Jan. 21: Unicorn Party. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Jan. 23: LEGO Club. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Join us for an exciting new building challenge each month. K-5th grade. Jan. 28: OWOL Celebrates the Year of the Rooster. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rooster with fun crafts and activities. For 3rd-6th grades. Jan. 30: Sensory Storytime. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. This monthly all ages storytime will introduce stories and songs in a variety of engaging ways in a sensory friendly atmosphere. Teens Jan. 3: Teen Anime Club. 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Love manga or anything Japanese related? Come to the Teen Anime Club as we discuss and watch anime. Jan. 7: Color & Coffee. 12 p.m.–2 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Come relax and color your stress away. Jan. 9 & 23: Animal Allies. 4 p.m. in the Library Boardroom. Raising the community’s awareness on animal-welfare issues. Jan. 9: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Monthly chess tournament where you will learn strategy and fun in equal measure. Tuesdays, January 10–31: American Sign Language (ASL) Classes. 4 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). An interpreter from the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind will instruct teens on the basics of ASL during this monthlong series. Participants must attend all four sessions. Registration required. January 10 & 31: Girls Who Code. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Empowering girls grades 6-12 who are interested in the computer science field. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops. Jan. 10: Tween Trivia Night. 6:30 p.m. For 8th graders and under. Use your knowledge of TV shows, movies and books to win prizes. Jan. 12: Tween: Learn to Sew. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Learn the basics of sewing. Registration required. Open to 4th–7th graders. Jan. 17: The Art of Fencing. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Join the Birmingham Fencing Club as they present a demonstration and explain what fencing is all about. Jan. 18: Teen Anime Club. 4 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Love manga or anything Japanese related? Join the Teen Anime Club as we discuss and watch anime. Jan. 19: Homeschool Hour: Virtual-Reality. 1:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. UAB’s Enabling Technology Lab demonstrates their coolest scientific software and equipment, including virtual-reality headsets. Registration required. For ages 10 and up. Jan. 24: LibraryFlix: Juno. 3:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Adults Tuesdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Jump Start Your Job Search with Andrea Wilson Woods. 7:30 p.m. in Room 106 (Lower Level). January 3: How to Hunt for a Job, by looking in all the right places. January 10 - Writing Killer Resumes. January 17 - How to Ace Your Next Job Interview. January 24 - How to Create an All-Star LinkedIn Profile. January 31 - Cleaning Up Your Internet Footprint. Jan. 5: Let’s Dish Cookbook Club: Healthy Favorites. 6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. Talk, tempt and taste during this new book club discussion group that’s all about food! To participate, prepare a recipe

January 2017 • B15 around the month’s theme and bring the cookies and recipe to the meeting. We will dish about the theme, recipe and deliciousness at the meeting. No registration required. Jan. 9 & 23: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Take time out of your busy schedule for free yoga classes at the library. All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required, but please bring your own mat. Jan. 9: There None Had Gone Before: The Race to the South Pole with Niki Sepsas. 1 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Hear the story of the intrepid explorers who endured unimaginable hardships to become the first to plant their national flag at 90 degrees South Latitude. Jan. 10: Edward Jones Workshop & Luncheon: Key Life Decisions & Estate Planning. 11:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Lunch followed by workshop will be from 12-1 p.m. Reservations required by calling 414-0851 or emailing toni.whitley@edwardjones.com. Jan. 10: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club: Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. 6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. Jan. 11: First Step Wednesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. This workshop is geared toward casual users. Join us as Apple® certified trainers for Alabama Tech-Ease answer your questions on how best to use your Apple® device. Jan. 12: Intermediate Astrology Series with Andrea Mathews: Nodes of the Moon. 6:30 p.m. in the Library Boardroom. Jan. 13: Cozy Cocktails at the Library: The History & Mystery of Absinthe. 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Ages 21 and up. $10 tickets include two beverages and light refreshments. Jan. 17: The ABC’s of Medicare. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Room 116 (Lower Level). Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Jan. 17: Genealogy 101: The Bases Are Loaded! Databases for Genealogy. 11:30 a.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Jan. 19: Ghost Tour Reveal with S.C.A.R.E. 6:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. The Spirit Communication and Research Group will be with us to unveil their findings from three paranormal investigations in the Homewood Public Library. Jan. 19: Intermediate Astrology Series with Andrea Mathews: The Quadruplicities. 6:30 p.m. in the Library Boardroom. Jan. 21: Book Talk & Signing with Necole Snider, author of The Girlfriend Notebook. 1 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Books will be available for purchase and a signing will follow. Jan. 23: Bib & Tuck Sewing Opportunity. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Facilitators will be on hand to help make quilt blocks, and no sewing experience is necessary. Jan. 23: Bossypants Book Club: Modern Love by Emma Straub. 6:30-8 p.m. at Nabeel’s Café. Jan. 24: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. in Room 106 (Lower Level). Grief/loss group is sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Free. Reservations requested. Contact Randy Hicks, GBHS volunteer coordinator, at 542-7111. Jan. 25: The Better Than Therapy Book Club: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. 2 p.m. in the Boardroom. Jan. 25: iProduct Master Class: Photography Using iPads & iPhones. 2 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Topics will include: sharing images, creating albums and projects, basic photo editing and more. Free. Online registration required. Jan. 26: Neuroscience Cafe: The Eyes are Windows to the Brain in Concussion. 6:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Jan. 30: Friends Team Trivia. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Are you a Friends fan? Get your team together and test your knowledge about Chandler, Monica, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe and Joey. Registration required.