Hoover Sun August 2015 by Starnes Media

Sun Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Taking the field

Volume 3 | Issue 11 | August 2015

Feeding Hoover

Hoover and Spain Park are preparing for the start of the new football season. Read more inside.

See page A18

A perfect match

Local organization addressing child hunger through community partnerships Read more about a local man who found his kidney donor in an unexpected place.

See page B1

INSIDE About..............A4 City......................A6 Business ...............A8 Events ..................A14

Sports ..................A18 Back to School ....B6 Community .........B12 Calendar ..............B14

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By KATIE TURPEN For Rocky Ridge Elementary School Principal Dil Uswatte, one childhood memory stands out vividly. She was in second grade and was sent to

Rocky Ridge Elementary School Principal Dr. Dil Uswatte and Riverchase United Methodist Church Associate Pastor Tyler Christiansen are partnering up to launch a weekend backpack program at the elementary school this fall. Photo by Keith McCoy.

the grocery store with a bag of change to buy a loaf of bread. As she was checking out, she was informed she was 25 cents too short. “I immediately just froze,” Uswatte said. “But then the woman behind me slid a quarter forward. I left the store quickly. I never got the

chance to thank her that day.” It is that personal connection that has Uswatte passionately involved in fighting child hunger in Hoover City Schools.

See CHILD HUNGER | page A23

Between two cities Ten years after Hurricane Katrina, a couple calls both Hoover and New Orleans home By SYDNEY CROMWELL The electronic harpsichord in Barry and Fran Ivker’s living room doesn’t immediately draw the eye. It’s covered in picture frames and papers and dwarfed by the two pianos that also share the room. However, the harpsichord holds a special place because it is one of the few things the Ivkers could rescue from their flooded home after Hurricane Katrina hit. On Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005, Barry remembers wondering if

See KATRINA | page A22

Most of Barry and Fran Ivker’s belongings were destroyed after Hurricane Katrina, but they managed to salvage over 500 pounds of Mardi Gras beads stored in their attic. They brought those beads to their new home in Hoover. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

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Hoover Sun

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A4 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Community Partners

The Landry family from Hoover enjoys Friday Night Flicks at Veterans Park. Photo by Ron Burkett.

Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell It takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to educate one. As I’ve put together this Back to School issue, it’s become crystal clear to me that preparing our city’s children for their future is the work of many hands. These hands include the founders of Hoover Helps, who are committed to ensuring that the children in our school system don’t have to worry about going hungry. They also include the Hoover Dad Brigade, who are preparing for their first improvement project at every elementary school.

Publisher: Creative Director: Community Editor: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers: Community Reporter: Copy Editor: Graphic Designer: Advertising Manager: Sales and Distribution:

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From the vision of principals, such as Spain Park High Principal Larry Giangrosso, to the fundraising work of parent-teacher organizations to make some of those projects become realities, the hard work throughout Hoover City Schools is on display in these pages. I can’t help but be impressed with the quality of the men and women who have dedicated themselves to creating the best possible future for Hoover’s children.

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Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Sydney Cromwell Madoline Markham David Knox Katie Turpen Madison Miller Erica Techo Roy L. Williams Louisa Jeffries Emily VanderMey Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Leah Ingram Eagle Marienne Thomas Ogle Jordan Hays Chris Griesedieck Olivia Burton Danni Zhou Hoover Sun LLC

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of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Abortion Recovery Alabama (A15) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A6) Alabama Outdoors (A11) Alabama Partners for Clean Air (A14) Alabama Podiatry (B7) Alabama Power (B2) Alys Stephens Center, Art Play (A18) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (A9) ARC Realty (B2) Baptist Health Center Hoover (A9, B13) Bedzzz Express (A1, A24) Birmingham Ballet (A14) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (A6) Boy Scouts of America (B6) Brookdale University Park (A15) Cabinet Cures of Birmingham (A19) Cajun Cleaver (A22) California Closets (A8) Commute Smart (B15) Construx (B5) Covenant Classical Schools & Daycare (A5) Encore Rehabilitation (A2) ERA King Real Estate Homewood (A5) Fit People (A16) Geico Insurance (B9) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (A21) Hoover City Schools (A8, B13) Hoover Florist (B12) Hoover Public Library (B15) Hoover Soccer Club (A7) Hoover Softball Association (B1) Issis & Sons (B11) JamJev Gymnastics (B6) Jeff Lindsey Re/MAX Advantage (A12, A13) Jefferson Credit Union (A1) Kasey Davis Dentistry (B9) LAH Real Estate - Hoover Office (A19) Lawncrafters (B12) MedCenter Hoover (A23) Morningside at Riverchase (A3) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (A8) National Pro Fastpitch (B3) Outdoor Living Areas (A2) Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics (B4) Patti Schreiner RE/MAX Southern Homes (A23) Pediatric Smiles (A23) Planet Fitness (A3) RealtySouth - James Harwell (B4) RealtySouth - Kathy Gipson (B7) RealtySouth Marketing (B16) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (B14) Rock N Roll Sushi Hoover (A21) Southlake Orthopaedics (A18) Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (B10) Target Auction Company (A22) The Maids (B14) The Neighborhood Plumber (A9) The Whole Scoop (A22) Therapy South Riverchase (A10) UAB Center for Exercise Medicine (B10) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A20) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A7) Walton and Tower Real Estate (A16) Weigh To Wellness (A17) Wrapsody (B5)

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August 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ A5

TO THE FAMILY, INFANT CENTER! Covenant Classical Schools is excited to welcome the residents from Hoover and surrounding areas to our family with the newly opened Infant Center campus. We look forward to serving this community and nurturing each student entrusted to us. Please feel free to come in to tour our new facility. We would love to show you what makes CCS such a special place.

TRACE CROSSINGS 5390 Magnolia Trace Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-5437 ccstc@ccslion.com

A6 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

City Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

Gary Ivey

I am extremely proud to be your mayor and to live in a great city that my family is happy to call home for over 30 years. We have had a very hot summer, but fall is almost here. If you are like me, you are looking forward to breezy, cool fall days! However, we hope you’ve had a great summer and found some free time to visit one of our many parks in Hoover. We are very excited that the renovations made at the Hoover Recreation Center indoor

pool are complete and that the pool has reopened for business. It’s hard to believe the students will be back in school on Aug. 13 and that football season is fast approaching. Hoover High School will kick off their season opener on Aug. 22 against Oakland High School. Spain Park High School season opener is Aug. 21 against Austin High School. We wish both teams continued success in their upcoming seasons! Be sure and set aside some time to

attend the National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series at the Hoover Met on Aug. 14-18. The Championship Series will feature some of the best softball players in the world. For additional information, visit the Hoover website at hooveralabama.gov or championship. profastpitch.com. Once again, we are here to assist you, so please call us at 444-7500 or visit our website for information about city services or upcoming events.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your mayor. We will continue to work hard to exceed your expectations. Sincerely,

Gary Ivey Mayor

Council considers doubled lodging tax

Pro Fastpitch tournament returns to Met

By ROY L. WILLIAMS

By ERICA TECHO

The Hoover City Council will decide in August whether to double its lodging tax on city hotels. Brian Skelton, president pro tem of the city council, said that boosting Hoover’s lodging tax from 3 percent to 6 percent will simply put the city in line with most other surrounding cities. Including the 4 percent the State of Alabama receives from the city lodging tax and 7 percent both Jefferson and Shelby Counties receive, that would increase the total lodging tax in Hoover from 14 percent to 17 percent.

Hoover’s 3 percent lodging tax generates about $1.5 million a year, so the boost would double that revenue. The city would use the extra lodging tax revenue to fund various capital projects and debt service. Council member John Lyda said he wants more clarity on use of funds from the lodging tax increase. Local hotel managers have spoken in opposition to the increase, saying it would hurt their business and drive away conventions, weddings and meetings, as well as tourists. The council will discuss the increase on Aug. 3 and, if approved, the tax would go into effect in October. Visit hooversun.com for updates.

The National Pro Fastpitch Championship Series will take place in the Hoover Met for the second year in a row. The Championship Series will be held Aug. 14-18. All scheduled games will also be televised on the CBS Sports Network. Commissioner Cheri Kempf said NPF has a large audience in the Southeast, and she hopes the championship will draw a larger crowd this year. “We know the audience is there,” Kempf said. “When it comes to the NPF, it is the very best competition in the world, and we’ll get

no argument on that from anybody.” Kempf also said the championship will allow fans to see some of the best players in the sport, including Olympic gold medalist and three-time collegiate player of the year Cat Osterman. Osterman announced her retirement earlier this year, and the NPF tournament will be the last place she competes. “People love this game,” Kempf said. “It’s exciting, it’s fast-paced.” Tickets range from a single session general admission $15 to a VIP series pass at $230. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more people. More information can be found at championship.profastpitch.com.

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A7

Police begin use of body cameras By SYDNEY CROMWELL Hoover police officers are now wearing body cameras while on duty. The police department purchased 90 of these cameras, enough to outfit every uniformed officer, and began training on June 30, according to police spokesperson Capt. Gregg Rector. The training occurred over a few weeks, as small groups of officers were taught to operate the equipment and become familiar with camera policy, as well as downloading their footage at the end of each shift. Rector said training took about one to two hours per officer. As officers completed training, they began using the cameras during their shifts. “Really the genius of this system is it’s so userfriendly, we really want to get it in the hands of the officers and let them use it some and get used to it,” said Lieut. Charles McDonald, who has been involved in the body camera program. The camera footage will be important in

documenting arrests, traffic stops and other police activity. While downloading from their cameras, officers can tag important video such as footage of a DUI arrest. Copies of the footage can be sent to courts or the district attorney’s office if needed. “It’s going to be a great tool. I think it’ll make us better at our job,” Rector said. It will also be beneficial in handling complaints against the department. “It’s going to give us a clear picture if there’s ever any doubt as to what happened,” Rector said. “That’s what we want.” Officer Courtney Pittman was one of the first police officers to use the camera system. In December, the police department had a few cameras that it was testing to see if they met the officers’ needs. Pittman wore one of the cameras while responding to a Black Lives Matter protest at Riverchase Galleria. She also received official training on the first day it was offered in June. “They’re very simple and very useful,” Pittman said of the cameras.

