HHS one of "Best High Schools"

Homewood City Schools is proud to announce that Homewood High School was named one of the "Best High Schools" by the U.S. News & World Report.  Of the Alabama public schools that made the list, Homewood was third in the state. 

Schools were awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on state proficiency standards, how well they prepare students for college, and other factors. Homewood High School was awarded the gold medal.  The gold medal high schools are the top 500 high schools in the country.

Among the 2012 U.S. News “Best High Schools” in Alabama, 3 were awarded gold medals, 17 received silver medals, and 73 were considered bronze medal schools. 

Overall, more than 21,000 public high schools were assessed to produce the final list.  Homewood High School was ranked 435 nationally.

To view the ranked schools in Alabama, click here http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/alabama/rankings

Dog found

This little tri-color beagle was found wandering yesterday off Roseland in Edgewood.  She is wearing a pink collar with no name tags.  If you know where this dog belongs, please let us know here at inhomewood.com.

West Homewood Farmer's Market

West Homewood Farmer's Market

2012 Season 

Saturday Markets every Saturday from 8AM to NOON

Night markets from 5PM-8PM, Aug. 16, Sept 13 & Oct 18

New book club at HPL

Better than Therapy Book Club

May 23 -- 2 p.m.

Homewood Public Library

All are welcome at the organizational meeting for this new book club.  

Agenda for City Council Work Session: Monday, May 21

AGENDA

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION

May 21, 2012

4:30 P.M.

 Roll Call:  Allyn Holladay, President, Sam Scott, Fred Hawkins, Vance Moody, Patrick McClusky, Walter Jones, Hunter Payne, David Hooks and Jackie Langlow and Peter Wright.

Below are items referred to this work session from the May 14, 2012 Council Meeting:

01.08.12 Request for an ordinance to authorize the mayor to instruct the Jefferson County tax collector to remit storm water fees collected on behalf of the City of Homewood directly to the City of Homewood – Allyn Holladay/Council President/City Attorney - WORK SESSION 

02.08.12 Request for consideration of an Ordinance consenting to the assessment and collection of ad valorem taxes by the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector of Jefferson County – City Attorney

COUNCIL WORK SESSION 

03.08.12 Request for consideration of an Ordinance consenting to homestead exemptions for existing ad valorem taxes levied by the City of Homewood and assessed and collected by the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector of Jefferson County – City Attorney – COUNCIL WORK SESSION 

04.08.12 Request for consideration for discussion on re-paving of Melrose Place off of Broadway – Patrick McClusky – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

05.08.12 Request for consideration to participate in the 2012 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday July 6 - 8, 2012 – Mayor Scott McBrayer - COUNCIL WORK SESSION

06.08.12 Request for consideration of a resolution regarding Private Property Indemnification Releases - Chief John Bresnan/Fire Department

COUNCIL WORK SESSION

07.08.12 Request to place a 3-way stop at the intersection of Broadway / Morris – Allison Stephens/Walter Jones – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

08.08.12 Request to upgrade and improve traffic light sequences on Oxmoor Road with intersections at Evergreen Avenue, Broadway Street and St. Charles Street – Walter Jones – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

09.08.12 Request for a “No Dumping” sign at the unimproved ROW on the alley between Valley and Grove – Debra Sexton/1509 Grove Place/Hunter Payne – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

10.08.12 Bid Opening set for May 21, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. for sidewalk projects – Allyn Holladay/Council President - COUNCIL WORK SESSION

11.08.12 Request for consideration of a 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor ABC application for Los Martinez LLC d/b/a Los Compadres at 308 Oxmoor Road – Luis Edgard Martinez/Heidi Fabiola Martinez/City Clerk –COUNCIL WORK SESSION

 12.08.12 Request for consideration of a front yard fence variance for the property located at 304 St. Charles Street – Jon Schneider/resident/Greg Cobb/Building Engineering and Zoning Department/City Clerk

COUNCIL WORK SESSION

13.08.12 Request for consideration of permission to place a sign partly in the right of way of Old Montgomery Hwy at 3485 Independence Drive - Sherry Wilson (Urology Center) / Greg Cobb Building, Engineering and Zoning Department – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

14.08.12 Request for consideration of contract for Election Services with the Board of Registrars of Jefferson County – Mayor Scott McBrayer - COUNCIL WORK SESSION

17.08.12 Request for consideration of cable franchise agreement with Bright House – Mayor Scott McBrayer – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

18.08.12 Request for consideration of review of revised design submittal for Goo Goo Car Wash to be located at 420 Greensprings Highway – Hixie Stephens/Jim Wyatt/Building, Engineering and Zoning  Department – COUNCIL WORK SESSION

Homewood Schools Recognized for Excellence

The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has named Shades Cahaba Elementary School as a 2012 National School of Character (NSOC).  Shades Cahaba is one of 24 schools and 1 school district being recognized nationwide in 2012.   

Each year, CEP selects schools and districts that demonstrate through a rigorous evaluation process that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results.

Schools are named NSOC for five years.  This is the second time Shades Cahaba has been recognized as a NSOC (2006).

“You hear so much about school problems these days that it’s great to focus on schools that work,” said CEP President & CEO Mark Hyatt. “These schools went through a very rigorous evaluation process and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements and tell their stories.”

Schools and districts from over 30 participating states are named State Schools of Character (SSOC) before advancing to the national level for review. CEP will honor the 2012 National Schools of Character at the National Forum on Character Education, to be held November 1 – 3 in Washington, DC.  At the ceremony, Shades Cahaba will receive an NSOC award, banner, and a small grant to help with outreach efforts.

 “These schools have built strong communities that bring people together around shared goals,” said Lara Maupin, NSOC Director. “Nobody feels alone or unwelcome in these schools. Adults are all on the same page about what’s important and, as a result, kids thrive.”

For more information about CEP, the NSOC program, the 11 Principles, or the National Forum, visit www.character.org.

Dog returned to owner

The pit bull "Shug" belonged to someone who lived near the library.  Many of you recognized the dog who was returned to the owner last night!

Cyrano de Bergerac TONIGHT at the Park!

Park Players brings the Edmond Rostand play to life under the direction of Brad Waters.  The title character - a nobleman serving as a soldier in the French army - is a brash, strong-willed man of many talents.  However, his extremely large nose engenders much self-doubt, which prevents him from expressing his love for his distant cousin, the beautiful and intellectual heiress Roxane.  

Homewood Central Park

Thursday, May 17 - Sunday, May 20 

7 pm

$10; under 16 free with paid adult admission

www.bhamparkplayers.com

Dog found

 

Animal Control found this neutered male dog at the library. If you know who he belongs to, let them know.  He is at Vulcan Park Animal Care. He will be there for 7 days for the owner.

Third Thursday Wine Down

Homewood Chamber Member Merchants Extend Hours  for “Third Thursday Wine Down” 

According to Laura Wilson, Chairman of the Homewood Chamber Merchants Committee and co-owner of Four Seasons Arts and Antiques, at least 20 merchants will participate in the “Third Thursday Wine Down” on Thursday May 17^th.  They will be extending their hours of operation until 7:00 pm every third Thursday of each month to allow shoppers, that otherwise could not visit Homewood during the day, to have the opportunity to shop the unique and friendly stores Homewood is so famous for.  A sign will be in the window of participating stores. In May, the following stores will be participating and display  a sign in their windows: A Touch of Whimsy, Alabama Goods, Alabama Outdoors, Ambiance, Briarcliff Shop, Doree,

Dorothy McDaniel Flower Mart , D’trespa Consignment, Four Seasons Art & Antiques,

Generation Dog, Harmony Landing, Homewood Friends & Family Chiropractic, Homewood Sporting Goods, Molly Green, Nadeau, NeedCo., O’ Henry’s, Penzey’s, Seasons To Celebrate, Shoefly, SoHo Retro and Urban Cookhouse.

Thursday, May 17th, 2012.

Participating Merchants are staying open until 7:00p.m. Refreshments will be served. Mark your calendar for every Third Thursday!
http://www.homewoodchamber.org/

Ride of Silence

Ride of Silence Bicycle Ride

May 16, 2012

Starts at 6:50 pm Behind Homewood Cycle on 28^th Avenue south

WHERE: Hundreds of locations world wide

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?

• To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET

On May 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. (Read the full history here...)

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

Shades Cahaba conducts bridge building project

Each year the fifth graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary School have an opportunity to participate in an academic bridge building unit of study.  This year, an architect from Davis Architects has partnered with each class to help the students in designing, drawing blueprints, and building the bridges.  In addition, Davis Architects has provided all of the materials.  

On Wednesday, May 16, at 10 a.m., they will be testing the weight of the bridges.   Davis Architect will be giving a $100 donation to the three winning teams' charity of choice. The three areas in which the bridges will be judged are: Most Creative, Most Efficient (Cost of Bridge divided by weight it requires to break it), and Strongest (Holds the most weight before it breaks).

