The Homewood Star
Volume 6 | Issue 11 | February 2017
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
HEELING TO HEAL With hopes of opening Homewood nonprofit, researcher trains dogs in ‘nosework’ to detect cancer By SYDNEY CROMWELL
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hen Penny the dachshund puts her nose to work, she has the potential to save lives. Penny is the pet of Homewood resident Laurie Malone, who is working on bringing an unconventional cancer detection tool to Birmingham. With a sense of smell many times more powerful than a human nose, dogs have put their sniffers to use for centuries in hunting, tracking work or uncovering where their owner hid treats around the house. More recently, however, some researchers have claimed that dogs can detect the distinct smell of cancerous cells, even before traditional medical screenings can pick up other signs.
See NOSEWORK | page A21 Laurie Malone works with Sprout on a scent drill. While cancer detection has obvious potential benefits for humans, Malone said the dogs also reap rewards. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Foundation brings elite schools in reach of low-income students
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The College Choice Foundation board includes, from left: Cassandra Joseph, Mark Bateman, Nancy Hale and Josephine Lowery. Photo courtesy of the College Choice Foundation.
By SYDNEY CROMWELL When he sits down to interview a student, Mark Bateman always asks, “How big do you want your world to be?” Whatever their answer is, he and the College Choice Foundation strive to make it bigger. For students from low-income families, their world of college choices can be incredibly narrow. The
INSIDE
Sponsors .............. A4 City ........................ A6
Business ............... A8 Community .........A18
Opinion ...............A20 Events ................... B4
initial sticker price of top-level and private schools means most families will rule those out in favor of a public university close to home. In some cases, getting a college education is simply out of reach. “For some of these families … if there’s a hidden fee, she’s coming home because there is
School House ...... B6 Sports ................... B8
See FOUNDATION | page A22 Real Estate.......... B13 Calendar .............. B14 facebook.com/thehomewoodstar
Keep Fighting
Picking Pucks
Homewood resident Jamie Milanowski brings mental and physical strength as she pursues MMA fighting career.
A group of Homewood children choose hockey over football and develop their love for the icy sport.
See page A15
See page B1
A2 • February 2017
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February 2017 • A3
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A4 • February 2017
About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell Valentine’s Day has never topped the list of important holidays for me, but I think this year that’s going to have to change. After nearly seven years together, my fiancé and I have decided to get married on Feb. 11, 2017. When you choose your wedding date about five weeks before it happens, you’re going to get some surprised responses from friends and family. And it’s true — my wedding won’t have a lot of the traditional elements that are expected. But it has touched me to see the people in my life offer an outpouring of support without hesitation. In the past few weeks, I’ve been the recipient of advice from friends who have already tied the knot, dress shopping suggestions and simple reassurances when I start wondering whether five weeks is enough time to plan
anything. These things are like wedding gifts to me: given from the heart from people who care about my fiancé and me. A wedding is about celebrating two people, but behind them there is always
a community of support and love that helped bring the couple to their wedding day. I don’t believe I could have made it to Feb. 11 in one piece without that community. With so much going on in work and in life, I’m often guilty of not appreciating people enough. So I’m taking this moment to say it in writing. Thank you, to my friends and my family and my co-workers and the many wonderful strangers I have met through this job. Thank you for your love and kindness and patience, for laughter and long nights together and good memories. I’m a very lucky person, indeed.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Prayers and wishes of locals blow in the breeze of downtown Homewood on January 5, 2017. A box of paper and pens encourages passersby to write down their hopes for the new year and hang it on the tree. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.
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: Caroline Carmichael 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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February 2017 • A5
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A6 • February 2017
City
Council holds 1st meeting of 2017 During their first meeting of 2017, the council approved a variance to the fence ordinance. Photo by Lexi Coon.
By LEXI COON After gathering for committee meetings on Jan. 9, Homewood City Council members also met the same day to review a long list of business items. Before the City Council meeting, the Public Safety Committee heard from community members about a potential crosswalk to be placed along Green Springs Highway at Raleigh Avenue. “It’s the start, you know, of maybe a few more other opportunities to make things more connected,” said West Homewood resident Erik Henninger, saying it affect the families, businesses and runners in the area. “It’s really one of the only places ... that you can find in Homewood that has a sidewalk on either side without even a painted crosswalk,” said fellow local resident Scott Dean. Green Springs Highway does not fall completely under Homewood jurisdiction, meaning the city must go through ALDOT if residents would like to add a crosswalk along the road. After discussion, committee members supported the idea and approved a motion to make a positive recommendation to the council. The council later approved the resolution to request that ALDOT consider a crosswalk at Green Springs Highway and Raleigh Avenue. “It’s got to be a community effort,” said Ward 3 Representative Patrick McClusky, encouraging community involvement through letters to ALDOT and the local government. In addition to the crosswalk discussion, only one public hearing was listed on the agenda for the evening, and referred to the fence ordinance. Introduced by Greg Cobb with the Zoning and Engineering Department, the hearing called for any concerns with allowing a variance to the fence ordinance for the residents of 3101 Roxbury Rd. Cobb said that the residents installed the fence without knowing of the ordinance, which limits the fence to being placed at least 15 feet away from the right of way, and have already completed the installation. Cobb also said that the residents do not have plans to adjust the fence any further and it is not obstructing any traffic views. After addressing a question asking whether or not the fence was against the height restrictions of the fence ordinance, Cobb noted that it was not, and the council approved
the variance. During the City Council meeting, members also: ► Denied the request of Eagle Productions for video services for the council chambers and committee room. Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright acknowledged all Eagle Productions had done for the council thus far and thanked them for their work. ► Approved funding for the services of JettyTrip Media for audio and video recording in the council chambers and committee room. ► Authorized the mayor to sign a contract with McCain’s/ Galls for police uniform purchases. ► Approved the request for consideration of awarding the Fire Department’s bid for a new hose to the Emergency Equipment Professionals. ► Approved a budget amendment for this fiscal year to include a new account number in the Street Department that will address the thermal bonds placed on Homewood roads.
Invoices to this account will be charged back out to Birmingham Water Works. The account will deal with thermal bond patching, which is a form of sealant that is recommended for roads that are five years or newer. ► Repealed the previous resolution to partner with Gulf South Conference and provide advertising funding in support of their basketball tournament due to the inability to meet contingencies. ► Approved investment alternatives that allow Raymond James to continue their current work with bond proceeds. ► Annexed the property located at 1604 Berry Road, which already lies contiguous with the rest of the city. ► Carried over the request for consideration of adopting the resolution to place a lien on the property at 1602 Ridge Road for the cost of abatement in the amount of $1,350.33. ► Carried over the request for consideration of adopting the resolution to place a lien on the property at 1624 Mountain Gap Circle for the cost of abatement in the amount of $1,350.33.
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February 2017 • A7
Vulcan, city’s ‘enduring icon,’ to get 21st-century makeover, longer trail The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham will lead effort to raise $4 million for project By JESSE CHAMBERS Vulcan, the Magic City’s legendary cast-iron statue, is “an enduring icon of the can-do spirit” of the city, according to Tom Thagard, president of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. That icon and the park where he resides will soon get a much-needed 21st-century makeover. Birmingham Kiwanis — set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2017 — plans to raise $4 million to make major improvements to Vulcan Park and extend the Vulcan Trail jogging and bike path two more miles to Green Springs Highway. Thagard and Birmingham Mayor William Bell announced the Kiwanis Centennial Project at the Harbert Center Nov. 15, and Thagard made a presentation to the Birmingham City Council Nov. 22. “We hope to reinvigorate Vulcan as the heart of our new, dynamic Birmingham (and to) reconnect Vulcan with Birmingham visually, physically and spiritually,” Thagard said. The project has three components: The first phase will include improvements to the north side of Vulcan Park, including landscaping, renovation of the lower piazza entrance and the building of steps for walking access to the statue. This municipal and event space will be known as Kiwanis Centennial Park. The goal is to reconnect the park to the city, according to Guin Robinson, board chairman of the Vulcan Park Foundation. “The front yard of the city is about to get a major renovation,” Robinson said. The second component will be the jogging and bike trail, which will serve as “the backbone” of the planned 750-mile Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System, according to Jim Proctor, board chairman of Freshwater Land Trust, another project partner.
Plans for Vulcan Park include significant renovations and landscaping around the park, as well as additions to the nearby jogging and bike trail. Rendering courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
The third component will be a multicolored light show, designed by well-known lighting design firm Schuler Shook, to be projected onto Vulcan each night to enhance the statue’s image. The light show will feature the same fixtures and computer system used on the Empire State Building, according to Thagard. The Centennial Project is “designed to project Birmingham’s new, vibrant image regionally, nationally and — with the coming of the World Games in 2021 — even internationally,” Thagard said.
Ralph Cook and Drayton Nabers will serve as co-chairmen of the fundraising effort, according to Thagard. A groundbreaking is planned for May 2017, the KCOB’s centennial month. “The experience of walking along (Vulcan Trail) and having beautiful views of downtown Birmingham will be highly improved by the work that’s going to be done,” Bell said in November. Connecting Vulcan Park with a new sidewalk on Green Springs Highway and walking
trails in George Ward Park in Glen Iris is a major step forward, according to Councilor Valerie Abbott. “We’re finally getting a network of trails where you can get some real exercise,” she said. Kiwanis helped create Vulcan Park in the 1930s, making it appropriate the club get involved with the facility again, according to Thagard. “Invigorating Vulcan’s role as the unifying symbol of Birmingham is fitting for our club’s Centennial Project,” he said.
