Homewood Star March 2017

The Homewood Star

Volume 6 | Issue 12 | March 2017

Ready for a Run

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Edgewood’s

newest neighbors

Following the pleasant surprise that was their 2016 season, the Patriots are aiming once again to “play in May.”

See page B4

Determined Dancer

Edgewood resident Mandy Ray stands in front of Edgewood Station, the future home of her Three15 exercise studio. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

At just 10 years old, Hannah French already has performed in a lead role with professional ballerinas many years her senior.

See page B9

INSIDE Sponsors ......... A4 News ................. A6 Business .........A10 Events ..............A13 Community .....A17 School House...A18

Medical Guide..A22 Sports ................ B1 Opinion ............B10 Real Estate....... B11 Camp Guide .... B12 Calendar ..........B18

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Edgewood Station tenants prepare to move in as renovations ramp up

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

E

dgewood residents are about to have three new neighbors.

In January and February, Michael Murray of Shannon Waltchack Commercial Realty announced the tenants of Edgewood Station, the service garage redeveloped into a retail development at

Julian Kersh first started playing soccer as a member of the Patriot program in the Homewood Soccer Club.

Here, he speaks to members of the high school team before a game Feb. 13.

Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

1017 Oxmoor Road: Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro, Three15 Studio and BarTaco, the 5,000-square-foot anchor tenant.

Shannon Waltchack acquired the service garage from the Pettus family in February 2016, but Murray said discussions over buying and repurposing that building extend

See EDGEWOOD | page A20

Taylor and Ashley Ramirez of Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro. Photo courtesy of Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro.

Soccer club scoring generations of players

By LEXI COON Participating in sports as a kid has a way of shaping a child’s life and sticking with them, even through to adulthood. Sometimes, those same sports can bring them back as coaches, too.

Sean McBride, a coach for the

Homewood Soccer Club and Homewood High School, has decades of experience both on and off the field.

“Growing up in Scotland, [soccer] is all the kids did,” he said. “You started

See CLUB | page A21

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The Homewood Star

About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell Homewood truly has some exceptional athletes.

In this month’s issue, we feature the male and female Homewood High runners who were named as Gatorade Runners of the Year, as well as other track, baseball and softball student-athletes.

We also had the opportunity to interview local soccer coaches who grew up in the program that they now run for the next generation of Homewood kids, and a young dancer who has already held the spotlight with the Alabama Ballet.

Our March issue also features previews of several events around the city and an update on new businesses

summer camps in the community. It may seem like winter’s barely over, but registration for summer camps is already underway.

We love keeping up with not only our talented young athletes, but all the exceptional people in the city of Homewood.

Got a story you think we should share? Email me at sydney@starnespublishing.com.

coming to Edgewood.

Inside, you’ll also find guides to some of the medical experts and

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

A young Harry Potter fan watches “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at Homewood Public Library’s second annual Harry Potter Book Night on Feb. 2. Photo by Erica Techo.

The Homewood Star

Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Photography: Sports Editor: Digital Editor: Page Designer: Community Editor: Community Reporters:

Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Sarah Finnegan Kyle Parmley Alyx Chandler Cameron Tipton Erica Techo Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Lexi Coon Staff Writers: Emily Featherston Sam Chandler Copy Editor: Louisa Jeffries Contributing Writer: Lauren Denton

Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Gail King Eric Clements

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

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

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

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City Council OKs Greenway Phase II, duplex rezoning

By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Jan. 23 City Council meeting included another step forward for the Greenway project and a rezoning allowing a duplex property to renovate its buildings.

The council approved Mayor Scott McBrayer to contract with ALDOT for Phase II of the Greenway, which includes paving, a pedestrian bridge, boardwalk, signs and landscaping.

However, another project to widen Lakeshore Drive from Columbiana Road almost to U.S. 280 was carried over, as the council had questions about details of the project and its cost, which includes widening, resurfacing, traffic loop detectors, guardrails and traffic stripes.

Homewood resident Cynthia Parris came before the council to request rezoning four duplex units at 316-322 Carr Avenue from Green Springs Urban Renewal District (GURD) to Attached Dwelling Units. While all the units are currently occupied, Parris said she wants to rebuild them in the future as families move out, which is not a permitted use under the current zoning.

“We’ve done repairs and repairs and repairs, and so the next thing to do is to rebuild, but I can’t do that under GURD,” Parris said of the duplexes, which her grandfather built in the 1950s and have been family-owned ever since.

Jones noted that the GURD zoning was created hastily a few years ago when the council was investing money in the Green Springs Highway area and wanted to prevent certain types of businesses from entering the area.

The council voted unanimously to approve the zoning.

In a special issues committee meeting preceding the Jan. 23 council session, disagreement arose over a request from Barber Dairy to use city right-of-way at 126 Barber Court to construct a spill control system. According to

Vanessa McGrath of Homewood’s Building, Engineering and Zoning Department shows council members a map of a spill containment unit that Barber Dairy plans to install. Photo

by Sydney Cromwell.

a Barber representative, the system would have on-site instruments to detect changes in water quality and, in the instance of a spill of dairy products, chemicals or other materials, would close off access to stormwater drains on the property and contain the spill until it could be disposed of by staff.

Ward 3 Representative Walter Jones referenced the odor problem that has been consistent in West Homewood since October 2015 and believed to be coming from either the Barber Dairy or Buffalo Rock plants, as well as a recent chemical spill on the property that killed several fish in the local water system. He said he wanted more information before giving Barber access to city property.

“We need to get over what we’ve been going through for the past 14 months,” Jones said. “We don’t need to jump into anything hastily.”

Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames added that changing circumstances at the plant while odor testing is still going on could complicate identification of the source. However, Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright countered that a spill containment system is beneficial to environmental health and safety, and that the reports he has received from Volatile Analysis, which is leading odor testing, lead him to believe that Barber is likely not the source of the odor.

“I’m not sure I want to be the person that could have stopped it and didn’t,” said Ward 4 Representative Barry Smith of the

possibility of a spill.

The Barber representative said a spill containment system should have no effect on any odors on the property, and that installation would take 4-6 months to complete. The committee voted to carry over their discussion so they could review the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) report from the previous Barber spill and talk with county stormwater management employees about the impact of the system.

The council also: ► Approved the Hollywood Garden Club to work in the city right-of-way to plant sapling trees in four out of 17 traffic islands in the Hollywood area. The trees will include bags to keep them watered, and the club plans to maintain the trees after the bags are removed. The Homewood Environmental Commission has planted 35 native trees around Homewood and lost six of them so far, some of which will be replaced. The council briefly discussed funding the Initiative to buy and plant older trees that are more likely to survive, but did not make a formal decision. ► Approved the property owners adjacent to a “paper alley” at 1105 Palmetto St. to work in the alley, with an indemnification agreement, to clean it up and add landscaping. The property owners originally proposed purchasing the paper alley from the city and could still pursue that route, but the indemnification agreement allows them to improve the area more quickly than waiting for the sale process. ► Accepted a bid from Sain Associates to create an ADA accessibility transition for the city at a cost of $39,000. Sain was the lowest of three bidders that included everything needed in the bid. ► Sent revisions to the municipal tree ordinance to the planning commission for discussion. Once approved, the ordinance will

TheHomewoodStar.com be sent back to the council for approval and implementation. ► Approved a tent variance for Trinity United Methodist to put up a tent in its parking lot as part of its Discovery youth weekend retreat March 4-5. ► Approved funding for two streetlights in the area of 507 Morris Blvd., two streetlights at 402 and 410 Sterrett Ave. and one at the corner of Bristol Lane and West Oxmoor Road. ► Approved a restaurant retail liquor license for La Perla Nayarita, 150 Green Springs Highway, and carried over a request for an on and off-premises beer and wine license for Black Pearl, 180 State Farm Parkway, due to concerns about allowing off-premises sales. ► Set Feb. 13 public hearings for a sign ordinance variance request at 3450 Independence Drive and a driveway ordinance variance request at 308 Ridge Road. ► Placed liens on 1602 Ridge Road and 1624 Mountain Gap Circle to recoup costs of abatement after the properties were declared public

March 2017 • A7 nuisances due to overgrowth of vegetation. ► Asked the finance committee to consider funding roughly $10,000 to build public parking in front of the future home of Caliber sporting goods on Central Avenue, as well as parallel spaces on 28th Court South. ► Discussed traffic concerns at 3100 Independence Drive, near Lancaster Road, due to a high number of accidents in the area and concerns from residents and workers in the area.

Ross said he would like to bring wreck data to the state in order to move forward with solutions for the intersection. ► Dropped discussion of a three-way stop sign at Sterrett Avenue and Oxford Circle due to speeding concerns. The city is planning a citywide traffic study in the near future and will look at safety and speed options for the area at that time.

As a temporary measure, Police Chief Tim Ross said he will increase traffic enforcement and put an electronic speed display sign in the area.

Sign ordinance variance approved 7-4; Central Avenue project advances

By ERICA TECHO The Homewood City Council on Feb. 13 approved a variance to a sign ordinance, thereby allowing a sign for The Brookwood Apartment Homes on Independence Drive to be larger than the usual 50 inches.

Deidra Underwood, a representative of Resource Residen- Homewood councilors meet for their Feb. 13 council tial, said the reason they asked meeting. Photo by Erica Techo. for a larger sign is to allow higher visibility from the street. property was appraised for $10,000.

“When people cross those two hills, we want ► Approved a request for consideration to people to be able to see the sign visibly, and the allow work in the city right of way at 126 Barber building is so big to where the size of the sign Court that will install a concrete stormwater conis not visible,” Underwood said. trol box pending an indemnification agreement.

When the Special Issues Committee met ► Referred to the finance committee a request Feb. 6, some members were concerned about for consideration to add one additional streetlight the proposed size because it is “dramatically” around the roundabout by All Saints Church. larger what is typically allowed, said Councilor ► Approved a request for consideration for Barry Smith. Committee members were also permission to work in the city right of way at concerned that the sign would be lit.

1926 29th Ave. S. This work will involve putA rendering presented to the council said the ting in two trees in front of the future Big Bad sign would be 70 inches tall, but Greg Cobb Breakfast location, in addition to foundation with the Building, Engineering and Zoning work and work to the front of the building.

Department said that measurement had been Cobb said the decision to close the sidewalk done differently than he measures. Cobb said was made for the safety of the public. the 70-inch measurement was based on adding ► Approved a request from Sam Croft, who together the measurements of each line of text, lives at 308 Ridge Drive, to put in a parking rather than drawing a rectangle around the pad in front of his house. This request required whole sign as he would. a variance to the driveway ordinance and was “What they’re showing as 70 is really 90 approved by the council, pending a proper because they don’t calculate like I do,” Cobb said. indemnification agreement.

The council agreed to base the size off of ► Approved a request to close Oak Grove Cobb’s calculations.

Road between Raleigh Avenue and Hall Avenue “I certainly don’t want to prevent them from for the West Homewood Street Fest on May 13 being able to be visible to people as the traffic from 3-9 p.m. goes by,” Smith said. “And they are off the road ► Approved an ordinance to levy sales tax quite a bit, but I would want to make sure that if in the police jurisdiction. This request came we approve this, we approve this in a size that’s before the council following a letter sent by the more fitting, I think, than the 96 inches. That’s Alabama Department of Revenue, which stated really large to me, especially when it’s lit up.” it would not accept the city’s recent sales tax Smith motioned for approval, limiting the sign increase. The issue was discussed in the finance to 70.3 inches in height. It was approved with committee’s Feb. 6 meeting. a 7-4 vote from the council, with Councilors ► Approved a request for consideration for Mike Higginbotham, Andrew Wolverton, Jen- a retail beer and table wine license. nifer Andress and Peter Wright voting against. ► Carried over a request to accept an The council also approved a request for con- ALDOT project along SR-149 south of U.S. sideration in regard to a project to create more 280 to Columbiana Road. parking on Central Avenue. The finance com► Approved an ordinance to place two mittee recommended funding a traffic study pedestrian crosswalks across Clermont Drive to not exceed $5,000, said Councilor Walter and two crosswalks across Manhattan Street.

Jones, and to amend the 2016-17 general fund ► Set public hearings for two sign ordinance budget for the expenditure. Jones asked to carry variance requests and one fence ordinance varithe item over to allow more work. ance request for Feb. 27.

“It’s a very exciting project, it’s going to add a ► Approved requests for considerations for lot of parking spots and just general traffic calm- two restaurant retail liquor licenses — one for ing within Central, so lots of exciting things are Vinnie Baggs and one for SoHo Social. happening,” Jones said. “We just can’t do it all ► Approved a request for consideration for at one time. It’s going to be in phases, so this retail beer and retail table wine licenses for is the first part to make sure we don’t have any Homewood Markettable. sight line distance issues with the parking spots.” ► Approved an ordinance to declare city The resolution was passed unanimously by clerk/finance department furniture as surplus. the council. ► Approved a request for consideration to Also at the meeting, the council: authorize Mayor Scott McBrayer to sign a con► Held a moment of silence for former tract with Brunson White for IT assessment.

Homewood Mayor Barry McCulley, who died ► Approved a request for consideration for Feb. 3. the approval of vouchers for the period of Jan. ► Approved an ordinance to declare prop- 23 to Feb. 12, including the addition of two erty at 1900 26th Ave. S. surplus property. The items that came in late.

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The Homewood Star

Rosedale improvements, transparency requests dominate public meeting about $110M bond

“

By SYDNEY CROMWELL The second public comment meeting on the city’s $110 million bond ― to be used for school, parks and public safety projects ― centered on requests from Rosedale residents and citizen concern that the city’s process lacks transparency.

Since the first public meeting in December, the city has assembled a 12-person task force of council, school board, police and parks employees. The task force put together a request for proposals for a project manager to direct the use of the bond, with proposals due Feb. 13. The project manager would advise the council on the best way to allocate the money from the bond, provide information on demographics and oversee the project moving forward.

Council President Bruce Limbaugh said the allocation decisions could be made by April.

Rosedale resident Jeremy Love presented a petition to the council to use a portion of the bond funds for improvements in his community, including: affordable and senior housing; nuisance property abatement; improvements at Lee Community Center and Spring Park; a Rosedale shopping village with local businesses; public infrastructure maintenance such as signs, crosswalks and sidewalks; historic preservation and recognition; and a comprehensive development plan for the area.

“I feel like in 2017, there needs to be another plan developed for specifically Rosedale,” Love said. “What are you going to do to help support the revitalization of Rosedale?”

The council was receptive to these things and Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames said work could begin soon on some elements of Love’s petition, including nuisance abatement, signage and a committee of Rosedale residents to interface between the community and the council with strategies for improvements.

I just want to see something that says Rosedale’s name on it … so I can feel like I’m involved in the process of growth in the city.

Jeremy Love speaks about Rosedale’s needs at a public meeting on the city’s $110 million bond. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

“The abatement process that Britt and I started was a direct result of the things we heard while campaigning,” Ward 1 Representative Andy Gwaltney said.

