Homewood Star December 2022

City seeks to help homeless population

By NEAL EMBRY

he city of Homewood, along with neigh boring municipalities and Jefferson County, is trying to tackle issues associ ated with homelessness while helping the homeless get the help they need.

“Being homeless is not a crime,” Council woman Jennifer Andress said.

But, Andress said other associated acts like panhandling and loitering are crimes.

The issues of panhandling and loitering have come up in discussions between Homewood and neighbor Mountain Brook, along with Jefferson County. The Homewood Police Department has stepped up trying to stop the criminal acts from happening while having compassion for those who might need help.

“It’s not illegal to be homeless,” Sgt. John Carr with the Homewood Police Department said.

The Police Department has discouraged law-breaking and made a handful of arrests to try to curb the behavior, which Carr said has been successful. They’ve also closed at least two encampments, as there are numerous public health issues with setting up a camp.

“That just creates a whole other set of issues,” Carr said.

Still, the department’s aim is not to simply kick people out of the city and send them else where. Carr said it is not uncommon for officers to give rides to shelters, and department lead ers have partnered with organizations offering

Sharleda Gomez, a field training officer with Lifeguard Emergency Medical Services, lays on a stretcher as Austin May, left, the dayshift lieutenant, Richard Swartz, an emergency medical technician advanced, and Emergency Medical Services Chief Andy Osbourn, load the stretcher onto the ambulance during a simulation Nov. 14. Photo by Erin Nelson.

City changes ambulance service to improve wait times

By NEAL EMBRY

The city of Homewood made a major change with the new fiscal year, opting to fund a contract with Lifeguard Ambulance Service to ensure dedicated ambulances could serve the city’s residents and cut down on long response times.

Due to what appears to be a widespread staffing shortage, response times for those needing an ambu lance in the city of Homewood had become too long, city leaders said.

“Time delays became an issue,” Fire Chief Nick Hill said.

THE PROBLEM

The city, until recently, was one of many municipal ities in the area that worked with Regional Paramedic Services to obtain transport for those in need. While Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky stressed it wasn’t

Holiday Events

Braden Staggs, one of the case managers at Firehouse Ministries, speaks with Charles Powell, a client at the facility about training for his new job as a facilitator for heavy equipment with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Nov. 9. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Every one of the patients at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center counts on us to deliver the most highly advanced care possible. They see first-hand how our teams of top physicians are providing the latest technologies and innovative therapies. They trust us with their lives, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to earn that trust every day.

Editor’s Note

Christmas is finally here.

2022 has been a long year, and I’m glad that we have arrived at what might be my favorite time of the year.

The Christmas season is a precious reminder of the birth of Christ and a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and friends, surprise each other with gifts and, of course, eat way too much food.

It was this time of year in 2019 that we discovered we were expecting our first child, our beautiful daughter, Mary-Kenneth. We had some early scares, but God has blessed us with a healthy and amazing 2-year-old girl. It’s hard to believe this will be her third Christmas. Maybe this year she can help us pick up all the wrapping

By Neal Embry

how the city and other organizations are responding to help those in need.

About Us Please Support Our Community Partners

We also have a story about the future plans of the Piggly Wiggly store on U.S. 31. Don’t worry, The Pig isn’t planning to move far, just a few feet. The plan is to create a new, larger store to be located behind CVS. Read all about it inside!

I hope you have a very happy holi day season, and as always, thanks for reading!

paper.

In addition to a bevy of Christmas events previewed in this month’s paper, we take a look at the growing issue of homelessness in the city and

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Alabama Goods (B8)

Alabama Power (B2)

Bedzzz Express (B1, B16)

Brandino Brass (A18)

Bromberg’s (B13)

Cabinetry Refinishing (A1)

Children’s of Alabama (A16)

Clearview Strategies Partners (B15)

Cremation Center of Birmingham (A18)

Crocker Moving Services (A1)

Edward Jones - Brad Lake (A8)

Enroll Alabama (A13)

ENT Associates of Alabama (A14)

Etc. (A20)

Faye Nichols Test Prep (A15)

French Drains Pro (A15)

Gardner Landscaping (A6)

Homewood Carpet & Flooring (B9)

Homewood Chamber of Commerce (B14)

Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (B11)

Homewood Parks and Rec (A11)

Issis & Sons (A13)

Kete Cannon, ARC Realty (A9)

Little Hardware, Inc (A7)

Mr. Handyman of Birmingham (A12)

One Man & A Toolbox (A14)

Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (B8)

Piggly Wiggly (A17)

Publix (A19)

RealtySouth Homewood (A2)

ROME Study, UAB Division of Preventative Medicine (A16)

Shades Creek Dental (A5)

Sikes Children’s Shoes (A15)

SoHo Social and Social Taco (B12)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (B4)

Southpoint Bank (B3)

SouthState Bank (B9)

The Cook Store (B13)

The Tanner Foundation (A9)

The Welch Group (B5)

TrustMark Bank (B7)

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (A3)

Vapor Ministries/Thrift Store (B1)

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (B13)

Watts Realty (B4)

For advertising contact: dan@starnesmedia.com

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

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

Published by: The Homewood Star LLC

community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

Please recycle this paper.

Homewood’s Emma Brooke Levering approaches the finish line in third place during the girls Class 6A race of the AHSAA State Cross-Country Championships at Oakville Indian Mounds on Nov. 5. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Piggly

By NEAL EMBRY

An incentive package for some business rede velopment on U.S. 31 that includes relocating the Piggly Wiggly was approved by the Home wood City Council on Oct. 24.

The city set the longtime Homewood grocery store’s current sales tax revenue as a baseline and will rebate money that is received on top of that for a 10-year period, or until those additional revenues reach $3.5 million, whichever comes first, to the Pig’s ownership group, McConnell, White and Terry, Council President Alex Wyatt said.

“The Pig is a very important partner with the city. It is something that is part of our commu nity; it is a business that certainly gives back to the community in multiple, multiple ways,” Wyatt said.

Piggly Wiggly will make its own pitch later for any incentives they may specifically need, said their communications advisor, David Davis.

The plan currently is for Piggly Wiggly to move behind the CVS and build a brand-new building, adding more than 10,000 square feet, said Murray Legg, who represents the developer. Legg said the expectation is that the business will grow their sales tax revenues by 35 to 40% as a result of the new building.

Three councilors voted against the package: Nick Sims, Melanie Geer and Carlos Aleman. Geer said she wanted a more consistent review process of tax incentive requests, while Sims said he wished incentives were scheduled in increments.

For more on the Piggly Wiggly development, see the story in this month’s paper.

WEST HOMEWOOD UPDATES

West Homewood residents spent plenty of

time at the Oct. 24 meeting sharing concerns about a home at 117 Hena St. The home was ultimately condemned due to a litany of issues: broken windows, doors allowing pests in, signs of roach infestation, blood and urine stains and more.

The homeowner’s son is mentally ill and

approved by council

prostitutes and other unsavory actions taking place at the property.

Councilor Andrew Wolverton shared that since the Homewood Police Department moved to its new headquarters in summer 2020, there have been 883 patrol service calls to the home. Councilor Walter Jones halted further details, arguing that was not the issue at hand, only the property’s condemnation.

“My kids aren’t going to walk to Hall-Kent, ever, as long as Hena Street and that house exist,” said one man.

Acton said he would have the property cleaned up in 60 days after the council voted to condemn it.

In other West Homewood news, the council rezoned 536 Cobb Street from Green Springs

Urban Renewal District to West Homewood Dis trict, allowing a plan to redevelop the area to move forward. The developer, Tom Walker, also plans to buy the adjacent Econolodge and rede velop it into a better asset for the community.

In other business, the council:

► Increased the cost of annual issuance fees for business licenses from $12 to $14, with Sims voting no

► Denied a front yard fence variance at 1604 Roseland Drive, as it was only meant for the previous owner, not the new homeowner

► Approved a secondary front yard fence variance at 2831 16th Place South

► Approved front yard fence variances at 2738 18th Street South

currently in jail, John Acton, a brother of the homeowner, told the council. Jefferson County jail records confirm the son, identified by his family at the meeting as James Patrick, is in jail on two charges of receiving stolen property in the first degree. He was booked Aug. 29.

Neighbors shared stories of seeing drug use,

► Approved a rear sign variance at 2808 18th Street South

► Authorized Mayor Patrick McClusky to sign a termination agreement for the contract with Cypress Partners for work within the Homewood City Hall plaza and parking deck

► Approved vouchers

This map shows the proposed new location of the Piggly Wiggly. While the hope is that CVS will move to where the current Piggly Wiggly is now, they have not indicated they will do so. Photo courtesy of Murray Legg.

Council annexes BOE property into city

By NEAL EMBRY

The Homewood City Council on Nov. 14 voted unanimously to annex Homewood Board of Education property into the city of Homewood, allowing the school system to move forward with a plan to add more park ing at Homewood High School.

The property was gifted to the board by the city of Vestavia Hills years ago and was de-annexed by Vestavia in 2010. Resident Liz Ellaby took issue with the process and said the request for annexation should have come sooner in order to not keep residents “in the dark” about the school system’s plan to add parking on the property.

Council President Alex Wyatt said the only issue before the council was whether

or not to annex the property, not what the board could do with the property.

Along with parking to be added to the Lakeshore Parkway side of the high school and the tiered parking, Homewood City Schools Superintendent Justin Hefner pre viously told The Homewood Star between 150 and 160 parking spaces will be added.

Some residents have expressed environ mental concerns with the school system’s parking plan.

In other news, Mayor Patrick McClusky announced the Virciglio family of Piggly Wiggly will be lighting the star during this year’s Christmas parade, set for Dec. 6.

In other business, the council:

► Approved a change order for the 18th Street Revitalization Project for a

lower-maintenance grass

► Approved depositing public funds with Region Financial

► Approved street lighting at 121 Hena Street, 105 Marsey Lane, 204 Fairlane Drive, 105 Ridgemoor Drive and 201 Hillmoor Lane

► Carried over a request to work within the right of way on Reese Street, 16th Street and alleys surrounding 1707 Reese Street

► Approved an alcohol license for Social Taco, pending confirmation of a certificate of occupancy, final approval from the Ala bama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and a letter of no objection from the city’s police and fire departments

For more on this meeting, visit thehomewoodstar.com.

Mayor’s Minute

By Patrick McClusky

It’s the most won derful time of the year!

We are so excited about the upcom ing holidays and looking forward to the begin ning of a new year!

This season, we are asking that you shop locally with our wonderful retailers and share the magic of the season with friends and family at one of our fantastic restaurant establishments. Our Christmas Parade is one of Homewood’s favorite events, and we are excited to be lighting the Star and welcoming (yet again) our favorite friend from the North Pole! This event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Come out and watch as we celebrate the holidays with floats, candy, music and more! There will also be a lighting of the Menorah scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 21.

As we wrap up this year, I am looking forward to giving my State of the City address in January. This is a great time to update everyone on the upcoming year and what exciting things we have planned in Homewood.

My family and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

The Homewood High School parking lot on July 15. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Business Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

Homewood Bagel Company recently opened a second location in Tuscaloosa on 15th Street. The company of fers a wide array of bagels and other breakfast items, along with various coffees and other drinks. A link to order online is available on their website. homewoodbagelco.com

Dr. Lindsay Floyd, a Hoover resident who graduated Hoover High School in 1999 and the Auburn Univer sity College of Vet erinary Medicine in 2007, has founded a new business called Compas sionate Crossings that offers pet eu thanasia services in the home of

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

pets in Homewood and surrounding areas. The service operates primarily on weeknights, weekends and most holidays and gives pet owners an option for this ser vice when their primary veterinary clinic is closed. 205-317-6747

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

business loan officer and Phillips as a business loan officer, while Milton was promoted to business loan of ficer. Watkins will serve the Birmingham market, while Phillips will serve the Huntsville and north Alabama markets and Milton will serve south Alabama. Watkins, who has 15 years of business services experience, pre viously was at Avadian as a business loan officer from 2014 to 2019. Most recently, he was the vice president of commercial banking for CommerceOne Bank in Birmingham. Phillips has worked in both consumer and commercial lending since beginning his career in the financial services industry in 2019. Most recently, he was the assistant vice president of commercial lending for Listerhill Credit Union in Muscle Shoals. Milton has been with Avadian for four years. 205-942-9977, avadiancu.com

AllSouth Appliance Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary of helping families create memories in the kitchen. The company has a 30,000-square-foot show room at 345 State Farm Parkway in Homewood. 205-749-5224, myallsouth.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

Avadian Credit Union, which has a branch at 475 Green Springs Highway, has expanded its business services lending team. The team will be led by Larry Uptain, who was promoted to commercial lending manager, and includes Blake Watkins, Clint Phillips and Quintin Milton. Uptain has been at Avadian since 2019 and has nearly three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Watkins was hired as senior

Madison Gaines in Sep tember joined Starnes Media as a business development represen tative. Gaines graduated from the University of Alabama with a bache lor’s degree in marketing in May. She previously worked as a social media marketing specialist and sales representative for the Gaines Family Farm stead in Birmingham and a part-time leasing agent for College Station Prop erties in Tuscaloosa. Starnes Media, based in Home wood, publishes the Hoover Sun, The Homewood Star, Vestavia Voice, Village Living, 280 Living and Cahaba Sun newspapers and websites and other publications such as The Birmingham Bar Bulletin. 205-313-1780, starnesmedia.com

Alabama Goods expanding to Hoover

By NEAL EMBRY

Alabama Goods, a store in Home wood and Huntsville that sells Ala bama-made goods, gifts, food and more, has signed leases to expand its operations in Homewood and open a new store in Hoover.

Beth Staula, co-owner along with Sherry Hartley, said the new Hoover shop, to be located in Stadium Trace Village, was a long time in the making.

“It’s a location we’ve been consid ering for years,” Staula said.

Using website data that provides shoppers’ information, Staula and Hartley can tell that many Hoover residents shop at Alabama Goods, making it a no-brainer to open in the city. The owners are also very num bers-driven, allowing them to base these decisions on historical infor mation, not just feelings, Staula said.

Still, being able to open in her hometown, in a place she loves, is special, Staula said.

“I’m a Hoover girl; I grew up there,” Staula said. “I feel like I’m in my backyard.”

Staula said the Hoover store’s products will be mostly the same (around 80%) as those sold in Homewood. The difference will be the Hoover-centric products, like gifts and other items paying tribute to Hoover icons such as the Hoover Met or Aldridge Gardens, and items with Hoover zip codes on them, she said.

In the 15 years since Alabama Goods started as an online business, it has never seen such heavy response

in the way of messages and feedback as when it announced the forthcom ing Hoover store, Staula said.

The Hoover store is shaped dif ferently than the Homewood store, but the floor plan, displays and light fixtures will be the same, Staula said. The store is set to occupy about 2,500 square feet, according to a news release.

“We are very excited to be part of the Hoover community,” Hartley said in the release. “We think that Hoover residents and Stadium Trace are an excellent fit for our store.”

The store offers pottery, food, gift baskets and packages, T-shirts, hats, jewelry and more, all made in Alabama. Many shoppers will come in and tell staff they didn’t realize certain items were made in the state, Staula said.

While the store does not yet have an address, it is located across the street from ARC Realty and near MELT.

Only one to two employees from the Homewood store are making their way to the Hoover store, so more employees will be hired closer

to opening, Staula said. Originally set to open in July 2022, the opening was pushed back due to construction delays.

The plan is to break ground in December, with seven to eight months of construction to follow, Staula said. The hope is for the store to open in summer 2023, she said.

The store has benefited from posi tive press lately, being named a Gold Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association.

“It’s tremendously exciting,” Staula said. “Doing this job every

day is what brings me joy.”

The store is also expanding at its operations center in Homewood, having recently signed a lease to double the size of that space, which is located in West Homewood. The operations center manages online and corporate sales for the company.

The expansion has doubled its original size to prepare for the gift-giving season.

“Corporate sales have increased to the point where we were bursting at the seams,” Staula said. “We are thrilled to have the extra space.”

This rendering shows what the Alabama Goods store coming to Hoover will look like. Rendering courtesy of courtesy of Beth Staula.

Piggly Wiggly to relocate within shopping center

By NEAL EMBRY

The Piggly Wiggly in Homewood is relo cating just a few feet from its current space to behind the current CVS location in order to build a bigger store that can better suit cus tomer’s needs.

Murray Legg with McConnell, White and Terry, which owns the property where Piggly Wiggly and some surrounding businesses sit, said Piggly Wiggly has indicated it needs more space and has outgrown its current build ing. Traffic is a mess at the location, Legg said.

The plan was to get CVS to move from its space to the corner where Piggly Wiggly sits now, but so far, CVS has given no indication it plans to move. A media representative from CVS did not respond to The Homewood Star by press time.

Legg said the ownership group cannot make CVS move.

“That’s the unfortunate thing,” Legg said. “We wish that could be the case.”

Piggly Wiggly ownership, led by Andrew Virciglio, is excited about the opportunity to serve its “loyal customers” better with a new, larger store and, despite being behind the CVS, Piggy Wiggly expects good visi bility and better parking at the new location, said David Davis, communications advisor for Piggly Wiggly. Davis added there are now three generations working in the store.

The new store will be about 20-30% larger than the current store and will have modern fixtures and lighting, along with being ener gy-efficient, Davis said.

“There comes a time [when] buildings are to either be completely rehabbed or you’re starting over,” Davis said.

The store needs to be more consum er-friendly and energy-efficient, Davis said.

The neighborhood and community have been a huge part of Piggly Wiggly’s success, Davis said.

“All that is so important to the operations

of Piggly Wiggly stores,” he said.

Piggly Wiggly offers produce, flowers, fresh fish, chicken, a butcher department, a deli, and craft beer and wine, Davis said.

With the new location opening, there will be additional staff hired, and there should also be “broader offerings” at the store.

Davis said he does not have a timeline of when the new store will be open but said the current store will not close until the new one is ready.

An incentive package for McConnell, White and Terry’s project was approved by

the Homewood City Council on Oct. 24.

For the next 10 years, the council agreed to rebate any sales tax revenues beyond what the city currently receives from Piggly Wiggly, up to $3.5 million, Council President Alex Wyatt said.

“The Pig is a very important partner with the city,” Wyatt said. “It is something that is part of our community. It is a business that certainly gives back to the community in mul tiple, multiple ways.”

Legg said the expectation is that the busi ness will grow its sales tax revenues by 35%

to 40% as a result of the new building.

Davis added the $3.5 million in incentives were for the land owner — McConnell, White and Terry — not just for Piggly Wiggly, which will make its own pitch to the city in the future on what the grocery chain might need.

While the Piggly Wiggly being relocated and redeveloped is the major component of the area’s redevelopment, Legg said McCo nnell, White and Terry also plans to renovate Cameron’s Corner, which sits adjacent to the current Piggly Wiggly, improving the corner’s aesthetics and giving it a “facelift.”

Mouron inducted into Alabama Business Hall of Fame

Business owner and developer Mike Mouron, whose company has brought in multiple businesses to Homewood, was recently inducted into the Alabama Busi ness Hall of Fame.

Mouron was one of eight members inducted on Nov. 10, along with Walter Batson Jr. of Huntsville; F. Dixon Brooke Jr. of Birmingham; Ronald G. Bruno of Vestavia Hills; Grayson Hall of Birming ham; Alexis M. Herman of Washington, D.C.; the late William S. Propst Sr. of Huntsville and C. Kemmons Wilson Jr. of Memphis.

The Alabama Business Hall of Fame was

founded in 1973 by the Board of Visitors of the Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama and “honors, preserves and perpetuates the names and outstanding accomplishments of business personalities who have brought lasting fame to the state of Alabama, whether those accomplishments occurred in Alabama or elsewhere.

According to a biography on the Hall of Fame’s website, Mouron, who lives in Mountain Brook, was an innovator in the business of student housing. His firm, Cap stone Development Corporation, developed the “leased by the bed” model for student

Sharing joy: Downtown Homewood has a new reason to celebrate

By BETHANY ADAMS

A new storefront in Homewood found its start in sweet celebrations.

Offering everything from balloon structures and hand-painted banners to bamboo chair and table rentals, Celebrate Birmingham is the creation of Mary Virginia Colvert, who got her start creating experiences for family members — including her own daughter.

“It just kind of started on the side as a pas sion and a hobby,” said Colvert. “And then, when my daughter had her first birthday, I just loved every second of the creative process and seeing everything come to life and celebrating my daughter in an artistic way.”

As Colvert’s enthusiasm and skills grew, so did interest in her work, and the busi ness outgrew its warehouse space in West

Homewood within a few years. In October, Celebrate Birmingham opened its doors at 1743 Reese Street in the hopes of sharing in the joy of their clients’ celebrations. “Our goal is to help [our clients] celebrate either a sig nificant person or a special event that’s near and dear to their heart in a memorable and fun way,” Colvert said.

The business offers supplies, rentals and decorations for birthdays, anniversaries, engagement showers, grand openings and more. “We have balloon garland that people can come and pick up, and then we do custom installations where we come and design everything and install the balloons for the clients,” Colvert said.

In addition, Celebrate Birmingham offers rentals for backdrops, tables and chairs in both kid and adult sizes.

The new storefront has allowed Colvert to expand her offerings to include shoppable party supplies like tableware and stovetop potpourri for Christmas, and clients can also preview decorations before placing a custom order. Celebrate Birmingham also offers mail box-decorating services during the Christmas season and cross wreaths for Easter.

While the second Celebrate location opened in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, last year, Colvert said the local response has been more than supportive.

“Homewood’s amazing,” said Colvert. “I couldn’t ask for a better community to be in or be a part of.”

With such a warm welcome, she’s looking forward to plenty of celebrations to come.

To learn more, visit celebratebirmingham. com.

housing in the 1980s.

“This model was successful, but it was the development of a new method for financing projects that reduced exposure to partnering universities that truly helped Capstone scale its growth,” Mouron’s bio reads. “From 1990 until Mouron’s retirement as chair man in 2012, Capstone developed about $3 billion in public-private student housing communities. Upon his retirement, Michael Mouron divided Capstone into four ‘succes sor companies,’ giving the people running the various divisions ownership.”

– Submitted by the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

Mary Virginia Colvert stands at her new business in downtown Homewood, Celebrate Birmingham. Photo by Bethany Adams.

Mike Mouron was recently inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

Piggly Wiggly on Montgomery Highway in Homewood. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Homewood Parks & Recreation

Classes & Activities

Central Barre

Tuesdays 6:15am & Saturdays 8:15am

at Homewood Community Center

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

Email ellyngagnon@gmail.com for more information.

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

Bench Aerobics Step & Line Dance

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

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

All classes in Fitness Studio 2

@ Homewood Community Center

Cost: Classes are FREE (with donations)

For more information contact Rosa at 205-253-9344 or benchaerobics@bellsouth.net

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

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

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

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 Soccer Club

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

Homewood Patriot Lacrosse

HPL works in collaboration with Homewood Parks & Recreation, Homewood City Schools, and Greater Birmingham Youth Lacrosse Association (www.gbyla.org).

For more details please go to: www.leagueathletics.com/?org=homewoodpatriotslax.com

Homewood Patriots Youth Baseball and Softball League

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

Birmingham Girls Choir makes its return this holiday season

By NEAL EMBRY

After being on the brink of ceasing opera tion, the Birmingham Girls Choir is back this holiday season.

Margaret Heron, the newly-named director of the choir, said the choir operates on a much smaller financial scale than the “more wellknown” Birmingham Boys Choir. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it almost forced the group to shut down due to financial pressures and lower choir attendance, Heron said. The group had to reapply for its nonprofit status with the IRS and there was concern they might not make it, Heron said.

But now, following leadership changes and an investment in the area, there are more than 70 girls in the program this year, representing 40 schools. Last year, there were only seven schools represented and between 20 and 30 girls, Heron said. Four of the more than 70 current students sang with the group before the pandemic, she said.

“It’s been really exciting, but there’s been so little recognition,” Heron said.

The choir has done their part to try and change that, performing last month at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, entertaining guests with their annual fall concert. This month, they will be singing Christmas carols at Cahaba Ridge Resort on Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and on Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. outside Saks at The Summit. On Dec. 13, they will be Christmas caroling in the areas around Edgewood Pres byterian Church, where they practice.

“We’re hoping to get more funding, corpo rate sponsorships,” Heron said.

Birmingham Girls Choir was founded a couple of decades ago, Heron said. Heron

began her role as executive director last year when she was still teaching full-time, but she has since retired. The group has set up social media and Heron is now able to devote more time to the choir, she said.

The choir operates similarly to the Birming ham Boys Choir, with three separate choirs making up the entire Birmingham Girls Choir.

“Although the budget is small, the voices are strong,” Heron said in a news release.

“It has been absolutely a joy to watch,” Heron said. “Most of our girls have just a

passion for singing.”

Heron said it has been great to see the com munity get involved and re-establish the choir’s role in the community. They started with a camp this year, allowing the girls to build friendships before they began singing, Heron said. Girls were recruited using word-of-mouth advertising and using connections with music teachers in the area, Heron said.

A variety of music is heard at concerts and performances, from Appalachian folk music to Gregorian chants to African greeting songs, and

Residents take part in ‘Love Your Trees Day’

In late October, the Homewood Environmental Commission hosted its inaugural “Love Your Trees Day” at the Lee Community Center. Close to 30 participants gathered to enjoy free coffee and bagels with fellow Home wood residents while learning about Homewood's native tree canopy from experts Henry Hughes, Bram Odrezin and Katie Wiswall.

The Homewood Environmental Commission set a goal of sending home 30 native trees to be planted in Homewood soil, as well as to build community and educate the public on the history of the city's urban forest as well as how to best plant and maintain these canopy and understory trees.

Some attendees joined the event

out of curiosity with no intention of adding a tree to their yard, but after learning of the benefits these natives provide to our community, they left with one or more in tow, excited to be a part of a movement to help replace Homewood's aging and disappearing urban forest.

“We now have 33 new native trees in Homewood soil, thanks to this Commission, our city arborist, Hunter Trees and these willing residents,” said HEC Chair, Kristin Trowbridge.

The donated trees include native canopy varieties such as the Bald Cypress, Shumard Oak, White Oak, River Birch and American Beech as well as two native understory trees, the Eastern Redbud and Australis Bay

Magnolia. Canopy trees are consid ered to be the uppermost branches in a forest, whereas the understory trees tuck in nicely under the protection of these canopy trees, providing another layer of shade and habitat.

Henry Hughes, executive director of Friends of Shades Creek, shared his lifelong knowledge of the different types of trees indigenous to Birming ham, as well as invasive species and their history. Katie Wiswall, partner ship coordinator for the Alabama For estry Commission, gave participants instructions on how to plant their tree considering factors such as depth, width, mulch and water management.

“I loved meeting so many Home wood residents that are interested in

“everything in between,” Heron said. The girls rehearse once a week at Edgewood Presbyte rian, with fourth grade girls and older practicing for one and a half hours and younger students practicing for 45 minutes, Heron said.

Coming from a public education background, leading the choir was “all new” to Heron, she said, but she thanked the great people on the board who have helped her, and said the non profit status should be re-established this year.

For more information, visit birmingham girlschoir.org.

our community’s growth and devel opment and how trees fit into the equation. It is definitely a conversa tion that needs to be continued and I am so grateful to the Environmental

Commission for organizing this,” said resident Catherine Mayo.

Next year’s ‘Love Your Trees Day’ will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28.

– Submitted by Kristin Trowbridge.

Volunteers plant trees and learn about them at Love Your Trees Day in Homewood in late October.

Photo courtesy of Kristin Trowbridge.

The Birmingham Girls Choir has expanded during the past year and is looking forward to some Christmas performances this year. Photo courtesy of Margaret Heron

Daughter carries on mother’s tradition

By NEAL EMBRY

Years after Susan White helped her mother, Lois Lee, get into knitting, she is now following the legacy her mother left behind.

White took up knitting many years ago, and started Lee on the hobby, which Lee took up after her retirement. She got her patterns and started knitting different items, including her now-famous stockings.

Lee passed away earlier this year, but White is now continuing the work in her mother’s honor.

She “had a real good business going,” White said. She started by using the “Good Neigh bors” section of the newspaper back in the 1990s, putting her name out there while also depending on word-of-mouth advertising. Then, she got involved with PrimeTime Trea sures of the Assistance League, which started in Homewood in 1976. PrimeTime Treasures is one of the two shops that make up The Shops of Assistance League, which is a nonprofit, vol unteer-managed shop that sells crafts made by senior citizens of Alabama.

“Mama was really good at copying patterns,” White said.

Lee would make stockings with Santas,

reindeer, snowmen and more, and if she did not have the pattern, she could copy it, White said. She often took custom orders, including names, dates and more.

One woman with whom White spoke recently told her she had a mantle full of Lee’s stockings. For 20 years, people came to her for all of their stockings.

“They just love them,” White said.

Lee was a retired school teacher, and when she left the world of education, knitting took up a good chunk of her time, White said.

“Her knitting was her life,” White said. “She just knitted all the time.”

Lee kept a box under her bed and, being a widow, she didn’t have anything else to do, White said.

This year, White said there are about 50 stockings going out, and she will replenish samples in January and February.

White does not knit all the time like Lee did but is proud to carry on her mother’s tradition, she said.

“I’m glad to do it,” White said. “I enjoy knit ting. I like to see people enjoy them.”

People have been excited that the stockings will continue, and White knows how much it meant to her mother. “This was special to her.”

Homewood Theatre presents ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

By NEAL EMBRY

The Homewood Theatre is proud to present the Ravenswood Radio Theatre Production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” this month, Executive Director Kyle Bass said.

Guests will become a member of the studio audience as the theater “take[s] you back in time to the 1946 radio broadcast of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ with a stellar cast of six people, an original musical underscore and live Foley sound effects that bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life,” Bass said in a news release.

“This production has become a Chicago holiday tradition, and now it comes to the Magic City with an all-Birmingham cast,” Bass said.

This is a limited engagement run, Dec. 8-31, with a special Christmas Eve matinee at 2:30 p.m.

Performances are at Homewood Theatre in SoHo Square in downtown Homewood on the following dates:

► Dec. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.

► Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m.

► Dec. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m.

► Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m.

► Dec. 22-23 at 7:30 p.m.

► Dec. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

► Dec. 29-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 31 at 2:30 p.m.

The theater is on the corner of 19th Street and 28th Avenue South across from Demetri’s BBQ. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at homewoodtheatre.com.

When It Comes To Your Health Experience Matters

ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. is the largest Otolaryngology practice in Alabama with 10 locations,15 physicians, and over 600 years of combined staff and physician experience.

Our practice includes general ear, nose, and throat, head and neck diseases and surgeries, cosmetic surgery, robotic procedures, in-office balloon sinuplasty, allergy treatment, and hearing solutions. We concentrate our training and experience in these areas to provide the best possible medical care for our patients.

At ENT Associates of Alabama, P.C. the patient’s experience matters. We treat each patient as a person, not just another case. We pride ourselves in delivering a positive personal expe rience along with a positive outcome

Birmingham - Princeton - Hoover - Cullman - Gardendale Alabaster - Jasper - Pell City - Trussville - Valleydale Rd. www.entalabama.com or call toll free 888-368-5020

Susan White is carrying on her mother Lois Lee’s tradition of created handcrafted Christmas stockings.

Photo courtesy of Assistance League of Birmingham

Performers entertain guests during a show at the Homewood Theatre. Photo courtesy of Kyle Bass.

Schoolhouse

John Carroll Catholic High School announces leadership changes

The Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama recently announced two changes in its senior leadership team at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham.

Father Robert J. Sullivan, president of the school since 2016, has left that position to take on the new role of Director of the John Carroll Catholic Educational Foundation. The role of president has been filled by Father Jon Chalm ers, currently executive vice president of the school.

“John Carroll Catholic is experiencing such positive momentum, from strong performance throughout the pandemic to successive years of enrollment growth, and now, in celebrating the school’s 75th anniversary,” said the Rev. Steven J. Raica, Bishop of Birmingham. “Father Bob and Father Jon are seasoned and well-respected leaders with the experience and skills to build on this era of growth and lead increasing num bers of young men and women toward faithfilled lives of service and contribution to our local communities, throughout our country and around the world.”

In his new role, Sullivan will serve as exter nal ambassador for the school, sharing its mission, philosophy and values with key stake holder groups including donors, school alumni and civic and community leaders. He will build relationships and support for the John Carroll Catholic Educational Foundation and serve as the school’s primary fundraiser, leading, for example, the 75th Anniversary Celebration and Capital Campaign that kicked off this fall.

Chalmers steps into the role of president as the primary leader of the school community

and is responsible for the implementation of its mission and for advancing its Catholic identity. He will work closely with the school principal and leadership team on day-to-day operations and the teaching-learning environment and is the Canonical Administrator of the school.

Following a variety of roles in research, service and higher learning, including work in Catholic healthcare, Chalmers joined the Dio cese of Birmingham where he has served as pastor of Holy Rosary parish in Gate City and president of Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Birmingham. He is currently pastor of Prince of Peace parish in Hoover. In addition to his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, Chalmers earned a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University.

– Submitted by John Carroll Catholic High School.

Rev. Robert Sullivan greets guests during John Carroll Catholic High School’s 2021 commencement ceremony held at Pat Sullivan Field. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Sandwiches of service

By NEAL EMBRY

Hope Lacy spends her Sunday nights a little differently than many high school students.

Lacy, a 17-year-old senior volleyball player at John Carroll Catholic High School, makes 54 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every Sunday night.

“It’s actually not too bad,” Lacy said. The meals aren’t for her or her class mates, but rather the poor and hungry in

the Birmingham area. The sandwiches are distributed through Food for Our Journey, a faith-based initiative that utilizes a food truck to deliver meals to the hungry, thus reaching those who aren’t able to travel. During the past two and a half years, Lacy has packed an esti mated 5,832 peanut butter sandwiches, which have gone directly to feed the food insecure in Birmingham.

Lacy began the work during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to fulfill service hours at the school.

"Making sandwiches for FFOJ has been a great way to check off my required service hours around my busy school and volleyball schedule,” Lacy said. “I have found that break ing the service hours into smaller amounts and doing a little bit every week has paid off. Plus, it's nice to know that what I'm doing is

helping others in our community. For example, I know 54 people will have something to eat each Monday because I took time the night before to make sandwiches.”

While Lacy has not been able to go out and deliver the meals herself, at least not yet, she said she is glad to be able to help others.

“I’ve always been wanting to help people who are maybe less fortunate,” Lacy said. “Taking two seconds to compliment someone

or be nice, … to volunteer, … it makes a big difference and pays off.”

Lacy said she plans on continuing service in some way when she enrolls at Auburn Uni versity in the fall, though she is not sure what she will do yet.

“It helps me feel closer to God,” Lacy said. “It gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m helping one of God’s people that maybe doesn’t have as much as me.”

BREAST

icrobe Composition in Psychosocial Symptom Response to Exercise Training in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Far left: Hope Lacy after a sandwich drop-off at the Food for Our Journey truck at John Carroll Catholic High School on Sept. 26.

Lacy makes sandwiches each Sunday evening and delivers them to the Food for Our Journey truck Monday mornings at John Carroll Catholic High School before classes begin. Left: Hope Lacy makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at her home Sunday, Oct. 23. Photos courtesy of Hope Lacy.

HOMELESS

solutions to drug and mental health problems as well.

“We try to treat everyone with respect and dignity,” Carr said. “We’re not mental health experts, but we are the first line most of the time.”

Officers know many of the home less people that come into the city, calling them by their first name, Carr said.

While officers can link those in need with available help, it is, at some point, up to that person to do their part to receive help, Carr said.

“We can take these people to the shelters, and they do a good job, but you can’t force them to stay there,” Carr said.

The department also recently has formed a relationship with Recovery Organization of Support Specialists, addiction specialists who have a 24-hour helpline, Carr said. They offer services to get people off of the street and into a recovery program.

Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston said the Mountain Brook Police Department also might try to take homeless people to shelters, but he noted that they have not had much of an uptick in panhandling or loitering.

“We try to treat everybody we come in contact with with dignity and respect,” Gaston said.

Mountain Brook Police Chief Jaye Loggins said his department is typi cally dealing with folks outside city limits, so while they cannot enforce anything, officers can ask homeless people to move to a different location, which they typically do.

Andress said she knows that at one time people were living in the old Vir ginia College in the Palisades, as well as an old business near Vulcan. There were also encampments under the

bridge of U.S. 280 adjacent to Shades Creek Parkway, she said.

Both Andress and Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky said The World Games this past summer exac erbated the problem and created an increase in the number of homeless people in the city, though McClusky noted that number seems to be down.

“If we can offer help, then we cer tainly do,” McClusky said.

Andress said JJ Bischoff, McClusky’s chief of staff, tried to reach an agreement with a downtown shelter wherein Homewood would have priority placement for those picked up, but that wasn’t possible.

The city is now working with the county to help connect people with the resources they need to get help, Andress said.

County Commissioner Steve Ammons said the county is examin ing all areas where homelessness is popping up. The emphasis on stopping panhandling is to crack down on those who are pretending to be homeless and taking advantage of the kindness of strangers, he said. There are parts of the city that are known as the “honey hole,” he said.

“Homelessness is not a crime, but panhandling is,” Ammons said.

Making sure the county’s nonprofits

have the support they need is crucial, Ammons said. County commissioners have discretionary money to donate, and many will give to resources like Firehouse Ministries, One Roof and others, Ammons said.

Anne Rygiel, executive director of Firehouse, believes inflation and hot weather have driven people to shel ters more so than The World Games. The shelter expanded just before the COVID-19 pandemic and saw their numbers rise. Those numbers have not come down, and they have been “significantly” over capacity since June, she said.

The top reason many people are homeless is lack of medical care, Rygiel said. For many people, the only medical care they get is from emergency rooms. The situation isn’t helped by the state of Alabama’s refusal to expand Medicaid, she said.

The homeless population is also increasing in age, she said, and many have two or more reasons for being homeless, including inability to make rent, pay medical bills or more.

“That’s a story we’re seeing more and more,” Rygiel said.

While it is not illegal to be home less, Rygiel said that does not prevent those suffering from homelessness from running into issues with law

Homeless Service Providers

If you are experiencing homelessness and in need of resources or you are inter ested in donating or looking for volunteer opportunities, check out these organiza tions for more information:

FIREHOUSE MINISTRIES

► What: Shelter for men

► Web: firehouseshelter.com

► Phone: 205-252-9571

FIRST LIGHT

► What: Shelter for women

► Web: firstlightshelter.org

► Phone: 205-323-4277

enforcement.

“Homelessness is very much crim inalized,” Rygiel said. “Encamp ments come from a sense of self-preservation.”

Perryn Carroll, executive director of the Jimmie Hale Mission, said they have seen an increase in the number of residents experiencing homelessness. Substance abuse is responsible for 90% of the cases the shelter sees, and that means people from the suburbs are coming in more frequently, Carroll said. Substance abuse is no respecter of socioeconomic status, Carroll said.

“It still kind of catches my breath,” Carroll said. “I have four boys. When I hear where they come from, I think, ‘That could be my [child].”

All three of Jimmie Hale’s facil ities — Jimmie Hale Mission, Jes sie’s Place and Royal Pines — offer recovery programs that are free for 15 weeks, Carroll said. Residents can stay up to six months when they get a job to save up money for a long-term

ONE ROOF

► What: Homelessness-relat ed services coordinator

► Web: oneroofonline.org

► General Office Phone: 205-254-8833

► Street Outreach Phone: 205-920-1895

R.O.S.S.

► What: Addiction recov ery support (Recovery Organization of Support Specialists)

► Web: ross4u.org

► Phone: 205-848-2112

► 24-hour helpline: 844307-1760

residence.

There is a misconception that those experiencing homelessness are simply lazy and it is much more complicated, Carroll said. Once they overcome any abuse and once given the tools to over come, they can contribute to society.

“They’re not bad people,” Carroll said.

Carroll said the shelter has a very good relationship with law enforce ment, which brings people to warming stations and shelters.

For those who may be experienc ing homelessness, there are a lot of great resources, Rygiel said. That includes multiple shelters downtown, including Firehouse for men and First Light for women. For those who want to help others, Rygiel said it’s as simple as getting tied to an organi zation and helping out. Carroll said it is important not to give cash out, but to support Birmingham-area shelters. “Let’s all be proactive as a commu nity,” Rygiel said.

Will Cotchery, the program assistant at Firehouse Ministries in Birmingham, walks through the tier one area of the facility that houses 24 beds on Nov. 9. Photo by Erin Nelson.

AMBULANCE

CONTINUED from page A1

indicative of poor work on their part, response times began to lag for multiple reasons. There is a widespread staffing shortage, Hill said. In addition, RPS handles many calls around Jeffer son County, Shelby County and possibly parts of other counties, Hill said. So if a call came in from Homewood, the ambulance might have to come from Jasper or Alabaster, he said.

“They have been fantastic,” Hill said of RPS. “It’s just the nature of the beast.”

Councilman Nick Sims said the problem was exacerbated by the pandemic, and residents have reached out to share their frustrations with him.

In one instance, a child fell at Edgewood, but an ambulance never came, leading the parent to drive the child to Children’s of Alabama hospi tal with head trauma, Sims said.

If a third-party provider cannot meet the needs of the city, he wants the city to recon sider taking on liability and offering ambulance services themselves, he said.

“Liability is a risk, … [but] we have goals that are greater than the financial bottom line,” Sims said.

Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons said there are multiple issues in the county.

“People have gotten accustomed to calling 911 for non-emergency reasons like a stubbed toe or a doctor’s appointment,” Ammons said. “If an ambulance shows up for a non-emer gency, they still have to transport if people want to go to the hospital. They also have to stay with the patient until they’re accepted by the hospital.”

At a time when emergency medical techni cians and paramedics are hard to find, that cre ates a problem, Ammons said.

“Nobody wants to be in public service any more,” Ammons said. “We have to look at how we pay our first responders for the difficult job they do.”

THE SOLUTION

With the staffing shortage and long wait times, it became apparent the city needed to either find a third-party provider or take on

transporting residents themselves, the latter being the choice of neighboring cities Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills.

In order to provide ambulances themselves, the city would have to purchase ambulances and personnel, which gets expensive quickly, McClusky and Hill both said. It also means taking on the liability of transporting patients to the hospital.

One day, while at his job at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, McClusky stepped outside and noticed Lifeguard down the street, with ambulances in the parking lot. McClusky approached and gathered informa tion about their service, starting the process of connecting Lifeguard with the city.

Josh Spencer, regional director with Life guard, said the business has been around for 35 years and is one of the largest ambulance services in Alabama, with locations throughout the state. In Birmingham, Lifeguard provides interfacility transport for UAB Hospital.

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

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

In addition to the staffing, Lifeguard handles

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

Spencer said he hopes having dedicated ambulances to city residents will provide peace of mind and a better presence for Homewood.

While Lifeguard has experienced staffing shortages like everyone else, Spencer said he is not worried about staffing the ambulances for Homewood.

“Most EMTs and paramedics only want to do 911 calls, and we offer that,” Spencer said.

Staffers for Homewood’s ambulances won’t have to do interfacility work and can focus on taking care of patients, he said. The company also offers a good work-life balance, Spencer said.

“We’ve actually done pretty well in staffing ambulances,” Spencer said.

The business is currently hiring and working to prepare for the start of its service, which will come on Jan. 1 or possibly a little earlier, Spen cer said. Lifeguard was still working to secure office space in Homewood as of mid-November.

Hill said having faster response times is key for giving people appropriate medical care. Time is of the essence with strokes, heart attacks, burn patients and more, he said. The same goes for head trauma, as it is paramount to determine if a patient has a brain bleed.

Sims said he is hopeful things will improve with Lifeguard’s help. “I really, really hope it does.”

Sharleda Gomez, a field training officer with Lifeguard Emergency Medical Services, lays on a stretcher as Austin May, left, the dayshift lieutenant, Richard Swartz, an emergency medical technician advanced, check her blood pressure during a simulation. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Patriots mixing things up

By KYLE PARMLEY

Homewood High School boys bas ketball coach Tim Shepler has seldom willingly implemented a full-court press defense outside of late-game pressure situations.

If he’s being honest, the last time he can recall doing it was about 15 years ago, against Gadsden City in the playoffs.

But the Patriots may be breaking away from the traditional mold of Homewood basketball this season.

The graduations of Donte Bacchus and Christian Thompson from last year’s team will force the Patriots to look a lot different this year. Bacchus was an elite offensive player, standing at 6-foot-6, while Thompson was a defensive force at 6-8.

Both guys are now playing college hoops, and the top returning players this season for Homewood are guards Carter Vail and Carson Cole.

“We’re going to look a lot different than last year,” Shepler said. “We’ll extend pressure up a little bit and play more full court, which makes me nervous, but I think that’s what our personnel dictates.”

Shepler also expects his team to let the 3-pointers fly a little more often this year. The team shot 38% from behind the arc during a productive summer.

“I would say we’re going to be a balanced team that gives a green light

to our shooters,” he said. “Confidence grew with each play date. I’ll be inter ested to see if we can carry that over.”

Vail and Cole are seniors this year, and Shepler has made it no secret the

team will depend on both of them. Canon Armstead is another senior who played minutes last year but will be expected to contribute quite a bit this time around.

Juniors Will Pope, Harris Fowlkes and Jeremiah Gary have proven to be effective guard options for the Patri ots as well.

Kiran McCool and Jake Stephens

are forwards who spent time behind Bacchus last year but will be counted upon now at the forward position. David Stone will also step into a starting role after playing in support of Thompson last winter. Jarryd Cline will back up Stone at that spot.

“He’s going to need to be that guy at the 5 [center],” Shepler said of Stone. “He’s a pretty good athlete.”

Once football season concludes, Clay Burdeshaw will find his way into the mix. Will Myers is the team’s lone sophomore and Shepler said he led the team in assists over the summer.

“We’re going to have a good locker room, but we’re going to need some guys to bow up and take on some challenges,” Shepler said. “That’s kind of our team. If we got going, we could be really good if we’re playing with confidence.”

Homewood will play in Class 6A, Area 9 this year with Parker, Minor and Jackson-Olin. It’s an area that will likely present challenges, but Shepler believes the Patriots can win it if they “play well at the right time.”

Homewood will also host the Metro Tournament over the Christ mas break. The likes of Vestavia Hills, Cullman, Hartselle, Hill crest-Tuscaloosa and Clay-Chalkville will be represented.

Shepler noted the Patriots are play ing three strong 7A teams this season, as Vestavia Hills, Spain Park and Hoover will provide great challenges.

Homewood’s Carter Vail (2) takes the ball towards the goal during the first half of the AHSAA Class 6A boys Northeast Regional Semifinal at Pete Mathews Coliseum on Feb. 17. 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.

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

We use technology and data analytics to help identify areas in need of tree trimming to protect the electrical system.

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.

In an uncertain economy, ensuring the stability of your finances is crucial. Talk to a SouthPoint Bank team member about options to keep your money safe and climbing.

Together we can climb toward your financial goals.

Sports

Lady Patriots seeking improvements

By KYLE PARMLEY

There are no seniors on this year’s Homewood High School girls basketball team, but don’t mis take that for the Lady Patriots being a young, inexperienced squad.

Of the 14 players on this year’s varsity team, all of them garnered varsity playing time a season ago. Second-year coach Gavin King hopes to see that pay dividends for his team this winter.

“Last year, everybody got a ton of playing time, at the speed we want to play at,” he said. “With their experience, the confidence level being a little higher, having two summers of games now, varsity games are not a shock or surprise and everyone knows what to expect.”

Those factors mean a great deal in King’s system because of the unique style of his teams. The Lady Patriots play a relentless, pressing style of basketball on both sides of the court, combining a full-court press defense with an up-tempo offense.

That also means all 14 players on this year’s team will be needed. King is more than content with that, because he believes each of his players is good enough to contribute.

“That’s one reason we like to play fast and aggressive,” he said. “We’ve got a deep team and that’s going to help us over a long season. When we go to our bench, there’s no concern there. We’re going to have a solid, deep roster, where every girl can play every night.”

There also should be the natural progression of a team that got plenty of collective experi ence last season and has had another offseason to improve. King has been encouraged by individ ual improvements when it comes to players’ skill

sets, as well as the team’s ability to run half-court offensive sets.

Homewood’s three juniors were big factors last season and will certainly be that once again this year. Kayla Warren is back as the team’s leading returning scorer, while Susie Whitsett and Mira McCool will be key pieces as well. In addition to their contributions on the court, King hopes to see them be leaders of the team as well.

There are eight sophomores on this year’s team. Charlotte Deerman, Laine Litton, Annie McBride, Ella Serotsky, Hollis Tangye, Made line Alford, Savannah McDonald and Lydia

Pope will all make their mark this season.

“Our whole sophomore class is really talented and we’re lucky that we’re going to have them for three seasons,” King said.

The Lady Patriots are also pulling up three freshmen onto the varsity team, as Ellis McCool, Molly Dorough and Ryanne Ezekiel were all part of a middle school basketball team that won the Metro championship in back-to-back years.

Homewood plays in a new area this year, fea turing Minor, Parker and Jackson-Olin. Those six area games will be played in January, and King believes his team has what it takes to win

that area.

“We’ve got October, November and Decem ber to keep working and figuring things out, but we’d like to give it a run,” he said.

Last year’s team was unable to advance past the area tournament due to playing in an area that featured Chelsea and Mountain Brook, two strong playoff teams. This year, King doesn’t know where this team’s record will rest when the dust settles, but he believes it will certainly be a team continuing a positive ascent.

“We’ll be fun to watch,” he said. “We’re going to play hard.”

Homewood’s Kayla Warren (3) dribbles the ball towards the goal guarded by Calera’s Makenna Cooper (15) in a game at Homewood High School on Jan. 6. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Hitting his stride

By ERIC TAUNTON

When he was in kindergarten, Arthur Langley loved getting up in the mornings to run with his dad.

He fell in love with the sport, running in local 5Ks and marathons with his dad until he started running competitively in 5th grade, Langley said.

“It’s just what we did together; it was a huge part of our bonding,” Langley said. “Then I started doing track club during the summer and I just kind of fell in love with it.”

The John Carroll Catholic High School junior recently completed the cross-country season, with an eye toward the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons. He opened the season with a win at the annual Warrior 2-Mile Invitational at Thompson on Sept. 1 and capped it off by winning the Class 5A, Section 3 meet and placing fifth in the state meet.

He said he felt confident going into the season-opening race because he knew he was prepared and had a strategy he knew could work.

Langley did a great deal of training during the summer season, only taking two weeks off after the previous track season, he said. Week after week, Langley worked on building up his mileage which helped him prepare for the current ongoing cross country season, Langley said.

really taking a higher mileage approach, which I’ve never done before.”

Langley said he normally comes with his general plan for a race two days beforehand.

Depending on the course, he said, he likes to decide where he wants to be at the mile split. This season, he’s been going out the first mile under 4:50 comfortably, he said.

“I know my competition well enough and I’ve raced them enough to know who I should be around at what points in the race… Racing people that I know I should be around as well as having an overall aware ness of the field definitely helps with my race strategy,” Langley said. “My dad has always told me ‘Run the first two thirds of the race with your head and the last with your heart.’ I always think about that.”

Langley’s plan for the rest of the cross-country season was to be smart, train hard and prepare for the finishing stretch.“I’m probably going to have one more big training block before I start to taper down for sectionals and state,” Langley said in September. “We have three more meets which are the Husky Challenge, sectionals and state. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, focusing on state has always been the primary goal.”

Langley said though he’s always loved to run and been passionate about it, he didn’t really find the success he wanted in track and cross country until his freshman year of high school.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

The high school football season is coming to a close, as several teams enjoyed prosperous regular seasons followed by hopeful playoff pushes. Here are some highlights from the last few weeks of the regular season. As of press time, the playoffs were still ongoing. Photos by

Scott Butler, Richard Force, Erin Nelson and James Nicholas.

The Homewood defense showed up in a major way in a win over Pelham, pitching a 28-0 shutout. The defense forced a pair of turnovers, as Rigdon Gibbons (15) and Clay Burdeshaw intercepted passes on the night. Homewood held Pelham to just 132 total yards.

Homewood defensive coordinator Freddy Lawrence call calls Parker Sansing (22) one of the best cornerbacks he has ever coached, and Sansing made him look smart in the Patriots’ win over Chilton County. Sansing intercepted an errant pass and returned it 87 yards for his first career touchdown.

Homewood receiver Jackson Parris (5) has been Woods Ray’s go-to target all season, and he had a huge game against Jasper to cap off the regular season. Parris caught 6 of Ray’s 14 completions, going for 150 yards and three scores.

Homewood quarterback Woods Ray (13) elevated his play even more down the stretch of the regular season. In the Patriots’ final region game, a win over Briarwood, he was nearly unstoppable. Ray completed 22of-28 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns in the contest. He also threw for five touchdowns in the regular season finale against Jasper.

John Carroll finished the season by winning its final two games, in large part due to the effort of quarterback Carson McFadden (7). In a win over Maplesville to end the year, McFadden piled up nearly 400 total yards and scored twice.

Holiday spending is made easier with myTrustmark® online and mobile banking, which allows you to monitor your purchases, as well as pay bills, deposit checks and more the whole year round. It’s banking that fits you to a T. Visit trustmark.com/mytrustmark to learn more.

Make the holiday season Joyful with a bank that fits you to a

Events

By NEAL EMBRY

This year’s Homewood Christmas Parade and star lighting are set for Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

The annual event includes more than 40 floats from area businesses and runs from the Homewood Public Library to City Hall.

The famous star in the middle of 18th Street South is lit as the parade makes its way down Homewood’s most well-known thoroughfare.

Mayor Patrick McClusky will light the star, a symbol of the Christmas season coming to Homewood. The famous star is kept ready for the holiday season by the city’s Public Works department.

As floats travel through downtown

Homewood, they will throw candy to attendees.

Once the parade reaches City Hall, a master of ceremonies, provided by CBS 42, which broadcasts the event, will oversee the rest of the evening’s activities, including the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. There will also be a special DJ, a snow machine, music pro vided by the Homewood High School Patriot Band and more. Santa Claus will finish off the parade on a fire truck.

The route for the parade will require the closure of a portion of certain streets, said Meredith Drennen, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. A por tion of Oxmoor Road is closed at the start of the parade, while 18th Street will be closed around City Hall, she said.

By GRACE THORNTON

Star lighting and parade set for Dec. 6 Holiday Spectacular again set

Red Mountain Theatre is gearing up for its Holiday Spectacular, an event that has become a seasonal tradition for people in the area, said Terri Osborne, the company’s marketing manager.

“People have been sharing online how coming to the Holiday Spectacular has become their family tradition,” Osborne said. “It’s even more special now that Red Mountain Theatre is in the new Arts Campus — it really feels

made up of 75 artists age 9 to 18 who rehearse year-round.

The selections will range from Celtic carols to recent seasonal songs from popular artists, plus choreography and a few animal cast mem bers provided by Tickled Pink Petting Zoo.

The evening performance on Dec. 10 will be ASL-interpreted.

Keith Cromwell, RMT executive director, said this time of year is “a time to focus on what unites us.”

He invited Birmingham to “bring the family,

The Holiday Spectacular performance at Red Mountain Theatre Company in 2021. Photo courtesy of Stewart Edmonds, Red Mountain Theatre.

Willa Ustad, 3, giggles as she points up at the falling bubble suds used as fake snow as the annual Homewood Christmas Parade travels the streets of downtown Homewood in December 2021.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

By GRACE THORNTON

The fourth annual Walk for a Claus — put on by the Homewood Santa Claus Society — is expected to draw more than 250 men dressed as Santa Claus for a parade around Homewood on Dec. 11.

Richard Paddock, the event’s founder and organizer, said he and others came up with the idea several years ago as the men’s ver sion of the Homewood Witches Ride.

“We partnered with the Mike Slive Foun dation to raise awareness of prostate cancer,” he said. “We decided to pick that because at the time a few of the guys were personally being affected with prostate cancer issues or had a father, brother, uncle, somebody who was going through that. We thought it would be a great opportunity to bring awareness to it and raise money for it but also have a great time and share some holiday cheer.”

Walk for a Claus is a men’s event, and the

only other requirements to register are to be age 21 or older and dress as Santa or don another festive costume such as an elf.

“We all gather at Grocery Brewpub and have some food and drinks and celebrate together, then we do a parade,” Paddock said.

Some of the Santas walk, and others bring golf carts, ATVs, side by sides or decorated Christmas floats. After the walk, every one gathers at Grocery Brewpub again for a silent auction, a live auction, raffles and giveaways.

The majority of the money raised goes to the Mike Slive Foundation, with some also going to other local charities.

Walk for a Claus will be held Dec. 11, 2-8 p.m. at Grocery Brewpub at 2823 Cen tral Ave. Registration is $75, which covers food and beverages at the event along with a Homewood Santa Claus Society gift.

To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual -walk-for-a-claus-tickets-426910068507.

The fourth annual Walk for a Claus will take place on Dec. 11 at the Grocery Brewpub.

Photo courtesy of Richard Paddock.

Witches take flight against cancer

The 10th annual Homewood Witches Ride brought hundreds to the event on Oct. 30 at Homewood Central Park, benefiting the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Photos by Erin Nelson.

By BETHANY ADAMS

Bundle up, grab a friend and tour five beauti fully festive homes during the Samford Legacy League’s 12th annual Christmas Home Tour.

This year’s event, which will take place on Dec. 8, will feature two homes in Mountain Brook and three in Vestavia Hills, each of which will showcase a personal take on hol iday decor.

As the Legacy League’s largest annual fund raiser, the event supports the organization in providing scholarships to students with “sig nificant financial need and challenging cir cumstances,” said managing director Sharon Smith. Presenting sponsor ARC Realty will return for another year, and as many as 1,000 guests and volunteers are expected to take part in the preparations and presentation.

“The style of the architecture and the decor varies by home, but all are gracious, welcom ing, lovely homes,” Smith said.

Spanning nearly-new builds and renovated historic homes, highlights will include every thing from city views to a dedicated chapel. “I think there is something for everybody,” Smith

said. “It doesn’t matter what your personal taste is — I think you will walk through and find lovely things to look at in all of them.” The homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the tour also includes Samford President Beck A. Taylor’s home, where guests will be treated to light refresh ments, live music and a selection of pop-up shoppes. Guests choose their starting time and first home during the registration process.

This year’s featured homes are:

► Kathryn and Doug Eckert, 2900 Overhill Road, Mountain Brook

► Wansley and Ryan Griffin, 2133 South wood Road, Vestavia Hills

► Bridget and Andrew Patterson, 309 Sunset Drive, Vestavia Hills

► Jenny and Scott Sobera, 2824 Canoe Brook Circle, Mountain Brook

► Julie and Beck Taylor, 1994 Shades Crest Road, Vestavia Hills

Tickets are $35 per person through Nov. 30 and will be on sale for $40 through Dec. 6. Advance purchase is required. For more infor mation, and to purchase tickets, visit samford. edu/legacyleague.

Birmingham Boys Choir celebrating 50 years of music with Christmas concert

By BETHANY ADAMS

On Dec. 13, the Birmingham Boys Choir will celebrate 50 years of music with its 45th Annual Christmas Concert, “Behold the Star!”

Held at the Samford University Wright Center, the concert will also mark 45 years of direction by Ken and Susan Berg.

“The Star of Bethlehem is a prominent feature within the wealth of glorious choral music of the Advent/Christmas season,” said Ken Berg, who also provided creative direction.

Following the theme of the concert, the program will feature a combination of clas sic carols and contemporary pieces with a focus on the Nativity story. The choir com prises Junior Choristers, Senior Choristers and Graduate Choristers, totaling 140 boys who range from 3rd to 12th grade. The cho risters, who represent communities all over Birmingham, begin rehearsing for the pro gram in September. “They rehearse once a

week at four different satellite locations and then they come together in the middle of November, when they start full rehearsals,” said operations manager Charlotte Rumore.

Preserving a centuries-old tradition, the BBC provides boys and young men in Bir mingham with musical training and the opportunity to perform in countries like Ireland, Japan and Germany. The nonprofit relies on public support. Rumore said the Christmas concert is the organization’s “gift back to the public.”

In addition to the vocal performances, the program will feature live accompaniment, including Susan Berg on the piano, a violinist and a string quartet.

“This concert will not only include some of the most beloved carols of the season but also some lesser-known carols and new anthems, all of which — like the Star — lead us to find the Christ child born into our world,” Berg said.

“Behold the Star!” will begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free to the public.

Members of the Birmingham Boys Choir perform during their holiday concert at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in December 2019. Photo by Neal Embry.

Tour. Photo courtesy of Sharon Smith.

Opinion

Sean of the South By Sean Dietrich

Merry Christmas

It was just the two of us, seated at dinner. Alone on Christmas night. Dressed in our Sunday best. Candles on the dining table. Choral music playing.

“This is weird,” said my wife, slicing her turkey. “Not having Mother with us.”

“I know.”

“I keep waiting for her to call me on the phone. I keep waiting to wake up one morning and figure out it was all a bad dream, and that she never really died.”

“Yeah.”

Long silence.

“Is this turkey too dry?” she said.

“Are you kidding? This turkey is so good it’s got an R rating.”

“How about the gravy?”

“I could water ski on this gravy.” “You like the dressing?”

“I want to use this dressing in the shower.”

She smiled. “Do you recognize the plates that we’re eating off of?”

My wife lifted a dish. It had a simple green Christmas tree painted on it.

“These are your mama’s plates?” I said.

She nodded. “We ate on them every Christ mas.” Then she inspected the plate and her eyes began to turn pink.

“And,” she said, “do you notice anything about this blouse I’m wearing?”

“Your mom’s blouse.” Another nod. “Do you like it?”

“I do.”

“This strand of pearls is hers, too.” “Ah.”

“The perfume I’m wearing, can you smell it?”

“I can. Was that your moth er’s, too?”

“Yes. Do you like this per fume? Is it weird that I’m wearing an old woman’s per fume at Christmas?”

“I adore that smell. And there’s no such thing as an old woman’s perfume.”

She covered her mouth. Her head dropped. Her hair fell into her plate. She dropped her fork and her knife, and there was the light sound of sobbing. I stood and went to my wife. I wrapped my arms around her.

“She’s gone,” moaned my wife. “Why can’t I seem to feel that? Why do I keep thinking she’s still here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Where is she? Is she happy? I don’t want to do this without her. Christmas was her favorite day. I can’t do this.”

“Ssssshhhh.”

“How can an old woman seem so normal and healthy one year, and then just up and die? How? Why do people die? Why, why, why?”

“I don’t know.”

“I called her every single day. She called me every single day. We were best friends. This hurts so bad. I need a Kleenex, I’m getting snot all over your sweater.”

“I don’t care.”

“No. It’s a lot of snot. Get me a Kleenex.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, seriously, there’s so much snot on your sweater, it’s getting all over your khakis.

Take off your pants and shirt, let me go run them through the wash.”

“I am not taking off my trousers and eating Christmas dinner in my underpants.”

Silent crying into my chest for several minutes. The Vienna Boys Choir sang “Adeste Fideles” in the back ground. The food was getting cold.

“Do you think she can see me?” said my wife.

“Yes,” I said.

“How can you believe that?”

“I don’t know. I just do. I believe she sees you, and me, and all of us. And I don’t believe she’s really gone. I believe she’s with us, some how. I believe all our loved ones are with us.”

“You do?”

“I really do. I don’t believe she’s gone any more than I believe big waves on the ocean can truly disappear.

“I believe that waves take shape for a little while, and then they crash into the beach, and then they go back into the ocean. But they never disappear. They are always there. We are not a drop in the ocean. We are the ocean in a drop.”

“Wait. Did you steal that from a Disney movie?”

“Perhaps.”

“Which movie?”

“I don’t remember. I think I heard it on ‘Finding Nemo.’”

My wife pushed her plate away. “That was

a good movie.”

“Most underrated Disney flick of all time. Second only to ‘Apple Dumpling Gang.’”

Silence.

She said, “Do you think Mother knows how much I miss her?”

“I know she does.”

“Do you think I’m crazy for talking to her like I do all the time?”

“No.”

“Do you think she hears me?”

“I know it.”

“Can we talk to her now? You and me?”

My wife and I both bowed our heads. And the weight of holiday grief sort of pressed downward on my shoulders. My wife squeezed my hand.

“Dear God,” I began. “Please get a message to our loved ones. Please tell them how much we miss them, and how Christmas is not the same without them. And how this world will never be the same without them. And thank you for our lives, God. We are sorry if we don’t appreciate them enough.”

“Amen,” said my wife. Silence.

“I love you, Sean.”

“I love you, too, Jamie darlin’.”

“Merry Christmas.”

“Yes. It sure is.”

“Now take off that sweater right now.”

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.

I don’t have many soapboxes. Generally, the only one I’ll stand up on (at least in a public manner) is the beast that is the internet, and specifically as it applies to our kids. Of course, every child, every family, every situation is different, but I’d wager that most people can see what being constantly attached to phones is doing to our kids. My oldest doesn’t have her own phone, but she uses mine, and if I were to let her have free rein, I know exactly how much time she’d be on it.

But it’s not just our kids. I won’t go so far as to speak to what the constant connection is doing to adults in general, but I see count less ways it’s affecting me: the pressure to be abundantly competent in everything from cooking to decorating to athleisure wear to capturing the perfect photo for Christmas cards. Constantly being aware of what our family vacations could look like if I were a little more creative, a little more adventurous, a little savvier. House envy as I see Pinterest photos of perfectly curated homes full of the trendiest décor.

But perhaps the most frustrating effect the constant pull of the internet has had on me is in my attention span. As a writer, reading is a big part of my life and always has been. My dad will tell you I’ve been reading since the age of four, and though I have my doubts about that, I was definitely a reading child. I loved Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume and the Babysitters Club. No matter where I went — visiting family, out to dinner, to the beach or to the pool — I had a book with me. And I could happily and easily read for hours.

As I got older, through high school and into college, reading remained a steadfast plea sure. I remember one particular summer in college when I lived in my family’s condo at the beach while I worked at a local restaurant. Most of my shifts were at night, which left my days mostly wide open. How did I fill them? I parked myself by the pool or on the beach with a book in hand. After college, once Matt and I were married and in the years before we had kids, days at the beach were spent reading. I’d easily finish a small handful of books over the course of a vacation.

Now, at the ripe age of 43, I’m embarrassed to admit reading makes me tired. I still read for pleasure, and I still love it, but it literally makes my eyes weary and my brain fuzzy. I blame the internet. Over the past ten years or so, my brain has become more and more adept at kicking back and not having to work all that hard as I absorb the hundreds of tiny,

inconsequential things that flash across the screen of my phone. It takes little to no brain power to scroll through a Facebook feed, absorbing the photos, disagree ments, and memes. Even less brain power to watch the silly videos of funny animals, stupid criminals, or home renovation disasters. Zero brain power to flip through photos showing celebrities aging over the last few decades (which is what Instagram is intent on aiming at me these days). As I take in all these “bright dings of pseudo-pleasure,” as Cal Newport describes it, my brain is just happy to be along for the bright, flashing, dopamine-filled ride.

But the minute I sit down and open my cur rent pleasure read, my brain turns to mush. Without the same stimulating images and dopamine hits — just black words on a white page — I can only get a handful of pages in before my eyelids grow heavy. Mind you, this is the same brain that used to be able to focus on one story for hours at a time, but now that the internet has rewired my brain, it’s hard to sustain my attention and even keep my interest in one place. And that’s a big blow to someone who loves stories, books, reading, and words.

Now that I’m past the biggest part of pro moting my newest book, I’m determined to change the way I’m using the internet in the hopes of reclaiming my time and atten tion. Cal Newport, who I mentioned above, has a book called “Digital Minimalism.” I highly recommend it. I’m rereading it now and taking to heart what he has to say about choosing a focused life in a noisy world. I’m planning to pull back from social media and my internet use in general during the months surrounding the end-of-year holidays. It’ll be small steps, but small steps aren’t nothing — they’re movement. And my hope is that as I take these small steps to reclaim my time for reading and rest, my kids will see me doing it and understand that even adults can get in over our heads sometimes, and when that hap pens, it may be best to attempt to be more like a child — less digital connection, more freedom, more time for creativity and play.

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

Denton

Calendar Homewood Library

The library will be closed Dec. 15 for staff development and Dec. 23-26 for Christ mas holidays. Visit homewoodpublic library.org for more information.

ADULT

Mondays: Virtual Library Yoga with Jackie Tally. 2-3 p.m. Zoom. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Free. Register online.

Dec. 2: Jingle All the Way with story teller Dolores Hydock and the music of Bobby Horton. 7-8:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. There will also be the always-requested “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” other new stories, gorgeous traditional tunes and jolly sing-alongs to jump-start your holiday season! Advance reservations are essen tial! Tickets are $22 and will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 1. Purchase your ticket before Nov. 30 online or at the Adult Services Desk.

6 y 13 de Diciembre: Clase de ingles gratis para adultos. 6-8 p.m. Room 102. Para registrarse, póngase en contacto con Stephanie en The Literacy Council slyas@literacy-council.org. (Dec. 6 and 13: Free Adult English classes. 6-8 p.m. Room 102. Ages 18 and older. To register, contact Stephanie at The Literary Council.)

Dec. 7: Niki Sepsas Presents — The Bermuda Triangle, Fact or Fiction? 2-3 p.m. Round Auditorium. This presentation chroni cles the well-known disappearances and possible

answers to the question.

Dec. 7: Read It and Eat Book Club — “The Love Marriage” by Monica Ali. 6:30-8 p.m. Urban Cookhouse. Join us as we discuss Monica Ali’s book “Love Marriage.” A gloriously acute observer of class, sexual mores and the mysteries of the human heart, Monica Ali has written a captivating social comedy and a profoundly moving, revelatory story of two cultures, two families and two people trying to understand one another. Food not provided by the library, but participants are encouraged to pur chase beverages/food to enjoy during the meeting.

Dec. 8: The Social Justice Book Club — “An Immense World” by Ed Yong. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Zoom. Pulitzer Prize–winning science journalist Ed Yong takes us on “a thrilling tour of nonhuman perception” (The New York Times), allow ing us to experience the skeins of scent, waves of electromagnetism and pulses of pressure that other animals perceive. Register online.

Dec. 8: Miniature Painting with Sep tember Reed. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Room 101. Join us as September Reed shows you 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.

Dec. 10: Adult Coffee and Crafts: Book Page Trees. 2:30-4 p.m. Large Auditorium. Adults, learn a new hobby or spruce up your crafting skills! We meet on the second Saturday of each month to enjoy local coffee and teas, as well as a new craft project each month! This month our project will be making Book Page Trees. Supplies provided. Free. Please register online.

Dec. 13: Seasonal Stories with Sid Bur gess: Eudora Welty and O. Henry. 1-2 p.m. Round Auditorium. Join us for an hour-long adult “storytime” of classic short stories with Sid Burgess.

Dec. 13: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club: “Her Hidden Genius.” 6:30-8 p.m. Boardroom. Join us as we discuss Marie Benedict's powerful new novel about the woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA, a woman whose world-changing contributions were hidden by the men around her but whose relentless drive advanced our understanding of humankind.

Dec. 14: Better than Therapy Book Club: “The Christie Affair.” 2-3:30 p.m. Boardroom. A blend of fact and fiction, “The Christie Affair” is a wonderfully clever take on Agatha Chris tie’s mysterious real-life disappearance in 1926.

Dec. 14: Staff Movie Picks — “Legends of the Fall.” 2:30-3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Two brothers fight over a fallen brother’s fiance. Rated R.

Dec. 15: Senior Center Book Club — “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.” 1-2 p.m. Homewood Senior Center. Join us for Therese Ann Fowler’s “Z,” which is a novel full of jazz, famous names, parties, mad love, fights, alcoholism, search ing for oneself and, ultimately, self-destruction.

Dec. 16: Christmas film and Brown Bag Lunch — “The Family Stone.” Noon to 2 p.m. Large Auditorium. Bring your own lunch and join us for a heartwarming Christmas film. An uptight, conservative businesswoman accompanies her boy friend to his eccentric and outgoing family’s annual Christmas celebration and finds that she is a fish out of water in their free spirited way of life.

Dec. 27: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 6-7 p.m. Room 116. 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

Dec. 1: Tinker Tales. 9:30-10 a.m. Round Auditorium. For preschoolers. Join Miss Erika for a fun-filled storytime! After stories, it’s time to fire up your imagination and tinker around with friends for some “loose parts play.”

TEENS

Dec. 1: Teen Theatre Thursdays. 4-5 p.m. Round Auditorium. This bi-monthly program will focus on teaching the performing arts to aspiring teen thes pians with assistance from the Red Mountain Theatre. Open to 6th-12th graders. Register online.

Dec. 1: Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6-7 p.m. Room 101. The Teen Advisory Board is a vol unteer group of 6th-12th graders who are dedicated to serving the library. Want to make a difference and offer your voice in the library and in the community? Consider applying for TAB at homewoodpubliclibrary. org/tab-application.

Dec. 2: Teen Watercolor Painting. 4-5:30 p.m. Room 109. Interested in learning how to paint with watercolors? Ms. Cat is going to show you how! All supplies provided. Open to 6th-12th graders. Register online.

Dec. 4: Teen Dungeons and Dragons. 3-5 p.m. Room 102. All levels are welcome. Open to 6th-12th graders. Register for each session online.

Dec. 8: Teen Murder Mystery — Ho micide at the Tacky Sweater Shindig. 6-7:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Be part of the mystery and help solve the crime! Just like a game of Clue, every character is important. Closer to the event, you will be assigned a character, so please only register if you are sure you can attend. Costumes and props are encouraged! Pizza will be served. Open to 6th-12th graders. Register online.

of the original special terms balance are required.*** The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is is sued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This informa tion is accurate as of 12/12/2022 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 1/10/2023. **** Free base offer applies to Queen set purchase of $799 and above or King set purchase $999 and above. King base applies to either one horizontal King Base or one of two TXL bas es.***** Free Delivery on mattress sets $699 and up, Local area.