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News, sports, and entertainment from Homewood, Alabama
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com
July 4 events
Summer wines
Helen Cockrell
Les Nuby
Homewood Happenings
Business Spotlight
Food
The Bridges Studio
Lauren Denton
Sports
School House
Calendar of Events
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| July 2012 |
July Features
www.TheHomewoodStar.com
The Homewood Star
By CRAIG KLEIMEYER
January 6, 2009, forever changed life for the Thrower family.
That day, 16-month-old Anderson was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He had an enlarged stomach and a limp in his left leg, and later, he became completely lethargic. With his diagnosis, the Throwers found out that the cancer had spread to his spleen and his liver. Still, his parents Andy and Jan, and his older sister, Avery, kept faith.
“We never really asked why,” Andy said. “We just said, ‘Let’s take care of this and get back to normal.’”
During Anderson’s treatments, Andy and his family, Birmingham residents since 1999 and members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, began to see the needs of
Ministry serves the pediatric cancer community
Andy, Jan, Avery and Anderson Thrower have grown stronger as a family through Anderson’s battle with leukemia and through their Homewood-based ministry, aTeam ministries. Photo by Heather Durham.
The Homewood StarThe Homewood Star
families who found themselves living in the same diffi cult circumstances. “There were families around us with no support, so we tried to reach out and do things for them,” Andy said. “We asked ourselves, ‘How can we do more?’”
And they defi nitely did more to help and inspire other families. Andy and Jan bought laptops for the oncology fl oor at Children’s Hospital of Alabama in order to help families have easy access to paying bills and keeping in touch with their families through a partnership with Legacy Community Credit Union. The computers also make it easier for kids to do schoolwork.
See aTEAM | page 19
See Cycling | page 9
Paralympic cyclist Jennifer Schuble rides through Homewood from her Edgewood home to start her daily practice route. Photo by Madoline Markham.
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
By RICK WATSON
Jennifer Schuble is the fastest woman in Alabama on a bicycle. The International Cycling Federation agrees, and that’s why the Homewood resident was one of only fi ve women in the world awarded a personal invitation to compete in cycling events at the 2012 Paralympics in London this summer.
“This is by far the greatest honor of my life,” Schuble said. “This gives me the right to enter every race.” Other cyclists
Cycling to London
who want to compete in the Paralympics must go through tryouts before earning a chance to compete.
The U.S. Cycling team is rated the number one team in the world, but other countries hope to unseat the Americans.
For the games, England has built a new velodrome, a fast indoor track that resembles a giant bowl with steep banks. It is supposed to be the fastest in the world, and Schuble can’t wait to get on it.
Schuble wasn’t like some kids who began preparing for the Olympics at a very early age, though she was involved with sports for most of her life.
She was born in Lake Charles, La., and grew up in Houston, where she played soccer, ran track and rode bicycles in high school. It wasn’t until much later when life threw her a curve that she took a turn down a path to the Paralympics.
Schuble actually wanted to become an astronaut and decided to attend West Point. She didn’t have a congressional nomination out of high school, so she had to attend the service academy prep program at Marion Military Institute in West Alabama to qualify for West Point.
But not long after she arrived at West Point, she sustained a traumatic injury to her brain during hand-to-hand combat training.
“I did a fl ip and hit my head against a log,” she remembered.
She spent the summer at Walter Reed Medical Hospital doing rehabilitation. After she returned to training, she sustained a second, career-ending head injury. There was a mysterious lesion on her brain they couldn’t identify, and she wound up with a medical discharge.
Several years later in 2004, she discovered that she had multiple sclerosis. Looking back, she realized the lesion on her brain was probably MS-related.
The medical discharge allowed her to go to college. She wanted to do something
neighborly news & entertainment for HomewoodVolume 2 | Issue 4 | July 2012
A Vietnam love story - pg 12
The Homewood StarThe Homewood Starneighborly news neighborly news && entertainment for Homewood entertainment for Homewood entertainment for Homewood
A Vietnam love
All Star Baseball- pg 21
Distinguished Young Women- pg 8
| July 2012 | The Homewood Star
BMC_WOMENS_Ad-mainƒ-10x7.5.pdf 1 6/8/12 2:48 PM
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | The Homewood Star 3
Editor’s Note
Letter to the editor
| July 2012 | The Homewood Star
Homewood is characterized as a “Mayberry” type of southern town— old-fashioned, charming, friendly. Homewood’s small area is land-locked; our pace and quality of life is removed from the hectic chaos of other Birmingham-metro cities. Homewood has resisted change in her government structure, unlike Over-the-Mountain cities of Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. Homewood is a city of neighborhoods. Our government and politics refl ect small town qualities with a twist—a diverse and vocal population. Historically, there has been divisive tension alternately between the city council, the mayor and citizen activist groups. Change has come slowly yet steadily as generations come and go. Opinions have differed often. Throughout her 86-year history, patriarchal mayors have moved Homewood into the future, through her early infrastructure development, the Depression, baby boom and 1960s growth, to today. Infrastructure, traffi c and transportation (evolution from horse to trolley to bus to cars to walking), neighborhood preservation, and
commercial/ institutional zoning have been ongoing issues since the city’s birth in 1926. A look back at our history shows Homewood’s current challenges are not so different from the past.
The second decade of the new millennium is upon us, and a new generation has spurred change. There is still opportunity for growth. Homewood is at another important juncture in her history: the need for a plan to revitalize neighborhoods and commerce, and update aging city infrastructure and buildings. There are big decisions to be made and big costs associated with them. City elections on August 28 provide a civic opportunity to evaluate our challenges and decide our future path. Newly elected offi cials’ terms begin the fi rst Monday in November 2012, after the new fi scal year priorities and budget 2012-2013 have been formed by the sitting Mayor and voted on by the sitting Council in October 2012.
Sincerely,Mary Ellen Snell
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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Staff & FriendsContributing Writers Anna Cate Little | Lauren Denton
Rick Watson | Blake Rhodes | Craig KleimeyerBeth Eddings | Merrick Wilson | Mary Ellen Snell
Contact Information:The Homewood Star
#3 Offi ce Park Circle, Suite 316Birmingham, AL 35223
Please submit all articles, information and photos to: [email protected]
P.O. Box 530341Birmingham, AL 35253
PublisherDan Starnes
Editor Ashley Berkery
Managing EditorMadoline Markham
Creative Director Keith McCoy
Editor at LargeJoe Samuel Starnes
Copy EditorLauren Denton
Published byHomewood Star LLC
Sales and DistributionRhonda Smith | Warren Caldwell | Matthew Allen
InternsKatey Courtney | Madison Miller | Jordan Miller
Meet our internsKatey Courtney is a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in journalism and minoring in English. She is from Madison and is a graduate of Bob Jones High School. With her journalism degree, she would like to write stories on a more personal level and learn about people she may have not had a chance to meet otherwise. She is looking forward to graduating in August and enjoys reading, shopping and playing with her dog, Simon.
Jordan Miller is a senior at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa majoring in public relations. She is from Birmingham and is a graduate of Spain Park High School. With her degree in public relations, she would like to work with companies on promoting their online image and prominence. She looks forward to working with Twitter, Facebook and websites for The Homewood Star.
Emmett Street, Kate LaBorde, Noah Berkery, Sydney Jenkins, Kate Denton, Anna Cranford and Sylvia Beasley cool off on a hot day at the Homewood Pool. Photo by Ashley Berkery.
We have a lot to celebrate in July, especially with the Fourth holiday at the beginning of the month. The Annual OLS 63rd Annual Independence Day Festival, Thunder on the Mountain and the City of Homewood celebration in conjunction with the Parks and Rec all offer great events for you and your family to attend. We hope that you enjoy reading about some very special people this month: the Thrower family with aTeam ministries; Jennifer Schuble, who is cycling her way
to London; our Distinguished Young Women contestants; Les Nuby with his musical talents and endeavors; and Helen Cockrell who just turned 106 years wise.
We hope you stay cool this summer, and thanks for reading. Please email me at [email protected] if you have any feedback
or story ideas; I love hearing from you!
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | The Homewood Star
A brief history of HomewoodBy MARY ELLEN SNELL
As we approach city elections on August 28, it is helpful for Homewood to learn or be reminded of her history and government, why she is unique and why we need residents in all five wards to be informed and involved in helping decide priorities for her future.
Dear friends and neighbors,
Each month I sit quietly in my office thinking of all the things I would like to include in the Mayor’s Minute. Usually, it is very late at night when all is quiet and the day has ended. I can only hear a few cars as they move along Broadway and occasionally the sound of a fire engine coming back quietly from a call. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about the past month, and other times I catch myself thinking of the month to come.
Most of the things I think about never make it to this publication, but it gives me a chance to think of just how much we have going for us in Homewood. It also gives me a chance to think of all the possibilities that exist and where we can be in the next five to ten years.
Aristotle wrote, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” My goal for Homewood is to be in the habit of being excellent and to create the expectation of being the best at whatever it is we set out to accomplish. So far, so good, but we have a long way to go.
It has been said the reason some people don’t go very far in life is because they sidestep opportunity and shake hands with procrastination. I enjoy serving in an environment where we are expected to meet opportunity head-on, and I enjoy working with the men and women of the council who feel the same way. I just want to take a moment and thank you for supporting us.
We have started working on the budget
for fiscal year 2013, and I look forward to an exciting time to move Homewood forward again. I mentioned last month our current numbers, and as we approach the end of this fiscal year, I’m happy to report that we are now $1.6 million ahead of where we were compared to this time last year. We still have three months left and things can happen, but I continue to talk to department heads and employees about the importance of ending with a
surplus. I have every reason to believe they will. Not once in the last three years have we ended in a deficit, and I don’t plan on the fourth being any different.
