April 2026 | Volume 16 | Issue 11
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
SERVING HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, VESTAVIA HILLS, TRUSSVILLE AND THE 280 CORRIDOR
HOMEWOOD’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE THEHOMEWOODSTAR.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
Serving the Birmingham area since 1958. GUINSERVICE.COM
Joseph Braswell Owner of Guin
205-595-4846
AL#12175
Saving Savage’s O’Carr’s owner reopens Savage’s Bakery after historic eatery closed By LAUREN H. DOWDLE A month after Savage’s Bakery & Deli closed its doors seemingly for good, the owner of another Homewood staple reopened the business, promising to keep the bakery’s legacy alive for years to come.
See SAVAGE’S | page 28 New Savage’s Bakery & Deli owner Kenneth Rhodes, left, stands with longtime former owner Van Scott Jr., who ran the beloved Homewood bakery for nearly 50 years before retiring. Rhodes, owner of O’Carr’s Delicatessen, purchased the business shortly after it closed in February and reopened it March 16, pledging to continue the bakery’s longtime recipes, traditions and legacy. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
The heart of Homewood Middle School
For 18 years, Roy Jackson has kept the halls of Homewood Middle School clean and ready for learning, but students and staff say the 74-year-old custodian’s greatest impact comes through the encouragement, mentorship and servant leadership he shows every day. Photo by David Leong.
Custodian Roy Jackson’s influence reaches far beyond the school halls he cleans By APRIL COFFEY When the final bell fades, the lockers are closed and the hallways of Homewood Middle School fall silent, Roy Jackson begins his work behind
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Monroe, GA Permit #15
INSIDE
Sponsors.................. 4 City............................ 5
Business...................8 Schoolhouse...........14
Sports.....................20 Events.....................24
the scenes, the tasks that few ever see. With gospel music humming through his headphones, a dust mop in his hands and a scraper tucked into his back pocket, Jackson moves steadily down the hallways. He passes classrooms where lessons were taught, scraping chewing gum from desks and floors, wiping away the shavings from freshly sharpened pencils.
See JACKSON | page 30
Life.......................... 27
Scan the QR code to follow us online!
Home & Garden
All-South Metro
Discover local businesses that specialize in keeping your home and garden at their best.
Homewood’s Kaleb Carson named Player of the Year.
See page 12
See page 20
Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Office, Pantries, Laundries,
2026 © All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc.
Imagine your home, totally organized! Wall Beds, Wall Units, Hobby Rooms, Garage Flooring and more... Plus
% Off 40 Free Installation PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA
15% Off
Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $980 or more, 30% off any order of $680 or more, on any Closets, Garages, Home offices, or other products with any complete unit purchase. Take an additional 15% off any order of $980 or more. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to change without notice. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer Expires on 3/15/26. Offer not valid in all regions.
SPECIAL FINANCING for 18 Months! With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.
Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate
205-827-4911 SP www.closetsbydesign.com Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured.