The Homewood Star August 2012

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www.TheHomewoodStar.com

Mayor’s Minute

City news & events

Austin Farley

Restaurant Showcase

Homewood Happenings

Business Spotlight

Fashion Spotlight

Sports

Lauren Denton

Dr. Bill Cleveland

School House

Calendar of Events

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| August 2012 |

August Features


By KATEY COURTNEY

Homewood city elections are set for Tuesday, August 28.

Mayor Scott McBrayer is running uncontested, but there are multiple candidates for most of the eleven city council positions, two from each ward plus

council president.Applications for absentee ballots may

be picked up Monday - Friday between 8 a.m and 4:30 p.m at the City Clerk’s Offi ce in City Hall on the second fl oor. For information on voting locations, call the

City Clerk at 332-6107. Polling locations are Ward 1- Homewood Central Park Recreation Center; Ward 2- Homewood Senior Center; Ward 3- Edgewood Elementary School; Ward 4 - Homewood Public Library; and Ward 5 - Shades Cahaba

Construction on the proposed new Homewood Recreation Center could begin in October.

The new rec center would include a new pool area. Images courtesy of Davis Architects.

Elementary School.We talked with the candidates about

their platform and vision for our city to help better inform your decisions when you visit the polls August 28.

Fred Hawkins

Jackie Langlow

Bernard Mays

Billy Beers

Britt Thames

Peter Wright

Heather Reid

Patrick McClusky

Marcus Huskey

Walter Jones

Fred Azbik

Richard Laws

Vance Moody

Joe Stephens

Michael Hallman

Danielle Benfi eldBruce Limbaugh

Jenifer Champ Wallis

The Homewood Star

By KATEY COURTNEY

The Homewood City Council is currently considering plans for a new recreation center designed by Davis Architects. If approved, the current center will be demolished, and construction for the tri-level facility will take place on the same site over 13 months. Construction is projected to start in October if plans are approved and funds are designated by that time.

The current Homewood Recreation Center, which was built in 1950, has not been renovated since 1992 and has been deemed outdated by the Parks and Recreation Board. The board analyzed whether it was best to renovate or rebuild the facility and decided rebuilding is the best option.

The original plan for the center was to cost $16 million and be 57,000 square

feet, but at a July 23 public meeting the Parks and Recreation Board was scheduled to present a plan that was scaled back to 45,000 square feet.

“After meeting with the mayor and council members, we realized the price was more than what they were looking at,” Parks and Recreation Director Berkley

Squires said. “We are trying to tighten the building up as much as we can without cutting out the things we need for now and for the future.”

Some Homewood residents who are aware of the project believe now is an

The Homewood StarThe Homewood StarThe Homewood Star

See ELECTION | page 8

City Council election August 28

See REC CENTER | page 14

A Father and Sons OperationMon-Thur: 7-7 Fri: 7-6:30, Sat: 9-4

1915 Oxmoor Rd. • 871.6131 [email protected] Hunter Payne and sons Winston and Collier

We Love Homewood

neighborly news & entertainment for HomewoodVolume 2 | Issue 5 | August 2012

Pittman in Olympis trials- pg 21

Rec Center plans pending council approval

The Homewood StarThe Homewood StarVolume 2 | Issue 5 | August 2012 entertainment for Homewood entertainment for Homewood

All Star baseball- pg 20

Back-to-school fashion - pg 19

| August 2012 | The Homewood Star

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Editor’s Note


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

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Contact Information:The Homewood Star#3 Offi ce Park Circle, Suite 316Birmingham, AL [email protected]

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: [email protected]. Box 530341Birmingham, AL 35253

Publisher: Dan StarnesCreative Director : Keith McCoyEditor : Ashley BerkeryManaging Editor : Madoline MarkhamEditor at Large : Joe Samuel Starnes

Copy Editor : Lauren DentonSales and Distribution: Rhonda Smith | Warren Caldwell | Matthew AllenPublished by : Homewood Star LLCContributing Writers : Anna Cate Little | Lauren Denton| Rick Watson | Blake Rhodes | Craig Kleimeyer | Beth Eddings | Merrick Wilson | Mary Ellen SnellInterns : Katey Courtney| Madison Miller| Jordan Miller

I remember when I was growing up—school started after Labor Day. From a kid’s perspective, that allowed for more summer fun. As much as I enjoyed going to school, I was always sad the day the Homewood pool closed. The Homewood School Board recently voted to begin school on August 20, almost three weeks ahead of Labor Day, so enjoy those last minute family vacations and play days at the pool and park.

We hope you enjoy our election issue. You have almost the entire month to read about the candidates’ platforms, visions and goals for Homewood, and to think about the importance of voting on election day. It is important that Homewood’s citizens are represented by strong government leaders and are consistently informed of decisions that are made regarding our beloved city. You may not be able to make all of the city

council meetings or to participate on a board or commission. On August 28, however, you can vote, and it is important that you make your choices known in this time-honored, Democratic tradition.

I have enjoyed hearing from many of you over the summer; please continue to stay in touch

and keep us posted on topics that you would like to see included in an upcoming issue. You can reach me via email at [email protected]. We are also live with our new website, offering up-to-date information about the Homewood community’s events and people at www.thehomewoodstar.com.

Have a great rest of the summer!

Matthew Allen has lived in the Birmingham area since 2004. He worked for Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., for the past eight years. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and grew up in Thomaston, Ga., where his family still resides. His wife, Abby, is a pediatrician, and they have a two-year-old son, Brady He is active in several area Chambers of Commerce, the Hoover Rotary Club, the Hoover Beautifi cation Board and St. Mark United Methodist Church. He can be reached at [email protected].

Warren Caldwell grew up in Birmingham, attended W.A. Berry High School and Jacksonville State University. After earning a BA in Mass Communications, he worked as a Director of Creative Services and later on the advertising agency side. Over the years, Warren has enjoyed relationships with clients of all types. Although Warren loves to shop, eat, spend time in Homewood, and would love to live here, his 14-year-old dog George would never allow him to leave Highland Park. He can be reached at [email protected].

Meet our account executives

Rhonda Smith grew up in Birmingham and is a graduate of Shades Valley High School. She worked as an account executive for Birmingham Magazine for 12 years after receiving a BA in public relations with a double minor in journalism and marketing from Auburn University. Rhonda was awarded the Peak Award for Account Executive of the Year-Magazine by the Birmingham Advertising Federation in 2004 and 2005. Rhonda has been married to Tim Smith for 10 years, and they have three boys: Wheeler (7), Hollis (5) and Wrenn (4). Rhonda resides in Vestavia Hills and is active in The Junior League of Birmingham

and Briarwood Presbyterian Church. She can be reached at [email protected].

A portion of the proceeds from advertising in this issue goes to the Homewood City Schools Foundation. The Homewood Star

Please show these businesses your support.

A Touch of Whimsy (16)28:20 Boutique (25)Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (6)Another Broken Egg Café (17)Armor Insurance (23)Briarcliff Shop (6)Brookdale Place (22)Brookwood Medical Center (26)Britt Thames (8)Children’s of Alabama (7)D1 Sports (20)Edgewood Creamery (20)First Lenders (25)Fred Azbik (5)Fred Hawkins (11)Harmony Landing (21)Homewood Antiques (9)

Homewood Dentistry (27)Homewood Public Library (15)Homewood Music (14)Homewood Parks & Recreation (18)Hunter’s Cleaners (1)iJump 280 (16)Iron Tribe Fitness (28)Jacqueline DeMarco (5)Jenifer Champ Wallis (5)Jo Jo’s Diner (13)Joe Stephens (10)LAH (27)Medhelp (24)New York Pizza (10)Oxmoor Orthodontics (9)Piggly Wiggly (15)Plastic Surgery Specialists (25)

Red Mountain Expresso (24)Renaissance Consignment (2)RSA Medical Boutique (13)Salem’s Diner (14)Second Hand Rose (21)Sew Sheri (22)Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (19)The Pink Tulip (17)The Wade Team (23)Top Stichin’ (13)Traci Vella (14)Trinity Medical Center (19)University of Montevallo (12)Village Dermatology (3)Walter Jones (8)

A crowd at Homewood Central Park watches the Thunder on the Mountain fi reworks show at Vulcan Park. Photo courtesy of Andrew Tyson.

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Jenifer Champ

WALLISHomewood City Council Ward 4, Place 1

www.facebook.com/JeniferChampWallisPaid for by The Committee to Elect Jenifer Champ Wallis

Homewood City Council Election Forum

presented by

Tuesday, August 216 p.m.

Rosewood HallForum with City Council president candidates

Jackie Langlow and Bruce Limbaugh Facilitated by Jonathan Hardison from Fox 6

Meet and Greet with council candidates from all five wards

Outstanding Homewood Community Member Award presentation by Mayor Scott McBrayer

Submit questions for the forum via email to [email protected] by Friday, August 17 at 5 p.m.

The Homewood Star reserves the right to consolidate and edit questions as appropriate.

Homewood city elections will be held August 28th.

The Homewood Star

Dear friends and neighbors,My letter this month is

intended to be a mix of various issues and information I trust will be helpful to you and your family. First, I want to remind you of a program I started along with Police Chief Jim Roberson. If you are leaving for an extended period of time for vacation, please call our police department to let them know. An officer will come by your home during each of their three shifts per day to check your residence or business. I appreciate the officers going the extra mile to make sure your property is protected.

Progress continues to take place at West Homewood’s Patriot Park. The

walking track is being built, and the pavilions are under construction. If you have not taken the opportunity to see the improvements, please take your family by to see the great addition to our community. I appreciate the hard work and many hours the Park Board has put into this project helping this vision become

a reality. I am currently working on the budget

for the Fiscal Year 2013. It’s exciting to know we are approaching our fourth year in a row with a surplus and working to ensure the trend continues. We will be evaluating needs of the city, including all the great services Homewood currently

offers to our residents. I’m so proud of the fact that Homewood has not had to lay off one single worker in this tough economy and we have learned to do more with less. Our revenues are trending up again, and it is an exciting time for our city as we plan new projects. Please continue to support Homewood businesses at every opportunity because it has a direct impact on all of us.

Homewood’s new fire engine has just been delivered, and we continue to provide the protection and safety we have all come to expect. The fire engine cost $540,000, and we paid cash for it. We continue to inspect our bridges each year, monitor our creeks and waterways, and evaluate our streets that need paving. Paving in the city will begin in the next month or so, and residents living on those streets will be notified by the paving company. Remember, when you

purchase gas in Homewood, those dollars go directly to the street paving fund.

Thanks to James Yates, our IT Director, for creating Homewood’s mobile website. It can be accessed via www.homewoodal.net/mobile. A link is also on this site to access Citizen Observer, a program designed to inform the public of alerts from the Homewood Police Department.

I appreciate each of you for making a difference in our City and for giving me the privilege to serve. With kindest regards I remain

Sincerely,

Scott McBrayerMayorCity of Homewood

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5

Mayor’s Minute

By MADISON MILLER

The Children’s Dance Foundation will host a Community Festival on August 12 from 2 to 5 p.m.

The event is free and will feature activities and performances to entertain the whole family. Some of the activities include an interactive drum circle led by John Scalici, a kid’s craft zone, face-painting,

Children’s Dance Foundation Community Fest

outdoor moonwalk, dancing and dance performances, food and drinks, and a silent auction.

The event will take place at the Children’s Dance Foundation at 1715 27th Court South in Homewood. For more information, call 870-0073 or visit www.childrensdancefoundation.org.

| August 2012 | 6 The Homewood Star

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama recently honored two Homewood residents whose service and dedication went above and beyond in 2011.

Marjorie Davis Trimm was awarded Outstanding Volunteer. This award is given only once to an adult in a position other than a troop leader for service that is beyond the expectations for the position. Trimm volunteers on many of GSNCA special events committees.

