The homewood star march 2015

The Homewood StarVolume 4 | Issue 12 | March 2015

Sponsors ...................A2City .............................A3Business.................A8Community ..............A18School House .............B9Sports .......................B12 Calendar ................. B17Opinion .................... B19

INSIDE

facebook.com/thehomewoodstar

neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood

Pre

-Sor

tSt

anda

rdU

.S. P

osta

gePA

IDM

emph

is, T

NPe

rmit

#830

Inside, find our guide to the best summer camps for kids. From cooking to sports to outdoor adventures, we break down the basics of area programs.

See page B2

Summer fun

See page A14

Community awards

Every community has people and causes that make a difference. This issue includes a ballot for our cause and community member of the year. Cast your vote by March 8.

C O M M U N I T Y

MEMBEROF THE YEAR

C O M M U N I T Y

CAUSEOF THE YEAR

Like the windA hurricane changed the

path of Aaron Ernest’s life, but he landed on his feet and found a home

in Homewood

By DAVID KNOX

It was a gust of fate that changed the course of Aaron Ernest’s life forever. It was called Katrina.

In 2005, he was an eighth-grade boy who loved being outside and playing football with his friends, running through the schoolyards and playgrounds in New Orleans. But on Aug. 28, he was instead cooped up in the backseat of a car headed toward someplace where the grass was greener, or at least wasn’t underwater. That place was Homewood.

The Birmingham metro area saw its share of refugees in the aftermath of the hurricane that devastated much of Louisiana’s Crescent City. Many of those displaced were children who needed a home and a hope that there would be some kind of normalcy in their lives.

Homewood and the people there helped a 12 year old with that.

Ernest, now a senior All-American sprinter for Louisiana State University, talked about his days in Homewood during the Auburn Invi-tational track meet at Birmingham CrossPlex.

“It was a big experience for me. I really wasn’t a runner when I came to Homewood,” Ernest said. “I had only played football, never really run track. I didn’t like track at first. I was LSU sprinter Aaron Ernest, a former Homewood High track and football star, prepares

to run in the 200-meter race at the Auburn Invitational at the Birmingham CrossPlex in January. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.See ERNEST | page A22

See THEATER | page A23The facade of Brookwood Village will soon change to make room for a new movie theater. Photo by Madoline Markham.

Dinner and a show

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

A new entertainment option is in the works at Brookwood Village. In February, the owners of the mall received approval from the planning commission to renovate the mall and add a dining theater.

The theater will be 40,000 square feet and have five screens, city planner Vanessa McGrath said. Customers will be able to order meals and sit at tables within each theater to eat while they watch a movie.

Lakewood Drive resident Wendy Stevens

Construction on new Brookwood dining theater

to begin this month

Referred for a reason.

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

871-9338www.MAIDS.com

SPRING CLEAN.YOU’RE THINKING

We think thatSPRING CLEAN.YOU’RE THINKING SPRING CLEAN.YOU’RE THINKING

AT EVERY CLEAN.AT EVERY CLEAN.AT EVERY CLEAN.

The responses started coming back quickly last month.

“Me?! This is crazy.”“I’m just sort of

speechless.”“Oh, wow!”“I am so honored and

surprised!”“Oh, goodness.”There was no shortage

of enthusiasm from the individuals you’ll find in page A14 when I told them they had been nominated for our Community Member of the Year award.

Anyone who lives here will tell you Homewood is a special place, but I’m convinced that it’s the people in it that truly make it that way. The faces on our

nomination ballot are meant to represent the many more who humbly serve our community every day. Be sure to cast your vote online for one of them as well as for our Community Cause of the Year nominees on page A16. I report on all the good going on in Homewood like it’s my job (because it is), but seeing so

much of it summarized on the cause of the year nominee page had me wowed by this community all over again.

The rest of this issue is packed full of upcoming things to watch for around town. After some freezing days in February, I am particularly excited

about opportunities to enjoy springtime sunshine at Eat Drink Birmingham (food and Alabama craft beer pairings, anyone? See page A11) and the Steeple to Steeple 5K that starts at Trinity UMC (page A21).

I will, however, stay inside to tally our community award votes. Be sure to get them in by March 10 and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.

Cheers to you, Homewood, and your treasure chest of people!

About UsPhoto of the Month Please Support

our Partners

Editor’s Note By Madoline Markham

Alabama Acura Dealers (B9)Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A7)Alabama Outdoors (B11)Alabama Power (A17)Alabama School of Fine Arts (B7)ARC Realty (B12)Batts’ Chimney Services (B17)Bedzzz Express (A24)Birmingham Botanical Gardens (B15)Birmingham Museum of Art (B7)Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (A18)Brandino Brass (A4)Brookdale Place University Park (B14)Case Remodeling (A11)Children’s Dance Foundation (B4)Children’s of Alabama (B14)Classic Gardens (A10)Construx (A23)Cottontails Village (A9)Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare (A15)Dawson Family of Faith (B10)Dreamscape Landscape Development (B20)Early Arts Preschool (B19)Fi-Plan Partners (A10)First Lenders Mortgage Corp. (A22)Fitness Zone (A8)Gina G Falletta, State Farm (A9)Granite Transformations (A18)Homewood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (B11)Homewood Parks and Rec (B16)Homewood Toy & Hobby (A6)Hoover Title Mart (A4)InSight Eye Group (A7)Issis & Sons (A5)Joe Falconer (A8)Johnny Montgomery Realtor (A6)Kelli Gunnells Realtor (A19)Klinglers Cafe & Catering (A19)Korduroy Krocodile (A9)LAH Real Estate (A20)LIST Birmingham (A12, A13)Lori Zucco Insurance Company (B8)Mary House Kessler, Ph.D (B8)MVP Training (B18)One Stop Promotions, LLC (A21)Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (A22)Planet Fitness (A17)RealtySouth Marketing (A3)Red Mountain Theatre Company (B2)Red Pearl Restaurant (A20)Salem’s Diner (A21)Samford Summer Camp (B5)Sew Sheri Designs (B15)The Altamont School (B4)The Maids (A1)The Wade Team (A11)The Whole Dog Market (B17)Vitalogy Wellness Center (A21, B8, B13)Water Drainage Solutions (A9)Weigh To Wellness (A15)Whale of a Sale (B19)Wolf Camera (B1, B19)YMCA Camp Cosby (B3)YMCA of Greater Birmingham (B6)

The Homewood Star

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

Please recycle this paper.

For advertising contact:[email protected]

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

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

Dan StarnesKeith McCoyMadoline MarkhamDavid KnoxKatie TurpenJessa PeaseSydney CromwellMadison MillerKarim Shamsi-BashaEmily VanderMeyMatthew AllenRhonda SmithWarren CaldwellDon HarrisMichelle Salem HaynesNathan PearmanLouisa JeffriesLauren DentonHomewood Star LLC

Publisher: Creative Director:Managing Editor:

Sports Editor:Staff Writers:

Editorial Assistant:Photographer:

Graphic Designer: Advertising Manager:

Sales and Distribution:

Copy Editor:Contributing Writer:

Published by:

Anna and Rich Laws share headphones as they run through Hollywood. The father and daughter, who now attends Auburn University, said they were listening to One Direction and Sam Hunt. Photo by Hawley Schneider Photography/ hawleyschneider.com.

Clarification: List Birmingham’s offices are located in Birmingham just outside Home-wood city limits. An article on pages A12 and A13 of our February issue stated that the business is Homewood-based.

A2 • March 2015 The Homewood Star

City

Dear f r iends and neighbors,

It’s hard to believe that it is March already and spring is around the corner. I promised a while back to give you an update on the city’s recycling progress. This past January resi-dents recycled 108 tons in Homewood. I want to thank each of you for your participation in this pro-gram and remind you to visit republicservices.com to sign up for rewards.

You are obviously committed to recycling, and it helps our city a great deal. Each piece of material we recycle means less trash going to the landfill. This in turn saves us money on fees, gasoline, wear and tear on vehicles, and time. I am pleased that we have been able to continue to provide this service at no addi-tional charge to residents. I believe it is one of the benefits of living in Homewood.

Our third police canine, Banjo, is already making a huge contribution to our safety. He has made several “finds” of controlled sub-stances on routine traffic stops and assisted in apprehending a suspect who was hiding in the woods around Wildwood. I greatly appreciate your support in our canine program. It was an expensive request a few years ago when I first put it in our budget, but the rewards have been tremendous. I’m so grateful we can afford to have these programs that assist the officers while they perform their very dangerous job. Please take a moment to thank our officers when you see them patrolling your neighborhood.

I also want to take a moment to bring to your attention a group of guys who do a tremendous job for our city but are rarely seen. Gordon Jaynes and the Fleet Maintenance Department work so hard each day to ensure city vehicles are run-ning. The amount of money we save by having employ-ees who can make repairs in-house is phenomenal, and it also keeps our vehicles out of other shops waiting to be

serviced. It’s very important because when a police

car or fire engine needs repairing, the depart-ment can take care of it immediately. The same can be said for our trash trucks and all other vehicles that provide a service to our community. I will also tell you that when we have bad weather coming, those guys are there and sleeping on cots when necessary to make sure we are never without life-saving vehicles at any time.

I’m grateful we have those who are so will-ing to work behind the scene, never expecting praise or recognition. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for quietly going about their job. It makes me proud to serve beside them as mayor when I realize just how much they do each day.

Sincerely,

Scott McBrayerMayor, City of Homewood

Mayor’s Minute

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Homewood Middle School has made several changes after receiving a complaint letter about “religious entanglements” from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) in October.

The letter reported several “constitutional violations” for mixing public schools with reli-gion that were reported by a “concerned district family.” The school’s attorney responded to FFRF to report that the violations had been resolved, according to a Feb. 4 release from FFRF.

The FFRF’s first allegation was that the school had “team chaplains” for its football teams, including one who prayed and delivered a sermon before a weekly team meal. They also took issue with local churches having access to students at lunchtime and being allowed to “circulate through the lunchroom trying to recruit students” and First Priority Club, a Christian group, meet-ing before school, using a loud-speaker and being led by a teacher each Wednesday in the gym. Students are required to congregate in the gym if they arrive at school before class. At FPC’s meetings, a local youth pastor led a worship ser-vice over an amplified loudspeaker, audible to the audience in the gym.

In response, HCS changed the position of foot-ball team chaplains to “team sponsors,” who are “to deliver encouraging messages to the players regarding morals and character, not sermons.” The system also said lunchtime visitors will not be permitted to “proselytize.” The First Priority Club’s meetings were moved to a classroom, and a faculty monitor who does not participate in the club is the only adult present at meetings.

“We’re pleased that the school district has taken our First Amendment concerns seriously, and we will be monitoring the situation,” FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said.

Merrick Wilson of Homewood City Schools released the following statement regarding the situation: “Homewood City Schools is happy to work with any person or group that has ques-tions regarding our schools. As education and learning are the most important responsibility of our schools, it is vital that we work with dif-ferent groups of our community to build honest and effective communication.”

A year ago, FFRF had addressed Home-wood Middle about Men Striving for Success, a group organized by teacher Steve Sills. As a result, the school re-organized the club to be service-based.

Homewood Middle resolves complaints of ‘religious entanglements’

March 2015 • A3TheHomewoodStar.com

The upcoming session of the Homewood Citizens Police Academy will begin in April.

The fi rst session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, and the seven addi-tional sessions will run on consecutive Tuesday nights. The academy culmi-nates in a fi rearms range session on

May 23 and tactical demonstration/graduation on May 27.

The Citizens Police Academy was fi rst started in the mid-1990s by the Homewood Police Department as a means of providing the community a connection with the police depart-ment. The program allows citizens to

witness the way the HPD handles the responsibilities of security and com-munity service on a day-to-day basis.

Through presentations and demon-strations by the offi cers, participants will learn techniques and resources offi cers use to train for duty, from traffi c stops to drug enforcement.

Topics covered include a depart-mental overview, budget, officer selection, tour of headquarters, patrol, communications, corrections, jail, traffi c stops, arrests, investigations, narcotics, tactical team demonstration and a range day where participates will be able to shoot various police

department weapons. For an application and class sched-

ule, contact call 332-6864 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

New Citizens Police Academy session to start

Richard Shahan

Homewood pastor pleads not guilty in wife’s deathBy SYDNEY CROMWELL

Former First Baptist Church of Birming-ham minister Richard Shahan appeared in court Feb. 1, for an arraignment and pretrial hearing. Shahan is charged with the July 2013 death of his wife, Karen.

The 54-year-old children’s minister appeared before Jefferson County Judge Laura Petro and entered a “not guilty” plea to the charges that he stabbed his wife and cut her throat. Judge Petro also heard motions from both the prosecution and defense. Shahan’s defense attorney, John Lentine, fi led a motion asking for clarifi -cation of the indictment against his client and whether the prosecution will argue that Shahan did not act alone in the murder. The prosecution did not answer this motion.

Jim Cooley, the new senior pastor at First Baptist, said the church is still grieving the loss of Karen Shahan and the upheaval that Shahan’s departure has caused.

“We are committed as a church to pray that through the process of the courts that the truth will be revealed, and that jus-tice will prevail,” Cooley said. “In the meantime, we thank God for the hope

and healing He is providing to our church family, and have redoubled our commit-ment to fulfi lling His call to be an active family of faith.”

The next hearing is scheduled for May 7. In the meantime, Petro gave the prosecution 90 days to provide its collected evidence to the defense. Shahan is staying under house arrest at his mother’s residence in Homewood.

Council updatesBy SYDNEY CROMWELL

Business from city council meetings last month included:

} The Homewood Farmers Market was approved to use the rear city hall parking lot between May 30 and Aug. 15, with the exception of July 4.

} A funding request for hosting the grand opening of the Community Gallery was also sent to the fi nance committee.

} The public safety committee was asked to consider a no-parking sign at the inter-section of East Edgewood Drive and the alley adjacent to 101 E. Edgewood Drive.

} The public safety committee was also asked to consider installing a new turn lane on Valley Avenue.

} The special issues committee was asked to consider changing the name of 1st Avenue West to Montessori Way.

