Homewood Star January 2025

in Homewood

By SARAH OWENS

There are plenty of things to keep an eye out for in Homewood in 2025. Here are our top five things to be on the lookout for in the new year.

INTERIM CITY MANAGER

The city of Homewood posted a job opening for the

interim city manager position on the city’s website on Dec. 13. The person hired will serve in the role from March 2025 to March 2026. In September, Homewood

By TAYLOR BRIGHT

U.S. 280 congestion may be getting a little worse in the next couple of years — and then, officials hope, a whole lot better.

The state is set to begin construction on the widening of 280 as soon as February, the Alabama Department of Transportation said. The project is expected to last two years.

The project is designed to add to the capacity for cars traveling along the western end of the highway, which runs through Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills.

According to data from ALDOT, the busiest point of 280, near Overton Road, has an average of nearly 105,000 vehicles traveling that point daily. By comparison, only the interstates are more traveled in the metro area. Interstate 20/59 by the Tallapoosa Street exit has more than 150,000 vehicles driving on it daily.

City Councilor Jennifer Andress, who represents Ward 5, near where work will be done, said she welcomes the improvements that will be made.

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Sarah Owens

Happy New Year, Homewood! I hope you all made it through the holiday season and are staying warm as we embrace the cooler temperatures. We have some great stories to kick off the new year, starting with a long-awaited update on the upcoming changes to U.S. 280 and a few other things to expect in 2025. In the city section, meet Homewood’s newest City Council member, Jody Brant.

some of our area’s other native species live and in person. Also, read about OurHome, a new nonprofit based in Homewood that is making a difference for adults with developmental differences. I want to thank all of our readers for stepping into the new year with us, and I can’t wait to see what Homewood has in store for 2025!

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Andrews Sports Medicine (4)

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Bromberg’s (7)

Budget Blinds (13)

Clearview Strategy Partners (23)

Closets by Design (1)

ENT Associates of Alabama (8)

Gardner Landscaping (3)

Guin Service (1)

In events, read a story on the Salamander Festival happening later this month. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see Norman the rare tiger salamander at the festival, along with

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Legals: The Homewood

Homewood Parks and Rec (24) Issis & Sons (12)

Jefferson County Commission (15)

Leaffilter North (9)

Publisher:

Sports Editor: Digital Editor: Design Editor:

Graphic Designer: Multimedia Journalist: Copy Editor:

Cady Inabinett

Melanie Viering

Ted Perry

One Man & A Toolbox (7)

One Source Heating Cooling and Electrical LLC (8)

Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (19)

Piggly Wiggly (11)

Samford University Orleans Beeson School of Education (5)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (19)

Southern Immediate Care (17)

TherapySouth (15)

UAB St. Vincents (2)

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (21)

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ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS

Christopher M. Beaumont, MD

E. Lyle Cain, Jr., MD

Andrew M. Cordover, MD

Jeffrey C. Davis, MD

Jeffrey R. Dugas, MD

Benton A. Emblom, MD

Christopher H. Garrett, MD

Daniel C. Kim, MD

Wayne McGough, Jr., MD

Kathleen E. McKeon, MD

K. David Moore, MD

Charles C. Pitts, Jr., MD

Marcus A. Rothermich, MD

Norman E. Waldrop, III, MD

MEDICINE

Matthew B. Beidleman, MD

Christopher S. Carter, MD

Emily Bell Casey, MD

Ricardo E. Colberg, MD

Rachel G. Henderson, MD

Monte M. Ketchum, DO

José O. Ortega, MD

T. Daniel Smith, MD

Jay S. Umarvadia, MD

Charles T. Carnel, MD

Simeon

Expand your Biblical knowledge

Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School has been training men and women to serve in churches for 37 years, but you don’t have to be a student to learn from its world-renowned faculty.

Beeson’s Lay Academy of Theology offers laypersons a chance to take a variety of classes focusing on different subjects each semester, helping attendees deepen their biblical knowledge or perhaps enhance their own ministries.

In 2001, Beeson offered the first course, a non-credit, seminary-style course designed to reach the local community, said the academy’s director, Jim Pounds.

“The Lay Academy idea began during a study of offering in-depth theological study to laypersons in the community who had begun to express interest in taking a class with a Beeson professor but didn’t want to take exams,” Pounds said.

Over time, the offerings increased and now average about four classes per semester, with most classes meeting for six weeks.

Spending time in study with Beeson professors and other students allows attendees to expand their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, and helps the faculty interact with laypersons, something they enjoy but don’t often get to do, Pounds said.

Beeson professors spend a great deal of time working on writing projects and the classes also allow them a space to gather feedback from

possible readers, Pounds said.

Pounds said the classes have helped him over the years, as well.

“Over the last 24 years, this program has allowed me to meet and interact with hundreds of the some of the finest godly men and women in the area,” Pounds said. “Several have become very good friends, and many have taught me about their church backgrounds and traditions in a way that I would have never been privileged to experience. In a way, I (and the professors) often feel that these relationships have benefited us much more than our efforts have served those who have joined us over the years.”

Anyone is welcome to take a class.

Classes are offered both in-person and virtually.

This spring, four different classes will be offered:

“Finding Meaning in Life Despite Everything: A Study of Ecclesiastes” –Led by new Old Testament professor Alex Kirk, this class offers a deep study of a book that offers a “profound meditation on human finitude and the meaning of life that is as fresh today as it was in ancient Israel.”

“Jesus’ Parables” – Led by Sydney Park, this class examines the primary means by which Jesus taught His listeners about the coming kingdom of God.

“Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Teaching and Illustrat-

Samford University Beeson Divinity School’s Lay Academy of Theology

• Where: 800 Lakeshore Drive (Samford University, Beeson Divinity School)

• Email: jcpounds@samford.edu

• Web: samford.edu/ beeson-divinity/lay-academy

ing Interpretation” — Led by Ken Mathews, this course walks attendees through the basics of biblical interpretation of various genres found in Scripture.

“Unlocking Revelation” – Revelation is one of the Bible’s most exciting and yet difficult books to understand.

Frank Thielman will lead a discussion on how to best understand the mysteries of Revelation by exploring it in its original first-century Roman context.

Classes begin in late February. Scan the QR code or go to samford.edu/beeson-divinity/ lay-academy to register today!

Brookwood Village through the years

‘It’s everything you want it to be’

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

After years of anticipation, Brookwood Village will finally see movement on new development, with plans for Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Centers to move into the old Belk building. While the establishment first opened as a hub for shoppers and retailers, Brookwood Village found itself compromised by an epidemic of American mall failure.

Will Brookwood Village fulfill its promise from the 1977 slogan, “It’s everything you want it to be”? Some area residents have expressed dismay at the new proposals. With a visual timeline spanning the opening of Brookwood Village in 1974 to its abandonment in 2022, we explore how the mall’s development attempted to satisfy the community's needs for 50 years.

1977 Brookwood Village logo.

An artist's rendering of the plans for Brookwood Village appeared in the Birmingham News in March 1974. When it opened in August of 1974, the building included a two theaters, department and drug stores, a supermarket and service businesses. Image courtesy of the Birmingham News.

This photo from the 1970s displays the lively interior of Brookwood Village. There were telephone booths and benches for shoppers to use in between the stores. They could also stop by the Pizitz food court. Photo courtesy of al.com.

This photo from 1977 shows the exterior of Brookwood Village. From this point on the road, drivers could easily see the sign for Pizitz department store. Photo courtesy of the Birmingham News.

In 1999, Cooper Carry Inc. proposed a renovation plan to Brookwood Village. This included the addition of an outdoor "streetscape" with outdoor-facing restaurants and shops. The construction of a pedestrian bridge and a terrace for eating also appealed to visitors. Image courtesy of Design Alabama.

The establishment was renamed Colonial Brookwood Village in the late 1990s. Through the 2000s and 2010s, the mall continued to evolve in an attempt to match the retail landscape. This map from 2011 shows where the Target would open in 2013. Photo courtesy of AL.com.

Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic

Homewood native Jody Brant joins city council

By SARAH OWENS

Homewood native Jody Brant is the newest member of the Homewood City Council, adding another bullet point to his list of public service roles.

Brant, the vice president and mortgage loan officer at First Lenders Mortgage Corporation, fills the Ward 3, Place 2, seat, which Walter Jones held for more than 26 years. Following the retirement of Mayor Patrick McClusky, former Council President Alex Wyatt moved into the mayoral role on Nov. 1 and Jones filled his spot as council president.

Brant and his wife, Stephanie, both graduated from Homewood High School and have raised their two sons, Tucker and Hutch, in Homewood. He earned an undergraduate degree in real estate finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1994.