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Now Open Avadian Credit Union has opened its new branch at 475 Green Springs Highway. This new branch replaces their branch previously located at Buffalo Rock on Oxmoor Road. 942-9977, avadiancu.com
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February 2017 • A9
Relocations and Renovations Hatfield Auto Parts & Service has relocated to 190 Oxmoor Road. 871-9685, autorepairshophomewoodal.com
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Cookie Fix is now open at 2854 18th St. S. They offer freshly baked cookies, frozen cookies and pre-mixed cookie dough. 582-2623, cookiefixnow.com
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A10 • February 2017
SoHo Social to move into former PT’s location
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By SYDNEY CROMWELL Dave Horn’s two Vestavia Hills restaurants, The Ridge and Mudtown Eat and Drink, have been described by regulars as “the ‘Cheers’ of their respective neighborhoods.” He wants to create a similar atmosphere at SoHo Social, which is opening in the former PT’s of SoHo space. “I feel like Homewood’s missing that a little bit,” Horn said. The driving force behind SoHo Social is Taylor Hughes, who has run the kitchens at Mudtown and The Ridge for the past three years and is partnering with Horn on this new venture. “Creatively, he’s awesome. He’s certainly the creative influence behind this,” Horn said. They envision a family-friendly bar and grill that is customer-oriented and a little bit flexible. Horn said he thinks the plan for the restaurant will be a good fit for Homewood, but they’re willing to change if they miss the mark. “We may make a ton of changes in the first month. If we sort of miss our estimations in what people like and what people want, we may make changes immediately,” Horn said. The menu is still in the works, but Horn said it will include bar snacks and appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and entrees, but “all will have a unique twist on them.” One example is the chicken sandwich, tentatively named Southern King, which will have jalapeno bacon, green tomato jelly and
We may make a ton of changes in the first month. If we sort of miss our estimations in what people like and what people want, we may make changes immediately.
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TAYLOR HUGHES
SoHo Social, a family-friendly bar and grill, has set up shop in the PT’s of SoHo space near Rosewood Hall. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
jalapeno pimento cheese. Other menu options include an egg roll with Conecuh sausage, collard greens and pimento cheese or a sampler that would include house-made snack mixes and dips. “I think the only thing we will purchase that we won’t make will
be sweet potato French fries,” Horn said. The prices will be around $5-$7 for appetizers, $10-$15 for sandwiches and $25 or less for entrees. The PT’s location also provides 24 draft beer taps for SoHo Social to put to use.
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“We will likely fill most of them with local stuff because there’s so much good local stuff to choose from now,” Horn said. Horn and Hughes are redecorating the restaurant with a gray-and-orange theme, including reclaimed wood and glass-and-iron partitions. Horn said
they want to provide good service while staying laid-back and taking time to get to know their diners. Along with regular dining tables, Horn said they are converting the PT’s pool table area to nontraditional seating, where customers can have a meal or a beer on couches and watch TV. SoHo Social will serve lunch and dinner along with brunch on Sundays and possibly Saturdays as well. Their hours will be roughly 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, but if customers are having a good time, Horn said they won’t be in a rush to close. “If we’re pouring, we’re open,” Horn said. Horn said he hoped to open SoHo Social in early February at 1830 29th Ave. S. For more information, go to SoHo Social’s Facebook page.
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February 2017 • A11
Mayor gives annual State of the City address to chamber By SYDNEY CROMWELL In his ninth State of the City address, Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer referenced Abraham Lincoln and former governor Albert Brewer, who recently passed away, as models for character and vision in running a city. At the start of his speech, delivered to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 17 at The Club, McBrayer took time to recognize city council members and employees of various city departments at the luncheon. He said the fire department responded to 3,983 calls in 2016, an increase of about 400 from 2015. Most of those calls were for medical services, but about 136 were for fires and 102 for hazardous conditions. The police department responded to 39,123 calls this past year, made 16,444 traffic stops and reduced crime in burglary, robbery, vehicle breaking and entering and other major crime categories. “I don’t know how you did that,” McBrayer told Police Chief Tim Ross. Since his last address, McBrayer said there are several new projects around the city in the works, including renovation of the Wildwood shopping center, progress on Lakeshore Parkway’s diverging diamond interchange and plans for new restaurants and retail near Patriot Park, in the former Edgewood Garage and at Brookwood Village. The city began its year by balancing the budget with $800,000 in carryover funds, but McBrayer said his goal is always to end a fiscal year with a surplus, and that he would be “very embarrassed to stand up here and say we spent more than we brought in.” The city has had a budget surplus every year of McBrayer’s mayoral tenure, averaging $804,000 per year. The city has also built up a rainy day fund of $10.9 million. “When you have a surplus, you have options,” McBrayer said. But those large numbers don’t go very far when it comes to running a city. McBrayer said day to day operations in Homewood cost about $100,000 per day. “When you brag about a $800,000 surplus, I think, ‘Lord, that’s eight days,’” McBrayer said. In addition to keeping the city running, McBrayer said keeping a surplus and financially sound city helps Homewood take on larger projects like the greenway, Lakeshore diverging diamond interchange and the recent $110 million bond project to fund schools, parks and public safety improvements. “Homewood continues to move forward despite the economy and despite the nay-sayers. Road paving and sidewalk construction will continue moving forward, and McBrayer noted the Valley and West Valley Avenue paving
Scott McBrayer
project is now scheduled for completion at the end of February. Special attention will also be paid to the Rosedale area for sidewalks, nuisance home abatement and Spring Park improvements. McBrayer said former governor Brewer was a mentor to him at Samford and a close personal friend for years. McBrayer turned to him for advice when he first decided to run for mayor in 2008, and Brewer leaned on McBrayer after his wife’s passing. McBrayer said he was always impressed by the way his mentor “always treated people like they were somebody.” That attitude of service is something he encourages in city staff, McBrayer said, along with the ability to recognize their responsibilities and obligations in the community. After McBrayer’s address, the city gave out some of its annual awards: ► Firefighter of the Year: Apparatus operator Jeff Dansby at Station 2, a 13-year HFD employee who Chief John Bresnan said is known for his attention to detail and knowledge of the department’s equipment. ► Police Officer of the Year: Trent Ricketts, a four-year officer who Ross said is among the most productive in the department and is involved both in SWAT as a marksman observer and in training new officers. ► City Employee of the Year: Senior traffic technician Randy Hambley, who has been with the city for 24 years. He handles all aspects of traffic in the city, including roadwork, studies and other projects. Hambley’s grandfather was a Homewood police chief and his parents met because his mother worked at city hall and his father worked in the public works department. McBrayer said the full slideshow that accompanied his State of the City address will be available on the city website, homewoodal.net.
A12 • February 2017
The Homewood Star
Looking long-term: Brookwood Village has plan for vacancies By LEXI COON
Inside the food court at Brookwood Village. Photo courtesy of Cypress Equities.
Brookwood Village has been open for more than 40 years, and the mall itself is more than 600,000 square feet. It recently underwent massive renovations that cost $20 million and services thousands locally. And while shoppers walk past empty storefronts, Brookwood officials have a plan. “Everybody just sees there’s a vacancy here and there, and says, ‘Oh, so-and-so left,’” said Matt Lukas, director of asset management for Brookwood Village. Lukas works for Arrow Retail, an independent company that is a national investment manager and focuses solely on retail properties. He said despite any vacancies, foot traffic has been consistent throughout the mall. Although there is the idea that malls are dying, if the surrounding community is doing well and shopping at their local mall, then chances are that shopping center is doing well. “Malls succeed and fail for a variety of reasons, much of which is dependent upon the health of the surrounding community,” said Noelle Malone of the International Council of Shopping Centers. One of the many aspects people usually blame for storefront failure, particularly in malls, is online shopping, something most stores now are familiar with. “You have the internet, but it’s a piece of it,” Lukas said. “It isn’t the point to totally replace the brick and mortar of a store.” By including online storefronts, the idea is to help businesses expand their sales and reach a larger audience, he said. “Online shopping is helping retailers and property owners evolve,” Malone said. “They are implementing digital elements to create an experience for customers. Stores are offering the ability to buy online and pick up in-store to encourage in-person shopping.” Lukas doesn’t deny the impact of the other two local shopping centers, The Summit along
TheHomewoodStar.com U.S. 280 and the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The Summit is an open-air retail experience many shoppers look for, and the Galleria has maintained a large variety of tenants for years. However, he describes both centers as more regional retailers that draw in shoppers from different areas, something that Brookwood doesn’t have an interest in competing with. “Historically, absolutely you’d be crazy not to say [they have affected Brookwood] because they’re all going after the same people,” he said. “Where [Brookwood] sits, it’s different. We’re going to be really bonding with the town and local community.” That community connection started with the mall’s most recent renovations. Renovations were completed mid-2016 and worked on both interior and exterior features. Focusing on contemporary and modern architecture with a traditional setting and creating an “entertainment destination,” the work included remodeling the first floor foyer and updating the second floor common areas and food court. “I think [the renovations] have helped some, and we’ve heard it from the folks who go there,” Lukas said. “We’re glad we kind of got that out of the way, because we have a long-term development plan.” That plan is completely under wraps and awaiting approval from various tenants and companies, but Brookwood has met with the cities of Homewood and Mountain Brook at various steps along the way to keep them updated. “If you could have sat in on my conversation in the [last few months] with both mayors and the couple of folks with both cities, there’s a really great long-term
February 2017 • A13 story here,” Lukas said. “Where the property physically is, it just totally fits our mold for redevelopment.” Overall, the mall is looking to bring in different retail concepts, such as more food and beverage, entertainment and hospitality options to the property, he said, while filling all of the storefronts. “We are actively pursuing someone for every single space,” Lukas said. “If the answer isn’t that you’re working for people for every single space, then you aren’t working as hard as you can.” As of mid-December, he noted they had sent out leases to potential tenants. Lukas also said the stretches that have multiple storefronts closed may eventually hold slightly larger retailers filling the total space, but those retailers will still focus on the community. “Brands have gotten smaller. Well, the good news for that is that Brookwood is not a big project,” he said. “What we’re doing is buying assets that can adjust to that based on what the community needs and what the community wants.” Interior remodeling plans should be done in the spring, although much depends on retailers and contractual information. Because there also will be adjustments to spaces within the mall to meet the needs of different tenants, there may be some construction and build-outs, although the extent of it remains unknown. Once construction begins, Lukas said it could be a few years before completion. “It will have the traditional mall feel and attributes, but in the long run we wanted it to be a place where the community can hang out,” Lukas said. “We’ll be glad we took the asset through this life cycle process.”
Brookwood Village renovations were completed mid-2016. Photo courtesy of Cypress Equities.
