PAT SULLIVAN’S LEGACY • TRINITY-OAKMONT CHURCH MERGER • THE UNSTOPPABLE DR. WINCHES
GREEK & THREE JOHNNY’S JAMES BEARD NOMINATION
THE SHIPT LIFE HOMEWOOD-GROWN GROCERY DELIVERY
CLEAN&
SIMPLE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 HomewoodLife.com $4.95
PEEK INSIDE THIS MODERN FARMHOUSE
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FEATURES
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THAT THEY MAY BE ONE How a Trinity-Oakmont church merger brought renewed life to a West Homewood campus.
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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND Homewood-grown Shipt is on track to deliver groceries in 100 cities nationwide—all with a side of Southern hospitality.
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A LIFE WELL LIVED
PHOTO BY EMMA SIMMONS
His name might be on buildings and a Heisman Trophy, but the heart of Pat Sullivan’s legacy is in relationships.
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PHOTO BY LAUREN USTAD
ARTS & CULTURE
17 Sister Art Pottery: When Creative Journeys Converge 23 Five Questions For: Musician Nancy McLemore 24 Read This Book: Sweet Home Alabama
SCHOOLS & SPORTS
25 The Unstoppable Betty Winches 30 Five Questions For: HHS Athletic Director Doug Gann
FOOD
& DRINK
31 Greek & Three: Tim Hontzas’ Johnny’s Restaurant 37 Cocktail: Col. Lawson Goes South from Real & Rosemary
IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 HomewoodLife.com 9 #HomewoodLife 10 The Question 11 The Guide 72 Chamber Connections 74 Out & About 85 Marketplace 88 My Homewood
38 Five Questions For: Wil Drake of Hero Doughnuts
HOME
& STYLE
39 Just the Right Size: The McGarrah Home 47 Five Questions For: Chip Hazelrig of Caliber 48 In Style: Subtle Statements for Fall
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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL
Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner
CONTRIBUTORS
Jessica Clement Solomon Crenshaw Jr. Lindsey Culver Charlotte Donlon Ashley Kappel Suzanne Mills Emma Simmons Megan Tsang Lauren Ustad Sarah Waller
DESIGN
Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan
MARKETING
Ann Aycock Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Murphy April Spivey Bayleigh Thompson Kerrie Thompson
ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie Krouse Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince
Lindsey Culver, Photographer Originally from the Midwest, Lindsey is a photographer who lives in Homewood with her husband, Chris, and two mischievous children, Smith and Roland (along with their 10-year-old bulldog, Stanley). When not working as a baby and child photographer, she can be found with her hands in the dirt of her flower and vegetable garden, with a cup of coffee in hand around the clock, hosting hot tub parties for her friends and attending every local musical theater performance. Lindsey loves Homewood and getting to know more of its residents through her work with Homewood Life.
Ashley Kappel, Writer Ashley grew up visiting Homewood, where her grandmother lived for 60 years, and eventually bought a home just a dozen doors down from where her mom was raised. When she’s not eating her way through local restaurants, she can be found at area playgrounds, the zoo and (let’s be honest) Costco. Ashley lives in Homewood with her husband, two children and rescue golden retriever, and she works at Time Inc.
Megan Tsang, Photographer
Megan is an architect-turned-photographer whose work can be seen in The Knot, the San Francisco Chronicle, Southern Bride and Style Me Pretty, to name a few. Originally from northern California, she traveled around the world every month for nearly seven years before marrying her husband, Lance, and moving to Homewood. She loves reading, knitting and the Oakland A’s. You can often find her at the library, shopping at the Pig, working on her computer at Octane, or picking up a smoothie at Planet Smoothie. While she’ll always be Californian at heart, she’s fallen in love with the charm of Homewood and is so thankful to call it home.
Lauren Ustad, Photographer Lauren lives in Homewood with her husband, Joe, their two daughters Pepper and Joie, and their 2-pound Yorkie they refer to as “Boobie.” She spends her professional time posing itty bitties and chasing little munchkins, and as a result having baby fever (number 3 is on the way!). In her free time you can probably find her slaving away at their most current renovation project or building Legos with her self-proclaimed superheroes.
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.
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FROM THE EDITOR
I
ON THE COVER
The McGarrah House
After living in a house too big and a house too small, the McGarrahs designed a contemporary farmhouse that was just the right size. Photo by Lauren Ustad Design by Kate Sullivan
It was in a tiny mountain town inaccessible by road in Washington state that the woman renting me a bike questioned my address this summer. “Homewood?” she said. “Is that really the name of your city?” “Yes,” I replied. “That’s it.” It sounded too quaint to be real, she went on to say. And so it seems that sweet home Homewood can convey a lot about its personality even in just its name to a stranger in Stehekin, year-round population 95, on the opposite side of the country. Had I been thinking more on my feet, I might have gone on about how the people in Homewood care for each other like none other, how neighbors still use their front yards and host spontaneous cookouts, how a principal can easily be caught changing a teacher’s flat tire, and how everyone with an address from Hollywood to West Oxmoor can tell you why they LOVE Homewood. Which brings me to why we are here as Homewood’s magazine. We’re here to celebrate this place—all that Homewood is, was and dreams of being. To me, that all boils down to the people here and their passions these pages speak of. In this issue, that looks like Coach Doug Gann telling me stories about a five-overtime state championship game. It looks like Jack Hinnen being real about a church merger being hard but still full of fruit. It looks like sistersturned potters, a Heisman trophy winner who cares more about people than awards, a longtime education veteran, a doughnut baker, a James Beard award nominee, a grocery delivery entrepreneur who shops just like you and me. More than anything, we want this magazine to be yours, Homewood. That’s why I’m excited that these pages are filled with not just stories about Homewood people and places, but that they are largely written and photographed by people who call it home. At the end of the day, our staff and I are stewards of this publication for now, but we want it to be the community’s for years and decades to come. We welcome any of you out there to contribute as well! What should we be writing about in our next issue (November/December— we’re bimonthly in print)? What should we be posting or reposting on Instagram and Facebook? Who should be taking pictures for us? We love ideas and connecting with community members as much as we love stories themselves, and we welcome feedback via email, social media comments and old-fashioned hand-written notes any time.
madoline.markham@homewoodlife.com
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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
5 Restaurants the Whole Family Agrees On When you’re juggling gymnastics, guitar lessons and debate practice, the last thing you
want is a stressful restaurant experience. Check out our picks for eateries that make family meals fun and easy, complete with reasonable prices and kid-friendly staff. homewoodlife.com/kid-friendly
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@homewoodlifemag
Thanks for putting my beautiful kids on your page! We absolutely love Homewood parks! -@luvnmyblndfam on Instagram
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#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.
@curls_bishop
Pretty skies over Homewood tonight! #mymoments #homewoodalabama #sunsets #skiesoverbham
@ppowens We love the Homewood pool!
@edgewoodartcamps
K & A working on filling their vases with beautiful paper flowers! #artcamp #arteducation #elementaryart #creativekids #childhoodunplugged #littleartists
@sonderlaine
Double tap if tacos changed your life Always eating tacos and surviving long days with queso. What’s your favorite “Survival” food? (You know what I mean) #birminghameats #bhameats #tacomama #tacotuesday
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“ ” THE QUESTION
You know you are from Homewood when… You have a tragedy in your family, and without asking, the community shows up to help. - Scott Schablow
- Brynnan Yeager Muller
You got stuck on top of the bug a few times as a kid (or if you know to what I am referring).
You ate smiley face cookies while you got new shoes.
You still honk in the tunnel (and your kids do, too!).
You have a close family because you live in a small house.
- Barbara Clark
- Dee Tipps
When your sixth grader declares, “But Mom, I HAVE to be in the band! If I’m not, I will be the ONLY cheerleader NOT in the band!” - Elizabeth Bugg Studinka
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You choose front yard over backyard so you can visit with all of your amazing neighbors!
- Emelie Sara Vines
- Paula Swartz Smalley
You can run all your errands and not leave Homewood. If you can’t find it, you don’t need it. - Alison Griggs
THE GUIDE
HOMEWOOD WITCHES RIDE OCT. 29 4:30 P.M. CHECK-IN 5:30 P.M. RIDE HOMEWOOD CENTRAL PARK Witches will take on the streets of Homewood via bike, but don’t worry, they are good witches—candy-tossing witches, in fact. Find their route to catch some treats, or ladies, don your costume and show up for the start to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Register at homewoodwitchesride. com starting Oct. 1. PHOTO BY SCOTT BULTER
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THE GUIDE
Varsity Patriot Football
Bring on the Friday night lights. Don your red and blue, and we’ll see you at Waldrop Stadium. All games start at 7 p.m.
PHOTO BY SCOTT BUTLER
AUG. 24: at Pelham SEPT. 1: vs. Vestavia SEPT. 8: at Parker SEPT. 15: vs. Jackson-Olin SEPT. 22: vs. Helena/Homecoming OCT. 6: at John Carroll Catholic OCT. 13: vs. Ramsay OCT. 20: at Shades Valley OCT. 27: vs. Hueytown/Senior Night NOV. 3: at Bryant
OCT. 15
Handmade Art Show & Pickin in the Park 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Homewood Central Park
All the arts come to the park in one day thanks to the Homewood Arts Council and City of Homewood, and it’s sure to be a good time. Check out eclectic local art on display and on sale, hear acoustic performances by local musicians, and/or bring your own instrument to join in on the music-making. Note: It’s on Sunday this year.
OCT. 29
HOWL-O-SCREAM FESTIVAL 5-10 P.M. West Homewood Park
This year’s Haunted Walk and Hayride—a new addition—might just make you scream. Younger kids can also enjoy the traditional inflatables, games, and trunk or trick until 9 p.m. The haunted activities start at dark, and the inflatable/games/trunk or trick are $5 per person, as is the entry for the haunted walk. 14 HomewoodLife.com
WHAT TO DO IN HOMEWOOD SEPT. 4 Labor Day SEPT. 9 Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Homewood Central Park 8 a.m. SEPT. 9, 21, 28 Brookwood Live Brookwood Village 5-9 p.m. SEPT. 11 Patriot Day Ceremony Held with Cities of Mountain Brook & Vestavia Vestavia Hills City Hall 8:30 a.m. SEPT. 14 Hubble Film Screening Homewood Public Library All Ages 3:30 p.m. SEPT. 14 Homecoming Football Game Homewood Middle School 5 p.m. SEPT. 16 National Eating Disorders Association Awareness Walk Homewood Central Park 8 a.m. SEPT. 19 Homewood Chamber Membership Luncheon The Club 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. SEPT. 19 The Road to College Workshop for High School Students Homewood Public Library 6 p.m. SEPT. 21 Homewood High School Homecoming Parade Downtown Homewood 4 p.m.
THE GUIDE SEPT. 25 College Fair Homewood High School 5:45 p.m. SEPT. 26 Homewood Chamber Golf Classic RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley 9 a.m.-2 p.m. SEPT. 26 Libraryflix: Hidden Figures Homewood Public Library 3:30 p.m. OCT. 1-31 Fall Teen Poetry Contest Homewood Public Library Submit poems on library website OCT. 7 Art in the Lot Trinity United Methodist Church 8 a.m.-3 p.m. OCT. 16 A Night with The Alabama Gang Vulcan Park and Museum 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. OCT. 17 Homewood Chamber Membership Luncheon The Club 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. OCT. 21 Grace House Pumpkin Festival Homewood Central Park OCT. 23-31: Red Ribbon Week Homewood City Schools OCT. 26 Pirate & Princess Night Dress in your favorite costume Homewood Public Library Children 6:30 p.m. OCT. 28 Hall-Kent Fall Festival Hall-Kent Elementary School 3-7 p.m.
SEPT. 22
Exceptional Foundation Dinnertainment
Get a glimpse of life at the Exceptional Foundation with this night of singing, dancing, poetry and crowd participation. The foundation offers social and recreational activities for individuals of all ages who are mentally challenged. Each $150 ticket includes a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner during the show and is partially tax deductible. Find more information at exceptionalfoundation.org.