Stephanie Brant has been a teacher at HallKent Elementary for 23 years, and being part of the school’s parent teacher organization and organizing the annual fall festival is what got Jody Brant started in the public service sector.

“I enjoy it, I mean, it just gives me something to do,” he said. “I don't hunt, I don't fish, you know, I don't really have any hobbies. I guess that is my hobby, trying to serve the community in a behind-the-scenes way or active way. This is what I do, it’s who I am.”

He went on to become a member and president of the Homewood Parks and Recreation board and is a member of the Homewood Soccer Club board and the Homewood City Schools Foundation, according to his resume. Brant’s at-large seat on the Parks and Recreation board is now open, and the city is taking applications until Jan. 13.

Brant interviewed for the council seat and was nominated and unanimously approved

for the position on Nov. 18. He was sworn in to the role on Dec. 2.

When asked about his reasoning for applying to the position, Brant said he wanted to be involved in Homewood’s upcoming governmental changes.

“I’m just a control freak,” he joked. “I guess my interest of being on the city council — it’s only a year appointment until the new election — is just kind of to see if I liked it. I want to have a toe in the water, finger in the soup, whatever, for the city manager appointment and kind of see behind the glass.”

Brant’s first act of business in the seat was voting to approve the amended agenda for the Dec. 2 meeting. He has also been appointed to the finance committee.

Although the term is limited until the August election, Brant plans to run again, hoping to earn the title of an elected official. His main focus areas include safety, supporting law enforcement and businesses across town and he plans to address parking issues.

“My concerns about the community are keeping the police funded, staffed and paid,” he said. “The crime, or lack of crime, is what's gonna be important, keeping the businesses successful, our schools safe. And, you know, have everybody feel the Homewood charm and not worry about their safety.”

While he prepares to make an impact, Brant is taking the opportunity to learn as much as he can.

“I mean just all the different ordinances and rules, it's just a lot more formal and legal processes than other boards I’ve ever been on; it’s a pretty big deal,” he said.

Brant wants community members to know that he and the council are available to help and are open to listening to ideas, complaints and more, noting that they all have the city’s best interest in mind.

Jody Brant, the vice president and mortgage loan officer at First Lenders Mortgage Corporation, fills the Ward 3 Place 2 seat on Homewood City Council. Staff photo.

Homewood City Schools name teachers of the year

By SARAH OWENS

Homewood City Schools named Katie Thomas and Leslie Anastasia as their 202526 Teachers of the Year.

Each of Homewood’s five schools selected a finalist, and two were chosen to represent the district.

Other finalists included:

► Shades Cahaba: Amanda Gibbs, special education

► Homewood Middle: Zach Vorenkamp, seventh grade social studies

► Hall-Kent: Ashley Chance, fourth grade

Thomas was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year, while Anastasia was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Nominations for the annual award were submitted by students, faculty members and parents from each school and school community.

Thomas teaches kindergarten at Edgewood Elementary, and her research-based and datadriven instructional strategies set her apart as a leader in her school community and beyond. Her constant pursuit of better learning strategies for students has earned her the opportunity to train teachers and write curriculum at both the state and local levels.

One parent said, “Dr. Thomas was undoubtedly made to teach, and we are profoundly blessed that she chose to share her incredible gifts and talents with us. Her dedication to her students and their families is unparalleled, and she has left an everlasting positive impact on our lives.”

Anastasia teaches an Advanced Placement English language and composition class at Homewood High School, combining challenging material with engaging and culturally relevant texts to help students excel on the AP

Katie Thomas, left, was named Homewood City School’s 2025-2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Thomas teaches kindergarten at Edgewood Elementary. Leslie Anastasia, right, was named Homewood City School’s 2025-2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Anastasia teaches AP English Language and Composition at Homewood High School. Photos courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

exam and the ACT. Beyond test scores, her approach equips students with critical thinking and empathy, preparing them for complex topics and conversations in the real world.

Furthermore, Anastasia's extensive work with A+ College Ready makes her an invaluable resource for students, faculty and schools across the state seeking to achieve success at

the AP level.

Thomas and Anastasia will go on to compete regionally and statewide for the Teacher of the Year title.

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For a complete and thorough evaluation make an appointment today to see one of our 15 board certified physicians, 4 highly trained, licensed PA’s, or 16 clinical audiologists – all available to serve your needs at any of our 10 locations.

At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.

For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us on our website at www.entalabama.com, and scan the QR code below to follow us on social media.

In the Classroom

Homewood schools score all A’s in state report card

By SARAH OWENS

Homewood City Schools earned all A’s in the Alabama State Department of Education’s report card for the 2023-24 school year.

The school system scored a 96 overall, increasing from the 2022-23 score of 95. It also scored well in all three of the state accountability indicators, earning a 94.98 in academic achievement, 100 in academic growth and a 93.36 graduation rate.

Last year, HCS scored 91.75 in academic achievement, 100 in academic growth and a 92.21 graduation rate.

“I am incredibly proud to announce that every school in our district received an A or higher on the 2023-2024 ALSDE Report Card,” HCS Superintendent Justin Hefner said. “I am immensely proud of our continued growth and success. While we continue to have great academic achievement, I am immensely proud of our schools’ ability to continue to grow our students academically.”

Each school also earned an individual grade, with Edgewood Elementary and Shades Cahaba Elementary each scoring a 99 and Hall-Kent Elementary scoring a 95.

Homewood Middle School earned a 95 and Homewood High School scored a 94.

Homewood High improved one point from last year’s report, and Shades Cahaba jumped up two points.

“This achievement belongs to our entire school community,” Hefner said. “Our educators, administrators, staff, families and students all contribute to this success. We celebrate the growth at Homewood High, Hall-Kent, Shades Cahaba and the district, while recognizing Homewood Middle and Edgewood for sustaining their outstanding performance.”

To view the full report card for the district and each school, visit statereportcard.alsde. edu/selectschool.aspx.

GET TO KNOW

Edgewood Elementary teacher Abigail Brock

By STAFF

Abigail Brock teaches third grade at Edgewood Elementary School.

Q: How long have you been a teacher, and what subject do you teach?

A: This is my 12th year of teaching in elementary school. I teach all the subjects in third grade. I love teaching reading and writing and social studies the most. But science and math are really applicable to everyday life, so they're fun to teach as well.

Q: What inspired you to become an educator?

A: I was inspired to become an educator because I love working with kids. It started when I worked in after-school care as a volunteer tutor in college, and, growing up, when I was a camp counselor and I babysat kids. And I connected — it's like we could speak the same language.

Q: Tell us about your favorite teacher from when you were in school.

A: My favorite teachers in school were the ones that got to know my family. I specifically think of my third grade teacher and my sixth grade teacher because they had such sweet personalities. They connected with my parents as well.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

A: The most rewarding part about being

Brock

a teacher is the lifelong relationships I have because every year I get a new family; I get a classroom family with all my students and their parents and grandparents. Their families become part of my family for the rest of their lives.

Homewood Board of Education building. Staff photo.

Business Buzz

ANNIVERSARIES

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

Moretti Apartment Homes, located at 101 Moretti Circle, are now available for rent. The complex held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 11 alongside the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. The complex offers one-, twoand three-bedroom floor plans, equipped with full-sized washers and dryers, a securely gated premises, a saltwater pool, a 24-hour fitness center and access to other exclusive on-site and virtual amenities. 205-720-0101, liveatmoretti.com

Homebase, located at 1625 Oxmoor Road, Suite 105, held a ribbon cutting with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 12 to officially celebrate the opening of their coworking space. The building houses a collection of fully furnished office spaces for rent, including 24/7 access for members, free internet service, free printing services, parking in the street, meeting rooms and a monthly coffee card. For more information, potential members can contact Homebase through the online form on their website. 205-829-1383, athomebase.com

Do you have news to share about a business in Homewood or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Style & Stitch (formerly Sew Sheri Designs) is celebrating its 34th anniversary. The business, located at 1722 28th Ave. S., Suite G in downtown Homewood, is owned by Sheri Corey. She opened the business in 1991 and specializes in color and fabric consultation, room decoration and creating curtains, linens, pillows, headboards and more. Their experienced design consultants and bustling workroom give them the flexibility to assemble nearly any custom piece. 205-879-8278, styleandstitch.net

Blalock Williams, 2906 Crescent Ave., is celebrating one year of business in Homewood. John Blalock and Lee Williams opened their financial planning and wealth management office in 2024. Blalock is the CEO and a financial advisor, and Williams is the chief investment officer. Their services include financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, estate planning and wealth transfer. 205-779-0795, blalockwilliams.com

Gauntlet Fitness, located at 2711 18th Place S., is celebrating its third year at its new Homewood location. Gauntlet is a safe, friendly, no-judgment zone. Their primary objective is getting people moving and enjoying exercise in a safe environment, with equipment that's fun to use and workouts that suit a wide range of skills. Each trainer at Gauntlet Fitness is certified in the art of kickboxing by Master Sheram. 205-937-4552, gauntletfit.com

Therapy South, located at 2610 19th St. S., is celebrating three years of business at their SoHo/Red Mountain location. The clinic offers a variety of services and treatments to promote healing and strength. New patients are encouraged to stop by the clinic any time to take a look around and make sure they are comfortable with the facility and staff. 205-558-6400, therapysouth.com/locations/soho

The Homewood Star is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

3BM Golf Studio, located at 237 Oxmoor Circle, Suite 107, and led by Brandon Mason, is celebrating two years 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 or by calling or emailing the store at 3bmgolfstudio@gmail.com. 205-873-9100, 3bmgolfstudio.com

2025 marks the fifth anniversary of BenchMark Physical Therapy opening an outpatient clinic at 1910 28th Ave. S., Suite 104, which offers orthopedic physical therapy including manual therapy, injury prevention, return to performance and total joint replacement programs. Clinic director Amanda Elliott earned a doctor of physical therapy degree from Duke University. She is certified in vestibular (balance) rehabilitation, LSVT BIG therapy for Parkinson’s disease management and functional capacity evaluations. 205-202-2273, benchmarkpt.com

Shades Mountain Print Shop, LLC, located at 240 Oxmoor Circle, Suite 103, is celebrating one year of business in Homewood. 205-201-0422, smprintshop.com

Kalmar Group is celebrating their one-year anniversary in Homewood. Dylan Scroggins launched the Kalmar Group recruitment firm in January 2024. Located at 1823 27th Ave. S., they primarily place senior-level leadership roles in privately held companies, in addition to building out sales teams. The Kalmar Group works across all industries and around the nation. 205-948-7303, thekalmargroup.com

CLOSINGS

Ed’s Pet World in downtown Homewood is closing its doors following the sale of their building. Located at 2730 18th St. S., the pet store has resided in Homewood for over 42 years. Listing agent Ann Allen said the business is expected to close, but they will keep some of the exotic animals in order to continue offering their interactive and hands-on party entertainment services.

Corey

GET TO KNOW

Meredith Montgomery, executive director of the Megan Montgomery Foundation

By STAFF

Meredith Montgomery is the executive director of the Megan Montgomery Foundation. Her sister, Megan, was a victim of domestic violence, murdered by her estranged husband in 2019, and the foundation was created to educate young adults on healthy relationships.

Q: What is your role in the organization and how did you get involved?

A: My role in the organization is executive director, and I've been doing it for about a year. My parents and I are the ones who founded the organization. They were basically running it, and they're both retired. And so I was doing something else at the time, and then it was just one of those God things. I asked my mom if they needed help with the foundation and she said, “I thought you would never ask.”

Q: Who does your organization serve?

A: Our organization serves anybody and everybody. But, basically, it's anyone that's college or high school aged that's getting into relationships, going on dates for the first time, but also teachers, faculty, law enforcement judges — anyone and everyone that could benefit from healthy relationship education.

… And it needs to be taught just like algebra or science or history. Our mission is to prevent domestic violence before it starts. And that is by educating boys and girls on the healthy and unhealthy aspects of relationships.

Q: How can people get involved?

A: You can contact us on our website

SPOTLIGHT

Surv Birmingham is a Christian-owned home service business that offers help for odd jobs and minor home repairs or service projects in the Birmingham metro area.

Surv Birmingham helping homeowners tackle projects

By STAFF

With the chaos of the holiday season coming to an end and new year’s resolutions fresh on the mind, Surv Birmingham can help homeowners around Homewood, and the Birmingham metro area, get organized and check off items on the to-do list.

contact page, but you could also introduce us to anyone in the school system, a college where we could possibly go and talk to them about implementing healthy relationship education at their organization or school. Learn more at megansfoundation.org.

Surv Birmingham is a local, Christian-owned home service business that has been offering help to tackle odd jobs and minor home repairs or service projects in the area for over two months.

With a goal of offering reliable services, the business connects young adults with aging and busy homeowners to care for their homes. They specialize in light handyman

work, landscaping, painting and general home maintenance.

Whether you’re looking to move, declutter, rake leaves, host an event, clean house or more, Surv Birmingham has someone for the job. They also provide Surv Days once a month, offering help to the community for free.

“We strive to enable customers to stay in their homes longer and help those with busy schedules take care of their unfinished tasks around the house,” said Jonathan Kiel, the franchise owner of the Birmingham location.

Kiel said their customers appreciate Surv’s friendliness, professionalism, reliability and efficiency.

For more information on Surv Birmingham, go to wesurv.com/surv-birmingham.

Meredith Montgomery is the executive director of the Megan Montgomery Foundation. Her sister, Megan, was a victim of domestic violence, murdered by her estranged husband in 2019, and the foundation was created to educate young adults on healthy relationships. Photo submitted by Meredith Montgomery.

From left: Jonathan Kiel, Blake Gossett and David Blazer. Kiel is the owner of Surv’s Birmingham franchise, Gossett is the community manager, and Blazer is a community business developer.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Kiel.

SPOTLIGHT

Cookie Fix: Satisfying Homewood’s sweet tooth for over 8 years Sips and Bites

By STAFF

If you’re looking for a place to get your sugar rush in downtown Homewood, Cookie Fix is sure to hit the spot.

Located at 2854 18th St. S., the business has been offering delectable baked goods for just over eight years.

Founded by Amy Jason in November 2016, the gourmet cookie bakery’s menu features over 21 flavors that rotate daily. They also sell frozen cookie dough and cookie cakes. Some flavors include:

► Andes Mint: Semi-sweet chocolate chips, Andes mint bits, sea salt, topped with an Andes mint

► Big Apple: Oats, white chocolate chips, caramel bits, apples, cinnamon brown sugar coating

► Brownie Bite with a Peppermint Kiss: Cocoa, semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, espresso powder, sea salt, topped with a peppermint kiss

► Billionaire: Semi-sweet chocolate, caramel, peanut butter chips and sea salt

► Brown Sugar Blondie: White chocolate chips, sea salt

► Chocolate Chip: Semi-sweet chocolate

chips, sea salt

Jason is a lifelong baker who was born with a sweet tooth and inspired by a Pillsbury Bake-Off Cookbook, and she learned the skill by helping her mom bake as a child. As she became a wife and mother of three, she was constantly whipping up cookies for Bible study groups, PTA meetings and more, so much so that she began keeping frozen cookie dough balls in her freezer for a fast treat.

Cookie Fix bakes their cookies fresh every day, and the texture is what is said to make them so special, with a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.

For the full menu, visit cookiefix.com.

SPOTLIGHT

The Homewood Star is spotlighting local restaurants in print and online. Submit your restaurant for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/restaurant-spotlight

Shin Ramen, B’ham Burgers bring new bites to Homewood

By STAFF

Once a dream for owners Young and Kookie Shin, Shin Ramen and B’ham Burgers now provide new eats in Homewood.

The two restaurants are located side by side in the food court at The Edge on Green Springs Highway. The Edge is a multi-use development home to several dining options, a few retail businesses and a fitness studio.

The couple also own The Standard at Pizitz Food Hall, and B’ham Burgers is an extension of the popular joint, dishing out signature menu items including their cheeseburger, patty melt and double bacon cheeseburger with tots or fries. Shin Ramen’s signature dishes include tonkotsu ramen, spicy ramen and kalbi rice bowls.

Young attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and hoped to open a healthy dining place near campus, which he said is his way of giving back to the community. He opened a restaurant called Pho Pho in Five Points South and remained there for five years before getting a call to open a location at the

Pizitz. There they became good friends with their food hall neighbor and the former owner of The Standard, Chef Matt Ralph.

Shin Ramen and B’ham Burgers are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Learn more or place an online order at theedgehomewood.com.

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A Cookie Fix employee holds a fresh tray of salted dark chocolate caramel cookies. Staff photo.

Shin Ramen, owned by Young and Kookie Shin, is located at The Edge. Signature dishes include tonkotsu ramen, spicy ramen, and kalbi rice bowls. Photo courtesy of Young and Kookie Shin.

Ed’s Pet World selling downtown property,

By SARAH OWENS

Ed's Pet World is selling its building in downtown Homewood after 42 years, offering a rare chance to purchase property in the sought-after area.

The business has been at 2730 18th St. S. since 1982, after originally opening in Columbiana in 1974 and moving to the Hoover Mall before settling in Homewood.

At 18 years old, Ed Cosby opened the store, which specialized in selling exotic animals and providing party entertainment, across from the Shelby County Courthouse. Ed’s Pet World is now run by his son, Seth Cosby.

The shop has been the go-to place for people who were looking to buy exotic pets such as rabbits, hamsters, parakeets, Burmese pythons, bearded dragons, tarantulas and more. The store walls are also lined with toys and action figures still in their original packaging.

From 1988 to 2000, Cassidy, a three-legged, tiger-striped cat, used to greet customers as they walked in the door.

Seth, who also co-owns Sasquatch Toys & Comics in Homewood with business partner Ben Traylor, confirmed that the building is for sale but did not share any future plans for the business.

Listing agent Ann Allen said the business is expected to close but may keep some of the exotic animals, like Al the caiman, in order to continue offering their interactive and hands-on party entertainment services.

The 6,500-square-foot building, built in 1950, sits on 0.17 acres and is listed for sale at $2.2 million by RealtySouth and LAH Commercial Real Estate. The property's downtown Homewood location and its large street presence make it prime commercial real estate.

The listing says the property has six to 10

parking spots and would require cash or conventional financing.

“We already have offers on it. Potential buyers are doing research on it to make sure it makes sense," Allen said. “The feeling is that [it] is such a great location and has such a great presence that it will have no problem going quickly.”

She did not provide details on any potential businesses that are eyeing the property or making offers, although she said a sale might close quickly. Allen noted that more information would become available after all parties had done their due diligence.

Ed’s Pet World’s closing puts an end to the ongoing controversy it has raised over the years.

A woman was awarded $3,000 by a Jefferson County jury in 2001 after she sued the store for $5 million, when she said Charlie the Amazon parrot, who had resided in the store for 10 years, dove and bit her face under her left eye.

Animal rights activists have also long complained about the store, and a petition calling for the shop’s closure due to what it called “deplorable conditions” for the animals gained over 700 signatures in 2024.

Ed’s Pet World specializes in exotic animals, selling everything from turtles to pythons and parakeets. The store announced in November that it would be selling its building in downtown Homewood and is expected to close. The store has been open for 50 years.

Photos by Savannah Schmidt and staff.

By the numbers: 2023 vs. 2024

Jefferson County to host drop-off events for electronics, TVs, household hazardous waste

Electronic waste, or E-waste, is a rapidly growing environmental and public health concern, according to the World Health Organization, and the U.S. is the leading producer of E-waste, discarding about three million tons per year.

But many people are unaware of the hazards posed by the improper disposal of broken televisions and computer monitors in conventional landfills or along roadsides, such as the release of lead and other toxic chemicals.

That’s where Jefferson County officials come in. The country regularly organizes free public events where residents can drop off these items safely.

In fact, Jefferson County has a total of five free electronics and TV drop-off and paper shredding events scheduled for 2025.

Two of those events will also allow residents to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) from their garages, basements, kitchens and bathrooms.

The first electronics drop-off and paper shredding event is set for Jan. 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Zoo at 2630 Cahaba Road.

“This event is perfect for people who got new electronic devices or TVs over the holidays and need to dispose of old ones,” said county spokesperson Helen Hays.

Two other events for electronics dropoff and paper shredding will be held on May 10 at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse and June 14 at the Jefferson County Valley Reclama-

tion Facility in Bessemer.

The county will host two events this year at which residents can dispose of HWW, as well as electronics, TVs and paper for shredding.

The first event, on April 12 from 8-11:30 a.m., will take place at a total of three sites in Gardendale, Irondale, Bessemer. The second event will be held on October 18 from 8-11:30 a.m. at Camp Ketona in Birmingham and at Camp Bessemer.

HWW consists of automotive products, such as oil, gas, tires and batteries;

household products, including aerosols, chemicals, cleaners; outdoor products, including insecticides, pool chemicals and yard chemicals; and paint products, such as paints, resins, sealants, stains and solvents.

The county also accepts a wide range of miscellaneous items, including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, large appliances and household cooking oil and grease.

“HHW should never be emptied into sinks or drains, flushed down toilets, poured onto the ground, discarded in

For more information Call 205-325-8741 or go to jccal.org.

storm drains or placed in regular trash for pickup,”said Hana Berres, who serves as the Education Training Manager for the county’s stormwater program.

The free drop-off events “are gaining interest, and we see annual increases in attendance,” she said.

Since Fiscal Year 2020, the county has hosted 17 events where about 4,000 households dropped off nearly 212,000 pounds of electronics.

“By organizing these free disposal events around Jefferson County, especially in areas where these items are frequently abandoned along roadways, we’ve decreased the amount of waste the county needs to manage,” Berres said.

For more information — including the items the county accepts — call 205-325-8741 or go to jccal.org.

You may also download the MyJeffCo App or scan the QR code.

EVENTS

Homewood events guide

EDITOR’S PICKS

Official

Jan. 6: Committee meetings. 5 p.m. City Hall.

Jan 13: City Council meeting. 6 p.m. City Hall.

Jan 27: City Council and Committee meetings. Committees begin at 5 p.m. Council begins at 6 p.m. City Hall.

Tuesdays: Terroir Tuesdays at Golden Age Wine. 6 p.m. 2828 Culver Road. Join Golden Age Wine twice a month on Tuesdays for a community wine tasting event. Learn more or purchase tickets at goldenagewine.com/pages/upcoming-events-page.

Jan. 6: Magnus Mondays Podcast Club. 6-7 p.m. Homewood Public Library, Room 108 (Lower Level). Listen to fictional horror podcasts and discuss them just like a book club, starting with “The Magnus Archives,” a weekly horror fiction anthology podcast examining what lurks in the archives of the Magnus Institute, an organization dedicated to researching the esoteric and the weird. Podcast episodes 1 through 20 will be covered in January. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 24: Chanticleer. 7:30-9 p.m. at Brock Recital Hall. Founded in 1978, Grammy-Award-winning Chanticleer is renowned for its diverse repertoire and skill. Based in San Francisco, the ensemble has sold over a million records and performed globally. They delve into genres like classical, gospel, jazz and pop, with emphasis on new works. Their dedication to new compositions won them Grammy Awards for “Lamentations & Praises” and “Colors of Love.” They've earned accolades for their bold programming, and Music Director Emeritus Joseph H. Jennings was acknowledged for his impact on the African American choral tradition. Purchase tickets at etix.com/ticket/p/30932434/chanticleer-birmingham-brock-recital-hall-at-samford-university.

Here are Sarah Owen’s recommendations for the best events and things to do around town this month. 1 2 3 4

Jan. 25: Salamander Festival. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Homewood High School gymnasium. The Friends of Shades Creek present their annual Salamander Festival, celebrating the native population of spotted salamanders here in Homewood. The festival promotes conservation and protection of nature, and the event will even feature live salamanders. There will also be arts and crafts, a balloon artist, live music and more. Several other local environmental and conservation groups will be present with educational information. Admission is free.

Community

Wednesdays: Barks and Books. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library Round Auditorium. For grades K-5. Spend an afternoon with our friends from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society by reading (or just simply hanging out) with some friendly pups.

Thursdays: Game Nights at the Library. 6-8:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library, Room 101 (Lower Level). Whether you're solving word puzzles, building towers or unraveling mysteries, the library has something for you. From simple to complex, from lighthearted to more moody affairs, there are games for every level of interest and complexity. Feel free to bring your favorite game to share — aim for something you can teach a table of three to six players in an hour or so. Adults 18+.

Jan. 3: American Red Cross Blood Drive. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Homewood Public Library Large Auditorium. An estimated 38% of Americans are eligible to give blood or platelets, but of those, less than 10% actually donate each year. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. There will also be an option for Power Red donations. To sign up, donors can call 1-800-733-2767, download the Blood Donor app (Text BloodApp to 90999 or download it today) or go online to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: HWDLibrary.

Jan. 11-12: ACT Weekend Workshop. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30-5 p.m. Sunday. Homewood Public Library Large Auditorium. This two-day ACT weekend workshop will help prepare teens with content prep and a practice test. Students will need to bring a notebook or laptop, pencil, calculator and bottled beverage/snack. $40 per teen. A pizza lunch is included on Saturday. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 18: 9th annual

Foundation, the MLK Day 5K Drum Run is a fun and active event to celebrate the MLK Day holiday weekend. Since its 2012 inception in Atlanta, the race has grown to over 2,000 runners/walkers and featured over 200 drummers from metro area schools and groups. The race features a 5K, a 10K and a 1-mile fun run/walk options for both youth and adults. Participants will enjoy live drumline performances from local schools along the course, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event promotes inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Each participant receives a race goodie bag, including an official event shirt, and there are incentives for nonprofit and community groups to register as teams. Visit mlkday5kbham.com for more information or to register.

Music

Jan. 3: The 64’s. 8 p.m. Otey’s in Edgewood.

Jan. 4: Rob Thorworth. 9 p.m. Otey’s in Edgewood.

Jan. 10: Devine & Co. 9 p.m. Otey’s in Edgewood.

Arts

Jan. 30-Feb. 9: “Dearly Beloved.” Homewood Theatre. Hilarity, Texas style! An over-the-top wedding, three feuding sisters and a church full of small town eccentrics. What could possibly go wrong? In this fast-paced, laugh-a-minute comedy, the Futrelle sisters of Fayro, Texas –—Frankie, Twink and their estranged sister, Honey Raye — are thrown together to pull off a family wedding. But it is not going well. Frankie’s oldest twin daughter is marrying the son of the queen of what passes for high society in Fayro, and Frankie is desperate to make this wedding an elegant affair. It soon becomes obvious that Fate has other plans … Purchase tickets at ci.ovationtix.com/35375/ production/1198660.

Are we missing an event on our calendar? Let us know! Contact Sarah Owens at sowens@ starnesmedia.com with your event information.

Let us help spread the

Email sowens@starnesmedia.com to submit your

MLK Day 5K Drum Run Birmingham. 7-10:30 a.m. at 1700 4th Ave. N., Birmingham. Hosted by The Leftover Energy

Salamander Festival returns with spotted friends

By SARAH OWENS

Homewood’s iconic Salamander Festival is returning in 2025 with the Friends of Shades Creek and a new special guest.

The event, set for Jan. 25 in Homewood High School’s gymnasium, celebrates the salamanders that call Homewood their home. The festival is intended to educate people on salamanders and spread conservation information in a fun way.

This year, there will even be a special visit from Norman the Tiger salamander, a rare and protected type of mole salamander that was found by two Leeds treatment plant employees who saved him from the shredder.

“We will definitely have live salamanders, so that's always a given,” said Michelle Blackwood, the president of Friends of Shades Creek. “And we'll have some other animals there for them to look at.”

While there are eight or nine different species of salamander that live in the old growth forest near Lakeshore Drive, the spotted salamander is the most well-known. 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. The amphibians cross South Lakeshore just east of Homewood High School.

The Friends of Shades Creek will often not only watch the migration but also protect the salamanders’ path to the pond, sometimes even closing the road, with permission from the city, on nights they expect migration.

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. There will also be arts and crafts and educational information from several local and regional conservation and nature organizations. Blackwood said many groups also bring their own activities to engage with festival goers.

“Salamanders, arts and crafts for kids to make displays with, fish, frogs, turtles,

HOMEWOOD

crayfish, fossils, trees, microscopes,” Blackwood said. “We'll definitely have Ruffner Mountain birds or animals. I think they're bringing birds and animals, a balloon man and I've already talked with [the vendor] about recycling information.”

There will also be live music by The Swinging Slythereens, who change the words of popular songs to make them about salamanders. A nature hike to the mating pools will also take

place at 1 p.m.

The Salamander Story will also be told during the event, detailing to attendees how the Friends of Shades Creek came across the salamanders through their efforts to conserve the old growth forest and how the festival came to be.

The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit shadescreek.org.

Left: Andrew Hurst, 5, left, and Jacob Hightower, 6, hold salamanders as Jim Brown, a retired history professor from Samford University, talks about the types of salamanders they are holding during the annual Friends of Shades Creek Salamander Festival at Homewood High School in January 2023. Right: A tiger salamander will be among the live animals that guests can meet at the Salamander Festival. Staff photos.

SPORTS

All-South Metro Football

3 Patriots named to 1st team

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2024 high school football season was one to remember. In the Under the Lights coverage area, eight of the 11 teams qualified for the playoffs, with Hoover making the deepest run, getting to the Class 7A semifinals.

The annual Starnes Media All-South Metro Football Team, in conjunction with Under the Lights, has been selected to honor the top performers from the season.

Spain Park junior quarterback Brock Bradley had an outstanding season to earn Player of the Year honors. Bradley led the Jags to 12 straight wins and an appearance in the Class 6A quarterfinals. He finished the year with 2,667 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, adding six rushing touchdowns as well.

Mountain Brook junior running back Stuart Andrews was named the Offensive Player of the Year after emerging as the Spartans’ workhorse. Andrews carried the ball 25 times per game and excelled in an important role in the Mountain Brook offense.

Hewitt-Trussville junior linebacker

Parker Floyd is the Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead the Huskies to the best defense in Class 7A.

The Huskies allowed just 9.5 points per game all season. Floyd totaled 105 tackles on the year and scored five offensive touchdowns as well.

Here is the team in its entirety:

► Player of the Year: Brock Bradley, Spain Park

► Offensive Player of the Year: Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook

► Defensive Player of the Year: Parker Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville

► Coach of the Year: Chip English, Hoover

1ST TEAM OFFENSE

► QB: Brock Bradley, Spain Park; named Player of the Year after an outstanding season.

► QB: Will O’Dell, Oak Mountain; a breakout season for the dual-threat, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

► RB: Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook; named Offensive Player of the Year after running for 1,805 yards.

► RB: Chase Stracener, Chelsea; ran for 1,601 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.

► WR: Corey Barber, Spain Park; the leading receiver in the area, going for 1,429 yards and 17 touchdowns on 74 catches.

► WR: Kylen Newell, Homewood; went over 1,000 receiving yards, scoring eight touchdowns.

► WR: Zach Fitzgerald, Oak Mountain; broke out in his senior season, catching 51 passes for 904 yards.

► TE: Bruce Littleton, Vestavia Hills; eclipsed 1,000 total yards as a do-it-all back for the Rebels.

► OL: Daniel Ellis, Mountain Brook; allowed no sacks and was selected for the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.

► OL: Walker Williams, Homewood; allowed only one sack and led a potent Homewood offense up front.

► OL: Mason Holloway, Hewitt-Trussville; a two-year starter and the top lineman for the Huskies.

► OL: JD Livingston, Vestavia Hills; graded out at 91% on the year for a productive Rebels offense.

► OL: Trot English, Hoover; Alabama-Mississippi All-Star for the Bucs.

► ATH: Luke Reynolds, Briarwood; did everything for the Lions, scoring 16 touchdowns despite missing three games.

► ATH: Mac Beason, Hoover; threw for 2,315 yards and 19 touchdowns, while averaging 35 yards per punt.

► K: Whit Armistead, Homewood; made 9-of-11 field goals with a long of 42 yards.

► P: Owen Simpson, Vestavia Hills; averaged 45.5 yards per punt, along with converting all of his extra points.

► ST: Jackson Kalnoske, Chelsea;

the senior had no bad snaps in three years as a starter.

1ST TEAM DEFENSE

► DL: Garrett Witherington, Briarwood; had 13 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback pressures as the focal point of the Lions’ defense.

► DL: Romello Cooper, Chelsea; racked up 56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.

► DL: Colton McIntyre, ClayChalkville; one of the Cougars’ top players as a sophomore, finishing with eight sacks.

► DL: PaLanding Drammeh, Hoover; racked up 50 tackles with five sacks.

► LB: Grayson Bruno, Vestavia Hills; the leading tackler for the Rebels with 89 tackles.

► LB: Cameron Torbor, Hoover; racked up 89 tackles and eight sacks in a dominant season.

► LB: NaKarius Allen,

Clay-Chalkville; went for 76 tackles and notched eight sacks.

► LB: De’Narrius Crawford, Hewitt-Trussville; posted 91 tackles and broke up five passes.

► DB: Spence Hanna, Vestavia Hills; top producer for the Rebels, finishing with 88 tackles.

► DB: Harris Crumpton, Mountain Brook; notched 90 tackles and broke up four passes.

► DB: Xavier Starks, ClayChalkville; the junior posted 70 tackles.

► DB: Will Phillips, Hewitt-Trussville; the top defensive back for the Huskies, registering 52 tackles along with returning punts.

► ATH: Parker Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville; won Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 105 tackles.

► ATH: Michael Igbinoghene, Hewitt-Trussville; the Tulane signee scored four offensive touchdowns,

deflected three passes and made plays on special teams.

2ND TEAM OFFENSE

► QB: Will Myers, Homewood; despite missing two games, threw for 1,187 yards and totaled 19 touchdowns.

► QB: Aaron Frye, ClayChalkville; threw for 2,160 yards with 20 total touchdowns in his first year as starter.

► RB: Dakarai Shanks, Spain Park; ran for 1,292 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns.

► RB: Aaron Osley, ClayChalkville; one of four backs in the area to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards.

► WR: Aubrey Walker, John Carroll; played both ways for the Cavs, racking up 658 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

► WR: Dylan Cope, Hewitt-Trussville; led the Huskies with 503 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

► WR: CJ Durbin, Chelsea; a top target for the resurgent Hornets, catching 53 passes for 576 yards.

► TE: Jabari Staples, ClayChalkville; made the most of his 24 grabs, scoring eight touchdowns.

► OL: Bradley Haizlip, Oak Mountain; the junior led the Eagles’ offensive line in pancakes.

► OL: Rocco Gray, Mountain Brook; two-year starter and graded out at 94%.

► OL: Toby Richard, Hoover; the 6-foot-3, 305-pound lineman helped lead the Bucs to the semifinals.

► OL: Landon Page, Vestavia Hills; the senior had 85 knockdowns on the season.

► OL: Anthony Mokry, John Carroll; the Cavs’ center was the team’s top lineman.

► ATH: Jonah Winston, Hoover: played several roles for the Bucs offense, scoring five rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns and playing some quarterback.

► ATH: Charlie Taaffe, Vestavia Hills; accounted for nearly 2,500 total yards in first year as starting quarterback.

► K: Josh Renfro, Oak Mountain; capped off his season with a 43-yard game-winning field goal against Chelsea.

► P: Drew Ollis, Hewitt-Trussville; averaged 39.8 yards per punt along with playing defensive line.

► ST: Hardy Butler, Homewood; the junior long snapper has been rated one of the top in his class.

2ND TEAM DEFENSE

► DL: Ethan Walton, Oak Mountain; totaled 58 tackles, including 16 for loss.

► DL: Boyd Cooper, Mountain Brook; finished with 47 tackles, three

Above: Homewood wide receiver Kylen Newell (1) runs with the ball while tight end Hayes DeCoudres (80) looks for someone to block during a game between Homewood and Athens in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 8 at Waldrop Stadium. Photo by Richard Force.

Left: Homewood QB Will Myers (11) makes a pass at the Homewood vs. Mountain Brook football game at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 27. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Left: John Carroll OL Anthony Mokry (51) during a game between John Carroll and Carver high schools on Sept. 5 at G.W Carver High School Stadium in Birmingham. Photo by James Nicholas. Right: Homewood kicker Whit Armistead (26) kicks the extra point during a game between Homewood and Gardendale on Oct. 4 at Waldrop Stadium in Homewood. Photo by David Leong.

SPORTS

forced fumbles and 11 quarterback pressures.

► DL: Justyn Hartley, Hoover; had seven sacks to lead the Bucs defense.

► DL: Patrick Smith, ClayChalkville; had six sacks for the Cougars.

► LB: Hampton King, Mountain Brook; had 66 tackles, including 10 for loss.

► LB: Briston Hardy, Chelsea; posted 128 total tackles on the year, with five pass breakups among several impressive stats.

► LB: Trust Darnell, Homewood; finished with 96 tackles, including 12 for loss.

► LB: EJ Kerley, Spain Park; posted 140 tackles, tops in the area.

► DB: CJ Tidmore, Homewood;

posted 78 tackles from the secondary.

► DB: Deon Callins, ClayChalkville; had 60 tackles.

► DB: Sam Canale, Briarwood; emerged as a top player for the Lions, posting 58 tackles and three interceptions.

► DB: Joe Cross, Spain Park; intercepted five passes.

► ATH: Jamar Moultrie, Hoover; played defensive back and returned kicks for the Bucs.

► ATH: Rylan Hamm, Briarwood; the Lions’ leading tackler with 78 tackles on the year.

HONORABLE

MENTION OFFENSE

► RB: Marty Myricks, Oak Mountain; Evan Ausmer, Homewood; Deuce

Alston, Hewitt-Trussville; James Kelly, Hewitt-Trussville; Joshua Woods, Clay-Chalkville; CJ Cowley, Spain Park.

► WR: Chris Warren, Hoover.

► TE: Jackson Martin, Hewitt-Trussville; Brayden Robertson, Briarwood.

► OL: Caleb Boylan, Vestavia Hills; Luke Kelly, Oak Mountain; Trot English, Hoover; Storm Fain, Hoover; Christian Bennett, Clay-Chalkville; JT Jones, Clay-Chalkville; Adam Brooks, Chelsea; Will Pohlmann, Chelsea; Barnabas Karanja, Briarwood; Hudson Reed, Spain Park; Jackson Bell, Spain Park; Carter Fountain, Briarwood.

► K: Garrett Heinemann, Briarwood; Joseph Del Toro, Clay-Chalkville.

► ATH: Kaleb Carson, Homewood; CJ Davis, Hewitt-Trussville.

HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE

► DL: Joey Lewis, Oak Mountain; Will Ray, Homewood; Tyson Bacon, Hoover; D’ante Seals, Hewitt-Trussville; Baasel Alabsi, Hewitt-Trussville; Randell Cole, Clay-Chalkville; Nic Gagliano, John Carroll.

► LB: Jacob Watson, Vestavia Hills; William Yoder, Oak Mountain; Colton Moore, Oak Mountain; Miller Lee, Mountain Brook; Joey Luckianow, Homewood; Isaiah Brown, Clay-Chalkville; Porter Schott, Chelsea; Ethan Prickett, Chelsea; Brayden Matherson, Spain Park; Owen Robinson, Hewitt-Trussville;

Trey Sanders, Hoover.

► DB: Jayden Aparicio-Bailey, Oak Mountain; Kolby King, Oak Mountain; DK Bolden, Hoover; Maleik Smiley, Homewood; John Griffin, Homewood; Caden Ali, Hewitt-Trussville; Sam Parrish, Chelsea.

Starnes Media's publications cover several communities throughout the Birmingham metro area. Schools included for consideration on this team were Briarwood, Chelsea, ClayChalkville, Hewitt-Trussville, Homewood, Hoover, John Carroll, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills. The team was selected by Starnes Media’s sports department, in collaboration with the coaches.

Left: Homewood OL Walker Williams (61) makes a stop during the Homewood vs. Fort Payne game in the second round of the AHSAA playoff on Nov. 15. Photo by Jake Pinholster.

Right: John Carroll’s Aubrey Walker (3) runs the ball during the John Carroll vs West Blocton game at JCHS on Nov. 1. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

SPORTS

All-South Metro Volleyball

Patriots, Cavs appear on team

By KYLE PARMLEY

The 2024 high school volleyball season featured plenty of phenomenal individual and team seasons. With the quality of volleyball in the Birmingham area, simply being selected to the annual Starnes Media All-South Metro Team, in conjunction with Under the Lights, is an honor.

Chelsea senior Lauren Buchanan takes the overall Player of the Year award after capping off an illustrious career. After five years of trying, she helped her Hornets team get to the state tournament and to a final four finish for the first time in program history.

Mountain Brook’s Mae Mae Beatty is the Offensive Player of the Year after leading the way for the Spartans. Beatty has been a force on the outside for the last few years for Mountain Brook and really took on a leadership role for the team this year.

Hoover’s Sydney Durban is the Defensive Player of the Year after putting together one of the most productive campaigns imaginable for a libero. Durban’s defensive prowess was one of the reasons the Bucs advanced to the state final four for a second straight year.

► Player of the Year: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea

► Offensive Player of the Year: Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook

► Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Durban, Hoover

► Coach of the Year: Jamie Gill, Chelsea

1ST TEAM

► Outside hitter: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea. Likely the best player in program history, Buchanan posted 764 kills and 346 assists for the season for the Texas Tech signee.

► Outside hitter: Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook. The Montevallo signee posted 462 kills and 281 digs for the Spartans.

► Outside hitter: Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, surpassed 1,000 career kills as a junior, going for 566 kills and 313 digs on the year.

► Outside hitter: Layla Smith, Hoover, posted 510 kills and 181 digs.

► Setter: Cara Belcher, Chelsea, finished with the most career assists in program history, posting 1,357 assists in her senior year before heading to UVA-Wise.

► Setter: Mia Wilson, Briarwood. The lone senior on Chris Camper’s first team, posting 807 assists and 190 digs.

► Setter: Cailyn Kyes, Spain Park, set a school record with 895 assists to go along with 334 digs.

► Libero: Sydney Durban, Hoover, posted an eye-popping 870 digs in her senior season before heading to UAH.

► Libero: Ella Kate Wright, Mountain Brook, battled injury and still had 384 digs in a great season.

► Middle: Kennedy Vincent, Hewitt-Trussville. The senior had 227 kills and 113 blocks.

► Middle: Aubrie Lay, Oak Mountain, posted 189 kills in her final season before heading to Mississippi Christian University.

► Middle: Alexa Benda, Spain Park, capped her career with 279 kills and 112 blocks.

► Right side: Lila Willett, Chelsea. The Pearl River Community College commit had 222 kills for the year.

► Right side: Marion Haskell, John Carroll, posted 306 kills to lead the way for the Cavs.

► All-around: Jordan Madsen, Vestavia Hills. The two-sport athlete and versatile volleyball player had 325 kills and 123 digs.

► All-around: Olivia Guenster, Hoover, moved to the outside after beginning the season on defense and had 259 kills with 569 digs.

2ND TEAM

► Outside hitter: Bea Wiggins, Spain Park. The junior had a standout season, with 348 kills and 293 digs.

► Outside hitter: Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea. The sophomore had 377 kills.

► Outside hitter: Madelyn Bromley, Hewitt-Trussville. The Wallace State signee had 294 kills and 235 digs in a productive senior season.

► Outside hitter: Ellie Watts, Homewood, had a productive year with 206 kills and 208 digs for the Patriots.

► Setter: Grace Stewart, Mountain Brook. The senior racked up 847 assists and 214 digs in her first year as a starter.

► Setter: Madi Lopez, Hoover, had 596 assists and 280 digs as one of two setters.

► Setter: Addison Jenkins, Hoover, finished with 489 assists and 180 as one of two setters.

► Libero: Sophia Bagley, Chelsea. The junior stepped in and registered 375 digs.

► Libero: Camdyn Kyes, Spain Park. The eighth grader had 485 digs and 108 assists.

► Middle: Sydnie Broom, Hoover, posted 180 kills and 153 blocks.

► Middle: Ja’Niyah Mosley, Spain Park, posted 165 kills in a productive season.

► Middle: Cali Armstead, Homewood. The Berry College commit had 91 kills and 51 blocks for the year.

► Right side: Aliyah Pooler, Hoover, had 231 kills on the season.

► Right side: Betsy Smith, Oak Mountain, played multiple positions and finished with 375 assists and 190 digs.

► All-around: Caroline Whitehurst, Oak Mountain, put together a great season with 391 kills and 322 digs for the Eagles.

► All-around: Kate Gordon, Oak Mountain, finished with 437 assists, 203 digs and 104 aces in a productive all-around season.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

► Outside hitter: Mady Kirkpatrick, John Carroll; Reagan Gilbert, Spain Park; Julie Roberts, Briarwood.

► Setter: Kayleigh Nguyen, Hewitt-Trussville; Kam Coleman, Homewood; Isabella Marino, John Carroll.

► Libero: Christiana Callens, Hewitt-Trussville; Anaya Patel, Oak Mountain; Lillie Hill, Vestavia Hills; Amelia Browne, Hoover.

► Middle: Ally Ross, Oak Mountain; Ava Scott Windham, Vestavia Hills; Marley Cowan, Vestavia Hills; Clara Crawford, Briarwood.

► Right side: Kayla Terrell, Hoover; Eden Rainbolt, Hoover; Mae Noerager, Homewood.

Left: John Carroll’s Marion Haskell (15) hits the ball during the Class 5A North Super Regional in October at the Finley Center in Hoover. Photo by Grace Burgess. Right: Homewood’s Ellie Watts (9) serves the ball in a match against Hoover High School in August. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Left: Homewood’s Cali Armstead (11) plays the ball during a Class 6A North Super Regional match between Homewood and Buckhorn in October at the Finley Center in Hoover. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

Below: Hoover’s Abby Tingle (2) spikes the ball on Homewood’s Kam Coleman (12) in a match at Hoover High School in August. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Faces of Homewood

Toni Griffin creates family legacy at Cookie Plug

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

Realtor Toni Griffin took a big step this past year, both as a mother and as a professional.

The Homewood native recently took on the ownership of the Alabama sector of Cookie Plug, a national franchise. The first Birmingham location opened at the Edge on Green Springs Avenue in the summer of 2024.

“It is a great transition area because there is a good mix of individuals here,” Griffin said.

Griffin grew up in the South, so she feels like baking was always part of her roots. When she found out about Cookie Plug, she considered the importance of how the company could generate jobs in the area.

“Some kids, if they grow up in a tough environment, it’s hard for them to understand that they can own a business,” she said.

Griffin strives to serve the community and also act as a role model for young kids.

Griffin and her daughter, Jasmine Eldridge, both staff the Edge location throughout the week, allowing the pair to enjoy bonding time while also growing their business.

“I thought I knew business, but now I am enjoying learning about balance,” Griffin joked.

In 2025, Griffin aims to open a Cookie Plug location in Hoover with a walk-in dining area and green space.

Cookie Plug owner Toni Griffin reaches through the service window to pass a cookie to a customer at The Edge in Homewood. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Cookies from Cookie Plug at the Edge in Homewood. Flavors pictured, from top, are Cookie Cookie Cream, Firecracker, Good Luv and Purple Haze.

Photo courtesy of Toni Griffin.

Toni Griffin with her daughter, Jasmine Eldridge, at Cookie Plug. Photo courtesy of Toni Griffin.

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residents approved a referendum to transition to the council-manager form of government. The new government structure will go into effect in November 2025 when the new council and mayor are sworn in, and the city manager position will aid the city’s transition with eligibility to continue in the role, pending approval of the new administration.

The job description states that the city manager “acts as the municipal government’s chief executive and administrative head and is responsible to City Council for the proper administration of all affairs of the City.”

Job functions mentioned in the listing include directing department heads, preparing the annual city budget, planning and recommending future programs, referring requests and projects to the appropriate officials and communicating with both city council members and Homewood residents about city operations and policies.

The city is seeking applicants with related bachelor’s degrees and a minimum of five years of “executive level administration experience in a municipal or other related governmental agency environment.”

Applications will be accepted until Jan. 13 and should include a resumé, signed cover letter outlining qualifications, three professional references and a salary history and requirements. Email applications to City Clerk Bo Seagrist at Bo.Seagrist@homewoodal.org.

CHANGES TO THE CITY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

Entering into a council-manager government format in November will see Homewood’s five-ward, 11-member council reduced to four wards and five members, with one member for each ward and the mayor as council president. The election for these new seats and the mayor will take place on Aug. 26. To learn more and see a new ward map, visit cityofhomewood.com/new-govt-passed.

STORMWATER PROJECTS

As Homewood continues to struggle with stormwater flooding, like much of the surrounding area, the city will see some steps toward progress in 2025 as a few water drainage improvement projects are set to begin in the new year.

In October 2024, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) presented the city of Homewood with $1 million that she secured for these projects. The funding will be used to install a stormwater culvert at Griffin Creek along Huntington Road, addressing long-time stormwater drainage and flooding issues in the area.

“This project will replace decades old infrastructure and relieve the current bottleneck that has led to significant flooding on several private properties,” Sewell said. “We in Alabama are no stranger to severe weather. When disaster strikes, it is essential that our communities have the infrastructure needed to mitigate flooding and recover quickly.”

Cale Smith, head of the city’s engineering and zoning department, said they are still waiting for the money to come through but are expecting to begin work on the project within the year.

Since Homewood had been unable to secure the funding for this larger project until now, the city has put a lot of their own money into smaller stormwater projects in other parts of Homewood, including the current construction along Kenilworth Drive and Ridge Road. The spot was identified as an area of focus in 2023 when the city did a study on stormwater flooding. The project began in 2024 and will carry over into the new year.

Other areas identified in the study are Primrose (Melrose Place), the Edgewood Elementary School area, Bellview Circle,

Glenwood Drive, the Overton Park area, the Homewood Middle School area and Oxmoor Road. Smith noted that the city has a master plan to address stormwater issues, but it will be a long road to completing all the projects needed and a timeframe is unknown.

“It really all depends on the budget, which we just did. And so we only really budgeted for one project, which was the KenilworthRidge stormwater project,” he said. “We

didn’t budget for it, but we have received, or will receive, money for that Huntington Road stormwater project. What we have budgeted for is continued maintenance on our creek walls.”

The city approved a budget in December 2024 for installation and maintenance of creek walls on Griffin Brook Creek and Edgewood.

For the information on the city’s

stormwater plan, visit cityofhomewood.com/ stormwater-program.

WALKABILITY

Homewood will see new sidewalks along the east side of Green Springs Highway from Broadway Street down to Lakeshore Drive. The sidewalks will then stretch around to Woodmont Drive.

The city will also celebrate the grand opening of the 1.4-mile extension to the Shades Creek Greenway. Smith said they are hoping to hold a ribbon cutting in February.

Homewood is also working on another connectivity project, creating a multi-modal facility project along Central Avenue, running behind Hero Donuts and Luca Lagotto, that will connect Central Park to Spring Park. Councilwoman Jennifer Andress said the project is going out to bid soon. Once completed, pedestrians should be able to walk, run or bike on the trail.

BROOKWOOD VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT

After sitting vacant for the last few years, the once-bustling Brookwood Village complex may soon see some action.

Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center has proposed a plan to renovate and convert the former Belk building into a roughly 135,000-square-foot medical office, and the city of Homewood’s Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal in a meeting on Nov. 5.

