HERB TROTMAN: MUSICAL MATCHMAKER • HONORING VETERANS AT HMS • TOUR AN EDGEWOOD RENO
thrifting
WITH LIZ REVERSING THE FAST FASHION TREND
REMEMBERING FIRE CHIEF
JOHN BRESNAN EAT OUT, EAT RIGHT A DIETITIAN’S GUIDE
MARCH/APRIL 2020 HomewoodLife.com Volume Four | Issue Two $4.95
HomewoodLife.com 1
IN AN EMERGENCY,
A COMMUNITY BUILT ON RESPONSIVENESS In an emergency, you have the power to choose where to receive expert care. Insist on going to Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. As your community of care, take comfort in knowing we’ll always be here when you need it the most.
For more information, visit BrookwoodBaptistMedicalCenter.com For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
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“ TAKE ME TO BROOKWOOD BAPTIST.”
A PL AL IC ED
DR ZA
BROOKWOOD BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER: EMERGENCY ROOM
O WO OK BRO
D
R RD TE EN LC A C DI ME
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 PENDENCE CT INDE
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FEATURES
54
TREASURE HUNTING In a climate where cheap clothes are churned out in massive quantities, an artist and a vintage clothing curator are looking to “slow fashion”—and having a lot of fun in the process.
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A STORYTELLER TO REMEMBER John Bresnan was as much of a mentor and friend as he was Homewood’s longtime fire chief.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
With spring comes spring cleaning and more. Here’s your guide to home décor, organizing and other resources.
4 March/April 2020
PHOTO BY TOMMY DASPIT
BUILDERS & BUYERS
35
PHOTO BY WESLEY TEAGUE
arts & culture
15 Musical Matchmaker: Herb Trotman’s Fretted Instruments 22 Read This Book: Time to Play Titles
schools & sports
23 Let Freedom Ring: Honoring Veterans at HMS 32 Five Questions For: HHS Student Hugh Williams
food
& drink
33 How to Eat Healthy in Homewood: A Dietician’s Tips 41 Five Questions For: Neighborhood Nutrition
in every issue 4 Contributors 5 From the Editor 7 #HomewoodLife 8 The Question 9 The Guide 76 Chamber Connections 78 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 My Homewood
42 Five Questions For: Little London Kitchen
home
& style
43 A Renovation Story: The Halston Home 51 At Home: How to Build a Mood Board 52 In Style: Spring into Style
HomewoodLife.com 5
contributors EDITORIAL
Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino Briana H. Wilson
CONTRIBUTORS
Kaitlyn Baker Jessica Clement Sarah Crawford James Culver Lindsey Culver Tommy Daspit Madison Freeman Melanie Peeples Jamison Skinner Lindsay Kate Skinner Lauren Ustad
DESIGN
Angela Caver Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan Green Connor Martin-Lively
MARKETING
Darniqua Bowen Kristy Brown Kari George Caroline Hairston Nick Heady Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Viridiana Romero Briana Sanders Lisa Shapiro Jessica Steelman Kerrie Thompson
ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Daniel Holmes Stacey Meadows Tim Prince
Sarah Crawford, Writer
Sarah is a registered dietitian and avid food blogger who is passionate about good food and an even better cooking experience. In her free time, she enjoys running long distances, cooking for hours in her kitchen, and spending time with the people she loves the most. Follow her on Instagram @sarahsdayoff.
James Culver, Photographer
James lives in the Birmingham area with his wife, Rachel, a native of Homewood, and their three children, Callie, James III and John Michael. James is a graduate of Auburn University and spent 17 years in Atlanta working as a graphic designer, creative director and photographer before moving to Birmingham. He specializes in event, real estate and portrait photography, and he can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @jculvercreative, and via his website, jculver.com.
Melanie Peeples, Writer
When Melanie first moved to Homewood 12 years ago, she couldn’t figure out why so many people were wearing shirts that said “Homewood” on them. Three years later she wanted to know where she could find one, having fallen deeply in love with the town people compare to living in a Norman Rockwell painting. Before becoming a mostly full-time mom, she covered the South for NPR, writing about everything from the trial of the country’s first school shooter to the 100th anniversary of the MoonPie. She loves travelling to new places (and old places, too) and also coming home.
Jamison & Lindsay Kate Skinner, Photographers
Jamison and Lindsay Kate are a husband and wife photography team that specializes in weddings. They love building relationships with their clients which allows them to also capture all aspects of life’s big moments. Jamison Skinner Photography has been in business for six years, and is based from their in-home studio in Homewood.
Homewood Life is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Homewood Life is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Homewood Life, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Homewood Life is mailed to select households throughout Homewood, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit HomewoodLife.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting HomewoodLife.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@homewoodlife.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
6 March/April 2020
from the editor
O
ON THE COVER
One thing I quickly learned about John Bresnan was he knew most everyone in Homewood down to the O’Henry’s baristas—not in a cursory way but in a stay-and-chat-a-while way. And while some relationships came with the territory of being Homewood’s fire chief for 27 years, much were purely born of who Bresnan was, ever pouring quality time into firefighters, his kids and others off the job that no one outside of that person necessarily knew about. And so, following the tragic news of his death in January, those stories came out time and time again, of how Bresnan went fishing or fixed a car with them, of how he was simply there. As those stories were told, even those who knew him best learned something new about their fire chief, father or friend that all the more fully fleshed out the character and personality of the man they’d long spent time with. Bresnan and I have attended chamber and city functions alike together the close to a decade that I’ve covered Homewood as a journalist, his smile ever contagious even from the other side of the room. But when I learned of his passing, I wanted to next-level be able to share his legacy with all of you, his community. So I messaged his daughter Lexi, and with her blessing, I started picking up the phone to get to know Bresnan from those who knew him best. If you read nothing else in this issue, join us in remembering him by reading about his life and legacy on page 62. After all, Homewood is quaint. Homewood is walkable. Homewood is neighborly. Homewood is, in many ways, picture perfect. But Homewood has hurts and heartaches too. And there’s nothing sweeter in it than seeing those neighbors rally together to post blue ribbons or join in a funeral procession, to mourn lost life and celebrate life well lived. So while most of our magazine pages are devoted to pretty home photos and artful words to capture creatives around us, we also like to be real and tell of the beauty that’s in the tragedy too. What stories should we be sharing in our future issues? I always love to hear your ideas of the people and causes that are around us, beautiful and broken, that others might like to get to know in our pages—and in real life too. Send me your thoughts and feedback any time. And thanks for reading, Homewood!
Thrifting with Liz
Liz Landgren frequents the Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center on Greensprings both to create art and to practice "slow fashion." Photo by Lindsey Culver Design by Kate Sullivan Green
madoline.markham@homewoodlife.com
HomewoodLife.com 7
#HomewoodLife
Tag us in your Homewood photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@dyoungblood71
#itschristmas #homewoodalabama #homewoodal #birminghamalabama #bham #inbirmingham #bhaminstagram #instagrambham #visitvulcan #christmaslights #christmas2019 #magiccity #fujifilm #xt3 #fujifilmxt3
@shawninhwd NBF. No band Friday. Throw back to the 1973 Homewood Drum major. This hat needs a comeback Mr. Cooper.
@vjonesphoto This fabulous blue door is original to the home and leads to Georges’ former studio. Prints available @arteditionsgallery in Edgewood. @pinkhousehomewood , #bluedoor, #bridgeshome #historichomewoodhome #doorsofinstagram #doors #homewoodalabama
@ohenrys Homewood has lost a special spirit. Doug spent many hours in the Homewood OHenry’s. Doug, we were glad to have you as part of our community, and we miss you. May light perpetual shine upon you. #homewood #bham #rip
HomewoodLife.com 9
“ ” THE QUESTION
What’s your family’s go-to spot in Homewood for a family fun day?
Taking the kids to Savage’s once a week for smiley face cookies! A staple treat in our family for years! -Nicole Thomason Hardekopf
Lakeshore trail, Homewood Rec Center, the library and Cookie Fix are our staples. -Mary Wood-Leonard
We go to the library every Sunday afternoon and pick our books for the week, check in on the animals, do the scavenger hunt, and check in with our favorite librarians. -Cynthia Luttrell Essary
Red Mountain Park...trails are friendly. -Jack Allison
10 March/April 2020
We love a picnic in the quad at Samford... it’s special for my husband and me (Samford alumni), the boys run like crazy, and I get to snap beautiful pictures! -Maggie Worthington Lawrence
Cookie Fix and Do It Yourself Crafts! -Julie Young Tucker
We love going to breakfast at Over Easy and then riding bikes on Lakeshore Trail or playing at Homewood Park. Sometimes we grab pizza, followed by Edgewood Creamery! - Lauren Tucker
Central Park! -Liz Rozzelle
THE GUIDE
WE LOVE HOMEWOOD DAY Save the date: Saturday, May 2—mark your calendars because your favorite day of parades and bounce houses and sidewalk chalk art competitions is coming up soon. Plus the day kicks off with We Love Homewood Day 5K at 7:30 a.m. starting at Homewood Central Park! HomewoodLife.com 11
THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOMEWOOD
APRIL 4
Homewood Easter Egg Hunt Homewood Athletic Complex 5:30 P.M. BYOB (bring your own basket, that is) and get ready to hunt—and join in on the fun of games, prizes, bounce houses and Easter Bunny photos. Ages 1-2 and 3-4 will hunt at 6:30 p.m., ages 5-6 at 7:15 p.m., and ages 7-8 and 9-11 at 7:45 p.m. (so big kids, bring a flashlight). Check homewoodparks.com for updates on the event.
MARCH 7 Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off Brookwood Village 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MARCH 17 Homewood Chamber Membership Luncheon | The Club MARCH 23-27 Spring Break Homewood City Schools MARCH 28-29 ACT Weekend Workshop Register Online Homewood Public Library APRIL 3 Document Shredding & Electronics Recycling! Homewood Public Library Back Parking Lot 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
MARCH 13
Book Signing Homewood Public Library 5-6:30 P.M.
All ages are invited to meet world-renowned authors and illustrators including Jane Yolen, Heidi Stemple, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Janice Hardy, R. Gregory Christie, Heather Montgomery, Irene Latham and Randi Pink. See the full list of attendees at souther-breeze.scbwi.org/events/ wik-2020/. Books will be available for purchase on site from Little Professor.
