Hoover Sun November 2014 by Starnes Media

Sun Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Volume 3 | Issue 2 | November 2014

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Local resident helping businesses to hire veterans By KATIE TURPEN The word “freedom” transports U.S. Army Lt. Col. Damon Holditch back to Iraq. “Two things I learned there are that God answers prayers, and leadership matters,” he said.

Upon returning after serving as a captain, he became aware of the difﬁculties veterans and current service members face in ﬁnding employment. As of August 2014, the unemployment rates for veterans 18 years and over is 5.6 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

INSIDE

Hoover resident and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Damon Holditch walks through the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Holditch helps veterans transition into the civilian workplace. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

Holditch’s message for today’s businesses is clear: Hiring a veteran is not only an easy choice, it’s a smart choice. “These are high-talent people. Many things they do require a higher level of education,” said Holditch, noting the rigorous training the men and women go through. Sponsors .......... A2 City...................... A5

The Hoover resident currently serves as an infantry captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and is the district sales manager for the industrial supply company Grainger. Additionally, as the national director of personnel for the company’s veterans business relations group, he is

Business........... A8 Food .................A10

Community ...... A12 School House .....B4

responsible for recruiting efforts and building support for Grainger as a top workplace for veterans. Holditch has traveled to various businesses around Birmingham to speak about the importance of hiring

See HERO | page A23 Sports ................ B7 Calendar ........... B17

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Finding a cure

Shooting hoops

Read how one local couple is hard at work to raise awareness of Rett syndrome, a rare disorder their daughter Suki was diagnosed with at age 2.

Basketball season is back. Find out what’s ahead for your school’s girls and boys teams inside this issue.

See page B1

See page B8

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Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Community Partners

In October, families enjoyed Uncorked! On the Green at the Ross Bridge Welcome Center. The event benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Photo by Katie Turpen.

Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to

katie@starnespublishing.com

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden Three years before Winand I like to host Thanksston Groom delivered the giving dinner in our home. Having everyone here is a commencement address at my college graduation, Mary tradition that’s become Schmich published the speech very meaningful for us, I wish I’d heard that day. which is not to say it’s an After appearing in the easy feat to pull off. June 1, 1997 issue of the The setup requires us Chicago Tribune, Schmich’s to split across two differessay struck a chord so proent tables in two different found that the piece eventurooms. The size of our ally caught the attention of group also puts a pinch Walden Australian film director Baz on den area seating, norLuhrmann. Luhrmann used the article mally more than adequate for our little in a spoken song version, now known to family of four. And for several hours that the world as “Everybody’s Free (To Wear day, my normally spacious kitchen feels Sunscreen).” unbearably small. When I first heard it, I was 21, on the In sum, the price I pay for wanting to cusp of entering the workforce and living have all of my favorite people all together on my own outside the cocoon of college all at once is that we are all together, all life. Back then, I found it thoughtfully at once. amusing. Which brings me back to my attitude. I heard it again the other day, now as a And Baz Luhrmann. And Mary Schmich. 36 year old who has clocked in 15 years And a few lyrical nuggets of wisdom of full time work and all the responsibil- they’ve imparted that remind me, “Everyities and privileges that accompany this body’s Free (To Enjoy Thanksgiving) ”: stage of life. This time I found the lyrics to ring nakedly true, especially this time }} “Don’t waste your time on jealousy. of year as I prepare my home, my heart Sometimes you’re ahead. Sometimes you’re behind. The race is long. And and my attitude for Thanksgiving. For the Cybulsky-Walden family, Rett in the end, it’s only with yourself.”

My home is small and well loved, but not especially glamorous. Then again, there’s something homespun and organic and wonderfully “us” about the way we do it now, squished together in the kitchen with our heads bent in prayer, thankful for another year in good health and with each other. }} “Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults.” When I really, self-reflectively think about it, for almost every misunderstanding, careless remark or deliberate barb I can remember, I can also recall twice as many kindnesses shown me by that very same person. }} “Get to know your parents.” I’m finally, earnestly able to see that my parents, and my in-laws, are way cooler than I’ve ever bothered to give them credit for. This Thanksgiving, I want to move beyond surface level appreciation for them and be deliberate in celebrating who they truly are. Wishing you blessings in abundance this Thanksgiving season,

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Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Emily VanderMey Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham David Knox Katie Turpen Jessa Pease Sydney Cromwell Madison Miller Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Nathan Pearman Morgan Robinson Louisa Jeffries Karim Shamsi-Basha Hoover Sun LLC

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A17) Alabama Outdoors (A11) Alabama Power (A12) America’s Thrift Store (B1) ARC Realty (A14) Backyard Adventures (B15) Batts’ Chimney Services (B13) Bedzzz Express (A24) Bluff Park Window Works (B14) Brandino Brass (B10) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (B13) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (A3) Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (A6) Cajun Cleaver (A6) Campaign to Elect Davis Lawley (A1) Children’s of Alabama (A9) Christmas Village (B15) Construx (A15) Danberry at Inverness (A10) Decorating Dens Interiors (B11) El Gringo Mexican Restaurant (A13) ENT for Kids Alabama (A4) Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles (B14) Garage Experts (A18) Granite Transformations (A4) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (B2) Guitar Gallery (B14) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (A8) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (B8) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (A5) Home Care Associates (A18) Hoover Florist (A23) Hoover Public Library (B12) Jesse’s Steak and Seafood (B5) Jimmie Stephens Campaign (B20) Junior League of Birmingham (A7, B17) Kasey Davis Dentistry (A19) LAH Real Estate - Hoover Office (B16) MedCenter Hoover (B2) Morningside at Riverchase (A21) Moss Rock Festival (B19) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (A23) North Shelby Dental Studio (A22) On Time Service (A16) Preston L. Reynolds DMD (A17) Princeton Baptist Vein Center (B9) Raymond James (A22) RealtySouth - James Harwell (A5) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (A19) Sarver Orthodontics (B8) Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (B4) Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (A16) Target Auction Company (B12) The Lice Place (B10) The Maids (A1) The Retirement Center (B4) Therapy South Riverchase (B3) Time Capsule Images (B18) UAB Division of Urogynecology (B6) UAB School of Public Health (A23) Vision Gymnastics (B9) Vitalogy Wellness Center (B7) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A20) Wrapsody (A20)

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editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. 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.

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HooverSun.com

November 2014 •A3

Trunk Shows Wednesday, November 12 9:30am – 5:30pm Mountain Brook Mountain Brook • 205.871.3276

10:00am – 6:00pm

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Hoover Sun

Chamber University of Alabama baseball coach speaks on move to Hoover Met By KATIE TURPEN This spring, the crimson tide will roll into Hoover. The University of Alabama recently announced it will play its 2015 home baseball games at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard was the speaker at the October Chamber of Commerce luncheon, which was sponsored by Saint Vincent’s Health System. Gaspard is returning for his sixth year as the head baseball coach at the University of Alabama in 2015. In his first five years as the head coach of the Crimson Tide, Gaspard led the Tide to multiple back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. He became the first coach in program history to lead his squad to a NCAA Super Regional finish in his first year. As an assistant coach at Alabama from 1995-2001, the Tide posted a 320-127 record, played in six NCAA Regionals and made three College World Series appearances. Approximately 30 games will be played at The Met, and UA will pay the city $3,500 per game. Concession rights remain with the city. Any postseason play -NCAA regionals or super-regionals Alabama may host

Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard spoke at the October Chamber luncheon.

– will also be at The Met. Additionally, as already scheduled, the SEC Tournament will be at The Met from May 19-24. The season-opening game at The Met will be against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Friday, Feb. 13. Nonconference games include games against Samford (March 16) and UAB (April

14). Weekend home series include games against Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia, Arkansas and Vanderbilt. “All the guys are excited,” said Gaspard during the luncheon. “There are very successful kids on the team from around this area. We are truly going to be your home team and give you the best product and show out

HealthSource of Greystone recently joined the Chamber. Photos courtesy of Hoover Chamber of Commerce.

there that we can.” The next Chamber luncheon will be on Nov. 20. Please make your reservations no later than Nov. 17 by calling 988-5672 or sending an email to lisa@hooverchamber.org. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting at noon. The luncheon is $20, or $22 at the door without prior

reservations. Payment can be made by cash, check, or major credit card. Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those who make reservations and simply do not attend will be invoiced, since a meal will have been ordered for them at their request. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive.

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City Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

We were thrilled that the caterers available, so all 24/7 Wall Street website ranked you have to do is book your Hoover as No. 28 among the party today and they’ll take top places to live in the United care of the rest. States. Hoover was the only city Be sure and save the date from Alabama on the list and for our Annual Christmas one of 15 cities ranked in the Tree Lighting Ceremony at South. We are very proud of all City Hall on Monday, Dec. 1 from 5-7 p.m. Bring your the amenities and services we have to offer our residents and children and grandchildren try hard in every way to exceed out to see Santa. our resident’s expectations. As you can see, we have It’s hard to believe the hola lot of activities going on Gary Ivey in Hoover, and 2015 promidays are right around the ises to be another fun and corner. We are very excited about the abundance of activities in Hoover action-packed year. Please take time to get in November and December. On the afternoon involved in your community; we have a lot to of Nov. 2, the city kicked off their Veterans offer. You can always call our office or visit weeklong celebration with a reception held our website for more information. at the Hoover Library Plaza. Be sure and We are happy to serve the people of Hoover, visit hooveralabama.gov for a complete list and I am honored to be your mayor. We want of veterans activities the week of Nov. 3-10. to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving Also, please take a moment to thank the men and holiday season! and women that have served or are presently serving our country. Sincerely, If you are planning to have a holiday party, please remember the Hoover Met or the gorgeous Aldridge Gardens. Both of these gems are located in our city, and the Hoover Met has a tremendous amount of parking available with easy access to I-459. Either location has Gary Ivey, Mayor

Celebrating ten years of Thank-A-Vet Week traditions

Boy scouts participate in a flag folding ceremony during last year’s Thank-A-Vet Week. Photo courtesy of Hoover Public Library.

This season, the Hoover Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Hoover, will show gratitude to those serving our country in a weeklong celebration to commemorate Veterans Day. This November is extra special as it is the tenth anniversary of the city of Hoover’s Thank-A-Vet Week. On Sunday, Nov. 2 starting at 2 p.m., the city will kick off the week on the Library Plaza with a reception honoring veterans. The celebration will continue at 3:30 p.m. in the Library Theatre as master storyteller Dolores Hydock presents an inspiring new show titled Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers of World War II. Following the presentation, there will be a Flag Folding Ceremony at the library’s flagpole at 4:45 p.m. There are even more memorable events during the week. Sunday, Nov. 2 through Monday, Nov. 10, stop by the library and add a personal message to holiday cards that will be given to veterans

for Hoover’s annual Red Cross Project. On Monday, Nov. 3, Master Sergeant Dickie Drake, who retired from the US Air Force after 42 years of military service, will present a Veteran’s Day Program at 10 a.m. in the theatre level meeting rooms. Also that day, the Library Theatre for two showings of a documentary tracing the history of the Medal of Honor at 2 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action table, book displays, newsreels from World War II, flag and uniform displays, a patriotic art show presented by artists of the Exceptional Foundation and a Wall of Honor display. Children may also make special crafts for veterans, participate in a poster contest and receive a flag during story time programs. Visit the Hoover Public Library this November and become a part of Hoover’s tradition and an unforgettable tenth Thank-A-Vet anniversary celebration with activities for all. For more information, call 444-7810 or visit hooverlibrary.org/veterans.

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Hoover Met to become full-service tag center By KATIE TURPEN During an October city council meeting, Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens and Mayor Gary Ivey announced that on Nov. 3 the Hoover Met will become a full-service satellite courthouse. The tag office at the Hoover Met currently handles only tag renewals. With the transition to a full-service satellite courthouse, the office will be able to process new vehicle tags, boating licenses, motorcycle licenses and vehicle title applications. Stephens thanked the mayor, the city council and Executive Director Allen Pate during the meeting. He said this change will help with parking issues downtown and makes sense with the large number of car dealerships in the city of Hoover.

“This is going to be a good thing for the people of downtown Birmingham,” Stephens said, adding that parking at the Hoover Met should be no problem. “Hopefully, this will allow us to handle all the title applications for the dealerships on U.S. 31.” Stephens said the courthouse will be able to eventually handle driver’s licenses, but for now the cost is too high. He also said there will be good things to come as a result of the partnership that are to be divulged at a later date. “We will attempt to do driver’s licenses when we are able to get new cameras,” Stephens said. “We have some great things in store because of this partnership with Hoover. We look forward to this type of cooperation in the future.”

Hoover City Schools Foundation receives $5,000 donation from Belk By KATIE TURPEN On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Belk at Riverchase Galleria held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil their newly renovated store. The company made donations to several nonprofit organizations, including $5,000 to the Hoover City Schools Foundation. Store Manager Ken Crow presented HCSF Executive Administrator Kara Walker the check during the ribbon cutting ceremony. HCSF is a nonprofit organization created to support Hoover City Schools through teacher grants, scholarships and programs designed to prepare students for successful future careers. For more, visit facebook.com/ hoovercityschoolsfoundation.

Riverchase Galleria Belk Store Manager Ken Crow presented HCSF Executive Administrator Kara Walker a check during a ribbon cutting ceremony in October. Photo by Katie Turpen.

