Hoover Sun August 2014 by Starnes Media

Sun Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Hoover 979-7274

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A walk about town

Run for hope

Local ministry (un) adopted is hosting a race at Veterans Park that benefits orphans worldwide. Read more inside.

See page A14

Back in the game Hoover moves forward with sidewalk and crosswalk projects By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Hoover quarterback Jack Hutcheson throws a pass during the National Select 7on7 Championships in July. Photo by Benjamin Breland.

See page B6

Residents Jane and Jerry Smith often walk through their neighborhood in The Preserve. Although there are sidewalks throughout the community, the couple said they could benefit from seeing more pedestrian connections. The city is responding to the needs of residents like the Smiths.

Construction crews for new sidewalks may begin appearing around Hoover as early as November. The city and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) are currently designing four sidewalk and crosswalk projects at Ross Bridge, Preserve Parkway, Chapel Road and Bluff Park. The new walkways will link previously built sidewalks in the area, and Hoover Assistant Executive

Parisa and Paul Dudley and their son, Foster, walk through their neighborhood in Ross Bridge. Sidewalks will be coming to Ross Bridge Parkway along with several other pedestrian projects in Hoover. Photo by Sam Farmer.

Director Tim Westhoven described them as part of the “backbone” of the city’s sidewalks. “These projects were picked basically to complement the existing sidewalks that we have in those areas. They provide a connection between where certain existing sidewalks stop and other ones start,” said Westhoven at a June 7 public involvement meeting.

The Ross Bridge and Preserve Parkway projects could begin construction in November, with Bluff Park proposed to begin in June 2015 and the Chapel Road project slated for January 2016. However, Westhoven said those timelines are early estimates and are likely to

See SIDEWALKS | page A19

INSIDE City .....................A3 Business ............A4 Food ...................A7 Community .......A10

School House ....B4 Sports .................B6 Calendar .............B13

No place for bullying Hoover schools enhance intervention model

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By REBECCA WALDEN When it comes to bullying, Melody Greene is focusing her efforts where she can — on intervention. Last year, Hoover City Schools participated in a pilot program called First Response Bullying. As part of the effort, hotline numbers were displayed prominently on posters distributed throughout the school system, and students were encouraged to anonymously report incidents. By the end of the school year, First Response

Bullying efforts resulted in three phone calls. “Not to diminish the value of those calls, but districtwide, I don’t feel like that was an effective way to deal with bullying,” said Greene, adding that the district tried the system upon request from the Alabama State Department of Education. This year, Greene is working closely with administrative leaders across the district to take intervention efforts further. Later this month, the system will host two sets of community outreach

See BULLYING | page A19

Melody Greene is the assistant superintendent for Hoover City Schools. Greene, along with her intervention team, is planning schoolwide initiatives to raise awareness about bullying and other related issues. Photo by Sam Farmer.

A2 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Community Partners This Shades Crest Baptist Church crew gave away hundreds of bags of free breakfast in July. Their goal was to pay it forward and help local residents have a positive start to the day. Photo by Matthew Allen.

Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to

katie@starnespublishing.com

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden The second New Year of the year is officially here – back to school – or, perhaps more appropriately, back to schedules. The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer (thank you, Nat King Cole) will soon be over. In their place will be extracurricular everything and a general assumption that our Mondays through Fridays, for the next nine months at least, will be lived out at breakneck pace. Walden Try as I might to linger in these last few laid-back days, my subconscious is already swiftly kicking me in the skinny jeans. The other night I woke up relieved to find out we actually did not show up late for Meet the Teacher because we’d forgotten and gone swimming instead. It took me a few seconds to become fully alert and realize that, thank God, I wasn’t really standing in the middle of the kindergarten hallway, wrapped in a beach towel, smelling of chlorine and sweat. The dream was ridiculous, but its essence not that far afield from what we expect of ourselves, especially in the overcrowded seasons of the academic year. With so many required and nobly-intentioned priorities consuming our time, snags are unavoidable. We can set the alarm clock earlier. We can lay out our clothes the night before. We can even have a week’s worth of simple weekday suppers lined up. But there still will be days that are going to bruise us. When that happens, what will we do? How will we behave? Remember kindergarten, and act like a five-year-old. So says Robert Fulghum, in one of the all-time greatest odes ever written about the pivotal year, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Although his essay has been reduced to inspirational poster fodder, I find the author’s words as relevant today as when they first were published in 1988:

Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup; the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK. Even on the worst of days, when you’re angry or stressed or scared or feeling sorry for yourself, consider these points in earnest; you’ll find it’s awfully hard to stay flustered. The second New Year of the year is officially here. With it, we can expect to be enriched and challenged in soul-shaping ways. On the cusp of diving headfirst into the new school year, and all that such entails for my own family, the basic premise of Fulghum’s essay is of great comfort to me. Do the right thing. At your core, be a good and kind and noble and decent person. And you’ll do just fine. Wishing you a fulfilling start to this “new” new year,

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August 2014 • A3

City

Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

We hope you have had a great summer. Freedom Fest, held on the Fourth of July at the Hoover Met Stadium, was a tremendous success. We had a packed stadium, great entertainment and a fireworks show that was one of the best in the state! This is an annual event in our city and we hope you will plan to attend in 2015. It’s hard to believe the students will be back in school soon and that football season is fast approaching. Hoover High will kick off their season on Aug. 23 playing Miami Central for their season opener. This game will be played at Buccaneer Stadium and aired on ESPN. Spain Park High will kick off their first game at their home field against Austin High School on Aug 22. We wish both teams continued success in their upcoming seasons. We are excited to announce that we are hosting the National Pro Fastpitch Championship game at the Hoover Met Aug. 20-23. This is the first time that we have hosted this championship event in our city. For more information, visit info@southernsportsgroup.com or call 202-4121. We have a really fun event coming up in September for all of the dog lovers. It’s called WOOFSTOCK, and it will be held on Sept. 6 at Veterans Park. All the details about this event will be listed on our website, but be sure you save the date; this event is always a lot of fun! We have many other family-friendly events coming up in the fall, so there are definitely a lot of great activities to look forward to in Hoover. We are here to assist you, so please call us at 444-7500 or visit our website at hooveralabama.gov for information about city services or

Gary Ivey

upcoming events. Once again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Mayor, and we will continue to work hard to exceed your expectations. Sincerely,

Gary Ivey Mayor

Median barriers coming to I-459 By SYDNEY CROMWELL After a string of fatal crashes on I-459 in June, the Hoover Police Department enacted a “zero tolerance” policy toward speeding and reckless driving on the roadway. To continue making I-459 safer, the Alabama Department of Transportation is installing just over three miles of median barriers. Mayor Gary Ivey said ALDOT will install cable rails from the Galleria Boulevard exit to the Acton Road exit. If a car crashes or loses control, the cable barrier will prevent the vehicle from crossing the median and entering lanes of oncoming traffic.

“We’re excited about it and hopefully it’ll save lives,” Ivey said. “Anything we can do to make the highways safer, be it state or local, I’m for it.” Ivey also said the police department has seen decreased speeds on I-459 in response to the zero tolerance policy, which is another important factor in keeping drivers safe behind the wheel. ALDOT Division 3 Engineer Brian Davis said a contractor has been chosen for the project, which will cost $230,000. Construction will begin by mid-August, and Davis said the rails will be completed within 30 to 60 days after the start date.

Hoover City School rescinds previous personnel decision A recent employment decision by the Hoover Board of Education was rescinded at its July 14 meeting, and additional positions were filled. Hoover City Schools voted to hire Chase Holden at the June 9 meeting without the knowledge that his mother-in-law was part of the evaluation process that led to his recommendation. Upon learning that, Superintendent Andy Craig recommended revoking his previous employment at the next meeting. Although the board voted to rescind Holden’s employment, which would not have been effective until July 28, they also voted to appoint him to a different position where his evaluation was determined separately from his previous one. The decision to hire Holden was made based on recommendations from both the principal and a committee that evaluated all the applicants. He was applying for an elementary math coach position at Green Valley Elementary School. After he was appointed to the position, Craig said he learned that the current chief academic officer for math and science for Hoover City Schools is Holden’s mother-in-law, and she was also a member of the evaluation committee.

Craig said that although the mother-in-law was not an immediate supervisor to Holden’s new position, he still felt her participation caused concerns of non-compliance with the law. He recommended that the action to appoint Holden as the math coach be reversed. Although Holden’s employment as the math coach was rescinded, Craig said Holden is well qualified for another available position as a classroom teacher at Green Valley Elementary School. He said the principal recommended Holden for the position independently from the previous recommendation for the math coach position. On the recommendation of Craig, which was backed by the State of Alabama Ethics Commission, the Hoover Board of Education voted to hire Holden to the classroom teacher position. Hugh R. Evans from the ethics commission said the commission believes Craig took the appropriate steps to correct a potential problem, and that the steps he plans to take at the meeting are appropriate as well. The personnel report was voted in unanimously with the exception of board member Stephen D. Presley.

A4 • August 2014

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Now Open The Growing Tree Children’s Consignment Boutique is now open in Lake Crest Plaza at 2341 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 129. The store specializes in new and gently used children’s clothing, shoes and accessories, and it sells custom-made clothing, monogramming, baby equipment and more. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 560-0202. growingtreekidz.com.

ENT for Kids Alabama, 2807 2 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Suite 42, is now open. Dr. William Peyton Shirley is accepting new pediatric patients. 874-9436. entforkidsalabama.com. Northern Tool + Equipment, 495 Southland Drive, is now open. The Hoover location is the first in Alabama for the Minnesota-based tool and equipment chain. 202-8952. northerntool.com.

Guin, Williams, Guy 4 Campbell, & Gidiere, LLC, 3021 Lorna Road, Suite 301, is now open. The boutique law firm has multiple areas of expertise. 873-0773. campbellguin.com. Royal India Cuisine & Grill, 1841 Montgomery Highway, Suite 105, is now open. 703-8336.

Salon @ 31, 1845 Montgomery Highway, Suite 219, is now open. 402-2104. salonat31.com.

Coming Soon Morningside of Riverchase, an assisted living facility at 2184 Parkway Lake Drive, will be opening this summer. It will be located in the facility formerly occupied by Ashton Gables. 403-7400. morningsideofriverchase.com.

Bojangles’ has announced it will open a restaurant this fall at the corner of Southland Drive and Highway 31. bojangles.com.

Kasey Davis Dentistry, 589-A Shades Crest Road, will be opening soon in Bluff Park. The office will be located in the same shopping center as Bluff Park Diner, Bluff Park Hardware and Moonlight on the Mountain. 822-7277. kaseydavisdentistry.com.

Twin Peaks, 4330 Creekside Ave., will open in the former Creekside Tavern location. The bar and restaurant serves traditional American, Southwest and Southern cuisines. twinpeaksrestaurant.com.

El Gringo Mexican Restaurant will open at 748 Shades Mountain Plaza in Bluff Park. This will be the second location for the restaurant; the first is on Lakeshore Parkway at Frankfurt Circle. 917-1117. facebook.com/ElGringo. Mexican.Birmingham.

New Ownership Chic Boutique, 270 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 300, is now owned by Leslie Lyster, a longtime employee of the shop. The store offers clothing, shoes, and accessories for women. 980-2272. facebook.com/ chicboutiquebirmingham.

Crown Nissan, 1640 Montgomery Highway, is now Benton Nissan. 979-5420. crown-nissan.com.

August 2014 • A5 a Fellow of the American College of Phlebology. 822-6333. spiderveinsbirmingham.com. Dr. James L. Sanderson Jr., owner of SanDentistry, 1633 Montgomery Highway, Suite 5, was given an award for Outstanding Service in Alabama Donated Dental Services (DDS) by the Dental Lifeline Network, a national not-for-profit organization. 545-8019. sandentistry.com.

Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare recently hosted a party at the Birmingham Zoo to show appreciation to students, their families and staff as well as to recognize its Parents’ Picks award given jointly by Alabama Baby & Child magazine and Birmingham magazine. Its Trace Crossings location is 5390 Magnolia Trace and Valleydale location is 25 Southlake Lane. 733-5437 Trace Crossings, 444-5437 Valleydale. ccslion.com.

Dr. Rob Pate of Hoover EyeCare Associates, 1809 Data Drive, was awarded the American Optometric Association’s Young Optometrist of the Year award for 2014 at the AOA’s annual meeting in Philadelphia on June 25. 982-5000. webeca.com.

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108, was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as the second-largest chamber of commerce in central Alabama with 1,200 members. 988-5672. hooverchamber.org.

Priscila Denny of Oak Mountain Orthodontics, 2029 Old Montgomery Highway, was named the Best Birmingham Orthodontist in the 2014 Parents’ Choice Awards. The awards are run by Birmingham magazine and Alabama Baby & Child magazine. 682-7488. oakmountainorthodontics. com.

Full Moon Bar-B-Que, 2000 Patton Chapel Road, was named The Ultimate Smokehouse in Ebony magazine’s July issue. It was the only Alabama barbecue restaurant to receive the honor. 822-6666. fullmoonbbq.com.

Shula’s Steak House, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. The award is based on an analysis of the quality of wine, food and service for a given restaurant. 444-5750. donshula.com.

Hirings and Promotions Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, 4000 Grand Ave., has hired Paul Sharp as director of sales and marketing. 916-7677. rossbridgeresort.com.

Matthew Wilson has been named chapter president for the Birmingham National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Wilson is a local financial advisor with The Southlake Financial Group, 2000 Southlake Park, Suite 200, and has been a member of the association for the last five years. 380-2600. thesouthlakefinancialgroup. com.

1220 Alford Ave., 24 RealtySouth, has hired Ben Burford as a Realtor.

He will based out of its Over the Mountain office. 822-2364. realtysouth.com.

News and Accomplishments

Anniversaries

Dr. Timothy Parish, owner of 14 Parish Cosmetic Vein and Laser Center, 3055 Lorna Road, has been named

Wrapsody is celebrating its 10th anniversary in August. 989-7277. wrapsodyonline.com.

A6 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Business Spotlight 31

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By KATIE TURPEN For Lou Lou’s Owner Mary Lou Kunka and Store Manager Jessica Zillman, work is actually closer to play. Walking into their boutique in the Patton Creek shopping center feels like attending a fashion party with several close friends. The pair is sure to greet you with an enthusiastic hello and offer advice on selections. Lining the walls of the women’s store, customers can find everything from colorful dresses and jewelry to monogrammed purses to wall décor displaying inspirational messages. Lou Lou’s opened last fall just before the holiday rush. It was then the two realized they had found a unique niche in the local fashion market. “Let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised at the response,” Kunka said. Zillman added that people were filing in the door wanting to sort through items before they could hang them on the walls. It is evident why the store has experienced so much success in less than a year. With a background in fashion, Kunka is no stranger to the industry. Her nickname, Lou Lou, inspired the name of the store. Both Kunka and Zillman state that

Lou Lou’s Store Manager Jessica Zillman and Owner Mary Lou Kunka opened Lou Lou’s, a unique women’s boutique, last fall in the Patton Creek shopping center. Photo by Katie Turpen.

their goal for Lou Lou’s is to sell reasonably priced, appropriate and fashionable clothing to women of all ages and sizes. Finding the balance of all these factors may be difficult, but they believe it’s worth the extra effort. “We’ve had mothers come in here with their daughters that say this is

the first time they have gone shopping together that someone is not in tears,” Zillman said. “It’s not easy to give everybody what they want, but we work really hard at it.” Lou Lou’s offers monogramming for a variety of items in their store, and customers are also welcome to bring

982-5117 160 Main Street, Suite 128 Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. shopatloulous.com

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Read past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

in their own items to be personalized. One of their specialty items are Ginger Snaps, small charms of all colors and designs that can be snapped into a bracelet band of one’s choosing. Colorful hair elastics handmade by Kunka and Zillman are another popular item. The store boasts quality but doesn’t

want to put a major dent in anyone’s wallet. “It’s neat because since we are small we only have a few of each of our pieces. So you can worry less about wearing the same thing as someone else in the area,” Zillman said. “And you can walk out of here easily spending less than $50.” Kunka and Zillman enjoy staying involved with their local community by helping making custom outfits for sports teams and organizations. This month, as everyone heads back to school and looks ahead to football season, Lou Lou’s is ready. From dresses to wear to football games, to Alabama and Auburn gear, to monogrammed shirts, there is something for everyone. The women also plan to add a special customization table in the back of the store to ensure each customer receives individualized attention. The two enjoy seeing return customers, especially those who stop by several times a week. For them, Lou Lou’s is all about feeling comfortable and happy. “We like to laugh and cut up a lot,” Zillman said. “We want people to come in here and feel like they can be themselves.”

Hoover Sun

August 2014 • A7

Restaurant Showcase

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3440 Riverchase Galleria 988-3203 ontapsportscafe.com Sunday–Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-midnight Thursday–Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

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By JESSA PEASE Craig Beegle always wanted to own his own business. As a former executive with Lockheed Martin, Beegle knew two things: he liked beer — as most Germans do — and he liked sports. So after his daughter graduated from the University of Georgia, he opened the door when opportunity knocked. Now Beegle and his wife, Elaine, own four locations of On Tap, a local sports pub featuring a lengthy list of American craft beers. “It was one opportunity we stumbled across,” Craig Beegle said. “It’s a place that meets all of our desires. Sports have always been a part of what we do, and we figured this wouldn’t be a bad thing to do. So far it has been great.” Their Galleria location was a last addition to the original three the Beegles’ purchased in 2006. In 2009, then-occupant Ted’s Montana Grill wanted to sell, so the Beegles’ jumped at the opportunity. “This one is the most unique,” Beegle said. “I get families, singles and couples coming in. I get the bowling league, soccer fans and business owners. It’s the whole spectrum you would expect from Hoover, which is pretty cool.” The location was so spacious that the Galleria On Tap features 82 beers on tap —more than any of the other locations. With such an extensive list of brews, On Tap provides an easy guide to beer selection with ratings, percentages and general beer information.

Patton Chapel Rd Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

(above) One of On Tap’s signature sandwiches, the White Russian. Photo by Jessa Pease. (right) Owners Elaine and Craig Beegle show off the wall of 82 draft beers at their Galleria On Tap location. Photo by Jessa Pease.

Manager James Vance, a brewer himself, makes decisions about what to put on the wall of taps by keeping track of what the next big thing is in the beer industry. “Right now the popular trend is IPAs,” Vance said. “They have been growing in popularity as people are getting more into craft beers, especially in Alabama where the craft laws have changed so much. The beer industry is getting a little bit more experimental in some ways. We are adventurous. We always have been with beer.” Craig Beegle, Vance and other staff members try all of the beers they put on the wall, and if they don’t like the taste, the beer won’t make it. Beegle

said he also wants all of his beers to have a story to make him care about them being in his sports bar. On Tap also features beers from about eight breweries located in Alabama, which Elaine Beegle said are popular because people enjoy tasting local brews. In fact, On Tap is the biggest seller of Birmingham’s Good People in the state. No pub would be complete without pub fare, and Elaine said On Tap is famous for its wings, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks and wraps. “When we started out to do the food aspect of what we do, we wanted to buy the best food we could,” said Beegle. “We make all our own

sauces, breading and hamburgers by hand.” On Tap even serves extra large wings from nine-pound birds in North Carolina. Six of On Tap’s wings are a pound. The restaurant also dishes different gourmet burgers on pretzel buns. Everything on the menu, from the Hot Dog Fries to the piled-high sandwiches, is fresh and made-to-order with no pre-cooking. “We want to be that craft house, and be that place where you go to get individual beers that are crafted in Alabama,” Craig Beegle said. “That is what we are trying to do here.”

A8 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Chamber Chamber presents Freedom Award to Lt. Colonel Holditch By KATIE TURPEN One Hoover resident spends each day helping veterans improve their lives. He was recently publicly recognized for his service to the country and his community. U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Damon Holditch was presented the Freedom Award at the July Chamber luncheon sponsored by Regions Bank. “The words ‘impressive’ and ‘self-service’ don’t do him justice,” said Bob Beaty, chairman of the Hoover Veterans Committee, who presented Holditch the award. The Freedom Award started in 2003, with the intention of recognizing some of Hoover’s most outstanding public servants who have dedicated themselves to the ideals of freedom. Holditch and wife, who is a Hoover City Schools special education teacher, have four children. Holditch works for Grainger

Preview of

August

Luncheon

U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Damon Holditch was presented the Freedom Award at the July Chamber luncheon sponsored by Regions Bank. Photo by Katie Turpen.

Industrial Supply helping veterans improve their work skills, and teaches sales management as an adjunct professor at UAB. Additionally, Holditch was a member of the ROTC at Texas A&M University and served for 24 years in the U.S. Army. “Two things I learned in Iraq are God answers prayers and leadership matters,” said Holditch. Holditch thanked everyone in attendance and encouraged chamber members to consider hiring veterans at their local businesses. “I challenge you all to not forget about the veterans,” Holditch said. “They are self-directed and well educated, work well under pressure and are service oriented. They make great employees. I encourage you to give them a shot.” At the end of the luncheon, Holditch donated a book called Shooter to the Hoover City Council and Hoover Public Library. The book is a ﬁrst person pictorial story about a

soldier’s life serving in Iraq. “I’m truly blessed to be in Hoover. I couldn’t imagine raising my children anywhere else,” Holditch said. Applicants for the Freedom Award must be a role model in the Hoover community; have shown support for local, state, and federal government; promoted the ideals of freedom through this support; given longterm service to these ideals not just a onetime effort; and supported the U.S. military through either support to or service in the military. Each must be a Hoover resident, an City of Hoover employee or employee of a Hoover Chamber of Commerce member. Past winners include Art Headley, Bob Mosca, Bill Natter, John O’Malley, A. C. Roper, General Robert Lott (Ret.), Albert Awtrey, Hollis Hayes, Hoover Police Lt. Trey Bass, current Hoover City Council member Rear Admiral John T. (Jack) Natter (Ret.), and last year’s winner Dan Mikos.

John Archibald is a metro columnist at The Birmingham News. Photo courtesy of Hoover Chamber of Commerce.

The Baptist Medical Center-Hoover will sponsor the Aug. 21 luncheon, and has asked John Archibald of The Birmingham News and al.com to speak. Archibald’s column about politics and life across the metro area appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He graduated from of The University of Alabama in 1986 and came to The Birmingham News shortly thereafter. He is married with three children. To attend this Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Dunbar at admin@hooverchamber.org. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The Luncheon is $20, or $22 for anyone without prior reservations, payable at the door. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive.

A9 • August 2014

Summer Fun Photo Contest Capture the fun of summer with your camera and send us your favorite shots of wherever you and your family are.

Hoover Sun

Prizes will be awarded to contest winners Category 1: Any summer fun photo Category 2: A summer fun photo displaying a copy of the Hoover Sun wherever you are To enter, e mail your photos in a jpeg format to photos@hooversun.com. Please send high quality images and include a caption and photo credit. Only four photos are allowed per person.

Visit hooversun.com for more information.

Deadline has been extended to August 10, 2014

A10 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Community Heatherwood Garden Club installs new officers

GFWC Shades Mountain Woman’s Club awarded at convention

From left to right: Louise Wilson Outstanding Club Member co-winner Diane Ray, AFWC President Roberta Atkinson Louise Wilson Outstanding Clubwoman co-winner Dot Wilkinson. Photo courtesy of GFWC Shades Mountain Woman’s Club.

Incoming officers Janice Rhodes, secretary; Gail Greene, treasurer; Sue Richards, president; and Christine Gibbons, vice president. Photo courtesy of Ann Davis.

The Heatherwood Garden Club held its last meeting for the season at the home of Mary Claire Cowen. Guest speaker David Doggett gave a presentation on propagation of hydrangeas. All members participated in a hands-on demonstration and propagated a hydrangea to plant in their own gardens.

Cowen, the outgoing president, installed new officers. She presented each officer with a candy bar that represented the responsibility of the office in which she will hold. The lunch was prepared by Tammy Whetter and Cowen. -Submitted by Ann Davis

GFWC Shades Mountain Woman’s Club members just returned from the 119th Federation of Women’s Club Convention held in at the Huntsville Marriott Space Center. The club won awards in Conservation, Public Issues, International Outreach Partnerships, AFWC President’s Project, Leadership, Membership, Communication & Public Relations, Legislation and Public Policy and the Junior Special Project-Advocates for Children. They also won the Suellen Brazil Outstanding Club Award. Member Diane Ray received the Louise

Wilson Outstanding Clubwoman award. Ray has participated in community service for several organizations in Hoover and surrounding communities including the Bluff Park Art Show, Ronald McDonald House and Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County. GFWC Women’s Club is open to women 18 and up. They meet the second Thursday of each month at Prince of Peace Church at 6:45 p.m. For more information, contact Roberta Atkinson at 822-5622. -Submitted by GFWC Shades Mountain Woman’s Club

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • A11

Spain Park senior making global waves at age 17 As the 2014 FIFA World Cup raged on in Brazil this summer, a Spain Park High School senior watched with more amazement and perspective than most. At the age of 17, he has already travelled the world playing international soccer at various levels. “[Soccer] keeps exploding and people are seeing greater interest in it,” Omar Hamid said. “It’s the most competitive sport in the world.” Hamid’s father passed down a passion for soccer, or “football” as it’s known elsewhere around the globe. “One of the first things I remember is me and him playing soccer. Those are some of the first memories I have. I really want to play it a lot – just to carry on the legacy,” Omar said. His father passed away when Hamid was ten. Since then, Hamid’s love for soccer has grown to the point where he is able to showcase his skills on the world stage. After a stint at the David Beckham International Academy, Hamid was scouted by professional youth leagues across Europe. The center-midfielder has since played for several of them. “[I’ve been to] Lebanon, Germany, Dubai, Spain, England and Wales – and the United States. You definitely get more exposure when you play club as opposed to high school [teams],” Hamid said. That’s not to say Hamid would not gladly join the Spain Park High School soccer team if he could. It is not time, lack of interest or skill level that prevents him from joining; Alabama sporting regulations prohibit those playing “club soccer” from being on a school team, according to Hamid. He said he is great friends with the guys on the SPHS soccer team and often hangs out with them at practice, sharing what he’s learned overseas. As he prepares for his last year of high

Rising Spain Park High School senior Omar Hamid has already been playing soccer for professional youth soccer leagues in Europe. He is working toward the goal of securing a professional youth contract. Photo courtesy of Jason Gaston.

school, the huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan (left forward, Portugal) looks to expand his international horizons by securing a professional youth contract with a team in Europe or a Division I offer here in the States. “Every day I try to wake up early and practice. I pick up games whenever I can, I try to go so I can improve,” Hamid said. “Seeing other cultures is super cool. Having been given this opportunity and the talent to go and play and see other things….is just amazing.” -Submitted by Jason Gaston

Hoover Rotary club awards scholarships

The Hoover Rotary Club recognized their annual scholarship recipients at their May luncheon at the Hoover Country Club. Students were from Spain Park and Hoover High Schools. Pictured are front row: Elizabeth Ardovino, Sydney Estill and Julie Knight. Back row: Tuck Borie, Kelsei Drake,Maggie McPheeters, Destiny Houston, Caroline Braswell and Tait Carlisle. Not pictured: Aashna Panjwani, Erik Kim and Brian Hatcher.

HOV

A12 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Local students receive scholarships The University of Alabama Jefferson County Alumni Chapter held their annual scholarship reception in June at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Each year, the Jefferson County Chapter awards scholarships to freshman entering The University of Alabama. This year the Chapter awarded 14 scholarships. Scholarship award winners, their parents and siblings attended the reception. Dr. Robert Hayes, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, spoke to the group. His topic centered on the four C’s that the incoming freshmen will encounter: choices, changes, challenges and champions. “Our chapter members love to

participate in this event,” said Chapter President Susan Norton. “Our fundraising efforts throughout the year are focused on how we can grow our scholarship base so we can assist as many students as possible. It is great fun to meet the students and parents and to be a small part of their university career.” Hoover High School student Emily Roberts received the Dick Coffee Family Scholarship. Spain Park High School student Madeline Brandon received the Sylvester Jones Scholarship. For more information concerning the UA Jefferson County’s scholarship program, visit uajeffco.org -Submitted by Susan Norton

First Lady of Alabama coming to Bluff Park UMC The First Lady of Alabama, Dianne Bentley, will speak on domestic violence at Bluff Park United Methodist Church on Aug. 11. “We are excited. Domestic violence is one of her platforms and is also a project of United Methodist Women,” said Communications Coordinator Sara Perry. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. and is $8. The free program begins at 7 p.m. All are welcome to the community-wide event. Reservations are required by Aug 1. Childcare is provided. The United Methodist Women

Spain Park High School student Madeline Brandon, second from right, received the Sylvester Jones Scholarship during the UA Jefferson County Alumni Chapter annual scholarship reception in June at the Library in the Forest. Photo courtesy of Susan Norton.

Summer at the Gardens

are part of a country-wide network of 800,000 women. They are involved in ministries with women, children and youth in thousands of communities in the United States and in more than 80 countries around the world. For more information about the event or to register, contact Sylvia Sumners at ssumners@ bellsouth.net or 824-9902 or visit bluffparkumc.org. The First Lady of Alabama, Dianne Bentley will speak in August at Bluff Park UMC. Photo courtesy of Bluff Park United Methodist Women.

Children enjoyed a variety of activities and programs during summer camps at Aldridge Gardens. Visit aldridgegardens.com for more. Photo courtesy of Rip Weaver.

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • A13

Remembering a life lived for others Annual blood drive held in memory of Laura Langley By JESSA PEASE When Ann Langley’s neighbors in Ross Bridge heard what had happened, they acted. They knew Laura, Ann’s daughter, would have wanted something good to come from the tragedy. In 2012, Laura was killed in a car accident when the car, driven by one of her friends, veered off the road into a light pole. Four hours after the accident, Laura had lost massive amounts of blood. She passed away due to internal bleeding. “[Laura] was extraordinarily fun-loving, and everybody who speaks about Laura says something about her laughter,” Langley said. “She always found a reason to be happy and joyful in what she was doing, and it was infectious.” Langley was familiar with the American Red Cross, so that first year they held a blood drive in Ross Bridge, where Langley and her husband moved after Laura left for college. That year they collected enough blood to save 250 lives. “It was a real blessing to be able to turn this around in such a meaningful way with an organization I already had a passion for,” Langley said. “We knew immediately we wanted to repeat it.” This year, however, the blood drive is moving to First Christian Church on Valleydale Road, where Laura grew up and spent most of her life. The

(left) Laura Langley, pictured one year before her passing. Photo courtesy of Ann Langley. (above) Rebekah Davenport, a close friend of Laura Langley, looks over her shoulder while donating blood at last summer’s blood drive. Photo courtesy of Ann Langley.

3rd Annual Laura Langley Memorial Blood Drive August 23 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. First Christian Church 4954 Valleydale Road event is set for Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We thought how much more meaningful this would be to more people who actually knew, loved and understood Laura’s passion and giveback attitude throughout her life,” Langley said. After graduating from Oak Mountain, Laura continued her education at

The University of Alabama in social work and started her career at AIDS Alabama. Langley said Laura dedicated her life to helping others, and she was a strong advocate for social justice concerns on campus at Alabama. In honor of her passion for social work, both The University of Alabama and the Langleys have dedicated two

scholarships in Laura’s memory. The Laura Langley Social Justice Award was developed by The University of Alabama immediately after Laura passed, and two students have received the award already. The Langleys’ scholarship has also been given out to two students. Apart from the scholarships, colleagues of Laura at AIDS Alabama

named a community center, Langley Center, to honor both Laura and her father, who worked there five years prior to her. “She really was an extraordinary woman who made a huge difference in a very short life,” Langley said. “What we are proud of now is that her legacy will live on in the way she chose to make a difference with her life.”

A14 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

The R(un) for One 5K will be held in August in Veterans Park and benefits orphans worldwide through (un)adopted, a division of the local Lifeline Children’s Services. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Gilmer.

Hope for the young and afraid Local ministry to hold race benefiting orphans worldwide By KATIE TURPEN Throughout the world there are more than 153 million orphans, according to Lifeline Children’s Services. Once these children reach a certain age, they are released from government care, and many may become trapped in a lifestyle of sexual exploitation, drug abuse and slavery. One local ministry is throwing an event to help change this reality. The R(un) for One 5K is returning for its

third year. The race supports the efforts of (un)adopted, a division of Lifeline Children’s Services located in Hoover that partners with government officials, orphanages, businesses, schools and homes to mentor orphans and equip them with life skills. The ministry also facilitates short-term trips that expose churches, students and business leaders to the plight of orphans and helps to build relationships with international communities. The event has grown significantly, and

Race details The R(un) for One 5K is a 3.1-mile run looping the scenic Veterans Park. Saturday, Aug. 16 7 a.m. - Registration 8 a.m. - Race 8:45 a.m. - Kids Fun R(un) 9:30 a.m. - Awards Ceremony

Elizabeth Gilmer, race organizer, said she expects around 700 runners to show up at this year’s R(un) for One on Aug. 16 in Veterans Park. The race now has three locations: Birmingham, Fayetteville, Ga., and Louisville, Ky. Funds raised at the R(un) for One will benefit ministries in seven different countries: China, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Liberia and Uganda. “Our goal is to raise $150,000 this year for our

different missions,” Gilmer said. Tents will be set up at the race for each country and its unique ministry for those who want to learn more. Additionally, there will be food, live music and activities for all ages. Race registration is $30 before Aug. 15 or $35 on race day. Fun R(un) registration is $10 before Aug. 15 or $15 on race day. Teams are encouraged to register together. For more, visit runforone5k.org.

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • A15

Bradley Wells, left, with Death Race Director Andy Weinberg and Wells’ fiancé, Sarah Grogan, to whom he proposed just before the race. Photo courtesy of Bradley Wells.

Hoover resident conquers

Death Race By REBECCA WALDEN There are Iron Men, there are Tough Mudders, and then, there are Death Racers. Hoover resident and two-time Death Race participant Bradley Wells says the race lives up to its name. This is the second consecutive year Wells has participated in the Death Race, which bills itself as the world’s most challenging endurance race. Unlike other endurance races, where the required tasks are made known in advance, Death Racers show up with nothing more than the 50 pounds of gear they are required to carry. There is zero knowledge of where they will be or what obstacles await them. Course dynamics

change yearly and are kept secret until the start of the event. In 2013, Wells faced a crushing defeat, being pulled from the race mere hours before the finish. This past June, however, was a different story entirely. Of the 267 Death Racers who started their journey in Pittsfield, Vermont, on June 27, only 51 finished the event. With a finish time of 66 hours and 19 minutes, Wells was among them. To earn his skull, Wells covered more than 100 miles, with more than 20,000 feet of elevation climb. During that journey, race challenges required him to create primitive tools, including axes and bowls, from supplies consisting solely of wood, stumps and rocks, and also fashion his own explorer outfit from four yards of buckskin

On the final day of the race, Bradley Wells crossed over a tightrope, one of the race’s many physical tasks. Photo courtesy of Bradley Wells.

(one of the items on this year’s required gear list). “Sewing at night with no sleep is difficult,” said Wells, adding that task-driven aspects of the race were balanced out with several physically demanding challenges, not the least of which was carrying large boulders up a mountain to create a stone staircase. Despite the intensity of this year’s Death Race obstacles, Wells managed to complete the race with little more than a few cuts and bruises. By day three, when sheer mental exhaustion took hold and he felt physically at his limit, Wells said he witnessed a feat that brought his minor pain into sharp perspective. “By then, my knee was completely shot and every step (carrying 80 pounds of gear up a waterfall ravine) felt like lightning shooting through me,” said Wells. “After I dropped the bag, I wobbled back down the mountain to headquarters, where I immediately began icing my knee and taking painkillers. Not long after, I watched a fellow racer breach the tree line after she had completed this task. The remarkable

part about it is that she only has one leg. Her prosthetic had broken during that hike up the mountain, but she finished it anyway. There was not a dry eye around.” In the days and weeks following the race, Wells focused on giving his mind and body time to heal. “You can feel almost high for days after, but then you can start to feel depressed,” he said. “You have very strange feelings.” As he acclimated back to the real world and his job as a business analyst for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Wells said he’s grateful for the experience and what it taught him. “I really just want to inspire people to do something great with their lives, especially in terms of their health,” he said. “The Death Race represents an idea that we can all push our limits and achieve excellence. This whole experience has changed the way I look at obstacles, work and life in general. If we are not challenging ourselves and those around us daily, then we are wasting our time. Train hard. Work hard. Do something epic.”

A16 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

‘A force of

nature’

Locals honor the life of the longest-working employee in Hoover By KATIE TURPEN When Torrencie Bailey and her husband saw children in their neighborhood didn’t have a place to play baseball, they took action. “She didn’t want them to have to keep running into the street,” said Green Valley Drugs owner Bill Box. “She paid for a batting cage out of her own pocket.” This story of kindness on Old Columbiana Road is one of many told by those whose lives Bailey touched . The longtime Hoover resident passed away in July at age 96. Bailey had been an employee at Green Valley Drugs since 1964. Several years ago, the city gave her a proclamation for being the longest-working employee in Hoover. Box met Bailey when he was just two years

old. She had come to work for his father at Green Valley Drugs, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. “She was almost like a mother to me,” Box said. Although she did not have any biological children, Bailey watched over generations of people. Councilman Gene Smith met Bailey when he was a student in the original Green Valley Elementary School building, which housed first through 12th grades. Like Box, he remembers the special way she would meet and greet people. “She was always in a good mood,” Smith said. “If she saw you were a bit down, she would do almost anything to bring a smile to your face. She took an interest in everybody and truly cared about people.”

Green Valley Drug Store employee Torrencie Bailey passed away in July at age 96. She held the honor of longest-employed person in Hoover and had been a member of Hoover First United Methodist Church for more than 70 years. Photo courtesy of Hoover First United Methodist Church.

Bailey was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy, and adopted daughter, Karanel Ezpeleta. She also had two nieces and a nephew. Both she and her husband were an integral part of Hoover First United Methodist Church. HFUMC Pastor Rachel Gonia said Bailey came to the church in 1941 and had been a longtime leader of the congregation. “This church was her heart,” Gonia said. “Her presence was larger than life here.” Gonia said Bailey often took care of the children and was on the church’s cemetery committee, making sure to be present each time someone was buried.

“Whether you were 70 years old or four years old, she took of everyone,” Gonia said. “There are people in our congregation now in their 70s that remember having Torrencie as their youth counselor.” During her memorial service, Bailey’s nephew, Gerald King, talked about how Bailey never kept her house locked because she wanted everyone in the community to feel welcome. It was the way she lived her life. “Everyone I met had a Torrencie story. She was a force of nature,” Gonia said. “She was really somebody who touched the lives of thousands.”

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • A17

Catch a show at the

Comedy Club Stardome Bruce Ayers started the Comedy Club in 1983 in a rented hotel banquet room. Today, the Comedy Club Stardome is one of the best-known comedy clubs in the Southeast. When the great names in stand-up comedy come to Birmingham, there’s one place they all go. Below is a list of the club’s August shows. The club is located at 1818 Data Drive in Hoover. For more information, call 444-0008 or visit stardome.com.

Aug 1-3

Jimmy Shubert Tickets: $18.50 Jimmy Shubert has built a resume as an actor, both in film and on television. As a comedian, he is recognized as one of the busiest comedians working today, headlining comedy clubs, casinos and theaters across the country. His hour-long stand-up comedy special is available on iTunes. Alive N’ Kickin’ is a theatrical presentation of Shubert’s stand-up persona of a blue collar working man. He combines the outlook of a modern-day Archie Bunker with a real -world sensibility to create signature bits on Starbucks, airport security, relationships and more.

Aug. 5-6 Tim Statum Tickets: $9.75

Statum is a Birmingham native who entertains with his Southern-style humor and storytelling. Statum incorporates real-life stories of growing up in the country with classic stand-up comedy to provide a hilarious evening.

Aug. 7-8

Jokes On You Comedy Tour

Catch comedian Jimmy Shubert Aug. 1-3. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Shubert.

Accomplished speaker and humorist Mark Klein will perform Aug. 12-14. Photo courtesy of Mark Klein.

Marc Ryan will deliver a series of high-energy performances Aug. 19-24. Photo courtesy of Marc Ryan.

Tickets: $20 Three incredible performers team up for one show. With more than 60 combined television credits, this is one star-studded show featuring Bob Nelson from HBO, The Tonight Show and The Late Show with David Letterman; Rain Pryor from Head of the Class and Chicago Hope; and Artie Fletcher, seen on Law & Order and on television with David Letterman and Conan O’Brien.

Aug. 9

The Tennessee Tramp Tickets: $16.50 Her audiences consist of people 18 to 80 as her subject matter encompasses all ages, genders and ethnic groups. She has an endearing stage presence that makes her audiences think of her as a crazy grandmother, a wacky aunt or a nutty neighbor, and all can relate to her in some way or another.

Aug. 12-14 Mark Klein Tickets: $9.75 Mark Klein is an accomplished speaker, humorist and 20-year veteran of the stand-up comedy circuit. He has a superb command of language, stage and the audience. He has been seen on A&E’s Comedy from the Road, Showtime Comedy Club Network and CBS’s 48 Hours.

Aug. 15-17 Earthquake Tickets: $29.50

Earthquake is an explosive comedic performer unlike any other. His stand-up comedy

is at its peak, his ability to engage an audience is nationally known and he is now being heralded by critics as one of the most talented comedians in the country.

Aug. 19-24 Marc Ryan

Tickets: $9.75, $16.50 Marc Ryan is one of the most requested club comics touring today. It’s no surprise because for 14 years, Ryan has delivered an energetic, hilarious performance nightly. His fans describe him as extremely charismatic and fun to watch. Ryan connects with his audiences with real stories from his life.

A18 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Local writer celebrates Alabama’s restaurants By JEREMEY BRONAUGH Tucked away on Shades Mountain, you’ll find retired food expert-turned-writer Jon McClure. Over the last two decades, McClure has traveled to every city in Alabama as a convention producer, putting on shows where local vendors sold everything from orange juice to million-dollar yachts. In each city, he made a point to sample the best local restaurants with his wife, Pam, which became the highlight of each trip. When he retired from the convention circuit, he decided to put his culinary knowledge to use and finally write his fourth cookbook. “Well, I’d been researching it for 20 years,” he says with a laugh. McClure’s latest best-seller, Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, was re-released this year with a number of delicious updates. The cookbook features the best restaurants from all over the state along with each restaurant’s best recipes. McClure wrote his first book, Meat Eaters are Threatened, in 1973 while he was working as a meat cutter. “The book came about because of some things happening in the meat industry that were wrong and needed to be changed,” McClure says of his inspiration. This book, an exposé of the deceptive and unsafe tactics butchers use to sell bad meat, took off unexpectedly and propelled McClure toward a career as a television personality. After being invited to talk about the meat industry on To Tell the Truth, McClure went on to guest star on shows like What’s My Line and The Mike Douglas Show. Television stations caught on to his skills in the kitchen, and McClure was asked to lead segments where he taught celebrities and news anchors cooking tips. He guest starred on more than 3,000 episodes of news, radio and television shows before being offered his own nationally syndicated television program, Making Ends Meet Cooking, which led to his first cookbook. In 1983 McClure moved to Hoover and wrote

Hoover resident Jon McClure’s latest best-seller, Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, was re-released this year with a number of updates. The cookbook features recipes from the state’s best restaurants. Photo by Jeremy Bronaugh.

the best-selling Birmingham’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, a compilation of recipes from the best restaurants in Birmingham. It was while doing research for this book that he discovered his favorite restaurant in all of Alabama. “In all my travels, Highlands Bar and Grill is one of my favorite restaurants. We are blessed

in Birmingham to have a chef as good as Frank Stitt,” he said. McClure highly recommends the wild mushroom risotto as well as the veal loin steaks. Both recipes can be found in his cookbook. After seeing the success of his first cookbook, McClure decided to go even bigger and catalog

the best restaurants in the state. “I had so much encouragement from people who had read Birmingham’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, McClure says of his inspiration for writing his sixth book. “‘It’s time,’ they said, ‘to do another book, maybe on the whole state.’” But it would be another 20 years before McClure had the time to sit down and write what he as a trained master chef was uniquely qualified to write: a compendium of the best recipes and restaurants Alabama’s culinary scene had to offer. After he retired from convention production, McClure spent two years meeting with the restaurant owners and chefs of his top choices. Then he compiled Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, a culinary tour guide to Alabama through a collection of restaurant recipes. “It was an adventure traveling over 12,000 miles to all four corners of Alabama,” says McClure. “These restaurants were surveyed and eaten in, and those chosen represent the best at their specialty.” In a compliment to Hoover’s restaurant scene, McClure features recipes from 12 Hoover restaurants in Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook, second in number only to Birmingham. “I don’t believe there is a place on the planet better than Hoover, with its rolling hills and valleys and great year-round weather,” McClure says of the city he calls home. “They’ll have to bury me on this mountain [because] I’m never leaving.” Ever the workaholic, McClure doesn’t have any plans to slow down. “I have more books to write — some fiction, some nonfiction — but my focus right now is keeping Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook updated for future editions and getting it into local vendors like book, gift and antique stores.” Alabama’s Best Restaurants Cookbook is available at the Patton Creek shopping center in Barnes & Noble and Wrapsody, and online at alabamagoods.com. McClure can be reached for booking or comment at jonamcclure@yahoo. com.

HooverSun.com SIDEWALKS

CONTINUED from page A1 change as the design process continues. At Ross Bridge Parkway, there will be almost a mile of new sidewalks on the west side of the road, running from Deer Trail Road to Deer Valley Elementary. There will also be five crosswalks, including one at the school. Over a mile of new sidewalks will also be installed on Preserve Parkway from Sulphur Springs Road to the Preserve Town Center. On Chapel Road, another mile of sidewalks will line the south side of the street from Park Avenue to Matzek Drive. This project will require temporary and permanent easements from residents, which could delay construction. In Bluff Park, a series of short sidewalks will be built on Valley Street, Tyler Road, Clearview Road, Clearview Drive, Savoy Street and Cloudland Drive. These walkways will also require easements in order to be built.

August 2014 • A19 Mayor Gary Ivey said construction costs for the Preserve Parkway project are currently estimated at $750,000, and the other three projects are estimated at $900,000 each. ALDOT will be paying 80 percent of the cost and Hoover will be paying 20 percent. At the public involvement meeting, Hoover residents had a chance to view the plans, ask questions and voice concerns. Westhoven said he generally saw a “very positive” response. Residents were also able to submit their comments to ALDOT until July 7. Based on this public response, ALDOT and the city may make changes to their current designs. Westhoven also said this project will not be the last sidewalk addition. “The city of Hoover has been working very hard over the last decade or so, particularly through the last several years, to make their communities more ‘walkable,’” Westhoven said. “We’re always looking for sidewalk opportunities.”

New Sidewalks Chapel Road A mile of sidewalks will line the south side of the street from Park Avenue to Matzek Drive.

Preserve Parkway More than a mile of sidewalks will be built on Preserve Parkway from Sulphur Springs Road to the Preserve Town Center.

Bluff Park A series of short sidewalks will be built on Valley Street, Tyler Road, Clearview Road, Clearview Drive, Savoy Street and Cloudland Drive.

Ross Bridge Almost a mile of sidewalks will be built on the west side of the road running from Deer Trail Road to Deer Valley Elementary. There will be five new crosswalks including one at Deer Valley Elementary School.

BULLYING

CONTINUED from page A1 meetings for parents at Hoover and Spain Park High Schools. The August meetings will focus on “Your Child and Social Media,” covering everything from how kids become involved to social media misuse, including bullying, sexting and other behaviors that can lead to felony offenses. “Our goal through these meetings is to provide a nonthreatening atmosphere where parents can learn and ask questions,” said Greene. “The purpose is to identify crises as early as possible so we can intervene with help for the student and resources for the family.” With six full-time licensed social workers (one at each high school, one at Crossroads and one at each of the system’s three middle schools), Greene and her team are focused on cutting the behavior before it escalates. “Most bullying in our system never gets past the teacher because it is dealt with in a parent-teacher conference or in a conference involving the school’s administrator,” said Greene. Reported incidents are first flagged at the district level. Once they are made aware, Greene and her staff work directly with the administration of the affected student(s) until the matter is resolved. “We may have five students at different times come complain about the same student, and that can help us target the problem,” said Greene. “We also may have students who appear to be the victim and then turn out not to be. We see it all. Our philosophy remains the same: Punitive measures are only temporary. We enter these situations

The Intervention Team of Hoover City Schools Casey Cain: Spain Park High School Liz Fry: Simmons Middle School Marion Kellough: R.F. Bumpus Middle School Jennifer McCombs: Berry Middle School Katie Smith: Hoover High School Catherine Stuart: Crossroads School

Mark Your Calendars:

Community Outreach Meetings “Your Child and Social Media” ÌÌ Aug. 17, 19. 7-8:30 p.m., Spain Park High School Auditorium Aug. 17 – Parents of middle school students Aug. 19 –Parents of Spain Park High School students ÌÌ Aug. 24, 26. 7-8:30 p.m., Hoover High School Auditorium Aug. 24 – Parents of middle school students Aug. 26 – Parents of Hoover High School students Meetings will include presentations and panel discussions from Sgt. Mac Hardy, community services, Hoover Police Department, Bob Lowry, director of student services, Hoover City Schools, school resource officers, and the intervention counselors serving each area. Presentations will conclude with a district-wide follow-up email sent to all families with school-age children registered in the district. No advance registration is required.

open-minded and with the shared goal of empowering those involved to change their behavior.” The district deploys all available tools, including a no-contact clause between the involved students, counseling with the students and their legal guardians, administrative monitoring as needed, and in rare cases, revised class schedules. Further measures, including reassignment to Crossroads School or escalation to local law enforcement, may be used as necessary. “Apart from what we can do

during school hours, there is another vital part of preventing bullying and other types of aggressive behavior,” said Greene. “I want parents to feel empowered to question their children. Check their cell phones. Check their iPads. And turn to us. I feel like parents fear that the school will be judgmental toward their parenting when kids don’t behave appropriately, but guess what? Every one of our schools is made up of parents.” For more information, visit hoovercityschools.net.

Sun Sugar

and

School House B4 Sports B6 Calendar B13

spice

makes everything nice

It all started with cinnamon rolls. With ﬂour dusted on her apron and cinnamon wafting through her kitchen, Darlene Womack pulled her latest batch of rolls out of the oven. She’s a wife, a mother and a nana, but here she is a baker. After baking on and off for about 30 years, Womack said she had people saying, “That’s so good you should sell it,” when they tasted her signature treats. “For a long time I thought, ‘Yeah, yeah they are just saying that to get me to bake it so they don’t have to,’” Womack said. “Then I realized I really do have a good product.” What started with a bake sale about four years ago transitioned into Darlene’s Kitchen —Womack’s brand of treats that are frequently found at farmers markets all over Birmingham. “I love it; I love the atmosphere of the market, the people and the vendors,” Womack said. “Our customers are amazing. They look for us if we are in a different

spot, and that makes me feel good.” The cinnamon rolls became the trademark Womack created for herself, but they were just the beginning of her baked creations. Darlene’s Kitchen now features a wide variety of cookies, candies, breads and apple strudel. Womack does her baking at Chef ’s Wo r k s h o p in Hoover, and the markets have become a way to unite the whole family through baking. Her son-inlaw, Scott Wells, sometimes helps her with baking and her son, Will, sometimes goes with her to the markets. the markets because she can set her own Even her husband has molded hours and be with Will when she needs some cinnamon rolls. to be. He is her priority. Will is 26 and has Down syn“I just came to a point in my life where drome and autism, and Womack I needed to do something else, and Will said she chose to bake and sell at is old enough now — he still requires a

Find Darlene’s baked goods, along with other local food products at: Cookhouse Urban Cookhous Summit Market Thursdays, Aug. 2 and 9 2-6 p.m.

Local woman brings baked treats to market By JESSA PEASE

SECTION

Summit Boulevard in the Pottery Barn Kids parking lot

lot of supervision and constant help with things — that I can pretty much take him with me where ever I go,” Womack said. Womack started with the Pepper Place

See DARLENE | page B5

Darlene Womack delivers her signature cinnamon rolls, the treats that inspired her to start her business. Photo by Jessa Pease.

B2 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Is your closet ready By JESSA PEASE Are your clothes lacking that fall fashion luster? Does your closet need a trendy, back-to-school fashion forward? Hoover’s own clothing boutiques The Pink Tulip at 180 Main St., Suite 212, and Silver Lining Consignment Boutique at 2341 John Hawkins Parkway are here to make your wardrobe school-ready, even if you aren’t.

Try a ﬂirty, sweet and sassy look with this ﬂowing, white knit top ($24) paired with bright salmon pants ($30 on sale for $15). A perfect back to school look to impress. Get the look at Silver Lining Consignment Boutique. Photo courtesy of Silver Lining.

It’s easy to be fashionable with this charming white top with lace and quarter-length, bell sleeves ($49). Pair with the trendy, new palazzo pants ($48). The perfect back to school go-to when you want to dress cute, yet be comfy. Get the outﬁt at The Pink Tulip. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Cornelius.

A totally chic and sassy look with these orange patterned palazzo pants ($34) paired with this comfortable teal top ($32). Complete the look with long hanging jewelry and simple heels. Get this outﬁt at Silver Lining Consignment Boutique. Photo courtesy of Silver Lining.

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • B3

to go back to school?

This flattering new look is put together with this comfortable black, short-sleeved top that flairs out at the bottom ($48) and these uniquely printed palazzo pants ($48). Dress it up with fine colored accessories. Get the outfit at The Pink Tulip. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Cornelius.

Be relaxed in this elegant, yet casual mint colored tank ($35) paired with stretchy and straight jeans ($59) and this exquisite, beige cardigan ($92). Don’t forget to complete the outﬁt with some adorable new wedges ($99 on sale for $50). Buy this look at The Pink Tulip. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Cornelius.

All the fun of a maxi dress with the comfort of a romper with this gorgeous outﬁt. A trendy print makes this romper ($54) fun and fashionable. Buy the look at Silver Lining Consignment Boutique. Photo courtesy of Silver Lining.

B4 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

School House Brock’s Gap receives $10,000 fitness and nutrition grant By SYDNEY CROMWELL Frisbee golf, tetherball and compost bins are just a few of the things coming to Brock’s Gap Intermediate School as part of a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. The grant is one of 28 being given to schools across the state to create and improve student health in the 2014-2015 school year. Brock’s Gap was awarded $10,000, the maximum amount each school can receive. Half of the money will be given in the fall and the rest will be given in January after the school has proven it is putting its money to good use. Physical education teacher Bridgette Rayfield said the grant will help the school with several

fitness and nutrition programs that will begin implementation in the fall. One of the initiatives is a “family fitness trail” across the school’s campus, which will be accessible to students and families living nearby. The trail will include stations with different exercise activities such as sit-up benches, a rowing machine, a stretching station, a tetherball pole and Frisbee golf equipment. Rayfield said the Frisbee golf course will probably be the first station installed. The fitness trail will help physical education teachers bring variety to their classes and also give students an outlet for their energy during “team time,” a short break in their class schedules. Each addition to the fitness trail will benefit students

and complement the other fitness stations. “Everything builds on other things,” Rayfield said. The grant will also help Brock’s Gap expand the use of its garden and outdoor classroom. Rayfield said the school wants to add a compost bin and a rainwater barrel to water the garden, as well as a new recycling program that will incorporate the Earth Savers Club. The garden already has several recycled elements, including beds made from old tires and a fence made from donated wooden railings. Rayfield said the school could begin planting new seasonal produce in the garden this fall and cultivate different plants in the spring. Students would be able to work hands-on in the garden and taste the fruits and vegetables after harvest. “It’s just a way for them to have exposure to fresh foods,” Rayfield said. Brock’s Gap is ambitious in its plans to create a healthier student body, and Rayfield said it could take several years before all of its projects become a reality. However, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield grant is an important first step. “Essentially, we don’t have anything that we need to accomplish our goals,” Rayfield said. “The money is going to be a jumpstart.”

SPHS graduate accepts scholarship Spain Park High School graduate Jacob Kimes recently received a scholarship from The Good South, a southern lifestyle clothing company based in Mississippi. “This scholarship represents recognition for an accumulation of hard work for the past four years in academics and community involvement,” said Kimes. “I am honored and humbled.” Jason Welch and Steven Nelson, college admissions counselors, opened The Good South at the end of 2013 as an online retailer of bow ties, t-shirts, and hats. Seeing the need for college scholarships,

Welch and Nelson created a business model that donates a portion of their yearly proceeds to a scholarship fund. Kimes is an honor roll student, president of the National Honor Society, a Youth Legislature Senator and founding member of the Spain Park Fishing Team. He also started a scholarship foundation that benefits his high school. Kimes plans to attend Case Western Reserve University in the fall to pursue a degree in economics. To find out more about The Good South and the scholarship, visit thegoodsouth.com.

Spain Park High School graduate Jacob Kimes recently received a scholarship from The Good South, a southern lifestyle clothing company based in Mississippi. Photo courtesy of Jason Welch.

The outdoor classroom at Brock’s Gap includes garden beds made of recycled tires and wood railings. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield grant will be used to expand the outdoor classroom and offer more resources to students. Photo courtesy of Bridgette Rayfield.

HooverSun.com

Q&A with Hoover City Schools Superintendent Andy Craig

Q A

What programs do you think are the most important to focus on in the upcoming school year? We will continue to seek ways to improve the college and career readiness of our current and future graduates. We have a lot of good things going on right now in this area. Last year, our graduates were offered more than $50 million in scholarships, nine out of 10 were accepted by a college and eight out of 10 were accepted by a college in their top three choices. There is room to improve in this area as we look to the needs of workers 10 or 20 years from now, so we have to continually re-examine what and how we are teaching to prepare students for these future needs.

How is eliminating the graduation test and replacing it with the ACT going to affect schools? Should parents expect lower test scores? Overall, I believe this is a good change for schools. The ACT test is more relevant and valid to our students than the old graduation exam because it gives students and parents specific feedback with regard to college and career readiness instead of very basic literacy skills. The ACT requires much less time and disruption to the normal instructional process in the high schools. It is very important to understand that the ACT is not a replacement for the old graduation test. The state eliminated the graduation test, which was a basic skills exam, and implemented statewide administration of the ACT to all high school juniors to give parents and students a more detailed picture of a student’s academic strengths and challenges as they prepare for college. The vast majority of our Hoover students, about 90 percent, have been taking the ACT for many years, and they have done well historically, clearly outpacing state and national averages.

Q A

Under the new system, how are schools going to be ranked, and how are teachers going to be assessed? The new Alabama State Department of Education accountability process is still being fine-tuned at the state level, but we know that it will emphasize measures associated with improving college and career readiness of all students. Schools and systems will be measured against their own historical performance instead of arbitrary goals that are not relevant to communities with specific needs. The emphasis will be on districts getting better from year to year, and Hoover City Schools have always been committed to the principle of continuous improvement. Teachers will be evaluated using the same process that has been in place for years, EDUCATE Alabama, which is also a system that emphasizes continuous improvement.

Q A

What differences can parents expect to see in the curriculum with Common Core? The difference that parents will start to see now will be new assessments. For example, the ACT Aspire student results should give parents and teachers clear and specific feedback as early as third grade on how individual students can improve their chances for being college and career ready when they graduate high school. We hope the state-mandated assessments live up to that promise, but we haven’t seen the results yet, so that is still an unknown right now.

Q A

How are the new college and careerready standards going to prepare students for the future? Business and workforce development leaders have been directly involved in the development of these new standards, and the skills and knowledge defined at each grade level were designed from current and projected career competencies. There are a lot of anticipated openings in the area of skilled trades over the next decade, jobs that pay well and will grow in opportunity over time, but the academic skills that students need for those jobs have changed from years ago. They are now not very different from what you expect for a student who is preparing to enter a state university. Skilled workers will need to re-train continuously through reading and comprehending highly technical information, they will need to apply advanced mathematical concepts in practical situations, and they will need to solve problems using logical reasoning strategies. We believe these new standards will help our current and future graduates to be ready to embrace their role as informed citizens, continuous learners, and employed workers as they live and raise families in our community.

DARLENE

CONTINUED from page B1 Market, and now she frequents three other markets as well. Some Thursdays Womack serves up her savory and sweet treats at the Urban Cookhouse Market at the Summit on U.S. 280. “I get a very good response at that market,” Womack said. “There are several bakers there this year. It’s not like we are competing because we all do a different thing, so it is interesting to see the different varieties of things people bring to the market.” Because Womack sometimes gets bored making the same thing, every once in a while she will try something new. Ideas will just pop

into her head, and then she will pull from different recipes, adding her own unique twist to them. She uses secret ingredients that make her recipes only hers. Even when she teaches how to make her cinnamon rolls in cooking classes, she keeps her one secret ingredient to herself. “It’s my therapy; it’s like another reason to get out of bed in the morning,” Womack said. “I live for this now. I get to bake, and I get to go be with a lot of people. Food is something that brings people together, so it is a great opportunity for me to bring people together.”

August 2014 • B5

B6 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Hoover Buccaneers 2014 Season Preview

Hoover’s Bucs will ﬁnd themselves knocking heads with Spain Park again in Class 7A, Region 3

2014SCHEDULE Date 8/23 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31

Opponent Central Miami FL Colquitt County GA Mountain Brook* Oak Mountain* Thompson* Spain Park* Tuscaloosa County* Vestavia Hills* Hewitt-Trussville* Blackman TN *Region game

Location Home Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home

Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

That kid Every team needs “that kid,” a player who displays heart, leadership or other intangibles — not only under the Friday night lights but also during the sweltering heat of August practices. “Alex Elam on offense does a lot of dirty work for us, but when we get the ball in his hands can make some plays. He just has those intangibles you just can’t measure. Zack Eldridge is just so active and is a high-energy guy who always plays with a chip on his shoulder.” -Coach Josh Niblett

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • B7

Great expectations for powerful Bucs By DAVID KNOX

DE/LB who could play either outside LB or DE in a four-man front without missing a beat, and that gives the defense valuable flexibility. “Very seldom do you have a guy who can do both of those,” Niblett said. In the secondary, junior P.J. Hall is an SEC talent who started last season opposite Marlon Humphrey and therefore faced a lot of fire his way. Niblett said Hall and wide receiver Johnson “battle it out at practice every day, making each other better. That’s always key.” Micah Bagley is an active, speedy safety who’ll be counted on to make plays in the secondary. If the middle holds up, some feel this could be the best Hoover defense in the Niblett era.

Need we say it? Coach Josh Niblett’s Hoover Buccaneers will be everyone’s pick to win Class 7A, Region 3 and the favorite to win the first Class 7A crown and perhaps a national championship. Talent, depth and coaching combined with a culture of winning make it hard to pick against the Bucs. Games against Miami Central, Fla., Colquitt County, Ga., and Blackman of Murfreesboro, Tenn., will help determine the Bucs’ national standing. An open date midway through the season helps, as does the region schedule, which brings Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills to the Met. But playing in ultra-competitive Region 3, which Niblett calls the SEC of Alabama high school football, means the Bucs will have to be focused and ready to play every time out. OFFENSE Senior quarterback Jack Hutcheson returns after starting as a junior and making some big throws in the playoffs on the way to the 6A championship. “Having a year under his belt now is going to help,” Niblett said. “He’s made some huge strides in the offseason.” Hutcheson played last season around 170 pounds but he’s added almost 20 pounds to his 6-3 frame. “I think physically he’s developed a lot more. And, in being a student of the game, understanding the game, so we’re looking for him to make some big plays for us.” He’s just one in the armada of weapons for the Bucs. Running back Bradrick Shaw returns after rushing for more than 1,000 yards as a junior, and he has offers from SEC schools. He’s the top horse in a stable that also includes Marcus Webb and Kris Parker, who Niblett said was possibly the MVP of last season’s offense. Parker can play running back or fullback and can split

Hoover’s Josh Stevenson hauls in a pass during the National Select 7on7 Championships in July. Photo by Benjamin Breland.

wide. “He’s a big part of our offense in what we do,” Niblett said. Hutcheson has an SEC target in wide receiver Justin Johnson (6-3, 215). “He’s got a big-time physical body. He’s done a really good job in the offseason taking his game to another level,” Niblett said. Alex Elam is an inside receiver listed at 5-9, 170, who Niblett says does a lot of the little things you don’t notice but can also make big plays. The offensive line will be anchored by junior Nick Eldridge (6-2, 295) and senior Alex Horn (6-3, 245). DEFENSE Niblett said the interior line won’t be quite as

big as last year, but the Bucs will still be plenty big enough, plenty fast and plenty talented. Defensive end Christian Bell (6-4, 220) is committed to Alabama. At the other end is Jaysen Cook-Calhoun (6-2, 215). Zack Eldridge (6-0, 226) will play inside. He’s not as big as past Bucs interior linemen but Niblett said he’s a tough, hard-nosed player who plays with a chip on his shoulder. “He’s a guy inside who’s got to have a great year for us.” The linebacking corps is stocked with talent too. Auburn commitment Darrell Williams (6-3, 230), junior Jeremiah Moon (6-4, 205) and senior Malcolm Cox (6-3, 200). Senior R.J. Arnold (6-0, 215) directs the defense from his Mike LB spot. Cox, said Niblett, is a hybrid

SPECIAL TEAMS Hunter Schmith returns to handle place-kicking and field goal duties for a third season, but what has Niblett impressed is his leg strength. “This year, he will be kicking off (too). Real excited about how strong his leg has gotten. We feel like with him being able to kick the ball into the end zone, we’ll be making teams go 80 yards against us, law of averages are good on your side defensively.” Junior Bailey Aultman will handle the punting, replacing all-stater Tuck Borie. “He’s really come along,” said Niblett. “That was one thing I was a little worried about was where we were going to be special-teams wise, but we’ve made some strides in the offseason.” Niblett has high praise for Trey Davis, his senior deep-snapper. “Nobody notices them until there’s a bad snap, but they mean a lot to us. He’s started for us since he was a sophomore and he’s just a great player for us.” Niblett calls his special teams “we-fense.” “We’ve always prided ourselves on being good on special teams,” he said. “We need to have guys find their niche and their role, and there’s an opportunity on ‘we-fense.’”

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B8 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Spain Park Jaguars 2014 Season Preview

The Jaguars’ Michael Jackson breaks loose on a return. Jackson already holds scholarship offers from Georgia, LSU, Miami and Nebraska.

2014SCHEDULE Date 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31

Opponent Austin Hueytown Thompson* Tuscaloosa County* Hewitt-Trussville* Hoover* Vestavia Hills* Oak Mountain* Mountain Brook* Bessemer City *Region game

Location Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home

Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

That kid Every team needs “that kid,” a player who displays heart, leadership or other intangibles — not only under the Friday night lights but also during the sweltering heat of August practices. “E.J. Marino is a little bit undersized, but he went to the Princeton prospect camp, so he’s a real smart kid. He just does everything right, a great kid to be around. Perry Young is a high-motor kid who is a great practice player and is just a tough kid. Wade Streeter is an exceptional worker, both on the ﬁeld and in school and a leader on our football team even though he’s a young guy.” -Coach Shawn Raney

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • B9

New class, familiar foes await Jaguars By DAVID KNOX Spain Park returns to the dreaded region that includes Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Oak Mountain as the Jaguars move into the new Class 7A, Region 3. Coach Shawn Raney isn’t dreading it, though and neither are his Jags. “It’s exciting. It’s a challenge every week, great coaches, great players. Our kids are excited, the coaches are excited about it,” Raney said. Spain Park won Class 6A, Region 4 last season with a 8-3 record in Raney’s first season as head coach but was knocked out of the playoffs in round one in overtime to Enterprise. In fact, the Jags dropped their final three games after rolling out to an 8-0 start. They’ll hope to finish better this season. Hoover is obviously the favorite in the new region, but if the Jags’ offense comes together like it should and injuries don’t derail them, they have a very good shot to be among the four teams that will qualify from this region for the playoffs. The schedule might play in the Jags’ favor; they get an open date before Hoover, Vestavia and Mountain Brook await in the second half of the season. OFFENSE Spain Park brings back four starters or part-time starters and a bunch of others who played extensively. Senior quarterback Mason Duke (5-11,180) started the last couple of games last season. Duke pitched the Jaguars to the Class 6A state baseball championship, so his arm is not a question. “He’s a real gritty kid who is a winner, a real good

Spain Park’s Wade Streeter dives into the end zone in a spring game against Briarwood Christian. Photos courtesy of Ted Melton at Action Sports Pix, For more, visit ActionSportsPix.SmugMug.com.

competitor,” Raney said. “I think he’s going to have a good year for us.” Junior Wade Streeter (5-9, 170) will start at running back, stepping up to replace Otis Harris. “He’s a real hard worker, a really good kid who’s been playing since he was a freshman. He got behind Otis a little bit but played a lot. We expect good things from him.” Protecting Duke and opening holes for Streeter will be an offensive line that returns three starters. Junior Grey Best (6-1, 240) was a swing man last season, filling in along the line wherever needed. “He’s going to start at

center for us this year.” Seniors Harrison Dickson (6-2, 230) and Jack Winchester (6-1, 250) also return. Seniors Derek Williams (5-10, 160) and Owen Carr (5-11, 160) and junior Kourtney Moore (6-0, 175) are receivers who have had playing experience. To sum up, although Raney has some talented players who have seen action, it’s not the most experienced group. In the tough region the Jags are in, this offense will need the youngsters and new starters to step up to the challenge. Big seasons are needed from Duke, Streeter and the receivers.

DEFENSE Early in the season, the veteran defense may have to carry the offense till it gels. “We have six back on defense,” Raney said. “In the secondary we have kids that have played since their sophomore year.” The leader of that bunch is highly recruited Michael Jackson (6-1, 185), an athletic cornerback who has offers from Georgia, LSU, Miami and Nebraska already. “The whole deal is they’re looking for corners with

height. He’s got good quickness and speed. As you look at him physically, he fits the mold of what you see playing on Saturdays. He’s really worked to get better. He went to the Miami camp, and they offered him on sight. I think he’ll even get more offers as he goes along.” He’s joined by senior Rondaius Johnson, another two-year starter, and senior safety A.J. Smiley (6-3, 195), whose father played at Alabama, and is getting looks from Nebraska and Troy. Junior Perry Young (5-10, 170) is a high-energy player who returns as a starter at linebacker, and senior E.J. Marino is also back. Marino, who is a also little undersized at 5-10, 195, is an intelligent player who has played since he was a sophomore. Up front, the Jaguars have a mostly new crew – seniors who will be starting for the first time. Returning as a starter is junior Jonah Tibbs, a player Raney believes will be recruited for the next level. Surrounding him will be solid veterans who have been in the program but who will be counted upon to start this season. SPECIAL TEAMS Junior Crosby Gray will handle both the punting and place-kicking for the Jags. “He’s real competitive kid, a good athlete I feel real confident about.” Raney said. “He’s a gamer. When we’re doing all our footwork drills, he jumps right in there with the DBs. Don’t find a lot of kickers who do that.” Jackson, Johnson and Smiley will lead the return game. Wide receiver Williams is also in the mix.

B10 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Shades Mountain Christian Eagles 2014 Season Preview

Shades Mountain Christian’s Billy Parker (44) is a standout on offense and defense.

2014SCHEDULE Date 8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31

Opponent Jacksonville Christian Meek Winterboro* Donoho* Victory Christian* Wadley* Ragland* Appalachian* Talladega County Central* Spring Garden

Location Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Home

*Region game

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Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

That kid Every team needs “that kid,” a player who displays heart, leadership or other intangibles — not only under the Friday night lights but also during the sweltering heat of August practices. “Billy Parker is a hard worker and he’s dependable. The kids really rally around him. He’s kind of a quiet leader and sometimes that’s the best kind. Everybody gravitates toward him.” -Coach Dickey Wright

HooverSun.com

August 2014 • B11

Wright way:

Eagles should be better in second season of new coaching regime

Shades Mountain’s offense fires off the ball. The Eagles are moving tight end Harrison Boozer to quarterback this season. The 6-4, 240-pounder is a standout pitcher in baseball.

By DAVID KNOX Shades Mountain Christian School remains in Class 1A, but the Eagles move from Region 6 to Region 5 this season. It’s a far-flung region, with Victory Christian of Pell City, Appalachian, Donoho, Ragland and other east Alabama schools, but that’s the reality of a 1A school in the metro Birmingham area. There just aren’t many of them, especially ones that play football. Veteran coach Dickey Wright enters his second season guiding the Eagles, who went 2-7 last season on the field. He’s got about 30 players out for football. Most of his better players have to go both ways, but that’s the boat most of his opponents will be in too. Twenty to 24 will play on a given night. Wright, who was head coach at Homewood for five seasons when the Patriots were in Class 6A and took them to the playoffs, said he actually is enjoying Class 1A football.

“It’s been really fun. It’s a challenge, but these kids have been great. They show up, they work hard. They’re like little sponges. Everything we throw at them they soak it up right away. “It’s been a long, long time since I coached both sides of the ball, and that’s been fun too.” After a season with Wright in place and with some key returning players, the Eagles should be better. Staying healthy and focused even if rough times come is critical to improving on their record from a year ago, but the Eagles could be a dark horse to sneak into the playoffs. “If we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll be right there among them. Our kids have to learn how to win, that’s what we’re trying to instill right now. If the playoffs come great, but that’s not our focus right now.” OFFENSE A lot of 7A schools would kill to have a 6-foot-4, 240-pound quarterback. The Eagles

have that in Harrison Boozer, who is moving from tight end. A standout pitcher in baseball, Boozer may take some time to develop, but he could be a huge weapon. “He’s worked hard to get better.” The Eagles bring seven back on offense, and the key guy is running back Billy Parker, who can also play some receiver. Austin Patterson returns as a starter at running back as well. All of the wide receivers are back, Billy Rowell being one of them. Sam Reichle is also back after starting at wide receiver. Another big body that big schools wouldn’t mind having belongs to Jaylin Kemp (6-2, 290), the returning starter at right tackle. He will anchor the offensive line. DEFENSE Kemp will also play on the defensive line, and Parker and Patterson will be keys at linebacker along with senior Kyle Nichols, who

was ineligible last year but whom Wright said has great promise. Rowell and David Dickinson return in the secondary. “Dickinson had a real good year for us at corner, and both Parker and Patterson had outstanding years at linebacker.” Wright said the defense has the edge right now in being season-ready, but Boozer hasn’t gotten as much passing work in as he participates in baseball showcases during the summer. “Really, we’ve got to get better on both sides of the ball,” Wright said. “We started turning the corner a little bit last year and we think that’ll continue.” SPECIAL TEAMS Cody Pausic and Boozer return as kicker and punter, respectively. Parker, Patterson, Rowell will be among the return men. This should be a fairly solid area for the Eagles.

B12 • August 2014

Hoover Sun

Hoover tops Class 7A’s ‘Region of Doom’ By DAVID KNOX High school football is a Southern tradition, and Alabama is one of its leading celebrants. It’s been that way for generations. But this season finds Alabama high school football undergoing its biggest change in 30 years. The Alabama High School Athletic Association, by unanimous vote of its central board, has added a seventh class for the largest 32 schools in the state. This creates entirely new regional and class alignments and affects rivalries, travel and, most importantly, whether your school will make the playoffs. In the Over the Mountain area, the so-called “Region of Doom” returns in a slightly different form in highly competitive Class 7A, Region 3. Back-to-back Class 6A state champ Hoover — rated by some preseason sources as a national championship favorite — is grouped with sister Hoover school Spain Park along with Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Thompson, Oak Mountain, Tuscaloosa County and Hewitt-Trussville. Six of those eight made the 2013 Class 6A playoffs; three were region champions. But only four of these teams will make the 16-field 7A playoff bracket in 2014. “It doesn’t make a whole of difference to us, since we’re the largest school in the state, we weren’t going to be 6A,” said Hoover coach Josh Niblett. “We’re looking forward to it, we’re excited about it. Any time you get the chance to compete at the highest level for the highest honor, it kind of sets the stage for you and gets the focus right for what you want to do. “It’s kind of getting back to the old region we used to have, [Class 6A] Region 6, to a certain extent,” Niblett said. “You lose Pelham,

7A Region 3

1A Region 5

2013 Records

Hewitt-Trussville

5-6

0-1

Appalachian

5-4

0-1

Hoover

15-0

5-0

Donoho

7-3

0-1

Mountain Brook

7-4

0-1

Ragland

10-2

2-1

Oak Mountain

4-6

0-0

Shades Mountain Christian

2-7

0-0

Spain Park

8-3

0-1

Talladega County Central

5-6

0-1

Thompson

4-6

0-0

Victory Christian

1-9

0-0

Tuscaloosa County

7-4

0-1

Wadley

4-7

0-1

Vestavia Hills

11-3

3-1

Winterboro

0-10

0-0

Region Totals

61-32

8-5

Region Totals

34-48

2-5

but you pick up Tuscaloosa County. You pick Vestavia back up, not as a non-region game but as a region game. Get Mountain Brook back on the schedule. … And of course Spain Park. So we’re definitely looking forward to that. Which means week in, week out, you’ve got to prepare, you’ve got to be ready to go. I always see it as the SEC of high school football within the state of Alabama.” This is the first major classification change the AHSAA has adopted since 1984, when the governing body increased from four classes to six. This change affects all sports, but it’s King Football that has garnered the most attention. AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said the seven-class system allows the organization to group schools more closely in enrollment, reduces the need for nine-team regions in football and has created fewer five-team areas

in sports such as basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball. Some members of the media have taken to calling Class 7A a “super class,” but 6A may be even more competitive. Class 6A is comprised of 60 schools in eight regions. Class 6A, Region 5 is home to Homewood, Briarwood Christian and John Carroll. The other schools in their region include Pelham, Minor, Jackson-Olin, Hueytown and Walker. Moving to Class 6A, Region 3 is Chelsea. The Fighting Hornets now have a travel challenge, playing in a region with Alexander City’s Benjamin Russell, Opelika, Valley of Fairfax (north of Auburn near the Georgia line), Pell City, Oxford and Chilton County. Class 1A, Region 5 is home to Shades Mountain Christian. The Eagles are the westernmost school by a long shot, placed with Appalachian, Donoho, Ragland, Talladega County, Victory

Christian in Pell City, Wadley and Winterboro. In all classes except 7A, 32 schools will make the playoffs. The Super 6 Championships now become the Super 7. The championships alternate between Tuscaloosa and Auburn, and this year it’s Auburn’s turn. The AHSAA Central Board also voted to allow football teams 11 weeks to schedule 10 games. Schools may elect to play a non-region contest the week of Aug. 21-23 and then have 10 weeks to play the remaining nine regular-season games. Schools can still agree to play a non-counting jamboree or regulation game that first week but would then have the remaining 10 weeks to schedule the maximum 10 regular-season contests. This format will give schools more flexibility to schedule non-region games.

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Community Calendar Hoover Events Aug. 1: Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Friday Morning Session. 9:30 a.m. 499er pairs, 10 a.m. open pairs, 6:30 p.m.1499er pairs. 144 Business Center Drive. Call 988-5774. Aug. 1: Friday Night Flicks Rain Date. Dusk. Veterans Park. Aug. 3: Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club Sunday Afternoon Session. 1:30 p.m. 1499er pairs and 299er pairs. Call 9885774. Aug. 5: National Night Out. 6 p.m. SuperTarget at The Grove. Visit natw.org. Aug. 7: Hoover City Schools First Day of School. Aug. 11: First Lady of Alabama to speak on domestic violence. 6 p.m. Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Visit bluffparkumc.org. Aug. 13: Back to School Party. 6:30 p.m. Inverness Vineyard Church Student Center. Grades K5-12. Call 980-1690. Aug. 13: Nefarious: Merchant of Souls movie screening. 6:30 p.m. Inverness Vineyard Church. Adult documentary about modern day sex slavery and human trafficking.

Aug. 14: Alabama Family Rights Association Meeting. 6 p.m. Hoover Public Library. Aug. 14: Meet the Artist Reception: Larry K. Martin. 6-8 p.m. Aldridge Gardens. Call 682-8019. Aug. 16: Members Only Guided Bird Walk. 8-10 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Free and for members only. Limit 15 people. Pre-registration required. Visit aldridgegardens.com Aug. 18: Shades Mountain Christian School First Day. Aug. 19: Lunch and Learn. Hoover Senior Center. Noon. 739-6700. Aug. 19: Paint Party – The Old Oak Tree. Aldridge Gardens. Ages 21 and up. $32 members, $42 nonmembers. Call 682-8019. Aug. 20-23: National Pro Fast Pitch Softball Tournament. Hoover Met. Visit npfchampionship.com. Aug. 22: Inverness Vineyard Church Homecoming. 7 p.m. People from around the country who have been part of the church will come for anniversary festivities. Call 9801690. Aug. 22: Spain Park vs. Austin High School. 7 p.m. Spain Park High School.

City/Chamber Events Aug. 22: Shades Mountain Christian School vs. Jacksonville Christian Academy. 7 p.m. Shades Mountain Christian School.

Aug. 4: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. City Council Chambers. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 18: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. City Council Chambers. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 7: Economic Development Committee. 8:30 a.m. Chamber Office, 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108.

Aug. 20: Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Meeting. 4:30 p.m. Chamber Office, 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108.

Aug. 23: Hoover High School vs. Central High School. 11 a.m. Hoover High School Buccaneer Stadium. Game will air on ESPNU.

Aug. 7: Planning and Zoning Commission Work Session. 5 p.m. City Council Conference Room. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 24: Celebration. 10:30 a.m. Inverness Vineyard Church. A special celebration will Phil Strout, Vineyard’s National Director, bringing the message. Call 980-1690.

Aug. 7: Board of Zoning Adjustments – Regular Scheduled Meeting. 7:30 p.m. City Council Chambers. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 21: Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:15 a.m. Hoover Country Club. Make reservations before Aug 18. Call Lisa Dunbar at 988-5672.

Aug. 25-26: Corvette Caravan. Hoover Met.

Aug. 11: Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. 5:30 p.m. City Council Chambers. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 23: Back to School “Splash Bash.” 5-7 p.m. Bluff Park Baptist Church. Large water slide and other water activities. Free hotdogs, drinks and other treats. Call 822-3240.

Aug. 26: Horizons Luncheon. 11 a.m. Hoover Senior Center. 7396700. Aug. 28: Summer Concert Series – Foxxy Fatts & Company. 7 p.m. Aldridge Gardens. $15 members. $20 nonmembers. Call 682-8019. Aug. 29: Chili Cook Off. 12:30 p.m. Hoover Senior Center. 739-6700.

Aug. 14: Coffee and Contacts. 7:30-9 a.m. Danberry at Inverness, 235 Inverness Center Drive. Email lori@danberryatinverness.com. Aug. 14: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. City Council Chambers. Hoover City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 25: 19th Annual Hoover Chamber Golf Tournament. 8:30 a.m. Riverchase Country Club. Call Bill Powell at 988-5672. Aug. 25: Board of Zoning Adjustments Work Session. 5:30 p.m. City Council Conference Room. Hoover City Hall, third floor. Aug. 28: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. City Council Chambers. Hoover City Hall, third floor. Aug. 28: Business After Hours. 5:30-7 p.m. Schaeffer Eye Center, 1686 Montgomery Highway. Call 979-2020.

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Community Calendar Moonlight on the Mountain moonlightonthmtn.com Aug. 1: Will Kimbrough and Brigitte DeMeyer. $15. Aug. 2: Mare Wakefield and Nomad, Kelley Mickwee. Aug. 4: Open Mic Night. $5. Aug. 7: Billy Droze, Rexton Lee, Kevin Moon, Kendra Sutton. Aug. 8: Caroline Spence, Rachel Baiman, Vickie Vaughn. Aug. 14: The Mulligan Brothers and Sylvia Rose Novak. Aug. 16: Playing on the Planet and TBA. Aug. 17: A Jazzy Blues Reunion with Diane McNaron, Ray Reach, Cleve Eaton and Elnora Spencer. 6 p.m. $15. Aug. 18: Open Mic Night. $5. Aug. 21: Birmingham Art Music Alliance New Music Festival. $10. Aug. 22: Rosewood, A CD Release Party. Aug. 23: Hillary Reynolds Banc and Kirsten Arian. Aug. 29: Annie Sellick and The Hot Club of Nashville. All events start at 7:30 p.m. and cost $12 unless otherwise noted.

Hoover Library Events Kids Aug. 26: American Girls’ Back To School Party. Start the year off right with Addy, Molly, Caroline and Isabelle as they help you make some special school accessories of your own. Registration required. 444-7800.

Adults Aug. 1: Love in the Library Authors Event. 7 p.m. Library Plaza. Romance authors Lauren Willig, Abbi Glines, Suzanne Johngon and Beatriz Williams will speak. Free. Aug. 2: Love in the Library Authors Event. 1 p.m. Library Plaza. Romance authors Gayle Wilson, Ingrid Seymour, Jennifer Echols, Christy Reece (Ella Grace) and Lexi George will speak. Free. Aug. 3: Global Cuisine @ the Plaza: Polynesia. 2:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Food and coffee from around the world. Complimentary samples. Free. Aug. 7: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Discussing House Girl by Tara Conklin. Aug. 7: Lard Bucket Bluegrass Band. 6:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Free.

Aug. 9: Purl @ the Plaza. 3 p.m. Knit, crochet or embroider. Free. Aug. 11: Read Your Own Adventure Book Group: Short Stories. 7 p.m. Share your favorite book of short stories and find other great reads. Free. Aug. 12: Daytime Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Discussing The Disappearing Spoon by Seam Kean. Call 444-7816. Aug. 14: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group: The Beginner’s Goodbye by Anne Tyler. 10 a.m. Aug. 16: It’s Not Bossy If You’re The Boss: Tips for Women in Business. 10:30 a.m. Presented by PROPS Intentional Business, Amazing Women. Aug. 16: Frugalistics: Monthly Coupon Swap. 11 a.m. Bring coupons you don’t need and swap for ones you do. Call 444-7840. Aug. 18: Neuroscience Café: Schizophrenia: Lessons from the Clinic and the Laboratory. 6:30 p.m. A clinician/researcher from UAB’s Comprehensive Neuroscience Center will present a program on a current topic in neuroscience.

Aug. 19: Glue Gun Gang: Book Box. 6:30 p.m. Make a special hide-away out of a used hardback book. Free. Call 444-7840. Aug. 20: No Jacket Required Nonfiction Book Group: Sports Books. 10:30 a.m. Join others to discuss your nonfiction book of choice in this month’s genre, sports. Call 444-7840. Aug. 21: Glue Gun Gang: Book Box. 10:30 a.m. Make a special hideaway out of a used hardback book. Free. Call 444-7840. Aug. 23: Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Library Plaza. Monthly forum for amateur writers. Free. Aug. 23: Alabama Author and Blogger Stacey Little. 2 p.m. Little will discuss her book, The Southern Bite Cookbook. Call 444-7840. Aug. 24: Mollie McFarland. 2:30 p.m. An afternoon of music with violist Mollie McFarland. Aug. 25: Monday at the Movies: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28: Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group. 7 p.m. Discussing Midnight Rising by Tony Horowitz.

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Community Calendar Artists on the Bluff Visit artistsonthebluff.com for class details and times. Drawing and Painting– Rollina Oglesbay. Small class size and all skill levels welcome. Classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Contact Rollina at rollinaoglesbay@gmail.com or 733-8939 for registration and supply list. $120 (4 sessions)+ supplies. Painting and Mixed Media Classes – Rik Lazenby. Classes limited in size, All skill levels welcome. Classes on Tuesdays. $120 for 4 session + student provides supplies and canvas. Contact Rik at riklazenby@charter.net or 281-5273 to register. Visit lazenbydecorativeart.com Kiln Formed Glass– Deborah Ballog. Classes Wednesdays and Saturdays. $50 to $75. All glass, kiln firings and instruction are included in class fees. Contact Deborah at deborah@studio-three.net or 999-3194. Calligraphy –Deb Warnat. Visit debwarnat.com or call 243-0576 for class schedule. Acrylic Painting – Jayne Morgan. Classes Tuesdays and Thursdays $30 - $40. Visit JayneMorgan.com or call 902-5226 Photography – Blue Moon Studios. Classes on Thursdays $49.95. Contact Butch Oglesby at 995-3791 or butch@bluemoonstudios. net to register. Woodworking – David Traylor. Adult Classes are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. We build various pieces of furniture depending on skill levels. All skill levels welcome. Visit woodshopstudio.com for more info or call 531-4751. Zentangle – Darla Williamson. Check website for class times and to register. Visit TangledStones.com or 305-2082.

Area Events Aug. 1-29: Celebrate America! 10 a.m. American Village. Enjoy red, white and blue family fun for all ages this summer. Adults $10, Kids 5-17 and Seniors 60 and up $9, Veterans, active military and children 4 and under free. Visit americanvillage.org. Aug. 1-2: Secret Stages. Downtown Loft District. For two nights, a diverse group of music enthusiasts will be treated to over 80 bands performing on up to 11 different stages. Visit secretstages.net. Aug. 1: Summer Film Series: Mamma Mia! 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North. The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular ’70s group ABBA. 108 min. PG-13. There will be a sing-along and Mighty Wurlitzer performance before the film. $8. Call 252-2262. Aug. 3: Summer Film Series: Blue Hawaii. 2 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North. Chad Gates has just gotten out of the Army, and is happy to be back in Hawaii with his surf-board, his beach buddies, and his girlfriend. 102 min. PG. There will be a sing-along and Mighty Wurlitzer performance before the film. $8. Call 252-2262. Aug. 7: Fenders and Fireflies. 6-10 p.m. Old Car Heaven. Benefits Easter Seals of Birmingham. Catering by Cocina Superior. Live music, silent

auction and more. Buy tickets at instagift. com/eastersealsofbirmingham. Call 3142187. Aug. 8: Summer Film Series: The Godfather. 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North. The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son. 175 min. R. There will be a sing-along and Mighty Wurlitzer performance before each film. $8. Call 252-2262. Aug. 10: Summer Film Series: The Wizard of Oz. 2 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. North. Dorothy Gale is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. 102 min. PG. There will be a singalong and Mighty Wurlitzer performance before each film. $8. Call 252-2262. Aug. 14: Meet Authors Frank Page and Lavon Gray. 10 a.m.12 p.m. WMU National Headquarters. 100 Missionary Ridge. Discussion of challenges facing today’s churches. Visit newhopedigital.com. Aug. 14: Birmingham Food Allergy Symposium. Registration at 5:30 p.m. Program 6:30-9 p.m. Vestavia Hills Library. Food Allergy Research and Education will host an evening of education and support on food allergies. Call Bonnie Robbins at 404-990-3555 to RSVP.

Aug. 14: Mother Plug Music Presents “An Evening with Anders Osborne.” 7 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company. Join Mother Plug Music at Avondale Brewing Co. to enjoy an evening of live music by the Anders Osborne. Advanced general admission $20, day-of-event general admission $25. Visit motherplugmusic.com Aug. 15-24: Birmingham Restaurant Week. Time and location varies. Birmingham’s premier dining out event organized by REV Birmingham. Visit bhamrestaurantweek. com or call 595-0562. Aug. 22: Sips for CF Wine Tasting Competition. 1901 Sixth Ave. N Downtown Birmingham. Fifteenth floor. Hosted by and benefiting Laps for Cystic Fibrosis. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of event. Visit LapsForCF.org. Aug. 22-24: 16th Annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival. Theatre District of Downtown Birmingham. Visit sidewalkfest.com or call 324-0888. Aug. 24: L’Chaim. 2:30-4 p.m. Temple Emanu-El, 2100 Highland Ave. The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center will honor local businessman and developer Jeffrey Bayer. $50. Visit bhamholocausteducation.org.

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