APRIL 26
Historic Hollywood Home Tour 1-4 P.M. Take a trip back to the architecture of 1926-1929 in the Hollywood area for this year’s tour of renovated homes that maintaining the original footprint and charm that make this neighborhood unique. This year’s homes are the Stansell home at 321 LaPrado Circle, the Grissom home at 220 LaPrado Place and the Denson home at 227 Poinciana Drive. Tickets, $20, will be available at each home on tour day or may be purchased online at hollywoodhometour18.eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit Shades Cahaba Elementary School and various neighborhood beautification projects. 12 March/April 2020
APRIL 4 MS Walk 2019 Homewood Central Park APRIL 4 Hop ‘n Shop Downtown Homewood 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. APRIL 16-19 Spring Plant Sale Brookwood Village Macy’s Upper Parking Lot APRIL 17 The History & Mystery of Absinthe Homewood Public Library Ages 21+/$10 Tickets Required 6:30 p.m. APRIL 18 & 19 Alabama Symphony Orchestra Presents Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Samford University Wright Center APRIL 18 Birmingham Kidney Walk Samford Track & Soccer Stadium alkidney.org
THE GUIDE APRIL 21 Homewood Chamber Membership Luncheon The Club APRIL 21 Sozo Children’s Choir Tour 2020 Samford University Wright Center APRIL 24 Dolores Hydock Spring Show $25 Tickets/Purchase Online Homewood Public Library 6:30-9:30 p.m.
MARCH 19
Taste of Homewood Rosewood Hall 5:30-8 P.M. It’s time to come eat all of Homewood in one night with samplings from more than 25 Homewood-area restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. Proceeds go to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship fund for local students as well as economic development efforts in the community. For tickets, visit homewoodchamber.org.
APRIL 25 Shades Creek Fest Jemison Park 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
FIND ART
APRIL 25 Edgewood Spring Festival Edgewood Elementary School 3-7 p.m.
April 24-26, 2020 Linn Park, downtown Birmingham 200 Artists • Corks & Chefs • Live Performances Imagination Festival for Kids • Cafe & Lounges Special Exhibitions SPONSORS: PLATINUM City of Birmingham • Starnes Media • This is Alabama GOLD Birmingham Magazine Hoover’s Magazine • Joe Piper SILVER Alabama Power • Bell Media • Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3fm • Kinetic Communications BRONZE Bham Now • BlueCross and BlueShield of Alabama Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau • Over the Mountain Journal STEEL Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency • Babypalooza Bancography • Birmingham Business Journal • B-Metro • Event Rentals Unlimited • EXCURSIONSgo.com Jefferson County • Mountain Brook Magazine • Over the Mountain Journal • Publix Super Markets Charities • Royal Cup Coffee Shipt • Unclaimed Baggage • WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm • Yarbrough Festival Food Service
Image: Ellie Ali
www.magiccityart.com
HomewoodLife.com 13
THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SCHOOLS
And the Winner Is A new Miss Heritage, Bella Kimbrell (pictured), has begun her reign at Homewood High School as of December! The Freshman Queen is Charlotte Lee, Sophomore Queen is Mary Hunter Geer, Junior Queen is Sara Frances Lowery, and Senior Queen is Kate Schiller. Avery Johnson received the People’s Choice award, Abby Hall Spirit of Heritage and Emma Bostick Best Interview.
MARCH 5-8 STARS Presents: Macbeth Virginia Samford Theatre MARCH 7-8 Red Mountain Theatre Company Conservatory Showcase RMTC Cabaret Theatre MARCH 11-15 Tartuffe Virginia Samford Theatre MARCH 13-15 Romeo & Juliet Alabama Ballet BJCC Concert Hall MARCH 14 Gaither Vocal Band Samford University Wright Center MARCH 20+22 Opera Birmingham Presents Cinderella Samford University Wright Center MARCH 20-22 Waitress Presented by Broadway in Birmingham BJCC Concert Hall
MARCH 14
Kiwanis Pancake Day Event and Silent Auction 7 A.M. - NOON The Exceptional Foundation Rise and shine, and come out for some hot cakes, sausage and coffee, plus a Kid’s Zone. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children age 5 and under. Organizer the Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mountain Brook awards Key Club college scholarships, YMCA camp scholarships, and funds projects at family-centric organizations such as Children’s of Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation and local schools. For advance tickets, or to become a sponsor, contact Heather Cover at hcover@bham.lib.al.us. 14 March/April 2020
MARCH 26-APRIL 5 The Fantasticks Virginia Samford Theatre MARCH 28 Rumpshaker 5K | Regions Field MARCH 31 Patti Callahan Henry: 2020 Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series Samford University Wright Center APRIL 3-5 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park APRIL 9-14 Birmingham Barons vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas Regions Field APRIL 16-26 Love, Linda Virginia Samford Theatre
THE GUIDE APRIL 10-19 You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre APRIL 19 BHM26.2 Marathon, Half-Marathon, Team Relay and Fun Run Railroad Park APRIL 20-24 Birmingham Barons vs. Tennessee Smokies Regions Field APRIL 17-18 Lebanese Food and Culture Festival St. Elias Maronite Church APRIL 24-26 Magic City Art Connection Linn Park
BOY SCOUTS
Scout’s Honor Community outdoor spaces have new enhancements thanks to three new Eagle Scouts in BSA Troop 97 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Colin Melville built a blackberry arbor and compost bin for the community garden behind Trinity UMC West, Aidan Wright designed an orienteering course at the Homewood Forest Preserve, and Jonathan Parris built an wooden deck used the Susan Mott Webb team-building area at Red Mountain Park.
MARCH 15
Cornapalooza Pizzeria GM, Homewood Athletic Foundation 1-5 p.m. It’s only fitting that the Homewood
Athletic Foundation would hold an athletic competition as a fundraiser. Cornhole is a sport, right? And all funds raised go toward the Homewood Athletic Foundation projects.
HomewoodLife.com 15
[Newbor n + Child + Family Por traiture] info@apeppermintphoto.com + 205.807.6431 w w w . a p e p p e r m i n t p h o t o . c o m
&CULTURE
ARTS
MUSICAL MATCHMAKER To some, Fretted Instruments may look like chaos. To Herb Trotman and others, it feels like home. BY KAITLYN BAKER PHOTOS BY JAMISON & LINDSAY KATE SKINNER HomewoodLife.com 17
Herb Trotman, pictured on the right, holds a banjo etched with Vulcan at the top at his Linden Avenue store, Fretted Instruments.
18 March/April 2020
T
Through the door of a Linden Avenue house-turnedmusic-store, a collection of guitars, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles line the walls. Cozy living room furniture is scattered about Fretted Instruments. Hard-shell guitar cases lie on the floor and stand up against the walls—“all full,” says the owner, Herb Trotman. In the middle of the room, there’s a work table with an assortment of tools on top. This is where Herb “sets up” instruments for his customers (think a vehicle tune up for instruments — by tweaking different settings, you can optimize the sound and feel of the instrument). The walls, around and behind the instruments, bear pieces of art Herb has gathered over the years — some he bought just because he liked, others artists made specially for him. One painting by Herb’s wife Cathy depicts a puppet David Stephens of Atlanta made of Herb on his 75th birthday. Big grin and banjo in hand, the resemblance is striking. Scattered among the artwork are markers of his achievements, including a
framed certificate from his initiation into the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and his photo on the cover of Banjo Newsletter. “I’ve spent more time in this building than anywhere else in my life,” Herb says of his beloved music store. He and his partners opened it in 1974. “We were just going to teach,” Herb recalls. “The instruments that students would bring were not what we would want them to play on. They were going to be hard to learn on.” Herb says he would end up “setting them up” so they would be easier to play. “It dawned on us that we should just sell them ourselves. That way we would know they were set up to start with,” Herb says. That’s how Fretted Instruments started not only teaching and doing repairs but selling instruments too. Of course, as someone told him recently, “Herb has never sold a guitar, but a lot of people have bought them.” That’s one of the things Herb is really gifted at — matchmaking people with instruments. HomewoodLife.com 19
Herb Trotman has sold stringed instruments and given lessons from Fretted Instruments on Linden Avenue since 1974.
20 March/April 2020
“I make people sit and play,” Herb says. He asks them a couple questions to get an idea of what they’re looking for. What size do you want? What’s your price range? Then he makes sure they play something above and below their range, so they know where they land in the mix. “Some people say, ‘I really want that one,’ and I just say, ‘Well, go save a little more, and don’t buy something that you’re gonna be sorry every time you look at it.’” That’s Herb’s philosophy for both buying and selling instruments, and it’s one reason he doesn’t sell online. “I want them to be absolutely sure that when they open the case for the rest of their life, they’re happy they bought that guitar,” he says. “The more you play a guitar, the cheaper it is per note.” And Herb has been playing for a long, long time. When Herb was about 5 years old, his dad would fret the ukulele (or press the strings down to get a desired pitch) and let him strum it. One day they were playing and his dad got up to go do something. Herb sat down with the ukulele. He stared at the music. He looked at how the chords changed from one to the next. That’s when he “got it.” “Everybody that’s played, I don’t care if they’ve played 50 years, they can tell you the first time they said, ‘I got it!’” Herb says. “They can tell you the instant, where they were and what they did.” Ever since that day in his early childhood, Herb has been making music in one way or another. Through high school, college and beyond, he played in a number of bluegrass bands. In the early ’70s, there was Herb Trotman and the Spaulding Brothers. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, he was with Claire Lynch & the Front Porch String Band. In the last decade, you may know him from the Herb Trotman Band. But touring was never his passion. Teaching was, and it still is. That’s what the store has allowed him to do. “I get to … be around the instruments I love, and I get to teach,” Herb says. “And that’s the part that’s the most fun for me.” Allen Barlow, founder of Homewood School of Music, taught with Herb at Fretted Instruments for 16 years. He still has a close connection with Herb, as he sends his banjo inquiries to Herb and Herb refers his guitar students to Allen. In teaching alongside Herb, Allen says he learned how to teach patiently and “let the learning process … take its course.” “A lot of young teachers, including myself [when I first started], will have this mindset that you’ve got to … inundate students with your ability, proving yourself as a teacher,” Allen says. “What I noticed … watching [Herb] teach lessons, is how he took his time.” Allen says Herb was always less interested in talking too much, and more interested in his students and their work. Now that Herb’s been at it for nearly 50 years, he’s seen generations of people come through Fretted Instruments and learn to play. “I taught teenagers, and then their teenage kids came and took from me … Isn’t that weird?” he says with a laugh that rings of both surprise and pure delight.
4th Annual
NOW OPEN!
• Visit the only pick-your-own tulip field in the Southeast • 100,000 tulips to purchase and take home • A great Spring outing for your family, club, or oice
The Festival runs through March (depending on bloom time)* Open Monday-Saturday 10-4, Sunday 12-4*
*Weather permitting. Check our website or Facebook page for field conditions before your trip.
Visit us online at www.americanvillage.org/TulipWatch HomewoodLife.com 21
WHAT’S IN A LITTLE HERB? One of the guitars Herb carries at Fretted Instruments is Collings. A small maker based in Austin, Texas, they don’t mass produce their instruments, so Herb says everything they craft is “real good and … real expensive.” Herb has actually designed a couple of Collings guitars that now bear his name. American singer-songwriter Kate Campbell was going to Europe and wanted a little guitar she could carry on her back, so Herb designed a Collings specially for her: the Little Herb. Later, he also designed a Big Herb, named for his dad. When designing a guitar, you have a “menu” of options you can choose from. Herb chose Adirondack spruce top wood, dark binding, white tuners, a tiger-stripe pick guard and sunburst finish. The man himself says you can call out to Collings any time, tell them you want a Little Herb, and they’ll know exactly what it is.
22 March/April 2020
Herb’s long-term commitment to the bluegrass community earned him the Alabama State Council on the Arts’ Folk Heritage Award in 2015. In over 30 years, only 18 artists have been granted this award. “It’s a special award, because it’s not just music people,” Herb says. The award honors potters, weavers, quilters — “anything … in the realm of folk,” he says — who have made a substantial contribution to their field over a long period of time. Allen says a big reason why Herb received this award goes beyond his gifted musicianship. “It’s his heart,” Allen says. “[From] all the people in the [bluegrass] community, I’ve only heard words of admiration and adoration about Herb.” It was people like this who also nominated him for initiation into the Alabama Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. “You can win an Emmy, sell a lot of records, or
win a Grammy, sell a lot of records, and be a jerk,” Herb says. “But the people who voted on me for that award had known me for 50 years, so it meant more to me than just success.” Herb’s willingness to serve people has earned him much of the respect he has today. “He really understands the power of investing in people,” Allen says. That’s what Herb has done, in a very real sense. He’s built a community out of a business, all while doing what he loves to do. And there’s no sign of slowing down anytime soon. “They won’t let me quit,” he says of everyone who comes through Fretted Instruments. “If you retire, we’ll come to your house,” they say. Herb jokes that somehow, he’s gotten away with it: while everyone else had jobs, he just had a good time. “That’s the idea of this store,” he says. “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.”
HomewoodLife.com 23
READ THIS BOOK
Time to Play Titles Recommendations from
Beth Gladney
Shades Cahaba Elementary School Librarian
I love playing games. Growing up, my family would play all sorts of marble games, card games, word games and board games. Almost as much as playing games, I enjoy reading books that involve some type of game—and that usually means they are full of action and mystery. Below are some of my favorites that are game related.
Pass Go & Collect $200: The Read Story of how Monopoly was Invented
By Tanya Lee Stone Did you know that the concept of the game Monopoly was first invented by a woman? Did you know that there was a lot of controversy over who the actual inventor was of the game? This book explains the history of the game that started as The Landlord’s Game and eventually became what we know as Monopoly.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
By Chris Grabenstein The new library in Kyle Keeley’s town was designed by a famous board game maker, Mr. Lemoncello. On opening night, Mr. Lemoncello hosted a lock in and little did the participants know, it was going to be much easier to enter the library than it was to exit! The entire library turned into a life-size board game, and the participants had to find their way out without using the door they entered through.
Capture the Flag
By Kate Messner Anna, Jose and Henry, all strangers to each other, are snowed in the airport in Washington, D.C. for their winter break. It’s not the way they planned for this vacation to go. While stranded in the airport, the flag that inspired “The Star Spangled Banner” is stolen, and Anna is convinced that the culprit must be snowed in as well. These three strangers ban together to find the thieves and capture the flag before the flag is lost forever.
Book Scavenger
By Jennifer Chambliss Bertman Emily’s family is relocating…again. This time, Emily is so excited about moving to San Francisco because her “literary idol,” Garrison Griswold, is from San Francisco. Mr. Griswold is the creator of an online game called Book Scavenger where books are hidden all over the city and people must solve different puzzles to get clues as to where books are hidden. Emily and her friend find a peculiar book that could lead to a very valuable prize. She and her friend must get to the prize before others who are on the same hunt.
Who Was Milton Bradley?
By Kirsten Anderson Milton Bradley was not always a board game maker. He once drew plans for making railroad cars and he even owned his own printing press. Then he developed his first game, The Checkered Game of Life, and the first edition of the game was made on a checkered board. He wanted to create a game that showed people the good and bad aspects of life. By the end we learn that Bradley made many games and puzzles before shifting his focus to creating educational toys and games for the then-new concept of kindergarten.
24 March/April 2020
SCHOOL
&SPORTS
LET FREEDOM RING Patriotic sacrifice takes on new power with faces of veterans filling Homewood Middle School. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER HomewoodLife.com 25
26 March/April 2020
T Homewood Middle School students stand in front of their peers with their family members who have served in the armed forces at a special Veterans Day ceremony in November. BELOW: Veterans stood up as their particular military branch's march was played by the school band.
The Homewood Middle School gym was filled to the brim on a November morning, and clad in red, white and blue. Months and years later, the hundreds of people present that day might not be able to recall the specific patriotic melodies that filled the space, poignant though they were, and which students spoke, but they will certainly never forget the sea of faces—faces of all ages who had served Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force and Coast Guard, each with a tie to a classmate at the school. “To our young people,” HMS Principal Jimmie Pearson said to open the school’s annual Veteran’s Day ceremony, “if you can’t decide who you are looking up to, I want you to look right now to our veterans and their families.” And indeed they all looked up, as each veteran’s name and rank and branch was called out, and as that veteran was escorted to the front of the gym by their child or grandchild, a student or teacher at Homewood Middle. Though this routine was repeated over and over again, the reverent applause that followed was no less resounding than the one before. The one exception came as Cecil A. Parmer—
HomewoodLife.com 27
“It was (my grandfather’s) story as well as the story of other generations of relatives that inspired me to join the military. It wasn’t the war stories from those conflicts but rather the call to service that inspired me to join.” - Lea Cockerham
28 March/April 2020
who served in the Army in all five of the major World War II European battles—slowly and deliberately made his way up with his walker accompanied by his granddaughter, teacher Krimson Revis. “It is hard for us to comprehend the sacrifice that these individuals made,” teacher Darby Baird said during the ceremony that day. “They put their lives on hold, they left their families and friends, the comfort of their own home, and why? Not for fame or recognition or glory or honor. They made that sacrifice to maintain the American dream for all for future generations.” And indeed the generational ties present made the moments in the gym that day all the more poignant, as articulated particularly well by retired Marine Corp. Lieutenant Colonel veteran Lea Cockerham—who just so happens to be an assistant principal at the school. “The Cockerham family has been involved in every conflict going back to the colonial period in the Revolutionary War,” he began as he addressed students and their families. “Most were citizen soldiers, called upon to defend our nation in times of peril.” Cockerham went on to tell the story of his
HMS Junior ROTC students led a flag-folding ceremony at the end of the event.
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After each veteran's name was called, the entire gym full of student, veterans and other guests applauded them for their service to the country.
grandfather meeting his grandmother, he an Army doctor and she an Army nurse, in 1940 in San Francisco. They went on to marry and live in a cottage overlooking Pearl Harbor where they were stationed. It was there that his grandfather heard the explosions on Dec. 7, 1941 and looked down to see the smoke from the first wave of the attacks by the Japanese. He spent the next three weeks at the hospital operating on the those who had been injured that day and then next four years island hopping in the Pacific on duty before setting up practice in Coosa County, Alabama afterward. For Cockerham, this man ever so rightly earned his place in the Greatest 30 March/April 2020
Generation. “It was his story as well as the story of other generations of relatives that inspired me to join the military,” Cockerham recalled, nearly 80 years after that fateful day in Hawaii. “It wasn’t the war stories from those conflicts but rather the call to service that inspired me to join.” After graduating from Homewood High School, he joined the Marine Corps and would go on to serve 27 years with the military branch. As fate would have it, Cockerham too was first assigned to be stationed in Hawaii, but before he made it there, he was called to the Persian Gulf to help prevent Iraq from attacking Saudi Arabia in what would
become the First Gulf War. There he would serve as a fire direction officer in the Battle of Kochi on USS Missouri, a refurbished battle ship from the Pacific campaign of World War II. Today that ship is anchored next to the USS Arizona in Hawaii, the latter of which serves as symbol of US entry into World War II. If you visit, there’s a video clip that shows Cockerham’s grandfather as part of the exhibit on the USS Arizona, and right next to it in Missouri sits a battle map from Kochi sits in the fire patrol room. “For me the memory of the USS Missouri now forever connects me with the USS Arizona and with it my grandfather’s memory from that day,” Cockerham explains. “My family has a small connection to a special site 4,355 miles away.” As Cockerham spoke that November day, he looked out over his students, many of them sitting with their own parents and grandparents who had served in the armed forces. Moments later, he’d watch as others of his students played the marches for each branch on trombone, clarinet and drums, and veterans who served in that branch stood to be recognized with yet another round of applause. But the end of the program turned to not the Greatest Generation, not those who had served in
Homewood Middle School assistant principals Joel Henneke, left, and Lea Cockerham, right, are both military veterans.
HomewoodLife.com 31
Vietnam or Korea, not Cockerham’s generation who served in the Gulf War, but those who will serve their country in the years to come. The HMS Junior ROTC members in navy blue uniforms led a poignant flag-folding ceremony in front of their peers, calling out the symbolism of each fold. “It is with our hearts that we pledge allegiance to 32 March/April 2020
the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all,” the ceremony reads. And it was with their hands that everyone in that room applauded all who have and are today “preserving for us the right, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.”
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SCHOOLS & SPORTS
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Hugh Williams Homewood High School Junior PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Matthew C. “Hugh” Williams admits he’s competitive about everything. It applies to any game he plays. It applies to grades in school. It applies to math team (he took home first place in a state tournament). And it didn’t hinder the Homewood High School junior from earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, a top score fewer than half of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn. Hugh’s college applications will also list that he was president of the Coding Club at HHS and in Beta Club and National French Honor Society. But before he sends those off, we talked to him about the winning score and his interest in coding. How did you prepare for the ACT? I took a course offered by ACT. My main issue was having to learn grammar rules. My first time taking it in July 2019 I got a 35, and the second in December I got a 36. I constantly checked the website to see if my score was up. I was really excited because I didn’t have to sit there for three hours again. The test is horrible. The score will make my resume that much more interesting for colleges, and I think it will complement all my other accomplishments.
to make a game at all costs. After that it turned into a general curiosity in programming. My first few attempts to develop a game ended a few days after me starting, but the first one I completed was a basic game where you clicked a computer to earn money a couple of years You are president of the Coding Club ago. For a while I worked on a game with at HHS. Can you tell us more about a friend, and right now I am working on a game that’s in early stages. I like strategy that? As president I am basically the teacher games like Civilization 6. A lot of the of the club. The club members are all games I play are indie ones people haven’t novices in programming, so I teach them heard of on STEAM. a variety of languages throughout the What colleges are you looking at, and year. We have gone through Python and What advice would you give someone Unity. A lot of the programming taking the ACT? what are you considering studying? Find your weak point and focus on it at I am looking at Auburn, Georgia Tech knowledge I have is from my uncle who all costs. I knew my weak point since has given me books on the subject. and the Naval Academy. I am really elementary school would be English. I interested in aeronautics and computer science, or I might go into mathematics. I How did you get interested in coding? think practice tests are a good way to go My earliest interest in it came from my too especially if you haven’t taken the still have a dream of being an astronaut interest in game development. I wanted ACT before. but more realistically am looking at being 34 March/April 2020
a computer programmer. I put in an application for a NASA internship, and I’ve been to a couple of space centers for school trips or launches, including the TESS launch with my dad at Cape Canaveral.