} A resolution thanking retired Chamber of Commerce director Tricia Ford for her service.

} The planning and development commit-tee was asked to consider an update on the Rumson sidewalk project.

} Approval to replace a 2010 police vehicle that was totaled.

} Awarding a bid for police vehicle

equipment to Brasher Electronics. Two police SUVs will receive about $23,000 worth of new equipment.

} Voiding a previous loan agreement with Bryant Bank and approving a warrant ordinance for a loan of up to $1.45 mil-lion from Regions Bank. The loan will be used to buy two garbage trucks, a bucket truck and 15 Chevy Tahoes for the police department as part of the 2014-2015 budget.

} The fi nance committee was also asked to consider a bid opening on Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. for fi re department uniforms.

} Dropping a request to declare two fi re department vehicles surplus property.

} Authorizing the mayor to make amend-ments to the restrictions, conditions, lim-itations and agreements for Executive Offi ce Park.

} Authorizing the council president to exe-cute a contract with Marriott Shoals Hotel.

} The fi nance committee was asked to review an audit draft prepared by Carr, Riggs and Ingram for the 2014 fi scal year.

} The fi nance committee was also asked to consider amendments to the general and special revenue fund budgets for the 2015 fi scal year.


Decorative Hardware and Lighting Showroom

Uncompromising Quality and Service

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

205.978.8900

Saturday by Appointment

2824 Central AvenueSuite 100Birmingham, AL 35209www.brandinobrass.com

15% OFF with this adHW

Decorative door knockersby

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Birmingham Water Works Board will be maintaining maintenance and improvement of water pipelines as a part of a franchise agreement the council passed on Feb. 9.

Ward 5 Place 2 Representative Peter Wright brought up issues the city has had with repairing and paving roads after the BWWB’s projects. T.W. Jones, the BWWB assistant general manager of engineering and mainte-nance, said the city is free to call him directly or use a button on the board’s website to report problems at any time.

Jones said the board is introducing a new “T-patch” in its next project bid that will prevent water from getting under patched pavement and causing cracks. The board is also looking at using a new material to place between the pipelines and the patched pavement, as well as a thermal bonding system.

All of these solutions, he said, will make repaired pavement less likely to sink or crack.

“I don’t like people making fun of Birmingham Water Works’ patches any more than you like driving on them,” Jones said.

Water Works Board to improve pipelines

Banjo, the new police K9, relaxes with a chew toy at the Homewood Police Department. Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Mote/ Homewood Police Department.

Meet Banjo, the new Homewood K9

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

There’s a new set of paws patrolling the streets of Homewood. Banjo, a two-year-old Dutch Shepherd, has joined the police department’s K9 unit and is already on the job.

Originally from Holland, Banjo was donated to the police department and underwent three months of training in suspect apprehension, tracking and narcotics detection before starting on the job. K9 Officer Keith Smith said Banjo began patrols on Jan. 15 with his handler, Officer Reggie Sutton, but he was formally accepted into the police department at the Jan. 26 city council meeting.

Sutton and Banjo work the night shift together. Smith said this shift typically has more need for

tracking and drug sniffing, so Banjo is already quite busy. The dog may also make occasional appear-ances at public events.

“He is very energetic. He is very high-strung,” Smith said. “He loves to work.”

The police have two other K9s, Shiloh and Jus-tice, that work the day shifts. Smith, Shiloh’s han-dler, said the police dogs are invaluable because they can locate hidden narcotics that officers cannot see, and they can track and apprehend suspects too dif-ficult for police officers to approach.

“It’s another tool that the officers can use while conducting their jobs,” Smith said. “It’s a lot easier to send a dog into the woods to find somebody for safety reasons versus the officers.”

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

The council discussed next steps for the second phase of the Lakeshore Greenway at its Feb. 9 meeting.

As part of the ongoing greenway project, Mayor Scott McBrayer was authorized to enter a hold harmless agreement with Jefferson County for any construction that enters county property or sanitary sewer easements. This agreement was necessary for Phase II of the project to move forward.

This phase will extend from Green Springs Avenue to the end of the Wildwood shopping center.

Keith Strickland of Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood recently estimated construction would start this summer or fall, but the city’s engineering department is still in the design phase now.

Plans for new greenway phase move forward


MAX buses will continue to operate in Homewood on the same schedule as 2014 until at least April 30. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Council extends public transit funding

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

In a close 5-4 vote, the city coun-cil voted on Jan. 26 to continue full funding for the Birmingham-Jeffer-son County Transit Authority’s bus services for three months while the city continues to work toward a new agreement. Funding Homewood’s three bus routes from Feb. 1 to April 30 will cost $66,000.

Some finance committee mem-bers, including representatives Britt Thames and Heather Reid, supported the three-month funding decision because it would keep a sense of urgency to the ongoing discussions of new solutions.

Thames also mentioned that engi-neering, planning and zoning depart-ment head Jim Wyatt is currently working with Skipper Consulting on a study of Homewood’s trans-portation needs and current gaps, and these results should be available within a few weeks. A three-month deadline, he said, would enable to city to act swiftly on any solutions the study provides.

“It keeps the ball rolling, it keeps it front and center,” Thames said.

However, BJCTA officials and other representatives, including Walter Jones and Fred Hawkins, argued for full funding through the end of the 2015 fiscal year with a focus on find-ing solutions for the 2016 fiscal year.

This would give the BJCTA more time to find the best solution for Home-wood and better footing for upcoming union contract negotiations.

BJCTA Executive Director Ann August said the city could easily change its contract if the Skipper

study produces a solution for 2015. However, the finance committee voted 3-1 to recommend three months of funding, with Jones opposing the decision.

The committee and transit author-ity officials agreed that discussions

had improved and were beneficial to both sides. August mentioned that the BJCTA wants to use Homewood as a template for agreements with other area municipalities.

“To hear that you want our city to be a model for moving forward is very

encouraging,” Reid said.The full council narrowly passed

the resolution, and funding talks will continue into the spring.

“It’s a work in progress,” Jones said. “I think we’re on the right path to getting this done correctly.”


Downtown Homewood could soon be under a new master plan. Photo by Madoline Markham.

City looking at new downtown zoning

By SYDNEY CROMWELL

The city council is in the early stages of updating the master plan for Homewood’s downtown business districts.

At a Feb. 2 planning and devel-opment committee meeting, com-mittee members discussed changes to a “form-based” zoning code for Reese Street. A form-based zoning code regulates the physical appear-ance of buildings to create a cohe-sive urban look.

Committee chairman and Ward 5 Place 2 Representative Peter Wright said the meeting was just the begin-ning of a long discussion to make more “harmonious” districts.

“We have 10 different zones just in our downtown area, and it’s really to plan how our downtown will look in the future,” Wright said.

City engineer Vanessa McGrath said the council is working with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham on a long-term proposal to change zoning ordi-nances for the central business dis-trict. This includes the area roughly encompassed by Rosedale Drive and Oxmoor Road to the north and south, and Highway 31 and Central Avenue to the east and west.

Darrell Howard, the deputy planning director for the RPCGB, said there has not yet been an agreement between

the planning commission and the city. However, he said the city is looking at ways to make the area more welcom-ing to new businesses while preserving existing businesses and neighborhoods.

“They want to make it a little bit easier for development to occur, but at the same time they want to protect

their citizens and the existing devel-opment,” Howard said.

Updating the master plan will include ways to streamline existing regulations for parking, signs, bus stops and other downtown elements. Wright said it’s possible the number of zones will be reduced. Resident and

business input will also factor into the process, and Howard said new bike lanes might also be on the table.

“Homewood has really been look-ing to make themselves more livable, more attractive as an urban place,” Howard said.

There is no guarantee yet that

the city will move forward with the update plans, and Wright said the city will need to procure funding for the study and proposal first. However, Howard said the process should take about a year to complete if an agree-ment is made.


a second complete pair of eyeglasses during the month of March

50% off

Conveniently located in the Publix Shopping Center on Green Springs Hwy

We accept most vision and major medical insurance

Our friendly staff and opticians are here to help select the perfect frames or contact lenses for you. We will process your prescription as quickly as possible and live up to our reputation for having the best values.

Please call to make an appointment or drop in for a complimentary eyeglass cleaning or fitting. 205-332-3935

We offer a wide selection of frames ranging from the latest designer fashions to traditional styles.

Dr. Rachel Harvey

429 Green Springs HwySuite 171Homewood, AL 35209

Hours of Operat ionMonday 9-5Tuesday 10-7Wednesday-Friday 9-5Saturday 9-1

Now Open

280

31

18 S

tree

t S. Rosedale Dr

28th Ave S

31

280

Lakeshore Dr

W Lakeshore Pkwy

149

Green Springs Hwy

W O

xmoo

r Rd

Oxmoor Rd

W Valley Ave

Valley Ave Oxmoor RdIndependence Dr

Montg

omery

Hwy S

65149

Homewood Business Happenings

4

3

2

5

6

7

8

9


1

WaterDrainageSolutions.comAL G.C. License # 43737

French Drains • Floodwater Management SystemsDownspout Services • Foundation Drains

Drainage Basins • Erosion Control

244-1114244-1111111111114111411141114111244-1111111111111111111111111111114111411144Water Drainage Solutions


Now OpenCovenant Classical School & Daycare, 151 Covenant Way,

is now open. The facility is 15,000 square feet and includes 12 classrooms. They accept children from infants to kindergarteners. The school teaches the Abeka program, a Christian curriculum.396-1250, covenantclassical.com

Sprout Flower Market, a new fl orist located at 521 Palisades

Drive, Studio C, is now open.835-2003, sproutfl orist.com

Safe-Start, a distributor for Trojan Battery Company, has

opened an expanded distribution facility at 256 Oxmoor Court. Trojan’s line of deep-cycle batteries are supplied by Safe-Start for deep-cycle battery needs of customers in the golf cart, utility vehicle, lift access, fl oor machine, marine, RV and renewable energy industries throughout the Southeast.1-800-282-3750, safe-start.com

InSight Eye Group, 429 Green Springs Highway, Suite 171, is

now open in the Publix shopping center. The clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Rachel Harvey, offers complete eye care and a wide variety of glasses and frames.332-3935

News and Accomplishments

Steel City Pops, 2821 Central Ave., Suite 109, is now selling

Cookie Pops, which feature a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie or brownie frozen inside of a traditional pop. Flavors

include Vanilla Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Brownie, Chocolate Brownie and Coffee Brownie.969-8770, steelcitypops.com

Alabama Telco Credit Union has changed its name to Avadian

Credit Union. The name change is the culmination of a process to rebrand the credit union and refl ect its growing and diversifi ed client base. Avadian has a branch at 103 Oxmoor Road.985-2800, avadiancu.com

Hirings and Promotions

Brookwood Medical Center, 2010 Brookwood Medical Center

Drive, has hired Chuck Stark as its new CEO. Stark was previously the CEO of Columbus Regional Health in Columbus, Georgia.877-1000, bwmc.com

AnniversariesPerry Computer & Photo Supply, 702 Brookwood Village,

is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its new fi lm processing and photo lab. It also offers Apple computer sales and service. No appointment is necessary.870-7044

Automation Personnel Services, with a location at 362

Palisades Boulevard, celebrated its 25th anniversary as a company in February. They specialize in fl exible staffi ng solutions for businesses.868-9448, apstemps.com

4

3

2

5

6

7

8

9

1 Business news

Email [email protected]

to share?Now OpenComing SoonRelocationExpansionAnniversary

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

�e Homewood Star

Chamber

Preview of MarchLuncheon

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

In 1958, a longtime brick mason in Tus-caloosa prayed for guidance on a new way to support his family. The answer came in a dream — open a café. That man, John “Big Daddy” Bishop, passed away in 1996, but the family of rib restaurants he founded lives on, as does his face in the Dreamland logo.

Today, Betsy McAtee presides over Dreamland Holdings, which oversees eight Dreamland restaurant locations as well as its shipping, concession, fundraising and retail business. Her father, a longtime fan of Dreamland and friend of Bishop, had gone

into business with Bishop, and she took over the company as CEO eight years ago.

McAtee addressed the Homewood Cham-ber of Commerce at its Feb. 17 luncheon about Dreamland and its fi ve pillars of lon-gevity. Emphasizing the company’s values, she talked about how they treat everyone like family since they are a family business. Also key is Dreamland’s distinctiveness.

“We cook over an open fi re,” McAtee said. “Insurance companies don’t like it, but we feel it’s the best representation of our fl avor. It’s the way Mr. Bishop taught my father and my father taught me.”

Further, McAtee discussed the importance

of focusing on continuing both in the tradition of the past 50 years and changing with the times, by adding salads and other menu items.

“We want to maintain that growth and lon-gevity for the next 50 years,” she said. “The more things change, the more we stay the same. We will always be cognizant of what is going on and incorporate that into our business.”

At the end of the day, though, McAtee said her favorite part of the business is “shaking hands and kissing babies” in the restaurants. Her schedule allows her to be in the restau-rants two days a week.

Dreamland CEO addresses chamberTuesday, March 1711:30 a.m.The ClubFeaturing Hatton Smith

Hatton Smith is the president of national accounts and former CEO at Royal Cup Coffee. Since 1950, Smith’s family has led Royal Cup to grow from a small, local coffee company to a national leader in the industry. The company has about 100 facilities and more than 830 employees nationwide, and in Birming-ham it employs more than 220 people.

Marie Waters, Valerie Morgan and Kelley Bailey. Linda Allison and Betsy McAtee. Photos by Madoline Markham.


Event to showcase craft beer-food pairings

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Craft breweries from all over the state will descend upon SoHo on March 14, and they won’t be there alone. Chefs from local restaurants will be pairing brews with their dishes for the first-ever Eat Drink Birming-ham event.

To plan the event, the Alabama Brewers Guild, the state trade associ-ation for close to 30 brewers, is work-ing with Birmingham Originals, a local restaurant collaborative that holds the Breakin’ Bread festival at Railroad Park each fall. Several Homewood restaurants are participating in the event: Homewood Gourmet, Jackson’s Bar & Bistro, JoJo’s on Broadway and Nabeel’s Café & Market.