Mayor Scott McBrayer will be one of the judges for this event.

The five architects have come at least two class periods per week while working on this unit of study.  Together they have researched structures, designed a bridge, and will test the amount of weight their structures will hold. 

Lost dog

A friend on St. Charles has lost her 3 year old Golden Retriever. He has a collar on and his name is Charlie. 

Please let us know at inhomewood.com if you have seen him.

Black Warrior Riverkeeper Celebrates 10 Years of Service on June 6

“Cruisin’ on the River”: Beer, Food, Tunes and a Sunset Cruise

Tuscaloosa –  On Wednesday, June 6, 2012, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Black Warrior Riverkeeper will celebrate 10 years of clean water advocacy with the event “Cruisin’ on the River.”  The sunset cruise on the Bama Belle Riverboat in Tuscaloosa features a tour of the Black Warrior River’s Oliver pool. 

Accomplished singer and guitar player Stuart McNair will play throughout the cruise.  Gourmet food will be provided by Snow’s Bend Farm and prepared by Food Studio B.  The event features beer by SweetWater Brewing Company and water by Keeper Springs. The boat will leave the dock at 6:30 and return at 8:30.

Tickets are on sale now at http://bwrk.eventbrite.com.  100 tickets are available. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple.  Admission includes beer, food, music, and a sunset cruise on the Black Warrior River. 

Proceeds benefit Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s efforts to protect the Black Warrior River watershed, which includes Lake Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa’s drinking water supply reservoir on the North River, providing water to 200,000 people. 

The Black Warrior River watershed also provides roughly half of Birmingham’s drinking water supply.  Black Warrior Riverkeeper will have another 10th anniversary celebration in Birmingham on Saturday, September 22.  Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s website now features a timeline of “watershed moments” in the nonprofit organization’s history: http://blackwarriorriver.org/timeline.html.  

Black Warrior Riverkeeper (www.blackwarriorriver.org) is a citizen-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. A member of Waterkeeper Alliance, Black Warrior Riverkeeper was the Alabama Environmental Council’s 2007 Conservation Organization of the Year and the American Canoe Association’s 2008 Green Paddle Award winner. Nelson Brooke, Riverkeeper, won the Alabama Rivers Alliance’s 2010 River Hero Award.  In 2011 the Black Warrior became one of America's Most Endangered Rivers due to coal pollution.   For more information about the event or to become an event sponsor, contact Jenn Patterson at (205) 458-0095, jpatterson@blackwarriorriver.org or Charles Scribner at (205) 458-0095, cscribner@blackwarriorriver.org.

Brookwood Live

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

5:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

(Every Thursday in May)

Honey Island Swamp Band

 BrookwoodLive

May 10th

5pm - 9pm

Honey Island Swamp Band

www.honeyislandswampband.com

“Somewhere, there exists a dark, smoky bar with a jukebox that spins George Jones, Gram Parsons, Delbert McClinton, and Little Feat. And if that fantasy honky-tonk lights your Marlboro, you need to know about Honey Island Swamp Band.” –Broward-Palm Beach New Times

“Vintage country meets Gulf Coast boogie-woogie blues.” –Bthesite, Baltimore Sun

“The Honey Island Swamp is a realplace. It resides near the border of Louisiana and Mississippi. It’s therefore a fitting name for this band that draws inspiration from the music of those two states. With the Honey Island Swamp Band, soul, country, R&B and blues are all on equal footing.The two man songwriting/guitarist team of Chris Mulé and Aaron Wilkinson produce expressive, hook-laden tunes that honor songcraftwhile respecting the groove.” –Jambase.com

“What a fine band this is –an utterly refreshing, unpretentious group of first-rate instrumentalists who also sing engagingly. Their music is as delicious as their name.” –Susan Peña, The Reading Eagle

Hmmm...

WE LOVE HOMEWOOD DAY!

Rides, Games and Inflatables: Located at Homewood Central Park the fun begins at 10:00am and lasts until 5:00pm.  A “We Love Homewood Day” favorite will offer a variety of inflatables, rides and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Arts and Crafts / Vendor Expo: This year vendors will be located back in Homewood Central Park amongst the rides and attractions! 10:00am – 4:00pm. Numerous crafters, businesses and civic groups will display, sell items and provide information to those in attendance. The Vendor Expo is full at this time. 

Day Time Entertainment @ Central Park: Entertainment will be provided throughout the day on the Main Stage at Central Park. Below is the current line-up:

10:00am – Shirts & Skirts Square Dance Club’s exhibition

11:00am – The Hearts

12:00pm – The Perishables

1:00pm – Homewood High School Band Pep Rally

Silent Auction: From 10:00am – 4:00pm in Homewood Community Center Gymnasium.  Come and bid on a variety of items.  Gift cards and themed baskets are just a few of the items offered. 

