What’s next for Homewood leadership after mayor announces retirement
By SARAH OWENS
Homewood voters took to the polls on Sept. 24 to vote yes or no on a referendum to authorize the hiring of a city manager. Results weren’t available at press time, but continuing coverage will be shared online.
Regardless of the vote outcome, residents will see big changes in their city government when Alex Wyatt, the City Council president, becomes mayor, effective Nov. 1.
Wyatt is stepping into the role after Mayor Patrick McClusky announced his retirement at a City Council meeting Aug. 26.
For continuing coverage, go to thehomewood star.com
McClusky cited the desire to spend more time with family and to pursue other interests as reasons behind the decision.
Council President Pro Tempore Walter Jones will fill Wyatt’s role, and the empty councilor seat will likely be filled in November. You can read more about that process on page 6.
Check out November’s paper for a profile on Wyatt and his plans for finishing out the term as mayor, and a breakdown of what’s next for the city following the referendum results.
SERVING HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, VESTAVIA HILLS, TRUSSVILLE AND THE U.S. 280 CORRIDOR
Homewood Halloween builds lasting memories, community
By SARAH OWENS
Justin Ivins remembers trick-or-treating as a child on the same neighborhood streets that hundreds of children now walk when they come to see his house on Halloween, but he says none of the houses back then decorated like he does now.
A resident of Edgewood, Ivins goes all out for Halloween, creating a memorable experience with large blow-up decorations, a fog machine and colorful lights.
He has always liked the spooky holiday, but his childhood memories aren’t as vivid as the ones he hopes his decorations create for today’s kids. Growing up on Valley Avenue in Homewood, Ivins’ mom would bring him over to Edgewood to trick-or-treat, but he said the population of the neighborhood was older back then, so they didn’t decorate as much.
Ivins and his friends celebrated big for the holiday throughout college, and that’s where he thinks the roots of his Halloween tradition may have started to grow.
“I bought one thing,” he said, “and then I bought another thing, and then I bought another thing, and then, sure enough, now I got a yard full of stuff.”
His yard truly does become a spectacle during the month of October, featuring decorations of all kinds. He’ll often put out a few things at a time, slowly filling the yard until he reaches the final look.
“Now I’ve got no choice [but] to do it,” he said. “All the kids start driving by and wanting to know when I’m starting to put out stuff.”
He usually gets one new item every year, and neighbors and friends often send in decoration suggestions or pictures of items they see around town or in stores. This year, he finally got his hands on a Skelly, the famous 12-foot skeleton statue from Home Depot that has a Facebook group of over 280,000 people dedicated to it.
Its giant size isn’t the only thing that earns the towering decoration a lot of attention.
See HALLOWEEN | page
Left: Justin Ivins dressed up in face paint for Halloween 2021. Above: Ella James and Landyn Ivins pose in front of their decorated lawn on Halloween in 2023.
Above: Justin Ivins has spent thousands of dollars over the years building his collection of Halloween decorations. Photos courtesy of Justin Ivins.
Alex Wyatt, the incoming mayor of Homewood and current City Council president Homewood, stands in front of the Homewood City Hall plaza. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic organism called Treponema pallidum. This bacterium has a characteristic corkscrew shape when viewed under a particular kind of microscope, and an infection with this bacterium can result in many different findings. The findings can range from a small painless ulcer, a chancre at the exposure site, or involvement in the eyes, ears, brain, or other organ systems if left untreated. Physical findings of syphilis may not persist long-term, and sometimes, the only way to identify a person who has a syphilis infection is through a series of blood tests. This matter can make syphilis challenging to diagnose at times. However, highly effective treatment options can completely cure these infections once diagnosed.
In the early 2000s, syphilis hit an alltime low in the United States. During that period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had hoped to see the complete eradication of syphilis. Unfortunately, as we moved into the 2010s, slow and steady increases in the total number of syphilis cases in the US persisted. In 2022, the total number of Primary and Secondary Syphilis cases was 17.7 cases per 100,000 people. In Alabama, this rate was 23.5 cases per 100,000 people (the 13th highest rate in the United States). Unfortunately, these increases in syphilis have translated to increases in congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis is an infection passed from mother to child, and this can lead to developmental delay, bone abnormalities, abnormal tooth development, blindness, deafness, and stillbirth. Congenital syphilis can have a devastating effect on a developing baby. Still, with early identification of the infection in a pregnant mother and early treatment, many of the terrible consequences of congenital syphilis can be avoided.
From 2012 to 2021, congenital syphilis cases have increased by 755%, and according to the CDC, 88% of these cases could have been prevented with timely screening and treatment.1 In the United States, there were 3,755 cases of congenital syphilis in 2022, and in Alabama, there were 43 cases, which represents the 20th highest count of congenital syphilis cases in the United States. Given the long-term impacts of congenital syphilis, the ease of blood tests during pregnancy, and effective treatments, every effort must be made to reduce the number of these infections.
Given these concerning increases, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommended that all pregnant persons be screened for syphilis when they first start to receive prenatal care, during the third trimester, and at the time of birth. This universal recommendation for screening allows for early identification of a syphilis infection, and early treatment leads to improved long-term health outcomes for the infant.
Wesley G. Willeford, M.D., M.P.H. Medical Director of Disease Control | Infectious Diseases Physician
The Jefferson County Department of Health offers comprehensive sexual health testing and treatment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 205-588-5234 or by accessing self-scheduling online: jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/Clinics/SelfScheduling SHProvider.aspx.
To begin to see improvements in the rates of syphilis in Alabama, we encourage the following:
● If you are sexually active, seek regular screening for sexually transmitted infections.
● If you are pregnant, it is essential that you talk to your pregnancy care provider about following recommended testing guidance for syphilis.
1 Screening for Syphilis in Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/ clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2024/04/ screening-for-syphilis-in-pregnancy.
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Sarah Owens
The fall season is definitely the best time of the year to me, and Halloween might just be my favorite holiday. As someone who played soccer for 13 years, there is no better feeling than stepping onto a field for a game in perfect fall weather. This month’s edition features plenty of fall content, and we’ve taken a look at some fun Halloween traditions as well. Be sure to check out our cover story on Homewood’s Halloween festivities, the annual Witches Ride and the feature on Sims Garden’s
pumpkin and mum sale. Fall in the South also means football, so take a look at the sports section to see what’s on the schedule this month for the Homewood and John Carroll football teams.
For advertising, contact: dan@starnesmedia.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sowens@starnesmedia.com
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Reading
between the lines is our specialty.
There are so many things that go into making sure the lights turn on when you flip the switch. With their vast experience and training, our team of experts approaches every situation by taking in the information and reading between the lines to find just the right solution. We are always ready to take on new challenges and find innovative ways to strengthen our grid. With over 60 weeks of training under their belts, our lineworkers are out in the field, delivering reliable power, rain or shine. Together, we work to power a better Alabama.
The Homewood Star is distributed through direct mail to Homewood residents. You can also find copies at a variety of locations throughout the community. For a list of pick up locations, scan the QR code below or go to qrco.de/ homewoodstar
Concierge Speech Birmingham provides expert in-home speech therapy to all
Jill Canary — a certified speech language pathologist and owner of Concierge Speech Birmingham LLC — provides expert speech therapy services to both adults and children around the Birmingham area. She founded her business out of a deep passion for helping others communicate and recognizing the importance of convenience when accessing therapy services.
“I’m passionate about speech therapy because communication is essential to living a fulfilling life,” said Canary, who holds a master’s degree from The University of Alabama and has extensive experience working with clients of all ages. “I’ve seen firsthand how improved communication skills can open doors, strengthen relationships, and build confidence in individuals.”
Concierge Speech Birmingham recently celebrated its launch with a ribbon-cutting event in September, alongside the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
Jill offers skilled intervention for children facing challenges like apraxia of speech, fluency issues, and language, articulation, social communication, or phonological processing disorders. For adults, her services address swallowing difficulties, cognitive-communication deficits, as well as language, voice, fluency, and motor speech disorders.