And again, the thanks goes to you. You have continued to shop in Homewood, buy gas in Homewood, invest in Homewood, and promote our city. You have consistently supported this city and allowed us to prosper. As mayor and council, we are charged with being good stewards of that money, and I trust we never disappoint you or give you a reason to go anywhere else.
The future of Homewood is strong and getting stronger each day, and I thank our employees and residents who have placed us in this position. With kindest regards I remain
Sincerely,
Scott McBrayerMayorCity of Homewood
1926Homewood forms when the Edgewood Town Council authorized a special election to vote to expand the Town of Edgewood (est. 1920) to annex communities
of Grove Park and Rosedale. The city has a population of 6,103.
1928First city election is held for mayor, council president and ward representatives
for North Edgewood, Rosedale and South Edgewood.
1929 Hollywood (est. 1926) is annexed, adding two new council wards.
1944The five city wards are redrawn; population is 8,289. A planning firm recommends public works, residential subdivisions and zoning to prepare to grow to 20,000
people by 1965.
1945-1955Oak Grove, Drexel Hills, Lakeshore Estates and other neighborhoods are annexed.
1960Population hits 20,289.
1960-1970 Substantial neighborhood and commercial property is annexed, increasing tax
revenue to fund infrastructure and building projects.
1992Mayor Robert Waldrop ends the city’s longest mayoral term (1968-1992).
2010Census population is 25,167 in 8.3 square miles.
2012Elections for the next four-year term will be held August 28: city council president; two representatives from each of five wards and mayor, a part-time position that
oversees nine department heads, a chief of staff and city hall support staff.
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Mayor’s Minute5
| July 2012 | 6 The Homewood Star
HPD Awards Ceremony
John Krontiras, owner of Nabeel’s Restaurant and Café, received the Chief’s Award from Chief Jim Roberson.
Sergeant Cameron Beedle received Officer of the Year Award from Chief Jim Roberson.
By JASON HALLMAN, Homewood Fire Department
Every year we look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions and picnics. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking. Annually, just fewer than 5,000 Americans are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has found that gas and charcoal grills are responsible for 3,400 structure fires in or on home properties each year. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.
ff Propane and charcoal barbecue grills must only be used outside. They pose a great fire risk and also produce carbon monoxide and other toxic vapors.
ff Position the grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under any covered deck, patio or roofing.
ff Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
ff Do not store propane cylinders inside; leave them outside.
ff Allow charcoal 48 hours to completely cool in the grill before disposing. Many people use cooled charcoal as a fertilizer and simply add it to their flower garden
Outdoor cooking safety
Firefighter Bryan Powell grills out safely.
or soil.
ff Charcoal should not be disposed of in a trash receptacle inside the house or garage due to the possibility of fire. Many fires have been the result of hot charcoal being placed in trash cans, bags or dumpsters.
ff Do not wear flammable or loose- fitting clothing while grilling.
ff If you live in an apartment, always move your grill at least 10 feet from the structure before grilling. Never grill on an upper floor deck. Do not store grills on decks or in apartments.
ff Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in case the fire gets too large.
ff Call 911 immediately if the fire gets out of control.
August election info. for candidatesAny candidates interested in running
for Homewood city office can notify the city of their candidacy between July 3 and July 17. Positions for mayor, city council president, and city council representative are all open. Elections will be held August 28.
The Homewood Star will run candidate information in its August issue. To be
included in the issue, candidates should contact [email protected] by July 10 due to publication deadlines.
For information about the duties of each official to complete forms to qualify for office, call City Clerk Linda Cook at 332-6107. To learn more about the city, visit homewoodal.net.
The Homewood City Council appointed Marcus Huskey to its Ward 1, Place 1 seat at a specially called June 3 meeting. He was sworn in on June 11.
Huskey replaced Anthony Smith, who resigned from this position after he moved to a different ward earlier this year.
Huskey currently serves as Chief of Staff for Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight and is a student at Birmingham School of Law.
“He has a lot of knowledge of regional issues with his position with Jefferson County and brings his strengths with organizational skills and procedures, federal grants, and how rep governments should be,” said Hunter Payne, Ward 4, Place 1 representative.
A 2006 graduate of Samford University, Huskey worked for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the White House in Washington, DC before moving back to a house on Dale Avenue in Ward 1 in 2010.
New councilperson for Ward 1
New City Council representative Marcus Huskey
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | 7The Homewood Star
By MADISON MILLER
Our Lady of Sorrows Church will hold their 63rd annual Fourth of July Festival on Wednesday, July 4.
The event will include entertainment by DJ Bobby “T” Tanory, karaoke and various games and prizes. There will also be bingo and a “Trash n’ Treasure” rummage sale.
Food will be served in the Parish Hall.Some of the prizes include an Apple
iPad, a two-night stay at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa and several
Our Lady of Sorrows’ Fourth celebration
Joe Falconer of RealtySouth and John Hardin donate $5,000 each to Monsignor Martin Muller of Our Lady of Sorrows for the $10,000 Grand Prize for the 63rd annual festival.
cash prizes.The event will be held from 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Our Lady of Sorrows Church located at 1728 Oxmoor Road.
Items for the Trash n’ Treasure Rummage sale can be dropped off every day or night at the gym until Sunday, July 1.
To volunteer for the event, call Greg Pierre at 824-8385.
Firefighter Bryan Powell grills out safely.
Teenage artist Annabelle DeCamillis took the Best of Show top prize at the Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival sponsored by Homewood Rotary as part of We Love Homewood Day activities on May 5. DeCamillis, age 17, won for her design of a child with building blocks spelling “I Heart Homewood.” She was sponsored by Commercial Sign and Graphics.
Diane Newsome, sponsored by Graham and Company, won the Most Creative category. Karen Libecap, sponsored by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, won the Chairman’s Choice award. Claire Lynton, sponsored by Buffalo Rock, won for the Best Children’s Entry. Honorable mention awards went to Micheal Le, sponsored by Salem’s Diner, and Paige McBride and Brodie Martin, sponsored by Homewood High School.
The Chalk Art event, which featured
DeCamillis wins chalk art contest
Annabelle DeCamillis’ winning entry. Photo courtesy of the Homewood Rotary Club.
drawings by 24 artists, was sponsored by Homewood Rotary for the fourth year. Proceeds for the art competition and a bake sale held at We Love Homewood Day support the club’s local, national and international projects. Each year, the club awards scholarships totaling about $12,000 to Homewood High School seniors.
Fireworks at Vulcan
A longstanding tradition in Birmingham is to light up the skies above Vulcan Park and Museum on the fourth of July. Beginning at 9 p.m. on July 4, Thunder on the Mountain 2012 will be a 20-minute fireworks extravaganza simulcast on area radio stations including WZZK 104.7 FM.
It is best to have a clear view of Vulcan, but remember Vulcan Park and Museum closes that day at 6 p.m. to prepare the “launch site” for the show.
The skies over Vulcan will be lit up again this year for Thunder on the Mountain 2012. Photo courtesy of Vulcan Park and Museum.
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Our Lady of Sorrows Church
Wednesday July 4th, 10am- 3pm
For More Information Call: 281-1831 Our Lady of the Sorrows Church
1728 Oxmoor RoadBirmingham, Alabama
Food Menu:Plates: $9 (Choice of Pork, Beef, Ribs or 1/2 Chicken)
includes beans/ slaw/ bread/ drinkHot Dogs: $1
Smoked Sausage: $2Pork Sandwiches: 2 for $6
Bulk Meat SalesPre-sales of bulk items Tuesday July 3rd from 8-4
Whole Pork Butts - $8/lbBeef or Pork - $8/lb
Ribs - $15/ slabWhole Chicken - $7; 1/2 Chicken - $4
Beans / slaw / sauce - $3/ pint
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| July 2012 | 8 The Homewood Star
By CRAIG KLEIMEYER
Twenty-one rising seniors in Jefferson County, two of whom are from Homewood, will compete for college scholarships in the 2013 Distinguished Young Women’s program at Samford University Wright Center on July 20 and 21. Distinguished Young Women, formerly known as Junior Miss, is a national scholarship program available to rising seniors each year.
In addition to providing scholarships, Distinguished Young Women encourages continued education and also helps girls with self-esteem. It also teaches them to speak in public, interview, perform on stage and build relationships. It encourages and showcases excellence in academics and fi tness, and the program creates opportunities to inspire the lives of others.
“The girls discover a lot about themselves,” Competition Chairman Eddie Macksoud said. “The scholarships are the tangible part, but the real big one is self-confi dence. It’s a growing experience.”
Macksoud said participants look back on the program and remember it fondly.
“They gain myriads of friends, and a lot of the girls end up being college roommates or in each other’s weddings,” he said.
Homewood resident and John Carroll Catholic High School student Elizabeth Miles participated in the Little Sisters program for Distinguished Young Women last year, and her big sister, Gina Maiola from Vestavia Hills, ended up winning the competition.
“I got to see how much fun she had doing it and it made me really want to participate this year,” Miles said.
Miles loved having the chance to learn more about the program, to experience it fi rst-hand and to decide how interested she was. She even got to introduce Maiola’s talent last year.
Distinguished Young Women to compete at Wright Center
“I got a behind-the-scenes look,” Miles said. “Gina told me about how much fun rehearsals were. The girls didn’t want to leave, and they got so close.”
Miles has danced with the Dale Serrano Dance Studios for 11 years and has been on John Carroll’s dance team for the past three years. She said since this will be her fi rst pageant, she has been working hard to prepare.