OCT. 20 & 21
MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE: REHEARSAL FOR MURDER 6:30 P.M. Homewood Public Library Large Auditorium
On the first anniversary of his fiancé’s death, a playwright gathers the cast and crew from that the night of her apparent suicide in the same Broadway theater where she was performing, to read a play he is working on—a mystery where famous actress is killed. As it turns out, he believes she was murdered, and that someone at the theater is her killer. Who did it? A $30 ticket get you a buffet dinner and the show. Tickets must be purchased in advance at homewoodpubliclibrary.org or in the Adult Services Department. HomewoodLife.com 15
THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SEPT. 7 Lady Antebellum, Kelsey Ballerini, & Brett Young Oak Mountain Amphitheater 7:30 p.m. SEPT. 14-16 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church
SEPT. 15-16
PHOTO BY KEN GABLES
LIL’ LAMBS CONSIGNMENT SALE Friday 9 A.M. - 2 P.M., Saturday 9 A.M. - Noon Trinity United Methodist, Gym
Stock your kids’ fall and winter wardrobe while supporting Trinity’s mission and outreach projects in the community, church and abroad. Better yet, volunteer or consign, and you get entrance to the preview party on Thursday. Many items are half-price on Saturday.
SEPT. 15 Tedeschi Trucks Band The Alabama Theatre 8 p.m. SEPT. 16 Monkey C Monkey Run Benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile Smile-A-Mile Place, Downtown Birmingham SEPT. 21-23 Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral SEPT. 21-OCT. 1 A Chorus Line Virginia Samford Theatre SEPT. 22 Ballet Hispánico Alys Stephens Center 8 p.m. SEPT. 24 Breakin’ Bread Sloss Furnaces 1-5 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC
VULCAN AFTERTUNES Sundays 1 - 6 P.M. Vulcan Park and Museum
Take in the tunes of up-and-coming artists while sipping on craft brews and taking in views from everyone’s favorite cast iron statue. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, and find a seat to your liking for these Sunday afternoon shows. OCT. 1: Swear & Shake with Farewell Angelina OCT. 15: New Breed Brass Band with Heath Green & the Makeshifters OCT. 29: Aaron Lee Tasjan with Special Guest 16 HomewoodLife.com
SEPT. 26 Young and the Giant BJCC Concert Hall 7 p.m. SEPT. 30 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale SEPT. 30 Fiesta Linn Park Noon-8 p.m.
THE GUIDE OCT. 1 Peppa Pig Live! The Alabama Theatre 5 p.m. OCT. 1 Cahaba River Fry-Down Benefits Cahaba River Society Railroad Park 12-4 p.m. OCT. 4 The Head and The Heart The Alabama Theatre 8 p.m. OCT. 6-8 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival Barber Motorsports Festival
OCT. 7
HOMEWOOD HEALTH & SAFETY DAY
9 A.M.-Noon Homewood Central Park
Come out and learn what health and wellness Homewood has to offer for its citizens—from physical fitness to emergency preparedness. Last year the fire department smoke trailer was on site for demonstrations, the police department brought its canines and vehicles, and an ambulance and lifeguard helicopter were there too.
OCT. 6-8 Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. OCT. 7 Bluff Park Art Show Bluff Park Community Center 9 a.m.-5 p.m. OCT. 7 Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama Race for the Cure Regions Field 9 a.m. OCT. 15 Shopkins Live! The Alabama Theatre 1 p.m. OCT. 18-29 Shop Save Share Benefitting Junior League of Birmingham Community Projects OCT. 19 The Triplets of Belleville 7 p.m. OCT. 21-22 Fall Plant Sale Birmingham Botanical Gardens Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday noon - 4 p.m.
JULY-OCTOBER
FACES PHOTOGRAPHED BY BOB TEDROW Rosewood Hall Lobby
Musician. Driver of Homewood’s favorite antique car. Portrait photographer. See the fruit of one of Bob Tedrow’s many talents (the last one on this list) up in the latest exhibit from the Homewood Arts Council. If you love the @humans_of_homewood Instagram feed as much as we do, Rosewood Hall needs to be a stop the next time you’re nearby.
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THE GUIDE ARTS
YES, HOMEWOOD HAS ITS OWN THEATRE Homewood’s new-ish theatre company has announced its full season for 2017-18. It’s too bad we didn’t get this issue printed before it kicked off with Bill Bugg and Friends in August, but there are plenty more shows to catch. Mark your calendar, and plan to take in excellent theatre without having to get on 280 or 65 (can we get an amen?). All Homewood Theatre shows take place at The Dance Foundation off Central Avenue at 1715 27th Court South.
JAN. 19-21, 2018 Barefoot in the Park Classic Neil Simon comedy filled with snappy dialogue and witty one-liners. This clever, hilarious play is always a favorite. APRIL 6-8, 2018 Always a Bridesmaid Southern comedy by Jones, Hope, and Wooten. Four friends promise to be each other’s bridesmaids, but the last wedding may not happen at all! MAY 17-19, 2018 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Off-Broadway smash hit musical comedy. Tuneful romp that examines human interactions… and gives you a chuckle along the way.
SCHOOLS
NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW DIRECTOR Homewood City Schools Foundation has a new executive director at its helm. Mary Scott Pearson is no stranger to the foundation—she previously served on its board, and she has three kids in the Homewood system and has long been a PTO volunteer to boot. Mary Scott brings to the position a professional background in public affairs, government relations and grants administration. Learn more about the foundation’s work at homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com.
Share your news! Email submissions to mm@homewoodlife.com to be considered for our next issue.
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&CULTURE
ARTS
SISTER ART POTTERY How two sisters’ creative journeys converged in one studio. BY CHARLOTTE DONLON PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER HomewoodLife.com 19
“Every craft I’ve ever done has provided layers of experience that culminates in the pottery I make today.” -Valerie Holley
Jill Lindsey
Valerie Holley
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When sisters Valerie Holley and Jill Lindsey took their first pottery class in 2007, they didn’t know it would place them on a path to new careers as professional artists. Now they share a studio in Valerie’s Hollywood home, sell their work at art shows and at Liz Lane Gallery on 29th Avenue under the name Sister Art Pottery, and organize the annual Handmade Art Show. Although Valerie and Jill became potters later in life, they both have prior connections to art and creativity. When Valerie was 6 years old, she made mud pies and sold them to her neighbors from her wagon. She spent hours sifting the dirt and sand, adding the perfect
amount of water to make them the right consistency, drying them in the sun, and decorating them with mimosa blossoms. When she was older, she started sewing, and later on she enjoyed cooking and gardening. “I chose to settle on pottery as my primary medium because it’s the most interesting one to me,” she says. “But it’s exciting to think about how I ended up here. Every craft I’ve ever done has provided layers of experience that culminates in the pottery I make today.” Jill began painting 12 years ago and still enjoys doing so occasionally. The knowledge and color theory she learned from painting impacts the pottery she makes HomewoodLife.com 21
“
.You can have a great piece of pottery with bad glaze, and it ruins it. Or you can have a questionable piece of pottery with a terrific glaze, and it ends up gorgeous. The various color combinations and type of glaze I choose make a huge impact on my work, so I’m grateful for my painting background..
”
–Jill Lindsey
now. She says the glazing process can make or break a piece: “You can have a great piece of pottery with bad glaze, and it ruins it. Or you can have a questionable piece of pottery with a terrific glaze, and it ends up gorgeous. The various color combinations and type of glaze I choose make a huge impact on my work, so I’m grateful for my painting background.” Valerie and Jill’s work has evolved over the years. They have made both functional and decorative hand-built pottery since they started out as potters, but their work changes based on their likes and dislikes, exposure to new techniques and patterns, and what might appeal to potential buyers. They enjoy experimenting with unique textures and patterns and are always 22 HomewoodLife.com
on the lookout for new ideas to incorporate in their work. Valerie is known for her flower wall plaques and Jill for her plates with a partial flower in the corner. They will always make their signature pieces, but they continue to develop their skills and try new methods, too. At a recent workshop in North Carolina, they learned a glazing process from potter Jeremy Randall that uses copper oxide to create a rustic, industrial finish. They are now experimenting with this technique on some of their own pieces and are looking forward to seeing how others respond to this style. While the sisters make their own individual pottery in their shared studio, they offer each other feedback during the many stages of the hand built pottery process. Artists often work in isolation, so they are grateful to have someone with whom to learn and create. It’s also nice to have another set of honest eyes in the studio when they face obstacles. “Yesterday I was building a bowl and something seemed off,” Valerie says. “I asked Jill her opinion and she helped me see the handles weren’t the best size for the piece I was making. I re-worked the handles while the clay was still wet and now the bowl looks great.”
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Valerie and Jill not only value and support each other, but they are also active members of the local art scene. One way they give their time and energy to other artists is through organizing Handmade Art Show. They have been participating in the show for several years and have been the primary organizers for the past four years. They are strong advocates of local art and love being able to promote and share the work of other Birmingham area artists. When the Handmade Arts Show comes to Homewood Central Park on Oct. 15, be sure to track down Valerie and Jill and check out their newest pottery technique. Their work will also be at the Blue Light Special show at Tena Payne’s studio in December.
COMFORTABLE ANTIQUES FOR
GARDEN & DWELLING
on your way to the lake! JUST OFF HIGHWAY 280 IN HARPERSVILLE
HANDMADE ART SHOW
205.283.6796
Open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays until 5pm or by appointment
ORGANIZED BY VALERIE HOLLY & JILL LINDSEY SUNDAY, OCT. 15 HOMEWOOD CENTRAL PARK Handmade jewelry Hand-dyed clothing Fused glass Photography Leather handbags Baked goods Jams and jellies More
Visit us at
ANTIQUES AT THE GARDENS OCTOBER 6, 7 & 8
handmadeartshowhomewood.com
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ARTS & CULTURE
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Nancy McLemore Musician+Voice Actress PHOTO BY MADOLINE MARKHAM
The number of instruments in Nancy McLemore’s living room speakers to her passions—a giant bass, maracas, a rain stick. Tucked away behind them you’ll also find her voice recording studio for her acting jobs. “If you think about it, talking is really a form of music,” she says of the connection between the two art forms. “I’m always listening to the musicality of someone’s voice, and doing the work I have done with voice over and acting, there is always something to learn from music. I’m a more musical thinker.” We could have interviewed Nancy about lots of things, but for this time we just chatted with her about music. How’d you get into music? I am the youngest of six kids and was always very shy, but my father wanted to push us into the public. My twin sisters would play twin pianos, my brother tried to be country star. Because I’d grown up hearing music and hearing harmony, that was my logical first step—singing. Later I didn’t want to only be a singer in a bluegrass band, I wanted to play an instrument too.
What’s the accordion-looking instrument in your living room? Bob Tedrow made me that squeezebox, and I have learned some Irish tunes. Dr. Jim Brown plays the fiddle and guitar and piano, and we’ll play Irish music together with his family. Irish music is very focused on the melody…. so you all play the melody. You get a sense of community and that this is a really old tune that has come so far to our country and it’s still the same.
opportunity to see an instrument like that. A lot of people say “What is that—a guitar? Or a cello?” Whenever I play gigs where there are young kids, to watch young kids hear music like that and get the beat, they are so fun to watch because they are so unhibited and they dance and move and come right up to you, so that’s really fun.
Why is music important? Music is such a vital thing, and I think most all cultures have community music. Why play music with people and not People used to spend less time on their What should we know about the Pickin just by yourself? When you have people over to play in the Park event coming up on Oct. screens and more time on their porch picking, especially in Appalachia. music, so many things can happen. Our 15? [Getting together to make music] is It’s a very casual gathering of people daughter lives in New York now and our reminiscent of older times and simpler son in Auburn. Lilly played the flute, and who are friends and people who are Hank played the trombone [in the strangers, and everybody gets together times. Those melodies that are really old Homewood band]. We’ve had jam sessions around music. People that we did know, resonate. I love the idea of coming together where they would bring their instruments and people that we didn’t know would in one place and picking… I think about out from high school and jam. They don’t come by with their instruments. I might music almost all day… Music is very know the older songs but they know things have a child who would be curious about therapeutic, very soothing and helps pep we don’t know, so we all kind of learn the bass, and I’d let them hold it and pick me up. It gives me an opportunity to go the strings. It might be their first beyond language. together. HomewoodLife.com 25
READ THIS BOOK
Sweet Home Alabama Recommendations from
Jake Reiss Owner Alabama Booksmith
Jake Reiss knows books, and he knows their authors even better. The Alabama Booksmith is the only store on the planet that sells nothing but signed books. Every book in the store is signed and, still, most are sold at a regular retail price. With that in mind, we asked Jake to hand select his personal “best of the best” books from Alabama writers. While he says that this was like picking his favorite grandchildren, here’s what he chose.