“Birmingham’s independent restau-rant scene and food culture is one of the most compelling cultural aspects of the city,” said Dan Roberts, execu-tive director of the Alabama Brewers Guild. “When we started planning with the Birmingham Originals, we were certain we wanted this to be a premier culinary event first and foremost. It’s a

Eat Drink BirminghamSoHo Square/Rosewood HallSaturday, March 14 2-6 p.m.$49eatdrinkbham.com

Participating Breweries Alabama Brewer’s Guild

Avondale Brewing Co., Birmingham

Back Forty Beer Co., Gadsden

Black Warrior Brewing Co., Tuscaloosa

The Brew Stooges, Hunstville

Cahaba Brewing, Birmingham

Cheaha Brewing Company, Anniston

Druid City Brewing Company, Tuscaloosa

Fairhope Brewing Company, Fairhope

Free the Hops

Good People Brewing Company, Birmingham

Rocket Republic Brewing Co., Madison

Singin’ River Brewing Co., Florence

Straight to Ale, Huntsville

Trimtab Brewing, Birmingham

Yellowhammer Brewing, Huntsville

beer event too, but the restaurants and their cuisine are the rock stars.”

In addition to celebrating Birming-ham’s culinary culture, Roberts hopes that attendees will learn more about the versatility of beer and the diverse beer culture in Alabama. Wine, he said, can be only described on a dry to sweet scale, while beer can be measured by dry to sweet in addition to how bitter it is and its carbonation level.

The food side of the game is just as proud to be collaborating with a

diverse and complex set of craft beers.“Different beer styles bring dif-

ferent levels of sweet and bitter, car-bonation, caramelized sugars, roasted malt flavors... there’s really no limit to what beer can bring to the table, both figuratively and literally,” said Jerry Hartley, president of the Birmingham Originals.

The event will exclusively feature St. Stephens Stout, the first statewide collaboration beer created by the mem-bers of the Alabama Brewers Guild.

Each $49 ticket includes unlimited samples of small-portion signature dishes paired with Alabama craft beers. Roberts, who attended a simi-lar event in Washington, D.C. with a $125 price tag, said he thinks the price is reasonable for what you will get. The association is not trying to make money off the event but rather to pro-mote culinary and beer culture in the state, he said. For more information or tickets, visit eatdrinkbham.com.

Jackson’s waiter Daniel Martin holds a pairing like ones to be served during Eat Drink Birmingham in SoHo: a refreshing Cheaha Brewing Company Old Reliable Ale with a spicy White Chicken Chili from Jackson’s. Photo by Madoline Markham.




No

min

ees

The winner will be announced in our April issue with a feature story. Nominee descriptions were submitted by community members.

Director of Outreach, Canter-bury United Methodist Church

Rachel does so much for the Homewood community. She works mostly behind the scenes, connecting people to causes in need or causes to people in need. Her work as outreach director is part of why Canterbury is so successful.

Founder of On River Time

For three years now, Steve has taken children with histories of abuse and neglect on an all-ex-pense paid fly fishing journey to Idaho’s Snake River. He started On River Time as a way to encourage others who have suffered, usually at the hand of family members, to regain trust, self-esteem and the abil-ity to dream big.

Rachel Estes

Owner of Chriesman & Associates, Inc

Willie is dedicated to the com-munity and serves on several nonprofit boards including the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!). He offers his time and expertise in market-ing and communication to each of these organizations. He is an advocate for diversity, inclusion and leadership development.

History Teacher and Coach, Homewood Middle School

Jake is the creator of the Home-wood History Hunt, which has involved his students in learning about the Homewood community. This program has created a renewed interest in the history of the community for all ages.

Willie Chriesman

Liz Ellaby

Susie Ankenbrandt

Heather Hallman

Homewood at Large Blog Editor/Founder

Over two years ago, Liz start-ed a blog (HomewoodAtLarge.worldpress.com) to report on all official Homewood city meetings on the same night as the meeting and recruited vol-unteers to attend the meetings and write up the results of all votes.

Young Life Area Administrator

Susie works very hard to lead the Homewood Middle School Wyldlife team. She makes such an incredible impact in the lives of so many Homewood Middle School kids. She is so caring, selfless and loyal!

Community Volunteer

Heather is a dedicated, self-less volunteer who spends ev-ery moment concerned about others around her. She works with The Bell Center and Sims Garden, and supports any and every activity, resident concern and merchant that her husband represents in the city as a Ward One councilman without any acclaim or reward.

Misti Cooper

Betsy Goldstein

Amber Kelley

Ron Pence

Mary Ellen Snell

Amy McRae

Paula Smalley

Nivada Spurlock

Owner of La Bamba Mexican Grill

Misti and her husband, Pete, take the lead on sponsoring and marketing Edgewood Night Out, Edgewood Elementary’s monthly fundraiser. Misti also volunteers her time with Home-wood Youth Cheer, The Bell Center and The Service Guild of Birmingham.

BodyJam and BodyAttack In-structor, Shades Valley YMCA

Every Monday, I look forward to working out at the SVYM-CA all because of sweet Bet-sy. Betsy has a love for people that shows through her shin-ing smile and her dedication to bringing joy to others be it through dance, aerobics or her kind nature of generosity.

Edgewood Community Connection Facebook Page Founder

Amber volunteers her time dai-ly to Edgewood school and the community. She is constantly keeping residents abreast on happenings via social media pages she manages and volun-teers for various community charities.

Homewood High School Band Director

Ron’s leadership and guidance touches a full one third of the Homewood High School stu-dents. His charisma and dedi-cation to the band has made so many kids want to join and thus he has imparted a love of mu-sic to students who otherwise would have no exposure to the world of music.

Edgewood Neighborhood Watch Founder

Mary Ellen provides import-ant information to the citizens, regularly emailing Edgewood neighbors with updates on crime, traffic and city council news. She also contributes to the Homewood at Large blog. Plus, she does it on a volunteer basis.

Homewood City Schools Foundation Director

Amy has provided outstanding leadership for the Homewood City Schools Foundation. She helped coordinate with the board a first annual Homewood Grown event and helped create a new website that promotes and highlights what the founda-tion does to give back to all five schools.

Teacher, Clergy Spouse, Active Mom, Community Leader

Paula is a giver who has ad-vocated for Homewood as a neighborhood as well as its res-idents. She knows nearly every resident by her loving nature, activeness in the community, and her enthusiasm for Home-wood itself. She is just receiv-ing recognition for all she does and has done for years.

Wellness Coordinator, Homewood City Schools

Nivada goes above and beyond to help everyone reach their wellness goals. She spends many hours out of her day not only helping students and fac-ulty members get excited about wellness, but she also opens her classes to the community to of-fer ways to get them to make a difference in their lives as well.

Steven D. Davis

Jake Collins

C O M M U N I T Y

MEMBEROF THE YEAR

C O M M U N I T Y

CAUSEOF THE YEARby

Mar

ch 8

Homewood is full of people making a difference in our community, and we need

your help to give them the recognition they deserve.

Go online to cast your vote for Homewood’s Community Member

of the Year.VOTE

thehomewoodstar.com/award



No

min

ees

Winners will be announced in our April issue with a feature story. The winning cause will also receive a cash prize donation. Nominee descriptions were submitted by community members.

On River Time exists to change the lives of children who have survived abuse and neglect. A registered nonprofit organization founded by Homewood resident Steven Davis, it uses fly-fishing and mentorship to provide middle and high school-aged children with hope and the inspiration to dream big. onrivertime.org

This young organization has been striving to build a youth lacrosse program for the city. It provides a free clinic open to all youth in Home-wood as well as free lessons during gym class-es in all the elementary schools and the middle school to teach the sport.homewoodpatriotlax.com

On River Time

Homewood police officers grew beards and raised money for breast cancer research, Toys for Tots and The Exceptional Foundation. Around 35 officers participated in the campaign from October through January.homewoodpd.org/foundation.php

¡HICA! is Alabama’s only nonprofit organization focused on the needs of the Hispanic immigrant community and serves 11,000 individuals annu-ally. It offers programs to help Hispanics over-come family crisis, become more financially se-cure and progress along the path to citizenship. hispanicinterest.org

Beards for Bucks

My Child’s Closet

aTeam Ministries

Safe & Healthy Homewood Coalition

My Child’s Closet continues to provide free clothing to children in need. It has no paid staff, and through volunteers dedicated to this cause, helps thousands of children to select clothing for school and daily needs.mychildscloset.net

aTeam Ministries provides mental, physical and spiritual services for families going through the pediatric cancer journey right here in Home-wood. They provide housing in Homewood for out of town families receiving treatment as well as meals, and support in many other ways.ateamministries.org

The coalition was formed in 2012 under the leadership of Dr. Bill Cleveland to unite the community with the mission of reducing youth substance abuse. Through it more than 50 com-munity volunteers work together to identify and reduce risk factors for youth drug use.homewood.k12.al.us

Homewood City Schools Community Garden

Project Homewood

The Bell Center

Lakeshore FoundationThe Exceptional Foundation

This garden grows through grants and commu-nity support. The students, teachers and com-munity members have work days to provide the garden with its needs. The space is now a place for students and community members to come together to learn and enjoy nature.homewoodcommunitygarden.blogspot.com

Project Homewood raises money to support children who are not able to afford to attend an after school program in Homewood. The Extended Day Programs in the Homewood el-ementary schools do an excellent job providing safe and fun environment for children who are not able to be picked up at 3 p.m.projecthomewood.org

The Bell Center provides hope to families with babies born with any developmental delay. The love for the babies there is unquestionable, and the impact of the therapies provided is spectacu-lar. The Bell Center is a miracle center!thebellcenter.org

From its Homewood office, Lakeshore serves people with physical disabilities throughout Al-abama, across the country and around the world. Since 1984, it worked with everyone from in-fants to seniors, to injured soldiers and elite-lev-el athletes through its programs and facility. Lakeshore.org

You will find more than 100 individuals with special needs sharing their lives together at The Exceptional Foundation. Weekly highlights in-clude bowling, scouting, art, volunteer service, swimming, basketball, softball and kickball, Special Olympics, and dances.exceptionalfoundation.org

Homewood Patriot Lacrosse Association

¡HICA! Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama

by M

arch

8

Homewood is full of people making a difference in our community, and we need

your help to give them the recognition they deserve.

Go online to cast your vote for Homewood’s

Community Causeof the Year.

VOTE

thehomewoodstar.com/award

C O M M U N I T Y

MEMBEROF THE YEAR

C O M M U N I T Y

CAUSEOF THE YEAR



Here’sWhat You Get with the

Planet Fitness Black Card:• UNLIMITED Salon Quality Tanning

• UNLIMITED Hydro Massage*

• UNLIMITED Fitness Training

• UNLIMITED Beauty Angel - Total Body Enhancement*

• UNLIMITED Guest Privileges

• UNLIMITED Use of Massage Chairs

• Half-Price Cooler Drinks

• Use of Over 900 Planet Fitness Locations

Planet FitnessHoover

1839 Montgomery HwyHoover, AL

205-444-2282

Planet FitnessInverness

168 Inverness PlazaBirmingham, AL205-408-0020

Planet FitnessRoebuck

9118 Parkway EastBirmingham, AL205-208-0414

Planet FitnessHomewood

146 Wildwood PkwyBirmingham, AL205-719-1722

Planet FitnessVestavia Hills City Center

700 Montgomery HwyVestavia Hills, AL205-208-0398

Must be at least 18 years old, or 13 with parent/guardian. Incentive offered for enrolling in other memberships. Planet Fitness facilities are independently owned and operated. © Planet Fitness *Participating locations only.

COMING SOON!!!

PF Black Card HalfPg 10x7.5-Starnes Pub FIN_Layout 1 2/17/15 11:08 AM Page 3

Community

Service Guild to hold gala

The Service Guild of Birmingham will host its 27th Annual Guild Gala on Saturday, March 14, at The Club.

The black tie event includes a cocktail reception, formal seated dinner, live auction emceed by JOX Roundtable and music by 4 Barrel Funk. Live auc-tion items can be seen at theserviceguild.org.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Bell Center for Early Intervention Program, a facility dedicated to maximizing the potential of children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for developmental delay.

For more than 30 years, The Bell Center has pro-vided critical early intervention services including

physical, occupational and speech therapies; special education services; and nutritional counseling to these children. More importantly, The Bell Center helps the families of these children as they begin the lifelong journey of providing for their children with special needs. Each year, The Bell Center pro-vides services to more than 100 children throughout central Alabama.

The Service Guild provides volunteer services to Bell Center programs and financial support through fundraising efforts. For more information, contact chairman Daley King at [email protected].

Front row: Michelle Harbison (corporate sponsorship chair), Amy Bailey (auction chair), Daley King (gala chair), Alisa Foley, Mary Diddell. Back row: Stacey Morales (Service Guild president), Cia Tompkins, Stephanie Lynch, Amanda Dwyer, Tabby McClain, Alexa McElroy, Ana Moore, Julie Zaharis. Not pictured: Blair Crabtree, Emily Israel, Alicia Virgilio, Ambre Amari, Shannon Taylor, Robyn Nichols, Kimberly Powell, Leighton Debray, Kari Powell.

The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off will feature a wide selection of chili recipes.

Chili Cook-Off returns to Brookwood

The Exceptional Foundation will hold its 11th annual Chili Cook-Off this year at Brookwood Village. The event will be held Saturday, March 7, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in the parking lot next to Belk.

Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off and other fundraising efforts provide three-quarters of the funds needed to ensure that Exceptional Foundation participants are able to gather daily for social activities, take field trips and compete in sports. The nonprofit organization provides social and rec-reational activities to mentally chal-lenged individuals in the Greater Birmingham area.

Cook-off teams are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, starting with corporate sponsors. Returning cor-porate sponsors will be given the oppor-tunity to participate first, followed by new sponsors. This year’s Northwestern Mutual Chili Cook-Off is presented by

Regions Bank.Grand prize, first runner-up and

second runner-up winners will be selected by a panel of judges.

The People’s Choice Award is given to the team that gets the most votes by patrons at the event. The Spirit Award is given to the team with the best tent dec-oration, costume and other categories and is voted on by the judges and Exceptional Foundation participants. The Participant Award goes to the team whose chili the attendees vote as best.

Tickets can be purchased on excep-tionalfoundation.org or at the Excep-tional Foundation prior to the event for a $10 donation per ticket. The day of the event, tickets will be available at the entrance for a $15 donation per ticket. Children 12 and under are free.

For more information, contact Margaret Cochran at [email protected] or call the Exceptional Foundation at 870-0776.


Easter Sunday is April 5, but festivi-ties in Homewood begin the Saturdays beforehand.

Easter Egg Hunt, March 28Homewood’s City-Wide Easter

Egg Hunt will be held at Homewood Central Park on Saturday, March 28. Toddlers through children age 10 are welcome for the festivities, which begin at 11 a.m.

Children will be divided into appro-priate age groups, and there will be a section for children with special needs as well. Each child should bring a Easter basket or bucket.

The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures at no cost.

For more information, visit home-woodparks.com. Updates on the event due to weather or other unforeseen cir-cumstances will posted on the park’s Twitter feed @homewoodparks.

Hop ‘n Shop, April 4Homewood businesses are organiz-

ing a special Easter shopping event for all ages on Saturday, April 4.

Merchants in downtown Homewood and Edgewood will offer customers the opportunity to hunt Easter eggs that hold discount coupons, candy and other prizes in their stores. Sev-eral merchants will also hide eggs for children.

The Hop and Shop event will also feature the Easter Bunny and a side-walk parade mid-day.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for supporting local merchants and get-ting discounts and goodies for the children,” said Steve Thomas, owner of Soho Retro.

The event is sponsored by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce. For more, visit homewoodchamber.com.

Homewood Arts Council member Bob Tedrow snaps a shot of a familiar Homewood landmark. Photo courtesy of Bob Tedrow.

Arts council photo contest accepting entries

The Homewood Arts Council is now accepting entries for its first-ever “Faces, Places and Traces of Homewood” photo contest.

The deadline for entries is May 8. A submission form, rules and details can be found at facebook.com/homewoodartscouncil.

Selected photographs will be included in the inaugural exhibit of the Homewood Community Gallery to be installed at City Hall. This new program is being offered with the support of the City of Homewood, Perry Computer and Wolf Camera.

The contest is looking for unique images of Homewood that fit in one of three categories:

people, places and things (i.e. traces). Entries for the contest will be adjudicated to select first, second and third-place winners of each category as well as a Best of Show winner.

The contest is open to individuals, organiza-tions, schools and companies and will be adju-dicated anonymously. There is no fee to enter. Images must be submitted at a high resolution.

The Homewood Arts Council is a volunteer commission of the city that is dedicated to pro-moting and celebrating the arts.

For more information, visit facebook.com/homewoodartscouncil or email [email protected].

Easter starts early with egg hunt, shopping event


Homewood’s Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 28.

Samantha Leigh Peeples and Jack Robert Hillard of Lexington, Kentucky, married Jan. 3, 2015, at Southside Baptist Church.

The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Gerald Peeples of Bethabara Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky. The bride is the daughter of Kathy and Stephen R. Peeples of Sandy Springs, Georgia, and the granddaughter of Johnnie Hough Beam and the late Fred Beam of Mountain Brook and Dr. W. D. Peeples Jr. and the late Katie Blackerby Peeples of Homewood.

The groom is the son of Cathy and Jack P. Hillard of Lexington and the grandson of Patricia Ann and Robert Lee Bivens of Lexington, and Jack N. Hillard and the late Patsy Ann Hillard of Frankfort, Kentucky.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was Katlyn Pee-ples, and the matron of honor was Mindy Grote. Bridesmaids were Alex Botkin, Hil-lary Moffatt, Julie Woon, Rachel Yazdg-erdi and Heather Kennedy. Flower girls were Eliza McLemore and Mady Grote.

The best man was Drew Hillard. Grooms-men were Wade Grote, Jordan Peeples, Taylor Botkin, Mike Rowbottom, Trevor Helton and Nathan Vant Hoff. Ring Bearers were Graham Smith and Chapman Hillard.

The reception took place at The Har-bert Center. The rehearsal dinner the night before was held at the Birmingham Dream-land Bar-B-Que and hosted by the groom’s parents. After a honeymoon in Mexico, the couple is residing in Chattanooga.

Peeples-Hillard

Celebrations

Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email [email protected] to have it included in an upcoming issue!

Record-holding runner to speak at Dawson 5K

The 25th annual Dawson Family of Faith Perseverance 5K and Fun Run is welcoming a special guest.

Following the run, Josh Cox, the Ameri-can record holder in the 50K (31 miles), will speak about his experiences as a four-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and three-time U.S. National Team member. He will share his personal testimony of faith as well.

This year’s race is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, and will include a 5K run, a 5K walk and a 1-mile fun run through Home-wood’s residential areas.

The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., and the 1-mile fun run begins at 9 a.m.

This communitywide event offers fun for all ages, and a portion of each registration fee will be given to Kids Connection, a ministry of the church. A closing ceremony during which prizes and giveaways will be awarded will follow the race.

Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run, and late registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the fun run.

For more information or to register, visit dawsonchurch.org.

Four-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Josh Cox will speak at Dawson’s Perseverance 5K and Fun Run.


Newly Expanded

243 W Valley Ave, Homewood • 205.945.9558 • superorientalmkt.com

Lunch specials $5.99-$7.99

Full dinner menu available all dayTuesday-Friday 10 am - 3:30 pm

Live Lobster, Crabs, Bullfrogs, Tilapia, and Eels Large Selection of Fresh Oriental Veggies

Market & Red Pearl Restaurant

Two communities come together to provide second chances

Steeple to Steeple Run benefits United Methodist Children’s HomeBy MADISON MILLER

Rebecca Morris is a believer in second chances. She helps children and families find them every day as vice president of external affairs at the United Methodist Children’s Home.

Morris, a Mountain Brook resident and member of Canterbury United Methodist Church, often finds that people in her community are unaware of UMCH and the children in its pro-gram. With this and her passion for running in mind, she developed an event to help raise funds for the homes and help build community connec-tions. The first Steeple to Steeple 5K and Fun Run will be held on Saturday, March 21.

The United Methodist Children’s Home specializes in caring for chil-dren of many different backgrounds and circumstances who can no longer live with their parent or guardian.

Selma once housed the main campus of the children’s home system, but it closed in 2009 to better accom-modate children’s connections in their own communities.

“Taking them away makes it harder to redevelop connections with par-ents,” Morris said.

Although there is no longer a large local campus, several smaller homes throughout the state care for children and are in need of funds to continue

operation.Morris hopes not only to bring

community awareness to UMCH with the 5K and fun run, but also to unite communities by creating a point-to-point race from Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood to

Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook.

To help organize the race to best fit each community, Morris enlisted others. Homewood’s Jennifer Andress, who recently finished her third term as president of the Birmingham Track

Club, is a member at Trinity. Leigh Ann Sisson, a co-founder of the com-munity youth organization All In Mountain Brook is a member of Can-terbury. Morris hopes that help from Andress and Sisson will bring the communities together to show support

for the children’s homes. Although many of the organizers

are runners, Morris encourages groups of all kinds to participate in the 5K and fun run at their own pace.

“It’s not just for people trying to set a personal record,” Morris said.

The Steeple to Steeple 5K will begin at 8 a.m. and the fun run will begin at 9 a.m. on March 21 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The race will end at Canterbury United Meth-odist Church. A family fun zone will also be available after the race. Reg-istration is $35 for the 5K and $20 for the fun run.

For more information, visit steeple2steeple.com.

Steeple to Steeple RunSaturday, March 21

Start: Trinity United Methodist Church

End: Canterbury United Methodist Church

5K: 8 a.m. start, $35

Fun run: 9 a.m. start, $20

steeple2steeple.com

Community volunteer Jennifer Andress, Rebecca Morris, volunteer Drue Miller and board member John Miller gather near part of the course for the first annual Steeple to Steeple Run. Photo by Madison Miller.


H O M E W O O D • A L A B A M A

HOME OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

877-8797 Wayne Salem, Owner2913 18th Street S.www.salemsdiner.comMonday - Friday:6:30 am - 2:00 pmSaturday:6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Homewood High School graduate Aaron Ernest is an eight-time All-American sprinter. Photo courtesy of Homewood City Schools.

ERNEST CONTINUED from page A1

just staying in shape for football.”Homewood High track coach Tom Esslinger

said his fellow track and physical education coaches at the middle school are always on the lookout to identify athletes who could be excep-tional in another sport. Ernest was one of those athletes. He excelled in all the jumps and sprint events.

But just as important to Ernest, he’d found his footing.

“On the track and off the track, they took me in as one of their own, and that really meant a lot to me. We didn’t know anyone here, and I don’t really know why we came here. I was just 12 years old, so I was going where the car was going to go.”

Blessed with natural speed, it still took a while for Ernest to become the sprinter he is today.

“He came out his freshman year,” Esslinger said. “It wasn’t one of those things where he came out and was just amazing. But by the end of his freshman year, he was pretty good. Just like everything else, the better you are technically, the more you’re going to reach your potential. Through his sophomore year and really into his junior year, he started taking it seriously. He always worked hard. But by his senior year, he had one of the top three times in the country. He won the state long jump and 100 and 200 his senior year.”

He still holds the state records for any class in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

That performance at the state championships at Gulf Shores kicked off an outstanding summer season, taking medals at AAU events and nation-als, including a sweep of the golds in the 100 and 200 at the Mobile Challenge of Champions, breaking the meet record in the 200.

He’d had a great senior season in football, his fi rst love, and had offers from UAB, Ken-tucky, Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech, among others.

But LSU offered him a full ride for track — uncommon, since track programs usually divide their limited aid among several athletes.

“That’s pretty impressive,” Esslinger said. “That tells you how good he was.”

He quickly established himself as the top freshman sprinter in the country, winning three All-America honors, three SEC honors and winning an NCAA championship as part of the Tigers’ 4x100-meter relay team, clocking the third-fastest time in school history as he ran the

second leg.As of this writing, besides the NCAA Cham-

pionship, he’s an eight-time All-American, two-time Southeastern Conference champion, a six-time All-SEC performer and a World Junior champion and World Junior silver medalist.

He’s got lofty goals ahead: He wants to break the indoor American record this year; he wants

to make the U.S. team for the World Champion-ships. The Olympics in 2016 would be the next step: “That’s the ultimate goal. But one step at a time.”

“My long-term goal, I’d like to try for three Olympic Games. I’m young enough it’s not that far-fetched. And of course medal in all of them.”

Pretty spectacular goals — some met and accomplished and some still ahead — for some-one who “wasn’t a runner” not quite 10 years ago.

Esslinger said Ernest also has a great shot at a lucrative pro career, noting that sprinters’ careers can be very profi table with shoe and apparel contracts.

Ernest said he hasn’t closed the door on foot-ball, perhaps as a fi fth-year player, and maybe there’s a shot at the NFL.

“I think about it every day,” he said. “I don’t want to, 15 years from now, have that doubt — ‘Should I have played that year of football?’ I’m still wrestling with that every day.”

When asked if he stays in touch with former Patriots football teammate Ameer Abdullah, he laughs, holding up his cellphone. “He just now texted me, asking how I did in the race today!”

Homewood still has his heart — his mom, Dawnelle, lives here and his sister is a senior at Homewood — and he likes coming home for the Auburn Invitational, the fi rst indoor meet every season since he’s been at LSU.

“I like going back to Homewood, to the high school, and see everyone. I’m really good friends with Dr. (Bill) Cleveland, the superintendent. I like to see the coaches, of course. I love, love Homewood.

“Today, I wasn’t feeling too well before the race, but I knew everybody came out to watch me run, so I kind of had to push through it. I wasn’t coming out here for a great race, just get-ting out to compete and run in front of my family and friends.”

He said he’s in good shape, not bothered by hamstring issues that plagued him during the spring of his junior year.

“[I’m] perfectly healthy,” he said. “Rehabbing three times a week, working hard to make sure I don’t have any hamstring issues this year.”


THE HOME LOAN SPECIALIST

Jody BrantOffice: 205-942-9696Cell: 205-305-4348

NMLS 189545

[email protected]

Joel BrantOffice: 256-891-0681Cell: 205-613-7848

NMLS 189546

[email protected]

• CONVENTIONAL LOANS UP TO $417,000This program allows up to 95% LTV for qualified borrowers

• FHA (HUD) 96.5/LOANS UP TO $271,050This program allows all funds to close to come in the form of a gift or secured loan. Most flexible program on credit and debtratios.

• VA 100% LOANS TO $417,000This program is designed for qualified veterans/national guard.

• JUMBO LOANS From $417,000 to $1,000,000This program will allow up to 90% loan to value.

• USDA100% Loans for Moderate Income.

FIRST LENDERS MORTGAGE CORP.Since 1988 NMLS 189527www.firstlenders.com

1-800-309-5585

Pam SmithOffice: 800-240-5626Cell: 256-572-2530

NMLS 189538

[email protected]

FOR ALL AGES

Mindbender 5K Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Research and Care Society Saturday, March 28Homewood Central Park 7 a.m. Registration8 a.m. Racealzarcs.org

said she is looking forward to the theater and glad to see more entertainment in the Homewood area, as she rarely travels to The Summit or the Galleria. Bristol Drive resident Stacy Hardy said this is a good sign of growth and a way for Homewood to compete with Vestavia Hills and Hoover. In addition to being a date night and birthday party standard, a dining theater will bring tax dol-lars to be reinvested in schools and the city.

“I definitely think it will attract a lot of attention and definitely bring a lot of revenue to the area,” Hardy said. “We do need some kind of entertainment in Homewood for the children.”

Woodmont Drive resident Chesie Roberts said she worries the cost of attending the dining theater will put it out of reach for many potential customers. She has never been to a dining theater before.