A streetscape improvement project is already funded for 18th Street and Limbaugh said the city is also working on a citywide traffic study.

Love said he would like the city to consider out of the box options like co-ops and community land development to help the area.

“I just want to see something that says Rosedale’s name on it … so I can feel like I’m involved in the process of growth in the city,” Love said. “If we don’t help the people be able to afford the improvements, they won’t

be here for the improvements.”

The council encouraged Love to bring as many Rosedale residents as possible to the community meeting planned with council members on Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. at Lee Community Center.

Several residents at the Jan. 30 meeting objected to the fact that the task force’s meetings are not subject to the state’s open meetings act because it does not include a quorum of the council or school board.

“We’re supposed to be able to access it so we can discern for ourselves what’s going on,” resident Liz Ellaby said.

Another resident, Bob Echols, agreed with

”

JEREMY LOVE

Ellaby, saying that some parts of the public feel “frozen out” by the decision-making process surrounding the bond and the 1-cent sales tax increase that pays for it, and that keeping the task force meetings closed worsens that problem.

“There’s no reason why it couldn’t be public,” Echols said.

Limbaugh said he would provide updates to the public from the task force’s meetings, but was not specific about opportunities for public participation and did not invite members of the public to task force meetings.

“We’ll put our heads together to see what we can do to be more transparent,” Limbaugh said.

After the meeting, Limbaugh said the task force’s purpose is confined to creating the Request For Proposal — which has already been done — and then choosing a project manager from the respondents.

He said he expects the project manager’s presentation on the best ways to use the bond money will likely be a public meeting.

He also said he will discuss with other task force members about other ways to involve the public, but did not specify what those might be.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • A9

Finance committee discusses Big Bad Breakfast development, new Central Avenue parking

By SYDNEY CROMWELL A proposal for sidewalks and about 30 new parking spots on Central Avenue was presented to the finance committee at its Feb. 6 meeting.

Jared Lewis, who is developing the Caliber outdoors store at 2824 Central Ave., brought renderings of a plan to add parking spaces on both sides of Central Avenue in front of Caliber and Brandino Brass, as well as on 28th Avenue South. The plan would include some work in the city right of way for the spaces, sidewalks and landscaping.

Lewis, who said about $3 million worth of work is being invested in the Caliber property, added that the proposal would slow traffic as well as provide parking, and it could be “something that would be better for the whole neighborhood.”

The committee was generally supportive of the idea but decided to get a traffic engineer’s opinion on whether the addition of parking spaces would cause any sight distance issues.

Building, Engineering and Zoning Department employee Greg Cobb estimated that the curb work and spaces directly in front of Caliber would cost around $10,000, but a total estimate was not given.

The proposal will stay in the committee until they have a traffic engineer report and can decide how to amend the budget to accommodate this project.

Another developer also came to the special issues committee to request the temporary closure of sidewalks and parking spaces in front of 1926 29th Ave. S. for construction work on the future site of Big Bad Breakfast.

Roy Cornelius of Nearen Construction

presented the demolition and construction plans for the breakfast restaurant to the council, which includes a new facade, roof work, sidewalks and landscaping. The public right-ofway would be closed off during this work as a safety precaution for vehicles and pedestrians.

Cornelius estimated that work would be complete by May 1 and the city would gain one additional parking space when it is complete. He added that the Red Lion Lounge, which shares the building, will stay open during construction.

This item was sent to the City Council for approval.

Finally, the planning and development committee also began considering options for a citywide traffic study.

Mike Kaczorowski of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham presented two options to the committee for how to go about the study. They can choose to manage the study themselves, which gives more flexibility in which streets are included in the study but also means the city has to deal with ALDOT directly and will likely take more time, or the city can work through an APPLE grant, which is faster but can only study a very narrow area of the city.

Ward 1 Rep. Britt Thames said the general goal of the study would be solutions to get traffic off of residential and side streets and onto the main thoroughfares. So, one option in using the APPLE grant would be to study only major roadways such as Lakeshore Drive, Valley Avenue and Oxmoor Road. However, this would prevent the city from studying further effects on smaller streets.

The study is also complicated by the fact that I-65, U.S. 31 and Green Springs Avenue are

A proposal for parking, sidewalks and landscaping on Central Avenue. The plan would include some work in the city right of way for the spaces, sidewalks and landscaping.

Photo courtesy of Jared Lewis.

state-controlled roads, and major projects are underway on Lakeshore, Valley and Oxmoor that will dramatically change traffic flow and could render study results useless. The committee discussed studying areas for immediate improvement while these larger projects are going on.

Kaczorowski said there are more ways to slow down and discourage traffic on minor roads than speed bumps, which the council has typically opposed due to potential damage and

slowed response times for fire engines.

Median islands, bike lanes and bulb-out curb extensions are also options that are more likely to deter traffic than stop signs and speed limits.

“It’s got to be visual,” Kaczorowski said.

“I’ve seen some really innovative stuff.”

The committee carried over discussion so each representative could talk to their wards about problem traffic areas, to get a better sense of which study route to take.

The Homewood Star

A10 • March 2017

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Now Open Interstate Plastics recently merged its two Birmingham offices into a new office at 288 Snow Drive. A ribbon-cutting was held to celebrate the opening of the new facility. interstateplastics.com

1

Alesha Osburn has opened a State Farm agency at 117 S. Crest Drive, Suite 100.

823-7700, insuredinalabama.com

2

SoHo Social opened Feb. 24 at 1830 29th Ave. S., Suite 160, in the space formerly occupied by PT’s. The restaurant is owned by Dave Horn and Taylor Hughes, who worked together on Mudtown, in Cahaba Heights, and The Ridge, in the Rocky Ridge area of Vestavia Hills. facebook.com/sohosocialhomewood

3

Vinnie Baggs, a restaurant featuring a Chicago-style menu, is now open at 1006 Oxmoor Road in the space formerly occupied by La Bamba. They are open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 10 p.m Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday.

4

Coming Soon Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro, based in Huntsville, will open its second location at Edgewood Station, 1017 Oxmoor Road, the property formerly occupied

by Edgewood Service Center. They specialize in gluten-free baked goods as well as coffee. masondixonbakery.com

5

Three15, an exercise studio, will also open at Edgewood Station, 1017 Oxmoor Road, Suite 212. They offer a variety of exercise classes including cycling, barre and free weights.

256-441-3032

March 2017 • A11

Relocations and Renovations The Little Professor will be moving from its longtime location at 2717 18th St. to a new location at 2844 18th St., in the space formerly occupied by Let’s Get Organized. The bookstore, owned by Paul Seitz and open since 1973, will have roughly the same amount of space that it currently has. However, the new location is not equipped with a kitchen, so it will not be able to share space with Crape Myrtle’s Cafe, which will close temporarily while it finds a new space.

870-7461, littleprofessorhomewood.com

7

Hirings and Promotions Skin Wellness Center Dermatology, 1920 Huntington Road, has hired Dr. Deborah Youhn to join its practice.

871-7332, skinwellness.com

8

Urology Centers of Alabama, 3485 Independence Drive, has hired Eric Westerlund, CRNP, to manage patient care at the newly opened testosterone clinic at their offices in Homewood, Trussville and Alabaster. They have also hired Marcie Prescott as director of marketing, who will be responsible for all marketing and communications for all of their 13 clinics. Additionally, Dr. Austin Lutiz has joined the practice. Dr. Lutiz specializes in robotic/laparoscopic surgery, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, kidney stones, BPH, and microsurgery.

930-0920, urologycentersalabama.com

9

10

6

LAH Real Estate, 1760 Oxmoor Road, has hired Lesa Clark as a Realtor.

879-8580, lahrealestate.com

Anniversaries Kathy’s Designer Kitchens, 1831 29th Ave. S., celebrated its 27th anniversary in February.

871-9880

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Business news

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The Homewood Star Email Emailmatthew@starnespublishing.com dan@thehomewoodstar.com

The Homewood Star

A12 • March 2017

BORN TO

BAKE New shop Cookie Fix satiates sweet-tooth cravings, owner Amy Jason’s baking addiction

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Amy Jason always had one hobby that stood above the rest: baking.

And while baking in all forms is something she enjoys, Jason said cookies always have held a particularly special place in her life. When she became a mom, her love of baking spilled over.

“I don’t always know what’s for dinner, but I know what’s for dessert,” Jason said with a laugh, noting that she has yet to hear complaints from her husband and three children.

“They are perfectly happy with that.”

Jason is the owner and operator of Homewood’s newest sweet spot, Cookie Fix on 18th Street South. It opened in late November.

As the mom who always brought cookies to school events, play dates, birthday parties and get-togethers, and after years of friends requesting she make cookies for them to keep at home or give as gifts, Jason said making the move to start her own cookie bakery has been a long time coming.

“I just got to be known for my cookies,” she said, and that after

her middle child left for college, she decided the time was finally right.

And in the few months Cookie Fix has been open, Jason said she has seen a response bigger than she ever imagined.

“The concept has gone over really well,” she said.

As far as her shop’s name, Jason said she credits the idea to a friend who called her after learning the news that she would be opening on 18th Street.

“For me, it tells what it is because I have to have my cookie fix every day,” she said.

Cookie Fix offers fresh baked cookies each day, as well as frozen cookie dough for customers to take home and bake themselves.

“Fresh and warm out of your oven really is the best,” she said.

Jason said many of the offerings customers have come back for — like the dark chocolate caramel or peppermint varieties — she never imagined would be regular flavors, but now that people have found their favorites, she has to have them.

However, some favorites, like The Big Apple — an apple-pie-inspired

Above: Cookie Fix owner Amy Jason, right, stands with Amanda Windle, who helps her handle the busy storefront. Below: Cookie Fix offers a rotating variety of cookies, ranging from the traditional (like chocolate chip) to the extravagant (like dark chocolate caramel). Photos by Emily Featherston.

cookie filled with apples and cinnamon — will still be seasonal.

“I can come up with stuff all day long, it’s just my love of sweets,” she said, but added that it’s just not possible to offer all of the nearly 65 recipes she has at all times.

Over the spring, Jason said she hopes to introduce more seasonal specialties, such as a lemon and white chocolate concoction, as well as other desserts customers can take home.

She said she also hopes to have time to share ways to use her cookie dough to make over-the-top offerings.

Cookie Fix is at 2854 18th St. S. For more information, go to cookiefixnow.com.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • A13

Events Dawson Family of Faith’s annual Perseverance 5K and Fun Run benefits Kids Connection, the church’s in-house ministry for children.

Photo courtesy of Dawson Family of Faith.

The 2016 Elvis Ball was at Old Car Heaven. Photo courtesy of Creative Montessori School.

Creative Montessori getting in the groove for annual Elvis Ball

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Spring won’t officially hit until later in the month, but the organizers of the annual Elvis Ball benefiting Creative Montessori School will thaw out the area by bringing the spirit of warm Hawaiian breezes by way of the King.

The third annual Elvis Ball will maintain its crowd-favorite Las Vegas theme, but also will incorporate the spirit of Elvis Presley’s 14th album and fan-favorite film, “Blue Hawaii.”

The event is March 4 at WorkPlay in downtown Birmingham.

The fundraising event will once again feature renowned Elvis impersonator David Lee, as well as the ’70s disco musical stylings of DJ Stevo.

In true Las Vegas style, guests will be able

to take part in casino-style games as well as both a silent and live auction.

Urban Cookhouse and Rojo will provide food for the event, and there will be complimentary beer and wine, and a cash bar.

Tickets are $50 each, or a full table for eight can be reserved for $800.

All proceeds raised at the Elvis Ball go to benefit Creative Montessori’s programs for students 18 months to sixth grade.

“CMS strives to maintain affordable tuition so children from varying socioeconomic backgrounds can receive the exceptional education offered. Fundraisers like the Elvis Ball are extremely important to the school,” school officials said.

Tickets are available at Sanctuary Salon or online at cmskids.org.

Perseverance 5K raising funds, awareness for Kids Connection

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Homewood residents looking for another race to run this month don’t have to go far to get a little exercise while helping support kids in need.

Dawson Family of Faith’s annual Perseverance 5K and Fun Run benefits Kids Connection, the church’s in-house ministry that provides resources to kids in need from birth to age 16.

This year’s event, which takes runners and walkers through the heart of one of Homewood’s major residential areas along Oxmoor Road, is March 11.

The 27th annual Perseverance run will feature both a full 5K and a 1-mile fun run, with both races beginning and ending at Dawson.

Dawson fitness director Mica Driggers said

the event not only raises funds for Kids Connection to obtain items for children throughout the area, but it also serves to inform potential volunteers and bring awareness to those who might be interested in getting involved.

“We hope every year by hosting this race that we are having an impact on the community,” Driggers said. “Our goal is to show love and encourage our community as well as raise support for Kids Connection.”

The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the Fun Run starts at 8:45. Registration for the 5K is $25 per person before Feb. 25, increasing to $30, and the Fun Run is $10 per person until Feb. 25, increasing to $15.

For more information or to register, contact Driggers at mdriggers@dawsonchurch. org, by calling 879-1758 or by going to dawsonchurch.org/events.

The Homewood Star

A14 • March 2017

Police offering citizens academy

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

More than 350 people packed into Rosewood Hall for the 2016 Taste of Homewood to sample food and drinks from Homewood restaurants. Photo by Patty Bradley.

Taste of Homewood to feature more than 25 local eateries

By EMILY FEATHERSTON Easily classified as one of Homewood’s favorite events, Taste of Homewood will once again showcase the city’s best food and drink purveyors this year.

The event, scheduled for March 9, will feature more than 25 local restaurants, coffee shops, caterers, beverage merchants and more gathered in one place, along with live music and a chance to mingle with fellow community members.

Taste of Homewood is hosted annually by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by The Homewood Star.

“Taste of Homewood has become a tradition in Homewood,” said Sarah Anne Elliott, chamber communications manager.

Guests will be able to sample both staples and unique dishes at each station, with

admission to the event including unlimited food, beer and wine samples.

The event is at Rosewood Hall inside City Hall in downtown Homewood.

This year, Elliott said the chamber is encouraging guests to share photos at the event with the hashtag #tasteofhomewood for a chance to win a Shop Homewood gift card from Instagift and to be featured by the chamber in advance of next year’s event.

Tickets are available online in advance, through March 8, and are $30 per person.

They will also be available for $40 per person at the door on the day of the event, while supplies last.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to homewoodchamber.org or call 8715631. Information can also be found on the chamber’s Facebook page.

Learn more about the day-to-day life of Homewood’s police officers through their citizens academy.

Training and Special Operations Sgt. Justin Self said the eight-week course includes lessons in departmental organization, vice/narcotics, use of force, vehicle stops, pursuits, DUI investigations, crime scenes, evidence collection, accident investigations and a tactical team demonstration. There is also one day at a gun range for a firearms safety and handling session.

The next session begins March 14 and lasts until May 2. Self said the classes are on Tuesday nights at the police headquarters, 1833 29th Ave. S., from 6 to 8 p.m., except the gun range session held on a Saturday. The classes are open to Homewood residents and people

Citizens Police Academy range day instruction. Photo courtesy of Homewood Police Academy.

who work in the city.

To apply, email Self at justin.self@homewoodal.org or pick up an application at the Homewood Police headquarters.

Cornapalooza tournament scheduled for March 19

By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Homewood Athletic Foundation is bringing back its Cornapalooza cornhole tournament to help fund grants for coaches in Homewood City Schools.

This year’s Cornapalooza is from 1-5 p.m. on March 19 at Red Hills Brewery. HAF member John Wallace said teams will pay to compete against each other in cornhole, a beanbag toss game. Spectators also can purchase tickets for $25, which Wallace said gives them lunch, two beers and the chance to enjoy music and play casual cornhole games.

Wallace said Homewood High School coaches will officiate the tournament and have the “opportunity to heckle local Homewood celebrities as they struggle to play cornhole.”

Last year’s Cornapalooza raised $10,000, and Wallace said proceeds are used to grant requests from HHS and HMS coaches for items and events for student athletes.

“It is a great time to get everyone together

Last year’s winning Cornapalooza tournament team. Photo courtesy of Homewood Athletic Foundation.

for a good cause and have some fun. Homewood is such a bustling community that it is rare everyone has time to fellowship and relax.

This event provides fellowship and raises money for a great cause,” Wallace said.

Teams can enter with a $500 registration fee and will receive lunch, drinks and T-shirts, as well as the chance to compete for prizes.

Go to homewoodaf.org for more information.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • A15

Olympic bronze medalist joins festivities at 2017 Wine 10K

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

The Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk was moved to Homewood from Alabaster last year in an effort to get more participants. Photo courtesy of Jeri Boyd.

Walk for Parkinson’s research kicks off at Samford complex

By EMILY FEATHERSTON A year after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Jeri Boyd was on her way back from New York after participating in the annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk. It was then that she said she had an idea: What if there was a fundraising event in Alabama?

Boyd said she asked her friends, and after gaining support, she organized the first event in 2012.

The Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk was first held in Alabaster, but last year the group decided to move the event to Homewood to get more people to participate.

The 2017 walk is March 4 at Samford University’s track and soccer complex.

The event starts at 9 a.m., but those who don’t register in advance can register the morning of the walk at 8 a.m.

In addition to the walk, there will be a silent auction, which in the past has included

vacation packages, furniture, oil paintings and other high-value items.

There also will be several door prizes, and Boyd said this year’s walk will have more activities for the youngest participants.

“This year we’re trying to make it more kid-friendly,” she said, and added they plan to have a coloring contest among other activities.

Registration is $30 per person, and proceeds from the event benefit the Parkinson Association of Alabama, which provides funds for research activities at UAB. “Every dime that we net goes to UAB for Parkinson’s research,” Boyd said, and added the group is proud of the fact that their efforts stay in the state.

“We are very excited about that,” she said.

For more information or to register, go to runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/AlabamaParkinsonsFighterWalk or Alabama Parkinson Fighters on Facebook.

With the spring season comes a parade of runs and races, with each event offering something for everyone.

But for those looking for a little extra fun, the Birmingham Wine 10K offers a post-race pick-me-up like none other: mimosas.

On March 11, runners will take to the streets, starting at Patriot Park and making their way to Lakeshore Plaza.

In the interest of safety and hydration, runners will only be given water and Gatorade along the way, provided by Buffalo Rock, but at the finish line they can sample craft beer and wine.

This year, the Wine 10K will also feature a chance to meet and compete against 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Emma Coburn, who was the first American to medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

“We are excited to have Emma in Birmingham and to have her at the 2017 Wine 10K,” said Joseph Longoria, executive director of the National Center for Sports Safety, which hosts the event.

In addition to competing with Coburn, runners will have the opportunity to win cash prizes if they are one of the top five male or female finishers, with the top finishers receiving $400. There will be an additional $100 prize for anyone able to break a course record, set for male runners at 34:25 by Scott Fuqua and for female runners at 35:38 by Erica Speegle.

Runners can also participate as part of a team.

Runners and teams can register online through March 8, as well as in person at Trak Shak in Homewood from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 10 or on race day at Lakeshore Plaza.

For more information or to register, go to wine10k.com.

Kiwanis to host annual pancake breakfast

By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Homewood-Mountain Brook Kiwanis Club is serving up breakfast for a good cause on March 18.

The annual Pancake Day fundraiser, from 7 a.m. to noon at the Exceptional Foundation, is a Kiwanis Club staple to raise money for the club’s charitable budget. President Jamie Brabston said last year the club raised about $17,000, which was donated to the Homewood High School Key Club, Exceptional Foundation Aktion Club and chili fundraiser, Children’s of Alabama, Shades Valley YMCA and the Sunday Club at South Highland Presbyterian Church.

“We are hopeful that with continued success of our annual Pancake Day — and

hopefully increased profits — we can continue to provide these and other charitable projects for our community,” Brabston said.

Brabston said the club receives requests for financial assistance each year and grants as many as they are able to. One recent fulfilled request was the purchase of iPads and related supplies for Children’s of Alabama to give to children while waiting for and recovering from surgery as a comfort and stress relief tool.

Tickets are $5 each and give access to all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, a silent auction, face painting with clowns from Children’s of Alabama, door prizes and additional children’s activities.

Go to homewood-mtbrook-al.kiwanisone. org for more information.

The Homewood Star

A16 • March 2017

Exceptional Foundation preps for 13th annual Chili Cook-Off set for March 4

By EMILY FEATHERSTON

The Annual Chili Cook-Off brings hundreds of chili fans to Brookwood Village to vote for their favorite. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Food, competition and a good cause are all once again on tap for the 13th installment of The Exceptional Foundation’s Chili Cook-Off. The annual event, scheduled for March 4 at Brookwood Village, not only gives guests a chance to sample dozens of different chili recipes, but also raises money for the foundation’s social and recreational services for mentally and physically challenged individuals.

“Because we do not receive federal funding, proceeds from our fundraisers, such as the Chili Cook-Off, are a crucial source of funding for our programs,” said Executive Director Tricia Kirk.

More than 400 individuals with special needs come to The Exceptional Foundation to participate in activities and programs that fulfill needs not always met by educational resources.

This year, the Chili Cook-Off has been moved to the Macy’s parking lot at Brookwood Village to better accommodate the expected number of teams and guests.

An esteemed panel of judges, chosen from local chefs, food writers, local celebrities and regular community members, will determine which team is awarded the grand prize, as well as first runner-up and second runner-up, and guests can vote for the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

The Spirit Award will be given to the team with the best decorations, costumes or other demonstrations of event excitement.

Tickets can be purchased online or at The Exceptional Foundation next to Homewood Central Park for $10 in advance of the event, or $15 at the gate. Children 12 years of age and younger get in free.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, go to exceptionalfoundation.org.

29th annual Guild Gala raising funds for The Bell Center

By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Birmingham Service Guild is expecting a crowd of nearly 700 for the 29th annual Guild Gala.

The event, at The Club March 18, is one of the guild’s largest fundraising efforts, typically raising about $100,000 for The Bell Center.

Gala chair Blaire Middleton said the event is always highly anticipated, not only because it is a fun event, but because of the impact it has on the children at The Bell Center.

As in past years, the 2017 Guild Gala will begin with a cocktail hour and silent auction featuring roughly 70 items.

Packages include everything from gifts from local businesses to trips to

destinations like Paris.

After the cocktail hour, guests will move into the ballroom for a seated dinner and live auction. For the first time in a few years, Middleton said there will be a live auctioneer, Bob Straka, who will take the bids on large items, including a trip to Napa, California, and a golf excursion.

New this year will be a way for guests to bid on items with their smartphones.

“We’re really excited to have that opportunity,” Middleton said.

Tickets to the black-tie event are $150, and are available online by emailing galachair@serviceguildgala.org. Those interested should RSVP by March 3. Registration for the auctions also can be done online.

Board members of the Service Guild of Birmingham gather at last year’s Guild Gala. Photo courtesy of Scott Butler.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • A17

Community Woman donates stuffed animals to Homewood Police Department

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Officer Mark Trippe, Meredith Asher and Officer Kerah Hyatt at Asher’s stuffed animal drop-off at police headquarters on Jan. 25. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Homewood police officers now have an extra passenger riding in their vehicles: a stuffed bear, dog, frog or other stuffed toy.

Meredith Asher, a Bessemer resident who grew up in Homewood, runs Cops We Care, an organization that collects stuffed animals to donate to area police departments. The toys can be used by officers to comfort children after a wreck, a parent’s arrest, a house fire or other scary situations.

The project started seven years ago, when Our Lady of Sorrows had a large number of stuffed animals left over after their July 4 rummage sale. Asher made some calls and connected with the Birmingham Community Policing and Revitalization division to donate these leftover toys.

Since then, Asher has collected new and gently used toys from a number of donors to give to Birmingham, Hoover and other police departments. The BCPR, she said, has used

Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County program open to high school junior girls seeking college scholarships The Distinguished Young Women program of Jefferson County is accepting applications from high school girls graduating in 2018 and residing in Jefferson County. The deadline for receiving applications is March 5.

The program (formerly Jefferson County’s Junior Miss) will take place on July 21 and 22 at Vestavia Hills High School. Interested girls may visit DistinguishedYW.org and click on the icon “APPLY NOW” to receive an application, or they may contact Chairman Eddie Macksoud at jefferson@distinguishedYW.org or 907-0210.

There is no entry fee. Participants compete in the categories of fitness, self expression, interview, scholastics and talent. Last year more than $10,000 in cash-tuition scholarships was awarded and over $489,000 in college-granted scholarships.

The Jefferson County representative will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery, where she will compete for over $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and over $1,000,000 in college scholarships. The current Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County is Sherry Wu, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School.

the toys not only in emergency situations but also to give away in low-income areas of town “bridging the gap between the community and the police.”

Along with individual donations in person and on the Cops We Care Facebook page, Asher said OLS continues to be a major source of donations. Alabama Power, Rojo, Hoover Tactical Firearms, Sneaky Pete’s downtown and Innovation Depot have also hosted donation drop-offs.

Asher said she decided to donate to Homewood Police “since I grew up here.” Homewood Police officer Kerah Hyatt, who helped with the toy drop-off on Jan. 25, said they frequently encounter kids in unfortunate circumstances and something as small as a stuffed animal can make them feel better.

Asher said she hopes “that if a child is afraid or scared, that it comforts them.”

“I think sometimes kids are scared of policemen. The only time they see police is when something bad happens,” Asher said.

Founded in 1958 in Mobile, America’s Junior Miss, now Distinguished Young Women, is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls.

During its 60 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women and has awarded more than $93 million in cash scholarships to young women across the nation.

Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. National sponsors include the city of Mobile, Mobile County, Encore Rehabilitation, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Financial Corporation, Master Boat Builders, Sirote & Permutt, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation and Wintzell’s Oyster House.

– Submitted by Distinguished Young Women.

Sherry Wu

The Homewood Star

A18 • March 2017

School House PATRIOTS TAKE INVITATIONAL, JINGLE BELL JAM The fourth-grade Homewood Patriots basketball team won the 2016 Iron City Invitational and the 2016 Jingle Bell Jam, posting a combined 10-1 record between the two events. The team is coached by head coach L.J. Rouse and assistants Drew Binkley and Winston Ausmer.

Players include: Charlie Sims, Alijah Lavender, Jake Dorough, Jack Ross, Aiden Wilson, Lathan Binkley, Evan Ausmer, Kaman Rouse, Haines Durkin, Gid Malone and R.C. Gartman.

Photo courtesy of Ginger Rouse.

WEISBERG WINS SPELLING BEE Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School eighth-grader J.T. Weisberg, right, won the school spelling bee. Sixthgrader Victoria Moller, left, was this year’s runner-up. The competition, which included 14 students in grades 2-8, was broadcast on WOLS, a schoolwide internal television network. J.T. represented OLS in the Homewood district spelling bee, where he placed second in the competition.

Photo courtesy of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Left to right: Margaret Keith, Shades Cahaba, placed third; J.T. Weisberg, OLS, was runner-up; Nathan Jones, Homewood Middle School, first place.

Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

HMS’ Nathan Jones wins district spelling bee Homewood Middle School sixth-grade student Nathan Jones won this year’s district spelling bee and placed second in the Jefferson County spelling bee.

– Submitted by Homewood City Schools.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • A19

Homewood High’s Jackson White nominated to US Naval Academy

Homewood High senior Jackson White. Photo courtesy of Rep. Gary Palmer and Homewood City Schools.

Homewood High senior Jackson White is one of 27 students nominated by Congressman Gary Palmer to U.S. service academies.

White has applied to the U.S. Naval Academy and will be reviewed by the school to determine whether he will be admitted. White and the other nominees were recognized in a ceremony on Jan. 17.

His involvement in school includes varsity track and field since 2014, with several championship appearances, as well as Mu Alpha Theta and the National Society of High School Seniors. In addition, White won the 2015-16

Patriot Award in track and field, and he is a student ministry leader at Trinity United Methodist Church.

“I would like to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in order to serve my country and to help make a difference in the world. The academy prepares future leaders through its rigorous academic and physical challenges.

The Naval Academy will help prepare me for the challenges I will face during my time in service and after,” White said.

– Submitted by Rep. Gary Palmer and Homewood City Schools.

2 Edgewood educators nominated as life changers

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Edgewood Elementary first-grade teacher Susan Hanson and fourth-grade teacher Towns Carlson are nominees for the LifeChanger of the Year award.

Edgewood Assistant Principal Laura Tate nominated Hanson and Carlson, who have been teaching in Homewood 17 years and three years, respectively. The LifeChanger of the Year award is given by the National Life Group Foundation, a charitable foundation run by the National Life Group of financial services companies. The award honors K-12 teachers, administrators and school staff.

Hanson began her teaching career in Homewood and has spent all of it at Edgewood except one year at Hall-Kent. She said she loves the community and the resources the school system provides for its teachers.

“My favorite part of teaching is the ‘lightbulb moment.’ It is awesome watching little brains finally own a concept,” Hanson said.

“The ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the students who are entrusted to your care. I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition.”

Carlson said she truly loves everything about her job, including students, parents and her fellow fourth-grade teachers. This is her first teaching position since graduating from Auburn University in 2014. “I am truly humbled that people view me as a teacher that makes a difference and a change in students’ lives. There are so many teachers deserving of this award, and I am very thankful for the recognition,” Carlson said. “I feel like my co-workers are to thank for this nomination. They encourage and support me every day in and out of school.”

In addition to their classroom time, both teachers are volunteer coaches for Girls on the Run for third- through fifth-grade girls. Hanson organizes math and science nights at McWane Science Center Camp as a volunteer, and Carlson is a program director assistant for Camp DeSoto, a summer camp for girls.

Fourth-grade teacher Towns Carlson, far left, and first-grade teacher Susan Hanson, left, are recognized for being nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Photos courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

Both teachers were complimentary of each other. Carlson said she enjoyed working with Hanson to coach Girls on the Run, and Hanson organized their Christmas parade float and “made every practice more fun.”

“Being the students’ coach, Mrs. Hanson took the opportunity to invest in our girls’ lives inside and outside of school. She was their biggest cheerleader throughout the entire season,” Carlson said.

“I have had the pleasure of coaching a Girls on the Run team with [Carlson], and her passion and desire to help is extremely evident,” Hanson said, whose daughter was on the team this fall. “She has a special gift to make everyone feel loved and valued.”

According to a release by the National Life Group Foundation, 15 LifeChanger of the Year award winners will be chosen by a selection committee based on professional success, community involvement and dedication to bettering students’ lives. There is also a National Spirit award for the nominated teacher who receives the most support from their community.

Winners and their schools receive cash prizes, with a grand prize of $10,000. The winners will be announced in spring with surprise award ceremonies at their schools, and the top-five winners will also be honored in a ceremony in Naples, Florida. See Hanson and Carlson’s nominee profiles on the LifeChanger of the Year website.

e

The Homewood Star

A20 • March 2017 EDGEWOOD

CONTINUED from page A1 all the way back to October 2014.

Since the purchase, Murray said work has been underway to refit the building for its two dining tenants downstairs and the exercise studio upstairs, which will be accessed by an external staircase.

When Shannon Waltchack turns over the building space to its three occupants — tentatively planned for March — Murray said Edgewood Station will have all new power and water, about 25 parking spots and a wide sidewalk to make room for outdoor seating.

Though there was a lot of interest in the property, Murray said he feels confident this tenant mix will be successful in Edgewood and avoid competition with the several existing restaurants across the street, including Saw’s BBQ, New York Pizza, Taco Mama, Sam’s Deli and Grill and Vinnie Baggs. Since parking is at a premium in Edgewood, that was also a factor in determining the new tenants.

“We felt like it was a good mix to spread the parking burden, so peak times for different tenants will be at different points in the day,” Murray said.

BarTaco currently has several other locations and the menu includes tacos, small plates, trays, rice bowls and rotisserie chicken, along with sides, fresh juices and cocktails.

Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro is an existing gluten-free cafe in Huntsville planning its second location.

“I live in the neighborhood, and I’ve been hearing for a year that the neighborhood wants coffee,” Murray said. “‘Gluten-free’ is a phrase you hear more and more, and there’s more demand for gluten-free products.”

Co-owners Taylor and Ashley Ramirez started the bakery in April 2013 using recipes Ashley Ramirez had developed after being diagnosed with celiac disease.

“We believe in being a good quality restaurant that happens to be gluten-free,” Taylor Ramirez said.

While he was initially a “pretty staunch critic” and was convinced he couldn’t give up pasta and bread, Taylor Ramirez said he began

A burger and mac ’n’ cheese, left, and macaroons, right, from Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro. Photos courtesy of Mason Dixon Bakery & Bistro.

to enjoy his wife’s recipes. Everything in their kitchen has a lot of food science behind it, and he said they try to accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs.

Their menu features vegan options that Taylor Ramirez said are designed to offer similar flavors to the dishes with meat, as well as Paleo diet pancakes and meals that avoid common allergens such as milk, eggs and soy.

“If I was vegan, I would love to eat that.

Now, how can we make that?” Taylor Ramirez said is the thought process behind some of their dishes.

The couple are developing a new menu as part of opening their Homewood location, which will include breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch. Taylor Ramirez said a few of the menu items will include omelets, waffles, salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, soups and more.

Taylor Ramirez said Mason Dixon tries to promote “wholesome food,” purchasing ingredients that are GMO-free, from local farms and humane when possible. This includes Alabama eggs and bacon prepared in-house from humanely slaughtered pigs.

“Anything we sell, we made in-house,”

Taylor Ramirez said.

When they decided to open a second Mason Dixon, the couple looked in Atlanta, Memphis and Nashville before deciding to stay in the state.

Homewood matched the culture of the restaurant, Taylor Ramirez said, and they waited about a year and a half before finding the right spot.

“We’re really looking forward to joining the Homewood family. We’re really excited about being down in Birmingham,” he said.

The Homewood Mason Dixon will have a “Southern chic,” open air look similar to its Huntsville predecessor. Taylor Ramirez said they’re hoping to open this summer, ideally in June.

Upstairs, an Edgewood resident will be helping people sweat off the pounds with a new fitness studio concept. Mandy Ray, who moved to the area about two years ago, said classes at Three15 will be based on a simple concept: 15 minutes of cycling, 15 minutes of barre exercise and 15 minutes of strength and core work.

“When I describe the class format, I usually get the response, ‘I would love that. I could do that for 15 minutes,’” Ray said.

Ray has taught exercise classes about 20

years, and she said she was looking for an exercise routine that would challenge people while keeping them interested. When she couldn’t find an existing franchise that was the right fit, Ray developed her own.

“I have found through the years that people enjoy a structured exercise class, but it takes variety to keep them engaged,” Ray said. “It is no secret that we live in a society that wants everything to be quick, so I am excited about this new concept. This type of workout encompasses strengths from three different formats.”

Edgewood Station is the right spot for Three15, Ray said, because of the area’s accessibility, existing retail traffic and recent growth.

“I have had my eye on that spot since I saw it. An exercise studio is something that Edgewood doesn’t have,” Ray said.

Classes at Three15 will be held from early in the morning until late afternoon, and the studio will include a retail area for workout gear. Ray said she’s planning on a late April or early May opening.

For more information, visit bartaco.com, masondixonbakery.com and find Three15 Studio on Facebook.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • A21

Above left: Sean McBride, who coaches for both the men’s high school team and the Homewood Soccer Club, has been an influential member of the Homewood soccer community for decades. Above right: Julian Kersh and McBride prep the men’s high school soccer team before a Feb. 13 game. Photos by Sarah Finnegan.

CLUB

CONTINUED from page A1 playing with your school teams, and then your youth clubs, and if you’re lucky enough you start getting involved with the pro teams.”

McBride was one of the lucky ones to turn professional, and since then, he has passed on his passion for soccer to the younger generations of Homewood by coaching for the past 20 years.

Originally an offshoot of the Parks and Recreation Department, the Homewood Soccer Club started growing when department members convinced former coach/director David Putman that soccer should become its own program in 2007. Around that time, the Homewood Soccer Club found its home along Lakeshore Drive after more than 60 families attended a Feb. 14 city council meeting in support of the program. Putman refers to that meeting as “The Battle of Valentine’s Day.”

The Homewood Soccer Club, now a state corporation, has continued to grow ever since by keeping the cost of the program low and the passion for the sport high.

“The playing level has gotten better and better each year, and that comes from the coaches,” McBride said. “I think the fact that there’s a lot of coaches who have been at the club for multiple years is helpful.”

It just so happens that some of his fellow coaches have really been with Homewood Soccer since they played for the club when they were younger, he said.

“I started playing in the Patriot program, the real little kids,” said Julian Kersh, one of four coaches who previously played in the club and now coaches the younger athletes. Kersh, along with coaches Ian Cavanaugh, Tevin Fowler and Rob Dominguez, competed for the Homewood Soccer Club when it was still run by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Now, Kersh is back with some of his former teammates, and he also helps coach the boys

high school team, whose success is affiliated with the club program.

“That’s the rewarding thing, is seeing kids like Julian starting the program and graduating high school and coming back,” McBride said.

“It makes you feel like you’ve done something right, to see how they’ve grown into the men that they are and see the respect they have from these kids.”

Some of the boys that Kersh and McBride coach on the high school team also started their soccer career at the Homewood Soccer Club.

“You develop a relationship with these kids, and you want them to be successful,” Kersh said of his club and high school athletes. “It’s really nice to see kids … see them come from 10, 11 years old, to come to the JV team and the varsity team.”

Because the newest generation of soccer coaches in the club is close in age to its players, McBride said they have the opportunity to create a bond with them and instill

the respect, discipline and a balanced student-athlete lifestyle they were taught, while keeping it fun.

“They have this love of the sport, and they’re going to have it until they’re my age, and past it,” McBride said. “You have that bond with them; they know they can always come back.”

Although the role Kersh and some of his fellow coaches have in the program has flipped, he still tries to pass on the love of the sport he acquired during practices and keep the fun alive during games.

“You can’t make it too strict because their passion is still budding, and you don’t want to step on that,” he said. He also acknowledges that he is now a mentor-figure and role model in his players’ lives, something that McBride was once, and still is, for him.

“There’s just a unique sort of bond [in team sports],” Kersh said. “I always thought, if I could be the Sean McBride for someone else as he was to me, then I think it would be remarkably fulfilling.”

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The Homewood Star

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TheHomewoodStar.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

March 2017 • A23

SKIN WELLNESS CENTER OF ALABAMA 1920 Huntington Road, Homewood

871-7332

skinwellness.com

Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6, Chelsea

678-7518

skinwellness.com

Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon

DR. DEBORAH YOUHN

Q: You are new to the staff of Skin Wellness Center. How long have you worked in dermatology?

A: I’ve been practicing dermatology for about 15 years.

Q: Why did you go into this field?

A: In medical school I wasn’t really thinking about dermatology until I had the good fortune to work with a very well known dermatologist in Chicago. After decades in the field, he was still so excited about being a dermatologist and being able to help people every day he came into the office. It gave me a real taste of what practicing would be like. I loved the fact that dermatology lets you do so much: pediatric care, skin cancer, laser treatments, pathology, surgery and the list goes on.

I also enjoy the detective work that goes along with identifying rare skin diseases that you don't often see.

Q: Do you have an area of specialization in your new job?

A: In my practice, I primarily focus on the detection and treatment of skin cancer, but I also enjoy treating other general dermatologic conditions like acne, rosacea and eczema.

Q: What do you consider to be some of your

professional successes?

A: It always feels like a success when a patient leaves the appointment feeling better than when they came in, but it is particularly satisfying when I’m able to find and treat a condition, like skin cancer, early before it can do harm.

Q: What do you enjoy about what you do?

A: Mostly it’s about the patients.

I love getting to know them and often I take care of whole families.

It’s really one of the most satisfying aspects of medicine. It’s also great to be in a field where you can really help someone feel better. Many of the conditions we treat may not be life threatening, but if you help someone have clearer skin, it can certainly be life changing for them!

Q: Do you have any suggestions for people seeking dermatology help?

A: Don’t be afraid to make an appointment! I’m always struck by how many people I see that have some type of growth on their skin that they’ve watched get bigger or darker for years, but were just plain scared to come in. Even serious things, like melanoma, are treatable when detected and treated early.

Get checked regularly, wear sunscreen and always remember we’re here to help!

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The Homewood Star

SCHAEFFER EYE CENTER Schaeffer Eye Center

www.SchaefferEyeCenter.com

888-987-2020

Q: What is the Schaeffer EyeCare experience?

A: Schaeffer Eye Center is a familyowned and operated optometry practice founded over 35 years ago with the mission of providing the very best in cutting edge vision care and style in the region.

The Schaeffer EyeCare Experience is based on three core values: science, style and service, which enables us to take care of you and your entire family.

Our doctors, clinicians, patient advocates and eyewear consultants are dedicated to provide you comprehensive eyecare, fashion-forward eyewear and exemplary service.

Q: What makes Schaeffer Eye Center unique?

A: There are many attributes that make Schaeffer Eye Center a unique company. Patient care is at the root of everything we do, which is why Schaeffer Eye Center has a wide spectrum of services, convenient locations and office hours.

What makes us really stand out is our team. The Schaeffer team builds and sustains relationships with every patient from check-in to check-out. We know insurance is confusing, and Schaeffer Eye Center patient advocates understand your insurance and billing process to eliminate confusion and stress.

Schaeffer Eye Center doctors and clinicians provide a thorough and efficient eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and seeing well, and Schaeffer Eye Center eyewear consultants personally help you through the selection processes of frames and sunglasses for your medical needs, facial features, lifestyle and budget.

Q: What eye care services does Schaeffer Eye Center provide?

A: Schaeffer Eye Center has a highly trained staff of doctors and clinicians to provide comprehensive eye exams that include advanced medical testing for the entire family.

The integration and use of advanced technology is an important part of what separates us from other optometry practices. We are able to detect and provide treatment options for glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration. Investing in advanced treatment options such as LipiFlow allows us to improve the quality of life for patients living with chronic dry eye conditions.

Schaeffer Eye Center’s Pediatric Department offers vision therapy, myopia control, concussion management and sports and reading acceleration. Schaeffer LaserVision provides the latest in LASIK surgery with one of the most experienced surgeons in the world conducting surgery on more than 80,000 patients, including 300 eye doctors.

Schaeffer Eye Center also provides the largest selection of contact lenses

DR. JACK L. SCHAEFFER,

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SCHAEFFER EYE CENTER

including toric, multifocal and specialty lenses, and the best selection of eyewear including exclusive brands such as SAMA, SALT. Optics, Robert Marc, Barton Perreira and l.a. Eyeworks.

Q: What does Schaeffer Eye Center support in the community?

A: As a local business, Schaeffer Eye Center truly embraces the communitycentric philosophy by supporting many organizations, nonprofits and events.

Schaeffer Eye Center is a proud partner of The Birmingham Zoo, supporting the Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary and Wildlife Show.

Schaeffer Eye Center commissioned the first piece of art at Red Mountain Park with the addition of Schaeffer Specs to accompany the Schaeffer Eye Center Segway Tours.

It is vital for the growth and betterment of our communities to support what is important to our staff and patients.

We contribute to numerous nonprofits and organizations including the Arthritis Foundation, Lupus Foundation and American Cancer Society, Camp SAM, Children’s Harbor, Junior League of Birmingham, school athletic programs and Alabama Symphony Orchestra to name a few.

Schaeffer Eye Center is also the title sponsor for the Village 2 Village 10K in Mountain Brook on March 11th, where we will also donate eyecare services to economically disadvantaged children in the community on behalf of registrants.

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MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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The Homewood Star

MICHELLE SIMMONS

UAB MEDICINE - BREAST HEALTH CENTER 1824 Sixth Ave. S. When 35-year-old Michelle Simmons scheduled her yearly checkup with her primary care physician earlier this year, she asked a question that may have saved her life: “Is it time for me to have a mammogram?”

“I don’t really know why I asked because, to be honest, my family history with breast cancer wasn’t on my mind,” said Simmons, an elementary school teacher in Odenville, Alabama.

“Both of my grandmothers had it, but they had it later in life. I didn’t think I would have cancer at 35. I had heard of other women asking if they should have a mammogram when they turned 35, so I just thought I would ask.”

Simmons’ mammogram showed a suspicious spot that was ultimately diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ, the most common type of noninvasive cancer.

About 60,000 cases of DCIS are diagnosed in the United States each year, accounting for about one out of every five new breast cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society.

The number of cases of DCIS is growing each year, in part because more women are getting mammograms, and the quality of the mammograms has improved.

“With better screening, more cancers are being spotted early,” said Helen Krontiras, M.D., director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Breast Health Center. “It is important for women to know their family’s cancer history, share it with their doctor every year and get their mammogram if they meet the recommended guidelines.”

934-9999

uabmedicine.org/cancer

DR. HELEN KRONTIRAS

What are the questions women need to ask their primary care physician about their breast health, or their oncologist if they are diagnosed with cancer?

Krontiras and Erica StringerReasor, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, give these four recommendations: Q: Can I tell you my family history with breast cancer?

A: If your primary care physician does not ask about your family’s history of cancer, ask to share it.

“Every woman should know her family history of cancers, especially breast, ovarian, uterine, colon and prostate cancer, and she needs to share this information with her physician,” Reasor said.

“These cancers tend to cluster

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

DR. ERICA STRINGER-REASOR

in families with hereditary cancer syndromes. When physicians know this, it will enable them to calculate the lifetime risk of breast cancer or other cancers and refer patients to the appropriate screening test.”

Q: What are the warning signs of breast cancer?

A: Lumps on the breast or under the arms are not the only signs that something may be wrong.

“Some of the warning signs of breast cancer include itching or bloody discharge from the nipple, inverting of the nipple, wrinkling of the skin on the breast, painless redness around the breast or a change in breast volume — either shrinking breast size or enlarging of breast size,” Reasor said.

Q: How often should I get

a mammogram, and at what age do I start?

A: When Simmons asked her doctor about getting a mammogram, she was quizzed on her family history.

“Women with a strong family history of breast cancer on either side of their family may want to start screening earlier than the American Cancer Society guideline of women ages 40 to 69 years,” Krontiras said. “Some early-stage breast cancers are found only by advanced imaging techniques including mammograms, ultrasounds or MRI of the breast, so it is especially important for women in the 4069 age range to get their yearly mammogram.”

Q: Now that I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, what type do I have?

A: There are many different types of breast cancer, and many different types of treatment options available depending on the diagnosis.

Most breast cancers are carcinomas, a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line organs and tissues like the breast. Other types of cancer occur in the breast, too, such as sarcomas, which start in the cells of muscle, fat or connective tissue.

Regardless of what type of breast cancer a woman is diagnosed with, Krontiras says to not make snap decisions without thoroughly investigating all options.

“While the diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming, it’s important to not rush into medical treatment decisions based on fear,” Krontiras said.

“Women should bring a close family member or friend to their doctor’s appointment to help them better understand their treatment options, which could include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or hormone blocking therapy.”

Simmons’ cancer was caught early enough that she did not require chemotherapy or radiation treatments. She did, however, opt to have a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Simmons is now cancer-free and encourages all women to engage their doctors about their health concerns and never be afraid to ask questions.

“You have to be an advocate for your health,” Simmons said.

“If you have questions, ask them.

Your questions may help start a conversation with your doctor that could save your life.”

TheHomewoodStar.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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The Homewood Star

AMERICA’S BEST CONTACTS & EYEGLASSES 231 Lakeshore Parkway

940-9000

americasbest.com

Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Q: Why should I choose America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses?

A: No matter what products you choose, you’ll still inevitably spend less at America’s Best than you would at other optical stores. You can get two pairs of glasses with single-vision uncoated plastic lenses for only $69.95, including a FREE eye exam. Two pairs of lined bifocals are just $99.95 and also include a FREE eye exam.

Q: Can I upgrade my frames and lenses?

A: Single-vision uncoated plastic lenses are included in our two for $69.95 offer, but we realize that some customers may choose optional upgrades to their frames and/or lenses. Lens upgrades include thinner lenses, Transitions, tints and anti-reflective coating.

America’s Best has more than 300 frame choices available in the two for $69.95 category that offer customers a variety of styles to choose from — but we also carry designer frame options.

If you select a frame outside the two for $69.95 offer, your total price will increase. You can also choose designer frames or frames from different price categories as part of our Mix and Match pricing. You can visit your local store for more information about our Mix and Match pricing to save money on any two pair purchase!

Q: What options does America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses have for contact lens wearers?

A: Most contact lens wearers know their eye exam is more expensive than an exam for eyeglasses. At America’s

Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, contact lens exams are just $79! We also offer additional savings for our Eyecare Club members. For just $20 more than the cost of one contact lens exam, you can

join our Eyecare Club®. As a contact lens wearer, this earns you a contact lens eye exam and three years of free eye exams — plus additional savings on contact lenses and eyeglasses!

Q: Can I use my vision insurance?

A: America’s Best accepts many vision plans. You can call your local store for more information on if your vision insurance is accepted.

TheHomewoodStar.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JJ LAMB

JJ EYES 2814 18th St. S.

703-8596

jjeyesoptical.com

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Q: What sets your office apart from other Birmingham area eye care providers?

A: JJ Eyes is one of the only eye exam facilities in the region where the patient receives 100 percent of the eye testing from a doctor.

We offer a complete eye exam given by our optometrist. The exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases.

Q: What services do you offer?

A: At JJ Eyes, we offer full service eye exams and specialized contact lens fittings, as well as help with difficult prescriptions. In addition, we carry a wide variety of designer eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses in our boutique.

To find out more about booking an eye exam, feel free to call our office, where one of our highly trained staff members will be happy to assist you.

Q: What technological advances do you offer to help provide the best care?

A: At JJ Eyes, we not only supply a wide selection of unique designer eyewear, but we also utilize the latest in state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the best and most protective eyewear available.

The following are some of the latest technologies available at our eyewear boutique: Ultra-Thin High Index lenses; Progressive lenses; UV protection; antireflective coatings; and a wide variety of other products from both Carl Zeiss and Hoya Labs.

Q: What should patients know before they come in for an appointment?

A: Our complete eye exams generally take about 20 minutes to complete and involve a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye

diseases. Each test during the eye exam evaluates a different aspect of your vision or eye health.

We also have parking in the rear of the building, and at JJ Eyes you never have to wait for your appointment.

Q: What is your advice for helping patients improve their eye health?

A: Scheduling a regular eye exam is essential not only for keeping your eyes at peak performance, but for keeping your whole body healthy and happy.

At JJ Eyes, our highly trained optometrist professionals can detect a variety of additional health issues when conducting an eye exam including heart disease and diabetes.

That level of importance extends to children, as well.

Q: How does your staff contribute to a great patient experience?

A: Our goal at JJ Eyes is to provide the ultimate customer experience and quality merchandise with state-of-the-art lenses and couture frames.

We are a premier optical boutique that carries exclusive top lines found only in the world’s most metropolitan areas. We pride ourselves on our customer service where we take the time to evaluate each client’s face shape, coloring and personality when fitting for a pair of glasses.

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The Homewood Star

WEIGH TO WELLNESS 4704 Cahaba River Road

994-2393

aplanforme.com

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Q: What is Weigh to Wellness?

A: A medically supervised weight loss clinic offering a customized approach with various options including nutritional guidance, protein supplements/meal replacements, prescription medications and injections among many other tools. Our program is uniquely individualized based on your health characteristics, lifestyle and weight loss goals. Whether a patient is looking to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, we have a plan for you!

prescription medication (if applicable) or injections that may enhance weight loss.

Everything is a la carte!

There are NO CONTRACTS and NO SIGN UP FEES.

Q: Who is on the Weigh to Wellness staff?

A: Owner Leslie Ellison has acquired a wealth of knowledge with over 21 years of experience in the industry. Dr. Timothy H. Real is the medical director and is board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. We also have fulltime Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists. Our staff is able to recognize many psychological and genetic factors that cause obesity and design processes specific to each of our patients for the best results.

Q: Do I have to follow a specific meal plan or keep a food diary?

A: There are many options offered, but the patient picks and chooses the aspects of the program that best fits their lifestyle. Benefits to keeping a food diary are detecting food intolerance, controlling portion sizes, keeping you mindful of nutrition and often identifying triggers to unhealthy eating.

Patients who keep a food journal typically lose twice the amount of weight of those that don’t.

Q: What results do patients typically have?

A: Patients typically lose an average of 2-5 pounds weekly. It is inspiring to see how excited our patients get when they see great

Q: Does the program have one-on-one counseling that will help develop healthier habits?

A: Yes. Patients are typically seen on a weekly or biweekly basis for one-on-one counseling and behavior modification.

Accountability and structure is key to every patient’s success.

DR. TIMOTHY H. REAL AND LESLIE ELLISON results. It keeps them motivated and focused! Since opening in June of 2014 we have celebrated over 15,000 pounds lost!

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: A medical evaluation which includes an EKG, lab tests, body

composition analysis and a physical with Dr. Real is required to start any program — the fee for the medical evaluation is $130.

Programs can range from $13-$100 weekly. Costs vary depending on if the patient chooses to use any meal replacements, protein snacks,

Q: Do I have to buy special meals or supplements?

A: No, but Weigh to Wellness does offer convenient meal replacements and protein snacks. Most patients love these healthy options because they

are great for grab and go!

Q: Does the program provide ways to deal with such issues as social or holiday eating, changes to work schedules, lack of motivation, and injury or illness?

A: Yes. There is no perfect time to diet. Our experienced staff is used to working around any of these issues. We encourage each of our patients to think of it as a lifestyle change, not necessarily a diet!

Q: Will Dr. Real work with my health care provider if needed (for example, if I lose weight and my blood pressure medications need to be adjusted)?

A: Absolutely. We are happy to follow up with your primary care doctor or specialist at any time with your consent.

Q: Does the program include a plan to help me keep the weight off once I’ve lost weight?

A: “I can’t think of one thing I love that I don’t have to maintain — the oil in my car, the grass on my lawn, the paint on my home,” Ellison said.

Yes, we offer a FREE lifetime maintenance program and it is the most important part of the program. Patients can continue to come weekly, biweekly or monthly for maintenance and there is no charge!

TheHomewoodStar.com

OXMOOR VALLEY ORTHODONTICS 415 W. Oxmoor Road 942-2270

March 2017 • A31

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ovortho.com

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Q: Could you tell us about yourself and your practice?

A: My practice is limited to orthodontics. Our specialty focus is aligning crowded teeth, correcting bites and helping create beautiful smiles. We get the opportunity to help change our patients’ lives, one smile at a time!

We get to do all this in a historic train depot, which makes it even more fun. I have been practicing orthodontics for nearly 20 years.

I graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1998, having completed both my general dental degree and master’s in orthodontics there.

Q: What is most important to you in your practice?

DR. DEBBIE SEMA A: Quality care and connections.

I am a lifelong learner in the latest advances in orthodontics, opened our practice on West Oxmoor and I have taken the extra step of Road in 2003! And it’s important to us achieving national board certification. So to support our schools, too, whether I always strive for the best results we can it’s participating in yearly fundraising get for our patients. festivals, supporting the sports We are a smaller practice with a programs and PTOs, or supporting the solo practitioner. Seeing more patients Homewood City Schools Foundation. isn’t what motivates us; being able to really connect with our patients Q: Do you only do braces for and their families, giving them each certain ages? quality orthodontic care with personal A: Having 20 years of experience attention, is what we love. in helping create beautiful smiles has We love connecting with our patients given me the opportunity to have outside of the practice, too. I live, work worked with thousands of patients from and attend church in Homewood and ages 7 to 80. I and my team use many really do love our community. I and my different means to create beautiful team enjoy being very involved with smiles: traditional/clear braces, Damon community events. We haven’t missed braces and Invisalign. a We Love Homewood Day since we

LOVELL PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 1900 28th Ave. S., Suite 109 957-6611

lovellpediatricdentistry.com

Monday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Q: What drew you to pediatric dentistry, and what do you enjoy about your practice?

A: Growing up, I had a close relationship with my dentist. He knew what kind of toothpaste I liked and which I didn't like; he also let me play with the buttons. That relationship inspired me to become a dentist, and I hope to develop similar relationships with my patients at Lovell Pediatric Dentistry.

Q: Tell us about Gracie the therapy dog and her role with patients.

A: Gracie is a 3-yearold golden retriever who comes to work with me to serve as a therapy dog in the office. Gracie’s main role is greeting patients as they come into the office, but she is available for patients before and after treatment. We’ve noticed it’s not just the children who like Gracie; she’s popular with adults who may be a little nervous, as well.

Q: How do you ensure a great experience for your patients?

A: I think we’ve created a nonintimidating environment where people are not afraid to come to the dentist. I enjoy it when families return for visits

DR. ADRIAN LOVELL WITH GRACIE and the parents tell me their children “couldn’t wait to come and see Gracie,” or that, “All he talked about was brushing the alligator’s teeth,” (referring to a toy alligator with larger-than-life teeth and toothbrush).

We try to treat people the way we would like to be treated. One of the best compliments I receive is when a parent looks at me after I treat their child and says, “I wish I had a dentist like you when I was growing up.”

The Homewood Star

SECTION

B MARCH 2017

Sports B4 Opinion B10 Real Estate B11 Camp Guide B12 Calendar B18

Above left: Homewood High School cross-country runner Lainey Phelps, center, was all smiles after winning the Class 6A girls state championship Nov. 12. Above right: Homewood High School cross-country runners Will Stone (center) and Paul Selden (right of center) placed first and third in the Class 6A boys race. Photos by Sam Chandler.

Patriots sweep Gatorade awards

By SAM CHANDLER Homewood High School’s success on the postseason awards circuit has mimicked its success on the cross-country course. The Patriots, quite simply, have distanced themselves from the pack.

On Jan. 23, Gatorade named Patriots freshman Lainey Phelps the 2016-2017 Gatorade Alabama Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. One week later, Patriots sophomore Will Stone won the identical boys award.

The distinctions were bestowed on Phelps

and Stone in recognition of several years,” said Tom Esslinger, Homewood’s their exceptional achievement this past fall, when head track and field coach. both athletes led their teams Phelps won six races Patriot girls flex muscles, to Class 6A state titles. during her fall campaign, win state indoor track and Not since the award’s including the 6A state field championships, B6 inception in 2007 has its championship Nov. 12.

Alabama recipients hailed Her first-place 5K time of from the same high school.

18 minutes, 2.13 seconds “It obviously creates a huge sense of opti- propelled her team to its first state cross-counmism around here for us to have two incredibly try title in program history. The triumph also elite runners that can kind of be your foundation signified the first state individual gold medal of and your primary building blocks for the next Phelps’ young career.

INSIDE

“She definitely surpassed my expectations,” said Homewood head cross-country coach Lars Porter. “As coaches, we knew she was going to be good. I didn’t realize how good until she showed us some of her true ability very late in the season.”

Two weeks after the state meet, Phelps tallied an impressive 22nd-place finish at the Foot Locker South Regional in Charlotte, North Carolina. The postseason meet featured many of

See SWEEP | page B8

B2 • March 2017

The Homewood Star

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March 2017 • B3

The Homewood Star

B4 • March 2017

Sports

Patriots aiming to build off great 2016 run

By KYLE PARMLEY The 2016 season was a pleasant surprise for the Homewood High School baseball team. Not because head coach Doug Gann did not expect the Patriots to be successful, but because he simply had a bevy of new faces.

“We really didn’t know what we were going to have last year,” Gann said. “It was exciting and scary at the same time, because you knew somebody was getting the opportunity and somebody was going to have to come through, but you didn’t know what it was going to be because they hadn’t really had the chance.”

The Patriots wound up playing their best baseball when it mattered most, as they knocked off Briarwood in a tiebreaker to win the area championship, before sweeping Pell City in the first round of the playoffs.

Homewood took on a strong Oxford team in the second round of the playoffs, but fell in a tight three-game series that could have gone either way.

The good thing for the 2017 campaign is many of the guys responsible for that run last year are back.

“I’m really excited about this group, because we’ve got a lot of seniors that have played a lot of baseball for us,” Gann said.

“Our pitching staff, our top six to eight guys are seniors.”

Headlining that pitching staff is John Marc Mullins, who was named second team all-state in 2016 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Austin Spiers pitched some last year and will log significant innings this year. Luke Hindman signed with Shelton State Community College in the fall and will be counted on as well. Some other names to watch on the mound include Michael McClung, Sam Ferren, Jaedon Fleeman, Josh Katz and Jacob Fitts.

“Those are all just senior pitchers,” Gann said.

The Patriots have to find a new backstop, as Carson Griffis manned the catcher position for much of last season. Ryan Williams and Jackson Griggs each caught innings last season and will both be expected to do so again this season.

Fitts, Mullins and Spiers locked down the left side of the infield a year ago. Jake Burdeshaw and Josh Miller each graduated, leaving second base and first base as spots for players to step up and claim a starting role.

John Marc Mullins returns as the Patriots’ top pitcher and a quality infielder. Photo courtesy of Scott Butler.

Ferren, McClung and Hindman should all see time in the outfield when they are not on the mound, with Ben Teel, Trey Sims and William Hall also expected to receive looks out there.

With so many possibilities for each position, Gann said he is excited about the roster’s depth.

“This is maybe one of the deepest teams we’ll have,” he said.

“Our talent level is getting better and better. We’ve got some kids that can play. We can put a lot of different combinations out there and not miss a beat.”

With so much of the current roster forced to play big roles on last season’s team, crucial moments should be nothing new

when they come around.

“They’ve been in the fire, and they’ve played in playoff games,” Gann said. “They’ve been in big ball games. The good thing about it, in tight situations, they’ve been there and done that. Whether they come through or not this year remains to be seen, but it won’t be because they haven’t been in that situation.”

Gann tells his team that one of its primary goals is to “play in May,” which means to essentially advance to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

“If you get there, anything can happen,” he said. “If you get in the top eight, you’ve got a chance to win the whole thing.”

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • B5

New Homewood High School softball coach Tiffany Statum, at left, directs the girls during a Feb. 9 practice. Above, senior center fielder Kristie Looney makes the catch. Photos by Sarah Finnegan.

With burst of energy, Statum takes over softball program

By KYLE PARMLEY It’s a dream come true for new Homewood High School softball coach Tiffany Statum. It’s her first year leading a program she knows a little bit about, as she grew up in Homewood and played for the Patriots in her high school years.

“I have always loved Homewood and how the community is so close-knit and supportive of its school,” she said. “It has been great to come back and see how that aspect has not changed.”

After spending a few years working on her master’s degree, she is back where it all began for her. The flashbacks come when she steps

onto the same diamond she once graced as a student-athlete, in the same phase of life as the girls she is now charged with guiding.

“I catch myself getting glimpses of my glory days and wanting to replicate that, but I also want to make it fit to this generation. I get excited about having the opportunity to help the young ladies develop into the people that they are meant to be,” Statum said.

Statum wants her program at Homewood to be one built for long-term success, but there is no need to complicate that goal. It begins with an emphasis on the sport in the lower ranks.

“My plan is simple; to develop a program that promotes softball at a young age so that

we can continue to be competitive year after year,” she said.

As for the Patriots’ squad in 2017, Homewood returns its ace in all facets: Venice Sanders, a workhorse on the mound and as efficient as it gets with the bat in her hand. Her overpowering fastball, coupled with her .506 batting average in 2016, is enough to give opposing teams trouble.

Homewood may have to wait a few weeks to get Sanders on the field, however, as the softball team awaits the conclusion of basketball season to receive her services. Each of the last two seasons, the Lady Patriots have advanced to the state finals.

“Venice is an outstanding athlete,” Statum said. “She will make the transition from basketball to softball easily, just as she has in the past.”

The Patriots also have leadoff hitter Kristie Looney to help out from the leadoff spot, as she is one of a handful of seniors Homewood has, along with Sabrina Mardis, Sarah Bryant and

Maggie Boner.

“We have a strong group of seniors that have shown their leadership thus far. I expect each of them to play a vital part in this season,” Statum said.

Just since the start of practice at the end of January, Statum has been extremely impressed by what she has seen from the team, a group taking a new style and system head-on, determined to make the most out of this season.

“We are all excited about the season,” she said. “I have seen significant growth just in the past few weeks. I see leaders stepping up both verbally and by example. I am most proud of how the ladies have bought into what the new coaching staff brings to the table. Sometimes change or learning new things can be hard, but these girls are all in.”

Homewood began its season on Feb. 21 by hosting Briarwood, and plays home games in the month of March against Pelham (March 2), Pleasant Grove (14), Calera (16), and Parker (21).

The Homewood Star

B6 • March 2017

The Homewood High School girls track and field team won the Class 6A title by 89 points at the 2017 AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Feb. 3-4 at the Birmingham CrossPlex. The landslide 151-62 victory over Opelika marked the team’s first state indoor title in program history. Photos by Sam Chandler.

Girls flex muscles, dominate state Standout performances across the board helped Patriots to landslide victory

Left: Homewood junior Jasmine Griffin played a key role in the Patriots’ victory.

She took first in the 60-meter dash, second in the 60-meter hurdles and contributed to a pair of state champion relay teams. Below: Homewood freshman Lainey Phelps swept the distance events, including the 800 meters, and anchored the Patriots’ state champion 4x400-meter relay team.

By SAM CHANDLER It was the perfect ending to a perfect meet: Lainey Phelps, all alone, gliding down the final straightaway without a hint of fatigue in her stride.

The finish line was her target; the record book, her destiny.

Phelps anchored Homewood High School’s first-place 4x400-meter relay team in the final event at the 2017 AHSAA State Indoor Track and Field Championships on Feb. 4.

Comprised of Phelps, Caroline Lawrence, Ann Mosely Whitsett and Jasmine Griffin, the relay broke its own Birmingham CrossPlex record with a time of 3 minutes, 54.26 seconds.

No other Alabama high school team has ever run faster at a state indoor meet.

But if the record-setting performance represented a punctuation mark, then the 13 prior events Homewood completed were sentences written in capital letters.

The message? Homewood is in a league of its own.

The Patriot girls captured the Class 6A state title by 89 points over runner-up Opelika at the two-day state meet Feb. 3-4. The landslide 151-62 victory marked the team’s first state indoor title in program history.

“We knew we were capable of winning by a lot,” said Homewood head track and field coach Tom Esslinger. “But really we just wanted to focus on everybody doing the best that they possibly could and kind of take it one event at a time.”

The strategy worked.

With each passing event, the Patriots added more points to their growing total. Their opponents couldn’t keep up.

“We knew that we were going to have a strong chance this year,” said Whitsett, who won the 400 meters. “To be able to get it by this gap is just amazing.”

Whitsett, a senior, has been a staple in the Patriots’ program since seventh grade. Correspondingly, she knows what it’s like to come up short of a blue trophy. Homewood’s girls finished runner-up at the past four state indoor meets. Pelham edged them in 2015 and 2016 by 12 combined points.

But past heartbreak only made the weekend’s victory that much sweeter for seniors like Whitsett and Lawrence, who won her third straight state high jump title.

“To get that is a fitting end to their careers, and I think a fitting beginning to a lot of our younger athletes,” Esslinger said.

Patriots young and old played key roles in the triumph. Few shined brighter than Phelps.

Prior to her leg on the 4x400 relay, the talented freshman swept the 6A distance events without much of a challenge. She won the 3,200 meters in 11:08.25, the 1,600 meters in 5:05.07 and the 800 meters in 2:12.43.

It looked easy.

“Lainey’s performance for the whole meet speaks for itself,” Esslinger said.

Led by Phelps, Homewood took first and second place in two of those three events. Celie Jackson finished second in the 3,200 with a time of 11:46.55. Whitsett finished second in the 800 with a time of 2:16.89.

Jackson, a freshman, also placed third in the 1,600 meters.

“I’m always proud of my teammates,” said Phelps, who prefers to talk more about others than herself.

Griffin, a junior, achieved an almost equivalent level of success to Phelps. She won the 60-meter dash, placed second in the 60-meter hurdles and ran the opening leg of Homewood’s state champion 4x200-meter relay team.

Her time of 7.64 seconds in the 60-meter dash signified a personal best.

“I’m just so happy about it,” she said.

In the field, Christian Hill and Aiya Finch performed well in the horizontal jumps. Hill took second in the triple jump and fifth in the long jump. Finch took second in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump.

The Homewood boys, on the other hand, finished second in the 6A team race. They fell to first-place Opelika, 89-73.

“We knew we were underdogs coming into it a little bit, and things had to go pretty much perfectly,” Esslinger said. “We needed them to make some mistakes, and I give credit to Opelika. They just really didn’t make mistakes for the most part.”

Will Stone and Paul Selden led the way for the Patriots. The distance duo contributed points in four events, but their best individual showings came in the 3,200. Stone finished second in 9:35.14, and Selden finished third in 9:55.88.

They also ran legs on the Patriots’ state champion 4x800-meter relay team.

“For us to have any chance to get first or second, I mean, we just really depend on both Will and Paul,” Esslinger said.

Apart from the distance events, the Patriot boys also found success in the field. Stephon May placed second in high jump, while Joshua Thomas placed third in triple jump.

Jackson White and Eli Brooks finished second and third in the pole vault.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • B7

The Homewood Star

B8 • March 2017 SWEEP

CONTINUED from page B1 the Southeast’s top high school runners.

Earlier in the fall, Phelps recorded what became the state’s fastest girls 5K time of the 2016 season.

She ran 17:42.61 at the Jesse Owens Classic Oct. 1.

“Words cannot adequately express how proud we are of Lainey for winning this prestigious award as a freshman, because this is an award that athletes work their entire high school careers to earn,” Esslinger said. “Lainey is the kind of exceptional athlete that rarely comes around, and she is the type of individual that can catapult a cross-country and track and field program to an even higher level.”

Porter, her cross-country coach, said there are a couple of things that set Phelps apart from the pack. The first, he said, is the blend of speed and endurance that composes her “incredible talent.”

The second, he said, is how she managed the competition, especially late in the season.

“We typically see athletes plateau or become comfortable with their place after the first month,” Porter said. “Late in the season, she was still improving at a drastic pace — she continued to impress us as coaches.”

Porter said the same of Stone, who became the state’s first sophomore to win the Gatorade boys award. All previous recipients were juniors or seniors.

“Coming off of an outstanding freshman year, I knew to expect a lot, and he delivered,” Porter said. “The only (pleasant) surprise was him breaking 16:00 in his first race of the season. He’s always consistent, and after that first race, we knew we were going to be in for a great season.”

Propelled by his work ethic and racing acumen, Stone enjoyed a breakout fall campaign. He captured first-place finishes in five races and lowered his 5K personal best by 41 seconds. He recorded his fastest time of 15:40.83 at the Jesse Owens meet Oct.1 “Will is one of those guys who’s just mature beyond his years and works harder than anyone and kind of always has,” Esslinger said. “He gets strategy and really listens to coaching.”

Stone capped his season by leading the Patriot boys to a fifth straight state cross-country title at the Nov. 12 state meet. After powering through a cramp, he used a decisive move at the race’s 2-mile mark

to pull away from the 6A field and capture his first state individual championship.

His winning time of 16:01.40 bested Opelika’s Ben Garner — who had entered as the favorite — by 12 seconds.

“Will’s greatest asset is his unwavering competitive confidence. He welcomes competition as a challenge and is unshaken by ups and downs,” Porter said. “He certainly wants to win, but rather than getting discouraged by losses, he reflects on ways to improve. His maturity in this is remarkable.”

Phelps and Stone became the second and third members of the Patriots cross-country and track and field program to be selected as Gatorade award winners. Kiara Williams, a former star in the sprints, hurdles and jumps, was named the state’s track and field athlete of the year in 2015.

Apart from athletic prestige, the Gatorade award also acknowledges excellence away from competition. Phelps and Stone shine there, too.

According to official Gatorade press releases, Phelps has maintained a 4.0 GPA and volunteered with Homewood’s Key Club at The Bell Center, which provides early intervention services to children at risk for developmental delay.

“It was an amazing award because it’s not only about the running part,” Phelps said. “It’s about character and academics.”

Stone, similarly, has maintained a 4.12 GPA, volunteered at The Bell Center and been an active member of his church youth group. He also is a member of the high school’s band. There were many times this fall when he would perform at a Friday night football game and then wake up early to race on Saturday morning.

“He’s just a special kid,” Esslinger said, “not just an exemplary athlete, but person all the way around.”

As part of their selections, Phelps and Stone each received a $1,000 grant to donate to a youth sports organization of their choice. Phelps said she donated her grant to Girls on the Run, where she helped coach elementary- and middle-school age girls during the fall.

Stone said he’s considering donating his grant to either Upward Sports or the Lakeshore Foundation.

“I was very honored and especially surprised,” Stone said of receiving the award. “I mean, I knew I had a chance, but I knew there were other well-deserving runners out there, also. I was really pleased.”

Left: Homewood High School cross-country runner Lainey Phelps ran an uncontested race at the AHSAA State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 12.

She won the Class 6A title by more than 75 seconds. Above: Homewood sophomore crosscountry runner Will Stone leads teammate Paul Selden at the Class 6A, Section 3 meet Nov. 3 at Veterans Park in Hoover. The duo finished first and second. Photos by Sam Chandler.

Let us help spread the news! Email sydney@starnespublishing.com to submit your announcement.

TheHomewoodStar.com

dancer

March 2017 • B9

A DETERMINED

A

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

t just 10 years old, Hannah French already has performed in a lead role with professional ballerinas many years her senior. Though she’s a little shy in person, it all melts away when her feet touch the stage.

“Once I get onstage, I’m not that nervous,” Hannah said.

Hannah lives in Hollywood with her father, attorney Courtney French, and mother, Judge Elisabeth French, as well as her younger siblings George and Rachel. She’s had ballet shoes on her feet since she was 3 years old.

“We introduced her to a lot of different things,” Elisabeth French said, including soccer, gymnastics and volleyball. “We didn’t push her toward any of them. We just exposed her to them and let her pick. And she picked ballet.”

When asked why she prefers ballet, Hannah keeps it simple: “I just like it.” She takes lessons at Alabama Ballet, and this past winter she had a unique honor: leading the children’s cast in George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” in the lead role, Marie.

Hannah had auditioned before and played small roles in the past before landing the lead. Grace Anli, a dancer in her fourth season with the Alabama Ballet who helps teach the community children’s cast, said she can remember Hannah’s first audition and how she has progressed.

“There’s something about her that’s very engaging, and she’s very bright,” Anli said.

It was also noteworthy that Hannah was only the second African-American dancer ever to land the role of Marie in the Alabama Ballet’s production.

“Out of so many Maries, I can’t tell you how many were African-American. But I can tell you it’s a very small percentage,” Elisabeth French said. “I think just exposure to the arts is less common with minority populations than it is otherwise.”

In some ways, Elisabeth French said race can affect her

daughter’s ballet experience. But the lessons she learns are the same as any parent would want to teach their young ballerina.

“I think she has fewer role models, and so I think she has to look for role models and use her imagination more to understand that it’s also possible for her,” Elisabeth French said. “We try to instill enough confidence in her and let her know that you can do anything you want Hannah French recently made a name for herself as the lead role in “The Nutcracker.” to do, as long as you work Photo by Sydney Cromwell. hard.”

And work hard she did.

After being cast as Marie, Hannah spent six days a week the first time, she just came to life and exceeded my expectain rehearsal for about three months. This included one-ontions,” Anli said. “That’s something Hannah’s always going to one instruction with Anli, who had performed the George have and cherish … It was a beautiful moment.”

Balanchine production of “The Nutcracker” herself while Now that “The Nutcracker” is behind them, Elisabeth growing up in Pennsylvania. Anli said one of the hardest parts French said her daughter is taking a breather for a few of playing Marie is that it’s not just about dancing. Hannah months to focus on school and friends after the intensity had to act, too, and remember to always keep in character of performing with the Alabama Ballet. But Hannah is while on stage. planning on summer intensive training, and her face lights “Our eyes are always on her,” Anli said. “It’s a lot of up when she talks about auditioning again for this year’s responsibility to take on, and it’s a lot to think about.”

“Nutcracker.”

That pressure hit its peak in one scene each night where Hannah said she would like to dance professionally Hannah danced all by herself. someday, and both Anli and her mother noted that she has the “It was emotional just watching her by herself onstage, determination that will take her far. leading the cast of children and just the responsibility,” Elisa“I think she’s very driven for a 10-year-old,” Elisabeth beth French said.

French said. “I tried to convince her to play volleyball because When she watched Hannah perform, Anli said it brought I played volleyball in college, and I tried to convince her to do back memories of her own performance as a young Marie. that because it would be a lot of fun for me to be the score“She really blossomed, and when I saw her on stage for keeper. She can’t be persuaded off of ballet.”

The Homewood Star

B10 • March 2017

Opinion Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

Finding empowerment in songs for Kate succeeding at getting a boy to notice them. So I made it my “When you play music, it’s usually just boys singing. Why mission to find songs by female singers that I could play for can’t we listen to girl music?”

Kate asked me this question one afternoon in the car while them and not worry about sending messages of sex, lust and questionable body image. our family’s favorite songwriter, Josh Ritter, pumped from the stereo. I’m quite proud of the fact that Kate and Sela love What did I find? A lot of good music from a wide variety a lot of the music Matt and I play for them, and while we of musicians: Sara Bareilles (everybody’s been stared down listen to both male and female singers, her question made me by the enemy…I just want to see you be brave), Kelly realize much of the music we listen to is sung by men. No Clarkson (what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger), Katy real reason, that’s just how it happens to work out.

Perry (I know, I know, many of her lyrics aren’t PG, but “OK, let me find something for you,” I told her. I scrolled you can’t go wrong with “You held me down but I got through Amazon Music on my phone to find something up, already brushing off the dust...I am a champion and Denton good. I’d seen Kate boogie during our after-dinner dance you’re going to hear me roar”). Rachel Platten (This is my parties (you know what I’m talking about if you’ve ever driven by our fight song…my power’s turned on, starting right now I’ll be strong, I house after dinner and seen two kids and a silly daddy grooving in the don’t really care if no one else believes). And Taylor Swift’s ultimate den) so I wanted to find something upbeat and fun. But as I searched, Ode to Mean Girls (I bet you got pushed around, somebody made you I mentally ran through the lyrics in my head and nixed almost every cold, but the cycle ends right now, cause you can’t lead me down that song I came across. road…someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me, but all you’re Granted, Kate and Sela are only seven and four and shouldn’t be lis- ever gonna be is mean). tening to much of what’s hot in the pop music world right now anyway.

I realize that dictating my daughters’ musical choices won’t protect But when I got home and looked through the songs again, I realized I’d them from everything. In one way or another, they’ll still hear it all, no want to cover my daughters’ ears even if they were years older. Most matter what music they listen to, because it comes from everywhere. had only one subject: guys. Getting them to look, to want, to touch. But we do what we can, don’t we?

Dancing and shaking this and that.

If this is one small way I can push back the world and its influence in Our favorite dance party songs — “All About That Bass” (got that their life while they’re young, then sign me up. I’m sure I’ll catch grief boom boom that all the boys chase). Ariana Grande (she got a booty from them about it at some point, but one day — probably when they like a Cadillac). No thanks. And Ke$ha (I’m feeling pathetic, I can’t have their own children — I think they’ll understand. take rejection, why won’t you call me?). Nope. Not exactly the type of healthy relationship I want my kids to emulate in the future.

I’d love to connect! Yowu can email me at Lauren@LaurenKDenton.

Of course, this line of thinking sent my mind into a tailspin of con- com, visit my website LaurenKDenton.com, or find me on Instagram @ cerns about what my daughters — and children in general — take in LaurenKDentonBooks, on Twitter @LaurenKDenton, or on Facebook. on a daily basis, even at such young ages. I figure the least I can do is My first novel, THE HIDEAWAY, releases April 11, 2017, and is availtry to fill their ears with music that applauds girls doing more than just able for pre-order from Amazon.

TheHomewoodStar.com

March 2017 • B11

Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

773650

35209

1715 Mayfair Drive

New

$489,500

773860

35209

225 Montgomery Lane

New

$259,900

773820

35209

412 Devon Drive

New

$639,900

773804

35209

3105 Whitehall Road

New

$399,900

773708

35209

216 Acton Ave.

New

$525,000

773660

35209

1924 Saulter Road

New

$259,900

773633

35209

133 Gillon Drive

New

$540,000

773614

35209

203 Virginia Drive

New

$329,900

773565

35209

209 Sterrett Ave.

New

$349,900

773506

35209

3410 Avalon Road

New

$355,000

773596

35209

316 Westover Drive

New

$699,900

773438

35209

221 La Prado Place

New

$825,000

773235

35209

1101 Fern St.

New

$696,000

773084

35209

644 Rumson Road

New

$489,900

773038

35209

511 Broadway St.

New

$329,000

773036

35209

2716 16th Place S.

New

$215,000

773028

35209

350 Hallman Hill #108

New

$399,000

773006

35209

414 Norfolk Lane

New

$700,000

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Feb. 13.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

1715 Mayfair Drive

316 Westover Drive

The Homewood Star

B12 • March 2017

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s days turn warmer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime at last, and no summer is complete without a camp experience. Peruse our guide to learn more about which programs best fit your child’s personality, interest, age and availability. No matter which you choose, it’s time to jump in for fun and adventure this summer.

THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

Keep learning in a variety of classes Summer is the perfect time to try something new, dive deeper into a current interest, fine tune math and English skills or fulfill required courses in a more relaxed environment.

Altamont offers a wide array of quality classes, taught by our outstanding faculty, that are both educational and fun.

Altamont’s six-week program is open to rising 1st through 12th graders. It includes three separate sections of two-week classes: June 5-16, June 19-30 and July 5-14. Early and after hour care is available. Registration opens February 1 at altamont.recdesk. com.

Credit courses: High school credit courses for rising 9th-12th graders include Altamont-required half-credit courses in Speech, Laboratory Technology and Health. Full-credit courses are offered in Honors Geometry and ninth grade Honors Ancient and Medieval Civilizations.

Elective classes for rising 3rd-8th grade students include photography, theater, cooking, astronomy and gaming, as well as enrichment classes in math and English. One of our exciting

new offerings this summer is a creative writing/gaming course with Lou Anders, award-winning author of the Thrones & Bones books and game.

Sports and music camps: Our popular basketball and soccer day camps are open to players of all skill levels in rising 1st-12th grades. Music offerings include rock band camp, band camp and string camp.

Whether it’s enrichment, enlightenment or entertainment, Altamont has what your child needs most this summer — something constructive to do. Enroll today.

Registration and course information at altamont.recdesk.com. Contact Dr. Josh Barnard, Summer Program Director, at jbarnard@altamontschool.org.

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TheHomewoodStar.com

G U I D E

March 2017 • B13

special advertising section

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Grow theater skills in BCT summer camps For children with a flair for the dramatic, they can shine in the Birmingham Children’s Theatre summer camps.

BCT offers camps for children pre-K through eighth grade, with activities including theater basics, dance, stage combat, music and fairy tales. The summer camps aren’t just about theater, though.

BCT Director of Advancement and Sales LeNa McDonald said they keep an eye on education standards throughout the year to incorporate into their programs.

“BCT allows children to gain foundations in all aspects of theater while also giving them the opportunity to perform.

In addition, all of our camps are routed in academic programs that support continued learning throughout the summer even when school is not in session,” McDonald said. “We monitor reading, literature, theater and STEM learning objectives and standards throughout the school year to also implement those standards into our summer offerings.”

The Young Actor’s Theatre at BCT is designed to inspire creativity, confidence and a sense of community through the exploration and practice of theater skills.

This includes not only summer camps, but private instruction and programs year round.

BCT has offered summer camps at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) for more than 10 years.

This year’s camps include: Summer Theatre Camp #1 ► June 5-6, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ► Pre-K-second grade ► Explores theater fundamentals with

music, storytelling, dance and crafts ► Registration: $200 before April 1; $250 after April 1 Summer Theatre Camp #2 ► June 12-16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ► Third-eighth grade ► Students will take classes in acting, dance, music and stage combat. The last day of this camp will feature a showcase. ► Registration: $300 before April 1; $350 after April 1 Summer Theatre Camp #3: Fairy Tale Tellers ► June 19-23, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ► Pre-K-second grade ► Students will play games and create short stories to make fairy tales come to life by the end of camp. Parents will be invited to open house on Friday to see how the students tell their tales. ► Registration: $200 before April 1; $250 after April 1 Summer Theatre Camp #4: Behind the Mask ► June 26-30, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ► Third-eighth grade ► Students will use different activities to create and tell a story through movement and dance while masked. Every child has a “mask” they hide behind, and these activities will allow the students to discover their own truths. The performance at the end of the week will be created from their own stories and a poem about being true to oneself. ► Registration: $300 before April 1; $350 after April 1 Visit bct123.org/young-actors/ for more information.

B14 • March 2017

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The Homewood Star

special advertising section

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

Huntington offers summer tutoring sessions Huntington Learning Center is offering summer tutoring sessions so your student can catch up or get ahead for the coming year.

“We give personalized attention and tailor make the program for the student,” said Marty Lively, owner of Huntington Learning Center in Vestavia. “We focus on more than homework help. We figure out where their struggle is and work from there at the student’s pace, not ours.”

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the ACT and SAT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of state standards.

For most students, study skills are not inherent.

These aptitudes take time to learn and consistent practice to be most effective. Whether your child is a successful student or struggling with one or more subjects, there are certain essential skills that will build a foundation for his or her success in school and life.

Huntington Learning Center focuses on something called executive functions.

Executive functions are neurologically based skills that require self-regulation or mental processing. Put simply, they help children focus, prioritize tasks, set goals and work toward them, and stay attentive when studying.

These functions include organization, time management, planning and retention.

Organization will help the student to keep workspaces tidy and put supplies in places where they can be found easily combined with the ability to stay on top of homework and supplies needed in class and at home. Time management will teach students to organize one’s time with the aid of a planner/calendar in order to maximize work time and deter procrastination. Planning teaches

the ability to manage short-term and long-term to-dos.

Retention will teach the ability to retain information and retrieve it later when completing a task.

Students will also learn note-taking skills at the summer sessions.

“Students need to develop a reliable method of taking notes and make sure their notes record key points covered both in textbook and in the class,” said Lively.

The learning center focuses on test-taking skills, as well.

“A solid study plan is the core of a good test-taking strategy,” said Lively. “Children who embrace reliable

learning methods and stick to a study schedule are best equipped to perform well on exams, but most need guidance to fine tune their test-taking skills.”

Huntington also offers tutoring geared toward standardized testing and college entrance exams.

“We also have ACT prep,” said Lively. “This is one on one instruction dynamic because the focus is usually scholarship dollars or entrance into a college or university.”

Huntington Learning Center is located at 790 Montgomery Highway, Suite 112, Vestavia Hills, AL. We are in the Vestavia Hills City Center, next to Publix.

TheHomewoodStar.com

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March 2017 • B15

special advertising section

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

Come to camp at McWane Science Center

What will your child do over summer vacation?

McWane Science Center Summer Camps make learning an unforgettable adventure you just can’t experience anywhere else. In one week of camp, your budding scientist can discover a dinosaur, travel into outer space, design and build a skyscraper, or explore the ocean floor. Various themes and activities allow children to experience something new each day. Blast off in Cosmo Camp, investigate with CSI McWane, or get creative in Smarty Arty Pants Camp. Robotics, cool chemistry,

dive into marine biology or dig paleontology. The flexible programs allow you to choose programs you want for your child for a full week of fun and learning!

Summer Camps will be offered for seven weeks beginning June 5 and ending July 28. Each session is a week in length. We will offer morning camps for Pre K and K children from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Camps for grades 1-7 are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Before and aftercare will also be available each day.

Don’t miss out on a great program of science and

wonder here at McWane Science Center this summer!

We will show your kids how fun science can be for them.

Summer Camps: ► June 5 – July 28 ► Each session lasts one week (M-F) ► Grades Pre K and K – 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. ► Grades 1-7 – 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. ► Before and aftercare available ► Includes lunch and snack each day

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THE DANCE FOUNDATION

Spend the summer exploring creativity The Dance Foundation’s summer camps are for more than just budding ballerinas. They also offer activities in theater and art to help children explore their creativity.

In its studios in downtown Homewood, the Dance Foundation holds halfday camps for 4K through 3rd grade children and full-day camps for 1st through 6th graders. Dance Foundation Director of Marketing Shellie Chambers said this summer’s camp themes include: Once Upon A Fairy Tale ► Daily adventures from classic fairy tales are unveiled through a trunk filled with costumes and creative artifacts.

Each day, campers dance, create art and explore the day’s fairy tale. ► June 6-8 or June 20-22 (entering 4K): “Cinderella, Elves and the Shoemaker, The Snow Queen,” Registration: $135 ► June 12-16 or June 26-30 (entering kindergarten): “Sleeping Beauty, Living Quan-Yin, Robin Hood, Twelve Dancing Princesses, Peter and the Wolf,” Registration: $180 Imagination Lab ► Campers work together to create their own unique story inspired by the week’s theme and perform it at the end of the week. Imaginative adaptations of the theme are discovered through exploration of art, costume and set design, dance, music and acting. ► First-third grade ► June 12-15 (half-day): “Land of Oz,”

Registration: $180 ► June 19-23 (full-day): “Fairies,” Registration: $245 Shadow Play ► Campers will use shadow play to invent new worlds, design props and learn to tell stories through movement. Daily classes include creative movement, prop exploration, acting, writing and rehearsal

leads to a performance on the last day. ► Third-sixth grade ► June 5-9 ► Registration: $245 Dance Exploration ► Explore the art of dance through technique in a variety of styles as well as lessons in dance history, sewing, music and hair and makeup for the stage. Daily

classes include ballet, modern dance and choreography. The week ends with an informal performance for family and friends. ► Third-sixth grade ► June 26-30 ► Registration: $245 Theater Exploration ► Explore the art of live acting through classes in voice, movement, improvisation and scene work. The week ends with an informal performance for family and friends. Hands-on sessions also include set design, stage makeup, costuming and stage combat. ► Third-sixth grade ► June 26-30 ► Registration: $245 “In our camps, students are inspired to be creative; they gain confidence to share ideas; they learn to work together, and, most importantly, they have fun,” Chambers said. “Our camps are creative and collaborative, conducted in The Dance Foundation way and led by professional, fun staff.”

Half-day camps last from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and full-day camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early drop-off is available for fullday camps. In addition to summer camps, Chambers said The Dance Foundation will offer classes through the summer for ages 1 to adult.

The Dance Foundation is at 1715 27th Court S. in Homewood. For more information, call 870-0073 or go to thedancefoundation.org.

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YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM

YMCA summer day camp focuses on youth development Youth development is the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical processes that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful developmental process fulfills children and teens’ innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy.

Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and teammates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what Summer Day Camp at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is all about — ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more achievement, and more belonging.

The Y is a place where kids feel safe, welcomed and can express their individuality in an environment that provides positive relationships, encourages parent engagement, and helps children realize their passions and talents. It’s also loads of fun!

To learn more or to register, go online to ymcabham.org/best-summer.

Other YMCA summer opportunities: ► YMCA Camp Cosby The YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s sleepaway camp, Camp Cosby, offers a one-week, co-ed, safe and structured experience for children ages 6 to 16 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. YMCA Camp Cosby gives children a chance to play hard, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun and structured environment. Your camper will develop new skills, gain confidence, make friends and have an amazing experience. campcosby.org

► YMCA Hargis Retreat Unlike other day camp programs, Summer Day Camp at Hargis is really camp! Located on 200+ wooded acres complete with swimming pool, hiking trails, fields for games, rock face for climbing, and our own private lake, it is the perfect backdrop for the traditional camp activities that we offer. Activities include: • Hiking • Fishing • Canoeing • Lake swimming • Archery • Rock climbing ymcabham.org/hargisretreat ► Summer Adventures In Learning (S.A.I.L.) The Summer Adventures In Learning program works with struggling students in grades 3-5 who need extra help. Summer Adventures In Learning is designed to help prevent learning loss, offer chances to explore new interests and skills and close the achievement gap for children from lower income communities. ymcabham.org/sail ► THINGAMAJIG® Invention Convention July 2017 THINGAMAJIG® is a daylong event that combines STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), active fitness and play, creative eco-art and team challenges into one child-focused festival.

Learn more online at ymcabham.org/ thingamajig.

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B18 • March 2017

Calendar Homewood Events March 1: Artist Reception: Sara Cannon. 4 p.m.

Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Hall Art Gallery 153. Visit samford.edu.

March 1: Alex George. Alabama Booksmith. 5 p.m.

Author of “Setting Free the Kites.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

March 2: Job and Internship Fair. 10 a.m. Seibert Gym, Samford University. Open to Samford students and alumni. Visit samford.edu.

March 3: A Cappella Vespers. 5:30 p.m. Divinity Hall Hodges Chapel, Samford University. Free and open to the public. Visit samford.edu.

March 3: All-State Choral Festival Middle School Concert. 6 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford

University. Visit samford.edu.

March 4: All-State Choral Festival High School Concert. 12 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University. Visit samford.edu.

March 4: Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk. 9 a.m.

Samford University Track. One-mile walk benefiting UAB Parkinson’s research. $20 registration fee. Visit parkinsonalabama.org.

March 4: Chili Cook-Off. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Brookwood Village. Presented by The Exceptional Foundation. $10-$15. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org.

March 7: David Joy. Alabama Booksmith. 5 p.m.

Author of “The Weight of This World.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

March 9: Taste of Homewood 2017. 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Rosewood Hall, SoHo Square. Sample food from 30 of Homewood’s restaurants. $30 advance, $40 day of event. Visit homewoodchamber.com.

March 9-11: Alla Prima Painting with Kim English.

Forstall Art Center. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $495. Supplies needed, lunch provided. Visit forstallart.com.

March 12 and 19: Harlem Globetrotters. 3 p.m.

Pete Hanna Center, Samford University. $22-$95. Visit harlemglobetrotters.com.

March 15: Michael Knight. Alabama Booksmith. 5 p.m. Author of “Eveningland: Stories.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

March 21: Chamber Membership Luncheon.

11:30 a.m. The Club. Visit homewoodchamber.com.

March 21: Charlie Lovett. Alabama Booksmith.

5 p.m. Author of “The Lost Book of the Grail.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com.

March 23-26: Freeman Series- The Crucible.

7:30 p.m. Harrison Theatre.

March 24 and 26: “The Elixir of Love.” Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University. $20-$90, students $10. Visit operabirmingham.org.

March 25: Intro into Abstract with Diane Hathcock. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. $95.

Supplies needed, lunch provided. Visit forstallart. com.

March 28: Sotto Voce Quartet. 7:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. $30. Visit birminghammusicchambersociety.org.

Homewood Public Library Children Mondays: Preschool Playtime. 10 a.m. in Round Auditorium. For ages 3 and younger.

Tuesdays: Wee Ones Storytime. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For ages 24 months and younger.

Wednesdays: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. Music and storytime for all ages.

Thursdays: Storyday with Nay Nay. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Storytime for ages 3 and younger.

March 1: Reading Buddies - Read to Rover.

3:30 p.m. Kindergarten through third grade can read to animals from the Birmingham Humane Society.

March 2: iTween- Adventure Time Bingo. 4 p.m.

For fourth through seventh grade.

March 6: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m.

For preschool through12th grade.

March 2: Family Storytime - Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. 6:30 p.m. Storytime, music and fun for all ages. Wear pajamas.

March 7: Passport to Fun. 3:30 p.m. Adventure to a different company via crafts, movies and food.

March 3 & 17: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m.

For ages 2-and-a-half to 4. Online registration required.

March 8: Homeschool Hour Jr. Gets Coding. 1:30 p.m. For ages 10 and younger.

March 9: Five Little Monkeys Family Night. 6:30 p.m.

March 4: Spanish Enrichment Program. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Free Spanish Enrichment Program for third- through fifth-graders Registration required.

March 10 & 24: Move & Groove Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Movement storytime for all ages with dance, yoga.

March 6: STEMologist Club. 3:30 p.m. For kindergarteners through fifth grade.

March 15: Kids in the Kitchen. 3:30 p.m. For kindergarteners through fifth grade.

March 13: Family Flix. “Trolls.” 3:30 p.m.

March 16: Homeschool Hour - Raptors of Alabama. 2 p.m. Suggested for ages 10 years old and up. Online registration required.

March 17: Kid Coderz. 3:30 p.m. For grades three through six. Online registration required.

March 18: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Bash. 10:30 a.m.

March 20: LEGO Club. 3:30 p.m. For kindergarteners through fifth grade.

March 21: Libraryflix. 3:30 p.m.

March 21: Paper Bag Book Club. 3:30 p.m. For third through fifth grade.

March 25: Baby & Me Storytime. 10:30 a.m. For

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babies up to 12 months with a caregiver.

Large Auditorium.

March 27: Pixarpalooza. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.

Watch Pixar films. Snacks and drinks provided.

March 6 and 20: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. Free. All levels of fitness welcome.

No registration required, but bring your own mat.

March 27: Sensory Storytime. 4 p.m. All ages storytime in a sensory friendly atmosphere. Free.

March 28: Moana’s Library Luau. 10:30 a.m.

Games and crafts.

March 29: Be A Rockstar. 3:30 p.m. Decorate a rock to hide.

March 29: Spring Break Jam. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Special morning of singing and dancing for all ages.

March 30: Spring Break Storytime. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Join us for a special all ages storytime full of stories, songs and bean bag shaking fun.

March 31: The Day the Crayons Went on Vacation.

10:30 a.m. Crafts and activities.

Teens Through March 22: Homewood Public Library Student Juried Art Show. Open to any kindergartener through 12th-grader who is a resident of Jefferson County. Students may submit up to two original works of art produced within the last 12 months. Pieces must be exhibition ready and weigh less than 50 pounds.

Artwork should be dropped off in the Children’s Department with an entry form attached to the back of the work. Accepted entries will be displayed in Homewood Library’s Ellenburg Art Gallery from April 3-27. An opening reception will be Monday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m., when winning artwork will be revealed. Entry forms can be downloaded from the library’s website.

March 2: iTween: Adventure Time BINGO. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Join us at an Adventure Time inspired BINGO game for the chance to win prizes. Open to fourth- through seventh-graders.

Mondays, March 6 and 20: Animal Allies.

4 p.m. in the Library Boardroom. Service club for teens is dedicated to raising the community’s awareness on animal welfare issues.

March 6: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Monthly chess tournament.

March 6: Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Open to teens grades six through 12 who want to take an active role at the Homewood Public Library.

March 8: Teen Anime Club. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Discuss and watch anime.

March 16: Homeschool Hour – Raptors of Alabama.

2 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. The Alabama Wildlife Center brings several of their feathered friends to our March Homeschool Hour event. Ages 10 and older.

March 21: LibraryFlix. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium.

March 22: Henna Tattoo Art. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Learn the ancient art of henna tattoos.

Online registration required.

March 23: DIY Robots. 4 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Library Level). All supplies provided. Online registration required.

March 25: Anime/Manga Drawing Class. 2 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Learn the basics of drawing Japanese characters.

Adults March 2: Let’s Dish Cookbook Club: Sweet or Savory Pies. 6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. To participate, prepare a recipe around each month’s theme and bring the dish and recipe to the meeting.

March 2: Prepare Your Home for Sale with Becky Laurent. 7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Becky Laurent of Laurent Home Staging will present concepts and tips for presenting your home in its best light before the first potential buyer walks through the door.

March 4: Jane Austen at the Movies. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium.

March 4: Pre-Code Film Festival: Tall, Dark & Dangerous Men. 2 p.m.: “Scarface” (1932); March 23, 6:30 p.m.: “The Public Enemy” (1931); March 30, 6:30 p.m.: “Manhattan Melodrama” (1932).

March 5: Documentary Sunday. 3 p.m. in the

Tuesdays, March 7-28: Jump Start Your Job Search with Andrea Wilson Woods. 6 p.m. on the lower level of the Library. March 7 (Room 102): How to Hunt for a Job by Looking in All the Right Places; March 14 (Room 116): Writing Killer Resumes ― the Four Key Ingredients; March 21 (Room 102): How to Ace Your Next Job Interview ― Nail Your “Tell Me About Yourself” Story; March 28 (Room 102): How to Create an All-Star LinkedIn Profile ― and Why You Need One. Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28: Master Your Next Job Interview with Andrea Wilson Woods.

7 p.m on the lower level of the Library. The key to a successful job interview is practice, practice, practice.

In this ongoing, drop-in, job interview preparation class, you will learn acting techniques such as improvisation, monologues and scene study to master your next job interview and nail your Tell Me About Yourself story.

March 8: First Step Wednesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Geared toward casual users. Join us as Apple-certified trainers for Alabama Tech-Ease answer your questions on how best to use your Apple device.

March 10: OLLI Bonus Program: Elections, Making Sense of It All. 1 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Dr. Natalie Davis, professor of political science at Birmingham-Southern College, will examine the November 2016 election: how it happened the way it did and its ramifications.

March 14: Genealogy 101: Digital Dixie. 11:30 a.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Learn search strategies to find untapped information and locate your ancestors.

March 14: Edward Jones Workshop and Luncheon: Tax-free Investing. 11:30 a.m. in the Large Auditorium.

Learn how tax-advantaged investing can help you achieve your financial goals faster. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.; workshop will be from 12-1 p.m. Participation in the workshop is free; reservations required.

March 14: Oxmoor Page Turner’s Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Discussing “Commonwealth” by Ann Patchett.

March 15: Book Signing with Carolyn Robertson. 1 p.m. Author of “Where the Miracle Continues.” Room 110 (Lower Level).

March 16: Planning the Perfect Disney Vacation with Lisa Cross. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Get tips describing the Disney parks, best times to travel, budgetary advice and other helpful hints to plan your perfect vacation.

March 17: Revisiting Forgotten Alabama with author Glenn Wills. 1 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Books will be available for purchase, and a signing will take place after the program.

March 20: Bossypants Book Club: “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Suskind. 6:30-8 p.m.

Nabeel’s Café.

March 21: The ABC’s of Medicare. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Room 116 (Lower Level). Get answers to how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured and how to file a claim.

March 21: LibraryFlix. 3:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium.

March 22: Niki Sepsas presents Gibraltar: The Rock at the End of the World. 1 p.m. in the Round Auditorium.

March 22: iProduct Master Class: Photography Using iPads & iPhones. 2 p.m. in the Large Auditorium.

Topics will include sharing images, creating albums and projects, basic photo editing and more.

March 23: UAB Neuroscience Café: Your Brain on Estrogen. 6:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium.

March 24: Bib & Tucker Sewing Opportunity. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Facilitators will be on hand to help make quilt blocks, and no sewing experience is necessary.

March 28: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. in Room 106 (Lower Level). Sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Participation in the workshop is free; however reservations are requested.

March 29: The Better Than Therapy Book Club.

2 p.m. in the Boardroom. Discussing “The Nest” by Cynthia D. Sweeney.