Forrest Gump
By Winston Groom | Fiction This title was translated into the biggest grossing movie of its day. The book has many different scenes not shown on the screen and makes for a delightful and easy read.
All Over but the Shoutin’
By Rick Bragg | Memoir Our No. 1 best seller for two decades, this is the quintessential image of dirt-poor Southerners in the mid20th century. More than that, it is a beautiful love letter from a son to his mother. This is the Pulitzer Prize winner’s first book and was named Memoir of the Year.
Gumbo Love
By Lucy Buffett | Cookbook This volume contains dynamite recipes for her famous seafood, but is also chock full of delicious stories that will taste as good as the food. There are also tidbits and pictures of her Parrot Head brother Jimmy Buffett.
13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey
By Katherine Tucker Windham | Folklore This ghost story book might have been the most popular book ever for young readers around these parts. The University Press of Alabama has issued a 50th anniversary edition with a new afterword by her children Dilcy Windham Hilley and Ben Windham.
Mockingbird Songs
By Wayne Flynt | Nonfiction Flynt takes an up-close, intimate and personal look at our state’s best known and most beloved author. During the last years of her life, Harper Lee’s most regular visitors were Wayne and Dartie Flynt. The poignant and humorous letters between Nelle Harper Lee and Wayne and Dartie Flynt are a treasure and a must-read for everyone in our state.
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SCHOOL
&SPORTS
THE UNSTOPPABLE BETTY WINCHES
After more than four decades serving in Homewood City Schools, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction remains a dynamic force in the city’s award-winning system. BY SUZANNE MILLS PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD
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Her mind holds the history of Homewood schools, but that’s never kept Dr. Betty Winches from being a progressive thinker. Known for both her wisdom and youthful energy, Winches’ ability to keep the schools moving forward has earned her a legendary reputation within the district. Before becoming a notable Homewood educator, Winches grew up in Birmingham and went to Ensley High School. She later graduated from Jacksonville State University, and then taught in Huntsville starting in 1971. She was thrilled to return to the Birmingham area when her sportscaster husband, Herb Winches, was offered a job in town. She’s since watched her two daughters, Andrea and Amy, go through Homewood schools and now has a granddaughter, Marley McCormack, at Hall-Kent. Andrea now teaches special education at Homewood Middle School, too. “I’m a bit of a relic around here.” she jokes. Adding that the current superintendent, Dr. Bill Cleveland, was only in second grade when she started working in Homewood, she obviously finds joy in her years of experience. Winches, who has served as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction since 1998, often refers to being a “keeper of the vision” for the schools. She explains that being successful is a purposeful thing, so school leaders must always keep in mind what makes Homewood special. “Homewood is a very unique school district. We have a culture of love and acceptance,” Winches says. “That starts with the adults and has a positive impact on the kids.” She says that Homewood enables students to be all they want to be in ways few other districts do. For example, it holds an open policy for advanced placement classes (meaning students don’t have to “test” into them—they simply must keep up with the work). She also loves that Homewood embraces students’ various extracurricular interests—where else can you find show choir members who also play football? Fellow colleague Dr. Patrick Chappell, director of instructional support at Homewood City Schools, believes that Winches is a big reason why Homewood schools excel as well as they do. “In a district with a history of strong leadership, she is the real touchstone. She has a connection with all of those great leaders, past and present, and they’d be the first to tell you that she is always the workhorse behind the scenes,” he says. “Any great achievement that’s happened in Homewood Schools over the past 40 years has her fingerprints on it somewhere.” Chappell also finds humor in just how far Winches will go to
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‘77 HJH Guidance Counselor
‘95 HMS Assistant Principal
‘98 HMS Instructional Principal
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE THE FULL SCOPE OF DR. BETTY WINCHES RESUME COULD READ LIKE A NOVEL, SO HERE’S A QUICK GLIMPSE AT HER AMAZING CAREER RECORD. -Classroom Teacher, Madison Pike Elementary School, 19711975 -Classroom Teacher, Homewood Junior High School, 1975-1977 -Guidance Counselor, Homewood Junior High School, 19771978 -Psychometrist, Homewood City Schools, 1978-1986 -Instructional Support Coordinator, Homewood City Schools, 1986-1994 -Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction, Homewood Middle School, 1994-1998 -Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Homewood City Schools, 1998-present
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“Any great achievement that’s happened in Homewood Schools over the last 40 years has her fingerprints on it somewhere.” -Patrick Chappell
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ensure success. During their years together at Homewood Middle School, they were in the running to be a National Blue Ribbon School. At the time they were still in the old HMS building and needed to prepare for a serious federal interviewer. He remembers that the night before the visit she was on her hands and knees cleaning everything—including a notorious refrigerator in the teacher’s lounge. “‘A nasty fridge is not keeping HMS from getting a Blue Ribbon,’” he recalls her saying. “And it didn’t,” Chappell adds. Stories like these prove that education is more than just a job for Winches. Yet she admits she wasn’t sure at first. She gradually became more interested while in college until she knew she’d found her gift. “You know if it’s right for you once you get in the classroom,” she explains. “You have to have a true passion for education if you’re going to pursue it.” Former students attest to her making the correct career choice. Lea Cockerham, the new assistant principal at Pathways in Homewood, remembers being in Winches’ first language arts class at Homewood Junior High in the 1970s. He says his first impression was that she was genuine. “From day one you knew she was going to be a special teacher and that she cared about your academic and personal well-being.” Such an impressive career begs the question: What next? “People always ask me when I’m going to retire,” she says. “I feel certain I’ll know when it’s time.” When that day does come, she and her husband plan to retire on Lake Martin, where they own open-air lakeside restaurant The Landing at Parker Creek and Eagle’s Landing tiny home village. So what will Homewood City Schools do without her? Humility is not lost on Winches. “I think Homewood will be absolutely fine. There are plenty of great people here who will carry on the vision— I’ll miss Homewood more than it will miss me,” she says. “It’s been my pleasure and my gift to serve here. When you can look back and say you wouldn’t do anything differently—and I can—you can end with a smile.”
Dr. Betty Winches’ role as instructional principal was captured in the Homewood Middle School yearbook in 1998.
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SCHOOLS & SPORTS
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Doug Gann
Homewood High School Athletic Director PHOTO BY SCOTT BUTLER
This year Doug Gann won’t be on the sidelines as the receivers coach for Homewood High School or coaching from the dugout in the spring, but 25 years into his career, he’s excited to be in a new role as AD. He’s coached at the school for the past 18 years, most recently as head baseball coach, and he played baseball along with basketball and football there as a student himself. This fall is also his son Tripp’s first season on the football field at Homewood Middle, and his daughters Macy and Kate cheer at the high school. You grew up in Homewood. What drew you back as an adult? My mother did a lot investigating on school systems, and she wanted me in Homewood. My parents still live in the same house they have lived in for 40 years now. Most people who have a chance to get back to Homewood will come back to Homewood. It’s just an awesome place to live and raise a family.
year we made the playoffs, my junior year we made it to the semifinals, and my senior year we made it to the finals and got beat. I was neat to be a part of getting Homewood football back on the map.
What can we expect to see from the football team and other sports this fall? The cross-country boys have won the state champions several times in a row, and the What have been some highlights of your girls won it last year. There’s a new volleyball time at Homewood both as a student and coach, Krimson White. Our football team went 5-6 last year, and we think we are going as a coach? In 2000 we won a five overtime state to be better this year. In football, CD Daniels championship game. It might be the greatest has been offered by quite a few Division I state championship game ever played. We colleges, Tyshawn Buckner is a wide receiver had a great run from 2000 to 2006, winning who is probably going to garner some attention, Nick McCoy is a running back we four state championships and a runner-up. Homewood won a state championship in expect big things from. football in 1974, and from ‘74 to ‘84 we were not in the football playoffs. My sophomore Your dad Gerald Gann was a football 32 HomewoodLife.com
coach at Homewood from 1979-1994. What have you learned from him? I never saw him get too high or too low. He kept everything pretty much even keeled all the time, and I think it helped him make good decisions not in an emotional state of mind. He was a good person to look up to. I worked for him and for Coach Bob Newton at Homewood and Coach Bob Finley at Berry— those three guys are all in the Alabama High School Hall of Fame. Being around those men has helped me become the man I have become. What makes Homewood’s athletic culture unique? Our students are very supportive of our athletic events. It doesn’t matter what sport… our students get very involved. I think it’s because of the friendships and relationships they have with each other.
&DRINK
FOOD
GREEK & THREE
Southern-style comfort food melds with family Greek recipes at Johnny’s, and the James Beard Foundation has taken note. BY ASHLEY KAPPEL PHOTOS BY MEGAN TSANG HomewoodLife.com 33
It’s not hyperbole to say that Tim Hontzas is transforming Southern cuisine. From the music he listens to while he cooks (Bob Marley from his Lee “Scratch” Perry years of reggae and gospel, Byzantine chanting, and “if I’ve had too much coffee,” Rage Against the Machine) to the food that appears on the plate, which is local, thoughtful, sustainably sourced, and ever-changing, his “Greek & three” restaurant, Johnny’s, presents plates loaded with Southern-style comfort food seamlessly melded with Greek recipes Tim learned from his grandfather. In spring of 2017, Tim was named a semifinalist for Best Chef: South by the James Beard Foundation. Often referred to as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards honor the best of the industry, ranging
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from cookbook authors to restaurant designers, to chefs, and food critics. This year, the Foundation looked beyond the white tablecloth restaurants and found a local gem in Johnny’s Restaurant. “This is something I’ve pushed for for a long time, just the acknowledgement,” Tim says of the nomination. “It’s the World Cup of cooking, so it’s always been a goal. I wasn’t sure I’d get the recognition with this type of cuisine, but they looked and saw that we source our olive oil from Greece. Our dolmades grow from my grandfather’s original vines. We’re the real deal on Greek food—our souvlaki has a 36-hour marinade, our chipotle barbecue sauce has 26 ingredients.” To date,
“We put a twist on everything we create. Everything we do, we’re going to push it to be the best of anything. Even if it’s chicken tenders. You try ours—they’re the best you’ll ever taste.” –Tim Hontzas
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GET TO KNOW THE CHEF FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN BIRMINGHAM: “My mom’s, specifically her spaghetti and meat sauce and her dolmades.” COOKING PLAYLIST: “Byzantine chanting, Jimmy Smith, killer jazz, and Lou Donaldson, an unprecedented sax player.” FAVORITE DISH YOUR WIFE MAKES: “Cincinnati chili with cinnamon in it or her southwester chili in crockpot. Of course it’s my favorite, it has PBR in it!” HOW YOU MET YOUR WIFE: “Beth was working at a photography studio in the dark room where I went to pick up two prints. I went back for the prints the next day and asked her out.” KIDS: “Athena Grace. We’d already picked her name out. Then, the day my wife went into labor, I picked up the Greek Orthodox newspaper from the porch and the headline read, ‘Our Need for Grace.’”
