The Homewood Star July 2015 by Starnes Media

The Homewood Star Volume 5 | Issue 4 | July 2015

Fourth festivities

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Through the darkest valley

Find a complete guide to fireworks, festivals and more Homewood events scheduled for Independence Day.

See page A15

HOMEWOOD

Moussa update

Six months after a tragedy struck, Paula Smalley reflects on the pain and glimmers of hope on a difficult journey By MADOLINE MARKHAM The horror of Dec. 19, 2014, is still raw for Paula Smalley. That Friday, she and her husband, Craig, had gone to see their friends in an R.E.M. cover band at WorkPlay downtown. Craig said it seemed like half of Homewood was there that night.

Homewood student Moussa Diallo has a new home. Find out more about the next steps in his journey inside.

See page A17

The show ended around 11 p.m., and the Smalleys exited among a crowd of people walking to their cars. As it began to sprinkle, Paula laughed at “what a 46-year-old woman” she was for popping up her umbrella. A friend stepped under it with her, and they looked left, right and then left again before stepping out to cross the

See SMALLEY | page A22

Discussion around prostitution rises in Homewood

Sports.................A19 School House.....B13 Calendar ............. B17 Opinion............... B19

By ERICA TECHO Eradicating prostitution starts with changing minds. Tajuan McCarty, founder of the WellHouse, said a change in mindset has helped bring the issue of prostitution to the forefront of Homewood conversation, most recently in a June 9 community meeting. “[At] that meeting, the community response is probably the best response I’ve ever had as far as community because they got it,” said McCarty, who heads up the organization that offers shelter and housing to women who have been trafficked, are prostituting or otherwise are sexually exploited. “They understand that this is basic economics,

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street. The next thing Paula remembers is looking up at Craig and him telling her she would be OK but that she had been struck by a car. No one else had seen the car coming either, Craig said. He had watched the collision out of the corner

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Paula and Craig Smalley stand in front of a garden in their Edgewood backyard. The fence around it originally served as a wheelchair ramp that Paula used as she recovered from being hit by a car in December. Photo by Keith McCoy.

thehomewoodstar.com/topics/video

See page B1

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In this issue, read about some of Homewood’s female business owners and the services they provide.

Motel owners, Homewood residents and police have been a part of recent community discussions about prostitution. Photo by Keith McCoy.

See PROSTITUTION | page A21

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The Homewood Star

A2 • July 2015

About Us Meet our new staff members Sydney Cromwell Sydney Cromwell is a 2015 graduate of Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. She worked for the campus newspaper, the Samford Crimson, for four years, including as editor-in-chief during her senior year. Sydney started as an intern at Starnes Publishing in August 2013 and continued part-time work until her graduation. She enjoys reporting on city news and the unique people and places that make up a community.

Erica Techo Erica Techo graduated from the University of Georgia with bachelor’s degrees in English and political science as well as a greater appreciation for caffeine. During her time in Athens, Erica worked at the independent student newspaper, The Red & Black, in the roles of crime reporter, news editor, managing editor, copy editor and social media editor. She also worked as a news intern for Flagpole Magazine, a weekly publication in Athens, and Morris News Service’s Atlanta bureau. Her passions for reporting include crime coverage and other community news.

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham I am still in awe of Paula Smalley’s vulnerability. When I met her last month, I didn’t notice any physical signs of the tragedy that we all heard about in December, but as she began to recount the incident at Workplay and its aftermath, it was obvious that her pain and sorrow are still very present. For the next few days, I felt the weight of her journey as I attempted to harness the power of her words and emotions into a written narrative. When I came back to her house for a photo shoot a few weeks later, the hopeful parts of what she had shared came more alive. The porch that had been on

the front of the house the last time I was there had disappeared, and only a pile of wood on the driveway remained. In her backyard, we shot photos of Paul and her husband, Craig, by a vibrant garden and new screened-in porch that friends had built along with the front porch and wheelchair ramp (now also disbanded) for them. These physical pieces of their home are reminders of both the pain of the past half-year and also of the way their community wrapped their arms around them through it — beauty muddled in with the sorrow. We share a lot of happy news in this

paper. After all, Homewood is full of it. But it’s my hope that Paula’s story and our new reporter Erica Techo’s story on prostitution, equally powerful in their own right, can help foster constructive conversation about more than just the parts of our community that we see in brochures. This might be Mayberry, but it’s not fiction. And in my opinion, the mix of beauty and sorrow in real life brings greater meaning and depth to a place than even the best written TV script could. Cheers to Homewood and all its facets, and to sharing the stories of its people!

The Homewood Star Publisher: Creative Director: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: News Editor: Staff Writers: Community Reporter: Copy Editor: Graphic Designer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution:

Contributing Writer: Interns: Published by:

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Madoline Markham David Knox Sydney Cromwell Katie Turpen Madison Miller Erica Techo Roy L. Williams Louisa Jeffries Emily VanderMey Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Lauren Denton Jordan Hays Chris Griesedieck Olivia Burton The Homewood Star LLC

Contact Information: The Homewood Star #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 Dan@TheHomewoodStar.com

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

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

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TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A3

City Mayor’s Minute Dear friends and neighbors, Recently, my office had the opportunity to present to the finance committee of the city council our mid-year review. Each year I enjoy sharing the victories and challenges half way through the year to give us a clear understanding of what is needed and expected for the remaining year. For those of you who are reading this article and are not “number-crunchers,” I know this is not the most exciting read, but I think it’s important to keep our residents informed of our finances. Winston Churchill said, “It is a terrible idea that making profits is a vice; I consider that the real vice is making losses.” After bonuses to our employees and transferring $500,000 to our capital projects account to fund several long-term infrastructure projects, we finished the year with a surplus in the general fund in excess of $400,000 for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. For the first six months of the 20142015 fiscal year, the city is still in line to finish with another surplus as long as we continue to closely monitor our expenditures. Sales tax collections are up over 4 percent during the first six months compared to this same time last year. Property tax collections have exceeded our budget expectations thus far and are up 3 percent. Expenditures are down over 1 percent due to my office and department heads daily monitoring our expenses. Our employees are working smarter and with more efficiency

than ever before. Thank you to those of you who diligently support our Homewood businesses and to all who are doing things each day to enhance the value of your property. These investments, great and small, all contribute directly to the value of our city. With summer in full swing, I am still amazed at the volume of calls we receive from other municipalities asking if their residents can join our pool. The pool has been a wonderful addition to the amenities Homewood has to offer our residents only. The numbers for the pool continue to increase, and I hear from you every day about how much your children (and grandchildren) are enjoying themselves. We continue to be blessed by those of you who overwhelmingly support our projects like the pool, sidewalks and revitalization efforts throughout our city. I’m so grateful we have wonderful residents who are excited about the direction of Homewood and her future, knowing Homewood residents we will go just about anywhere, provided it is forward. Sincerely, Scott McBrayer Mayor City of Homewood

Eleven residents apply for Heather Reid’s council seat By SYDNEY CROMWELL Eleven ward residents applied for the council seat recently vacated by Heather Reid, Ward 4 Representative Barry Smith announced at the June 8 council meeting. Reid announced her resignation from the council at the May 18 meeting, as

her family decided to leave Homewood to relocate to a family farm in Corner, Alabama. Interviews took place June 17 and 18, and a decision was scheduled to be made before the June 22 council meeting. For updates on the new representative, visit thehomewoodstar.com.

Tentative bike-share study timeline set BY SYDNEY CROMWELL Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames shared the tentative timeline for the city’s bike-share feasibility study after the June 1 council committee meetings. In a meeting with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham that same day, Thames said they had decided to hold a stakeholder meeting and possible public involvement meeting in August. After that, the city would give the planning commission some time to launch the Birmingham bike-share program and gain some experience in September. In October, the more intensive study would begin, and Thames said he expects the results of the study to become available in January or February 2016.

The RPCGB was the subject of another discussion during the June 1 public safety committee meeting about a comprehensive traffic study. There is $10,000 in the current fiscal year’s budget allocated for such a study, and it is possible that the RPCGB would cover the remaining $40,000 of the cost through a grant. The study would cover traffic flow, pedestrian and bike traffic, and its results would be complementary to the downtown study currently underway and the bike-share feasibility study. Ward 3 Representative Patrick McClusky recommended that council members spend time talking to their ward constituents about problem areas so they can come into study meetings with an agenda and set of goals.

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The Homewood Star

A4 • July 2015

Alagasco begins East Edgewood project By SYDNEY CROMWELL

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Residents in East Edgewood should be prepared for roadwork in their neighborhoods as Alagasco begins a four-phase project to replace gas pipelines. The construction will replace about 2.8 miles of natural gas pipelines and will be performed by Southeast Connections, located in Moody. Phase 1 of the project began in May, with pipes being laid on Edgewood Drive East, portions of East and West Glenwood Drive, and Roseland Drive. It is scheduled to finish in August. “The impact on traffic should be minimal. However, any time traffic has to be diverted, we will provide traffic control with flagmen and security,” Alagasco representative Aaron Schmidt said. Phase 2 will last from July to September, and it will include the section of Roseland Drive between West Glenwood and West Linwood Drive. East Linwood Drive will get new pipelines south of Roseland, as will Kenilworth Drive, Primrose Place and Laurel Place. In Phase 3, Southeast Connections will be laying pipelines on West Linwood, East Linwood north of Roseland, Palmetto Street, Valley Place, Grove Place and East and West Hawthorne Road. That phase lasts from June to September. The final phase will last until August and will include West and East Glenwood Drive south of Oxmoor Road, as well as a short section of Bridge Lane. “With this upgrade our customers will have a newer, safer and more reliable natural gas system. It will also mean fewer future repairs, disruptions or outages in gas service,” Schmidt said. For more information about Alagasco’s East Edgewood project, call their customer service line at 1-800-292-4008.

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TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A5

Office building under construction on 19th Place South

This building on 19th Place South is being demolished and turned into a two-story office building. Photo by Dan Starnes.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL A vacant building located at 2724 19th Place S. is being demolished down to its steel frame, which will become the backbone of a new professional office building. Owner Rima Hartman, a lawyer at Bressler Amery Ross, said the building had been sitting vacant for a while but had a great location, so she decided to overhaul it for new tenants. Murray Construction is handling the demolition and construction. “We just finally decided to put it back in

service,” Hartman said. The finished building will be two stories and approximately 20,000 square feet, with a redesigned exterior, lobby and interior. Hartman described the project as “essentially a completely new building.” The first phase of construction will create the exterior and common areas, and it will be completed by the end of the summer. Phase II, Hartman said, will be “build to suit” construction based on the tenants’ needs. She is currently looking for tenants in any professional fields who would be interested in the office space.

City to appeal $4 million verdict By ERICA TECHO After nine years of litigation, a jury in Jefferson County has awarded a $4 million verdict against the City of Homewood and the Homewood Police Department. The City of Homewood has taken steps to appeal this decision, according to Homewood’s trial counsel Terry A. Sides of Hale Sides, LLC. “The City of Homewood has the utmost respect for both the jury system and the service which the jury gave in this particular case,” said Sides in an email to The Homewood Star. “This was an unfortunate accident, but we strongly disagree with the jury’s decision and will be appealing it to the Supreme Court of Alabama.” The appeal process is “well underway,” Sides said, and post-judgment proceedings will begin soon. The verdict came from a case regarding a personal injury lawsuit from Homewood resident Eldetraud “Trudy” Roy after she was struck by a motorcycle driven by Homewood police officer Jerry Wayne Suttles. On May 19, 2006, Roy was walking on Central Avenue during the Torch Run fundraising event, according to documents from the

Supreme Court of Alabama. Roy was given permission to cross the intersection, said attorney Allen Lasseter of Shuttlesworth Lasseter, LLC, when she was hit by a motorcycle Suttles was driving. Roy suffered injuries from the accident and sought damages from the city of Homewood and Suttles. Suttles’ role as a police officer, however, granted him immunity from being sued as an individual and meant there was a $100,000 cap placed on the amount of damages Roy could recover. Lasseter said the litigation in the eight years leading up to last week’s trial involved arguing for the ability to sue Suttles as an individual. “Normally, any government employee including police if you sue them, they can only be liable up to $100,000,” Lasseter said. “But if you sue an officer or any government employee for doing things they don’t have the authority to do … then the cap doesn’t apply. That was what the whole appellate fight was about.” The jury recommended the $4 million settlement on May 21, including $2 million in compensatory damages and $2 million in punitive damages, which the City of Homewood will appeal to the Supreme Court of Alabama.

The Homewood Star

A6 • July 2015

Samford to update emergency exit on Saulter, move forward with demolishing Devonshire houses By MADOLINE MARKHAM In response to growing enrollment, Samford University invited residents of the neighborhood surrounding its campus to a June 4 meeting to update them on campus developments and how neighborhoods might be affected. Around 30 people attended. For the past seven years, the university has had record enrollment, said Vice President for University Relations Randy Pittman. Last year, the campus had 4,933 undergraduate and graduate students, and administrators expect that number to exceed 5,000 for the first time this year. 2015 also marks the first year for the new doctor of physical therapy, master of social work, master in nutrition and master in public health programs, all of which will be housed in the school’s recently acquired former Southern Progress campus. A new road will soon connect the northeast corner of campus in the Beeson Woods residential hall area to the Southern Progress campus. To accommodate this growth, the school is pursuing building and renovation projects, many of which are on the edges of campus. Buck Brock, vice president for business and financial affairs, explained that the lower shop in the facilities building on the northwest edge of campus will become new “art lofts” to house the School of the Arts’ visual art department. The building is currently being renovated to add natural lighting, the gravel lot outside it will be paved and striped and the upper shop

Samford University will be updating a gate on its north end that connects to Saulter Road to be used as an entrance/exit for emergencies only. Photo by Madoline Markham.

building above it will be torn down to create a new 49-space parking lot. As a result of this development, the Homewood fire marshal has requested improved access to the area. A current driveway, located between two houses on Saulter Road near the South Wellington Road intersection, will be widened and a heavy duty Knox lock will be installed at the gate behind the homes. Only the fire department will be able to open this lock. A new chain link fence will be built in the spot, and

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a sign marking the emergency exit will be installed. “That will not be a rear entrance to campus,” Brock said. “It is not our intent, we don’t want one. We are doing it at the request of the fire department.” One resident wanted to know if the new parking lot would disrupt existing landscaping barriers on the edge of campus. Brock said it would not and that they would add more landscaping around the loft. In response

to another question, he said that the area will continue to be a dumpster location but that they will be enclosed in new ways. Another resident was concerned about the brightness of new lighting, and Brock responded that they are trying to be sensitive to neighbors in what they install. Residents will see surveyors working along Saulter to survey for this project, as well as along other edges of the north end of campus for

future projects under consideration, Brock said. Some of the potential future developments he mentioned included replacing the current fraternity houses and building new residence halls on the north end of campus, located near the former Ramsay Hall location that is now a parking lot. Any of these projects that moves forward will first be brought before the neighbors, Brock said. Later in the meeting, residents expressed concerns about houses that Samford owns in the neighborhood to the west and north of campus, especially houses on Devonshire Drive that have fallen into disrepair and that neighbors see as a “blight.” Brock said that the university “needs to take [the houses on Devonshire] down,” and after the residents continued to ask about it, he said they would pursue doing so this summer. Mark Fuller, director of facilities management, said that the university had already priced having them torn down and that they could move forward with that process. Brock also noted that in the fall only three houses owned by Samford outside its gates will be occupied by students. Two of those are on Windsor Boulevard, and one is on Currie Way. All others that the university owns will generally house new faculty members. At the conclusion of the meeting, Pittman encouraged residents to contact him at 726-2331 or rpittman@ samford.edu with any concerns.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A7

Broadway ‘triangle’ investor seeking a fence variance for property

Chris Tucker presents his case for a fence variance to the special issues committee. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Real estate investor Chris Tucker, who is heading the project to build five houses on the “triangle” island property at 902 Broadway Street, wants to get a fence variance to maximize the available yard space for the homes. At the June 1 special issues committee meeting, Tucker presented his request to build fences that do not adhere to the standard setback requirements of the city. The fences would run along the property lines of Broadway Street and Carr Avenue, and they would extend partly into the right-of-way for Saulter Road in order to remain parallel with the sidewalk. Tucker argued that the small property sizes

would make residents’ yards tiny if he installed a fence with the normal setback. He also noted that the three-foot picket fences he had in mind would be aesthetically pleasing and would prevent children playing in the yard from running into the street. Committee members were hesitant about the proposal because they have historically rejected front yard fence variance requests. Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright noted that changing the setbacks had “not been well-received in other neighborhoods.” The fence variance was scheduled to come before the full council in a public hearing on June 8, but it was carried over because no one was present to represent the property owner.

Committee votes to move forward with 18th Street revitalization By SYDNEY CROMWELL The Homewood planning and development committee strongly favored a plan to improve 18th Street during its June 1 meeting. The revitalization plan, presented by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, would add landscaping and other beautification projects such as repaved sidewalks and ornamental lights on both sides of 18th Street running from the end of the downtown area to the Birmingham city limits. It also included new crosswalks with handicap-accessible ramps. The plan includes potential landscaped islands in the street, though committee members discussed restriping the street instead to make room for wider sidewalks or additional parallel parking. Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames has applied for an ALDOT grant to cover part of the $500,000 project, with the city paying about

$150,000 over two fiscal years, but the city has not yet heard whether it will receive the grant. There are some legal issues to solve, including ALDOT’s ownership of part of the street, but committee members saw it as a positive project that would beautify an entrance to the city and potentially provide more parking and pedestrian access. Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins pointed out that the grant also comes with a two-year project deadline, ensuring that the project would be completed in a timely manner if the grant is awarded to Homewood. “This one’s going to happen fast,” Hawkins said. “This won’t be like a normal ALDOT project that lasts five years.” The committee voted in favor of the project, pending resolution of legal issues and the grant being awarded in their favor. At the June 8 meeting the city council referred the project to the finance committee.

New BMW motorcycle dealership now open By CHRIS GRIESEDIECK BMW Motorcycles of Birmingham has opened a new dealership as part of Big #1 Motorsports in West Homewood. The new dealership, located at the I-65 and Oxmoor Road exit, offers a full line of BMW motorcycles, accessories, parts, apparel and service capabilities. These are included in an exclusive 2,200-square-foot retail showroom. General manager Joey Belmont operates Big #1 Motorsports with the help of his brother Johnny, who is the sales manager. “As Alabama’s largest powersports retailer for over 43 years, we are continually focused on providing the best sales and service experience for motorcyclists in our area,” Joey said. “When we looked at expanding our inventory of premium brands, BMW was a natural fit.”

The Belmonts have formed a team of operations, sales and service associates with riding expertise, industry experience and a knowledge of the BMW brand. Among the service staff are a master-certified BMW technician and BMWtrained service manager. They will continue to grow as new BMW-certified technicians are trained every year. “This is a great area for motorcycle enthusiasts,” Joey said. “We’ve got everything from twisty roads to mountainous regions, and we’re just 15 minutes away from the Barber Motorsports Museum, which offers events in which we participate all year long.” For more information about the dealership, visit bmwmotorcyclesbirmingham.com or call 942-3313. The showroom is located at 505 Cobb Street, and hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Homewood Star

A8 • July 2015

Planning commission plans to dissolve CDRC, recommends Brookwood construction By SYDNEY CROMWELL Though the planning commission had originally intended to discuss adding at-large community members to the West Homewood community development review committee (CDRC) at its June 2 meeting, commission members ultimately decided to dissolve the CDRC instead. The idea of adding two residents to the CDRC was originally proposed to give the West Homewood community a voice in approving developments in their district. Commission members stated during the meeting that they favored this idea if the committee continued to exist. Greg Cobb of the engineering, planning and zoning department said during the planning commission’s public hearing that he doesn’t see why West Homewood needs a CDRC when other districts do not have one. He noted that several commission members already had Homewood ties. “The planning commission is made of more West Homewood people than anything,” Cobb said. “I think they’re very well-represented by some very good people.” His suggestion to return to bringing development requests before the planning commission instead was viewed favorably by commission members. Council liaison Fred Hawkins added that scheduling is already a challenge for CDRC members, and this problem would be compounded if other districts asked for such a committee of their own. West Homewood is unique in the city with its use of a new form-based zoning code, which was the reason for the CDRC’s creation. However, Hawkins said it is being considered for other districts, especially in the Little Donkey area. Commission member Mark Woods said that if the zoning code is strictly followed, he feels it will eliminate a lot of the development concerns that West Homewood residents have. The commission decided it would be better

The planning commission discusses dissolving the CDRC for West Homewood. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

to amend the current form-based zoning code to reflect West Homewood’s needs and remove the CDRC. The amendments discussed during the meeting included new wording, removal of repetitive sections and changing all references to the CDRC to the planning commission. Members also discussed lowering building height limits to 40 feet and finding a way to remove lodging from the allowed uses within the district. They carried over the agenda item to the July meeting, when they plan to formally dissolve the committee and make the other amendments. In the meantime, the CDRC will continue to operate. The commission chose not to vote on adding at-large members because it would take 30 days

for the amendment to take effect, rendering it useless. At the same meeting, the commission gave its recommendation to a plan by Brookwood Medical Center to rezone the parcel at 525 Brookwood Blvd. to Institutional District for the construction of a 125,000-square-foot orthopedics pavilion and 500-car parking structure. Jon Rasmussen of Gonzalez-Strength & Associates presented the plan, which was met with concern from some residents and doctors living and working nearby. Their concerns included increased traffic and potential construction hazards, as a 2012 project had caused severe sewer flooding.

Rasmussen responded to these concerns with the hospital’s plans to add a southbound left turn lane and other intersection improvements on Brookwood Boulevard. He also informed the commission that the new construction has a smaller physical footprint than previous projects and more natural buffers between it and other buildings. There will not be a large-scale sewer extension project like the one that caused problems in 2012. The commission gave its recommendation to the project, which will come before the city council for approval.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A9

Pedestrian barriers installed in Edgewood By JORDAN HAYS The city of Homewood installed pedestrian barriers in the downtown Edgewood shopping area on Tuesday, June 2. The barriers are approximately three feet high and created from custom-made steel bars. Three sections of the bars were installed in front of shops along Oxmoor Road on the side that includes Dreamcakes, La Bamba and Edgewood Creamery. Jan Potter, owner of Dreamcakes, said the new barriers make the area safer for children. While she was initially concerned with how the barriers would look, she thought new addition looked nice and that “the city did a good job.” “We have so many children out here

that eat at all times of the day, and the traffic can get really heavy,” Potter said. “If one of them were to ever step off the street, it would really be a tragedy.” Frequent Edgewood shoppers, such as Faith Mohd, also said they appreciated the new barriers. “I think they’re awesome,” Mohd said. “I think they add a lot of character to Edgewood.” The cost of installing the barriers was approximately $3,500 and was approved at the April 13 Homewood City Council meeting. The barriers are approximately three feet high and created from custommade steel bars. Photo by Jordan Hays.

Council approves restaurant sign variance, stop sign addition By SYDNEY CROMWELL At its recent meetings, the Homewood City Council discussed the business below. }} Approval of a sign variance for Dodiyo’s, located at 1831 28th Ave. S. The restaurant plans to add three horizontal banners along its exterior walls, as well as replace an existing corner sign with a nine-foot awning over the entrance.

}} Approval to install a stop sign at the Gatsby Court/North Shadesview Terrace intersection. The city must first remove an unauthorized stop sign that was placed at the intersection by a developer. Once the official stop sign is installed, parking will be prohibited within 30 feet of the sign. }} Approving participation in the state sales tax holiday from Aug. 7 to 9. }} Acceptance of the mid-year financial review.

Highlights of the review included increases in revenue from sales and ad valorem taxes, as well as a 2013-2014 fiscal year audit that confirmed the city ended the year with a surplus over $1 million. This money was used to provide employee bonuses. }} The planning and development committee has been asked to consider creating an ad hoc parking solutions committee. }} A public hearing will be held at the same

meeting for a sign variance at 320 Oxmoor Road. }} Setting a public hearing on July 13 to consider rezoning the property at 525 Brookwood Blvd. for construction of a new orthopedics pavilion and parking structure. Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins said the construction will be a $51 million project. }} Continuing to carry over discussion of a pavement management system.

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From left: Brian Kulbersh, MD; Audie L. Woolley, MD, FACS; Brian J. Wiatrak, MD, FACS, FAAP; J. Scott Hill, MD, FACS, FAAP; and Nicholas Smith, MD

Our five physicians have more than 60 years of combined Pediatric ENT experience with additional fellowship training in Pediatric ENT surgery. We provide assessment, treatment and management for children with conditions such as: o Complex sinus problems o Ear infections (ear tubes) o Hearing loss o Tonsil and adenoid problems o Facial and neck masses o Sinus infections o Airway obstruction and breathing disorders o Cosmetic issues such as prominent ears (otoplasty) and birthmarks of the face and neck

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The Homewood Star

Homewood

Happenings

18 Street S.

A10 • July 2015

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TheHomewoodStar.com

Now Open BMW Motorcycles of Birmingham is now open at 505 Cobb St. It is owned and operated by brothers Joey and Johnny Belmont, who also own Big #1 Motorsports. 942-3313, bmwmotorcyclesbirmingham. com

J&S Produce sets up a stand in the Trinity United Methodist Church parking lot, 1400 Oxmoor Road, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jason and Sheila Davidson bring tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes, corn, peas, lettuce, kale, peaches and more from Chilton County farms.

Coming Soon Verizon Wireless will open by this fall in the former Applebee’s location at 579 Brookwood Village. verizonwireless.com

News and Accomplishments

ongoing sustainable health care practices, Brookwood employees celebrated Earth Day this year through a number of eco-friendly activities on campus. 877-8800, bwmc.com Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court S., has changed its name to The Dance Foundation. The foundation offers dance programs in its community arts center in Homewood and at more than 20 social service agencies, child care centers and schools throughout Birmingham. 870-0073, thedancefoundation.org

Homewood Gourmet, 1919 28th Ave. S., is serving a new daily lunch special on Tuesdays: Grilled Apple, Brie and Bacon-Bourbon Jam on Homemade White Bread. 871-1620, homewoodgourmet.com

Hirings and Promotions Brik Realty, 3430 Independence Drive, Suite 40, has hired Christy Simpson as a residential Realtor. 206-4321, brikrealty.com

Brookwood Medical Center was awarded the 2015 Greenhealth Partner for Change Award by Practice Greenhealth. The award recognizes health care facilities that continuously improve and expand upon their mercury elimination, waste reduction, recycling and source reduction programs. In addition to its

July 2015 • A11

Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare has promoted Tamara Harrelson as its new marketing manager. The school has a Homewood location at 151 Covenant Way. 968-1255, covenantclassical.com

Business news Business news

to share? Business news to share? toNow share? Open Coming Soon Coming Soon

Coming Soon Relocation Expansion Expansion

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.

If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and If you are in a brick and mortar business in Homewood and want towant share youryour event with us know. to share event withthe the community, community, let let us know.

The Homewood Star Email dan@thehomewoodstar.com

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

Ry Ogilvie

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The Homewood Star

A12 • July 2015

Chamber

Kelly Moore and Lyn Cook.

Samford football coach Chris Hatcher addresses the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

Bill Mitchell and Kristen McGee. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Samford’s Hatcher shares coaching, business principles By MADOLINE MARKHAM For Samford’s new football coach Chris Hatcher, there are many parallels between coaching and running a business. He shared the top ideas he tries to instill in his players when he spoke to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on June 16. Hatcher replaced longtime coach Pat Sullivan at Samford University starting in December. He previously coached at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State. He now resides in Homewood with his wife, Lori, and their two children, and said he is excited to live in the community. In both business and football, the ultimate

goal is to be successful, Hatcher said. He then unpacked the ways he works with his players that can also be applied to business. Coach and teach by the K.I.L.L. principle: keep it likeable and learnable. Hatcher said he has to remind himself how fun something was when he first started doing it, and try to keep it simple. Create an environment of motivation, both in the short term and the long term. Surround yourself with good people, teach them what you want done and then let them go do it. “You have to show up each day and do your best because there is someone else waiting to take your place,” Hatcher said he tells his players, using an illustration of how a Yankees first

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baseman took one game off and a rookie named Lou Gehrig came in and took his place. Build your program to keep. “Every job I take I take as if it’s the last job I’m going to have,” Hatcher said. Have a good attitude. “If you don’t like where you are on the depth chart, do something about it,” Hatcher tells his players. Have an edge. Hatcher closed that portion of his talk with motivational words. “Above all else, realize life is a game, and we are participants in the game,” he said. “There are no spectators. The only way we can reach our goals is if we stay in the game.” Hatcher then encouraged the chamber

members to come out to Samford football games this fall. The first game is Sept. 3 against Central Arkansas. Hatcher considers the team to be “Homewood’s football team” and reminded the members that they can still be a Samford Bulldog and an Auburn or Alabama fan. “Our expectations are high,” Hatcher said. “I believe what you expect out of people is what you get out of people.” The chamber will not hold a luncheon in July. The next luncheon will be Aug. 18 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club and will feature Matthew Dent of Buffalo Rock as the speaker. For tickets or more information, visit homewoodchamber.org.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A13

Community Homewood photo contest winners now on exhibit

Businesses nominated for 2015 Retailer of the Year Award

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Six Homewood retailers have been nominated for the 2015 Alabama Retailer of the Year. The award honors business that have operated or managed a retail business in Alabama for at least five years. The nominees include: }} Kevin and Stacy Brown of Chicken Salad Chick }} Jan Jacks Potter, Dwight Potter and Ben Moon of Dreamcakes }} Owen Lane of Nadeau

A collection of photos of Homewood is now on exhibit at Rosewood Hall. Winners of the Homewood Arts Council’s Faces, Places and Traces of Homewood photo contest are on display as the inaugural exhibit of the new Homewood Art Gallery on the first floor of the building. In addition to the winners, the gallery features other submissions as well as a collection of historic Homewood photos curated by Jake Collins, a Homewood Middle School history teacher who is currently working on a photo history book on Homewood. Perry Computer printed the photos for exhibit. Other sponsors for the opening event were Sprout: A Flower Market, Good People Brewery, Wolfe Camera and the City of Homewood. Exhibits will rotate in and out of the space regularly, but the council has not yet announced the next exhibit. The current photo exhibit will be open through the end of the summer during regular business hours. Winners of the photo contest are: Traces }} First: “Vulcan Fireworks,”

Area residents look at the photo contest winners on display on the first floor of Rosewood Hall during an opening reception on June 18. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Ken Boyd }} Second: “History Hunt,” Andrew Tyson }} Third: “The Jump,” C.W. Newell Faces }} First: “Color Me Rad Race,” Mary Biggs }} Second: “Yellow,” Lindsey Culver }} Third: “Phil at Homewood Central Park,” Ginger Rhoads Kraemer Places }} First: “Carriage House,” Ken

Boyd }} Second: “Gian Marco’s,” DJ Boyd }} Third: “Hangin with Mr. Beeson,” Beth Fuller Other Awards }} Best in Show: “Vulcan Fireworks,” Ken Boyd }} Honorable Mention: “Mom Wasp and Eggs 5,” David Paden For more information on the gallery, email homewoodalartscouncil@gmail. com.

By JORDAN HAYS

Furniture with a Soul }} Van and Margaret Scott of Savage’s Bakery }} Steve Thomas of Soho Retro }} Jim Watkins of Steel City Pops Finalists will be honored Oct. 6 at the annual Alabama Retail Day luncheon, which will feature Stu Crum, chairman and president of the Bridgestone Retail Operations. The award is sponsored by the Alabama Retail Association in conjunction the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business.

Sidewalk Sale coming to downtown Homewood Homewood shops are getting ready for a giant Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 25. More than 30 stores in downtown Homewood and Edgewood are participating. The sidewalks will be lined with merchandise, most of which will come with price reductions from 20 to 70 percent off. “We want to make it a street market type atmosphere,” said Steve Thomas, owner of Soho Retro and member of the Homewood Chamber Board. Four Seasons marketing director

Liz Lane said the “mega sidewalk sale” will feel like a party, with many retailers serving food and drinks or hosting other festivities. “Last year it was a really good turnout,” Lane said. “We got a lot of business and are excited about doing it this year.” Lane noted that many stores are receiving new merchandise in late July, and the sale allows them to make room for the new items. For more, visit homewoodchamber.org.

The Homewood Star

A14 • July 2015

Schools Foundation grants to fund math enhancement, AP prep and more By CHRIS GRIESEDIECK According to a recent survey, 75 percent of students think they are good at math in first grade. By the time students are in 11th grade, only 10 to 15 percent think they are good at math. To help students build their confidence with mathematical concepts, a new grant at Shades Cahaba Elementary will bring the author of Number Talks to work with kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers at each elementary school and train them. A number talk is a short ongoing daily routine that provides students with meaningful practice in math. These routines are structured as short sessions to develop what teachers are already teaching in the classroom. This grant, “Building a Foundation: Numerical Reasoning and Mathematical Best Practices,” is one of many awarded this spring by the Homewood City Schools Foundation for all five Homewood schools. Together the Discover-E grants for innovative classroom projects, new technology and professional development throughout the school system totaled $33,000. Another grant at Homewood High School will teach first-year AP students to manage a more rigorous course load. “Advanced Placement Pre-Season Summer Workout” will impart the skills needed to be successful in any AP class through a one-day workshop. Also at HHS, “Individualized Math Insights” will fund a math website giving students a greater

Additional HCSF grants by school Edgewood Elementary }} Eliminating Summer Reading Slump for Struggling Readers }} Enhancing the Reading Curriculum: Developing an Instructional Plan for Skill and Strategy Study }} Text Complexity: Reading Into the 21st Century Hall-Kent Elementary }} Hall-Kent Reading Rocks }} Reading Revisited: Teaching and Assessing for All Students }} Writing from Sources }} Text Complexity: Reading Into the 21st Century Shades Cahaba Elementary }} Shades Cahaba Makerspace }} Text Complexity: Reading Into the 21st Century Homewood Middle School Roger Redmond of Trust Building Services, second from left, presents a 2015 Discover-E grant to Jennifer Cassity, center, LEAD teacher at Shades Cahaba Elementary. Photo courtesy of HCSF.

understanding of specific mathematical concepts. IMI lets teachers monitor the students’ progress to make sure that they are mastering the necessary math skills. This software is used for all algebra I and geometry students in ninth grade.

A third HHS grant will upgrade the library collection since the state no longer provides funding for school libraries. This grant will provide funds to purchase new print and electronic books that support the curriculum, appeal to student

interest and prepare them for the future. To learn more about the grants or the schools foundation, visit homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com.

}} Sixth Grade Math Team Camp }} Bringing HMS Science into the Next Generation }} Heritage Panel Program }} Jumpstart Summer Camp }} Prepping Patriots: A Program to Help At-Risk Students Successfully Transition to HMS }} Scholastic Math }} Seed to Plate: Growing Learners and Harvesting Success

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TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A15

Celebrate the Fourth, Homewood style

An Our Lady of Sorrows volunteer shines shoes to prepare for the Trash and Treasures Sale on July 4. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Trash ’N Treasures Sale

Independence Day Festival

9 a.m.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church The Fourth of July in Homewood will once again kick off with a giant garage sale at Our Lady of Sorrows, followed by a full-on festival at the church. The sale will be held as a part of the 66th Annual Our Lady of Sorrows Church Independence Day Festival. On the day of the sale, shoppers can arrive as early as 8 a.m.; the ﬁrst 400 people can donate $5 for early bird admission. All others can enter for free starting at 9 a.m. Furniture will be sold under a slightly bigger tent than last year and will be located next to the gym. “Trash ’N Treasure has hit an all-time

high,” OLS’s Msgr. Martin Muller said. “It’s at an all-time high, and it’s a lot of work and it’s a lot of dedication to the parish in the name of God.” The festival will feature barbecue, a rafﬂe and games for all ages in addition to the rummage sale. Sale chairman Melanie Falconer said church members work on better displays and shelving all year for the sale, and certain volunteers manage designated areas according to their expertise. “It’s a well-oiled machine now,” Falconer said. “Everybody has their favorite part and their favorite thing to do.”

5th Annual

July 30, 2015 6pm-9pm Benefitting

Birmingham Boys Choir Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or call BBC office at 205-767-9219

Vulcan’s ﬁreworks show will begin at 9 p.m. on Independence Day. Photo courtesy of Stacey Jones Layman.

Fourth of July Celebration 5:30-9 p.m. Downtown Homewood Homewood’s annual Fourth of July celebration is set to take place in downtown Homewood on July 4 from 5:30-9 p.m. The event will feature inflatables, rides and music. Two blocks of 18th Street South and one block of 29th Avenue South will be blocked for pedestrian traffic and the festivities. For updates on the celebration, watch @homewoodparks Twitter feed and homewoodparks.com. Entrance to the event is free, but an unlimited attractions wristband costs $10. These will be available for sale near the intersection of 18th Street South and 29th Avenue South. Proceeds from ride sales benefit the Homewood High School Band.

Thunder on the Mountain Fireworks Show 9 p.m. Wherever Vulcan is visible After the Fourth of July celebration, Vulcan’s Thunder on the Mountain ﬁreworks show will be visible from downtown Homewood. The show will begin at 9 p.m. and can be seen in several areas across Birmingham. It is a free event and open to the public. This year’s show will be approximately 20 minutes and will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack played on 104.7 WZZK, 106.9 The Eagle, Easy 97.3, 98.7 Kiss FM, 95.7 Jamz, 107.3 Birmingham Mountain Radio, 1500 AM Juan and 98.3 FM La Jefa. Fox 6 will also televise the show. For more, visit visitvulcan.com.

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The Homewood Star

A16 • July 2015

Homewood firefighter to participate in Iron City Chef By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE The Iron City Chef competition has drawn sell-out crowds with the chance to see Birmingham chefs show off their skills. This year, one of Homewood’s own firefighters will be stepping into the kitchen. The Vestavia Hills Rotary Club, which hosts Iron City Chef, has decided to make the seventh annual fundraiser the Firehouse Edition. Representatives from Mountain Brook, Homewood, Hoover and Vestavia fire departments will be competing. “For the last six years, this signature event has had the Iron City format, bringing in four Birmingham area chefs to cook a meal that is judged by those in attendance,” Howard said. “But club members started talking last year about mixing it up, and we decided to reach out to surrounding fire departments because,

after all, they’re known for their great meals.” Homewood’s representative is Alexander Glover, an apparatus operator for Station 2. He said he’s been cooking 30 of his 40 years and attributes his start to having heckled his mother. “I’d be around the house while mom was trying to cook, and I’d keep asking when dinner was going to be ready,” Glover said. “Finally, she just told me to get in there and help. Then later I graduated to making tacos or pizza for family Friday night dinners and eventually went on to being a restaurant line chef.” With the Homewood department for 12 years, Glover has been a firefighter for 17 years, always serving on crews that loved to cook. Yet the Bluff Park resident, who has taken part in some chili cook offs before, said he’s “feeling some pressure” about the

upcoming event. “I had to cook in college or I’d starve, then I refined my skills at the firehouse,” he said. “But I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m a little nervous, though I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.” Glover’s competition dish will be shells stuffed with ground beef, Italian sausage and cheese and topped with a red sauce. It will be served with a side of sautéed zucchini and summer squash, and key lime tarts with strawberry sauce for dessert. The Iron City Chef Firehouse Edition will be held July 18 at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute. Tickets are $55 per person with corporate tables available for $400 and $800. For more information, go to rotarytoast.org.

Alexander Glover will compete in Iron City Chef on July 18.

Homewood Competitor Alexander Glover Time with HFD: 12 years Dish for Iron City Chef: Shells stuffed with ground beef, Italian sausage and

cheese, topped with a red sauce. Sautéed zucchini and summer squash on the side. Key lime tarts topped with a strawberry sauce for dessert.

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TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A17

Moussa finds new home in Tennessee By SYDNEY CROMWELL AND MADOLINE MARKHAM Moussa Diallo has left his Homewood home for a new one in Tennessee. Neal Schier, who serves as his custodian and brought him to Homewood from Senegal in 2013, had long been looking for a permanent home for Moussa. He wanted the boy to be able to stay in Homewood but said it was “a big ask” for families with other children to take him in. Instead, Schier got in touch with Chick-filA’s Winshape Foundation, which is a long-term foster program with homes in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. In early May, Moussa was offered a spot at a home in Cleveland, Tennessee. There he will live with six to eight other children and fulltime house parents. Winshape can provide a path to college or career education as Moussa gets older. The foundation can also provide lifelong assisted living if needed, as Moussa still feels the effects of a neurological disorder affecting his muscle movement. “This is a door that opened up for him,” Schier said, noting that it was still a hard decision to send Moussa there. “It’s going to be difficult for

Moussa to make that transition because he was so well accepted in Homewood.” Schier took him to the Winshape home on May 28. He had asked Moussa to try it out for five weeks, but it was still difficult for Schier to leave him. “He was patting me on the back, saying, ‘It’s OK,’” Schier said. The night before he left Homewood, Moussa had dinner at LaBamba in Edgewood with several families who had become close friends. Schier said Homewood families and Homewood City Schools stepped up to help Moussa transition to his home here. “Moussa was a really nice person,” said Moussa’s friend John Andress, a rising seventh-grader at Homewood Middle School. “He liked sports, like I do, so we were always playing basketball, soccer or football. He has meant very much to us, and to the community of Homewood. I will miss him very much.” Moussa first came to Homewood at age eight in 2010, several years after Schier had first met him in Senegal. At that time, he received surgery for his eye, a leg brace and physical therapy, and also attended Shades Cahaba Elementary. When

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Moussa Diallo ate dinner at LaBamba in Edgewood with his Homewood friends the night before he moved to a group home in Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Josephine Lowery.

Schier was able to bring him back in August 2013, he began a new life living with Schier and attending Shades Cahaba again. In January, Schier won custodianship of Moussa in a court case against his original adoptive caretakers in Senegal, allowing Moussa to remain in the U.S. Schier will retain custodianship while Moussa lives at the group home. While he will always be part of Moussa’s life, Schier knew he had to eventually return to

his home and job in Pennsylvania, and Moussa needed a family who could keep up with an energetic 13-year-old. On their drive to the home in Tennessee, Moussa was asking Schier about the new house parents. Schier told him that they were in their 30s and younger than him. Moussa responded: “Oh good, they’ll have lots more energy!”

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The Homewood Star

A18 â&#x20AC;˘ July 2015

Summer

FUN Photo Contest

a jpeg format in s to o h p r u yo l To enter, emai woodstar.com. e m o h e th s@ to o . to ph lowed per person al e ar s to o h p r u Only fo

n u F r e m m u S D W #H

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Winners will be announced in the September issue.

Category 1: Any summer fun photo Category 2: A summer fun photo displaying a copy of The Homewood Star wherever you are

Deadline is August 9, 2015 MASTERS Trial Metformin to Augment Strength Training Effective Response in Seniors Are you 65 years old or older, feeling weak or fatigued, and finding it more difficult to be physically active? If so, you may be interested in the MASTERS Trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial at UAB to determine if the addition of a medication (metformin) will improve the effectiveness of strength training in older adults. Participants receive supervised exercise training 3 days per week for 14 weeks with certified trainers in the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, and free assessments of health and functional status, body composition, and fitness. Funding: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging (Grant #1R01AG046920)

FOR ALL AGES

Principal Investigators: Marcas Bamman, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham Charlotte Peterson, PhD, and Phil Kern, MD, University of Kentucky To learn more: Complete the questionnaire at www.uab.edu/masters-trial (preferred) or call 205-934-6231

Moving Research into Medicine

uab.edu/exercise

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A19

Sports Lakeshore’s Kirkpatrick signs with Alabama to play wheelchair basketball By DAVID KNOX 2015 high school graduate Will Kirkpatrick, a current member of the Lakeshore Lakers wheelchair basketball team, signed with the University of Alabama to continue his basketball career. Kirkpatrick has spent the past 10 years playing at Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood. In April, Kirkpatrick helped the Lakers to a thirdplace finish at the Junior National Invitational Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, and he was named a National Wheelchair Basketball Association second team Academic All-American. Kirkpatrick will start classes in August and begin practice with the Alabama team about a month into the fall semester. Alabama has both men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams. The women are coming off a national championship in 2015, beating Illinois for the title, their fourth national championship. The men won a national championship in 2013.

Conner Rivers selected to ACCC Region 22 all-star team By DAVID KNOX Former Homewood High standout Conner Rivers has been named to the Alabama Community College Conference All-Region 22 team. Rivers, a sophomore outﬁelder for Calhoun Community College, was eighth in the conference in batting with a .387 batting average. He made no errors in the ﬁeld. Rivers was also named to the North Division all-star team. He was the only Calhoun player named to either team. He has signed to continue his college career at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee, an NAIA

Conner Rivers

school that competes in the Southern States Athletic Conference along with Alabama schools Auburn-Montgomery and Mobile University. The RedHawks were 27-17 last season.

Golfers to play at collegiate level

Will Kirkpatrick passes the ball inbounds for the Lakeshore Lakers. Photo courtesy of Lakeshore Foundation.

Coach Keat Litton stands with golfers Sam Goldasich, Crawford Flach during their golf scholarship signings.

Two Homewood High School Golf Team members recently signed to play college golf. Sam Goldasich signed with Lipscomb University, and Crawford Flach signed with Samford University. Head Coach Keat Litton said he is proud of these two students and their accomplishments, and he looks forward to all that they will do in their college careers.

The Homewood Star

A20 • July 2015

Homewood grad wins JUCO World Series title, looks forward to playing at Ole Miss By CHRIS GRIESEDIECK Brian Browning, like his Northwest Florida State College team, was nothing short of dominant during the 2015 season. The sophomore lefty pitcher and 2013 Homewood High School graduate was part of the NWF State team that won the National Junior College World Series on May 30 in Grand Junction, Colorado. At the national tournament, the Raiders outscored their opponents 53-15. The team finished the 2015 campaign with an overall record of 42-13. In the final do-or-die championship game, NWF State easily defeated McLennan (Texas) 15-1. Coming into the tournament, this was the Raiders’ first appearance in the NJCAA World Series. The team bonded as the Raiders made the long journey to Colorado for the tournament. “We had been an underdog heading in the tournament,” Browning said. “We kept a chip on our shoulder, and it was an awesome experience.” In 12 games during the 2014-2015 season, Browning went 8-3, tossing a total of 66.1 innings, which was third on the team. He also threw three complete games and was third on the team with 55 strikeouts. He finished with a 2.98 ERA, improving on his 3.29 ERA the year before. Browning’s last start as a junior college player came on May 25 against Iowa Western at Grand Junction. He threw six shutout innings, giving up six hits, striking out five while walking two in the Raiders’ 10-0 win. On May 10, against Gulf Coast State College, Browning pitched a complete game, allowing only one run on five hits. He struck out 11 and walked four. Browning’s success on the mound began as a freshman at NW Florida State College in

2013-2014. He received All-Metro Honorable Mention in 2013 and All-Panhandle Conference Honorable Mention in 2014. Browning led the squad in wins (six), innings pitched (68.1) and strikeouts (53). While starting 13 games, he posted a record of 6-1 with two complete games. The Raiders went 27-18 that season. “Brian made a significant improvement both physically and mentally during his two years in our program,” Raiders head coach Doug Martin said. “He was outstanding for us during our conference and postseason. We have confidence that he will contribute to the Ole Miss program the next two seasons.” Now a JUCO National Champion, Browning has more to look forward to as he transitions to pitching in the Southeastern Conference. He has signed with the University of Mississippi. “My dream has always been to play in the SEC. Signing with Ole Miss was exciting. They have some of the top fan support in the country,” he said. Browning expects to be a starter and will be working out with the team this summer. Mike Bianco, head baseball coach at Ole Miss, is excited to have Browning join the Rebels. “We are very excited about Brian and what he will bring to our pitching staff. Obviously, he’s very talented and a winner. We can’t wait to get him in an Ole Miss uniform,” Bianco said. When reflecting on his time as a pitcher at Homewood High School, Browning acknowledged his coach who supported him through thick and thin. “I credit a lot of my success to my pitching coach, Keith Brown. He helped me keep my confidence up even when I had a bad start. It was about not letting myself get too down. Keith was always motivating and very supportive of me,” he said.

HHS graduate Brian Browning will play for Ole Miss next year. Photo courtesy of Northwest Florida State College.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • A21

PROSTITUTION

CONTINUED from page A1 supply and demand. If you get rid of the demand, the supply goes away, and the pimps won’t have a job.” Through community meetings, Facebook groups, donation efforts and volunteer excursions, Homewood residents have rallied to end prostitution in the area. But not everyone thinks all of the discussion is helping. Fred Hawkins, Ward 2 city council representative, said the problem of prostitution is no different from what other communities are facing. “I don’t think that our area has any larger of a prostitution problem than anyone else,” Hawkins said. “It’s just that our neighborhood has made a big issue of it.” An unnamed source familiar with the police department told The Homewood Star that Homewood’s prostitution issue isn’t unique. Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Hoover and downtown Birmingham face similar issues. The source also said Homewood Police Department will not release statistics on prostitution at this time. Hawkins said it is important to address the issue of prostitution, but it needs to be done through the proper channels. “I think it’s good to talk to the leaders and the police department about a plan to attack the problem, but I think all the media attention has been overly negative,” Hawkins said. The city was already working on the problem of prostitution before it reentered the spotlight, Hawkins said. Nothing has changed in regard to police efforts as a result of “media attention” given to the problem. Instead, he believes the discussion has hurt business values and home values and been an overall “net negative” for Homewood.

State Rep. Jack Williams, WellHouse staff members Ashley Anderson and Carolyn Potter, WellHouse founder Tajuan McCarty and Homewood resident Andy Conaway answered community questions about prostitution at Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church on June 9. Photo by Erica Techo.

While police work with area hotel and motel owners to fight prostitution, some residents are making their own efforts. Larry Gamble goes out every week with a group of WellHouse volunteers called Special Ops. He said the group’s goal is to minister to and pray for the people they meet on the street. “We will witness to anybody that is addicted or homeless, anybody on the street,” Gamble said. “We try to realize who God is putting in our path.” The group includes anywhere from 20 to 30 people and a police officer. In addition to speaking with people who are interested, they distribute flyers and toiletries with the WellHouse hotline number on them. Special Ops used to talk to people in the parking lots of hotels and motels, Gamble said, but they have been kicked off

the property of some locations. He said this was because their presence “started running their clientele off.” At the June 9 community discussion with WellHouse, Homewood residents said motel owners aren’t doing enough to curb prostitution. While the WellHouse has “absolutely” received positive feedback from local police departments, McCarty said the same is not true for hotel owners. Oxmoor Road Econo Lodge owner Sanjay “Sam” Patel said he has taken steps to minimize illegal activity at his property, but the issue is one that will never completely disappear. “It’s a nationwide problem,” Patel said. “The residents behind me, they think it’s just the Econo Lodge.” The previously mentioned unnamed source agreed that some West Homewood residents have too narrow of a

focus when it comes to motels, hotels and illegal activity. “Their axe to grind is with the Econo Lodge … They’re using prostitution to stir up people,” the source said. The source said there is a group of hotels in West Homewood that have a high number of police call-outs, which presents a larger and more worthwhile issue. Those call-outs include problems such as drugs, fugitives, violence and prostitution. These hotels have been notified of the problem, the source said, and police officers have done site surveys and provided suggestions to reduce the call rates. Police will be monitoring the properties for two or three months. If no changes are made, police can bring the issue to the city council, which can decide to let the hotel’s business license

expire. A similar situation happened when the council forced the America’s Best Value Inn and Suites on Oxmoor Road to close following a report of high crime levels. Police reported 148 arrests and 241 reported offenses, including 20 arrests related to prostitution, from June 2011 until 2014. Police have made prostitution arrests recently and will continue to make those arrests, but the source said the department’s main concern is other crimes that occur more frequently at hotels. The department aims to improve hotels, not shut them down, but the responsibility of improvement falls on the owners. Patel said he worked to reduce prostitution by about 90 percent since he bought the Econo Lodge three years ago. He did this through work with Homewood police and establishing new policies to run IDs and take down vehicle information of guests. The source familiar with the police department said the Econo Lodge does not get the highest number of police calls when compared to other hotels in the area. The issue is tough to combat, however, because it was able to build up for so long. Even now, Patel said some other hotels continue to support the problem. “Unfortunately, some hotels see it as a way to make money, but we don’t want to make money that way,” he said. Police are working on a strategy for combating larger hotel problems, which the anonymous source said the department would not give details on, but the plan will eventually be brought before the council. “It’s not going to be done overnight, and it’s not the only thing that the police department has to get done,” the source said. Sydney Cromwell contributed to this article.

The Homewood Star

A22 • July 2015 SMALLEY

CONTINUED from page A1 of his eye and witnessed the car immediately driving off. By 5 a.m. the next morning, the doctors told the Smalleys that a rough journey lay ahead, but that Paula would recover. The impact had shattered bones in Paula’s body literally from head to toe. She would spend the next three weeks at UAB, first in the trauma unit and then at Spain Rehabilitation Center, and then another seven and a half weeks at friends Laura and Scott Williams’ house in Homewood before returning home. On Sunday, Paula’s niece Kelly Dorough, who runs Homewood HomeTees with her, had come to see her before she went into surgery. “Can you even believe this, Kel?” Paula had said. Dorough smiled. It sounded like something Paula would say. It offered a glimmer of hope. The night of the incident, Paula had been wearing a tight scarf and a new J.Crew down coat she had found at a consignment store. Although her bones were broken, she was not scratched and her neck was not damaged. Paula now sees the coat as a physical representation of how God was her “blanket of protection” in those tragic moments. Living through darkness Still, the days ahead were horrific. In Paula’s words, she “broke her face” and fractured ribs, her tailbone and her pelvis. Her head injuries caused vertigo, and it would be three months before she could stand on her feet again. The pain was not just physical. It was mental and emotional. Paula’s tears never seemed to stop, and she was unable to wipe them herself. Even on Feb. 3, almost two months later, she felt “a very dark existence” when returning to the orthopedist. As they pulled up her X-rays, she plugged her ears like a child and looked away. She didn’t want to hear as the doctor reported to her husband and sister. It wasn’t until her May 26 appointment that she felt brave enough to see them. It wasn’t denial; she just wanted to move forward. Craig never left her side, nor did her sister, Donna Purcell, who left her Lake Martin home

Craig and Paula Smalley stand on the screened-in porch friends built onto their home as part of a project of adding a main-floor laundry room during Paula’s recovey process. Photo by Keith McCoy.

with an overnight bag on Dec. 19 and wouldn’t return for months, sleeping at Paula’s house each night with Paula and Craig’s two high schoolaged daughters. “Prayer just sustained them,” Paula said later of her daughters Maizie and Sally. “The girls did exceptionally well. It could have knocked them down, but they took care of themselves.” Two thoughts stuck with Paula on dark days. She never questioned why it was her who had been hit, and she never believed that what happened was part of God’s plan. “It’s just something that happened,” she said. “It’s evil firsthand, and I suffered a broken heart from it. Until Jesus comes again, we will experience brokenness.” A counselor and friend of the Smalleys, Gordon Bals, met with Paula every Sunday and listened as she cried and cried. She was feeling crazy because she hated something so deeply, he told her. But good would come of it, he assured her. “That gave me permission to hate something so terribly and know that I wasn’t crazy,” Paula said. People didn’t know what to tell her, but Bals gave her tools for the grief she was experiencing. The way Paula and Craig see it, the experience made her both stronger and softer. “She is softer having been hurt and broken,

but stronger through God’s ability to resurrect and restore,” Craig said. “She is stronger as when we are broken, we can find that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.” People on all sides Faces on the Smalleys’ path through the weeks and months after the incident became the blessings that accompanied the horrors. “I felt like the people we came in contact with were handpicked for me,” Paula said. On one of the first days, Paula was upset when her sister and husband couldn’t go back into surgery with her. A tech with her took her hand and told her, “I will be with you the whole time. You will not be alone.” UAB physical therapist Robin Riddle’s care for Paula stands out most in the Smalleys’ memory. She worked with Paula for five months. “I truly feel that these therapists get to know someone from the inside out,” Paula said. “They see the raw emotional side of you first, and then see your ‘normal’ everyday self after the healing begins to take place.” A group of “prayer ladies” from their church’s prayer ministry, Advent House, were dedicated to sit and pray and listen to Paula every day. Kathy Logue would come daily to sit quietly nearby and pray.

“People really just cared,” Paula said. “We were sustained on people’s prayers.” The narrow doors and small rooms in the Smalleys’ Edgewood home were not equipped for wheelchairs and other equipment Paula needed, but friends from Cathedral Church of the Advent, where Craig serves as canon for pastoral care and counseling, changed that. A builder, David Tanner, spearheaded constructing a ramp up the hill that their house sits on to get a wheelchair in their home, as well as moving their laundry room upstairs from the basement and widening doors and the bathroom. People brought meals, and an angel painting appeared on her mantel along with a host of other items they found in their home when they moved back in at last. “We need a new vocabulary to express our thankfulness,” Craig said. The road home When she left UAB in January, all Paula could think about were two things: her job teaching 4-year-olds at All Saints Episcopal Church, and spring break. She couldn’t return to teaching, but her physical therapist kept telling her there wasn’t any reason she couldn’t go on spring break. The home her family and friends rented in Rosemary Beach wasn’t handicap-accessible, but she went anyway, just two weeks after she had stood for the first time. Every day that week was sunny and around 80 degrees. She sat on a bicycle while Craig pushed it. “I felt like it was God saying, ‘I told you I would take care of you,’” she said. “It was the first turning point I felt in my mind.” When she returned to her physical therapist two weeks later, Paula learned she was twice as strong as when she had left. From there, she skipped the crutches and the cane and went straight to walking on her own from the walker. The hospital bed went to the curb. And at long last, the Smalleys were able to return home. Paula was determined to make it back before cheerleading tryouts for her youngest daughter, Sally, started March 10, and despite the icy weather a week beforehand, she came home to a house in the midst of construction. But that didn’t matter, nor did the fact that her wheelchair

TheHomewoodStar.com and shower chair came too. A few weeks later, another turning point came. She had saved the piles of get-well cards she had received, but it was time to move on. Her daughter Maizie encouraged her to throw them in the trash, and she did just that. Little by little, Paula pushed through and didn’t miss the milestones she’d longed to watch her children reach. She went to see her daughters cheer at the final Homewood High School basketball games of the season. A friend drove her to Auburn to see her son off to Old South, and she got to watch her daughter go to prom that night. She walked up to the cabin she stayed in on a graduation trip with her daughter Maizie and friends — with no wheelchair and no walker. She went to a family reunion on Lake Martin and to cheer camp with Sally, a rising junior. On July 16, she and her family of five will drive to eastern Ontario to spend two weeks, just as they do every summer and just as her father has for the past 76 years. By May, Paula was two months ahead in physical therapy, and her orthopedist couldn’t believe Paula was walking into her orthopedist office. In Paula’s words, she has never been a “worker outer,” but May 27 was her last day at Spain. She had been going three times a week for physical therapy. At We Love Homewood Day in May, Paula ran into Ivy Spencer, a physical therapist whose kids had been on swim team with Paula’s. Ivy offered to be Paula’s therapist when she left Spain, and in June Paula started seeing her twice a week at Eskridge and White. “That’s just Homewood to Homewood, friend to friend,” Paula said. Doctors tell Paula now the healing should be complete after a year, but she’s not looking for a new normal. In her mind, there was Paula Before, and now there’s Paula After. “I don’t take risks, I don’t do scary things, I don’t work out, but I lived it, I cried it, I went straight through it,” she said. “I just want it to be over.” A lot of people recently have asked Paula if the person who hit her has been caught. It catches her off guard. “We forgave that person early on,” she said. “I was never mad, I was just so sad… The tears have dried, the idea of it is fading, and I believe it’s because we went straight through it. I just wish it didn’t happen.”

July 2015 • A23

Homewood

1306 Roseland Drive

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

635337

35209 1306 Roseland Drive

New

$799,000

635640 35209 731 Columbiana Road, #11

New

$149,900

635436

35209 1892 Huntington Road, #B

New

$249,900

635414

35209 608 Edgemoor Drive

New

$159,900

635237

35209 315 Redfern St.

New

$279,000

635230

35209 857 Sylvia Drive

New

$225,000

635049

35209 1508 Melrose Place

New

$359,900

634977

35209 610 Shades Creek Parkway New

$265,000

634946

35209 1830 Windsor Blvd.

New

$199,780

634920

35209 120 Morris Blvd.

New

$349,000

635209

35209 208 Edgeview Ave.

New

$329,000

634918

35209 1601 Barry Ave.

New

$298,500

634744

35209 1630 Woodfern Drive

New

$234,900

634570

35209 1508 Wellington Road

New

$649,000

634568 35209 520 Oxford Circle

New

$329,900

634558

New

$168,900

634480 35209 109 Knoll Crest Drive

New

$150,000

634405 35209 1627 Ashwood Lane, #0

New

$154,900

35209 1631 Ashwood Lane, #15

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on June 15. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

208 Edgeview Ave.

9 9 5 $1 $ 19

IN TW TS AT S SE TING ET T S A AR ST EN NG I E T QU R A ST

The Homewood Star

SECTION B School House B13 Calendar B17 Opinion B19

Women of

Homewood

Each year, The Homewood Star recognizes businesswomen in our community. Each woman featured uses her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her profession to make the place we call home the best it can be. Business articles featured in this section are paid advertisements.

B10

B11

r. Deanne L. Vail and Dr. Julie L. Webb both always knew they wanted to be involved in the medical field. Dr. Webb was led to dentistry after shadowing her own dentist. Dr. Vail discovered dentistry after seeking a career that would allow her to excel in the medical field and raise a family at the same time. Today, the two own Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, LLC. The business opened in January of 2006. As small business owners, Dr. Vail and Dr. Webb handle all aspects, responsibilities and decisions that fall on business owners. Both Dr. Vail and Dr. Webb are members of the American Dental Association and enjoy expanding their dental knowledge and traveling to various continuing education courses, which include new advances in obstructive sleep apnea dental devices as well as Botox. Dr. Vail and Dr. Webb also enjoy giving back to Homewood. Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry donates generously to Homewood City Schools, sports and the arts. It also provides custom mouth guards to any

Deanne L. Vail, DMD and Julie L. Webb, DMD and all Homewood athletes free of charge.

Tyler, and their four boys. Dr. Webb enjoys spending time with her

husband, Rodney and their three dogs.

“We love our community and serve any way we can,” Dr. Webb said. In their free time, Dr. Vail and Dr. Webb volunteer at their churches and at several local organizations and schools. Dr. Vail enjoys spending time with her husband,

1752 Oxmoor Road • 868-4577 • homewooddental.com

The Homewood Star

B2 • July 2015

Brittany Rigsby, NP, Rayna Dyck, MD, Jaime Dunn, PA-C

he women at Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (SWCA) discovered their passions for healthcare at different times, but all three agree that dermatology is a fitting specialty. SWCA offers many dermatologist services, including laser, cosmetic and medical procedures.

she said, because she loves where she lives and works and what she does.

Rayna Dyck is an associate physician at SWCA and a resident of Homewood. In eighth grade she realized that she wanted to be a physician. Her mother was also in the healthcare field, and Dyck saw how much people called on her when something was wrong. She wanted to help people in the same way. Her time at medical school led her to realize that dermatology’s combination of medical diseases, procedures and pathology were a perfect fit for her.

Nurse practitioner Brittany Rigsby, a Hoover resident, realized she wanted to work in medicine when she was just a kid. Rigsby went to work with her mom, a pediatric nurse, and developed an interest in the medical field. During her time as a nurse practitioner, Rigsby found melanoma in the early stages and saved a patient’s life. That was when she knew dermatology would be her specialty. She is responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating dermatological conditions in patients of all ages.

At SWCA, Dyck works with patients of all ages, with everything from rashes to lumps to hair loss. She also performs cosmetic procedures and surgical treatments. Her position is a blessing,

Spending her free time with friends and family – especially her nieces and nephews – is very important to Dyck. She also loves to run, and singing with church and community choirs.

Rigsby lives in Hoover with her husband and two sons, and she enjoys spending any free time with her family

at their house on Smith Lake. Physician assistant Jaime Dunn found her specialty halfway through PA school. She enjoyed all of her classes, but she was most interested in studying skin conditions and getting to know her patients. This led her to pursue dermatology, a field that combines long-term relationships, a fast-paced environment, and a diversity of clinic and procedures. As a certified physician assistant, she examines, diagnoses and treats patients, and performs procedures such as biopsies, chemical peels and other specialty procedures. Dunn lives in Homewood and has recently started spending her free time working on her golf skills. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cheering at Alabama football games, walking her dog Snuggles, and enjoying the food and entertainment that the Birmingham area offers.

1920 Huntington Road • 871-7332 • skinwellnessal.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B3

Dr. Rachel Lynch and Dr. Tarika Bhuta

r. Tarika Bhuta’s path to becoming a doctor began in Montgomery. As a young girl, she often accompanied her father, a vascular surgeon, on weekend rounds. “I want to be a doctor,” she would say. Always a stellar student and athlete, she was valedictorian of her high school class and won multiple state tennis titles. At the University of North Carolina, she graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors, while also earning varsity letters in tennis. In 1998, she completed her medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from UAB. In July of 2008, Tarika and her husband, Brian, opened McCool and Bhuta Ear Nose and Throat Specialists. Both are Board Certified ENTs, and provide medical and surgical treatment for children and adults. They offer a wide range of services, including tonsillectomies, ear tubes, facial rejuvenation and snoring procedures. Four years ago, they introduced balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic sinus infections, to the Birmingham area.

Sensing a need for physician supervised hearing healthcare, Drs. McCool and Bhuta opened Sonology Hearing Aid Clinic in July of 2013. “Hearing loss is a true medical problem with profound consequences, such as depression, social isolation and early onset dementia,” Tarika said. “Patients with hearing loss should be evaluated by a qualified MD. In fact, federal law requires an evaluation by a physician before receiving a hearing aid.” To help them provide the best hearing healthcare in Birmingham, the doctors teamed with Birmingham native Dr. Rachel Lynch. Rachel is a graduate of Alabama, and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Arkansas. “Combining an ENT practice with a hearing aid clinic is convenient for patients and allows us the ability to provide the very best hearing healthcare,” she said. Tarika and Brian and their three children live in Hollywood. The children usually walk to the office after their

school day. “I enjoy seeing the kids every day after school and getting them to their after school activities,” Tarika said. “Living and working in Homewood has been an invaluable part of my work/life balance. We are so fortunate to live and work in Homewood, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Tarika’s practice is active in supporting the community through donations and sponsorships. “I believe community service is vital to sustaining a thriving place to live,” she said. She is an active member with the Junior League of Birmingham, serves on the Greater Jefferson County Food Policy Council, and supports the Birmingham Museum of Art through the Indian Cultural Society. In her free time, Tarika enjoys spending time with her family, yoga, cycling, cooking and reading.

McCool and Bhuta Ear Nose and Throat Specialists

Sonology Hearing Aid Clinic

3055 Independence Drive • 205-414-1368

3055 Independence Drive • 205-313-0395

The Homewood Star

B4 • July 2015

n 2009, Andrea Snyder and her husband, David, found themselves at a crossroads. They realized their talents were being under-utilized and felt they had learned the skills necessary to step out on their own. “I don’t even remember being nervous,” Andrea recalled. “We felt prepared, and I knew that God gave us our skills to be invested and not to be hoarded away. This is an important lesson that I want to exemplify for my children.” Five years later, Andrea wears many hats at both the 18th Street and Summit locations of Urban Cookhouse, but her main focus is customer satisfaction. “My main objective is to exceed expectations in that area,” she said. “I do this by supporting my staff and making sure they have all the tools and communication they need to be successful. I also create and facilitate all sales and marketing efforts.” In her free time, Andrea loves traveling, entertaining at home and interior decorating. She and David live in Edgewood and have two daughters, Ruby, age 4, Dylan, age 2, as well as a blue pit bull named Jefe.

Andrea Snyder They are members at Church of the Highlands and attend the Woodlawn campus. Andrea also mentors a Woodlawn High School student whom she has known for four years, and serves on the Cornerstone School Board of Directors.

open more Urban Cookhouse locations in Birmingham and possibly to create a new restaurant concept.

Going forward, Andrea wants to

2846 18th St. • South 879-0883 • urbancookhouse.com

Tricia Thomas

Barbara Wheeler

After opening Tricia’s Treasures in 1981, the business relocated to its current location in Homewood. The shop’s 12,000 square feet has everything from high-end, specialty antiques to pieces for your lake, beach or mountain home.

“It is ironic, but the thought of moving is very daunting to me,” she said. “We love our home and our neighborhood.”

fter 15 years in the food industry, Tricia Thomas knew it was time for a change. In 1981, she chose to get into the antiques business.

“Thirty-four years later, here I am,” Thomas said.

As the owner, Thomas often wears many hats in order to make it a success. “I do anything and everything. You name it,” she said. “It is either my responsibility or my fault.” Though the business leaves her with little free time, she enjoys visiting the beach or having dinner with friends at some of Birmingham’s fine restaurants, and spending time with her grandchildren. “Please visit our store if you’ve never been. We know you will be pleasantly surprised,” she said.

2700 19th Place South 871-9779 • triciastreasures.us

arbara Wheeler, a distinguished realtor at LAH, began her career in 1980. In 1982 she moved from Edgewood to her current residence in Hollywood. She dislikes moving with its stress and upheaval, which is why she has resisted buying another home.

As a realtor, Barbara is associated with client’s lives and knows the imposing tasks they face. Her responsibilities include finding buyers their affordable dream home, negotiating with all parties to promptly get home sellers their top dollar and bringing everyone to the closing table in a timely manner. Her experience and considerable skills with people and property let her make the often exasperating process of purchasing or selling a home “a smooth experience for all.” Barbara enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren.

LAH Real Estate 1760 Oxmoor Road • 879-8580

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B5

J Lamb has always loved optical fashion.

“As a child, I would help my parents in their optical dispensary,” she said. “At age 10, I had a knack for what fit face shapes, what complimented people’s coloring, and what made people look their youngest.” In March 2002, she opened JJ Eyes in Fairhope, Alabama with a goal to provide ultimate customer service and quality merchandise with state-of-the-art lenses. After running the Fairhope business for 12 years, she and her family moved to Birmingham. She then opened the second JJ Eyes location in the in the heart of Homewood in August 2014. JJ Eyes is a premier optical boutique that carries exclusive top lines. Lamb and her staff take the time to evaluate each client’s face shape, coloring and personality when fitting for a pair of glasses. JJ Eyes is one of the only eye exam facilities in the region where the patient receives 100 percent of the eye testing from a doctor. JJ Eyes offers eye exams, contact lenses fitting, glaucoma testing and visual field testing.

JJ Lamb “We are working on our house Homewood, is a member of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce right now and cannot wait to get and attends Trinity Methodist Church. She tries to spend as much time with her two children Zoe, age 14 and Joe, age 9 as she can and also has two Yorkies and a fat tailed gecko.

to know everyone in Homewood!,” she said.

Lamb recently moved to

2814 18th St. South • 703-8596 • jjeyesoptical.com

Heidi Stoeckley

eidi Stoeckley is the artistic director for The Dance Foundation, formerly Children’s Dance Foundation. She oversees the vision of the Studio Program that provides classes for infants to adults and the Community Partnership Program that provides free to lowcost dance classes at daycares and child service organizations all over Birmingham. “My work at The Dance Foundation is my life work—meaning, I have been doing this work since I was very young,” she said. “I was only 5 when I realized that dance was a safe place for me to be completely myself. I also discovered that my dancing had the power to impact others deeply and personally. I do what I do now so that others can discover these benefits for themselves.” Stoeckley and her family moved to Birmingham two years ago and purchased a home in Homewood.

1715 27th Court South thedancefoundation.org • 870-0073

Gina Falletta

rowing up in a small town, Gina Falletta knew that she wanted something more.

“I feel that being from a small town, and watching people struggle, I wanted to make a difference,” she said. Gina opened Gina Falletta State Farm in Huntsville in 2008. After being promoted to Leadership with State Farm, she was relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Gina grew homesick and missed the agency. An opening became available in Homewood, and she was able to open her Homewood location in October 2014. The agency has three team members whose responsibilities include assisting people with managing the risks of everyday life and recovering from the unexpected. Gina’s vision for the community is to be the customer’s first choice and best choice for auto, home and business insurance, as well as financial products. “I love what I do, and we make a difference each day,” Gina said.

2926 Central Ave., Suite B 731-4663 • ginafalletta.com

The Homewood Star

B6 • July 2015

Stephanie Jordan

eauty for Ashes salon owner Stephanie Jordan never intended to open her business, but after working in cosmetology, she felt called to open something different. “God put a fire inside of me and a passion to grow more than just a salon,” she said. “My heart is for changing people’s lives by loving on them through their hair.” Jordan is a master cosmetologist and Beauty for Ashes salon specializes in doing modern and exotic color as well as traditional gray coverage. The salon uses Kevin Murphy and Neuma product lines and offers make up, nail and waxing services along with hair services. Jordan is a widowed mother of five children and home schools the oldest three. Although free time is scarce, she enjoys writing and is the author of a book called A Dose of Reality. She also hopes to teach business classes for cosmetologists at the salon next spring.

Dr. Meghan Lemke, Dr. Maxcie Sikora, and Dr. Sunena Argo

rs. Meghan Lemke, Maxcie Sikora, and Sunena Argo joined Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center to be part of one of the most respected and innovative allergy practices in the Southeast. Board certified in both allergy/asthma and pediatrics, they are able to provide the highest quality of care to pediatric and adult patients alike, treating allergies, asthma, sinus and skin conditions, and a wide range of associated immunological disorders. Drs. Lemke, Sikora and Argo also specialize in treating patients with food and drug allergies. Their goal is to provide the very best medical care in a patient-friendly, dignified manner. Alabama Allergy & Asthma’s state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff enable them to give patients comprehensive care that is unmatched.

504 Brookwood Blvd.

1830 29th Ave. South, Suite 120, inside SoHo Square 205-623-1247 • hairartiststephanie.com

Locations in Homewood, Hoover, Alabaster, Cullman and Chelsea

Anna-Marie Ellison

Tracy True Dismukes

871-9661 • alabamaallergy.com

While she enjoys cross fit and playing golf, Anna-Marie focuses her work efforts on growing and developing her office. She has an intense love for bacon, so she is always on the look out for new recipes to try. She and her son, Major, live in Homewood, where he attends Hall-Kent Elementary.

racy True Dismukes’ stores are not only a place to shop for highend brands at wholesale prices. Collage Designer Consignment, located in downtown Homewood and at the Vestavia City Center, also helps bring high-style deals to shoppers and relief to victims of human trafficking. Dismukes bought Collage over 20 years ago and built the business by listening to her clients’ desires and frustrations with regular retail. She and her staff have created a cozy, contemporary atmosphere with full service wardrobe stylists to help clients pull together their look with pre-owned designer apparel, handbags and shoes combined with new accessories, all at 70 percent off retail every day. Collage also supports human trafficking awareness and victim support by purchasing items made by victims. All proceeds from sales of those items go to Alabama-based Blanket Fort Hope, an organization that provides a safe place for children who are rescued from human trafficking.

2700 Rogers Drive 979-2335 • Eraking.com • Anna-MarieEllison.com

1802 29th Ave. S. 879-6163 • Shopcollage.com

nna-Marie Ellison lives, works and plays in Homewood. She was raised in the Homewood community from Trinity Day School all the way through Homewood High School. She graduated in 2000 and played four-year varsity volleyball, was in the Network Show Choir and served as Miss Heritage her senior year. Anna-Marie is now the managing broker of ERA King Real Estate’s largest office, which is located in Homewood. Her responsibilities include managing the day-to-day activities of her office, and helping agents grow their business. Her office covers the metro Birmingham market and is looking to have continued smart growth.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B7

atherine Forsythe has always had a passion for sewing that began when she watched her mother sew almost everything she and her six siblings wore. Or maybe it was because she enjoyed learning as she sat with her mother who taught her the craft of hand quilting, carefully creating beautiful quilts using frames built by her dad. Because of her love for this art, she decided to make a career of it. The store was founded in 1950 and Catherine and her business partner, Shawn Jackson, strive daily to carry on the tradition of full customer service and support established there long ago. Catherine was a stay-at-home mom of three children who are now grown. When they were small she operated a homebased sewing business and provided services such as custom garments, home dec items, alterations and bridal work. Now for many years she has enjoyed helping thousands of creative people who visit Sewing Machine Mart, not only to help them find what they need, but to admire and encourage their creative talents, and facilitating quick and easy solutions to their challenges.

Catherine Forsythe Combining those day-to-day efforts with the wonderful staff of instructors who teach classes regularly at the store, it is possible for anyone to learn and enjoy today’s technology in stitching!

basic to advanced, as well as servicing all makes and models of machines. They stock everything

you need to make your sewing, embroidery, monogramming and serging experience complete.

Additionally, the store stocks and sells a full line of machines from

1722-C 28th Ave. South • 870-1931 • sewingmachinemart.com

Dorothy Wozny Kelli Gunnells

fter managing commercial real estate, Dorothy Wozny joined independent financial firm L.V. Berry, Inc. in 2009. Today she is the firm’s president.

orking in real estate offers opportunity to take part in a family’s story, no matter which chapter, and Kelli Gunnells enjoys helping families sell their home and find another to fit their needs. After nearly 20 years as a Realtor, Gunnells has no doubt she discovered her passion.

“I build relationships with clients and assist with planning their financial future,” she said. “This entails financing college, retirement savings, enjoying the golden years, and eventually transitioning assets to loved ones and favorite charities. Often, I work with multiple generations within families.”

Gunnells has a background in construction and public relations and was first drawn to real estate after her daughter’s birth. With years of experience, she ranked in the top 1 percent of Realtors in the Birmingham Association of Realtors in 2014 and in the top 10 of RealtySouth for sales volume.

Dorothy’s deceased husband, Skip, founded L.V. Berry, Inc. in 1985. Meeting Skip’s clients left Dorothy in awe of the unique relationship that he enjoyed with them.

Although work keeps her busy, Gunnells spends any down time with her husband Ken, dog Maxy and daughter Kameron when she is home from Auburn. Her sons, Ryan and Michael, live out of state, and she treasures any time she spends with them and her grandchildren.

“My husband was grateful for their trust and business,” Dorothy said. “They were thankful to him for assisting them with pursuing their financial goals. The mutual warmth and appreciation was remarkable. I work to maintain this same level of rapport and commitment.” A Homewood resident, Dorothy enjoys traveling and spending time with her “fabulous daughter.” Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

1220 Alford Ave. 281-8545 • kelligunnells.com

100 Centerview Drive, Suite 140 822-8115

The Homewood Star

B8 • July 2015

isa Ruttenberg Bor and Christy Mann owned and operated Over the Mountain Rehab from March 2003-October 2013. In November 2013, they merged their clinic with another clinic, AccelAbility Physical Therapy to form a practice that provides rehabilitation services including orthopedic and sports therapy, hand therapy, industrial rehabilitation and spine rehabilitation. “It has been a wonderful merger and an easy transition,” said Christy. Christy is a board certified hand therapist with 22 years of experience, and Lisa is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist with 25 years of experience. “As an occupational therapist, I had two separate injuries on my dominant arm. This led to an interest in arm and hand injuries,’ said Christy. “Lisa was always interested in science and medicine and took a job with the PT at the University of Georgia. This peaked her interest in the profession.” Christy lives in Vestavia Hills and is married to Bill. They have four children: Jessica, 16, Addison, 9, Emma Parker, 7 and Kyle, 5.

Lisa Ruttenberg Bor and Christy Mann Lisa lives in Mountain Brook with her husband, Jim, and has three children: Alexa, 19, Jake, 17, and Dylan, 9.

The two encourage the community to pay them a visit. “If you have been living in pain or are

experiencing new pains, give us a call or come in and see us,” said Christy. “You don’t have to live in pain.”

“Our kids are very active, so all of our free time is consumed with their activities, of which, our professions have definitely come in handy with their various injuries!” said Christy.

ikes Children’s Shoes and Jack n’Suite Jill 219 Shop/ 3415 Independence Drive, • 802-8537 • accelability.com Laura Player

Kete Quick Cannon

Laura Player

aura Player began working at the store she would eventually own during her junior year at Homewood High School. She earned a job at Sikes Children’s Shoes through a school program. She continued to work there until she graduated to “pursue other avenues,” but later the owner of Sikes and Jack n’ Jill Shop, Frank Youngs, asked her to come back as a manager. Now Player owns both stores after buying them from Youngs when he retired in 2013. “Quality product fit by a professionally trained staff that gives wonderful customer service has worked for 60 years, and I plan to make it work for another 60,” she said. Player lives in Hoover with her husband of 17 years and their child. In her free time she enjoys making jewelry that she sells at local art festivals.

Sikes Children’s Shoes 2920 18th St. S. 879-3433 • sikeschildrensshoes.com

Jack n’ Jill Shop 2918 18th St. S. 879-7681 • jacknjillshop.com

or Kete Quick Cannon, real estate has always been a family business. Her parents, Billy Joe and Peggy, owned V.I.P. Realty Company in Homewood for over 30 years, and she worked at the office through high school and college. She now works as a Realtor with RE/MAX Southern Homes. Despite encouragement to get her license, Kete did not become a Realtor until after her daughter was born in 1992. Instead, she pursued her passions for interior design and architecture, receiving a degree in interior design in 1985. Now she gets to do the things she loves, combining real estate skills with an eye for interior design. Staging homes to sell for over 22 years, her motto is, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression!” Kete is a lifelong Homewood resident and still lives in her childhood home. She is looking forward to growing her business while continuing to focus on the Homewood community she loves.

RE/MAX Southern Homes 903 Montgomery Highway • 601-4148 • KeteCannon.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B9

icole Brannon joined the real estate business during the financial crisis in 2008. The housing bubble had popped, and real estate was moving at a snail’s pace. Brannon used the decelerated pace of the market to learn the real estate tricks of the trade. While everyone else was struggling, she learned how to market, network, and buy and sell homes. “If I could sustain [these skills] when the economy turned around, I knew I would be in good shape,” Brannon said. “But with that being said, I knew it would be a rough couple of years.” Listening is Brannon’s greatest skill. She said she tries to understand peoples’ vision and goals for the house and then making it into a home. She said real estate is an investment — a personal and emotional investment.

Nicole Brannon “I have an investor who owns about 15 rental properties,” Brannon said. “That is truly his income. He is no longer in traditional corporate America.”

She has helped people find homes they traditionally would not able to afford, which allowed them to grow their family and move their Brannon works for ARC Realty, the children into good school systems. No. 1 company in Birmingham for However, people have also been transactions sold in 2014, according able to capitalize with Brannon’s to Brannon. She received her help.

bachelors of science in health information management. In her free time, Brannon enjoys running,

renovating her 1950s ranch-style home and spending time on Smith Lake where she grew up.

ARC Realty • 4274 Cahaba Heights Court • 205-249-0057

Ashley Davis Beth A. Malizia, MD

r. Beth A. Malizia and her family live in Edgewood and enjoy walking to their favorite restaurants, ice cream shop and church. They have four children, Kaelin (10), Maddie (7), Ayden (7) and Van (5), and an aging overweight chocolate lab. Dr. Malizia loves Edgewood, and the neighborhood reminds her of where she grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. She graduated from Cornell University and worked on Wall Street before moving south to begin her medical career. She received her MD with honors from UNC and then came to UAB for residency in OB/GYN, followed by fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at BIDMC/Harvard Medical School and Boston IVF, one of the nation’s largest centers. After completing training, she returned to Birmingham, and to living in Edgewood, to join Dr. Michael Steinkampf at Alabama Fertility Specialists. As a practicing physician, she sees patients with infertility and reproductive endocrinology issues and performs reproductive surgery.

2700 U.S. 280, Suite 370 East alabamafertility.com • 874-0000

Ashley Davis joined her husband Stephen’s team at Merrill Lynch in April 2007. Stephen began his career with Merrill in 1999. In 2007, he realized he needed another team member to maintain the high standard of client service he expected from himself while continuing to grow his business. He didn’t have to look far to find the perfect fit in Ashley. Today, Ashley is primarily responsible for much of the routine client contact, wealth management planning, retirement rollovers and event planning. Together with Stephen, they have built a relationship-centered practice that provides thoughtful wealth management strategies and discretionary portfolio management to their clients. Prior to joining Stephen at Merrill, Ashley found a thank you note to Stephen from a client’s daughter. “She expressed how much it meant for her to know Stephen was looking out for her mom’s best financial interest,” Ashley said. “It made me want to be a part of what he was doing.” Ashley graduated from the University of Mobile with a degree in accounting and received her MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also holds a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation. Ashley and Stephen reside in Vestavia Hills. They attend Valleydale Church and have two Yorkshire Terriers, Maverick and Chase. She enjoys spending time at Lake Martin, travelling and scrapbooking.

569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501 326-9542 • fa.ml.com/thedavisgroup

B10 • July 2015

The Homewood Star

he power of healing through touch and meditation is the essence of Escape Day Spa, where sisters Carrie Holley and Alicia Liddon have created an oasis of relaxation right in the heart of Homewood. Guests enter a space where tranquil music plays in beautiful spaces designed to put the heart and soul at ease, a place to simply escape from the stress of the world outside. With a commitment to natural and organic products and processes, Holley and Liddon have built a business that provides clients with services that make their life and health better. Aromatherapy, deep tissue, mommy-tobe, hot stone and relaxation massages are offered, along with facials, manicures, pedicures, DermaSweep, body treatments and wraps, spray tan, foot relaxation, Xtreem Lash, and hair removal/waxing. Escape Day Spa’s primary product lines are Hylunia and Babor, pure lines that nourish the skin to a silky, glowing and smooth healthiness. Their Spa Ritual nail polish is vegan and gluten- and

Alicia Liddon and Carrie Holley paraben-free. They use an organic airbrush spray tanning solution called Escapes Natural Glow that is also a green, organic product. The sisters’ commitment to natural products stems from their belief in the importance of healthy skin, and their focus on creating a singular experience of relaxation and escape.

Escape Day Spa • 100 Broadway St. • 414-6062

Chris Collins

s a little girl, Chris Collins enjoyed playing “store,” and today she has one all of her own. She opened Homewood Antiques and Marketplace in September 2010. Part of Collins’ dream was to be located in an “old-fashioned” walking community, and she has found that in Edgewood. It’s obvious when you visit the Edgewood store that she loves meeting and visiting with people. Collins wants everyone to be comfortable browsing and exploring her store’s 10,000 square feet of eclectic and diverse finds. Inside the storefront customers will find home furnishings and accessories, gift items, new clothing for adults and children, and much more. Collins likes to describe her store as an “old and new and everything between marketplace where everyone knows your name.”

Liz Montgomery Liz Montgomery worked at SouthTrust Bank for 20 years but didn’t want to relocate when the bank was bought out by Wachovia in 2004. Johnny “Ironman” Montgomery, a longtime realtor, didn’t want her to move either, Liz said. “He popped the question, and we got married in August 2005,” she said. “Now, we have fun working together to help clients find the best homes for them whether it be buying, selling or renting.” Liz is now the owner/broker of North Star Realty as well as a real estate agent/associate broker with ERA King Real Estate with Johnny. Liz grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but came to Birmingham to attend Samford University. She and Johnny now live in the Hollywood area of Homewood. They are active at Dawson Family of Faith, attend Alabama football games, and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, Evie and Izzy.

Collins lives in Chelsea, and when she’s not working, she’s spending time with her family.

930 Oxmoor Road 414-9945 • homewoodantiques.com

2700 Rogers Drive, Suite 300 531-7735 • eraking.com • northstarrealtyal.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B11

he Homewood Chamber of Commerce is staffed by two energetic female Homewood residents. Meredith Drennen, who assumed the executive director’s position in January, has lived in Homewood for four years and loves the sense of community and walkability the city offers. Drennen comes from the Birmingham Business Alliance, where she served as the director of operations and was responsible for managing the organization’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, governing bodies and its strategic plan. Sarah Anne Elliott graduated magna cum laude from Samford University in May 2014 with dual degrees in journalism and religion, and she began working at the Chamber as the communications manager that July. As a young professional, Elliott enjoys the camaraderie the city encourages among its residents and the accessibility to downtown Birmingham. Together, they work to maximize the potential of Homewood’s commerce and community by working with businesses, government and residents. The

Meredith Drennen and Sarah Anne Elliott chamber holds ribbon cuttings for new businesses and monthly membership luncheons, as well as popular annual events Taste of Homewood, Holiday Open House, this month’s Sidewalk Sale and a golf tournament.

times throughout the week, or working from the new Homewood Chamber of Commerce office

located on Hollywood Boulevard next to Shades Cahaba Elementary.

You’ll likely find Drennen or Elliott out in the community at various

7 Hollywood Blvd. • homewoodchamber.org • 871-5631

ach month the editors, writers, designers and marketing consultants of The Homewood Star create a new issue of the publication along with its four sister papers, daily website content and social media posts. They spend their days developing relationships in the community that lead to the stories they share about its people, places, government and schools. Once a year they focus on female business owners in the community with the Women of Homewood section. It highlights women who use their entrepreneurial spirit and professional skills to drive the success of local business in the area. All businesswomen in Homewood are invited to participate in our 2016 edition. When not writing or making calls, The Homewood Star staff can be found eating their way through the area’s Mexican restaurants, laughing together and celebrating birthdays with baked goods. For more information on participating in the 2016 Women of Homewood, contact one of our marketing

The Homewood Star consultants or Sales Manager Matthew Allen at matthew@ starnespublishing.com or at the phone number below.

Front row: Staff Writers Katie Turpen and Madison Miller; Graphic Designer Emily VanderMey; and Staff Writer Erica Techo. Back row: News Editor Sydney Cromwell; Marketing Consultants Brittany Joffrion, Michelle Salem Haynes and Rhonda Smith; and Managing Editor Madoline Markham.

The Homewood Star 313-1780 • starnespublishing.com • thehomewoodstar.com

The Homewood Star

B12 • July 2015

Talking to your kids about pot Q&A with Shannon Murphy Recently Shannon Murphy, MD, FAAP’s career path changed as she realized the message getting out to families and kids about marijuana was becoming muddled. She had practiced as a general pediatrician at Birmingham Pediatrics at St. Vincent’s for more than 10 years, but now, as Homewood resident, she based her new statewide initiative, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), here. As a part of that role, she speaks to area schools. We spoke with Murphy about what she believes to be one of the most misinformed topics of this generation and how parents can talk to their kids about it.

Q A

Why talk about marijuana? Why now? What if your child came home one day and told you some of their friends at school had started experimenting with pot? They go on to tell you that a few states have legalized it, and it’s really not much of a big deal anymore. Would you know what to tell them? This situation is becoming more and more common as states across the country begin to consider legislation which legalizes marijuana. Currently four states (Alaska, Oregon,

Washington and Colorado) and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana for those 21 years or older, while 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. In light of the recent increase in heroin deaths in our community, getting the message out about marijuana, as well as other drugs of abuse, is even more important. I feel strongly about the message, and I’m eager to reach a larger audience.

Q A

What should parents tell their kids? Is marijuana suddenly OK? According to the experts, marijuana remains addictive and harmful, especially to the adolescent brain. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently joined with other medical and scientific organizations to state its opposition to legalization of marijuana because of the potential harm it has to children and adolescents. In addition, it opposed the use of medical marijuana outside the regulatory process of the FDA (Federal Drug Administration). It did recognize that cannabinoid administration might be an option for children with severely

Shannon Murphy

debilitating conditions for whom current therapies are inadequate.

Q A

Has marijuana changed over the past decades? The truth is that the marijuana of today is five times stronger than the marijuana of years past. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, the psychoactive component of the drug, which previously hovered around 3 percent, now average closer to 15 percent and recently, PBS reported levels as high as 36 percent. Some marijuana concentrates (hash

oil) can actually be as high as 90 percent THC. As the plant has become stronger, so have the negative health impacts. Research has shown that marijuana has harmful effects on intelligence, mental health, lungs and the heart.

Q A

What can we tell kids about how marijuana can affect them? Marijuana has a “dumbing down” effect. It impairs learning, memory, coordination and attention. A 2012 study showed that regular users of marijuana at an early age dropped their IQ an average of 6-8 points. Additionally, scientific studies have shown a connection between marijuana use and mental illness. Links have been discovered to anxiety, depression and, most concerning, psychosis and schizophrenia. A study released in February out of Lancet medical journal demonstrated that daily use of marijuana raised the risk of psychosis five times, and regular weekend use nearly tripled the risk. The American Lung Association reports that marijuana has a greater number of carcinogens than tobacco smoke, and a recent review in CardioSource (October 2014), a major cardiology newsletter, reports a temporal link between marijuana use and major cardiac events.

Q A

Does age have anything to do with marijuana’s effects? How long do its effects last? The earlier a person starts using marijuana and the longer he or she uses it, the greater the health risk. Since marijuana actually stays in the body an average of seven to 10 days, it has an additional risk to the public at large. Although the acute high from marijuana only lasts a few

hours, research has shown that the user may remain impaired for days following ingestion. This poses a significant potential threat to the public in regards to safety issues, as it relates to driving and the workplace.

Q A

Is there any information on the results of legalized marijuana? Since Colorado’s legalization, the state is already seeing the implications. According to recent data from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, use among 12-year-olds and older is now up to 12.7 percent, the secondhighest rate in the nation. Rocky Mountain HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas) reports traffic fatalities involving drivers who are positive for marijuana have increased 100 percent from 2007 to 2012. Hospitalizations secondary to marijuana use have increased by 82 percent. The most concerning data is from Arapahoe House, a Colorado-based substance abuse network, which reports that adolescent admissions for marijuana use have increased by 66 percent from 2011 to 2014.

Q A

How would you summarize what parents should tell their kids? If kids start asking questions, parents need to speak strongly and tell them the message has not changed. Marijuana use is still addictive and harmful, and its use has serious consequences. As for the rest of the country, be very cautious. The wrong message may be getting out to our children. For more information about SAM, visit learnaboutsam.org.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B13

School House Environmental Club and JROTC team up to clean up

AFJROTC Cadet Colonel Killian Faulk, Principal Dr. Zachary Barnes, and Environmental Club key members Lily Dendy and Olivia Schull.

In a first-of-its-kind team effort, the Homewood High School Environmental Club and the Air Force Junior ROTC program combined to help clean up and maintain a litter-free campus and its surrounding area. To formally recognize the collaboration, People Against a Littered State (PAL S) State Clean Campus Coordinator Jamie Mitchell visited students at the high school to welcome them as the newest members PALS. Mitchell briefed the students on the PALS’ goal to create, maintain and implement successful statewide litter prevention programs, which have enhanced every corner of Alabama. The two HHS organizations will ensure the

campus grounds and the surrounding 2-square mile area remains debris-free. The group is under the leadership of Environmental Club members Lily Dendy and Olivia Schull, alongside incoming 2015-2016 AFJROTC Wing Commander Killian Faulk. “This collaborative effort between the Environment Club and JROTC is wonderful. We’re grateful for the support they are providing, particularly their strength in numbers,” said Dendy. “I’m excited to see cadets promoting one of our core values of Service Before Self to help clean up our campus to better the students and community who work at Homewood High School every day,” Faulk said.

HMS debate team places in high school division

Front row: Max Breeden, Harrison Massie, Holden Bembry, Charlie Williams, and Carson Bedics Back row: Zack Marcum, Keefer Boone, Kaj Knudsen, Mac Wooley, and Colin Yelton.

Homewood Middle School finished the 2015 Birmingham Area Debate League with a 13-5 record in the high school division. This qualified them for third place out of 15 high schools. HMS also tied for second highest winning percentage. In 2014, the debate team swept all of the middle school debate awards at the Birmingham Area Debate League. Looking for a more competitive schedule, the team moved up to the high school division. Two Homewood Middle School debaters were recognized for finishing in the top 10 of the more than 120 high school competitors. Keefer Boone finished in seventh, and Mac

Wooley finished in eighth. All of the Homewood debaters finished in the top half of the individual competitors at the tournament. Homewood Middle School debate is coached by Austin Bonds, Mike Janas, David Marshall and John Curtis. The debates for the spring tournaments regarded this resolution: “The United States Federal government should increase taxes on the rich. Debate teams must debate both sides of the issue.” Homewood Middle School debates in the Birmingham Area Debate League, which includes schools from Central Alabama. Samford University hosts the league that sponsors monthly tournaments.

The Homewood Star

B14 • July 2015

Homewood Rotary awards scholarships

National Merit qualifiers announced

Jada Elliott, Hannah Beckering, Maya Cook-Stroupe and Charlesy Crocker were recipients of 2015 scholarship awards.

Front row: Laughlin Ashe, Duncan McDuff, Emi Ferderber, Mary Virginia Spencer, Molly Richardson, Emily Kachelhofer. Back row: Sam Cross, Dmitriy Gavrikov, Tucker Wilson, Ripp Livinston, Wyatt Harrison, Will Beaumont, Max Paris.

Four Homewood High School Students were awarded college scholarships at a recent meeting of Homewood Rotary Club. The scholarships were given to deserving students who displayed scholastic and personal achievement in their high school careers. The recipients participated in an in-depth interview process and were selected by the Rotary Club’s selection

committee. Chairman Lawrence Corley said he was particularly pleased with the outstanding qualities of this year’s recipients. Since 1983, the scholarship committee has awarded just under $300,000 in scholarship funds to 112 students. This year’s scholarships totaled $15,000.

Thirteen Homewood High School students qualified for the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. They were Sam Cross, Dmitriy Gavrikov, Tucker Wilson, Ripp Livinston, Wyatt Harrison, Will Beaumont, Max Paris, Laughlin Ashe, Duncan McDuff, Emi Ferderber, Mary Virginia Spencer, Molly Richardson, Emily Kachelhofer.

These students took the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and met the requirements to enter the scholarship program. Of some 1.5 million program entrants, these students are among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants who will be recognized in the fall.

HCS recognizes retiring staff members Homewood City Schools recognized the 2014-2015 retirees during the May Board of Education meeting. They were: }} Central Office: Carolyn Keeney, Charlotte Kerr }} Homewood High School: Terry Kimbrell, Robert Statum }} Edgewood Elementary School:

Lynn Dorough, Jan Dulin, Theresa McKibben, Kimberly Virciglio, Dawn Wolfe }} Hall-Kent Elementary School: Janice McCoy, Marie Stonewall }} Shades Cahaba Elementary: Patricia Collins, Linda Erickson, Treva Graham, Theresa Pitts

Retiring HCS employees Robert Statum, Theresa Pitts, Marie Stonewall, Carolyn Keeney, Theresa McKibben, Dawn Wolfe, Jan Dulin, Lynn Dorough, Patricia Collins, Kimberly Virciglio, Linda Erickson and Treva Graham. Not pictured: Charlotte Kerr, Terry Kimbrell and Janice McCoy.

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B15

Sixth-graders learn about electric vehicles

Homewood Middle School students learned about electric vehicles and got to look around a Tesla sedan.

Homewood Middle School sixth-graders learned about electric vehicles first hand as part of their curriculum on renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Alan Bates with Alabama Power recently made a presentation to each sixth-grade class. He studies rise of electric vehicles and their impact on the environment and economy. His presentation included an overview of the electric car; comparison of electric, hybrid and

gasoline powered vehicles; impact on environment and economy; and logistics of using an electric car. Bates had the students complete problems calculating the cost of an electric car versus a gasoline-powered vehicle based on their family’s driving patterns, and the students had a chance to look at a U.S.-made Tesla sedan and see the features the vehicle had to offer.

Edgewood sets Jump Rope for Heart record

Edgewood’s top six money raisers hold the unofficial total. Pictured are William Jackson, Evan Jackson, Merritt Hartsell, Kathryn Ring, Catherine Ellis Cain and Alexa Glover.

Edgewood Elementary School set a new record during Jump Rope for Heart (JRFH). This year, more than 350 students participated in the annual fundraiser and helped raise a school record of $18,040.60. This money was

donated to the American Heart Association. This total ranks Edgewood as one of the top money raisers among all elementary, middle and high schools in the state of Alabama.

National Merit qualifiers announced

The Homewood Star

B16 • July 2015

HOMEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION Homewood Community Center

Zumba with Camille

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

Young Rembrandts

Young Rembrandts drawing classes, uses step-bystep 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. Summer Camps available in June & July. Contact Chris Roberson at (205) 943-1923 for more information and to register or visit www. youngrembrandts.com to enroll anytime.

Kindermusik

As the world’s recognized leader in early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik oﬀers a musical learning adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! There’s simply no better way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are available for ages 0 to 5 years. Contact Kelly Alligood: 205-552-6129 Kelly.alligood@charter.net www.kellyalligood.com

North Star Martial Arts

North Star Martial Arts primary focus is to make a life lasting impact on our students, and their families. Classes range from beginners to adults. For detailed class listings and times please visit the park’s website or www.northstarkarate.com. 205-966-4244 masterjoe@northstarkarate.com www.northstarkarate.com

Belly Dancing with Aziza

Class Fee: $60 cash only Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701 azizaofbirmingham@att.net www.azizaofbirmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance and instruction. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday night for beginners, Tuesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced.

YoLIMBER

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

Tango Argentino Fundamentals and Practice

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

@homewoodparks

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

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

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

Acting Out Academy

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

Blue Line Combatives

Wednesday’s 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

Cheerleading & Tumbling Classes

Steel City Chher classes cover all cheerleading & tumbling necessities: motions, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditioning, and tumbling. All ages & skill levels welcome. July Class Times: Tuesday 5:30pm-6:30pm Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm Contact DeeDee: PDEveritt@gmail.com 901-734-0277

Mommy and Me Stroller Bootcamp July Classes: Tuesday & Thursday @ 8:15am Location: Homewood Patriot 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! For more info: www.mommyandmetime.com

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

Homewood Senior Center

Lunch-&-Learn w/ Alabama ElderCare Planning Council

Wednesday, July 29th 10:30am12:30pm. The event is Free & Open to the general Public. A panel of speakers will present various related topics (presentation, lunch, additional presentation, dessert). Ideal for person’s born in Baby Boomer generation who may not yet have begun thinking about such matters regarding themselves, so if you are an older senior you may want to invite your adult child to encourage them to consider their own senior future. Catered lunch provided must sign up by Friday, July 24th by contacting the Homewood Senior Center at 332-6500

Seated Exercise Class Mon (11:15am) / 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.

Tai Chi

Thur (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.

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.

Zumba Gold & Tai Chi Review

Tue (2:15 & 3:00pm) Zumba Gold is designed at a slightly slower pace with easier directional transitions. Fun, lively music is used and several movements are repeated throughout a song to allow participants ample practice of each move. Review and practice of the Thursday Tai Chi class is completed 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.

Personal Training at HWD Sr. Center

For Senior Center members only. Certified by the ACE, 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, paid directly to Kathy. Contact Kathy at 422-4025 (or) krhagood@yahoo.com

Continuing Education

Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 (& a 5th session in August). 9am-11am OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) will oﬀer “World Religions, part 1 of 4”. $30 tuition (paid to OLLI) allows access to this series plus others scheduled @ Homewood Library, Vestavia Senior Center, Hoover Senior Center & Library, & the LJCC. More details at www.olli.ua.edu (or) by calling 205-348-3000.

Athletics Homewood Soccer Club

Fall 2015 registration coming soonHomewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creating a balanced youth soccer program. Levels of Play: Patriot for ages U-4 through U-8; Red Teams for recreational players U-9 and up; White Teams for recreation plus ages U-9 thru U-11; and Blue Team competitive teams for ages U-11 thru U-18. Additional information about all levels of play, including deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available at www.HomewoodSoccer.com , or call The Soccer Oﬃce at 205-874-9182.

Homewood Patriot Youth Football League

HPYFL is responsible for organizing youth football in Homewood and oversees its operation. Please visit their website for more information. www.homewoodyouthfootball.org

www.Homewoodparks.com

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B17

Calendar Homewood Events Tuesdays: West Homewood Farmers Market. 5-8 p.m. 160 Oxmoor Road. Visit westhomewood.com. Saturdays: Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon. 2850 19th St. S. Visit urbancookhouse.com. July 2: Clint Ewing Motorcycle

Stunt Show. 6-9 p.m. Big #1 Motorosports, 505 Cobb St. Food, drinks, live music and entertainment will be provided by Big #1 Motorsports. Free. Call 942-3313. July 4: Trash ‘N Treasures Sale. 9 a.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Call 871-8121.

July 4: OLS Annual Independence Day Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Call 871-8121. July 4: Fourth of July Celebration. 5:30-9 p.m. Downtown Homewood. Activities for kids, rides, attractions and fireworks. Visit

homewoodparks.com. July 4: Thunder on the Mountain Fireworks Show. 9 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Visit visitvulcan.com. July 11: Katie Lott Concert. 7 p.m. Seeds Coffee. Visit seedscoffee.com.

July 18: Steve Norris Concert. 7 p.m. Seeds Coffee. Visit seedscoffee.com. July 25: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Sidewalk Sale. 9 a.m. Downtown Homewood and Edgewood. Visit homewoodchamber.org.

Homewood Public Library 1721 Oxmoor Road 332-6600, homewoodpubliclibrary.org

Kids Mondays: Super Duper Playtime. 1011:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Stations will be set up for play with parents and child. Ages 3 and under. Wednesdays: Super Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. Storytellers tell stories on heroes in the community. All ages. July 2: Starshine Faces. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. This special presentation will combine storytelling and face painting. July 6, 20: Mega Monday Movies. 3:30

p.m. and 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Popcorn, drinks and a blockbuster family movie. July 7: That Puppet Guy presents Jack and the Beanstalk. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Bring the family and find out how Jack outsmarts the giant. July 9: Super Spa Night. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Treat yourself with a night of special spa crafts and treats. July 10: Watermelon, Water and Wonder Woman Day. 10:30 a.m. Round Auditorium. A W-themed morning of fun complete with a visit from the Homewood Fire Department.

July 13: Monday Makerspace: Superhero Edition. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. From sidekicks to comics to capes, guests will craft some superhero fun. July 14: Superhero Lego Creations. 10:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Test your Lego skills and superpowers. July 14: Explosive Experiments. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Explosive demonstrations and combustible chaos of Dynamic Education Adventures. July 16: Iron Giant Percussion. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Enjoy a musical performance from this local contemporary ensemble. Families welcome.

July 17, 31: Leaps and Bounds. 10:30 a.m. An energetic movement class designed fore children ages 2 1/2 to 4 years. Registration required. July 21: Birmingham Zoo: Nature’s Heroes. 10:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. The zoo is back with more super animals. July 23: Miss Kit’s Bubble School. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Learn about bubbles and witness some super bubble skills. July 27: Roger Day Summer Reading Finale. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Homewood native Roger Day will rock out the library.

The Homewood Star

B18 • July 2015

Calendar

Join us for some Family Fun!

Homewood Public Library

SPECIAL

(Continued)

FREE NIGHTS AND

Teens

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the explosive demonstrations and combustible chaos.

July 1: Duct Tape Madness. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Experience all the craft creations that can be made with duct tape.

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July 16: Iron Giant Percussions. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Enjoy a musical performance from this local contemporary ensemble.

July 7: Puppet Making Workshop with Lee Bryan. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Lee Bryan will teach how to make puppets.

July 21: Really Retro Movie. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. See the movie that started it all a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

July 8: Comic Canvas Art. 3 p.m. Large Auditorium. Create art with old comic books and mod podge.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

July 22: Yarn Addicts. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Bring your hooks, needles, yarn and WIPs and work on your knitting or crochet projects, share patterns and meet other yarn addicts.

July 9: Teen Anime Club. 4 p.m. Room 101. Dive into the world of Japanese culture.

July 23: Bubble Mania Summer Finale. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Say goodbye to summer with a bubble party.

July 11: Self-Defense for Teen Girls. 9:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Detective Juan Rodriquez teaches girls how to size up a situation and decide what they should do in this free workshop. Registration required.

www.sugsands.com sugarsands@sugsands.com 251.974.1672 | 800.824.6462

Adults

July 13: Live Action Pac-Man. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Don’t let the ghosts catch you.

July 7: Technology Tuesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. Round Auditorium. Workshop is geared toward casual users.

July 14, 28: Coding for Girls. 4-6 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. This club is geared toward empowering girls who are interested in the computer science field.

July 14: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson.

July 14: Explosive Experiments. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Participants will be blown away by

July 15: Shark Week at the Library. 3 p.m. Large Auditorium. Will watch Jaws.

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Early in 2006, Brittany Waldrep started having stomach problems. She was screened for ovarian cancer with the only tool available, a CA 125 blood test, and her results were normal. That May she and her sisters participated in Motherwalk to raise money for ovarian cancer,

since two years before she’d had an ovarian cyst and was being monitored every three months for cancer. Two weeks later she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer herself. Two months later it took her life. She was 24. “That’s what a lot of people don’t know about ovarian cancer — how sneaky it is,” said Stacy Miner, Waldrep’s sister. Waldrep was diagnosed in exploratory

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Morgan and Molly Duncan moved to West Homewood in November 2013 because they liked the city’s redevelopment plan for the area: walkable sidewalks, local businesses and a cohesive neighborhood design style. After a year in their new home, they saw no sign of any of these changes. “We’ve been waiting for someone to do something,” Morgan said. “After waiting for a year, we got tired and said, ‘Let’s do something.’” The couple, along with Morgan’s brother Tyler, made a plan for a corner store of their own, with a deli, bar and small market. They signed a lease on 703 and 705 Oak Grove Road in mid-April and are just beginning the

See WEST SIDE | page A22

2015

See WALK/RUN | page A23

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

facebook.com/thehomewoodstar

April ue 1 |

surgery, at which time doctors discovered the cancer had spread throughout her abdomen. Each year since 2006, Stacy, her husband, Todd, and their children have participated in Motherwalk in Waldrep’s memory. Pictures of those who have had ovarian cancer line the walk route, and each year the Miners pass

July 30: Pre-Code Film Festival. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. In this pre-code classic, Stephen Ashe, an upper class alcoholic defense attorney, successfully defends local mobster Ace Wilfong in a murder case.

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Homewood’s art festival returns to Patriot Park this month. Find all the details on this and other events in this issue.

July 29: Next Step Wednesdays: iPad and iPhone Intermediate Class. 2 p.m. Large Auditorium. This workshop is geared toward the intermediate user.

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2015

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July 29: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.

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Celebrate Handmade

July 23: Vice & Virtue in Pre-Code Hollywood: An Introduction with Dick Segreto. 6:30 p.m. Encouraged by the box office, Hollywood produced titillating and shocking depictions of infidelity, prostitution, drug use and crime. Dick Segreto explores this fascinating period of film history.

Celebrating 11 years in the Crestline Area!

Volume 5 | Issue 2 | May 2015

July 21: The ABCs of Medicare. Noon and 6 p.m. Lower Level, Room 116. Karen Haiflich will answer questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured and how to file a claim.

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July 16: OLLI Bonus Program: Handwriting Analysis. 6:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Physical, intellectual and emotional states combine to produce a writing style as unique as a fingerprint.

See MARCO | page

A19

Shades Cahab a with his mento Elementary student Marco r, Wes Porter Garcia Camac and train for , once a week ho meets a 5K. Photo to talk about by John Perry. their goals

Enjoy the Ride. • Comfort Bikes • Road Bikes • Mountain Bikes • Kid’s Bikes • Trainers • Bike Accessories • Full Service • 24-Hour Turnaround on Repairs • Professional Fitting Service

(205) 870-8330

www.BhamBicycle.com 1105 Dunston Ave • Crestline Park Next to Saw’s Juke Joint on Dunston Ave

Scan for Map & Hours

TheHomewoodStar.com

July 2015 • B19

Calendar

Opinion

Area Events

Ordinary Days By Lauren Denton

July 1: Esperanza Spalding. 7 p.m. Iron City. $30 in advance, $33 at the door. Visit ironcitybham.com.

Show. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Visit algca.org.

July 1: Betty Who. 7 p.m. Saturn Birmingham, 200 41st St. S. $12 in advance, $14 at the door. Visit saturnbirmingham.com.

July 12: Driving Miss Daisy. 2 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. Visit alabamatheatre.com.

July 2: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. 113 22nd St. N. Free. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com. July 4: Thunder on the Mountain Fireworks Show. 9 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Visit visitvulcan.com. July 4: Peavine Falls Run. 7 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. $15. Visit birminghamtrackclub.com. July 7: Movies at Avondale Park. 8:15 p.m. Crestwood Park. Back to the Future. Visit forestparksouthavondale.com.

July 17: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. Visit alabamatheatre.com. July 18: Shelby County Shindig. 1-7 p.m. Shelby County Arts Council. Barbecue cook off and music festival. Visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com. July 18: Roller Derby! Birmingham’s Tragic City Rollers vs. Lafayette, LA. 6 p.m. Zamora Shrine Temple. Visit tragiccityrollers.com.

July 10: Steel Magnolias. 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. Visit alabamatheatre. com.

July 18-19: 32nd Annual World Deer Expo. Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Visit worlddeerexpo.com.

July 10: Art on the Rocks. 7-11 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit artsbma.org.

July 18-19: Tannehill Trade Days. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Adults $4, seniors $3, Children $2. Visit tannehill.org.

July 11-12: Alabama Gun Collectors Association Summer

July 18-19: Sloss Music and Arts Festival. Sloss Furnaces. Visit slossfest.com.

YOUR LOCAL FABRIC RETAILER

2832 Culver Rd • 879.8278 • Mon. - Fri

Waiting for the birds The other day, my daughter Kate A little nervous about what we’d came running into the house, hair find if we actually located the baby flying and cheeks pink, telling me I bird, I told her we couldn’t feed it. just had to come see this. I followed “The mama is never going to feed that her outside, and she began talking a baby again because I helped him!” The mile a minute — something about a weight of what she’d done crashed baby bird and the neighbor’s deck and down on her, and fat alligator tears her little red chairs. I wasn’t following, rolled down her cheeks. “I was just but when I saw three small red chairs trying to help him get out of there.” stacked up on top of each other under As I hugged her and told her I the wooden birdhouse attached to our understood, I realized somewhere in Denton garage, it all became clear. there was a good life lesson for her to We’d had four baby birds in the birdhouse for learn, but I wasn’t sure what it was. Don’t jump the last few weeks. Mama bird came faithfully ahead of God’s plan and try to fix things yourself? throughout the days, stuck her head into the hole and Sometimes getting involved in a situation where dropped in all sorts of grubby things for her babies. you don’t belong just messes things up further? Kate had watched, awestruck, each time we saw the I knew none of that would make an impact on mama fly to the birdhouse. She kept talking about my 5-year-old animal-loving daughter who just how she wished she had a cute little baby bird, and wanted to help a baby bird. Instead, I told her waiting is hard, but that we have couldn’t we just lift the lid and look at them a little bit? I explained to her how birds will stop feeding to do it all the time. I told her we have to remember their babies if humans touch them or are around that God is taking care of the little birds just like He them too much, and I assured her the mama bird takes care of us, and we have to trust that even when was taking good care of the babies. we can’t see how it’s going to work out. Fast forward to the red chairs stacked up under That seemed to make sense to her, but she was the birdhouse and Kate trying to explain what had still so worried about that baby bird under the happened. In the midst of her nervous excitement neighbor’s deck. I asked her if she saw the baby and flailing arms, I realized she’d tried to hurry stretch his wings out when he flew down to the the process up a little. After seeing one of the baby driveway. When she nodded, I said if he could use birds poke its head out of the hole, she decided it his wings and fly, he probably was big enough to must be trying to get out and needed her help, hence be out of the nest on his own and could probably the chairs. She climbed up on them, incredibly not find his own food. I told her the baby would be crashing to the ground herself, and helped the bird fine. Was it a lie? Partly. But I think God probably out of the hole. She said it flew down to the ground understood. and scurried under our neighbor’s porch. That’s To connect with Lauren, email her at Laurenwhen she came and got me. She was determined KDenton@gmail.com or find her on Twitter @ that we needed to find the bird and feed it. LaurenKDenton.