Police Officers Courtney Pittman and Joe Nickolson were among the first officers to receive training for the body cameras, which are now clipped on their pockets while on duty. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Hoover library to offer limited services during ‘makeover’ By ERICA TECHO Hoover Public Library is updating its facilities during August, and its services will be limited as a result. Starting Monday, Aug. 3, library visitors will be able to check out and return books, make requests, ask questions of librarians and use public computers. Browsing, however, will be limited to the new fiction and new nonfiction materials at the front of the library, and children’s materials available for browsing will be limited. “The library is very excited about the fresh

new look that we will have when the project is completed,” said Patricia Guarino, assistant director and the library’s project manager for the project. “August is going to be challenging for library staff to continue to provide library services. Construction projects always bring surprises, but we are going to do our best to provide great library service throughout this project.” Library staff will retrieve requested items if possible, and the Plaza area and Coffee-ol-ogy Cafe will remain open. The Friends Used Bookstore will remain open during renovations, but the Friends of the Library will not accept donated

items from Aug.1 to Sept. 15. The library is updating its color scheme, which has been around since 1992, and using different colors and carpet to distinguish the children’s area. The fiction, teens, preschool and quiet study areas will get new carpet along with the children’s programming room and technology hub. Updates to computer carrels will be made across the library. The new carrels are more sleek and modern, Guarino said, and provide the benefit of better wire management. New furniture in the children’s area will be brightly colored and child-sized to identify the area as child-specific.

“We really want to encourage it just to be for the children, and this new furniture will help us move toward that,” Guarino said. Renovations continue through Sept. 2, and the library will be closed from Sept. 3-Sept. 7. Library patrons can keep items that are due in August until Sept. 8 in order to minimize the number of items in the library during renovations. The library plans to put information and progress updates on its website, Guarino said, but visitors are encouraged to ask questions about the renovation when they visit.

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Now Open Relish Café is now open inside of Hoover Tactical Firearms, 1561 Montgomery Highway. The restaurant offers a meat-and-three lunch, snack bar, and catering services. 612-9135, relish205.com

Riviera Nails & Spa is now open at 5180 Medford Drive, Suite 104. They are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.7:30 p.m., and Sunday noon-6 p.m. 985-1200

Coming Soon MaxxClean Car Wash will open 3 in Hoover at 2875 John Hawkins Parkway. Pending approval by the city, the car wash could be open by spring 2016. Smoothie King will open a new location inside the Riverchase Galleria, 2000 Riverchase Galleria. The restaurant will open in August. smoothieking.com

Relocations and Renovations Tap Sports Café has moved 5 On to 3340 Galleria Circle next to J. Alexander’s and NTB Tire & Service Center. The new space features a 100-tap beer wall. 982-3124, ontapsportscafe.com Ashford Advisors has relocated from 3100 Lorna Road, Suite 106, to Independence Plaza in Homewood. The ﬁnancial advisory ﬁrm is locally owned and operated by Bryant Moore, ChFC. 623-2111, ashfordadvisors.net

Covenant Classical School has completed an addition to its Trace Crossings school, 5390 Magnolia Trace. The new 6,700-square-foot expansion has six classrooms for infants and toddlers as well as other facilities. 733-5437, covenantclassical.com

New Ownership CVS/pharmacy has reached an agreement to buy Target’s pharmacies nationwide, including the Target pharmacy at 5561 Grove Blvd. Pharmacies within Target will be rebranded as CVS/ pharmacy and will be owned and operated by CVS. No timeline has been announced, but the transaction is expected to be ﬁnal by the end of 2015. 747-1655, target.com/pharmacy

News and Accomplishments Preston L. Reynolds, DMD, 1235 Blue Ridge Blvd., Suite 117, now has extended hours on Thursdays. 823-0723, plreynolds.com

August 2015 • A9 The Spot @ Hoover Sunoco, 1537 Montgomery Highway, now offers several beers on tap, including Good People Brewing Company’s Snake Handler and Avondale Brewing Company’s Spring Street Saison. Other beers will be announced as they are added. 381-7869, gosunoco.com

Over the Mountain Designs, 599 Shades Crest Road, now offers general handyman services. A dedicated professional is now available to handle household odd jobs. 582-9444, otmdesigns.net

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Davis Building Group, 589 B Shades Crest Road, is now Davis & Simmons. The company specializes in custom built homes. 578-2428, davisandsimmons.com

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Hirings and Promotions RealtySouth’s Over the Mountain Alford ofﬁce, 1220 Alford Ave., has welcomed Elijah Williams as a new agent. 822-2364, realtysouth.com

AUG 21

Iron City Realty, 1957 Hoover Court, Suite 309, has welcomed a new agent, Jacob Lindsey. He can be reached at 568-6227 or lindsey.jacob@ymail.com. 979-2760, ironcityrealty.com

LAH Real Estate, 2 Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 15, has hired Andrea Hogue as a residential Realtor. 440-4740, lahrealestate.com

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Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, 2100 Data Park Drive, has hired Dr. Amy CaJacob to join their staff. Dr. CaJacob completed her fellowship in allergy, asthma and immunology at UAB. 871-9661, alabamaallergy.com

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Anniversaries Wrapsody, 161 Main Street, Suite 127, is celebrating its 11th anniversary on August 13. 989-7277, wrapsodyonline.com

BumperNets, 2000 Riverchase Galleria, is celebrating its 16th anniversary in August. 987-2222, bumpernets.com

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Hoover Sun

Bedzzz Express celebrates 20 years of growth By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Keith Krininger got his start in the mattress business as a high school senior while working at Schmitt Furniture in Albany, Indiana. “I spent eight years there as a salesman and watched the reps and decided my next move was to become a rep,” Krininger said. When Serta had an opening for a representative in the Louisville territory, Krininger applied for it and was told there was good news and bad news. “They told me, the bad news is you didn’t get Louisville, but the good news is we want you to move to Birmingham,” he said. Krininger moved his wife and three children to Birmingham in 1985, where he would spend the next ten years as a Serta representative for the state of Alabama. Ready to take the next step, he decided to open his own retail store, Bedzzz Express, on Lorna Road in Hoover on January 1, 1995. At that time, the Galleria was the number one shopping destination in the state, and Krininger knew other mattress retailers nearby were doing very well. His wife, Kay, gave him the idea to spell beds with the three Z’s and helped with the logo. He wanted to incorporate “express” into the name because one of the most important things at that time was being able to get mattresses to the customers faster

Keith Kriniger started his chain of Bedzzz Express mattress stores in Hoover. The chain is celebrating 20 years in business. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

than the furniture stores. It wasn’t an easy start for Krininger, who assumed that his knowledge, experience and good reputation in the industry — including salesman of the year with Serta in 1993 — would enable him to get whatever brands he wanted in his store. That wasn’t the case. “After I opened up, the big brands

didn’t want to sell me because my competitors didn’t want them to,” Krininger said. “We started with Spring Air and Therapedic and struggled for two solid years. It was really tough. I opened up more stores, but totally ran out of money and didn’t know what to do next.” Krininger kept working and after his third year, the big brands — Simmons,

Sealy and Serta — got on board. “Once we got the big brands, business went to the next level,” he said. In 2000, more Bedzzz Express stores opened. Once year-over-year sales grew, Krininger never looked back. In 2007, his neighbor, Mark Bond, sold his Express Oil Change stores and asked Krininger about getting into the bedding business.

“We sat down and devised a plan for him to open a Bedzzz Express in Tuscaloosa. He became my first licensed store. Since then, Mark has opened up a total of 15 stores in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia,” Krininger said. Another group, Stagg Bedding, has opened up 13 stores in Alabama and Florida. All of the company’s growth since 2007 has come through licensed stores. Krininger does the buying and merchandising and leads the advertising for all 46 stores, but continues to keep his focus in Birmingham. He also owns Mattress Warehouse, the clearance center stores. The company turns 20 this year, and the Hoover location, now located across Highway 31 from Crest Cadillac, remains one of the company’s best stores. Bedzzz Express is now the largest mattress retailer in Alabama, carrying all of the major brands. Krininger doesn’t plan to retire any time soon, and will continue to keep his business growing. “I think the key to success is to not stop or slow down or be content,” he said. “I will continue to open stores and improve the company until I decide to take a different route. We are very, very thankful for the opportunity that God put before us and we acknowledge that he has played a big role in the overall success of our company.”

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HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A11

Hoover firefighter wins Iron City Chef 2015 By JORDAN HAYS Despite being the last one to leave the kitchen, Edward Pegues would walk away in first place as 2015’s Iron City Chef. Vestavia Hills Rotary Club decided to put a twist on their annual cooking competition. Four firefighters traded in their helmets for chef hats for Iron City Chef at Jefferson State Community College Culinary Institute, July 18. “It was a wonderful event tonight,” said Kent Howard, rotarian and event chairman. “It was a great community effort by all of our fire departments. We really enjoyed it. The chefs did an outstanding job. A couple of them could open their own restaurant from the comments I’ve heard.” Competitors included Homewood’s Alexander Glover, Mountain Brook’s Lee Currie, Hoover’s Edward Pegues and Vestavia’s Trey VanHooser, each with more than a decade of firefighting experience. The firefighters — chefs — began prepping their entrees days in advance for a sold out crowd of 300 hungry attendees. After the attendees’ votes were counted for best meal, it was VanHooser’s herb roasted roulade with apple chutney and Pegues’ shrimp and grits that would earn them spots in the head-to-head round. In this round, VanHooser and Pegues had 30 minutes to complete a dish for three judges using a mystery

Edward Pegues congratulates Ian Triggs on his surprise scholarship award. Photo by Jordan Hays.

ingredient: beef tenderloin. Jefferson State Community College culinary instructor Dodd Jackson oversaw the event and provided limited ingredients for the contestants to use. “It’s actually fun, but it’s also mindboggling,” Jackson said. “When you look to see what your options are, you have four starches and five different vegetables. So narrowing it down, that’s the hardest part.” Pegues prepared his beef tenderloin

and served sweet potatoes, spring risotto and asparagus with an artichoke drizzle as his side dishes. Pegues said he had never worked with beef tenderloin or made risotto before. He also said he did not do anything to prepare for the 30-minute cook-off, but it wasn’t out of cockiness. “I went in blind because it’s hard to prepare for that,” Pegues said. “Honestly, I just didn’t know how to prepare for the last 30-minute part.”