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FOOD & DRINK
he’s never repeated the fish sauce on the Thursday special in over five years. Johnny’s Restaurant is the real deal on Southern food, too. His menu boasts flaky potpies, bulging yeast rolls, and a meatloaf that has its own cult following (see the recipe on page 36). Tim works upwards of 85 hours a week to serve one meal a day, lunch, which might seem excessive until you sit with him during the lunch rush. “I’m Greek, I don’t sit with my back to the door,” he says as he settles into a corner table, greeting at least every other customer by name as they walk in the door. He does everything, even hospitality, as though he’s had four cups of coffee by noon, which, in fact, on the day of this interview, he had. While Tim didn’t advance to the finals for the James Beard Foundation Awards this year, the nomination has stoked the already flaming coals within the chef. “Now,” he says, “it’s time to raise the bar to the next level. I have to continue to grow and mine my creative side.” This spring, that meant spying Girl Scouts selling cookies outside the Homewood Piggly Wiggly and
dreaming up a torte, now selling out on the menu. “I went up to the girl and said, ‘Give me six cases.’ She handed me six boxes, and I started laughing. ‘No, hon, six cases.’ She had tears in her eyes when she looked up at her mom to see if I was kidding. I wasn’t!” For Tim, every ingredient, every menu item and every new hire is strategic and intentional. “We put a twist on everything we create,” he says, pointing to his Moon Pie Banana Pudding as an example, one of many seemingly standard items on his menu that turns out to be a complete surprise when you taste it. “Everything we do, we’re going to push it to be the best of anything,” he says. “Even if it’s chicken tenders. You try ours—they’re the best you’ll ever taste.” While Tim wasn’t lacking for motivation before, the Beard nomination certainly inspired him to continue the diligence in his daily routine. “You never know who you’re serving, so every plate is as important as the next,” he says. “I tell my staff all the time, ‘You’re only as good as the last plate you sent out.’” Tim certainly has the neighborhood, and the James Beard Foundation, wondering what he’ll come up with next.
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JOHNNY’S
Meatloaf
2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup minced onion 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup diced celery 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1\4 cup Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons hot sauce such as Crystal 2 tablespoons chili Powder 1/2 cup applesauce 1 1/4 cups Worcestershire 1 (15-ounce) can tomato soup 4 pounds ground beef, chuck 4 cups crushed buttery round crackers 3 eggs, lightly beaten
JOHNNY’S
Ancho Chile BBQ Sauce 2 cups ketchup 1 cup water 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2cup brown sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dry mustard Add all ingredients to sauce pot bring and simmer for 10 minutes. If you prefer less spice, remove the ancho chili powder. If you cannot find ancho chili powder, substitute chipotle powder or puree.
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Melt butter in a pan. Add onions and caramelize for 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 5 minutes, and then add celery and cook another 10 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. (Water will come from the celery after about 5 minutes and will help prevent buring.) Pour the garlic mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the next 8 ingredients, through tomato soup, and cool completely. In a mixer combine the meat and the tomato soup mixture. Incorporate well, and then gradually add the whole eggs one by one. Once incorporated add crushed crackers. Let sit overnight to “set up” (or prepare right away, if pressed for time). Scoop into 6-ounce muffin tins. Bake in a preheated oven at 325 for 30 minute. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce or try the Johnny’s Ancho Chili BBQ Sauce.
Col. Lawson
FOOD & DRINK
GOES SOUTH
REAL & ROSEMARY PHOTO BY EMMA SIMMONS
The story behind this cocktail’s focal flavor dates back to 1783, when an American Revolutionary soldier named John Franklin Lawson savored a watermelon wedge aboard a British Army prison ship en route to the West Indies. Enamored with the fruit’s exceptional sweetness, Lawson guarded every seed until he returned home to Georgia to plant what would become one of the country’s most coveted heirloom varietals. With every sip of the Col. Lawson Goes South, you’ll taste a sweet slice of history.
WHAT’S IN IT 2 ounces blanco tequila 1/4 ounce Cointreau 1 1/2 ounces Lawson watermelon juice 3/4 ounce lime juice 1/4 ounce agave
HOW TO MAKE IT Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice, shake and pour into your glass of choice.
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FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Wil Drake
Hero Doughnuts Mastermind PHOTO BY EMMA SIMMONS
Wil Drake had no idea his craft doughnut concept would do as well as a pop up as it’s proven to do. His and co-owner Jason Wallis’ goal was always to have a brickand-mortar location. Now, they are building on their Pepper Place and other market success with a location in the former Homewood Musical Instrument Co. next to Nabeel’s on Oxmoor Road. It’s set to open this fall.
sensitive, which in the South is crazy but exciting because you have to be on your toes. Our brioche dough is essentially a white bread that is heavily enriched by eggs and butter that make it moist and luxurious. We add good ole natural fat and awesome European-style butter.
What flavor should we try? The best sellers are vanilla bean glaze, chocolate glaze and maple sea salt, and the Why doughnuts? Why now? I’d been cooking in Birmingham for a cream-filled doughnuts like Boston cream while at different restaurants and had helped go almost as fast. Fritters and cinnamon open Woodlawn Cycle Café, and I was ready rolls also sell well. People flip out over the to pursue my own thing. Growing up in strawberry doughnut, but they only last a South Georgia, I was obsessed with Krispy month during Alabama strawberry season. Kreme, and I always had the idea to open a We also make blood orange or prickly pear, craft doughnut shop in Birmingham. We and a strawberry malt using Nesquik—it started doing Pepper Place, and we could actually is naturally made from beet powder. We do the farm-to-doughnut thing, but never bring enough doughnuts. some of the things we do are nostalgic. When they are in season, we do peach What makes a Hero doughnut a Hero fritters, and then we switch to the apple doughnut? I love cake doughnuts and yeast fritters through the fall and winter. Then we doughnuts, but the lighter, fluffier ones are do pineapple fritters when it gets warmer. my favorite. I tested 70-80 bread recipes and We are working on a corn doughnut since we worked on it for close to a year. We use fresh grow a lot of corn in the South, but we don’t yeast that’s temperamental and temperature- want it to be weird.
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How did you land in this spot in Homewood? Homewood was always the place I loved. My wife and I lived on East Glenwood across from the park and would walk to the park every day. I used to work at Saw’s too, and I love how everyone is always out walking and the park attracts so many people. I’m stoked about the location. I wanted there to be a lot of kid traffic, and I love that we are by all the schools. Maybe we can convince the Iron Tribe folks to eat some doughnuts too. What will the new location be like? I didn’t want to cover up anything in the kitchen especially the glazing process and making the dough. You can actually see it from the street too. We will have about four table tops, and a garage door we can open. Our breakfast sandwiches will have what looks like a mini hamburger bun made with the same yeast dough—with eggs, cheese, and meats. We’ll have a fried chicken sandwich you can get all day. We serve Domestique coffee; they just opened up their roastery in Lakeview. We will do their Nitro cold brew charged with nitrogen that makes it feel creamy and regular cold brew too.
&STYLE
HOME
JUST THE RIGHT SIZE
Not too big and not too small—the McGarrahs’ cozy contemporary farmhouse is just the space they were looking for. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD HomewoodLife.com 41
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The tale of the McGarrah house is a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Kristen and Chandler started in a tiny Homewood cottage that quickly got too small as their family grew. Next, they bought a large home just before their third child was born, but it ended up being too big and not having enough outdoor space. “We wanted something cozier,” Kristen says. “I had been excited to move into that big house after a tiny little Homewood cottage, but it didn’t take us long to realize it really wasn’t us.” So they found a run-down one-story house with a deep lot and large backyard they loved, knocked it down to the foundation and started dreaming. They’d had a home too small and a home too big, and now it was time to build one that was just right. The design process started with the exterior. Kristen wanted it to have a modern farmhouse look with contemporary touches, and she wanted a white house with a traditional front porch. What they came up with was consistent board and batten siding with metal roof on the porch—all giving it a clean and simple style. The windows on the front and back also provide the natural light they wanted in the home while allowing them to limit the number of windows on the sides to maintain privacy. The stone from the original house remains on the exterior and was just cleaned up in the construction process. Because they were working on an existing footprint, the
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design process was a long one of give and take. The McGarrahs forewent a bathtub in the master so Kristen and Chandler could have separate walk-in closets. The laundry room got redrawn a bit smaller to make room for an office for Chandler when he works from home. “I was pretty particular because I feel like we will be here forever, so it was a design long process,” Kristen admits. What the family wanted most was an open kitchen and living space, and that’s just what they got, with the living room opening up to a large screened-in porch that acts like a second living room. Kristen got the “wall of windows” she wanted in the kitchen that overlooks the backyard so she can watch their kids play, as well as a wrap-around staircase she envisioned. The hardwoods are a custom stain that matches what Kristen had in mind—a color that would hide dirt. Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors says Kristen had a good vision for the house that guided their decisions about decor. “She has a lot of upper end finishes, but it feels very comfortable,” Laurie says. “I love her style.” Walking around the house, Kristen is happy to show off all of her closets—a feature she wanted to be sure the house had knowing she had three kids (now ages 4, 6 and 7). Between the closets and her basement (along with the living spaces of course), the deal is sealed. This one’s just right. “It’s not too big, it’s not too small, and I have enough storage,” Kristen says.
Dining Room The focal point of the dining room is the large wall cabinet Chandler’s parents had in storage for years. “People think I designed around it, and I should have,” Kristen says. “It just happened to fit, and we were so excited. It holds so much stuff, and I have it crammed full.”
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HOME & STYLE
Kitchen This space directly off of the open living area displays the more transitional than traditional elements Kristen had in mind, with hardy board on the wall and a gas range with griddle that makes clean-up from cooking grilled cheese a breeze. A friend who is designer in Atlanta suggested the idea of a coffee bar to Kristen, and with the help of a cabinet designer, they created a piece that hides her coffee maker, can transition into a bar for entertaining, and provides a storage drawer for her kids’ art supplies. Its contrasting grey color matches the window sashes in the main living areas of the house.
Screened-In Porch One of Kristen’s primary focuses in designing the house was a large porch that had room for a table to eat at and a sitting area. A large contemporary fan makes it a good escape space for Kristen to drink coffee while her kids watch cartoons in the mornings, and the fireplace extends their porch season into winter. The beam on the fireplace is reclaimed from a previous home owned by Chandler’s dad.
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Office To jazz up Chandler’s home office, Kristen decided to add small closets on either side of his World Market desk, with the added bonus of also getting extra storage space behind each door.
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Living Room This open space is where the McGarrahs spend most of their time. There wasn’t space for a pitched ceiling, so they had a custom pine design added to create visual interest in the room. Chandler’s father made the console under the TV as house-warming gift for them. Above the mantle on the limestone fireplace hangs a triptych, painted by Ashley McCullars, an artist who also teaches at Edgewood Elementary where the McGarrah kids go to school. With a wood-burning fireplace on the porch, they opted for gas logs inside. “It looks good, it’s easy, and it warms you up,” Kristen says.
Master Bathroom Kristen decided it wasn’t important to them to have a large master bedroom. “It’s just big enough,” Kristen says. “It’s small, but we love it.” What she was insistent about, however, was having natural light in the master bathroom shower, so they installed a solar tube in the ceiling, a pipe-like tube that delivers daylight inside enclosed spaces, to shine light on the marble-filled room. 46 HomewoodLife.com
Girl’s Room To give Embry the purple room she wanted, Kristen used lavender bedding, and they painted her ceiling a similar hue. As the only girl, her bathroom features a corresponding sophisticated lavender and silver wallpaper that can grow into her teen years with her. Kristen’s mom picked out the Pottery Barn light feature that plays to the princess side of Embry’s tomboy-princess co-persona.
Call me today for a no-obligation quote! 205.789.0890 Chad Long Your Local Farmers Agent 100 OLDE TOWNE RD STE 104 VESTAVIA, AL 35216 RLONG3@FARMERSAGENT.COM
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Boys’ Rooms A map hangs above Jackson’s desk and he also has a light-up globe since he likes geography and traveling to new states. Next door sports fanatic Walker, age 4, has a look to match what he likes. Both boys rooms feature a stainless steel fan to keep things cool. A Jack and Jill bathroom with navy subway tile and nautical mirrors connects their rooms.
BEHIND THE SCENES Home Designer: David Smelcer
Contractor: William and David Seigel, Twin Construction
Interior Design: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors Cabinetry: Lauren Brown, Twin Cabinets
Countertops: Surface One of Birmingham Cabinet Hardware: Brandino Brass
Custom Coffee Cabinet: Randy Burnham, Burnham’s Fine Cabinetry
P R E S E N T E D
Plumbing & Appliances: Ferguson Tile: Triton Stone Group
B Y
BBGARDENS.ORG/ANTIQUES OR 205.414.3950 BIRMINGHAMBOTANICALGARDENS
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Lighting: Twin Interiors & Restoration Hardware Select Furnishings: Lee Industries, Alabama
Furniture Market, At Home, Richard Tubb Interiors
HOME & STYLE
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Chip Hazelrig
Co-owner of Caliber PHOTO COURTESY OF CALIBER
Hunting enthusiasts Chip Hazelrig and Robbie Pike are bringing a unique concept to Central Avenue that doesn’t yet exist in Alabama–a high-end gun, fishing and outdoor lifestyle store. Sportsmen looking for the most exclusive products will find them at Caliber. Christopher Architects & Interiors created the space, and if the exterior is any indication, shopping here will be quite the well-designed experience. This is your first venture into the world of retail. What was the draw? Bird hunting has been a passion of mine for many years. I built a hunting lodge in Arkansas “The Duck Hunting Capital of the World” and am a member of a hunting club there. Robbie and I wanted to bring the excellence of sporting stores we’ve experienced in What will we find inside Caliber? We’ve developed special relationships other parts of the world to Birmingham. with the most exclusive brands in There’s nothing like it in Alabama, so this hunting and fishing as well as sporting was a great opportunity to create a new apparel, so that’s given us access to destination for top-tier offerings. products no one else sells in Alabama. We’re one of the only premium Beretta What else will the brand offer in dealers in the country, and the only addition to the retail items? Our staff specializes in guns, fishing authorized retailer for Ball and Buck clothing. Purdy guns and clothing will be and sporting apparel. They are led by available as well as top of the line gear Matt Holland, an industry veteran of 20 How did Caliber land on Central for freshwater and saltwater fishing. years, and offer clients unrivaled field We’ll even have Loro Piano home decor. expertise. We are also going to facilitate Avenue? Homewood welcomed us with open The store caters to the outdoor interests high-end outdoor excursions. arms. It was an opportunity to create of men, women and youth. What did you envision in designing the retail space? We pictured a warm, inviting place where guests could relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while they look around. We were inspired by trips to Holland & Holland, a British gun maker as well as James Purdy & Sons in London and Beretta in Manhattan. Those shops feel like fine clothing stores but are centered around outdoor sporting. With this in mind, we designed our space to reflect quality and elegance. The gunroom is filled with custom mahogany cases and a limestone hearth. Reclaimed oak floors and ceilings make it feel cozy like guests are being invited into a friend’s hunting lodge.
something special from the ground up. The area is a central location for clients in Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, and with the high-end collection of brands we’re offering, it made sense for us to locate near business hubs.
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IN STYLE
SUBTLE STATEMENTS for fall 1
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BY JESSICA CLEMENT PHOTOS BY LAUREN USTAD
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LOOK 1
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1. PIN-STRIPE JUMPSUIT BY ASHER Accelerate your wardrobe with a classic pin-stripe jumpsuit. Fabrik Homewood | $93
2. BAROQUE GEMSTONE EARRINGS Theodora | $138
3. GEMSTONE BRACELET Ambiance Clothing & Home | $46
4. COGNAC SOFT LEATHER JACKET BY JACKETT…ETC Splurge! This statement piece will pair with everything in your closet. Theodora | $594
5. GEOMETRIC CLUTCH BY SAM FOREVER Fabrik Homewood | $68
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1. WHITE GEOMETRIC PATTERNED SHIRT BY WAVERLY GREY This geometric textured lace adds a delicate detail to an everyday basic. Theodora | $169
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2. BEAD AND TASSEL STATEMENT NECKLACE Soca Clothing | $28.50
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3. FRAYED DENIM BY PAIGE The ultimate “it” fall denim style is a raw hem and angled leg. Soca Clothing | $239
LOOK 2
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4. LEATHER AND FEATHER CLUTCH BY VASH Theodora | $218
5. DOUBLE BAR GOLD RING Ambiance Clothing & Home | $16
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Life and style blogger Jessica Clement of White Oak & Ivy covers how to live stylishly with local fashion and decor.
FALL MUST-HAVE SHOES 1. BLOCK HEEL SUEDE BOOTIE BY ADAM TUCKER BY ME TOO Theodora | $132
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2. VELVET LOAFER BY FREE PEOPLE Soca Clothing | $98
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3. SLIP-ON SNEAKER BY SEYCHELLES Shoefly Boutique | $120
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THAT THEY MAY BE ONE BY SARAH WALLER | PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER
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How a Trinity-Oakmont church merger brought renewed life to a West Homewood campus. HomewoodLife.com 53
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Mildred Berryhill joined Oakmont United Methodist Church in 1961, only six years after the church opened. Decades later, her pile of old church directories are filled with memories—the years of vacation bible school, summer church picnics and singing in the choir. Oakmont was the church where her family grew. Her boys were baptized in the there. Her daughter was married there. Though when Mildred heard the plans for Oakmont— ones that would save the church from its recent decline— her immediate reaction was hesitant. In January 2016, Oakmont shut its doors—but only for 30 days—to reopen with a new name and a new identity as a second campus of Trinity United Methodist.
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Was Mildred excited about the merger? “No,” she says with a laugh, “because I am old and set in my ways. But it has saved the church. There are so many more young people coming now, and it has been wonderful.” Like many churches in America, Oakmont had been declining for years. Its congregation had grown older and its resources became more and more limited. Jack Hinnen accepted the lead pastor position at Oakmont only months before Trinity and Oakmont announced their intentions to merge. In the fall of 2015, the two churches made the merge official with a unanimous vote, deciding they were better together than letting Oakmont die. “I think the best way that people can be a good church
“In this merger, we have been trying to reclaim the life blood of the church, which has to be the community. If the walls between the church and the community continue to grow instead of being torn down, we might as well close up shop.� -Jack Hinnen, pictured on left
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“I told people that if we could merge these two churches—if Trinity and Oakmont could give up their identities to become something new and unknown, if people could give up their control—then it would be a mark to me that God exists.” -Jack Hinnen
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These photos mark Oakmont United Methodist’s history since its founding in 1955. Its interior and and exterior were renovated (see photo on left page) when the church merged with Trinity.
is organically,” says Jack, whose title is now teaching pastor for Trinity West Homewood. “It’s knowing the people who are part of the community. Unfortunately, mergers are not very organic.” While the physical space reflects a new era for the church, which is more than 60 years old, a fresh coat of paint cannot cover up the fact that change is difficult. “Life is messy, so [the merger] has not been perfect because life is not like that,” Jack says. “There was a lot of grief to work through, and a lot of figuring out who we were and are. You take something that had been a large part of people’s lives and change it into something new. That’s hard to work through, and I would say that some of us are still working through it.” Despite the challenges, the decision to merge has proved to be a fruitful endeavor. Before the merge, Oakmont was lucky to have 50 people attend a single Sunday church service. Today, Trinity West Homewood has more than 150 people in attendance for two Sunday services, and all signs are pointing toward continued growth. “In this merger, we have been trying to reclaim the life blood of the church, which has to be the community,” Jack says. “If the walls between the church and the community continue to grow instead of being torn down, we might as well close up shop.” In the height of Trinity’s excitement surrounding the merge, Trinity West Homewood had 400 people worshipping with them on Sunday. “It was crazy and not realistic,” Jack says. “Now some of that excitement has died, and we are now doing the slow, hard work of inviting our neighbors organically— having people come and check it out.” The church has extended this invitation in a number of ways outside of its Sunday operations— from hosting community events like outdoor summer movie nights to providing resources like its “Modern Family Closet,” where families supporting foster children can take and give supplies as needed. Scotty Wild, a graduate student at UAB and West Homewood resident, began attending the church
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THEN AND NOW Along with the Trinity West Homewood’s new identity, the church renovated its sanctuary and children’s area to create a new look, hoping the updated space would feel welcoming to all who entered. Don’t miss these special elements the next time you visit. ALTAR: At the front of the sanctuary stands a wooden alter that was created by Trinity’s senior pastor Brian Erickson out of reclaimed wood. SCONCES: In the lobby, the sconces that originally hung in the sanctuary now create a unique chandelier of light. CANDLES: Candles on the back wall represent the baptisms that have taken place at the church since it became Trinity West Homewood.
soon after Jack’s arrival as pastor. Since the merger, he says, the overall energy has changed. “Each Sunday, we have a community hour between the two services, and I love it. Not only does it let us to get to know each other better, but we often use it for ministry,” he says. “Like in the winter, everyone worked to put together small packets for individuals who are homeless in the Birmingham area. It was something we were able to do as a church community that serves West Homewood and greater Birmingham.” Scotty is just one of the many new members who have come to Trinity West Homewood under its new identity, but Jack is quick to show respect to the long-time members who have stayed with the church throughout the entire process. “The people who gave up control of this place were in some way very brave,” he says. “I told people that if we could merge these two churches—if Trinity and Oakmont could give up their identities to become something new 58 HomewoodLife.com
and unknown—if people could give up their control, then it would be a mark to me that God exists.” While this may seem like a bold statement, from Jack’s point of view, something drastic had to be done to save the church. “When a business dies, they run out of money, and they close,” he says. “But churches don’t die until everyone is dead, so churches die very, very slowly. They can get into a certain atrophy where they don’t realize it until after 20 or 30 years have passed.” In a way, this merge was a great leap of faith. There were no guarantees that renovations would make the space feel more inviting or that a new pastor would attract a new generation of members. Yet with faith, the church moved forward, asking a higher power to take full control. “The church now has all of the things that happen in life,” Jack says. “We have deaths, yes, but we have babies being born. We have baptisms happening. We have people getting married.” Altogether, Jack sees the church’s decades-old location as a perfect place for the community to converge. “Trinity West Homewood is in this awesome place to bring people together who have no business being together,” Jack says. “We have the city to our north. We have industry to our west. We have affluency to our east and suburbs to our south. There are few churches so well placed to so something incredible.”
BIRMINGHAM
We’re Open! LET’S BE FRIENDS @HEMLINEBIRMINGHAM
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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND Homewood-grown Shipt is on track to deliver groceries in 100 cities nationwide— all with a side of Southern hospitality. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM | PHOTOS BY LINDSEY CULVER
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“I think growing up in a diverse place helps you know how to connect with all kinds of people. That’s one of the things that Pam and I love about Homewood is it’s very diverse. You need to know that in the business world because everybody is not the same.” -Bill Smith
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The first time the Smith family went to grocery shopping as a family of four was chaotic to say the least. As they entered Publix on Sunday, their two-week old daughter was in one cart, and their year and a half old son was in the other. “The kids were upset, it was nap time,” Bill Smith recalls. “We just needed to get in and out of the store. It was a huge pain.” When he and his wife, Pam, made it out at last, Bill knew life wasn’t what it used to be—not just for his family but also for his fledgling delivery service company. “Literally in the parking lot I told my wife: ‘People have been asking for [grocery delivery]. I am going to figure out how to do this.’” That’s just what he did on Monday morning. And with that, the same-day delivery company for Target, Home Depot and Best
Buy he’d originally conceived became all about grocery delivery. Fast forward three years, and Shipt operates in 60 cities with plans to be in 100 by next year. Today 20,000 shoppers nationwide don emerald green T-shirts bearing the Shipt spaceship—a quirky and memorable brand designed by Homewood’s Paul Crawford of Scout Branding Company. Of those 20,000 shoppers, around 500 take on aisles in the Birmingham area, and around 200 are in Homewood, the community Bill and Pam call home (with Bill’s mom and brother each living just a few blocks away from their house in Hollywood to boot). This year alone Shipt became Costco’s first grocery delivery partner in the South and expanded into cities and chains in the Midwest. This summer they raised $40
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million in funding, bringing their total to $65 million. And to top it all off, Bill took home Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award—an honor bestowed on Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com, Michael Dell of Dell Inc. and Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines in past years. TechCrunch.com might have said that Birmingham “seems an unlikely base of operations for a rival to San Francisco’s multi-billion dollar food delivery behemoth Instacart,” but it also recognized that Shipt’s Southern “base allowed the company to scale both quickly and (more critically) cheaply.” But for Bill, Birmingham is about more than that too. It’s about the 1,000 people here who signed up for the delivery services in just three weeks before Shipt launched back in 2014 when the concept didn’t exist outside of Northeastern cities like New York. It’s about how those 1,000 people showed him they were onto a concept that would take off. It’s about the city’s positive energy and hope for the future, the recently renewed pride of place here coupled with the ease of living that Bill notices anew when he returns from travels to other parts of the country, ready to get back to his favorite restaurants of course. It’s about the explosion in innovation fueled by real estate development and business collaboration, unearthing and developing potential talent already here—just as a mentor did for him when he was 16, the catalyst for him remaining here to start businesses. And it’s about the hospitality and heart for service innate in people here that have become the heart of Shipt—an undeniably Southern culture now a part of operations across the country. “What we have found is it’s really refreshing for people,” Bill says. “We have an office on the West Coast, and the people that work for us there tell us we are so different from any of those other companies. They like that. It’s something that people are attracted to.” And really, the heart of that is caring about people, right down to how each shopper interacts with a customer. Bill can rattle off story after story from the past few days and weeks alone as he flips through screen shots of them on his phone—of a shopper checking on a customer who wasn’t answering her door who, as it turned out, had had
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MEET SHIPT SHOPPER LINDSEY WARD Homewood mom Lindsey Ward shops for Shipt while her twin boys are in mother’s day out and on the weekends, too. She signs up for the hours she wants to work, and then similar to Uber, alerts pop up to claim on her app when jobs are available. From there, she gets paid a percentage of the grocery bill—plus tips. Why Shipt Shop: I love cooking and like grocery shopping, picking out produce and meats. I have several friends who work for Shipt, and I found out more through them. I thought it was the perfect outlet as a stay-at-home mom because I can pick my hours and it provides a little extra income. Why I Like It: I fell in love with it. It’s fun. I try to treat it like a game. How do I maximize my time to get in as many orders as I can? People are so appreciative when you deliver it to their door, and you meet so many elderly people who can’t get out and shop and want someone to talk to. What I Learn: It’s interesting to me what people actually buy because we all buy different brands and have a different meal rotation. It’s made me think outside the box sometimes and try new brands and products. One Monday in Homewood there were five or six of us Shipt shoppers in the Publix on Green Springs at one time. We don’t know each other, but we talk to each other and ask each other questions.
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a stroke. Of another shopper noticing a customer was sick and bringing her flowers from the store. All of these actions are organic, but through social media sharing the spark catches on not just in Birmingham but wherever Shipt goes. “What we have been able to do is take something that was very small and in Birmingham and special and scale it and maintain that, which has been the cool thing,” Bill says. “I think the key is it’s part of our culture and part of the way we treat our people. If you treat people in the right way, they are going to feel empowered and they going to want to do great things.” Technology is key to the #shiptlife as well—as is evident by the rows of programmers and engineers filling their
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office in the John Hand building downtown. “People are changing the way they shop, and we are right in the middle of it,” Bill says. Step one was to take away the pain of actually going to the store. Up next, Shipt plans to tackle easing figuring out what to buy, when to buy it and what to cook. “We want to move into all the other pain points around grocery shopping and simplify them,” Bill says. “That’s where the technology part of the business is really key. We are starting to leverage data science to predict what customers need and when they need it. There might be a point where you don’t need to think if you need milk or eggs or bread, it just shows up at the same time automatically. That’s where I want to go.”
It might already be obvious by reading thus far, but building business is in Bill’s blood. Upon request, he got his first briefcase for his birthday at age 5, and he started he first job at age 11. Not far into his career he had started, grown and sold Insight Card Services, which offers reloadable prepaid Visa cards to consumers. It’s all developed a business skillset he believes you don’t learn in school but rather by “getting in there and making mistakes.” “I have made a ton of mistakes along the way, but I think the things I have learned along the way is learning how to work with people,” Bill says. “I knew how to treat people at an early age because my parents taught me how to treat people, how to be compassionate. I think growing up in a diverse place helps you know how to connect with all kinds of people. That’s one of the things that Pam and I love about Homewood is it’s very diverse. You need to know that in the business world because everybody is not the same.” Fittingly, Shipt’s top focus as a company is on high quality customer experience. “If you think about some of the best companies out there, companies that come to mind are Chick-fil-A and Southwest Airlines, companies that have great cultures and serve people—that’s what people want,” Bill says. “And that’s what I want as a customer. I love going to Chick-fil-A, I love flying Southwest because I know it’s going to be an awesome experience.” How does the Shipt team achieve awesome? By shopping regularly. “We go out there and see what’s going on and how we can improve the process and the experience,” Bill says. “We just believe in being really connected to the front lines.” Their core customer is families similar to Bill’s and similar to their shoppers’, who are often stay-athome moms. “We only hire people who understand groceries,” Bill says. “It’s a diverse group, but we see strength with moms serving other moms.” Bill might no longer have an infant in the grocery cart, but now that his kids are 2 1/2 and 4, he’s well acquainted with shopping with and feeding toddlers and preschoolers, as is his wife who is always sharing her feedback with him for Shipt. He knows Shipt’s core demographic because he is its core demographic—giving him a leg up as he sets forth to lead Shipt into its 100th city, and possibly into outer space too. l
WEDDING AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER
“I CAME ALIVE WHEN I STARTED LOVING YOU.” - C.S. LEWIS
W W W . M E G A N T S A N G . C O M
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A Life Well Lived His name might be on buildings and a Heisman Trophy, but the heart of Pat Sullivan’s legacy is in relationships. BY SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR. | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED 68 HomewoodLife.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMFORD ATHLETICS
Pat Sullivan has had several stops on the road of his life. Nowadays, he spends most of his days on a street some could call Pat Sullivan Memorial Drive. Some could. He wouldn’t. Alabama Highway 149 in Homewood changes its name three times from the gates to John Carroll Catholic High School to the gates of Samford University. The road is Lakeshore Parkway at John Carroll, becomes West Lakeshore Drive between Interstate 65 and Columbiana Road and is Lakeshore Drive at Samford. The campuses are separated by 3.4 miles, but they have one thing in common—the man who is memorialized
in each place. The football field at John Carroll and the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House at Samford are named partly for Sullivan, who was a star quarterback for the Cavaliers and a beloved coach for the Bulldogs. And then there is the third monument, outside JordanHare Stadium in Auburn—a statue of the West End native who went on to earn a Heisman Trophy while playing quarterback for the Tigers on the Plains. But Sullivan, who contracted throat cancer in 2003 but is cancer-free today, doesn’t revel in the welldeserved praise that comes his way. While his office is on the top floor of the Sullivan-Cooney field house, he thinks HomewoodLife.com 69
more about the lives he’s touched than the awards he’s received. “When I walk in this building, I don’t think about it,” says the Vestavia Hills resident, who is now Samford President Andrew Westmoreland’s special advisor for campus and community development. “When I go to the field at John Carroll, I don’t think about it. When I go to Auburn and by the stadium, I don’t think about it. “It’s like I’ve always told our players: What you get out of athletics is not the trophies. It’s not the rings. It’s the relationships that last for a lifetime. When I come in this building, I don’t look at it as it being named after me. I feel the relationships I have made through the players and coaches who have come in this building.” But the adoration that is felt for Sullivan—and his wife Jean—goes much deeper than his success on the field as a player, or on the sideline as a coach. David E. Housel,
Auburn University 1969-72 All-American Quarterback 1971 Heisman Trophy Winner
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director of Athletics Emeritus at Auburn, says Sullivan might have receded into Auburn history if he were measured only by his on-field successes. “But he is loved and respected by Auburn people now every bit as much as he was when he was playing,” Housel says. “He is the symbol of Auburn, the outward and visible symbol of Auburn—in the way he played, the way he coached, the manner he has lived his life and especially in the way he has dealt with his physical challenges. “You don’t always have to win to show your character,” Housel continues. “Pat has had a setback on [his health], but it has not defeated him. It’s changed him but it hasn’t defeated him.” An All-American quarterback at Auburn, Sullivan won the Heisman Trophy in 1971 and then played six seasons in the National Football League with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. He went on to be a head football
National Football League Atlanta Falcons 1972-76 Washington Redskins 1976-77
Auburn University Quarterback Coach 1986-1992
coach at Texas Christian University and offensive coordinator at UAB. He ended his coaching career as the head coach at Samford. Gary Cooney remembers his first varsity play on the football team at John Carroll when the school was on Birmingham’s Highland Avenue and the team played at a stadium on Montclair Road. Specifically, he remembers Sullivan giving him another chance when he missed a key block on his first varsity effort. “It was his leadership capability, giving me—kind of a geeky sophomore in high school—the confidence that I could do this,” Cooney says. “And it’s served me well in life. For that, I’m eternally grateful for that leadership and that moment.” Cooney would go on to play football at Samford before eventually becoming vice chairman of McGriff, Seibels & Williams. Years after having played football at Samford, he
and his family wanted to honor his parents with the field house. And he wanted to honor his lifelong friend who had become the head football coach there. “We wanted to honor Pat and his family as well,” Cooney says. “During a conversation about that, Pat said, ‘Before we get ahead of ourselves, let me earn that at Samford. When I do accomplish my goals, then we can discuss that opportunity.’” Sullivan did that. His 47 victories made him the winningest coach in Samford history. “Our family gift was of bricks and mortar,” Cooney says. “The bricks and mortar mean nothing without the heart soul that our coaches, support staff and student athletes bring every day to that field house. Pat and Jean Sullivan provided that leadership, the heart and soul as the head football coach and chief mother of the team. When the bricks and mortar are blended into the heart and soul that the Sullivans injected into our program, then the results are something very special.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAMFORD ATHLETICS (OUTSIDE) & AUBURN ATHLETICS (INSIDE)
Texas Christian University Head Football Coach 1992-97
UAB Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach 1999-2006
Samford University Head Football Coach 2006-14
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“
It’s like I’ve always told our players: What you get out of athletics is not the trophies. It’s not the rings. It’s the relationships that last for a lifetime. When I come in this building, I don’t look at it as it being named after me. I feel the relationships I have made through the players and coaches who have come in this building. -Pat Sullivan On Team Sullivan, the former coach considers his wife of 48 years —who he met on a blind date shortly after graduating high school—the most valuable player. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me probably in my life is being married to my wife, Jean,” he says. “She’s a godsend. She’s taken care of me through all my illness. She’s not only my wife, she’s my best friend. I can’t say enough about her.” Sullivan’s health issues—throat cancer and a neck injury that required multiple surgeries—forced him to coach, when he could coach, from the press box instead of on the field on game days. Ultimately, his health led him to leave coaching, but not Samford. Westmoreland saw to that. “In every sense, he is exactly as he appears to be: a person of intelligence, persistence, wisdom, good humor, with an impenetrable core of ethics that is rooted in a vibrant faith,” the Samford president said in a statement when Sullivan ended his coaching career. “He cares deeply about his family and his student-athletes. He is respectful of every person he encounters. “I am grateful beyond words for his service to Samford over the past eight years,” Westmoreland continued. “I look forward to continued association with him and with Jean as we seek to provide greater experiences for our students now and in the years ahead.” Jean Sullivan says her husband’s job at Samford is good
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medicine for him. “He comes to the office most every day,” she says. “He enjoys seeing the kids and seeing the coaches, going to the games and watching practice. He wants to help the university renovate the stadium. There are still projects he’s working on. He’s retired from coaching but he’s not retired from living, trying to contribute.” And then there’s his other project. “Jean and I together are also working on a project down at UAB to help people with head, neck and throat cancer that will be able to help them throughout their battle with that disease from the start to the finish of their treatment,” he says. “It will also help them in their battle with the side effects that they have. We’re in the process of getting that all put together.” Cooney, the former Cavalier and Bulldog player, said the Sullivans “are an incredible team.” His friend’s continuing battle with illness caused him to step away from the sideline as a coach. After accomplishing his goals, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted in favor of the name change to the Sullivan Cooney Family Field House. “His name, rightfully so, belongs first,” Cooney says of the field house. “At best I was an average athlete and at worst Pat was an incredible athlete, one of the best in the history of the state of Alabama. The gift that Pat and Jean and those coaches have given to our student athletes…that’s where the real teaching begins.” l
The football field at John Carroll Catholic High School is named for its star quarterback. PHOTO BY SHERRY ROWE
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Homewood Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S
Happenings September 19
Annual Legislative Update and September Membership Luncheon Sponsored by Homewood Life 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Club
October 17
Membership Luncheon Sponsored by Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center Featuring the United Way of Central Alabama 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Club
October 26
Homewood Chamber Golf Clasic 8:00 a. m - Regisgration 9:00 a.m. - Shotgun Start Robert Trent Jones - Oxmoor Valley
New Member Spotlight Prodigal Pottery prodigalpottery.org
Spokesman Cycle Ads, LLC
O’Charley’s Homewood
ocharleys.com
Xeal Health
spokesmancycleads.com
xealhealth.com
Jemison Realty Co., Inc. / Metcalf Commercial Properties
Friends & Family Health Centers
Craft Electric Co., Inc. craft-electric.com
kanzicraft.com
AccountingRX
bartaco.com
JR King State Farm
shophemline.com
jemisonrealty.net
accountingrx.com
insurewithking.com
homewoodfriends andfamily.com
KANZI
bartaco
Hemline
Homewood Theatre homewoodtheatre.com
Event Recap: 2017 Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale The sixth annual Downtown Homewood Sidewalk Sale was held with great success on Saturday, July 29th. Stores opened as early as 8 a.m. to line the streets with merchandise discounted up to 75% off!
7 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
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
Make plans to join us for the 2017 Homewood Chamber Golf Classic on Thursday, October 26th at Robert Trent Jones- Oxmoor Valley The Homewood Chamber Golf Classic is in its second decade, and over the years the Tournament has raised thousands of dollars for economic development, community events and scholarships for Homewood High School students. As the Chamber’s largest fundraiser, the Golf Classic not only provides a tremendous opportunity for our Members to spend the morning together, but also proves to be a valuable investment as all proceeds aid in the Chamber’s efforts to promote our community. The day begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, but prior to tee-off participants are encouraged to grab a coffee and a biscuit during registration (which begins at 8 a.m.). After playing a full 18-holes of golf and networking with several different chamber Members, participants will enjoy
lunch catered by one of our Member restaurants, as well as the chance to win several door prizes donated by Chamber businesses. Our Members love getting out of the office to enjoy a gorgeous fall day of golf and networking, all while raising funds to invest in our community’s future leaders! Much of the money from the golf tournament is used to fund scholarships for Homewood High School students. The Chamber believes in the importance of investing in the community’s future business leaders, and the Homewood Chamber Golf Classic helps us do just that! For more information about the Homewood Chamber Golf Classic and to secure your team or sponsorship today, visit www.homewoodchamber. org or call our office at 205-8715631.
Welcome To Homewood
Forecast Salon | Friday, June 9th 1707 28th Ave. S. | Birmingham, AL 35209
Finish College Smart | Friday, June16th 2100 Southbridge Pkwy., Ste. 650 | Birmingham, AL
SAVE TH E D AT E Did you miss this year’s Sidewalk Sale? Mark your calendar for Holiday Open House, which will take place in Downtown Homewood on Thursday, November 2nd from 5-8 p.m.
Surge Trampoline Park | Thursday, June 22nd 120 Wildwood Pkwy. | Homewood, AL 35209
Floor & Decor | Wednesday, July 26th 230 Green Springs Hwy. | Homewood, AL 35209
WWW.HOMEWOODCHAMBER.ORG
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OUT & ABOUT
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PHOTOS BY AUTUMN CHAPMAN
Trinity United Methodist West Homewood held a festive day of barbecue, arts, crafts and baked goods on June 10.
1. Shelby Barter with Mcgee and Tessa 2. Peggy Gunnels and Caroline Kagwima 3. Norma Sorenson 4. Haden and Sylvia White, Diane and Ron Haas
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5. Donna Burgess and Mimi Chambers with Kitty 6. Rocky and Jana Pienezza 7. Sam, Jack, Chris and Jessica Atkinson 8. Robert and Lori W. Rhodes 9. Sandra and Joe Lee 10. Amy Lewis and Edna McWilliams 11.
Carole Mcintyre, Retha Dorough and Donna Bailey (front row); Jo-Anna Brazelton and Mimmi Stanton (back row)
12. Herb Griffin, Ken Keenum and Judi Keenum
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ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure
THE FACE OF A CURE
The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is committed to finding a cure for Rollins and the more than 1,500 children who come to us for care each year. As a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group,* Children’s of Alabama and UAB combine research and innovative therapies to help save the lives of children down the street and around the world. Although the cancer cure rate has risen from 50 to 84 percent and strokes in patients with sickle cell disease have decreased by 90 percent, we are actively working toward a CURE for children like Rollins.
*The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.
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OUT & ABOUT
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WEST HOMEWOOD FARMERS MARKET
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PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY WOOLEY
Tuesday nights in the summer are for farm-fresh produce, food trucks, music and more—pretty much a giant block party where farmers come too. 1. Paige Wildt and Emma Kate Standard 2. Allison Whitfield-Smith of Fetch Treats
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3. Lisa and Matt Theus 4. Southern Oaks Farms 5. Ada Pepin 6. Kenyon Ross, coordinator of West Homewood Farmer’s Market 7. Children of Scott Dean 8. Sara Lucas and Brittany Sturdivant 9. Alice Lowery and Claire Turner 10. Naomi Kaylor 11. The Drake Children
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OUT & ABOUT
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OLS 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL
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PHOTOS BY ELI MCCUTCHEON
Our Lady of Sorrows Church held its annual 4th of July Bar-B-Q and Festival complete with games, the annual Trash ‘n Treasures sale and more festivities. 1.
Lenda Mauter, Fred Mauter, Eddie Mauter, Robert Mauter, Donna Johnson and Katlin Johnson
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Justine Tortorigi, Greg Sazera and Matthew Corsini
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Michele and Jaxon Smith
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Griffin, Nick and Nicholas Musso
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Elizabeth, Jules, Austin and Mary Austin Adams
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Robert and Jennifer Rodriguez
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Rebecca, Angel and Nixon Macke
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Diana and Spencer Beattie
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OUT & ABOUT
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OUT & ABOUT
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FIRST THURSDAY ART STROLL
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PHOTOS BY AUTUMN CHAPMAN
Alabama Goods and other downtown Homewood shops featuring artwork stayed up late, held art demonstration and served drinks and snacks on Aug. 3. 1.
Nada Boner
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Andrea Mabry and Liz Shults
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Jannet Gergg and Mike Gergg
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Sherry Hartley, owner of Alabama Goods
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Laura Wilson. owner Four Seasons Gallery
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Artist Gyl Turner
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OUT & ABOUT
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RETRO RUN
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PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY WOOLEY
Runners pulled out their ‘70s best for the Trak Shack’s annual night run to the beat of disco on July 29. 1.
“Counselors on The Run”
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Doug Sweet, Steven French and Ronnie Ballentine
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CJ Grant, Rana Davis, Dennis Davis and Hunter Robinson
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Esther Quinn and Deborah Box
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Tamera Langley, Kelly Farris, Jamie Farley, Shannon Beaty, April Butler and Rachel Cain
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Jacob and Mary Ben Fitts
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Bennett Smith and Kathleen Hagerty
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Doug Alan, Julia Henderson
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The Patterson Family
10. Andrew Hall, Hanna Lahr and Joe Lahr 11. Pamela Davis, Mary Lou Kunka, Nicole Talley, Cindy Cutchen and Adele Pitts 12. Bill Crowson, Madeline Mandy, Monica Hanley, Keith Henley and Lisa Nagy
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Patrick McGough Photography (205)602-1052 patrickmcgough.com
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OUT & ABOUT
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HOMEWOOD CHAMBER LUNCHEON
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PHOTOS BY MADOLINE MARKHAM
Morgan Black, director of marketing and public relations for Vulcan, spoke the June 20 luncheon. 1.
Luncheon speaker Morgan Black and Sarah Beth Jones
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Johan Grahs of Navigate Wealth Management, Georgia Haas of eCO Credit Union and Caleb Hopkins of Navigate.
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Vassilli Bouloukos and Marlo Frantz of The Happy Catering Company
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Rebecca Brooks of Moe’s and Chrissi Cook of First Commercial Bank
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Susan Norton of AC Financial Partners and Chamber Executive Director Meredith Drennen
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Alison Howell of Alabama Power and Paul DeMarco of Parsons, Lee and Juliano, PC
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Marketplace Homewood Life • 205.669.3131
Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans! 224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821
Be part of the next breakthrough Cancer treatment. Donate Today. Your donation funds lifesaving research, treatment and care. www.cancer.org Great Jobs ARE Out There... If You Know Where to Look! AIDT recruits, screens & trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities! INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour plus production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Paid vacation. Paid holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required. Lake Mitchell! 1209 Co Rd 261 Spacious home with privacy & beautiful views. GR w/exposed beams & rock fp. Wood floors, large rooms make this home perfect for entertaining or relaxing. FR w/fp. Multiple decks, exterior stone fireplace, dock & 2 covered boat slips. $270,000. MLS#786807 Atkinson Real Estate LLC 256-245-6782 NITES 205-369-7769 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 Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002 Pelham (205)444-9774 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/hour for labor Parts/supplies additional Quotes based per job. Media
blasting available. Powder coating coming soon. Montevallo area. (205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Bama Concrete Hiring Mixer Drivers Local deliveries. Class-B+ CDL, 2yrs MINIMUM heavyhaul experience/ Clean MVR. Competitive Pay/ Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Be Blessed Caregivers (205)381-2391 Need dependable, loving, dedicated care for your loved ones? Call us today for a free consultation. Licensed-Bonded-Insured. Bathing-Dressing-Meals-ErrandsLight House Cleaning-Medication Reminders-Hygiene. John 3:16 Beelman Truck Hiring Experienced Mechanics and Drivers. Great pay. Great benefits. Apply online at beelman.com or call 205-665-5507. Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELL-ESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com NOW HIRING CAMPGROUND MAINTENANCE Must have basic electrical/ plumbing/handyman/multi-tasker/ computer knowledge/customer service/communication skills/ fluent English. Ability to pass a background/drug screen. Send resume to tammy@abshop.com. CAREGIVER Over 20 yrs experience. Trustworthy. References upon request. 24/7. Light cooking, drs appts., will run errands. CALL 205-566-4900
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Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC NOW HIRING for Class B CDL Delivery Drivers at our Irondale, AL Branch. Six Months verifiable experience driving a Commercial Vehicle. Experience in customer service preferred. Go to www.bordendairy.com to apply. (Careers, select location) Borden Dairy of Alabama, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing! Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm 535-A Hicks St Montevallo 205-665-2257 TDD #’s: (V)1-800-548-2547 (T/A)1-800-548-2546 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers. Delivery/unloading to multiple locations. Mon-Fri work week. Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record. Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement. Call 205-397-1782. BTC Wholesale Distributors FOR SALE: Oracal Vinyl and Premium HTV Vinyl by the Foot or by the Yard C&C Trophy & Sign, Inc. 209 6th ST N Clanton CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd. Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd. Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd. DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions Available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-the-road Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus Package. Good home time. Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 CDL Drivers Needed! HOME DAILY! •$850-$1250/week •Paid Vacation after 1yr •Medical/Dental/Vision Avail. •New Equipment 2yrs Exp, Clean MVR, Drug Test Chris 205-446-5400 chrisgilliland01@gmail.com Regina (205)275-2293
rparker7770@gmail.com Danny (205)471-3177 dcgcfi@gmail.com FT Presser for Dry Cleaner. Salary, vacation, holidays, health & life insurance. Must have reliable transportation. Call Debbie: 205-588-6521 Hiring part-time salesmen for permanent morning shift Monday-Friday. $10/hour versus commission. Call 256•404•7897 and leave a message to be considered for the position. PT Golf Course Grounds Worker Visit www.cityofmontevallo.com for detailed job description and on-line application or apply in person at City Hall, 541 Main St, Montevallo, AL 35115 EEO Got a Class A or Class B CDL? WE WANT YOU! We can even do OJT in some cases. We offer a NO overnight, NO Weekend 4-day workweek! You need to be able to drive a manual shift or automatic transmission truck. On some deliveries you will need to be able to lift at least 75 lbs- just letting you know up front (yep–we have hand trucks and dollys though!) We start early-so you need to be able to wake before the roosters– but we don’t work late nights. We are a Birmingham based, family owned Company with a 90 year business history, so yeah– we are here to stay! Call 205-7954533 or send resume to trans@citywholesale.com Library Director Chilton/Clanton Public Library Master of Library Science preferred, with 5 years supervisory library experience. Applications available at Clanton Library circulation desk, email darlene@chiltonclantonlibrary.org or by mail to the Chilton/Clanton Public Library 100 First Ave Clanton, AL 35045 Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World? Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply! Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, LLC is currently looking for a few good people for the following positions:
•PRN Dietary •PRN Housekeeping/Laundry •Full Time RN/LPN 7P-7A •Full Time CNA Night Shift •Part Time CNAs (Day and evening shifts) Please apply in person to: 22969 Hwy 25 Columbiana, AL 35051 Applications are accepted Monday-Friday 8:30A-4:00P. Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •LPNs: Post Acute Care •Respiratory Therapist: Sign on Bonus Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com EXPERIENCED ASPHALT EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Dunn Construction is now hiring for the following full-time positions: •Backhoe Operator: Must be able to demonstrate use of front and back of equipment. •CDL HAZMAT Drivers: Must hold current Commercial Driver’s License w/Hazmat endorsement, as well as clean driving record. 2 years experience is a must. •CDL Driver Class B or A: Must have at least 12 months’ experience operating dump truck. •Experienced Asphalt Equipment Operators •Asphalt Laborers: Looking to hire in Saginaw & Birmingham areas. •In search of anyone w/previous asphalt operations experience. 401K, health, vision, dental, life insurance, paid holidays, PTO benefits. E-Verify. To Apply: Go to dunnconstruction.com Click on “Working at Dunn, scroll to the bottom of the page & click position to apply. If you have questions you can emailcareers@dunnconstruction. com EOE/Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans
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MARKETPLACE PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed Drug and Background Check Required. Apply In Person: 150 Princeton Lane Jemison, AL 35085 Plumbing Service & Repair Technician Requirements: •Journeyman’s plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: john@jeffcoat.us NOW HIRING MECHANIC Must be able to pass background check, drug screening, Needs own tools Apply at: Ellison Auto Sales 12 Ellison Lane Jemison, AL. ASE Auto Technician with Imports (German) experience. Candidate should have: •strong work ethic •own tools Quality & craftsmanship are important. www.empireautohaus.com Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Eastern Tree Service 24 Hour Storm Service www.ETSTree.org Experienced Professionals 205-856-2078 Quick Response Free Estimates $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. LABORERS NEEDED INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTOR Faulkner Industrial Sterrett, AL • Pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check required. • Random Drug/Alcohol screening also administered • Must have State DL or State issued ID. • Must be able to pass basic written safety exams after training • Must be physically fit. Work includes use of personal protective equipment. This includes ½ face and full-face respirator, must be clean shaven. • Must be willing to travel, in and
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out of town work. Hotels paid by company and daily cash perdiem issued • OSHA 10 & MSHA a plus. • Mechanic and Trouble Shooting Skills a plus. • Pay depends on experience and personal skill sets. Pay starts at 12.00 for basic labor that meets all criteria above. Higher pay is available for higher skill sets or when skills are proven. • Must provide work history and references. Please call for application: 205-672-8556 Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton. 205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 PELHAM LOCATION NOW OPEN: Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm Sunday, 11am-2pm Try our ribs! Ask about our daily specials. 309 Huntley Parkway 624-4461 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc. Jack F. Granger #873 H&H Waterproofing Now Hiring Experienced Waterproofers Must be able to pass background check and drug test. 205-670-0090 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE Hardee’s Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045
Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments. Columbiana, AL. Now Pre-leasing 2&3 Bedrooms. Great Amenities Provided. Call 256-560-0821 99 Eagle Lane info@hollyhand.com. Equal Housing Opportunity.
NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS Managers and Assistant Managers MONTEVALLO KFC 950 N. MAIN STREET MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 To apply send resumes to: Attn: Katie Badgwell 113 25th Ave East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8621 Katie@jmfkfc.com
for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430
Part Time Apartment Manager Immediate opening for part time apartment manager in Clanton, AL. Previous residential property management experience and/ or Rural Development property preferred. Strong organizational, communication & computer skills. Ability to effectively multitask. Position eligible for health insurance and paid time off. For Immediate Consideration Email Resume to: hiringdept0885@gmail.com Include in Subject Line: CLANTON Background checks will be run prior to starting employment.
CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144
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
Clanton Villas 2806 7th Street Clanton, AL 35045 1 Bedroom Units Rental Office 205-755-9377 TDD/TTY 1-800-548-2546 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and Employer.
Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Celebrating 100 years of justice, equality and fairness in the workplace. BIRMINGHAM AREA INSULATORS LOCAL 78 THE HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 78 will be accepting applications for a fouryear Apprenticeship Program. Applications will be accepted on Tuesdays only between 8:30am and 2:00pm at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-2866 or craig@insulators78.org Applicants must be at least 18 years old and furnish proof of age. Applicants will be required to take a simple math test as well as an English comprehension test. The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is registered with the Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and is an equal opportunity employer. DRIVERS NEEDED $2,000 Sign On Bonus J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Class-A CDL Local and OTR Drivers. GREAT BENEFITS! Health Insurance $9 Weekly. OTR Drivers Home 2 or More Times Weekly. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin@256-245-3933
Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools. Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity Employer-
Lovejoy Trucking Montevallo seeking an OTR Driver home once/twice a week Flatbed and Tarp experience, must pass Physical/Drug Screen Terry Lovejoy 205-746-2419 Jimmy Hatcher 205-283-9822
Hiring CDL-A Drivers Sign-on Bonus Great Benefits Local Domicile Work Apply online at: MerchantsFood Service.com/Careers
280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers Pay Rate $9-$11 20-25 Employees Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50. Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Certified Crane Operator Position Must have current crane license for telescoping boom cranes, DOT physical. Birmingham Area Call 205-672-2403 for more information
WE HAVE JOBS! · Machine Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/PackersAlabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/career-search (205)943-4820
Ignite Your Career with Mspark! For current openings, visit: www.mspark.com/our-company/ careers/ or send resume: apollard@mspark.com. Mspark offers competitive compensation, benefits and a team-oriented work environment. EOE.
Service Technician Top Pay, Benefits & Commission! Mainline Heating & Air 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751
INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.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) 800-548-2546(T/A) Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer 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
Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/Manufacturing experience. • Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com
MARKETPLACE Odyssey Early Schools Birmingham’s Best Daycare/Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays). Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039. 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 inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com Popeye’s Operated by PAP of AL, LLC Hiring at locations in Pelham & Sylacauga Apply online at: work4popeyeskitchen.com Cook/Server Needed Breakfast Shift (approx. 3am-1pm) Must be able to work some weekends and holidays. Apply at: Peach Park Express 2320 7th Street South Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409 PLUMBERS & PLUMBER HELPERS Call or Text 205-432-9049 NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver Positions For Our Finley Blvd. Location •Competitive weekly pay (direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more information or visit pylestransport.com to apply. Regional Drivers are home every weekend and often mid-week for rest period. FREON 12 WANTED: R12 collecting dust in your garage? We pay CA$H for R12 EPA cert, We pick up Call now for April pickup: (312)291-9169 sell@refrigerantfinders.com
3/2 Garden Home Calera Schools Easy access to HWY 31 & I-65 W/D hook-ups, Dishwasher Fenced backyard. No Pets. Rent $1250 (205)433-9811 PRE-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY Lead Teachers For 18-24mos AND Lead Teachers For Pre-School Age Morning and Afternoon Opportunities Call: 205-601-9482 or Email: queenmoore1956@gmail.com ROSS NEELY TRUCK LINES •NOW HIRING• TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR If you are a professional CDL A Driver, have two years experience,a good safety recrod, and want to GET HOME ON THE WEEKENDS apply online at www.rossneely.com or apply by email at jeff@rossneely.com Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers. Requirements: OTR experience driving lowboy trailers; transporting heavy oversized loads; experience with heavy equipment required; ability to work in outside environments, safety-oriented, and team-player. Overtime available. Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package. Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc, a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant. Benefits: •Competitive wages •Health & Life insurance •Paid vacations •401(k) Apply online at: www.bkworker.com DRUG FREE WORKPLACE EOE Saiia Construction Company seeks equipment operators in the Alabaster area with the ability to operate various types of equipment including: dozers, excavators, rock trucks, and motor graders. 2+yrs. operating exp. MSHA training a plus. Must have dependable transportation, able to work in outside environments, safety oriented, and team player. We have day and night shift work, overtime is available. Great opportunity. Competitive compensation and benefit package. If you are interested contact Johnny Pipp 205.943.2214 or email jpipp@saiia.com
Innovative Salon and Spa in Helena searching for talented, dependable Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist and Esthetician. Join the Serenity Team. Now accepting applications by email: serenity@serenity-salonandspa. com ServiceMaster is Hiring Part-time Fire Cleaning Techs WILL TRAIN! Must pass background check/ drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record. Serious Inquiries Call (205)424-4211 We are currently in need of experienced CNC Machinists. Excellent pay and benefit package. Qualified applicants may apply at: Shelby Machine & Tool 160 Mullins Drive Helena, AL 205-621-6711 Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood.com Immediate Positions!!!! Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337
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. TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/week. Paid product training-$800/week. Full benefits+401K. CDL-A, 2-Years Tractor Trailer Experience, tanker/hazmat endorsements, passport & TWIC required. Call 888-572-3662! www.trimac.com OTR Drivers Wanted 24 Years or Older Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit Package available. Pneumatic tank equipment. Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN ON BONUS Home every other weekend. Apply online: Vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993
CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822
Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!
SUNCREST HOME HEALTH CLANTON, AL Is Growing!! We have immediate, full time and PRN needs for RN, LPN, PT, PTA, OT, and COTA’s. MUST have one year of clinical experience! Apply online at: www.almostfamily.com /careers.php For questions, please call the agency at 205-280-4663
Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay. Call Visiting Angels at (205)719-1996 to discuss.
$5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE) Experienced Carpenter Needed Please Call 205-755-8555 or send resume to whatleybuilders@ businessmailbox.com Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/mechanical skills. To operate forklift/farm tractors/ equipment/welding/ground maintenance/service equipment/ check fluid levels/clean after use. Maintain safe/clean area. Requires valid-DL/reliable transportation. 334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017! Longevity-Bonus. Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable. Excellent benefits. Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street Pelham, AL 35124 (205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753. 8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. YARD SPOTTER Immediate Opening-F/T or P/T Class-A-CDL required to shuttle trailers from truck-yard to loading area. Benefits available for F/T positions. Apply In Person: Woodgrain Distribution(EOE) 80 So. Shelby St., Montevallo 205-665-2546(Ext.207) ksenecal@woodgrain.com”
FLATBED DRIVERS OTR Flatbed Trucking Co. now hiring Company Drivers and Leasing Owner Operators with 2 yrs exp. 205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus. Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140
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MY HOMEWOOD Angie Cleland
BirminghamMommy.com Founder+Mom of Three
Sweet Treats
Magic City Sweet Ice To cool off from playtime at Patriot Park or get something sweet, we head here for Italian ice, gelato, beignets and more. While they have some delicious unique flavors like Coconut Creme, Cafe Latte and Mojito, our personal favorite is the Pink Lemonade.
Treehouse Adventures
Red Mountain Park By far our favorite place to hike is Red Mountain Park with its 15 miles of trails, zip lining, beanstalk forest and an adventure wall. We love the treehouses located on the trails and make it our personal goal to visit at least one of the three each time we hike!
Local Gifts Galore
Alabama Goods My go-to spot for gifts, Alabama Goods has a great selection of products, all Alabama made. From some of my favorite Birmingham T-shirts to jewelry and gourmet foods, anytime I’m looking to pick up a unique, personal gift, this is where I go. This wooden Alabama is my favorite purchase from there.
Bewitched
Homewood Witches Ride Each Halloween the women of Homewood dress like witches, decorate our bikes and hit the streets of Homewood with pounds of candy in our baskets—all to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. It’s one of the things we look most forward to each year.
Scavenger Hunt
Vulcan Park and Museum Everyone knows about Vulcan, but not everyone knows that you can pick up a scavenger hunt at the ticket box when you arrive. It asks you to locate various items throughout the park and inside the museum. The hunt and running down the grassy hills keeps my kids busy for hours.
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