The Homewood Star
Volume 5 | Issue 11 | February 2016
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
dynasty making IN THE
Figueroa brothers foster competitive spirit at home and at Homewood High By GRACE THORNTON Three bed frames have lost their lives in the Figueroa house — at least that’s what the official record shows. But it’s not entirely accurate. “We actually broke a fourth one last week, but Dad doesn’t know that yet,” said Jesus Figueroa, a junior at Homewood High School. Jesus and his older brother Daniel, a senior, and younger brother Miguel, a freshman, together have broken all of their beds and their parents’ bed and busted through a wall in the past several years. Their parents are none too happy about it, the brothers say. But at the same time, they’re proud of their sons. Because their boys — who keep body slamming each other into the furniture — are a powerhouse force on the Homewood High wrestling team and have a reputation across the state and beyond.
See BROTHERS | page A22
Jesus, Miguel and Daniel Figueroa all wrestle for Homewood High School, but they also frequently take the competitive spirit back home. The brothers said something is always being broken around their house. Photo by Frank Couch.
Vows at Vulcan: ‘I Do With A View’ kicks off 9th season
Thinking Ahead The holidays may be over, but Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. See what sweet treats you can find right in Homewood.
valentine’s day
By SYDNEY CROMWELL
gift guide
See page A20
Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit #830
facebook.com/thehomewoodstar
Born to Ride Homewood junior discovers a passion for horses and talent in competitions.
See page A18
INSIDE Sponsors ......... A4 City ................... A6 Business .........A10 Chamber..........A12 Commmunity ...A14
School House .. B3 Sports ............... B7 Real Estate...... B12 Opinion ............ B13 Calendar .......... B13
As part of their first date, Bill Stallings took his now-wife Aneesa to Vulcan Park to see the city. That beginning came full circle when they decided to get married at Vulcan in February 2014. The Stallings are among many couples that have chosen to tie the knot at I Do With A View, a Valentine’s Day tradition at Vulcan Park since 2007. For a flat rate, a small number of couples can have their wedding ceremony and reception at the park with the skyline of Birmingham in the background. The fee includes the officiant, music, flowers, wedding cake, champagne and photography. “Vulcan Park and Museum is known for being a romantic spot in the city — from a couple’s first date, first kiss, to marriage proposals,” said Morgan Berney, Vulcan’s director of public relations and marketing. “Instead of having a courthouse wedding, we are able to offer the same hassle-free experience within a beautiful setting as well as allow the couples the chance to have their closest family and friends, including Vulcan, present.”
See VOWS | page A23
Aneesa and Bill Stallings got married at Vulcan Park during I Do With A View 2014. Photo courtesy of Bill Stallings.
The Homewood Star
A2 • February 2016
HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center Zumba with Camille
Tango Argentino
ZUMBA is Latin inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-10:00am Camille 256-452-2500 • camillescruggs@gmail.com
Introductory lessons and guided practice. New students are taught basic Tango technique and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practice and exchange tips to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome. HWCC Fitness Studio 2. 1st & 3rd Wednesday each Month: 7:00pm-8:30pm
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.northstarkarate.com. 205-966-4244 • masterjoe@northstarkarate.com
360 Personal Trainer Fitness Bootcamp Bootcamp style fitness classes at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/ Fri 5:30am-6:30am Michael Brooks – michaelbrooks360@gmail.com
Young Rembrandts
Blue Line Combatives
Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age. Contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.
Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm Blue Line Combatives teaches self-defense and urban survival instruction. Classes and private training are available for all ages. Call or email for additional information: Instructor Jon P. Newland jon.newland442@gmail.com • 205-296-1250
Belly Dancing with Aziza
Acting Out Academy
Homewood Senior Center Seated Exercise Class – Mon,Wed & Fri (10:30am) 45-60 min. Gentle joint movement as warm-up; stretching & strength portions are led with an emphasis on proper breathing; includes 10 min of standing exercises designed to practice balance/weight shifting. Line Dancing “Smart Moves” – Tue & Fri (9:30am) Beginner to Intermediate movement sequences are taught for each song, a sequence is repeated multiple times but facing a different direction with each repetition. Styles of music vary. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it. DanceFit with Galina – Tues 2:15; Fun and easy movements to music from various genres. Low to moderate intensity exercise focusing on muscle conditioning, balance, range of motion and flexibility. Review and practice of the Tai Chi the last 15mins of class. Adaptive Yoga & Gentle Yoga – Wed (1:15 - Adaptive & 1:45pm - Gentle) Half hour of gentle guided stretching and breathing, using a chair. Appropriate for persons who wish to avoid exercise on the floor. Participants have the option to continue for the 2nd half hour with gentle guided stretching and breathing on floor mats.
Class Fee: $60 cash only Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net www.azizaofbirmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday: Beginners, Tuesday: Intermediates & Thursday: Advanced.
Acting Out Academy is a kid’s performing arts classes at the Homewood Community Center Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm (Encore: After School Program) Thursday 4:30pm-5:30pm (Advanced on-camera). www.actingoutacademy.com 205-440-2699 • meg@actingoutacademy.com
Tai Chi – Thurs (2:00pm) Very slow movement sequences repeated multiple times. Weight shifting and directional changes are executed through slow transition. Gentle on the joints and safer than dance for persons with equilibrium challenges. Not only exercises the body but also the mind, as participants must recall the sequence and repeat it.
Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp
YoLIMBER
Tuesday & Thursday @ 9:00am Location: Homewood Central Park A class for moms of all fitness levels! This 45 minute class focuses on interval training with the use of bands, body weight, and your child’s stroller! www.mommyandmetime.com
Meditation Sampler & Laughter Yoga – Feb 15 & March 14. Yoga instructor Kathy Hagood will lead participants in a variety of meditation modalities as an introduction to these different approaches. After 45 minutes of meditation, the session will conclude with 15 minutes of Laughter Yoga. Join us to balance and ease your mind. The perpetuation of this trial activity beyond these dates will depend on the attendance and response at the two introductory sessions.”
Vinyasa yoga classes in an energetic environment using upbeat music. All levels welcome. Friday 9:30am-10:30am Saturday 9:00am-10:00am Contact Marla: 205-223-8564 • mac@yolimber.com
Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes
35209 Dance
Line dance for a healthier you! Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm • Sunday 3:00pm-5:00pm $7/Drop-in - $5/Seniors 65+ - First class is free Rosa Fisher 205-910-8896 • rosafisher@yahoo.com
Royce Head Personal Training
Affordable small group training sessions are available to members in the community center weight room. Each 30 min workout is fast, fun, safe, and effective and each person is started with a program to fit their fitness level. $25 Per Session (or) 12 Sessions for $250 Call Royce for more information: (205) 945-1665
Children’s Ballet with Claire Goodhew Beginning ballet moves taught as a foundation for many types of dance. Students will work on coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility while developing l istening skills and strengthening muscles. Mondays 4:00pm-4:45pm For additional information call Claire: (205) 879-8780
Homewood FIT – Women’s Bootcamp Join this all women’s bootcamp happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday: 5:45am-6:45am www.homewoodfit.com
@homewoodparks
Steel City Cheer classes cover all cheerleading & tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning, and tumbling. All ages & skill levels welcome. Monday & Tuesday: 5:30pm-6:30pm Contact DeeDee: PDEveritt@gmail.com • 901-734-0277
Kathy Hagood Personal Training – members only. Kathy focuses on orthopedic issues and restorative training to improve fitness for mature adults, including those with equilibrium, flexibility, strength or other chronic health challenges. Sessions are $35/hour, Contact Kathy at 422-4025 (or) krhagood@yahoo.com
Total Body Blast
Therapeutic Massage – members only. Licensed Massage Therapist Jim Johnson is available by appointment. $45 for 1 hr table massage, $20 for 20 min chair massage. Contact Jim directly to schedule an appointment: 915-1769 or massage.jim@gmail.com
Saturday mornings at 10:30am Classes meet at Homewood Community Center (Fitness Studio 2) Class Description: Total Body Blast is a 1 hour group fitness class that focuses on using High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to create a total body work out. What to bring to class: One set of 5 to 7lb weights, yoga mat, towel and bottle water. CLASS RATE: $10 (1stClass is Free) Contact: T. Harris 205.249-7982 getfitwithtamika@yahoo.com
HomeFit
“With personal training starting at $60 per 45-minute session, HomeFit is one of the area’s fastest growing fitness companies, proudly serving Homewood Community Center with Alabama’s elite mobile personal training team. HomeFit will provide you with the personal attention of an insured, nationally certified Fitness Consultant. Contact HomeFit today to experience why they are the ideal option for your busy schedule. Visit www.homefitconsulting.com to learn more.”
Misc. Information We Love Homewood Day 2016
Saturday, May 7, 2016 Save the date & come celebrate Homewood! Vendor & Sponsorship information available at www.homewoodparks.com
Summer Camp 2016
Details were not finalized at the submission deadline for February Homewood Star. Information will be available on www.homewoodparks.com early February 2016.
www.Homewoodparks.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A3
The Homewood Star
A4 • February 2016
About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell Love can take many forms. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we’re all thinking of love as red roses and chocolate boxes and candlelit dinners. Many couples will be thinking about romance on Valentine’s Day as they get married at I Do With A View, under the towering Vulcan statue. And if you just realized you need to buy a gift for that special someone, don’t panic! We have a gift guide to help guide you to the perfect present. However, there are many types of love that don’t get celebrated on Valentine’s Day. There’s the love of a family, like the Figueroa brothers who are each other’s greatest support and competition on the wrestling mat. There’s the love humans have for their animals, like Homewood High student Charles
And finally, love can extend to an entire community. New Police Chief Tim Ross has this love as he begins leadership of the Homewood Police Department, as did former Chief Edwin Wood, who passed away in December. Romantic love may be in the spotlight for February, but it takes every kind of love to keep a community strong. Share the love with those around you this month.
Casey and his horse Kola. Love can also be about friends and teammates, as can be seen on the HHS basketball team bench by members of the Red Caboose.
BEHIND THE LENS By Frank Couch A new “Little Free Library” is now up and running in Homewood’s Central Park. The Homewood Parks and Recreation Board in an October 2015 meeting granted approval for Twin Construction to build, install and maintain the free book exchange program for anyone who wants to take part. The nationwide program began in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin, and was inspired by efforts to make books more readily available. What does this Little Free Library have to do with photography? Noticing things that are new or create a interesting juxtaposition tend to make good photographs. Past all of the technical jargon and gadgets, a good photograph helps educate, evoke emotion or
invites viewers to investigate something further. Technical data: NIKON D300, Lens (mm): 24, ISO: 400, Aperture: 10, Shutter: 1/250. Got questions or ideas for another Behind The Lens? Email me at fcouch@starnespublishing.com.
The Homewood Star
Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Photography: Video Editor: Page Designers: Community Reporters: Staff Writers: Sports Reporter: Associate Editor: Copy Editor:
Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Frank Couch Cherie Olivier Cameron Tipton Emily VanderMey Ana Good Erica Techo Jon Anderson Emily Featherston Sam Chandler Kyle Parmley Lucy Ridolphi Louisa Jeffries
Contributing Writers: Kari Kampakis Rick Watson Leah Ingram Eagle Marienne Thomas Ogle Steve Irvine Rachel Burchfield Chris Megginson Jesse Chambers Grace Thornton
Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes
Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett
For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Contact Information: Homewood Star PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnespublishing.com
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253
Published by: The Homewood Star LLC Legals: The Homewood Star is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Homewood Star is designed to inform the Homewood community of area school, family and community events. Information in The Homewood Star is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of The Homewood Star. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
Please recycle this paper.
Please Support Our Community Partners 30 A Realty (A9) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B4) Alabama Outdoors (A17) Alabama Power (B2) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (A18) ARC Realty (B3) Bedzzz Express (A24) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (A23) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (A22) Birmingham Tennis Academy (A10) Black Pearl (A23) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A6, A22) California Closets (B7) Cardiovascular Associates of the Southeast (A8) Construx (A17) Dish’n It Out (B7) DSLD Land Management (A21) ERA King Real Estate Homewood (B1) EW Fit (B6) FBC Mortgage/Nicole Brannon ARC Realty (A16) Granger Thagard Associates (A20) Homewood Arts Council (A14, B14) Homewood Chamber of Commerce (A5) Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (B15) Homewood Parks and Rec (A2) Hutchinson Automotive (B8) Issis & Sons (B10) JJ Eyes (A7) Joe Falconer (A3) Johnny Montgomery Realtor (A10) Kete Cannon, RE MAX Southern Homes (A19) Keystone Consulting & Design LLc (A19) LAH Real Estate (A11) Limbaugh Toyota (A1) LIST Birmingham (A12, A13) Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (A18) Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware (B11) OB/GYN Associates of Alabama (A6) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (A20) Planet Fitness (B12) RealtySouth Marketing (A15) Red Pearl Restaurant (B6) Resolute Running Training Center (B8) Salem’s Diner (A18) Savage’s Bakery (B4) Shiki Thia and Sushi (B5) The Maids (A14) The Whole Dog Market (A20) Tom Williams BMW (A3) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A17, B13) Water Drainage Solutions (A11) Willow Homes (B9)
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A5
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce proudly presents
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 5:30-8:30PM Please join us for the 15th Annual Taste of Homewood! Enjoy food and beverage from more than 30 Homewood-area restaurants at one of Homewood’s most anticipated events of the year!
TICKETS
$30 until March 9th $40 at the door
To purchase tickets, visit www.homewoodchamber.org Proceeds from the event will go to the Chamber's scholarship fund for local students as well as economic development efforts in the community Sponsored by
The Homewood Star
A6 • February 2016
City Public meetings set for bike-share program By SYDNEY CROMWELL The city of Homewood is working on a feasibility study to determine if a bikeshare program, similar to the one started in Birmingham, is a good fit for the city. This includes looking at short and long-term costs, potential use, ease of bicycle travel and other factors. A bike-share program would set up stations with bikes in different places around the city, where people can rent bikes for a set rate and return them at any other station. As part of the feasibility study, the city will host public involvement meetings in February and March. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meredith Drennen said these meetings will give residents a chance
The homepage of the new city website. Courtesy of city of Homewood.
to share their preferences on where to locate the bike stations. Zyp Birmingham and the Regional Planning Commission will also be there to give a presentation on bike-share programs and answer questions. Drennen said they can also provide information on the next steps if the study shows that bike-sharing is feasible in Homewood. There will be a Feb. 25 meeting at Seeds Coffee and a March 3 meeting at Cahaba Cycles. Drennen said there will be a third meeting at Samford University, either Feb. 18 or March 10. Each meeting will last from 5 to 7 p.m. For those who cannot attend, Drennen said they can share their input on station locations at homewoodbikeshare.com.
The Slow Your Roll bike riding group makes about a 7-mile ride with a group of around 50 riders. Photo by Frank Couch.
City debuts new website By SYDNEY CROMWELL Homewood’s city website has been overhauled. The new site went live in the last week of December. The city has been working with Brian Wallace, who also designed and manages the Birmingham City Council’s website. Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright said that the design answers the city’s need for a more modern look and new organization of information. "It's very exciting," Wright said. "[Wallace is] exceeding our expectations on this website." Visit the website at homewoodal.net.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A7
Council approves awning signs for Shrimp Basket site By SYDNEY CROMWELL At the Jan. 11 meeting, city council members approved a sign variance allowing Shrimp Basket, located at 801 Green Springs Highway, to place its name and menu items on awnings around the restaurant. The awning facing Green Springs will read Shrimp Basket, while other awnings will include po’ boys, chicken strips, oysters, shrimp and other restaurant offerings. This is a reduction from the original designs presented to the council, which council members disliked, but a sign variance was required because each printed menu item or name counts as an individual sign. The city council also voted to fund up to $3,000 for installation of decorative fencing and seating on sidewalks at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Raleigh Avenue, similar to those in Edgewood. However, Ward 4 Representative Barry Smith said that this amount will only cover fencing and the seating will require roughly $4,000 more. This issue has been referred back to the finance committee to find more funding for the remainder of the project. Ward 1 Representative Michael Hallman was the lone dissenting vote against the resolution. The council also: Approved a new offer of $280,000 for the Fox property, which will be used in the construction of the Greenway trail through Homewood. This increase matches the property’s appraised value, which must be done to comply with federal guidelines on the project. ► Approved the filing of an amended certificate of incorporation, allowing the city to increase its Downtown Redevelopment Authority board of directors to 13 members.
Representatives for ServisFirst Bank answer questions from commissioners regarding a development plan. Photo by Emily Featherston. This rendering shows the planned signage on the front awning of the Shrimp Basket. Side awning will include menu items. Courtesy of Shrimp Basket.
► Approved a restaurant liquor license to Real and Rosemary, which is opening soon at 1922 29th Ave. S. ► Approved Mayor Scott McBrayer to enter a contract for a new software product for the police department. The software uses police records to create crime predictions and guide where officers should patrol. ► Amended the current budget to incorporate a $1,998 cost of living adjustment for judicial salaries. ► Carried over discussion of a sign variance to build a monument sign for businesses at 800, 804 and 808 Green Springs Highway. The developers requested a monument sign that is both taller and larger in area than the city ordinance allows, but no representatives were at the meeting and Greg Cobb of the department of engineering and zoning said he had not had communication with them. ► Carried over discussion of landfill service bids again. Santek was the lowest bidder in a recent bid offering. Mayor Scott McBrayer asked the council to carry it over as they are considering other options.
Planning Commission OKs Samford construction By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Homewood Planning Commission approved two development plans on Jan. 5. The first involved an amended request by Samford University to construct three new buildings on its campus. The buildings would be used as dormitory housing for Greek life, and would be located on a current parking lot adjacent to other Greek housing. Two of the buildings would be 64-bed structures, and the third would house 72. LBYD, Inc. engineer Curtis Eatman, who represented Samford at the meeting, explained to the commission that even by removing the parking lot, Samford would be within the city’s parking requirements. Samford is currently required to have
2,784 parking spaces, based on classroom capacity and square footage, and the school currently has 5,328 spaces. The commission’s approval was contingent on the Board of Zoning Adjustments approving the project’s needed height variance. The second request was for the approval of a final development plan for a proposed ServisFirst Bank at 2500 Woodcrest Place. The bank would be 97,600 square feet, and would have three drive-through tellers. No variances will be required for the height of the building because it already falls under a zoning code that allows for the proposed height. Both developments plans still needed to go to the Homewood City Council for final approval.
A8 • February 2016
The Homewood Star
Meet the chief
Veteran Homewood officer Tim Ross moves up the ranks to the top By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Tim Ross is the new Homewood police chief. He has spent his entire 27-year career with the Homewood Police Department. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Tim Ross started his career with Homewood Police Department as a patrol officer in 1988. Once he decided that was where he wanted to stay, Ross moved up the ranks and on Jan. 1, he assumed the role of HPD’s chief of police. At the Dec. 21 City Council meeting, Ross was appointed chief while surrounded by his family and fellow officers. Ross succeeds retiring Chief Jim Roberson. “This is something that has been a goal of mine almost since I started here,” Ross said. “It’s a great honor. I’m excited about it. It probably hasn’t set in fully.” In his time with HPD, Ross has been part of the patrol division, motor scouts unit and the tactical team both as a regular officer and a sergeant. After being promoted to lieutenant in 2008, Ross ran the special operations division and later headed up the patrol division. Besides 27 years of experience as a Homewood officer, Ross grew up nearby, graduating from Shades Valley High, and lived for many years in Homewood with his wife and daughters. “He has always been a person of integrity and character. I’m excited for the police department,” said Mayor Scott McBrayer when he presented his recommendation to the city council. “It’ll be a good day for the city of Homewood.”
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A9
Mayor Scott McBrayer was joined by members of the Homewood Police Department at the Dec. 21 City Council meeting when he recommended Tim Ross as the new department chief. Ross said since his appointment he has received support from many within the department. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
Ross was chosen from a list of 11 candidates provided by the Jefferson County Personnel Board, which guides hiring for the city of Homewood. He made it onto the list by passing the chief of police test, which includes written, role-playing and verbal tests of candidates’ decision-making, communication, leadership and community interaction skills. It was Ross’ first time taking the test, and he said he felt fortunate to earn the chief position in his own department. “[I] just decided to make [Homewood Police Department] home and never looked back and strived from that point forward to do what it took to get to the next level,” Ross said. Once his appointment was announced, Ross said he received positive feedback from every level at HPD. “Everybody’s been so nice and so many well wishes and congratulations in person, via email, Facebook, you name it. I’ve been overwhelmed with how positive everybody’s been,” Ross said. “I couldn’t ask for a better reception, quite frankly.” Before he officially became chief on Jan. 1, Ross said Roberson shared advice and knowledge from his own four years as chief. “He told me he felt like it was very important to meet with my staff regularly to have a good idea of what’s going on in their divisions that they command, what’s going on in their heads, what ideas they have,” Ross said. “And to meet with the mayor and chief executive regularly so I can communicate what’s going on in the police department, what our needs are.” Roberson said he had worked together closely with his successor and had seen Ross perform well as lieutenant over the special operations division and patrol division. “I expect that he will do a great job for the city, and continue to do a great job at a different level,” Roberson said. “I think the mayor did a good job and made the right choice.” In the short term, Ross said one of his immediate goals is to hire more people. There are nine patrol officer positions to be filled, along with support positions such as corrections officers and radio dispatchers. He’s also hoping to find more officers to follow his own path of joining HPD and staying for the long haul. “I don’t feel like we can serve this department or this community as well when we’re short-staffed. It really takes away from what I feel like we can really do for the community if we don’t have enough people to do it,” Ross said. “I’d love to hire a 20-something-year-old person, man or woman, that wants to make this their home for the next 30 years.” Thinking further ahead, Ross said he would like to be chief when the time comes to build a new public safety headquarters. He wants to help shape the future growth of the police department through that project. While many Homewood residents are familiar with Ross after nearly three decades of service, he also intends to remain accessible in his new role, especially through participation in regular City Council meetings and HPD’s
Tim Ross said he hopes his service as Homewood’s police chief will be seen as another step forward for the city on the path “forged by my predecessors.”
“
That’s one thing that’s really kept me here for a long time, is there are so many people that I work with that I have a tremendous amount of respect for and I feel like they’re good people.
”
TIM ROSS
Citizen-Police Academy. Recent national debates over police violence and trust make this accessibility even more important to Ross, so that community members feel his officers can be relied upon. “That’ll be challenging, but I think it’s a challenge we can certainly meet because we have some very capable, very good people working for this department. That’s our strongest thing we have going for us here is our people. I can’t emphasize that enough,” Ross said. “That’s one thing that’s really kept me here for a long time, is there are so many people that I work with that I have a tremendous amount of respect for and I feel like they’re good people.” Ross hopes his service as Homewood’s police chief will be seen as another step forward for the city on the path “forged by my predecessors.” “I think I’ve already had a positive impact on the department, but I want to continue to have a positive impact on the police department, on our people and in our community. I want the Homewood Police Department to be regarded as a very service-oriented police department and a very professional police department,” he said.
The Homewood Star
A10 • February 2016
18 Street S.
Homewood Happenings
5
Rosedale Dr
280
28th Ave S
1
31
11
7 2
ve yA lle
280
r Rd
oo Oxm
Ind
epe
Va
8
nd
enc eD
9
r
6
4
10
149
d
h
s ke
W
La
kw eP r o
y
er
149
on tg o
m
y
65
r
M
D re
o esh Lak
Hw
or R
o Oxm
s ng pri
3
W Oxmoor Rd
yH
wy
S
12
nS ee Gr
W
ve yA e l l Va
31
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A11
Now Open
871-1911, birminghamrealtors.com
Your Pie Pizzeria, 1831 28th Ave. S., Suite 160, is now open. 739-2212, yourpie.com
Bryant Moore, financial representative with Ashford Advisors, 1 Independence Plaza, Suite 720, has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) professional designation from The American College. To earn the designation, individuals must complete a minimum of eight courses and 16 hours of supervised exams, in addition to fulfilling stringent experience and ethics requirements. 623-2110, ashfordadvisors.net
1
Weezie’s Candy Emporium, a boutique candy and gift store located at 923 Oxmoor Road, is now open. They also offer candy buffet catering and have space available for birthday parties and other special events. 703-8163, weeziescandy.com
2
Coming Soon Urban Air, an indoor trampoline and adventure park, has leased space at 800 Green Springs Highway and will open this spring. 1-800-960-4778, urbanairtrampolinepark. com
3
Badcock Furniture & More will be opening soon at 372 Palisades Blvd., Suite 24. The retailer sells furniture, home appliances and electronics. badcock.com
4
Relocations and Renovations Urban Cookhouse, 2846 18th Street South, underwent renovations during the middle of January. They have reopened for business. 879-0883, urbancookhouse.com
5
7
Hirings and Promotions Brik Realty, 3430 Independence Drive, Suite 40, has hired Michael Lindley, Tyler Smith and Chase Smith as Realtors. 206-4321, brikrealty.com
8
Jessica Coates has been promoted to the position of director of government affairs with the Birmingham Association of Realtors, 3501 Independence Drive. She previously served as executive assistant to the CEO. 871-1911, birminghamrealtors.com
9
Southlake Orthopaedics, 513 Brookwood Blvd., Suite 402, welcomes Dr. John S. Kirchner, foot and ankle surgeon, to their practice. 802-6898, southlakeorthopaedics.com 10
11
LAH Real Estate, 1760 Oxmoor Road, has hired Ginny Powell as a
News and Accomplishments
Realtor. 879-8580, lahrealestate.com/agents/ ginny-powell
Andrew Sims, director of marketing and communications for the Birmingham Association of Realtors, 3501 Independence Drive, has been named 2016 chair of the National Association of Realtors Communications Directors' Committee.