“I think it’s a good idea, but I think going to the movies in gen-eral is already a luxury,” Roberts said. “It’d definitely be some-thing I want to try out.”

Hardy has visited a dining theater in Georgia before and said the ticket and food prices seemed affordable, especially compared to buying dinner and a movie at separate locations. She said the food theaters serve has also evolved over the years from simple things like chicken nuggets to real “fork and knife” meals.

“It gives you that very com-fortable, relaxed environment,”

Hardy said.Some stores will have to be

relocated to make room for such a big addition. The theater will be located near the center of the mall, replacing part of the parking deck and the former Gus Mayer store. These lost parking spaces and several tenants, including Victoria’s Secret and Jason’s Deli, will find new homes.

The plans for the theater include building into the mall’s basement rather than build-ing above its current roofline. McGrath said the front facade of Brookwood Village will be improved with the addition of the theater entrance and a new eating terrace. Inside the mall, the entry plaza and much of the main floor will be renovated.

Roberts said she hopes the mall’s Belk location will be renovated as part of the project. Currently, she said the dressing rooms and store as a whole look “run down” and she shops at The Summit’s Belk.

In a quest to fill the mall with “home-quality furniture,” McGrath said Cypress Equities, the owners of Brookwood Vil-lage, also plans to replace kiosks in the aisles with bookcases and put cloth chairs and wood tables in the food court.

“They want to make it a vil-lage, not a mall,” McGrath said.

Glenn Miller, the marketing director for Cypress Equities, declined to provide any informa-tion about the theater or the other renovations. However, McGrath said the construction is expected to start this month. Walter Schoel Engineering will be heading the project, and the expected timeline for completion is 18 months.

THEATER CONTINUED from page A1 New 5K to raise

awareness for Alzheimer’s

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Alzheimer’s disease turns family roles upside down, as Joan Baucom has seen firsthand.

Her grandfather was a cotton and cattle farmer who dedicated his life to caring for not just his family but also many others around him. Her stepfather was a strong and tall man, she said. But by the end of both of these men’s lives, they were totally dependent on others for their most basic care.

“My mother was [my stepfa-ther’s] caretaker, and it was very difficult for her emotionally, phys-ically and financially,” Baucom said. “This is a horrible disease that robs individuals of their souls. Lifetime memories are lost. They eventually lose their ability to do most things on their own.”

Alzheimer’s is a type of demen-tia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior that worsen over time. Baucom noted how much the disease affects families.

“It’s so sad to see a parent who no longer knows their child,” she said.

There are more than 5 million Amer-icans living with Alzheimer’s today, according to the Alzheimer’s Associ-ation. Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects about 200,000 people in their 40s and 50s.

To raise awareness and funding for research for the disease, Baucom and other members of the Alzheimer’s Research and Care Society are holding a Mindbender 5K run and walk at Home-wood Central Park on March 28. The group is encouraging people to form teams to support the cause.

Alzheimer’s is one of the most expen-sive diseases to treat, yet government funding for it is a fraction of what is spent on more manageable diseases

such as AIDS, Baucom said. Accord-ingly, the group’s fundraising goal for the event is $30,000.

“With prevalence growing and funding low, it will really be a burden to Medicare, Medicaid and personal wealth in this country,” she said. “So until there is an effective treatment, cure or prevention for Alzheimer’s, we need to be proactive and be the voice for the many who are affected.”

The group is currently following researchers who are studying neuropro-tective agents, the role of APOE genes, the causes of amyloid plaques and tan-gling in the brain and what will untangle them, as well as drugs currently on the market.

For more information on the event, visit alzarcs.org.

Members of the Alzheimer’s Research and Care Society David Parker, CD Hamilton, Keri Calloway, Glenda Mixon, Joan Baucom and Mary Boyette are planning the Mindbender 5K for March 28. Not pictured were Sherrill Howland and Jennifer Lambert. Photo by John Michael Simpson.


Spring for a new look

Farm-to-table fundraiser returns

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Lights will be hung across the ter-race in front of Rosewood Hall on April 16. Platters of farm-to-table food will be shared family-style. The event will be about more than a pictur-esque dining experience though.

Parents who often only see each other in passing will join together with local business people and elected officials to celebrate Homewood City Schools.

“There is not any other place you can get the big picture of what is going on in the schools,” Homewood City Schools Foundation President Julie Keith said. “I think people appreciate that.”

The second annual Homewood Grown, which benefits the foundation,

will look similar to last year’s debut event. Café DuPont will prepare the food, valet parking will be available and the event will kick off with a time to mix and mingle. The annual Teacher Impact Awards will be given, and videos celebrating alumni who are

“Homewood grown” will be shown. “Hopefully people leave with better

knowledge of the foundation,” event chair Rachel Stone said.

All funds raised at the event go directly back into the schools. At the end of April, a set of Homewood

teachers will receive grants for the upcoming year with funding from the event. In addition to the grants, each year the foundation funds a PSAT preparation course for high school juniors and underwrites initial fees for the National Board Certification

Homewood Grown Terrace at SoHo Square

Thursday, April 16

6-9 p.m.

$100 individual, $1,000 table

homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com/events/homewood-grown-2015/

Purchase tickets online or by calling 706-8870

Those who attend Homewood Grown eat family style on the Terrace at SoHo Square. Photo by Scott Butler.

SECTION BSchool House B9Sports B12Calendar B17Opinion B19

The Homewood

Star

process for teachers, among other projects.

Keith emphasized the importance of supporting the foundation now more than ever.

“The funding model for Home-wood schools has changed because there haven’t been increases in the state education budget, so we have to be prepared to fill in the gaps as they arise,” Keith said. “As our foundation capacity has increased, [the school system’s] budget has decreased. That means we have to raise more money to be prepared.”

Funding new technology continues to be a priority for the school system as well as the foundation. This school year the foundation purchased new Chromebooks for Homewood Middle School as the school adopted a new online tech book for social studies classes.

Last year the Homewood Grown event sold out its 470 seats, the max-imum that can fit if rain moves the event into Rosewood Hall.

“It’s important to connect to a com-munity of people who know what we do and can support us,” Keith said.

Organizers are encouraging Home-wood residents to buy a table and invite their friends to join them. A lim-ited number of tickets are available for the event. For more, visit homewood-cityschoolsfoundation.com.

For kids who feel like all the world’s a stage, Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Broadway Bootcamp provides the opportunity to hone singing, dancing and acting skills.

With five different levels, this camp is not just for the experienced actors. The Basic and Blast Bootcamps are non-auditioned. Basic Bootcamp is geared toward children age 4-6 for the development of their creative skills. Each week, students will use music, crafts, dance and drama to explore a different theme such as oceans, superheroes or fairytales. The other non-audition type camp is Blast Boot-camp, which teaches kids and teens age 7-18 all the basic skills of musical theatre through music, dance and acting.

Students can audition for the Recruit, Inter-mediate and Advanced Bootcamps on March 14 and 15. Recruits, age 7-18, will learn spe-cialized skills like improvisational comedy, jazz dance and choral singing. This camp focuses on enhancing the performance skills of all young artists. Intermediate Bootcamp is for students, age 9-15, who are ready to take their theatre training to the next level. Students

Play a part

Broadway Bootcamp June 1-19

Red Mountain Theatre Company

redmountaintheatre.org/broadway-

bootcamp.html

[email protected]

324-2424

will gain skills in intermediate dance steps and song interpretation.

Advanced Bootcamp is for students, age 13-18, who will focus on learning complex production numbers straight from the Broad-way stage. Students train for three weeks to become triple-threat performers, becoming experts in singing, dancing and acting. This elite camp is for those who want to be the best of the best.

As days turn warmer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime at last, and no summer is complete without a camp experience.

Whether your child likes to swim, dance, act, paint, play or learn, opportuni-ties abound in our area and beyond for daytime and overnight camps. Peruse our guide to learn more about which programs best fit your child’s personality, interest, age and availability.

No matter which you choose, it’s time to jump in for fun and adventure this summer!

Summer Camp GuideSpecial Advertising SectionB2 • March 2015 The Homewood Star

Children always come back with a story to tell after their summer adven-ture at YMCA’s Camp Cosby. From zip lines to time on the lake, the camp offers something for everyone.

YMCA Camp Cosby offers a one-week, co-ed safe experience for kids ages 6-15 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. The camp gives kids a chance to play hard, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun,

and structured environment. “My summer at Camp Cosby was so

much fun,” said one camper about the summer experience. “I jumped off the blob and got soaking wet, I got to ride the zip line and splash in the lake, and I made a ton of new friends.”

The camp’s 93rd season will open on Sunday, June 7, and camp gates will open at 3 p.m. Children can choose from eight week-long camp experiences. Each

camp week concludes at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The camp’s cost is $595 a week with a $50 discount for YMCA members. For 5 and 6 year olds, a three-day program called Buckaroos is offered. Its cost is $275 for YMCA members and $325 for nonmembers.

For registration information, email [email protected] or visit camp-cosby.org.

Embark on a summer adventure at Camp Cosby

Camp Dates:June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, June 28-July 4, July 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, July 26- Aug 1

2290 Paul Bear Bryant RoadAlpine, Alabama256-268-2007campcosby.org

YMCA Camp Cosby

Special Advertising SectionSummer Camp Guide March 2015 • B3TheHomewoodStar.com

The Altamont School offers a variety of enriching and entertaining experiences for students each summer.

Summer programs are a great way for pro-spective families to learn about Altamont and current students to get ahead for the upcoming year.

High school students can take a variety of credit courses. Standard classes such as such as Geometry and Health are offered in addition to more unique subjects such as Speech, Lab Techniques, and Ancient and Medieval Cul-tures. Noncredit review classes in Algebra are also available.

Day camps for third through eighth-grad-ers offer grade-level appropriate enrichment. Among other offerings, fifth through eighth-grade students can register for a three-week afternoon course that teaches outdoor pho-tography as well as a week of dramatic study focused on Shakespeare.

For kids with athletic interests, a basketball camp is offered June 8-11 or June 22-25, and a soccer camp will run May 26-29. And for kids

Academics, sports and music enrichment at Altamont

Altamont School High School Credit Courses

Day Camps for Grades 3-8

Sports Camps

4801 Altamont Road South

June 1-July 10

altamontschool.org/summer

who prefer music, Band Camps offer fifth to eighth-graders an opportunity to learn to play an instrument, and sixth through eighth-graders who have completed a year of band wanting to improve their playing to the next level.

Whether a child participates in an academic or athletic experience, they will experience acceleration and enrichment at Altamont.

Campers will debut a new show at Children’s Dance Foundation theatre program this summer.

This year, CDF’s StageDoor Youth Theatre will present Fantastic Mr. Fox July 23-26.

The production is a highlight of the summer at CDF, attracting sold-out audiences to its intimate theatre. Past productions include Ramona Quimby and James and the Giant Peach.

Actors in grades six through 12 will be assigned a role during the casting audition on April 18 and then will attend a two-week Theatre Produc-tion Camp to prepare for their per-formance. In this unique camp, actors will spend their first week learning

voice, movement and theatrical impro-visation alongside students in Theatre Explorations Camp.

During the second week, campers will rehearse and strengthen perfor-mance skills. The camp culminates in production week, consisting of evening rehearsals and four ticketed public performances.

Actors who cannot attend the three-week requirement to perform in Fantastic Mr. Fox can sign up for the one-week Theatre Explorations Camp July 6-10.

StageDoor also offers acting classes September through May, and CDF is hosting a variety of other full-day and early drop-off camps this summer.

Put on a show at theater campTheater Production CampChildren’s Dance FoundationJuly 6-17, 20-26childrensdancefoundation.org

Other camps include What’s Inside the Cos-tume Box? for rising kindergartners, Once Upon a Ballet for rising first and second-grad-ers, Imagination Lab for first through sixth-graders, Dance Explorations for rising third through sixth-graders and Dance for the Camera for sixth through 12th-graders.

Special Advertising SectionSummer Camp GuideB4 • March 2015 The Homewood Star

Samford University 800 Lakeshore DriveVarious dates in June and Julysamford.edu/programs/summer-programs/

Adventures in the arts and more at Samford

When classes end for the summer, the fun begins at Samford University. The campus hosts a variety of learning experiences for students of all ages in June and July. From music to arts to medicine, there’s a place for everyone.

For a musical experience, there are options for any age. All Aboard for Music Camp teaches children ages 3-6 through movement, song, rhythm, instruments and performance. Piano and voice students in grades 1-12 can enhance their solo and ensemble performance, music history and theory knowledge through Adventures in Music Camp. Grades 7-12 can also further their performance abilities while increasing general knowledge of music in a Piano and Chamber Music Institute.

For the budding actor or actress, Imagine! offers a one-week (for grades K-5) and two-week (for grades 6-12) opportunity to plan, create and participate in a theatre production. The older stu-dents will perform in Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit by Jonathan Rand.

Young artists can join artist Carolyn Wass to explore expression through drawing, kiln-fired clay, acrylic and watercolor painting techniques, printmaking and paper marbling in Academy Art Summer Camp for grades 7-12.

There are also a variety of enriching options for high school students. A Summer Debate Insti-tute will emphasize 21st century debate skills for grades 9-12, and a Minority Youth Science

Academy offers college preparation and men-toring for students interested in science. Ani-mate, scheduled for June 29-July 3, offers an intergenerational workshop on worship and the arts for young artists and their mentors.

For juniors and seniors looking to explore future careers, a J.D. Calling program June 24-27 features a mock trial, analysis of legal case and advice about law school application; M.D. Calling features pre-medicine advis-ing, expert panels, networking; and Bulldog Pharmacy Camp allows them to participate in hands-on pharmacy science lab demon-strations and tour local health-care facilities. Those interested in literature can also engage in lively discussions about great books through the Great Ideas Summer Institute July 5-10 or 12-17, and for the math-minded, another insti-tute allows students to study mathematical and analytical methods used in modern finance.


At the YMCA of Greater Birming-ham, children are invited to participate in a variety of summer day camps at each of nine YMCA locations. The YMCA believes that education is important for every child, and has com-bined learning and fun together for its summer programs.

Examples of specialty camps offered include Lego Camp, Drawing Camp, Photography Camp, Future Inventors Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Super Hero Science Camp, Sports

Camp and Clowning Around Camp. The YMCA Hargis Retreat, located

on 200 scenic wooded acres complete with hiking trails, a pool, fields for games and lake, is an ideal backdrop for traditional camp activities. Day Camp activities at Hargis Retreat include swimming, archery, arts and crafts, chapel, canoeing, hiking, field games, fishing, rock climbing, inflat-able toys, mountain biking, outdoor survival and fishing. Weekly sessions are from May 26-Aug. 1. There will

also be open houses on site on March 29, April 11 and April 26 from 2-5 p.m. each day.

Register online for camps at ymcabham.org/summerdaycamp2015 or ymcabham.org/hargisretreat. Note that parents will still be required to complete all required paperwork when registering online. There is a $25 per child registration fee due at time of registration.

Enjoy fun all summer long with the Y

Camps will be offered at Hargis Retreat and the following YMCA locations:

Alabaster, Greystone, Hargis Retreat, Hoover, Northeast, Pelham, Shades Valley,

Trussville,Western Area, Youth Center

Visit ymcabham.org/summerdaycamp2015 for specific dates for each location.

YMCA of Greater Birmingham Summer Day Camps and Hargis Retreat

Special Advertising SectionSummer Camp GuideB6 • March 2015 The Homewood Star

Summer Art Camp is returning to the Bir-mingham Museum of Art.

The experience gives campers immediate access to the museum’s collection of original artworks from around the world and is sure to fill them with endless inspiration.

Camps are offered for two age groups. Young Artists camps are for rising second through sixth-graders and run 9 a.m.-3 p.m. It costs $250 for museum members or $300 for non-members for the weeklong program.

Students who have completed 5K and are entering first-grade can participate in Little Masters camp from 9 a.m.-noon. It costs $150 for museum members or $180 for non-mem-bers for the weeklong program.

After-care from 3-5:30 p.m. is also available for

Explore the museum at art camp

Summer Art CampBirmingham Museum of ArtYoung ArtistsJune 15-19 or 22-26July 6-10 or 13-17Little MastersJuly 20-24 or 27-31

campers for an additional $50 per child per week. For more information or to register, call 254-

2571 or visit artsbma.org/museum-studio.


Summer camps at the Alabama School of Fine Arts meet the needs of all creative learn-ers, from the young sketch artist to the young scientist. Camps are designed to educate, inspire and enrich the student in a fun, casual and collaborative environment.

Camps themes include theatre, engineer-ing, the environment, writing, music, math and game programming. Whether a student is putting their detective skills to the test ana-lyzing samples taken from the Cahaba River, building a propelled airplane, studying musi-cal theory, writing poetry or learning how to select a monologue for a theatre addition, ASFA ensures a unique cultural experience for each child.

Space is limited, and camps will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration

Have an adventure in learning this summer

Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer campsWeekly sessions run from June 1-July 171800 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.252-9241Register online at asfa.k12.al.us

form and payment is due no later than May 1. A $50 non-refundable cancellation fee is included in all tuition. For more information, visit asfa.k12.al.us.

2015 ADVENTURES IN SUMMER LEARNING

A SF A

ALABAMA SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard

Birmingham, AL 35203 205.252.9241 www.asfa.k12.al.us

June 1-19Pre-AlgebraAlgebra I

June 1-5Theatre ArtsKodu: Game ProgrammingAndroid App ProgrammingEnvironmental EngineeringCivil EngineeringHydroboticsEngineering Design

June 8-12Creative WritingMusicHydroboticsEngineering DesignKodu: Game ProgrammingCivil EngineeringEnvironmental Engineering

June 15-19Theater Auditioning TipsVisual ArtsGreen Machine: EngineeringEnvironmental EngineeringKodu: Game ProgrammingEnvironmental Engineering

July 6-17Young Dancer Intensive

See www.asfa.k12.al.usfor camp descriptions, agerequirements, times, feesand online registration.

Summer Camp at theAlabama School of Fine Artsmeets the needs of the youngsketch artist to the young scientist.Come experience the magic ofthe Alabama School of Fine Arts,where education is our passion.

Register at www.asfa.k12.al.usfor a stimulating summer!

Vulcan exhibit highlights local Italian community

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

A bamboo cannoli tube and an antique-looking trumpet sit just over from a large Bruno’s grocery store sign. These objects, along with others in the La Storia exhibit at Vulcan Park & Museum, tell the story of Birmingham’s Italian immigrant community.

Italians came to Birmingham by way of Ellis Island or Louisiana farms and plantations. Lured by promises of pay in a new industrial city, they settled in Little Italys in Birmingham’s Thomas, Ensley, Blockton and East Lake areas in the early 1900s.

Mary Jo Tortorigi Gagliano, a member of the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, paints a picture of her grandparents’ lifestyle. Her grandfather worked in mines, earning 50 cents a day, part of which he saved to bring his wife, children and mother to the United States. Like most in Bir-mingham, he had come from Sicily and worked in Birmingham’s mines while her grandmother farmed at their home near where the airport is today.

“Women were just as much a part of the immigrant picture,” Gagliano said. “They were working the land and running grocery stores.”

Moving around the exhibit, Gagliano explains how the Italian community picked up American pastimes such as baseball while

maintaining Italian traditions. Per-haps nowhere was their heritage more evident than over the table and at church. The exhibit features a tool used to roll ravioli dough into a grid, among other relics, and Catholic motifs alongside a bust of Father John B. Canepa. Canepa founded three Catholic parishes, St. Mark, St. John the Baptist in East Lake and St. Joseph in Ensley; guided the Italian people through many diffi cult times; and

celebrated many St. Joseph’s altar feasts with them.

According to tradition, during a famine in Sicily, the people had pleaded with St. Joseph.

“If you bring rain, we will feed the poor,” they said.

Rain indeed came, and each year on his feast day, March 19, the community would bring together “Birmingham Italians were more likely to move into the middle class than Cleveland ones,”

Gagliano said. “It speaks to their entrepreneurial spirit.”

The story of Gagliano’s family and others in the community will also be shared at a series of upcom-ing La Storia events (see sidebar), including a Sicilian cooking class she will teach on March 12.

“We may even end up arguing like Italians in the kitchen,” Gagli-ano said.

La Storia will be on display at the museum through September.

La Storia Events

Birmingham Revealed: Cooking Southern Italian-An Evening in a Sicilian KitchenThursday, March 125:30-7 p.m.$8 Vulcan Members, $10 NonmembersMary Jo Tortorigi Gagaliano of La Tavola Sicilian Cooking School and Chef Chris Vizzina of The Vizzina Group will demonstrate the techniques of Sicilian cooking.

Gallery Talk: Nina Miglionico’s LegacySunday, March 222-3:30 p.m.$15Sam Rumore, the law partner of Councilwoman Nina Miglionico, will describe her struggles being a fi rst generation Italian-American woman and attorney in Birmingham.

Sunday in the Italian ParlorSunday, April 262 p.m.$15This afternoon of Italian music and poetry will be presented by Jonathan Gagliano and Catherine Cochran in the style seen in homes of early Italian immigrants to Birmingham.

Sunday Afternoon Tour of Italian Catholic ChurchesSunday, May 311 p.m.$30Tour two early Catholic churches originally built for Italian immigrants in the early 20th century as well as two nearby cemeteries and the La Storia exhibit. The tour begins and ends at Vulcan Park.

Mary Jo Tortorigi Gagliano speaks about the religious traditions of families who emigrated from Italy to Birmingham at the La Storia exhibit at Vulcan Park & Museum. Gagliano will co-teach a Sicilian cooking class this month as a part of the exhibit. Photo by Madoline Markham.

B8 • March 2015 The Homewood Star

School House

Edgewood Elementary School fourth graders performed a holiday show, Christmas at the O.K. Corral, for their classmates and family and friends in December.

Corral at Edgewood Twins featured in magazine

Homewood High School seniors Anthony and Rachel Waller were honored as Teen Spotlights in Potential, a magazine for college-bound teenagers, and featured alongside their mother, Regina Waller, for excelling in citizenship and the arts.

At HHS, Anthony is a Peer Helper, a student ambassador with Patriot Pride and founder of The Birthday Club — a student-led service to help make faculty and students feel appreciated on their birthdays. Rachel was named to editor of the Yearbook Club; interned with FOX 6 at an acting camp; and as a participant in Homewood High Marching Band, played together with Anthony in Macy’s Thanks-giving Day Parade, in the Rose Bowl

Parade and at Disney World.The Wallers’ mother, Regina, believes

that in having twins, she had to make an extra effort to emphasize their individuality.

“Each has their own special skills and talents,” said Regina. “I truly admire Anthony’s sincerity and positive attitude. He always has a smile and kind word for everyone.” Rachel, she said, “always puts forward 100 percent in everything she does.”

After high school, Anthony wants to own his own restaurant, and Rachel said she wants to use her art skills to become an architect.

Rachel and Anthony Waller were featured in Potential magazine.

March 2015 • B9TheHomewoodStar.com

Alabama Acura Dealers

King Acura1687 Montgomery Hwy

Hoover, al 35216

(205) 979-8888

Play hard to catch with the new 2016 Acura ILX starting at $27,900 MSRP*. With a quick-

to-react 8-Speed Dual-Clutch transmission, torque converter and 201 horsepower, the

ILX turns takeoffs into blastoffs. Stop by King Acura in Hoover to catch an ILX for yourself.

*Model code: DE2F3GJW, add $920 destination & handling, tax, tag, title, documentary fee and dealer installed options. Dealer sets actual price.

starting at

$27,900 MSRPplus destination & handling

Samford University’s basketball team members were guest readers recently at Hall-Kent Elementary School. The team members read their favorite books and talked to students about the importance of working hard in school and making good choices.

An hour of code

Homewood schools joined a mission to introduce 100 million students to computer science during the National Hour of Code, a computer engineering learning event in December.

During that week, 15 million students tried computer science, and President

Barack Obama, Shakira and Ashton Kutcher all kicked off the Hour of Code with videos.

The Hour of Code, organized by the non-profit Code.org and more than 100 others, seeks to show that today’s generation of stu-dents is ready to learn critical skills for 21st century success.

Shades Cahaba Elementary students Grace Howard Weinberg and Alexis Tita participate in a computer coding activity.

Special guests at Hall-Kent

Edgewood student wins District Spelling Bee

Students from all Homewood elementary schools participated in the Homewood District Spelling Bee recently. After 11 rounds, Edge-wood Elementary School fourth-grader Nathan Jones became the district champion.

Hall-Kent Elementary School fifth-grader Harlan Alford was this year’s runner-up. Nathan will go on to compete in the Jefferson County

Spelling Bee. Other participants were Evie Moellering of

Our Lady of Sorrows, Avery Stansell of Home-wood Middle School, Ruby Raines of Shades Cahaba Elementary School and Mohommad Ashour of The Islamic Academy

Homewood District Spelling Bee participants


Dawson Memorial Baptist Church1114 Oxmoor Road • Birmingham AL 35209

(205) 871-7324 • Prayer Line: (205) 795-PRAYwww.dawsonchurch.org

BLOCKPARTYJoin us for Dawson’s

1 Mile Fun Run begins at 9:00 a.m.($10 registration fee before March 7)

Door Prizes • Food • Live Music • Train RidesInflatables • Puppet Shows • Games

FREE Neighborhood Block Party

Saturday, March 149:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

It’s what we do...Complete Landscaping Installation

(205) 854-8001 • classicgardens.com

We’ve got you covered!

Retaining Walls • Pathways • PatiosTrees and shrubs • Sod • Irrigation

Fertilization & Weed Control of Lawns

A new level of Trendsetters

Fifth-graders at Hall-Kent Elementary now have a little brother club to the Homewood Middle School Trendsetters Club.

The idea for Hall-Kent’s Future Trendsetters began when HMS’s Coach Steve Sills spoke to the fifth-graders about motivation and getting their year off on the right track. The school thought the club would be the perfect way to keep that positive motivation going as well as give the students a small foot in the door when they transition to the middle school next year.

“We have loved working with the kids that are Future Trendsetters this year,” fifth-grade

teacher Beth McKinley said. “It has really helped with academic motivation, but also giving them a positive way to give back to our school and community.”

During the holidays, the Future Trendsetters decorated and filled bags for the homeless.

To be eligible to enter the club, students needed to have a C or above in all subject areas and are expected to maintain that through the year. Sixty interested students were eligible to join in October when the first report cards went home.

Future Trendsetters members gather for a photo.


Sports

The University of North Alabama men’s team won last year’s GSC tournament st Samford University.

Gulf South Conference tournament returns to Samford

By DAVID KNOX

The Gulf South Conference, which is headquartered in Hoover, will hold the semifinals and finals of the men’s and women’s basketball tournament at the Pete Hanna Center on the campus of Samford University March 6-7.

Postseason action starts with the quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 3, on campus sites, with the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 seeds hosting those games. Winners then advance to Homewood. The champions receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Divi-sion II tournament.

Schools in the Gulf South include state institutions the University of North Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Univer-sity of West Alabama. Other schools include Christian Brothers, Delta State, Shorter, West Florida, Union, West Georgia and Valdosta State.

Lee and Mississippi College are league members but are transitioning to Division II and are not yet eligible for postseason play.

This is the third consecutive season the tournament has been held at Sam-ford. Last season, North Alabama

won the men’s title, beating Chris-tian Brothers 79-73. West Florida beat Delta State 67-59 for the wom-en’s title.

The women’s semifinals will be at noon and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, fol-lowed by the men’s semis at 5 and 7:30. The finals Saturday will be at 1

p.m. for the women and 4:30 p.m. for the men. The games can be viewed online on ESPN3.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for

students with ID, and children 5 and under are free.


Homewood boys win state indoor track title, girls second

By DAVID KNOX

Threepeat! The Homewood High boys indoor track and field team won its third straight state championship by capturing the Class 6A crown on Feb. 7 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.

The Homewood girls were nar-rowly edged for the state champion-ship by Pelham.

This is the ninth state champion-ship in the program’s history and gives the boys a chance to win their second triple crown (cross-country, indoor and outdoor) in a row if they can win outdoor.

Opelika, which was runner-up to Hoover last outdoor season in 6A, was a very well-rounded team, and everyone had to be at their best to beat them.

“We knew it was going to take our very best to beat a team like Opelika, and I cannot say enough about the efforts our athletes gave in making that happen,” said Homewood head coach Tom Esslinger. “Everyone really relied on their training and performed at a high level. They did exactly what our staff wanted and took one event at a time. We paid attention to the details all season to make some-thing big happen.”

The girls team also had a battle on their hands with Pelham, which was runner-up last indoor season in 6A. Unfortunately, Pelham ended up beating Homewood, which was trying to repeat last year’s outdoor state championship

performance. It went down to the 4x400-meter relay, which is the very last event. Even though Homewood won the event, Pelham finished in third, and that was good enough to give the Lady Pan-thers the 2-point win.

“We really had an outstanding meet, but Pelham just never made a mistake,” Esslinger said. “Both teams outperformed projections and had tre-mendous performances throughout the two-day meet. We are so proud of the fact that our girls fought for every single point and never gave up. We believe this will make us better in the long run, and we feel good about our chances in the outdoor season.”

Andy Smith led the boys team and

was the top scorer in the 6A compe-tition, and Alazae Hester-Taylor was also one of the top scorers in the meet. Smith won the 800-meter and was second in both the 1600-meter and 3200-meter. He was also a member of the 4x800-meter team that won. Hes-ter-Taylor barely missed three individ-ual state championships. He finished second in the 60-meter hurdles by .01, second in triple jump by 1 inch, and second in high jump by 2 inches. He was also on the 4x400-meter relay team that was second.

The girls were led by Kiara Williams and Elysa Griffin. Williams, who has committed to Alabama, added her sev-enth and eighth career state titles by

winning both the triple jump and the 60-meter hurdles. She also finished second in the long jump and was on the 4x200-meter relay team that won a thrilling race. Elysa Griffin was also on the 4x200-meter relay team, won long jump, and earned all-state honors by finishing third in the 60-meter. Griffin was also on the 4x400-meter relay team that won.

Esslinger commended all members of the team who were at the CrossPlex to support their teammates.

“We had a better cheering section than anyone, and it is always great to see all of the HWD shirts pulling for their teammates. The support our kids give each other may be what our staff

is most proud of.”Individual and Relay State Champions:

} Kiara Williams – Triple Jump, 60m Hurdles

} Elysa Griffin – Long Jump } Andy Smith – 800m } Girls 4x200m – Elysa Griffin, Kiara Williams, Christian Hill and Hunter Midgett

} Girls 4x400m – Elysa Griffin, Ann Mosely Whitsett, Kristie Looney and Hunter Midgett

} Boys 4x800m – Logan Sadler, Davis Platt, Hunter Poole and Andy Smith

} All-State: } Kiara Williams – Long Jump } Ann Mosely Whitsett – 800m, 400m

} Elysa Griffin – 60m } Christian Hill – Triple Jump } Alazae Hester-Taylor – High Jump, Triple Jump, 60m Hurdles

} Andy Smith – 1600m, 3200m } Lawton Dorough – Long Jump } Logan Sadler – 800m } Alex Ngei – 3200m } Teverius Lindsey – High Jump } Girls 4x800m – Virginia Givhan, Edie Smith, Camille Smith and Mary Virginia Spencer

} Boys 4x400m – Tucker Wilson, Alazae Hester-Taylor, Logan Sadler and Davis Platt

} Homewood is coached by Esslinger, Lars Porter, Josh Donaldson, Deanna Swope, Thomas Fowlkes and Brittany Steele.

The state championship boys and state runner-up girls indoor track teams celebrate their finishes at the Birmingham CrossPlex.


Signing Day 2015Eight Homewood High School athletes signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level on National Signing Day, Feb. 4.

FootballRyder AndrewsBirmingham-Southern College

Lawton DoroughJacksonville State University

Morris ScottFaulkner State University

John YarbroughUniversity of Richmond

BaseballWilliam Gibbons Berry College

Alex Hammond Shelton State Community College

Adam Stewart Lipscomb University

Brett White Marion Military Institute

Ryder Andrews, Lawton Dorough, John Yarbrough and Morris Scott signed letters of intent to play college football. Photos by John Michael Simpson.

Adam Stewart, Alex Hammond, Brett White and William Gibbons signed letters of intent to play college baseball.

Two Convenient LocationsCHiLDreN’S ruSSeLL CAMPuS

CLiNiC 4, MCWANe BuiLDiNg

1600 7tH AveNue SoutH

BirMiNgHAM, AL 35233

CHiLDreN’S SoutH

CLiNiC F, 2ND FLoor

1940 eLMer J. BiSSeLL roAD

BirMiNgHAM, AL 35243

ENTPediatric

Associates

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

and Nicholas Smith, MD

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

Our five physicians have more than 60 years of combined Pediatric ENT experience with additional fellowship training in Pediatric ENT surgery.

We provide assessment, treatment and management for children with conditions such as:o Ear infections (ear tubes)o Tonsil and adenoid problemso Sinus infectionso Airway obstruction and breathing disorderso Cosmetic issues such as prominent ears (otoplasty)

and birthmarks of the face and neck

o Complex sinus problemso Hearing losso Facial and neck masses

Appointments 205.638.4949 FAX 205.638.4983


Real Estate ListingsMLS # Zip Address Status Price

622095 35209 110 Windhaven Road New $625,000

622508 35226 2434 Huntington Glen Drive New $475,000

622283 35209 413 Sterrett Avenue New $329,900

622274 35209 708 Crest Lane New $319,900

622210 35209 128 Edgemont Drive New $165,000

622060 35209 812 College Avenue New $619,900

621961 35209 2013 Lancaster Road New $459,900

621783 35209 3140 Parkridge Drive, 100 New $309,900

621376 35226 2478 Huntington Glen Drive New $365,000

621749 35209 501 Oxford Circle New $309,900

621727 35209 1920 Saulter Road New $199,900

621251 35209 111 Lakeview Drive New $284,500

620724 35209 733 Crest Lane New $335,000

110 Windhaven Road

Homewood

2478 Huntington Glen Drive

Real estate listings provided by birminghamrealtors.com on Feb. 17.Agents and agency vary by property.

2832 Culver Rd • 879.8278 • Mon. - Fri

Your Dorm Headquarters

Culver Rd • 8r Rd • 8r 79.8278 • Mon. - Fri

Dorm Dorm ddquaruarua ters

Custom Dorm Bedding & Accessories

Create The Room of

Your Dreams

Come in & Register Today

Monogramming


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 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 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 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 & RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION& RECREATION

@homewoodparks www.Homewoodparks.com

Homewood Community Center Zumba with Camille

ZUMBA is Lati n inspired aerobic dance and every class feels like a party.

ZUMBA is for all ages, and both sexes! Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30pm-6:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am-10:00amFor more info: Camille 256-452-2500 (or)

[email protected]

Young RembrandtsDraw amazing things

with Young Rembrandts!Young Rembrandts drawing classes,

uses step-by-step curriculum to teach fundamental art skills in a nurturing environment that gives children an

academic advantage. Classes for boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age.Please contact Chris Roberson

at (205) 943-1923 for more informati on and to register or visit

www.youngrembrandts.com to enroll anyti me.

KindermusikAs the world’s recognized leader in

early childhood music and movement, Kindermusik off ers a musical learning

adventure that will impact your child now and for years to come! There’s simply no bett er way to foster your child’s love of music and love of learning. Classes are

available for ages 0 to 5 years.For more informati on call or email Kelly at:205-552-6129 • [email protected]

www.kellyalligood.com

YoLIMBERVinyasa yoga classes in an

energeti c environment using upbeat music. All levels welcome.Monday 8:30am-9:30amFriday 9:30am-10:30am

Saturday 9:00am-10:00amContact Marla: 205-223-8564 (or)

[email protected]

Italian for ChildrenGive your child the bilingual edge!

The “Italian for Children” course is perfectly designed for children to have a great ti me while learning Italian. Organized around

theme-based units, songs, interacti ve exercises and games, this language course emphasizes communicati ve abiliti es and vocabulary building as well as listening, reading, writi ng,

pronunciati on and basic grammar skills.Classes meet at the Homewood Community Center on Saturdays 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Contact Giuliana for more informati on at 205-721-0077 or [email protected]

North Star Marti al ArtsNorth Star Marti al Arts primary focus

is to make a life lasti ng impact on our students, and their families.

Tiny Tigers (Ages 4-6)Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30pm to 4:05pm

Juniors (Ages 7 and up)Mondays & Wednesdays 4:15pm to 5:15pm

Adults Only Class Wednesdays 5:30-6:45pm

Advanced ClassTuesdays & Thursday 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Phone: 205-966-4244 Email: [email protected]

www.northstarkarate.com

Homewood Senior Center

Yoga class for seniorsInstructor Kathy Hagood: Wednesdays

at 1:15pm. Free for Senior Center members; $5 guest fee for Non-member seniors. Sign up for this class by calling the center at 332-6500. We will off er

the class for a 3 month trial period and then evaluate whether to conti nue

further. Kathy is certi fi ed by the American Council on Exercise, and she

currently teaches group exercise classes including balance/strength, yoga, Pilates

and Zumba.

Personal TrainingPersonal Training for Senior Center

members only. Certi fi ed by the American Council on Exercise, Kathy focuses

on orthopedic issues and restorati ve training to improve fi tness for mature

adults, including those with equilibrium, fl exibility, strength or other chronic health challenges. Personal training sessions for members are $35 for an

hour and are customized for each individual’s needs and goals.

Contact Kathy at 205-422-4025 or [email protected] to schedule

session at the Senior Center.

Fitness ClassesTai Chi – Taught by Galina Waites. Chairs and adapted movements are provided for parti cipants with balance/stamina

challenges. Thursdays, 2:00pm. Free to members.

Zumba Gold (designed for seniors) w/Tai Chi ‘cool down’

Tuesdays, 2:15. 45 minutes of Zumba followed by 15 minutes of Tai Chi to ‘cool down’. The last 15 minutes can

also serve as an introducti on/review for those interested in the Thursday

full-hour Tai Chi class. Free to Senior Center Members.

$5 for non-members.

Miscellaneous News

We Love Homewood DaySaturday, May 2, 2015

Vendor, sponsorship and parade entry informati on is available at

www.homewoodparks.com

Summer CampRegistrati on informati on for 2015

Summer Camp is available at www.homewoodparks.com

Summer Adult Soft ball LeagueRegistrati on begins April 7th; league

informati on is available at www.homewoodparks.com

Part-ti me Summer Employment

Now accepti ng Lifeguard and Summer Camp Counselors applicati ons.

Must be 18 years old by June 1st and have HS DiplomaFor applicati on go to:

htt p://www.homewoodparks.com/contact-us/employment-opportuniti es/

360 Personal Trainer Fitness BootcampBootcamp style fi tness classes

at Homewood Community Center. Classes Meet: Mon/Wed/ Fri

5:30am-6:30amMichael Brooks

[email protected]

Homewood FIT Women’s BootcampJoin this all women’s bootcamp

happening right here in Homewood. Monday & Wednesday – 5:45am-6:45am

For more info: www.homewoodfi t.com

Acti ng Out AcademyActi ng Out Academy is a kid’s performing arts classes at the

Homewood Community Center Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm

(Encore: Aft er School Program) Thursday 4:30pm-5:30pm

(Advanced on-camera). For more info and to register visit:

www.acti ngoutacademy.com, call 205-440-2699 or email meg@acti ngoutacademy.com

Shake Your Soul Yoga Dance!

“Shake Your Soul” is a unique and invigorati ng path to body-spirit fi tness

incorporati ng elements yoga and dance.Mondays 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Class Fee: $10.00 drop-inContact: Lorri Hanna, 612-867-2232 (or)

[email protected]: www.barefootsoulswellness.com

Mommy and Me Stroller BootcampTuesday & Friday @ 10:30am

Class locati on: Meet at pavilion (6&7) at back of park*Classes meet in Homewood

Community Center Gymnasium in the event of inclement weather*

A class for moms of all fi tness levels! This 45 minute class focuses on

interval training with the use of bands, body weight, and your child’s stroller!

For more info: www.mommyandmeti me.com

Blue Line Combati vesWednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Blue Line Combati ves teaches self-defense and urban survival instructi on. Classes and private training are available for all ages.Call or email for additi onal informati on:

Instructor Jon P. [email protected]

Cell # 205-296-1250

Steel City CheerCheerleading &

Tumbling ClassesClasses will cover all cheerleading &

tumbling necessiti es: moti ons, jumps, cheers, stretching, conditi oning, and

tumbling. All ages & skill levels welcome.For more informati on contact DeeDee at PDEveritt @gmail.com or 901-734-0277.

Sundays 4:00-5:00 pm

Belly Dancing with AzizaClass Fee: $60 cash only

Contact Aziza: 205-879-0701; azizaofb irmingham@att .net (or)

www.azizaofb irmingham.com Learn the ancient art of Middle

Eastern belly dance with Aziza, over 40 years of experience in performance

and instructi on. Each session is 5-weeks long on: Monday night for beginners, Tuesday night for intermediates and

Thursday night for advanced.

Homewood Chess TeamHomewood Chess Team wants you!

Beginners are welcome and the fi rst two weeks are always free promo weeks! Learn

more and sign up for our classes at www.theknightschool.com or call

Dr. Brooks at (205) 746-4952

Dance 4U Line Dance Class

Line dance for a healthier you!Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm$7/Drop-in - $5/Seniors 65+ - First class is free

Rosa Fisher (205) 910-8896 rosafi [email protected]

Royce Head Personal Training

Aff ordable small group training sessions are available to members in the community

center weight room. Each 30 min workout is fast, fun, safe, and eff ecti ve and each person is started with a program to fi t their fi tness level.

$25 Per Session (or) 12 Sessions for $250Call Royce for more informati on:

(205) 945-1665

Children’s Ballet with Claire GoodhewBeginning ballet moves taught as a

foundati on for many types of dance. Students will work on coordinati on,

balance, rhythm and fl exibility while developing listening skills

and strengthening muscles.Mondays 4:00pm-4:45pm

For additi onal Informati on call Claire: (205) 879-8780

Tango Argenti no Fundamentals and Practi ce

Introductory lessons and guided practi ce. New students are taught basic Tango

technique and experienced “milongueros” are encouraged to practi ce and exchange

ti ps to improve their dancing. Couples and individuals of all ages are welcome.

1st & 3rd Wednesday of each Month 7:00pm-8:30pm

Tabata Bootcamp with Tamika Harris

Tabata Bootcamp is a group training program based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm Saturday 8:00am-9:00am

Class fee: $50 (4weeks)For more info: 205-249-7982

getf [email protected]


CalendarHomewood Public Library

1721 Oxmoor Road332-6600

AdultsMarch 2: Downton Abbey Tea & Trivia. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Test your knowledge and enjoy treats and teas. Bring a tea cup and saucer. Prizes will be awarded. Call 332-6625.

March 3: Technology Tuesdays: Get the Most Out of Your iPad and iPhone. 2 p.m. Round Auditorium. Jeff Mann, an Apple-certified trainer, will answer questions.

March 3: Knit One, Read Too Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss historical fiction. Bring knitting. Call 332-6621.

March 6: An Evening with Joshilyn Jackson: A Friends Fundraiser. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson will talk and sign copies of her book. $25. Call 332-6625.

March 7: AARP Smart Driver Course with Anne Walker. 9:30 a.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Course designed specifically for older drivers. Registration required. AARP members $15. Non-members $20. Call 637-6100.

March 10: Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club. 6:30 p.m. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Will discuss All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.


March 12: There is a Price to Pay: Leading a Sober Life with Duke Ridolphi, LPC/LMFT. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Duke Ridolphi will discuss the processes necessary to a successful recovery.

March 17: The A,B,C’s of Medicare. Noon. Room 116, lower level. Karen Haiflich will answer questions on Medicare.

March 19: Book Signing with Tom Spencer. 6:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Tom Spencer, author of Five-Star Trails: Birmingham will discuss the best hikes around the city.

March 21: Self-Defense for Women with Det. Juan Rodriquez. 9:30 a.m. Large Auditorium. Learn how to fight off an attacker with this self-defense class. Free, but registration required. Call 332-6620.

March 21: Seven Simple, Free Teaching Strategies for the Diverse Classroom with Octavia Kuransky. 10 a.m.-noon. Lucretia M. Somers Boardroom. Learn the latest research on the psychology behind learning and use of materials for struggling students. Reservations requested. Email [email protected].

March 25: The Better Than Therapy Book Club. 2 p.m. Will

discuss Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty.

March 26: Neuroscience Café: Brain Tumors and Glial Biology. 6:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Professor Harry Sontheimer, Ph.D and Burt Nabord, M.D. will discuss brain tumors and glial biology.

TeensMarch 9: Game On. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Take a break from studying and enjoy some Wii games. Grades six-12.

March 10, 17: Coding for Girls. 4 p.m. Room 101. Geared toward empowering girls grades six-12 who are interested in the computer science field.

March 17: The Road to College. 6 p.m. Large Auditorium. Workshop geared toward high school students in the college applications process. Call 332-6622.

March 18: Duct Tape Madness. 4 p.m. Large Auditorium. See what creations can be made with duct tape.

March 24: Really Retro Movie. 3:30 p.m. Large Auditorium. Watch Labyrinth (1986).

March. 25: Yarn Addicts. 3:30 p.m. Round Auditorium. Work on knitting or crochet projects.

KidsTuesdays: Wee One’s Stortytime. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. A unique storytime for one-year-olds and their caregivers.

Wednesdays: Wiggleworm Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. Weekly storytime filled with music and fun.

Thursdays: Mommy & Me. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. A special storytime for younger patrons and their friends.

March 2: Monday Makerspace: Seuss Sculptures. 3:30 p.m. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 111th birthday by making silly Seuss sculptures.

March 9: Monday Movie. 3:30 p.m. Watch The Lorax. Popcorn provided.

March 12: PJ Storytime. 6:15 p.m. Wear pajamas, hear nighttime stories and have a bedtime snack.

March 13, 27: Leaps & Bounds. 10:30 a.m. A fun and energetic movement class designed specifically for children 2 1/2 to 4 years old. Registration required.

March 14: Scooby-Doo Clue Crew. 10:30 a.m. Solve the mystery and eat some Scooby snacks.

March 16: Monday

Makerspace: Leprechaun Traps. 3:30 p.m. Prepare for St. Patrick’s Day by making a one-of-a-kind leprechaun trap.

March 21: Say Hola to Spanish. 10:30 a.m. Learn Spanish while enjoying stories and a craft. All ages.

March 23: Monday Movie. 3:30 p.m. Watch Up. Popcorn will be provided.

March 24: I Survived Book Club. 6:15 p.m. Discuss I Survived the Japanese Tsunami 2011 by Lauren Tarshis. Grades three-five. Registration required.

Spring BreakMarch 30: Journey to the Silver Screen. 6 p.m. An outdoor movie and a special treat.

March 31: Journey to LEGOland. 10:30 a.m. Lego building competitions, crafts and special snacks. Ages 5 and up. Registration required.

April 1: Journey to Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Listen to travel stories. All ages.

April 2: Journey to France. 10:30 a.m. Make French culinary creations with American Girl of the Year Grace and her literary friends, Madeline and Eloise. Ages 5 and up.

Calendar

Area EventsMarch 1-April 2: Cathedral Church of the Advent Lenten Lunches. Full service line 12:05-1 p.m. Express line 12:30-1 p.m. 2017 Sixth Ave. N., Downtown Birmingham. Lunches will be served weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday. Visit adventbirmingham.org.

March 2-April 3: Cathedral Church of the Advent Lenten Preaching Series. 12:05 p.m. Cathedral Church of the Advent. Series will feature preachers from all over the world. Visit adventbirmingham.org.

March 2- 4: Roller Derby Recruitment Workshop with the Tragic City Rollers. Monday 7-10 p.m., Wednesday 8-10 p.m. Free. Skates available for rental for $3. Visit tragiccityrollers.com.

March 3: Samford University Orchestra. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. Free. Visit samford.edu.

March 3: Shpongletron 3.1. 8 p.m. Iron City. Music performed by Simon Posford and Raja Ram. $20 in advance, $24 on the day of the show. All ages. Call 202-5483.

March 5: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. Birmingham Historic Loft District. Monthly showcase of local artists. Free. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com.

March 9-March 14: Theatre UAB’s 12th Annual Festival of 10-Minute Plays. Monday-Friday 7:30-9:45 p.m., Saturday 2-4:15

p.m. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. Visit alysstephens.org.

March 10: University of Alabama Baseball vs. Alabama A&M. 2 p.m. Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. $8 adults, $5 ages 18 and under. Visit secticketoffice.com.

March 10: The Lone Bellow with Odessa. 8 p.m. Workplay. $16 in advance, $18 day of show. Visit workplay.com.

March 13, 15: La Bohème. Friday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Presented by Opera Birmingham. Visit operabirmingham.org or call 322-6737.

March 14: Renew Our Rivers-Cahaba Cleanup 2015. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Amphitheatre Park, 816 County Road 52. Call 874-5623.

March 14: Oh, Happy Day Spring Market. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wynfrey Hotel. Shop for

one-of-a-kind Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal shower and graduation gifts. Call 588-8962 ext. 705.

March 14: Guild Gala. 6 p.m. The Club. Black tie event with a cocktail reception, formal seated dinner, live auction emceed by JOX Roundtable and provided by 4 Barrel Funk. Visit theserviceguild.org.

March 14: Arc of Jefferson County Shamrock Shindig. 6 p.m. Avondale Brewery. Food by Rusty’s BBQ, music by DJ Mark Goldstein. All proceeds benefit the Arc of Jefferson County. $30 per person, $50 per couple. Visit arcofjeff.org.

March 15: Santana. 8 p.m.-midnight. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. $58-$148.50 plus fees and service charges. Call 800-745-3000.

March 20-21: Lysa TerKeurst: Your Best Yes: What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. Friday 7-8:15 p.m., Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Canterbury United Methodist Church. Adults $30, students $20. Visit canterburyumc.org.

March 21: 5K for Kids. 9 a.m. Regions Field. Take small steps to end childhood obesity. $30. Visit jlbonline.com/5kforkids.

March 31: Sarah McLachlan. 8-11 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. $45-$85. Call 800-745-3000.

Cathedral Church of the Advent members Fontaine Pope, The Rev. Canon Deborah R. Leighton, Lynn Cassady, The Rev. Andrew C. Pearson, Jr. and Marcus Cassimus. The church will host Lenten lunches and a lecture series in March. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Lyles Dowdle.


Calendar

Lesson 2,684 since having kids: I am an over-reactor. Grade A, get a gold star, never-been-in-drama-class-but-maybe-I-should-have-been over-reactor. The other day, I spilled a perfectly sugared and creamed mug of coffee on the floor. I grumbled a bit, but I cleaned it up, made another cup and moved on. A few minutes later, Kate, my 5 year old, accidentally spilled that cup of coffee all over the table. My reac-tion? You would have thought she had shredded our last dollar. And the fact that I had reacted (sort of) calmly to the first spill didn’t matter because I ruined it with the second one — she saw me totally lose my cool.

And I have the gall to wonder where her overreactions come from.

I’m not saying we parents need to hide our reactions from our kids all the time. They need to see that things make us sad, angry and happy. But they also need to learn how to handle those emotions, and the first people they’re going to learn it from are their parents. As my girls grow, I’m learning that I am my reaction — to them and to others around me. My husband, my par-ents — they know my heart and know that if I blow my gasket over something as trivial as a cup of coffee, it doesn’t mean I’m always the kind of person who flips out. But people who don’t know me well, and my two young daugh-ters who are still feeling out this world and the people in it, they know me solely through the way I act and react.

Now, my daughters Kate and Sela have no problem expressing their joy and excitement,

though I have no claim on that. Kids don’t need anyone to teach them about joy and happiness. They’re wired for it. But the more negative emotions? That’s where parents’ teaching comes in. Through the way I handle my anger, minor frustra-tions and daily disappointments, I’m teaching them how to handle their own. The coffee incident showed me that if I’m not careful, I will teach them to be easily frustrated,

quick to anger and mired in disappointment. Instead, I want to teach them to handle these emotions with grace, patience (with themselves and with others) and hopeful expectation. Obvi-ously, I still need to learn a lot of that myself, and for me, it all starts with my words.

Philippians 4:8 talks about focusing our thoughts on what’s good and true. From those thoughts come our words. I saw something else recently that has been a help to me. It said before you speak or react, think. Is what you’re about to say true, helpful, inspiring, necessary or kind? It’s a simple, maybe cheesy, tool, but it reminds me that the words we speak are pow-erful, both for us and for those who listen. By giving myself a quick moment to think before I react to something, I pray my girls will see more grace and less frustration. I’d rather them grow up to be the kind of women who feel their frustration and react with love and kindness rather than an over-reaction that deserves its own stage.

Lauren can be reached at [email protected]. You can also find her on Twitter @LaurenKDenton.

OpinionOrdinary Days By Lauren Denton

Overreactions 101 (aka The Coffee Incident)

Denton

March 2, 3, 6: Girl Scout Cookie Sale. 4-7 p.m. Brookwood Village. Visit girlscouts.org.

March 6-7: Gulf South Conference Basketball Tournament. Friday women’s semi-final noon and 2:30 p.m., men’s 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday women’s finals 1 p.m., men’s 4:30 p.m. Samford University. Visit gscsports.org.

March 7: The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Brookwood Village. Advance tickets $10, day-of tickets $15. Children 12 and under are free. Visit exceptionalfoundation.org.

March 10: Edgewood Night Out. 3 p.m.-close of business. Downtown Edgewood.

March 12: Birmingham Revealed: Cooking Southern Italian-An Evening in a Sicilian Kitchen. 5:30-7 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Visit visitvulcan.com.

March 12: Samford Legacy League Meeting. 10 a.m. Samford President’s Home. Opera singers Joe and Suzanne Hopkins will perform. Visit samford.edu.

March 14: Dawson Family of Faith Perseverance 5K and Fun Run. 8 a.m. Dawson Family of Faith. 5K $20, Fun run $10. Visit dawsonchurch.org.

March 14: Eat Drink Birmingham. 2-6 p.m. SoHo Square/Rosewood Hall. $49. Craft breweries and restaurants will combine for the event. Visit eatdrinkbham.com.

March 17: Homewood Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Club. Hatton Smith of Royal Cup Coffee will speak. Visit homewoodchamber.org.

March 21: Steeple to Steeple Run. 8 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church. Race will end at Canterbury United Methodist Church. $35. Visit steeple2steeple.com.

March 22: Gallery Talk: Nina Miglionico’s Legacy. 2-3:30 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. Visit visitvulcan.com.

March 22: Birmingham Boys Choir with Reverb A Cappella. 4 p.m. Brock Recital Hall, Samford University. $10. Visit birminghamboyschoir.com

March 28: Mindbender 5K. 8 a.m. Homewood Central Park. Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Research and Care Society. Visit alzarcs.org.

March 28: Homewood Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m. Homewood Patriot Park. Children will hunt for eggs with children of their own age group. Toddlers up to children age 10 are welcome. Visit homewoodparks.com/special-events/easter-egg-hunt/.

Homewood Events


2061 KENTUCKY AVENUE | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216 | Learn More:

(1:00 - 2:00, Most Items 1/2 off !)

Friday, March 69:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Thursday, March 55:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

(Kid-Free/Stroller-Free Night, Please!) &w w w . t h e w h a l e o f a s a l e . c o m

Documents

The homewood star march 2015