&DRINK
FOOD
EATING HEALTHY IN HOMEWOOD
A dietician’s tips for what to order to pack nutrients into your day at restaurants on and around 18th Street. BY SARAH CRAWFORD PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED HomewoodLife.com 35
Eating out doesn’t have to mean you have to break your healthy eating routine. Instead study the menu for ingredients and preparation, and try one of these suggestions of dishes at downtown Homewood restaurants. You’ll also find some tips on substitutions and other ordering ideas to apply no matter where you go. Big Bad Breakfast
Photo by Lindsey Culver
36 March/April 2020
Breakfast
Bandit Patisserie I’d suggest going for the Granola Parfait. Fresh nuts and seeds are filled with healthy fats and protein, and you’ll still get that sweet taste you’re looking for from the berries and granola without all the added sugars.
Big Bad Breakfast Here, you’ll want to draw your attention to the “Lean Plates” section of the menu, and pay close attention to the Avocado Toast. Served on a thick slice of whole wheat toast, you’re sure to get the fiber and B vitamins you need to start the day off strong.
Holler & Dash The Garden Goat might become your new breakfast go-to. Not only is it topped with everyone’s favorite superfood, kale, it’s also drizzled with a lemon dijon vinaigrette.
Hero Doughnuts Just because it’s a doughnut shop doesn’t mean you can’t find something healthy—and delicious. I’d recommend the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich or the Yogurt and Granola. Here’s something else you should know: Dietitians eat doughnuts, too, so be open to trying things outside your comfort zone (even though they might have a little sugar).
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Dietitian Tip: Any chance I get I’m always substituting a vinaigrette for a heavier dressing, like ranch. Often these come with decreased amounts of added sugars and healthier fats like olive oil instead of heavy creams.
Lunch
Farm Bowl
Photo by Jason Wallis
Little Donkey If you get stuffed on their chips and salsa and are looking for something a little bit lighter than cheese-drenched quesadillas, try the Classic Burrito Bowl. It’s packed with healthy greens and healthy fats, and you even have the option to substitute shrimp for some extra Omega 3s.
Real & Rosemary Calling all veggie lovers, you’re about to hit the jackpot when it comes to a superfood lunch spot. My go-to at this spot is the Beet, Fig, and Goat Cheese Sandwich. Not only are beets a fun and unique addition to this sandwich, they’re also proven to be a great source of fiber, folate, and iron, and even aid in increasing blood flow.
Farm Bowl Any bowl or smoothie you choose off of this menu is a good one, but if you’re looking to wave goodbye to added sugars, try choosing a bowl without the nutella and opt for one with honey drizzles (like the Farm Bowl) instead.
Urban Cookhouse If you’re looking for a healthy stop on a busy day, order the Grilled Chicken Special paired with rice pilaf and a fresh garden salad. I always lean towards grilled meats, vegetables, etc. instead of fried foods because of the decrease in calories and fat. Fried foods have also been associated with carcinogenic properties (cancerpromoting), so that’s all the more reason to swap your fried choice for a grilled choice!
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Urban Cookhouse
Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha
Little Donkey
Photo by Angie Moser
HomewoodLife.com 39
Soho Social
Photos by Lindsey Culver
40 March/April 2020
Dietitian Tip: When it comes to pizza, I look for thin crust, leaner cheeses like feta and lots of vegetables. This helps to decrease the amount of grease you’ll be consuming.
Dave's Pizza
Dinner
Soho Social The Crab & Avocado BLT delivers a dose of healthy fats that crab and avocado have to offer. Plus, it’s also served up with local greens and a specialty white Alabama barbeque sauce. For a side, go with the Mexican street corn instead of French fries for less fat and more flavor.
Dave’s Pizza You can have a great, healthy pizza without losing all of your favorite textures and flavors. The Renaissance Pizza is piled high with vegetables like zucchini, red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes—all nourishing ingredients that, when put together, taste like a dream.
Demetri’s BBQ Newsflash: you can enjoy your favorite barbecue hotspot without all the extra calories and fat. Go for the Smoked Tuna on Wheat sandwich to get some heart-healthy essential fatty acids into your diet. You could try the White Chicken Chili too to avoid consuming lots of saturated fat. HomewoodLife.com 41
Dessert Cookie Fix
If you’re looking for something to satisfy that sweet tooth without all the added sugars, try the Healthy PB Cookie. It’s lighter on the butter and sugar, and substitutes oats for flour. Their new whole wheat Fit Fix cookie is also a great choice since it’s sweetened with banana and maple syrup and filled with sunflower seeds, pepitas, millet, walnuts, craisins and coconut.
Steel City Pops Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity pop or a creamy pop, you can’t go wrong at this local popsicle joint. Every pop is gluten-free and made with organic cane sugar or honey, which means their sugar sources are much less refined. For the lightest option, both the Lime Pop and Cranberry Orange Pop are under 100 calories.
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FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Faith Hurtado
Neighborhood Nutrition Co-Owner PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Not too many years ago Faith Hurtado was skeptical of protein shakes and intimidated by nutrition. Today, though, she is not only running a protein smoothie and tea shop downtown, Magic City Nutrition, but she is opening another one, along with her business partners Kevin Burks and Andy Smith, on 18th Street. It’s set to open in the former Lucky Cat Rolled Creams storefront in early March. We chatted with Faith to learn what her smoothies are all about. How did you first discover smoothies and teas like you serve here? I found a store similar to this in Little Rock Arkansas where I am from. At the time I couldn’t reach any of my health goals. I didn’t know how to eat right. I didn’t know anything about nutrition. I walked in, and they said, “We do meal replacement protein shakes and energy teas.” And in my head I said, “Gross,” because I grew up in the era of my mom drinking SlimFast, but I said, “Okay I’ll try it.” I thought I would throw it away when I left, but I tried it and I loved it. I started coming in every day for the shakes, and I was surrounded by good energy and good people. I was feeling better emotionally and mentally, and physically my body was changing and I had more energy. I was like “I have to do this this for other people. I want to take the concept and make it by my own.”
lived here for a year before we opened the store. I wanted to know the community first. I was unsure how people would react, but on our first day in five hours we served 250 people. I was like, “Whoa!” We still have new people everyday and so many regulars. What exactly are these smoothies like? I know the concept is crazy that you walk out with two drinks. The tea tastes more like a juice or a punch, not like an herbal tea, and it’s going to give you energy. And the shake is your meal as if you are sitting down and eating a plate of food. We let customers know they are getting 24 grams of protein and 21 different vitamins and minerals in a shake. Our shakes keep you full three to six hours depending on your metabolism, and they have the nutrient density of an 800-calorie meal. A lot of people are skeptical at first, but most people can’t even finish their shake because they are so full.
Why Birmingham? I was ready to get out of Little Rock after 25 years. Alabama is beautiful and close to How did you decide to open a Homewood home but far away. We drove the whole state shop now? Being downtown, we get a lot of people and Birmingham was it. It was big city, small town and there’s still Southern charm. We who travel for work and say they wish there
was one in Homewood and Mountain Brook and Cahaba Heights. Actually when I came to visit Birmingham the first time, I ate in Lucky Cat, and I said if this place ever becomes available I’m going to put a store there. I could tell there was something about Homewood that is so great. We went with the name Neighborhood Nutrition because Homewood has such a neighborhood feel. We love that people are walking up and down the street. Décor wise we are going for a more natural boho look with warmer tones. We will offer all of the same teas and shakes, and a lot of the faces will be familiar. What would you recommend ordering? I always recommend people try our Lemon Berry Energy Tea for the first time because it’s a great blend of pomegranate, lemon and mango. For shakes it depends on the day. We just launched Peanut Butter Oreo, and it’s amazing. For first time people I recommend my favorite one from fruity which is Fruity Pebbles, or my favorite vanilla ones are Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Peanut Butter Cookie, Lemon Pound Cake and Banana Bread. HomewoodLife.com 43
FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Bea & Matthew Morrissette The Little London Owners PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Bea Morrissette loves to take people on travels through food—particularly to the streets of London where she grew up. That’s why she and her husband, Matthew, who grew up in Birmingham, started a British food truck, in a double decker bus no less. And that’s why they are now opening a pub on Oxmoor Road in West Homewood. Here’s what she had to say about it all as they prepare to open the pub in March. You two met when you were living in Manhattan. How did you end up in Birmingham? Matthew brought me here a few times to meet his family, after a while he asked, “Are we going to settle in Manhattan or London?” And I said, “Or Birmingham?” I was big-citied out, and there’s trees and people talk to each other down here. Basically I won.
with international influence. My parents are from the Caribbean and The Philippines, so I have some Caribbean and Filipino dishes, and some Spanish and Indian dishes. We also partner with R&S Catering, so Chef What kind of reception did the food truck Richard Wilkins (pictured above) will do pop-up classes and kitchen takeovers. You’ll get? It was exciting but also daunting. I didn’t get his style of food too and we’ll have know how everyone would respond to it, but takeovers by other food trucks too. it was remarkable. Social media was a great How did Little London Kitchen come to tool for us to be seen and made us spread like What will the pub décor be like? Because it’s a pub, we have to have quirky wildfire. People liked the Fish and Chips and be? accents from us as owners but also some that the Beef Pies because they are familiar. After I have always been really passionate about remind us of London. I have sourced 90 a month we had this reputation of the food food. Little London Kitchen was born in 2012 when my friends asked me to cater for being delicious, and then people got more percent of our furniture from Facebook their parties in London, and then I had to adventurous and we added things like Scotch Marketplace and flea malls. That’s very London: old meets new. I am picking out push it to the side for my career. When I got Eggs and Curry. three pianos because Matthew and I play, to Birmingham, I spent about six months eating out trying to learn the fabric of the Why open your pub in Homewood? And and the piano keys will embellish the side of the bar. We are putting a false fireplace areas, and I saw Birmingham has this what will be on the menu? because we have to because it’s a pub, and a Homewood is the most reminiscent of a thriving food scene that is building and dart board. We are going to make a Little London suburb for me with people walking building. It was the perfect time to bring Little London Kitchen back. A friend of mine with their kids and small businesses. When Little London bus for my nephews and had afternoon tea on a bus in London, and we went to pubs back home, there was a row families on the opposite side from the bar. she sent me a photo. I said to Matthew, “If I of houses and then a pub. We’ll have our core We’ll have a projector screen for games. It’s can get a British bus to Alabama, that would British favorites, and then for the specials I supposed to be like your living room away be really unique, and people would try the will have some fun with London street food from home, but it’s just a little fancier. 44 March/April 2020
food and come back for the food.” What I miss about London is the specials list in the pubs influenced by cuisines from around the world, and that’s what I wanted to create.
&STYLE
HOME
JUST THE RIGHT SIZE The Halstons brought their farmhouse-style dreams to life on Melrose Place. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY TOMMY DASPIT HomewoodLife.com 45
E
Erica and Ardell Halston are no strangers to Edgewood. Erica has taught special education at Edgewood Elementary for eight years, and her mom lives on Primose Place. For several years the couple had lived in a new build they’d helped designed in Liberty Park, though, all the while thinking of what they’d do differently design-wise in another home one day. In the end the Halstons got to put all of those design ideas into action when they made the move to the neighborhood where they wanted their now 2-year-old to grow up near his future Homewood classmates with the tight-knit relationships they knew they’d find there. The main appeal of the home they’d buy on Melrose Place was its deep lot and street full of mostly updated homes that their design would fit right in amidst—and the neighbors of course. Once the Halstons had the property, they decided to work with Willow Homes on their project based on the company’s feedback on their plans—and the fact that their office was just around the corner from their new home. “It doesn’t get more Homewood than that,” Ardell says. The Halstons considered renovating, they considered tearing down the existing home, and ultimately they
46 March/April 2020
decided to take the home down to its crawl space foundation and building up from there. The end result is still a single story home like most on its side of the street, but it has double the square footage and higher ceilings than the previous structure. Their living room now sits where a deck once was, and their master bedroom where the living room once was. Technically the farmhouse-style home is a renovation, but ultimately it’s a new home on the existing footprint, plus extra square footage off the back of the original home. Although their white Melrose cottage is 500 square feet smaller than their Liberty Park house, the Halstons say that it’s far more functional with an open flow from the front drop zone to the kitchen to the living room, with each living space broken up by a cedar wrapped ceiling beam. Even on just one story, Allison says the home “lives big” with four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, plus a spacious master suite with walk-in closet and walk-in pantry to boot. The designer is quick to note it’s a floor plan she’d built for herself—and the Halstons would agree, especially since they were able to incorporate the design elements they’d dreamed up for years for their family to enjoy for years to come too.
Dining Room This casual space transitions from the kitchen to the living room on the back of the house (not pictured). The comfy chairs from At Home paired with a West Elm table beg the Halstons and their guests to sit for hours. The cedar wrapped beams transition from the drop zone at the entrance of the house to this sitting area and then to kitchen and lastly to the dining room/living area in the back of the house. HomewoodLife.com 47
Den Nicknamed the “gossip den,� this adult sitting room is the perfect place for the Halstons to sit back and read a book or drink a glass of bourbon. Ardell and Erica had known they wanted a wall of built-in bookshelves painted in a dark hue somewhere in the house, and they decided the entrance to their home was the perfect place for this statement maker in a paint color that’s almost black but with hints of blue.
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Kitchen This clean white kitchen is deep, with a deep island, just like the house. The Bianco Venatino Quartz countertops give the Halstons the elegance of marble without the maintenance it requires, and all the white cabinetry is complemented by brass hardware and an island painted a hue that is mix of black and navy slightly lighter than the bookshelves in the adjacent den. The pendant lights above the island also lend a more modern vibe to the overall farmhouse feel of the space.
HomewoodLife.com 49
Master Bathroom The Halstons wanted to create a feature shiplap wall painted Sherwin Williams Ellie Grey like the cabinets beneath them, and Allison came up with the rounded cut design at its top corners that flows with the brassrimmed Pottery Barn mirrors. The simple yet elegant color scheme is complemented by Bianco Calcatta Hexagon Honed Marble penny tile floor and Arabescato Marble shower tile.
Jack and Jill Bathroom This bathroom right off the dining room also acts as a powder room for guests, and like the other two bathrooms in the home, it features the same brass hardware as the kitchen. 50 March/April 2020
Drop Zone Since the Halstons were transitioning from a home with a garage, they knew they’d need space to drop backpacks, bags and shoes when they entered the home, and this zone inside the front door does just that.
HomewoodLife.com 51
Laundry Room To make the most functional use of this small space, the Halstons added pocket doors and chose a front-loading washer and dryer so they could put a countertop on top of both to act as a folding surface. They also added a touch of pizzazz with a fun pattern in the Crescent Memory Cement Tile on the floor.
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AT HOME
how to build a MOOD BOARD When designing a space it’s important to start with a mood board. Not only does it help organize all of the materials being used, but it helps create a clearer vision of the space. Unsure of where to start? Begin by choosing an item that inspires you, like a vintage Turkish rug. From there, you can build a color scheme. When selecting materials, be sure to think about what you will like in the future and try to shy away from what’s currently trending. Lastly, enjoy the process. It’s fun to see your ideas come together!
Photo & Text By Jessica Clement of JMC Studio
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1. Turkish Rug- 18th Street Oriental, $285. 2. Dragon’s Breath Paint Sample- Pierce Tabor, $9/sample. 3. Revere Pewter Paint SamplePierce Tabor, $9/sample. 4. Honed Marble Tile- Floor & Décor, 49 cents each.
HomewoodLife.com 53
IN STYLE
spring into STYLE
BY MADISON FREEMAN PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD
1. STORIA WRAP DRESS This simple and classic piece is great for any occasion. Ambiance l $62.50
2. BROWN LEATHER PURSE This purse can go with anything and everything. Fab’rik | $72
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3. BLACK SUEDE SNEAKERS These shoes are absolutely everywhere in a variety of styles. Soca | $125
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4. GOLD CHAIN DANGLE NECKLACE This chain looks great with casual and dressy looks. Ambiance | $24.99
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5. CLASSIC BLACK CIRCLE FRAMED SUNGLASSES Springtime calls for shades, and you can’t go wrong with these classics. Fab’rik | $10
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ACCESSORIZE 1
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1. WHITE LEAF EARRINGS Fab’rik | $22
2. STAR EARRINGS Ambiance | $44.99
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Madison is a local fashion, home decor, travel and lifestyle blogger opening her door up for you on insidemyopendoor.com.
1. SAND JUMPER This sharp jumpsuit would look great as is or paired with a jacket for work or play. Soca | $142
2. GOLD AVIATORS Everyone will be obsessing over these wide framed shades. Fab’rik | $10
3. BLACK LEATHER PURSE
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This is a great statement piece for any outfit. Fab’rik | $18
4. BLACK SUEDE HEEL These seasonally transitional wedges have a classic look. Fab’rik | $10
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treasure hunting in a climate where cheap clothes are churned out in massive quantities, an artist and a vintage clothing curator are looking to “slow fashion”— and having a lot of fun in the process. by melanie peeples | photos by lindsey culver
It’s a random Tuesday morning and Homewood artist Liz Landgren is poring through the clothing racks at The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center on Green Springs Highway. She’s armed with one cup of coffee and one cup of water to fortify her for today’s mission. She raises the coffee to her lips and explains, “You have to stay hydrated and caffeinated because you can’t get tired doing this, because you’re in for the long haul.” It is the thrill of the hunt that brings her here and keeps her returning to thrift stores across the Birmingham area. “It’s like, a problem I have,” she confides.
“I think about it a lot. Like hunting. Like men feel about hunting ‘cause it’s that feeling that you might FIND—that this is going to be the day that you find that big buck. This is going to be the day that I find the FIND.” So what, exactly, IS the FIND? It could be the full set of Calphalon pots and pans she once found for $4.99. It could be the official NASA replica moon rocks display my neighbor found here in December. You just never know. It’s a treasure hunt, and you have to stay alert at all times. The repetitive screech of clothing hangers against the metal bar fills the air, and if you’re not
Selections from Hannah Johnson's WerTheGoodz collection
careful, you’d miss the employee emerging from the back room, wheeling what looks like a household recycling bin behind him. He’s headed for the back of the store with a fresh arrival of shoes. Liz whips her buggy around and heads that way, too, but another woman spots him and spins her cart the other way. Like two pirate ships spotting a vessel in distress across the ocean, they sail through the store, each one racing to be the first to plunder. But it’s all for naught. The bin is zip-tied shut, and they both must wait until the man goes back to get scissors. The other lady already has a shopping cart full of at least 40 shoes and makes no pretense of politeness when Liz tries to talk to her. She feigns interest in some shoes already on the rack, but she knows there’s nothing good there. Liz hit that area earlier. A third woman arrives. “Now I’m going to have to be aggressive,” Liz whispers to me. It’s clear she’s uncomfortable, but she has come up against this 58 March/April 2020
same woman before. She hates feeling too competitive, but she just can’t help herself. The man returns with the scissors and cuts the zip tie. Liz’s hands are the first inside. But her nemesis draws blood first: a pair of Coach sneakers. The third woman digs her hands in and a pair of knock-off Ugg boots go tumbling to the floor. It’s too much. Liz is out. She retreats to the men’s department to regroup. “Oh, here’s this! This is a $200 dollar shirt,” she says. “Ben Sherman.” A quick Google search is all it takes to confirm that the $6.99 shirt on the rack sells new for $200. Liz isn’t in to re-selling the things she finds here. What she really likes doing is putting together her own outfits from what she finds. She spends most of her time with paint brush in hand and is in high demand around town for her original oil paintings. Commissions, too. She might buy a jean jacket, take it home and paint the back of it, or cut apart a battered purse and make leather earrings. She’s
Artist Liz Landgren shops regularly at the Salvation Army and other thrift stores.
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10 REASONS TO SHOP AT A THRIFT STORE 1. It’s good for the environment. 2. You are making the world a better place by not creating more textile waste. 3. You are saving money. 4. Some thrift stores like The Salvation Army sort clothing by color, meaning if you’re in need of an orange linen blouse, you know exactly where to go looking for it. 5. You are helping a charitable organization. 6. It’s like a weeding-out service. All of the clothing in thrift stores is good enough that someone already liked it enough to pay full price for it. 7. It feeds your competitive nature. 8. It feeds your artistic nature. 9. You like treasure hunts. 10. Who doesn’t like a bargain?
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TOP: Shoes from Hannah WerTheGoodz collection. BOTTOM: Liz hunts for high-end shoes at the Salvation Army thrift store.
been doing this since high school, when she discovered the funky looks she could put together. “I always like to be a trendsetter,” she says. “To have me have to wear the same T-shirt as everybody else for vacation bible school? I will take that T-shirt and cut it into a jacket. (I) might paint it. You know, like I literally can’t look the same as everybody else. I can’t do it.” Shopping at thrift stores fills Liz’s artistic needs. And she always looks amazing. But shopping at the Salvation Army does more than that. In the current climate of fast fashion, where cheap clothes are churned out in massive quantities and almost as quickly relegated to landfills, what Liz is doing is the ultimate form of recycling. People are proud to recycle paper, aluminum, glass … so why not clothing? Americans’ need for new clothes, even in an economic downturn, has given rise to cheap (in material as well as price) mass-produced clothing. A lot of people think nothing about buying a synthetic blouse for $20, wearing it once or twice, and throwing it away. And that’s a LOT of waste. According to environmentalist researchers, one garbage truck of textiles is dumped in a landfill or incinerated every second, and a lot of those
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Hannah Johnson's WerTheGoodz collection features home goods in addition to apparel.
inexpensive fast fashion clothes are made of polyester. Which means they aren’t going to biodegrade any time soon. The more consumers demand new clothing, the more the textile industry has to create MORE cheap clothing. It’s a vicious cycle that’s not just bad for people’s wallets, it’s bad for the earth. The need to buy new things can be strong, but a person who could turn that desire to shop toward products that already exist, the fewer new things that would have to be made. And that’s a big factor when so many of the fast fashion clothes are made overseas in less-than-ideal working conditions. That is something vintage clothing curator Hannah Johnson thinks about a lot. “With this concept of fast fashion comes the stigma of what’s going on in these countries where they’re producing this stuff based on OUR demand. Based on what WE want,” she says. Hannah believes shopping used clothing can alter that narrative. “It’s about … 62 March/April 2020
making a difference, taking stress off the communities overseas that are trying to produce so much for us that they can’t possibly do it. It can’t possibly be healthy.” Plus, shopping in thrift stores funds philanthropic organizations working to help the poor, the homeless, battered women, children in Africa. Hannah sees a lot of worth in the estate sales and thrift stores. In fact that’s where she got the name of her vintage goods store, WerTheGoodz. She saw perfectly good clothing—50-year-old wool suits— cast-off, and thought, “Who is to say what has worth and what doesn’t?” Not to mention, she says, “If you find something is in the thrift store that’s like 50 years old and it’s still in excellent shape, it’s quality. It’s quality workmanship, it’s quality materials.” It’s wool or cotton or linen, which stands in marked contrast to the synthetic clothing that falls apart in one washing. And speaking of washing, Hannah points out
Hannah shows off vintage clothing collection in her Edgewood home.
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The research we’re doing is making it possible for kids like Allie to survive, grow up and make things happen. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
another environmental implication of laundering all those polyester blouses. “It’s better for our environment that these plastics aren’t being put back into our washing machines and into our oceans.” It’s a valid point. Research shows washing clothing made (even partially) from plastic leads to micro plastic beads ending up in our oceans. So it’s not just straws we should be worrying about. Sometimes, it’s the shirt on your back. Hannah is quickly developing a loyal following of women who call her to see what new things she has found. She holds pop-up booths at weekend markets here or in Atlanta, but she’ll also give friends a personal viewing of the beautiful things she has collected, which in between markets are stored in her gorgeous Homewood bungalow. In fact, she says shopping preowned clothes isn’t all that different from real estate. Many people don’t insist on new construction when they buy a house. They value older homes made with solid materials featuring classic items like crown moulding. Sure, you could insist on only buying new clothes and spending lots of money in the process, but like Hannah says, “Why would you? “
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a
storyteller to remember john bresnan was as much of a mentor and friend as he was homewood’s longtime fire chief. by madoline markham photos contributed HomewoodLife.com 67
LEFT TO RIGHT: Fire Chief John Bresnan speaks at the Patriot Day ceremony at Homewood City Hall on Sept. 11, 2019. Bresnan with his pride and joy, a restored 1927 Homewood fire truck. Bresnan loved to fish on the Gulf with his friend Billy Hewitt.
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What others could consider calamities John Bresnan saw as stories. Whether it was about the time he burned rice because he forgot the water or whatever crazy thing had happened on the fishing boat, his tales were just as funny every single time. “My dad used to say that if you asked John what time it was, he would tell you how to build the watch first,” his sister Charlotte Poe says. “He was always a storyteller.” And so it’s fitting that as the Homewood community mourned the loss of its fire chief of 27 years in January, story after story was shared, stories of fires and fishing, but most of all of friendship. The most fitting tributes to Fire Chief Bresnan, who was 58 when he passed away, were never short. “By the time you got done listening to (John’s) story—it may be four hours later—you had every single detail of that story. He remembered things
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most people would not,” Homewood Fire & Rescue Lieutenant Brandon Broadhead says. But Bresnan’s favorite story to tell was “how I was born and ruined a beach trip for them,” his daughter Lexi says. Nineteen years ago she arrived six weeks before her due date while her parents were vacationing near Apalachicola. With that, Lexi earned her middle name, “Bay,” and countless trips to the Apalachicola doc in the box where she was born with her dad to reminisce for years to come. Bresnan wouldn’t have it any other way. “You could always tell if he was talking to Lexi (on the phone),” Broadhead says. “He got up from whatever we were doing and took her call. She was the light of his life.” It was quite fateful, really, that Lexi would write her life into her dad’s that way considering how passionate Bresnan was about the beach. He and his close friend Billy Hewitt would take Hewitt’s boat out
from Bear Point near Orange Beach often with Bresnan wearing his “lucky fishing shirt,” and often he’d take other fishing excursions with Lexi while she was happy to sit on the boat and look for dolphins. In those moments, he’d fully embrace Margaritaville mode since, after all, he knew the words to every single Jimmy Buffet song and owned every one of his albums. Bresnan’s grandfather, a fisherman on oil rigs in Panama City, had taught him to fish growing up, and he’d go on to earn a marine biology degree from UAB and intern at Dauphin Island Sea Lab before working for Homewood Fire Department. With 27 years on the job, not only was Bresnan the longest standing fire chief in the state, but he was also the youngest in Homewood history to take the job in the first place. He’d joined the Homewood department in 1987, and by 1992 he was still the most junior firefighter—the “kitchen man”
responsible for doing the dishes and other thankless jobs. But because he’d been a fire captain in Center Point though, he was eligible to take the civil service test, and his score landed him as the top candidate for chief. “Most people don’t get promoted to apparatus operator that quickly, much less to chief,” Homewood Fire Battalion Chief Lori Stoney explains. “He worked one day wearing a blue shirt, and he came back the next wearing his white shirt with bugles.” And in the nearly three decades since then, Bresnan was not only chief but a friend to everyone in the department. “He never treated anyone as if they were below them, he wanted to know about them,” Lexi says. “Someone told me if he didn’t know he had the badge on, no one would know he was in charge.” Every firefighter has a unique story about a time
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“You could always tell if he was talking to Lexi (on the phone). He got up from whatever we were doing and took her call. She was the light of his life.� -Brandon Broadhead 70 March/April 2020
Bresnan helped them with a project or went fishing with him. He knew who each of their kids were and asked about them. “The thing that sticks out the most about chief was that he made so many people feel special,” Stoney says. “He spent time with people that no one else knew about. I have had several people come in and talk to me (since he died) who I didn’t realize had a relationship with him away from work.” Above all, the fire chief firmly believed in people. “It wasn’t about what was on paper, it was about the person,” Broadhead states. “He took chances on people and in turn we have some of the most loyal firefighters in the state. That was me too; he believed in me and promoted me. He mentored me every single day.” No matter the situation, on the job or off, Bresnan was calm, cool and collected in each and every moment. “We don’t have emergencies, we fix emergencies,” the chief was known to say on the job. When firefighters were working a structure fire, they’d often turn around and Bresnan would be there with his ever-calming presence. In 13 years working with him, Broadhead never once saw his chief get angry. Even when his stepson Kyle Raburn—who Bresnan always considered fully his son—went
through what he calls his “teenage rebellion,” he says Bresnan never once lost his composure. The only thing to ever rival Bresnan’s love for his children was the 1927 Homewood firetruck he loved to tinker on. “He knew that truck inside and out,” Stoney says. “I don’t think anything made him prouder than driving around and in the parades and on We Love Homewood Day.” Bresnan was, however, equally proud of Homewood Fire earning a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification in 2018, what Stoney describes as the “best fire protection you can get short of having a fire truck parked outside each residence.” Reaching that rare milestone also means insurance savings for residents and businesses. Lexi and Raburn both note that their dad was ever teaching them how to live life to its fullest—often rife with spontaneity. Lexi, a big musical theatre fan, recalls when she was 15 mentioning she wanted to go to see Newsies and that the closest it was playing was in South Carolina. And lo and behind, that weekend she and her dad drove to South Carolina to see the show. Other things about Bresnan worked like clockwork though, like his morning stop at O’Henry’s on 18th Street. He ordered a medium mocha with whipped
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cream every single day. “He’d stand and talk to us for hours about current events,” says Rick Munts, who manages the coffee shop. “He cared tremendously about everyone who came in. When Johnny Montgomery’s daughter passed away recently, he was the first person to say, ‘Hey, what are you guys doing because I want to join in on that? Do you know what I can do?’ We had made a donation to a domestic violence foundation, and he said whatever we donated he’d match. He was a ray of sunshine.” And if a friend or his kids ever needed him to assist with a house project, Bresnan would be there as soon as he could. Raburn has his dad to credit for how he knows how to mount a TV, hide wires, eradicate termites and fix holes in walls. “Helping others is not a chore for John, it was who he was,” Raburn says, also noting how incredibly thoughtful his dad was
down to quirky Christmas gifts. One year a raccoon had fallen through the ceiling into a closet in the West Homewood house Raburn was renting, and months later, he found a raccoon ornament in his Christmas stocking from Bresnan. “We laughed and laughed,” Raburn recalls. “The fact that he remembered that for six months just to share a laugh with me is the definition of John’s desire to bring joy to others.” Above all, Raburn will tell you, his and Lexi’s dad created experiences. Whether he was grilling steaks or running with his Siberian husky Rosco in the backyard, fishing or fighting fires, Bresnan was fully present. “He wasn’t wasting time, he just wasn’t ever in a hurry,” Raburn said in his eulogy. “He was creating connecting and making memories. He wasn’t on his phone, he wasn’t watching TV, he was there.”
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BUILDERS AND BUYERS
Vulcan Pest Control 115 Commerce Drive • Pelham Alabama 35124 205.663.4200 • www.vulcantermite.com Protect your most valuable assets! Don’t let termites cause destruction on your property – get them gone quickly with professional termite pest control. If you’re looking for the best termite company in Central Alabama you’ve found it. Vulcan’s Termite Division has over 120 years of combined experience providing commercial and home termite treatment. Our staff works diligently to provide inspections and necessary reports in a timely manner so the stress of buying or selling your home is minimized. Schedule your FREE termite inspection today! One of our termite exterminators can evaluate the situation and suggest the best treatment method.
Homewood Carpet & Flooring 813 Green Springs Hwy • Birmingham 35209 205-518-6423 • www.homewoodcarpet.com “Our slogan is “Foo and You!” because it’s all about you getting the floor and service you want at a fair price,” says Fuad “Foo” Shunnarah. Homewood Carpet & Flooring offers the best selection of carpet, hardwood, and tile in Birmingham for your home or business without costing you a fortune. Foo and his team specialize in consulting with clients in their home or business to find the perfect floor for any application. They provide samples to match your decor, as well as offer professional advice about the type of flooring that will work best for you. They bring many years of experience to your project and will make sure that you get a great installation of a quality product from some of the biggest names in the industry. If your hardwood floor is starting to show its age, we will transform your hardwood into something that will make you proud. They also offer specialty floors including rubber flooring, which is a great option for gyms, recreational facilities and basements. 74 March/April 2020
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BUILDERS AND BUYERS
A Better Closet 1031 14th Street • Calera, 35040 205-621-1638 • Abettercloset.net • Sales@abettercloset.net A professional design and installation service, A Better Closet delivers custom storage solutions to help organize every room of your home. A Better Closet is a locally owned, family-operated business, and we have been building custom storage for over 30 years. Our designers and craftsmen will transform every area of your home (floor to ceiling) to the custom storage of your dreams – with beautiful, lasting results that are guaranteed over the life of your home. At A Better Closet, exceptional service is built in to the equation. When you schedule a free in-home consultation, we focus on finding the plan that is best for you, because we know your home, family, preferences and needs are unique. A Better Closet wants to maximize every inch of space to increase your home’s storage potential and value. Whether you want to make the most of a walk in closet, custom storage, kitchen pantry or home office, A Better Closet can help.
Vinyl Designs, LLC 243 Victoria Station • Alabaster, AL 35114 205.222.2230 • Shapiro8@bellsouth.net The widespread popularity of vinyl siding continues to surprise virtually everyone involved in residential construction including Builders, Contractors, Architects, and Homeowners. Once considered a cheaper option to wood siding, vinyl has made tremendous strides in the past decade with improved quality, better installation systems and advances in color retention offering new vibrant colors. Redesign of overhang systems has allowed vents to be concealed, while quadrupling airflow. These Soffit systems are perfect for stylishly completing the maintenance free goal of brick or stone home exteriors. Styling Innovations have added popular Board and Batten or Cedar options. These are designed so it’s unlikely you recognize them as vinyl in passing. Fiber cement is gaining in popularity, and we also carry this product. However, when comparing with the new generation of vinyl products, there are few occasions when it’s the best solution. Consultations and estimates are free and assist you in making the most informed decision. We would be proud to show you some of the new options available for your next project. Vinyl Designs, LLC opened in 1992 and continues a family tradition that spans over 50 years. HomewoodLife.com 75
BUILDERS AND BUYERS
Desjoyaux Pools by DSLD Land Management 5485 US-280 • Birmingham, AL 35242 205-437-1012 • www.dsldland.com • dsldsocialmedia@gmail.com DSLD Land Management has been building custom swimming pools since 1983. We recently became a certified Desjoyaux Pools dealer with exclusive building rights in the Birmingham area to the world’s largest swimming pool company. Desjoyaux Pools provides custom pools for our clients. You choose the shape, size and design of your pool. Our pools are built using recycled materials and a pipeless filtration system that uses less than half the energy of traditional pools. DSLD Land Management provides turnkey installation of your swimming pool, requisite construction and all landscape elements. Pantone 294 Pantone 109
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The Painting Company of Birmingham 5151 Cahaba Valley Rd • Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-5559 • birminghampaintingco.com Why choose the Painting Company of Birmingham? You have many choices of companies offering painting services, so why should you choose us over the rest? First and foremost, it is our commitment to quality and workmanship. We are a professional painting company, not a home improvement company which offers painting as one of their many services. Our professional painters are experts in their field and adhere to our mission to provide only the highest level of quality and service for every project we undertake. At The Painting Company of Birmingham, we are never satisfied with a mediocre job for our customers and it shows. Read our reviews and testimonials from our happy customers. We know that every job we do, big or small, contributes to our reputation and success. By putting our customers first, we have become the premier painting company in the greater Birmingham area. 76 March/April 2020
BUILDERS AND BUYERS
Cahaba Glass 160 Chandalar Place Drive • Pelham, 35124 205-621-7355 • Cahabaglassco.com • Cahabaglass@hotmail.com Cahaba Glass is your ultimate resource for any automotive, residential and small commercial glass needs. For the home, we specialize in the installation of custom shower enclosures, mirrors, glass shelving, furniture top glass, cabinet door glass and specialty glass. Our glazier will replace unsightly window units and patio door glass to give your home that “like new” look. If your small commercial building needs updating, we offer a full range of glass and architectural products to meet your needs. Our experienced staff will assist you with your automobile insurance claims to make the necessary repairs or replacements due to breakage. When you choose Cahaba Glass Company, you are choosing a proven leader in the glass business. Let us help you make your project shine!
Ray & Poyner 2629 Cahaba Rd • Birmingham, AL 35223 205-879-3036 • www.raypoyner.com Ray & Poynor Properties is a trusted real estate firm serving the Birmingham metro area for more than a decade. With an average of 17 years in the industry, our residential real estate experts are equipped with the knowledge to 205-879-3036 guide you through the buying, selling and relocation process. As your neighbors in Birmingham, we know the market and are invested in our clients and in our community. We work in the best interest of our buyers and sellers. Our clients rely on us to be responsive and communicate with them openly and honestly. We recognize that a home is often our clients’ largest investment, and we serve as a real estate resource beyond a single transaction. Call us today— we’ll guide you home. HomewoodLife.com 77
Homewood Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S
Happenings March 3rd at 12 PM
Ambassador Meeting Ash Homewood Interested in joining the Homewood Chamber Ambassadors? Join us for a meeting and learn more about the program! RSVP online: www. homewoodchamber.org
March 17th
11:30 AM March Membership Luncheon The Club State Rooms
March 19th
Preview: Taste of Homewood
5:30 Taste of Homewood Rosewood Hall
April 4th
Hop & Shop Downtown Homewood
April 7th at 12
Ambassador Meeting Maya Mexican Restaurant
April 9th at 7:30
Eggs and Issues with Congressman Gary Palmer Birmingham Marriott Hotel on Highway 280
April 21st at 11:30
Event: April Membership Luncheon The Club (State Rooms)
April 25th
Shades Creek Fest Jemison Park
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 18th annual Taste of Homewood on Thursday March 19th at 5:30. Enjoy an evening filled with unlimited food sampling from over 30 Homewood-
Preview: Hop & Shop The Homewood Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Hop & Shop 2020 on Saturday, April 4th from 10 AM-2 PM. Join the businesses of 18th Street to Hop & Shop! Hunt for coupons, candy and more while you shop for Easter clothing, decorations, treats, shoes, and more!
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area restaurants, along with beer and wine, live music and more! Tickets are $30 in advance, and $40 the day of the event. To purchase tickets, visit our website at homewoodchamber. org.
HOMEWOOD, ALABAMA 35209
F i n d U s O n l i ne
Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our member directory Purchase Buy Local Homewood eGift Cards
Recent Chamber Events
Buy Local, Gift Local
Business After Hours at Alabama Goods Dec. 3rd
Thomas Andrew Art Ribbon Cutting Dec. 6th
Need a gift for someone who is hard to buy for? Instagifts are instantly available gift cards are redeemable at Homewood merchants. You can email them as gifts and redeem them from your mobile phone. They look great, make great gifts, and never expire! Buy them in any amount at buylocalhomewood.instagift. com.
Annual Meeting Luncheon at The Club Dec. 17th
State of the City Luncheon at The Club Jan. 21st
Ribbon Cutting for Reli Title Homewood Jan. 28th
New Members John Carroll High School Elevate Training and ConsultingÂ
205 - 871 - 5631
WWW.HOMEWOODCHAMBER.ORG HomewoodLife.com 79
OUT & ABOUT
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SALAMANDER FESTIVAL
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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER
The Friends of Shades Creek held their annual Salamander Festival at Shades Valley Community Church on Jan. 25. 1. Dr. David Phy, Michelle Phy, Pete VanZandt and Mary Campbell 2. Mary Liz and Nora Ingram, Elizabeth McDaniel, and Lorelai Rivera
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3. Jane Reed Ross, and Annie, Izzy and Bo Walker 4. Alison, Graham and Emily Henninger 5. Meredith, Shannon, and Avery Fitzpatrick, and Kate Humber 6. Berkeley and Linda Bowen 7. Lindsay, Crosby, Piper, Paton and Tyler Grant 8. John Parker Wikle, George Davis, Tabitha lackey and Aubrey Crabtree 9. Teddy Minton, Bea Minton, Hal Benson and Paul Marcrom 10. Morris and Casey Ford, with Taylor, Mac and Teddy 11. Ashley Grant Smail and Baylor Bowen
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OUT & ABOUT
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CHAMBER STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON
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Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer delivered his annual State of the City Address at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon on Jan. 21. In addition Matt Murphree was awarded Firefighter of the Year, Nick Altobella Police Officer of the Year and Amy Camper City Employee of the Year.
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1. Bill Cleveland, Jennifer Andress and Peter Wright 2. Amanda Elliott, Amanda Peterson and Lisa Hanson 3. Brandon Broadhead, Matt Murphree and Barry Smith 4. Greg Waddsworth, Debbie Roberson and Tanner Livingston 5. Gary and Jessica Bonds 6. Jodi Newton and Nic Seaborn 7. Tom Calllison, Chris Thomas, Jacoby Kindred and Jamieson Matthews 8. Eric Hampton and Ben Sutton 9. Mayor Scott McBrayer, Meredith Drennen, JJ Bischoff and Nick Hill 10. Jeremy Baswell, Matt Green, Kerah Hyatt, Rodney Adams, Nick Altobella, Christopher Morgan and Ted Springfield 11. Mandy Schwarting, Alex Wyatt and Walter Jones
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Riverside
Pine
MOUNTAIN
TRACT
253± Acres in St. Clair County, Alabama
419± Acres in Blount County, Alabama
$1,500,000
$750,000
Located just 45 minutes from Birmingham, Alabama the Pine Mountain Tract is perfect for those looking for an escape. The 419 surveyed acres is under a conservation easement limiting the development of the property but enabling the owners to fully utilize the remaining aspects of the tract. An approximately 7 acre lake and multiple food plots make this tract perfect for those wanting a multiple use property.
Chandlar Graham
Qualifying Broker
The Riverside Tract & its multiple uses are only 45 minutes north of Birmingham. This tract has over 3 milesof frontage on Lake Logan Martin/Coosa River. 200± acres of the property are under a consevation easement limiting the development of the property but still allowing the owners to utilize the property attributes.There are 53 ± acres that are unencumbered by the easement giving the owner all rights and benefits of the property.The proximity to the river and the existing ponds and lakes have real potential to become a excellent waterfowl property.
cgraham@larsonmcgowin.com Phone: 205.977.7706 | Mobile: 334.734.1382 www.larsonmcgowinproperties.com
500 Office Park Drive Suite 430 Birmingham, AL 35223 | Branch Offices: Greenville, Alabama | Mobile, Alabama | Merryville, Louisiana Licensed in AL, MS, TN, LA, TX, AR, GA, KY, FL, & SC
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OUT & ABOUT
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WINNIE THE POOH PARTY
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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER
Kids of all ages celebrated beloved book characters with some bear-y fun games and more on Jan. 18 at Homewood Public Library. 1. Morgan and Spencer Greene 2. Noha, Ahmed and Soman Ahmed 3. Tessa Hall 4. Lyla and Chris Steward 5. Alex and Amelia Mason 6. Emmanuel and Oliver Monterubio 7. Arlo and Evie Smeraglia
205-447-3275 • cezelle@realtysouth.com
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OUT & ABOUT
CHAMBER ANNUAL LUNCHEON
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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business Outlook panel at its Annual Luncheon on Dec. 8. Shades Creek Dental received the Rising Star Award, Will O’Donnell Ambassador of the Year, Regions Bank Business of the Year and Homewood Rotary the Community Patriot of the Year. 1. Panel speakers Meredith Drennen, Emily Jerkins, Rich Campbell and Kim Barelare
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2. Chamber Ambassador of the Year Will O’Donnell of Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center with Floresha Watkins-Boyd 3. Outgoing President Floresha Watkins-Boyd and Incoming President Jodi Newton
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OUT & ABOUT
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HARRY POTTER BOOK NIGHT
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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER
Kids of all ages took part in an evening of wizarding fun as the Homewood Public Library celebratd the magic of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books on Feb. 6. 1. Elizabeth Gan 2. James Culver III 3. Kayleigh Thrash and Gloria Simmons 4. Grey Waller and Owen Berthiaume 5. Richard, Nathaniel, Madison, Mason and Zachary Cade 6. Mary Lee Gyc 7. Madison Nichols 8. Will Soong 9. Alexis Good 10. Wesley and Stephanie Gronda, and Tiffany Gould 11. Julia, David and Amanda Von Herrmann 12. William and Sarah Margaret Donohoo 13. Davion Stanley and James Culver III
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OUT & ABOUT
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BARIATRIC HEALTH & WELLNESS
Do you need to lose a little or a lot ? 11
Bariatric Health and Wellness offers a non surgical weight loss program that is easy to follow, customized for you, and affordable. • Dr John Morgan has helped over 30,000+ people lose over 150,000 lbs. • Lose up to a pant size in 2 weeks • Free Consultation
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• Experienced Staff • On line protocol available If you are ready for a healthier body and mind, Bariatric Health and Wellness is for you!
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2017 Canyon Rd #17 Vestavia Hills 205-397-8856 bariatricdirect.com HomewoodLife.com 87
MARKETPLACE
Marketplace Homewod Life • 205.669.3131
Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A1Appliance.com
Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007
Mechanic needed. Must have own tools and five years experience. Apply in person: 1105 7th St N, Clanton. Or call for appointment 205-7554570
Bent Creek Apartments. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom. On-site Manager. On-site Maintenance. 3001 7th Street. North Clanton, AL 35045. TDD#s: 800548-2547(V) 800-5482546(T/A) bentcreek@ morrowapts.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer
INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $18.38+/ hour + production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Preemployment drug test required. Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walkin applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774. Avanti Polar Lipids is looking for full and part time employees. Submit resume to jobs@ avantilipids.com •Highly proficient math skills required. •High school diploma required.
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Immediate need for LPN's. Full time LPN Position with sign on bonus. BMC Nursing Home. Responsible for patient care and supervision of CNA staff. Will also provide treatment and meds for residents. Apply online or call Human Resources at 205-926-3363 bibbmedicalcenter.com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13.66/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com Core Focus Personnel 205-826-3088 • Now Hiring Production Mill Worker, Jemison. 12hrs (days/nights), ability to pass drug test, background check, physical. Positions working in outside temperature conditions. Previous manufacturing experience required. $11.75/hr to start.
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ETS RESTORATIONS •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Construction •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling Residential & Commercial FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316. Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits. Pre-employment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced -Sandblasters -Industrial Painters - Helpers. Must be able to pass drug test and e-verify check. Must be willing to travel. Professional references required. Please send resume to: icgsecretary@ hotmail.com or call (205)688-9004
Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com
Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available. Call today for specials!! 205-668-6871. Or visit hpilancasterplace. com
Medical Assistants with at least 2yrs of experience We are looking to fill fulltime & part-time positions at our Pelham and Birmingham locations. We’re always looking to hire qualified personnel Open 7 days a week 8am-8pm Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturdays 1pm6pm Sunday Qualified Applicants should apply at: www.medhelpclinics. com
Now Hiring!! •Caregivers-ADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7pm •Activity Director PartTime •Cooks-some 12/ hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-620-2905
Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com
Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer
Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son's in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-3894530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205965-8657
Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons' is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-7553430 MedHelp Clinics Now Hiring •Front Desk Receptionists with billing experience •Certified
Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/ or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquiries only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www. Oxfordhealthcare.com
MARKETPLACE Specializing in all your hair care needs SERENITY SALON Barber/Stylist Chairs Available for Rent 2 Convenient Locations •2005 Valleydale Rd. •Pelham •3000 Meadow Lake Dr. Suite 107 Call Nichole 205-240-5428 Nursing assistant to care for high functioning quadriplegic home health patient in Jemison. Must have valid drivers license. Part-time. Call Mr. Wilbanks 205-908-3333 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother's clock. Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al. com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327. Wilton Water and Gas Board HIRING WATER TECHNICIAN •Fulltime position available •We offer BCBS health insurance & state retirement •Starting pay $12/hr depending on exp. Duties include but not limited to: •Reading Meters •Repair Leaks •Installing Water Lines •Repair & Replace Flush Plugs •Replace Gas/Water Meters •General Maintenance of Gas System •Cutting Grass •Maintain Town Properties and Main Buildings •Generally Available to Respond Within 30/min to Emergency Call-Outs, at Anytime of Day/Night Year Round •Skilled Operation of Backhoe & Variety of Hand Tools Requirements: •Valid AL DL
•HS Diploma/GED Apply In Person or Contact Melissa with questions:205-665-2021 Email resumes: melissa@ wilton-al.org
Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal loans! Let us pay off your title loans! 224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205663-5821
Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)5618118 and get your career started!
NOW HIRING Part-Time Bookkeeper Position in Alabaster, AL 9am-1pm with flexibility Send Resume to: Human Resource Dept. PO Box 947 Columbiana, AL 35051
White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V
Pharmaceutical Grade Pharmaceutical Grade CBD Oil, a unique concept for sublingual absorption. Helps pain, anxiety, energy & more. Order from home 205-276-7778. www.CiliByDesign.com/ BrendaGlaze
KELLY Educational Staffing WE'RE HIRING! •Substitute Teahers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial Positions Shelby County School District, Pelham City Schools & Alabaster City Schools. Call 205-682-7082 for more information. -Equal Opportunity EmployerPopeyes Seeking friendly, motivated, dependable Crew Members. OPEN INTERVIEWS DAILY 2:00pm-5:00pm 3300 Pelham Parkway. Immediate Openings! Start work this week! Apply online: work4popeyeskitchen. com GENERAL LAWN CARE Specialist in large yards 2+ acres. Serving Chilton, Coosa & many more areas. Bi-weekly, weekly or one-time services available. SPRING CLEANUP SPECIALS FOR FEBRUARY! Call Alex today for details: 205-955-3439 ~Military & Senior Discounts~
$Cash Paid For Used RV's!$ Motor Homes, Travel/Enclosed trailers, consignment welcome, Cars and Trucks, Pick up available, Mccluskey Auto and RV Sales, LLC 205833-4575 Construction Workers Needed for Local Construction Company. Must be experienced and dependable. Job is five days a week. Salary based on skills. Must have remodeling experience. Call Adam 205-863-9059 Pop & Sons Demolition & Junk Removal (205)948-8494 junkguys2014@gmail.com •Junk Removal Services •Demolition•More!! FREE QUOTES!! ALSO WITH THE MENTION OF THIS AD GET $20 OFF!!! Service Tech, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning AL Cert# 89282 Now Hiring Full-Time Certified Technician •Minimum 5 years experience •Residential, Commercial and Refrigeration •Ipad Experience •On-Call Rotation Apply at: www. servicetechhvac.com
Sitting Angels Home Care, LLC NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Doctor Appointments, Bathing/Dressing Meal Preparation, Errands, Laundry,Light House Keeping and More. Lenette Walls, Owner 205-405-6991 Shelby County Openings: Loaders: •1st shift 7am-4pm, MondayFriday •2nd Shift- 4:30pm Finish, Sunday–Thursday $11.00/hr Packers-1st shift 7am-4pm, Monday-Friday $11.00/hr Replenisher1st Shift 6am-3:30pm $12.00/hr Standup Forklift Operators 1st Shift-6am3:30pm $12.00/hr Apply online: www.mystaffmark. com The Harvest Place Christian Church Join us for worship every SUNDAY The Harvest Place Christian Church 14 Westside Ln, Columbiana, AL 35051 Bishop Wales Williams, Jr Chief Apostle •Morning Worship Sunday 11am •Life Enrichment Classes Sunday 10:15am •Join Us Every Tuesday Night at JOYFEST •Midweek WorshipBegins at 6:30pm www. getyourharvest.org The Salvation Army Birmingham is hiring Part-time and Full-time •Housing Monitors •Kitchen Assistants •Cooks Apply in Person The Salvation Army Center of Hope 2015 26th Avenue Birmingham, AL 35234 Land For Sale 51acres +/- Helena located on South Shades Crest Rd. Great development/ investment potential or private estate location $17,500/per acre Includes old farm house good frontage 205-587-3090 revcoltom@gmail.com
Western International Gas & Cylinders, Inc Sign-On-Bonus! Hiring SOLO & TEAM CDL Drivers •2yrs Exp•Pass D.O.T Physical/ Background Check •Hazmat Endorsement Apply Online: www. drive4western.com EOE Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/ pass background/drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net Brian's Tree Service Trees cut from the top down! Safe tree removal in confined areas. Stump grinding! General liability and wokers comp. 205-281-2427" SHELBY WOODS APARTMENTS Columbiana's Finest Affordable Senior Living Community •Great Location •Peaceful Setting •Comfortable Living -Spacious One Bedroom Homes Now Available- Rent based on income, 62 years or older, or under 62 who are mobility impaired. Call us today to find out more about Columbiana's best kept secret! Call 205-6690066. 100 Collins Street, Columbiana AL 35051. Office Hours Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Closed Sat & Sun. Roof Repairs Years of Experience with all types of roofs. Dependable. I WILL fix your leak! Call Don (205) 266-5178
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MY HOMEWOOD ELLA MALEK
Homewood High School Homecoming Queen + Star Spangle Girls Captain
On a Mission
Trinity United Methodist Church One of the greatest places in Homewood for me is Trinity. In fact, I have gone there my whole life. Element Student Ministry has become so special to me, and has allowed me to do many amazing things, like take mission trips to Memphis and Panama.
On Stage
Show Choir I’m so lucky to be able to be a part of Homewood High School’s The Network Show Choir. Learning a new show each year and being able to perform competitively in front of so many people is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever been a part of!
Dance On
Backstage Dance Centre My dance instructor, Kelly Mann Holt, has taught me so much and has made me the dancer that I am today over the past 12 years. I have met some of my best and closest friends at this studio too.
Friday Night Lights
HHS Football Games I love dancing in the stands with the Spangles and my best friends by my side at Waldrop Stadium! It’s hard to explain the excitement of the game and performing on the field at halftime with the drum majors and the band.
For Late-Night Eats
The Purple Onion One of my favorite places to eat and hang out with friends is Purple Onion. We always go there after games, practices and performances. It’s become our late-night tradition!
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