Charles Earle has been hired as the manager of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, 437 Green Springs Highway, Suite 141. Earle is a native of Mountain Brook. 874-9199, hwy55.com
6
“When it rains, we drain!”
12
Business news
to share? Now Open Coming Soon
Relocation Expansion Anniversary
If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and want to share your event with the community, let us know.
The Homewood Star Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com
244-1114 Heavy Runoff ? Standing Water ? Erosion Problems? Storm Drainage Clogged ? WaterDrainageSolutions.com
The Homewood Star
A12 • February 2016
Chamber
State of the city ‘excellent,’ says McBrayer By ERICA TECHO Mayor Scott McBrayer commended the City of Homewood at the first Homewood Chamber of Commerce luncheon of 2016. At the Jan. 19 chamber luncheon at The Club, McBrayer discussed the projects Homewood has completed, is working on and plans to pursue during his State of the City address. “The state of the City of Homewood is excellent, and I don’t know if you know how good it feels to say that, but it’s excellent for a lot of different reasons,” McBrayer said. McBrayer attributed the city’s success to a hard working city council, staff and department units with hard working employees. The council serves as a sort of safety net for him, McBrayer said, and helps make sure things are in order through the hours they put in and phone calls or emails they make. “It does take leadership, but it also takes a team of people who understand the vision, and I’ve always been blessed with a great city council,” McBrayer said. “And I like to think of us more as a group of neighbors.” At the end of 2015, the city once again had a surplus, McBrayer said. The surplus was around $800,000, and McBrayer noted he is planning to talk with the council about moving that surplus to the capital projects fund. As he reviewed 2015, McBrayer discussed projects the city started work on, including the West Homewood revitalization project, plans for another greenway trail, a traffic plan and new ramp for I-65, new sidewalks, 18th street revitalization efforts and new vehicles for the police and fire departments.
Proposed projects for the new year include a renovation project on South Wildwood, a new parking garage and office building for Brookwood Hospital, Samford University renovations, a new addition for Lakeshore Rehab and other projects. “That’s really just a portion of what we have going on in the city of Homewood,” McBrayer said. “We’ve been blessed.” The city’s fire and police departments also shared statistics from 2015 with McBrayer. The police department answered around 38,113 calls in 2015 and reported home thefts are down by 34 percent. Car burglaries, McBrayer said, are the only crimes that are up in numbers. Car break-ins are up by 17 percent, he said, and 95 percent of the incidents involved unlocked cars. “So here’s the public service announcement — stop doing that,” McBrayer said, regarding unlocked vehicles. The fire department had a record year, McBrayer said, with 3,776 responses — the busiest in Homewood’s history. In addition to those calls, the fire department had more than 62,000 hours of training. Also at the luncheon, the firefighter of the year, police officer of the year and city employee of the year were recognized. Homewood Police Chief Tim Ross said this year he believed two police officers were equally deserving of Police Officer of the Year. Ross selected Sgt. Steve Hensley and Office Scott Blake for the award. “Both of these officers performed courageously and heroically during the separate events that occurred in 2015, of which they are being recognized,” Ross said.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A13
WHAT’S COOKING
Dreamcakes owner shares sweet treat for Valentine’s Day By SYDNEY CROMWELL When love is in the air, cooks will surely express themselves the best way they know how: food. So with Valentine’s Day approaching, sweet treats for special someones are in high demand. In this series, we ask local culinary professionals to dish out the details on some of their favorite creations. Today, we talk with Jan Potter of Dreamcakes Bakery, 960 Oxmoor Road. Q: How long have you been baking? A: We started Dreamcakes in 2009, but before that we made wedding cakes. Q: What do you like about working at Dreamcakes? A: It’s just a lot of creative freedom … we can change the menu in a day if we want. Q: What’s a recipe you love to serve as a Valentine’s Day dessert? A: The Sweetheart Tart. Q: What do you like about it? A: This I love just because it’s very simple to put together and has few ingredients, but it’s very pretty to give as a gift.
Jan Potter of Dreamcakes Bakery holds a regular-sized Sweetheart Tart. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer speaks at the January chamber luncheon. Photo by Erica Techo.
Both Blake and Hensley were in situations where an armed suspect posed a threat to officers and another suspect. Ross commended the officers, who reacted and shot those suspects when they were firing on officers. Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan recognized John Praytor who teaches CPR classes, is involved in maintaining and testing the personal protection devices used by fire fighters in situations involving hazardous materials and is
one of the department’s tactical medics. Praytor has been with Homewood Fire Department since 2000. Melanie Jennings, who manages the accounts receivable and cash collections for the city, was recognized as employee of the year. The next Homewood Chamber Luncheon is Feb. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The luncheon will be in the State Room at The Club.
RECIPE:
► 1½ cups heavy cream, divided ► 6 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped ► 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste ► 15 large strawberries ► White chocolate curls for garnish ► Precooked pie crust
What LIST clients are saying:
“They provided services that were above and beyond what we even thought of as full-service. It felt like we were getting a boutique experience with bargain pricing.” “Buying a home was such a big deal for our little family. We have truly found the perfect home and could not be happier! I would recommend Brent to anyone! Professional, patient, friendly, and knows his stuff!”
$2,500 ee! f g n i t s i flat l s in d n a s u o Save th sions! commis up front 99 Only $2
Watch clips from Dreamcakes
280living.com/topics/video
www.thehomewoodstar.com/ what-s-cook/
We have a lot to celebrate. What are you looking for in an agent? EXPERIENCE - over $77 million in sales SERVICE - hundreds of happy clients VALUE - our average Homewood seller saved more than $9,100 in commissions
“At no point did I feel like Brent was just trying to sell my wife and me a house. He was simply acting as our Sherpa on the journey of home buying. He was there to guide us and supply us with the wisdom and experience that he has gained over the years.”
RESULTS - our Homewood listings average just 52 days on the market
“We were impressed after our initial meeting with Brent. He came prepared with experienced knowledge of our neighborhood. We were impressed by his professionalism, friendliness, and his experience in Homewood’s real estate market.”
See more of what our clients have to say at
SoldByList.com
1. Bring ½ cup cream to simmer in 1-quart saucepan on low heat. 2. Place chopped white chocolate in medium bowl and stir in hot cream until smooth. Cool until room temperature. 3. Gradually add vanilla bean paste and remaining cream, and mix. Beat 2 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
4. Spoon mixture into regular size or miniature pie crusts, as desired. Spread mixture to fill crust. 5. Cap strawberries and cut them in half. Make a V-shaped cut at the top of each half to create a heart shape. Place strawberries on top of tart. 6. Using a vegetable peeler, scrape curls off of a block of white chocolate. Sprinkle curls onto tart. 7. Keep chilled until served.
February is LIST Birmingham’s 2nd anniversary!
“We have bought and sold four houses over the last 25 years dealing with 6 different Realtors. Melvin and LIST have by far been the best.” “Melvin charges a flat fee. However, I’d go out of my way to use him again at full price. His knowledge and communication skills are excellent.”
STEPS:
Melvin Upchurch & Brent Griffis LIST Birmingham owners & top producing agents Top 1% of all agents in the Greater Alabama MLS in 2015
205.582.4060 ListBirmingham.com To see how commissions work, visit ListBirmingham.com/flatfee. *All real estate companies set their own commissions. Savings are based on a 6% rate.
A14 • February 2016
The Homewood Star
Community Sherri Burgess holds a framed picture of her son, Bronner, who died in 2008. Staff photo.
Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County program accepting applications
Lovelady Center to hold annual gala By SYDNEY CROMWELL
Participants in the 2016 Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County Program, including second alternate Andrea Burris, Distinguished Young Woman 2016 Abigail Albritton, Distinguished Young Woman 2015 Hannah Walter and first alternate Lian Remley. Photo courtesy of Miranda Wesley.
High school juniors interested in participating in this year’s Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County program can begin submitting their applications. The program, formerly Jefferson County’s Junior Miss, is accepting applications from high school girls graduating in 2017 who live in Jefferson County. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2016. There is no entry fee to participate, and girls will compete in the categories of fitness, self expression, interview, scholastics and talent. Participants are eligible for various scholarships, ranging from $12,000 to $60,000. During
last year’s program, participants were awarded more than $14,000 in cash-tuition scholarships in addition to college granted scholarships from Troy University, Auburn University, the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama-Birmingham. The Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County Program will be held on July 29 and July 30 at Mountain Brook High School. For more information, visit distinguishedYW. org and click the “apply now” icon to receive an application. Potential participants can also contact Chairman Eddie Macksoud at Jefferson@ distinguishedYW.org or 907-0210.
NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A CLEAN HOME. Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.
Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987
205-871-9338 www.MAIDS.com
Referred for a reason.
The Club will host the Lovelady Center as it hosts its third annual gala Feb. 18. The gala includes dinner, dancing and a live auction to support the services of the Lovelady Center. The gala’s theme is Three Times a Lady, and the evening will feature the sounds of Lionel Richie and 70s music. Auction items include vacations to Destin, Cuba, Costa Rica and Antigua, as well as other experiences. This year, the gala is honoring Indian Springs resident and author Sherri Burgess. The wife of radio personality Rick Burgess, Sherri recently published “Bronner: A Journey to Understand.” The book is a memoir about the loss of her son Bronner when he was a toddler, and the Burgess family’s attempts to heal after the tragedy. The Lovelady Center cares for an average of 500 women and children each day at its location in downtown Birmingham, including service meals, addiction treatment, job training, education, medical services,
counseling and community re-entry after leaving prison. Sherri Burgess said she supports the work of the Lovelady Center because of the stories she has heard from the women there about their changed lives. “Life in this world is hard. We need each other. I’ve heard personal stories from women who have gone through the center who say, ‘I know the power of God because he changed me,’ Burgess said. “I love the Lovelady Center because I love the Lord, and they are doing what He asked us to do — care for one another, not just those who can pay us back or do some favor in return.” Tickets to the event are $125 and can be purchased by contacting Jeanne Carreker at jcarreker@loveladycenter.org. EBSCO, Vulcan Materials and White Arnold & Dowd P.C. are sponsoring the gala. “It’s a true honor to be recognized by this selfless organization. May we all be as selfless as the Lovelady Center in our walk in this world,” Sherri Burgess said.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A15
Oakmont preacher Jack Hinnen will continue to lead services in the Oakmont location after Oakmont and Trinity United Methodist unite this month. Staff photo.