City officials answer questions at Bluff Park meeting By KATIE TURPEN Bluff Park residents met with city officials on Oct. 14 to discuss such local issues as traffic, police presence and neighborhood watch in a town hall style meeting. The meeting, which was meant to give residents the opportunity to voice questions and concerns, was held at Artists on the Bluff, and was moderated by Robin F. Schultz, the founder of Bluffparkal.org. “I think the world of this community,” said Mayor Gary Ivey. “I’ve always tried to come to the events up here, and I’ve tried to be responsive [to its concerns].”

During the question and answer session, many residents expressed concerns dealing with sidewalk projects like those on Lester Lane, concerns of street lighting in neighborhoods and the repaving of Patton Chapel Road. City council member Jack Wright said that the sidewalk and repaving projects would be completed as soon as possible, and that the council wanted to see them finished just as much as the residents. The streetlights, he said, are something that could take longer to establish because some residents are against them. Wright said in most cases a homeowners association would be responsible for the cost of those lights, and many Bluff Park

neighborhoods do not have one. Other questions addressed concerns about the future rezoning of high schools, which board of education member Derrick Murphy said is not something the board is looking at now. A matter as big as rezoning Hoover and Spain Park high schools would take a lot of time, he said, and he doesn’t see it happening for years to come.

Robin F. Schultz, the founder of Bluffparkal.org, was the moderator the Bluff Park town hall style meeting in October. Photo by Jessa Pease.

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Board of Education supports new amendment, addresses savings inquiry By JESSA PEASE Hoover Board of Education voted to support a new amendment that will be voted on at the Nov. 4 election. At the board’s Oct. 6 meeting, Superintendent Andy Craig read a resolution to support amendment four, which board member Kelley explained would require the legislature to have a two-thirds vote before they mandate any cost greater than $50,000 to Hoover City Schools. “This means our tax dollars and our budget — they can’t do something in Montgomery and tell us we must do it here and then require us to pay for it,” Kelley said. “If they require a code, then they have to fund it, so I think this is a good thing.” The board voted unanimously to approve this resolution. Also at the meeting, Green Valley resident Trisha Powell Crain addressed the board with a question she said she had originally asked Craig at the June board of education meeting. She referenced a reduction in force request that Craig brought before the board, and at that time she asked him how much money would be saved by eliminating those jobs. Craig had responded that he didn’t know off the top of his head, but that the number could be calculated. Crain then referenced a series of emails she sent to board members Derrick Murphy and Donna Frazier on Aug. 6 and Aug. 11 that asked for that information. Although the board members responded, Crain said she

something that you know the answer to already.” Crain argued that she did not know the answer. Craig said he asked the finance department to compute the amount of money saved from letting those nine employees go in June, and it is his understanding that they are working on that number to have for Crain soon.

The Hoover Board of Education voted to support amendment four, which would require a two-thirds vote from the legislature before they mandate any cost greater than $50,000 to Hoover City Schools. Photo by Jessa Pease.

wasn’t given the calculated amount of savings. “Last night, I wrote to Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Frazier… Can someone please tell me why the superintendent has been unable to produce these numbers?” Crain said. “Please, please, please do not make me ask this question and read each of your emails from the podium tomorrow night. Is Mr. Craig simply incompetent or was there no base for the RIF (reduction in force) in the first place?” Crain said that the evasiveness in

the past four months looked suspicious as though there were no savings from the reduction in force. Board member Earl Cooper responded to Crain first. “You pride yourself in a tremendous amount of detailed information related to the budgets and everything else,” Cooper said. “You are here at every board meeting — you record it. You know who were RIFed. You know their salary schedule.” Crain interrupted Cooper to tell him that she did not know the salary schedule particular to those people. Cooper

said he agreed that it was the responsibility of the board to provide her with that information, but he thought it was rhetorical for her to ask a question to which she could find the answer to. “In the scheme of things, when we talk about savings relative to $160 and $180 million dollars, [the amount saved] is probably not that significant,” Cooper said. “I am not discounting anything. We should respond to you, I agree, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a matter of distrust because somebody won’t give you

The board of education also: }} Presented 52 retirees of Hoover City Schools with awards of appreciation and recognition. }} Approved the monthly financial statement. }} Approved the September payroll, $7,047,184.04. }} Approved cash disbursements of $5,746,345.32. }} Approved the annual five-year capital plan that includes tentative expenditures within Hoover City Schools. }} Approved a new curriculum for English, language arts and math in Hoover City Schools. This new curriculum is aligned with the new standards of college and career readiness. }} Announced that enrollment numbers were up about six students from last year. The next board of education meeting will be Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Farr Administration Building.

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Now Open Royal Furniture is now open at 1615 Montgomery Highway in the former Books-A-Million location. 582-2427. royalfurniture.com.

Chicken Salad Chick opened its 2 first Birmingham-area location at 210 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 200, on Sept. 30. 995-2525. chickensaladchick.com/ birmingham. Family Dollar is now open at 3202 3 Lorna Road. 224-0938. familydollar.com. Gameday in Style, 450 Inverness Corners, is now open. The store sells boutique-style clothing in addition to its game-day themed clothing, gifts, accessories, shoes and its own line of T-shirts. 637-7003.

Park Avenue Café, located inside Artists on the Bluff at 571 Park Avenue, is now open. The restaurant is serving breakfast and lunch. 637-5946. artistsonthebluff.com.

Kumon of Birmingham-Greystone, 270 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 400, is now open. Kumon is the world’s largest math and reading after-school program. The center is owned and operated by Animeeta Patel. 994-7200. kumon.com/birminghamgreystone.

Coming Soon Jimmy John’s will open a new location on Highway 150 in the new development anchored by Sprouts, across from The Grove shopping center. An opening date has not been announced. jimmyjohns.com.

Urban Pops, a restaurant offering coffee, popsicles and other desserts, is opening at 2760 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 100. No opening date has been announced. 907-1807.

Urban Home Market, a store specializing in home design services and upscale furniture and home décor, will open in time for the holidays at 1001 Doug Baker Blvd. The store is owned by Kathy McMahon, owner of Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace. 980-4663. urbanhomemarket.com.

Relocations and Renovations Fitness Xpress has moved to 701 10 Doug Baker Blvd., Suites 101-103. 995-5505. fitnessxpress280.net. American Family Care, 2147 Riverchase Office Road, has announced that it will move its headquarters to 3700 Cahaba Beach Road, off the U.S. 280 corridor. The move is expected to be complete by early 2015. 403-8902. americanfamilycare.com.

New Ownership Paul Barganier, DMD, has sold his practice of 29 years to James LeCroy III, DMD, and the practice has been renamed Barganier & LeCroy Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. The practice is located at 3055 Lorna Road, Suite 110. 822-8161. lecroydental.com.

News and Accomplishments Hoover Florist, 1905 Hoover Court, 13 is holding a Christmas Open House on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A raffle will benefit the Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, and a 20 percent discount will be available on pre-made wreaths and Christmas arrangements. 823-5273. hooverflorist.net.

November 2014 • A9 Brock’s, a restaurant at Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, 4000 Grand Ave., is now on OpenTable, a web- and app-based restaurant reservation service. 949-3051. rossbridgeresort.com.

Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, 610 Preserve Parkway, Suite 100, is now offering delivery service via TheTakeOutBham.com. 637-3036. vecchiabirmingham.com.

Patrick Bowman, a CPA with Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, 1121 Riverchase Office Road, has been inducted into Troy University’s Accounting Hall of Honor. 982-5500. bmss.com.

Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates, P.C., 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 300, has announced several initiatives to improve patient/doctor interactions, including a new and improved website, an e-clinic to facilitate virtual office visits, and more. 930-2060. bimapc.com.

Hirings and Promotions ARC Realty, 5291 Valleydale Road, has hired several new agents, including Holt Rast IV, Julie Meggs and Charline Wu. 657-4570. arcrealtyco.com.

Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center has added Dr. Kathleen McKeon to their staff as a hand surgeon. They have a satellite office at 201 Doug Baker Blvd. in the Village at Lee Branch. 939-3699. andrewssportsmedicine.com.

LAH Real Estate’s Hoover office, 2 Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 15, has recently welcomed new agents Molly Smith, Sandra Young, Wilson Perry, Mary Pillitteri, Cindy Hardin, Gayle Wroclawski and Kathy Harmon. 440-4740. lahrealestate.com.

Anniversaries J.Dawson Salon, 2539 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 125, celebrated its second anniversary in October. 989-9868.

Tip Top Grill, 588 Shades Crest Road, celebrated its 11th anniversary in October. 978-8677.

The Comedy Club Stardome, 1818 Data Drive, celebrated its 31st anniversary in October. 444-0008. stardome.com.

The Urban Barn, 601 Doug Baker Blvd., is celebrating its second anniversary in November. 451-8888.

Greystone Shell Gas Station, 5408 U.S. 280, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. 802-7500. mcphersonoil.com.

The Neighborhood Brew, 5184 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 206, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. 980-7445. theneighborhoodbrew.com.

Haute Couture Boutique, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 5, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. 403-4005.

Closings 28

Richard Joseph SalonSpa, 4700 U.S. 280, has closed.

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By JESSA PEASE It was everything they thought they didn’t want to do. Jack, Sue and Susan Lin’s father owned a Chinese restaurant in Georgia while they were growing up, and they never wanted to follow the family tradition. But for the past 15 years, the siblings have owned Pablo’s Restaurante & Cantina in the Colonnade. Three years later, they opened the Hoover location off John Hawkins Parkway, and finally they opened the location in The Village at Lee Branch seven years ago. “It’s like a neighborhood place,” Lin said. “You walk in and you know everyone.” At the Hoover Pablo’s, Lin said families and large groups of people such as Baptist church groups and workers from Toyota often frequent Pablo’s. Mostly though, Pablo’s is a family place. In fact, Lin said most of the staff members are family or have been working there for such a long time that they have become family. With family being so important at Pablo’s, it is easy to see why a family member manages each location. Lin said it makes it easier to maintain the sense of community and friendship when one person can focus on each location. He manages the Colonnade location, his sister Susan manages the Hoover location and Susan’s husband manages the Pablo’s in The Village at Lee Branch. “You can’t jump from restaurant to restaurant,” Lin said. “You have to stay stationary to make it profitable because it is just a building. It’s [the] people you have that bring people here,

(left) Owner Jack Lin, left, said eight out of ten people who come in to the Colonnade location ask for long time employee Putu. (above) Pablo’s Chicken Con Queso featuring two chicken breasts topped with queso and served with a bed of rice, vegetables and beans. Photos by Jessa Pease.

because everybody sells tacos and margaritas.” Lin does admit that the tacos and margaritas are a big draw for people though; along with Pablo’s signature dishes —the fajita nachos and the fajita quesadillas. The fajita dishes, Lin said, are a product of 15 years of ingredients and recipes proven to work. “You’ve got to have your margarita, good salsa and good service,” Lin said. “I think that is what keeps it consistent.” Pablo’s also sells a signature drink called the Texas Margarita, and also features a house

margarita for happy hour from 4-6 p.m. and Mexican beer specials all week. “Being of Asian decent, everybody asks us ‘Why do you have Mexican restaurants instead of Chinese restaurants,’” Lin said. “Duh, you sell more alcohol. That’s my motto.” Club Pablo’s On occasions, you might catch a Friday night where Pablo’s becomes Club Pablo’s, a salsa nightclub staying open until 2 a.m. The location at the Colonnade does it almost every weekend

because they are able to stay open until 5 a.m. instead of 2 a.m. Lin said some dancers really know what they are doing, but many people from the surrounding businesses just come to have some fun once they are off the clock. “It took about a year or two, but it has really become an attraction here on U.S. 280,” Lin said. “It’s really cool. We have the lights, the smoke and the whole nine yards.”

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • A11

Business Spotlight le yS t Va l

d oa es Cr es tR Sh ad

Bluff Park Hardware

Read past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

Lester Ln

Crest Ln

597 Shades Crest Road 823-1953 bluffparkhardware.com Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

By MADISON MILLER Donald Byron’s first day of work at Bluff Park Hardware was when he was just a teenager. Though he left the area for school and worked in outside sales for about 10 years, he couldn’t help but seize the opportunity to call Bluff Park Hardware his own when he had the chance. “The previous owners weren’t going to sell it to just anyone,” Byron said. “I knew the store.” Byron and his wife, Lisa, prayed about the sale, and in 1998 they became owners. Despite the new faces throughout the years, each owner has maintained the store’s sense of tradition. Bluff Park Hardware began as Vestavia Home Center in Vestavia Hills in 1956. In 1968, the owners moved to Bluff Park and changed its name. Since then, it has remained on the bluff, moving to the space next door from its original Bluff Park space in 1979. Since its beginning, Bluff Park Hardware’s focus has been on helping the customer and valuing honesty. Walking through the doors gives customers an old-fashioned feel, as though time has stopped right where it needs to and has no plans to move. Though many stores have adapted to high-tech devices and larger spaces, Bluff Park Hardware remains comfortable with the essentials and a small but experienced staff that is equipped with knowledge of hardware needs. The advantage of staying small, Byron said, is customer service. “[Customers] get one-on-one attention, if not two-on-one…” Byron said. “We can take

(Left) Donald Byron works with customers at the register at Bluff Park Hardware. Some have been regulars for years. (Above) The store is known for its oldfashioned feel. Photos by Madison Miller.

a $10 sale and make it into a $2 sale because they don’t need to spend $10 to fix what their problem was.” There is often a misconception that larger stores are able to offer lower prices, Byron said. This is not always the case. At times, customers have called while in larger stores to ask for a price on a certain item and have found that the cheaper price is with Bluff Park Hardware. “There was a particular part that they wanted

$12 for, and he called me and said, ‘Do you have these? How much are they?’ They were $5.50,” Byron said. Bluff Park Hardware serves a wide variety of hardware needs from small engine repair to plumbing items and more. If the store is unsure of or unable to provide an item or service, Byron lets the customer know upfront. The store also has a list of trusted references to recommend to customers if they cannot sell or repair what the

customer needs. As a longtime fixture of Bluff Park, Byron knows that it is important to give back. The store sponsors local school events, provides gift baskets for raffles and donates to church events. Byron enjoys the word-of-mouth kind of reputation that Bluff Park Hardware has maintained. “People will have a problem and [a neighbor] will say, ‘Go to the hardware store. They’ll help you out,’” Byron said.