“It’s a great opportunity. I’m excited to meet people too,” she said. “I really want to meet young girls with my same goals and morals. That’s what I’m really looking forward to.”
Homewood High School student Megan McClung will also compete in the program.
For the competition, Distinguished Young Women’s participants compete in fi ve categories: interview, scholastics, talent, fi tness and self-expression.
State winners participate in the National Finals competition in Mobile in June after they graduate from high school. Macksoud said that the Jefferson County program is the only county program in the U.S. to have had two national representatives, Tyrenda Williams and Carrie Colvin.
The preliminaries will be Friday, July 20 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 21 at 1 p.m. Finals will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for each preliminary are $15 in advance or at the door and $30 for the fi nals. Tickets will be available at the door one hour prior to each event. For more information, call 868-8686.
Members of the Class of 2014 who are interested in participating in next years’ program may visit www.distinguishedyw.org or email [email protected].
John Carroll High School student and Little Sister Elizabeth Miles, Miles’ Big Sister Gina Maiola, and Gina’s other Little Sister, Grace Baker, at last year’s pageant. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Miles.
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Girl Scout Troop 454 celebrated their last year at Edgewood Elementary and their movingto the middle school by “tying wishes” on the wishing tree at Woodland Park. The wishing tree at Woodland Park was started by recent Homewood High School graduate Abby Lucy. Pictured are Hope Drentea-Tybor, Kate Callaway, Mary Walton Blomeley, Macy Gann, Anna Merkle, Mallie Claire Alfano, Maggie Heath, Kate Sims, Caroline Doyal, Audrey Nabors, Seona Griffi th, Mary Gardner.
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | 9The Homewood Star
Summer wine picks
By CRAIG KLEIMEYER
Complete the perfect summer evening with a glass of wine or a beer. Wine consultant Heather Blisard recommends various options for summer, all available for purchase at Piggly Wiggly in Homewood.
The most popular choiceNew Age White/Rosé
Choose this soft, sweet and sensual wine from the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina, and you’ll tell everyone about it. Whether you choose the white or pink
version, its slight bubbliness is perfect for the patio or poolside. New Age is traditionally served on the rocks with a lime, called a “Tincho.” $9.99 per bottle
Best to drink with seafoodBroadbent Vinho Verde
A traditional Portuguese white wine with a natural “spritz,” its name translates to “green wine” because it is meant to be drunk young. The Vinho Verde is light and fresh with flavors of lime zest and green
CyclingCONTINUED from page 1
apple. $8.99 per bottle
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Piggly Wiggly in Homewood offers complimentary craft beer tastings on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and complimentary wine tastings Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Homewood’s Piggly Wiggly is located at 3000 Montgomery Highway. Call 451.6911 or visit www.pigglywigglybirmingham.com or facebook “Piggly Wiggly Homewood” for more information.
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productive, so she took advantage of a Veterans vocational rehabilitation program. “Woe is me, I’m hurt,” was the last thing she wanted to say.
She chose Production Operations Research at the University of Alabama, where she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees.
After graduation, she went to work at Honda Manufacturing, and later to
Mercedes in Vance, Ala., where she currently works. She gravitated to cycling to relieve the stress of her job.
Schuble competed in her first international Paralympic cycling competition in 2007 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning a gold and two silver medals at the 2008 Beijing games.
She has also won a trophy-case full of awards in state and regional cycling competitions as a professional.
These accolades don’t come easy. During the week, she rides her bike a few
hours each day after work and lifts weights at Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood two days a week after her rides. Weekend workouts are even more strenuous.
Her trainer bike is equipped with a high-tech power meter that monitors all aspects of her sessions to ensure she gets maximum benefit from her workouts.
Schuble said that with work, training and a rigorous racing schedule, there’s not a lot of time left for other activities. “I guess people would think I lead a pretty boring life,” she said.
If it weren’t for her two English bulldogs, Panzer and Sherman, she would race every weekend. “My dogs help keep me grounded,” she said.
Schuble doesn’t dwell on her past misfortunes. “Even though I’ve had multiple brain injuries, and I’ve been diagnosed with MS, I can still compete. I get out there on the road, ride my bike and win races,” she said.
These days her focus is on the games in London: “If you’re not thinking London Gold, you’re not going to win it.”
| July 2012 | The Homewood Star
By ASHLEY BERKERY
This past spring I noticed blue and pink bows on mailboxes around Homewood more than I normally would. It was probably because my own due date was in April, but I found myself wondering if my son will be friends with these babies one day and if they will end up in the same class in school. I also wondered how the moms were feeling and what they were like. I wondered about the story behind the bows.
When my neighbor, Brooke Gillis, recently mentioned to me that she loved her playgroup and that they had been together for five years, I asked her how it came to be and how it was evolving over the years. I found out that another neighbor on Broadway, Allison Litton, had similar curiosities about the baby bows and took action in 2007.
“I had about a month left of maternity leave when I decided to put notes in my neighbor’s mailboxes that had baby bows asking them to get together for a play date,” Litton said. “The playgroup moms became a support group for each other very quickly, sharing our doubts, worries, stories and tips. We have supported each other during some really challenging times and celebrated joyful times as well. I’m glad I decided to seek out the mothers behind the bows because now my daughter is going to kindergarten with friends she has known her entire life. It’s also nice when you can trust each of your friends to supervise your children and your kids actually listen to them.”
What started out as eight babies has over the years turned into 40 kids running around.
“In the beginning, our babies would sit and sleep in their car seats while the moms visited,” Litton said. “It’s not that quiet anymore.”
The playgroup has done a lot of events together over the years with and without kids, but Litton said the highlight each year is their annual Santa party, where they pay the same Santa to come visit with the kids.
“It’s really fun to see the kids recognize him each year, overcome their fear of sitting in his lap and eventually having a conversation with him. We take a big group picture of the moms and the kids. It’s fun to see everyone change from year to year and watch our families grow,” Litton said.
What is Litton’s advice for other moms seeking
From baby bows to kindergarten
friends and support? Living in Homewood is a great start.“I am lucky enough to live in a community like
Homewood,” she said, “because it was definitely a little scary to seek out strangers. Not being from Alabama, I was surprised by their willingness and generosity. I
would encourage other moms to not be afraid to seek out other women who are going through the same stage of life regardless of how old you are. You never know, the stranger who moves in next door may just become your best friend.”
The playgroup at Easter. Photos courtesy of Brooke Gillis.
Playgroup moms and kids at Christmas.
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | The Homewood Star
106 years wiseBy MADISON MILLER
During the 1918 fl u epidemic, Helen Cockrell knew she was lucky.
“My whole family was sick with the fl u and I never even took a cold,” Cockrell said.
Ninety-six years later, 106-year-old Cockrell has had surprisingly few health problems. She lived on her own with no assistance until last year when she broke her leg after a fall and was unable to get around on her own.
Walking into Cockrell’s home is like taking a step into the past. Throughout the rooms, you will fi nd on display her collections of stamps, silver, paperweights and valentines.
As a young child, her father’s time in the Spanish-American War inspired her to begin her life-long hobby of collecting.
“When my father returned from the war in the Philippines, he brought all kinds of cloth and pieces representing the Far East. They were beautiful and interesting, so he accidentally got me collecting,” Cockrell said.
Part of her silver collection includes pieces from the original Tutwiler Hotel as well as several pieces of the hotel’s furniture. She worked at the hotel as a secretary at a time when hardly any women worked in the business world.
“The catering manager said, ‘Helen, I’ve got a barrel of old silver that we’re going to sell. You can go down there and take what you want.’ So I took a few nice pieces. I probably should have taken more,” Cockrell said.
After retiring, Cockrell used display cases to set up her collections and swap them out every now and then at the Homewood Public Library, where she
volunteered for 15 years. “Every piece she has, she can tell you
the story behind it,” said Deborah Fout, director of the Homewood Public Library. “She is just a wonderful person. I always felt like we were kindred spirits.”
Cockrell has lived in Homewood for more than 35 years and in the Birmingham area since she was eight years old.
During her childhood, Cockrell
attended Pleasant Valley School, a one-room school house in Birmingham. She and her siblings were discriminated against because they had moved here from Evansville, Ind.
“Dad told the school board about our teacher’s behavior, and they transferred her,” Cockrell said.
Her father was assigned to be in charge of Birmingham Water Works when it fi rst
opened and ran it for more than 40 years. “She can tell you all about how
the fi ltration system works, even now,” Cockrell’s caretaker Kathryn Bingham said.
Cockrell went on to graduate from Shades Cahaba High School and after that Wheeler Business College before entering the workforce.
Her husband, Neal Cockrell, passed away at age 87 nearly 30 years ago. In December 2010, Cockrell lost her younger brother, Raymond. She is the last living member of her immediate family.
Although some might think she has a secret to living to 106, Cockrell says she’s just as surprised as everyone else.
“I haven’t done anything special. No one in my family has,” Cockrell said.
Her best guess is that she takes no medication and doesn’t see doctors.
“Her blood pressure is always perfect and so is her heart rate. It’s amazing,” Bingham said.
Friends say they admire Cockrell’s perspective.
“She has a different take on life than younger people. She’s a wealth of wisdom. I’m proud for her,” Fout said.
The Homewood Middle School Choir came to Helen Cockrell’s home to sing her Happy Birthday when she turned 106 on May 23. City offi cials ,including Homewood City Schools Superintendent Bill Cleveland and Alabama State House Representative Paul DeMarco, pictured, also attended the celebration.
Helen Cockrell outside her home on Whitehall Road in 2006. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Bingham.