Samantha Giordano was awarded Outstanding Leader. This award is given only once to an adult in a troop leader position for service that is beyond the expectations for the position.

Girl Scouts award residents for service

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama CEO Trish Coghlan pins Marjorie Davis Trimm during an awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of Bob Farley.

Managers of the Vestavia Hills City Center Publix store recently presented Homewood Rotary Club a $1,000 donation for its Education Foundation, which annually awards college scholarships to

Homewood High School graduates. Since 1983, more than 100 high school seniors have benefitted from Homewood Rotary scholarships. Each year, Homewood Rotary awards scholarships totaling about $12,000.

Publix assists Homewood Rotary scholarship fund

Store manager Dave Quinn, left, and assistant manager Marlon Benjamin, center, present Homewood Rotary club president-elect Paul Scholl with a symbol of the contribution that was made possible by Publix Super Markets Charities. Photo courtesy of Mary Wimberly.

By SGT. ANDREW DIDCOCT

Much of the crime in Homewood can be reduced by making it harder for criminals to commit crimes. Lock the doors and activate the alarm when leaving home. Do not leave valuables such as purses, cell phones, GPSs, laptops and cameras in your vehicle. Take the items with you or lock them in the trunk. Thieves are entering our homes and vehicles by simple means, through unlocked doors and windows, prying doors, and breaking windows.

Call 911 if you see a suspicious person or vehicle in your neighborhood. When

Reducing crime in Homewoodcalling 911, be sure to give an accurate description of what you see: age, height, weight, race, clothing description, tag number, vehicle description and direction of travel.

Please visit the Homewood Police Department Facebook page for crime alerts and information. You can sign up for alerts and leave tips by going to www.citizenobserver.com. Also, visit the Homewood Police Department website at www.homewoodpd.org.

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After watching Homewood fi re fi ghters struggle to move large trees from the roadways to gain access for emergency vehicles in post-storm emergencies, Mayor Scott McBrayer re-assigned one of the City’s surplus BobCat skid steer loaders to the Fire Department for exclusive use during emergencies.

“With the BobCat loader available to push downed trees out of the road, fi re fi ghters will have much quicker access to areas that are cut off due to storm damage,” said Mayor McBrayer.

Homewood Fleet Maintenance refurbished the BobCat, bringing the machine to a mechanically sound state. In addition, fi re fi ghters have worked diligently to adapt the diesel-powered loader for fi re and rescue work. A log grapple bucket for the loader was acquired at no cost to the City. Fire Department

members have also repainted the machine and welded on modifi cations in preparation for storm scene work.

Training for fi re fi ghters on the operation of the BobCat has been conducted at Burford’s Wood Waste Recycling facility.

“We have developed communication systems and operation procedures that will allow us to safely utilize the loader in the chaotic conditions that exist in the wake of a storm,” said Fire Medic Brett Ashworth, lead BobCat instructor.

“Rescue of victims in a storm aftermath cannot take place if our fi re fi ghters and equipment are unable to reach the scene,” said Fire Chief John Bresnan. ”The BobCat loader will be kept on a heavy equipment transport trailer and housed at Fire Station 1, ready for rapid deployment. We now have the ability to expedite road clearing for emergency access.”

Birmingham Barons owner Don Logan will speak at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s August Luncheon on August 21. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Club’s Signature Dining Room.

Logan is a retired Chairman of Time Warner Inc.’s Media and Communications Group. He also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer of Time Inc. He is a graduate of Auburn University and earned his M.S. at Clemson University. Logan has also received honorary doctorates from Auburn University, Clemson University and the University of Alabama at

Birmingham. Logan and his family purchased

the Birmingham Barons Minor League franchise in 2006. They also own Seek Publishing and recently acquired B.A.S.S. organization.

Logan and his wife Sandy live in Birmingham. They have two sons, Stan and Jeff, as well as three granddaughters and two grandsons.

Reservations must be made in order to attend the luncheon. For more information, call 871-5631 or visit www.homewoodchamber.org.

Homewood Fire prepares for windstorms

Homewood Fire Department’s new BobCat loader. Photo courtesy of HFD.

Logan to speak at Chamber Luncheon

SoHo Bridal Show set for Aug. 5Engaged Wedding Library and Perfect

Wedding Guide are hosting their fi fth annual SoHo Bridal Show on August 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.at Rosewood Hall. More than 50 of Birmingham’s wedding professionals will be at the event.

“By allowing local fl oral designers to sponsor the venue décor, it gives the show the energy and excitement of an actual wedding,” said show producer Stephanie Whitaker. “Brides leave this event inspired and ready to plan their perfect day.”

One bride will win a romantic getaway trip, and Diamonds Direct is giving away $500 towards the purchase of wedding bands. The fi rst 100 brides to pre-register online at SoHoBridalShow.com will receive a wedding day swag bag fi lled with goodies and coupons. Discounted tickets are also available through pre-purchase online.

For details on booth reservations or tickets, contact Stephanie Whitaker 637-0735 or [email protected] or visit www.sohobridalshow.com.

| August 2012 | 7The Homewood Star

On June 26, city offi cials and representatives from Target gathered at the construction site next to Colonial Brookwood Village on Lakeshore Drive to set the fi nal beam for the new two-story Target store. Those present used Sharpies to sign the beam before it was hoisted into place. The Target store is projected to open in the spring of 2013. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Final beam placed for Brookwood Target At Children’s, we want to see every child grow up to enjoy their teenage years, even if their parents may enjoy it less.Our nationally ranked doctors, nurses and clinical staff treated children from 43 states and 5 foreign countries just last year. Children’s of Alabama is recognized locally and around the world as providing a level of care that presents children with a much brighter future.

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All parents should have to go through this.

Homewood Star_COA_Messy Room.indd 1 6/29/12 1:45 PM

Call for tailgating recipesWhat’s your favorite snack or meal

to make for the big football game? Share your recipes with The Homewood Star. We will run selected reader tailgating recipes

in the September issue. Email [email protected] to submit yours. Go Patriots, Roll Tide and War Eagle!

| August 2012 | 8

MayorScott McBrayer

B a c k g r o u n d : I have served on the City Council for eight years and as the Mayor of Homewood for four years. I received a business degree from Samford University

in 1992 and a BA in mortuary science from Jefferson State in 1994. I have worked as the managing director at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood since 1990. With the support of my family, I am running for re-election.

Platform: I think we need to continue what we are doing. We need to continue investing in our neighborhoods and continuing to make Homewood great.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: I see our businesses continuing to grow and prosper, I see our infrastructure improved and I see some major projects that will make a considerable difference in Homewood.

President Jackie Langlow

Background: I received a bachelor of science from the University of Mississippi and later a nursing degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I currently

work part-time as an R.N. I have served on the council for 12 years and am now running for president.

Platform: When you ask me what the most important things are in the city, that is a big question. I would have to rank public safety, sound fi nances and quality schools. Those are the top three

that attract most people to an area. We are fortunate in Homewood to also have many amenities, like our parks and rec, walking trails, sidewalks, abundant shopping opportunities and quality restaurants. We have a diverse group of citizens that leads the city towards growth through many different cultures.

Why run for president: I decided to run for council president this election cycle because I have served the city as a whole, specifi cally Ward 5, for 12 years now. I feel like the experiences I have had the past 12 years with the city have been incredible opportunities for public service. From building the new middle school and redevelopment of downtown, to the traffi c and public safety issues we deal with daily, and supporting the schools through community and city support, it has all led me to work not just in Ward 5 but also across the city with council members from all wards, as well as other cities. Over the past 12 years, I have chaired four of the fi ve committees for the council. I have served as president pro tem under two council presidents. If elected to this position, I hope to set some hours each week to be at city hall where citizens, department heads and anyone who needs an appointment can meet and discuss concerns.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: It is a simple answer but an important one: “strong.” Homewood stands out as a progressive, desirable community, and I believe we will continue to be a city that stands out as a leader for other communities. Aristotle said, “What it lies

in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.” We as a community have the tools in place to remain successful; we just need to keep doing the work.

PresidentBruce Limbaugh

Background: I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1974 with a degree in business marketing and administration. I have been the president of Birmingham’s Limbaugh Toyota since 1996, and my family has owned the business for 23 years. I just completed ten years on the School Board, three of which I served as president. With the support of my wife, Debbie, and children, Matt, Brian, Chris, Amy, Lara and Victoria, I am running for City Council president.

Platform: After serving ten years on the School Board, I would like to encourage people to commit to public service. The Parks and Recreation Board, the Library Board, the Education Board, the School Board and the city’s Planning Commission are all in need of public servants. I want the citizens to know about all of the opportunities that are available to serve Homewood and to make it an even better place to live. School Board appointments are also in the near future, and I would like to be a part of that process as well. The school district creates a strategic plan every fi ve years, and it keeps our school system in the pristine condition it is currently in. I would like to incorporate a similar plan to the City Council. We must serve the citizens with their input, and we must let citizens know that we are here to serve them and this community.

Why run for president: It is important for the City Council to work together to meet a general consensus on what is best for the city. Many of the new council members will be new electees, and it is important that we, as a council, band together for positive outcomes. We may not have the signifi cant majority all of the time, but it is important to make sure that everyone’s voice and opinion is heard. Also, I think we have an opportunity to have a better economic development in the Green Springs area. We run a risk for the area to decline if we don’t make the right decisions now.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years:

I see Homewood further developing the SoHo area and attracting new businesses and restaurants, as well as more patrons. I want to be connected to the senior citizen community, and I want to be their advocate. I want the senior community to know that their voice is being heard.

For more information, visit votelimbaugh.com.

Ward 1/ Place 1Michael Hallman

B a c k g r o u n d :I received both a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Alabama at Huntsville in 2006. I work at

Diversifi ed Well Logging. With the support of my wife, Heather, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: What concerns me most about the city is the need for more adequate council representation. There are a lot of issues in regard to the lack of accessibility to the current representatives. The interest of the citizens is not at heart when the council makes decisions, and I would like to see that change. The current council doesn’t want to hear what the citizens have to say, and it’s time to bring people to serve and not be served.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: I see Homewood continuing to have a community atmosphere and growing economically. I see the city having a plan to move forward to achieving the goal of being a more prosperous Homewood, one more interested in the needs of individuals, not large conglomerates. I see more planning and more community input. I see us not worrying about throwing businesses in places but focusing on community. The community is currently losing its economic base, and I would like to see that change.

The Homewood Star

ELECTIONS CONTINUED from page 1

“I am running for City Council because I want to ensure the high quality of life we all enjoy in Homewood.”

Please vote Tuesday, August 28th

at Edgewood Elementary

Paid for by Committee to Elect Walter Jones • 529 Oxford Circle • Homewood, AL 35209

For a yard sign or to help with the campaignemail [email protected]

www.TheHomewoodStar.com | August 2012 | 9Ward 1/ Place 1Marcus Huskey

Background: I have an undergraduate degree in business management from Samford University and will be a Birmingham School of Law J.D. Candidate in fall 2014. I currently

work as the chief of staff for Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight. I have been on the City Council since June 4, 2012 after replacing Tony Smith. With the support of myw black lab, Charlie, I am running for another term.

Platform: Right now Homewood is doing very well given the financial times that we as a state and nation find ourselves in. The city currently is running a surplus, and over the last few years the mayor and the council have been responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money. It’s imperative that the council keeps in mind the concerns of the citizens as it relates to the city’s ever changing landscape. In the near future, new sidewalks should be going in all over Homewood and repairs should be underway soon. The council members are ward representatives, and we should be just that – representatives of our ward. You, the citizens, are what make Homewood great, and I urge everyone to share ideas and attend committee and council meetings. We’re your representatives and we hope to represent you well.

Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood continuing to thrive as a place where children can obtain a quality education, businesses can grow and expand, and families receive adequate police and fire protection. Homewood is a very walkable city, and it’s my hope that all of our sidewalk projects are completed, some of which are well underway today. In addition, I believe the newly proposed parks and recreation center will be a hot spot for families and children all throughout Homewood. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, I believe it’s crucial that all of our fiscal policies be implemented. The taxpayers deserve good, responsible stewards of their taxes and these policies put into place sound management practices that I believe will carry Homewood into a prosperous future.

Ward 1/ Place 2Danielle Benfield

Background: I graduated from LSU’s dental school with a bachelor’s in dental hygiene. I work at Mountain Brook Smiles as the office manager. With the support of my daughters Elizabeth,

Claire and Olivia, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: Since our city is landlocked, we must attract businesses in order to create revenue and maintain our property values and schools in order to continue to be a desirable city to live, work and play.

Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood continuing to improve the sidewalks with the sidewalk project funding. I also see Homewood continuing to recruit new businesses to operate in the area. I see Homewood with a high standard of living as it is today. I wish to see the city continue to improve.

Ward 1/ Place 2Thomas Hamner, Jr.

Note: The Homewood Star was unable to get in touch with Hamner.

Ward 1/ Place 2 Britt Thames

Background: I received a bachelor of science in business administration from Samford University. I work at TAMKO Building Products as the sales and production manager

for the state of Alabama. With the support

of my wife, Amanda, and son, Britton, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: I want to make sure that Homewood is not satisfied with the status quo. We need to continue to use city funds responsibly as we reinvest in our infrastructure, schools, police and fire, amenities, etc. Economic development should also be a top priority. Bringing new business to our city in addition to nurturing and supporting the business base we already have is essential for a healthy municipality. I would like to see the citizens of Homewood begin to take a more active role in its governing. Websites, Facebook, Twitter and email should enable every citizen to be fully versed in the day-to-day operations of the city, if they so desire. In addition, given our size, each councilman should be fully accessible to his or her constituents.

Where I see Homewood in five years: We should continually reinvest in and improve our current infrastructure, such as sidewalks, parks and streetscapes. I also believe we are long overdue for a new police/municipal complex. Overall, we should continue to improve Homewood while also striving to maintain the character that makes it such a unique and charming city.

For more information, visit votebritt.com.

Ward 2/ Place 1Fred Hawkins

Background: I received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in civil engineering in 1993. I currently work as vice president/office manager of the

Birmingham office for Engineering Design Technology, Inc. I have been on city council since August 2010. With the support of my son, Alex, I am running for another term.

Platform: My biggest concern right now is the blight seen in the condition of Wildwood and Green Springs corridors. Wildwood must be our primary economic development focus in the coming four-year term. This is our largest sales tax revenue producer, and we need to do what it takes to get this area revitalized. We have had initial meetings with Samford University about this issue to get their expert guidance from a business development perspective, and led by Peter Wright, we have established an economic development committee to work in conjunction with our chamber of commerce to focus in this area.

We are also facing a serious need at our police station, court and jail. This facility is now out of date and very undersized. This will need to be addressed in coming years.

Like every city, we have been hit hard with declining property values caused by foreclosures resulting from a national and local recession. I see this stabilizing and slowly turning around. Homewood has taken a very proactive approach to helping in this area. Last year, Tony Smith and I spearheaded the start of a sidewalk program, which I hope will be a yearly program to continually add to and upgrade our sidewalk network throughout Homewood. We have also started work on Patriot Park; we are designing a new rec/community center; we are now designing the phase 2 and 3 extensions to the Shades Creek Greenway project; we have federal grants to study a West Homewood Village concept and perform a city-wide sidewalk master plan and condition assessment (being completed now by the Regional Planning Commission for the Birmingham Area). I am also working hard to bring federal money to Homewood to beautify our I-65 interchanges at Oxmoor and Lakeshore. These projects are all designed to upgrade Homewood to bring new citizens into our community and help clear out the remaining distressed properties, which are holding our property values down.

Where I see Homewood in five years: In five years when all these projects are built, I see Homewood property values moving steadily in the positive direction. Our council and mayor are providing very progressive and proactive leadership while

The Homewood Star

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other cities are raising taxes and cutting services. This leadership will continue to keep Homewood on top. As long as we do not listen to the “nay sayers” and negative attitudes which would like us to simply bury our head in the sand and hope all our problems go away, we will continue to thrive and prosper!

Ward 2/ Place 1 Bernard Mays

B a c k g r o u n d :I received a BS in accounting from Birmingham-Southern College and a MS in accounting from the University of Virginia and have been a

certifi ed public accountant since 2006. I am an accountant at Walter Energy. With the support of my wife, Stephanie, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: Homewood has weathered the latest fi nancial storm by being a good steward of the city’s budget. I would like to see our community provide additional support to current local business owners and aggressively recruit new businesses to the area. I will support and work toward expanding business opportunities that will enrich the quality of life throughout all of Homewood. I will also work to provide more frequent information regarding the progress in our neighborhood and other happenings in local government, including information about public work projects, zoning issues, business incentives and fi nancial considerations.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: Our community is a special place with infi nite potential. In fi ve years, Homewood will still be a great place to live, work, play and raise a family— a place fi lled with friends, families and great neighbors. In addition, I would like to see the city have updated recreational facilities and a more diversifi ed business district, particularly in the West Homewood community.

Ward 2/ Place 2Vance Moody

B a c k g r o u n d :I have a bachelor of science in engineering from Auburn University. I work as global marketing manager of Kennametal Tricon Metals and Services.

I have been on city council for four years, and with the support of my wife, Paula, and children Katie, 21, Cameron, 14, and Colton, 4, I am running for another term.

Platform: I don’t have a lot of concerns about the city; overall, we are on a very favorable trajectory. In our ward, we have a signifi cant investment in Patriot Park, the re-design of the West Oxmoor corridor, street repaving in Forest Brook, sidewalk additions and approval for extension of the Greenway. We are working with the Regional Planning Commission for the “West Homewood Village” zoning and planning. We do have some re-development work to do on Green Springs and in Wildwood, but as the overall economy turns, more interest will develop. Given that we’ve come through the worst economy since the Great Depression with surpluses each year and have done so without reducing services, I’d say we are in a very strong position going forward.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: I really see the next fi ve years as more consolidation and execution of the items currently under way. We know in terms of infrastructure that our major concerns are the police station, recreation center and the I-65 corridor/interchanges with Oxmoor and Lakeshore. We have ALDOT projects working for the I-65 corridor and have preliminary plans for both the police and recreation center. We also need to fi nd a way to get COLAs to our employees. We were able to hold pay steady, while other cities were cutting and laying off and I’m proud of that. Now it is time to get more competitive with our pay structure.

Ward 3/ Place 1Patrick McClusky

Background: I have an undergraduate degree from UAB and currently work for the United Foodservice Sales Company. I have been on the City Council for three years of a four-year term.

With the support of my wife, Leah, and children Braxton, Brittan and Leighton, I am running for another term.

Platform: I want the economic development in Homewood to continue to expand. I want to address the Wildwood area in particular by attracting new businesses there, while keeping current businesses in the area happy and thriving. I think Homewood is in great shape. We are doing what the people want and I look forward to seeing the sidewalk project start to take effect all across the city.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: I feel like Homewood will be in even better shape as a city in fi ve years. With increases in economic development, more sidewalks for pedestrians, an expanded Greenway and unmatched school system, we are poised for continued success as a city. The spirit of our community is what defi nes us, and we will undoubtably remain the great city that we are today.

Ward 3/ Place 2Fred Azbik

Background: I have been a resident of Homewood for 50 years and have served on the Planning Commission Board since 2010. I passed the State of Alabama Board as a master plumber

and master gas fi tter and was certifi ed by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1989. I currently work as the director of plant operations at Trinity United Methodist Church. With the support of my

wife, Diane, and children, Samantha and Nathan, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: First, in my opinion, for some things, although very good and needed, the thought process seems to be on the fast track, and some more input needs to be shared before a decision is reached. Second, the teens and young adults need to be heard from more because this will one day be their community and the problems that come with it. These are two very small items, but in the long run are well worth the time and investment.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: Currently, Homewood was mentioned as one of the most walkable cities. We need to make sure this continues because we are able to walk many places now. Of all of the Over-the-Mountain cities, Homewood is the only one that has a downtown. With a downtown area and a very nice plaza at city hall, this needs to be used more as an entertainment district. I would like to see all of downtown become an entertainment district one as vibrant as the one in Edgewood. I would also like to see the Oak Grove area have its own entertainment district and think Patriot Park is the perfect place. These are places where communities can walk to have lunch or dinner as a family or as a community. Our schools are our best resource for the future of Homewood. Because these schools are the best in the nation, the city, along with the school board, needs to make sure this resource and the man power that goes with it and comes from it continue not just for the next fi ve years but forever.

Ward 3/ Place 2 Walter Jones

Background: I have an undergraduate business marketing degree from the University of Alabama, as well as an MBA from Samford class of 1998. I work as the

The Homewood Star

1982 2012


VOTE

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Joe Stephens

Homewood City CouncilWard 4, Place 2

JOESTEPHENS

Facebook.com/Ward4Joe

10

www.TheHomewoodStar.com | August 2012 | national account manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP). I have been on city council since 1996 and have served three terms. With the support of my wife, Sharon, daughter Emma Grace and sons Hill and Winston, I am running for another term.

Platform: I’m concerned with the increased traffic and congestion throughout the city, as well as cut-through traffic in neighborhoods. I also hope to see the completion and implementation of the sidewalk plans that the council is currently addressing. I want to continue to listen to the concerns that the community currently has with the Park Board and the facilities, including upgrades to the Senior Citizen’s Center, Central Park and the Community Center. I also hope to assist the Board of Education in determining what to do with the newly acquired property on Valley Avenue.

Where I see Homewood in five years: Within the next five years, I see Homewood continuing to prosper as a city with many exciting projects that will be completed within that time. I see it being a much more walkable city with all the sidewalk and Greenway projects complete. From a financial standpoint, I see the city in great shape with new businesses open, including Target and many others on Green Springs Highway. The downtown area and Edgewood will continue to prosper with new restaurants and shops. I see exciting projects completed, including the new Community Center at Central Park. I see a new Central Office for the Board of Education being complete with good options for additional green space. I see a very active Community Garden System within Homewood. Generally, I see Homewood continuing to be a wonderful city in which to raise a family. The last thing I would say is that we will be a dominant force in 5A Football and have several championships!

Ward 4/ Place 1Billy Beers

Background: I attended the University of Montevallo and received a paramedic degree and certification from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1979.

I am a retired firefighter and currently a self-employed building contractor. With the support of my wife, Jeri, and daughter, Carrie, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: I want to see property values continue to rise and to keep things running as they currently are. I want to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money while putting my experience as a retired firefighter and small business owner to good use. I would like to address the parking issues in the downtown area and make the area more accessible to residents and patrons.

Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood with new facilities, like the Recreation Center, and continuing to have a thriving and healthy downtown atmosphere.

Ward 4/ Place 1Jenifer Champ Wallis

Background: I graduated with a BA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2002 and again in 2005 with a master’s degree in public health. I also

graduated from the Cumberland School of Law in 2005. I am an attorney at Wallis Law Firm, LLC., which I founded in 2010. With the support of my husband, Rick, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: I would like to see more transparency in city government, and I would like to see more information given to citizens so they can easily take part in city government .

Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood improving on the strengths

we have. We have strong families and a strong community. I’d like to see more residents stepping up to make a difference in their community.