The Homewood Star
A14 • February 2017
Homewood barber celebrates 50 years of cutting hair, making friends Robert Creel still finds it ‘rewarding’ to help guys look their best By JESSE CHAMBERS “I just consider myself an old barber,” said Robert Creel, owner of VIP Styling Center for Men. But Creel is perhaps a bit too modest, according to loyal customers at the shop at 2805 Crescent Ave. “What makes him a good barber is that he still puts the time and energy into making it right,” said Taylor Bartlett, who’s been coming to Creel for five years. “He’s very good at his profession — very consistent, very patient,” said Jerry McWilliams, a VIP customer for more than 30 years. “I enjoy his conversation, and I always get a good haircut quickly,” said Butch Wear, a Brook Highland resident who’s used Creel for 25 years. Creel, 76, is also worthy of respect for the many decades he’s spent plying his trade. A barber since 1965, he began working at VIP in October 1966, making him a Homewood fixture for five decades. He said he never thought he would be there that long. “Fifty years,” Creel said. “It’s hard to believe.” But the Brent native is clearly happy about his choice of career, largely due to the relationships he enjoys with his customers, he said. “I meet a lot of interesting people, like Taylor,” Creel said as he cut Bartlett’s hair. “I don’t know where I could have met so many people I like if I hadn’t been a barber.” He also said he enjoys stimulating discussions with customers.
VIP Men’s Styling Center • WHERE: 2805 Crescent Ave. • HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. • CALL: 870-8920
Robert Creel, a barber for more than 50 years, at work in VIP Styling Center. Photo by Jesse Chambers.
“You learn a lot of different things,” he said. “Lately, it’s been politics,” Creel added, when asked to name some popular conversation topics. The late Bill Plott opened VIP in 1964 and sold it in the early 1970s to the late Drennan Lyle, according to Creel. He said the business had two prior Homewood locations before moving to Crescent Avenue in 2000. Creel bought VIP 10 years ago and is now the only barber in the two-chair shop. Creel lives in Helena with his wife, June. They have two grown children, Walt and Barbara.
Most of Creel’s customers are longtime regulars, according to McWilliams. “And most of them have gray hair,” said Creel, who noted that Bartlett, a young Birmingham attorney, is one of the few exceptions. The barber trade has changed over the years, according to Creel. “When I started, it was just regular haircuts,” he said, noting that men soon began wearing their hair longer and asking for more styling. “All the barbers used to want to cut the hair off. Then we cut the long hair.” When he began, Creel — like other barbers
in the days before electric razors and disposable blades — offered shaves with an old-fashioned straight razor, but it’s now been years since he shaved anyone. “And the last time I did, it was with a safety razor,” he said. Creel describes VIP as “just a regular barber shop” and said places like his are disappearing. “Sooner or later, there won’t be any [barber] shops,” he said, adding that they are being supplanted by other hair salons and stylists. But Creel said he has no plans to retire. “If I didn’t work, I wouldn’t meet so many interesting people,” he said. “I’ve got some nice customers.” Creel said he also enjoys helping men look their best. “When you finish cutting someone’s hair and it looks good, it’s rewarding,” he said. And his regulars will keep coming, it seems, drawn by Creel’s care and professionalism. “He spends more time than anybody else,” Bartlett said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s the best in town,” McWilliams said. And Wear offered another good reason to remain a Creel regular. “The biggest thing is my wife approves of the haircut,” he said, laughing.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • A15
Rolling WITH THE PUNCHES Homewood resident pursues MMA fighting career
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By SYDNEY CROMWELL
A
good fighter doesn’t just hit hard. They can get hit without slowing down. “Anyone can get punched, but who really wants to get punched, you know? So it takes a really strong-minded person to be able to absorb that punch and come back,” said 25-year-old Jamie Milanowski. Milanowski, a Homewood resident of about a year, brings both mental strength and what trainer Jon Dye calls “a hard right hand” to the ring in her career as a mixed martial arts fighter. Though she’s only competed in three professional MMA fights so far, the most recent in January, Milanowski said she loves the aggression of the sport and “the challenge of pushing my body and allowing myself to get to know my own limits.” She didn’t get into the sport on a whim. As Milanowski describes it, she had a hard home life and frequently fought at school. She pursued wrestling and boxing as an outlet first before beginning to train in MMA. Those childhood fights meant Milanowski had the opposite problem of most new fighters. She wasn’t too cautious — she was too reckless and wouldn’t bother to block the punches. “I never really had a problem getting hit,” Milanowski said. “That was a problem when I first started in the sport was I didn’t mind getting hit, so I was in there with reckless abandon.” Now, Milanowski builds both skill and discipline at Champions Freestyle MMA gym with Dye. Since she has sponsorships and fights for King of the Cage, one of the
Anyone can get punched, but who really wants to get punched, you know? It takes a really strong-minded person to be able to absorb that punch and come back.
”
JAMIE MILANOWSKI
Jamie Milanowski trains with Jon Dye at Champions Freestyle MMA. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
larger MMA promotions in the country, Milanowski treats training and fighting as her full-time job. Every day includes two to three hours of training at Champions on different skills, and she also does regular running and jiu jitsu classes to broaden her training. Dye, whose clients at Champions include fighters for the UFC and Bellator MMA, said Milanowski’s work ethic and coachable nature make her stand out. “Whatever I put in here goes into the cage.
So when I train, it’s really on me to push myself,” Milanowski said. Being at Champions every day feels like being part of a family, Milanowski said. But when she enters the ring for a fight, she’s all alone. “If you get knocked out or beat, all the humiliation is on you. That’s what makes it such a mental battle,” Dye said. Her pre-fight routine is quiet. Milanowski said she usually takes a nap and reads a book or works on her knitting in the hours
beforehand. Milanowski said she enjoys knitting not only because it’s calming, but she can create something like a scarf by picking up her needles in the short gaps between training. She’s not immune to nerves, but Milanowski said she always gets through them by allowing herself to fully experience those emotions instead of suppressing them. “I don’t ever want to deny my body of what it’s going through,” she said. But once she’s in the ring, Milanowski’s only focused on the win. “It’s more of an emotional battle than a physical one, I feel. Because my body’s already conditioned to be in there and to act a certain way and perform, but you can never really prepare your mind for that until you’re in that moment,” Milanowski said. “So with more experience comes a better fighter.”
valentine’s day
The Homewood Star
A16 • February 2017
gift guide
For the
ROMANTIC
For the
“Cash and carry” roses $25+ You can also bring your own favorite vase to fill with a wide selection of seasonal flowers. Make an appointment for custom arrangements.
FURRY VALENTINE
Jazzy J Designs dog collars $20 Give your fur baby some seasonal style. The Whole Dog 2937 18th St. S. 783-1169
Homewood Antiques 930 Oxmoor Road 414-9945
For the
OUTDOORSPERSON Specialized Roll Low Entry $490 Give this bike to the special someone in your life who loves being active and outside.
For the
FASHIONISTA Mark Edge jewelry $125+ Worn elegantly and handcrafted. A one-of-a-kind piece as unique as the woman who will wear it.
Bob’s Bikes 2852 18th St. S. 879-2258
Mantooth Interiors 2813 18th St. S. 879-5474
e
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • A17
For the
DECORATOR Baccarat crystal oval eye vase $510 This vase features a wavelike design that creates a dazzling visual effect. Bromberg’s 2800 Cahaba Road 871-3276
For the
LOOK OF LOVE OYOBox $135-300 Mini (up to 4 frames) or maxi (up to 8 frames). Store and organize eyeware in this luxury box.
For the
Schaeffer Eye Center 2000 Cahaba Road, Suite 100 870-3937
Ashley Norton lion door knocker $203.50 A striking door knocker in light bronze.
SOCIAL SWEETHEART
Brandino Brass 2824 Central Ave. 978-8900
For the
STYLISH VALENTINE Krewe “Orleans” rose gold sunglasses $295 Let your valentine see la vie en rose. JJ Eyes 2814 18th St. S. 703-8596
For the
PAINTER Martin Senour Paints 15% off in February Give the person who loves to improve their space a can of quality paint to get started. Huffstutler’s 2732 Central Ave. 871-2121
The Homewood Star
A18 • February 2017
Community Jones named 2016 Library Champion Fran Jones received the Library Champion award Dec. 6 at the Jefferson County Public Library Association’s annual Christmas luncheon. Jones was one of a handful of winners who were selected to receive the Library Champion Award for Jefferson County. Library Director Deborah Fout said that Homewood Public Library is blessed to have some wonderful supporters, but Jones is truly a Library Champion. Jones is one of the founding members of the Homewood Library Foundation, which was formed in 2011. She led the foundation as the
SHOWING OFF HENS Marion Webb shows off two of the prized hens she raises to members of Edgewood Garden Club. Her chickens live in an elegant coop that she named “Cluckingham Palace.” Webb told many interesting stories about raising chickens and brought a dozen beautiful eggs of all colors to give away. Photo courtesy of Chris Underwood.
Library Director Deborah Fout, left, and Fran Jones pose as Jones displays her Library Champion award Dec. 6. Photo courtesy of the Homewood Public Library.
bylaws, mission statement and terms of office were established. She worked with the library director and an attorney to get the documentation ready to secure the 501(c)(3). Jones’ role on the Homewood Library Foundation has been invaluable to the Homewood Library. She has worked diligently through the years to organize the new board, help plan events and bring them to fruition. Jones has graciously donated her time and money to bring the dream of having a Library Foundation to reality. – Submitted by Homewood Public Library.
Guild Gala set for March 18
Back, left to right: Stephanie Lynch, Julie Harris, Raegan Bellenger, Kari Powell, Amy Bickell, Lindsay Mullins, Louisa Jeffries, Lyndsey Mooney, Amanda Dwyer, Brandi Lowery, Laurie Shanks, Hannah Johnson and Alisha Johnson. Front, left to right: Courtney Truss, Jennifer Jackson, auction chair Rachel Waters, gala chair Blaire Middleton, Rachael Swatek, Karen Roberson and Cameron Hicks. Photo courtesy of the Service Guild of Birmingham.