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| July 2012 |
What happened in Vietnam didn’t stay in Vietnam
Homewood residents Jo and Bob Echols met in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Photo by Rick Watson.
Jo and Bob on the Cambodian border during the Vietnam War. Photo courtesy of the Echols.
By RICK WATSON
Jo Echols wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life after she graduated from a college for women in South Carolina in 1969.
She’d heard about a Red Cross program where single women could join the Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO). She wanted to see Vietnam, so she joined the one-year program.
“We were affectionately known as the ‘Doughnut Dollies,’” she said. Their job was to lift the morale of the troops. The SRAO girls were stationed at An Khe and would take board games and other recreational items into the field to entertain the soldiers.
During one visit to a firebase, a friend introduced Jo to Bob Echols, a Pathfinder Commander in the Fourth Infantry Division of the Army.
“What attracted me to Bob was his sense of humor,” said Jo. “Anyone who can laugh under those circumstances is pretty special.”
The SRAO women were like rock stars to the troops out in the jungle, according to Bob. The Army scouted the flight paths each night before the women flew into the field to try and make it as safe as possible.
“These girls were great. They’d fly out to a firebase and entertain 100 troops with the war about 100 yards away,” said Bob.
They might have been the only American women the troops saw for months on end, so their visits were hugely important.
While Jo was in Vietnam, her older brother was wounded about 100 miles away, and she didn’t have a way to see him.
Bob quickly devised a plan for her to see him that involved a high-speed jeep ride through the country. Along the way,
they came under fire. Bob remembered thinking, “I’m going to get court marshaled over this.” Jo smiled as she said, “I think he was more worried about getting in trouble than getting me killed.”
After the visit, the two returned at high speed to Bob’s firebase. Jo’s brother was not badly injured and recovered.
Jo’s tour in Vietnam was limited to one year, and she left before Bob, who served there for 18 months.
The two became good friends and wrote to each other after she left. She got a job in Atlanta, and when Bob left Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., for about a year. It was there that their relationship blossomed.
The Army transferred Bob to Bamburg, Germany. She went to Europe with the intention of working with the United Service Organization (USO), but that plan was derailed when they decided to elope.
It took several months to marry in Germany but only a matter of days in Switzerland, so that’s where they headed. They found a magistrate and tied the knot.
After Bob completed his West Point commitment with the Army, he decided to leave active duty. The couple wasn’t ready to come back to the States, so they traveled around Europe and North Africa for two years in a Volkswagen van.
When they did return to the U.S., Bob was accepted into the Cumberland School
of Law, and they settled in Homewood, where they raised two children.
Bob practices law, and Jo worked for Xerox, the Homewood Park Board and with special education at Homewood High School, but now works at home.
Bob and Jo went to a Doughnut Dollies Reunion in Dallas a few years ago where they met two other couples who met in An Khe before marrying.
The Echols were lucky and made it through Vietnam just fine. “We’re not traumatized, we’re not insane and we don’t have post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Jo. Bob said his job in the Army was causing the other side to have PTSD.
It’s no mystery they ended up together. “I just love good-looking men in boots,” Jo said.
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | The Homewood Star
By MICHAEL SEALE
Imagine getting to play in a band whose music video gets aired on MTV, or playing drums with your face shown on the Jumbotron at Wembley Stadium in London while opening up for R.E.M., or showcasing your talents on The Late Show with David Letterman. While this might sound like some kind of rock and roll fantasy to some people, it is just a small description of Les Nuby’s life as a musician.
Nuby, a Birmingham native, has seen a great deal of success as a musician, on a national scale and on a personal level. His band Verbena, for whom he played drums, was signed by Capital Records in 1999, and after moving to Los Angeles, the band toured the country, had music videos on MTV (one featuring Kiefer Sutherland in a cameo role) and appeared on national television with David Letterman. After Verbena disbanded, Nuby remained in L.A. and played a variety of instruments for a number of musicians in recording session work.
When he returned to Birmingham, he teamed up with Wes McDonald, Jake Waitzman and Keelan Parrish to form Vulture Whale. While playing guitar for Vulture Whale has at times been a full time job, Nuby has now ventured into a new aspect of the music business, as the head producer at Ol’ Elegante Studios in Homewood.
He said he felt that his venture into the production realm of the music industry was inevitable. “It seems like the most logical step,” Nuby said. “After playing in bands for so long, it only makes sense to see the other side.”
Over the last two years, the studio has seen more action as it has transitioned from merely a practice space for Vulture Whale to a full-service studio. The building, located at 2734 Central Avenue, was once
Les Nuby brings his talent back home
a car wash, but it has morphed from car to practice space to full-service recording studio over the course of approximately fi ve years. Waitzman, Vulture Whale’s drummer, lives close by in Edgewood, and the rest of the band does not live far, so as they spent more time at the space, it became more than just a place to store equipment. It is now a business.
“For about two years, we have made the studio available, but we have had the
luxury of it not turning into a commercial studio,” Nuby said. “This way I can focus on bands and artists as opposed to jingles and background music.”
The music scene in Birmingham has gained some national notoriety, and Nuby said it helps the city’s music scene to have a studio in town.
“It has to start here,” Nuby said, speaking of the recording process. “Big labels are fi ne and all, but if you really want
control of your vision, keep it organic and close.”
Ol‘ Elegante Studios shares its name and offi ces with Ol’ Elegante Records, but Nuby said the label and studio are independent from one another. However, Nuby has his hand in both projects operating out of the Homewood offi ce.
“While I am the head producer at the studio, I am only a part of the label. The two other names involved are Jason Hamric and Craig Ceravolo. At present, we split the duties evenly, with Craig being our Los Angeles-based counterpart. It’s always good to have a guy out there, for anything face to face with our contacts there.”
Nuby said recording bands and learning the business side and production side of music has been a challenging but smooth transition. Not only does he produce the music for local artists, but he often contributes musically to the recordings as well. A talented and versatile musician with a variety of different skills - from drums to guitar to piano to mandolin, and more in between – Nuby gets called upon often.
“Playing a bunch of instruments helps,” he said. “And putting myself into the equation, if need be, makes me have an emotional connection to the project.”
Ol’ Elegante has the latest in production and recording equipment and also Nuby’s taste for the traditional. Nuby said technology has changed the music business exponentially, both positively and negatively.
“While computers can save time, they also can sterilize the vibe. Finding that balance is the most important,” he said. “I have found it’s good to use as much analog gear as I can before getting to a computer. But then again, it always depends on the project.”
For more information about Ol’ Elegante, visit www.olelegante.com.
Les Nuby opened Ol’ Elegante Studios on Central Avenue. Photo courtesy of Michael Seale.
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| July 2012 | Business
Homewood Happenings
The Shops of Assistance League on Oxmoor Road have expanded and reorganized to show off their wares to the fullest and to encourage a fun and pleasant shopping experience for customers.
In April, Encore Thrift Shop expanded into a larger space. The shop sells upscale, gently used clothes for adults and children, furniture, household goods, toys and art at very low prices. Encore is a fundraiser and in addition to providing funds for PrimeTime Treasures, the monies raised also support Assistance League’s other two philanthropic programs. Operation School Bell clothes over 2,000 students a year with new clothes, socks, undergarments, a coat and a new book. Since 1985, the program has clothed over 24,000 students from 23 local schools. Operation Literacy provides tutoring and reading buddies at a local
elementary school. Encore Thrift Shop will gladly accept your donations and provide you with a tax receipt.
PrimeTime Treasures, a nonprofit program of Assistance League of Birmingham, has been in Homewood since 1977. Everything in the shop is crafted by Alabama seniors. Once a sale is made, the shop sends a check to the senior craftsman who made the item. Since opening its doors, PrimeTime Treasures has returned over $3.8 million to these talented seniors. The shop sells one-of-a-kind furniture, art, jewelry, household goods and décor and children’s clothes, toys and furniture.
The Shops of Assistance League are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and are located at 1755 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. For more information call 870-5555.
Assistance League of Birmingham shops expand
New depression treatment at TMS
New Gulf shrimp delivery serviceA new business is delivering fresh
shrimp to Homewood homes.“We get the most beautiful fresh Gulf
shrimp right off the boat,” said co-owner Cameron Cardwell, who loves cooking shrimp boils but had a hard time finding fresh shrimp in Birmingham. He now uses a connection in Bane County, Fla., to deliver the shrimp up to Birmingham.
The shrimp are $10 per pound
and can be ordered online at www.swimminglastnight.com or by calling 427- 4567.
They hope to soon start selling fresh fish; Alaskan snow crab legs; and a kit for a shrimp boil that contains shrimp, corn, onions, potatoes and an instruction card. They also deliver to Mountain Brook and Forest Park.
Vulcan Vape LLC, a distributor/retailer specializing in electronic cigarette products, has opened a store.
Their products offer an alternative for smokers, especially in light of a new city-wide smoking ban.
”The e-cig and vape community is steadily growing, so our store is a natural step in being able to serve our expanding customer base,” said Jake Waitzman, who co-owns the business with Wes McDonald.
Vulcan Vape has been doing business through its online store since September of 2011, but will now have the opportunity for more face-to-face sales.
The store is located at 2783 BM Montgomery Street right off Central Avenue. Their hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, visit vulcanvape.com or call 914-2077.
New electronic cigarette store
TMS Birmingham is offering a new form of treatment for depression for those who have not responded to depression medication. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive shock treatment that stimulates neurons in the brain. It has been studied for over 20 years and is cleared by the FDA. Dr. Paul C. Weir
of TMS Birmingham was featured on an NPR story last month about the treatment.
Their office is located at 3014 Firefighter Lane. For more information on the treatment, visit www.tmsbirmingham.com, email [email protected], or call 870-0619.