Trinity, Oakmont congregations to celebrate merger this month By SYDNEY CROMWELL On Valentine’s Day, the congregations of Trinity and Oakmont United Methodist churches will become one church. The Feb. 14 celebration will mark the reopening of Oakmont, which will be renamed Trinity West Homewood – Oakmont campus. “We want there to be a real sense of energy and vibrancy from the beginning,” Trinity Senior Pastor Brian Erickson said. David Thompson, Trinity’s executive youth and family pastor, said that the two churches are merging but Oakmont preacher Jack Hinnen will continue to lead services in the Oakmont location. Thompson has worked at Trinity for a decade and said his role is to “be the connector of these two churches.” Oakmont and Trinity decided to merge because of Oakmont’s flagging membership and Trinity’s desire to expand its reach from its Edgewood location. “There’s an excitement, an eagerness to get into the space and worship together and really be one church,” Thompson said of the congregation in the days leading up to the celebration. When Oakmont reopens from renovations, Thompson said the West Homewood campus would be a “missional-focused church,” with opportunities nearly every week for members to learn about and serve with different Birmingham-area mission projects. “We’re hoping for the campus to be really a launching pad,” Thompson said. Erickson said a seed team of 150-200 people will start Oakmont’s momentum. They’ve committed to worshiping there at least until Easter. Erickson said that churches grow most in the very beginning, and they want to give Oakmont a strong start “rather than turning the lights on
and hoping people show up.” Members of the seed team may return to Trinity once their time commitment is complete, but Erickson said they will be active in inviting friends and looking for ways to build the church. “People want to be part of something that’s growing and healthy,” Erickson said. “Maybe they’d never go to Africa or Asia or Antarctica, but they’d drive a few miles into West Homewood to make this happen.” However, the Oakmont campus will not be exactly like Trinity in Edgewood. Erickson said they want to appeal to younger churchgoers and people who have never been interested in church or have had bad experiences with churches in the past. Oakmont, Erickson said, will be a place that attempts to remove obstacles for people seeking a religious home, and that they want people to feel deeply connected with their new church. “It’s almost like creating a new door,” Erickson said. “A door that a different kind of person might walk into.” A team of 30 people has been meeting each week to train and prepare for the opening of the Oakmont church under Trinity’s name. Thompson said the “launch team” includes members of both churches, as well as some who are not dedicated members of either. “We’re excited about the merging of leaders and how they’ve already come together with an excitement about what this church can be,” Thompson said. On Feb. 14, services will kick off at the Oakmont location with a 9:30 a.m. contemporary service and an 11 a.m. traditional service. “We’re trying to make it look as ‘un-churchy’ as possible,” Erickson said. “When church is at its best, the church goes where people are.”
Registration for Joy League Baseball begins this month By ERICA TECHO Joy League Baseball is opening registration for its 59th season this February. Registration for the daytime baseball league opens Saturday, Feb. 6 and will be held each Saturday in February from 9 a.m. until noon at Edgewood Elementary. The cost per player is $30, and boys and girls between 4 and 12 years old are eligible to play. Games are played Saturday mornings at Edgewood Elementary, from March 26 to June 25, and the teams meet for a weekly onehour practice. All players gets to play in every game. Joy League Baseball started in spring 1958 when Joy League Founder John Smith’s son tried
out for other youth baseball teams and did not make a team. Smith’s son was one of several boys in that situation, and they still wanted to learn to play baseball. The league has played in Homewood throughout its existence, but children from around the Birmingham area can participate. Smith brought together 67 boys who wanted to play baseball and visited fire stations and police precincts to recruit volunteer coaches, and the Joy League had its first season. There are now 16 teams in the Joy League, and last year 175 players participated. For more information, contact league commissioner Perry Akins at 823-4929 or commissioner Ted Hagler at 985-9608.
s, d n a h e k a e sh w e r o f e B s. d n a h d l o we h
At RealtySouth, real estate doesn’t simply equate to hard negotiation and paper work. For us, it’s more than a transaction. It’s the relationship that matters most. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been supporting the same charities you support. From the gardens to Big Oak Ranch, the animal shelter and everything in between, what has mattered to you, matters to us. For us, it’s not just about the walls, but the people inside. Your community is our community. We are proud to be your neighbor. It’s Who We Are.
www.realtysouth.com
Who We Are KISSES ad-VillageLivingHALF.indd 1
1/7/16 8:21 AM
The Homewood Star
A16 • February 2016
‘Cornapalooza’ to benefi Homewood Athletic Foundation By ANA GOOD The Homewood Athletic Foundation will host its inaugural “Cornapalooza” cornhole tournament at Good People Brewery Saturday, Feb. 13. The tournament will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature beverages by Good People and food from La Paz. Attendees are invited to mingle with former Homewood athletes and compete for $500 in prize money. Tickets to the event are $30 each and include two drinks and appetizers. In order to
Celebrations
participate in the tournament, attendees will have to buy a sponsorship, ranging from $500 for a team of 1-2, to $3,000 for two 2-person teams. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Homewood Athletic Foundation, charged with supporting the city’s middle and high school athletic programs. According to an event release, the Foundation has awarded more than $70,000 in grants to the sports programs at Homewood High school. For ticket and sponsorship information visit homewoodaf.org.
Shop for children’s items at the Lil’ Lambs sale this month. Staff Photo.
Lil’ Lambs semiannual consignment sale this month By EMILY FEATHERSTON The Lil’ Lambs consignment sale, hosted by Trinity United Methodist Church, will hold its winter sale on Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28. The sale provides gently worn children’s clothing, toys and furniture at discounted prices, and takes place in the church’s gymnasium. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at
3 p.m. on Friday, and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, closing for good at noon. Volunteers will be given the opportunity to shop at the preview sale at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26. Registration for sellers and volunteers opened on Jan. 22, and can be found at myconsignmentmanager.com/trinitybirmingham. Interested buyers can also be added to the information mailing list by visiting the consignment manager website.
Home Loans
Simplified Different Solutions to Fit Your Home Loan Needs
Meg Davies
Dornbusch - Donat Mr. and Mrs. Ed Dornbusch of Vicksburg, Mississippi, announce the engagement of their daughter, Alisha Denise, to Bradley Dale Donat, Jr., of Homewood, Alabama. Bradley is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Scheirer of Homewood and Mr. and Mrs. Brad Donat, Sr., of Franklin, Tennessee. Alisha is a 2014 graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelors of Science
in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi. Bradley is a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and is stationed at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. A May 21 wedding ceremony and reception will take place at the Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee.
Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email sydney@starnespublishing.com to have it included in an upcoming issue.
“In today’s challenging real estate market, it is critical to work with a real estate professional who understands our neighborhood.”
Nicole Brannon
Your Community Realtor
Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS # 994024
205.283.3598 NMLS # 152859
MDavies@FBChomeloans.com www.MegDavies.net
205.249.0057 Nicole@NicoleBrannon.com www.NicoleBrannon.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A17
VALID ON PAST-SEASON, NON-CARRYOVER STYLES AND COLORS ONLY; EXCLUDES IN-SEASON STYLES AND COLORS. ALL OFFERS LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND; NO RAIN CHECKS. OTHER RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. OFFER EXPIRES 2/21/2016
Born to ride
The Homewood Star
A18 • February 2016
Charles Casey rides Kola in a practice ring at Blackjack Farms. He has ridden for a few years and competes in show jumping, with the goal of competing at the Grand Prix level. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
UAB’S ALYS STEPHENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER presents
BRIAN MCKNIGHT
HOMEWOOD
FEB 11
Wayne Salem, Owner
2913 18th Street S.
LIZZ WRIGHT FEB 26
49.00
all seats $
MELISSA ETHERIDGE THIS IS M.E. SOLO FEB 27
53.00- $73.00
$
15% OFF!
ALABAMA
877-8797
56.50- $86.50
$
•
WHEN YOU BUY TICKETS TO THREE OR MORE ASC PRESENTED SHOWS
*Offer does not apply to the ASC Gala.
AlysStephens.org » 205.975.2787
www.salemsdiner.com Monday - Friday: 6:30 am - 2:00 pm Saturday: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A19
Homewood junior discovers passion for horses, competition
Watch video of Charles Casey and Kola:
280living.com/topics/video
www.thehomewoodstar.com/born-to-ridevideo/
C
By SYDNEY CROMWELL harles Casey feels most at home in a barn. He’s been riding about three or four years, which Casey said is “not too long in the whole scheme of things.” In that short time, though, the Homewood High junior has already set his sights on a new career path. “I love the horses, and I love taking care of the horses. I feel like I have a connection,” he said. At Homewood High, Casey has five classes per day. He leaves early to get to Blackjack Farms in Irondale, where he rides but also helps out with projects around the stables to qualify as an independent study project for school. He also takes a night class at UAB and balances his riding with guitar lessons and activities for Key Club and Beta Club at school. “I try and balance it. I end up out here [at Blackjack Farms] most of the time, but sometimes I try,” Casey said with a laugh. Since he began riding, Casey has progressed quickly in show jumping competitions. He’s now competing about once or twice a month around the Southeast in junior shows, with obstacles ranging between three-and-a-half and four feet. “He’s improved far beyond what we thought he could do — or at least what he thought he could do,” said his mother, Ann Casey. “He was very dedicated from the moment he started.” While at these shows, Casey said there is constant activity and a lot of “hurry up and wait.” It again becomes difficult for him to balance being a student and a rider. How much homework gets done on show
Homewood High student Charles Casey stands next to his horse, Kola.
weekends? “Not a lot. I’m going to be honest,” Casey said, noting most homework finally gets his attention when he reaches a hotel at 10 p.m. With his showing talent quickly growing, Casey recently had to purchase a new horse to continue competing at higher levels. The horse he chose was Kolaborant, born in Poland and trained in the Czech Republic. After Kola had traveled by plane and trailer for eight days to Alabama, Casey said one of the first things the horse did was lay his head on his new rider’s shoulder. It’s now one of Kola’s favorite things to do with familiar faces and new people alike. He lays his head on a shoulder and usually receives a scratch behind the ears or a pet on the neck in return. Kola arrived in the U.S. right before Thanksgiving, but he and Casey are already becoming a team. “He has a little bit of an attitude. He likes to
mess around and see how much he can get away with. But when he starts the jumping and starts to get into it, it’s really good. He really wants to do what you’re saying,” Casey said. “He’s really fun to ride.” Casey’s goal is to reach the Grand Prix, the highest level of show jumping, by the time he graduates high school or within a year or two after that. Grand Prix shows are open to adults ages 18 years and older and have jumps with a maximum height just over five feet. Besides the age limit, Casey said he will have to progress through a few more junior levels to qualify for the Grand Prix shows — “if you won’t freak out,” he joked to his mom. Competing at that level requires not only technical skill but also a lot of mental preparation. “You need to be calm in the ring. It’s hard to go in the ring and clear your brain of everything going on. Because there’s a lot going on around you: there’s buzzers going from other rings, there’s people announcing
ribbons from the hunters, there’s jogs going on around the place, there’s horses getting loose and running around you,” Casey said. “It takes a lot to zone in on what you’re doing in the moment.” He got a first taste of that lesson in his first show. Casey’s horse was spooked at the end of the show by fluttering ribbons and the sound of a golf cart backing up. Casey fell, causing a hairline fracture in his leg and multiple breaks in his wrist. “Everyone asked when I was in my cast, ‘Are you still going to ride?’ Yes, it’s not a question I’m still going to ride. It didn’t even cross my mind that I was not going to ride,” Casey said. “He would have gotten back on in his cast if he could,” Ann added. Six weeks after the fall, Casey was in a saddle again. If his wrist was still hurting, Casey didn’t let it show. Besides showing, Casey’s eventual goal is to own a stable of his own to breed and train show jumpers. He uses competitions and work around Blackjack Farms to learn how different people manage their barns and train their horses and riders. “I know you talk a lot about that with me, about if it was your farm, you would do it this way. So I think mostly you’re observing what you see around you right now,” Ann said of her son. Casey said he never had a defining moment when he knew he wanted to make a career in the equestrian world. He simply doesn’t get bored with being at the barn. “I love doing it and I never get tired of it,” Casey said. “I’m always here, and I always love what I’m doing. So as long as I’m enjoying it, I’m going to keep doing it.”
The Homewood Star
A20 • February 2016
valentine’s day gift guide
For the
TRENDSETTER
OTBT Bushnell Platform Wedge $125 The popular Bushnell wedge comes in several fabulous colors and has just enough stretch to keep you comfortable no matter where your day may take you. Alabama Outdoors 3054 Independence Drive 870-1919
For the
SPECIAL SOMEONE Iced Heart Cookies $19.20 for a dozen, $10 for a half dozen Delicious homemade cookies are the perfect treat for your sweetie. Savage’s Bakery 2916 18th St. South 871-4901
For the
FURRY FRIEND Jazzy J dog collar $20 Locally made, hand sewn collars for every occasion. The Whole Dog Market 2937 18th St. South 783-1169
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A21
For the
PERSON ON THE GO
For the
TIDE FAN
YETI Rambler 20 $29.99 The perfect gift for him or her, the Yeti Rambler continues to be the go-to gift for that special person.
Handmade mug and plate $25 each This local, handmade pottery from The Potter & The Clay is perfect for entertaining on football Saturdays.
Moran’s Rocky Ridge Hardware 3354 Morgan Drive Vestavia 979-5444
Homewood Antiques & Marketplace 930 Oxmoor Road 414-9945
For the
PERSON WHO WANTS TO SEE AND BE SEEN For the
STYLISH TIMEKEEPER Swiss Army Ladies Small Alliance Watch $595 The Swiss Army Ladies Watch with twotone stainless steel bracelet features a subtle and elegant design. This watch fits any woman’s style. Bromberg’s Mountain Brook 871-3276
Dita Decade-Two $1,000 DITA celebrates 20 years with the release of its most innovative offering to date: the Decade-Two, a turbocharged reboot of the classic aviator frame that highlights many of DITA’s technical advances over the last decade. The Decade-Two frame is sleek and lean, with signature details, such as DITA’s diamond-press detailing and flexible nose pads, featured in luxurious materials like titanium and 18-karat plated gold hardware. JJ Eyes 2814 18th St. South 703-8596
“
A22 • February 2016
The Homewood Star
It’s like iron sharpening iron — the tough guy sharpens the other tough guy.
”
COACH EDDIE CROCKER
BROTHERS
CONTINUED from page A1 They’re proud of the Figueroa dynasty — a dynasty that started really out of nowhere. “It all started for me in seventh grade when a friend was talking to me after his wrestling practice and told me I should come give it a try,” Daniel said. “I did, and I fell in love with it. I loved competing, and I loved beating people.” He’d been playing football, but this was more personal, he said. “I go out there on the mat by myself and I whoop somebody because I want to win.” He whooped so many somebodies, in fact, that when the coach found out there was a younger brother, he got the then-sixth grade Jesus to start working out with the team, too. “I had a pretty good successful year when seventh grade came along,” Jesus said. And then came brother number three. By then, the Figueroas were well known. “I have always loved hearing people say, ‘Oh, you’re going to wrestle Figueroa? Good luck,’” youngest brother Miguel said. It never mattered which Figueroa it was
— all were bad news if they ended up in your tournament bracket, he said. Daniel’s long been the anchor of the team. At the freshman state tournament three years ago, he “walked in there to wrestle and I was kicking everybody’s behind,” he said with a shy smile. Paired finally against a guy who had beaten him in the eighth grade, he said, “It was personal. I was mad.” And Jesus said his older brother “looked like a rock and he was just demolishing it.” Coaches from all over took notice, he said. “That’s where a lot of the ‘Oh, Figueroa is tough to beat’ stuff started.” Jesus followed in his footsteps. And the youngest brother isn’t to be underestimated either. As a freshman, Miguel is undefeated in varsity meets so far, and last year as an eighth-grader he finished third at a national championship meet in Nashville. Two tournaments ago, Miguel and Jesus ended up wrestling each other in a finals match, and Miguel — knowing his brother’s go-to moves — said he also “knew the counter and was waiting for it.” And he took Jesus down. “Miguel is a much better wrestler than either
of us,” Jesus said. “He’s so conditioned and so strong, and I really don’t know how he does it.” At that, Daniel laughed. “Because he hits the gym with me all the time when you’re hanging out with your girlfriend.” When you wrestle with your brothers, it comes with built-in accountability, said Coach Eddie Crocker. “It makes you go harder and be more determined, because no brothers want to lose against each other ever,” he said. “It’s all about bragging, ‘I took you down today.’ It’s like iron sharpening iron — the tough guy sharpens the other tough guy.” Sounds just like their house, Miguel said. “Whenever the three of us wrestle each other, we almost kill each other,” he said with a grin. “It’s so frustrating, because we know what each other is going to do and we’re ready for it.” But they also are each other’s biggest fans, Crocker said. For instance, Daniel is preparing to drop down a weight class to clear a spot for Miguel in the weight class the youngest brother could best compete in. “We would not be the same team without those three,” Crocker said. All three are hoping they’ll wrestle together at the nationals in Virginia Beach this spring break. It’d be a special way to end the year they all got to be on the same team in an official capacity, Daniel said. Together they’ve been through injuries and a whole bunch of other obstacles, and at the end of the day, they’re still smiling. “We love the sport,” Daniel said. “And it really is fun to get to do it together.”
Daniel and Miguel Figueroa warm up before a wrestling practice. Photos by Frank Couch.
Cynthia Serota Director
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • A23
VOWS
CONTINUED from page A1 For Bill and Aneesa, getting married at Vulcan made sense because of its simplicity. Both had busy careers, Bill at Compass Bank in Homewood and Aneesa at Wells Fargo in Mountain Brook, and they were trying to move into their new house and plan a honeymoon. Instead of their original plan of eloping, participating in I Do With A View allowed the Stallings’ family to be involved. “It was a really good compromise where our family could be there but I didn’t have to plan anything, I didn’t have to do I Do With A View the wedding stuff,” Aneesa said. “We • WHERE: Vulcan Park and just have so much Museum, 1701 Valley View more to focus on. Drive, Homewood We were trying to • WHEN: Feb. 14, 8 a.m. to get our lives estab5 p.m. lished for after the • WEB: visitvulcan.com wedding.” The Stallings met while they both worked at Regions Bank. After talking a few times, Bill suggested they both take their dogs to a local dog park. “And then it rained for like two weeks straight,” Aneesa said. The dog park plan was never revived, but Aneesa eventually invited Bill to go with her to a show downtown. “How spontaneous are you?” she recalls asking. “I’ll pick you up in an hour,” he responded. The show was followed by the visit to Vulcan and a year of dating later, Bill proposed while parasailing in the Gulf of Mexico. “I was determined not to have to get down on one knee, so I thought being in the air was my best option for avoiding that situation,” Bill said. Once the couple decided to get married at I Do With A View, Aneesa said her only concern was that their ceremony wouldn’t feel personal. As one of several couples getting married in a single day — and the second to last couple, at that — they wondered if they would be sacrificing individuality for ease of planning. “I was kind of afraid for it almost to be like an assembly line, but it wasn’t,” Aneesa said. That wasn’t the case. The vendors called them to
Vulcan Park has hosted I Do With A View on Valentine’s Day since 2007, and the park prides itself on a hassle-free but beautiful wedding ceremony for each participant. Photo courtesy of Bill Stallings.
discuss small personalizations in the flowers, cake and music, and Aneesa said her friends and family were all impressed by their photos. Beyond those details, the Stallings left everything in the hands of the Vulcan staff. “It was very, very smooth. It was the least stressful wedding planning thing I think we ever could have imagined,” Aneesa said. “It was really easy for me. I just showed up, walked up, said ‘I do,’ went and ate cake and went to dinner,” Bill agreed. Despite one wedding being held each hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Stallings said none of the park staff seemed tired or like they were going through the motions. There was also little evidence that the other couples were there at all. Bill said he only briefly saw the bride of the next ceremony as she
arrived. Aneesa arrived slightly early and encountered the previous wedding’s reception, but staff members were nearby to guide her to her prep room. If she had arrived at her scheduled time, Aneesa said, she would have never seen them. “It was all very smooth,” she said. I Do With A View is not the wedding ceremony for every couple, but Aneesa said she had never been interested in party planning or the small details of dresses, flowers and catering. But for the Stallings, it was the perfect fit. There were only two drawbacks. One: their two dogs weren’t allowed at the ceremony. “I tried to forge some seeing-eye dog stuff and things like that, but they didn’t go for it,” Bill joked. And two: “The hill. It’s a really long walk up there,” Aneesa said.
The Homewood Star
SECTION
B Happy birthday, Homewood FEBRUARY 2016
School House B3 Sports B7 Real Estate B12 Opinion B13 Calendar B13
As city marks 90th anniversary, residents look to past to prepare for future Local authors Jake Collins and Martha Wurtele released their book, “Images of America: Homewood,” in November. The two joined forces because of their love for history of Homewood and teaching. Photo by Frank Couch.
By ANA GOOD As the city of Homewood celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2016, it’s difficult to narrow down which events helped shape the now-thriving suburb. The city began as several small communities that officially merged together in 1926 and today boasts roughly 25,000 residents. A few of the area’s early residents are still around to recount stories of a brimming Edgewood Lake, an electric car service and happy childhood memories in the Rosedale community. Jake Collins, a 10th-grade U.S. history teacher in Mountain Brook, spent years chronicling the history of his hometown before he began teaching at the high school. While a history teacher at Homewood Middle School, Collins started the Homewood History Hunt, a weekly assignment where he would present his eighth-grade students with an old Homewood photo, challenge them to find the spot and take photos of themselves in the same location. Over the course of three years and dozens of students, Collins had enough material to write a book, “Images of America:
See BIRTHDAY | page B10
Congratulations to our Top Homewood Agents!
Charles Perlis 205.903.0139 www.charlesperlis.com
Johnny Montgomery 205.223.2313 www.johnnyironmanmontgomery.com
Those who have worked with Charles and Johnny during 2015 know they work diligently to get the job done while continuing to deliver exceptionally high quality customer service! www.ERAKing.com 2700 Rogers Dr Ste 300 Homewood, AL 35209 205.979.2335
The Homewood Star
B2 • February 2016
A PUBLIC NOTICE FROM ALABAMA POWER
TREE CREWS WORKING IN HOMEWOOD THROUGH EARLY 2016 Alabama Power crews are working in several Homewood neighborhoods, removing trees and other vegetation that threaten the safety and reliability of our electrical system. As part of this process, Alabama Power goes to great lengths to talk with individual property owners. Company representatives are going door to door, leaving notices at locations where work is needed. If you have any questions before crews come by your home, please call Alabama Power at 205-257-2155 and ask for someone in the Vegetation Management Group to contact you. Or you can email us at apcvm@southernco.com. Work in Homewood and nearby areas is expected to continue through early 2016. Also, you can go online to alpwr.co/vm for more information about these safety and reliability measures, as well as resources for property owners who would like recommendations about planting the right tree in the right place.
Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your business. Vegetation Management Group 205-257-2155 | apcvm@southernco.com
Š 2015 Alabama Power Company.
APSA-1008.REV1.pdf 1
8/19/15 1:49 PM
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B3
School House Edgewood Elementary collects clothing for Lovelady Center Students, faculty and staff at Edgewood Elementary School came together to collect winter items for the Lovelady Center. Participants brought in blankets, mittens, gloves, hats and other winter items as part of the “Annual Mittens and More Winter Clothing Drive.” The clothing drive is an annual event which Edgewood uses to help those who do not have what they need to stay warm in the winter. -Submitted by Desiree Smith
Mrs. Kruger’s kindergarten class stands with donated items. The class counted the different items as part of a math activity in their classroom. Photo courtesy of Desiree Smith.
Students from Miss Phillips’ second-grade class volunteer with the Salvation Army. Photo courtesy of Desiree Smith.
Edgewood students study holidays around the world Second-grade students at Edgewood Elementary School did a unit of study on holidays around the world. One country of focus was Germany. In Tyler Martin's class, the students painted pinecones to represent the Tannenbaum, the German
word for a fir tree. The students also used tinsel and arts and crafts poms to decorate the tree. Tinsel was used because the students read about the legend of tinsel, where Kris Kringle magically transformed spider webs into tinsel one Christmas Eve. -Submitted by Desiree Smith
Students in Mrs. Martin’s second-grade class stand with their handdecorated fir trees. The students created their own Tannenbaum after learning about German Christmas celebrations. Photo courtesy of Desiree Smith.
Shades Cahaba 4th-graders volunteer with Salvation Army Several Shades Cahaba Elementary students volunteered to ring the bell with the Salvation Army this holiday season. Students from Miss Smith’s fourth-grade class, Miss Dunleavey’s second-grade class and Miss Phillips’ second-grade class rang the bell at Brookwood Mall. The students wore festive wear and talked to shoppers passing by as they helped at the Red Kettle for the Salvation Army. -Submitted by Desiree Smith
B4 • February 2016
The Homewood Star
Fun, fundraising ahead for Winter Fest By EMILY FEATHERSTON
Students and parents enjoy last year’s Winter Festival. Photo courtesy of Shades Cahaba Elementary School.
Shades Cahaba Elementary School will host their annual Winter Festival on Saturday, Feb. 20. The Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the school. The only fundraiser the school hosts, the Winter Festival is vital to supporting the school, principal John Lowry said. Lowry said the funds raised by the Festival
go directly to providing grant money for academic enhancement requests made by teachers. This year’s event will look similar to past festivals, with food, games and inflatables for children to play on. There will also be a prize drawing, as well as a silent auction. For more information about this year’s Winter Festival, visit sces.homewood.k12. al.us and follow @ShadesCahaba on Twitter.
Music’s in the air: 3 HHS students selected for Alabama All-State Orchestra By TARA MASSOULEH In November, Homewood High freshman Erica Bradley was eating lunch with her family at Cocina Superior in Brookwood Village when she received a text. After reading its message Bradley jumped from her seat, squealing with excitement. “Everyone was staring daggers at us thinking we were crazy people, which we’re not, we were just overly excited,” she said. Bradley, along with HHS seniors Mary Chalmers and Sam Cross, had been selected for the Alabama All-State Orchestra. Sophomore Ann Popple was selected as an alternate. All four students are members of the Homewood High Patriot Band. The Alabama All-State Orchestra is an audition-only orchestra comprised of Alabama’s best musicians ages 10-18. The orchestra is split into three levels: Consort, Sinfonia and Festival, with Festival being the highest honor. Bradley was selected as a violin I in both Consort and Sinfonia, while Chalmers and Cross were selected for Festival – Chalmers
earning the sole piccolo spot and Cross as one of four string bassists. Both Chalmers and Cross participated in the Sinfonia Orchestra at last year’s Alabama All-State Orchestra weekend and decided to audition again after having positive experiences. “I had never done the orchestra thing before until last year, and I just wanted a different kind of challenge,” Chalmers said. “I was surprised at how much I liked it, so that’s why I came back.” Back in October, after week of practicing, all four students recorded pre-determined audition pieces to be judged through an impartial, blind judging system. In November, the selected students were notified of their acceptance, and in December they received sheet music for the orchestra. On Feb. 11 the students will come together at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival. The festival, which culminates on Valentine’s Day, is a four-day intensive program where students first audition for their section chair, then attend two all-day rehearsals before Sunday
Homewood High Patriot Band members, from left, Erica Bradley (14), Mary Chalmers (17) and Sam Cross (18) with band director Ron Pence. The students will attend the Alabama All-State Orchestra weekend at the University of Alabama from Feb. 11-14. Photo by Tara Massouleh.
afternoon performances for friends, family and music enthusiasts. Cross, who plays the upright bass – an instrument not generally highlighted in marching band – said he is excited to be playing music written
more specifically for strings and to be in the company of more string bassists. “A lot of people don’t play string bass here [in the band], so it’s cool to be with other kids who not only play string bass, but are really into it and want to be good as well,” he said. “Last year there was a kid with a string bass tattoo.” Homewood band director Ron Pence has been directing high school bands for 30 years, the past 20 of which have been at Homewood. After working with so many talented students through the years he said he can confidently say that the students’ acceptance into the orchestra is no small feat. “The students that made the orchestra go that extra mile to be great musicians, and it takes a lot of effort before the audition to work hours and hours to be good enough to make Alabama All-State Orchestra,” he said. For Pence, the students’ acceptance into the orchestra is a source of pride for not only him and the students, but for the entire band. “It benefits the band so much because the better the musicians in the band, the better the band is,” he said.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B5
Through the helping Hands on Birmingham organization, these OLS students became “Santa’s Helpers” by sorting and distributing toys for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Photo courtesy of Mary Stephens Pugh
OLS students mark Christmas with service Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School worked to bring joy through service this Christmas season. The students brought in donations and participated in acts of service with a variety of organizations. Students in the wee-kindergarten class collected toys for underprivileged children in the area. The toys will be distributed by the Catholic Center of Concern. Kindergarten and first-grade students donated toiletry items for the Catholic Center of Concern to distribute to families. Second-graders brought in socks to be
delivered to Mount Royal Towers, a senior living community in the Birmingham area, and third-graders collected food for the Community of the Cenacle. Fourth-graders and fifth-graders collected donations, sixth-graders and seventh-graders worked as Santa’s Helpers by sorting and distributing toys, and the eighth-graders helped distribute socks to Mount Royal Towers. They also helped decorate some residents’ doors at the senior living community and sang Christmas songs. -Submitted by Mary Stephens Pugh
8th-grader wins OLS spelling bee Amelia Pugh (right), an eighth-grader at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, won the school spelling bee. Fifth-grader Victoria Moller (left) placed second. Photo courtesy of Mary Stephens Pugh.
Shades Cahaba hosts holiday musical Fourth-graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary School performed their annual holiday musical the week before their midwinter holiday break. This year, the students performed “A Party in a Pear Tree,” which revolved around the song “12 Days of Christmas.” Party the Partridge was stuck in a pear tree during the musical, and calling birds tweeted for help, geese planned for the destruction of
the tree and swans sang about the tree. At the end, a drummer solved the problem by using duct tape to fix a ladder and get Party out of the tree. The story aimed to show that being with friends and family is the best gift of all during the holidays. Hailey Pepper conducted the students in songs, instruments and dances. -Submitted by Desiree Smith
Squad brings holiday cheer The Homewood High School Varsity Cheerleaders went to the First Light Women's Shelter in Birmingham to spread holiday cheer. They visited with the women and children, played bingo, sang Christmas carols, performed cheerleading stunts and brought lots of Christmas cheer to the residents and workers at the shelter. The HHS cheerleaders are directed by Maggie Stoffregen and Holly Drake, and sponsored by Leah Chancellor. -Submitted by Homewood City Schools.
The Homewood Star
B6 • February 2016
‘The heart of a servant’ Former police Chief Edwin Wood remembered for his devotion By SYDNEY CROMWELL As a 9-year-old, Teri Robinson could never understand why people addressed her grandfather, Edwin Wood, as “Chief.” Robinson, now an adult, recalls her grandmother taking her aside and explaining her grandfather’s former job as Homewood’s police chief. “He couldn’t go anywhere without someone stopping and shaking his hand,” Robinson said. “He always made time for them.” After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Wood came to Homewood in 1946 to serve on the police force. He was appointed HPD’s chief in 1956, a position he held for 20 years. Wood passed away on Christmas Day 2015. Despite his many years of service, Wood is remembered more frequently for his life outside the police station. He and his wife, Jimmie, owned a home on Kent Lane, and Deputy Chief Jim Copus said Wood was known for his daily walks along Oak Grove Road. Duwayne Pounds, who was Wood’s pastor at Rocky Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian for more than a decade, remembers Wood’s devotion to the church and constant involvement in committees, services and men’s activities. “Every time the church doors were open … Ed would be here,” Pounds said, adding that Wood had the “heart of a servant.” “He was always ready to come alongside
and be a help.” Robinson recalls a grandfather whose great loves were fishing, working in his shop and creating ceramics with his wife. When she would spend the night at their house, Robinson would hide her grandfather’s newspapers and hold them ransom until Wood would read her a book. “And he would play along every time,” Robinson said. “[He was] the best granddaddy that I could ever ask for.” Wood was never talkative about his time as an officer or as Homewood’s chief. When he decided to move in with Robinson’s family about three years ago, they held an estate sale at his house. Robinson said many people walked up just to share their memories. One man was especially memorable. Robinson never learned his name, but the man told her and her husband that during his younger days, he had made some bad decisions and Wood had “every right” to arrest and charge him. Instead, the man said, Wood showed him mercy, and the man said it gave him the motivation to turn his life around. “Everybody always had the same thing to say about him,” Robinson said. “He’s just a good man.” “Ed was always a very friendly person. He was somewhat quiet from what I remember, but when he did speak he always did in an uplifting manner,” Pounds said. “He would do whatever to be a difference.”
A young Edwin Wood stands in front of a Homewood police patrol car. He served with HPD for 30 years, including 20 years as police chief. Photo courtesy of Teri Robinson.
When Woods moved into Robinson’s home in Wilsonville, he still had that compulsion to help others. Wood would help her weed the garden, and Robinson said he pulled out her flowers as often as the weeds, but she would always thank him and simply replant the flowers later. He enjoyed watching the birds flock to bird feeders on Robinson’s patio and would refill them when the feeders were empty. “The chipmunks and squirrels got a lot of
good eating because he spilled a lot more than he got into the feeders,” Robinson said with a laugh. “He fit right into our little family.” When Wood passed away, Robinson got the chance to talk with many of the Homewood officers who had served with him. She said the funeral service was made more special by the officers who provided an honor guard that day. “What they did, my granddaddy would have been so proud of that,” Robinson said.
Newly Expanded
Lunch specials $5.99-$7.99 Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 3:30 pm Full dinner menu available all day Live Lobster, Crabs, Bullfrogs, Tilapia, and Eels Large Selection of Fresh Oriental Veggies
Market & Red Pearl Restaurant 243 W Valley Ave, Homewood • 205.945.9558 • superorientalmkt.com
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B7
Sports
THE RED CABOOSE
IS ON A ROLL Bench entertainment reaches new level at Homewood By KYLE PARMLEY Andrew Cleveland, Joseph Kennedy, Faulkner Williams, Tobbie Taylor and Myles Butler make the most of their opportunities. As a three-point shot is in the air, they sit and watch quietly. But as soon as the ball drops through the net, chaos ensues, as one of roughly 30 celebrations will be performed. They call themselves the Red Caboose, and they sit at the end of the bench for the Homewood High School varsity basketball team. Don’t let the moniker fool you. Cleveland, Kennedy and Williams are very much a part of the team, and when they
See RED CABOOSE | page B8
Myles Butler is the team manager and becomes a pair of “human scissors” when called upon. He’s also one of the most talented team managers in the state, according to teammates. He can carry five cups of water at once. Photo courtesy of Scott Butler.
The Homewood Star
B8 • February 2016
A hyped-up bench is a familiar sight during any Homewood basketball game. Photo courtesy of Wesley Butler.
RED CABOOSE
CONTINUED from page B7 are put into the game, they are expected to perform. Taylor, meanwhile, is injured and likely out for the season. Butler is one of the most talented team managers in the state according to teammates — he can carry five cups of water at once. The Red Caboose gets its name from Auburn, which had a similar group by the name of the White Caboose last season. Other college basketball programs like Drexel and Monmouth have also been influences on the group and some of the celebrations they have come up with. “We saw Auburn do something like it,” Cleveland said. “They had a Twitter account and they would do dances.” A notecard has all of the group’s dances on it. Each time a three-pointer, a free throw or a dunk is converted by Homewood, the group performs celebrations ranging from “Human Scissors” to “Lunch Line” and all things in between. Each of the five has a different favorite. Butler gets the most attention during the “Human Scissors.” “Once we hit a three-pointer, I’ll do a handstand and (Andrew and Faulkner) will grab my legs and do human scissors while the other guys do jumping jacks,” Butler said. There is a reason Butler is the face of that celebration. “Me and him [Williams] can’t do a handstand,” said Cleveland. However, that one also gets them in the most trouble. “We’ve gotten three bench warnings to stay off the court,” Williams said. Then there is the “Lunch Line,” which takes place over the course of a player making multiple shots in a row. Williams describes, “When someone makes a layup, we start cooking, and then test it to see how it tastes. Then when he hits a three, we stand up and everyone holds their plate out and you serve everybody.” After each celebration, the group sits down and immediately decides what the next will be. Sometimes they stand up and act as if they are
“
I like the one where Joseph ‘passes out’ and we revive him, because he gets too hyped.
”
TOBBIE TAYLOR
running hurdles in place, Cleveland’s favorite. The group intentionally staggers everyone’s hurdle motions to make it look as if they are racing each other. Some moments in the game are just too
exciting. These instances cause Kennedy to fall to the ground because he’s “lost in the sauce.” “I like the one where Joseph passes out and we revive him, because he gets too hyped,” Taylor said. The Caboose says that Homewood head coach Tim Shepler does not pay much attention to them during the game, but Taylor gets the feeling the coach wants more from them, especially during a scoring drought. “If we get silent or if we go on a cold spell from three, he wants us to get more into it on midrange shots,” Taylor said. Despite the number of organized dances the Caboose has to choose from, Kennedy’s favorite moments are when something happens out of the blue, like the defense drawing a charge. In these moments, the group reaches pandemonium,
celebrating wildly. Superstitions can play a role as well. Williams, the baby-faced member of the group, shaves before every game, regardless of the amount — or lack — of facial hair present. During a doubleheader last season, he even went home to shave before coming back to the gym. The Steel City Invitational in December is where the Red Caboose gained most of its attention and began receiving praise as one of the most entertaining benches in the state. Helena High has formed its own White Caboose, and other schools could follow the trend. “We just keep everybody excited, and it helps the team,” Kennedy said. You can follow the Red Caboose on Twitter at @HHSCaboose.
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B9
SEASON PREVIEW: BASEBALL
Griffi , Mullins lead Patriots into 2016
Carson Griffis is looking for a big season on the mound and at the plate for the Patriots. Photo by Scott Butler.
By KYLE PARMLEY Homewood baseball has enjoyed three consecutive playoff seasons, and making that four straight is a virtual lock. “The last three years, we’ve had our three best years,” head coach Doug Gann said. The top two teams from each area qualify for the AHSAA state playoffs, and Class 6A, Area 9 will likely feature only two competitive teams: Homewood and Briarwood Christian. Don’t expect the Patriots to coast through the regular season, though. There is work to be done, most notably replacing seven starters from last year’s team. “It’s exciting,” Gann said. “You’ve got people coming back and have some new guys stepping in. There are plenty of suspects that can get it done, but they just haven’t gotten the opportunity.” Two players expected to carry the Homewood team are returners Carson Griffis and John Marc Mullins, who each started every game in 2015.
“[Griffis has] pitched for us the last two years and played quarterback for the football team,” Gann said. “He’s got a lot of experience.” Griffis will anchor a rotation that lost the next five highest innings totals behind him. Mullins, a junior, gained some experience on the mound last season, and his role is expected to increase. Josh Miller, Jacob Fitts and Austin Spiers are other hurlers the Patriots are looking to produce quality innings. When not on the mound, Griffis can play the outfield or catch when needed. Gann calls him his “security blanket.” Mullins provided a great deal of leadership as the Patriots’ leadoff hitter a season ago. “Leadership is always a vital thing that we look for,” Gann said. “You don’t have to be a senior. John Marc Mullins led by example. He plays hard. A lot of our guys fed off him and he was just a sophomore.” The Patriots hit the field on February 15, as they take part in the Hope 4 Gabe Classic at Chelsea.
Ameer Abdullah drives for extra yards as Ole Miss’ Cody Prewitt tries to make the tackle during the 2015 Senior Bowl. Photo courtesy of Chip English.
Former Homewood star leads NFL in kick return yards By KYLE PARMLEY Former Homewood High School standout running back Ameer Abdullah wrapped up his rookie season in the NFL with the most kickoff return yards of any player in the league. The Detroit Lions all-purpose back led the league with 1,077 yards on 37 attempts, also tops in the league, as the Lions finished 7-9 and third in the NFC North. Abdullah’s 29.1 yard-per-return average was second among players who qualified, behind only Cordarrelle Patterson of the
Minnesota Vikings. For the season, Abdullah also carried the ball 143 times, for 597 yards and two scores. He proved he could catch the ball out of the backfield as well, with 25 catches for 183 yards and a score. Abdullah racked up more than 7,000 all-purpose yards as a Cornhusker, returning kickoffs over his four seasons and handling punt-return duties as a freshman and sophomore. He totaled 1,800 yards rushing, 515 receiving yards, and returned four punts for touchdowns his senior season.
The Homewood Star
B10 • February 2016
“
Historic photos show the Fox family, left, Lewis family, center, and women dressed up for an ice cream social to benefit Rosedale Presbyterian Church. Photos by Frank Couch.
BIRTHDAY
CONTINUED from page B1 Homewood,” with co-author Martha Wurtele, which hit shelves in November. Via his Homewood History blog, Collins chronicled dozens of stories of Homewood’s past, told through pictures and, when he was lucky, by the people in them. “The area is a lot older than people think,” said Collins, recounting stories of the arrowheads found buried in and around Oxmoor Valley. “It was inhabited at one point by Native Americans.” Many of the arrowheads, as Collins described on homewoodhistoryhunt.blogspot.com, were found behind what once was the Oxmoor Furnace — a Confederate Army creation. Collins, who grew up in Homewood and graduated from HHS in 2001, recalls the fear he had as a child riding his bike up on Shades Mountain along Shades Crest Road, but also the beauty of the area. “Little did I know,” wrote Collins in the blog, “a town in that valley experienced a glorious rise and abrupt fall before Homewood was even a city.”
‘FURNACE MEN’
That town, Collins explained, grew out of a
History is all around us, and my hope is that, over the last three years, the Homewood History Hunt has given people a reason to learn more about our city, in hopes that we will work to preserve the stories of our city for future generations.
need to supply weapons to the Confederate Army. The furnace, powered by water from Shades Creek, began operating in the fall of 1863. Somewhere between 260 and 360 men ran the furnace, 60 of whom were known as “furnace men.” The rest were slaves. Less than a year after the furnace became operational, Colonel J.S. Casement of the United States Army raided and burned Oxmoor Furnace in May of 1864. It is likely, said Collins, that the men followed West Oxmoor Road to the furnace. Once the war was over, the furnace was once again put to use in 1873 and later during WWI, before finally being dismantled in 1928. “What I love about the story of the Oxmoor Furnace is that it’s so easy to connect to,” wrote
”
JAKE COLLINS
Collins in the final entry of the blog. “If you’ve driven on Oxmoor Road, you’ve traveled a road that has been in use since the Civil War. If you’ve driven down West Oxmoor past Homewood Church of Christ, you’ve driven down a road that, more than likely, Union troops used to raid the furnace.” In 1911, while the furnace still boomed, another part of Homewood, what today is still known as Edgewood, continued its own growth thanks to the Edgewood Electric Railway. This part of Homewood’s history, said Collins, is among his favorites, all of which he learned about by reading Sheryl Spradling Summe’s book “Homewood: The Life of a City.” Edgewood’s founders, Collins learned, realized there was a need to provide transportation
to and from Shades Valley, as well as Edgewood Lake, then a manmade 117-acre lake. In an October 2013 Homewood Star article titled “Remembering Edgewood Lake,” Leah Rawls Atkins, Ph.D., a historian who taught for almost three decades at Auburn and Samford Universities, recounts her memories growing up on Columbiana Road just a block from the Edgewood Lake dam. “Fed by Shades Creek and by the little creeks and drainage ditches that flowed rainwater into Shades Creek from as far away as Homewood and Mountain Brook, the lake was nestled at the foot of Shades Mountain,” wrote Atkins. “The road to Columbiana crossed over the dam and then climbed up the mountain.” The original plan, explained Atkins, was for the Birmingham Motor and Country Club to build a motor speedway around the lake. “Although the north and south runs were graded and eventually became Lakeshore and South Lakeshore Drives,” she wrote, “the raceway was never completed.” What the Motor Club did complete eventually became Edgewood Country Club and later Edgewood Park, run by R.R. Rochelle. The lake, stocked with bass, bream and catfish, attracted lots of fisherman, said Collins, who would take the Edgewood Electric Railway to the lake’s northern shore. The railway, nearly impossible to find traces
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B11
of today, began in Southside, continued over the mountain and ended on Broadway in Edgewood. A small remaining fragment is visible on the corner of Manhattan and Parkridge. By the time the railway had been completed, Homewood’s oldest and most historic neighborhood, Rosedale, had long been established.
RISE OF ROSEDALE
Many of the first settlers of the Rosedale area, Collins wrote in a February 2015 blog post, were probably coal mine workers. In the early 1900s, the first two prominent black settlers, John Wilkins, from Blue Creek, and Damon Lee, from Eufaula, arrived. Lee’s Grocery, which Damon Lee began, was run by his son, Afton Sr., until the 1980s. By the 1920s, the area needed its own school. B.M. Montgomery, known as “Fess,” was one of the first education pioneers in Rosedale, Collins said. Montgomery’s nephew, Edward Perkins Montgomery, said he remembers his uncle stopping by his house and speaking to his father nearly every day. Fess, said Edward, became principal at Rosedale High School when he was only 14 years old. After his funeral, Edward said he remembers poring through some of his uncle’s belongings and discovering the very detailed plans of what he wanted the school to become. Edward Montgomery’s memories of growing up in Rosedale, Collins discovered, were similar to the ones he remembers growing up in the Mayfair neighborhood. “Afternoons in Rosedale were filled with football games, baseball games (there was a ball field referred to as, ‘the ball diamond’ roughly where HWY 31 separates Rosedale and the old Shades Valley High School), and visiting other people in the neighborhood,” wrote Collins in the February blog post. “Although we grew up in different times and different sides of downtown Homewood, we still share a love for our community because of the wonderful time we had as kids.” In fact, Edward’s memories of the education he received in Rosedale are so positive, he credits it to saving his life. “We had to behave at school,” said Edward. “We were there to learn.” At Rosedale, Edward learned to type. When
The Cox family lived in a home where Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church is located today. Photo by Frank Couch.
he was drafted to serve in Vietnam, Edward was pulled out of basic training and placed in an office job. “As far as he knows,” said Collins, “he’s the only man out of his original platoon that survived the war. His life was literally saved because of his education.” In 1926, according to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, Charles Rice, a local attorney often
referred to as the “Father of Homewood,” established a movement to merge several of the communities. In September 1926, Rosedale, Edgewood and Grove Park merged and incorporated under the name “Homewood.” The first city hall complex, according to the encyclopedia, was built in 1928. Though clues to Homewood’s past are not always readily apparent, Collins said we should
look for them and pay attention to them. “We encounter history every single day but we have to take the time to understand what we’re doing,” he wrote. “History is all around us, and my hope is that, over the last three years, the Homewood History Hunt has given people a reason to learn more about our city, in hopes that we will work to preserve the stories of our city for future generations.”
The Homewood Star
B12 • February 2016
Homewood Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
736880
35209
3112 Roxbury Road
New
$950,000
737949
35209
1528 Saulter Road
New
$299,900
737885
35209
216 Oglesby Avenue
New
$299,900
737740
35209
1511 Somerset Drive
New
$495,000
737631
35209
31 Edgehill Road
New
$209,000
737566
35209
3408 Waverly Drive
New
$259,900
737368
35209
117 Yorkshire Drive
New
$585,000
737269
35209
1016 Edgewood Boulevard
New
$329,000
737183
35209
1720 Windsor Boulevard
New
$299,900
737113
35209
904 Shades Road
New
$829,000
737796
35209
623 Oxmoor Road
New
$214,500
737082
35209
112 Crest Drive
New
$188,000
736874
35209
940 Shades Glen Drive
New
$215,000
736660
35209
116 Crest Drive
New
$329,900
736619
35209
173 Pointe Drive S.
New
$238,000
736582
35209
3154 Parkridge Drive #3154-200 New
$329,000
736506
35209
241 Kent Lane
New
$149,900
736495
35209
2701 Woodfern Court #2701
New
$199,900
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on January 18. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
3112 Roxbury Road
623 Oxmoor Road
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B13
Opinion
Calendar
Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton
Homewood Events
Real life is spills, stray socks Everyone knows most beautiful table, laid with of the photos on Facebook, pretty plates and candleInstagram and Pinterest are sticks, was one of her huscleaned-up versions of real band’s athletic socks. Clean life. Most of us put on our or dirty, who knew? She brightest smiles, show the laughed and apologized, but I loved it. It was like a little best looking and cleanest corners of our homes, post nugget of true reality in the photos of our kids at their midst of something seemmost charming and well-beingly perfect. All beauty has haved. We’ve all grown a rough side and everything Denton accustomed to seeing folks rough has beauty — even if perched on mountaintops in perfect it’s buried down deep. That sock made yoga poses, magazine-worthy living me love her and her sock-wearing husrooms decorated beautifully for every band even more. The next time a friend stops by your season, families dressed in spotless linen with white sand beaches and pink house unexpectedly, or even if you sunset skies. have a formal gathering of people in There’s nothing wrong with these your home, don’t fret if something is photos, but what I like best are the left out of place or isn’t perfect. Instead other sides of life: the mishaps, the of offending guests, it will likely make spills, the “Oops” moments caught on your friends feel more at home, like they camera. I love it when people are will- aren’t the only ones with a life that isn’t ing to show others what their real life magazine-worthy. looks like — bumps, tears, messes and Come to think of it, maybe if Pinterall. It offers a small moment of grace: est, Instagram and all the glossy mag“Ah, someone else’s life is as imperfect azines would show us those “Oops!” as mine.” moments, the rest of us would feel a I visited a friend the other day at her little more normal! Here’s to the spills, house. This friend is stylish and gor- messes, bumps and crumbs of real life geous and her house is the same way — — and yes, even a few stray socks. a cozy little haven of style and beauty. I’d love to connect! Email me at We’d been standing in her dining room LaurenKDenton@gmail.com, find me talking for at least 20 minutes when she on Twitter @LaurenKDenton, or visit glanced at the dining table and started my blog at laurenkdentonbooks.wordlaughing. There in the center of her press.com.
Feb. 2: Cynthia Raim–David Wehr Piano Duo with Edward Stephan and Andrew Reamer, percussion. 7:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $25/$10 students. Visit tickets.samford.edu.
12 p.m. $10-$15. Visit samfordsports.com.
Feb. 2: US-Belgium Business Roundtable. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive. As part of the Spotlight on Belgium, senior executives, business leaders, government officials and community leaders from Alabama and Belgium will discuss common issues, networking and agenda setting for future business exchanges.
Feb. 14: I Do With A View. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive. Valentine’s Day wedding packages. Visit visitvulcan.com.
Feb. 3: Ambassador’s Dinner honoring His Excellency Johan Verbeke, Ambassador of Belgium to the United States. Cocktails, 7 p.m. and dinner, 8 p.m. The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive. Feb. 3: Ceramic Surface Decoration Demo with Nathan Klein. 6 p.m. Forstall Art Center, 402 Palisades Blvd. Visit forstallartcenter.com. Feb. 3: Skyscapes in Oil with Barbara Davis. 6 p.m. Forstall Art Center, 402 Palisades Blvd. $125. All day workshop, lunch provided. Visit forstallartcenter.com. Feb. 4: Samford basketball. Pete Hanna Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Women host UNCG at 5 p.m. Men host Furman at 7 p.m. $10-$15. Visit samfordsports.com. Feb. 6: Samford basketball. Pete Hanna Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive. Women host Western Carolina at 2 p.m. Men host Wofford at
Feb. 9: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Meeting. 11:30 a.m. Homewood Chamber of Commerce, 7 Hollywood Blvd. Visit homewoodchamber.com.
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Zip Line Adventure. 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Red Mountain Park. $35 ticket includes two rides on the Mega Zip and an ambient campfire. Visit redmountainreservations.org for reservations. Feb. 15: Author Joshilyn Jackson. 5 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. Signing: “The Opposite of Everyone.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com. Feb. 16: Author Dennis Covington. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. Signing: “A Search for Faith in a Violent Religious World.” Visit alabamabooksmith.com. Feb. 16: Homewood Chamber of Commerce February Membership Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. The Club, State Rooms, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive. Visit homewoodchamber.com. Feb. 18: Samford men’s basketball v. UNCG. 7 p.m. Pete Hanna Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham. $10-$15. Visit samfordsports.org.
Dr. Sultan will tell you about the latest scientific breakthroughs and methods that help you permanently and safely remove unwanted belly fat while quickly reclaiming your health, your youth, and your life!
B14 • February 2016
The Homewood Star
Homewood Events (Cont.) Feb. 19-21: Don Quixote. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Presented by the Alabama Ballet. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $25-$55. Visit alabamaballet.org. Feb. 25: Samford women’s basketball
v. Furman. 6 p.m. Pete Hanna Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $10-$15. Visit samfordsports.org. Feb. 25: Roberto Plano, pianist. 7:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $6 students, $25 reserved seating. Visit tickets.samford.edu.
Feb. 25: Author Tim Dorsey. 4 p.m. Alabama Booksmith, 2626 19th Place South. Signing: “Coconut Cowboy” Visit alabamabooksmith.com. Feb. 27: Samford women’s basketball v. Wofford. 2 p.m. Pete Hanna Center, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $10-$15. Visit samfordsports.org.
Feb. 28: Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra side by side with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive. $10 adults, $7 ages 12 and under. Visit alabamasymphony.org.
Homewood Public Library Events Children Feb. 1-9: Valentines for Children’s Hospital. All day in the Children’s Department. Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Preschool Playtime. 10 a.m. in Round Auditorium. For ages 3 and under.
Feb. 14: Happy Valentine’s Day Charlie Brown. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Celebrate Valentine’s Day afternoon with us at the library and make last minute cards, eat heart shaped candies and watch sweet movies.
Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Wee Ones. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For ages 24 months and under.
Feb. 19: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Join us for a fun and energetic movement class designed specifically for children ages 2 ½ to 4 years. Registration is required.
Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. All ages storytime with music and fun.
Feb. 22: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Science, math and other Children
Feb. 3: Tinker Toddlers. 1:30 p.m. Storytime for ages 5 & under encourages toddlers to explore their world through stories and play.
Feb. 1-9: Valentines for Children’s Hospital. All day in the Children’s Department.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Storyday with Nay Nay. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Storytime for ages 3 and under. Feb. 8: Moving Together. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. The Dance Foundation presents a program designed for babies ages 6 weeks to 6 months and a caregiver. Registration is required. Feb. 8: LEGO Club. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. K-5th grade. Feb. 9: Demo Day. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Children’s Department. Learn more about digital resources and how they can help you in the New Year.
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Preschool Playtime. 10 a.m. in Round Auditorium. For ages 3 and under. Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23: Wee Ones. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For ages 24 months and under. Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. All ages storytime with music and fun. Feb. 3: Tinker Toddlers. 1:30 p.m. Storytime for ages 5 & under encourages toddlers to explore their world through stories and play. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Storyday with Nay Nay. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Storytime for ages 3 and under.
Visit and “like” us on for more information on this and other events and programs.
Feb. 8: Moving Together. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. The Dance Foundation presents a program designed for babies ages 6 weeks to 6 months and a caregiver. Registration is required.
Feb. 8: Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 6 p.m. in the Boardroom. Open to teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active role at the Homewood Public Library.
Feb. 8: LEGO Club. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. K-5th grade.
Feb. 9 & 23: Girls Who Code. 4-6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. This national club is geared toward empowering girls grades 6-12 who are interested in the computer science field. No registration required, but participants are encouraged to bring their laptops.
Feb. 9: Demo Day. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Children’s Department. Learn more about digital resources and how they can help you in the New Year. Feb. 14: Happy Valentine’s Day Charlie Brown. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Celebrate Valentine’s Day afternoon with us at the library and make last minute cards, eat heart shaped candies and watch sweet movies. Feb. 19: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Join us for a fun and energetic movement class designed specifically for children ages 2 ½ to 4 years. Registration is required. Feb. 22: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Science, math and other S.T.E.A.M. concepts are brought to life through picture books and fun activities to promote kindergarten readiness. For ages 5 and under. Teens Feb. 1: Spine Crackers: Teen Book Club. 4:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. An afternoon of Harry Potter fun.
Feb. 11: iTween: Cupcake Wars. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Open to 4th-7th graders. Registration required. Feb. 29: Teen Anime Club. 5 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Love manga or anything Japanese related? Join the Teen Anime Club as we discuss and watch anime, while sampling various Japanese candies. Family Feb. 1: Monday Musical: Annie (2014). 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Popcorn, drinks and a sing-along family film. Feb. 4: Harry Potter Book Night: A Night of Spells. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. The whole family is invited to join us for an evening of wizarding fun as we celebrate the magic of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Feb. 12 & 26: Move & Groove Storytime. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. Interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with
TheHomewoodStar.com
February 2016 • B15
Homewood Public Library Events (Cont.) dance, yoga and fun. Feb. 15: Monday Movie. Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Popcorn, drinks and a fun family film. Feb. 15: Knight Chess Tournament. 5:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Monthly chess tournament. Feb. 16: The Road to College. 6 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. This informational workshop is geared toward high school students and parents who are overwhelmed with the college application process. Admission counselors from several local colleges and universities will be present to answer questions regarding financial aid, ACT vs. SAT, application timelines, and more. Feb. 18: Second Annual Fairy Tale Ball: Snow White. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Dress up the whole family and join us for a night of fun with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and a forest full of animal friends. Feb. 20: Chinese New Year with Our World Our Library (O.W.O.L.). 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Department. Join us for stories, activities and crafts about Chinese New Year. Feb. 22: Makers & Bakers. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Learn a new skill from our FACS Friends at the Homewood Middle School. Feb. 22: Sushi Making Class. 6 p.m.8 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Join the Birmingham Sushi Classes as you learn how to make authentic sushi in your own home! $30 per person. To register, visit birminghamsushiclasses.com/library. html. Feb. 23: Libraryflix. Jurassic World. 3:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Feb. 24: Stem Lab: Bouncing Baby Bots. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Make your own robot. Registration required. Feb. 25: Rough Draft Writing Crew. 4:30 p.m. in Room 101 (Lower Level). Improve your writing skills while meeting other teens who are interested in creative writing. Feb. 29: Monday Movie. Shaun the Sheep Movie. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Popcorn, drinks and a fun family film. Adults Feb. 1: Job Search Workshop Series. 11 a.m. in the Boardroom. Job search workshops provide hands-on assistance with your job search and include advice on resume and cover letter writing, online job searching, tips on how to apply for jobs, interview skills, and how to network. Will meet every Monday in February at 11 a.m. Each class will focus on different topics to enhance your job search skills and help you land the job of your dreams. Feb. 1: Wild Cards. 3:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Card games. Feb. 2: Pre-Code Film Festival: Crime & Punishment: The Public Enemy (1933). 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium Feb. 3: Book Arts. 4 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. See the crafty designs you can create by just folding the pages of a book. Supplies included. Registration required. Feb. 6: Murder in the Magic City. 9 a.m. in the Large & Round Auditoriums. Mystery conference presented by Sisters In Crime for fans of all sub-genres of mystery novels. The conference consists of panel discussions and presentations by the 2016 Guests of Honor. Lunch and a “goody bag” are included in the $40 registration fee. Visit: mmcmysteryconference.com/registration.html. Feb. 9: Oxmoor Page Turner’s Book Club. The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. 6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom. Feb. 10: First Step Wednesdays - Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. in the Boardroom. Workshop is geared toward
casual users. Join us as Apple® Certified trainers for Alabama Tech-Ease answer your questions on how best to use your Apple® device. Feb. 10: Anti-Valentine’s Day Chocolate Party. 4 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Experience the joys of chocolate in this fun-filled chocolate extravaganza. Chocolate-themed games and trivia with prizes. Feb. 12: OLLI Bonus Program: Lincoln by Robert Rhone. 12:30 p.m. Room 101 (Lower Level). Rhone discusses the importance of Abraham Lincoln. Feb. 12-13: Valentine Dinner Theatre: Steel Magnolias. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. South City Theatre presents Steel Magnolias. Buffet starting at 6:30 p.m., and the show follows, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Feb. 15: Bossypants Book Club. 6:30-8 p.m. at Nabeel’s Café. If you love spiky humor, quick wit, and brutal honesty, this is the book club for you! We are taking book discussions across the street to Nabeel’s Café to enjoy food and fun while we discuss Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. Feb. 16: Infinity Ring Book Club. A Mutiny in Time. 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. Pizza and drinks and our exciting new book club where we will read through the Infinity Ring series. Registration required. Feb. 16: The ABC’s of Medicare. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Room 116 (Lower Level). Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim. Feb. 18: UAB presents Discoveries in the Making. 6:30 p.m. in the Round Auditorium. An educational outreach program that seeks to share with members of the community the newest knowledge and the exciting progress in their fields. Feb. 22: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required, but please bring your own mat. Feb. 23: Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group. 5:30 p.m. in Room 106 (Lower Level). This grief/ loss group is sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Participation in the workshop is free. Space is limited. Reservations are requested. Contact Mary-Grace Wilson, GBHS Volunteer Coordinator, at mawilson@gbhs.org or 942-1211. Feb. 24: Next Step Wednesdays: iPads & iPhone Intermediate Class. 2 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Workshop is geared toward the intermediate user. Join us as Apple® Certified trainers for Alabama Tech-Ease, a member of the Apple® Consultants Network, answer your questions on how best to use your Apple® device. Feb. 24: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf. 2 p.m. in the Boardroom. Feb. 25: Neuroscience Café. Beyond Pharma - Therapeutic Strategies for Parkinson’s. 6:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Learn about “compensatory treatments,” including new movement techniques, strategies, and equipment with experts. Feb. 26-27: Paranormal Investigations at the Homewood Public Library. 7 p.m.10 p.m. in the Large Auditorium. Join authors and paranormal investigators Kim Johnston and Shane Busby, from Spirit Communications and Research (S.C.A.R.E.) of Alabama, for a ghost hunt at the haunted Homewood Public Library. Learn about past experiences with the library’s paranormal spirits and hear the latest communications! Tickets are $30 and can be purchased through S.C.A.R.E. of AL’s website, scareofal.com. Feb. 27: Ms. Mandy’s Musical Meetup. 10:30 a.m. in the Round Auditorium. We’ll look, listen and learn as musicians from amateur to expert share their musical talents with us. Feb. 29: Library Yoga. 10 a.m. in the Large Auditorium. All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required, but please bring your own mat.