Ward 4/ Place 2Heather Reid

Background: I graduated cum laude from the University of Montevallo in 1995 with a BM in vocal performance, secondary in piano. I work as a global accounts manager

with HelmsBriscoe, an international site selection company. With the support of my husband, Kevin, and children Kelsey, 16, and Kaleb, 9, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: Overall, I am pleased with the direction in which Homewood is moving, and most of my concerns are being addressed. While I know that not everything can be tackled at one time, I am proud to know that we have a budget surplus, even in this time of recession. While most communities are struggling and making cutbacks, Homewood still continues to thrive. This is due, in part, to the awareness that citizens have to keep our dollars in Homewood. Keeping our dollars in Homewood not only benefits our city but also benefits our schools through the one cent sales tax. Our small businesses are part of what makes this possible and part of what makes Homewood unique and successful.

Most of the changes that I would like to see are already happening. The revitalization of the West Homewood area is important to Homewood as a whole. I have many friends who both live and work in West Homewood, and I am delighted to see the attention that West Homewood is receiving. I know that attention will not cease but continue. I am also proud of the strides we are making toward a new community center. I have a very personal reason for this support. When my sister was five years old, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She has paralysis on her left side, as well as blindness, deafness and a multitude of other physical restrictions. When my children have an event at the community center (birthday parties, baseball parties, end of year parties, etc.), my sister can never fully participate in the events because she has no access to the upper deck. Yes, we can carry her up the stairs, but what about the Homewood families who cannot? I am most excited about the ADA compliance that a new community center will bring. Additionally, having been involved with the Park and Rec with baseball, I have a personal understanding of the importance of having adequate space and facilities for kids to develop their sports skills and sportsmanship. It is proven that children who participate in sporting events make better grades and develop the skills needed to follow directions, learn how to work within a team and foster a sense of pride upon learning the game.

Where I see Homewood in five years: Hopefully in five years, Homewood will continue her leadership in the Over the Mountain area. I hope that our school test scores still rank among the top in the state. I hope that our small businesses are still thriving and that we can bring even more variety and diversity into our business community. I hope that all citizens feel as if they are represented well and that they are heard. Knowing that disagreements occur, I hope they occur with dignity and integrity. I hope that each segment of Homewood feels a greater ownership of the city as a whole, and that all individuals realize that their participation and input into the city and her functions will only help Homewood become greater. For me, it took “jumping in” and getting busy to understand that each voice truly does count. Find your niche, discover your talents, use your skills and make a difference.

The Homewood Star

FREDHAWKINS

CITY COUNCIL-WARD 2

FRED

Sought and received federal funding for Citywide Sidewalk Program, West Homewood Village Study and Oxmoor Boulevard Project.

Leading Homewood to Phase 2 and 3 of Shades Creek Greenways Projects.

Assisted in beautifying Homewood by working with the Park Board to make Patriot Park a reality and improve our I-65 interchanges.

Active in seeing the New Rec Center become a reality. It is currently in the design phase with construction expected to start in late 2012.

Proud Dad, former youth coach and hunting and �shing buddy to Alex, a junior at Homewood High School.

Professional Civil Engineer with Engineering Design Tech, Inc. and west Homewood resident since 1994.

Member of Metropolitan Planning Organization-Technical Committee.

While on Homewood City Council, served on Public Safety, Planning and Development, Special Issues

Committee and is Park Board Liasion.

Proud to have worked to help make Homewood’s Patriot Park and Rec Center a reality.

VOTEFRED HAWKINS

AND KEEP MOVING HOMEWOOD FORWARD

AUGUST 28TH

Hawkins promotes revitalization of the Wildwood, Greensprings Avenue and Valley Avenue Corridors and encourages economic development to increase our home values.

Works for Homewood:

Paid for by Campaign for Fred Hawkins, 612 Northmoor Lane, Homewood, Ala. 35209See ELECTION | page 12

11

| August 2012 |

Ward 4/ Place 2Joe Stephens

B a c k g r o u n d : I received a BA in organizational communication from the University of Alabama in 1996. I am the owner and fi nancial advisor of Cahaba Wealth Management.

With the support of my wife, Heather, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: Homewood is a wonderful community – that is why Heather and I decided to call it home. Friends laugh when I tell them we chose to move to Homewood because of the sidewalks. For us, they encompass everything that is great about Homewood: neighbors, schools, local businesses and fi rst class public amenities. I want to be a part of protecting and growing these assets in a responsible manner.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: I would like to see an increase in the number of local businesses; a continued surplus in the city budget; and fewer vacancies on our boards, commissions and authorities.

Ward 5/Place 1Richard Laws

B a c k g r o u n d :I received a degree in engineering from Mississippi State University in 1985. I am a sales manager at Armstrong World Industries. With the support of my wife,

Rebekah, and children, Ashley, Ben and Anna Francis, I am running for a seat on the City Council.

Platform: I like the small town feel that Homewood provides. Everyone

knows everyone, and I enjoy being a part of something like that. We have an amazing school system, and I have enjoyed watching my children graduate from it. I have been on the Park Board for four years and want to become even more active in Homewood. I hope that by being on the council, I can become more involved and be a part of what makes Homewood such a great place to live. I think the mayor and the council have done a good job at putting Homewood in fi ne fi nancial footing. We have Brookwood Mall and retail spaces, including the new Target, that will allow us to expand our community. We are landlocked, so we have challenges to deal with in determining the best use of our space. I don’t see this as politics. I see this as 11 neighbors getting together to determine how we can make our city great.

Where I see Homewood in fi ve years: I hope to see Homewood the same way it is now and that the school system and Parks and Recreation system continue to better the city. If we can get the Parks and Rec Board, the City Council and the mayor to move in the same direction, this city will be

even better.

Ward 5/ Place 2Peter Wright

Background: I have an undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University, as well as a law degree from University of Alabama

Law class of 1995. I currently work for Sirote & Permutt, PC. I have been on city council since February, 2011 and with the support of my wife, Katie, daughter McKeever and son Oliver, I am running for another term.

Platform: I want Homewood to stay on the forefront of change and to continue to preserve what we have. I love this city, and I’m happy to be where we are in regards to economic growth. I’m looking forward to more progress in business growth and education, as well as in the sidewalk

projects and current plans for the rec center. Where I see Homewood in fi ve years:

I see the completion of a lot of sidewalks and renovations. I see the rec center completed and constructed, and I see a new police department building that has been relocated. I see a vibrant economy including a stable and strong property value. I see a continued top-notch school system that excels at all levels and sets the bar for systems all over the state. I hope to see advancements in the development and

remedies of the Wildwood area. I see the completion of the greenway, though I don’t know the exact path, and I see Homewood in the western section having a really strong connection to the Red Mountain Park area. I think a lot will have been advanced in fi ve years with a lot of hard work ahead. We have two principal intersections that intersect our community, and I hope we can develop new and innovative ways to draw in travelers to our community.

The Homewood Star

go.montevallo.edu

Choosing a path is easy. But if you want to pioneer one,

JOIN US.


Dear citizens of Homewood,At the end of this term, I will have

served the City of Homewood for eight years. For almost three years, I have had the honor of being president of the council. Now, my family must come fi rst. This last year has been unusually challenging for us personally. I feel that I need to be with my children during these pivotal years. This is a special time in their lives as they continue to grow, mature and become more involved both in and outside of school. I don’t want to miss a minute!

I became involved in the city to provide an example of service and commitment for my children and to give to my community; that lesson has been well learned. Now that my children are older, we will fi nd new adventures to explore together. Therefore,

Note from current City Council presidentI have decided that I will not run for re-election in August.

It is very diffi cult for me to step down; however, I recognize that I have been fortunate during my tenure. I have seen several projects very dear to me completed—and others that I am eager to see fi nalized are now far enough in process that I am certain the future council will shepherd them to completion.

I look forward to serving my last fi ve months and I will miss my colleagues on the council, the constituents and the wonderful employees of the city—all of whom have been important in my life and given me a deep appreciation of teamwork and friendship.Sincerely,Allyn Holladay

The Homewood Star is holding a forum with Homewood City Council President candidates Jackie Langlow and Bruce Limbaugh. Residents and business owners can ask questions about candidates’ platforms and various city issues.

There will be a meet and greet of all ward candidates following the forum, along with an Outstanding Homewood

Community Member Award presented by Mayor Scott McBrayer to a deserving Homewood citizen.

All questions for the forum should be submitted via email to [email protected] by Friday, August 17 at 5 p.m. The Homewood Star reserves the right to consolidate and edit questions as appropriate.

City Council Election ForumTuesday, August 21, 6 p.m., Rosewood Hall

12


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Homewood Middle School seventh grader Austin Farley missed more than 40 days of school last year due to a life-long disease.

At age six, Austin was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), which weakens him and causes him to have no way to fight infections on his own.

Although Austin constantly gets infections and has to be hospitalized, he still maintains a positive attitude.

“I am usually tired and worn down,” he said. “I feel like I’m lucky to not be full blown cystic fibrosis though. It could be a lot worse.”

“I like sports and I would like to continue,” he said. “I like practicing and playing basketball the most. It’s not the same as football.”

Austin has played football and basketball for years, and he enjoys playing video games and spending time with friends.

When he was six, doctors first found out that Austin, who had been struggling with asthma, had a borderline variant of cystic fibrosis. It was not until 40 or so tests later that his cystic fibrosis doctor at Children’s Hospital decided to check his immune system and then diagnosed him with CVID.

“He got pneumonia up to five times a school year, and they couldn’t figure out what was causing it,” Austin’s mom, Kim, said. “The doctor checked his immune system and found out that he had none.”

Austin takes prophylactic antibiotics all year long and does weekly infusions to put IGGs (blood plasma) back into his system.

“I’m really sick and weak after my infusions,” Austin said. “The needles, I’m used to that.”

Kim said her son has to be extremely careful when he is at school.

“If someone at school is just a little sick, he will have something full-blown by the end of the week,” she said. “If he’s sick, it’s serious.”

His disease is hard on his friendships and team relationships, Austin said. It is sometimes hard for others to understand what he goes through.

“The hardest thing is trying to go somewhere and always having to stop to get water and take a break,” he said. “It’s hard being with friends and having to stop.”

Kim wants her son to be able to do what he wants to, she said.

“He lives his life as he wants to. He knows his limitations, and he’s learned what his body can’t do. You don’t want to say, ‘Sorry, you can’t do it.’”

Kim works as a Medical Laboratory Tech at the Henderson and Walton Women’s Center. When Austin was 9, she decided to go back to school after working in the education system.

“It helps being a medical technologist,” she said. “I have to become an advocate for

Inspiring HMS student fights an uncommon, life-long disease

the kids.” Kim had a bake sale in her office in the

spring, where she raised more than $300 for the IDF (Immune Deficiency Foundation). The inspiring mom is already beginning to plan a back to school party fundraiser, and her son is excited about it as well.

“We want it to be just like a party,” Austin said. Kim said there will be a deejay, drinks and food, and people can bring a donation for the IDF.

“We want to raise awareness of this disease that’s not common,” she said.

Austin’s pulmonologist said his lungs sound the best they have since he was little, which is encouraging.

He has trouble sleeping and his joints constantly ache, but he has learned from his disease and inspires others with his positive perspective.

“What I’ve learned most is to take advantage of what you have and don’t feel sorry for yourself,” he said. “There are people out there who have it a lot worse than me.”

“He doesn’t give up,” Kim said. “He fights hard.”

To make a donation to help fight Immune Deficiency, contact Kim Farley via email at [email protected] or send money to the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) with Austin Farley as the memo. The IDF address is Immune Deficiency Foundation, 40 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 308, Towson, MD 21204.

Homewood Middle School seventh grader, Austin Farley, was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency at age six, but he still plays football and basketball. Photo by Craig Kleimeyer.

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Capture the fun of summer with your camera, and send us your favorite shots of the backyard, lake, beach, mountains, neighborhood and wherever you and your family are. Our staff will choose the images that most colorfully capture a summer experience.

Prizes will be awarded to contest winners.

To enter, email your photos in a jpeg format to [email protected]. Please send high quality images and include a caption and photo credit. Only four entry photos are allowed per person.

We will publish the winners in the September issue as well as post them on our Facebook page and our website.

By submitting a photo, you are giving The Homewood Star permission to publish it in print and online.

Summer Fun Photo ContestLast Day to Enter: August 10

Anna Scott Laney and Owen Fall engage in a deep conversation at the Homewood Pool. Photo by Kristin Fall.

Marc Beaumont and his daughter, Mary Eliza, enjoy a parasailing excursion in Destin. Photo by Emily Beaumont

appropriate time to build a new center, while others disagree. Some believe that other projects should be focused on at this time and that the center is something to be completed at another time.

“I would love to have a community center; however, I would love for the streets in Ward 5 Hollywood to be in adequate shape fi rst,” said Homewood resident Angela Comfort.

Others believe that the center will be a great investment and will be more convenient in terms of both time management and facility accessibility. The new center would enable Homewood to host more practices and games in its two gyms, update the strength training and cardio facility, and incorporate more space to accommodate numerous programs.

Squires said that the new building will be a more accessible for programs with multi-purpose rooms and a room for birthday parties, among other features. With the new center, the Parks and Rec Board wishes to accommodate more children in the summer camp; increase membership and program availability; and compete with the Ross Bridge, Vestavia and Mountain Brook areas. The facility will be environmentally friendly and handicapped-accessible.

“My 11-year-old son, Chris, recently told the City Council in the open meeting that he was looking forward to having more basketball space,” said Homewood resident Marjorie Davis Trimm. “Both of my kids have had to practice basketball on school nights after their bed times because there isn’t enough space.”

Two gyms will also allow one gym to remain open to the public while camps and other programs are held in the other gym.

Homewood City Council members have also begun to weigh the pros and cons of the effects the presented plans would have on the community as a whole.

“The savings on heat/air and several other critical features including ADA compliance represent a positive move for Homewood,” said council member Walter Jones.

Some council members believe that many Homewood residents have not been adequately informed about the project nor have they mandated it.

“Most people feel we are putting the cart way before the horse,” said council member Hunter Payne. “Where is the public mandate? Nobody said they wanted

to tear down the Rec Center; they just wanted the facility improved.”

Payne believes the city should see more detailed information and multiple plans with different cost levels before the council votes on the project.

At a public presentation of the recreation center plans on June 25, Payne voiced concerns about the lack of an unbiased, third-party opinion in the presentation of the plans. Council member David Hooks expressed hesitation that the new cost surpassed the initially projected budget of $11 million. About 30 people attended the event.

“I think the new center is something we desperately need,” said Mayor Scott McBrayer. “We’ve been working on this for a couple of years. It’s easy to see what’s in store for Homewood and the community has to prepare for growth. People pay a tremendous price to live in Homewood and expect nice things for their families. This is one of those nice things.”

Parking capacity for the new center would be raised from 123 to 173 spaces. Membership is projected to increase by 33 percent to 5,800 members as a result of the new facility.

Fees will also increase as follows: individual $150-200, pool $125-250, non-resident $125-250, all family $200-360. Operating costs will also increase by $125,000 when construction is complete.

If the City Council approves the plans, the city will lose one season at the pool and one season of summer camp. They will have to relocate the weight and cardio rooms during the construction period.

Council members were eager to get residents’ input on the center on July 23 at the regularly scheduled council meeting.

Following the meeting, the council will consider all presented information and discuss what the future holds for Homewood.

“It is now our job to take their (Parks and Recreation Board’s) recommendations, look at possible funding options and weigh this project versus other city needs. It should be a lively and interesting discussion,” said council member Vance Moody.

To share your input, contact your city council representative. For contact information, visit homewoodal.net/ward.php.

Editor’s note: This issue was printed before the July 23 rec center meeting. For an update from the meeting, visit www.thehomewoodstar.com.

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REC CENTERCONTINUED from page 1

H O M E W O O D • A L A B A M A

HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

H O M E W O O D • A L A B A M A

877-8797 Wayne Salem, Owner

2913 18th Street S.Monday–Saturday

6:30am to 3pmwww.salemsdiner.com

HOMEWOOD MUSIC

82 YEARS BEHIND THE TIMES

Inventory updated Daily|205.879.4868|[email protected]

Musical Instruments in great variety

BUY-SELL-TRADE-REPAIR

subscribe to our mailing list

VTHE LAW OFFICE OF TRACI VELLA

FAMILY LAWCertified Family Law Specialist by the National board of Trial Advocacy.

Sixteen years of experience helping clients with

Divorce Custody VisitationChild Support Paternity Alimony

Adoptions Appeals Wills and Trusts

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

1703 Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL 35209205.868.1555

14


1830 29th Avenue South Suite 125www.jinseisushi.com802-1440Daily, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

When someone recently asked what I’d miss about Birmingham upon my move to Atlanta—other than people—Jinsei sushi instantly popped into my head. There are so many things I love about this place, though I’m not so sure Jinsei loves me (or my husband). We’ve had a few crazy experiences there, none of which were the fault of the restaurant…

First, my husband actually touched the rock on which patrons cook their River Rock Kobe Beef. Yep, it’s straight from the oven. And he touched it. Then, there was the time he shattered the Riedel glass that contained my Los Cabo Margarita all over me. I don’t know if I was more upset that my favorite-drink-in-all-of-Birmingham was gone, or that I was shaking shards of glass out of my jeans. Once, I actually got stuck in the swanky bathroom. Let’s just say I had one too many of those beloved margaritas and forgot that the door slides rather than opens on hinges. Then there was the time I was so excited to eat sushi again after my pregnancy that we snuck in our newborn, casually avoiding eye contact with anyone who may not approve.

Oh, the memories of Jinsei… hopefully these stories paint a picture that explains how much I love this place, and how we were once regulars (though I’m not sure why they continued to let us in after our track record), and how much I miss it from Atlanta (where sushi restaurants are in no short supply).

Alas, let’s get to the food. And the drinks. As I already mentioned, their hand-crafted cocktails are amazing, albeit

BY ANNA CATE LITTLE

expensive and strong. More than one and you might consider walking home, and luckily, that was always an option for us. In addition to their strawberry, pomegranate and watermelon margs (we’re talking fresh, muddled ingredients here, no fruit-flavored junk), they have an extended menu of mojitos; a Sakerita and Saketini; and a Jinsei Julep (this is the South, after all), among others. You cannot go wrong with any of their inventions, many of which are seasonal. Or, you can play it safe and choose from their extensive sake and champagne list. Both pair wonderfully with sushi.

As for the menu options, it’s wise to take inventory of how hungry you are. I’m typically ravenous, so I tend to order like this: for a starter, you don’t want to miss the tempura green beans with the spicy dipping sauce. Or, for a lighter starter, there’s miso soup, Hawaiian kelp salad and sautéed edamame either grilled or

steamed. Moving on, we usually go with the

Kadoma Tuna or Yellowtail Serrano. The tuna packs a nice crunchy shell and is topped with avocado and jalapenos (consider yourself warned), roe and scallions. The latter is thinly sliced sashimi of yellowtail in a succulent light Japanese sauce, topped with a tiny serrano pepper.

As for rolls, there are too many to name (and I’m still sad they no longer offer the crawfish roll), but some favorites include the Bubble gum, Nikko and Lobster. My husband usually orders one or two sashimi (raw, thinly sliced solo portions of fish) and nigiri (same, but served over a ball of rice). I advise you try a few too, as Jinsei offers nearly every sea creature you could want, fresh and packed with flavor.

Not a fan of sushi but still want to pretend you’re hip? Well, other than a shame-on-you, I offer the Kobe Beef baby burgers as a tasty diversion. Pretty much

any of their Kobe beef dishes, especially resting in ponzu sauce, are superb. They also offer a slew of tempura seafood and vegetable options, including a whole flounder lightly crisped with ginger.

The thing we also love about Jinsei is the quaint, NYC feel of the restaurant. With close-quarters seating inside, it’s not unusual for us to strike up a conversation with a table next to us, and once my husband even ate the rest of our neighbor’s edamame (he may not speak to me for a while after reading this). The outside patio is great for celebrating a special occasion, with intimate two-tops or room for a larger party (as long as you get there early enough to nab a table).

And the fact that they offer baby bites from nearby Pastry Art as dessert, well, that’s just one more thing to miss from Atlanta. Jinsei is creative, edgy and bold cuisine, while still keeping that quintessential friendly Homewood feel.

Jinsei’s yellowtail serran sushi. Photo by Anna Cate Little. Kadoma Tuna sushi. Photo by Anna Cate Little.

| August 2012 | Restaurant Showcase

93 Euclid Avenue Crestline 870-5640

3800 River Run Drive776-8755

3000 Independence Drive, Homewood

879-0884www.pigglywigglybirmingham.com

Like us on at Piggly Wiggly HomewoodLike us on at Piggly Wiggly Homewood

Let The Pig Help Get You

Back To School

Friends Only Preview Night Friday, August 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join us at the

Homewood Public Library You must be a member of the Friends

of the Homewood Public Library to attend this exclusive event. Members will have first choice of the HUNDREDS of books that have been donated

for this event along with wine and refreshments. You may renew or purchase your Friends membership

at the door that evening, or visit our Friends Book Store and join today!

Membership is just $5 for an individual or $10 for a family.

It’s time forour Annual

FOHO Blockbuster Book Sale!

Visa and MasterCard accepted

The Book Sale will be Open to the Public on:

Saturday, August 11

9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 12 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Restaurant Showcase |Jinsei Sushi

15

| August 2012 | Business

A Touch of WhimsyRustic Furniture Design • Custom Finishes and Sizes

Wooden Picture Frames, Unique Gifts, Artwork, Wall Decor, and Tabletop Accessories

2937 18th Street South • 937-5251Mon-Sat 10-5p • atouchofwhimsydecor.com

Birthday Parties! • Indoor Go-KartsRock Climbing • Arcade • Party

Rooms • Indoor InflatablesSnack Bar • Parent’s Lounge with Big

Screen TV & Recliners!

is now:New Ownership

& Management!Safety is our

1st Concern!

Book a Birthday Party before August 30th and receive $25 dollars

toward your total party!

Our New Website: www.ijump280.comStarting June 4th our hours are:

Monday-Thursday 10am - 7pm • Friday & Saturday 10am - 9pmSunday 12pm - 6pm

Call us today to book your child’s party! 205.981.2696

Birmingham’s Largest Indoor Children’s Facility!

Beat the heat this summer!Come Play at i jump 280

Homewood HappeningsA Classy Closet in Homewood had a

ribbon cutting and opening celebration on June 28.

The boutique offers a variety of affordable clothing, accessories and personal shopping services. They have clothing for men, women and kids.

After the ribbon cutting, the boutique offered an open house and gave customers and the Chamber the opportunity to have

refreshments and mingle in the new store. Owner Shammara Hasty is excited

about her store and the opportunity to share her products with the community.

“I’m glad I finally got to do this with the Chamber,” Hasty said.

A Classy Closet is located 2805 Crescent Avenue, Suite B in Homewood. For more information on the store, call 218-1906 or visit www.aclassycloset.com.

The United States Olympic Committee has announced that Lakeshore’s designation as a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training site has been extended until 2018.

In 2003, Lakeshore became the nation’s first training site for both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. More than 1,000 national and international athletes have trained there since then.

“We are honored to continue working with the USOC to train the world’s elite athletes right here in Birmingham for

another six years,” said Jeff Underwood, president of Lakeshore Foundation. “In addition to developing elite athletes, Lakeshore is dedicated to continuing sports programs for youth with physical disabilities and supporting grassroots programs that get kids involved in sports, which helps build future teams at the local and Paralympic levels.”

For more information on Lakeshore’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, visit www.lakeshore.org.