The city has also recently entered an intergovernmental cooperative agreement with the city of Mountain Brook with respect to Brookwood Village.

The agreement would require the cities to consider what is best for both communities in their decisions regarding redevelopment plans.

Andress, who represents Ward 5 and the area in and around Brookwood Village, said this is an effort that has long been in conversation, noting that both cities will “do what’s best for the region.”

Left: Stormwater floods Kenilworth Drive in May 2021. This is one of the areas that will be targets by Homewood’s construction and improvement projects in 2025. Photo courtesy of Josh Reidinger. Right: Lakeshore Trail, a popular exercise path in Homewood, was extended past the intersection of Green Springs and Lakeshore Drive. The project was one of the first initiatives in the plan to make Homewood more walkable in 2025. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Above: An aeriel view of the completed Brookwood Village, circa 1970s. Photo courtsey of Brookwood VIllage.

Left: Homewood mayor Alex Wyatt wishes the community a Happy New Year in front of Homewood City Hall. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

The city of Homewood will transition to a manager-council government format in November 2025, transitioning from five wards and 11 council members to four wards and 5 council members. Map courtesy of City of Homewood.

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“We always appreciate the work ALDOT does in Homewood, and I know the re-paving from Rosedale Drive to Lakeshore will be beneficial for our residents as well as those stopping by Homewood to shop or enjoy a meal at one of our local businesses,” she said.

The project will have several components to it, starting at the Rosedale Drive intersection in Homewood and ending where 280 crosses the Cahaba River:

► Resurfacing of both directions of 280 from Rosedale Drive to Lakeshore Drive.

► Widening of both directions from Lakeshore Drive to Interstate 459.

► Resurfacing from I-459 to the Cahaba River.

► Replacement of the Pump House Road bridge.

Josh Phillips, a spokesman for ALDOT, said the resurfacing will maintain the road and add to its safety and the expansion was needed for the amount of traffic on 280.

“We’re trying to lower travel times for people on the roadways,” he said. “280 has grown so much that adding capacity just becomes necessary to try to keep traffic moving as much as we can through there so that people spend less time on the road and more time doing the things they want.”

The project total cost has not been released because the Department of Transportation is still taking bids, Phillips said.

Until those bids are in and have been accepted by the department, he said, there will be no decision on which part of the project will begin first because ALDOT will not know the availability of the crews.

Phillips also said the project’s start date would be dependent on the weather, since the laying of asphalt needs to have consistent warmer temperatures to be applied.

“You’re probably looking at February-ish before you see something being done out there, as far as any clearing or taking up anything,” he said. “And then March before you see asphalt.” Due to these variables, Phillips said while the

project could start in February, it could be anywhere in the window of the first quarter of 2025.

There will need to be preparation on the sides of the road for the widening portion of the work, which may involve clearing plots of land and moving dirt.

The department will work at night, Phillips said, in an attempt to mitigate traffic disruption along the corridor.

“There will be some times where we have traffic impacts — we’ll have to shift lanes over a little bit or whatever,” he said. “But that’s why a lot of the work’s being done at night, to hopefully minimize those traffic impacts.”

Phillips said the widening would take the majority of the time, and the resurfacing generally takes much less time.

The project’s start comes a year later than what was originally announced. In December 2023, the project was expected to have started in late spring 2024.

While Phillips didn’t know why the project was moved, he said road construction projects have a window in which to begin so that the temperatures reach a point where asphalt can be applied. A number of factors could have caused missing the window for the 280 expansion project, he said, including utility relocation or design changes.

“If you miss this window, it doesn’t just bump it two months, three months,” he said. “It ends up bumping it an entire year.”

For the municipalities closest to the project, there is hope the project will not only create better traffic flow on 280, but also alleviate some of the cut-through traffic that people use to avoid 280.

“Hopefully, some of that will help divert more traffic down 459 and 280 as opposed to cutting through the center of Mountain Brook,” said Sam Gaston, the city manager of Mountain Brook.

The city currently has cut-through traffic around Overton Road and Cherokee Road. The on-ramps for both locations will now be incorporated into the new lanes. Residents had been concerned that the new design would create more back-ups at the intersection, which is controlled by traffic lights. Gaston said he was told the timing at those lights would be changed to accommodate any traffic backup on Overton Road.

Mountain Brook City Councilwoman Graham Smith said as other areas have grown, the new residents have used Mountain Brook as a shortcut.

“Liberty Park has blown up,” Smith said. “And we’re thrilled for our neighbors. We’re

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happy for Vestavia, but we need some traffic planning that would potentially remediate and take some volume off of our roads, our local roads.”

Another point of contention during the planning was the expansion of the Pump House Road bridge, which runs over 280. Pump House Road is another road that drivers use to cut across Mountain Brook to get access to 280.

“I understand when you’re trying to build a large project that there’s going to be pressure points in those areas,” Smith said. “However, we’re not looking to have the bridge expanded to bring more traffic to those local back roads. I would consider that a local back road versus an artery to drive traffic to Liberty Park. We’re hoping that they will utilize 280 and take 459 and see that as the best option.”

The City of Vestavia Hills says it also hopes the expansion will ease the number of cars cutting through residential neighborhoods and incentivize drivers to use the main thoroughfares.

“The traffic volumes on the U.S. [280] highway corridor have surpassed the original projections for the roadway for quite some time,” said Cinnamon McCulley, assistant city manager of Vestavia Hills. “We are hopeful that the additional lanes will help ease congestion, increase efficiency and allow drivers to utilize Highway 280 as opposed to cut-through routes through surrounding communities.”

However, in the short term, McCulley said she expects more traffic in those residential areas while construction is underway.

“I suspect cut-through traffic will temporarily increase in the Mountain Brook and Cahaba Heights areas as drivers attempt to avoid delays that generally occur with road projects,” she said.

But both Gaston and McCulley said changing those traffic patterns wouldn’t be such an easy thing given the psychology of the drivers who believe cutting through residential neighborhoods is quicker than traveling 280 and I-459.

“We understand it may take some time for drivers to adjust their commuting routes,” McCulley said, “but feel sure drivers will utilize Highway 280 if it proves to be as efficient

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U.S. 280 will soon be under construction from the entrance from Lakeshore to the Summit. The city will add a lane onto each side of the highway to help the flow of traffic.

Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Homewood Parks & Recreation

Classes & Activities

Central Barre

Wednesday 5:15pm & Saturday 8:15am

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.  ellyngagnon@gmail.com

Dance Trance

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

Homewood Community Center, Fitness Studio 2

Tuesday 2:30pm – 3:45pm

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. $5.00 per person per visit 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

YoLimber

Wednesday: 12:00pm-1:00pm - Warrior Sculpt Friday: 8:00am - 9:00am - Basics Class Friday: 9:30am - 10:30am - Regular Class

Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music at Homewood Community Center. All levels welcome. Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com

Bench Aerobics

Step & Line Dance

Monday: 5:00pm – 6:00pm (Step Aerobics) Tuesday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Step Aerobics) Thursday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Cardio Line Dance) Homewood Community Center Fitness Studio 2

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

Senior Center

Tai Chi Classes

All classes are suitable for anyone who is willing to take the time to learn these beautiful, liberating and empowering sets of movements (forms). For additional information about Tai Chi Classes, contact Galina at galinawaites@gmail.com

Tai Chi: Sun Style

Tuesdays at 1:30pm

During Sun Style class participants will learn in more depth about Tai Chi history, principals and styles, practicing the 73 forms of Sun Style. QiGong warm up exercises and Tai Chi for Energy will be included in this class.

Fast Track Line Dance

Saturday 11:00am - 1:00pm

We learn the current and classic intermediate-advanced line dances.  This class is not for beginners.

Homewood Community Center, Fitness Studio 2

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/

Argentine Tango Lab

Sunday from 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Weekly tango laboratory / practice for milongueros seeking to improve their dancing skills and explore interconnection, movement and musicality. Fundamental tango skills expected. Milongueros with all levels of experience are welcome. Non-marking shoes with leather or suede soles required. Hosted by Chalo at the Homewood Community Center in Fitness Studio 1. $5 per class

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Wednesdays at 1:30pm

This class is suitable for anyone, easy on the joints, helps to calm the mind, improves balance and coordination. The program of Tai Chi for Health Institute.

Tai Chi: Yang Style   Thursdays at 1:30pm

Participants will learn in depth about Tai Chi history, principles and styles; practicing the most popular Yang Style (24 forms). QiGong warm up exercises and Tai Chi for Energy will be included in this class

Athletics & Events

Homewood Soccer Club

Homewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program. Information about the Spring 2025 season, all levels of play, registration deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available at 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 2025 Season: www.playhwd.com