Hannah Kate clothing company featured by Glenn Beck
Hannah Kate, a Homewood-based children’s clothing company, was featured on Glenn Beck’s small business showcase on “Markdown Marketplace” at Markdown.com. Beck, host of a nationally syndicated radio talk show, hand selected Hannah Kate’s owner and designer Andrea Brown and business manager Emily Neel for a television interview on May 25.
Brown started the business in 2000 in her basement and named it after her two daughters. Today, the brand claims more than 120 home shows across the country and a special collection at hannahkatespecialcollection.com.
For more information on Hannah Kate, visit hannahkateonline.com.
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | Business
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On April 27, 2011, a tornado hit Rachel and Stephen Vincent’s newly renovated home in Pleasant Grove. Only one other house on their street, located a mile and a half away, was left standing.
The newlyweds, married in May 2010, had to replace everything but salvaged what they could. They had put the finishing touches of a restoration on the house about a month before the tornado.
Sometime in May, the couple noticed their home’s old porch swing that had fallen during the storm. Rachel knew that if they tore it apart, they could do something with it. “We love rustic stuff,” she said.
She and Stephen decided to use the swing’s planks to make a three-paneled picture frame. Soon, they were making more frames, and Rachel was painting. She and Stephen traveled to Atlanta at the end of the summer to show their wares at Scott’s Antique Market, one of the biggest in the South. Before long, they were bringing tables and headboards and more to the market.
In February 2012, the Vincents leased a space in downtown Homewood, and A Touch of Whimsy opened on March 30.
“I don’t even know how it really happened,” Rachel said. “All the stars aligned. I love to paint and to design, and I really wanted to do it.”
Rachel had always said if she had her own shop, it would be on 18th Street in Homewood. The location next to Penzey’s Spices is also convenient for Stephen, who is a first-year pharmacy student at Samford University.
Rachel’s family is the “do-it-yourself” type, and she has always loved anything to do with art and creating. Stephen has learned to build over the past year using reclaimed wood.
“It’s all math,” he said. “I made a table out of wood from a 1930s gym floor, another with wood from a barn—anywhere I can find wood.”
The couple grew up in Pleasant Grove, so seeing the effects on the community has been difficult.
“It’s tough to be there and see it every day,” Rachel said. “We had 57 trees in our yard that fell down or had to be cut down, but there are still trees all over.”
They said they would love to live in Homewood one day.
“I love the community. It couldn’t get any better. Everything is available to you,” Rachel said. “And it’s safe.”
A Touch of Whimsy sells beds, frames, tables, benches, mirrors, Rachel’s paintings, smaller gift items, butcher blocks, pottery
and more. Rachel buys some items wholesale at a market in Atlanta, and some pieces are consigned. They also love doing custom orders for people.
“If we don’t have the exact piece, we can do that for them,” she said.
Rachel hopes the shop will grow and that she can please the community. She is excited about where it is headed.
“It’s been a blast for me,” she said. “It’s kind of a dream come true.”
Rachel and Stephen Vincent opened A Touch of Whimsy in downtown Homewood on March 30. Photo by Craig Kleimeyer.
Business Spotlight | By CRAIG
KLEIMEYERA Touch of Whimsy15
| July 2012 | Food
By HANNAH KLINGER
Growing up in Edgewood, I remember heading to downtown Homewood every July 4 and setting up lawn chairs on 18th Street. We made sure we could see Vulcan’s arm from our spot, then ate snacks and played games until dark. My neighbors would shoot little fireworks from the street long after the show ended. I also remember eating lots of berries with whipped cream because it was the only red, white and blue dessert we could think of. Here are a few more to try.
Red Mountain Fireworks CookiesYield: 40 cookies
Take these red and purple pinwheel cookies along as you look for the perfect spot to watch fireworks over Red Mountain this July 4. Freeze an extra batch ahead of time to share with friends.
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup raspberry jam 1/4 cup blackberry jam
1. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until just combined. Sift flour, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl; gradually add to creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Shape into a ball; chill 10-15 minutes.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle (dough should be
Red and blue sweet treats
about 1/4-inch thick). Cut dough in half crosswise. Spread raspberry jam in an even layer on one half and blackberry jam on the other half, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Carefully roll up each half jelly-roll style, starting with the long side. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; chill at least 3 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 375°.
4. Spray cookie sheets lightly with cooking spray. Unwrap dough and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place slices 1-inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack until cool.
Blueberry Yogurt PopsYield: 8 servings
Use frozen strawberries and cranberry juice instead of blueberries and blueberry juice for red and white striped fruit pops, or do a mix of both for a patriotic summer treat.
2 cups frozen blueberries 2 cups blueberry juice or grape juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, divided
Combine first four ingredients (through lemon juice) and 3 tablespoons yogurt in
a blender; blend until smooth. Pour half of blueberry mixture into 8 molds, filling each mold halfway. Insert sticks into center of each mold; freeze two hours. Remove sticks. Spoon 1 teaspoon yogurt into each mold; spread evenly. Replace sticks; freeze one hour. Fill molds with remaining blueberry mixture; freeze overnight or until solid. Remove fruit pops by running molds under warm water.
Homewood native Hannah Klinger is a culinary student, recipe developer and food writer. She blogs at onebowlonespoon.wordpress.com.
Red Mountain Fireworks Cookies feature swirls of blackberry and raspberry jams. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Blueberry Yogurt Pops are fruity, refreshing and (don’t tell your kids) healthy. Photo by Madoline Markham.
16
Life is simply too short to eat bad food.In between school, work, carpools,
lacrosse practice, dance team, tutoring and life we all need to eat. More and more of us are eating on the go and have less time to think about those three important meals.
Lucky for us, we have Shindigs Catering and Food Truck. Mac Russell and Chad Schofield are the two guys behind the Shindigs brand, which not only caters some of the best parties in town but also serves food five days a week from their traveling food truck, affectionately known as Miss Piggy.
First, let’s put away all notions of past mobile meals; this is no roach coach. Formally, they’ll tell you their goal is to create food that benefits and nourishes everyone it touches, with a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients and flavor combinations prepared simply yet creatively. Russell said they just want their food to “spank your tastebuds.” These two joke a lot, but their talent is serious.
The menu is always changing, but customers definitely have their favorites:
the Willis Steak Panini, Salmon or Pork Burgers, Steamed Pork or Braised Short Rib Buns, the Vegan L.A. (as in “Lower Alabama”) Balls on Quinoa Salad. You’re beginning to get the idea that the Shindigs food truck is a restaurant on wheels. The kitchen is just a little bit smaller.
You can’t share a space that small without being able to get along well with others. Owners Russell and Schofield have known each other for so long, they finish one another’s sentences. Well, not exactly. Russell really does all the talking. He quips that he talks for both of them so that his more talented sidekick can crank out the delicious food. In reality, these are two very creative guys who started working side by side at Bud Skinner’s Jubilee Seafood in the Cloverdale area of Montgomery. They went on together to Ross Bridge, then Chris Hastings’ Hot and Hot Fish Club, and Standard Bistro in Mt Laurel (now Stone’s Throw, where they stage their food.)
On Fridays for lunch, you can find
them in Homewood parked in front of Icing on the Cookie at 2907 Central Avenue. Always-smiling Sarah Ellison takes orders on a paper ticket and hands it to the kitchen. She tallies orders on an iPhone and can run debit and credit cards from there too, all in a matter of minutes.
The food truck offerings are only the tip of the iceberg for what these guys can do with food. Their catered affairs are legendary around town. They recently did a Spanish-themed event, serving their interpretation of traditional Iberian tapas with Benton’s bacon and local produce. Their spin on surf-and-turf was termed reef-and-beef, featuring both a portion of flat-iron steak and seared salmon. That particular meal ended with Elvis’s Bread Pudding, which partygoers went nuts over.
This seems like a lot of work for just two guys from Selma (Russell) and Montgomery (Schofield), but they have a group of reliable rotating kitchen help and lots of loyal fans.
“Honestly, the truck is one of our biggest catering tools,” Russell said. “Not only can we serve from Miss Piggy at off-site events, but feeding people lunch every day helps us generate new clients. It is fun for people with potential catering jobs to come by the truck and try something we might serve at their wedding reception or husband’s surprise party. We love our Homewood friends.”
So set that reminder on your phone’s calendar to stop by Miss Piggy next Friday. You can follow Shindigs on Facebook and Twitter to see where they’ll be other days and read their complete menu as it changes with the seasons. They even have a handy iPhone app you can download to find them faster. Now that is some serious tastebud spanking.
Follow Christiana Roussel’s culinary musings online at ChristianasKitchen.com or on Facebook or Twitter (Christiana40).
Shindigs Food Truck parks on Central Avenue in front of Icing on the Cookie on Fridays. Photo by Madoline Markham.
Chefs Chad Schofield and Mac Russell own and operate Shindigs.
www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | Food
Only three blocks from the park on Central Avenue
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Restaurant Showcase | By CHRISTIANA
ROUSSELShindigs Food Truck17
| July 2012 |
By MARY ELLEN SNELL
Nestled in the heart of Homewood is a pink stucco mansion surrounded by stately mature holly and cedar trees. A peek through the lush trees beckons one to enter this secret garden to discover its secrets.
Artists Mary Eleanor, known as Eleanor, and Georges Bridges built the home with an eclectic mix of Spanish and Greek architecture in 1921.
Eleanor, nicknamed “London” Bridges, was a painter and designed the gardens. Georges, a sculptor who created the Brother Bryan and Jefferson statues for the City of Birmingham, worked the gardens. The Bridges traveled to Europe during the summer and lived and gardened in the home during the other months for 69 years together.
