Homewood Star January 2023

Sidewalk projects, city manager study

among 2023 goals

By NEAL EMBRY

y the end of the year, the city of Homewood will see a few new sidewalks, as well as a possible recommendation for a new form of government.

Other notable projects include a pocket park on Saulter Road, a revamping of Reese Street and a change in the city’s ambulance service.

In the school system, Homewood City Schools will focus on renovations, parking projects and continuing professional development.

CITY OUTLOOK

Mayor Patrick McClusky said the Green Springs Connector project should be complete during the first quarter of 2023.

That project includes installing sidewalks from Broadway Street to Lakeshore Drive and will connect residents in the area with the city’s existing sidewalk network, McClusky said.

Sidewalks will also be constructed on Mecca Avenue sometime during the year’s first quarter, he said.

On Reese Street, City Council President Alex Wyatt said the road, which is currently a one-way street, will see its width reduced to make room for sidewalks, lighting and some parallel parking spaces. The project will allow that part of Homewood to connect to 18th Street, Wyatt said.

SERVING HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, VESTAVIA HILLS, TRUSSVILLE AND THE U.S. 280 CORRIDOR

Mouron inducted into Alabama Business Hall of Fame

By NEAL EMBRY

Mike Mouron said his advice for the younger generation is simple: find a profession you are passionate about.

Mouron graduated from Mountain Brook High School before earning an accounting degree from the University of Alabama. Following a few years working as a CPA in Montgomery, Mouron began pursuing a career in real estate, which he said always interested him..

Working with his wife, Mouron fixed up homes before buying his first commercial property, allowing him to move out of accounting.

Several decades later, Mouron’s love of real estate has landed him in the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. Mouron was inducted as part of the class of 2022 in November.

“It’s obviously a tremendous honor,” Mouron said.

New Beginnings

Vehicles on Broadway Street wait at the traffic light at Green Springs Highway in Homewood on Dec. 13. The city of Homewood will soon add sidewalks to connect Broadway Street, Green Springs Highway and Lakeshore Drive. Photos by Erin Nelson.

The intersection of Mecca Avenue and Highland Road in the Edgewood neighborhood of Homewood on Dec. 13. Sidewalks are coming to Mecca Avenue sometime in 2023, Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky said.

Mike Mouron at the Valley Hotel. Mouron was inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in November. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Homewood resident Lindsay Holifield releases new single, “Ghost Girl.”

healthy new

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With an Annual Movement Screening, your PT can assess your mobility and strength to help you face everything this new year will bring.

Scan this code to schedule an appointment and start a Healthy New Year.

OUR TREE CREWS ARE WORKING TO KEEP THE DEPENDABILITY YOU

EXPECT.

At Alabama Power, we work hard to provide the dependable service our customers expect and deserve. We give 100% to achieve 99.98% dependability. That means regularly inspecting and trimming trees as a way of preventing potential outages.

About 45% of outages experienced by Alabama Power customers are due to trees and plant life. We use technology and data analytics to help identify areas in need of tree trimming to protect the electrical system.

Overgrown branches can brush against power lines and cause outages. They also make power lines more accessible to wildlife.

Keeping you aware of upcoming work is a priority to us. Scan the QR code to see the neighborhoods tree crews will be working in.

If you have any questions, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and request to speak with a member of our utility tree care team.

To learn more about how we safely maintain our system or for recommendations on planting the right trees in the right place, visit AlabamaPower.com/trees.

Editor’s Note By Neal Embry

Time truly does go by fast.

About Us Please Support Our Community Partners

This month four years ago, I married my wife. It does not seem like it has been that long, but four years have brought so many changes: from an apartment to a home, to bringing home our first dog and, of course, welcoming home our baby girl in 2020.

Of all the roles I have in my life, besides being a Christian, being a husband and a father is what I enjoy the most. I am blessed to have the family that I have and am thankful for them each and every day.

Another role I enjoy is being editor of this newspaper. As someone who grew up in the area, I’m really enjoying getting to know more about Homewood and the

diverse people, businesses and areas that make up this great city. In this month’s paper, we profile

some of the main projects and issues to look out for in 2023, such as the city manager study and more. We also take time to honor this year’s All-South Metro football team, including Homewood High School quarterback Woods Ray, who was named Player of the Year. Congratulations to Woods and all of this year’s honorees!

I hope this month brings many blessings to you as we start 2023, and, as always, thank you for reading!

Alabama Power (A3)

Bedzzz Express (A32)

Birmingham Water Works Board (A25)

Bromberg’s (A26)

Campfire Woodfuel (A1)

Cremation Center of Birmingham (A25)

Encore Stone (A7)

Enroll Alabama (A9)

French Drains Pro (A18)

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Gardner Landscaping (A6)

Guin Service (A1)

Homewood Carpet & Flooring (A26)

Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (A19)

Homewood Parks and Rec (A23)

IOP Services LLC (A13)

Issis & Sons (A29)

Lakeshore Foundation (A9)

LIST Birmingham (A16, A17)

Mr. Handyman of Birmingham (A11)

One Man & A Toolbox (A8)

Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (A28)

Piggly Wiggly (A27)

Publix (A31)

Rachel Reynolds, Edward Jones (A10)

RealtySouth Homewood (A5)

Sewing Machine Mart (A18)

Shades Creek Dental (A15)

SoHo Social and Social Taco (A24)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (A28)

SouthState Bank (A12)

The Altamont School (A8)

TherapySouth Corporate (A2)

Vapor Ministries/Thrift Store (A13)

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A24)

Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of

“Set a budget, narrow down the area, determine minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms and focus on the top 2 must haves in a house (for example - 2 car garage, basement, primary/ master on the main) Often there are a number of boxes to check of what a client wants it is rare you’ll check all of the boxes so you have to narrow it down, focus on what’s really impor tant to the client and get them to the property so they can visualize the potential the house has to offer.”

Going into 2023, we need to consider the changes in both the economy and the local market. With interest rates that continue to tetter down and up, buyers are locking in rates when they dip lower so that they are ready to act fast when a house hits the market that they would like to offer on Listings can be expected to elevate in numbers with the spring season ahead of us, which is the t ypical season for real estate activity to come alive. When tr ying to create an ‘average’ time for buyers to find and purchase a home, there is no set time frame. So many factors contribute to a home search time including the area of Birmingham you’re searching, your price point, the happenings of our country, a buyers financing, an agents drive to stay on top of the listings and search outside the norm for your dream home.

#letsgetmovingBHM

Council discusses debate over alley, other topics in December meetings

By NEAL EMBRY

The Homewood City Council on Dec. 19 again tabled the issue of whether to vacate the right of way adjacent to Central Avenue Dentistry.

An attorney for the Maniscalcos, who own the dental office, said they wanted to wait until more information is known about the potential development of adjacent property at 1707 Reese St. That property is being developed by Len Shannon of Shannon Waltchack on behalf of Alabama Power. The Maniscalcos have indicated they would, upon the city vacating the right of way to the alley, be willing to sell an easement to the developers to use for access to their development.

While it is Shannon’s desire to see a restaurant on the property, among other tenants, that has not been decided, said Mark Gonzalez with Gonzalez, Strength and Associates, representing Shannon, who was out of the country at the Dec. 19 meeting.

For several months, the parties have gone back and forth trying to reach an agreement, with the Maniscalcos wanting the city to vacate the right of way, allowing them to use a small road for parking, which was previously done by the past owner.

However, Shannon has said if that alley is used for parking, it would hinder access to his development. There is a plan for 20 parking spaces at that development as well, including at least one parking spot for disabled people.

While the council voted to allow work to begin in the right of way next to the Reese Street development, with abstentions by

Council President Alex Wyatt and Councilors John Hardin and Carlos Aleman, the vacation of right of way was again sent to the special issues committee, which will take it up in early January.

At the Dec. 12 City Council meeting, the council also made changes to the city’s tree ordinance. Those changes center on certain exemptions from the city’s requirement to plant trees for certain developments and renovations. Councilor Jennifer Andress said the ordinance as written unintentionally goes too far, causing those doing smaller projects to worry about tree planting and replacement.

The changes exempt projects that involve building alterations on less than 50% of the total square footage of the area or exterior site improvements less than $5,000. It also allows

those required by the city to plant trees to instead pay a $750 payment per tree into the city’s tree replacement fund.

The changes also create a definition of artificial turf and state that if a detailed engineering description is submitted and approved by the city engineer, artificial turf will not be considered an accessory structure. There is a 30% limit to backyard accessory structures, with anything over that requiring an appearance before the Board of Zoning Adjustments, City Engineer Cale Smith said. This move would eliminate some of those cases that appear before the board each month.

January council meetings are set for Jan. 9 and 30. Committee meetings previously scheduled for Jan. 2 have been moved to Jan. 3 due to Jan.

2 being a city holiday.

In other business in December and late November, the council:

Authorized Mayor Patrick McClusky to sign a document with Spectrum for the Alerus employer-sponsored voluntary retirement savings plan

► Added monthly utility service to the classroom building at Fire Station 3

► Agreed to pay fiscal 2023 appropriations to the Bell Center in the amount of $5,000, $50,000 to The Exceptional Foundation, $70,000 to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce and $10,000 to the Birmingham Zoo

► Approved a request to work within the right of way at 1501 Roseland Drive to remove a pine tree

► Approved a request for permission to work within the rights of way at 2510 18th St. S. and 1722 28th Ave. S.

► Approved a front yard fence variance for a forthcoming coffee shop at 1625 Oxmoor Road

► Approved a front yard fence variance at 1714 Ridge Road

► Denied a sign variance request for the new Ace Hardware at 320 Oxmoor Road

► Declared an old Chevy Tahoe as surplus

► Approved various sign and fence ordinances

► Set a public hearing for Jan. 20 to consider the rezoning of 3101 Overton Drive from a neighborhood preservation district to a district for attached family dwellings

► Approved a change order to the stormwater improvement project at College Avenue to reflect the need to relocate both a water line and utility line. The project remained within the budgeted amount of $750,000.

This photo shows Central Avenue, home to Central Avenue Dentistry and a potential forthcoming development by Alabama Power. File photo.

Saulter Road pocket park possibly going to bid this spring

By NEAL EMBRY

The city of Homewood plans to solicit bids for the Saulter Road pocket park project in March, according to Councilor Barry Smith.

“It has been a long time coming,” Smith said.

The pocket park was delayed as it took longer than expected to build sidewalks on the road, Smith said. Building the green space for neighborhood residents “will feel like a victory,” she said.

“It’s going to be a big deal,” Smith said. Smith said discussions about the park began six or seven years ago as a way to create green spaces for residents in the area and as an alternative way to access Samford University’s campus. Samford previously tore down the two homes on the lot and allowed the city to lease it at a one-time payment of $10. The park also allows residents to connect to the Shades Creek Greenway through campus.

An initial plan for what would be included at the park was revealed at a December meeting of the city’s planning and development committee. Jane Reed Ross with Goodwyn Mills Cawood revealed some of the components that could be coming to the park following a public input meeting. Smith said those plans are not final and won’t be until the construction documents are approved.

Plans include multiple grassy areas, a playground area, swings and a climbing structure, Ross said. A rendering also showed a log tunnel and seating with a shade sail. Various types of trees will also be planted at the park to reforest the area, she said. More can always be added in the future as well.

The new sidewalks on Saulter Road will connect the park to the city’s sidewalk and crosswalk network in the area. Stairs are proposed to allow visitors to access the top part of the park.

Since it’s intended for people in the immediate area, there will be just one handicap-only parking spot at the park, Ross said.

A safety fence will also be built, she said.

The city budgeted about $285,000 for the

project, and the projected cost of the park as proposed is “in the neighborhood of $280,000,” Ross said.

“We have always envisioned this as a passive pocket park for people who live in the neighborhood,” Smith said at the meeting.

Having the park will be a boon to the area, which has seen younger families with children

move in, Smith said. The city might approach the park with the idea that less is more, at least at the beginning, she said, and more could be added as time goes on.

While the plans are not finalized, the park will likely resemble what was presented at the committee meeting, she said.

Smith said she’s heard nothing but

excitement from neighbors about the sidewalks and the pocket park.

Depending on the weather, once a bid is received and accepted by the council, construction should take about three to four months, Ross said. While construction can be hard to predict, Smith said the hope is to have the park “up and running” at least by the end of 2023.

An open field at the corner of South Wellington Road and Saulter Road in Homewood on Nov. 30. The green space is slated to be turned into a pocket park. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

Mayor’s Minute

By Patrick McClusky

As we begin a new year, I want to wish all of you the very best in 2023! We have a lot of exciting things planned for the upcoming year, including the sidewalk project on Lakeshore Drive to finally connect the Lakeview Estates neighborhood. This has been a passion project of mine for many years, even as a council representative, and we are thrilled to have this project ready for ’23.

The new storm sewer project for Edgewood has begun and there are more slated in the coming months. These projects will bring some much-needed relief to our storm sewer network, as well as the affected residents.

Finally, I will be giving the annual State of the City Address this month, which gives our residents and businesses an update on where we are and where we are going over the next calendar year. We will also be presenting the city employee awards, as we recognize all the exceptional work being done by the Homewood city employees. I wish you all a very happy new year!

homeRN, a concierge caregiving service, is excited to announce the opening of their office in Crestline providing services to Mountain Brook, Vestavia and Homewood. homeRN cares for clients in the comfort of their homes and offers a wide range of caregiver and nursing services including helping with daily living activities, sitting services and communication between physicians and family members. 205-644-2906, homeRNcare.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Regions, with offices at 1 Independence Plaza, 100 Green Springs Highway and 800 Lakeshore Drive, has been designated as a 2023 Military Friendly Employer and 2023 Military Spouse

Friendly Employer by Military Friendly, an organization that measures the commitment of companies creating professional opportunities that leverage military experience. Further, Regions works with the national program Hiring Our Heroes, which helps connect transitioning service members and their families with career opportunities.

regions.com

Evernest, a Birmingham-based real estate and property management firm, recently acquired three property management companies in the cities of Colorado Springs, Tampa and Tucson. In Colorado Springs, the acquisition of A Cut Above Property Management adds about 450 homes to Evernest’s Colorado Springs portfolio. In Tampa, the company merged with Florida-based Rent It network, adding the management agreements for about 450 homes to the company’s Tampa portfolio. In Tucson, the company acquired Keep Property Management, adding about 300 homes across the Tucson area and boosting the firm’s overall properties managed to more than 14,000 nationwide. The company has acquired 33 organizations and purchased eight within the last six months of 2022. evernest.co

At a Dec. 13 luncheon, the Homewood Chamber of Commerce named its businesses of the year. Shaia’s was named 2022 Business of the Year; Meals by Misty was named 2022 Rising Star; and both Bandwagon Sports and the Valley Hotel were given the 2022 Community Patriot award.

homewoodchamber.org

ANNIVERSARIES

3BM Golf Studio, led by Brandon Mason, is celebrating one year of being open in Homewood. The golf studio offers custom-made clubs, fittings, simulator rentals, lessons and more. All services are by appointment only. Appointments can be booked online, by phone or by emailing the store at 3bmgolfstudio@gmail.com. 205-873-9100, 3bmgolfstudio.com

Business news to share? If you have news to share with the community about a brick-and-mortar business in Homewood, let us know at thehomewoodstar.com/about-us

3BM Golf celebrates 1 year in Homewood

By NEAL EMBRY

Everything about 3BM Golf Studio in West Homewood is unconventional, owner Brandon Mason said. It’s fitting, though, as Mason had an unconventional journey into the golf world.

Almost two decades ago, Mason, a Birmingham native with a background in film and broadcasting, decided to make a film about golf. More specifically, he wanted to make a romantic comedy about the sport, the first of its kind since “Tin Cup.”

“The world needs a newer version of ‘Tin Cup,’” Mason said.

But as he dove headlong into the world of golf to make the movie more authentic, Mason found a new passion. His work became less about the film and more about golf as he “embedded” himself into the culture, he said.

The UAB graduate had always been intrigued by golf, in part because of his grandfather’s love for the game. As he began playing, he fell in love, too.

“When I play golf, I forget about everything,” Mason said. “You’re just out there trying to put a white ball in a hole in the least amount of strokes.”

The movie wasn’t finished, but Mason’s career in the world of golf was just beginning.

While spending time reading, researching and playing the sport, Mason entered an amateur golf event and finished last. Wanting to improve, Mason learned from a professional on the Web.com tour and went on to win a couple of amateur

tournaments. He then learned to build his own golf clubs and started teaching himself more and more about the game. Living in California at the time, Mason created a shop to work on clubs in his backyard and began a YouTube channel dedicated to golf.

Mason’s family moved back to Birmingham so his children could be around their grandparents. On Jan. 1, 2022, he opened his own golf studio in West Homewood, located at 237 Oxmoor Circle, Unit 107.

Mason said he knew having a golf studio was a hard market to break into, but 3BM Golf has gained a lot of traction in the last year and is doing

well. One neighbor told him he was the “best-kept secret” in the area.

The studio has what Mason called an “inviting” lobby, with chairs, merchandise and books on golf that Mason himself read. His notes are still visible on some pages, a reminder of the time he spent teaching himself the game. Clients and players then walk into the area that hosts a golf simulator, which can be rented out for parties but is also used to provide lessons and other services, Mason said. Many different courses from around the world can be played on the simulator, he said.

Services offered include lessons,

club work, fittings and more. The studio includes the latest technology available to help give golfers the best feedback possible, Mason said. That includes the Quintic putting system, the only one of its kind in the state, providing feedback on putts before, during and after impact, Mason said.

“There’s really nothing I can’t do in here,” Mason said. “It’s an incubator for all things golf.”

The studio is not a retailer, as Mason builds custom clubs and is certified as a master club builder from Mitchell Club Company. It isn’t easy, he said. One client sat and watched him once, and told him he didn’t

realize so much math was involved, Mason said.

“It’s all about weight,” Mason said. “If you touch one thing, it affects something else.”

But having custom-made clubs allows the player or client to know their clubs are fitted specifically for them, he said. The studio’s old motto is, “We build them custom so you can trust them,” while the new motto is, “Truth, Discover, Education,” Mason said.

The studio’s growth has been mostly due to word-of-mouth advertising, Mason said.

“Business is hard,” Mason said. “I had a business before but it was at home. Brick-and-mortar is a totally different ballgame. The minute you let up, that’s the minute it falls apart.”

Mason knows his clientele isn’t trying to go pro. They’re simply, as he says, trying to “not play trash golf.”

The studio offers Saturday morning classes, $25 for an hour, as a financially feasible way for clients to improve their game, Mason said. Private lessons are $100 an hour, and he also offers a free 20-minute consultation. Because the studio is appointment-only, clients don’t have to worry about having multiple customers pulling an employee away from their needs, he said.

All of the services offered at the studio, as well as studio tours and rentals, can be booked online at 3bmgolfstudio.com.

In the future, Mason said he would like to add three more bays to the simulator, create some type of membership and expand.

Brandon Mason, master club builder and club fitter, works with Paul Simmons to correct his overthe-top golf swing during a lesson at 3BM Golf Studio in West Homewood on Nov. 22. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Chamber

City manager possibilities discussed at chamber luncheon

By NEAL EMBRY

As the city of Homewood continues to study whether to change its form of government, city managers from two neighboring cities, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, provided their thoughts on the matter at a Dec. 13 Homewood Chamber of Commerce roundtable.

Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston, who has held his role for 29 years, was joined by Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes, who will celebrate 10 years in his role in 2023.

Joining them on stage and asking questions was Homewood City Council President Alex Wyatt. Wyatt asked the men to explain the differences in their roles and their cities’ respective forms of government.

Downes explained that in Vestavia, he functions as the “CEO,” overseeing the day-to-day management of the city and supervising all employees. He answers to the five-person City Council, which includes the mayor, a voting member of the council.

“My role is to implement the will of five different elected officials,” Downes said.

As opposed to a mayor-council form of government in which the mayor has more authority, Downes said having a city manager forces the

council to come up with policy in a collective manner and reduces some of the politicking that is possible with a mayor-council form of government. Downes brings resources, opinions and staff to help the council make the best decision and also oversees Vestavia’s annual strategic planning session, held in the first two months of the year. At that meeting, city leaders review the past year and set strategic goals for the new year.

Mountain Brook, the first city in Alabama to have a city manager form of government, instituted the role by ordinance in 1942, rather than by a public vote like the one Vestavia held more than a decade ago. Gaston handles the day-to-day operations of the city, but unlike Downes, he does not act as supervisor for the city’s police and fire chiefs.

The other option being considered by Homewood is to hire a city administrator who would work under the mayor, though Wyatt said adding a city manager, in one of the two forms represented by Downes and Gaston, is the most likely option.

The city of Hoover has a city administrator, Allan Rice, who reports to Mayor Frank Brocato.

In addition to having a professional oversee a city’s day-to-day operations, having a city manager provides some continuity if elected officials are voted out of office,

Gaston said. The average tenure of a city manager is seven or eight years, he said, though he and Downes have exceeded that average. City managers usually are also able to hire better trained employees and offer better pay, improving a city, he said.

“In over-the-mountain communities, we are so blessed with a quality of life that very few places in the rest of the state enjoys,” Gaston said.

Gaston encouraged Homewood to “legitimize” the addition of a city manager by allowing the people to vote on whether to change the form of government or not, rather than simply changing it by ordinance.

If and when the city’s form of government changes, the next step will be hiring the city manager. Wyatt asked the men what qualities city leaders should look for in that hire.

Downes said each community that goes down this road must determine what skill sets they are looking for. When he was hired in Vestavia, the city was focused on hiring someone who could bring much-needed economic development to the city, he said.

Gaston said he and Downes would be willing to help the city find the right person, and said a city manager should be someone who is dedicated to public service, well-organized, able to get along with people and experienced.

Annual Salamander Festival returns to Homewood High School

By NEAL EMBRY

The annual Salamander Festival is returning to Homewood High School following two years of virtual events.

The event, which celebrates the salamanders that call Homewood home, is slated for Saturday, Jan. 28, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the high school’s gym.

If the weather is good, there will be a hike to the salamander ponds on south Lakeshore Drive, said Michelle Blackwood with Friends of Shades Creek, which puts on the event.

There will also be tours of the high school’s rain garden, weather permitting, Blackwood said.

The event features live music, as well as refreshments. While the event is free, donations are encouraged, Blackwood said.

Different groups will be on hand to educate guests about environmental awareness and protection, focusing on the salamanders. Kids and adults will be able to make fish art prints, Blackwood said.

The festival introduces people to the salamanders and the fact that they are in Homewood. While there are eight or nine different species of salamander that live in the old growth forest near Lakeshore, the spotted salamander is the most well-known, Blackwood said.

The salamanders live under rocks and logs during the year, but during a warm, rainy night, usually at the end of January, they migrate to local ponds to mate, Blackwood said. The amphibians cross south Lakeshore just east of Homewood High School, Blackwood said.

“They want to go back to where they hatched,” Blackwood said.

The Friends of Shades Creek will often not only watch the migration but also protect the salamanders’ path to the pond.

Once at the pond, the male salamanders will perform a mating dance, and the females will later lay their eggs in the pond. The new salamanders will hatch about a week or two later, Blackwood said.

And since the salamanders dance, Blackwood said the group always tries to have dancing at the festival.

For more information on the festival and the Friends of Shades Creek, visit shadescreek.org.

Homewood Councilman Alex Wyatt, left, speaks with Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston and Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes about their roles in their communities during the annual Homewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon at The Club on Dec. 13. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Harrison Blankenhorn, 4, holds a spotted salamander during the 16th annual Salamander Festival held at Shades Valley Community Church in January 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Community

By NEAL EMBRY

In 2019, Lindsay Holifield was writing a song with a friend in Nashville, describing Holifield’s struggles with an eating disorder.

“We did what we always do with pain, which is sort of alchemize it and make it into something new,” Holifield said. “Even though it’s a really dark song in a lot of ways, it was turning this story into something beautiful, and to me, that was really cool to see.”

Late last year, Holifield, a Homewood resident, released that single, “Ghost Girl,” across all music platforms, following up on her January 2022 EP, “Fear of God.” It’s the latest step in her music journey, one that has allowed her to not only document but also overcome her personal struggles.

Holifield, 31, moved to the Birmingham area in 2020, spending a year in Hoover before moving to Homewood. Originally from Texas, where she spent most of her life, she’s also spent time in Nashville.

When she was 15 years old, Holifield began struggling with an eating disorder.

“Music was a big source of life to get me through that,” Holifield said.

While spending time in in-patient treatment facilities, music was a reward for meeting goals, she said. About five or six years ago, she was in a facility that allowed her a short time to shower, with a nurse standing outside the door. Those few minutes where she could sing and hear her voice were a boon to her mental health.

Holifield has been in recovery for almost two years now, though she said there are still days and weeks that are hard. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began writing her

own music.

“I’ve always been writing, always been creative,” Holifield said. “There’s just something that pulls me back towards life.”

A therapist once told her if she could write her way out of her struggles, she would.

Holifield cited a line from poet Andrea Gibson as one of her sources of inspiration: “We have to create. It’s the only thing louder than destruction.”

Her writing has now carried her to stages across the Birmingham area. While she’s still relatively new to performing, sharing her songs and her struggles helps both her and others.

“It may sound weird, but it’s a very embodied place for me,” Holifield said. “It actually feels more connected to share that vulnerable stuff.”

Those who struggle with eating disorders or other battles they’re facing have reached out to her to thank her for being so vulnerable, Holifield said. Friends have thanked her, and even strangers have utilized social media to express their gratitude, she said.

As she’s begun her music career, Holifield said she’s been helped by other Birmingham-area artists, who have shown her how to navigate the scene. There is a “collaborative spirit” in this area, she said.

The plan for Holifield now is to write and record more songs in the months ahead and possibly try to raise funds to record. While knowing that making it big in the music industry is hard, Holifield said she has a “clear-eyed hope” of what the future could hold.

“I just need to create,” Holifield said. “We’ll see what happens.”

Have a community announcement? Email Neal Embry at nembry@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Local singer-songwriter Lindsay Holifield in downtown Homewood on Dec. 2. Photo by Erin Nelson.

2022 YEAR IN PHOTOS

Photos by Erin Nelson

Above: Harper Nichols, a native of Homewood and photography major at UAB, stands in front of a collection of prints in her student workspace on May 6.

Brady Taylor, a freshman at Homewood High School, takes a shot at the goal during hockey practice with the Birmingham Bulls Bantam AA 14U team at the Pelham Civic Center ice rink on March 19.

Homewood’s Christian Thompson (34) rises to the goal during the first half of the AHSAA Class 6A boys Northeast Regional Semifinal against Huffman at Pete Mathews Coliseum on

17

Homewood’s Spenser Lamb pushes to the finish line in the boys 60-meter hurdles during the AHSAA Class 6A indoor track and field state championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Feb. 4.

Youth cheerleaders run down the street during the Homewood High School homecoming parade in downtown Homewood on Sept. 15

Above: Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky and volunteers and veterans representing Team Red, White and Blue approach Five Points South as they make the handoffs carrying the U.S. flag and The World Games 2022 flag as they head to downtown Birmingham during the Old Glory Relay, a 3,100-mile trek carrying a U.S. flag from Washington, D.C. to Birmingham for The World Games on July 6

Left: Scott Landreth, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, and his service dog Thor, a 3-year-old Labrador, volunteer at Brookwood Medical Center in Homewood on Aug. 23.

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Teen spreads kindness in the pageant world

By CANDICE N. HALE

Homewood teen Allie Grace Broadhead, 14, knows firsthand that beauty pageants are organizations that house “more than pretty faces.”

In fact, she wants to change the narrative surrounding the pageant world so society can understand that they provide an array of benefits like life skills, female bonding and world-building for contestants.

As a part of the Miss Alabama Organization, Broadhead is enjoying her first year, where she has already competed in nine preliminary pageants. In November, Broadhead was named Miss Phenix City’s Outstanding Teen 2023. This title now grants her entry into the Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen competition in March 2023.

Broadhead has not been in pageants her entire childhood, butcher recently returned back to them after a lengthy hiatus, she said.

“There were competitions at ages 5 and 6, but then I didn’t compete after 6 years old until I turned 13,” she said.

Broadhead’s mother, Amber, a fourth-grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary School, was contacted by another teacher about an at-large pageant — Miss Alabama — and, as a family, they agreed it would be a great opportunity for Allie Grace. She said she is glad her daughter is on a journey to making decisions and networking for her future.

“I feel like the organization has changed her life, especially since coming out of Covid,” Amber Broadhead said. “The girls she has encountered are not simply her friends, but they are her family. We have not entered a pageantry world, but a scholarship world.”

“My favorite part of competing in the Miss Alabama Organization is that young girls and

women get the opportunity to learn life skills, meet people, gain social skills and earn scholarship opportunities for their future,” Allie Grace Broadhead said.

She said she doesn’t seek perfection or high beauty standards but did want to improve on a few things as a teen, including “trying to be more relatable to people and helping others change communities through community service.”

Her platform centers on a social impact

initiative, which is aptly named “Keeping Kindness.” Broadhead is quite passionate about being kind and has spread kindness throughout her community in different ways. Her acts of kindness include The Olive Branch Counseling Center Coat Drive, Pencil Toppers with Positive Affirmations, Chicktime and the “Keeping Kindness” Spotify podcast.

Kindness is not a pageant ideal that Broadhead picked up — it is a lifestyle trait.

“Being kind is something I’ve been doing

ALLIE

my entire life,” Broadhead said. “During Covid, I had a friend who was suffering with mental health and suicidal ideation. In that moment, I had to be there and provide kindness. My friend recovered with my kindness and uplifting character. I made her feel seen and enjoy life.”

That feeling made Broadhead jumpstart her initiative for “Keeping Kindness.”

Broadhead is a freshman at Homewood High School and is in the National Honor Society, National Beta Club and Show Choir. Like her peers, she also has other hobbies outside of pageantry.

“I am a dancer with Joy’s Dance Company; I love camping and long trips and enjoy quality time with my family, especially my two younger sisters, Mary Catherine and Jillianne,” Broadhead said.