The Service Guild of Birmingham is pleased to announce the 29th Annual Guild Gala benefiting The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. This year’s event is presented by Medical Properties Trust and
will be held on March 18 at The Club. For more information, visit theserviceguild.org – Submitted by the Service Guild of Birmingham.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • A19 Dylan Martinez, far right, at his Magic Moments reveal. Photo by Lexi Coon.
Edgewood student gets own magic moment By LEXI COON Dylan Martinez might not have been feeling well lately, but you can bet things got much brighter thanks to the group at Magic Moments. After walking into school on Dec. 14, he was led to the auditorium where friends, family and faculty greeted him by shouting “Dylan, you’re going to Disney World!” Normally very talkative and outgoing, he was left speechless as he stared at the banner made by the Homewood High School cheerleaders, which said, “Congrats, Dylan! You’re going to Disney World!” “This is a kid who doesn’t stop talking all day. I’ve never seen him speechless before,” said Stephanie Lorberbaum, Dylan’s special education case manager. “This is like, the best thing ever. I don’t think it could go to a more deserving family.” With the help of Magic Moments, the only
wish-granting organization that is dedicated exclusively to children in Alabama who are living with life-threatening illnesses, Dylan and his family were given a trip to Disney World for six days. The goal is to help Dylan, who has an epilepsy condition, relax and have some fun. “He was really a perfect fit because we always try to work with people in the area,” said Shequita Malone of Magic Moments. “He needed a pick-me-up, he and his family.” During the week that Dylan is in Florida, he will be able to visit Universal Studios, Sea World, meet Mickey Mouse and go on rides, but he is most excited to go to Lego Land. “It’s magical. I never imagined that Dylan would get his magic moment,” said Dylan’s mother, Bernice Ruiz. “It’s something we never believed we could have attained. [I want] to just see the smile of my child.”
The Junior League of Birmingham scholarships begin at $1,000. Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Birmingham.
Junior League of Birmingham scholarships available for local women in Homewood The Junior League of Birmingham will grant several one-year college and graduate school scholarships to qualified female applicants, and residents of Homewood are encouraged to apply. The scholarships will be awarded in the minimum amount of $1,000 each. The Academic Scholarship program was originally established in the 1950s to open the doors of opportunity for teachers in the area of speech and language development, and hopefully provide future leaders for the Junior League School of Speech Correction. Through the years this program has expanded, providing scholarships to women in all areas of study, both in undergraduate and graduate studies. Scholarships will be announced at the Junior League of Birmingham’s Community Circle breakfast on March 22, 2017, and will be awarded to qualified women who demonstrate a true willingness to better themselves and their community. “The Junior League of Birmingham believes that strong women lift each other up. As leaders, we are proud to invest in creating the future female leaders of our community,” said Lauren Roberts, president, Junior League of Birmingham. “As the females in our area seek an opportunity to further their education, we are excited
to support them in their endeavors. Our dream would be that wherever these women choose to pursue their degree, they will want to return to Birmingham with their newly acquired skills and education. Hopefully we are building the future of our city as we support these young women.” To be eligible for the scholarship, students must enroll as a full or part-time student in any private or public accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate or graduate college or vocational-technical school for the 2017-2018 school year. Scholarships are restricted to eligible women who fall into one of the following categories: ► Graduating high school seniors ► Currently enrolled college and graduate students ► Graduating college seniors ► Non-traditional students The completed application form and supporting documents must be submitted online at jlbonline.com no later than Wednesday, March 1, 2017. For more information about the Junior League of Birmingham’s Academic Scholarship program, visit jlbonline.com/scholarships or call 879-9861. – Submitted by Junior League of Birmingham.
The Homewood Star
A20 • February 2017
Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Times have changed, but the birds and bees have not I remember the first time Kate asked me how babies get in mommies’ tummies. I also remember how quickly I uttered, “I’ll tell you about it when you get a little older.” It was a first, panicked “No way, we’re so not having that conversation right now” response. Since then, she has continued to ask more random questions about how things happen, but thankfully it has been more centered on how babies get out, not how they get in. With her questions, then Sela’s questions about whether babies really live in mommies’ tummies where the food goes, I gradually realized I needed to have some good answers for these questions and soon, because if I didn’t, someone at school or on the playground surely would. On one of the first days of kindergarten last year, Kate came home and said, “Is Santa Claus real? Because so-and-so said he’s not, and it’s really just our parents.” That showed me that with “big school” comes lots of new ideas and questions, and it’s my job to be on top of it — to show that I’m the one with the right answers. What did I tell Kate about Santa Claus,
you ask? It was along the a lot since we were kids and lines of, “He’s real if you had “the talk” right around believe in him.” puberty. We probably all I know, way to give a sweated through that single vague answer. But I decided session while our parent that while being vague about (mom for girl, dad for boy) Santa is one thing, being armed us with all we needed to get through the hormonal vague about where babies come from is a whole other roller coasters of adolescence and “our changing beast. This is something kids bodies.” Denton will and do talk about, and But now, with social media saturation, easy access to explicit photos if I don’t get in front of it early, I fear 7-year-old Kate or 4-year-old Sela will on Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube and hear things — true or untrue — and be so everything else, we parents have to arm shocked or scared that they won’t want our kids much earlier. to talk to me about it. And I always want As Mary Flo and Megan say, “Instead them to feel comfortable coming to me of growing up with a blank page, or and talking to me about anything. So to worse, a page filled with confusion based open the door for that to happen, I have to on media images or porn, what if chiltell them the truth as much as I can. dren grew up knowing the value and purA friend told me about a website called poses of sex? What if they understood the Birds and Bees (their tagline is “Birds design of birth, conception and reproducand bees, oh help me please!”) run by tion? And better yet, what if they learned two lovely women, Mary Flo Ridley and this from conversations with the people Megan Michelson, who want to help pre- who love them the most?” Yes, yes and yes. pare, encourage and equip parents to talk to their children about, well, the birds and Matt came home from work one day the bees. after I’d discovered this website and I laid The world and our culture has changed it on him: “The next time one of the girls
asks about where babies come from, I’m going to tell them the truth and use the real words.” It was probably a little much to throw at him after a long day at work, but he watched the videos on the website and agreed it was a good idea — as long as I was the one to do it! But that’s fine by me. The six short videos aim to arm parents with age-appropriate answers and definitions, and I’ve watched four of them so far. Kate has yet to ask another hard question, but the next time she does, I’m prepared (I hope!) to give her the whole answer and “dazzle her,” as they say on the website, with the truth so that she sees me as the expert — and not the know-itall on the swingset! If you’re interested, the website is birds-bees.com. I’d love to connect! You can email me at Lauren@LaurenKDenton.com, visit my website, LaurenKDenton.com, or find me on Instagram @LaurenKDentonBooks, on Twitter @LaurenKDenton or on Facebook. My first novel, “The Hideaway,” releases April 11 and is available for pre-order from Amazon.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • A21
Above: Penny sniffs jars seeking a particular odor as part of her nosework training. Left: Laurie Malone, a Homewood resident since 2002, and her dog, Sprout. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
NOSEWORK
CONTINUED from page A1 Despite her research background at the UAB Lakeshore Research Collaborative, Malone’s introduction to “nosework” came from the world of dog lovers rather than science. Malone already had one dog, Sprout, before adopting Penny in 2008. Rescued from a puppy mill, Penny had a lot of fear issues stemming from previous trauma, so Malone tried to find a low-stress activity to bring the little dog out of her shell. They tried out nosework, in which Penny was trained to identify and seek particular odors such as essential oils. “Little by little I saw her confidence building. She loves sniffing,” Malone said. “I started realizing the power of the dog’s nose just watching them.” As Malone saw her dog’s scenting abilities improve, she started reading about other ways humans take advantage of canine noses, such as finding narcotics and explosives. That’s how she learned about the research being done on cancer detection. It’s a field that is still in question and needs more scientific study to validate
it, but Malone’s curiosity was piqued. The studies that Malone has seen so far indicate that some compound within cancerous cells can be detected by dogs even in a patient’s blood, breath or urine. “We don’t know exactly what they’re smelling, but the tumor emits some volatile organic compounds that are identifiable to them,” Malone said. “So far, they can detect those so much earlier than any machine or any screening protocol in place to date, so that’s why it’s so important to move this science forward, to make use of this amazing tool that we have.” After more research, she and local nosework trainer Cindy Roberts traveled to California in October to become certified as biomedical scent detection trainers. Malone already had a nonprofit, the Sprout and Penny Canine Foundation, that she had set up in 2015 as a general canine welfare organization. After she and Roberts decided they wanted to bring medical scent detection back to Birmingham, the foundation was given a new focus with the Sniff 4 Life program. Malone said her ultimate goal would be a nonprofit medical scent detection facility in Homewood. The facility could have a team of several trained nosework dogs — ideally
rescue dogs, Malone said — to test patient samples for oncologists and research teams around Birmingham in hopes of detecting the early signs of cancer. She stressed that a positive response from the dogs would be a precursor to further medical testing, not a complete diagnosis. “Of course it doesn’t replace medicine in any way, but if we can detect it sooner and save lives,” Malone said. For cancers that aren’t often identified until their later stages, Malone said a scent detection dog could make the difference in a patient’s survival. Part of Roberts’ passion for medical nosework, Malone said, comes from her own mother’s lung cancer, which was misdiagnosed as pneumonia until it reached the late stages and was not treatable. There are several steps to take on the path to creating the cancer detection facility Malone has in mind. First and most important is doing additional research into the effectiveness of canine odor detection. Malone said they plan research trials in 2017 to gather more data. While she’s excited about the possibilities, as a lifelong researcher Malone doesn’t want to get ahead of the science. If trials produce the results she hopes for,
Malone said their next goal will be finding a location and training more dogs, in addition to Sprout and Penny, in identifying cancerous cell odors. They’ll also have to make connections with local oncologists and researchers to put their dogs to work, as well as cancer organizations to provide grants so Sniff 4 Life can continue to run as a nonprofit. While cancer detection has obvious potential benefits for humans, Malone said the dogs also reap the rewards. Scent detection gives them a job to do, with frequent rewards of treats, toys or petting. She said she never gets tired of watching her dogs track down a scent. “I smile from ear to ear every time I watch them. And now to use that for something that can change human lives is just amazing,” Malone said. And Penny, every time she puts on her purple “work” vest, is the perfect example of the good that nosework can do. “Even Penny, who’s so scared of everything, that breaks through everything for her,” Malone said. “It’s a game to them. They’re getting rewarded at [the] source. They don’t realize the awesome things they’re doing with their nose.” For more information, go to spk9.org.
The Homewood Star
A22 • February 2017 FOUNDATION
CONTINUED from page A1 no cushion, at all,” said College Choice Foundation co-founder and President Josephine Lowery. Those families may not realize, however, that elite universities are often more able to provide the financial aid that they need. CCF serves as a bridge between low-income Homewood families and colleges that can meet their needs. It’s how 2016 Homewood High graduate Sean Conboy, who had planned to apply to three in-state schools and worried about paying his application fees, is now a freshman at Boston College. It’s how current HHS senior Alexander Wilson was handed a list of 20 universities that fit both his interests and his family’s budget. “I still remember looking at it and being baffled that it was realistic that I was going to end up going to one of these colleges,” Wilson said.
MAKING CHOICES
CCF started out more simply. Lowery and co-founder Nancy Hale hired Bateman, who had years of research on college decision-making under his belt, to help their own kids make the right college choice. There’s so much more to the process than just the application — tours, repeated ACT or SAT testing, essays, interviews and more — that both Homewood residents wanted an expert hand to guide them toward the best fit. Meanwhile, Bateman wanted to use his expertise to help students whose finances limited their chances for college education. His years of research had shown that a student going to college, particularly the first in the family, is significant not only for that child’s future but also the “family trajectory” for parents and siblings. Lowery, who had grown up receiving food stamps herself, found their first recipient almost literally in her own backyard: Michelle Williams, her landscaper’s daughter. That was nearly three years ago. Williams and Conboy are two of four CCF students currently in college, and all have their tuition covered by scholarships and need-based aid.
Current College Choice Foundation students include, from left: Jessica Mau, Angelica Everson, Alexander Wilson and Frank Trujillo. Photo courtesy of the College Choice Foundation.
“What we try to do is find the best fit for our students, as well as a school that they can afford. So it just turns out that more elite schools can afford to support them, and they’re looking for our type of students,” Hale said. CCF finds potential Homewood students to help through teachers, counselors and even recommendations from students already familiar with the program. Most students’ families have an income between $20,000 and $40,000 per year, though Lowery noted one student’s mother makes only $10,000 per year. When they choose to work with a student, the CCF board and volunteers
become like a second family. Wilson compared it to having “five moms.” They take the college application process to a depth that the average school counselor can’t match. Whether through weekly meetings or group text conversations, the CCF team is helping them manage their grades, write and edit application essays, fill out the FAFSA for financial aid and meet deadlines. CCF pays for application fees and drives students to tutoring or ACT prep courses when needed, just to remove one more barrier that might keep a child from attending college. In addition, they have to figure out the best fit for
each student, find colleges that match those criteria and, when possible, organize campus visits. “She [Lowery] has been micromanaging my life ever since,” said senior Frank Trujillo, joking about being accepted into the foundation. That’s why, Lowery said, right now the foundation can only handle about two seniors and two juniors per school year. This year they chose to exceed that number and accept four seniors and one junior, due to the number of outstanding applicants. “It takes a lot of hours and work and
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • A23
Sean Conboy, a 2016 Homewood High graduate, was accepted into Boston College with the help of the College Choice Foundation. Photo courtesy of Josephine Lowery.
compassion to take each one of these students and give them what they need,” Lowery said. One special project for Lowery is to create a dossier on each student. The dossiers, compiled in huge binders, give the students and their parents the chance to tell their story and explain their needs, as well as the students’ goals for the future. As CCF students send their applications, Lowery also sends a copy of their dossier to each school. When students can’t travel to some of their chosen universities for interviews, Lowery said receiving that large binder in the mail can make the difference for admissions officers.
“The deans of admissions we’ve spoken to — which have been about four or five — have said that package completes their image of the student,” Lowery said.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
CCF pushes their students hard, and it’s no easy task when a student is applying to 10 schools. However, board member Cassandra Joseph said it’s gratifying to see these high school students rise to the challenge. “I think they surprise themselves, even. I really think that they have seen themselves accomplish things that they didn’t think they
could do,” Joseph said. The application process can be eye-opening for students like Trujillo, who said, without CCF, he would have only applied to Auburn and Alabama because “that’s just where everybody else goes.” His list now includes Tufts University in Boston, Berea College in Kentucky, Pomona College in California and Amherst College in Massachusetts, and Trujillo wants to study architecture. “It’s made me realize college is a lot more than what I thought before,” said senior Angelica Everson. “Mostly because of College Choice, I found out about some colleges
I never would have thought of or been interested in.” It can be world-changing for their families, too. Lowery said some of her CCF students’ younger siblings are now seeing college as a possibility for themselves because of their brother’s or sister’s opportunity. Bateman recalled one father was convinced, right up until the day he dropped his daughter off at her chosen university, that the scholarship money they had been promised would not actually be provided. “So they don’t even try because they just can’t imagine,” Bateman said. When the CCF team successfully sees a student enter freshman year, Lowery said it’s as emotional as if they were sending their own sons or daughters. But it’s not the end of their relationship. “We don’t drop them at the school’s door,” Bateman said. “We keep up with them. We really look at this as about an eight-year process, in that they’re going to go to college and most of them are going to go to graduate school.” CCF became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in summer 2016 and held its first fundraiser. Lowery said they want to be able to provide more support, both financially and through volunteer mentors. CCF also has the Julian G. Finley Scholars Fund, set up in memory of a Rosedale resident and 1979 HHS alumnus who Lowery said was a model for reaching his fullest potential and breaking down barriers. One student receives the Scholars Fund each year to help pay for expenses like books. Their next fundraiser is the CCF Wild West Showdown, to be held at Good People Brewery with food by Little Donkey. Bateman said someday he would like to see this sort of college support system in place for every Homewood student on free and reduced lunches, as it helps lift up not only those students but the entire city when they achieve their goals. For students like Wilson, the CCF is a “blessing that came out of nowhere.” “We’re just one big family figuring out where we’re going to college,” Wilson said. Visit collegechoicefoundation.org to learn more about the work of the College Choice Foundation.
The Homewood Star
SECTION
B FEBRUARY 2017
Events B4 School House B6 Sports B7 Real Estate B13 Calendar B14
Swapping pigskin for pucks Homewood children develop love for icy sport at Pelham rink By SYDNEY CROMWELL Step aside, football. For a small group of Homewood kids, chasing the puck is more important than the pigskin. Though hockey doesn’t have the same fan following in Alabama as in many northern states, Pelham Civic Complex’s director of hockey, Erik Hudson, said warm outdoor temperatures and long drives to find a rink can’t stop the “hockey bug.” “We call it the hockey bug, and I don’t think it matters where the ice is,” Hudson said. Edgewood fourth-grader Cole Johnson brought his hockey love with him when his family moved from Indianapolis to Homewood three years ago. He said he continues to play because “it’s fun and different from other sports.” Though the ice rink is no longer right down the street, Cole Johnson’s father, Cory Johnson, said making the drive to Pelham isn’t a problem. “It’s tough getting home at 8:15 on a school night twice a week, or 8:30,” Cory Johnson
See HOCKEY | page B12
Homewood hockey players, from left: Brady Taylor, Gage Ianniello, Cole Johnson, Matt Sutton, Isabella Wood, Nicholas Foster and Pelham Civic Complex Director of Hockey Erik Hudson. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
The Homewood Star
B2 • February 2017
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
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
YoLIMBER
Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
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
North Star Martial Arts
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew
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
Belly Dancing with Aziza 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
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.”
@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. Mondays 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional information call Claire: (205) 879-8780
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
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
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
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
Entourage Line Dance Class 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. Michele Bryant Tolliver Dance Instructor (205) 718-6375
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. 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. 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, 5:00-7:20pm – 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 nonjuvenile 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.
Misc. Information We Love Homewood Day 2017 Saturday, May 6, 2017 Save the date & come celebrate Homewood! Vendor & Sponsorship information available at www.homewoodparks.com
Summer Camp 2017 Details were not finalized at the submission deadline for February Homewood Star. Information is available on www.homewoodparks.com.
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • B3
The Homewood Star
B4 • February 2017
Events Hearts of Hope fundraiser benefiting The Foundry set for Feb. 23 By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL The 11th annual Hearts of Hope luncheon and marketplace benefiting The Foundry Women’s Recovery Program is set for Feb. 23 at The Club. This year’s fundraising goal is to reach $110,000. Proceeds are raised through sales at the marketplace, sponsorships, donations and table hostesses. The marketplace will kick off the event at 10 a.m., featuring clothes, accessories, household items and services such as spa and beauty packages from local merchants.
The program, including guest speaker Barbara Dooley, will begin at noon. The program also will include a video and presentation that share the stories of women who have been helped through The Foundry Women’s Recovery Program. Women who are supporting The Foundry and those who are receiving help will be seated together for lunch, allowing time to interact. Dooley is the wife of legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley. She is also an author, radio and TV personality, nonprofit volunteer, career woman, speaker and a cancer survivor. “Attendees overwhelmingly asked for
her to be invited back,” said development manager Larisa Mills. The Foundry Women’s Recovery Program meets the needs of women battling substance abuse, guiding them into a future in freedom. “They come to us through the urging of family members and friends, through court order and voluntarily,” said Micah Andrews, CEO of The Foundry Ministries. “The main thing they have in common is the need for their lives to be reshaped.” For more information or to register for Hearts of Hope, go to foundryministries. com/hearts-of-hope-2017.
Lil’ Lambs Sale offers deals on children’s items By SYDNEY CROMWELL Trinity United Methodist Church will open its doors once again for the spring Lil’ Lambs consignment sale this month. The twice-a-year consignment sale includes gently used children’s clothing, toys, accessories, strollers, books and furniture at discount prices. The sale will be in Trinity’s gymnasium Feb. 24-25. The sale is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Volunteers at the sale are allowed an early shopping day Feb. 23. Proceeds from the sale help send children and youth at Trinity on camping and mission trips, along with local mission partners. Donated clothes are used to fill the Modern Family closet ministry and My Child’s Closet. Registration for sellers and volunteers opened in late January, and can be found
Hearts of Hope funds the Foundry’s women’s program. Photo courtesy of Doug White.