They hosted lavish social occasions in their home for artists such as Ella and Scott Fitzgerald and Earnest Hemingway. The holly and cedar trees they planted created a semi-private sanctuary for the garden grounds. However, they knew neighbors could peek through the vines and trees and see partygoers and limousines entering the grounds, going inside and leaving along
White flowers and the secret garden
the dirt roads. The interior of the home is as special
as the exterior home and garden designs. A balcony overlooks the 28-foot high ceiling in the living room. At age 80, Eleanor stood on scaffolding to paint a life-size horse on a huge canvas hanging from the balcony. She was still gardening until she moved to assisted living in 1980.
After Eleanor’s death in the early 1980s, Diana and Eric Hansen, friends of the Bridges, bought the “Bridges Studio” home.
The Hansens consider themselves caretakers of this artistic haven, a sanctuary of wonder and amazement. They delight in the fact that neighbors are still peeking through these same vines and trees today, although the garden landscaping has changed through the years.
They purchased the home complete with all its furnishings and contents, to
avoid a public sale of the property, and eventually discovered a few hatboxes that Eleanor had labeled “white flowers.” Coincidentally, Diana had opened a store by the same name now located at the corner of 18th Street and Central Avenue in downtown Homewood.
Diana draws inspiration for her business from her love for her home and gardens. The peaceful atmosphere in her shop reflects the creative and loving presence she feels around her home. The emotional connection between the shop and her home begins with her garden flowers and is highlighted by her favorite color, white.
For Diana, the color white represents God’s hand, light, angels, calmness and everything good and beautiful. The clean, crisp, ethereal pureness is also a perfect backdrop for displays of art. Eric, a commercial photographer, takes
photographs of her garden flowers in black and white, which are displayed throughout the all-white walls of her home.
Likewise, her entire shop is white, inside and out. The store also sells soft white T-shirts for adults and children with simple flowers or sweet phrases in contrasting black or gray writing or design. Fanciful white or off-white cotton antique lace skirts and blouses of various designs and lengths are among the many gift items in the store.
Shoppers say that Diana’s shop is a wonderful retreat, a relaxing and special experience. The business has grown through the years from four designs at the Atlanta gift market, to a kiosk at Brookwood Mall, to a leased shop in Mountain Brook, to her new permanent location.
Still, her vision and love for her home and garden inspire her business and imbue her with calm and happiness.
The Bridges Studio home is located in Edgewood. Photos by Madoline Markham.
George Bridges crafted this statue that is still a part of the garden he and his wife created.
A revolutionary change in the way kids 10 and under learn and play tennis, as well as compete, is happening across the country, and your kids should be a part of it! Smaller courts, lighter and lower bouncing balls and smaller and lighter racquets fi t your child’s size. It all makes it easy and fun for them to hit, play and score from the start – while developing skills that will last a lifetime.
A revolutionary change in the way kids 10 and under learn and play A revolutionary change in the way kids 10 and under learn and play
TENNIS SERVES UP NEW FUN FOR KIDS
Learn. Play. Grow.To fi nd out information about programs in your area or to register for the free USTA 10 and Under membership, contact:Sarah Kleban, 10 and Under Tennis Coordinator(205) 578-8912 or [email protected]
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/10-and-Under-Tennis-Birmingham/310946545659610
SOUTHERN
7246 10 and Under-Birm-7.5x10.indd 1 6/15/12 12:52 PM
The Homewood Star18
www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 |
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Ordinary DaysSummertime in Homewood
By LAUREN DENTON
I know We Love Homewood Day is in May, but I think I’m going through my own personal “I Love Homewood” phase right now. It seems like everywhere I turn, something else is reminding me why I love living in this town. Every season brings its own particular joys and sights, and perhaps my favorites come in the summertime. Kids in sprinklers, pools filled to capacity, the ice cream truck making its daily rounds (even though it seems to come in the winter months, too), parks brimming with people of all ages—everything feels a bit lighter in the summer.
Recently, I saw a fire truck sitting outside a house down our street. Instead of firemen running around with hoses, I saw balloons tied to a Happy Birthday sign and kids and their parents lined up in the front yard, waiting to climb on the truck for a tour. Each child was wearing a red plastic fire hat and a big grin. Blame it on my pregnancy hormones if you want, but I got teary seeing all the smiling faces, the beautiful morning sunshine and the gentle breeze in the trees. Of course, things like this happen in other cities, but I’d never seen a fire truck birthday party before, and to me, it just screamed, “We are Homewood and we love it!”
Another Homewood treat has to do with my family’s weekend routine, which lately has included frequent trips to Sam’s Deli for dinner. All the Edgewood restaurants are packed on the weekends with folks sitting outside enjoying the pleasant weather, but we’ve discovered that Sam’s is an especially great place to take our daughter, and for more than just the food—there’s a grassy hill behind the restaurant that attracts kids like ants to a
picnic. Kate loves to run around behind the bigger kids, the hill full of shouts and laughter. It gives us parents a nice reprieve to eat our dinner in relative peace while the little ones play and tire themselves out before bed. Occasionally Kate stops by our table to take a bite of her grilled cheese, but mostly, she just enjoys the company of the other kids—kids she’ll probably go to school with one day.
It being July, I’m most excited about the Fourth of July fireworks. We’re usually at the beach for the holiday, but since I’m due at the end of July, I figure it might be better to stick around town. If things were to happen early, I don’t want to have my baby in Pensacola instead of the fancy new Brookwood Women’s Medical Center!
Even though I’ve lived in Birmingham for 11 years, most of those in Homewood, I’ve only been in town once to see the fireworks on the mountain. That year, my husband Matt and I took some friends up to the roof of his company’s building, which was situated near downtown Homewood and had a perfect view of Vulcan and the explosions in the sky. This year, we’ll keep Kate up past her bedtime so she can see her first fireworks show. I can just see her now—hands planted over her ears, eyes open wide and a huge grin on her face.
The night of July 4th is one of many special times for Homewood, much like the lighting of the Christmas star or We Love Homewood Day, when people from across the city come together for the same thing and excitement floats in the air. Happy Summer, Homewood!
Lauren can be reached at [email protected].
This partnership soon birthed aTeam Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization located in Homewood that is committed to offering spiritual, financial and emotional support to children and their families within the pediatric cancer community. Through aTeam, the Throwers can relate to other families going through similar experiences and give encouragement when and where it is needed.
“It has been a blessing to help make a difference and to encourage and uplift families who just need love at a time that’s hard,” Andy said.
The ministry originally got its name from a team formed to walk for Anderson in a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society event. Andy wanted to use the name because it fit for a team of people working together, living out the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 by serving and comforting others.
aTeam’s goal is not to fight for the cure, although the ministry supports that goal.
“We fight to provide the frontline needs for families,” Andy said. “Until that’s done, families will always need help.”
Most of the patients and their families supported by aTeam are from outside of Birmingham and all over the state of Alabama. Some patients and families are only in Birmingham for a few days at a time, and some are in Birmingham for a week or more. Bone-marrow transplant families are here for 60 to 90 days.
aTEAMCONTINUED from page 1
One of aTeam’s many programs, Heart 2 HeART, pairs each child with a professional artist. The artwork they create together is then presented in aTeam’s annual Heart to HeART Gala, aTeam’s primary fundraising event.
Families hear about aTeam by word-of-mouth in the cancer community, through oncology social workers, or from Andy, who visits the hospital at least once per week.
Anderson had his final chemotherapy at home on March 19, 2012, one year and one day after aTeam became Andy’s full-time job. Andy also drives a school bus for Hoover to help with insurance and retirement. He said it has been a blessing to serve and provide all that aTeam offers.
“We’ve received many blessings from the programs and from meeting new friends and having the opportunity to see families smile,” he said. “God has shown us so many great lessons and opened up so many doors that we probably never had even dreamed about.”
With the ministry, the Throwers value family time more than they did before. They have a new perspective on their purpose. And, they are quick to note the centrality of aTeam being a faith-based ministry.
“We want people to see that it’s not just us who are doing it, who are helping,” he said. “It’s God.”
Support aTeamaTeam Ministries is a tax-deductible ministry that is supported
by donations or individual sponsorships. You can help by joining the aTeam prayer team, becoming a prayer partner,
making a donation or volunteering to help in other ways. To learn more about aTeam and to help support the ministry, visit
www.ateamministries.org.
The Homewood Star 19
| July 2012 | Parks and Recreation
HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD PARKS HOMEWOOD 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www.Homewoodparks.com@homewoodparks
Special Events
Summer InformationPool Hours & Information
Homewood Central Pool at Homewood Community CenterPool Hours:Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pmSunday: 1:00pm – 6:00pmDeck Phone: (205) 879-5012
West Homewood Pool at West Homewood ParkPool Hours:Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pmSunday: 1:00pm – 6:00pmDeck Phone: (205) 942-4572
Free Friday Flicks 2012June 29th – Alvin and The Chipmunks: ChipwreckedJuly 6th – Kung Fu Panda 2July 13th – Puss in BootsJuly 20th -Toy Story 3July 27th – RAIN DATE(Only used if one of the previous dates rains out)
Flicks Rules1) Once movie begins all spectators are to be seated in main lawn area of Homewood Central Park.2) Please refrain from talking during the movie as it disturbs others around you.3) Pavilions, playground, amphitheater/stage, parking lot and skate pad are closed once movie begins.4) You should only be up from your seati ng locati on during the movie for the following:* To use the public bathroom* Purchasing items from vendors* Departi ng from the event5) No alcohol or tobacco on Park property.6) Homewood Police and Homewood Parks & Recreati on employees reserve the right to ask anyone to leave the event.
4th of July Festival Downtown Homewood
Wednesday, July 4th 2012The City of Homewood and the Homewood Parks and Recreati on will celebrate the 4th of July in Downtown Homewood. The streets in Downtown Homewood will be closed for vehicles to make way for pedestrian traffi c. Our event opens to the general public at 5:30PM. There will be a combinati on of infl atables/rides placed in the streets that will appeal to children of all ages. A DJ will provide music and interacti ve acti viti es for the patrons at the event. Downtown Homewood is by far one of the best locati ons in the enti re metro area to view the “Thunder on the Mountain” fi reworks show from Vulcan Park. All of our acti viti es will end at the beginning of the fi reworks show. Proceeds from the event will benefi t the H.E.A.T. program at the Homewood Parks and Recreati on. The H.E.A.T. program is for 6th – 8th graders in Homewood providing recreati onal opportuniti es for the parti cipants in diff erent interest areas.
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
Homewood Community Center
Activities
Homewood Senior Center
Guitar Class offered at Homewood Senior Center
When: Starti ng Thursday, July 12, 6:30-7:30 pm; Class will run eight weeks ending August 30. Who: Senior Center Members; class is designed for beginner Senior AdultsWhere: Homewood Senior CenterCosts: Free to Senior Center MembersInformati on: Student must bring a playable guitar. The student will learn to play the guitar as an accompaniment instrument by using basic chords and strumming technique and how to read a simple line of music. For additi onal informati on contact Dotti e at 332-6500.
New Senior ChorusHomewood Senior Center has built a group of 18 singers and will welcome more! Piano accompanist is Ray Reach. Group meets on Monday’s at 1:00pm. For more informati on, contact Dotti e at 332-6500.
Fall Senior Adult Trip to Orange Beach on Gulf Coast
When: Monday, November 12th - Wednesday, November 14thCosts: 3 days, 2 nights for $368. Organized by: Alabama Parks & Recreati on Associati on (ARPA)Trip Includes: Luau Party, breakfast Tuesday & Wednesday, Dolphin Cruise, Tuesday dinner, Putt -Putt Golf, Souvenir T-shirt. Accompanied by Homewood Senior Center staff . 1st installment of $75 payment due by July 27th. Homewood Senior Center will be collecti ng payments for ARPA.For more informati on contact Aimee or Dotti e at Homewood Senior Center at 332-6500
Tennis with Dave LuessePrograms & Events Off eredPrivate and Group LessonsKids USTA Team TennisKids Group Clinic and Rally BallAdult Singles Park LeagueAdult Mixed Doubles Park LeagueAdult Tournaments (Singles, Doubles & Mixed)
For more informati on contact Dave Luesse at 967-5875 or 901-9243
AthleticsHomewood Soccer Club
Homewood 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
20
www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | Homewood Sports
The 7-year-old Braves fi nished their season with a 13-5 record and beat the Nationals 12-11 in the Homewood Patriot Youth Baseball League championship game: Antonio Jackson, Rigdon Gibbons, Parker Sansing, Fisher Kennedy, Imam Tolen, Robert Beason, Joey Strieff, Charlie Reeves, Gilder Johnson. Coaches: Warren Beason, Rusty Sansing, David Reeves. Photo courtesy of Rusty Sansing.
Braves league champs
Homewood Soccer Club’s U13 team won the DII State Championship Tournament in Decatur on May 13. They beat Fusion, 5-2. Five different players
scored for Homewood. They are coached by Sean McBride, who is also Homewood High School’s varsity coach.
U13 Soccer wins state championship
Back row: Coach Mason Cook, Cameron Wood, Gersain Leon, Andrew Cooper, Evan Myers, Parker Bembry, Frank Trujillo, Head Coach Sean McBride, Coach Jeff Brannon. Front row: Ethan Getman, Eric Hepp, Chandler Harris, Jackson White, Stanford Massie, Brady Brannon, Salam Qashou.
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Across from Patriot Park
The 9-year-old National All-Star team enjoyed ice cream sundaes after practice the night before tournament pool play began. The team played in the National All Star tournament hosted by Hoover at Shades Mountain Park June 6-18. Front row: Reed Harrison, Len Irvine, Alan Isenhower, Jack Briese, Charlie Goode. Back row: Jake Hurst, Alex Kamau, Hardy Smith, Blake Bunshaw, Max Heath, Jake Dransfi eld, Frank Studinka. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Studinka.
Nine-Year-Old Nationals
Send in your kids’ sports photosAll stars, swim team, school sports —we want to run your sports photos in our upcoming issues. Email photos and caption information to [email protected].
Homewood Sports
21
| July 2012 | School House
By MERRICK WILSON
In Homewood, friendships don’t end when you graduate and head off to college. For these Homewood High School alumni, their friendships and support for each other turned their dreams of owning a business into a reality.
In 2010, high school sweethearts Margaret Hale and Taylor Baggett started a catering/cooking class business called The Chef Next Door in Huntsville. The business did so well that they needed to expand, and the expansion opened new doors and ideas to their catering business.
As they looked for a space to house their catering company, they found a location that had room for a small restaurant operation.
“After mulling over the different options for the space, we decided to go all out and open up a small café,” said Baggett, Class of 2003.
When it came to forming the rest of the group, they knew exactly where to turn. They approached former 2003 classmates Joseph Salls and Matt Smith, and the idea grew from there. In August 2011, The Marketplace Café held its grand opening.
“We are all very close friends and entrepreneurs at heart, so it was a natural
Taylor Baggett, Margaret Hale, Joseph Salls, Matt Smith. Photo by Merrick Wilson
Homewood friends now entrepreneurs
fit. The rest is history,” said Hale, Class of 2004.
“We wanted the best and brightest working with us to create this café from the ground up, and the best and brightest just happened to be our oldest and closest friends,” Bahggett said.
Salls said he wanted to join the team because of Chef Margaret’s never ending pursuit of her dream.
Hale said people are surprised when they learn that they are all high school friends and still so close: “I have found that Homewood has a great track record for people who were friends through elementary, middle, and high school staying friends for the long haul.”
Homewood is a great community, Smith said, and it provided them with great relationships. The Marketplace Café is within the Interior Marketplace in Huntsville’s Hampton Cove. Their menu offers gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches and handmade baked goodies.”
The Chef Next Door, which is attached to the café, offers customizable cooking classes for all ages, on-site cooking demonstrations and event catering.
In the State Tournament results, the Homewood High School Algebra II Math Team received second place in Division I, and student Chris Myers placed ninth individually. The Geometry Math Team received fourth place in Division I, and
student Houston Wingo placed fifth individually. The Comprehensive Math Team placed seventh in Division I. The Math Team coaches are Mark Hellmers and Tim Hurry.
HHS Math Teams place at state
HHS math teams practice at the school.
Homewood Middle School sixth graders, including Darby McQueen’s students, participated in an experiential history lesson on the 1950s. After researching the time period, the students dressed the part and held a 50s party.
Partying 1950s style at HMS
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www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | School House
1982 2012
2908 CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 150 • HOMEWOOD, AL 35209 205.871.7332 • WWW.SKINWELLNESSAL.COM
Summer Fun Photo Contest
Our staff will choose the images that most colorfully capture a summer experience. Prizes will be awarded to contest winners.
Capture the fun of summer with your camera, and send us your favorite shots of the backyard, lake,beach, mountain, neighborhood and wherever you and your family are.
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 4 entry photos are allowed per person.Deadline for entries is August 10, 2012.
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 the paper and online.
23
| July 2012 | School House
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce honored an outstanding student from each school during their 27th annual Excellence in Education Award luncheon sponsored by Iberia Bank. The event, held at Homewood Middle School, acknowledged the Chamber’s 2011-12 Achievement Award winners, and the high school recipient was awarded with a $1,000 scholarship.
The luncheon also showcased Homewood City Schools’ Fine Arts with a presentation from Homewood High School’s Show Choir. The Homewood
High School Show Choirs, The Network and Legacy, had the greatest show choir season in the storied history of Homewood High School receiving many top awards this year.
This year’s Achievement Award Winners were: Jaden Alexander, Edgewood Elementary School; Samantha Stephens, Hall-Kent Elementary School; Evie Whitsett, Shades Cahaba Elementary School; Ann Chandler Hassett, Homewood Middle School; and Caleb Weaver, Homewood High School.
The Homewood Rotary Club awarded scholarships to three 2012 graduates of Homewood High School: Robin Ashley Anderson, Erica Marie Lepore and Ferrah Michelle Tutton.
Anderson plans to study psychology at the University of Alabama, Lepore plans to study secondary education at the University of Alabama, and Tutton plans to study child psychology at Samford
University.Homewood Rotary Club members
annually award scholarships to deserving Homewood students. This year’s recipients were introduced to club members by education foundation chairman Lawrence Corley at the May meeting at the Homewood Public Library. Each spoke of their high school experience and future plans.
Each year the fifth graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary School have an opportunity to participate in an academic bridge building unit of study. This year, an architect from Davis Architects partnered with each class to help the students in designing, drawing blueprints and building the bridges. In addition, Davis Architects provided all of the materials and gave a $100 donation to the three winning teams’ charity of choice.
The bridges were tested to see which team built the strongest one. Team CRAB from Leigh Eaton’s class won by holding 13 pounds. They selected to donate their money to Caroline Wilson, a Shades Cahaba student who was injured during the school year.
The school thanks Davis Architects, the five architects who attended at least two class periods per week while working on this unit of study, and Mayor Scott McBrayer for being one of the judges for this event.
Three Homewood High Seniors Receive Rotary Scholarships
Rotary President Jim Ceyte, Robin Anderson, Ferrah Tutton, Erica Marie Lepore, and Homewood City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland.
Homewood Chamber Annual Excellence in Education Luncheon
Dr. Bill Cleveland, Ann Chandler Hassett, Evie Whitsett, Jaden Alexander, Tricia Ford, Samantha Stephens, Caleb Weaver, and Mayor McBrayer.
Shades Cahaba builds bridges
Team CRAB: Maryl Stone, Elizabeth Oliver, Jordan Davis, Brianna Farrior and Alberto Santiago
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24
www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 | School House
HCS announces new appointmentsCurriculum and Technology Coordinator, Desiree SmithDesiree Smith has been appointed as the system’s new curriculum and technology coordinator. Smith currently serves as assistant principal at Homewood High School. Throughout her career, Smith has served as a teacher, administrator, instructor at the University of Montevallo, lecturer at Tuskegee University and scholar at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has served at Homewood High School for four years.
Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Montevallo, her master’s and Administration Certifi cate from UAB, and her Education Administration Specialist degree and doctorate degree from Samford University.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations, Dr. Kevin Maddox
Dr. Kevin Maddox has been appointed Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations. Maddox currently serves as principal of Homewood High School. His role will include managing the fi scal affairs, operations and facilities of the school district to contribute to maintaining an optimal educational environment. Maddox came to Homewood in 2007 as principal of Homewood Middle School.
For the past four years, he has served as Homewood High School’s principal. “It has been an honor to serve as Principal of Homewood High School for the past four years. I am extremely proud of the many accomplishments of our students and staff
members. Homewood High School is a remarkable organization that will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dr. Maddox said.
In 1992, Maddox received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Jacksonville State University, and in 1996 he earned his master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Montevallo, where he also received his Educational Specialist degree. Maddox completed his doctorate from Samford University.
HHS Assistant Principal, Latta JohnstonLatta Johnston has been appointed assistant principal
of Homewood High School. Johnston currently serves as the instructional technology coordinator. Johnston began his career at Homewood High School in 1997. He has served as a teacher, assistant football coach, assistant wrestling coach and technology specialist.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Samford University, where he also received his master’s degree in educational leadership. In 2007, Johnston earned his Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas.
A very special volunteer at Hall-Kent Elementary School was honored during their awards program for his 20th year of service. Tom Rankin, whom the students nicknamed “Grandpa” many years ago, has been volunteering his time to read with students for 20 years.
He started his service as an outreach of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, fi rst reading with a fourth grade classroom. Since that time he has worked in many different classrooms.
Hall-Kent is grateful for Mr. Rankin’s consistent, voluntary and generous use of his precious time.
Homewood City Schools recognized the 2011-2012 retirees during the May Board of Education meeting. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to helping our students reach their unique potential.
Homewood High School: John Finlay, Connell Hawkins, Ron ShaddixHomewood Middle School: Donna Johnson, Betty Young
Edgewood Elementary School: Edith Truss, Amanda WilliamsHall-Kent Elementary School: Jackie Hughes, Angela Lewis, Kristi WilsonShades Cahaba Elementary: Ginny Blackburn, Louise Mastin, Jane Robbins
Central Offi ce: Gary Grogan
Hall-Kent honors volunteer reader
Volunteer Tom Rankin with students.
HCS thanks retirees
The 2011-2012 retirees of Homewood City Schools were honored at the May Board of Education Meeting.
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| July 2012 | Calendar of EventsHomewood Events Saturdays – Urban Cookhouse Farmer’s Market. 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Soho parking lot Downtown Homewood. 2850 19th Street South. More information: www.urbancookhouse.com.
Saturdays – West Homewood Farmer’s Market. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 160 Oxmoor Road. www.westhomewood.com.
7/4 – OLS Firecracker Gazette. Our Lady of Sorrows will host 63rd annual fourth of July festival. Free. 10 a.m. -3 p.m., parking lot of OLS. More information: Joe Falconer 281-1831.
7/4 – Thunder on the Mountain. 9 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. More information: www.visitvulcan.com
7/6 – Free Friday Flicks at Homewood Park. Kung Fu Panda 2. 8:15 p.m.
7/9-7/13 – Computer Forensics Camp. Explore a career in cybercrime investigation. For rising 9 – 12 graders. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. University Boulevard Office Building, 13th St. $300. Registration: camps.cis.uab.edu. More information: 934–8620.
7/10 – Protecting and Passing Assets the Right Way. Bill Nolan, law attorney of Nolan Stewart Elder law firm, will discuss protecting and passing assets. 5 – 6:30 p.m. Brookdale Place at University Park 400 University Park Drive. R.S.V.P. by July 6. More information/R.S.V.P.: 558-0904.
7/13 – Free Friday Flicks at Homewood Park. Puss in Boots. 8:15 p.m.
7/14 – Brookwood Village Farmer’s Market. Every 2nd Saturday this summer we will have local farmers and Alabama vendors set up on the street for a market. There will be face paintng, live music and family fun. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Brookwood Village. More information: http://www.shopbrookwoodvillage.com/events.php.
7/16 – Estate Planning Essentials Workshop. The Greene Law Firm hosts Estate Planning workshop. 6 p.m.
Homewood Library. Reservation or more information: 746-2465 or [email protected].
7/16 – 7/19 – Vacation Bible School. Trinity United Methodist Church will host VBS for completed 3K through completed second graders. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. More information/Registration: 879-1737 or www.trinitybirmingham.com.
7/19 - Third Thursday Wine Down. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Downtown Homewood merchants stay open late and offer drinks and snacks for shoppers. More information: HomewoodChamber.com or 871-5631.
7/20 - Free Friday Flicks at Homewood Park. Toy Story 3. 8:15 p.m.
7/21 – Homewood class of 1992 20th reunion. 7 p.m. $75 due by June 30th. Rosewood Hall, 2850 19th St. More information/payment: http://www.homewood.k12.al.us/hhs/Reunions/Homewood%20Class%20of%201992%2020th%20Reunion.pdf.
7/23 – Delores Hydock: Storyteller Act. A Seasoned Performers event. Homewood Senior Center. $6 lunch. Register Friday before event. Registration/More information: 332-6500.
Family FunThursdays – Urban Cookhouse Farmer’s Market. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Summit Shopping Center. More information: www.urbancookhouse.com.
Saturdays – Pepper Place Saturday Market. 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. 2829 2nd Avenue South. www.pepperplacemarket.com.
7/4 – Fourth of July Flag Making and Parade – Oak Mountain State Park, 10 a.m., Cost: general admission ($1 -$3).
7/4- Independence Day 1776 – The American Village will host an
Independence Day set in 1776. $5. Free for veterans and kids under four. Gate opens at 11 a.m. Events start at 12 p.m. More information: 665-3535.
7/8 – Film Series: “Fresh.” “Fresh” celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. 2 p.m. Free.Birmingham Botanical Gardens Lynn-Henley Lecture Hall in the Garden Center. More information: www.bbgardens.org.
7/14 – Slippery, Slimy Saturday. Lots of ooey gooey fun as educators conduct slimy experiments and show you how to make your own creations. Included in cost of admission. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. McWane Science Center. More information: http://www.mcwane.org/calendar_items/1153-slippery_slimy_saturday.
Theatre7/9-7/25 – Acting Workshops for Seniors. Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at 571 Bluff Park Avenue in Bluff Park 35226. $150 for all six sessions. More information/registration: 978-5095 or [email protected].
7/12 -15, 7/19 – 22, 7/26-29 - Legally Blonde the Musical. 7:30. Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company. Virginia Samford Theatre. For more information and ticket purchase: www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
7/24 -7/28, 7/31 – Frog Prince. Birmingham Children’s Theatre Production. 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. More information and pricing: www.bct123.org.
Music and Arts7/1 – Mamma Mia Sing-a-long. 2 p.m. $8. The Alabama Theatre. More information: events.alabamatheatre.com.
7/11 – Big Time Rush Tour with Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow. 7 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Tickets: www.livenation.com.
7/14 – Miranda Lambert: On Fire Tour. 7:30 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Tickets: www.livenation.com.
7/15 – Dive! Part of Birmingham Botanical Garden’s documentary film series. 2 p.m. Free. Linn-Henley Lecture Hall. More information: www.bbgardens.org/filmseries.
7/22 – Queen of the Sun: What are the bees telling us? Part of Birmingham Botanical Garden’s documentary film series. 2 p.m. Free. Linn-Henley Lecture Hall. More information: www.bbgardens.org/filmseries.
7/26 – Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday Tour. 7:30 p.m. Boutwell Auditorium. Tickets: www.magiccitytix.com.
7/29 – Farmageddon. Part of Birmingham Botanical Garden’s documentary film series. 2 p.m. Free. Linn-Henley Lecture Hall. More information: www.bbgardens.org/filmseries.
7/31 – The Tour 2012: Kiss and Motley Crue. 7 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Tickets: www.livenation.com.
Sports7/11, 7/12, 7/13 – Birmingham Barons vs. Tennessee Smokies. 7:05 p.m. Regions Park. More information: http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t247 or 988-3200.
7/19, 7/20, 7/21, 7/22 – Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Biscuits. 7:05. Regions Park. More information: http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t247 or 988-3200.
7/29, 7/30, 7/31 – Birmingham Barons vs. Jackson Generals. 7:05. Regions Park. More information: http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t247 or 988-3200.
SaturdayJuly 21st
Mountain Brook Village
Market Day
scan for more information about market day8:00am-5:00pm
26
www.TheHomewoodStar.com | July 2012 |
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