Broadhead’s father, Brandon, a battalion chief for the Homewood Fire Department, has noticed a very different teen in the sum of a year because of pageants.

“Allie Grace was a very shy child,” he said. “[Now], she can answer very hard questions that even grown adults should stumble over. She has come out of her shell so much and the way she talks to people has grown tremendously.”

Allie Grace Broadhead stands by the second-floor windows at Homewood City Hall on Dec. 12. Broadhead, a freshman at Homewood High School, was recently crowned Miss Phenix City Outstanding Teen. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Being kind is something I’ve been doing my entire life.

GRACE BROADHEAD

Sullivan moves to new role with John Carroll Catholic

By NEAL EMBRY

After more than six years serving as president of John Carroll Catholic High School, Father Bob Sullivan has moved to a new role as director of the John Carroll Catholic Educational Foundation.

In his new role, Sullivan will “look more outward than inward,” encouraging others to donate and give to the school. It’s a way to continue to give back to his alma mater, he said.

“The way in which I was formed there has become a part of the person I am,” Sullivan said. “Now, I have the opportunity to lead others and remind them of that and [encourage them] to give.”

John Carroll is not only Sullivan’s alma mater, but that of his mother and numerous other members of his family, he said.

“I’m very much tied to John Carroll Catholic High School,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan will share what’s going on at John Carroll with the outside world and encourage stakeholders and others to be a part of their mission: to “form young minds and live lives of excellence both now and in the future,” Sullivan said.

Father Jon Chalmers, formerly the executive vice president of the school, has moved into the president’s role. Chalmers is currently pastor of the Prince of Peace parish in Hoover. Chalmers is “responsible for the implementation of its mission and for advancing its Catholic identity,” the school said in a news release. Chalmers will work closely with the school principal and leadership team on day-to-day operations and the teaching-learning environment, as well as serving as the canonical administrator of the school.

Sullivan began talking with Chalmers in September about how they could improve the school and move forward, and spoke with the diocese’s director of education. Knowing the school needed to “beef up” its foundation, it became apparent that moving both men into new roles was what was best for John Carroll and its students, Sullivan said.

The moves, which took effect in November, was an “easy, natural” transition for both men, Sullivan said.

“Father Chalmers will continue to build on what is in place,” Sullivan said.

In addition to serving as president of the school, Sullivan also taught from 1994 to 1998.

“John Carroll is very near and dear to me,” Sullivan said.

During his time as president, Sullivan said he got to see the “sacrificial nature” of the school’s

teachers and how they help form students for the future. Those memories will continue to grow in this new role, he said.

Sullivan said his goal in the new role is to continue to help John Carroll be a “beacon of faith and reason in the Birmingham area.”

One of his new tasks is to help the school continue to celebrate its 75th anniversary, which was officially recognized in September. That will culminate with the February kickoff of a capital campaign that has a goal of raising $12 million.

The anniversary celebration has seen a recognition of important dates in the school’s history, Sullivan said. They’ve welcomed alumni back to campus, allowing some of them to see the Lakeshore campus for the first time, as the school moved to Lakeshore in 1992.

A February gala celebration will formally kick off the campaign, Sullivan said. The four investment priorities of the campaign are tuition assistance, teacher salaries, infrastructure and athletics, he said.

Rev. Jon Chalmers, left, and Rev. Robert Sullivan stand in a science classroom at John Carroll Catholic High School on Nov. 16. Chalmers is the new president at the school and Sullivan is the new director of the John Carroll Catholic Educational Foundation.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Sports

All-South Metro Football Team

Woods Ray named Player of the Year

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2022 high school football season featured plenty of standout moments and highlight reel performances. Now, it’s time to release the annual Starnes Media All-South Metro Football Team.

Homewood senior quarterback Woods Ray is this year’s overall Player of the Year, leading Homewood to a 10-win season and to the quarterfinals of the Class 6A playoffs. Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble is this year’s Offensive Player of the Year, as he torched opposing defenses as the leader of the Spartans’ dominant rushing attack.

It was nearly impossible to name a singular Defensive Player of the Year, considering how dominant Hoover’s defense was much of the year. Linebackers Kaleb Jackson and Bradley Shaw and defensive back DJ Estes share the honor as the top defensive players this season.

Chris Yeager is named Coach of the Year, as he took the Spartans to the state championship game for the first time since 1996.

► Player of the Year: Woods Ray, Homewood

► Offensive Player of the Year: Cole Gamble, Mountain Brook

► Defensive Players of the Year: Kaleb Jackson, Bradley Shaw and DJ Estes, Hoover ► Coach of the Year: Chris Yeager, Mountain Brook

1ST TEAM OFFENSE

► QB: Woods Ray, Homewood – The Player of the Year put together a tremendous season, totaling 38 touchdowns (27 passing, 11 rushing). Ray threw for 2,677 yards and rushed for 812 yards, as the Patriots advanced to the Class 6A quarterfinals.

► QB: Peyton Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville –was one of the top passers in the state, throwing for 2,413 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also rushed for 726 yards and 16 scores.

► RB: Cole Gamble, Mountain Brook –The Offensive Player of the Year ran for over 200 yards in three straight playoff games and finished the season with more than 1,900 yards and 35 touchdowns on the year.

► RB: Emerson Russell, Chelsea – was a major bright spot for the Hornets, rushing for 1,130 yards and 11 touchdowns on the year.

► WR: Jackson Parris, Homewood –served as Woods Ray’s top target, snagging 80 passes for 1,288 yards and 13 touchdowns.

► WR: Amare Thomas, Pinson Valley –played both ways for the Indians at times but caught 50 passes for 964 yards and 11 scores.

► WR: Keown Richardson, Vestavia Hills – led the Rebels’ prolific offense on the

receiving end, grabbing 45 passes for 602 yards and 5 touchdowns.

► WR: Jadon Loving, Hewitt-Trussville – caught 54 passes for 613 yards and 5 touchdowns as the top receiver in the Huskies’ offense.

► TE: Tucker Smitha, Vestavia Hills –caught 44 passes from the tight end position

after playing in the backfield much of his career.

► OL: Kade Martin, Hewitt-Trussville –The junior with SEC offers has started for three years along the Huskies line.

► OL: Walker Williams, Chelsea – only allowed 2 sacks the entire season, grading out at 88% while playing against many of the top defensive lineman in the state in Region 3.

► OL: Ethan Hubbard, Hoover – The Duke commit was a stalwart on the line for the Bucs.

► OL: Davis Peterson, Mountain Brook – finished the year with more than 60 knockdowns and 40 pancakes for a Spartans team that advanced to the state championship game.

► OL: Luke Oswalt, Oak Mountain – The senior was one of the leaders for the Eagles.

► ATH: Jaylen Mbakwe, Clay-Chalkville

– The Alabama commit did a little bit of everything for the Cougars. He finished with 615 yards and nine receiving touchdowns and ran for two more scores.

► ATH: John Paul Head, Vestavia Hills –accounted for over 3,000 total yards and 38 touchdowns leading the Rebels offense.

► K/P: Peyton Argent, Hoover – connected on 34-of-35 extra points and 8-of-9 field goals, with a long of 47 yards. He also averaged 43.8 yards per punt.

1ST TEAM DEFENSE

► DL: Tyrell Averhart, Hewitt-Trussville

– led his team with 80 total tackles and 23 tackles for loss. He also racked up 6 sacks and intercepted a pass.

► DL: Jordan Ross, Vestavia Hills – scored a pair of defensive touchdowns and racked up 16 TFLs on the year.

► DL: Hunter Osborne, Hewitt-Trussville – The Alabama commit finished the year with 21 quarterback hurries and seven TFLs.

► DL: Jordan Norman, Hoover – The senior racked up 68 tackles and 10 sacks on the year.

► LB: Trent Wright, Mountain Brook –The senior accumulated over 140 tackles and 10 TFLs in a standout season.

► LB: DJ Barber, Clay-Chalkville – The junior has established himself as one of the top linebackers in the state, racking up 145 tackles and eight sacks on the year.

► LB: Kaleb Jackson, Hoover – finished a stellar year with 118 tackles, 10 TFLs and five sacks for the Bucs.

► LB: Bradley Shaw, Hoover – had a strong season, getting 106 tackles with 15 TFLs and five sacks.

► DB: Grant Downey, Vestavia Hills –intercepted eight passes and punted for the Rebels.

Above: John Carroll quarterback Carson McFadden (7) looks to make a play in a game against Hayden at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Sept. 9. Photo by Erin Nelson. Right: Homewood wide receiver Charlie Reeves (10) outruns the McAdory defenders on a kickoff return during a game between McAdory and Homewood on Nov. 4 Photo by James Nicholas.

Homewood quarterback Woods Ray (13) throws the ball during a football game between Homewood and Pike Road at Waldrop Stadium on Nov. 11. Photo by Laura Chramer.

► DB: Parker Sansing, Homewood – As one of the top defensive backs in the area, he finished with 90 tackles on the year.

► DB: Rickey Gibson, Hewitt-Trussville – The Tennessee commit led the team with four interceptions, finished with 41 tackles and scored an offensive touchdown.

► DB: Jay Avery, Hoover – racked up six picks and made 52 tackles on the year.

► ATH: Garrett Murphy, Oak Mountain –made 166 total tackles and handled the kicking duties for the Eagles.

► ATH: DJ Estes, Hoover – racked up 71 tackles, 15 TFLs and six sacks playing multiple positions for the Bucs.

2ND TEAM OFFENSE

► QB: Christopher Vizzina, Briarwood –The Clemson commit threw for 1,828 yards and 16 touchdowns, and rushed for 11 touchdowns to cap off a phenomenal high school career.

► QB: John Colvin, Mountain Brook –threw for over 2,000 yards, as the Spartans played in the state championship game.

► RB: Aaron Osley, Clay-Chalkville –picked up 773 yards and eight touchdowns as the Cougars’ primary back.

► RB: LaMarion McCammon, Hoover –The senior gained 858 yards and 11 touchdowns this year.

► WR: Jordan Woolen, Hoover – caught 43 passes for 736 yards and five touchdowns in a standout year.

► WR: MJ Conrad, Chelsea – A big target in the Hornets passing game, he racked up 621 yards and five scores on 44 grabs.

► WR: Charlie Reeves, Homewood –caught 51 passes for 685 yards and 11 scores for the explosive Patriots’ attack.

► WR: Clark Sanderson, Mountain Brook – came on strong down the stretch, piling up over 800 receiving yards on the year.

► TE: Donovan Price, Hewitt-Trussville –In addition to his blocking prowess, he caught 27 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns.

► OL: Mac Smith, Mountain Brook – finished the year with over 50 knockdowns and 30 pancakes.

► OL: Sawyer Hutto, Oak Mountain – a senior that has led the Eagles line for a few years.

► OL: AJ Franklin, Hoover – The Alabama all-star selection was a key factor to the Bucs’ offensive success.

► OL: Harrison Clemmer, Briarwood – the anchor to the Lions’ offensive line, known for his run blocking.

► OL: Henry Boehme, Mountain Brook – allowed no sacks all season at right tackle.

► ATH: Carson McFadden, John Carroll – accounted for over 2,300 total yards leading the Cavs offense from the quarterback position.

► ATH: Brady Waugh, Briarwood – The Lions’ top target snagged 53 passes, gaining 624 yards and eight touchdowns on the year.

► K/P: Jack Seymour, Chelsea – averaged 41.5 yards per punt and connected on all but one of his extra points.

2ND TEAM DEFENSE

► DL: Caldwell Bussey, Spain Park –racked up 5.5 sacks and 46 tackles to lead the Jags’ defense.

► DL: Jamon Smith, Clay-Chalkville – A North-South All-Star Game selection, he finished up with nine TFLs and eight sacks on the year.

► DL: Andrew Sykes, Vestavia Hills – The two-year starter had 42 tackles and five TFLs for the Rebels.

► DL: Chaleb Powell, Hoover – finished with 60 tackles and 10 TFLs to go along with six sacks.

► LB: Braylon Chatman, Hewitt-Trussville – racked up 119 tackles with 14 TFLs in a big season.

► LB: Hunter Jones, Hewitt-Trussville

– racked up 124 tackles and nine TFLs in a strong season for the Huskies.

► LB: Vaughn Frost, Mountain Brook –accumulated over 100 tackles on the year.

► LB: Talton Thomas, Homewood – led the Patriots with 130 tackles with 16 TFLs on the year.

► DB: Keith Christein, Hoover – recorded two safeties, blocked four punts and returned an interception for a score.

► DB: Clay Burdeshaw, Homewood – finished up with 108 tackles on the year.

► DB: Mac Palmer, Mountain Brook – had over 60 tackles and two interceptions on the year.

► DB: Chris McNeill, Chelsea – covered the top receiver on each team and intercepted four passes.

► ATH: Grey Reebals, Briarwood – finished with 87 tackles and six TFLs as the key cog to the Lions’ defense.

► ATH: Jack Kendrick, Spain Park – had 69 tackles and seven TFLs for the Jags.

HONORABLE MENTION

► QB: Will O’Dell, Oak Mountain; Carter Dotson, Chelsea; Evan Smallwood, Spain Park

► RB: Jaqson Melton, Hewitt-Trussville; Taurus Chambers, Pinson Valley

► WR: Jaxon Shuttlesworth, Chelsea; Jonathan Bibbs, Spain Park; Clark Sanderson, Mountain Brook; Fred Dunson, Hoover; KJ Law, Hoover; Sawyer Smith, Oak Mountain

► OL: Jaxon Brooks, Homewood; Walker Chambless, Briarwood

► ATH: Devan Moss, Oak Mountain; Zach Archer, John Carroll

► DL: Emmanuel Waller, Oak Mountain; Lane Whisenhunt, Vestavia Hills; Preston King, Briarwood; Brian Alston, Spain Park; Zi’Keith Springfield, Pinson Valley; Jevonta Williams, Pinson Valley; Parker Avery, Mountain Brook; Randall Cole, Clay-Chalkville; Luke Dickinson, Briarwood; Andrew Parrish, Hoover

► LB: Jonas Harrelson, Spain Park; Matthew Yafonda, Clay-Chalkville; Houston Owen, Vestavia Hills; Jack Cornish, Briarwood; Devin Finley, Clay-Chalkville

► DB: Riggs Dunn, Hewitt-Trussville; Braxton Urquhart, Hoover

► K/P: Riley Rigg, Hewitt-Trussville

Left: Homewood defensive back Parker Sansing (22) attempts to block a kick during a Class 6A state quarterfinal game at Saraland High School on Nov. 18 Photo courtesy of Scott Butler.

Right: Homewood outside linebacker Talton Thomas (12) during a game at Chilton County High School in Clanton on Oct. 6. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Above: Homewood defensive back Clay Burdeshaw (17) upends Pike Road running back Jordan King (15) during a football game at Waldrop Stadium on Nov. 11 in Homewood.

Photo by Laura Chramer. Right: John Carroll wide receiver/defensive back Zach Archer (12) tackles Hayden quarterback Will Vines (11) in a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Sept. 9. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Right: Homewood wide receiver Jackson Parris (5) catches a pass during a game against Jasper at Jasper High School on Oct. 28 Photo by Jeff Johnsey.

All-South Metro Volleyball

Humes, McCool represent Patriots

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2022 high school volleyball season is in the books, with many teams in the Starnes Media coverage area putting together strong seasons. Hoover and Mountain Brook advanced to the state tournament, while several others qualified for regionals.

Here is this year’s rendition of the All-South Metro Team, as we attempt to recognize the standout players throughout the area.

► Player of the Year: Emma Pohlmann, Chelsea

► Offensive Player of the Year: Savannah Gann, Vestavia Hills

► Defensive Player of the Year: Brooklyn Allison, Spain Park

► Coach of the Year: Grace Burgess, Oak Mountain

1ST TEAM

► Outside hitter: Savannah Gann, Vestavia Hills — named the Offensive Player of the Year after a stellar senior season. She amassed 537 kills, putting her over 1,000 for her career. She also had 265 digs as a six-rotation player.

► Outside hitter: Emma Pohlmann, Chelsea — the University of North Florida commit is this year’s Player of the Year after capping off a tremendous high school career. This season, she surpassed 1,000 career kills and digs, posting 412 kills and 457 digs in her final campaign with the Hornets.

► Outside hitter: Emily Breazeale, Spain Park — went for 470 kills and 219 digs in another stellar season.

► Outside hitter: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea — has quickly established herself as one of the area’s top players as a sophomore. This season, she posted 416 kills and already has more than 650 in her career.

► Setter: Maggie Harris, Hoover — ran the offense with precision, piling up 1,264 assists in addition to 176 kills and 336 digs.

► Setter: Hannah Parant, Mountain Brook — had another monster season, tallying 1,168 assists, 324 digs and 255 kills.

► Setter: Lilly Johnson, Spain Park — one of the top setters in the area, she put together 529 assists and 125 digs this season.

► Libero: Brooklyn Allison, Spain Park — the East Tennessee State signee concluded her high school career as Defensive Player of the Year, compiling 431 digs, 60 assists, 38 aces and 2.34 passing average for the Jags.

► Libero: Audrey Vielguth, Vestavia Hills

— the junior had nearly 500 digs on the season, as several opposing coaches raved about her ability.

► Libero: Bella Guenster, Hoover — missed 10 games but still led the team with 490 digs for the season. She played her best in the most important matches, notching 50 digs in the regional final and 48 in the state quarterfinals.

► Middle hitter: Alanah Pooler, Hoover — held down the middle for the Bucs, finishing with 200 kills and 117 blocks.

► Middle hitter: Alice Garzon, Mountain Brook — compiled 343 kills, 87 blocks and 48 digs this season.

► Right side: Annie Lacey, Mountain Brook — finished the year with 210 kills and 30 blocks for the Spartans.

► Utility: Lauren Schuessler, Oak Mountain — a do-it-all player for the Eagles, racking up 424 assists, 238 digs and 152 kills on the year.

2ND TEAM

► Outside hitter: Stella Helms, Briarwood — had 361 kills for the year for an ascending Lions team.

► Outside hitter: Kendyl Mitchell, Hoover — one of the Bucs’ offensive weapons, racking

up 361 kills.

► Outside hitter: Raegan James, Hoover — came back to the team and posted 322 kills and 396 digs this season.

► Outside hitter: Paige Parant, Mountain Brook — posted a solid all-around season, going for 220 kills and 281 digs.

► Setter: Jolee Giadrosich, Briarwood — piled up more than 1,000 assists on the year.

► Setter: Helen Macher, John Carroll — surpassed 2,000 career assists with a strong senior season, piling up 851 on the year.

► Setter: Madison Moore, Chelsea — wrapped up her career with 815 assists on the season.

► Libero: Anna Frances Adams, Mountain Brook — finished up her career with 544 digs on the season.

► Libero: Sydney Humes, Homewood — the Florida A&M commit led the Patriots defense to the regional tournament.

► Libero: Makayla Ragland, Oak Mountain — finished with 357 digs in her final season with the Eagles.

► Middle hitter: Mira McCool, Homewood — helped the Patriots to another strong season in the middle of the team’s attack.

► Middle hitter: Mae Mae Lacey, Mountain Brook — racked up 289 kills and 86 blocks.

► Right side: Adair Byars, Hoover — capped off her career with a solid season, posting 250 kills and 198 digs.

► Utility: Jordan Madsen, Vestavia Hills — the sophomore played every set this season, registering 256 kills and 28 blocks.

HONORABLE MENTION

► Outside: Mabrey Whitehead, Oak Mountain; Maria Groover, John Carroll; Marley Carmichael, Hewitt-Trussville.

► Setter: Haley Thompson, Spain Park.

► Libero/DS: Peyton David, Hoover; Stella Yester, John Carroll; Caroline Jones, Briarwood.

► Middle: Megan Ingersoll, Spain Park; Kenzie Richards, Hoover; Reese Hawks, Hoover

► Right side: Sydney Laye, Chelsea.

Starnes Media's publications cover several communities throughout the Birmingham metro area. Schools included for consideration on this team were Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain, Hoover, Spain Park, Homewood, John Carroll, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Hewitt-Trussville.

Above: Homewood’s Sydney Humes (3) gets low to pass the ball. Left: John Carroll’s Helen Macher (3) sets up the ball in a match against Helena at John Carroll Catholic High School on Sept. 15. Photos by Erin Nelson.

Homewood’s Mira McCool (13) rises to the ball in a match against Jackson-Olin at Homewood High School on Sept. 14.

Homewood Parks & Recreation

Classes & Activities

Central Barre

Tuesdays 6:15am & Saturdays 8:15am

at Homewood Community Center

Central Barre is a small group fitness class incorporating barre, core, cardio, balance, strength training and stretch to give you a complete workout in 55 minutes. We use a variety of small equipment such as weights, resistance bands, balls and sliding discs to increase variety and provide real results. Email ellyngagnon@gmail.com for more information.

Belly Dancing

Class Fee: $50 per session

Contact Nuriyah: nuriyahraqs@gmail.com Learn the ancient art of belly dance with Aziza’s School of Middle Eastern Dance. Each session is 4 weeks long at the Homewood Community Center.

Dance Trance

Tuesday & Thursday 5:45pm-6:45pm Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 9:30am-10:30am

Homewood Community Center

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

Fun For All

Line Dancing

Beginner and Beyond Beginner line dance instruction encompassing a variety of music genres, e.g., pop, country and R&B. You will learn line dance terminology, line dance steps, and, of course, line dances to specific music.

Homewood Community Center - Studio 2 Tuesdays 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM $5.00 per person per visit For more information contact funforalllinedancing@gmail.com

North Star

Martial Arts

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

Bench Aerobics Step & Line Dance

Tuesday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Step Aerobics) Thursday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Cardio Line Dance)

All classes in Fitness Studio 2 @ Homewood Community Center

Cost: Classes are FREE (with donations) For more information contact Rosa at 205-253-9344 or benchaerobics@bellsouth.net

Royce Head

Personal Training

Affordable personal training available to members in the Fitness Center at the Homewood Community Center. Workouts are fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665

YoLimber

Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music at Homewood Community Center. All levels welcome. Friday: 8:00am-9:00am - Basics Class Friday: 9:30am-10:30am - Regular Class Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com

Confi.Dance

Confi.Dance is a dance class in a small group setting to teach you the secrets of looking good on the dance floor and having more fun than you thought possible. Class Meets: Wednesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm at Homewood Community Center For more information: Jackie Tally jgtally@aol.com

Fast Track Line Dance

We learn the current and classic intermediate-advanced line dances.  This class is not for beginners. Fitness Studio 2 Homewood Community Center. Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm Jackie Tally jgtally@aol.com (or) Helen Woods aquafool@aol.com

FIT4MOM

FIT4MOM Birmingham provides fitness classes and a network of local moms to support every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy, through postpartum and beyond, we serve our community by offering our fitness and wellness programs to help keep moms strong in body, mind and spirit. View our website for Membership Plans, Passes and Schedule. https://birmingham.fit4mom.com/

Senior Center

Intro to Line Dancing

This class is for those who have never done line dancing. We will start from scratch!!! See you there! Be sure to contact the Senior Center (205-332-6500) to sign up, so that Jackie will how many to expect.

Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:15am

Instructor: Jackie Tally

DanceFit

DanceFit’s is easy-to-mimic dance moves with enough repetitions so that participants have time to “catch on.” Includes linear traveling moves, occasional turns, and arm movements so it does have a light cardio element.

Thursdays, 1:30pm

Instructor: Galina Waites

Tai Chi

45minutes will be dedicated to the simpler-yet-effective Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention while the last 15 minutes will offer a more challenging level of Tai Chi. This class is easy on the joints, helps to calm/focus the mind, and is great for developing better balance.

Mondays, 1:30pm

Instructor: Galina Waites

Athletics

Homewood Soccer Club

Homewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program. Information about the Spring 2023 season, all levels of play, registration deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available at www.HomewoodSoccer.com , or call The Soccer Office at 205-874-9182.

Homewood Patriots Youth Baseball and Softball League

HPYBSL is a youth recreational baseball and softball league for the citizens of Homewood, as well as, surrounding communities. Please visit our website for more information about the upcoming Spring 2023 Season: https://playhwd.sportsengine-prelive.com

Patriots claim runner-up finishes at state cross-country

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Homewood High School boys and girls cross-country teams competed in the Class 6A state meet Nov. 5 at Oakville Indian Mounds Park, both claiming runner-up finishes to earn red map trophies.

The boys race was the closer of the two, with Homewood scoring 65 points, 18 back of Mountain Brook’s 47 points. Mountain Brook dominated the girls race, scoring 33 points, while Homewood posted 88 points. It was Mountain Brook’s first sweep of the boys and girls titles since 2011.

Mountain Brook was favored to win on both sides, but Homewood head coach Josh Donaldson was pleased with how the Patriots

handled race day.

“I’m really pleased with the gap that we made up on both sides to end up where we did,” he said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with how the teams competed.”

Homewood’s girls were led by Emma Brooke Levering, who finished third, running the 5K in 18 minutes, 48 seconds. Sydney Dobbins snuck into the top 10 with a 10th-place finish, running it in 19:29. Sophia Forrestall and Bailey Zinn were 25th and 26th for the Patriots. Sarah Kemper was 31st to also score points for the team. Maris Owen (36th), Camille Etheridge (39th), Caroline Wilder (48th), Lilly Maske (64th) and Marin McWilliams (88th) also ran for the team.

In the boys race, Grayton Murray and Ben

Murray were neck and neck, with Grayton finishing less than a second ahead of Ben for sixth and seventh place on the board. Andrew Laird finished 11th and Foster Laird placed 22nd, while Will Doughty turned in a strong performance in 25th. Ethan Bagwell (39th), Hayden Thomason (59th), RJ Teter (60th), Nate Bernstein (96th) and Colvin Bussey (111th) also competed.

“Even out of the summer, we could see that it was going to be a really strong year for both teams,” Donaldson said. “All athletes on both sides competed and we tried to set up the whole season in order to see a lot of different things.”

One thing Donaldson was most pleased about was the depth of the team throughout

the year.

“There was never a set top five,” he said. “It was truly a team effort this year. No one was No. 1 the whole year. It was a mix throughout the year.”

John Carroll had a couple athletes compete individually in the 5A state meet. Arthur Langley capped off his incredible season by finishing fifth overall, running a time of 16:07. Seventh grader Savannah Dillard ran in the girls race, posting a finish of 59th in 23 minutes.

Homewood and John Carroll now turn their attention to indoor track and field and will compete in a few events in January. The state meet is set for the first weekend in February at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

From left: John Carroll’s Arthur Langley approaches the finish line in the boys Class 5A race of the AHSAA State Cross-Country Champiponships at Oakville Indian Mounds on Nov. 5; Homewood’s Emma Brooke Levering approaches the finish line in third place during the girls Class 6A race; Homewood’s Grayton Murray crosses the finish line during the boys Class 6A race. Photos by Erin Nelson.

Varsity Sports Calendar

BASKETBALL

Jan. 5: vs. Jackson-Olin. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Jan. 6: Girls @ Columbia. 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 7: Girls @ Pinson Valley. 6 p.m.

Jan. 10: vs. Minor. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 13: @ Parker. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20: @ Minor. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 8 p.m.

Jan. 23: Girls @ St. Clair County. 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 24: @ Jackson-Olin. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27: vs. Parker. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30: Boys vs. Hoover. 7 p.m.

Jan. 31: vs. Bibb County. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

WRESTLING

Jan. 6: Region Dual Finals vs. Mountain Brook. TBD.

Jan. 9: Tri-match vs. Brookwood, McAdory. Homewood High School. 5 p.m.

Jan. 12: Region Duals 2nd Round. TBD.

Jan. 14: Grissom Tournament. Grissom High School.

Jan. 17: Quad-match vs. Benjamin Russell, Helena, Pike Road. Benjamin Russell High School. 5 p.m.

Jan. 20: State Duals. Birmingham CrossPlex.

Jan. 24: Quad-match vs. Gardendale, Hueytown, Pelham. Homewood High School. 5 p.m.

Jan. 26: Quad-match vs. Hartselle, Athens, Bob Jones. Hartselle High School. 5 p.m.

Jan. 27-28: Mortimer Jordan Tournament. Mortimer Jordan High School.

Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

Making space for delight

In the 10-plus years I’ve been writing this column, I’ve offered you January missives on everything from cleaning out closets to my first book deal to how much I dislike New Year’s resolutions. I’ve talked about rest and renewal, redeeming our time and the hope that a brand-new, cleanslate year can bring. Here we are in yet another January, and while I’m grateful to be looking at a new year, my thoughts going into it have shifted quite a bit. It’s the first calendar year my mom won’t see. The first year I’ll enter without her being a quick phone call or car ride away. So, this one hits a little different.

I’m also usually knee-deep in the writing of a new book in January, but again, this year is different. I’ve been on a sort of hiatus from writing since I turned in my last book to my editor. The hiatus conveniently coincided with my mom’s decline and death, and I was grateful to not have a deadline pressing on my shoulders during that time. In the absence of the constant urge to churn out scenes and chapters, I’ve had time — for the first time in many years — to stop and think about what I want my minutes and hours and days to look like. I’m still figuring it out. In fact, many days I spend my seven school hours trying to decide what in the world to do with myself. But in a surprise twist, for me at least, I think I’ve figured out one way to spend at least few of those hours.

A couple months ago, I stepped onto a tennis court for the first time in more than 20 years. Probably more like 25. After an hour and a half on a hard court on the last 80plus degree day in November, I could barely wipe the smile off my face. You see, I played tennis growing up, starting around the age of five. I come by it honestly: my dad played tennis in college, my mom started playing when I was young, and my younger brother played his entire childhood too. I spent a whole lot of time at our local racket club in Mobile, hitting balls on the backboard, watching adults play tennis and taking lessons with friends. Tennis was as big a part of my childhood as climbing trees with my best friend and Saturday morning cartoons.

After about 10 years of lessons, clinics and summer tournaments, I decided I was done. I put down my racket and didn’t look back. At least not for a very long time. I moved on to other things in my life — high school, college, boyfriends, marriage, kids and writing. Then, at some point when my daughters were very young, I started thinking about how my mom had joined a tennis league when I was a little girl. It’s one of my strongest memories — the sight of a bunch of ladies (old to me then, but

now I know they were younger than I am now) running around the tennis court, skirts swinging, visors in place, laughter and cheers floating across the clay surface. And as I cruised through the years of middleof-the-night feedings and diapers then preschool and the start of big school, tennis began poking around the back of my brain. Remember me? You liked me once.

More years went by, and anytime I’d think about tennis, I’d tell myself, “One day, I’ll do it. When I have time.” But by then, writing took up almost all of those precious school-day hours. Until this year, when my schedule was suddenly wide open. In the car on the way to a book event, a friend asked me, “If no one was watching, no one cared, and there were no expectations, what would you do totally for yourself, for total delight?” My very first thought was, “I’d play tennis again.” The force of the desire shocked me. I’d already spoken to the local tennis instructor, Stephanie, when I took Kate to a clinic in the fall. After finding out I used to play, Stephanie asked me why I wasn’t playing now. My response was something along the lines of, “I’ve been writing a lot and just haven’t had time.” She said, “You should give it a try. I bet tennis will make

you a better writer.”

Only time will tell if she’s right about that, but already I can tell playing tennis may just make me a happier person. I quit tennis in my teens because I was tired of the pressure to play well, and the constant need to take lessons, improve my serve, or figure out how to hit a decent backhand volley. When I’m on the court now, sure I’d like to be able to hit that volley or have better control over the ball, but I’m actually playing just for fun. For total delight. That’s a new one for me.

Maybe that’s something all of us could hold onto as we walk into this new year. We have so many responsibilities and obligations and pressures, no matter what our stage of life, but making room for delight — and yes, even play — is surely a good thing. The thought of my mom and her friends, taking time away from their daily responsibilities to play tennis, reminds me of that. I think she’d be thrilled to know I’m back on the court.

When I’m not writing about my family and our various shenanigans, I write novels and go to the grocery store. My novels are found in stores, online, and locally at Little Professor Bookshop. You can reach me by email at Lauren@LaurenKDenton. com, visit my website LaurenKDenton. com, or find me on Instagram @LaurenKDentonBooks or Facebook ~LaurenKDentonAuthor.

Denton

Sean of the South By Sean Dietrich

Telling stories

I am backstage, about to tell stories onstage. A man with a name tag and a clipboard announces, “Ten minutes to showtime.”

I am tuning my guitar, hoping I won’t stink tonight.

This is what all performers think about before they go onstage. They say silent prayers that all go, more or less, the same way.

“Dear God, don’t let me suck.”

It’s easy to stink at storytelling because there is no school for such things, so you don’t know if you’re getting it right. Which leads me to ask: “What am I doing with my life?”

I am still unclear on how I started telling stories for a living. The only education I have in storytelling came from elderly men who wore Velcro shoes and wore their slacks up to their armpits.

I have always had a soft spot for old men. From childhood, I believed that I was an old man trapped inside a kid’s body. I never fit in with peers, and I never wanted to. This was only made worse by the fact that I was raised as a tee-totaling fundamentalist who was forbidden from touching NyQuil.

As a young man, I would find myself in a crowd of teenagers who were smoking cigarettes, sipping longnecks, far from parental eyes, and for some reason, nobody ever offered me any real chances at sinning.

I would have appreciated the opportunity, but they viewed me as different. It was as though I were elderly.

Once, as a joke, my friend Jordan handed me a lit cigarette in front of everybody. I

didn’t want anyone to think

I was a wimp, so I took the biggest drag I could. I almost died from a coughing fit. My friends howled until they peed.

Thus, I was blacklisted from social situations. I was the old man of the group.

During social scenarios, I would generally hang in the corner, drinking prune juice, adjusting my Velcro footwear, holding everyone’s car keys.

People called me “D.B.,” which was short for “Designated Baptist.”

Ah, but my truest friends were elderly men. What I liked about them most was that they had already gotten their petty teenage sins out of the way. They were more interested in major sins. For example, weekend trips to Biloxi. Or scratch-off lotto tickets.

After my father died, I looked for anyone with white hair to pay attention to me. I just wanted someone to be proud of me. I wanted to piece together a father figure. When I found the right person, I would follow him around like a labrador until he took me home.

There was Ben. Bless him. He has Alzheimer’s now. He was a Mississippian who talked like Rhett Butler. We spent nearly every afternoon together.

He was retired and had nothing to do but tell stories. And he told some doozies. Some I can’t repeat here. Some I have told on stages.

When Ben came down with dementia, the world lost a library.

And there was the retired Auburn University professor. He was a man who chain-smoked Winstons and read Wordsworth. He would loan these books to me and encourage me to read them. He would ask me to summarize them.

I don’t know if you’ve ever read British Romantic poetry, but back in those days everybody was always saying things like “heretofore” and “whithersoever” to each other just for kicks. The poems were miles above me, but I loved them.

So the good professor would help me. In his ratty apartment, he taught a high-school dropout to appreciate literature.

Maybe this is how I started telling stories. Because my life has been spent in the company of old men who loved to tell them; who could not restrain themselves from telling stories.

Old men are not like boys. They don’t have big ambitions—if any. They’re past ambition, and they have only experience left. They are ready to integrate what they know into the world around them. And if you listen, they will help you.

After all, old men have seen their mistakes get worse over time and watched their qualities get better with age. They’ve lost those they care about and discovered that success is nothing.

Sometimes they are grumpy, sure. Sometimes their joints get stoved up. Sometimes they can’t help telling it like it is. But other times, they will say something so profound, so incredibly put, that you have to write it down.

They are filled to the hairline with stories. And if you listen to them carefully, they will tell you one while they whittle a stick on the porch.

And when they are gone, you will miss the sound of Rhett’s voice.

“Five more minutes,” the man with the clipboard says.

I hurry to the bathroom one last time. When I am at the sink, there is an old man beside me. White hair, thick glasses.

He dries his hands with paper towels and says, “You ever heard of this storyteller guy, Sean Dietrich?”

I keep my head down. “No sir. Can’t say that I have.”

“Me neither. My dang wife dragged me here tonight; I sure as heck didn’t wanna come. I ain’t never heard of this joker before. All I can say is, I hope this guy doesn’t stink.”

He tosses his paper towel into the garbage and leaves the bathroom.

He was wearing white Velcro shoes.

I sincerely hope I don’t let that old man down.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist and novelist known for his commentary on life in the American South. He has authored nine books and is the creator of the “Sean of the South” blog and podcast.

Dietrich

Homewood Public Library

ADULT

Mondays (except Jan. 19): Virtual Library Yoga with Jackie Tally. 2-3 p.m. Zoom. Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 4: Staff Movie Picks: “Licorice Pizza.” 2:30-5:30 p.m. Board Room. A “timeless story of growing up, running around and falling in love.” Rated R.

Jan. 4: Read It and Eat Book Club: “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” 6:30-8 p.m. Urban Cookhouse. Join us at Urban Cookhouse in Homewood as we discuss the recent bestseller, “I'm Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy, a memoir wherein the author examines her familial trauma with a critical and comedic lens.

Jan. 10: Niki Sepsas presents “The Suez Canal: The Ditch That Shrunk the World.” 2-3 p.m. Round Auditorium. Ferdinand de Lesseps would shrink the world by more than 5,000 miles in 1869 when he dug a sea-level canal that links the Mediterranean with the Gulf of Suez and the Indian Ocean.

Jan. 10: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club: “The Last Thing He Told Me.” 6:30-8 p.m. Board room. Join us as we discuss

Laura Dave’s “The Last Thing He Told Me.” When her husband of a year disappears, Hannah quickly learns he is not who he said he was and is left to sort out the truth with just one ally, her husband’s teenage daughter, who hates her.

Jan. 14: Adult Coffee and Crafts: Mosaic Trivets. 2:30-4 p.m. Large Auditorium. Adults, learn a new hobby or spruce up your crafting skills! We meet on the second Saturday of each month to enjoy local coffee & teas, as well as a new craft project! This month, our project will be making mosaic trivets. Bring your ideas and your creative spirit, and we will provide everything else! This class is free, but there is limited seating. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 19: Painting Large with September Reed. 6:30-8 p.m. Room 101. Join us as September Reed shows you how easy it is to paint your own masterpiece on an 11x14 canvas. Materials provided. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 20 and 21: Homewood Library

Ghost Tours with S.C.A.R.E. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Join authors and paranormal investigators Kim Johnston and Shane Busby for this rare opportunity to participate in a nighttime investigation of the haunted Homewood Library. S.C.A.R.E. will bring their team of investigators, as well as their specialized equipment, to conduct a real paranormal investigation with their guests. Guests are encouraged to bring voice recorders, cameras and flashlights. Ages 12 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to ensure all in attendance will be in on the action. Guests will receive an email with a waiver and further instructions at least one week prior to the event. The cost is $35 per person, which benefits the library. Refunds only available if event is canceled. Register online at www.scareofal. com/tickets.

Jan. 24: Seasonal Stories with Sid Burgess: Flannery O’Connor.

Round Auditorium. Join us for an hour-long adult “storytime” of classic short stories with Sid Burgess. With migrants and refugees much in the news, Flannery O’Connor’s 1955 story, “The Displaced Person,” is once again very timely. Flannery’s refugees are fleeing Europe following the devastation of World War II, but they confront many of the same challenges today’s immigrants face, including the ignorance of homebodies: “Do you think they’ll know what colors is?”

CHILDREN

Jan. 9: Build It! 3:30-4 p.m. Round Auditorium. K-5th grade. Join us for an afternoon of building with our friends from the Magic City LEGO Users Group!

Jan. 10 and 24: Tabletop for Tweens. 4-6 p.m. Room 109. 4th-6th grade. Students are welcome to play Magic the Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Sushi Go!, Labyrinth and more for an afternoon of tabletop fun.

Jan. 11, 18 and 25: Storypalooza. 9:3010 a.m. Round Auditorium. Preschool. Join us for a good time with Miss Aaliyah’s energizing storytime to get everyone ready for the day!

Jan. 11, 18 and 25: Barks and Books. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. K-5th grade. Spend an afternoon with our friends from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society by reading or just hanging out with some friendly pups!

Jan. 12: American Sign Language for Kids. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. K-5th

crafts inspired by STEAM. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 19: Upcycling Crafternoon. 3:30-4 p.m. Round Auditorium. K-5th grade. We’re going green with a monthly upcycling crafting program for kids! We’ll be re-purposing the things we usually throw away in fun ways and expressing our creativity as well! Register online at homewoodpublic library.org.

TEEN

Jan. 1-31: Bingo! Teen Winter Reading Challenge. For the month of January, The Homewood Public Library Teen Department will kick off Bingo! Teen Winter Reading Challenge. Stop by the Teen/Adult desk and pick up your bingo card and get to reading! Once you get a book bingo, bring your bingo card back to the Teen/Adult desk and exchange it for a prize.

Jan. 5 and 19: Teen Theatre Thursdays. 4-5 p.m. Round Auditorium. 6th-12th grade. This bi-monthly program will focus on teaching the performing arts to aspiring teen thespians with assistance from the Red Mountain Theatre. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 9 and 23: GirlSpring: Empowerment for Girls. 5-6 p.m. Room 110. Empowered girls make history! Girls in 7th-11th grade, join GirlSpring meetings here at the Homewood Library to learn about meaningful topics, make like-minded friends and become empowered. You have the power to change the world, join these meetings to make your mark on the world! Refreshments provided.

A LOOK AHEAD

CONTINUED from page A1

The city is working on wrapping up Shades Creek Greenway’s second phase, expanding walking options in the Lakeshore area, and will also wrap up 18th Street South soon, McClusky said. Still to be done on 18th Street is the landscaping, installation of light poles and some other finishing touches, McClusky said. That project should be done by mid-January, he said.

The city is also planning a pocket park for Saulter Road, which is slated to include green spaces, climbing structures and a playground. For more information on that project, read the story in this month’s paper.

Wyatt said the city is still working with ALDOT to determine the timing of the Interstate 65/Lakeshore Drive diverging diamond project, intended to ease traffic congestion by creating a diverging diamond that crosses traffic to the opposite side of the road at the bridge, allowing drivers to turn left onto I-65 without stopping. It will also allow vehicles approaching Lakeshore from the interstate off-ramps to merge into traffic without waiting for a light.

A timeline for that project is unknown.

The city is beginning work on stormwater improvements on College Avenue and is awaiting information from a stormwater survey to create a prioritization list for other improvement projects, Wyatt said.

In addition to city projects, the city recently entered into a contract with Lifeguard Ambulance Service to ensure dedicated ambulances could serve the city’s residents and cut down on long response times.

A widespread staffing shortage had led

to wait times that were too long, and a need arose for the city to have its own ambulances, as opposed to using regional providers who answered calls and ran transports across multiple counties.

Lifeguard plans to offer one 24-hour ambulance and one 12-hour ambulance, Lifeguard Regional Director Josh Spencer previously said. Those two ambulances will both be fully staffed by Lifeguard, Spencer said, and there could be more ambulances added if the need arises.

The initial contract is for a three-year period at a cost of $328,500 per year, increasing 3% each year. There is a max extension term of two years should the city opt into it, said City Clerk Melody Salter. The contract can be paid in monthly installments.

In addition to staffing, Lifeguard handles all of the billing. Residents will still call 911, which will go through the city’s dispatch center. Those calls will then be directed to Lifeguard, Spencer said.

In 2023, the city will also look forward to continued economic growth and development. Plans are in the works to replace the current Piggly Wiggly with a new, larger store on the same lot, along with renovations to Cameron’s Corner, the shopping center adjacent to Piggly Wiggly. In West Homewood, while few details are known, there are plans to renovate and bring new development to the former Econo Lodge property, along with new businesses like Social Taco coming into the city.

While the city has created two entertainment districts in Edgewood and downtown Homewood, respectively, Wyatt said there are no plans right now to apply for a third entertainment district. The council previously discussed adding one in West Homewood but would have to obtain state legislature approval before

voting on whether to create a third district. The two existing districts have done well and there hasn’t been an increase in crime, Wyatt said.

CITY MANAGER STUDY

Last summer, following a promise made on the campaign trail, McClusky asked the council to form committees to study a new form of government, one that would potentially see Homewood hire a city manager or administrator.

The city currently has a mayor/council form of government, which assigns to the mayor the day-to-day responsibilities of the city while the council serves as the legislative branch of the city. Homewood’s 11-member council is also the largest in the state of Alabama.

There are several options for the city to consider:

► Council/manager: This is the form of government in Vestavia Hills, where the mayor votes as part of the council and represents the city for ceremonial purposes, while the city manager carries out day-to-day duties of the city. The city council is responsible for hiring the city manager.

► Mayor/council/manager: This is the form of government in Mountain Brook, where the city manager may be dismissed with a two-thirds vote of the council, which can also vote to change the form of government. The manager handles the city’s administrative duties, save for hiring and firing the police and fire chiefs.

► City administrator: This is the form of government in Hoover, where the mayor serves as the chief executive officer and hires a city administrator, who works for the mayor and handles some of the administrative duties of the city.

MOURON

CONTINUED from page A1

Working as the head of development for a Montgomery company, Mouron began in the field of student housing. “Kiddie condos,” as they were known at the time, were condominiums intended for students or parents of students on or near college campuses. Mouron realized, after examining the financing, that apartments would be easier and wrote a letter outlining the possibilities of changing student housing, making it a better investment for parents and a better opportunity for students.

He purchased a property near Athens, Georgia, the home of the University of Georgia. The rest, as they say, is history.

Mouron was recruited back to Birmingham to develop student housing for Polar BEK in 1985 before forming his own company, Capstone Development, in 1990. Since then, they have introduced student housing in roughly 100 markets coast to coast.

“Capstone has a national footprint,” Mouron said.

Working all over the country has been interesting, Mouron said.

“Campuses are often a fun place to work,” Mouron said. “Usually, universities are pretty places.”

In 2012, at the age of 62, Mouron recognized it was time to transition both himself and Capstone, and he broke the company into four separate companies and put division heads in charge, while he retired. Ten years later, Mouron said all four companies are doing really well.

While Mouron has had a national impact

through his business, he has also played a major role in local development in Homewood, even after his official “retirement.” Mouron has developed the Valley Hotel, Edgar’s, Little Donkey and Rodney Scott’s BBQ on 18th Street South. He is also responsible for the renovation of Trustmark Bank on 29th Avenue South and the new Robertson Bank on 18th Place South, as well as the CAPTRUST on 27th Avenue South.

In the future, Mouron is bringing a new Italian restaurant, Luca, to the former Valley Mall location, which will be accompanied by SouthPoint Bank and the new home of Hero Doughnuts.

Businesses that have moved after Mouron purchased the space have almost all stayed within Homewood, something he’s proud of, along with his relationship with city officials.

“When you do things well, they begin to trust you,” Mouron said.

Mouron said he believes his work has “changed Homewood for the better.” He said he hears from neighboring business owners that

the Valley Hotel has positively impacted their business.

To see 18th Street renovated with several new businesses is “emotionally rewarding,” Mouron said.

“It’s creation of job opportunities,” Mouron said.

The success of the businesses are proof that the incentives given by the city are effective, he said.

Mouron said the hotel especially has drawn people from all over, leading them to spend money not just on the hotel but on food and retail as well.

In his native Mountain Brook, Mouron renovated and leased out the space now occupied by Little Hardware. Growing up in Mountain Brook was a positive experience for him, he said.

“It’s just a great place to grow up,” Mouron said.

Mouron said he has long-term friendships that stem from his time in Mountain Brook and at the

Committees have been formed to investigate the ramifications and pros and cons of each form of government. Meetings are held regularly and are open to the public.

McClusky said his hope is for the study committee to bring everything to the council by mid-year, for the whole council to start deliberations on their recommendations. By the end of the year, he is hopeful that the council will make their recommendation to the public.

Depending on what that recommendation is, it may require a vote of the public. Hiring a city administrator would not require a vote, but shifting to a city manager form of government would, and the city might require a referendum being placed on the ballot by legislators in Montgomery, McClusky said.

CITY SCHOOLS

In the city school system, Superintendent Justin Hefner said the system identified three “broad goals” as part of their five-year strategic plan, which was implemented during the current school year: a focus on learning, student and staff wellness and student development.

The system is working on achieving those goals, Hefner said, including continuing professional development for teachers and expanded career-technical education opportunities for students.

The new year will also see projects such as the addition of parking at Homewood High School and renovations to Waldrop Stadium.

Hefner said the system is focused on creating “multi-tiered systems of support” for staff and students, along with improving transitions from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school.

University of Alabama.

In his several decades in real estate, Mouron has seen plenty of changes, he said. Real estate used to be developed by people investing their own money who would retain ownership, he said. Now, the sources of money are usually third-party and developers often do not retain ownership. Mouron tries to retain ownership as much as possible. He is a managing partner and has a third of the ownership stake in the hotel and is a 50% owner of Robertson Bank and CAPTRUST. He owns Edgar’s, Rodney Scott’s and Little Donkey.

Mouron and his wife were recently awarded the “William and Virginia Spencer Outstanding Philanthropist Award” by the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and they also serve as co-chairs of Rising Tide, a $1.5 billion capital campaign at UA.

It’s an example of what Mouron hopes to continue in the future.

“I will continue to try and bring my experience and capital … to do good things, both capitalistic and philanthropic,” Mouron said.

Good development might be harder in the future as land and capital costs are increasing everywhere. It may require cities to find more effective ways to incentivize development, he said.

“Development is very complex,” Mouron said. “It’s not easy to read. Cities need to try and be smart.”

Mouron admitted he has no hobbies, making it easy for him to keep working at the job he loves.

“Luckily, I enjoy what I do,” Mouron said. “It’s intellectually challenging and keeps me in touch with a lot of people.

“I don’t ever plan to quit working,” he said.

Depending on ALDOT’s timeline, the diverging diamond interchange project could begin in 2023 at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Interstate 65 in Homewood. Photo courtesy of Karry Jones, Homewood Fire Department.

The Homewood High School parking lot looking toward the practice field July 15. Additional parking is planned for the high school in 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Mike Mouron at the Alabama Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Haven in Birmingham on Nov. 10. Photo courtesy of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

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