Library Valentine’s party focuses on sweets, not romance By SYDNEY CROMWELL
The semiannual Lil’ Lambs sale is set for Feb. 24-25. Staff photo.
at myconsignmentmanager.com/trinitybirmingham. Sellers at Lil’ Lambs keep 70 percent of the money they earn. The remaining 30 percent goes toward children’s ministries at Trinity. To learn more about the Lil’ Lambs sale, go to trinitybirmingham.com.
For teenagers who don’t have a date on Valentine’s Day, the Homewood Public Library has a good — and delicious — alternative: chocolate. Teen department librarian Judith Wright said the annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Chocolate Party is returning this year, under the new name of the Stupid Cupid Chocolate Party. Rather than focus on romance, Wright said, the free event will include games centered around chocolate and two fondue pots for teens to dip different foods.
Kids participate in chocolate-themed games at the Homewood Library. Photo courtesy of Homewood Public Library.
“The whole idea evolved from forgetting Valentine’s Day and focusing on the joy that chocolate brings. Who needs love when you have chocolate?” Wright said. The Stupid Cupid Party will be Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. in Room 101. It is open to teenagers in sixth through 12th grades. For more information, call 332-6600 or go to homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • B5
“Over the River and Through the Woods” will be in the Homewood Public Library’s large auditorium with a buffet at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of Homewood Public Library.
I Do with a View returns on Valentine’s Day this year. Photo courtesy of Vulcan Park and Museum.
Library hosts Valentine Dinner Theatre with buffet, performance
By SYDNEY CROMWELL
By GRACE THORNTON Homewood Public Library will host its Valentine Dinner Theatre again this year on Feb. 10-11, featuring the family antics of “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro. “It’s a bit like a sitcom,” said Leslie West, head of adult services for Homewood Public Library. “It’s a comedy revolving around family, food and faith.” The production, presented by South City Theatre, will offer an uplifting message and laughs, West said, noting the themes are universal. The show follows the story of 29-yearold Nick Cristano, who tells his grandparents he’s moving to Seattle — and drama follows.
They don’t understand why he would leave — his parents and sisters also have already moved away. “The biggest difference between these generations is their concept of family and home,” DiPietro said. “Our grandparents believed that the family was central, and work is something you do just to provide for them. For our generation, it’s a lot more complicated.” The play will be in the library’s large auditorium with a buffet at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the dinner and show and must be purchased by Feb. 8. Tickets are available online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org or at the library’s Adult Services Desk.
I Do with a View hits decade of Valentine’s Day nuptials This Valentine’s Day, several local couples will tie the knot in the shadow of Birmingham’s most iconic statue. I Do with a View is an annual event for Vulcan Park, offering a series of wedding packages on Feb. 14 for couples who want a special ceremony but don’t want to deal with all the planning. This will be the event’s 10th year. Twelve participating couples will have a 30-minute ceremony at the park with up to 20 friends, a reception, bouquet and boutonniere, professional photographs, hors d’oeuvres and Champagne and cake for the bride and groom. The one sunset package, which Vulcan director of public relations and marketing Morgan
Berney said already has been claimed, is more expensive and includes more seats and photographs, wedding cake for all guests, a honeymoon hotel stay and other extras. Each couple works with Vulcan Park’s chosen vendors to make small personal changes to their ceremonies, but the appeal of I Do with a View is that most of the planning is done before the couples get involved. Berney said I Do with a View is a good way to have a stress-free wedding that is still complete. This year’s vendors include Allison R. Banks Stationery, Cakes by Audrey, GoPro Event Solutions, Jennifer Woodbery Photography, RD Designs and Savoie Catering. For more information, go to visitvulcan. com/event/i-do-2017.
The Homewood Star
B6 • February 2017
MOMS Club brings Mardi Gras Parade back
School House
Parents and children participate in the 2016 Mardi Gras Parade at Central Park. Photo by Frank Couch.
By JESSE CHAMBERS A charming New Orleans ritual comes to Central Park again on Feb. 28 with the return of the Homewood Mardi Gras Parade sponsored by the MOMS Club, Over the Mountain chapter, a support group for stay-at-home-mothers. The lineup for the sixth annual kid- and mom-friendly event begins at 3:45 p.m. at the pavilion near the Central Park playground, and the parade begins at 4 p.m., according to Melanie Peeples Lewis, one of the parade’s founders. And the event’s not just for moms and kids, or even dads and grandparents, she said. “We invite the entire community to come participate, either in the parade — for kids and their caregivers — or watching from the sidelines, because we need someone to throw beads to,” Lewis said. Participants “make a joyful noise with
instruments or loudspeakers and music and walk around the park, tossing MoonPies and beads to everyone who’s there,” Lewis said. “We usually circle at least twice. Then if it’s not too cold, we all eat king cake or Mardi Gras cookies and let the good times roll.” The kids are invited to bring musical instruments and are encouraged to make as much noise as they want, Lewis said. The event breaks up the long gap between Christmas and spring break for stay-at-home moms and their kids, she said. “It gives you a little fun thing to look forward to,” Lewis said. Participants have fun even in the days before the parade, according to Lewis. “Moms and kids decorate their ‘floats’ — and by ‘floats,’ we mean strollers, wagons and even boxes,” she said. For information, go to freewebs.com/momsclubotm or to the “Moms Club of Birmingham, Public Page” on Facebook.
From left: Bella Kimbrell, Meg Robinson, Dina Zaher, Mae Dowda and Natalie Jones. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.
Miss Heritage pageant crowns queen At the recent Miss Heritage pageant, Homewood High student Dina Zaher was crowned Miss Heritage 2016. Miss Heritage is a scholarship pageant that is open to all Homewood High School girls ninth through 12th grade. They are judged on three primary categories: a five-minute private interview with the judges, the opening “Outfit of Choice” number, the evening gown and poise portion and, for the top 20 finalists, an on-stage question. A queen is named for each class. This year’s winners include: ► Senior queen: Mae Dowda ► Junior queen: Natalie Jones ► Sophomore queen: Meg Robinson
► Freshman queen: Bella Kimbrell Class queens received a sash, tiara and a Stella & Dot Lariat necklace. The Spirit of Heritage winner, chosen to embody the Homewood spirit, receives a $250 scholarship, and the Judges’ Interview Award gives $300 to the girl who gives the best interview. Zaher, as Miss Heritage, received a $1,000 scholarship, a crown, sash, hair styling from Red Salon and a photo shoot with Louis Fort. This year’s Spirit of Heritage winner is Isabell Burgess, and Zaher also received the Judges’ Interview Award. – Submitted by Homewood City Schools.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • B7
Sports Patriots aim to reclaim top spots By SAM CHANDLER
Members of the fifth-grade enrichment class. Photo courtesy of Merrick Wilson.
Edgewood 5th-graders dive into architecture with STEM project At Edgewood Elementary School, students were able to learn about architecture and the process of designing buildings by exploring the process from the beginning and seeing the end result firsthand. Christen Sloderbeck’s fifth-grade enrichment class participated in an architectural STEM unit project. The students visited Williams-Blackstock Architects to learn about architecture, and the students were able to see the plans and models of buildings they have done, including the Homewood Board of Education office. After the students saw the plans, they were able to
see the models turn into a real-life reality by touring the Board of Education office. The students enjoyed getting a look behind the scenes of the board office while learning about the process the system went through to build it. As part of their application component of their architecture study, the students built a “Little Free Library” for their school. This was made possible by the Edgewood PTO, which awarded the class with a $300 grant for the supplies that were needed. – Submitted by Merrick Wilson.
The AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships will be Feb. 3-4 at the Birmingham CrossPlex, and Homewood High School head coach Tom Esslinger likes his teams’ chances of collecting at least one blue trophy. The Patriot girls, who are stacked with gold medal contenders in a number of events, will look to end a streak of four straight runner-up finishes. They have lost to Pelham the past two years by 12 total points. But this year’s team is different. According to Esslinger, his 2017 squad could be the best he’s had in his 12 years at Homewood. “Overall, when we consider the depth and who we have in every event, I really do believe it’s got the chance to be the best team,” Esslinger said. “I won’t say it’s there yet, but we definitely have the ability to.” The statistics corroborate his confidence. Midway through the indoor Homewood High School freshman Lainey Phelps, season, 10 Homewood individuals and seen running at the AHSAA Class 6A, Section relay teams ranked first in their event in 3 cross-country meet Nov. 3 at Veterans Park, will play an integral role in her team’s pursuit of Class 6A. a state indoor track and field title. Photo by Sam Freshman sensation Lainey Phelps, Chandler. who clocked a sub-5-minute mile earlier this season, is one of those top-ranked position to the girls. The Patriots, who won athletes. At the time she ran it, her mark of 4 minutes, 58.29 seconds was the fastest in three straight indoor championships from 2013 to 2015, are looking to reclaim the top position the nation among high school girls. “She’s still learning, but she is such an elite after placing third in 2016. “We feel pretty good about our chances athlete and at such an elite level,” Esslinger to get back to having a chance to get first,” said. The Homewood boys team is in a similar Esslinger said.
The Homewood Star
B8 • February 2017
BIG shoes to fill By KYLE PARMLEY
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hose size 18 shoes take some getting used to. Trey Jemison, the 6-foot-11 center for the Homewood High School boys basketball team, has learned to keep up while he is still growing. “I am [comfortable with my size], because I play so much,” he said. “When I do grow, I know it’s time to get in the gym. I have to run more and do extra, because you have to get used to your new shoe size. “I started wearing size 18 in the summer, so I started jump roping, because if I don’t, I’m going to be lazy on my feet.” Jemison’s obvious athleticism seems to point to evidence of many jump rope sessions over the offseason, as he was determined to take on a bigger role for the Patriots this season. Last year, Jemison was more of a role player for the Class 6A state champions, as he and Chris Miller split the majority of the post minutes on a team loaded with nine seniors. This
Trey Jemison has nearly tripled his offensive production for Homewood this season. Photos by Todd Lester.
year, his points per game have nearly tripled. “This time last year, I was kind of worried about what I did in the game,” Jemison said. “This year, I’m calm. I know these boys have my back, and I’ve got theirs. I’m more
confident in myself and my game.” Luke Touliatos leads the Patriots in scoring nearly every night, but Jemison can when he needs to. The junior is just in his second year at
Homewood, as he spent his freshman year of high school at Ramsay. The trust between Jemison and his teammates has developed over the past year-and-a-half, as the big man has only improved on the court.
