The Homewood Star
Volume 5 | Issue 11 | February 2016
neighborly news & entertainment for Homewood
dynasty making IN THE
Figueroa brothers foster competitive spirit at home and at Homewood High By GRACE THORNTON Three bed frames have lost their lives in the Figueroa house — at least that’s what the official record shows. But it’s not entirely accurate. “We actually broke a fourth one last week, but Dad doesn’t know that yet,” said Jesus Figueroa, a junior at Homewood High School. Jesus and his older brother Daniel, a senior, and younger brother Miguel, a freshman, together have broken all of their beds and their parents’ bed and busted through a wall in the past several years. Their parents are none too happy about it, the brothers say. But at the same time, they’re proud of their sons. Because their boys — who keep body slamming each other into the furniture — are a powerhouse force on the Homewood High wrestling team and have a reputation across the state and beyond.
See BROTHERS | page A22
Jesus, Miguel and Daniel Figueroa all wrestle for Homewood High School, but they also frequently take the competitive spirit back home. The brothers said something is always being broken around their house. Photo by Frank Couch.
Vows at Vulcan: ‘I Do With A View’ kicks off 9th season
Thinking Ahead The holidays may be over, but Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. See what sweet treats you can find right in Homewood.
valentine’s day
By SYDNEY CROMWELL
gift guide
See page A20
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Born to Ride Homewood junior discovers a passion for horses and talent in competitions.
See page A18
INSIDE Sponsors ......... A4 City ................... A6 Business .........A10 Chamber..........A12 Commmunity ...A14
School House .. B3 Sports ............... B7 Real Estate...... B12 Opinion ............ B13 Calendar .......... B13
As part of their first date, Bill Stallings took his now-wife Aneesa to Vulcan Park to see the city. That beginning came full circle when they decided to get married at Vulcan in February 2014. The Stallings are among many couples that have chosen to tie the knot at I Do With A View, a Valentine’s Day tradition at Vulcan Park since 2007. For a flat rate, a small number of couples can have their wedding ceremony and reception at the park with the skyline of Birmingham in the background. The fee includes the officiant, music, flowers, wedding cake, champagne and photography. “Vulcan Park and Museum is known for being a romantic spot in the city — from a couple’s first date, first kiss, to marriage proposals,” said Morgan Berney, Vulcan’s director of public relations and marketing. “Instead of having a courthouse wedding, we are able to offer the same hassle-free experience within a beautiful setting as well as allow the couples the chance to have their closest family and friends, including Vulcan, present.”
See VOWS | page A23
Aneesa and Bill Stallings got married at Vulcan Park during I Do With A View 2014. Photo courtesy of Bill Stallings.