A12 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

Community Hoover-based jewelry designer to participate in Market Noel Hoover resident and mother of three Kerry Leasure will be bringing her jewelry back to Market Noel this year. The annual Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) holiday market will return to the Cahaba Grand for the sixth year the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20-22. The event features more than 100 vendors. All proceeds from Market Noel support more than 30 community projects of the JLB. Leasure’s business, Here a Chick, There a Chick, crafts jewelry from antique and vintage pieces reworked with found objects. The company began as an antiquing enterprise and a way for Leasure to work while still staying home with her kids. “I can’t say enough about how supportive everyone was last year [at Market Noel],” Leasure said. “It really is one of the best shows. As a small business owner, I appreciated the opportunity to reach so many Birmingham shoppers.” The festivities begin Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. with the Preview Noel party. General admission shopping takes place Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights

Vulcan Awards honor Ashley DeRamus

Kerry Leasure, owner of Here a Chick There a Chick, prepares her jewelry pieces for Market Noel.

of the week include a book signing by John Croyle of the Big Oak Ranch, a holiday floral arranging class by Lindsay Kessler Designs, a cooking demonstration with Whitney Wright of Southern Living, a book signing and cooking demonstration by the Cake Mix Doctor Anne Byrn, as well as photos with

Santa. The first-ever Market Bliss, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, from 6-8 p.m., will feature a beauty bar, live music from Trey Lewis and giveaways. Visit marketnoel.net to purchase tickets and to view a complete listing of participating merchants.

Hoover resident Ashley DeRamus, founder of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation, was presented with the Spear Award as one of two finalists in the Hero category of the first annual Vulcan Awards. The awards program recognizes substantial civic pride, progress and leadership on the part of Birmingham-area citizens. Honorees, selected from a pool of nearly 200 nominations from the entire Birmingham region, were presented their awards at a dinner ceremony held Thursday, Oct. 2, at The Club in Homewood. The Ashley DeRamus

Foundation is a Birmingham-based charity founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality lifestyle of children and adults with Down syndrome. DeRamus, who has Down syndrome, also recently launched Ashley by Design, a clothing line tailored to fit women of many body types including those with Down syndrome. DeRamus has also starred in Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Jason Crabb’s “Love is Stronger” video. For more information, visit AshleyDeRamusFoundation. org or AshleyByDesign.com.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • A13

Catching the aviation bug Hoover resident experiments with drone photography By KATIE TURPEN Ryan Nelson stares into his iPhone screen, which is attached to a small, white remote control. With a flick of the wrist, he sends his drone whirring 400 feet into the air. “There’s Hunter Street Baptist Church…and there’s Highway 150.…” Nelson said, narrating the tiny aircraft’s journey across the Hoover skyline as he watches the view displayed on his phone screen. Within minutes, Nelson uses his thumb to maneuver the controller, and the drone comes flying back in sight, landing gently in the same spot from where it left. Data such as average speed and distance is saved, and Nelson can later view the information on his computer. A drone can be loosely defined as an unmanned aircraft system. Nelson said that while many people are not fond of the use of the word “drone,” he doesn’t mind that label for his aircraft, which is officially called the Phantom 2 Vision+. Unmanned systems have been in use by American armed forces since 1917, according to the Aerospace Industries Association. Nelson, a Hoover resident and registered airplane pilot, said he “caught the aviation bug” awhile back and has been flying his drone for years now. “I got really into photography, and the worlds just merged,” said Nelson, who also owns an engineering

(Above) Ryan Nelson took this aerial photograph of the Hoover Met with his drone. (Left) Nelson often takes his drone with him when he travels and has taken aerial video in places such as Hawaii and Las Vegas. Photos courtesy of Ryan Nelson.

company in Hoover. Drones are available for purchase online at amazon.com. Currently, prices range from about $200 to $1,500. Nelson said he predicts the prices will go down over the next few years. He often takes his drone with him on his many travels, which include scenic destinations such as Hawaii and Las Vegas. He describes one of his favorite moments as flying the drone over the ocean and getting video footage of the sea life below.

A survey by the Association for Unmanned Vehicles and Systems International estimates that in 2015 drones will have a variety of uses including wildfire mapping, moviemaking, environmental monitoring and disaster management. “There are so many potential uses for these drones for fire departments, real estate and more,” Nelson said. “Fire departments could fly these over skyscrapers and be able to immediately see what’s happening inside.”

Rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration in the early 1980s include not flying a model aircraft higher than 400 feet, and when flying within three miles of an airport, one must notify the airport operator. Nelson said he did notify the control tower of an airport one time and they did not have a problem. Drones are mentioned in several lawsuits across the country over privacy issues related to drone photography. However, Nelson sees drones

becoming more common. He hopes to have commercial use of his drone when Congress passes a law allowing it and he has already set up a website, Drone Productions, LLC. “The general consensus is that something will get passed by the end of this year,” Nelson said. “Drone technology is starting to become more advanced. I have a feeling over the coming years it is going to explode.” For more about Nelson’s aerial photography, visit droneproductions.com.

Hoover Sun

A14 • November 2014

A season of gratitude Hoover students share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving

“I am thankful for my mom who is a nurse and takes care of people.”

“I’m thankful for my mom, my dad and my sister and my school.”

Elise Florez Prince of Peace Catholic School

“I am thankful for my dad because he is a firefighter who saves lives.” Ryan O’Neal Prince of Peace Catholic School

Kaydence Hay Trace Crossings Elementary School

“I’m thankful for my family and for my friends. I’m thankful to be alive.” Steven Driver Trace Crossings Elementary School

“I’m thankful for my family and my school.” Jeremiah Hall Trace Crossings Elementary School

“I am thankful for school. I just had to say it!” Luke Hoesley Prince of Peace Catholic School

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November 2014 • A15

“I am thankful for church and my mom who takes care of me.” Helen Sasser Prince of Peace Catholic School

“I am thankful for my new boy cousin who will be born in a few months.”

“I’m thankful for my friends, my teacher and my mom.”

Porter McCalma Prince of Peace Catholic School

Kayleen Acuna Trace Crossings Elementary School

“I’m thankful for my family and the food they provide for me and my growth. I’m thankful for good friends and good teachers. I’m thankful for safe travels from my home country of Nigeria to the United States.” Bryan Ikechi Bumpus Middle School

“I’m thankful for my friends and family and I’m thankful for my health. I’m thankful for my teammates on the Bumpus Cross Country team. They make me proud.” Mary White Bumpus Middle School

“I’m thankful for being able to represent my school in sports and academics, be with my family, live in a house and have food. I’m also thankful for my teachers and my friends.” Cooper Tullo Bumpus Middle School

A16• November 2014

Hoover Sun

Islamic center fundraising for expansion By SYDNEY CROMWELL

PROPOSED BUILDING

EXIST. BUILD ING TO REMAIN

PROPOSED BUILDING F.F.E. 677.91

At the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center, an eye chart for the Red Crescent Clinic hangs opposite of “Ms. Susan’s Word Wall” for the weekend children’s classes. During Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, record breaking crowds overflowed out of the center’s tent. Hoover’s Islamic community is quickly outgrowing its space, and HCIC has begun raising funds for expansion. When the HCIC moved into its Hackberry Lane location in 2007, expansion was already on its members’ minds. Ashfaq Taufique, president of the Birmingham Islamic Society, said the original conditional use agreement, which the city approved, included a master plan with tentative future expansion goals. “We did not want to move into a facility where we would not be able to expand to the level that this facility would allow,” Taufique said. “Expansion of what we want to do has been in our mind since before we even moved here.” As Taufique and others expected, the center’s use has outgrown its space in the past seven years. The Birmingham Islamic Society and the Red Crescent Clinic both operate from the HCIC offices and must share space with the 150 children who attend the Weekend Islamic School. Additionally, the center’s prayer hall hosts daily prayers and other religious

This rendering shows the planned expansion to the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center, which will include improving the center’s parking by ﬁlling holes and adding landscaping and retaining walls.

ceremonies, parties and community activities year-round. Tauﬁque said around 400 people attend Friday prayers throughout the year, but more than 600 attended this year during Ramadan, which lasted from June 28 to July 28. What the HCIC needs, Tauﬁque said, is better parking, more classroom

and clinic space, and a community hall for dinners and youth activities like basketball. The center has not yet gotten official figures for these projects, but Taufique estimated the expenses at $2-3 million. The HCIC community will provide the entire funding amount through donations. “We support our own,” Taufique

said. “There’s no government support, there’s no foreign support. It’s whatever our community provides us.” The center will cap its fundraising and project expenses each year at $250,000-300,000. This will slow the pace of construction, but it also keeps the expansion costs from burdening donors too heavily. The HCIC

community donated more than $100,000 in 2013 and pledged an additional $170,000 in the month of Ramadan this year. The first phase of the project is improving the center’s parking by filling holes and adding landscaping and retaining walls. If there is money available, Taufique hopes the center can also add water lines for the fire sprinkler system. The HCIC presented its parking design to the city in August to make sure it complies with city ordinances. Construction could begin by the end of the year if the planning process goes smoothly, but Taufique said there are “a lot of ‘ifs’” that could delay the project. “It is a rewarding task, but it requires a lot of sweating,” Taufique said. The HCIC community is already excited about the expansion project, but Taufique expects to see more enthusiasm once physical signs of expansion appear. His hope is that 80 percent or more of the project will be completed in the next five years so the HCIC can continue to meet its growing community’s need for a place to gather, worship and learn. “The reality for religious organizations is when people see tangible things happening, they donate,” Taufique said. “Once we start pouring concrete and putting the bricks in place, excitement is going to rise.”

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • A17

Food for thought What are your students eating at school? By JESSA PEASE In a world filled with backpacks, lockers and textbooks, lunch is everyone’s favorite subject. Back in the day, cafeteria food was served assembly line style on a steam table but Hoover City Schools have debunked old stereotypes and are now modernizing their lunchrooms. Melinda Bonner, a registered dietician, serves as the child nutrition director for Hoover City Schools, and she said they have a lot of programs designed to provide children with healthy and fun options. “Participation is the main goal,” Bonner said. “You want the kids to come and eat with us. That is not only selfish for us wanting our program to grow, but we also see what comes in their lunchboxes. They may not be getting a nutritious meal that way.” The biggest concept in high school right now, according to Bonner, is the food court concept, which gives students a variety of choices instead of the stereotypical lunchroom food. Now, the foods students can choose from more closely resemble the foods students already eat at restaurants. Students who enjoy places like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut can enjoy the Mexican and pizza bars, and grab-and-go sandwiches and salads are always available. Branding is another way the schools are catering more to the tastes of their students with options like Sabre hummus, Gatorade, Milo’s unsweet tea and milk now served in plastic jugs instead of cardboard cartons. “Those are recognizable names and that branding means they are going to be more likely to pick it up,” Bonner said. “So I would say

Melinda Bonner said the child nutrition program is there to promote a healthy lifestyle and provide healthy, nutritious options for its students. Photo by Jessa Pease.

atmosphere of the layout, and the branding — that’s how we win our older customers.” In addition to attracting students, the foods are also healthy. Hoover City Schools is part of the National

School Lunch Program, which is federally mandated by the USDA to have specific meal patterns and components to every meal. They also provide guidelines for calorie, sodium and fat levels.

Since the 1940s, the National School Lunch program has had these regulations, but in 2010 there were some major changes brought in by Michelle Obama’s child nutrition platform. Within a week’s menu plan, meals must have an orange vegetable, a red vegetable, a dark green vegetable, legumes, a starchy vegetable and other vegetables, and all breads, cereals and grains must be whole grain. Although the changes were made in 2010, Hoover City Schools were ahead of the game. In 2008, Bluff Park Elementary School was the first school in Alabama to conform to the new regulations, and the rest of Hoover followed. By the time the regulations came out, Hoover students couldn’t tell the difference. They were already used to the new system. Bonner said the schools have all been updating their wellness plans, and they are trying to reach out more with nutrition education. Some of the schools have gardens, some offer cooking classes and some classes simply introduce new vegetables to their students. One of the latest programs Hoover schools have started to implement is a universal free breakfast program where every student is given a free breakfast in the morning. Bonner said they have already seen benefits from this program in a reduction in those coming in late, improved attendance and fewer students who visit the nurse with stomachaches. Trace Crossings and Green Valley were the first to offer this program, and Rocky Ridge Elementary will start in October. “We are doing a lot more than just providing food,” Bonner said. “We are reaching out and trying to educate as well.”