TheHomewoodStar.com “Trey is growing as much mentally as he is physically,” said Homewood head coach Tim Shepler. “He’s becoming more of an offensive presence and threat for us. He’s playing very unselfishly. I think our kids know if they throw it in the post, if he’s open, he’ll take it and if he’s not, he’s going to fan it back out and try to get a 3 out of it.” He has plenty of options when looking for that open shooter, whether it is point guard C.D. Daniels, or any number of shooters such as Andrew Cleveland, Jack Goldasich, Logan Padgett and Larkin Williams. Jemison now feels much more confident when he catches the basketball down on the block. Last year, his brain ran at warp speed, causing him to rush things and make the occasional errant play. He worked throughout the offseason on calming down in the paint, and that has yielded great results so far. “[I wanted to] get stronger and finish around the paint a lot better,” Jemison said. “Last year, I missed a bunch of and-1s I should have had. I was soft last year compared to where I am now. Mentally, I’m calmer now.” If there is an area where Jemison’s size and length cause issues, it is the potential for contact down low to appear misrepresented. Shepler recalled being in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while Shaquille O’Neal was in college at LSU. O’Neal’s physicality earned him several fouls simply based on the fact that he was so much stronger than his opponents. “He’s got to make extra sure he’s straight up [on defense to avoid foul calls],” Shepler said. Jemison said he has gotten better at keeping his hands straight up but admits there are lapses in that effort occasionally. If there is one player who Jemison watches more than others at higher levels, it is Vanderbilt’s Luke Kornet, a
February 2017 • B9 7-foot-1 big man with the versatility to block shots and step out to hit big shots. “He doesn’t have to block everything,” Jemison said. “Guys are stronger than him, but the way he plays, he blocks shots and gets rebounds.” On the other hand, do not expect Jemison to start leaking out to the 3-point line often. “He’s just so good around the basket. He’s been mature enough to say, ‘That’s where I really do the damage during games,’” Shepler said. Shepler does implement a framework for post players like Jemison when they catch the ball on the block. Due to the fact that he will get double- and sometimes triple-teamed by opponents, Jemison goes through his “catch, chin and check” progression often before deciding whether to take a shot or kick it out to an open shooter. But Jemison has improved drastically in his short time at Homewood, something that should excite fans and coaches alike. “All his development’s been through hard work,” Shepler said. “He’s obviously naturally gifted. God had gifted him with a lot of size and a desire to get better and work at it. That’s a gift in itself. He’s getting quicker on his feet, but he has to work at it. I think you appreciate it more when you feel like you’ve had to work for it.” Jemison still has quite a ways to go before reaching his ceiling as a basketball player, something college coaches can’t wait to see. “A lot of recruits are done [with their development],” Jemison said. “They are what they are going to be. They’re happy because I’m just getting started. I have a lot to work on, and that’s good, because I’m a pretty good player right now. Hopefully, I’m going to get better next year. My freshman year of college, I’m going to be a better player. I’m working hard.”
Jemison now stands at 6-foot-11, and has learned to keep up with his growth by spending extra time in the gym.
The Homewood Star
B10 • February 2017
Players pictured clockwise from top left: Tori Webb, Ajah Wayne, Hannah Barber and Shelby Hardy. The Lady Patriots are trying to make a third consecutive deep playoff run this spring and are using their four captains to lead the way. Photos by Kyle Parmley.
Lady Patriots look to 4 captains for guidance By KYLE PARMLEY
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here is strength in numbers. That’s why the Homewood High School girls basketball team uses four captains, instead of the customary one, to shoulder the responsibility of guiding the Lady Patriots through the peaks and valleys of the season. “This year, we just all wanted to come together,” guard Hannah Barber said. “Us four as captains, it’s our job to keep everybody together and to lead, not only by what we say, but by our actions in practice.” Barber, Ajah Wayne and Tori Webb are juniors. Shelby Hardy is the lone senior of that group, and one of just two on the entire team. The four of them lead a team loaded with postseason experience, having won the Class 6A state championship in 2015 and reaching the state final once again in 2016, falling short against LeFlore last March. “It’s a really big role for us,” Webb said. “Because we’re some of the more mature players on the team, and we’re able to keep everybody in contact and keep everybody together and staying focused.”
INSULT AND INJURY
In the loss to LeFlore, things went from bad to worse. The Lady Patriots were struggling from the get-go, and then Wayne went down with a knee injury in the second quarter. She returned to action briefly, but after one possession, it was apparent that she could go no longer. The diagnosis was a torn ACL. “I didn’t have a good first quarter, but I was planning on having a better second half,” Wayne said. “Going down and not being able to go back in, you never know when something can happen.” Throughout the offseason, Wayne was not able to do things the way she wanted. The opportunities to bond with her team around physical therapy sessions and rehabilitation were limited. “I didn’t really get to focus on my team a lot during my surgery, because I had to work three times harder with [physical therapy] and having to deal with the struggles. It
was tough,” Wayne said. “But my team, they were always there and were encouraging me and ready for me to come back.” Wayne said she also has someone to rely on when the going gets tough. Hardy knows what it is like to go through the grind of recovering from a knee injury. “If I’m hurting, [Hardy] will tell me it’s all part of it and to fight through it. She encourages me a lot,” Wayne said.
UNSUNG HERO
There are not going to be many games when Hardy is Homewood’s leading scorer. She is more than capable of putting the ball in the basket, and it should be no shock if she does pace the Lady Patriots on a given night, but she loves her role. “I’m the cleanup person,” she said. “Everything we do, especially rebounding.” Hardy’s contributions may not be overly exciting on a nightly basis, but Homewood’s success has a lot to do with her production. “I think a lot of what she does gets overlooked,” Barber said. “Things like getting the ball out quick, that’s a big part of what we do. Some of the things she does, like setting good screens, don’t show up on the stat sheet, but they don’t go unnoticed.” That extra year she has on the other three captains also puts an additional responsibility on her plate, another one that does not necessarily show up when the lights come on, but is the product of tireless work behind closed doors. “As a senior, I feel like people look to her more for leadership,” Wayne said. “If we’re all just goofing around, it’s her role to step in and say something. She knows her role and she does it really well.”
HURRY UP
If there were one aspect to define Homewood’s success on the court, it would be the tempo of the game. If the Lady Patriots can establish it in their favor — meaning they are flying up and down the court fast enough to give a spectator whiplash — they feel confident they can win. “Tempo is everything,” Wayne said. “Our game flows better. We take better shots. We’ll make a couple bad passes,
but since the tempo is going, we’re ready to get back on defense.” Barber mentioned Hardy’s responsibility to take the ball out quick after the opposing team makes a basket. As the point guard, Barber rushes the ball up the floor, while Webb and Wayne scurry into position as well for an offensive set. “We all have a different role on the floor as well,” Barber said. “It’s up to us four in our own position to get the tempo up. When we can control the tempo, most of the time we’re in good shape.” That tempo wears other teams down, too. But the Lady Patriots practice that way, and they are prepared for those fourth-quarter possessions in a tight game. While the opposition is hunched over searching for air, those extra sprints show their true benefit.
DOING IT TOGETHER
If the Lady Patriots are to conquer a tough classification once again this season, one that includes Hazel Green and area foes Parker, Ramsay and Shades Valley, they will do so as more of a unit than ever before. “The fact that we’re much closer as a team, that will be something positive for us,” Webb said. “Whether we lose or we win, we’re still going to have each other’s backs, regardless.” Webb called the loss in the championship last season a “bad sickness,” but overcoming that metaphorical illness has yielded trust, understanding and comfort amongst the captains. “If you had a bad day, just to know that you have three people that you know have your back and can pick up your slack and encourage and motivate you, that’s where it comes in biggest for me,” Barber said. The four captains know they need each other to climb the mountain once again. No team is complete without crucial role players either, and the Lady Patriots have those in the likes of Lia Roberson, Kayla Mikula, Kalia Cunningham, Kassidy Crawford, Venice Sanders, Zoe Watts and on the list goes. The journey is long, and the contributions of them all will be required along the way. But there is no time to reflect while there is still work to be done. “I can enjoy it when it’s all over,” Wayne said. “Not now. Now, we’re still going hard.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • B11
The Homewood Star
B12 • February 2017
Left: Several Homewood kids have made hockey their sport of choice. Front row: Brady Taylor, Cole Johnson. Back row: Isabella Wood, Nicholas Foster, Matt Sutton and Gage Ianniello. Below: Brady Taylor (11) on the ice at Pelham Civic Complex. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
HOCKEY
CONTINUED from page B1 said. “But it’s worth it. All the kids love it. They all come off sweaty and stinky, but they all love it.” Homewood Middle eighth-grader Isabella Wood started out in the stands, watching her father and brothers play hockey. Her father, Morgan Wood, is from Toronto and jokes he was “a bad influence” in getting his children hooked on hockey. It’s a fast-paced game that can be played at any age, and Morgan Wood said he’s glad to see more girls lacing up their skates. “Every time I get out on the ice, I feel like I want to skate for hours,” Isabella Wood said. Playing hockey requires a lot of time on the ice. Homewood fifth-grade student Gage Ianniello started playing hockey about four years ago, inspired by his father. He’s now at the Pelham Civic Complex about four days a week, sometimes including weekend travel games, but he said he loves playing the game with his friends. “I never thought I would be a hockey parent, being from the South, but I wouldn’t change it,” said Ianniello’s mother, Jessica McDade. “It’s a great place to be.” That time commitment is just the nature of the sport, Hudson said. “It’s different than every other sport, in my opinion, because you do spend a lot of time at the rink. It takes a lot of time to adjust to the actual dynamics of the sport.” Jay Taylor said he also didn’t expect to be a hockey parent before his son Brady Taylor, now a fourthgrader at Shades Cahaba Elementary, picked up the game three years ago. Brady Taylor started in the basic Learn to Play program and moved up to a travel team last year. Brady Taylor said his favorite part of the game is “checking people,”
a defensive maneuver to get the opponent separated from the puck. After nearby parents pointed out
that his age group wasn’t allowed to do body checks yet, Brady Taylor amended his statement: “When I
can get away with it.” Two Homewood kids got started in hockey through chance encounters. Nicholas Foster, a seventh-grader at Spring Valley School, came to the Pelham ice rink for a birthday party and met a figure skater who taught him to skate backward. That was the start of five years enjoying the game and his teammates. Meanwhile, Homewood High School sophomore Matt Sutton found an unexpected skating talent on a trip to Washington, D.C. He is now on a travel team and the HHS baseball team, and he spends anywhere between five and 16 hours on the ice each week. “Just being around the organization all together is just amazing — the coaches, the people and playing with everybody is a lot of fun,”
Matt Sutton said. His father, Ben Sutton, who works for the Homewood Police Department, said one of his favorite parts of youth hockey is that children who play in the house league at the Pelham complex will always have an opportunity to play. “No matter how good you are, you’re going to get better, and you’re going to play every game,” Ben Sutton said. “I knew nothing about hockey, you know, until my son started playing it. I enjoy the heck out of it now.” Hudson said there are about 150 kids who play at Pelham from the 8 and under team up to 18-year-olds. He would like to see them keep enjoying the sport as they grow up. “It’s kind of a special sport,” he said.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2017 • B13
Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
771023
35209
1504 Primrose Place
New
$449,000
771179
35209
37 Edgehill Road
New
$245,000
771086
35209
1504 Valley View Drive
New
$209,900
770730
35209
1625 Barry Avenue
New
$269,780
770710
35209
897 Mountain Ridge Drive
New
$325,000
770687
35209
1100 Crest Avenue
New
$619,900
770613
35209
1640 Ridge Road
New
$469,900
770354
35209
1908 26th Avenue S.
New
$268,500
770216
35209
218 Lakeshore Drive
New
$599,000
770084
35209
1410 Clermont Drive
New
$339,000
770917
35209
1927 Wellington Road
New
$1,250,000
769994
35209
3425 Sandner Court #D
New
$90,000
769662
35209
111 Hanover Drive
New
$349,500
769650
35209
721 Crest Lane
New
$357,500
769649
35209
300 Crest Drive
New
$389,900
769555
35209
815 Columbiana Road
New
$379,900
769204
35209
1148 Hardwick Lane
New
$366,000
769148
35209
116 Edgemont Drive
New
$268,000
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Jan. 16. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
1504 Primrose Place
1927 Wellington Road
The Homewood Star
B14 • February 2017
Calendar Homewood Events Feb. 2: Samford vs. Western Carolina Men’s Basketball. 7 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com. Feb. 3-5: Demolition Derby Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Lakeshore Foundation. Visit lakeshore.org. Feb. 3: A Cappella Vespers. 5:30 p.m. Samford University, Divinity Hall. Free and open to the public. Visit samford.edu/events. Feb. 4: Samford vs. UNCG Men’s Basketball. 3 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com. Feb. 4: Skyscapes in Oil with Barbara Davis. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. Some supplies needed, lunch provided. $125. Visit forstallart.com. Feb. 4: Murder in the Magic City. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Homewood Library. Mystery conference for fans of all sub-genres of mystery novels. Panel discussions and
presentations. Visit mmcmysteryconference.com. Feb. 4: Samford vs. UNCG Women’s Basketball. 6 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com.
Samford University. Performance by the Alabama Ballet. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $25-$60. Visit alabamaballet. org.
Feb. 9-11: Step Sing. 7 p.m. nightly with a 2 p.m. show on Saturday. Wright Center Concert Hall. Visit samford.edu/events.
Feb. 18: Painting with Purpose with Terry Strickland. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. Some supplies needed, lunch provided. $125. Visit forstallart.com.
Feb. 11: Samford vs. Western Carolina Women’s Basketball. 2 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com.
Feb. 18: Samford vs. VMI Men’s Basketball. 6 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com.
Feb. 11: Acrylic Textures with Lisa O. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. Some supplies needed, lunch provided. $95. Visit forstallart.com.
Feb. 21: February Membership Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club. Featuring CEO of Pack Health, Mazi Rasulnia. Visit homewoodchamber.com.
Feb. 16-17: Freeman Series Dance Concert. 7:30 p.m. Swearingen Hall, Harrison Theatre. Visit tickets.samford.edu.
Feb. 21: George Saunders. 5 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Signing “Lincoln in the Bardo.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com.
Feb. 17-19: Giselle. Wright Fine Arts Center,
Feb. 21: Rosedale Community Meeting. 6:30 p.m.
Homewood Athletics Feb. 3: Girls varsity basketball vs. Bibb County, 6 p.m. Feb. 4: Boys varsity basketball vs. Oxford, 4 p.m. Feb. 21: Girls varsity softball vs. Briarwood, 5 p.m. Feb. 22: Girls varsity softball @ Mt. Brook, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 27: Girls varsity softball @ Pleasant Grove, 4:30 p.m.
Lee Community Center, 1828 25th Court South. Feb. 22: Samford vs. Chattanooga Men’s Basketball. 7 p.m. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com. Feb. 23: Wind Ensemble Concert. 7:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall. Performance of the top concert band. Visit samford.edu/eventss Feb. 25: Samford Basketball. 2 p.m. women vs. Mercer. 6 p.m. men vs. The Citadel. Pete Hanna Center. $10-$15, 12 and under, free. Visit samfordsports.com. Feb. 25: Bernadette Peters. 8 p.m. Wright Concert Hall. Performance with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Visit samford.edu/events. Feb. 27: Troy Ball. 5 p.m. Alabama Booksmith. Signing “Pure Heart: A Spirited Tale of Grace, Grit and Whiskey.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com.
Homewood Public Library Children
Registration required.
Feb. 2: Harry Potter Book Night: The Professors of Hogwarts. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Celebrating the magic of the Harry Potter series.
Feb. 9: iTween: Cupcake Wars. Open to 4th7th graders. Test cupcake decorating skills. Registration required.
Feb. 3: TGIF Bingo. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium.
Feb. 13: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30 p.m. Preschool -12th grade.
Feb. 4: Spanish Enrichment Program. 10:30 a.m. For 3rd-5th graders intereste in learning Spanish. Continues March 4 and April 8.
Feb. 14 & 28: Girls Who Code. 4 p.m. Round Auditorium. Empowering girls in the computer science field.
Feb. 15: Kids in the Kitchen: Love and Food. 3:30 p.m. K-5th grade. Round Auditorium. Feb. 17: Kid Coderz. 3:30 p.m. For 3rd-6th graders. Learn coding basics. Feb. 18: Tiana’s Mardi Gras Ball. 10:30 a.m. Children’s Department. A Princess and the Frog themed party. Feb. 21: Paper Bag Book Club. 3 p.m. For 3rd-5th graders. Science Fiction/Fantasy. For
TheHomewoodStar.com 3rd-5th grade. Teens Feb. 1: Teen Anime Club. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Discuss and watch anime. Feb. 6: Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Open to teens grades 6-12 who want to take an active role at the Homewood Public Library.
February 2017 • B15 Feb. 9: Let’s Dish Cookbook Club: Sweet Treats. 6:30 p.m. Prepare a recipe around the theme and bring to the meeting. Feb. 10-11: Valentines Dinner Theatre: “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Presented by South City Theatre. Buffet starting at 6:30 p.m., and the show follows at 7:30 p.m. $30.Purchase tickets before February 8.
Feb. 8: Bath Bombs! 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Create your very own bath bombs. All supplies included. Online registration required.
Feb. 13: OLLI Bonus Program: The Tuskegee Airmen with Daniel Haulman. 1 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Presentation will discuss their training, organization, combat experiences, and famous officers.
Feb. 13: Stupid Cupid Chocolate Party. 4 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Library Level). Chocolate-themed games and trivia with prizes.
Feb. 14: Genealogy 101: Nonpopulation Schedules: A Sensible Guide to the Rest of the Census. 11:30 a.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level).
Feb. 13: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30–7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium.
Feb. 18: Jane Austen Regency Ball. 7 p.m. Large Auditorium. For ages 12 and older. $15. Email jasna.alabama@gmail.com.
Feb. 16: Homeschool Hour: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 1:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Online registration required. Suggested for ages 10 years old and up. Feb. 18: Teen Anime Club. 2 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Discuss and watch anime. Feb. 27: The Road to College. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Admission counselors from several local colleges and universities will be present to answer questions regarding financial aid, ACT vs. SAT, application timelines, and much more. No registration required. Adults Feb. 4: Murder in the Magic City. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Large and Round Auditoriums. Conference for fans of mystery novels. Lunch and goody bag included. $30.
Feb. 21: ABCs of Medicare. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Room 116. Answer all your questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Feb. 21: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. Room 106. Pet loss support group. Reservations requested. Call 542-7111. Feb. 22: iProduct Master Class: Photography Using iPads & iPhones. 2 p.m. Large auditorium. Registration required. Feb. 22: The Better Than Therapy Book Group. 2 p.m. Discussing “The Girls of Atomic City” by Denise Kierman.
Feb. 6 & 27: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. Free. Bring your own mat.
Feb. 23: Neuroscience Café: Interventional Neuroimaging- Brain Tumors. 6:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Join us as Mark Bolding, Ph.D. and Asim Bag, M.D. of UAB discuss the advantages of neuroimaging in the treatment brain tumors.
Feb. 8: First Step Wednesdays- Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. Round Auditorium. Free.
Feb. 28: Niki Sepas Presents “Twelve Hands and a Flag: The Rising of the Stars and Stripes Over Iwo Jima.” 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium.