Homewood Star October 2022

50 YEARS OF MUSIC

Homewood Patriot Band celebrates 50th anniversary

By NEAL EMBRY

They called it the “death march.”

Years ago, before the Home wood Patriot Band switched its focus to Friday nights and parades, the legendary band took part in regional and state

competitions. It usually ended with the band lifting the first-place trophy.

Cindy Wade, the founder and long time leader of the Star-Spangled Girls, an auxiliary group to the band, said the band would march into competi tions single-file, very “austere.”

“Every other band got quiet,”

Wade said.

The message to the judges was, “We’re here to play,” Wade said.

And for 50 years, the band has played: in Homewood, in competitions, in Dublin, in multiple Macy’s Thanksgiv ing Day Parades, multiple Tournament of Roses Parades — wherever there

has been a need for an elite high school band, the Patriot Band has probably been there.

“The band has been such a unique animal for the city of Homewood,” Wade said.

See

Upton Moorer, 4, rides his scooter along the sidewalk as his older sister, Lillian, 9, walks their dog Gabby, 15, in the Mayfair neighborhood on Sept. 16.

Mayfair, Hollywood residents share love of neighborhood

By NEAL EMBRY and ERIC TAUNTON

Multiple neighborhoods in Homewood are known for their walkability, sense of community and centrality to shops and other institutions in the community.

For some neighborhoods in Homewood, how ever, it wasn’t always that way.

When Denise Vail and her husband moved to the Mayfair neighborhood in 2003, the commu nity had small cottage houses that were “a little overpriced at the time,” she said.

When families in Mayfair decided to have more

children, they would move to other cities in the community that still had a small-town feel but bigger houses with better prices, such as Vestavia Hills or the Brookwood Forest area in Mountain Brook, she said. Vail and her husband, on the other hand, decided to risk investing in the community.

“We understood why people were leaving, but we also understood that investment into Home wood had to start somewhere,” Vail said.

Danielle Wade

Billy Wade

Cindy Wade

The Homewood marching band performs the national anthem at the start of a game against Calera at Waldrop Stadium on Sept. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

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About Us

Editor’s Note By Neal Embry

There’s something about Friday nights during high school football season.

As you read this, the season is well underway in the city of Homewood. While I’m not able to help as much as I used to, I still enjoy covering games throughout the Starnes Media coverage area on Friday nights when I can.

While the actual game on the field is always exciting, part of what makes those nights so special is the roar of the crowd and, of course, the sound of the band.

In Homewood, those who make it out to Waldrop Stadium for a game are blessed not only to see a routinely successful football team, but to hear and see one of the most highly regarded high school bands

in the country. The Homewood High School Patriot Band has traveled all over the world and has marched in multiple Rose Bowl and Thanksgiv ing Day parades.

This year marks 50 years of the band and its auxiliaries, and we are

pleased to feature them on the cover of this month’s paper. We’ve taken a look back at the history of the band, the successes they’ve had and the impact they have on everyone in the Homewood community.

My colleague, Eric Taunton, has written a story on new Library Direc tor Judith Wright. Judith has been with the library for some time but has recently taken over the lead role from the now-retired Debbie Fout. Congratulations to Judith, and good luck as she begins this new role!

As always, thanks for reading!

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Johnna Hawkins reacts as she’s named the 2022 John Carroll Catholic High School Homecoming Queen during halftime as the Cavaliers face Hayden at Pat Sullivan Field on Sept. 9.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

City

Homewood Senior Center celebrates 20th anniversary

By ERIC TAUNTON

For 20 years, the Homewood Senior Center has provided seniors in Homewood fitness and socialization opportunities.

In 1997, former Mayor Barry McCulley discovered a need waiting to be filled in the community for Homewood’s senior residents.

McCulley held a community meeting to hear suggestions from residents on how the city could improve the community when Nell dine Rice, a Homewood resident, told him the city was “behind” Vestavia and Hoover when it came to providing for its seniors, per a short essay written by Barbara Pilato, former director of the Homewood Senior Center.

“Mayor McCulley knew I had touched the lives of many seniors while working at Home wood Park, and he asked me to research the situation and come up with possibilities for our seniors,” Pilato wrote. “With the full backing of the mayor’s office, I did research and talked to Homewood seniors regarding their concerns and needs.”

After Pilato met with members of the com munity, she said, 350 seniors formed the Home wood Primetimers Organization, a group that sought to address issues concerning senior res idents in the community.

A need the group immediately identified, Pilato said, was senior transportation, which prompted McCulley to request that two vans be donated to the HPO by the Homewood Police Department.

The HPO started lobbying in Homewood City Council meetings for a senior center, Pilato said, with seniors only being able to meet in the Homewood Public Library.

center for the city and the center finally opened on Oct. 18, 2002.

“I’ve had seniors tell me things like ‘I don’t have any family nearby. If it wasn’t for this place, I don’t know what I’d do,’” said Aimee Thornton, director of the Homewood Senior Center.

Thornton said working at the senior center is gratifying for her and always eventful.

The center is an important part of the com munity because it offers senior citizens in

bodily fitness as well as be entertained, Thorn ton said.

“Camaraderie for seniors is very important,” said Galinda Waites, tai-chi and dance instruc tor at Homewood Senior Center. “It’s easy to feel isolated, especially during COVID, so this helps a lot. For seniors it’s very important.”

Thornton and Waites have been working with seniors for over 20 years, she said.

When she was looking to transition out of her job as a teacher, she found part-time work in an independent living retirement home and privately helped three siblings that lived at the

home, two of which were blind, she said.

“I brought them here for a dance that featured a live band and I just thought ‘what a great facil ity,’” Thornton said. “I thought to myself ‘one day, I’d love to work here’ and it worked out.”

When she decided to look for a full-time job, Thornton said, she took a job as the activity’s director for St. Martin’s in the Pines Assisted Living in Birmingham until she accepted her current position at the senior center in 2010.

“The Homewood Senior Center stands as a testament to Homewood’s concern and care for its senior population,” Pilato said.

Members of the Homewood Senior Center participate in a clay class led by Jo Ann Brown on Sept. 12.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Bid for Shades Creek Greenway Phase II approved

By ERIC TAUNTON

The Homewood City Council on Aug. 22 approved a bid by Chilton Contractors to connect the existing Shades Creek Greenway trail that ends at the intersection of Columbiana Road and Lakeshore Parkway to the other side of Columbiana Road.

The trail will extend by the Crescent at Lakeshore apartments, behind the businesses in the Wildwood area, and end at BioLife Plasma.

The bid came in at $6.7 million, slightly over the anticipated cost of roughly $6 million. That estimate was given by consultants Goodwyn Mills Cawood.

The total cost of the project is a little more than $7 million, with the city responsible for 20% of the proj ect, about $1.7 million. The Alabama Department of Transportation is responsible for the other 80% of the project.

Work was set to begin in mid- to late September, Keith Strickland with GMC previously told the finance committee.

The council also approved changes to the tree and landscape ordinance, while also sending that item back to the Planning and Development Com mittee, which will discuss possible further changes. Approved changes include exempting projects from the city's tree permit that involve building alterations on less than 50% of the total square footage of the area or exterior site improvements less than $5,000. It also allows those required by the city to plant trees to instead pay into the city’s tree replacement fund, a $750 payment per tree. It also creates a definition of

artificial turf and states that if a detailed engineering description is submitted to and approved by the city engineer, artificial turf will not be considered an accessory structure. There is a 30% limit to backyard accessory structures, with anything over that requiring an

appearance before the Board of Zoning Adjustments, City Engineer Cale Smith said. This move eliminates some of those cases that appear before the board each month.

For more on this meeting, visit thehomewoodstar.com.

Mayor’s Minute

By Patrick McClusky

October is truly one of my favorite months of the year!

Fall is in full swing, and we begin the seemingly quick hol iday season.

The new budget for fiscal 2023 has been approved, and we actually began the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. Many exciting things are slated for this year, including more stormwater improvements throughout the city, the Samford Pocket Park on Saulter Road and the addition of sidewalks in the West Homewood area of Forrest Brook. We are so happy to provide these citizens with a much needed pedestrian safe path through their neighborhood.

The Annual Chamber Golf Classic will be held in October and provides funds for the Chamber of Com merce to continue their great work in providing our city with economic growth, and servicing our great Home wood businesses.

On a serious note, I know we have all seen closings of some of our favorite businesses over the last couple of years. The pandemic put a strain on many of our local stores and restaurants, and it has been very hard for these establishments to keep up with rising costs and labor shortages. I implore Homewood citizens to shop and dine locally to support these fine businesses and help them through these holiday months.

Lastly, please take the time to bring your family out for the Annual Witches Ride, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30 and benefits the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB!

A cyclist travels along the Shades Creek Greenway on Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. Photo by Erin Nelson.

The Estelle Apartments, located near Lakeshore Parkway behind Cookout in Homewood, were developed by the Dobbins Group, a multifamily developer based in Birmingham. The Dobbins Group is starting a new apartment project on the 40-acre property just off West Oxmoor Road near Westgate Storage and Buffalo Rock Co. headquarters.

Photo courtesy of The Estelle Apartments.

Affordable luxury apartments coming to West Oxmoor Road

By ERIC TAUNTON

New luxury apartments are coming to the area after the Birmingham City Council voted to rezone the property just off West Oxmoor Road near Westgate Storage and Buffalo Rock Co. headquarters on Aug. 23.

The property was rezoned from a light-manufacturing district to a multi-family housing district.

Eric Morrison, vice president of develop ment for the Dobbins Group, a multifamily developer based in Birmingham, said they found great success with their previous apart ment project, The Estelle, near Lakeshore Parkway behind Cookout, which had “the fastest lease-up in Alabama’s history,” and they offer the same experience to young res idents that want to live closer to downtown Birmingham.

The $50 to $60 million development will provide “a market-rate, luxury-type complex

with top amenities to cater to young profes sionals working in Birmingham,” Morrison said.

He said the development will offer “a downtown product with downtown level of amenities but at a lower rent.”

“We saw the opportunity to execute on this project and do a very similar type of program as we did with the Estelle, since we had so much success,” Morrison said.

Similar to The Estelle, the development will feature grilling stations, gym space, a resort-style pool, charging stations and dog spas, he said.

The complex will be on a 40-acre property but only 20 acres will be used for apartment spaces, which gives them the opportunity to create hiking trails and pickleball courts, Morrison said.

“We are very excited to execute on this project and look to start construction in the second quarter of 2023,” Morrison said.

Business

By NEAL EMBRY

Story isn’t just in the name at Sto ryteller Overland. It’s at the center of what the adventure van business seeks to do daily.

“Story is at the center of it all,” said founder and CEO Jeffrey Hunter. “People are giving themselves per mission to pursue more adventurous lifestyles.”

While much of the company’s ini tial market was out West in places like California, Hunter said the RV maker, which touts a new and unique design, has found a home in Birming ham, both figuratively and literally, with a new space opening recently at 428 Industrial Lane.

“[Birmingham] is ideal for recruit ing and retaining craftsmen, skilled labor and executive leadership,” Hunter said. “We absolutely love and adore Birmingham.”

Alabama is “welcoming” and “pro-business,” Hunter said.

The new, 80,000-square-foot space is twice the size of the company’s previous space and allows them to expand into Birmingham, which showed an interest in the outdoor life style. Hunter said he is excited about bringing people into what he called the “intergalactic” headquarters of the company, and said it should “up the volume of engagement” in their backyard of Birmingham.

“It’s fun to see people discover us and learn about us,” Hunter said.

Owning a van and taking it all over the country on various adventures is fun for customers on their own, but the business has noted through their marketing and communications efforts with those customers that they’re finding like-minded travelers as well, Hunter said.

“We get to equip people to find

adventure and community with each other,” Hunter said.

As people push themselves “to the edge of their personal map,” they’re learning that they aren’t alone in that pursuit, Hunter said.

Storyteller Overland features Class B adventure vehicles, dubbed, in var ious forms, the MODE. The vans are

Storyteller Overland

with traditional agencies, which Hunter said is unusual for RVs. The Storyteller RVs, he said, allow users to go beyond the “traditional” offer ings like campgrounds and other spaces typically reserved for RVs, while having creature comforts like air conditioning and more. The floor plan is also flexible and allows for users to adjust it based on what they need at the moment, Hunter said.

“We’re blessed to have a few MODEs out in the wild in Birming ham,” Hunter said.

Hunter said the market is grow ing here, allowing for out-of-state visitors to correct some misconcep tions they may have about Alabama. Owners from as far out as the Bay Area or the Pacific Northwest will come into town and find how “lovely people are,” which is different than what they expect, Hunter said. They not only find loving people, but biking trails and other offerings they may not have known existed here, he said.

“It just blows people’s minds,” Hunter said.

designed to be more agile, smaller, able to fit in a normal parking space, Hunter said. That comes along with what adventurers typically desire, from four-wheel drive to an energy system that allows users to be offroad and off-grid, Hunter said.

The vans can also be financed for up to 20 years and can be insured

While the West has more public lands and national parks, adventures can still be had here, Hunter said, and they are just as meaningful. There is a “natural beauty” of river and lake systems here, he said.

The van’s local dealer is Mer cedes-Benz of Birmingham. For more information, visit storyteller overland.com.

of the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode vehicle at the open house event

Overland Intergalactic Headquarters in Birmingham on Aug. 20. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

Salon 46 hosted a ribbon cutting Aug. 27 to celebrate the opening of its new location at 350 Hallman Hill E., Suite 71, in Homewood. The salon officially opened at the beginning of August, and serves clients with unique solutions for healthy and beautiful hair. 205-848-2265, salon46.com

COMING SOON

SanPeggios Pizza has announced three forthcoming locations in Homewood, Five Points South and on U.S. 280. SanPeggios currently has three locations in the Birmingham area in Chelsea, Trussville and on Valley dale Road in Hoover. sanpeggiopizza.com

Little Professor, a Homewood bookstore, has an nounced plans to expand to Pepper Place in Birming ham. There are plans for this location to include a full-service fixed bar offering coffee, drinks and a light café menu. The space is scheduled to open in October, but they are currently doing pop-up sales on Saturdays at Pepper Place. 205-870-7461, littleprofessorhomewood.com

Ace Hardware has announced a new Homewood loca tion coming soon at the corner of Oxmoor Road and Green Springs Highway, next to Maya Mexican. acehardware.com

Scenthound, a dog grooming concept, is opening a new location on Hollywood Boulevard. This is the second of at least 10 stores that business partners Jacob Lee and Brett Basik plan to open between the Birmingham and Nashville metro areas. Scenthound focuses on the five core areas of maintenance that all dogs need: skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth. Monthly memberships, starting at $35, include a bath, ear cleaning, nail clip and teeth brushing. Haircuts and other services can be added on as needed. The Birmingham area store will be located next to Mexico Lindo at 354 Hollywood Blvd. and is scheduled to open in early November. scenthound.com

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

Alabama Goods, a retail company that sells gifts, food and distinctive goods made exclusively in Alabama, has signed two leases to expand operations and its retail footprint. One lease supports an expansion of the oper ations center in West Homewood, which manages online and corporate sales for the company. The expansion doubles the original size of the center in preparation for the upcoming gift-giving season. Additionally, a lease was signed to open a third store at Stadium Trace Village, on the corner of John Hawkins Parkway and Stadium Trace Parkway in Hoover. Alabama Goods will occupy approximately 2,500 square feet along with two restaurants and a retail establishment. Originally slated to open July 2022, the opening date of the store has been pushed back to accommodate construction delays. Construction should be completed summer 2023. Alabama Goods currently operates retail stores in Homewood and Huntsville. 205-803-3900, alabamagoods.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Ashley McMakin, founder and chief executive officer of Ashley Mac’s, a fast casual café, catering and gour met-to-go business with five Birmingham locations, is Alabama’s Gold Retailer of the Year in the annual sales $5 million to $20 million category. Ashley Mac’s is one of 11 businesses being honored as the 2022 Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association. ashleymacs.com

Susan Gordon, founder, chief creator and owner of Susan Gordon Pottery in Homewood, is the Bronze Al abama Retailer of the Year in the annual sales $1 million to $5 million category. Gordon’s store offers handmade pottery in the form of bowls, vases, dishes, serveware, picture frames and seasonal Christmas décor, as well as ceramic jewelry and framed intaglios. 205-968-1096, susangordonpottery.com

Babbie Styslinger, owner of At Home Furnishings located at 2921 18th St. S., has been named one of Alabama’s Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association. 205-879-3510, athome-furnishings.com

Cookie Fix, with locations in both Homewood and Vestavia Hills, has been named one of the Alabama Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association. cookiefix.com

Financial wellness fintech company Immediate an nounces Chief Operating Officer Michael Orme, a Homewood resident, has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Financial Technology COOs of 2022 by The Financial Technology Report. joinimmediate.com

CLOSINGS

Over Easy, a popular breakfast spot located at 358 Hollywood Blvd., permanently closed Sept. 2. The owners announced on Facebook that they will not be renew ing their lease, and expressed gratitude to their staff and customers for the nearly 12 years of business. overeasybham.com

Community

Aspiring Paralympian excels in national championships

By ERIC TAUNTON

Twelve-year-old Gage Hendrix has only played basketball and swam at the Lakeshore Foundation for two years, and he has already earned multiple gold, silver and bronze medals at two Junior National championships.

Last year, Hendrix earned a gold, two silver and a bronze medal in Junior Nationals and this year he’s won one gold, two silvers and one bronze medals in this year’s Junior Nationals.

“They’re fun and I have a lot of friends,” Hendrix said.

“Lakeshore, in general, has been a life saver for us since he started, especially since he’s gotten into athletics,” said Haley Hen drix, Gage’s mother. “I think it’s given him an opportunity to feel included and that he can compete."

Gage said he’s always wanted to play sports but his doctors advised against it because of his cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects the muscles, coordination and balance.

One day, one of his doctors suggested he start playing sports at the Lakeshore Foundation, and Gage has been there ever since, Haley said.

“It’s been good for me as a human being and also as a parent,” Haley said. “To see him grow and to see him build those relationships has been great. I think being a part of a team builds so much character in kids and this afforded us the opportunity to do that.”

Feeling accepted by other kids has always been a struggle for Gage, he said.

Because his cerebral palsy is less visible than most people’s, it’s harder for people to under stand why he’s unable to do certain things, he said.

“If you walked up one flight of stairs and he walked up that same flight of stairs, his body feels like he walked three more flights of stairs

than you did,” Haley said. “If you walked a mile and he walked it with you, his body thinks he walked three more miles than you did.”

Since he started playing sports at Lakeshore Foundation, Gage has made a lot of friends and has gained more confidence in himself, Haley said.

“What it [Lakeshore Foundation] means to us as a family is huge and the difference we’ve seen in Gage is huge,” Haley said. “He wouldn’t tell people for years that he had CP. Because he could walk and he didn’t need any thing, he would just say, ‘I don’t know why I can’t do that,’ or ‘I don’t want to.’ After he started doing Lakeshore and sports, he did a

PowerPoint presentation in one of his classes about the Paralympics and he posted a picture of himself with all his medals and they were like, ‘What? What is that?’”

Haley said sports are “in their family’s DNA.”

She used to be a competitive cheerleader and Gage’s father played college and semi-pro football, Haley said.

The first sport Gage competed in was swim ming, which showed his parents a different side to him they hadn’t seen before, Haley said.

“Swim team was awesome and we loved it because it gave him confidence,” Haley said. “We didn’t even know he was competitive.”

He started playing basketball soon after and loved the teamwork aspect of the game, Gage said.

“When you’re swimming you’re by yourself

but at the same time you’re not,” he said. “With basketball, you have to work together and you have to work as a team and be a team.”

Haley said their family appreciates that the sporting events at Lakeshore aren’t conde scending or “cutesy.”

She said players are aggressive and com petitive, but they are also encouraging to one another.

“Especially in basketball, where we see the same people at all of these different tour naments all over the country,” Haley said. “They’re very friendly, encouraging and they’ll watch the other games and cheer for you but when it’s their turn, that friend stuff goes out the window.”

Gage said he’s excited to continue playing sports at Lakeshore Foundation and hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics.

Domestic violence forum to be hosted at Vestavia Hills Civic Center

Samford celebrates grand reopening of Buchanan Hall

By ERIC TAUNTON

Samford University has seen massive changes and renovations to the campus as part of its 20-year master plan, created in 2016 under the administration of former president Andrew Westmoreland.

A huge step forward in the master plan was cele brated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand reopening of Buchanan Hall, the university’s home for the Division of Music and School of the Arts, on Thursday, Sept. 1.

“What a great day for Samford University, our School of the Arts, for our Division of Music and our students, faculty and staff of this wonderful university,” said Samford President Beck Taylor.

Buchanan Hall features renovated practice studios, new HVAC systems, an elevator, modern administra tive offices, a vocal arts suite and an almost-finished recording studio, said Bill Stevens, chairman of Sam ford University’s board of trustees.

It’s been the home for the Division of Music since 1958 and was named Buchanan Hall in 1960 in honor of John H. Buchanan, a longtime board member for the university.

“The advanced technology in the building

strengthens our curriculum and our learning,” said Cindy St. Clair, interim chair of the Division of Music at Samford University. “Our students can participate in a master class or conference with people all over the world in their own practice rooms. New student common areas reinforce our commitment to commu nity among students and to developing our students as holistic individuals.”

Abigail Shipley, a music major at Samford Univer sity, said she looks forward to interacting with more music students and all of her music classes being in one place now that construction is finished.

“Last year, our classes were spread out in three dif ferent buildings and we had to walk across campus,” Shipley said. “This year, it’s super nice to have one place to go and I also get to see a lot more music stu dents because we’re all in one place. There’s just a feeling of unity with having everyone in one place.”

As an aspiring music producer, Shipley is excited to start utilizing the school’s new recording studio.

“I’m a commercial music major so the recording studio is for my major,” Shipley said. “I’m really excited about that. My concentration is in production so I’ll be working with audio engineering and stuff like that. I’m really excited about it.”

On Oct. 18 at 6 p.m., over-the-moun tain mayors will host a domestic violence awareness forum, “Protecting our Teens and Young Adults from Dating Vio lence.” The event will be held at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center, located at 1090 Mont gomery Highway. The public is invited to attend this free event hosted by Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry, along with Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch, Hoover Mayor Frank Bro cato and Homewood Mayor Pat rick McClusky.

“We are proud to bring knowl edge and awareness of this program to our communities,” McClusky said. “The importance of this presentation cannot be understated, as building strong and healthy relationships from a young age are incredibly vital. We want to provide our citizens with the knowledge of recognizing vio lent relationships, as well as tools to help prevent possible tragedy.”

For many, unhealthy relation ships can begin early and last a lifetime. Abuse can take place in person, online or through a device and is often ongoing with out the knowledge of parents, other family members or close friends. This event is specifically designed for parents of teens and college-age young adults and will include presentation on topics including: the scope of domestic and dating violence in Jefferson County; resources available to

help and educate the public; tips on how to recognize dating or relationship violence in the workplace, and among friends and relatives, particularly teens; tips on how to respond appropriately when someone needs help. Attendees will also receive infor mation on primary prevention programs available to schools and groups that focus on creating safe and healthy relation ships in an effort to stop relation ship violence before it starts. This is key, considering those between the ages of 16-24 are the most at-risk age group for relationship violence and 40% of teens ages 14-17 have been exposed to at least one form of intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.

Presenters will include: LaR honda Magras, CEO, YWCA Central Alabama; Allison Dear ing, Executive Director, One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center; Cleola Callahan, Senior Director of Domestic Violence Services, YWCA Cen tral Alabama; and Susann Mont gomery-Clark and Rod Clark, Founding Donors of the Megan Montgomery Domestic Violence Prevention Fund at The Com munity Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

For more information, contact Susann Montgomery-Clark of the Megan Fund at 205-568-7474.

– Submitted by Cinnamon McCulley.

Gage Hendrix has grown personally and competitively through sports at the Lakeshore Foundation. Photos courtesy of Haley Hendrix.

Guests, faculty, staff and students tour the newly renovated Buchanan Hall at Samford University on Sept.

1. Photo by Erin Nelson.

McClusky

Breast cancer survivor seeks to

By NEAL EMBRY

At just 32 years old, Homewood resident LeeAnn Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer, with no warning signs or family history.

Twelve years ago, Davis underwent che motherapy, radiation, a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Over a two-year period, Davis overcame her cancer and has since had two more children, something she wasn’t sure was going to happen when she was first diagnosed.

“I definitely feel very blessed,” Davis said.

Following a clean bill of health, which she has since maintained, Davis said it was still difficult to have the healthy lifestyle she enjoyed before, and she struggled with joint pain. She scheduled an appointment with a Pilates studio near her home and instantly fell in love.

Davis’s past career had been in real estate and interior design, and she had not planned on teaching Pilates. Now, the mom of four is teaching Pilates-based classes for breast cancer survivors at TherapySouth Home wood, offering both group and individual sessions.

“I feel like it’s super rewarding,” Davis said. “It feels like it’s coming full circle.”

Nikki Woods, the clinic director, said many survivors struggle with everyday tasks like parenting their children, combing their hair and putting on clothes, due to the phys ical strain fighting cancer takes on the body.

The new Pilates class, led by someone who has been through that battle, seeks to help with those quality-of-life issues that can be debilitating and sometimes lifelong, Davis said.

through Pilates

“We’ve torn your body down; what do we do to build it back up?” she said.

The program focuses on rebuilding strength, restoring range of motion and other affected areas, Davis said, and is not dependent on certain levels of skill or fitness.

“Anybody can do [Pilates],” Davis said.

Davis is now a certified Pilates instruc tor, coordinating with Woods, a friend, on designing the class. Davis was a patient at TherapySouth, so when Woods asked her to teach, she said she felt called to do it.

Davis is glad to be helping others like her overcome the struggles she faced post-treatment.

“My passion is to help other women who have been through this,” Davis said.

The program lasts eight weeks and meets twice a week, with each two weeks build ing upon the last. Physical therapy will be recommended for some to help “fill in the gaps” for patient needs, Woods said.

Davis said it’s easy for survivors to be afraid of someone touching them.

“We want to create that safe environment … with someone who’s been through it,” Davis said.

The classes will help empower survivors to advocate for themselves, Davis said.

The classes are part of the continued expansion at the clinic, which first opened to address pelvic health, including prostate cancer patients and survivors, those who are often overlooked post-treatment, Woods said.

TherapySouth will use MindBody to book Davis, and more information can be found at therapysouth.com/locations/ homewood. Davis can be reached at davisl@therapysouth.net.

LeeAnn Davis teaches a one-on-one Pilates class with a patient through a breast cancer rehabilitation program at TherapySouth in Homewood. Photo courtesy of Cedar Creative LLC.

The Homewood ‘Haunted’ Library

Staff shares stories of spooky encounters in the public library

By ERIC TAUNTON

Is the Homewood Public Library haunted? Some of the staff think so.

Before Homewood Public Library was at its current location on Oxmoor Road, it was Homewood Church of Christ.

The church used to host Sunday school meetings in the bottom level of the building, until it was bought by the city of Homewood as the city’s new library in 1984.

Since it opened in 1986, the library has been a center for mystery and intrigue in Home wood, as residents and ghost hunters alike try to answer the question: “Is the Homewood Public Library haunted?”

Over the years, several librarians and patrons have reported hearing women’s voices, books flying off the shelves and doors slamming open and shut by themselves.

The library saw the most activity when ren ovations were being made to the library in the 1990s, according to the book “Haunted Bir mingham” by Alan Brown.

Former Library Director Debbie Fout remembers working in the downstairs of the library, which is where the administrative offices were located, while offices on the first floor were being built and the building was being remodeled.

“I was working late one night,” Fout said. “It was on a Friday night and I was the only one in the building and I left my office to go to the restroom and I left my door open because there was no one else in the building. When I came back, the door was closed and it scared me because I thought I locked my keys in there but it wasn’t locked. I worked there a while longer and then the next time when I had to go down the hall, I was positive that I closed the door. … When I went to the restroom and came back, the door was open.”

Fout said she also remembers when a construction crew ran out of the building in the middle of the night while renovating the building.

“They were putting in the sprinkler between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m,” Fout said. “They’d come in after we closed and finished before we opened in the morning. One night, the lights began going off and on by themselves. A few min utes later, some lightweight metal studs began moving across the floor by themselves. Then the electrical cords start dancing in the air like snakes. They got so scared that they took off in the middle of the night and left all of their tools in the library. Later that night, they called the police and had them come into the library and get their tools.”

When the foreman of the work crew heard about what happened, Fout said, he had all of the crew drug tested, with some workers refus ing to go back inside the library.

“We’re haunted and this place is as creepy as can be at night,” said Library Director Judith Wright.

The library has seen several ghost hunters and psychics, Wright said, but she remembers one particular visit very well.

Co-founders of S.C.A.R.E. Alabama, a para normal research organization, Kim Johnston and Shane Busby approached Wright to ask if they could stay late and do a ghost reading.

“I was like, ‘Sure, come down around 7:308:00 p.m., the lower level is mostly cleared by then so I’ll take you around,’” Wright said. “We were looking into doing after-hour ghost tours with them, where people would pay as a fundraiser for the library and walk around with the ghost hunters and do readings of their equipment.”

Wright went downstairs to walk around with Busby and Johnston so she could unlock all the doors and “try not to roll her eyes” from skepticism, she said.

While Wright was sitting in the Friends of the Library bookstore, which also used to be one of many Sunday school rooms, Johnston

and Busey asked the “spirits” questions and then waited for them to communicate their answers through their equipment, which oper ates similarly to an AM/FM radio, Wright said.

“They were asking a series of questions and I’m not paying that much attention,” Wright said. “They asked the question ‘How many spirits are here?’ The radio goes silent and then, as clear as day, you can hear something say the number ‘Nine’ over the scanner and then it goes quiet. I said, ‘OK, everyone grab a buddy, lights on, we are out of here.’ I was done.”

Since then, as a joke, Wright said, library staff say ‘Goodnight, nine’ as they lock up the library every night.

When librarians and patrons returned from quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no one heard much from “the nine” until the library held a ghost tour once cases were reduced, Wright said.

“I remember one night, a director took a group downstairs with the tour guides around 10 o’ clock at night,” Wright said. “I stayed upstairs in my office. I was at my desk working and she sent me a text message and she’s like, ‘Stop it,’” Wright said. “I said, ‘What?’ and she texted back ‘stop moving around above us. We hear you walking around in your high heels above us.’”

Little did they know that Wright was sitting in her office working, on the opposite side of the building, she said.

“She was like, ‘Don’t joke with us’ and I told her, ‘I have not moved from my desk,’”

Wright said. “When they came back upstairs, she went on the security camera to look and I sat right at my desk.… They heard a woman in high heels walking, but at no point did I walk over to where they were.”

Leslie West, head of adult services, got stuck at the library during the infamous “Snowpoca lypse” in 2014, she said.

After she was done helping with a program that day, she had to help make sure that every one left the library safely, West said.

She knew from how slowly everyone was leaving, she said, that she wasn’t going to be able to make a trip home through heavy traffic because of the snow.

West decided to walk to Nabeel’s to buy gro ceries and spend the night in the library along with Tricia Ford, former executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, West said.

Since Ford got settled for the night in the library’s staff room, West said, she decided to reside in her office for the night.

“It was the perfect place to spend your ‘ice’ in,” West said. “We had heat, light, power, I had my office, my computer games, my phone and my dinner. I was perfect.”

She turned off all of the lights around her office, which is in the adults department, and went to sleep, West said.

West was awakened at 3 a.m. by a woman who was laughing hysterically, she said, but there wasn’t anyone else in the adults department.

“It’s about three ‘o clock. I wake up and

there’s a woman laughing hysterically, and I mean loud,” West said. “It woke me up. It felt like it was standing right outside, in the middle of the floor out there [in the adult department]. I listened and I thought, ‘Is that Tricia?’ and I go, ‘Oh my God no, it is not Tricia.’”

She said she began talking out loud as she was laying in her office with a blanket over her head, asking the ‘spirit’ to stop.

“I said, ‘I know I’m in your place but this is my place too and I can’t leave. Please stop laughing, you’re scaring me to death,’ and they stopped,” West said. “The next morning, Tricia came over and she knocked on my window. I asked her, ‘Were you in my department last night laughing?’ and she said, ‘No, why would I be doing that?’”

When the library had a psychic visit, West said, she asked about the woman who was laughing while she was sleeping.

“I asked her ‘who was the lady laughing’ and she said ‘Oh, she used to live on this property because she was so delighted that someone was here because no one’s usually here in the middle of the night,’” West said. “I told her that she scared me and she goes, ‘Well, she quieted down didn’t she?’”

Though the library is ‘haunted,’ the general consensus from experts is that the ‘spirits’ aren’t evil, Fout said.

Wright said the staff have embraced the ghosts as a part of the Homewood Public Library family, Wright said.

“We just think of those spirits as a part of our Homewood Library,” Wright said.

Above: Lonnie Jones, the circulation department head at the Homewood Public Library and employee of the library for 18 years, talks about how the DVDs on the wall in the movies department will fall off the shelves when no one is around on. The library is believed to be haunted. Left: Street lights line the sidewalk leading to the front entrance of the library.

Photos by Erin Nelson.

New library director excited to continue serving community

By ERIC TAUNTON

Her mom takes the credit, but Judith Wright has always loved the idea of working with books.

She grew up loving the TV show “Reading Rainbow,” and she always found herself volun teering in school libraries when she was small, she said.

After working at the Homewood Public Library for several years, Wright has been selected as the library’s new director after the beloved former director, Debbie Fout, retired from the position this year.

Wright said despite Fout’s many years of ser vice as the library’s director, she doesn’t feel any pressure stepping into her shoes because she spent so much time working with Fout and learning from her.

“Debbie is wonderful,” Wright said. “She’s like my library mom. … She prepared me in the fact that everything she did, she showed me, she taught me and she mentored me so there’s no pressure because I also know I can pick up the phone and call her.”

When she was promoted to assistant director in October 2019, Wright said, she was given the opportunity to learn about library adminis tration and still work as a librarian in the teen department.

“I held those dual roles for two years,” Wright said. “That allowed me to go back to administra tion and see behind the scenes, because adminis tration is totally different from working the front desk or doing programs. I tell people all the time, I really don’t get to do much with literacy like books and things but I can make sure my staff has the resources and the funding and the things they need to do those things for the community.”

Wright said Homewood Public Library is unique because of the way the community treats it.

“This community really values their public library,” Wright said. “You see libraries that are loved and utilized but this library is beloved in this community. People are very passionate

about it and they’re passionate about our staff, they get to know them.”

Wright started part time in the children’s department in 2010 and then started working at the Hoover Public Library shortly after, she said.

She returned to the Homewood library fulltime working behind the circulation desk in 2011 then left again to become a reference librarian in Alabaster, before returning to Homewood in 2014.

After she came back to the library, she said, she swore she wouldn’t leave again.

“I love the other places I’ve worked, they taught me a lot, but this is a wonderful place

to work,” Wright said. “The goal was always to make it back here, but I wanted to gain more experience and learn how other libraries operate.”

Wright didn’t immediately go to library school when she graduated high school, she said, but something led her back to books.

“My mom one day was like, ‘You got to go grad school. You’re about to graduate from UAB with a degree in art history, what are you going to do after?’” Wright said. “I said ‘I don’t know.’ She said ‘Well, I think you should go to library school.’”

Wright said she loves public libraries

specifically because she loves helping and work ing with people and every day on the job is fun.

Despite being the busiest library in the state for its size, including events and the amount of people using the library’s spaces, she loves serving the community with her staff, she said.

“It’s absolutely fun,” Wright said. “When you work with a fantastic group of people who are all driven by the same goal of promoting the library within the community and serving the community, you don’t wake up dreading work. You wake up excited to see what your team has come up with and how they want to change how you serve.”

Judith Wright, the new director of the Homewood Public Library, stands in the library in front of the library’s new digital board.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Remembering September 11

The cities of Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook held the annual Patriot Day and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Vestavia Hills City Hall. Ret. Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service Michael Williams delivered the keynote speech and talked about his experience as a member of the Secret Service under President George W. Bush in 2001.

Above: Ret. Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service Michael Williams gives the keynote speech.

Right: Bat. Chief Brandon Broadhead with the Homewood Fire Department gives Jackson Sims, 5, a Homewood Fire Department challenge coin.

Photos by Erin Nelson

Events

Volunteers help preserve Union Missionary Baptist Church in Rosedale

In May, Homewood resident Chad wick Stogner asked what could be done as a community to help Union Mission ary Baptist Church in Rosedale, during the Homewood Historical Preservation Commission’s presentation on its historic structure report on the church.

The 135-year old church located in the heart of Rosedale continues to fundraise to make repairs on the church. Stogner, owner of Elegant Earth, saw the damage to the angels on the outside of the church and acted quickly. Using historical reproduc tion techniques, he took the damaged angel and repaired it and found a match for the stolen angel in Atlanta. Stogner contacted Sweet Peas Garden Shop in Homewood,

which showed up with an array of heat-tol erant plants. They will continue to care for the flowers and change them with the seasons.

Earlier this month, Boy Scout Troop 495 from Fairfield came out for a day of ser vice for the church. Stogner showed one of the youngest how to mix concrete as he placed the angel inside the historic brick beds. It took four men to pick up two urns that were then installed inside the beds to complement the colors of the church.

The Rev. Edward Steele, pastor of the church, said he is thankful for this gen erous donation of time and beautification efforts for the church.

– Submitted by Shawn Barakat.

Witches Ride returns for 10th anniversary

By ERIC TAUNTON

The 10th annual Witches Ride is returning to Homewood Central Park to raise money for cancer research.

The ride will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, starting at 5 p.m., in partnership with O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The women who participate dress up as witches or other characters and toss candy to children during a 2.5-mile bike ride. Prior to the ride, there will be festivities at the park from 2 to 5 p.m.

Central Park will host live music from local performer DJ Sillz and the Homewood High School drumline, as well as inflatable houses and food trucks, among other festivities, said Janie Mayer, co-organizer of the Homewood Witches Ride.

The ride will end at Little Donkey, where the “witches” and their families will meet for an afterparty.

The Homewood Witches Ride was started in honor of Mayer’s mother, Paula String fellow Ford, who died from a rare type of

non-smoking lung cancer only two weeks after she was diagnosed.

“She always used to ride in Florida with a group of ladies,” Mayer said. “They would dress up as witches on Halloween and ride to the school close to where they lived and hand out candy. It wasn’t a fundraiser, they just did it for fun.”

Her mother loved it, Ford said, because it gave her the chance to decorate her bike, “dress up crazy” and then hang out with her friends after they were done passing out candy.

Ford said she decided to do her own version of her mom’s ride in Homewood after talking about the idea with Daphne Dickinson, the other co-organizer.

She said they garnered a lot of support and participation from the community and have kept it going ever since.

Registration for the event is $40 starting Oct. 1.

For more information, go to uab.edu/ homewoodwitchesride or visit the event page on Facebook @homewoodwitchesride.

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Witches toss candy to children from their bicycles during the ninth annual Homewood Witches Ride in October 2021. Proceeds from the event benefit the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Volunteers help clean up Union Missionary Baptist Church during a recent effort in Rosedale.

Photo courtesy of Shawn Barakat.

Homewood City Schools passes fiscal 2023 budget

By ERIC TAUNTON

Homewood City Schools passed the fiscal 2023 budget on Sept. 13, with some schools set to receive some big projects.

The board signed off on multiple capital improvement projects for fiscal 2023, which will cost about $11.6 million including renova tions to the home side of Waldrop Stadium and adding additional parking at Homewood High School, among several other projects, accord ing to the HCS budget for 2023.

Renovations to the stadium will include the expansion and improvement of the locker room as well as renovating the bath rooms.

“Our stadium hasn’t had significant work since 1997,” Homewood City Schools Super intendent Justin Hefner previously said.

The plan also includes restriping the park ing lots of all Homewood schools, replacement of shingle roofing and air conditioner units at Shades Cahaba Elementary School, window glass replacement at Hall-Kent Elementary School and a five-year painting rotation for all schools.

The general fund budget is set at $68.4 million.

The board budgeted local revenues with a 2% sales tax increase, as well as city and prop erty tax revenue.

Sixty-five percent of the budget will be used to pay salaries and benefits, school supplies and materials, technology and textbooks.

Eleven percent of the budget will be used to provide school security as well as operations and maintenance.

Twenty-four percent will be used to provide administrative costs, preschool programs, local support funds transferred to each school, debt service, nutrition and capital funds.

The school system has also benefited from federal COVID-19 relief funds, with $2.58 million available to spend. Those funds will be used for:

► Reading and math intervention tutors, math coaches, counselor, instructional aides

► Health services and supplies, additional school nurse

► Computer hardware and software licenses

► Summer reading programs and credit recovery

► System-wide professional development

a-She said they decided to donate the cot tage-style house they lived in at the time and build their current home in the same location, after searching for another home for three years without finding a community quite like Mayfair.

They loved that Mayfair provided “big-city amenities wrapped up in a small town,” she said.

They loved their house being five to 10 min utes from downtown Birmingham and the sense of community they felt with their neighbors, which became more like family, Vail said.

Over time, Mayfair saw young families build ing homes of their own and investing into the community because they fell in love with Home wood and its potential, she said.

“Instead of someone having one child and making it work and then moving because they’re having a second child, you started seeing people investing back into Homewood,” Vail said. “You started having all of these single family homes being built and occupied with families with more than one child.”

Today, Vail loves Mayfair for its added walkability due to more sidewalks and that her business office, Homewood Family and Cos metics Dentistry, is just a block away from her house. She also enjoys their close proximity to downtown Birmingham, since her children go to college out of state and they can access the international airport, she said.

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Vail said.

Marian Bloomston, owner of Off Central and Ad Momentum in the Rosedale area, lives in Mayfair as well.

Bloomston is one of the residents who has remodeled her home and has also seen other homes bought and flipped. She has no plans to move anywhere else.

“We love it,” Bloomston said.

Mayfair has definitely gotten younger over the years, Bloomston said.

In the future, Mayfair may look more and more like neighboring Crestline Village, Bloom ston said her husband tells her.

“I do think it will keep its charm,” she said.

Hollywood resident Corey Hartman has had similar experiences in his own neighborhood of

16 years.

Hartman said he loves that Hollywood is a centrally located, diverse and involved commu nity of people with different belief systems and perspectives on certain issues that coexist.

“We know each other,” Hartman said. “I know everyone on my street and interact with them. We have a diversity of opinions and viewpoints, but we know how to coexist and respect each other. That’s definitely a plus and a blessing, and it's something you don’t see everywhere these days.”

Hartman said the school system allows chil dren to learn a variety of perspectives in a “coop erative environment where everybody tries to do the best they can to contribute.”

“We like the fact that our school system is thoughtful about all sorts of things, including mascots and making sure things aren’t offensive to people and that they are inclusive to a wide variety of folks,” he said.

Like in Mayfair, Hartman said he’s seen fam ilies getting younger along with older properties being redeveloped.

Though Hollywood has seen some changes, Hartman said, the neighborhood has mostly stayed the same.

“I think the good thing about Homewood — Hollywood at least — is that it doesn’t really change that much,” Hartman said. “That’s one of the good things about it. The fact that you still have solid folks that live there, who are will ing to be cooperative, friendly neighbors that look out for you and help out, I don’t think that changes. … I honestly don’t think I could live anywhere else in Birmingham.”

Hollywood also has Shades Cahaba Elemen tary School to boast in. The oldest school in the city school system, Shades Cahaba has transi tioned from a high school to a grammar school to its current state as a K-5 school.

“Being a part of such a historical community roots us in that history as well,” Principal Wendy Story said. “The school has helped ground the community and the community has helped

The school plays a role in the community both in education and in events, hosting a winter festival each year, supported by Homewood businesses.

The school is a special place, Story said.

“It’s the most precious community of humans that I’ve ever been privileged to be a part of,” Story said. “The kids are kind and giving; they want to help others. Parents are generous with their time and want to make sure we have what we need to support students.”

While it may not be the case across the coun try, Story said educators feel valued and loved by their community at Shades Cahaba.

City Councilor Jennifer Andress lives in Hol lywood and has been there for about 20 years.

“It is just breathtakingly beautiful,” Andress said.

More sidewalks have been added as time has marched on, and Andress said she is working on getting pedestrian crossings across U.S. 31 as well.

Andress said she is surrounded by young kids and by those who have lived in the neighborhood for decades.

The Hollywood neighborhood also includes the now mostly-vacant Brookwood Mall prop erty, which is owned by developers who have not yet brought redevelopment plans to the city.

Andress said it will be important to make sure the developers work well with neighboring prop erty owners.

The once-vibrant mall area now includes just a few restaurants and the Brookwood Office Center, which includes OHenry’s Coffee and office space. The interior mall is closed as the city and the public await what might come in the future.

Councilor John Hardin also lives in Holly wood. He’s seen people redeveloping homes over the years, but the increasing price of homes has caused the loss of middle-income residents,

Jennifer Andress walks her dog Savannah, 10, beside her sons, Will and John, and husband, Keith, as he walks their 10-month-old dog Dune in the Hollywood area neighborhood. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Deborah Sema, D DMD, MS · Andrew Havron, D DMD, MS

PATRIOT BAND

:The band may have been all over the world, but at the end of the day, former band director Ron Pence, who still helps out on a part-time basis, said they don’t forget where they come from. There’s still a great deal of emphasis on the three parades in the city: Christmas, Home coming and We Love Homewood Day, he said.

“We’re still Homewood’s band,” Pence said.

BUILDING THE LEGACY

The band began in 1972, the first year Homewood High School students had their own building.

The school’s first principal, Michael Gross, hired Wade to start and oversee the Star-Span gled Girls and hired Freddie Pollard to lead the Patriot Band.

A few years later, after Pollard left to go into the ministry, Pat Morrow came in. He stayed from 1976 to 1995 and became the first high school band director from Alabama to take a band to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

He also took the Homewood band to per form in the New Year’s Day Parade in London and two St. Patrick’s Day parades in Ireland. They won both the Dublin and Limerick, Ireland, competition parades, and the trophies still sit in the Homewood band room.

But when Morrow first took over, there were only 35 students in the band at his first rehearsal. Coming from a school in Gadsden that boasted a 150-student band, Morrow was “a little bit shocked.” But by the time football season rolled around, the band had grown to 75 students. By the time he left in 1995, the band had 150 students, and it has since grown to roughly 400 students.

“We recruited a lot,” Morrow said. “We put a pretty good group on the field.”

Transportation expenses were “steep,” Morrow said, as the school had to char ter buses to away games, parades and competitions.

Being in the parades was a “lot of fun,” Morrow said. He recalled his color guard leader broke a bone in his foot at the beginning of the band’s first Tournament of Roses parade but still walked the seven-mile route.

Despite his colleague’s broken bone, Morrow said it was nice to see the way people lined up to watch a parade, something he and his students had not seen before.

The band’s first year in New York, Morrow recalled telling his students to follow him wherever he went. When they went to Radio City Music Hall to see a performance, Morrow got up to get some concessions. When he turned around, he found the entire band behind him, having thought he was leaving. After a good laugh, they sat back down.

Pence followed Morrow and stayed until his retirement in 2020. While bands have changed over the years, it’s never been in the plans for Homewood, he said.

“We don’t run from tradition,” Pence is known for saying. “We are tradition.”

Pence said he taught many wonderful stu dents. The best part about his job is interacting with the community, which does a great job supporting the band, he said.

“The community’s support and belief in what we’re doing is second to none,” Pence said.

Pence recalled his first Friday night perfor mance. He said the kids kept telling him they would “turn it on” for Friday night, and they turned into a “different group of people” when

it was showtime, he said.

That was evident weeks later when the band traveled to the Hoover Met to play Hoover High School, Pence said. The crowd saw a patriotic show and the shooting off of more than 200 fireworks, he said.

When the band got back to the school, a group of students drove up to Pence, jumped out of the car, and without saying a word, gave him a hug, jumped back in the car and drove away.

During Pence’s time, the band grew by the hundreds. He said it has been “fantastic” to watch the band grow.

“I always say: In Homewood, if you can dream it, you can do it,” Pence said.

FRIDAY NIGHTS IN ALABAMA

Friday night football in Alabama is special, Pence said, and it is a community event.

Moving the Homewood Patriot Band is also somewhat of a community event, as it takes eight charter buses and two equipment trucks, Pence said. It includes gathering thousands of drinks, food for 450 to 460 people and of course, hours and hours of rehearsal time.

“It’s so special,” Pence said. “It’s all about the band, the cheerleaders, the football team and the fans.”

There are so many things that go into the halftime performance, he said. As someone who now helps current band director Chris Cooper part time, Pence said he gets to be a grandfather — getting the fun of interacting with kids while Cooper takes care of all of the planning and execution of the show.

Cooper started in 1999 and worked with Pence before taking over as director upon

Pence’s retirement. He credits much of the growth he’s seen to the band’s philosophy, which allows band members to compete in ath letics and be a part of other activities. There’s also the tradition of performing in parades and the almost assured trips out of state, if not out of country.

For whatever reason, the band’s numbers also grew when they stopped competing, Cooper said.

“It’s just become the thing to do in Home wood,” Cooper said.

While he’s in his 30th year, Cooper isn’t looking to retire anytime soon.

“I have no desire, whatsoever, to stop what I’m doing,” Cooper said. “I wake up every morning and I can’t wait to get to school.”

This year’s show, a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the band, was a “tearjerker” during the Battle of Lakeshore, a game against John Carroll Catholic High School at Samford University on Aug. 19, Cooper said.

“We wanted to make it a tribute to Home wood,” he said.

IN YOUR BLOOD

In addition to the instrumentalists and drum line, there are the Star-Spangled Girls, now led by Wade’s former pupil, Jennifer Ayers, and the color guard, led by Terrance Cobb, who also serves as the band’s assistant director.

Cobb said the color guard is an “integral” part of the band. For the past 16 years, he’s seen it evolve away from the military-style precision of the past to a more dancing, expres sive form of color guard.

“It’s awesome to see the pieces of the puzzle come together,” Cobb said.

The auxiliary adds the “icing on the cake” during the show, Cobb said.

“You hope the crowd appreciates it as much as you do,” Cobb said. “It gives you a visual element you don’t always get when you think about band.”

This year’s show includes a flag for each of the 50 years of the band, adding a personal element for band alumni, Cobb said.

For the drumline, drums light up red and blue as the drummers thrill the home crowd, which is as glued to the band as they are to the Patriot football team.

For the Star-Spangled Girls, Wade called her first couple of years “like inventing the wheel.”

She brought in the dance team from neighboring Shades Valley High School to help the 22 inaugural members learn how to be on a dance line. The girls chose the name Star-Spangled Girls in their first year, she said.

For 26 years, Wade led the girls not only to become expert dancers, but to be “ready for society and for a job.” Coming from a Catholic-Italian background, Wade admits she was “very strict.” The girls were expected to be on time, keep their uniforms in order and to march as well as they danced. Wade graded their performances.

But Wade also learned with them, she said.

“I couldn’t ask them to do something I didn’t know how to do,” Wade said. The girls would practice at times three hours in the morning and three hours at night for a couple of weeks, and that doesn’t include the time they spent at band camp.

Years later, Wade still spends time with former dancers.

“It’s so neat to be Attila the Hun and now become their social friend,” Wade said.

And while the girls are older now, they still call her “Ms. Wade.”

“It’s a nice sign of respect,” she said.

Wade accompanied many of the trips to parades, as well as special occasions like former President George H.W. Bush’s inaugu ral parade.

Wade said the community has always sup ported the band, taking part in fundraisers so parents didn’t have to worry about footing the bill for everything.

Ayers succeeded her mentor when Wade retired. Wade didn’t want someone from out side the system taking over, Ayers said.

“I always wanted to be a Star-Spangled Girl,” Ayers said. “At that point Homewood [was] … one of the first public school sys tems to have a dance program. It was very unprecedented.”

The girls are “one of the hardest-working” groups in the school, Ayers said.

“Cindy really instilled in us a desire to be our very best,” she said. “We never settled for mediocre.”

Ayers said she tries to keep the tradition of teaching and enabling the young women in the group to be proud of themselves.

The girls shed a lot of “blood, sweat and tears,” she said, but it’s worth it on Friday night.

“I always get butterflies when a great show is on the field. It’s what I live for.”

In the last 50 years, hundreds and hundreds of students have come through the Homewood Patriot Band. But while they’ve left the band, it’s never left them, Wade said.

“Once you are a Homewood High School band member of any sort, … it’s never out of your blood,” Wade said.

from page A1

A photograph of the Homewood High School marching band performing in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland on March 17, 1996

A photograph of the 1989 Homewood High School marching band in front of the United States Capitol building during the band’s trip to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President George H. W. Bush.

A photograph in Cindy Wade’s home of the Homewood High School marching band participating in the school’s first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1978 in New York City. Photos by Erin Nelson.

A photograph of the Homewood High School marching band performing

A22 • October 2022 The Homewood Star in the 95th Tournament of Roses Parade in 1984 in Pasadena, California

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‘He’s got my back’

Veteran and service dog help at Brookwood

By NEAL EMBRY

When he’s feeling anxious or scared, Scott Landreth knows his friend Thor will take care of him.

The 3-year-old Labrador retriever is always watch ing behind him, Landreth said.

“He’s got my back,” he said.

Landreth is an Army veteran who served in Viet nam and had a traumatic brain injury, and he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He’s had two ser vice dogs: Rambo, now 11, and Thor.

In December 2013, Landreth was at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center for a spinal cord injury and benefited from the care of the staff there during his roughly month-long stay, he said.

“I always said I’d like to give back,” Landreth said. “After I came back to visit some of the nurses, they told me they didn’t think I would come out of the bed.”

While he’s allowed on a walker for short distances, Landreth uses a power chair for distance. This hasn’t stopped him from finding a way to give back to others. Landreth now serves one day a week at the front desk at the main entrance, helping direct visitors where to go.

By his side, of course, is Thor. While Thor doesn’t interact as much with patients and they aren’t sure if he’ll ever be a therapy dog, he’s still a friendly face for people who may be having some rough days.

“I wanted to give back,” Landreth said. “I will escort patients to where they need to go.”

Thor follows Landreth, much in the same way Rambo did before him. The two dogs get along and, despite having arthritis that forced him into retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic, the older Rambo will sometimes wrestle Thor to the ground, Landreth said.

Thor was trained with Service Dogs of Alabama and served at a women’s prison before coming to Landreth about 10 months ago, Landreth said.

“If something’s going on with me, he’ll let me know,” Landreth said. “He’s by my side at all times.”

Thor is always wanting to please, which Landreth called his biggest asset. When he gives Thor a com mand, he wants to obey, he said. He’s even learned to bring Landreth a towel when he gets out of the shower.

“He will do things to distract me from a lot of things,” Landreth said. “If he senses anxiety, … he’s always on watch. … He can pick it up faster than I can.”

When Landreth is anxious, Thor will put his feet on Landreth’s legs and will lick his face. While Landreth hasn’t had a seizure in years, Thor is able to pick up on any warning signs.

Being able to sleep at night and know that Thor is there is huge, Landreth said.

“I can live life and not worry about the things that have happened to me,” Landreth said.

While he doesn’t interact closely with patients, they will often see him lying at the front desk and say hello, Landreth said.

Being able to give back to Brookwood and be part of their mission “means the world” to Landreth, he said.

“Even though I’m in a chair and I’m limited, … I’m still able to give back,” Landreth said. “If it wasn’t for Brookwood, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It completes everything that’s happened to me.”

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

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

A BETTER WAY TO PROTECT & SERVE

I believe that individuals dealing with a mental health episode or drug addiction should have access to treatment. Jail shouldn’t be the only option. This is an important step towards bridging the gap. — Sheriff Mark Pettway

•

Scheduled to open in October 2022, the new Crisis Diversion Center for Jefferson County provides an alternative to jail for individuals with mental illness and/or addiction issues who need treatment rather than incarceration.

We made Crisis Intervention Certification a requirement for our deputies so that they can recognize and respond to mental health issues. We provide training to all deputies for this certification; currently, two-thirds of deputies have completed training.

Our efforts have resulted in Sheriff Mark Pettway earning 2022 Law Enforcement Executive of the Year honors from Crisis Intervention Team International.

The Mental Health Crisis Center will be located at 401 Beacon Parkway West in Birmingham on the bottom level

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Sports

Patriots, Cavs finish up regular season play in October

By KYLE PARMLEY

The Homewood and John Carroll Catholic high school football teams finish up the regular season in Octo ber, with both hoping to continue on into November with playoff runs.

Homewood plays three of its final four games on the road, beginning with a trip to Chilton County on Oct. 6. Homewood last played Chil ton County in 2013, and the Patriots have won all four of the previous meetings between the two programs. Chilton County has a new head coach in Marvin Milton this season, taking over a program that has just one win ning season since 2014.

Homewood heads to Pelham the following week, for a region game Oct. 14. The two teams are quite familiar with one another, having played nearly every year since 2008. Homewood holds a 15-7 lead in the series but fell to the Panthers 10-7 last fall, snapping a seven-game winning streak in the rivalry.

Pelham also has a first-year coach in Mike Vickery, who came over fol lowing a six-year stint at Northridge.

Homewood plays its final region game and its final regular-season home contest on Oct. 21, as the Patri ots host Briarwood. Expectations were high for both teams heading into the season, so there is the distinct pos sibility that this game could determine the region winner.

Last fall, Briarwood edged Home wood 21-18, as Patriots quarterback Woods Ray was injured. Homewood

holds a 10-6 edge in the series but has lost to the Lions each of the last two years.

The Patriots conclude the regu lar season with a trip to Jasper for a non-region game. The two teams will be meeting up for the first time, as Homewood hopes it is a tune-up game for the first round of the playoffs the following week.

John Carroll has a similar situation

to Homewood, finishing the season with three region games and three road games. On Oct. 7, John Car roll heads to Legion Field to take on Ramsay. Ramsay took down the Cav aliers 28-6 last fall, as John Carroll has lost six straight to the Rams.

The Cavs host Jasper the follow ing week, as the two teams are region foes for the first time. It will also be the first time the two teams have ever

met. Jasper has flipped back and forth between Class 5A and 6A several times since 1984, with the latest round of reclassification sticking Jasper back in 5A for at least the next two years.

John Carroll then heads to Weno nah on Oct. 21 to wrap up region play. John Carroll has taken care of business against the Dragons each of the last two years, including a 31-0 blowout win last fall.

The Cavaliers make a trip to Maplesville to take on a perennial

Class 1A power Oct. 28. Maplesville won three straight state titles from 2014 to 2016 and has won double digit games in all but one season since 2009. It will be the first time the two teams have ever played.

Homewood is looking to extend a decade-long playoff streak, while John Carroll is attempting to break into the postseason for the first time in more than a decade. If either is able to accomplish the feat, the state playoffs begin Nov. 4.

Above: Homewood running back Jordan Kiwoi (2) runs the ball during the first half of a football game between Vestavia Hills and Homewood at Thompson Reynolds Stadium on Aug. 26. The Rebels shut out the Patriots, 35-0. Photo by Laura Chramer. Left: John Carroll quarterback Mitchell Nutter (9) runs the ball during a game against Homewood. The Patriots defeated the Cavaliers 38-20. Photo by Shawn Bowles.

Varsity Sports Calendar

FOOTBALL

HOMEWOOD

Oct. 6: @ Chilton County. 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: @ Pelham. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: vs. Briarwood. 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: @ Jasper. 7 p.m.

JOHN CARROLL

Oct. 6: @ Ramsay. Legion Field. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: @ Wenonah. 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: @ Maplesville. 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

HOMEWOOD

Oct. 4: vs. Chelsea. 5 p.m.

Oct. 7-8: Margaret Blalock Tourna ment. Homewood High School.

Oct. 11: Tri-match vs. Briarwood, Altamont. Briarwood Christian School. 5 p.m.

Oct. 12-15: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 19-21: Super regional tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-27: State tournament. TBD.

JOHN CARROLL

Oct. 4: @ Helena. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 6: Tri-match vs. Southside-Gads den, Springville. Springville High School. TBD.

Oct. 7-8: Margaret Blalock Tourna ment. Homewood High School.

Oct. 12-15: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 19-21: Super regional tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-27: State tournament. TBD.

Mitchell Nutter has been a key figure in the backfield so far for John Carroll this season. Despite a 33-19 loss to Hayden on Sept. 9, Nutter broke free for a 69-yard touchdown run to give the Cavs the lead in the third quarter. He finished with 101 yards on 11 carries in the game.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

The high school football season is in full force, with Homewood and John Carroll’s games featuring plenty of standout performances and electric games. Here’s a look at some of the biggest moments from the first few games of the year.

Homewood quarterback Woods Ray is off to a strong start for his senior season. One of his most impressive early-season performances was in the Patriots’ 48-38 win over Calera on Sept. 8, as he finished 16-of-26 passing for 354 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 68 yards and an additional touchdown in the win.

Homewood running backs Mondrell Odell (pictured), Calyb Colbert and Jordan Kiwoi are all back from last year and proving to be solid backs once again. All three have garnered plenty of carries so far, allowing the Patriots to keep fresh legs rotating in throughout the game.

John Carroll quarterback Carson McFadden has been a shining star for the Cavaliers so far this season. The junior signal caller has directed the offense many times, including the Marbury game. Despite falling to Marbury in the final seconds, McFadden led the go-ahead drive late in the game and finished well over 200 total yards for the contest.

Photos by Laura Chramer and Erin Nelson

Homewood Parks & Recreation

Classes & Activities

Central Barre

Tuesdays 6:15am / Wednesday 5:15pm / Saturday 8:15am

at Homewood Community Center

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

Email ellyngagnon@gmail.com for more information.

Dance Trance

Tuesday & Thursday 5:45pm-6:45pm

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 9:30am-10:30am

Homewood Community Center Dance Trance is a high-cardio, high-energy dance fitness experience that leaves participants soaking wet! It is a non-stop workout that feels more like a party than an exercise class.

www.dancetrancefitness.com

Fun For All Line Dancing

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

Homewood Community Center - Studio 2 Tuesdays 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM

$5.00 per person per visit

For more information contact funforalllinedancing@gmail.com

North Star

Martial Arts

North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults.

For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarma.com. 205-966-4244 • info@northstarma.com

Bench Aerobics Step

& Line Dance

Tuesday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Step Aerobics)

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

All classes in Fitness Studio 2 @ Homewood

Community Center

Cost: Classes are FREE (with donations)

For more information contact Rosa at 205-2539344 or benchaerobics@bellsouth.net

Belly Dancing with Aziza

Class Fee: $60 cash only

Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net www.azizaofbirmingham.com

Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long held at Homewood Community Center.

Royce Head Personal Training

Affordable personal training available to members in the Fitness Center at the Homewood Community Center. Workouts are fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level.

Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665

YoLimber

Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music at Homewood Community Center. All levels welcome.

Friday: 8:00am-9:00am - Basics Class

Friday: 9:30am-10:30am - Regular Class

Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com

Confi.Dance

Confi.Dance is a dance class in a small group setting to teach you the secrets of looking good on the dance floor and having more fun than you thought possible.

Class Meets: Wednesday 3:00pm – 4:00pm at Homewood Community Center

For more information: Jackie Tally jgtally@aol.com

Fast Track Line Dance

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

Fitness Studio 2 the Homewood Community Center. Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm Jackie Tally jgtally@aol.com (or) Helen Woods aquafool@aol.com

FIT4MOM

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

Senior Center

Intro to Line Dancing

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

Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:15am

Instructor: Jackie Tally

DanceFit

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

Thursdays, 1:30pm

Instructor: Galina Waites

Tai Chi

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

Mondays, 1:30pm

Instructor: Galina Waites

Athletics

Homewood Youth Basketball

Registration Dates:

2nd-7th Grades: Register in October K-1st Grades: Register November Go to www.homewoodparks.com for more information.

Homewood Youth Wrestling

Registration opens in October! Grades: Kindergarten – 6th Grade Go to www.homewoodparks.com for more information.

Follow us for athletics, community centers programming and event updates

Opinion

We Southerners are really good at saying “everything’s fine,” aren’t we? We see acquaintances in the grocery store or library, or church nursery and we ask each other, “How are you?” Our response tends to be an involuntary “Good! How are you?” And we get the same response back. And that’s even when things are anything but fine. It’s just how most of us tend to work.

My mom passed away this past June, and within a few hours, our phones were ringing off the hook and people started coming by my parents’ house. I’d brought food and supplies to people in difficult situations before, but I’d never been on the receiving end of it (other than meals when we had babies), and my initial reaction was to answer the question of “How can I help?” with a quick, “We’re fine, we’re good.” In other words, I’ve got it under control; I don’t need the help. But I soon real ized my self-sufficiency went out the window when it felt like the rug had been completely pulled out from under neath me, and I knew I — along with my dad and our whole family — needed the help.

Being the way I am, that is one who doesn’t like to be sad and tends to push away hard or sad feelings, it was awk ward feeling like we were opening our selves up to so much attention and care and thought and help. It was humbling to accept dish after dish of food, bot tles of wine (even a chilled one in the middle of the afternoon from a neighbor

who understood what we really needed!), paper products, and hugs. I wanted things to be okay, and it took a little time to understand that things wouldn’t be okay again — at least, not in the same way they were before — and the people there helping were those who were willing to stand by us while we were hurting, and yes, ignore me when I said things were “fine.”

Several days after the funeral, I left Mobile and headed back to Birmingham with Kate and Sela. After stopping in Greenville to grab lunch to eat on the way, we got back in the car only to realize my car battery was dead. With out the AC, there was no way we could stay in the car while I figured out what to do — this was during the heat wave back in mid-June — so I took the girls back inside the Subway. While they ate, I started making phone calls. I called the Greenville police non-emergency number, thinking that’d be a safe way to get a jump for the battery, but no one answered. I googled auto parts stores and tire places in Greenville and called the first one that came up, but they couldn’t help. (At some point, one of the Subway workers popped her head out the door and asked if everything was okay, and I said, you guessed it, “We’re

By Lauren Denton

fine, thanks.”) I called the second auto part shop, and they said no but suggested I call a third. When I got someone on the phone there and explained that I was stuck at the Subway by the interstate with a dead battery and my two kids with me, the man paused. Then, “Ma’am, I’m sorry to tell you I can’t help you. We only have two people working today and I can’t leave my co-worker alone in the shop.” Dan gerously close to tears, I asked him if he had any other suggestions for me. Basically, I admitted we were helpless. I heard him sigh, then he said, “You’re at the Subway? Sit tight. I’ll be there in a minute.” About that time, the Subway worker came back outside and asked again if I was okay. Relief that help was on the way mixed with my fatigue and grief, and I just cried. Of course, I did manage a “We’re fine,” though I think the tears probably told her otherwise.

A few minutes later, my knight in shining armor showed up. Actually, he was a man with a long gray ponytail driving an old purple pick-up truck, but over the next hour and a half, he jumped my battery then installed a new one back at his store. After checking to see if my current battery was under warranty, which it was, he refunded

me the money for the new battery and then made sure we had everything we needed before we got on the road back to Birmingham. The very next day I wrote him a thank-you note and told him how terrible the timing of my dead battery had been but how I’d always be thankful for the angel at the AutoZone in Greenville who offered me help when I was completely helpless and anything but fine.

I bought a tee shirt back in 2020 with the words “It’s fine, I’m fine, every thing’s fine” across the front. Of course, during that weird year, things were any thing but fine, and I continue to wear the shirt now, even though life is still hard. Since my mom’s death, I’m much better at not tossing out a breezy, “I’m fine” when people ask how I am. Usu ally I just say I’m okay, which is often closest to the truth. I also find myself paying more attention when people tell me they’re fine, because I know all too well how that simple Southern phrase can mask a whole lot of hurt, and some times a simple “Sit tight, I’m on my way,” is the best way to help.

When I’m not writing about my family and our various shenanigans, I write novels and go to the grocery store. My next novel, “A Place To Land,” releases Oct. 4. You can reach me by email at Lauren@LaurenKDenton.com, visit my website LaurenKDenton.com, or find me on Instagram @LaurenKDentonBooks or Facebook @LaurenKDentonAuthor.

Denton

Sean of the South By Sean Dietrich Unseen Good

I saw you. It was at an old Piggly Wiggly. The kind with swinging doors and neon letters that don’t all light up. I watched you open the door for an old woman who used a walking cane.

You couldn’t have been older than 12. You swung the door open, then wheeled an empty shopping buggy toward the lady.

You said, “Here you go, ma’am.”

She thanked you. You blushed. It was a fine moment.

I also saw you when you stopped traffic to help that dog. You were driving your FedEx truck, making your route. It was a mutt. Tan and white. A pup with hardly any meat on its bones.

You ran across three lanes of traffic, waving your hands at the cars.

I could read your lips. “Stop! Stop! Please!” you were saying.

Three lanes of traffic rolled to a halt. Our vehicles formed a stand-still line while you coaxed a scared animal out of the center lane.

Once, I saw you help a child in the Home Depot find his mother. The boy was lost. He walked beside you.

When you found his mother, he ran to her. It was a Hollywood-style ending. You stood back several feet to take it all in, smiling.

And, by God, I saw you.

I saw you pay for that woman’s meal in the Mexican restaurant. The waitress seemed sur prised when you suggested it.

She answered, “You wanna do WHAT, sir?”

You whispered, “I wanna pay for that lady’s meal.”

Then, you pointed to a woman across the restaurant. She wore a Hardee’s uniform. She had three kids. They were loud, rowdy, sipping dangerous amounts of caffeine and carbonated sugar.

You paid, then stood to leave. You never got

to see the woman’s reaction. But I did. She was shocked. It was all over her face. Before she left, she placed a tip on the table.

Everybody won that day. Even me. It was something to see, sir. Yes, indeed.

Sometimes, I worry that you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle — whoever you are. You might believe the things you do go unnoticed. And for all I know, maybe you’re right.

After all, the world has its eyes glued to glowing screens. News outlets obsess over explosions and blood.

Turn on the TV. Read a paper. Another day; another dogfight between angry old men wear ing Italian suits and lapel pins.

But if you ask me, it’s all a bunch of horse pies. And I mean the whole thing. The scandals, the mass hysteria, the gore, the infomercials.

You don’t care about those things. And good for you. You’re after bigger fish.

You care about old people, homeless vets, lost boys, terrified mutts, single parents, drug-addicted infants, prison baptisms, elderly chaplains and animal shelters.

Friday-night art classes for the sexu ally abused, battered women’s shelters and childhood cancer victims. Hard-working women in Hardee’s uniforms. Old women at supermarkets.

I know you. And I want you to know you’re a lot more important than you think. In fact, you’re the only bright thing left in this damned old world.

And I want you to know that I see you.

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

Dietrich

Metro Roundup

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Lane Parke wait is almost over

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

A long-awaited, much-anticipated project in Mountain Brook is nearing completion.

While some of the businesses in Phase 2 of Lane Parke have already opened, an event to celebrate all of them, originally planned for the fall, has been moved to early 2023.

Brought to you by our sister paper: villageliving online.com

“We will still have a lot of retailers opening this fall,” said Suzanna Edwards, vice president of marketing for Craw ford Square Real Estate Advisors, the group handling the leasing and management of the property. “There will be a lot of different grand openings leading up a large grand opening cel ebration once everything is open.”

The mixed-use development will include a blend of restaurants, clothing retailers and health-related businesses. It is anchored by the Publix Greenwise Market, the Grand Bohemian Hotel and 257 luxury apartment units.

As of press time, there were three of 18 total spaces still available for lease. The lineup of current tenants includes:

► Onward Reserve

► Mountain Brook Eyecare

► Basecoat on Fifth

► tasc Performance

► Crumbl Cookies

► Massage Envy

► Ladybird Taco

► Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

► Regions Bank

► Gunn Dermatology

► Starbucks ► MARO by Abhi

► Sons Donuts

► Little Buckhead Blue

► Melt

► Ignite Cycle

► Clean Juice

Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors CEO Sam Heide said the company has been involved with the Lane Parke project for several years.

“We leased and managed Phase 1 and have been responsible for attracting the tenants for

Phase 2 of the shopping center,” Heide said.

Heide said they were able to lease enough space in order for owners and developers to achieve their goals to break ground and begin construction after Phase 1.

Heide said that they were selective and thoughtful during the process, and he believes that is reflected in the quality tenants. They will continue to be selective in finding complemen tary tenants for the remaining spaces.

“Mountain Brook Village has really become quite a dining destination,” Heide said. “We feel we knew what the community wanted. The food and beverage offerings, apparel offerings

and health and wellness offerings coming to Phase 2 are really a nice fit and compliment to one another.”

Several of the stores, including tasc Perfor mance, Onward Reserve, Ladybird Taco and Little Buckhead Blue, are all the first locations of the franchises in the state.

“People have talked about this quite a bit for a long time, and I think the excitement level is pretty high,” Heide said. “I think people are really pleased to see it complete, I know I am. As a citizen of Mountain Brook, it’s a great compliment and completion of what's been a project a long time in the making.”

Jonathan Gaines, left, of USA Striping holds the measuring tape with his foot while Jeffery Scott marks the asphalt with chalk in order to stripe a crosswalk at Lane Parke, as Phase II of the project continues in Mountain Brook Village on Aug. 30. Photo by Erin Nelson.

OUR TREE CREWS ARE WORKING TO KEEP THE DEPENDABILITY YOU EXPECT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calendar

Homewood Public Library

ADULT PROGRAMMING

Oct. 1: Miniature Painting with September Reed. 1-3 p.m. Room 101. September Reed will show how easy it is to paint your own masterpiece on a mini-canvas and easel. We will provide all you need to paint your own masterpiece. Register online at homewoodpub liclibrary.org.

Oct. 4: Not Your Mama’s Book Club. 2-3:30 p.m. Board room. “Nature Immersion for Optimal Health and Wellbeing” with Jasper Elliott Wolfe. No book reading required, discussion group only. Join us as we welcome Jasper Elliott Wolfe. Jasper is an ecotherapy guide, a yoga and mindfulness teacher, and a healer and massage therapist. She owns the Conscious Body Healing Arts Center and leads a monthly Earth Church at McCallum Park. Jasper has been serving the Birmingham community since 2006 and believes in the power of the healing arts and a deep connection to nature as both a spiritual practice and a path toward healing the body, mind and spirit. This program will include a guided meditation and an ecotherapy exercise to connect more deeply to our senses and to nature itself.

Oct. 5: Author Verna Gates presents “100 Things to do in Birmingham Before You Die.” 1-2 p.m. Round Audi torium. Our forefathers called it the Magic City. No matter what brings you to our city, this guide book will help you discover the famous places along with hidden treasures of a city pulsing with character, charm and striking natural beauty. Whether it’s the best barbecue or martini, a picture-perfect round of golf or where to find clothes by famed local designers, Birmingham-native Verna Gates is ready to be your personal guide to the best the Magic City has to offer. Great food, sports, entertainment and nature make Birmingham a great place to find 100 things to do. Books will be available for purchase.

Oct. 6 and 20: Adult Dungeons and Dragons: Ad vanced Players. 6-8 p.m. Room 101. Love D&D? We’re hosting

an advanced players session twice a month. Bring your 5th-level character and play with other D&D fans. Register online at homewood publiclibrary.org.

Oct. 7: Halloween Film Classics and Brown Bag Lunch — “Frankenstein.” Noon to 2 p.m. Large Auditorium. A scientist uses corpses to create a monster (Boris Karloff), who later incurs the wrath of the local villagers when he impulsively kills a little girl. Subsequently, seeking out his creator, the creature flees with him to a nearby windmill. Bring your lunch and join us.

Oct. 25: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 6-7 p.m. Room 101. This support group may be just the place where you can meet others who understand what you're going through after the loss of your beloved pet. Sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Participation is free. For reservations, contact Randy Hicks, GBHS Volunteer Coordinator, at 205-542 7111.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

Tuesdays: Wee Ones. 9:30-10 a.m. Round Auditorium. For preschool. Join Miss Mary for a fun and energetic storytime with lots of singing and dancing!

Wednesdays: Barks and Books. 3:30-4 p.m. Round Audi torium. For K-5th grade. Spend an afternoon with our friends from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society by reading or just hanging out with some friendly pups!

Oct. 1: Little Prints. 2-3 p.m. Round Auditorium. Show off your creativity with different printmaking techniques that are enjoyable and relaxing for the whole family.

Oct. 8: Breakfast Club. 9:30-11 a.m. Round Auditorium. All ages are welcome to come by for some cereal and entertaining activi ties to wake you up on a Saturday morning!

Oct. 17: Knight School Chess Tournament. 5:30-7 p.m. Round Auditorium. For K-12th grade. Join us for a monthly chess tour nament where you will learn strategy and have fun in equal measure!

Oct. 20: Bake & Make. 6-6:30 p.m. Zoom. If you enjoy baking

and making scrumptious creations, join us for this fun Zoom program! Families will pick up their baking kits at the children’s desk in prepa ration for the event (baking kits may include items containing gluten, dairy, nut and egg products). Sign-up to reserve a sweet spot and have your aprons ready! Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Oct. 24: Frankentoys. 3:30-4:15 p.m. Round Auditorium. For 4th and 6th grade. Bring old toys back to life by taking them apart and making your very own “Frankentoy.” Register online at homewoodpub liclibrary.org.

Oct. 27: Feliz Dia de Los Muertos. 6-7 p.m. Round Audi torium. Come celebrate the Day of the Dead with us and enjoy crafts, snacks and music while learning more about this vibrant holiday!

TEEN PROGRAMMING

All month: Snapshots — An online teen photogra phy contest. For 6th-12th grade students. The Homewood Public Library is excited to host a teen photography contest! Teens can submit digital copies of two original photographs at homewoodpubliclibrary. org/snapshots. Winning submissions will be selected for the 6th-8th and 9th-12th grade categories. Photographs will be displayed digitally through the library’s website and social media. Questions? Please contact Joi Mahand at joi.mahand@homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Oct. 6 and 20: Teen Theatre Thursdays. 4-5 p.m. Round Auditorium. For 6th-12th grade. This bi-monthly program will focus on teaching the performing arts to aspiring teen thespians with assistance from the Red Mountain Theatre. Register online at homewoodpublicli brary.org/events.

Oct. 11: Game On! Teen Board Game Club. 4-5:30 p.m. Room 109. For 6th-12th grade. Enjoy an afternoon of board games and fun. Play from our collection of games or bring your own game. Snacks provided. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org/events.

Oct. 26: Teen S.T.E.A.M.: Spooky Science. 4-5 p.m. Large Auditorium. For 6th-12th grade. Ready for some spooky science? Brace yourself as we explore the spooky side of science … if you dare. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org/events.

When it comes to landscaping, Alabama has it made: There’s a broad variety of trees and shrubs to choose from here.

Now is the perfect time to try some out, according to the experts at Gardner Landscaping.

“Fall is often considered the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” Grant Gardner said.

But how do you choose which ones? A lot of factors come into play when it comes to selecting the right plants for your landscaping, Grant said — factors like sun exposure, soil type, the slope of the landscape and your own preferences in color and type.

“At Gardner Landscaping, we take pride in coming up with a plan that meets the needs of each customer and landscape,” he said.

That attention to detail is one of the things that sets Gardner Landscaping

apart from many other landscapers. Another is that they have the personnel and resources to get your project completed quickly.

“We will normally provide you with the pricing for your project within one day from when we meet with you,” Grant said.

Gardner Landscaping specializes in trees and shrubs, and they can use trees and shrubs to create beautiful entertainment and privacy areas.

Grant said, “More customers are looking to spend more time around their homes now. We have the best prices in town on large and small trees and shrubs to have great looking landscapes, privacy screens, shade and curb appeal. We also do a lot of clean ups, drainage and landscape borders, as well to get your property where it’s managed correctly. Please call us today, we have the vision to create these enjoyable areas. We would love to help you!”

The agents at RealtySouth Homewood share an inside look at the Homewood market

RealtySouth Homewood

As always, the real estate market in Homewood is a healthy one.

“It’s always a good market,” says Mary Reed Durkin, a Realtor at RealtySouth Homewood. “People are always looking to be in Homewood. We’re a diverse community, and we offer a lot, including great schools and a focus on the arts.”

The Homewood market “has been really strong for a while now, and I don't see that changing,” says RealtySouth Homewood Realtor Sara Beauchamp.

RealtySouth has certainly performed well in Homewood. In the first eight months of 2022, the company was No. 1 in the number of homes listed and sold in Homewood totaling 142 units, with a sales volume of over $75 million.

After a fast, frantic time in Homewood real estate the last couple of years, things are starting to calm down in a way that can be beneficial for both buyers and sellers, agents say.

“As interest rates have gone up a little, it has helped us create a more level playing field again,” Durkin says.

The Realtors also stress that the fall can be a good time to sell a home.

“Fall is your second round of buying after the spring,” says RealtySouth Homewood Realtor Shelly Whitlock Smith. “You might get fewer offers but you get good, sound offers.”

“Some people think you can’t sell your house in the fall, but houses sell 365 days a year,” Beauchamp says.

Durkin, Beauchamp and Smith — all of whom live in Homewood — offer their perspectives on the state of the market, provide some tips to sellers and buyers and talk about why customers should work with RealtySouth.

The women also share how it feels to help a buyer find just the right house.

Market outlook

Homewood real estate has faced “a volatile time” the last two years, says Durkin, who started working at RealtySouth Homewood in 2017. “The last couple of years have been crazy,” she says.

“It truly was like the wild, wild West,” says Smith, who joined RealtySouth Homewood in 2019.

A number of factors contributed to this volatility. With families stuck at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, many of them realized they needed bigger, better houses.

In addition, interest rates dropped to historic lows, and “people were able to afford more house,” Durkin says.

There were also speculators buying and flipping properties in search of quick returns, she says.

Lots of homes came onto the market, creating frenzied competition among buyers. “People were doing crazy things to win bids on houses,” Durkin says.

“A lot of buyers were broken-hearted in competition with 20 other offers,” Smith says.

With interest rates going up, “we’re back to serious buyers looking for the right home and sellers who are serious about selling,” Durkin says.

“You may not get 20 offers on a house or 20% over the list price, but it’s still a seller’s market,” says Beauchamp, who has worked at RealtySouth Homewood for two years.

“We’re not seeing a recession, and house prices aren’t declining,” Smith says. And interest rates — viewed historically — are still relatively low for buyers, she says.

Tips for sellers and buyers

The RealtySouth Homewood agents have some

homewood.realtysouth.com

“ ”

It’s always a good market. People are always looking to be in Homewood. We’re a diverse community, and we offer a lot ...

“

You may not get 20 offers on a house or 20% over the list price, but it’s still a seller’s market.

”Fall is your second round of buying after the spring. You might get fewer offers but you get good, sound offers.

common-sense tips for sellers and buyers.

“Work with an agent who knows your market, Smith says.

It’s beneficial to have an agent who’s “really plugged into the community,” says Durkin, a 20-year Homewood resident.

Sellers should also study the market and try to price the house properly. “Sticker shock can push people away,” Smith says.

“If you price it right, it’s going to sell,” Beauchamp says.

The home-buying process “is hard for buyers, especially the first timers,” Smith says.

She advises buyers — even if they have a long wish list of features they want in a house — to “make a few items your priority so your agent will know what’s really important.”

“We’d love to give you everything your heart desires, but ultimately the market gives you what it gives you,” Smith says. “Buyers need to have an open mind on their needs and wants and their must haves.”

A trusted name

Buyers and sellers have good reasons to turn to RealtySouth, the agents say.

It’s “the largest brokerage in Alabama,” Durkin says. “At any minute, I can access agents across the state, and so if I have a seller with a particular type of property, I’m immediately positioned better to bring a buyer to the seller, and vice versa.”

“RealtySouth is just a trusted name in the community,” Beauchamp says.

The agents are also well-trained and have other experts backing them up at every step in a transaction, Smith says.

“For clients that makes this a seamless process,” she says.

Helping people

In addition to training and support they receive,

these Realtors have positive personal attributes they bring to work.

Durkin, who also enjoys teaching fitness, is a “really good people person,” she says. “I love helping people.”

Beauchamp is “very outgoing and genuine,” she said. “I have an amazing sphere of influence, and I think they just believe in me and send me the referrals.”

She also fights for her clients. “Their best interest is what’s most important,” Beauchamp says.

Smith grew up in her family’s retail store. This experience taught her to “communicate with people and find their wants and needs and help find a solution,” she says.

It’s also fun working at RealtySouth Homewood, one of the company’s newest offices.

“There’s a ton of energy here,” Beauchamp says. “It’s very motivating. It’s a large, diverse group of individuals. Everyone respects everyone.”

“We have a lot of fresh blood, fresh life and innovative ways of doing business or thinking,” Smith says.

Changing lives

It's rewarding to help a family find and purchase the perfect home, the Realtors say.

House hunting “can be emotional for buyers, and walking someone through that process and helping them is probably the coolest thing I get to do, and seeing them in that new home is just awesome,” Durkin says.

“I love to work with first-time home buyers,” Smith says. “They’re so excited. They love to go in and look at a house.”

“This is absolutely the most rewarding job I've ever had,” Beauchamp says.

“Finding a home for a family literally changes their lives,” Durkin says.

Sara Beauchamp

Shelly Whitlock Smith

“

”

Mary Reed Durkin

Real

205-407-4774 • 1690 Reese Street Homewood, AL 35209

MARY REED DURKIN 205.835.7465

SHELLY WHITLOCK SMITH 205.914.3131

Determination

In Birmingham for 25 years and Homewood for 20, I have worked across many service industries, the most rewarding by far has been my time in real estate. Combining my 30 years of professional experience with the skills learned while completing my Master’s degree in Communication, I focus on cultivating meaningful and professional relationships with my clients and provide a competitive, tailored approach to buying and selling. My unique, signature marketing expertise and individual attention to each client served and property visited set me apart as an industry leader. I look forward to helping you with your buying and selling needs across Central Alabama!

Providing Homewood and the Birmingham area with expertise in the residential housing market allows me to focus on my clients by serving up a catered approach to their specific desires and needs when buying & selling properties. Homewood is where I work, my family works, we call home and I would love to serve other Homewood families as they transition in and around the Birmingham area!

Brandino Brass in Homewood is a destination for homeowners, designers, contractors and architects in search of a huge selection of top-quality decorative and architectural hardware and a growing array of interior and exterior lighting.

Family-owned and operated, the company “is a dealer for many one-of-a-kind hardware vendors,” says Brandino’s Lynn Steffek. “Several of these products are only available through Brandino Brass.”

The friendly, knowledgeable Brandino sales team helps customers find just the right look, and customers can view the company’s beautiful showroom through a virtual walk through on their website.

But Brandino Brass also works with customers who live far away from the showroom — outside Alabama or even outside the South.

“Even though our showroom is located in Birmingham we can still help you with your design project,” Steffek tells out-of-state clients.

The Brandino staff uses modern technology to serve these customers. They use Facetime to view layouts and construction sites. Email allows them to show products from all over the world and share photos

with customers. Some suppliers make it possible for customers to design their own hardware.

Brandino Brass recently assisted a homeowner who is renovating a historic, 1830s-vintage stone manor house near Baltimore, Maryland.

She and her husband initially worked with a supplier in Maryland but weren’t satisfied.

They heard good things about

Brandino from their interior designer, who has a Southern background.

The homeowner took great advantage of the electronic tools Steffek mentions.

“I was Face Timing and emailing back and forth and sending pictures with the Brandino team like you would if somebody was only 20 minutes away,” she says.

Brandino also helped the homeowner navigate what she calls the “crazy demands and requirements” on the project made by the local historical board, the state of Maryland and others.

The Brandino team was “super-knowledgeable with the whole historic portion,” the homeowner said.

“They also carried all the

bands that we needed — and the brands we needed are from off the beaten path,” she said.

In addition, the Brandino staff offered a trademark Southern friendliness, “answering phone calls and responding to emails and being helpful and following up,” she says.

The homeowners have turned to Brandino for all of their metal goods, including hardware, fittings and lock sets for cabinets and doors.

“We also renovated pieces of furniture and got hardware from Brandino, like an English-style dresser that needed special Sheraton-style knobs,” she said.

The homeowner faced an “overwhelming” number of choices, but Brandino Brass has been there the whole way, she says.

“They’ve been so so helpful, and we’ll keep working with them through the remainder of the project,” the homeowner says.

This attentiveness is typical of the Brandino Brass approach.

The company “strives to deliver excellent white-glove customer service so every customer is satisfied,” Steffek says.

For more, call 205-978-8900 or go to brandinobrass.com.

Make your outdoor living space more luxurious

Hollywood Outdoor Living • 205-979-7727 • hollywoodoutdoorliving.com

How we started…

Hollywood Outdoor Living (previously Hollywood Pools) was founded in 1986 at its original location on Hollywood Boulevard in Homewood. As a familyowned business, we pride ourselves in knowing our customers, selling high quality products, and offering reliable pool and spa services.

Where we’ve been...

In 2000, we moved from Hollywood Boulevard to a building at 1020 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. That same year, we acquired Casual & Custom Furniture and began to offer lines of luxury outdoor furniture.

After more growth in 2005, we renovated and moved into our facility at 1441 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia

Hills. In 2018, we continued to expand our pool and spa services through the acquisition of Alabama Pools.

Where we’re going…

In March 2021, we acquired Alabama Gaslight & Grill, a 52-year-old company that offered gas and charcoal grills, luxury lighting, as well as fireplace products and accessories. In 2022, the companies completed a rebranding and chose our new name: Hollywood Outdoor Living. Our company’s new identity reflects our growth and sustains our legacy of providing luxury pools, spas, grills, lighting, furniture, and fireplaces. Visit our new website (hollywood outdoorliving.com), come see us in the store, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter!

Firefly Electrical opens service division and helps homeowners with ‘anything electrical’

Firefly Electrical • 205-984-8860

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Alex and Allie Aldrich started Firefly Electrical — a contracting company specializing in wiring for custom home remodels and new residential construction — in 2017.

The couple saw the need for a local company that would always answer the phone, offer great customer service and successfully execute even the most complicated lighting plans.

Firefly also helps homeowners and general contractors blend beauty with functionality in their electrical designs.

And in January, Firefly dramatically broadened its range by opening its new service division.

“We can help a homeowner with anything electrical they are looking at in their house,” Allie says.

Firefly can install or upgrade lighting fixtures, doorbells, landscape or security lighting, and a wide variety of interior and exterior outlets, including electric vehicle outlets. They can also upgrade or repair electrical panels or services and

troubleshoot electrical problems.

When Firefly began, the company didn’t have enough employees to take on service work, and they had to turn down a lot of customers.

“But we definitely saw the need in the community, and it’s nice to be able to say yes to them now,” Allie said.

In addition, finding a way to say yes to customers is part of the Firefly company culture.

Some subcontractors will respond to an unusual request by saying, ‘No, that can’t be done,” but Firefly relies on creative problem solving, Allie says.

“We’re passionate about trying to find a way to do a job and really meet the customer’s needs,” she says.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash.

One Man & A Toolbox celebrates 25 years of great service to homeowners

One Man & A Toolbox • 205-823-2111 • oneman-toolbox.com

If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.

However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.

Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.

“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss.

Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.

“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.

One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle larger home improvement projects.

Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from Angi or Craigslist. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.

One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.

And the company is here to stay. The 25th anniversary “shows the good reputation we have to be able to stay in business,” Moss said.

Call 205-823-2111 or go to oneman-toolbox.com.

LAH Real Estate continues to give back to its Birmingham neighbors

LAH Real Estate • 205-870-8580

LAH Real Estate is continuing its longstanding tradition of giving back to the greater Birmingham community during this upcoming holiday season and we want to encourage you to join us!

Starting in 2013, our President and Founder Maurice Humphries made it a point to emphasize LAH’s philanthropic efforts. He started an initiative where at the start of each year, agents and staff could recommend any number of charities for LAH to consider supporting throughout the year. Since then, LAH has made numerous contributions to local and national charities that each reflect the core values of our LAH family.

Out of the over 50 charities LAH supported in 2021, one of our favorite annual traditions has been our companywide canned food drive, which supports the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama. LAH’s four residential offices in Mountain Brook, Homewood, Crestline, and Hoover compete to collect as much as they can. In 2021, we collected over 500

lahrealestate.com

pounds of canned goods.

“2020 was such a challenging year for everyone, but it was important for us to still find ways to give back. This canned food drive has been a crucial way for us to support an organization that is so important to so many people in our area, and we’ve been collecting every year since,” Humphries said.

LAH Real Estate was founded in Birmingham 30 years ago. We take pride in our strong ties with our community. Support your local LAH office with a canned food donation! We will be collecting through Nov. 21.

Leaky Basement? Here’s what you need to know

Buckets Away Waterproofing • 205-222-6443 • bucketsawaywaterproofing.com

Does your stomach sink every time it rains because you know you’re going to have puddles in your basement or crawl space?

Water can leak into your home through cracks in the wall, or it can seep through porous materials in the form of water vapor.

You don’t have to live with leaks in your home forever, though. You just need a trained professional, such as Buckets Away Waterproofing, to give you a same-day inspection and free estimate.

Buckets Away Waterproofing uses quality waterproofing and sealing products to effectively seal your basement or crawl space. They install 14 mm plastic poly boards and FRP panels to ensure that water does not percolate the inner space of your basement.

“PolySeal and Flex Seal® are our go-to brands for quality waterproofing and sealing products,” said Brandon Skinner, owner of Buckets Away Waterproofing. With 9 years of experience, our

professionals will ensure that your home is treated with care and caution. We use mobile apps to send reports to you once your job is complete.”

Buckets Away offers free estimates and inspections. The business has been locally and family owned and operated since 2017, and they’re committed to treating your home like it’s their own.

With a single call Buckets Away Waterproofing, you can rest easy every time it rains. Be sure to ask about their 10% off summer discount!

Call 205-222-6443 for your free estimate.

Homewood Carpet & Flooring offers the best selection in Birmingham

Homewood

To find the best selection of flooring in the Birmingham area, go to Homewood Carpet & Flooring.

Owner Foo Shunnarah has offered great service for 16 years and helps customers pick the perfect flooring for their lifestyle and budget.

Shunnarah’s motto is “Foo And You: We Are One!”

“When I say ‘Foo and You,’ it’s really like 90% of the time you’ll see me if I’m there, and if you have any issues, you’ll talk directly to me,” he said.

Luxury vinyl — durable and scratchresistant — is perhaps the most popular type of flooring right now, Shunnarah said.

Luxury vinyl tile and planks look almost exactly like tile or hardwood but are much cheaper.

“The price is half, or less than half, when compared to actual tile or hardwood,” Shunnarah said.

In August, Homewood Carpet & Flooring began carrying COREtec, the original luxury vinyl flooring.

COREtec is waterproof, kid-proof and pet-proof; easy to install and maintain; and comes in many attractive styles.

Shunnarah also offers long-lasting porcelain ceramic tiles; beautiful, timeless hardwoods; carpet, a very affordable option; and other specialty products.

These products are available in many colors, styles and looks.

Homewood Carpet & Flooring offers free measurements, and you can look at products in the showroom or have them brought to your home. The store also offers installation.

Financing is available at Homewood Carpet & Flooring, as well. To fill out an application, go to the store’s website and click on the Wells Fargo link.

For details, go to homewoodcarpet.com.

Foo Shunnarah

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SAT 9AM - 6PM • SUN 1PM - 6PM

Alabaster 621-7010 Gardendale 631-2322 Greystone 408-0280 Homewood 802-8888 Hoover 979-7274 Hoover 982-8006 Hueytown 744-4948

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