Sweaty Moms Running Club (SMRC) apparel is now available at a.k.a. Girl Stuff in downtown Homewood.

SMRC started as a group of five moms who loved to run.

“We are serious runners who don’t take ourselves too seriously,” founder Mary Ben Fitts said.

The group developed a line of T-shirts with different sayings such as, “Sweaty, the new hot.” a.k.a. Girl Stuff has paired their shirts with running shorts for a full athletic look. The club has also realized that their

shirts are not just for runners.“This version of shirts is really about

a total fitness lifestyle,” SMRC member Jen Jackson said. “The running audience is our core, but what we promote crosses into all genres of exercise and does not have to be specifically for moms.”

SMRC apparel includes shirts for both women and men. For more information on products and ordering information or how to become part of the Sweaty Moms Running Club, visit www.sweatythenewhot.com.

A Classy Closet ribbon cutting

Lakeshore’s Olympic designation extended

Sweaty Moms Running Club sells shirts at a.k.a. Girl Stuff

IMPACT Family Counseling will hold a “Rock ‘n’ Run” 5K in Homewood Central Park on August 25. Proceeds will benefit IMPACT mentoring, which provides one-on-one mentoring services to children in the Jefferson County area who have been impacted by incarceration or children with disabilities. The children are matched

with caring, adult mentors who have been thoroughly screened and trained.

Along with the race, the event will feature music and snacks for participants.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. Registration fees are $25. For more information or registration information, visit www.impactmentor.org.

Arnie Rutkis is the new manager of the Sims Garden in Edgewood. Rutkis and his wife, Gabriela, now reside in the house on the property.

To find out about work days and other updates on the garden, visit facebook.com/

SimsEcoscape, or email [email protected]. To schedule a personal or group visit, contact [email protected]. To learn more about the garden and its history, visit www.thehomewoodstar.com

IMPACT’s Rock ‘n’ Run

New manager for Sims Garden

Uncle Bob’s Customer Appreciation DayUncle Bob’s Self Storage in Homewood

will host their customer appreciation day on August 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will take place on the property inside one of the storage spaces.

Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for guests. For children, there will be face painting, bobbing for apples and more. Free merchandise, such as water

bottles, koozies, Frisbees and more, will be given out as gifts.

There will also be live music from several bands and musicians that use the spaces for practice.

Uncle Bob’s Self Storage is located at 50 Ward Way off West Valley Avenue. For more information on Uncle Bob’s Customer Appreciation Day, call the store at 942-0343.

16


2933 18th Street South803-3900www.alabamagoods.comMonday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sweet Home Alabama is not just where the heart is; it’s where the goods are, as the selection of hand-crafted items at Alabama Goods attests.

“Alabama is deserving of having something like this,” said Sherry Hartley, one of the shop’s founders. “When you buy local, you know you’re helping to support a local artist or craftsperson that lives in the state and has made the products with their own hands. Also, purchasing from local artists allows tax dollars to stay in the state. It’s like a constant flow of recycled dollars.”

Sherry Hartley and business partner Beth Williams met while serving on Birmingham Chamber of Commerce committees together. Hartley ran an online source for local businesses to advertise jobs, and Williams owned a gift basket company.

“We saw that there was a void,” Hartley said. “You couldn’t go to a store to find a variety of things made in Alabama.”

Hartley and Williams looked at stores with similar concepts in Virginia and Mississippi, sold their businesses in 2006, and in 2007 launched the Alabama Goods website, for which they primarily filled corporate orders.

On the website, Alabama Goods sells mostly gift baskets but also pottery, jewelry, candles and more—mostly for customers out of state.

It took a while for the online business to get going, but in the meantime, Hartley and Williams traveled to state craft fairs and art shows and thought about opening

a shop. “We kept finding these items that

were very unique, and we didn’t want to put those on the website,” Hartley said. “We decided to showcase them, and it was the best business move I’ve ever made.”

Alabama Goods opened in Homewood in March 2011.

“What we sell in the store is a little different,” Hartley said. “For example, we have potters with unique pieces of pottery that cannot be duplicated. We sell those

here.”The shop also sells affordable art,

jewelry, handmade soaps and lotions, gourmet food, gift baskets, photo frames, Alabama-shaped cutting boards, aprons, furniture, and home accessories, among other hand-crafted items.

“Vendors come in with something new and different that I didn’t even know to ask for,” Hartley said.

Hartley has found the location to be perfect.

“Customers here are interested in original and unique items, and it’s a plus that they’re made in Alabama,” she said. “They appreciate that.”

Sales tripled over their first year at the store, and the storefront has also helped corporate sales for Alabama Goods. Business picks up in wedding season as brides buy hostess and bridesmaid gifts.

“It’s been a year of people finding out about us,” she said. “Past customers come back because inventory is constantly changing. There are always new items coming in, and people come in and ask, ‘What’s new in the store?’ It’s obvious that these items are hand-crafted and made in Alabama, not mass-produced. That’s not what you get here.”

Hartley hopes that Alabama Goods will soon work more with designers and decorators. She said she loves all of the vendors and developing relationships with them.

The employees’ aprons say, “Need gift ideas? I know where the goods are,” for a reason.

“Our employees go out of their way to help people come up with gift ideas,” Hartley said. “They’ll make recommendations, and customers love that.”

Alabama Goods co-owner Sherry Hartley in her downtown store. Photo by Madoline Markham.

| August 2012 | Business

Business Spotlight | BY CRAIG

KLEIMEYERAlabama Goods17

| August 2012 | Parks and Recreation

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Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball

The Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League is a youth recreati onal baseball league for the citi zens of Homewood, as well as, surrounding communiti es. The HPYBL board works with the Homewood Parks and Recreati on Board in scheduling games/practi ces. Please visit our website for more informati on about the upcoming fall season.www.homewoodyouthbaseball.com

2012 Fall Softball Information

Registrati on Period: July 30th – August 24thRegister at: Homewood Community Center Main Offi ce (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm)Costs: $40 Homewood Residents / $40 Non-Homewood ResidentsAge Divisions: 8 and Under / 10 and Under / 12 and Under / 14 and Under* Fall Ball playing age is in the age group you will play in the spring of 2013. *Evaluati ons / First practi ce will be Sunday August 26th.Registrati ons will not be taken on August 26thAdditi onal informati on will be released as details are fi nalizedJakob Stephens at 332-6709 (or) [email protected]

Homewood Soccer ClubHomewood Soccer Club is dedicated to creati ng a balanced youth soccer program for residents of Homewood and is also open to others with payment of a non-resident fee.

There are three levels of play in the soccer program:The Patriot Teams: For player’s age 3 to 7. Teams are established in three age groups, U-4, U-6 and U-8. It is intramural so all acti viti es take place at Homewood Soccer Park. It provides an early learning and playing opportunity, introduces basic soccer skills and focuses on learning “The Joy of the Game”.

The Red Teams: Recreati onal teams for players age 8 and older that off er players the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game in a reduced competi ti ve environment while improving his/her soccer skills.The Blue Teams: Select (Try-out) teams that play at a competi ti ve level. Blue teams are available starti ng at U-11 up to U-18.

Detail informati on about all three levels, including deadlines, fees and Club philosophy is available on our web site at www.HomewoodSoccer.com , or call David Putman, Soccer Director, at 979-8974

Tennis with Dave LuessePrograms & Events Off eredPrivate and Group Lessons

Kids USTA Team TennisKids Group Clinic and Rally Ball

Adult Singles Park LeagueAdult Mixed Doubles Park League

Adult Tournaments (Singles, Doubles & Mixed)

For more informati on contact Dave Luesse at 967-5875 or 901-9243

Athletics

www.Homewoodparks.com@homewoodparks

Special EventsBack to School Bash at Homewood Central Park

Saturday, August 25th 20125:30pm-8:30pm The Back to School Bash will be held August 25th from 5:30 – 8:30pm at Homewood Central Park. The event will kick off the new school year with an array of rides, infl atables, food and entertainment. Proceeds from the event go to selected community organizati ons.For more informati on contact Rusty Holley at 332-6705 (or) [email protected]

ZumbaZUMBA is the new craze sweeping America! It is Lati n inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party. ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! You can burn 500 to 1000 calories in one fun hour! Homewood Community Center now has two instructors off ering classes:Instructor: Camille Scruggs Contact Info: 256-452-2500 or [email protected] & Times: Homewood Community Center Auditorium

Tuesday 5:30-6:30pmThursday 5:30-6:30pmSaturday 9:00-10:00am

KarateClasses will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Homewood Community Center from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Auditorium. Monthly tuiti on is $55 - $65. Classes are for children and teenagers ages 4 and up. For more informati on please contact Master Joe at 966-4244

Belly Dancing with AzizaHomewood Community Center AuditoriumClass fee: $60 cash onlyFor more informati on contact Aziza at 879-0701 or azizaofb irmingham@att .netLearn the ancient art of Middle Eastern belly dance (classic Egypti an style) with Aziza, award winning dancer, with 36 years of experience in performance and instructi on. Women only, ages 13 and up are welcomed in class with no dance experience necessary to enroll. Each session is 5-weeks long on Tuesday night for beginners, Wednesday night for intermediates and Thursday night for advanced. Times are 7:00-8:30pm for beginners and 7:00-8:45pm for intermediates and advanced. Beginners start with the basic steps, isolati ons and shimmies and progress to the intermediate class where you will learn to put the dance together with more advanced steps and combinati ons plus dancing with the veil; advanced classes include performing with zills, cane, veil with more advanced and longer performances. The classes are for anyone who wants to dance for fun and fi tness, as well as those who wish to perform. Aziza has trained dancers to perform for many events in the Southeastern area in additi on to dancers who perform regularly at Ali Baba Persian Restaurant in Hoover. www.azizaofb irmingham.com

Firm Body BootcampsFirm Body Bootcamps is an intense fi tness program designed to help you lose body fat and tone. Every ti me you come it’s a diff erent workout so you never get bored. Located in Homewood Central Park.Class ti mes available are MWF 5:30 am – 6:30am and 6:00pmwww.fi rmbodybootcamps.com

H.E.A.T (Homewood Explorer Adventure Team)

The H.E.A.T. program gives middle school students a chance to experience athleti cs, cultural arts and outdoors along with providing community service to our local area. These diff erent areas of emphasis are designed to develop well rounded young adults both socially and culturally.

Registrati on begins: Monday, July 30, 2012Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm - Homewood Community Center Main Offi ce

Program Fee: $75 Per Parti cipant (Homewood Residents only -- grades 6th – 8th)

For more informati on please contact: Jakob Stephens at [email protected]

Homewood Community Center Activities

Community Centers - Hours of

Operation

Homewood Community Center

Monday – Friday: 5:35 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Weight Room closes at 6:00 p.m.)Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Main Offi ce HoursMonday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Important Telephone NumbersGym Offi ce: (205) 332-6707Weight Room: (205) 332-6708

Lee Community CenterMonday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Important Telephone NumbersInformati on: (205) 322-6191

Homewood Senior CenterMonday – Thursday: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.Sunday: Center closed unavailable for rentals

Important Telephone NumbersFront Desk: (205) 332-6500

18


From day care to college, Homewood has what you need for budget friendly back-to-school styles. I shopped four consignment shops to create fall looks for less. A big thank you to all of our consignment shops and our models!

By BLAKE RHODES

Fashion Spotlight Back to School on a budget

Short–n-SweetShort-n-Sweet is a quaint shop nestled in the Edgewood shopping district. You’ll fi nd an assortment of affordable, high-end children’s clothes in addition to maternity clothes and accessories for moms-to-be.

Korduroy KrocodileLocated in a house on Linden Avenue,

Korduroy Krocodile has clothing for all ages from newborn to 8 years old. Brands include Bailey Boys, Lilly Pulitzer, Strasburg and more.

d’TrespaEclectic d’Trespa, located on 28th

Avenue South, is one of Homewood’s hidden gems. My favorite thing about this store is its selection of vintage clothing and home decor.

Collage Designer ConsignmentCollage Consignment in the heart of

downtown Homewood has every designer you can imagine. I especially loved their selection of cocktail dresses and designer jeans.

Ella, 10 months, is looking forward to cheering on the Auburn Tigers this fall in cream-ruffl ed overalls ($14.99).

Second grader Mary Britt is looking forward to making new friends at school in her dark denim skirt ($7.99); cream and bold-striped top ($6.99); and cream crochet button cropped cardigan ($7.99). Her brother, Trey, a rising fi rst grader, is most excited about the playground. He wears a blue, red and white striped Ralph Lauren polo shirt, $12.99, and khakis, $10.99. Christine, 18, is looking forward to cooler

weather in a preppy vintage navy and cream dress, $22, and nude wedges, $54.

Rising HHS senior Erin, 17, wears skinny jeans ($24.98); a shimmery taupe Michael Stars cardigan ($24.98); an ivory and taupe crochet top by BCBG ($23.98); and a gold coin necklace ($24.98).

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*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

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Sports

All-Star season concludes

Avery Stansell pitched for the National League 10-year-old All Star Baseball Team.

Homewood SportsThe Homewood Joy League wrapped up its 55th consecutive

season of daytime baseball. Commissioners Perry Akins and Ted Hagler awarded championship trophies to winning teams: The Bucs for the A division; The Yanks for AA; and The Bucs for AAA.

To end the season, each division champ played a game against an All-Star team composed of 12 players from its division. All-Stars from the Bucs and the Cards played All-Stars from the Sox and the Yanks in a Tee-Ball Rookie All-Star game.

Following those games, the coaches, players and their families enjoyed a traditional watermelon picnic.

Each year, Joy League games are played on Saturday mornings on the two diamonds at Edgewood Elementary School. A total of 216 boys and girls played in league games this year.

Established in 1958 by the late John J. Smith, Sr., the Joy League provides its third generation of players a fun place to learn the game of baseball.

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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | August 2012 | Sports

By TOM WARD

The Homewood Patriots stand ready and poised for their comeback year.

As Head Coach Doug Goodwin and his staff enter their second year with the Patriots, the future is beginning to look especially bright.

Coach Goodwin, who has won state championships, already likes what he sees: “Our team has done a really good job in the off season, in spring practice and in the weight room. They know what to expect for our second year.”

Few coaches in Alabama understand championship football like Coach Goodwin, the first coach in Alabama high school history to lead three different teams to the state championship game.

According to Coach Goodwin, one key to the team’s success will be its leadership, especially on offense.

“The success of any offense begins with its quarterback, and we have a good one in Luke Porter,” he said. “We also have good leadership in our offensive line, with Zach Sims and Jordan Sims.”

The offense is guided by Dustin Goodwin, the offensive coordinator who brings a wealth of experience to the Patriots. Goodwin was named All-State in both football and baseball, and quarterbacked the University of North Alabama Lions.

The defense looks equally promising, despite returning only three starters from last year. Coach Freddy Lawrence, defensive coordinator, believes that these three returning starters (seniors Jesus Gallardo, Forrest Gaines and Conner Rivers) provide the talent and leadership necessary for a successful year.

As Coach Lawrence explained, the small number of returning starters can be deceptive: “Even though we only return three starters, we have many players

in the mix who had quality playing time last season. They gained valuable experience last year, and are ready to contribute in much greater roles in 2012.” Coach Lawrence leads the defense from experience, as the owner of two national championship rings from his days with the University of North Alabama.

Coach Goodwin was pleased to see how hard the team continues to work after a great spring training.

“They have done everything we asked them to do,” he said. “Spring training was so much easier than last year, with the way the players executed what the coaches asked them to do. Now that our more experienced players have a year under their belts, they are able to provide leadership to the younger players, and everyone will improve each day as we prepare for the 2012 season.”

The Patriots are coached by a staff with unusually great experience for a high school program. Offensive line coach Ben Berguson was the 2010 Over The Mountain Coach of the Year and played at Louisiana Tech with Hall of Fame tackle Willie Roaf. Defensive line coach Dexter LeBlanc is the former head coach at Woodlawn High. Inside linebackers coach Carter Doyle earned three state championships in high school. Running backs coach Doug Gann has over 20 years of coaching experience and was a successful player here at Homewood. Cornerbacks coach Russell Martin has served on the Homewood staff for more than 25 years and won multiple state championships. Safeties coach Devin Goodwin quarterbacked Demopolis to the state championship, setting the Alabama record for the most touchdown passes in a season.

HHS coaches prepare for comeback football season

Pittman in Olympic trialsBy MADISON MILLER

Homewood High School student Genny Pittman, 16, recently competed in the Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha. She competed alongside such swimmers as Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin and Missy Franklin.

Pittman has been swimming competitively since she was six. She has been training with the goal of competing in the Olympic Swim Trials for two years. Although she did not advance to the Olympic team during these trials, the experience was an inspiring one.

“I’m focusing on the 2016 Olympics. Being there makes you want to swim and

train. Hopefully, I’ll make the U.S.A swim team,” Pittman said.

Genny Pittman competes at the Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha. Photo courtesy of Liz Pittman.

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100%By the time this paper hits mailboxes,

I’ll hopefully be home with a new baby girl. With another child comes a whole new set of trials, joys, frustrations and lessons to learn. It never ceases to amaze me what I can learn in just one morning spent with my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Kate, and I’m certain the lessons will just keep coming with baby #2.

On a recent rainy morning, I decided to put Kate in the car and head out to run a few errands. I still had a lot of baby-related things to accomplish, so I needed to make the most of my time as much as possible. Kate is usually a good sport when it comes to running errands with me, and that day was no exception—it was me who wasn’t the good sport.

I had felt the pregnancy-induced frustrations creeping up on me before the clock had even hit 8 a.m., so I took a few minutes before we left to say a silent prayer: “Lord, help me refl ect you in the way I behave with Kate today.” Notice I didn’t say anything about the way she would act—I was praying solely for my reactions to her normal, everyday toddler behavior. “Lord, just help me act like the adult.” Sometimes, that simple task is harder than it should be.

In less than an hour, all my good intentions had dissolved due to my inability to go with the fl ow. In the grand scheme of things, she did pretty darn good for being toted to Buy Buy Baby, HomeGoods and Publix all in one morning. I should have praised her more when we got home. Instead, we had a battle of wills over whether or not she’d use the potty

before naptime. That battle ended with her in tears and me wanting to wring my own neck for trying so hard to make everything perfect.

At my core, I like things to be in order, to work out the way I want them to, and I tend to break down a bit when things get out of my control. Since having Kate, I understand even more that nothing is really in my control, and that going with the fl ow has to be the rule of the day. If it’s not, I end up asking my child for forgiveness, as I did just before she fell asleep that afternoon after a morning spent with a crazy mama.

I fi nally settled her in bed, pulled her special blanket up to her chin and tucked her two stuffed animals under her arm. As I pushed her hair out of her eyes, I said, “Kate, I’m sorry for raising my voice earlier. Will you forgive me?” Without hesitation, she nodded her sweet little head and said, “Yes,” reminding me how quick our Father is to forgive us when we need it. Only, instead of me teaching Kate about God’s forgiveness through my actions, this little two year old reminded me of it by her innocent love for her mama.

Poor Kate has had to bear the brunt of my learning curve over these two and a half years, but she’s handled it with all the grace a toddler can and has turned out beautifully so far. Here’s hoping and praying that when this second daughter comes and the whirlwind begins anew, the things I’ve learned with Kate will help me be more fl exible and less controlling when things don’t go exactly as I plan.

Lauren can be reached at [email protected].

Ordinary DaysStill learning to go with the fl ow

By LAUREN DENTON

Anticipating going back to school

“I can’t wait to see friends from the other elementary schools and having lockers. I also am glad the middle school has band.”-Will Stone, sixth grade

“I can’t wait to play on the playground with my friends and start reading chapter books.”-Martha Ponder, fi rst grade

“I look forward to learning about Alabama history and taking fun fi eld trips.”-Liza Jane Ponder, fourth grade

“I am most excited about starting fi fth grade and being in my last year of elementary school.” -Avery Stansell, fi fth grade

“I am looking forward to marching in the band on Friday nights and catching up with friends.”-Aaron Stansell, eleventh grade

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Birmingham Restaurant Week will once again invite Birmingham-area residents to revisit their favorite restaurants and bars or to experience recently opened venues for the first time August 17-26.

More than 30 restaurants participated in 2011, and around 40 are expected to participate in its third edition this year. Homewood restaurants currently signed up are Michael’s Restaurant and Nabeel’s.

Restaurants will offer special two and/or three-course prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus in the $5, $10, $20 and $30 per person range throughout the 10-day event.

The week’s special events inlcude two Beer Saturday events, which will feature beer tastings from Good People and Avondale breweries. To celebrate the kickoff of BRW 2012, a Preview Party will be held on Wednesday, August 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Vulcan Park and Museum. The Wineology event, which made its debut last year, will again be held at The Wine Loft on Tuesday, August 21.

For a list of participating restaurants and more information on the event, visit our website at www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Birmingham Restaurant Week


You grew up in Homewood and went through the school system. Tell us about your Homewood connections and your past ties to the community.

I loved growing up in Homewood. The close-knit community feel is a characteristic I enjoyed as a youngster and one that I feel is still evident. I have always loved that Homewood was and still is a diverse and welcoming city. Being able to walk to friends’ houses, to school or to church were some things I enjoyed.

My desire to go into education came from the many positive experiences I had as a student in Homewood. My love for teaching originally came from my parents, but it was enhanced by some of the teachers I was fortunate to have while I was a student in Homewood City Schools. Mr. Parrot and Mrs. Bekrackus instilled in me a love for history and social studies, which is what I eventually taught. Miss Bomar (now Mrs. Whitson) and Mrs. Webber eventually taught me to really enjoy math.

How does it feel to be the superintendent of a school system that is also your alma mater?

It is very humbling. I have a large amount of pride and appreciation. Growing up, I always thought I was fortunate to be a student in Homewood City Schools. Now, I consider myself fortunate to follow in great footsteps of former Homewood superintendents. There is a desire to make every day a little better than the day before. I remain proud of our faculty and staff. They demonstrate each and every day a strong desire to empower our students to reach their unique potential. Also, I find myself continuously being proud of our students. They demonstrate an attitude that fosters a climate where the students truly care for each other. That is a characteristic that I feel has always been present in our system.

People you should knowDr. Bill Cleveland

HCS Superintendent

What would you say to someone moving to our community from out of state that has no previous knowledge of how special Homewood schools truly are?

I would start by telling them that our system is much more than a high school that is continuously being recognized by the likes of Newsweek and The Washington Post as being a top high school. That this is one of the best school systems they will ever see! Our students are constantly being motivated to reach higher levels of learning. Our faculty and staff members truly care about their students and take the time to get to know each one. There is a positive climate that exists. Since we are a small system, it is possible to know everyone in your grade at the middle and high school, and that helps foster a sense of community. The diversity that exists throughout the city is also present in our school system. This diversity is very positive and enables our students to learn not only from our teachers, but also from each other.

What is your favorite part of this job?Getting to be around the students

would be the number one thing that I would list as my favorite. Next would be getting to see our faculty members in action. We have wonderful people throughout the system that go above and beyond in an effort to help each of our students reach their unique potential.

What is the hardest part of your job?Time management is the toughest

part of the job. I enjoy seeing all of the activities that our schools are involved with, and I would love to be present at them all. That is just not always possible and can be frustrating. Also, not being in the classroom is something I am still, after 14 years, finding myself missing.

Homewood City Schools Superintendent Bill Cleveland visits with an elementary class. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

Raleigh Ave. Baptist concertsRaleigh Avenue Baptist Church will

hold a series of summer concerts featuring several artists through August.

The line-up of concerts includes artists such as Matt Gaines, John McGraw, Kay Freeman and Squire Parsons.

Each of the concerts will be held

at morning worship services at Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church, 309 Raleigh Avenue, starting at 10:50 a.m.

For more information on these concerts, visit www.rabc.org or call the church office at 942-8060.

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100% Tim Lunceford was selected for the Educational Advisory Committee 2012 Service Award.

Each year the EAC of Homewood City Schools gives a Service Award to individuals or businesses who have committed extraordinary time and/or resources to the schools and students of Homewood.

Homewood High School Choir Director Scott Thorne said Lunceford has been invaluable to Homewood High School since long before his own child went through the school.

“Tim and his wife have been a mainstay for the HHS choral program. From building sets for the spring musical each year, to running sound at any event, to designing and creating props for the show choir, Tim has been amazing,” Thorne said.

Lunceford is a graduate of HHS. His son is a 2005 graduate.

Even at South Central Classic, the largest fundraising event at HHS, Lunceford and his wife still volunteer their hours by tabulating scores, which is one of the most stressful jobs at South Central Classic, Thorne added.

“It is rare to find a person who so

Homewood City Schools has announced Dr. Zachary Barnes as the new principal for Homewood High School. Barnes replaces Dr. Kevin Maddox, who will serve as Homewood’s assistant superintendent for business operations.

Barnes comes to Homewood from Hewitt-Trussville High School, where he served as principal. Throughout his career, Barnes has worked as a teacher, assistant principal and a middle and high school principal. He has also served as Tuscaloosa City Schools’ director of graduation success and dropout prevention.

In 1996, Barnes earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alabama, where he also received his master’s degree. In 2003, he received his Administrative Certificate from the University of West Alabama, and he completed his doctoral degree from the University of Alabama in 2008.

Barnes has received many awards and recognitions during his career, including Alabama Teacher of the Year for Tuscaloosa Middle School and Jacksonville State Teacher of the Year for the Tuscaloosa City School System, and he was awarded

Homewood City Schools’ students pose with the Team USA Paralympic Rugby Team after team USA defeated Sweden. Homewood students made signs and brought flags to cheer on the athletes as they prepared for departure to London for the 2012 games.

Lunceford receives EAC 2012 Service Award

EAC President Jennifer Fitzpatrick recognizes Tim Lunceford for his dedicated service to the Homewood School System.

willingly gives of his time, wisdom and valuable skills. I have often told him that I couldn’t be successful without him as a part of this program,” he said. “He is the epitome of a volunteer!”

Students cheer on Team USA

New Homewood High School principal

HHS Principal Dr. Zachary Barnes

Outstanding Principal from the Tuscaloosa City Council of Parent Teacher Associations.

He has participated in Leadership Alabama, ASCD, Alabama Superintendents’ Academy, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association and Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | August 2012 | Homewood Star

August 20- First day for studentsSeptember 3- Labor Day, no schoolNovember 12- Veteran’s Day, no schoolNovember 19-20- Professional development, no school for

studentsNovember 21-23- Thanksgiving breakDecember 21- Students dismiss at 2 p.m. for winter holidaysJanuary 2- Teacher WorkdayJanuary 3- School reopensJanuary 21- MLK HolidayMarch 18-22- Spring BreakApril 19- Inclement weather makeup dayMay 19- BaccalaureateMay 20- GraduationMay 23- Last day for studentsMay 24- Last day for teachers

Homewood City Schools is proud to announce new administrators Amanda Esslinger and Matt Kiser as assistant principals at Homewood High School and Abbie Freeman as assistant principal at Hall-Kent Elementary School.

2012-2013 HCS Calendar

Homewood City Schools announces new administrators

Matt Kiser, Assistant Principal, HHS

Kiser comes to Homewood from Hewitt-Trussville High School, where he served as assistant principal.

He has been in education for seven years and has served as a teacher, assistant football coach, head baseball coach, mentor coordinator and technology coordinator.

Kiser received his bachelor’s degree in secondary social sciences from the University of Alabama and his master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of West Alabama.

Abbie FreemanAssistant Principal, Hall-Kent

Abbie Freeman comes to Homewood from Winterboro High School, where she has served as assistant principal for three years.

She has served as an elementary teacher, Building Based Student Support Team (BBSST) coordinator and a Title I resource teacher/reading coach.

She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Jacksonville State University and her master’s degree in instructional leadership from Samford University.

In 2004 and 2005, Freeman was named Winterboro Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

Amanda EsslingerAssistant Principal, HHS

Esslinger has taught at Homewood High School for six years. Throughout her career in Homewood, she has served as the girls’ head track coach, representative for the Teachers’ Advisory Council, Student Government Association sponsor and as a new teacher mentor. She has also served as vice president and president of the Alabama Council of Teachers of English.

Esslinger earned her bachelor’s degree in English education from Troy University. She received her master’s in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she is currently finishing her educational specialist degree.

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| August 2012 |

Homewood events8/5- SoHo Bridal Show. 1-4 p.m. Rosewood Hall in SoHo. More information: Stephanie Whitaker, 637-0735 or [email protected], or www.sohobridalshow.com.

8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26 – Grief Support Group. Part of a seven session support group for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. 4:30 – 5:50 p.m. First Baptist Church of Birmingham. 2209 Lakeshore Drive. More information/sign up: 870-3888.

8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26 – Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church Summer Concerts. Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church will host a series of concerts during morning worship services. 10:50 a.m. Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church. More information: www.rabc.org or 942-8060.

8/10 – Homewood Library Blockbuster Book Sale preview reception. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free for Friends members. Non-Friends Members may join in advance or at the event. Annual membership fee is $5, $10 for families. Homewood Public Library. More information: Ginny Bugg, 937-4357 or [email protected].

8/11, 8/12 - Homewood Library Blockbuster Book Sale. Open to public. 8/11 – 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., 8/12 – 2 – 5:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library. More information: Ginny Bugg 937-4357 or [email protected].

8/12 - CDF Community Fest. Children’s Dance Foundation will hold a festival with creative activities and performances. 2 – 5 p.m. Free. Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Court South. More information: 870-0073.

8/20 – First day of school for Homewood City Schools.

8/21- Homewood City Council Election Forum. 6 p.m. Rosewood Hall.

8/21- Homewood Chamber Luncheon.

Don Logan, retired chairman of Time Warner’s Media and Communications group, will speak. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Club Signature Dining Room. Reservations must be made in advance. More information: 871-5631.

8/24 – Homewood vs. Spain Park (Jamboree). 7 p.m. Homewood High School. More information: www.homewood.k12.al.us/hhs.

8/25 – Homewood Back to School Bash. Homewood Park kicks off the new school year with an array of rides, inflatables and entertainment. 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Homewood Park. More information: Rusty Holley 332-6705 or [email protected].

8/27 – Luau Dance. The Seasoned Performers will have a luau-themed dance. Homewood Senior Center. $6 lunch. Register Friday before event. Registration/More information: 332-6500.

8/28- Homewood elections for mayor and city council. Visit your polling location to vote.

Family Fun8/3 – 8/5 – Alabama Sales Tax Holiday. Tax-free school items. Begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and ends at midnight on Sunday. More information: www.ador.state.al.us/salestax/salestaxhol.htm.

8/4 – Dog Days of Summer. Ruffner Mountain will host a dog-friendly day of hikes, raffles, food and more. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. 1214 81st Street South. Free. More information: www.ruffnermountain.org/activities/events-calendar.html.

8/25 – The Bell Center Tailgate Challenge. An afternoon of music, kid friendly events and team rivalry. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sloss Furnaces. $15. Free for children 10 and younger. More information: call Kelly Peoples at (205) 879-3417.

8/11 – Wake Up with the Animals.

Experience what it’s like when the animals wake up in the morning at the zoo. Breakfast included. 7:45 – 9 a.m. Birmingham Zoo. Members: Adults $9, Children $6.50, Non-Members: Adults $17, Children $14. Reserve spot by August 3. More information/Reservations: 879-0409.

Music and Arts8/2 – 8/18 - Harold and Maude. Theatre Downtown presents a theatrical adaptation of the 1971 film. 8 p.m. on nights. 2 p.m. on Sundays. Theatre Downtown. 2410 5th Avenue South. $17 for adults. $12 for students. More information/Tickets: 306-1470 or www.theatredowntown.org.

8/5 – The Sound of Music. Part of Alabama Theatre’s Summer Film Series. 2 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. More information: 251-0418.

8/10 – Wynonna and the Big Noise. Wynonna Judd and company will perform. 8 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. More information/Tickets: alysstephens.uab.edu/events.

8/17 – An Evening with Gaither Vocal Band. 7 p.m. Wright Center Concert Hall on Samford campus. More information/Tickets: www.samford.edu/wrightcenter/

8/19 – ArtPartners Live Auction and Showcase. 5:30 p.m. B &A Warehouse. $100 for individuals, $150 for pairs. Tickets: 307-6300 or ArtPartners2012.eventbrite.com. More information: [email protected] or www.vsaalabama.org.

8/24 – 8/26 – Sidewalk Film Festival. 14th annual festival for independent filmmakers will be held at several theaters downtown. Friday: 8 p.m. Will continue across seven venues until 10 p.m. Sunday. Venues include Alabama Theatre, Carver Theatre, Hills Art Center, RMTC Cabaret Theatre and McWane Science Center Ruston Theatre. Prices vary. More

information: www.sidewalkfest.com

Special Events8/9 – Cocktails in the Gardens. Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosts their sixth season. 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. $5 for non-members, free for members. Drinks and food are not included with admission. More information: www.bbgardens.org/cocktails.

8/9 – Fenders and Fireflies. Benefitting Easter Seals of Birmingham. 6 – 10 p.m. Old Car Heaven. $35 individual, $60 couple, $500 corporate table. More information/ticket purchase: eastersealsbham.ticketbud.com/fenders-and-fireflies.

8/17 – 8/26 – Birmingham Restaurant Week. More information and participating locations: www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

8/26 – Southern Bridal Show. 12 – 5 p.m. BJCC North Exhibition Hall. $15. More information: www.eliteevents.com/show.html?show.id=2245.

Sports8/1- 8/2 – Birmingham Barons v. Jackson Generals. 7:05 p.m. Regions Park. Admission varies. More information: origin.milb.com/schedule/.

8/3 – 8/7 – Birmingham Barons v. Mobile Bay Bears. 8/3, 8/6, 8/7: 7:05 p.m. 8/4: 6:30 p.m. 8/5: 4 p.m. Admission varies. More information: origin.milb.com/schedule/.

8/14 – 8/18 – Birmingham Barons v. Tennessee Smokies. 8/14 – 8/17: 7:05 p.m. 8/18: 6:30 p.m. Admission varies. More information: origin.milb.com/schedule/.

8/30 – 8/31 – Birmingham Barons v. Chattanooga Lookouts. 7:05 p.m. Admission varies. More information: origin.milb.com/schedule/.

Calendar of Events

BMCPrimary-WELCOME-Vestavia-10x7_5.pdf 1 7/19/12 12:12 PM

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Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, LLC

Deanne L. Vail, DMD & Julie L. Webb, DMD

A Full Service Dental Offi ceNew Patients WelcomeMost Insurance Accepted

• Cosmetic Treatments• Preventative Care• Power Bleaching• Tooth Colored Fillings• Restorative Care• Porcelain Crowns & Veneers• Pediatric Dentistry• Implant Restoration• Nitrous Oxide Sedation• Financing Available

No representation is made that the quality of dental services to be performed is greater than the quality of dental services performed by other dentists.

The Art of Dentistry 868-4577

1752 Oxmoor Rd.• www.homewooddental.com

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| August 2012 |

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The Homewood Star August 2012