What sets Concierge Speech Birmingham apart is its unique approach: services are provided in your home, your child’s school or daycare, or any convenient location of your choice. Jill also states, “I offer flexible scheduling and set up evaluations and treatment quickly — with limited waiting time
for the client.” She strives to keep her caseload manageable, so she is able to devote focused time to each individual and their particular needs.
All clients receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, with frequent progress reports to monitor response to therapy.
Concierge Speech
Birmingham
• Call: 251-401-1503
• Web: conciergespeech bham.com
Canary emphasizes the importance of caregiver involvement throughout the client’s treatment process and offers education and coaching to increase the confidence that caregivers have in their ability to support loved ones.
She’s also very accessible, offers clients a warm, comfortable environment, and aims to make therapy fun and engaging.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help children express themselves and watch adults regain their ability to connect with others,” Jill said. Concierge Speech Birmingham offers both virtual and in-person screenings to determine candidacy for therapy, followed by thorough evaluations using formal assessments and clinical expertise to develop effective, individualized treatment plans.
“I find my work gratifying because I enjoy seeing the difference improved communication abilities can make in someone's life, as well as the lives of their loved ones,” Jill said.
CITY
Changes at the top: what’s next for Homewood leadership after mayor announces retirement
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
Weeks before Homewood citizens voted on whether to change the city government structure, Mayor Patrick McClusky ensured there would be at least one change by announcing his retirement at the Aug. 26 Homewood City Council meeting.
Citing a desire to spend more time with his family and to pursue “new opportunities on the horizon,” McClusky announced that he is resigning, effective Nov. 1. Council President Alex Wyatt will become the mayor and Walter Jones, council president pro tempore, will become council president.
McClusky and his wife Leah have three kids: a son who recently started college, a daughter who is a freshman in high school and another daughter in eighth grade. Taking his son to college proved eye-opening for McClusky.
“When we dropped my son off at Auburn a couple of weeks ago, I was like, ‘How did we get here? He was a toddler just a few minutes ago.’ It really is fast," he said at the meeting.
“I’ve served the city of Homewood for 16 years now. That’s a long time for anybody, much less somebody who started as young as I did, getting into serving,” McClusky said. “It’s just my time.”
The mayor said he’ll be around until Nov. 1, adding that he and Wyatt already work closely together as mayor and council president.
“I think Alex will do a fantastic job finishing out the term and getting us where we need to be before the new council, no matter how it looks like, takes hold,” McClusky said.
Like the mayor, the council president was elected at-large.
Committee and is the council liaison to the Cable Commission.
The next election of the mayor and council is in 2025.
Prior to McClusky’s retirement, Jones will continue to chair the council’s Finance Committee.
The council will accept applications and conduct interviews to appoint a new representative for the Ward 3 Place 2 seat, which Jones has held since 2008. Beyond chairing the Finance Committee, he serves on the Public Safety
Along with these changes, the Aug. 26 council meeting opened with the approval of McClusky’s appointment of Bo Seagrist to be the city clerk. Seagrist had been assistant city clerk since the retirement of Melody Salter at the end of January.
Seagrist acknowledged his parents, Ed and
Jada Selleck, before expressing his gratitude to the council and the city’s department heads.
“I want to thank God for this opportunity. Without Him, none of this is possible for me,” Seagrist said to the council. “I just want to do great things to serve this city, to serve the residents and to serve the employees."
“Last but not least, I have to thank my staff in the city clerk’s office,” he continued, encouraging applause for his staff. “They do a tremendous job of making me look good, shining me up.”
Wyatt served six years on the council as a Ward 4 representative before being elected president of the council in 2020.
Left: Bo Seagrist smiles as he accepts congratulations after his appointment to city clerk on Aug. 26. Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr. Right: Patrick McClusky was elected mayor in 2020 after serving on the Homewood City Council for three terms. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Homewood Finance Director
Robert Burgett talks to the Homewood City Council's Finance Commitee on Jan. 22
by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
Homewood sees half of stolen money returned
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
On Sept. 3, the City of Homewood received roughly half of the $950,000 that was stolen by its former finance director.
“It certainly was a welcome thing that happened for sure,” City Councilor Barry Smith said.
Mayor Patrick McClusky said in a statement that the city had recovered a portion of the funds that former Finance Director Robert Burgett had stolen, and they expect to recoup more at a later date.
“This initial $500,000 was the result of an insurance payout from the city’s carrier, Travelers Insurance,” McClusky said. “The city, with assistance from the city attorney and other investigative agencies, anticipates recovering additional funds.
“As we work through this process, we are hopeful that the city will eventually recover the majority, if not the totality, of the embezzled funds,” McClusky said.
Burgett, 64, of Hueytown, was jailed in April 2024 and charged with misappropriation of city
funds. In August, he was charged in federal district court with three counts of wire fraud and accepted a plea agreement, in which he agreed to plead guilty to the charges related to his embezzling.
According to the information and plea agreement, in his role as the city of Homewood’s finance director, Burgett stole the money between at least May 2023 and about March 2024. He embezzled nearly $1 million from city bank accounts.
Burgett concealed his conduct by first moving the city’s funds into a commercial bank account that he controlled before transferring the funds into his personal account. Burgett also altered city bank account statements and made false journal entries in city accounting records. He ultimately used the embezzled funds for personal purposes.
“We are working with the FBI in order to recover the remainder of the funds,” Smith said. “That’s going to be a little bit longer of a process. But we have every anticipation that we will recoup as much of the money … as we can.”
Photo
School board gets first glimpse of 2024-25 budget
By LOYD McINTOSH
The Homewood Board of Education heard the first reading of the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) Homewood City Schools budget during its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 27.
HCS Chief Financial Officer Lynn Buch presented an overview of the proposed $84 million budget, which is expected to come up for a vote during the Board of Education’s next meeting on Sept. 24.
Pending any unexpected changes in revenue, the budget will authorize HCS to spend $83.8 million in FY25, including slightly under $57 million for personnel, which accounts for 74% of the total budget excluding debt and capital projects.
Other predicted expenditures include $24.3 million in non-personnel spending, including $4.4 million in capital improvements, $2.2 million for debt service payments and $17.6 million for other operating expenses based on 2023-24 fiscal year spending and growth projections.
The HCS budget is based on expected revenues totaling $84.6 million, with local revenues of $49.4 million accounting for 58.39% of all school board revenues. Other revenue sources include $29 million from the state and $2.9 million from the federal government, with the remainder coming from various miscellaneous sources.
Buch said that as of Aug. 26, the Homewood school system has 641 full-time and part-time employees and a total enrollment of 4,484 students: 1,329 at Homewood High School, 1,000 at Homewood Middle School, 935 at Edgewood Elementary, 715 at Hall-Kent Elementary and 505 at Shades Cahaba Elementary.
HCS Superintendent Justin Hefner and the board members all thanked Buch and her staff for their hard work and dedication in preparing the FY25 budget. Board member Justin Russell also thanked the city of Homewood and the residents for their financial support of the city’s schools.
“We’re only able to do this because people choose to shop in Homewood when they have so many other options,” Russell said, “and the city graciously chooses to share sales tax
revenue with us when they’re not required to do so, because they see the value of our public schools.”
In other items, the Homewood Board of Education:
Voted unanimously to approve an agreement with the Homewood Police Department for six student resource officers, at a cost of just over $400,000, for the 2024-25 school year.
Approved a contract in conjunction with the Mountain Brook Board of Education for the
Turning Points special education program. Greenlit the renewal of a $60,000 contract for the Renaissance Learning software package. Adopted new textbooks for Homewood High School’s AP Environmental Science classes. Approved the disposal of old AP Psychology textbooks that are no longer in use.
Voted to consider a John Deere tractor currently located at Waldrop Stadium and a Buffalo Chopper food processor located at Homewood High School as surplus.
If you suffer from allergies or other ear, nose, throat or hearing problems, we don’t want you to treat your healthcare lightly or ignore symptoms that could lead to more serious issues.
For a complete and thorough evaluation make an appointment today to see one of our 15 board certified physicians, 4 highly trained, licensed PA’s, or 16 clinical audiologists – all available to serve your needs at any of our 10 locations.
At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.
For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us on our website at www.entalabama.com, and scan the QR code below to follow us on social media.
Lynn Buch, the chief financial officer of Homewood City Schools, presents the 2024-25 fiscal year budget proposal to Board of Education members at a meeting on Aug. 27.
Photo by Loyd McIntosh.
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
Ryan Murrell, band director, Homewood Middle School
By STAFF
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: My teachers, mainly my band directors who were always there for me, who saw me for more than just who I was. They were always there for me, and they always knew that I could do more than what I ever did.
Q: How long have you been a teacher?
A: I’ve been teaching for 12 years.
Q: Tell us about your favorite teacher from when you were in school.
A: It was my band directors, Ron Pence and Chris Cooper. Ron would always do what he could to make sure everybody was OK, and Chris always brought so much energy. It was just hard not to smile when they were both together in the room. It just made class and everything that we did so much fun.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
A: Having the opportunity to give the students the same opportunities that I had back when I was a student here at Homewood. Homewood is a special place, and not every school has the type of teachers and resources that we do here. And if I can do anything to make the students’ lives better, I will do that.
SPOTLIGHT
HMS earns national recognition as Promising Practice School
Homewood Middle School has earned national recognition for its character education initiatives by Character.org, a leading advocate for character education in schools. HMS is one of nine schools in Alabama to be honored this year as a Promising Practice School.
The school’s “Patriot to the COR”E program was recognized for its significant impact and alignment with one or more of Character. org’s principles, which emphasize the importance of embedding core values into school culture and embracing shared leadership to strengthen character initiatives.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work being done at Homewood Middle School,” said Justin Hefner, the superintendent of Homewood City Schools. “The Patriot to the CORE program exemplifies the middle school’s commitment to character
education and the development of responsible, caring citizens. Our teachers, staff and students have truly embraced the values of the Patriot to the CORE program, and it shows in the positive impact they’re making daily.”
The school’s program focuses on instilling core values such as honesty, hard work, respect and responsibility. Through various activities and initiatives, students and staff collaborate to create a supportive and positive environment, encouraging everyone to lead by example.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, HMS will be featured on Character.org’s website, social media and newsletters as a model of character education. This recognition is not only a significant honor for the school but also an opportunity to inspire other schools and educators across the country.
– Submitted by Homewood City Schools.
Homewood High School band staff, from left, Terrance Cobb, Mackenzie Owens, William Clay, Chris Cooper and Ryan Murrell during a St. Patrick’s Day parade reception by the Irish Tourism Board honoring all of the U.S. bands participating in the 2024 parade in Dublin, Ireland, while attending the Midwest Band Clinic in December 2023. Photo courtesy of Chris Cooper.
Homewood Middle School is one of nine Alabama schools to be recognized this year as a Promising Practice School. Courtesy of Homewood City Schools.
Business Buzz
NOW OPEN
Homebase, a coworking space at 1625 Oxmoor Road, Suite 105, opened recently. The building houses a collection of fully furnished office spaces for rent, including 24/7 access for members, free internet service, free printing services, parking in the street, meeting rooms and a monthly coffee card. For more information, potential members can contact Homebase through the online form on their website.
205-829-1383, athomebase.com
Several new businesses have recently opened at The Edge Homewood on Green Springs Highway. The Edge is similar to a food court, but it also offers green space to relax and enjoy time with friends, retail stores for shopping, and a future entertainment venue. The Que-Bicle is now open daily and serves up local Chef Nick Carpenter’s take on barbecue and sides. BBQ tacos, nachos and mac and cheese are just a few of the offerings. Visit tlhospitality.com for detailed hours and more information. PopBar and Baba Java are now open in a shared space. PopBar offers all-natural gelato in popsicle form, with more than 80 rotating flavors to choose from. Visit pop-bar.com for more information. Baba Java offers expertly crafted, roasted and sustainably sourced coffee. Visit babajavacoffee. com for more information. B’ham Burger is also now open. This restaurant was brought to Homewood by the same people that opened The Standard in the Pizitz Food Hall and in the Vestavia Hills City Center. Customers can enjoy burgers and hot dogs with the option to add toppings such as a fried egg, avocado and more. For more information, visit thestandardbhm.com. Shin
Ramen Noodle and Asian Cuisine is also open and offers ramen bowls, rice bowls and other custom Asian cuisine. Young Shin, the owner, is also the owner of The Standard and Pho Pho restaurants. Visit theedgehomewood.com for ongoing tenant updates. theedgehomewood.com
Los Valedores Mexican Food, LLC, has put a “coming soon” sign on a building at the intersection of Columbiana Road and Oxmoor Road, and construction is taking place. There has not been an official announcement from the owners about the site plans, but customers have posted about the restaurant opening a brick-andmortar location on the Los Valedores Facebook page. The Mexican eatery has operated out of a food truck for years, and continues to serve the Homewood area in various locations. It was recently voted one of the “Three Best Food Trucks in Birmingham” by threebestrated.com. The menu currently offers authentic tacos, tortas, quesadillas, burritos and more. 205-460-6517, facebook.com/LosValedoresBham
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Shunnarah Flooring, located on Green Springs Highway, now offers full kitchen, bathroom and utility room renovations. Everything from plumbing, electric, painting and floors to tile walls, backsplashes and niches — Shunnarah Flooring does it all, top to bottom. Ask about design services. 205-518-6423, shunnarahflooring.com
CLOSINGS
GreenHouse restaurant, in the Edgewood community of Homewood, is now closed after five years in business. The eatery was known for soups, salads, and sandwiches. The newer location in Southside is also closed. The restaurant’s owners, Bray and Mary Claire Britton, made the announcement on Instagram in July. The couple commented that they wanted to “get to know their kids,” and that the two restaurant spaces were up for lease.
greenhousebham.com
Badcock and More, located in the Palisades in Homewood, is closing permanently. The nationwide furniture chain is reportedly closing down all locations after 120 years in business. The company filed for bankruptcy due to overwhelming debt and climbing overhead costs. The company is having “going out of business” sales in all stores, and all purchases made by customers are final. badcock.com/homewood-al
2024 Hazardous Waste Day Collection Event
SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW
Anna Rogers, president of Alabama Risk Solutions
By STAFF
Anna Rogers was named president of Alabama Risk Solutions earlier this year, after working in insurance her entire career. Legacy Risk Solutions gave her the chance to start an agency in Birmingham, located at 172 Oxmoor Road, Suite 200.
Q: Tell us briefly about your business.
A: We are a full service P&C (property and casualty) insurance agency that takes a little bit of a different approach than a lot of other places. For instance, most people are pricedriven and they may be talking to you once or twice a year, but we like to take more of a consultative approach.
Q: How did you get involved with the business?
A: I've been in the insurance industry for the entirety of my career. … I've always hoped to have the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and, in the insurance space, that is a difficult thing to do.
Q: What would your customers say they like about you?
A: They like and appreciate how quick I am to respond and that I'll answer the phone regardless of the time of day, as long as I'm not asleep.
Q: Give us your elevator pitch.
A: I have dedicated my career to transforming the often-overlooked world of insurance into a dynamic and engaging experience. I believe that insurance should be more than a transaction.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: My goal is not just to provide coverage, but to build lasting, impactful relationships. My unique approach combines a genuine passion for helping others with a proactive stance on educating clients.
True40 opens at The Edge in West Homewood
By STAFF
True40 Studio, a premier boutique fitness destination, has expanded its footprint by opening its second Birmingham area location at The Edge, located on Green Springs Highway.
The studio offers a workout that combines principles of strength training, cardio, barre, Pilates and yoga. Originally established in Auburn in 2016, True40 has since expanded across the state, working to provide a supportive and inspiring environment for individuals to achieve their fitness goals.
They held a grand opening party on Aug. 22, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, light refreshments and giveaways. Attendees also had the opportunity to become a founding member of True40 Homewood.
“True40 is thrilled to expand to the
Homewood neighborhood through the dynamic Edge development,” said Kaitlyn Bentley, the CEO of True40 Studio and owner of the downtown Birmingham and Homewood locations. “Homewood aligns perfectly with our mission to empower a community of people to move true to their bodies and ultimately become their best selves by celebrating movement. We’re so excited to build our community in our high-energy haven.”
True40 inhabits 2,007 square feet within The Edge, and amenities include a free parking lot, a shower, beauty bar and childcare. True40’s other Birmingham location is located at 2201 2nd Ave. S., Unit 201. Members at either studio will be able to attend both locations.
For more information on True40 Studio, visit true40studio.com. For more information on The Edge, visit theedgehomewood.com.
Anna Rogers is on a mission to change the narrative of insurance from a boring necessity to a supportive and enjoyable experience. Photo courtesy of Anna Rogers.
True40’s studio space has room for workouts that combine principles of strength training, cardio, barre, Pilates and yoga. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Sips and Bites
SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW
James Bondurant,
co-owner of
Honest Coffee Roasters and Acai Cafe
By STAFF
Q: Tell us briefly about the restaurant.
A: Our unique spin in the coffee shop is that we're a fruit place that specializes in coffee and a lot of other fresh and healthy food options. In addition to having some of the best coffee in Birmingham, we specialize in acai bowls, smoothies, breakfast toast, parfaits [and] overnight oats, and we fresh-squeeze juices every morning.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: If you truly care about your guests, you don't let them destroy their bodies with bad food. Here at Honest Coffee, we specialize in fresh fruit, healthy options. We want to make sure our guests are taking care of themselves and when they leave here, they feel better about themselves.
Q: Anything new or upcoming that we should know?
A: We make all of our flavored syrups from scratch ourselves. And if fruits are involved, we juice those fruits that we need to make our syrups. Every season, we change our seasonal syrups.
Q: What is your favorite part about working in the industry?
A: One thing I like even more than being
around coffee is helping the community. We help the community by providing fresh fruit, healthy food options and drink options to make sure everybody's getting their daily vitamins and minerals they need. And we also provide free math homework help in the mornings and math tutoring in the afternoons.
Q: How'd you get started in the industry?
A: Taking care of yourself has always been something that's very important to me. … I want to help guests take care of themselves.
Freddy’s Bistro and Bar celebrates 3 months in Homewood
By SARAH OWENS
Freddy’s Bistro and Bar has been serving their European-inspired selection on Oxmoor Road for just over three months, after a year’s worth of delays kept them from opening the doors to the revamped space previously occupied by Nabeel’s Cafe.
Stuart Stone, the owner and operator of Freddy’s Wine Bar on Highland Avenue in Birmingham, signed a lease in December 2022 and opened the Homewood location in late May 2024.
Both locations’ menus are inspired by small spots in cities like Siena, Florence and Paris, and Stone brought the concepts to Birmingham’s food scene when he opened Freddy’s Wine Bar in 2018.
Stone envisioned Freddy’s as a neighborhood gathering place specializing in charcuterie, upscale Italian salads and sandwiches, and hand-selected wines from regions such as Burgundy, Loire Valley, Tuscany and Napa Valley.
The Homewood menu features a selection of cheese and dip boards, lighter snacks, salads, sandwiches, a few main dishes, desserts and, of course, a wide variety of cocktails and wine.
Stone graduated from Auburn University with a degree in environmental engineering and spent a few years working for his family’s business, Stone Building Company, before jumping into the food business in 2015. With assistance from his father, Stone opened Pranzo, which offered Italian-influenced sandwiches and salads on 3rd Avenue North in downtown Birmingham. Pranzo — Italian for the word “lunch” — closed in 2016.
Photo courtesy of James Bondurant.
Stuart Stone, owner of Freddy’s Wine Bar in Birmingham, stands outside of the former Nabeel’s Cafe in 2023. Stone opened Freddy’s Bistro and Bar in the former Nabeel’s Cafe location in May.
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Witches Ride raises cancer awareness for 12th year
By KATHARINE ARMBRESTER
A colorful flock of witches will once again descend upon Homewood, but they’ll arrive on bikes, not brooms.
They’ll be gathering on Oct. 27 for the 12th annual Homewood Witches Ride, benefiting the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Janie Ford Mayer conceptualized the event after her mother, Paula Stringfellow Ford, passed away from cancer.
“My mother loved to participate in the Witches of South Walton ride,” Mayer said, referring to an annual Florida-based fundraiser.
“My mom wouldn't want me to be sad, but celebrate and have a party when thinking of her.”
“The Homewood Witches Ride was created to celebrate not only those who were fighting
but also those we have lost,” Mayer added. “We wanted to bring joy to those who are left behind missing loved ones, all while supporting such a great cause.”
Organizing the event includes coordinating with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Homewood Central Park, along with finding sponsors.
Mary Jane Gibson, associate director of development at the O’Neal Cancer Center, stated that the financial impact of the Witches Ride increases every year, with last year’s event bringing in $50,000 for rare cancer research.
Dr. Barry Sleckman, director of the O’Neal Cancer Center, spoke highly of the fundraiser and how it contributes to improving cancer care.
“We are profoundly grateful for the
Homewood Witches Ride’s support and the tremendous effort behind it,” Sleckman said.
“The hard work of the dedicated organizing team and the generosity and enthusiasm of the community translate into crucial resources for advancing cancer research.”
Ryanne Player and Brett Cole, both Homewood residents, are the ride’s co-organizers.
“Loving what it stood for and what the money went towards, I had to eventually join in,” said Player, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Cole was also drawn to the event as a result of having family members who battled cancer.
“Between my love of all things Homewood, a good Halloween costume and raising awareness of cancer research, getting involved in Homewood Witches Ride was a perfect fit,” Cole said.
Riders of all ages dress in creative costumes, decorate their bikes and toss candy to the crowd.
“The idea is to have fun celebrating with friends who have all been touched by cancer in some way,” Mayer said.
“Moms tell me all the time that their kids look forward to or get more excited about seeing all the witches ride through the city and catching the candy than they do about Halloween,” Mayer said. “This would have brought my mother so much joy to know how loved this event is, to not only the children, but all ages."
The bike route is 2.5 miles long and the ride begins at 2 p.m. at Homewood Central Park. The event coincides with Homewood’s fall festival, and registration begins Oct. 1. Registration is $60. Visit bit.ly/491Cj22 for more information.
Left: The witches line up for the 10th annual Homewood Witches Ride at Homewood Central Park benefiting the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB in October 2022. Above: Children watch and wait for the witches to toss candy as they ride by. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Sims Garden carries on legacy of community
By SARAH OWENS
The Sims Garden Pumpkin and Mum Sale has returned for another year as a favorite fall festivity, and the event is part of a bigger effort to solidify the garden’s future.
Amy Weis has been the caretaker and executive director of Sims Garden for the past five years and has made significant changes, but she’s got her work cut out for her.
With needed updates expected to cost a total of $350,000, fundraising is at the top of Weis’ priority list.
The city of Homewood inherited the Sims Garden property in 2009 as a gift from Catherine Sims, a local figure known for her love of plants.
Sims was well known in Homewood as “the plant lady.” Her extensive gardens, which spanned five lots, were admired by many, and she shared her gardening knowledge and plants with the community. Even after her death, stories about her passion for gardening and her influence on the neighborhood continued to circulate.
“A neighbor on the corner the other day said, ‘You see that tree? Miss Sims walked down here one day, and asked me, actually told me, that I needed a dogwood tree and told me to plant it right there. I said, ‘OK, Catherine.’ She dug the hole, and then she came back under the cover of moonlight to plant it,” Weis said.
Sims had specified in her will that the property be maintained as a botanical park. However, she left no clear definition of what that entailed.
“Over the years, there have been different people and different sorts of strategies developed,” said Weis, “but not a whole lot really implemented.”
The city did little with the property until 2012, when they contracted with the Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham-Southern
College to create a plan for Sims Garden. The trust fund Sims set up, while not specifically earmarked for the garden, provided the initial grant of $150,000 for the first five years.
Landscape architects were initially hired to help restore the garden, which had become overgrown and neglected. However, the lack of consistent funding and proper caretaking quickly became evident.
Weis said the city had assumed that no additional funds were required for the garden after the initial grant, but that was not the case, since the trust fund was actually meant for charity, not garden upkeep.
In 2018, Weis, then a teacher at Samford University, was contacted by the then-caretaker of the garden and was asked if she knew of any students who might be interested in moving into the house on premises.
According to Weis, the SEC failed to uphold their contract with the city, which said they were supposed to hire and pay for a full-time caretaker and cover all maintenance. However, that didn’t
happen after the first caretaker moved out. Weis submitted a proposal to the City Council in 2018, outlining a plan for a full-time caretaker position, and she was appointed to the role that July.
Once appointed, Weis began implementing changes to the garden, working closely with landscape architects, the city, and other stakeholders. A significant issue was, and still is, stormwater management, as development in the surrounding neighborhood has increased runoff issues.
She began collaborating with engineers and landscape professionals to develop a plan for sustainable stormwater management, and she and Homewood’s city engineer, Cale Smith, aim to turn the garden into an example of best practices in stormwater management, showcasing how to calculate and retain rainfall and how a rain garden works, among other things.
Weis said they want interpretive signage on the property that can explain stormwater management both to schoolchildren and to engineers, landscapers or other professionals who might
be interested.
To turn these plans into reality, the city contracted with Goodwyn Mills Cawood in 2019 for the design of a new landscape project. The design was completed in October 2021, but the bid process brought up concerns about stormwater retention that led to a reassessment.
Tara Barber, an engineer specializing in stormwater, was brought on board, and her experience helped realign the project. The city also allocated approximately $93,000 from its 2022-2023 budget to support the landscaping upgrades.
To garner further financial support, Weis began fundraising in 2020 with the first pumpkin and mum sale, but establishing the Miss Sims Garden Foundation, Inc., nonprofit in 2021 to manage the garden’s operations allowed her to start fundraising in earnest.
Other plans in the works include ADA-compliant pathways and an event space. The goal is to restore the garden to its former glory and create a space that serves as both a community hub and an educational resource.
As the work at Sims Garden moves forward, Weis says they currently need to raise about $100,000 to meet their fundraising goal. The fundraising efforts include the pumpkin and mum sale throughout October and other community-driven initiatives.
Despite the hurdles, Weis remains optimistic about completing the design and making the garden self-sufficient.
“The garden is about preserving the ‘plant lady’s’ legacy, that she left her garden in perpetuity for the enjoyment of the city and for the education of children and adults,” Weis said. “It was something she was passionate about, and so we’re passionate about preserving her legacy.”
A child looks at a blow-up jack-o-lantern scarecrow at the 2022 Sims Garden Pumpkin and Mum sale at the garden. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Patriots, Cavs prep for final stretch
By KYLE PARMLEY
October represents the most important stretch of games for high school football teams across Alabama. The final region games are played, and playoff spots are determined.
Homewood and John Carroll will be looking to make the most of this October. Each team plays its final three region games, looking to secure a playoff berth.
Homewood is looking for a 13th straight playoff appearance, while John Carroll is looking for back-to-back appearances for the first time since 2008 and 2009.
The Patriots begin the month with a home game against Gardendale on Oct. 4. The teams are region foes for the first time since the 2009 season. They have met three times since then, all of them in the second round of the state playoffs. Gardendale has won two of those games, including a 2021 win the last time the teams squared off.
Homewood won the first seven meetings between the programs, with the Patriots pitching shutouts in five of those contests.
The Patriots follow that game up with an open week and remain home on Oct. 18 to take on Parker, a highly touted team this fall. The teams split two meetings in 2016 and 2017, the only other time until this season that they have been region opponents.
Homewood then wraps up the month and the region schedule with a trip to Minor on Thursday, Oct. 24.
The programs are not extremely familiar with one another despite their relative proximity. They played once in 1974, but not again until 2006. Homewood has won five of eight meetings, but Minor won 28-0 the last time they met, in 2019.
The Patriots conclude the regular season on Nov. 1 at home against 7A team James Clemens. The two teams have never met prior to this season.
John Carroll begins October with its final three Class 5A, Region 5 games. On Oct. 4, the Cavs host Wenonah. It will be the seventh straight year that the two teams have been region foes. Wenonah owned the series in previous years, but John Carroll has found the upper hand over the
Homewood outside linebacker
Joey Luckianow (49) emerges from the scrum and signals the turnover recovery for Homewood during a game between
last four seasons, including a 49-35 win last fall.
The Cavs and Briarwood will square off for the first time in five years on Oct. 11 at Lions Pride Stadium. John Carroll’s last win over Briarwood came in 1995, with the Lions winning the last 10 meetings.
John Carroll wraps up the region slate at home against Corner on Oct. 18. Corner has risen back to 5A after a couple years dominating the 4A ranks. It will be the first meeting between the
two programs. John Carroll may or may not know its playoff fate following that final region contest, because the Cavs have an open date Oct. 25, the date of the last region games.
Either way, the Cavs will wrap up the regular season at home against West Blocton on Nov. 1. While John Carroll has won the two previous meetings between the teams, those were in 1949 and 1950.
Homewood and Mortimer
Jordan high schools on Sept. 6 at Mortimer Jordan’s Jimmie Trotter Stadium in Kimberly.
Photo by James Nicholas.
Under the Lights
GET TO KNOW CALENDAR
Homewood linebacker Trust Darnell
By STAFF
Q: What’s your favorite thing about football?
A: When everybody on the defense does their job, and it's just me and the running back in the hole, and I know I'm about to handle my business.
Q: What’s your favorite pregame meal?
A: Any of the meals that the moms prepare for us before the games.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing
about you outside of football?
A: I spent five years on the math team.
Q: Who is your favorite sports team and why?
A: Alabama because I've been watching them ever since I can remember.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: You open two gifts every day and those are your eyes, and you should look at every day as a gift and an opportunity to get better.
Looking for more Under the Lights? Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/under-the-lights) to follow us on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.
Oct. 22: vs. Parker, Jackson-Olin. 5 p.m.
Oct. 29: Spain Park. 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Oct. 1: vs. Chelsea. 6 p.m.
Oct. 3: @ Thompson. 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 4-5: Margaret Blalock Tournament. Homewood High School.
5: Jesse Owens Invitational. Oakville.
Oct. 18-19: Coach Wood Invitational. Atlanta, Ga.
Oct. 31: Section meet. Veterans Park.
FLAG FOOTBALL
Oct. 1: vs. Pinson Valley. 5 p.m.
Oct. 8: @ Mountain Brook. 6 p.m.
Oct. 15: vs. Leeds. 5 p.m.
Oct. 8: @ Cullman. 5 p.m.
Oct. 9: @ Chelsea. 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 15: vs. McAdory. 5 p.m.
Oct. 17: Area tournament. TBD.
Oct. 23: Regional tournament. TBD.
Oct. 30: State tournament. Birmingham CrossPlex.
PUMPKIN MUM SALE
Homewood inside linebacker Trust Darnell (33) during a game against Jasper in November 2023 at Waldrop Stadium in Homewood.
Photo by James Nicholas.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Lakeshore Foundation’s Sports Science and Performance Center offers world-class training for every athlete
In January, the Lakeshore Foundation opened its newest addition, the Sports Science and Performance Center (SSPC), with one goal in mind: to create greater disability equity in the sports industry.
SSPC offers a variety of services to help each athlete reach their goals. This begins with their Sports Performance Assessments, which includes body measurements and advanced body composition scans, metabolic testing, cardiorespiratory tests, power assessments and sport-specific assessments.
Lakeshore’s SSPC also offers strength and conditioning packages, with both in-person and remote options. Additionally, they provide personalized nutrition plans and mental performance packages that focus on building a pre-performance routine, concentration and confidence.
According to Terry Schrimscher, the Associate Director of Communications, SSPC serves anyone looking to reach the next level in sports performance.
“It’s tailor-made training for athletes who come in — and they come in from all over the world,” Schrimscher said.
Recently, Schrimscher said a man who was both an X Games and paralympic athlete came all the way from Minnesota, to train at their facility.
“Athletes with disabilities, whether they are training to compete or just wanting to be healthy and active, don’t always have access to the best equipment or access to lot of the advances in science and technology,” Schrimscher said.
“We built this lab with people with disabilities in mind. It’s built around custom training that’s the best available on the market, but it’s open to everyone. So now, every athlete, whether they’re disabled or non-disabled, has access to the same equipment and equal access to it.”
Liz Baker, Team USA paralympian and seven-time world paratriathlon event medalist, visited the new
facility earlier this year. She was there to help her friend, seven-time paratriathlon world champion Aaron Scheidies.
Scheidies was working on filming a TRX video for the blind and visually impaired at SSPC. Since Baker is a visually impaired athlete herself, her teenage son drove her to Birmingham.
While at SSPC, Baker underwent strength testing, balance testing, resting metabolism tests and a Dexa Scan. For athletes with an impairment trying to compete at the highest level, Baker said “there’s nothing like it.”
Lakeshore Foundation
• Where: 4000 Ridgeway Drive
• Call: 205-313-7400
• Web: lakeshore.org
“Their new sports performance section has all of the bells and whistles and the latest technology to help you reach your goals,” she said.
Later, Baker also had a “lunch and learn” in the nutrition lab.
“[It’s] probably the coolest nutrition lab I’ve been in and I’ve been to all of the USOPC centers,” she said.
“This one stands out.”
While Baker and Scheidies worked, Baker’s son received testing, too.
“My son doesn’t have a visual impairment; He’s non-disabled and he plays soccer, and those tests for him were amazing,” Baker said.
Baker encouraged parents of non-disabled children to bring their kids to the facility and support what SSPC is doing, which in turn could open up new avenues for SSPC to fund athletes.
“When you’re talking about being a visually impaired athlete, and racing internationally, if you can’t reach the criteria to make the national team, you’re funding it all for yourself,” Baker said.
“So, [for] places like SSPC to be able to make that an opportunity for you and you still get all that testing … it’s really an asset.”
The Lakeshore Foundations’ SSPC is located at 4000 Ridgeway Drive in Birmingham. They are open weekdays and work by appointment. For more information, go online to lakeshore.org/ sports-science-performance-center.
Battle Republic builds fitness family
By LOYD McINTOSH
In 2019, friends Lindsey Miller and Leah Drury took a risk and launched Battle Republic, a boxing-inspired fitness business in downtown Homewood.
Battle Republic quickly found its niche in greater Birmingham’s competitive fitness community, which not only responded to their blend of high-intensity aerobic and strength training but also sustained them through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"From day one, we knew we were always bigger than the workout. We know that you can go to a thousand different places and get a great workout," Drury said. "From the first time somebody steps into our doors, we want them to feel safe, seen and heard. We want them to feel loved on. Want to take care of them, hold their hand and push them to be the best version of themselves."
Miller and Drury got the idea for Battle Republic after visiting boxing fitness gyms in New York. Inspired, Miller and Drury decided to bring the concept home, and, after some wrangling, managed to secure a spot on the corner of 28th Avenue South and 18th Street South in Homewood’s busy downtown.
They turned to Telegraph Creative to develop their brand and to CCR Architecture & Interiors to transform the site into a modern fitness space. The interior is mostly black, with touches of industrial elements, like exposed ceilings and chains holding large water-filled punching bags, colorful lighting and an energetic playlist curated by Drury.
"There's just something about standing in a room beside each other, physically fighting in a dark room, with really cool lighting," Miller said. "There's just a vibe that's come out of that
that has been really neat to see. I think that's really fed into the branding and the voice of what we are and what we do."
"It's like a Southern version of what we saw in New York, where it's highly reliant on a community of people that just fight together and take care of each other, even if they don't even know each other that well," she added.
After launching the Homewood location in early 2019, Drury and Miller decided in August
2020 to open a second location in the Summit. Then the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of fitness facilities throughout Birmingham, including their Homewood location.
Miller said they had already signed a lease and hired a contractor, so they decided to move forward with the Summit location. Also, since the business was so new and the Summit location had yet to open, they were ineligible for the federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
loans available for existing businesses. Miller and Drury say the pandemic was frightening, but they were able to push through and finally open the new location in December 2023.
"For the first year we were open in Homewood, it was freaking gangbusters. It was so wild how fast people just came in and felt a part of something, and then COVID hit in the middle of us opening at the Summit and the whole industry took a pretty big beating," Miller said. “We're still licking our wounds from 2020 through 2022, but we learned a lot along the way."
“It was one of those things where we're like, 'We have no freaking idea what's about to happen in the world,’” Drury added. “But we're going to do what we said we were going to do. We're not going to go back on our contractor, our landlord or the people that we hired getting ready for this. We're going to figure it out. So we opened at 50% capacity with 100% of the cost."
Now they’re stronger than ever, recently opening a third location in Tuscaloosa and on the prowl for a fourth location. However, they say Battle Republic will always be anchored in the Homewood community that gave them their start.
“We have an office upstairs at that location, and that's for a reason. It's always going to be right where our roots started and where we first saw a community embrace us," Miller said.
"Truth be known, [when] we're talking to a real estate broker, we're like, 'I know you probably can't find another Homewood, but if you can we'd like to go there," she added. "That community has been so good to us. We just love that area."
Visit battlerepublic.com for more information.
Above: Friends Leah Drury, left, and Lindsey Miller took a risk in 2019 and launched Battle Republic, a boxing-inspired fitness business in downtown Homewood.
Right: A “Fight Club Night Club” keychain hangs in the lobby of Battle Republic’s Homewood location. The slogan refers to the atmosphere created by the loud music played during workouts. Photos by Sarah Owens.
Faces of Homewood
Farley the cat fan club grows by the day
By SARAH OWENS
Photos by SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
Window shopping in downtown Homewood might just lead you to catch a glimpse of a local celebrity. If you’re lucky, you might even get to take a stroll with the famed figure. If he’s not up for a walk, though, Farley the cat can usually be found curled up in a basket inside Nadeau furniture store, located at 2834 18th St S.
Adopted by store manager Jessica Mackin in July 2019, Farley has been busy winning the hearts of Homewood residents and beyond every day since. Mackin was introduced to Farley after Maxine, the store’s first cat, passed away.
Mackin said she immediately knew how special Farley was, and people absolutely love him because of his friendly personality. Students from Samford University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham even come to visit him during finals week as a way to destress.
Farley’s morning routine includes a visit to the Homewood Toy and Hobby Shop next door and a walk down the street. He knows to stay on the sidewalk and not to travel any further than Evolve Massage and Alternative Healing on Linden Avenue. He often eats lunch with Mackin and is back in the store by his 4 p.m. curfew. When he’s not out exploring, Farley loves to be held and is known to drool when he’s really comfortable.
At around 8 years old, Mackin says Farley plans to keep making friends at Nadeau for years to come.
HOMEWOOD
Home & Garden Fall Guide
205-492-5866 • door-restore.business.site
An attractive entry door can make a great first impression and boost your home’s curb appeal.
However, years of exposure to sunlight, rain and frost can cause significant damage and leave signs of wear on wood and iron doors.
Door Restore has maintained and restored doors in Birmingham since 2004.
“We only work on doors. They’re our specialty,” owner Van Etheridge said.
Etheridge likes working with his hands. An art major, Etheridge took his talents painting, murals and specialized in wall finishes while restoring iron and wooden doors.
“When the economy crashed in 2008, I went to work selling pharmaceuticals while restoring iron doors on the weekends,” Etheridge said. “When the pharmaceutical company was sold and laid off its sales team, I started back working with my hands and started Door Restore.”
The company is now a family affair. In May, Etheridge began working with his son Griffin, who recently earned his business degree from The University of Alabama.
Etheridge hopes Griffin will help him grow Door Restore.
“I’m happy he’s learning from the ground up to understand fully how the business runs,” Etheridge said.
Door Restore offers a money-saving maintenance program that keeps doors looking their best for years.
“Wood doors weather quickly and need a new top coat every one to two years,
depending on exposure, sun and rain,” Etheridge said. “We provide customers maintenance once a year, including a topcoat to save them money in the future.
“Iron doors have a special oil-rubbed bronze or other metal hues in them,” Etheridge said “We’re able to restore your door to the original finish.”
For details, call 205-492-5866 or go to door-restore.business.site.
There’s lots of landscapers in the Birmingham area, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Hoover.
The company’s experts, all of them licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.
“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner said.
Grant is proud of a major project Gardner Landscaping completed recently at Oris and Oak, a new wedding and events venue at 613 Sanders Road in Bluff Park.
A nine-acre property, Oris and Oak has a bridesmaid’s house, a pavilion for wedding ceremonies and a barn for receptions and other events.
The facility’s owner wanted a traditional Southern design, and Gardner Landscaping planted favorites like holly, live oaks, magnolia and hydrangeas.
“The traditional Southern plants create a gorgeous farm-style look and feel, but the property is unique because it’s inside the Hoover city limits,” Grant said.
Fall is the perfect season to have Gardner Landscaping beautify your property.
“It’s the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” Grant said.
Gardner Landscaping will create a customized plan for your yard based on your preferences, as well as sun exposure, soil type and landscape slope.
In addition, Gardner Landscaping is
“very good at building outdoor play and entertainment areas,” Grant says.
The team stays abreast of the latest designs, can satisfy any client’s taste in plant materials and also offers clean-ups, drainage and landscape borders. Gardner Landscaping works with all types of budgets and projects in
Budget Blinds: A business built on family values
In the fast-paced world of home improvement, few businesses manage to thrive for decades while staying true to their roots. Steve and Michelle Thackerson, owners of Budget Blinds in Vestavia Hills, have been faithfully serving their customers for over 30 years.
Steve’s story in the industry began long before Budget Blinds came into the picture. “I started working for a paint store here in Vestavia right after high school in the ’80s,” Steve recalls. “One day I got to work, and our blind installer had quit. They gave me his tools and sent me out on my own.” The rest is history.
Soon after Steve and Michelle got married, Steve decided to go into business for himself and became one of the first-ever Budget Blinds franchisees. After about a year, his office manager left due to health issues, prompting Michelle to help run the business. Steve and Michelle discovered that their skill sets complement each other well, and their business began to take off. Today, their store consistently ranks among the top franchises out of 1,000-plus Budget Blinds locations nationwide.
At the heart of the Thackersons’ business philosophy is an unwavering commitment to customer service. “We wouldn’t sell anything to you that we wouldn’t put into our own homes,” Steve explains. Their family-oriented approach extends beyond their household to their employees, many of whom have been with them for well over a decade. “The least amount of time somebody’s been with me is 12 years,” Steve says, reflecting on the sense of family that permeates the business.
Budget Blinds is also a leader in innovation. Over the years, there have been changes in the window coverings industry, from the materials used to the growing role of technology. The government’s ban on cords for safety standards is one example of the evolving landscape. “Motorization is becoming more popular
due to the permanent ban on cords,” Steve shares, highlighting how they’ve embraced these innovations. These types of products are especially popular in homes with tall windows where cordless window treatments are impractical.
Shutters remain one of the Thackersons’ top-selling products, along with woven woods. These timeless, stylish choices resonate with customers who seek both function and aesthetics in their window coverings.
What truly sets Budget Blinds apart is the seamless experience Steve and Michelle carefully cultivate for their customers. “We take care of all the scheduling — from our salespeople coming out to measure to having the blinds installed by our team,” Steve explains. This hands-on approach ensures that every customer feels looked after from start to finish, an experience that large chain stores simply can’t replicate.
This personalized service, combined with superior products, helps the Thackersons stand out in the industry. “Our prices are competitive, and we offer a one-time replacement on all products for five years,” Steve says. “That’s just an unheard-of warranty in any industry.” Steve says they often get phone calls from customers whose dog has chewed a blind or whose kids have broken one by throwing a ball. He and his team promptly replace the damaged products, reinforcing their commitment to customer care.
For Steve and Michelle Thackerson, Budget Blinds isn’t just a business — it’s a reflection of who they are. A family that works together, cares deeply about their community, and strives to provide the best service possible. It’s no wonder their customers keep coming back, decade after decade.
To learn more, visit the showroom at 2130 Columbiana Road anytime Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 205-824-3300 or go online to budgetblinds.com/birmingham.
Discover unique, high-end hardware and lighting with the knowledgeable team at Brandino Brass
Brandino Brass • 205-978-8900 • brandinobrass.com
For a huge selection of top-quality decorative and architectural hardware, as well as interior and exterior lighting, look no farther than Brandino Brass in Homewood.
The go-to place for homeowners, architects and designers who are renovating or building a home, Brandino Brass also designs such items as custom brass shelving, gate hardware, mailboxes and fireballs.
The friendly, knowledgeable team at Brandino Brass helps guide customers through their options to find the perfect items for their space
Among the latest customers to take advantage of the service and selection at Brandino Brass are Vestavia Hills residents Jimmy and Sara Glenn.
The Glenns turned to Brandino Brass when they built a unique new home that blends two architectural styles — neoclassical and modern farmhouse.
It was a new build, so the Glenns needed locks, door knobs, door stops and cabinet hardware, as well as fireballs and mesh cabinet grills.
“Brandino Brass was recommended by everyone on our team,” the
“We’ve worked with Brandino for years, so when we need hardware it’s our go-to shop,” designer Marianne Strong said. “Their level of expertise and knowledge is second to none, and the range of products they offer is extensive.”
The couple also collaborated with architects Richard and Lynielle Long and builder
At Brandino Brass, the Glenns worked with Megan Brasher.
“Megan was great,” the couple said. “We had trouble deciding what to do with the living room cabinets, and she guided us to mesh grills, which are amazing.”
“I appreciate the knowledge and insight Megan brings to every project,” Strong said. “She
“We supplied an Americanmade, unlacquered brass rim lock to complete and complement a custom front door designed by Long & Long,” Brasher said. “Another unique detail was the cabinet mesh in the living room. A brand in the U.K. [Armac Martin] allows you to pick your style, size and finish to customize each order.”
“Brandino Brass has hardware you can’t get at a big-box store, like our front door hardware and mailbox,” the Glenns said. “They have a great selection of everything.”
“Working with the designer, we helped make each space unique with its own finish and style with the hardware,” Brasher said. “The door hardware is coordinated with the exterior design of the house — while each room’s interior has a personality of its own, and the hardware was selected accordingly.”
has a great eye when making selections and follows that up with excellent attention to detail regarding all parts of the ordering process, including size and placement.”
The company is a dealer for unique, high-end hardware vendors, with many products available only at Brandino Brass, a real plus for customers.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with everything from Brandino Brass,” the Glenns said.
“I think it’s rare to find a onestop shop these days, but we have that in Brandino,” Strong said. “To be able to walk in and make selections for an entire home knowing they will have pieces that work because of their well-curated selection of styles and finishes is such a gift.”
Nikolaus Mimikakis.
From left: Richard Long, Jimmy Glenn, Sara Glenn, Megan Brasher, Marianne Strong, Lynielle Long and Nikolaus Mimikasis.
Usually costing between $200-$400, the price tag will definitely make a dent in your wallet; that is, if you can find one. It took Ivins four years to finally add it to his collection, but he doesn’t like to think about how much he’s spent on this tradition.
“If I calculated it up, it would probably make me sick,” he said, “because some of this stuff, it’s expensive. I don’t even want to guess, I mean thousands. I’m in the thousands for sure. I’m in the thousands, with just four things at this point.”
Despite the cost, it’s all worth it when he thinks about the memories it creates for people, his own kids included. He started doing all of this when his oldest daughter, Ella Jane, was only 2 years old. Ella James is now 9, and his younger daughter, Landyn, is 4. He says it’s something they enjoy doing together.
“All these kids around here, they’re not going to remember me, they’re not going to remember my name, but they will always remember my house forever and ever,” he said. “That always makes it kind of worth the while, because no matter where they go, they’re gonna remember, ‘There was this guy that put all this stuff out at this house when I was growing up.’”
With such a spectacle on his front lawn, Ivins has to prepare for hundreds of visitors on Halloween night. Last year, he said, he bought at least seven of the huge, 500-piece bags of candy and was completely cleaned out by the end of the night.
“People come in that are not only from our neighborhood,” Ivins said. “You get the people from other neighborhoods who don’t even live in Homewood who come, which I can really appreciate because that’s kind of how I was.”
To see his home fully decked out this year, it’ll require a visit to the corner of Dixon Avenue and Hambaugh Avenue, but an early arrival is best since Ivins said they begin handing out candy around 5 p.m., and it’s not unusual for them to have lines form throughout the night.
Hollywood resident Tiffany Slocum sees a
few hundred people come through her door on Halloween night too, but her celebration of the holiday looks a bit different.
While she puts on a good display of decorations, the real draw is the pre-trick-or-treat gathering. After attending a similar event hosted by a friend in 2014, Tiffany and her husband, Jeremy, decided to host their own party the next year, and it grew from there.
“Our backyard is really big enough to have a lot of people. So we thought we would invite some of our neighbors and friends over,” Tiffany Slocum said. “What started as just a very minimal group has grown. Every Halloween, we invite more and more, and we tell our neighbors, ‘Invite your friends, invite other neighbors that might have moved in.’”
Last year, they sent out over 320 invites to individual people and families. The Slocums often provide pizza and soup, and then people bring other appetizers and desserts, creating a true potluck experience.
“It’s just really a fun time for everybody to get together and see each other at least once a year, especially when you’re dressed up for Halloween and it’s dark and you’re trick-ortreating, you don’t really know who is who,”
Slocum said. “Even when they come to the house, it’s funny, because I will see people, and they may know who I am, but I may not know who they are, just because everybody dresses up, adults, kids, it’s not just the children. There’s a lot of people that I won’t even know who they are, but it’s sweet because it’s really a way for our neighbors to kind of get to know each other.”
Slocum has gotten in on the costume fun over the years as well, often dressing up in matching outfits with her husband and three kids. In years past, their group costumes were based on some of the kids’ favorite shows or movies, but as they’ve gotten older, Slocum said they don’t always dress up together anymore. She has two daughters, Riley Jane (13) and Davis (10), and one son, Pierce (9).
On top of the party, the Slocum house is also known for some of their decorations.
“We’re also known as the house with all the inflatables,” Slocum said. “We started out with one or two when Riley Jane was a little girl and we first moved in, and then every year we would add a new one, and they just kind of got bigger and bigger.”
Slocum is a teacher at Shades Cahaba
Elementary school, and several of her students know her by her Halloween traditions as well. Aside from her house, located at the corner of Windsor and Hampton Drive in Hollywood, Slocum said the neighborhood’s Halloween Festival is another big draw for trick-or-treaters and is a great example of the community atmosphere that these traditions foster.
Top: Tiffany Slocum, right, poses with her husband Jeremy, daughters Riley Jane and Davis and her son Pierce, all dressed as characters from the movie “Shrek. Above: The Slocum family dressed as characters from the Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast. Photos courtesy of Tiffany Slocum.
Kids from the neighborhood pose in front of the Ivins’ decoration in 2023. Photo courtesy of Justin Ivins.
Homewood Parks & Recreation Senior Center
Classes & Activities
Central Barre
Wednesday 5:15pm & Saturday 8:15am
Homewood Community Center
Central Barre is a small group fitness class incorporating barre, core, cardio, balance, strength training and stretch to give you a complete workout in 55 minutes. We use a variety of small equipment such as weights, resistance bands, balls and sliding discs to increase variety and provide real results. ellyngagnon@gmail.com
Dance Trance
Saturday 9:30am-10:30am Homewood Community Center
Dance Trance is a high-cardio, high-energy dance fitness experience that leaves participants soaking wet! It is a non-stop workout that feels more like a party than an exercise class. www.dancetrancefitness.com
Fun For All Line Dancing
Homewood Community Center, Fitness Studio 2
Tuesday 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Beginner and Beyond Beginner line dance instruction encompassing a variety of music genres, e.g., pop, country and R&B. You will learn line dance terminology, line dance steps, and, of course, line dances to specific music. $5.00 per person per visit funforalllinedancing@gmail.com
North Star Martial Arts
North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarma.com. 205-966-4244 • info@northstarma.com
YoLimber
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am - Basics Class Friday: 9:30am-10:30am - Regular Class Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music at Homewood Community Center. All levels welcome. Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com
Thursday: 4:15pm – 5:15pm (Cardio Line Dance) Homewood Community Center Fitness Studio 2
Cost: Classes are FREE (with donations) For more information contact Rosa at 205-253-9344 or benchaerobics@bellsouth.net
Royce Head
Personal Training
Affordable personal training available to members in the Fitness Center at the Homewood Community Center. Workouts are fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. Call Royce for more information: 205-945-1665
Fast Track Line Dance
Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm
We learn the current and classic intermediate-advanced line dances. This class is not for beginners. Homewood Community Center, Fitness Studio 2
Jackie Tally jgtally@aol.com (or) Helen Woods aquafool@aol.com
FIT4MOM
FIT4MOM Birmingham provides fitness classes and a network of local moms to support every stage of motherhood. From pregnancy, through postpartum and beyond, we serve our community by offering our fitness and wellness programs to help keep moms strong in body, mind and spirit. View our website for Membership Plans, Passes and Schedule. https://birmingham.fit4mom.com/
Argentine Tango Lab
Sunday from 4:00-5:30 pm
Weekly tango laboratory / practice for milongueros seeking to improve their dancing skills and explore interconnection, movement and musicality. Fundamental tango skills expected. Milongueros with all levels of experience are welcome. Non-marking shoes with leather or suede soles required. Hosted by Chalo at the Homewood Community Center in Fitness Studio 1. $5 per class
Youth Athletics
Homewood Youth Basketball
Registration Dates:
2nd-8th Grades: September 24th – October 11th
K & 1st Grades: November 5th – 29th
Go tohomewoodparks.com for more information.
Homewood Youth Wrestling
Grades: Kindergarten – 6th Grade
Go to www.homewoodparks.com for more information.
Tai Chi Classes
Tai Chi is an ancient mind-body marshal art exercise that with regular practice improves health and wellbeing. It is a moving meditation in the form of fluid, graceful, circular and slow motions. For additional information about Tai Chi Classes, contact Galina at: galinawaites@gmail.com
Tai Chi: Sun Style
Mondays at 1:30pm
During Sun Style class participants will learn in more depth about Tai Chi history, principals and styles, practicing the 73 forms of Sun Style. This class is suitable for anyone who is willing to take the time learning beautiful, liberating and empowering set of movements(forms).
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Wednesdays at 1:30pm This class is suitable for anyone, easy on the joints, helps to calm the mind, improves balance and coordination. The program of Tai Chi for Health Institute.
Tai Chi for Energy Thursdays at 1:30pm
Participants will learn exciting Tai Chi for Energy form (Tai Chi for Health Institute) that combines movements from Chen and Sun styles of Tai Chi, seamlessly integrated with each other. Some additional Qi Gong warm up exercises will be included in this class.
Misc. Information
Homewood Parks Fall Festival & Homewood Witches Ride
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Homewood Central Park Fall Festival: 2:00pm – 5:00pm Witches Ride: Takes flight at 5:30pm For more information on this great event visit: www.homewoodparks.com