We Love Homewood Day Parade: Line–up will begin at 5:00pm for the annual parade.  The parade will begin at the Homewood Library at 6:00pm traveling west on Oxmoor Road to the Edgewood Business District.  Awards for the parade will include Best of Show, Best Performance and Best Float.

Quality of Life Award: Quality of Life Award will be awarded to a deserving Homewood citizen to be named at a later date. Come find out who will win the award for 2012.

Live Night Entertainment Street Dance: As the sun sets just after the conclusion of the parade the action picks up with live entertainment and a Street Dance in Edgewood.  Bring the entire family and your lounge chair and be ready to dance the night away.  The Atlanta based group, “The Shadowboxers” take the stage playing a wide selection of songs suitable for family fun.  Merchants in Edgewood will be open serving food and beverage.  The fun lasts until 9:30 pm.

HCS Spirit Scamper 5K/10K and Fun Run

HCS Spirit Scamper 5K/10K Run-Walk and Fun Run is Saturday, May 5th (We Love Homewood Day)!  This year all proceeds support the Choir Program at HHS!

Entry form can be downloaded HERE.

Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest at We Love Homewood Day

SIDEWALK CHALK ART FESTIVAL

Rotary Club Fundraiser

Homewood Park at Central Avenue  /  Saturday, May 5, 2012

in conjunction with WE LOVE HOMEWOOD DAY

PRIZES FOR:

Best of Show ($500)     Chairman's Choice ($300)

Most creative ($300)    Children's Entry ($100)

Homewood Rotary Club, in conjunction with We Love Homewood Day is hosting a Sidewalk Art Show, giving everyone a chance to Chalk, Walk & Gawk at the abundance of artistic talent that is flourishing right here in our own home town. It only makes sense to showcase that talent, and raise money for a great cause in the process!

Proceeds from the Sidewalk Art Show will benefit Homewood Rotary's Education Foundation, a non-profit 501-3C organization.

Here’s how it works:

     The Sidewalk Art event will take place at Homewood Park on Central Avenue . Designated areas will be assigned to a participating company, organization or individual on a first-come, first-served basis. Chalk will be provided. Panels will be approximately 8' square (will vary in size depending on sidewalk availability) and may be reserved for a $100.00 donation. Non-profit groups may participate free of charge, or may arrange for sponsorship to compete for prizes.

                 Once a particular space has been selected, participants will be invited to decorate their space(s) with colorful sidewalk chalk.  Panel drawing begins at 8:00 a.m. Prizes for the most creative design, best overall panel, best kid's entry, and best WLHD-themed panel will be awarded at the start of the "We Love Homewood Day" Street Dance in Edgewood that begins at 6:00 p.m.

Note: Drawings must be G-Rated, with subject matter appropriate for viewing by the general public, and family members of all ages. Decisions regarding content will be made at the sole discretion of the Rotary Club. Chalk only, please. Paint, crayon, or other permanent markings cannot be allowed – we want to do this again next year! Decisions of the Awards Committee will be final.

Spaces can be purchased by corporations, individuals, families, etc.

$100.00 - each panel

Proceeds benefit Homewood Rotary's Educational Foundation (a non-profit organization)

Planning Commisssion to meet tonight on NEW COMMUNITY CENTER

Please know that the Planning Commission will " meet" before the Meeting.  So, if you can go early at 5 or 5:30 you may hear more interesting discussion than at the 6:30 scheduled "Hearing".  

A G E N D A

CITY OF HOMEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION

May 1, 2012 6:00 P.M.
City Hall Auditorium - 2nd Floor
2850 19th Street South
Homewood, AL 35209

1.  NEW BUSINESS:
Item No. 1
PC CASE NUMBER APPLICANT / OWNER SUBJECT ADDRESS/LEGAL

PD 12-05-08 Applicant(s): City of Homewood Park & Recreation
Owners(s): same
1632 Oxmoor Road
PARCEL I.D. NUMBER(S) REQUEST REASON/PURPOSE
29-00-13-1-002.001.000
29-00-13-1-003.016.000
29-00-12-4-023-001.000
29-00-12-4-023-008.001

Preliminary Development Plan

New Community Center

2.  Item No. 6 Request to Amend the City of Homewood’s Zoning Ordinance to Add a Garden Ordinance 

City Council - Peter Wright