A18• November 2014

Hoover Sun

Thanksgiving from a pro Chef Ron Cook shares his taste of Thanksgiving By MADISON MILLER Chef Ron Cook serves up multiple Thanksgiving dinners. The Morningside of Riverchase food director spends the holiday serving the residents of his community and, of course, spending time with his family. For Cook, family is where his inspiration started. His first fascination with cooking came from his mother while growing up in the small town of Muscoda, Ala. “I looked in the fridge, and we only had bread and milk in there,” Cook said. “I thought, ‘How does she make a meal for seven kids with nothing in the fridge?’” Cook began working in restaurants at age 14. He went to California for school but came back to Alabama when his mother became ill. In 1998, he began working as a chef in assisted living communities. Without passion for what he does, he said, he would not be a success. “Never trust a skinny chef and never trust a chef with a clean coat,” Cook said. “That means that they’re not eating their own food and they’re not really cooking.” In August, Cook began work at Morningside of Riverchase Assisted Living Community. In addition to his work with assisted living communities, he also has a cooking segment that airs every third Friday on Fox 6 News. “I don’t want to be known as a chef,” Cook said. “I want to be known as a servant of God who impacts peoples’ lives by the gift He gave me, and that is cooking.” Thanksgiving incorporates what Cook refers to as his three passions: cooking, eating and family. His stuffed chicken breast recipe offers a less time-consuming take on a Thanksgiving meal meat, while his carrot cake is an unexpected holiday dessert with flair.

Chef Ron Cook serves guests on Thanksgiving.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 •A19 Stuffed Chicken Breast Topped with White Green Chile Sauce 1 cup self rising meal 1 cup self-rising ﬂour 1/2 cup butter 1 egg 1 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup diced onions 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper 1/4 cup diced celery 1 can cream of chicken soup 2 cans chicken broth 6 medium boneless chicken breasts Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Garlic salt Black pepper White Green Chile Sauce (below) Mix together the ﬁrst eight ingredients to create a cornbread batter and bake in a greased

Chef Ron’s Famous Carrot Cake 2 cups ﬂour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups Wesson vegetable oil 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 tablespoons vanilla ﬂavor 3 cups shredded carrots 1 cup chopped pecans Cream Cheese Icing (recipe below)

Chef Ron Cook offers a plate of Thanksgiving food.

Mix oil and sugar and add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla, dry ingredients, carrots and pecans and mix well. Pour into a greased cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Ice cake.

pan at 400 degrees until brown (approximately 25 minutes). Remove cornbread from the oven. In a large bowl, mix cornbread, one can of cream of chicken soup and two cans of chicken broth, and set aside. Take the raw chicken breast and slice 3/4 of the way through, stuff with cornbread mixture and roll up jellyroll style. Place stuffed breast in lightly greased shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, garlic salt and black pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes. Remove breast from oven and cover with White Green Chile Sauce. Place back in the oven for 10 minutes.

White Green Chile Sauce 1 small can green chiles 8 oz. sour cream 1 small can cream of chicken soup 1/3 cup milk Mix all ingredients together and heat on top of stove until slightly warm.

Cream Cheese Icing 8 oz. cream cheese 1/4 cup melted butter 1 box powdered sugar 1 tablespoon water Mix butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and water.

A20• November 2014

Hoover Sun

‘Everyone has something to offer’ Local nonprofit supports both local and national efforts By KATIE TURPEN For one local nonprofit, serving others has multiple meanings. Whether delivering food to families in need or shipping donations to a children’s home across the world, volunteers are dedicated to daily giving. Jenny and Jason Waltman of Grace Klein Construction founded the Hoover nonprofit, Grace Klein Community, in 2010. The focus of this organization is meeting the relational, spiritual, and financial needs of others. Volunteers participate in several local ministries. The organization’s monthly food ministry reaches families across Birmingham. The group meets on the third Saturday of every month starting at 6:30 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church. Additionally, Grace Klein gives families who are adopting children items to sell in yard sales to raise money for their adoptions. They also have a donation room at their construction office where they collect clothes, household items, books, furniture and much more. Furthermore, Grace Klein supports

international missions. Mission trip supplies are boxed up and transported all over the world from the donation room. Volunteer and Development Coordinator Kristine Sizemore said that everything the mission does is based on one principle. “We firmly believe everyone has something to offer,” said Sizemore. Grace Klein is a partner organization with the Kwathu Children’s Home in Zambia and is currently hosting a missionary from the home. Natalie Spronk is a 26-year-old South African missionary and worship leader currently serving at the community home in Livingston, Zambia that provides shelter, education, psychosocial support and care for HIV infected and affected children. The home also aims to give life skills to vulnerable children in a healthy and safe environment. The children regularly participate in workshops for carpentry, gardening, etc. “This is the only real home they really know,” Spronk said. “For them, it’s about losing that orphan mentality.”

Missionary Natalie Spronk is pictured with the children of the Kwathu Children’s Home in Zambia. Hoover nonprofit Grace Klein Community is a partner organization with the home and is hosting Spronk through Dec. 8. Photo courtesy of His Hands Photographs.

Spronk is in Hoover through Dec. 8. During her time in the United States, she is building relationships and raising funds for the completion of the Kwathu Home. Currently, Kwathu is renting a property, which makes it expensive to run the home. Kwathu has secured land, which will reduce the running cost of

the project and allow more children to be cared for who are displaced. The experience has left a mark on Spronk’s heart and she is happy to utilize her time in the United States to spread the story about the mission. “It’s beautiful to be a part of these children’s lives,” Spronk said. “They are incredible.”

For more about the Kwathu Home, visit kwathuhome.wordpress.com. For more about Grace Klein Community, visit gracekleincommunity.com. To book Spronk as a speaker, email kristine@gracekleincommunity.com.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • A21

Local radio personality shares personal journey of weight loss By REBECCA WALDEN For 15 years, radio personality Chip Arledge struggled with his image. His job at The Eagle Radio Group, which he operates from his homebased studio in Russet Woods, making trips as needed to the station’s home base in northern Michigan, has kept Arledge in the skies often. Judgmental looks from fellow passengers became the norm for him. At 423 pounds, he expected it. Still, Arledge found humor to be his best defense. He would break the ice at the start of each boarding process the only way he knew how — by calling himself out. “I tried to be as polite as possible, and of course I’d make jokes about it,” said Arledge, reflecting on one particular flight he’d taken to Detroit. “This one day, I made eye contact with this woman next to my assigned seat, and I said, ‘You drew the short straw today. That’s my seat beside you,’” said Arledge. “She was a delightful person, and we had a lovely conversation during the flight,” he said. Fast-forward 18 months later and 200 pounds lighter, and Arledge found himself once again sharing a flight with the same woman. By that time, he’d gotten used to the double takes from those who had known him at his heaviest. But her response, to date, is what Arledge treasures as the greatest compliment

Chip Arledge operates The Eagle Radio Group from his home-based studio in Russet Woods. He lost 200 pounds in 18 months. Photos courtesy of Chip Aldridge.

he’s received throughout his weight loss journey. “She remembered what it was like for me that day on the first flight we’d shared together,” said Arledge. “And she asked me, ‘How does it feel to go from being the person no one wants to sit next to, to being the person everyone wants to sit next to?’ It was the kindest remark I’ve received all this time. I was so touched that I hugged

her and damn near cried.” The experience reflects what Arledge found to be one of the most critical, and personal, points of his health turnaround. “You have to have a very strong sense of self,” he said. “People who did not give you the time of day before all of a sudden want to hear what you have to say.” Though he’s now a lean and mean

202 pounds, a weight he’s held steady since March 2014, the seasoned radio personality still maintains his oldschool radio moniker, “The Fat Man.” When asked how he did it, Arledge pulls no punches and offers no easy way out. “People have a tendency to complicate things,” he said. “You just have to make up your mind and do it.” It’s what Arledge started three years

ago and what he still does today. Scaling back on alcohol and portion size led him to drop the first 50 pounds without exercise. Moderate walking in quarter-mile intervals through the Russet Woods neighborhood soon followed, as did physician office weigh-ins every three weeks. In one year’s time, he lost 100 more. Arledge began to incorporate exercise into his care regimen twice daily. What began as an out-of-shape man seeing if he could even walk 40 steps up a moderate hill has turned into a dedicated athlete who routinely clocks in 25 miles of running per week. Arledge still enjoys his carbs, both in pasta and fermented form, but saves those indulgences for the weekend. And as good as he said it felt to walk into Belk one day and buy a pair of pants off the rack, instead of what Arledge calls “the big and fat catalog,” nothing compares to the health benefits he’s reaped. The same man who was once facing grim circulatory problems and pre-diabetes is now free and clear of chronic disease. “I didn’t really do this under any formal guidance,” said Arledge. “It was just common sense, and a realization that I didn’t want to invite the kinds of health problems I would have been facing. If I can do this, anyone can.”

A22 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

Channeling pain into purpose Kayla’s Open Hands Overflowing Hearts By REBECCA WALDEN From a hospital bed outside Atlanta, several days into a clinical trial, Kayla Perry’s words carry more than a little weight when she matter-of-factly states, “I’ve learned there are few things we cannot do.” The trial is risky; its effects left her dehydrated and malnourished, sending Kayla into the ER in late October. Still, the 19 year old, diagnosed in 2013 with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma is powering through the trial, and discussing other options with her doctor, because, as she sees it, “there is really nothing you can do but move forward.” “No one chooses to have cancer, and it’s not a minor setback,” said Kayla. “And people are always telling me things like ‘I don’t know how you do what you do,’ or ‘You are so inspiring and amazing.’ But honestly, there is really no option other than pushing forward and pushing through.” Kayla’s candor is refreshing, and demonstrates the kind of bedside manner that will prove beneficial to her future goal of serving as a nurse practitioner in pediatric oncology. “I think that applies to a lot of things that people don’t realize,” she said. “There’s a tough meeting at work, a test you are not prepared to take, a goal to quit smoking, to start eating healthy, to go on a diet. You don’t have to do it, you don’t want to do it, but you have to do it. Through

Kayla Perry was diagnosed in 2013 with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma. She created the foundation Open Hands Overflowing Hearts to generate funding for pediatric cancer research. Photo courtesy of Time Capsule Images.

this I’ve learned there are few things that we truly can’t do.” For their part, administrators and academic advisors at Auburn

University have accommodated Kayla’s care regiment requirements with her desire to keep up with as much schoolwork as possible.

“Though I was diagnosed one month after my 18th birthday, neuroblastoma is still considered a childhood cancer,” she said. “I want to be able to help children with cancer the way that I have been helped.” For both Kayla and her mother, Christen, that includes raising awareness and increasing research funding. “Childhood cancer is more prevalent than people realize,” said Christen. “Just in the last year, we learned of four new childhood cancer diagnoses in the Hoover area alone.” Kayla’s journey has been without the benefit of a wide body of research, largely due to the fact that the specific genetic mutation of her cancer is extremely rare, especially for her age. “I am the oldest person ever recorded in the international neuroblastoma registry to have this specific genetic mutation in my cancer that they look for when everyone is diagnosed,” she said. “I have a lot of weird markers.” Christen echoed this message. “We’ve been told so many times, ‘We don’t know because there is not much data on this particular situation,’” said Christen. “There is so much they don’t know about neuroblastoma because it is so rare. That is one of the reasons we are so passionate about raising awareness and funding for research.” To that end, Kayla and her family have created the foundation Open Hands Overflowing Hearts. Her

personal goal through the foundation is to generate and donate as much funding for pediatric cancer research as she possibly can. “When you talk about health-related underfunding of research, childhood cancer is one of the most underfunded,” said Christen. “Especially in terms of new drug research, there are very few new drugs being used in childhood cancers than there were even 30 years ago. There have been some advances in that time, and the statistics are better today than they were then, but there is still so far to go.” Though it’s not a journey the Perry’s would wish on anyone, both mother and daughter said they are humbled by the support lavished on them from friends and family. She said she’s been especially touched by the unexpected kindnesses continually shown to their family. “We’ve had so many people step forward and be so generous,” said Christen. “What I can say is that the experiences of the past 18 months have made me want to be a better person and to find ways to give back as well, in all the ways that I can.” To learn more about Kayla’ story, to donate or to find out how you can become involved with Open Hands Overflowing Hearts, visit openhandsoverflowinghearts.org.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • A23

HERO

CONTINUED from page A1 the nation’s heroes. He emphasizes that veterans are trained in leadership, management, teamwork, accountability and responsibility at the highest level. They also have experience with technology and globalization and are able to work efficiently in a hands-on environment. “They are self-directed and well educated, work well under pressure and are service oriented,” Holditch said. “They truly do make great employees.” In addition to gaining individuals with a special set of skills, he said businesses can receive tax credits. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. He also hopes to dissolve the misconceptions that cause employers to hesitate in the hiring process. He notes one common misunderstanding is that they are gone for many days out of their year for service commitments and unable to fulfill their civilian job duties. “There is this misconception that they are gone all the time,” Holditch said. “But it’s really only a few days out of the year.” In July, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce presented the Freedom Award to Holditch. The award recognizes some of Hoover’s most outstanding public servants. Holditch and his wife, Leslie, who is a Hoover City Schools special education teacher, have four children. He credits his other half for helping his family stay strong while he was serving overseas. “She’s the real hero in all of this,” he said.

In July, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce presented the Freedom Award to Damon Holditch. The award recognizes some of Hoover’s most outstanding public servants. Photo by Katie Turpen

Holditch speaks highly of the city he calls home and hopes he can create awareness of the importance of transitioning veterans into the

civilian workforce. “I’m truly blessed to be in Hoover. I couldn’t imagine raising my children anywhere else,” Holditch said.

“I would love for the community with the oldest Veterans Day celebration and parade to also be the home of great jobs for our veterans.”

For more on veterans hiring initiatives, visit dol.gov/vets/ahaw/.

造造

Sun

School House B4 Sports B7 Calendar B17

SECTION

A smile worth a thousand words Local family works to spread awareness of daughter’s rare disorder By KATIE TURPEN Marie Bateh vividly remembers the moment she noticed something different about her daughter. Sarah Katherine Bateh, affectionately known as Suki, was born to Hoover residents Marie and Brian five years ago. She was the fourth born of the couple’s five girls. “All my other girls walked at 9 months, so I knew when she wasn’t walking at 10 months that something was up,” Marie said. They took Suki to a pediatrician who told them not to worry and that all children develop differently. When Suki was a year old, Marie made a call to The Bell Center, still convinced something was not right. Marie’s sister, a special education teacher, noticed Suki looked like one of the children in her classroom who had Rett syndrome. Marie eventually went to see Dr. Alan Percy, one of the top doctors in the

world for the disorder, at the UAB Rett Syndrome Clinic. By age 2 and after multiple tests, Suki was officially diagnosed with the disorder. Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological developmental disorder with a genetic cause that affects 1 in every 10,000 female births across the world. It is first recognized in infancy and seen almost always in girls and is often misdiagnosed as autism or cerebral palsy. It appears after an early period of near-normal development until six to 18 months of life, when there is a slowing down of skills. A period of regression then follows when the child loses communication skills and purposeful use of hands. Soon, repetitive hand-washing motions, gait disturbances and slowing of the normal rate of head growth become apparent as well as other problems that may

See SUKI | page B6

Marie Bateh reads to her daughter Suki while daughter Julie plays nearby. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

B2 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

A modern twist on an ancient art Birmingham Fencing Club ﬁnds new location in Hoover

BY KATIE TURPEN Walk into a fencing class, and you’ll immediately hear the clinking of swords and buzzing of timers. Teens in white protective gear attached to wires dart back and forth in a delicate dance. Although this sport dates back to the 1300s in Spain, it is clear it hasn’t lost its ﬂare. At least not in Hoover. The Birmingham Fencing Club was located at Park South Plaza right beside Alabama Piano in Vestavia Hills for 10 years. However, after extensive flooding in April, the club has moved to 1581 Montgomery Highway in Hoover, just past Golden

Rule BBQ. The club is a nonprofit dedicated to instruction in the sport of fencing in the greater Birmingham area. Olympic medalist Hongyun Sun and international medalist and Olympic referee Yuanjing Wang serve as the club’s coaches. Before joining the club in 1998, both were Chinese National Team coaches. They, along with Club President David Arias, reside in Vestavia Hills. Arias said he enjoys competing in the sport, defined as the martial art of fighting with blades. When asked how he found his way into fencing, his answer is simple. “I wanted to exercise. I knew didn’t want to run,” he said. “So I thought I’d try it out.” The club offers regular classes for different levels of fencers. Students must wear protective gear and are attached to electrical wires that send messages to the score boxes. Fall classes began the first

week of September. Membership fees are $140 annually or $90 a month. Arias said age does not matter when it comes to this sport. “We work with everyone from 11 to 87-year-olds,” he said. Beyond the classes, the club also travels to different tournaments. The club has several youth fencers competing at the national level and even the international level and has hosted several youth tournaments. Arias said that people drive even as far as from Montgomery to come to the club. He also noted the club members have received fencing scholarships to schools such as Harvard University, MIT, Penn State University and Brown University. “It’s really great to watch children come here and see their transformation,” Arias said. For more information or to register for fall classes, visit fencingclub.org.

Fencing Fast Facts Birmingham Fencing Club President David Arias explains that three weapons are used in modern fencing: foil, épée and sabre.

The Birmingham Fencing Club began in 1998. Coaching is provided by Olympic medalist Hongyun Sun and international medalist and Olympic referee Yuanjing Wang. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

 Foil: a light thrusting weapon that targets the torso, neck, but not the arms or legs.

 Épée: a thrusting weapon like the foil, but much heavier. In épée, the entire body is valid target.  Sabre: a light cutting and thrusting weapon that targets the entire body above the waist, except the weapon hand.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B3

The voice

from Spain Park Jessie Pitts moves forward on Team Blake By JESSA PEASE One line into the song, Gwen Stefani turned her chair around. It only took seven words of Brandi Carlile’s “The Story” for The Voice judge to indicate she wanted Spain Park High School graduate Jessie Pitts on her team. Nineteen-year-old Pitts is now on Team Gwen, continuing on the show’s battles in the upcoming weeks. “Wow, I loved your voice,” Stefani told Pitts after her audition. “It was like an angel — so pretty. I love how you can wiggle your way up into these other little notes.” Stefani was able to sway Pitts to her side, but Pitts already had an idea of her own singing style. She started singing in her church choir at a young age and continued singing in her high school choir and show choir. Pitts said her father was one of her biggest influences. In addition to singing with her, he raised her on classic Beatles and country music, and he built a wooden stage for her to perform on. Under this influence, she was able to create her own style. “I would say I have an indie kind of voice, but I love taking pop songs and making really unique transitions to make it sound like a song you have never heard before,” Pitts said. The influence of singers like Regina Spektor and Ellie Goulding can be heard in Pitts’ soft voice, but she said she always wants her own personal edge to shine through. If you have ever

seen one of her gigs, she said you have probably heard her cover of “Love Me Tender.” Elvis originally recorded the song, but she said the cover by Norah Jones inspired her own version. Her take on pop songs made more than Stefani react during the blind auditions. Blake Shelton pressed his button almost immediately after Pitts took the stage. He said her voice “is like a bowl of Lucky Charms, marshmallows only” when she started singing. The day leading up to the audition, Pitts said she was a nervous wreck. She first auditioned two years ago and was told that she should come back when she had more experience and when she was a little older. She took that as a sign that The Voice wasn’t the path for her, but went to the auditions again when a friend begged her to go. The morning of the audition, however, Pitts said she woke up with the most peaceful feeling. Being on the stage was nothing less than incredible, she said. “I was working the crowd, waving to the people, and it just felt right,” Pitts said. “It felt like it was what I was meant to do. I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be, and that was a very pleasant surprise. I could really just enjoy the moment and give it everything I had.” For Pitts, listening to the judges, some of the world’s top artists, talk about her voice was an out-of-body experience. She said she was humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to sing in front of them, and she felt even more

Jessie Pitts owned the stage during The Voice’s blind auditions. She said she waved to the crowd, worked the audience and felt like she was where she was meant to be. Photo courtesy of Tyler Golden/NBC.

blessed to be able to perform for them again. Pitts took the stage with Ryan Sill Oct. 20 for the next round. The pair battled their vocal talents by singing to Ellie Goulding’s “I Need Your Love,” and Stefani chose Sill as the night’s winner.

Although Pitts lost the battle, Shelton saved her from going home. He used his last “steal” to make Pitts a member of Team Blake, the winning team from last year’s season with singer Danielle Bradbery.

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B4• November 2014

Hoover Sun

School House Trace Crossings Elementary hosts technology summit Trace Crossings Elementary School recently hosted the first “Alabama Google EdTech Summit”, a division of the national EdTech Team featuring Google Apps for Education (GAFE). Teachers from Hoover, the state of Alabama, and surrounding states converged on the elementary campus in late July to learn best standards and practices when it comes to the classroom applications for GAFE. Sessions ranged from beginners to advanced users of Google apps and provided a

great platform for collaboration among the community of teachers and administrators that attended. The feedback was very positive and many teachers were thankful for the opportunity to learn more about how to improve the use of technology in their classroom. The local “Trace Google Team” was very successful in implementing the Google Summit and is looking forward to seeing what great innovation comes from the time spent learning.

HCS Google Symposium explores classroom innovation Educators from around the state converged in July for Hoover City Schools’ Google Leadership Symposium, an opportunity for teachers, curriculum specialists and technology leaders to further learn ways in which Google platforms can help students achieve success. The day-long session featured student and educator panels and was highlighted by keynoter Mark Garrison, a Google-certified teacher who serves as chief information officer for the White Bear Lake Area Schools in Minnesota. “I always enjoy meeting

educators who are engaging in the important work of technology integration,” Garrison said. “In addition to some excellent new Google integration ideas, I picked up some innovative professional development models,” Participants left feedback following the symposium directed at the information gleaned from collaborative discussions. “I like the opportunity to talk and share with others about what they are doing,” said Susan Poling, technology coordinator for Shelby County Schools.

Trace Crossings Elementary School recently hosted the first “Alabama Google EdTech Summit.” Photo by Jason Gaston.

SPHS student finds voluntarism through country music To say Madie Hendrix is a Martina McBride fan is an understatement of the highest order. The 16 year-old Spain Park High School junior turned 17 the last weekend in August; the occasion also presented her ninth opportunity to see McBride in concert. “It was about three years ago I started to hear her on the radio,” Hendrix said. “ I was like, ‘....this voice is unreal.’” Little did Hendrix know that she would one day find herself on stage with Martina McBride. It happened this past summer in Huntsville during a sound check prior to McBride’s

concert. Hendrix was called on stage by McBride; the duo sang McBride’s hit song “Anyway.” Hendrix was at the sound check as a member of “Team Martina.” This global group of highly-organized Martina McBride fans seeks to make a difference in local communities through voluntarism and fundraising for charities. For the Huntsville concert, Team Martina targeted the Covenant House in Guatemala, a safe house for girls who been have abused and/or neglected. The team raised approximately $33,000; $2,000 of that by Madie Hendrix. Hendrix’s story proves even more

remarkable when you consider she is blind. All of her volunteer work and fundraising - hours and hours - has occurred without the benefit of sight. “I honestly don’t think of myself as having a disability. I don’t let it get in the way,” Hendrix said. “It’s an honor to help those that are less fortunate.” As Madie Hendrix works toward her senior year at Spain Park High School, she continues her involvement with her studies, the school choir and activities outside of the school day, including voice lessons. She vows to remain an avid Martina McBride fan - and an active volunteer. -Submitted by Jason Gaston

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B5

Counselor launches Air National Guard Mentoring Program

Pictured left to right are MSgt. Joseph Cook, Capt. Brandi Hyatt, Dr. Debbie Grant, MSgt. Lynn Johnson, and SSgt. Chavette Hillard.

Hoover High School’s freshman counselor Dr. Debbie Grant knows first-hand the caliber of people associated with the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard. After all, her husband is part of this Birmingham-based team. It was familiarity with the 117th’s character that led Dr. Grant to develop the Hoover High School 117th Air Refueling Wing Alabama Air National Guard Mentor Program. Inaugurated for the 2013-14 school year, the program works with students who have been identified as high risk either academically or socially and may need assistance when adjusting to high school. “I developed the mentor program to give these students a ‘fresh’ adult who can listen,

reflect and offer them encouragement and support,” Grant said. “Students sometimes just need an objective advocate who will offer them a new way of reflecting upon their school and home situation.” Grant realizes the need can be great at times, and as such, hopes to continue her mentor program. “This is our second year and it has already proven to be a big success. The kids look forward to school visits, emails, cards, etc. from their mentors. Parents of these students are thrilled to have another positive influence on their child’s life.” -Submitted by Jason Gaston

Simmons Middle School students participate in Discovery Lab

Students in Robert Abernathy’s science class recently had the chance to learn about different reptiles as part of the Simmons Discovery Lab. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN Recently, a group of Simmons Middle School students got the chance to learn about a variety of fun creatures thanks to the efforts of one dedicated teacher and the Hoover City Schools Foundation (HCSF). Three years ago, seventh-grade science teacher Robert Abernathy was awarded a $2,000 grant by the HCSF. In October, the efforts came to fruition with the Simmons Discovery Lab. The Simmons Discovery Lab features a variety of exhibits including a desert, rain forest and saltwater habitat. Each exhibit houses creatures such as pythons, clownfish and crawfish. Several of the creatures were donated from local areas, and one of the aquarium tanks came all the way from the Caribbean. Abernathy said that the students have been active in taking care of the creatures, and

some students even had the opportunity to take them home for a few days. During the October presentation, students shared interesting facts about a particular creature they had been assigned to research. Interesting facts included that clownfish are born male but can change later in life to become the dominant female, and ball pythons can live around 30 years in captivity. “This lab was a vision of mine when I applied for the grant several years ago,” Abernathy said. “It’s been exciting to see the children become so involved and excited about it.” The Hoover City Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to support Hoover City Schools through teacher grants, scholarships and programs designed to prepare students for successful future careers. For more, visit facebook.com/ hoovercityschoolsfoundation.

B6 • November 2014 3rd Annual Raise the Roof for Rett Presented by Children’s of Alabama and the Suki Foundation Saturday, Nov. 1, 6-10 p.m. LINCPoint, 101 Oslo Circle Live music, dinner, complimentary drinks, silent and live auctions $50 in advance, $60 at the door smartparty.org/curerett

SUKI

CONTINUED from page B1 include seizures and disorganized breathing patterns. Suki is now 5 years old and currently enrolled in Trace Crossings Preschool. She is continuously undergoing physical, occupational, speech and music therapy. She cannot use her hands or her voice; therefore, she communicates using a computer screen. Marie describes heartbreaking moments of watching her daughter’s stomach swell due to her involuntarily holding her breath. Despite experiencing these painful symptoms, Suki’s smile easily lights up a room. “She can say so much with her eyes,” Marie said. Marie and Brian wanted to create awareness and a community of support for families with children with Rett syndrome. In 2011, they started the Suki Foundation in honor of their daughter. “I wanted to raise awareness, to help people point out the red ﬂags of this

Hoover Sun disorder, and to educate both parents and medical professionals,” Marie said. “I also wanted to support the work of Dr. Percy at the Rett Syndrome Clinic at UAB and help us move closer to ﬁnding a cure.” Marie communicates regularly with other parents whose children have the disorder and said three more girls in Birmingham were recently diagnosed with the disorder. With early detection and diagnosis, the life of a child with RS can be greatly improved. Funds raised by the foundation will assist families in early detection and assure early intervention by providing support, education and the most therapeutic services possible through early learning programs. The Suki Foundation’s annual events include a 5K run in April, SliceFest in June, and the 3rd Annual Raise the Roof for Rett, which this year will be held on Nov. 1. The event will include live music, dinner, complimentary drinks and silent and live auctions. Dr. Alan Percy from the UAB Rett Syndrome Clinic will be a guest speaker. “This is going to be a really fun event,” said Suki’s father, Brian. “It’s about creating awareness, and we want to encourage people to donate even if they can’t attend the event.” Marie and Brian remain optimistic about their daughter’s future, and for now, their priority is creating awareness and helping Suki live as much of a full life as possible. “It is our faith that has given us the strength to keep going. We believe miracles can happen,” Marie said. “We truly believe there will be a cure found in Suki’s lifetime, and we want girls with this disorder to be functioning at their highest level when that happens.” To register for the event or to donate to the cause, visit smartparty.org/curerett. For more information about the Suki Foundation, visit sukifoundation. org.

Simmons Middle School honored for ﬁghting childhood obesity

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, recently recognized Simmons Middle School with a 2014 National Healthy Schools Award.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, recently recognized Simmons Middle School with a 2014 National Healthy Schools Award. SMS received this award at the Alliance’s 2014 Leaders Summit in Washington, DC on Sept. 13. As a recipient of the award, SMS has transformed its school environment. “The school, as a whole, is more aware of the importance of healthy choices and that when you make these choices, they can change your life in a positive way,” Joey Chambers, SMS Pathways to Progress Instructor said of the school’s changes since joining the Alliance’s Healthy Schools Program. SMS personnel have thought of innovative ideas to promote healthy behaviors including implementing Meatless Mondays in the cafeteria, helping teachers add physical activity breaks in the classroom, and swapping

unhealthy dessert options with tasty, fresh alternatives. Teachers are also benefitting from healthier options for breakfast and lunch at school and access to a workout facility, the school’s track, and gym to help the school continue to “walk the walk.” “We applaud the achievements of our 2014 honorees,” said Dr. Howell Wechsler, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “They are exemplary in their efforts to get students and staff eating better and moving more, and they prove that it is possible to build healthy school environments. We need thousands more schools across the country like Simmons Middle School,—schools that are fully committed to promoting health and wellness, which is vital to improving students’ academic performance.” Find out more at healthiergeneration.org.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B7

Sports Hoover, Spain Park honored for athletic training programs By DAVID KNOX Keeping our high school athletes on the field is important. Keeping them safe while doing so is even more important. Hoover High and Spain Park High are recipients of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award for their athletics programs. The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for student-athletes. The award reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment. “Hoover High School is honored to receive this 1st Team recognition from NATA, and we remain committed to keeping our student-athletes safe during physical education classes, team practices and games so they can accomplish their own goals of great competition, winning records, fair sportsmanship and good health. Our goal is to lead our athletics program to the highest safety standards for our players,” HHS Athletic Director Andy Urban said. “With the sharp increase in the number of sports injuries in youth today, we as athletic trainers are playing a pivotal role in raising awareness and providing education on how to reduce injuries,” said Spain Park athletic trainer John Hardin. “We at

In order to achieve Safe Sports School status, athletic programs must do the following: ÌÌCreate a positive athletic healthcare administrative system ÌÌProvide or coordinate pre-participation physical examinations ÌÌPromote safe and appropriate practice and competition facilities ÌÌPlan for selection, fit, function and proper maintenance of athletic equipment ÌÌProvide a permanent, appropriately equipped area to evaluate and treat injured athletes ÌÌDevelop injury and illness prevention strategies, including protocols for environmental conditions

Spain Park football player Grey Best gets looked over after leaving the game with an injury. Spain Park and Hoover high schools were each honored for their athletic training programs by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Photo by Dan Starnes.

Spain Park High School have a comprehensive sports medicine program that was recognized by the NATA as one of the Safe Sports School 1st Team recipients. Our mission as a sports medicine team is to enhance and extend the student-athletes’ playing careers and create a love for exercise and

healthy activity. This award validates our efforts toward this goal.” Physical activity is very important for youth, according to NATA President Jim Thornton. “There has been an increase in competitive sports, which are, unfortunately, not without risk,” Thornton said. “Brain injury/concussion,

cardiac arrest, heat illness, exertional sickling, cervical spine fractures and other injuries and illnesses are potentially life-threatening.” Proper planning with proper equipment and personnel is vital to the safety of student-athletes today, he noted.

ÌÌProvide or facilitate injury intervention ÌÌCreate and rehearse a venuespecific Emergency Action Plan ÌÌProvide or facilitate psychosocial consultation and nutritional counseling/education ÌÌEnsure athletes and parents are educated of the potential benefits and risks in sports as well as their responsibilities

B8 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

Hoover Bucs Basketball Preview Lady Bucs learn rules of the road, set to drive for title By DAVID KNOX Hoover High girls basketball coach Tiffany Frederick explains her young team’s experience at the state regionals this way. “You’re learning to drive and the first time you go up on the interstate and everything’s flying at you,” she said. “We’ve got the mentality now of we’ve driven a little bit. We will have that mental toughness. We know now what it’s like to play on that stage.” The Lady Buccaneers put together a 17-13 season that ended with a 57-40 loss to Sparkman in the regional semifinals. Sparkman finished as the Class 6A runner-up when they lost to state champion Shades Valley at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. “We definitely want to be better than last year,” Frederick said. “The goal is to be better today than yesterday. We want to be peaking at the right time and win and get to state, to Birmingham – that’s why we sign up. We had some setbacks but I say setbacks are setups.” Seven seniors return for Frederick, headed by point guard Jada Smith and forward Velencia Johnson. Five juniors are on the squad including the Lady Bucs’ only double-figure scorer from last year, Jailyn Maddox. The team is full of athletic guards, which will allow Frederick to press all the time, using speed, quickness and

HOOVER GIRLS

2014SCHEDULE Date 11/4 11/7, 8 11/13 11/17 11/20 11/22 11/28,29

Opponent Vestavia Hills Big Orange Classic Spain Park Clay Chalkville Huffman Huntsville Murfreesboro, Tenn.

scrappiness to create offense out of defense. One of those athletic guards is junior Brittley Humphrey, daughter of Bobby and Barbara Humphrey, and she’s taken her family bloodlines to the basketball court, as well as track. Frederick said she wasn’t a polished basketball player by any means, but said, “She’s one of the most competitive kids I’ve ever been around.” The coach, who is going into her third season at Hoover, said she doesn’t see any drop-off from first string to second string, and that excites her and makes practice interesting. “We’ve got to want to challenge each other every single day.” Frederick challenged them in offseason conditioning, and a majority of the girls met the goal of jumping

Location Away Home Away Away Home Home Away

Time 6 p.m. TBA 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 4 p.m. TBD

rope 10,000 times and running 100 miles. “The way we play and pressure, mid-third quarter we’re just getting warmed up and we want to look at the other bench and see them ready to quit.” The Lady Bucs weren’t the best shooting team last season, and they know they need to step it up. Smith may be the team’s best shooter. She said she’s worked on her mid-range game and likes to penetrate and score or kick it out. Johnson is versatile, playing in or out, but she said offensively she’s a face-the basket player. She said, “Defense is where I really get into my game, but I plan on having a little better season offensively, shooting and posting up.”

The Lady Bucs run through preseason workouts. Photo by Jessa Pease.

Coach and players alike feel like the chemistry is good, since many of them have been together a few years. Team-building exercises too have gotten them focused and on the same page. “I feel like we can win the 7A state championship this year,” Smith said. “From what happened to us last year

in regionals, we were young, so it was a learning experience. It was the first time for most of us to go to regionals. We’re going to be mentally tougher. We know what to expect and know we have to get ready to go into battle.” Hoover opens the season at Vestavia Hills on Nov. 4 and opens at home with the Big Orange Classic on Nov. 7-8.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B9

Bucs eye State Finals run By DAVID KNOX Hoover High boys basketball coach Charles Burkett doesn’t downplay his hopes for the season. “Our goal is to win the championship,” said Burkett, who is starting his ninth season as Bucs coach. “Anything less than getting back to Birmingham will be considered underachieving.” The Bucs have a wealth of experience and have added a key transfer. Hoover went 24-9 last season, losing in the subregionals to Bessemer City at the buzzer. Everyone coming back – including transfers coming in – has varsity experience. Austin Cherry, a 6-2 senior shooting guard, is the leading returning scorer. He averaged around 18 points per game last year. He’ll get immediate help from Dylan Smith, a 6-6 transfer from McGill-Toolen. Smith averaged 18 points a game last season. “Cherry is a scorer, scores from all over the floor,” Burkett said. He’s a good 3-point shooter. “Smith is an all-around scorer, inside, outside. He’s one of the best players and best scorers in the state,” Burkett said. Returning starters include 6-6 senior forward Maurice Brown, 5-11 senior guard Sam Bowman and 6-5 junior forward Andrew Strickland. 6-4 post player Brett DeFore also returns. Three point guards with experience return. 5-11 sophomore Matthew Rickman, 5-11 senior Matthew Calhoun and 5-8 sophomore Tavian

HOOVER BOYS

2014SCHEDULE Date 11/13 11/17 11/20 11/27-11/29

Location Opponent Home Ramsay Away Clay-Chalkville Home Huffman Away Rumble on the Ridge

Roundtree. Once football season ends, two more big men will bring physicality to the team in 6-4, 220-pound senior Christian Bell and 6-3, 230-pound senior Darrell Williams. Leonard Wood, a 6-3 senior guard, is another football player who’ll join the team after the gridiron season is over. Two other transfers will work their way into the mix. Kevy Eason, a 6-2 junior combo guard, arrives from Thompson and 6-4 senior forward Shaquille Bracey comes from Vicksburg, Miss. The Bucs will run a four out, one in motion offense, but Burkett thinks his team is versatile and will employ a lot of different packages with the depth he has. Defensively, “Our plan is to make teams earn every basket. We’ll play

Time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBD

man-to-man, we’ll play full court man.” If there are challenges for this Bucs team, one is the area in which it plays. Tuscaloosa County, Oak Mountain and Thompson join Hoover in what should be a most competitive area. County High and Hoover will likely be ranked in the Class 7A Top 10, and Thompson isn’t far behind. Oak Mountain is improved and the Eagles’ style of play can be a difficult matchup. Secondly is chemistry. “We’ve got three new players that will factor into what we do,” Burkett said. “They have to learn not only our style of play but the other players also. Hopefully, by late December once we have everyone here, we’ll be clicking on all cylinders. It may be a little bit of a rollercoaster ride until we get everyone on the same page.”

Austin Cherry shoots a free throw in a jam last season. Photo by Barry Stephenson, Time Capsule Images.

B10 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

Spain Park Jaguars Basketball Preview

Lady Jags should be in hunt for 7A crown By DAVID KNOX What’s not to love about the Spain Park Lady Jaguars basketball team? A veteran coach in Michael Chase, entering his sixth season at Spain Park, who’s been to the BJCC before as a head coach with Clay-Chalkville. An offensive style that many teams have a hard time matching up with. Five starters returning from a team that won a school-record 26 games and several youngsters good enough to press for playing time if any of those starters have assumed they have a job won. And a basketball team that should still be hungry because those 26 wins only got them to the regional finals and not back to Birmingham for the Final 48. This year comes the added goal of participating in the first State Finals and vying for the first Class 7A title. “We struggled some last year, but once the kids got settled into new roles, we were really playing our best basketball at the end of the year,” Chase said. “I’m pretty excited to see what we can do. I want to say we have high expectations. But really the regular-season record doesn’t matter to me – it’s where you finish in the playoffs.” Chase said the tough regular season schedule will prepare his girls for the regionals, saying he believes his team will have seen as good of a point guard or shooting guard or post player as any

SPAIN PARK GIRLS

2014SCHEDULE Date 11/6 11/10 11/13 11/18 11/21 11/24-11/26

Opponent Midﬁeld Homewood Hoover Minor Wetumpka Madison Academy Thanksgiving Classic

they’ll see at state. “We’ll be really tested in the regular season.” After two seasons in an area that lumped Spain Park in the southern part of the state, the Lady Jags are in a more familiar jungle with Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Hewitt-Trussville after reclassiﬁcation and realignment. Returning starters include 5-foot-10 senior guard Victoria Baldwin, who averaged 18.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.4 assists per game. Also back are 5-11 senior forward Jemaiya Lee, 5-11 junior forward Elizabeth Philpot, 5-10 post Keyasha Gordon and 5-4 senior guard Amanda Gaston. Sophomore guard

Location Home Home Home Away Home Away

Time 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBD

Maggie Baldwin played in 27 games as a freshman, and there are a host of other youngsters pressing for time. “Our strengths are we’re really big – all three of our post players are about 6-foot, and long; our point guard is 5’10. And the way we shoot the 3 gives teams match-up problems. Our style of play is hard to guard.” Some call it the Horns offense, or A-set, or something else, which starts with a point guard out front, two high post and two wings in the corners. Chase’s teams have always utilized the 3-point shot, but when he’s had slashers and inside scorers, he’s used them to his advantage, too. Opposing players, especially at the high school level, can be devastated when

Spain Park’s Victoria Baldwin goes up for a 3-pointer. Photo by Ted Melton.

they feel they’ve got the inside shut down only to see the ball kicked out to a wing or post player who knocks down a 3. However, X’s and O’s don’t take care of everything it takes to have a successful season. Chase emphasized that. “The biggest thing is how well the kids will handle the grind and the

adversity that comes with having high expectations from the students, the parents, the other teams, everybody,” he said. “Absolutely our goal is to get to Birmingham. We’ve worked hard in summer and fall, had no major setbacks. If our group can handle it, we have enough talent and basketball skill to have a really successful season.”

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HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B11

Talented Jags spark championship chatter SPAIN PARK BOYS

2014SCHEDULE Date 11/6 11/10 11/14 11/17 11/20 11/21 11/25. 26. 28

Opponent Hueytown Homewood North Forsyth, Ga. Minor John Carroll Wetumpka Rebel Classic

By DAVID KNOX Spain Park High boys basketball coach Neal Barker always has high expectations for his team. But this season, those expectations have been ratcheted up a notch, and not just by Barker. “This summer when I’ve gone to clinics, other coaches are saying stuff about how good we’re going to be,” the 33-year-old Barker said. “So I guess that’s pressure, but nobody’s going to critique me more than me. With the experience we have coming back and the young talent, our expectations for ourselves are pretty high. I’m excited and anxious to get started.” The Jaguars, 20-11 a year ago, return eight seniors and three starters, including 6-foot-10, 220-pound sophomore center Austin Wiley, who averaged around 15 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks a game. But it’s a newcomer who’s been added to the mix that has drawn most of the attention, at least statewide and even nationally, who’s pushed the Jaguars from the expected solid season to a

Location Home Home Home Away Away Home Away

Time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBD

state championship contender. Jamal Johnson, a 6-foot-4 transfer from Sparkman High, where he averaged around 16 points a game as a freshman, will now wear the black and blue of the Jags. He’s the son of former Alabama great Buck Johnson. He transferred in after the summer, so Barker hadn’t seen him play much prior to practice starting on Oct. 13. “From watching him play pickup ball, though, you can tell he’s a very skilled player with great vision on the court,” Barker said. “He’ll add to our ability to score, and I think he’ll make everybody else around him better.” Senior teammate Malik Blanchard, a returning starter and the team’s best perimeter defender, said although Johnson is clearly an outstanding scorer, there’s a lot more to his game from what he’s seen in pickup play. “He has pretty good ball control, and he’s explosive and he can see the court very well,” Blanchard said. “He has a scorer’s mentality but if you’re open he’ll get the ball to you. He’s not selfish. He just wants to win.” He should give a Spain Park a

Spain Park's Mailk Blanchard goes up for a shot in a game against Pelham last season. Photo by Ted Melton.

potent inside-outside punch with his fellow soph Wiley, who was invited to attend USA Basketball’s Junior National Team mini-camp, the only player from Alabama invited. “Over the summer, he’s gotten bigger and stronger, and I think he might have grown a couple of inches,” said Barker. “He’s a true center, plays with his back to the basket and scores in the post. For a big kid, he’s got great

hands. He mostly scores down low for us, but he’s got a great touch, though his stats from last year wouldn’t show it. By the time he’s done, he’s going to be a great shooter, maybe with range all the way out to the 3-point line. And he’s a big defensive presence in the middle.” Barker couldn’t name a starting five yet, but it likely will include Johnson, Wiley, Blanchard and AJ Smiley,

who plays safety on the football team. Smiley is another player with Alabama bloodlines — his father, Anthony, played football for the Crimson Tide. Wiley is the son of former Auburn basketball players Aubrey Wiley and Vicki Orr, a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. In the Jags’ four-out, one-in offense, Johnson could play the point or it could be senior Garrett McGuffie — or even eighth-grader Parker Boswell. “He’s just a gym rat,” Barker said of Boswell. “His parents will drive him anywhere he wants to go to find a game. He’s very skilled, handles the ball well and has great vision.” But Barker’s favorite player is the ringleader in the Jags’ man-to-man defense. “Malik is probably my favorite player,” Barker said of Blanchard. “That’s because he does exactly what you tell him to do exactly the way you tell him to do it. Works as hard as anybody we’ve ever had. In the weight room, he’s got perfect technique. “He’s just a nightmare on defense. He’s tough to get by, just has a knack for playing defense. Some players have a scorer’s mentality; he’s got a defender’s mentality.” Blanchard smiled when he heard his coach’s assessment. “I try to be hard-nosed. I think my footwork is my biggest asset and my ability to anticipate and make steals,” said Blanchard, who had nine steals in a game against Wetumpka. “I try to study a player’s strengths and weaknesses before the game or if I’m on the bench, and I make them play to their weakness. I always want to guard their best player, make him earn his baskets.”

B12 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

Simmons’ Barbara Humphrey nominated to be UA system trustee By DAVID KNOX Crimson and white? Green and gold? Perhaps blue and white? Which way will she lean, if any? Barbara Humphrey, a Hoover resident, track coach at Simmons Middle School and wife of former University of Alabama All-America running back Bobby Humphrey, was nominated to the UA System Board of Trustees at its meeting in September. Humphrey, 47, must still be confirmed by the Alabama Senate, but that is usually just a formality. That should happen when the Senate reconvenes in early spring. Humphrey will represent the Seventh Congressional District. The UA System trustees govern all three campuses – the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The state constitution requires that the board be composed of three members from the Congressional district in which the University of Alabama is located and two members from each of the six remaining districts. Trustees may serve up to three consecutive six-year terms. Humphrey, who will replace the retiring Andria Scott Hurst, will bring a unique view to the board. She is a UAB graduate and a former Blazer athlete, starring on the first UAB track and field team. Her time in the 400 meters is still the school record. Besides being the wife of a famous Alabama football star, she is mother to one current Crimson Tider – defensive back Marlon – to one current Blazer footballer – wide receiver Maudrecas – and to a current Blazer track athlete – Breona. Two other children, Brittley and Marion, are currently standout athletes at Hoover High. To complete the trifecta, she has a nephew,

Barbara Humphrey, center, is track and ﬁeld coach at Simmons Middle School. Photo courtesy of Barabara Humphrey.

Alex May, who wears the Chargers’ blue and white as he competes in track and ﬁeld for UAH. “I was approached by someone who suggested I consider it and at ﬁrst I thought, ‘Are they sure about this?’” Humphrey said. “But I thought it over and said I’d love the opportunity.” She declined to say who suggested she consider serving but said it was not a member of the board. When asked about the burning issue on the UAB campus with regard to athletics – an on-campus football stadium – she just laughed. Although she has the strong sports background

and no doubt has goals she’d like to see accomplished during her term, she said she is “going in blind with so much to learn. I’m not going to go too fast. Once you get inside, you ﬁnd out how things work. With or without my help, the board and the universities have done a great job. I may bring some different assets, but I’m going to wait until I get inside and see what it’s all about.” Besides coaching at Simmons, Humphrey is also founder and head coach of the Speed City Summer Track Club, which she said has around 100 members. A four-year letterman in track and ﬁeld at

Jackson-Olin High School, she earned a full scholarship to UAB in 1986 as a member of UAB’s first track team. After earning her degree in history from UAB, Humphrey returned to her high school alma mater to begin her coaching career. She coached Vonetta Flowers, who was Alabama’s first black female athlete to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics, as a bobsledder. Flowers competed in track and field at J-O and UAB. Her husband, who also starred in the NFL, is employed by Bryant Bank.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B13

Shades Mountain Christian Football Recap Victory Christian 10 - 14 The Eagles rallied from a 14-0 deﬁcit in the second half but couldn’t get all the way back in the loss to the visitors from Pell City. Cody Pausic kicked a 20-yard ﬁeld goal to get the Eagles (1-4, 0-3 Class 1A, Region 5) on the board. Harrison Boozer and Billy Parker split time at quarterback. Boozer went 8-of-17 passing for 113 yards, and Parker was 5-of-10 for 48 yards, including a 23-yarder to Boozer for a fourth-quarter TD.

Wadley 7 - 47 Billy Parker scored on a 26-yard run and Cody Pausic added the extra point to keep the Eagles from being shut out by Wadley. Shades Mountain managed 149 yards of total offense.

Ragland 13 - 40 Shades Mountain led 7-6 at the half on an 18-yard pass from Harrison Boozer to Will Rowell and Cody Pausic’s PAT, but No. 4 Ragland roared back for the win. Billy Parker connected with Boozer for a 44-yard touchdown pass as time expired.

Appalachian 14 - 21 Appalachian broke a 14-14 halftime tie with a third-quarter score to win its ﬁrst game of the season. Billy Parker scored a pair of ﬁrst-half touchdowns for Shades Mountain Christian, but the Eagles couldn’t get much going in the second half. Parker led all rushers with 85 yards, and Austin Patterson added 62 for Shades Mountain 1-7, 0-6 Class 1A, Region 5.

Billy Parker has been a standout performer for Shades Mountain Christian. Photo by Keith McCoy.

B14 • November 2014

Hoover Sun

Spain Park Football Recap Hewitt-Trussville 63 - 64 (4 OT) The visiting Huskies stunned the eighth-ranked Jaguars in four overtimes. Regulation ended 35-35 and the two teams matched scores through four overtimes, but the Jags couldn’t convert the ﬁnal extra point. Spain Park (3-2, 2-1 Class 7A, Region 3) rode the back of workhorse runner Wade Streeter, who rushed for 195 yards and ﬁve touchdowns on 46 carries. Quarterback Mason Duke went 14-of-21 passing for 193 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for two more scores.

Hoover 14 - 42 Early on, the Jaguars defense kept the Bucs at bay, but breakdowns in the secondary, and a pick-6 by Hoover’s Jeremy Williams quickly turned it into a 21-0 deﬁcit in the ﬁrst half. For Spain Park, Mason Duke hit Trent Harper on a 29-yard TD pass, and Larry Wooden plowed in for a 2-yard score. Anthony Smiley and Michael Jackson each picked off a pass for the Jags (3-3, 2-2 Class 7A, Region 3).

Vestavia 14 - 13 In a game postponed until Saturday due to weather, Spain Park star defensive back Michael Jackson made two huge plays on special teams to save the day for the Jaguars (4-3, 2-3 Class 7A, Region 3) and beat Vestavia Hills. With the Jags leading 14-7, Jackson blocked Jack Hatcher’s 20-yard ﬁeld goal attempt that would have cut the lead to three points. Then after Carter Jacobs’ touchdown run with 8:25 left, Jackson blocked the extra-point attempt that would have tied the score. Wade Streeter rushed for 189 yards on 33 carries and scored a touchdown, and quarterback Mason Duke also ran for a TD.

Oak Mountain 27 - 34 The Jaguars couldn’t shut down Oak Mountain’s relentless ground game and fell to 4-4, 2-4 in Class 7A, Region 3. Spain Park quarterback Mason Duke had a big game, connecting of 24-of-39 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns, one each to Trent Harper, Owen Carr and Bridge Suber. Trey Sumpter kicked a pair of field goals. Oak Mountain continued its fine season, improving to 7-1, 5-1. The Eagles will finish as the No. 2 team in the region.

Sophomore running back Larry Wooden (25) plows down the ﬁeld for a 2-yard score. Photo by Ted Melton.

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B15

Hoover Football Recap Thompson 56 - 6 The Buccaneers (3-2, 3-0 Class 7A, Region 3) won their third straight game as they easily sailed past the winless Warriors. Kris Parker and Bradrick Shaw ran for ﬁrst-quarter touchdowns, and Darrell Williams returned an interception 21 yards as the Bucs cruised out to a 21-0 lead. Marcus Webb added two TD runs in the second quarter, and Jack Hutcheson and Chris Vacarella each threw TD passes. With Bob Jones’ upset loss to Gadsden City, the Bucs moved back to No. 1 in the Class 7A poll.

Spain Park 42 - 14 In the two schools’ ﬁrst meeting in football since 2011, the Bucs continued their domination of the series between the rivals. A 21-0 spurt late in the ﬁrst quarter and early in the second all but put the game out of reach. Hoover (4-2, 4-0 Class 7A, Region 3) got two touchdown passes from Jack Hutcheson, scoring runs of 4 and 10 yards by Bradrick Shaw and a 50-yard run by Chris Vacarella. Jeremy Williams intercepted a pair of passes, returning one for a TD.

Tuscaloosa County 66 - 27 The Bucs were hitting on all offensive cylinders. Bradrick Shaw rushed for 220 yards on just seven carries, scoring on runs of 81, 30 and 64 yards. Chris Vacarella threw a pair of touchdown passes as he split time with starter Jack Hutcheson at quarterback and also ran for a score. The only causes for concern, perhaps, were the three touchdown passes thrown by Tuscaloosa County’s Seth Franks in the ﬁrst half. The Bucs (5-2, 5-0 Class 7A, Region 3) held the Wildcats offense to no second-half points, but the TC defense returned a fumble for their ﬁnal score.

Vestavia Hills 14 - 0 The Buccaneers (6-2, 6-0 Class 7A, Region 3) clinched the region title with an easy win over the Rebels (3-5, 2-4). Marcus Webb rushed for 116 yards on seven carries and an 82-yard TD run, and Bradrick Shaw added 78 yards on 12 carries. Leading 14-0 at halftime, Alex Elam had a 90-yard punt return for a score, and Malachi Herron intercepted a pass and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown to put the game away before the Bucs offense went back on the ﬁeld. Kris Parker ran for a score and caught a touchdown pass from Chris Vacarella. Galien Richardson ran for a late TD.

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Hoover running back Galien Richardson carries the ball in the Bucs’ win over Spain Park. Photo by Kevin Brooks.

Hoover Sun

B16 • November 2014

Hoover

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

612481

35226

2215 Oak Ridge Circle

New

$84,500

612312

35226

994 Tyler Crest Lane Unit# 1

New

$174,900

612539

35226

1104 Delwood Place

New

$179,780

612416

35226

931 Alford Ave.

New

$200,000

611805

35226

2420 Ashland Drive

New

$209,900

612625

35226

2312 Rockview Lane

New

$212,000

612398

35226

1058 Mountain Oaks Drive

New

$249,900

612488

35216

377 Heritage Dr Unit# 12

New

$278,900

612272

35216

3521 William And Mary Road

New

$285,000

612174

35226

1552 James Hill Way

New

$350,000

612260

35244

5953 Waterscape Pass

New

$360,000

612343

35244

4572 Riverview Drive

New

$384,900

612361

35244

5596 Northridge Circle Unit# 4

New

$389,900

612508

35226

1288 Brierﬁeld Court

New

$396,900

612332

35226

3407 Polo Downs

New

$459,000

612499

35226

815 Byron Way

New

$459,900

612513

35226

2312 Southampton Drive Unit# 167

New

$475,000

612265

35226

313 E Stone Brook Place

New

$489,000

612142

35226

626 Renaissance Drive

New

$579,900

612420

35226

2309 Bellevue Court

New

$639,900

Real estate listings sent to Hoover Sun by Vinnie Alonzo of RE/MAX Advantage South on Oct. 21. Agents and agency vary by property.

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HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B17

Community Calendar Hoover Events Nov. 1: Alabama Walk Now for Autism Speaks 5K. 8 a.m.-noon. Veterans Park. Visit walknowforautismspeaks.org. Nov. 1: Green Valley Fall Festival. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Green Valley Elementary School. Food, games, live music and more. Call 439-2500. Nov 1-2: Moss Rock Festival. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Moss Rock Preserve. Free admission. Visit mossrockfestival.com or call 595-6306. Nov. 2-11: Veterans Week Celebration. City of Hoover. Nov. 3-23: Get Fit at the Gardens. 5:45-6:30 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Class meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. $89. Visit hooverfitness.com. Nov. 6: “Favorite Things” Christmas Open House. 4-7 p.m. Wrapsody in Patton Creek. Twentyfive percent off items in the store. Visit wrapsodyonline.com or call 989-7277. Nov. 6: Photography Seminar and Outdoor Workshop. 6:308:30 p.m. Aldridge Gardens. Members $30, non-members $40 . Nov 8: Photography Seminar

Hoover City Council 100 Municipal Lane Call 444-7557, Visit hooveral.org

and Outdoor Workshop. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Members $130, nonmembers $170. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

Nov. 3: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Nov. 13: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Nov. 13: Tablescapes “The Art of the Table.” 6 p.m. Riverchase Country Club. Call 305-2527.

Nov. 6: Planning and Zoning Commission Work Session. 5 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Nov. 17: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Nov. 15: Ross Bridge Merry Market. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Ross Bridge Welcome Center. Free admission.

Nov. 6: Board of Zoning Adjustments. 7:30 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Nov. 18: Hoover Historical Society Meeting. 1:30 p.m. Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Jim Phillips will speak on antebellum Alabama. Nov. 22: Members Only Guided Bird Walk. 8-10 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Free, but for members only. Preregistration required. Visit aldridgegardens. com. Nov. 23: Food and Clothing Drive. 3-4 p.m. Hoover Church of Christ. Call 822- 5610 or visit hooverchurchofchrist.org. Nov. 23: Handel’s Messiah by Alabama Civic Chorale. 3 p.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church. Free. Visit alabamacivicchorale.com. Nov. 27: Renaissance Ross Bridge Thanksgiving Buffet. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Renaissance Ross Bridge. Call 949-3057.

Nov. 10: Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Nov. 24: Board of Zoning Adjustments Work Session. 5:30 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor. Nov. 27: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Hoover Chamber of Commerce 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Call 988-5672 Nov. 6: Economic Development Committee. 8:30 a.m. Chamber Office. Nov. 13: Coffee & Contacts. 7:30-9 a.m. Charter Media, 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 444. Call 298-2688 or visit chartermedia.com. Nov. 17: Chamber Board Meeting. 4:30 p.m. Chamber Office Nov. 19: Ambassador Meeting. 4:30 p.m.

Chamber Office. Nov. 20: Hoover Chamber Luncheon. 11:15 a.m. Hoover Country Club. Reservations required by Nov. 17. $20 with reservations, $22 without reservations. Call 988-5672. Nov. 25: Minority Business Council Meeting Brown Bag Luncheon. Noon. Chamber Office.

Hoover Sun

B18 • November 2014

Community Calendar Hoover Public Library Events 200 Municipal Drive Call 444-7800, Visit hooverlibrary.org

Adults

Tuesdays: Adult English Classes. 6:30-8 p.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Free basic or intermediate English classes. No registration required. Nov. 4, 18, 25 (no class Nov. 11). Call 444-7820. Nov. 2-10: Holiday Mail for Heroes. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 2-6 p.m. Nonfiction Department. Add a personal message to a holiday card that will be donated to this annual Red Cross project. Call 444-7840. Nov. 3: Friends of the Hoover Library Monthly Meeting. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. A Veteran’s Day program presented by Master Sergeant Dickie Drake, retired from the US Air Force after 42 years in military service. Free and open to the public. Refreshments at 9:45 a.m. Call 444-7840. Nov. 3: Tips for Writing Grants with Grant Writer Ashley Brouwer. 10:30 a.m. Adult Programming Room. Call 444-7816. Nov. 3: Medal of Honor Free Documentary Screening. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre. This powerful film traces the history of the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor in combat, through personal accounts of bravery and daring by those who have served above and beyond the call of duty (2008, TV-14, 90 minutes). Call 444-7840.

Nov. 6: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. Call 444-7820. Nov. 6: The Onlys. 6:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Classic rock and roll hits from the 50s through today will have you up and dancing. Free. Call 444-7821. Nov. 8: Purl @ the Plaza. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Library Plaza. Gather with like-minded yarn enthusiasts and enjoy a day of crafting. Call 444-7821. Nov. 9: Global Cuisine @ the Plaza: Morocco. 2:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Coffee-ol-ogy Café presents free programs on food and coffee from around the world. Complimentary samples provided. Call 444-7821.

Nov. 10: Read Your Own Adventure Book Group. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Plaza Reading Room. Share your favorite prize-winning novel and find other great reads. Call 444-7820. Nov. 13: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. Call 444-7820. Nov. 15: Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Share your literary works and network with other amateur writers. Call 444-7820.

Nov. 18: Spanish Conversation Club. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Library Plaza. All Spanish fluency levels welcome to practice and learn. Call 444-7820. Nov. 19: No Jacket Required Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Adult Programming Room. This month’s genre is World War II. Call 444-7840. Nov. 20: Author Time @ Hoover Library: Jennie Fields. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Skype with the author of The Age of Desire. Call 444-7820.

Nov. 16: Tradewinds Duo. 2:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Carol Downey and John Taylor perform music ranging from Big Band to today’s hits on piano, trumpet and vocals. Free. Call 444-7821.

Nov. 20: Glue Gun Gang: Ornament Overload! 10:30 a.m. Adult Programming Room. Start the holiday crafting season by creating fun and easy tree ornaments. Free. Reservations required. Call 444-7840.

Nov. 17: Color in the Winter Landscape. 6:30 p.m. Adult Programming Room. Presented by an expert from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Call 444-7840.

Nov. 21: After Hours @ the Plaza: Game Nite. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Library Plaza. Put your game face on and team up with your fellow gamers. Call 444-7821.

Nov. 10: Helping Hands. 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Adult Programming Room. Join us to make newspaper rolls for a local humane society. Teens and adults. Call 444-7840.

Nov. 18: Daytime Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Adult Programming Room. Act of Congress by Robert G. Kaiser. Call 444-7816.

Nov. 10: Neuroscience Café: Neurobiology of Suicide. 6:30 p.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Presented by the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center. Call 444-7840.

Nov. 18: Glue Gun Gang: Ornament Overload. 6:30 p.m. Adult Programming Room. Start the holiday crafting season by creating fun and easy tree ornaments. Free. Reservations required. Call 444-7840.

Nov. 24: Monday at the Movies. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre. Cat Ballou. When her father is murdered by a powerful businessman, a woman hires a has-been gunfighter to help her gain revenge. Stars Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin (NR, 97 minutes). Free admission and refreshments. Call 444-7820.

Nov. 10: Frugalistics: Monthly Coupon Swap. 10 a.m. Adult Programming Room. Bring coupons you don’t need and swap for ones you do. Call 444-7840.

Continued on next page

HooverSun.com

November 2014 • B19

Community Calendar Library Events (continued) Teens

Nov. 10: Helping Hands. 3 p.m. Make newspaper rolls for a local humane society. Teens and adults. Call 444-7840.

Children Nov. 4: Falling for Fall. 6:30 p.m. Stories and crafts for all. Nov. 8: Operation: Penguin Party. 10:30 a.m. Join the black-and-white super spies for games, crafts and classified fun. Nov. 17: This Just In. 6:30 p.m. A new-books book club for grades 4-6. Nov. 18: A Magic Tree House Adventure. 4:30 p.m. Join Jack and Annie as they take Junie B. on an exciting escapade. Nov. 26: A Story Feast. 10:30 a.m. Thanksgiving stories and songs.

Holiday Open Houses A’Mano 2707 Culver Road, Mountain Brook Nov. 13, 5-8 p.m. Antiquities 2421 Canterbury Road, Mountain Brook Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Birmingham Bake & Cook Company 3112 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cahaba Crawl Various merchants in Heights Village and Dolly Ridge Road, Cahaba Heights Nov. 13, 4-7 p.m. Collage Homewood 1802 29th Ave. South, Homewood Nov. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Collage Vestavia Hills 700 Montgomery Highway, Suite 106, Vestavia Hills Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. Festivity 2852 18th St. South, Homewood Nov. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Greystone Antiques & Marketplace 5475 U.S. 280 Nov. 6, Noon shopping 5 p.m. food and live entertainment

Rosegate Design 6801 Cahaba Valley Road Wine and cheese, Nov. 6, 5-9 p.m. Chocolate and cookies with Santa, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sikes Children’s Shoes Jack n’ Jill Shop 2918 and 2920 18th St. South, Homewood Nov. 6, 5-8 p.m. Smith’s Variety 2715 Culver Road, Mountain Brook Nov. 13, 5-8 p.m. The Blue Willow 3930 Crosshaven Drive, Vestavia Hills Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Cuckoo’s Nest 4222 Old Highway 280, Westover Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ditsy Daisy 16618 U.S. 280, Suite 100, Chelsea Dec. 4, 5-8 p.m. The Scribbler & Studio on Linden 2919 Linden Ave., Homewood Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Cocktails and crudités starting at 4:30 p.m. The Urban Barn 601 Doug Baker Blvd., Hoover/Greystone Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m.

Hoover Florist 1905 Hoover Court Nov. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Village Dermatology 2900 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook Dec. 4, 6-8:30 p.m.

Monkee’s of Mountain Brook 2006 Cahaba Road Dec. 3, Evening

Vitalogy Wellness Center 2704 20th St. South, Homewood Nov. 20, 4-8 p.m.

Oli.O Specialty Oils & Balsamics 2411 Montevallo Road, Mountain Brook Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m.

Wrapsody 161 Main St., Suite 127, Hoover Nov. 6, 4-7 p.m.

Area Events Nov. 1: Third Annual Raise the Roof for Rett. 6-10 p.m. LINCPoint, 101 Oslo Circle. Live music, dinner, complimentary drinks, silent and live auctions. $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Visit smartparty.org/curerett. Nov. 1-2: A Southern Christmas Bazaar. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.. Pelham Civic Complex. More than 50 merchants from Alabama and surrounding states will participate in this shopping event. Visit rotarysouthernchristmas.com. Nov. 5-9: Christmas Village Festival. Wednesday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday Noon-5 p.m. BJCC. $12 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free for children under age 6. Visit christmasvillagefestival.com. Nov.11: Veteran’s Day Parade. 1:30 p.m. Starts on 18th Street and 8th Ave. S. in downtown Birmingham. Free. Visit nationalveteransday.org. Nov. 20-23: Bridge Tournament. 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Birmingham Bridge Club, 144 Business Center Drive. Visit bridgewebs.com/ birmingham. Nov. 20-22: Market Noel. Friday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grand Cahaba Conference Center. Benefits the programs of the Junior League of Birmingham. $12 general admission. Visit marketnoel.net.