Both contestants were in for a challenge. As Jackson counted down the last ten seconds, VanHooser and Pegues finished their entrees with three seconds left to spare. Leah van Deren, culinary arts teacher at Shelby County College and Career Center in Columbiana and judge for Iron City Chef, said Pegues’s beef tenderloin with sweet potatoes and asparagus was “the clear winner.” “I liked the presentation on the dish;

it was a lot more colorful,” van Deren said. “The flavor just popped, especially with the sweet potatoes. The asparagus, which was thin asparagus and is very easy to overcook, was cooked perfectly. The steak was also seasoned very nicely.” Pegues said he had been nervous since he received an email from his fire chief asking if he’d like to compete in Iron City Chef. To prepare, Pegues watched “Chopped” and practiced making his entrée for his family and coworkers. Each contestant was paired with a culinary student from Jefferson State Community College. Ian Triggs, a Jefferson State student majoring in food management, assisted Pegues and said 2015 Iron City Chef was his first time competing ever. For helping Pegues win the competition, Triggs was awarded a $1,000 scholarship — an award that was not announced beforehand. “It actually came as a shock,” Triggs said. “It was 50/50 either way, and when I heard the 30 seconds, that’s when you go into ‘go mode.’ I’m thrilled. I can pay off my tuition. That’s a big boost.” Pegues said he thanks his wife for putting up with his high level of stress since he was entered into the competition, Hoover fire Chief Chuck Wingate for presenting him with the opportunity and his coworkers for eating his food.

A12 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

402 Pineway Drive

4 bed 4.5 bath $299,900

Just minutes from 150 and Target this home has all the extras a buyer would be looking for. The kitchen features custom granite counter tops, a wine bar, under lite cabinets and so much more. The master suite is also on the main lever. Upstairs you have a wonderful rec room with wet bar and 2 more bedrooms. Both bedrooms have private baths. The basement features yet another bedroom and another full bath, and the essential man cave . This home is designed for entertaining from the outdoor hot tub and BBQ under the pergola area, to the sitting area under the trees. Call me and lets get you moving.

People are talking! “We were very pleased with the showing of our house, and we thought the time it was on the market before selling was extremely good.” - Ray & Joyce C. “The key to a good real estate sale is the absence of hassles and “unknown” problems that can crop up. With Jeff and RE/MAX, I had a great hassle-free experience. Thank you!” - Jerry B. “Jeff & Darlene - We send our biggest thanks to you for all that you have done for us and all you went through for us! As “First Timers”, we could not have done it without you! We sincerely appreciate it!” - John & Catherine M. “The sale of our home was handled in a very professional manner with excellent marketing techniques. We were very pleased with your service and could not add anything more!” - Johnny & Barbara H. “Outstanding results in such little time! Thank you Jeff and RE/MAX!” - Gou W. Y. “I really felt that Jeff and Darlene were working to sell my home. I never had to push them. They were on the ball for me. Everything was professional and up to date. I never felt out of the loop. Very friendly all the way around!” - James R. “I am very satisfied with the quality service and concern given me during the recent sale of my home. I would recommend Jeff Lindsey. I'm really glad Darlene was available to answer my questions and advise me the few times that I was unable to reach Jeff.” - Lois M. “Jeff and Darlene were such true professionals in helping me sell my home. They both worked so hard for me in the process.” - Jerry H.

1031 Ivy Creek Trail

3 bed 2 bath $189,900

Welcome home to Ivy Creek Trail! This charming home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a formal living room and formal dining room, a cozy family room with a fireplace and an updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets! Relax on the back deck while listening to the soothing sound of the creek. Priced to sell, so don't miss out on this one! Conveniently located close to schools, shopping and interstates.

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HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A13

2971 Wisteria Drive

4 bed 3.5 bath $479,900

This wonderful home, nestled in the mature trees of an established neighborhood features 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 full baths. This home is in Vestavia and zoned for the award winning Vestavia schools. This custom built one of a kind home features a large master suite with sitting area and the master suite has its own AC system to ensure your complete comfort. The master bath features a dual headed shower with a steamer, jetted garden tub and his and her closets. Both closets are walk in, but hers is so large it even has a sitting area. Her closet is truly one of the largest closets you will find. Both the family room and the living room are large and spacious but really have that warm and cozy feel. The open kitchen has tons of counter space and cabinets and also has a bay window breakfast nook. The screened porch over looks a large flat back yard, perfect for a pool and is a great place to relax after a long day. Parking includes a 2 car attached main level garage and a detached 2 car garage that will hold a large RV. This one of a kind home can be yours, give me a call and let's take a look at it.

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1960 Mountain Lauren Ln. 3 bed 2.5 bath $155,000

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A14 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Events Back to school with a splash By JORDAN HAYS

The Back to School Splash Bash will include food, water games and activities and the chance to blow huge bubbles using a special solution. Photo courtesy of Angie Barber.

In celebration of the end of summer and beginning of school, Bluff Park Baptist Church will be holding its annual Back to School Splash Bash on the front lawn of their church on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the community. “What we live by here is that we don’t do anything just for us, everything we do is for the community, so they’re invited to everything,” Pastor Tony Barber said. “A church is supposed to mirror a community, so we consider ourselves as a community church.” Angie Barber, children’s director at Bluff Park, has been organizing the event since she began working at the church. She said last year’s event was the largest crowd the church has ever had. Still, she said she feels the church

Concert to fundraise for Hoover couple’s mission work Hoover residents Derek and Laura Dougherty will soon travel to Cusco, Peru as missionaries with Mission To the World (MTW). The two have served on staff at Cross Creek Church for the past five years and recently stepped down from their positions in order to devote time to raising funds in order to serve needs in Peru. Derek and Laura hope to move to Peru this fall to work alongside other American

missionaries to plant churches and teach missionary children traveling with MTW. A Music for Missions concert will be held on Aug. 6 to fundraise for the couple’s trip. Music will start at 7 p.m. at the Avon Theater in downtown Birmingham. For more information on the Dougherty’s mission to Peru and the benefit concert, visit afewkeymoments. blogspot.com. Submitted by Laura Dougherty.

The Dougherty family of Hoover will soon become missionaries in Cusco, Peru. Photo courtesy of Laura Dougherty.

is “hidden” and hopes that these free community events will raise awareness of the church. Tony said smaller churches such as theirs have a hard time competing with the types of events larger churches can throw. As a result, he said Bluff Park had to come up with “unique” events that larger churches weren’t doing. The church will give out free food, such as hot dogs and snow cones, and host water activities, such as water gun fights and the 25-foot-tall Riptide Water Slide. “Everybody loves [the water slide],” Tony said. “When the people who are supposed to pick it up are late and the event is over, [the adults] get on it.” Angie will concoct her special bubble solution to blow “massive bubbles,” among other children’s activities. Bluff Park Baptist Church is located at 2211 McGwier Drive. For more information, visit bluffparkbaptist.org.

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A15

R(un) for One celebrates adoptive families By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE When Dina and Alan Long knew in their hearts they wanted to expand their family of four through adoption, they turned to Lifeline Children’s Services and its branch, (un)adopted, for advice. As a result of the organizations’ guidance, the Mountain Brook couple welcomed Joshua and Olivia, now ages nine and seven, from Pakistan to their home. They have also started their own non-profit, Developing Hope, to assist a Pakistani orphanage. According to Dina, the whole Long family will be part of the crowd at the Aug. 22 (un)adopted R(un) for One 5K, which supports a safe environment, ministry and education for orphans around the world. In addition to Joshua and Olivia, the Long children include Isabella, Luke, Samuel, Emma Sophia and adopted five-yearold twins Alexis and Alex. “We can’t say enough about Lifeline as a whole and (un)adopted, which serves locally through foster care plus helps teach life skills to orphans internationally,” Dina said. “And the R(un) for One is not only fun, but gives people a tangible way to be part of an important solution.” The (un)adopted R(un) for One 5K will be Aug. 22 at Veterans Park. The run will begin at 8 a.m. with a 7 a.m. registration. A fun run will be held at 8:45 a.m., said Krystal Brummitt, Lifeline events and merchandising manager.

R(un) for One 5K Aug. 22 7 a.m. registration 8 a.m. race Veterans Park unadopted.org

Olivia Bickel, left, and her mom, Nanette, cross the finish line at the (un)adopted R(un) for One 5K. The race will be Aug. 22 at Veterans Park. Photo courtesy of Hillary Dickey.

According to Brummitt, less than 1 percent of the 153 million orphans worldwide will be adopted. Most are not equipped to make a dignified living, so they can fall prey to sexual exploitation, drug abuse and slavery. “The R(un) for One brings individuals and teams together to run, walk

and raise money for specific projects, such as a school in Uganda, a job skills camp in Liberia, a home for boys in Dominican Republic and a foster home in China,” Brummitt said. “All the participants will help children receive an education, job skills or even life-saving surgery.”

Ashley Chesnut of Birmingham has taken part in the R(un) for One for three years and is now serving on its planning committee. “This is important because orphan care is an important part of our church, including fostering, adoption and supporting families that assist with

orphans,” Chesnut said. “The run is a way to show the love of Christ to children who have no earthly families by supporting a very worthy cause.” For more information about (un) adopted Run for One 5K and (un) adopted, visit unadopted.org.

A16 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

A legacy of changing the world 4th Annual Laura Langley Memorial Blood Drive Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. First Christian Church 4954 Valleydale Road

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Laura Langley was on a quest to make the world a better place. Even though she passed away three years ago, she continues to do so through her legacy. A 2007 graduate of Oak Mountain High School, Langley was involved in a car accident on June 3, 2012. During the attempts at UAB Hospital to save her life, she received over 50 units of blood. Within a few days, neighbors of her parents in the Ross Bridge community wanted to do something to help. They organized a blood drive in Laura’s honor, knowing she would

have been the first to do something to help. “Our first drive was so successful, we knew we needed to do it again,” said Laura’s mom, Ann Langley. “It needed to be where people knew and loved her, so we moved it to First Christian Church [where Laura grew up attending], and it was equally successful.” Each pint of blood donated can save up to three lives, and Langley is confident that more than 1,000 lives have been saved through this blood drive. “That is a legacy of Laura’s that is important,” Langley said. “She would be thrilled something so tragic has had

A college friend of Laura Langley (front chair) gives blood in her memory at the annual blood drive. Photo courtesy of Ann Langley.

lasting benefits to others.” Students at the University of Alabama, where Laura attended college, are also benefiting from her legacy. Within hours of her death, her fellow students appealed to the faculty to establish the Laura Langley Social Justice Award in recognition of a student’s efforts to address social justice concerns. Laura’s parents also established a scholarship with insurance money they received, which is awarded to high-potential students for whom financial assistance would be helpful. Laura’s memory is also being honored through her former workplace,

AIDS Alabama. In 2004, her father, Jim Langley, became a part of their management team. Executive Director of AIDS Alabama Elaine Cottle said she and the staff watched Laura grow, graduate and go off to college. A social worker position became available, and Laura worked there from February until she passed away. “In those few short months, she impressed us all with her quiet strength and quirky sense of fun, alongside a deep commitment to ending injustice,” Cottle said. “AIDS Alabama staff decided to name their Campus Activity Center after Laura and her father. It is a testament to her

indomitable spirit that in less than four months, an entire agency and its board of directors unanimously dedicated a building in her name — a building where those with little justice in their lives hopefully begin to ﬁnd hope and vision for recovery,” Cottle said. Laura’s mom said things like this continue to mean so much to her. “What I’m comforted by today is that Laura wanted her life to make a difference, and it still is,” Ann said. This year’s blood drive will be Aug. 22 at First Christian Church. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Laura.

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A17

Hoover Chamber holds 20th annual golf classic

By JORDAN HAYS The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 20th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 24 at Riverchase Country Club at 8:30 a.m. Bill Powell, executive director and CEO of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, started the chamber’s first Golf Classic when he began working there in 1995. He said he began the tournament as a way to make money for the chamber and keep dues low for its members. By holding fundraisers such as the Golf Classic, Powell said he is able to pay off much of the overhead associated with running the chamber. “We need to have non-dues revenue functions ... so the small business owner or one-person business operating out of their home or small office can afford to be in the chamber,” Powell said. “Otherwise we’d have to charge $450 a year instead of $225.” Powell also said a portion of the money raised at the golf tournament goes towards scholarships for students in the Hoover area. The chamber founded the Lila Parks Scholarship Program in 1997, named after a volunteer who served the chamber for 10 years and served on the chamber’s board. In May, the chamber gave out $21,000 in scholarships. The Golf Classic competitors will compete in a four-man scramble. Each team’s four members will tee off

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m. Riverchase Country Club Registration: $650 for fourman team, $200 for individuals hooverchamber.org/sports/golf

Valeria Collier holding the flag stick as Lynda Kern makes her putt on the Riverchase Country Club Golf Course. Photo by Jordan Hays.

and then choose the best shot of the four. The members will then take the second shot from that location, and so on, until the hole is completed. Chamber members and local business owners make up most of the audience, but Powell said the public is still welcome to come and watch. Ronnie Blakney, manager of South Hall Self Storage, has played in the past 15 Golf Classics. He said

W2W_aug2015community_print.pdf 1 7/20/2015 5:02:55 PM

participating in the Golf Classic has helped him develop business relationships and brand his company. “It’s made an opportunity for people to know who we are,” Blakney said. “[The Golf Classic] is always outstanding.” Each hole will have a sponsor, and that sponsor will have handouts. Prizes for the tournament will include gift certificates to golf pro shops, and

the raffle will include gifts from business members of the chambers. Additionally, there will be a hole-in-one prize for a Ford Mustang. Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall will be a sponsor of the event and provide free breakfast and lunch. “It’s a real good outing, and it’s a good way to network and meet other people in the business community,” Powell said. “It’s the most fun

you can have and still call it a work day.” It costs $650 to register a four-person team for the tournament, $375 for two and $200 for individual players. Raffle tickets cost $5, or $20 for five tickets. To register or receive more information on the Golf Classic, visit hooverchamber.org/sports/golf.

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A18 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Sports

Buccaneers season preview 2015 Season Preview

2015SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Date 8/22 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/1 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/30 Quarterback Braylon Moss carries the ball in Hoover’s spring game. Photos by Kevin Brooks.

Opponent Oakland TN Manatee FL Mountain Brook * Oak Mountain * Thompson * OPEN Spain Park * Tuscaloosa County * Vestavia Hills * Hewitt-Trussville * North Marion FL

2014 NA NA 12-0 35-0 56-6 ---42-14 66-27 42-0 38-24 NA

All games start at 7 PM unless noted * Region game Home games are highlighted

W W W W W W W -

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A19

Bucs aim for fourth consecutive state crown Offensive firepower won’t be a problem and the deepest position on defense is in the secondary. But, the key to Hoover High’s continued success, at least in the opinion of head coach Josh Niblett, comes in the trenches. “I’m a big believer in you win it up front,” Niblett said. “I don’t care if you throw the football, run the football, whether you run a 4-3 or 3-4 on defense, you win it up front. You know, football is a physical game played by physical people. We tell our kids, ‘We want to play the music, let them dance.’ We want to make sure we control the tempo of the game.” The good news for Hoover is the Bucs appear to be solid up front on both sides of the ball. Niblett said that his team’s offensive line “could be the biggest, best group we’ve had in a while.” On defense, he said his front, while inexperienced, has “a chance to be bigger inside than we’ve been in a while, I’m excited about that.”

OFFENSE

Nick Eldridge returns for his third season as a starter on the offensive line. He’s the leader of the group that has Niblett excited while classmates Dalton Nelson and Alex Loukotka gained experience as backups last season. Depth should be a strength for a front that also includes Austin Carter at center. “[All of] those kids during summer have been great leaders for each other, and they’ve been a tight knit group,” Niblett said. “You know up front you’ve got to be tight knit. That’s what I like about that group.” The quarterback rotation is not set in stone and neither is running back. The good thing is, though, Niblett has quality options at both.“I like our depth at running back,” he said. Tight end/H-Back Quincy Cox is ready to take charge at a deep and talented receiving corps. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Cox caught a touchdown pass in last season’s state championship. “We’re putting a little bit more on him, we want

Bucs’ running back CJ Sturdivant leaps over a pile of defenders during the spring game.

him to take his play to another level,” Niblett said. The Bucs have plenty of other options, including returnees Marcus Hollifield and Jimmie Johnson, explosive junior Cortez Hall and sophomore Shedrick Jackson.

DEFENSE

Cornerback P.J. Hall and outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon are currently the most sought after recruits on the Bucs’ defense. Moon should

be headed to the SEC, and Hall also has some SEC interest. They are just a start of what could become a very good defense. The secondary has experience with cornerback Malachi Herron and safeties Ben Abercrombie and Tony Bennett. Will Singleton should also help at cornerback. Kholbe Coleman fits nicely into the middle linebacker tradition at Hoover while Moon leads a good group of outside linebackers.

Junior Ricky Palao and Khamari Brown, a varsity contributor last year as a freshman, provide inside size and, Tyler Bird is ready to shine at defensive end after waiting his turn. Depth is also a strength.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Like other spots, the Bucs will be inexperienced at the specialist positions.

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A20 â&#x20AC;˘ August 2015

Hoover Sun

Jaguars season preview 2015 Season Preview

2015SCHEDULE Date 8/21 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/1 10/9 10/16 10/23 10/29

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

2014 NA 28-21 52-28 7-26 63-64 ---14-42 14-13 27-34 19-0 30-7

All games start at 7 PM unless noted * Region game Home games are highlighted Running Back Wade Streeter breaks free from Oak Mountain defender.

W W L L L W L W W

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • A21

Running back Streeter leads Jags Spain Park head coach Shawn Raney has nothing against his team throwing the football around the field. It just wouldn’t be a solid plan with running backs Wade Streeter and Larry Wooden lined up behind a pair of inexperienced quarterbacks. “It’s not going to be [like] when [current Southern Miss quarterback] Nick Mullens was here and we ask them to throw 50 times,” Raney said. “Hopefully we can run 50 times and take some pressure off the quarterback, and when we throw it, we can get some big plays in the passing game and play action off of that.” It sounds like a good plan with the return of Streeter, a senior, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a junior, and Wooden, a junior, who contributed as a sophomore. Raney calls the pair of running backs “the backbone of our offense.” If Spain Park has a successful season, then Raney’s team could be headed back to the Class 7A playoffs after missing the postseason last year.

OFFENSE

Senior Joey Beatty should get first crack at playing quarterback for the Jaguars, but junior Hunter Howell is not far behind. Howell is more of a drop back quarterback while Beatty throws and runs the ball with equal success. Beatty gets the nod because of an extra year in the program. Both quarterbacks will be helped by a solid offensive line that in anchored by seniors Grey Best and Johnathan Mote and junior Bredt Stover. “The other two positions we’ve got multiple guys we’re sliding in and trying out,” Raney said. “We have a good foundation with those three.” Receiver is filled with question marks, but Raney said the Jaguars are talented in that spot. Leaders could be seniors Bridge Suber and Parker Kelly and junior Thomas Jordan. It will help the passing game that opposing defenses are focused on slowing down Streeter and Wooden.

Spain Park’s defense sacks opposing quarterback.

DEFENSE

The good news is that the front seven is filled with experience, talent and depth. Jonah Tibbs enters his third season as a starter while Douglas Henze, Damon Wright and Will Dailey are also returning starters. Markell Clark, a 6-foot, 280-pound transfer from Georgia, will make an impact. At linebacker, the Jags have experience with returning starters Houston Hollis and Perry Young. Hollis started last year as a sophomore

and Young has college offers from Arkansas State, Southern Miss and others. What is troubling for the Jags, however, is a secondary that features no experience. Raney thinks that group will be fine with some seasoning but might go through some tough times early in the season. “I think that’s where we’re going to have to start [on the defensive line] as far as building around,” Raney said. “Hopefully they can sack

the quarterback before he throws it on us — at least early in the season.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tyler Sumpter, who has a scholarship offer from Troy, returns as the team’s kicker and punter. But he’ll share time with junior Crosby Gray. Raney said his team also had an excellent long snapper in Martin Daugherty.

Expires 8-31-15. Not valid with other offers.

A22 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

KATRINA

CONTINUED from page A1 his house in New Orleans East would survive the Category 5 hurricane forming in the Gulf of Mexico. The Ivkers decided to evacuate with Barry’s 91-year-old mother, a couple they knew and three of their cats that they could put into carriers. They packed three days’ worth of clothes, moved a few possessions to the second story and put out food and water for the two cats that remained behind. The Ivkers decided to wait out the storm in Birmingham, where their son Joshua lived. The journey normally took five hours, but that Sunday it took 12. Katrina hit the next day and then the levees broke, flooding New Orleans. In Birmingham, Barry pulled up a satellite picture of his home only to find that water had reached the roof of the car in their driveway. In the coming weeks, the Ivkers managed to get back home and rescue the remaining cats. Except for a few possessions like the harpsichord, the house was a total loss. Their clothes, important papers, photo albums, books and furniture were destroyed in the flood, and mold spread throughout the building. Barry got a fungal infection while attempting to clean out the attic, and the mix of chemicals and sewage in the water ate holes through the soup spoons in their kitchen drawer. “The houses were toxic because it was the summertime. It’s 95 degrees. The humidity is 98 percent. The mold was everywhere: up the walls, on the ceiling,” Fran said. “We just abandoned everything.” Despite the loss, the Ivkers knew they were lucky even among their own friends. They had acquaintances who had to swim to safety or watched their own parents’ home get swept away. “The point is, you handle it because

Barry Ivker plays the electronic harpsichord while his wife, Fran, watches in their Hoover home. The harpsichord was among a few possessions that survived Hurricane Katrina. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

at that point, what’s the alternative?” Barry said. “By comparison, we got off easy.” They found generosity at every turn in Birmingham, from a consignment store that gave them free clothes to a storage company that let them store their possessions for free for three months. Barry recalls meeting a man who traveled to New Orleans every weekend for months, volunteering his time to hang drywall in new buildings. “We met a lot of people like that with absolutely no fanfare, who were down on the Mississippi coast rebuilding,” Barry said. “I really appreciated the talent and the humanity of the people here who took it upon themselves.” Meanwhile, New Orleans as a

whole was “total chaos.” Rebuilding and relief efforts were hampered by inefficiency, poor planning, lack of resources and people attempting to make money off the catastrophe. For six months, Barry and Fran watched the city attempt to rebuild, and they couldn’t decide whether to return to their home of 37 years. “If we were 30 when this happened, we might have gone back to rebuild. But at 65, I’m not interested in being a pioneer for 10 years to rebuild something that I’ll never live to enjoy,” Fran said. The Ivkers bought a house near the Hoover Country Club. It was different in many ways from their home in New Orleans: built on a hill and shaded by trees that separated them from their neighbors. They began to enjoy the

changing seasons and more friendly culture of Hoover, and the couple got involved with their grandchildren, the Jewish community, local dance groups and a choir. Barry remembers watching the struggle of the civil rights era in the 1960s. He had once been convinced that Birmingham was never a place he could live, but Barry came to consider the city home. “It was just refreshing,” Barry said. Now, as the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, Barry and Fran haven’t cut ties with New Orleans. They visit every three weeks to see old friends, and Fran continues her well woman practice in the city. Some of her patients have been coming to her for 30 years or more.

AUCTION

They still attend Mardi Gras and other festivals, and every year, one of Barry’s former folk dancing students or Fran’s medical students will emerge from the crowd to greet them. “We’re really split between the two cities,” Fran said. “Thirty-seven years of friendship is not something that you can just throw off and shrug your shoulders. I can do without Mardi Gras, I can do without the Jazz and Heritage Festival,” Barry agreed. “It’s pleasant to be there to do it, but the people that came back that we only see infrequently — that’s the biggie.” Besides the harpsichord, there are a few other mementos of New Orleans around the Ivkers’ Hoover house: a stained-glass picture with floodwater stains still on the frame, a piece of Nigerian art given to Barry for performing a wedding the day of the evacuation and two of the cats who made the journey to Birmingham. They have seen their old home and neighborhood, which are mostly rebuilt and, Fran said, more beautiful than before. Both Barry and Fran agree that New Orleans is “worth going back to,” but not for them. “The young people could go back. There was something to rebuild. At our age, I didn’t feel there was anything worth making the sacrifice in order to rebuild,” Fran said. “We came to Birmingham and we’re happy here,” Barry agreed.

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August 2015 • A23

CHILD HUNGER

CONTINUED from page A1 In October 2014, 24.5 percent of total enrolled students qualified for free and reduced lunches. As of June 2015, that number has grown to 25.9 percent. Director of Child Nutrition Melinda Bonner said she has seen slow but steady growth. “We’ve known there was a need, but there hasn’t been a consistency in addressing it,” said Uswatte. To bridge the gap between the schools and community, Greg Bishop founded Hoover Helps in 2014. The nonprofit organization engages with local churches, schools and other organizations to align community resources to fight childhood hunger through weekend backpack programs. Bishop said many people are not aware that child hunger exists in an affluent community such as Hoover. “There is a significant need, and it’s easy to overlook these kids,” said Bishop. “The reality is there are a lot of kids that don’t have food to eat over the weekend.” Bishop said that the student populations at three schools — Rocky Ridge Elementary School, Trace Crossings Elementary School and Green Valley Elementary — each have nearly 50 percent free and reduced lunches. “Hunger leads to these students not performing well in the classroom. They also have frequent visits to the nurse’s office,” Bishop said. “If we address this problem, tests scores will go up, property values could rise as a result. A lot of good things can happen. We need to meet the basic needs of our children.” Several churches in Hoover have partnered with local schools through Hoover Helps to provide food in the children’s backpacks to take home on Fridays. Bishop said it costs $180 to feed a child over the weekend for the duration of one school year. Riverchase United Methodist Church Associate Pastor Tyler Christiansen wanted to get a food program off the ground because of his past involvement in the ministry. He met with Bishop and Uswatte in September to get things started.

Children decorated food bags during a food pantry Open Day at the Hoover Library in June. Photo courtesy of Greg Bishop.

“It was really nice timing of having like minds coming together,” said Christiansen. Starting this fall, RUMC will have food delivered directly from the Central Alabama Food Bank to the church. Church members will build the bags the first Wednesday of every month; these packing nights are open to the public. Volunteers will then deliver the food for distribution on Fridays to Rocky Ridge Elementary School, where it will be placed discreetly in the children’s backpacks during recess. Jon Barnacastle, programs coordinator at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, is thankful for organizations like Hoover Helps addressing food insecurities. “Kids are the most vulnerable to food insecurity. It’s helpful to see Hoover Helps jumping in and fighting for our kids,” said Barnacastle. “This is mobilizing the community and leading the charge in childhood hunger.” Other churches involved with the various child hunger programs include Hunter Street Baptist Church, Shades Crest Baptist Church

and Shades Mountain Independent Church. Green Valley Baptist Church operates a food pantry that provides food donated from the food bank to 125 children at Green Valley Elementary School. Bishop hopes that during the upcoming school year, Hoover Helps will gain traction, and he eventually plans to cast his net outside of Hoover. For now, the main focus is making the community aware of the problem of childhood hunger that lies just beyond their front doorstep. “People can debate about the best way to feed hungry children, but what is not up for debate is whether or not we should feed hungry children,” Christiansen said. “This is a sign the community cares about our children. It’s faith being put into action, and it’s exciting to see. My hope is that every kid in Hoover will be fed over the weekend, and childhood hunger will be a thing of the past.” For more information or to get involved, contact Bishop at hooverhelps@gmail.com or visit hooverhelps.org.

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AUGUST 2015

Perfect match Longtime acquaintance was kidney donor for local personal trainer By MADOLINE MARKHAM Three years ago Greg Hasberry was preparing to compete in a bodybuilding competition, just as he had been doing for 20 years, when his energy level plummeted and his lower back began to hurt. He went to his mom’s house and sat down. For the next eight hours, he didn’t move. Hasberry soon learned he had double acute renal failure and needed a kidney transplant. He spent the next month and a half at Brookwood Medical Center before returning home to begin a different form of dialysis treatments. For years, Hasberry underwent

testing at hospitals in several cities to try to find a donor. His brother was the closest match, but the brother was unable to donate because of his high blood pressure. Three days a week he received dialysis, first for eight hours at a time and then for four. Hasberry said the process depleted his body of both bad and good things. It left him exhausted and sore. “It literally leaves you with nothing,” he said. “It was pretty brutal.” Hasberry was able to continue to work as a personal trainer until late April 2015, although he had to sit more than before. A few weeks earlier, he had received news that changed the

Greg Hasberry returned to light workouts at 24e Fitness three weeks after his kidney transplant. He also works at the gym as a personal trainer. Photo by Madoline Markham.

trajectory of his physical journey. “By the grace of God, [my donor] showed up with a kidney,” Hasberry said. “I was open to whatever and wherever, but [the kidney] was right here under my nose.” Hasberry first met the donor* about 12 years ago, when he was working at the gym where the donor worked

out. They would “talk shop” and about their families and children, seeing each other here and there over the years. On April 7, the donor called Hasberry and asked to meet him at Starbucks. That’s when he told Hasberry he was willing to donate his kidney. “I cried like a baby for like 10

minutes,” Hasberry said. “I kept asking him, ‘Are you sure? Are you serious?’ It felt like someone lifted a building off my shoulders.” The donor had heard about Hasberry’s need for a kidney and that they shared an O+ blood type. At the

See HASBERRY | page B11

B2 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

POWER TO

IMPROVE

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HooverSun.com

August 2015 • B3

Hoover cyclist completes Race Across America By KATIE TURPEN Heat exhaustion and dust storms were only minor bumps in the road for one local resident during his journey to bike across the country. On June 16, Hoover cyclist Brian Toone set out on a journey to race 3,000 miles from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland in the Race Across America. He finished the race on June 27 with an official time of 10 days, 14 hours and 20 minutes. He finished in seventh place in the men’s solo category with an average speed of 11.81 miles per hour. “The race went well despite a lot of unanticipated problems,” Toone said. “I fell hard in a construction zone on the first night, hurting my left hip and picking up a lot of road rash on my face and shoulder.” Overall, Toone rode an average of 300 miles

per day, sleeping around only three hours per night. A crew of 10 people, including his wife, Kristine, supported him throughout the race with a mini van and an RV carrying supplies. While Toone started off strong as he rode east through California, his media representative Louis Fagelson said once he hit the deserts of Arizona, Toone experienced serious heat exhaustion. He bounced back, hitting almost 50 miles per hour on some of the descents. “Not only did his riding change, but his attitude was much better and he did a great job of finding his groove,” said Fagelson. “He made his way through Colorado with a steady pace and high morale. He kept pushing, even with minimal sleep, and made his way to Kansas.” In Kansas, Toone kept a steady pace despite the 20 mile-per-hour headwinds and dust storms. The next three states were full of reroutes, traffic and

Brian Toone finished in seventh place (second American) in the men’s solo category in the Race Across America with an average speed of 11.81 miles per hour.

narrow shoulders. “I never really recovered from these setbacks in terms of reaching my original time goal of eight days,” Toone said. “But I was happy with how things turned out ultimately, finishing strong to pass a lot of people in the last few states.” Toone and his wife, Kristine, raised funds and awareness during the race for an organization they have both served with in Nicaragua, called Nuevas Esperanzas. This organization has been doing long-term community development - building roads, micro-enterprises, water projects and more - in Nicaragua since 2003.

Toone grew up south of Birmingham and began riding mountain bikes at Oak Mountain at a young age. He entered his first race in 1993 in Sylacauga and from then on participated in multiple bike races and road races across the country. Today, he enjoys exploring the Southeast through long endurance bike rides, traveling to places such as Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee regularly. Toone is currently a computer science professor at Samford University, a position he considers his dream job. For more on Toone, visit toonecycling.com.

B4 â&#x20AC;˘ August 2015

Last Chance to submit for

Hoover Sun

Summer

FUN

Photo Contest

Winner recieves $50 gift card to Alabama Outdoors #HooverSummerFun To enter, email your photos in a jpeg format to photos@hooversun.com. Only four photos are allowed per person. Winners will be announced in the September issue.

Category 1: Any summer fun photo Category 2: A summer fun photo displaying a copy of Hoover Sun wherever you are

Deadline is August 9, 2015

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • B5

Deer Valley Dads:

The inspiration for Hoover City Dad Brigade

By ROY L. WILLIAMS For more than 10 years, a group of men calling themselves Deer Valley Dads have been a regular staple around Deer Valley Elementary School. They include fathers, grandfathers and others who want to bring a male role model to a school setting traditionally dominated by Homeroom Moms and women. “Our purpose is to promote dads, granddads and any type male figure to become more involved in the school,” said Deer Valley Dad member Lane Siddall, who has been active in the group for three years. “In the past, a lot of who they see is mostly the homeroom moms. The kids love seeing us here.” Deer Valley Dads is one of the organizations that inspired Hoover Board of Education President Derrick Murphy in May to start a new organization called Hoover City Dad Brigade. The Brigade shares Deer Valley Dads’ goal of getting fathers and other male role models active in all city schools. Murphy, whose 8-year-old daughter, Bailyn, is a third-grader at Deer Valley Elementary, is one of about 100 members of Deer Valley Dads. Ten years ago, Murphy recalls, the Deer Valley Dad group provided valuable mentorship to his now 17-yearold son and other boys attending the school. “Anytime you can get more men involved in schools, it’s beneficial to parents,” he said. Hoover City Dad Brigade’s debut

Hoover City Dad Brigade Inaugural Cleanup Project Aug. 1, 6:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at Riverchase Galleria Home Depot, 3670 Galleria Circle Volunteers will be assigned to projects at all 10 Hoover elementary schools To sign up: email derrick@derrickmurphy.net or visit Hoover City Dad Brigade on Facebook

Deer Valley Dad member Lane Siddall and his nine-year-old son, Bentley, at Deer Valley Elementary. Photo by Roy L. Williams.

project will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, when Murphy has set a goal of getting 400 fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers and teen boy volunteers to work together doing various volunteer projects at Hoover’s 10 elementary schools. At Deer Valley Elementary, Deer Valley Dads plan to focus on three projects, according to Siddall. The dads will paint the two main hallways at Deer Valley Elementary, pressure wash the sidewalks and clean up the playground area. “We will spruce it up and make it

look better for when school starts back in August,” Siddall said. The Dads put a lot of energy into helping the students at Deer Valley. They volunteer in the library every month, host “Donuts with Dads” breakfasts, help with field day activities and do a summer cleanup project. Siddall said he appreciates Murphy spearheading the Hoover Dads Brigade cleanup on Aug. 1. “I think it’s outstanding way to get more dads in other schools involved,” Siddall said. “Dads want to volunteer and become more engaged not only in

the community but in their children’s lives. But they don’t know where to go or about different opportunities that exist. It will be easier for them to get involved through this.” The Hoover City Dad Brigade is already having a spillover effect. It inspired Alex McRee, who has a daughter going into the third grade at Bluff Park Elementary and a daughter headed to Simmons Middle this fall, to create the Bluff Park Dad Club. The group’s first project will be pressure-washing sidewalks and cleaning up around Bluff Park Elementary

School during the Aug. 1 Hoover City Dad Brigade event. They hope to eventually have Walk Your Kid to School Day and other events for fathers. “The Deer Valley Dads have done this for some time and are part of the inspiration for this,” McRee said. “I was bound and determined to get this off ground before school started, then Derrick came out with Dad Brigade. The timing was great.” Murphy said he hopes Hoover City Dad Brigade will inspire other fathers to get more involved in other city schools. Men who want to volunteer can email him at derrick@ derrickmurphy.net or sign up on the Hoover City Dad Brigade Facebook page. Information about the group is also on the Hoover City Schools website, hoovercityschools.net.

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B6 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Back to School Rooted in core education, reaching for the stars Larry Giangrosso’s vision for Spain Park High School By OLIVIA BURTON Larry Giangrosso, newly appointed principal of Spain Park High School, wants his students to dream big. “You can’t just do the core of education without passion, because that’s what drives people,” he said. “That’s what drove me.” As a child, Giangrosso dreamed about being a major league baseball player. Today, he is thankful to his parents and teachers for encouraging him to dream while also preparing him for the future. “We want our students to dream and to have really passionate, big goals, but at the same time, we have to prepare them for different changes in their lives that may lead them down a different path,” he said. Spain Park is home to a unique program of career-specific “academies” whose classes allow students to explore a wide range of career options, including health sciences, law,

technology, engineering and finance. “At any time, you can see a trial going on, or you can see the handiwork of a future engineer, or you can see people that are going into the health science field learn to save lives as first responders,” Giangrosso said. In the health sciences academy, students experience hands-on learning in a recreation of an emergency room. Remote-controlled mannequins can be programmed to simulate various emergencies such as a heart attack, and cameras in the room allow students to go over their performances afterwards. Over the summer, Spain Park has been constructing new labs for the engineering and technology students. Also new to Spain Park this upcoming year will be courses in Mandarin Chinese taught by Steven Frost. “These students that are in our school system now will be competing globally for jobs and for leadership roles,” Giangrosso said. “We have to

Larry Giangrosso’s diverse roles in schools across Alabama have prepared him to take on his new role as principal of Spain Park High School. Photo courtesy of Larry Giangrosso.

prepare them not just for the state of Alabama, but for the world.” During over 40 years in education, Giangrosso has served as both a coach and a teacher in various sports and subjects. His career began at the original W.A. Berry High School, where he served as an English teacher and coach. From 1990-1999, Giangrosso worked at Central Alabama Community College, where he started the school’s first baseball program. Before serving as assistant principal of Spain Park from 2012 to 2015, Giangrosso was head baseball coach at UAB and assistant principal at Pelham High School. Giangrosso’s experience on the baseball diamond and in the classroom has helped him understand the importance of passion and time management for high school students. “We’re all young at some time, but as we get older we sometimes forget the challenges that students have when they’re trying to balance getting a good education with having a passion for

a sport or an extracurricular activity like band,” he said. “There’s just so many hours in a day.” In addition to encouraging students to balance their passions with a core education, Giangrosso plans to focus on helping all students reach their goals regardless of where they are when they reach Spain Park. He recalls a saying of Bob Finley, former head football coach of Berry High School: “Our job is to teach and coach them all.” “I’ve never forgotten that,” said Giangrosso. With its academies, extracurricular activities, rigorous classes and sports, Giangrosso looks forward to a busy year. “What we’re trying to do here is get every student plugged into something where they feel important, where they can thrive and where they can become leaders in the school,” said Giangrosso. “This is what education is all about. Our plates are full, and that’s the way it should be.”

HooverSun.com

August 2015 • B7

Back to school:

I’m excited for…

Local students share their thoughts on the new school year “Lockers because in elementary school you only get hooks and cubbies, but in lockers you can decorate them. It seems really fun. I really want to know what they do in science because in elementary school you don’t get to do that much.” Saibri Ross, sixth grader, Berry Middle School

“It’d be neat to build robots [in technology class] because we get to build it and we have the remote, so we can make it move and stuff.” Funmilayo Dada, fourth grade, Shades Mountain Elementary

“I’m looking forward to who I’m gonna get as a teacher. I’m excited for art because every year there are cooler things.” Genna Harney, fourth grade, Riverchase Elementary School

“I’m most excited about reading. That’s my favorite thing to do in class. I’m excited for going to music class. I did a solo this year, and I really like music and singing.” Tatum Englett, fourth grade, Riverchase Elementary School

“Science and reading because of what you get to do. It’s just fun because we get to learn new things about animals.” Elijah Burns, second grader, South Shades Crest Elementary

“Meeting new friends and meeting a new teacher.” Alyaan Damani, fourth grade, Deer Valley Elementary School.

B8 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Hoover PTO presidents Becky Laney

Amy Mudano

Greystone Elementary

Riverchase Elementary

Greystone Elementary website PTA page, greystoneelem.al.hce.schoolinsites.com/

amymudano@att.net or (205) 602-6846

“This is a wonderful community. I want to be president so I may support this community. I look forward to supporting our faculty and staff next year while helping provide extra opportunities for our students, such as author visits, enrichment week and our outdoor classroom.”

“I am looking forward to all our school events. We are also working on some great updates to the school, including a new surface for the playgrounds and a really spectacular science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab ... I love the idea of an enhanced focus on science and math, especially at the elementary school level.”

Beth Wood Trace Crossings Elementary beth.wood.ext@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Brandy Hathcock South Shades Crest Elementary brandyhathcox@aol.com

“I’m looking forward to working alongside our principal, Mrs. Barber, the PTO executive board and PTO to develop goals for the 2015-2016 school year. I’m also excited about all of the upcoming fundraisers, which will ultimately assist in supporting the students and PTO with school wide needs as well as planned activities.”

“I never considered myself a ‘PTO Mom,’ but when both of my children were in elementary school, I began to get more involved and soon realized how important volunteering is. I saw an opportunity to get involved and make a difference in my children’s educational experience.”

Paige Hofer

Leah Waller

Shades Mountain Elementary

Rocky Ridge Elementary

paige.hofer@gmail.com

leahwaller@bellsouth.net, or 566-5324

“As I volunteered and got to know the other parents, I learned a lot about how the school functions, what all the PTO does for the school and found myself moving towards the role of PTO president. I enjoy being a part of an organization that provides so many opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s school life.”

“I believe I am most looking forward this year not only to all the regular programs we support, but also to a new program that we are partnering with Riverchase United Methodist Church in providing a backpack program for Rocky Ridge providing meals for some of our students over the weekend.”

Janet Dees

Cathy Edwards

Spain Park High School

Hoover High School

533-3349

mcjbedwards@charter.net

“I am proud to be a Spain Park parent, and my husband and I love being involved in the things that are important to our family. My children have had a wonderful experience at Spain Park. I wanted to work along side all of these amazing people to help Spain Park continue to be the best it can be.”

“I’m happy to be part of a group that can encourage and strengthen our schools, whether it’s through grants, classroom materials or recognizing our teachers for their dedication. Everyone is qualified to be supportive, even if it’s only through encouraging our students to be their best.”

Pam Bruner

Maxine Retzer

Brock’s Gap Intermediate School

Berry Middle School

pbbruner@gmail.com

mretzer@hotmail.com

“I feel we are privileged to have a great school system that invests in our children and the community, therefore serving as PTO president is my way of helping the teachers, staff and administration do what they do best. It is how I give back to the community and school and a way to help voice parents’ thoughts and concerns and communicate these.”

“Berry’s PTO does a fantastic job of supporting the students, administration and faculty each year. Our PTO board and committee chairs bring numerous skills and talents to our organization. I am excited to work closely with everyone to support the initiatives of our school and continued learning and growth of all of our students.”

Kathy Claypoole

Heather Goss

Bumpus Middle School

Deer Valley Elementary

kathyjclaypoole@gmail.com

563-0456 or heatherhgoss@gmail.com

“R.F. Bumpus Middle School has a place for each student to prosper and I wanted to be a part of that process… Every student has a unique gift, and we, as a PTO board, are committed to assisting the faculty and administration empower every student so they can recognize their talents, achievements and gifts.”

“Being a part of what’s going on at my daughter’s school is something I can’t imagine not doing. The relationships through the PTO have helped build my trust and understanding of our school system. The money we raise helps support the daily needs of our school and fund extra programs that my daughter gets to be a part of.”

Starla Wilkins

Anna Fowler

Gwin Elementary

Simmons Elementary

starlawilkins@gmail.com

annafowler01@yahoo.com

“I am most looking forward to seeing the halls filled with students again. Sweet smiles and friendly waves are always guaranteed when walking down the halls of Gwin Elementary.”

“What I’m looking forward to this year is making a great impact on Simmons and helping promote fundraising and good stewardship with how we use the money. Number one, it goes toward helping the most children. Number two, it helps give money to the teachers.”

Karen Cummings Green Valley Elementary Pirt.kcummings@gmail.com “I am most looking forward to our Fall Festival … It takes months to prepare, and we need lots of help to pull it off, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been a part of.”

Georgia Pearson Bluff Park Elementary georgiapearson48@gmail.com “I decided to become president in order to serve my child’s school and my community. I am looking forward to volunteering as PTO president with our new principal, Mr. Terry Lamar. I’m certain it will be an exciting year.”

HooverSun.com

August 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B9

B10 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Back to school fashion Floral fun

A ﬂoral open-back tank top ($23.50) and a white denim jacket ($25.50) from Renaissance Consignment are perfect for fall, especially with dark bell bottom jeans ($59.50) and open-toe canvas shoes ($17.70).

Boho chic Bright and colorful

Comfort casual

Playful patterns and bright colors are the way to go for elementary school style. Clothing lines at Sew Precious range from $40 to $75.

This isn’t your ordinary T-shirt. The “shark bite” hem creates a graphic shirt ($53) that is both comfortable and distinctive, and bold accent jewelry ($20-63) completes the look from Elite Boutique.

Bring a bohemian ﬂair to the classroom by pairing this crochet fringe cardigan ($42) with a plaid orange babydoll tank ($39) and distressed ﬂared jeans ($69) from Pink Tulip.

Get these looks Pink Tulip 180 Main St., Suite 212

Elite Boutique 2663 Valleydale Road, Suite 6

Sew Precious Patton Creek Shopping Center, 180 Main St., Suite 124

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HooverSun.com

August 2015 • B11

Alabama tax-free weekend to be held Aug. 7-9

During the tax-free weekend, general-use clothing items under $100 will be exempt from sales tax. Photo by Olivia Burton.

By OLIVIA BURTON Alabama’s annual Back-to-School tax-free weekend will take place from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 to midnight on Sunday, Aug. 9. Mountain Brook, Hoover, Vestavia, Homewood and Shelby County will be participating in the tax exemption. In addition to the sales tax exemption, many stores will feature special sales over the weekend. “It’s a very good thing for businesses,” said Bill Powell, executive director of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce. “It’s like being able to offer a courtesy discount.” General-use apparel such as dresses, jackets, pants, shirts, shoes and underwear will

HASBERRY

CONTINUED from page B1 moment he heard about the need, he “had a feeling” he would be the donor. UAB screened him, and it turned out he was a perfect match. On May 20, they both went into UAB for the surgery. They exchanged texts in the meantime, a mixture of jokes and mentions of getting nervous. After the surgery, they would visit one another down the hall. Hasberry was up and walking on May 21. Today, Hasberry said in some ways their relationship “is pretty much just the same.” They’re still calling each other with jokes. “But he’s more than just a buddy,” Hasberry said. Typically transplant patients spend seven to 10 days in the hospital. Both Hasberry and his donor were released after four days. Three weeks later, Hasberry was back at work at 24e Fitness on Highway 31. His energy has returned, and his mind is clear again. “Some of it is sheer determination,” he said. “I definitely feel blessed beyond anything I can think of.” Now, he said, some of his clients aren’t used to seeing him full of energy. “It’s funny,” he said. “They are sort of like deer in headlights.” Although he has retired from bodybuilding, Hasberry plans to continue training his German shepherds for Schutzhund, a sport that develops

be exempt from Alabama’s sales tax over the weekend. All clothing items must be under $100. Clothing accessories such as cosmetics, protective equipment such as tool belts and hard hats, jewelry, wallets, watches and sport or recreational equipment such as goggles and shoulder pads will not be exempt from sales tax. The exemption also applies to computers and other electronics under $750, school supplies under $50, educational books under $30 and required textbooks between $30 and $50. Furniture, video games, magazines and newspapers will remain taxable. For more information and a complete list of exemptions, visit revenue.alabama.gov/ salestax/salestaxhol.cfm.

dogs to fit its German definition, “protection dog.” He also stays active with his 16-yearold daughter Brittney, a guard forward on the Hoover High School basketball team, and has a 5K on the calendar. After his initial diagnosis three years ago, a group of friends and clients organized a Hearts for Hasberry 5K to raise money for Hasberry’s medical expenses. The second year, Hasberry requested that the funds raised go toward the Alabama Kidney Foundation, which assists those in need of transplants with medication, rides to dialysis and other services. In past years he didn’t have the energy to participate, but Hasberry’s planning to run it when the event returns to Mt Laurel in February. The years of dialysis followed by the transplant have also inspired Hasberry to become a patient advocate. As of mid-May, he was one of 3,559 patients in Alabama and 101,694 in the U.S. waiting for a kidney transplant, according to the Alabama Organ Center. He’s serving as an ambassador for Alabama for the Dialysis Patient Citizens and will speak at the annual conference in Washington, D.C. The experience also changed his outlook on life and has him committed to no longer take on stress. “It’s a mental thing,” he said. “For the most part, why worry about things when God’s going to handle things? If it’s not about life or death, there’s no need to worry about it.” *Editor’s note: Hasberry’s kidney donor requested that we not use his name in this story.

B12 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Celebrations Borden - Gullatte

Community Hoover graduate wins Faith in Action award

Joe Sweeney (far right) presents the 2015 Faith in Action Award to Kyra Moyer and runners-up Zach Kilgro (left) and Diego Sialer (right). Sweeney and his wife, Cindy, established the award 11 years ago in memory of their daughter Caitlyn. Photo courtesy of Jill Spero.

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Borden of Hoover are pleased to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Melissa Lynn Borden, to Daniel Robert Gullatte, son of Mr. Jimmy Gullatte of Hoover, Alabama and Mrs. Renda Weidler of Niceville, Florida. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charley Branch of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Mr. Jim Harper of Dallas, Texas and Mrs. Lola Borden and the late Roscoe Borden of Pelham, Alabama. Miss Borden graduated from Spain Park High School and will graduate from

Auburn University with degrees in Business Administration and Art. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Sarah Gullatte and the late Robert Gullatte of Salem, Alabama, Suad Ammar of Corona, California and Charlie Ammar of Corona, California. Mr. Gullatte graduated from Hoover High School and will graduate from Auburn University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The wedding is planned for August 1, 2015 at the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama.

Prince of Peace Catholic Church recently presented graduating high school senior and parishioner Kyra Moyer with the 2015 Caitlin Sweeney-McDaniel Award for Faith in Action. The award honors a graduating high school senior within the parish who exemplifies their Catholic faith in action, serves their community and is a well-rounded student. Kyra received $500 and her name was added to the list of previous winners on the award plaque that hangs outside the Prince of Peace School library. The 2015 Hoover High School graduate will attend Auburn University in the fall, majoring in communication disorders with a goal of a master’s degree in speech pathology. Kyra wants to work with children with speech issues or with stroke victims. Runners-up for the award were Zach Kilgro and

Diego Sialer, who each received $250. Both graduated this year from Hoover High School. Zach will attend Auburn University to major in nursing and Diego will attend Yale University to major in chemistry. This award was established 11 years ago in memory of Prince of Peace School student Caitlin Sweeney by her parents, Joe and Cindy Sweeney. “The students being recognized are very deserving every year, and it is always difficult to select a top recipient,” said Joe Sweeney. “Kyra, Diego and Zach all have outstanding moral character, are active in the church and in spreading their faith thorough word and actions. They have been a joy to talk to and I believe they will go on to do great things.” Submitted by Jill Spero.

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HooverSun.com

August 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B13

Hoover

1421 Shades Crest Road

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

722945

35226

1421 Shades Crest Road

New

$475,000

722864

35226

2416 Savoy Street

New

$216,900

722841

35226

600 Sanders Road S

New

$249,900

722840

35226

1064 Magnolia Run, Unit 47

New

$545,000

722792

35226

439 Renaissance Drive

New

$774,911

722684

35226

3544 Atwillher Drive

New

$287,900

722615

35226

3917 James Hill Circle

New

$279,900

722583

35226

344 Park Ave.

New

$214,900

722522

35226

324 Albemarle Drive

New

$205,000

722482

35226

1400 Chester Street

New

$199,500

722478

35226

5303 Cottage Lane

New

$139,000

722445

35226

1007 Castlemaine Trail

New

$204,900

722432

35226

1633 Kestwick Drive

New

$329,000

722431

35226

3220 Oriole Drive

New

$199,900

722802

35226

570 Bristol Lane

New

$425,000

722430

35226

2414 Huntington Glen Drive

New

$489,000

722391

35226

929 Castlemaine Court

New

$199,900

722367

35226

2178 Chalybe Drive

New

$329,500

722294

35226

3239 Heathrow Downs

New

$465,000

722290

35226

108 Castlehill Drive

New

$269,900

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on July 20. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

570 Bristol Lane

B14 • August 2015

Hoover Sun

Calendar

Moonlight on the Mountain

Community Events

585 Shades Crest Road moonlightonthemtn.com Aug. 1: Pugsley Buzzard and Beth Patterson. $15. Aug. 2: Ladies’ Night Out and the Diptones. $15. Aug. 7: Claire Holley and Jonathan Kingham. $15. Aug. 8: The Onlys. $7. Aug. 10: Open Mic Night. $5. Aug. 14: Angela Easterling with opener Corey Nolan. $12.

Aug. 1: Hoover City Dad Brigade Cleanup Project. 6:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverchase Galleria Home Depot. Aug. 4: National Night Out. 6-8 p.m. Super Target at The Grove. Visit natw.org. Aug. 8: Members Only Guided Gardens Tour. 8:30-10 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Explore the grounds on a guided walking tour. RSVP required. Visit aldridgegardens.com. Aug. 13: Hoover City Schools First Day of School. Visit hoovercityschools.net.

Aug. 13: Shades Mountain Christian School First Day of School. Visit smcs.org. Aug. 14-18: National Pro Fastpitch Championship. Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Visit profastpitch.com. Aug. 15: Members Only Guided Bird Walk. 8-10 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel will lead a walk to catch a glimpse of the birds migrating through the area. RSVP required. Visit aldridgegardens.com. Aug. 22: R(un) for One 5K. 8 a.m. Veterans Park. $30 before Aug. 15. $35 on race day. Visit

unadopted.org/run. Aug. 22: Laura Langley Memorial Blood Drive. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. First Christian Church, 4954 Valleydale Road. Blood will be donated in memory of Laura Langley. Visit redcrossblood.org. Aug. 28: HHS Varsity Football vs. Manatee. 7 p.m. Hoover High School. Visit hooverhighahtletics.com. Aug. 28: SPHS Varsity Football vs. Hueytown High School. 7 p.m. Spain Park High School. Visit spainparkathletics.org.

Aug. 15: Alice Bargeron with Doug Lee and Marc Harris. $15. Aug. 20: Dara Sisterhen and Oh, Jeremiah. $12.

Hoover Public Library Events 200 Municipal Lane

Aug. 21: Mark Stuart. $15. Aug. 22: Sally Barris and The Birmingham Boys. $15. Aug. 24: Open Mic Night. $5. Aug. 28: The Beatlads, A Summer Moonlight Benefit. $10. Aug. 29: Wisewater and The Jason Bailey Trip. $15.

All shows start at 7:30 unless otherwise noted.

444-7800, hooverlibrary.org Aug. 1: Sci-Fi Festival. All Day. Aug. 1: Summer of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Festival. 10 a.m. Festival events and displays. Aug. 2: Global Cuisine at the Plaza: Polynesia. 2:30 p.m. Free programs on food and coffee from around the world. We’ll explore Polynesian cuisine. Complimentary samples provided. Aug. 6: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Will discuss The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty.

Aug. 10: Chimpanzee. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Explore the African rain forest with an adventurous young chimp named Oscar in this heart-warming Disneynature film. Free.

Aug. 19: No Jacket Required Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Will discuss non-fiction books of choice in this month’s genre: Pioneers and Record Holders.

Aug. 11: Daytime Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Will discuss The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert.

Aug. 24: Monday at the Movies. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Will screen Oblivion (2013).

Aug. 13: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Will discuss The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.

Aug. 27: Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group. 7 p.m. Will discuss The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Aug. 29: Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Meet and mingle with your fellow amateur poets and novelists.

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August 2015 • B15

Calendar Hoover Chamber of Commerce 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 988-5672, hooverchamber.org Aug. 6: Economic Development Forum Meeting. 8:30 a.m. Chamber Office. Aug. 13: Coffee & Contacts. 7:309 a.m. T. Fox Salon, 2080 Valleydale Road. Call 403-8369 or visit tfoxsalon.com. Aug. 19: Ambassadors Meeting. 4:30 p.m. Chamber Office. Aug. 20: Hoover Chamber

Luncheon. 11:15 a.m. Hoover Country Club. Aug. 24: 20th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. 8:30 a.m. Riverchase Country Club. Call 988-5672. Aug. 27: Business After Hours. 5:30-7 p.m. Hyatt Place – Inverness/ Birmingham, 4686 Highway 280 East. Visit birminghaminverness.place.hyatt.com.

Area Events July 31-Aug. 2: Secret Stages. Friday 6-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. A walking music festival in downtown Birmingham. $25 weekend passes. Visit secretstages.net. Aug. 1-8: Shrek the Musical. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Virginia Samford Theatre. The VST STARS present Shrek the Musical. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Aug. 2: Andy Grammer and American Authors with AJR. 7:30 p.m. Iron City, 513 22nd St. South. $22-$25. Visit ironcitybham.com. Aug. 6: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. Downtown Birmingham, 113 22nd ST. North. Free. A walking art gallery with artists, performers, food and fun. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com. Aug. 8: Good Old War. 9 p.m. Saturn Birmingham, 200 41st St. South. $15 in advance, $17 day of show. Visit saturnbirmingham.com.

Hoover100City Council Municipal Lane 444-7500, hooveral.org Aug. 3: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. City Hall, third floor Aug. 6: Planning and Zoning Work Session. 5 p.m. City Hall, third floor. Aug. 6: Board of Zoning Adjustments. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, third floor. Aug. 10: Planning and Zoning

Meeting. 5:30 p.m. City Hall, third floor. Aug. 13: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. City Hall, third floor. Aug. 17: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. City Hall, third floor. Aug. 24: Board of Zoning Adjustments Work Session. 5:30 p.m. City Hall, third floor.

Aug. 9: Auntie Mame. 2 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. Part of Alabama Theatre’s Summer Film Series. Visit alabamatheatre.com. Aug. 9: Christina Perri. 7 p.m. Iron City, 513 22nd St. South. Visit ironcitybham.com. Aug. 10: My Morning Jacket. 8 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. $43. Visit mymorningjacket.com. Aug. 13: Pre-Code Film Festival. 6:30-8 p.m. Homewood Public Library. Pre-code film made in 1933 starring Barbara Stanwyck. Visit homewoodpubliclibrary. org. Aug. 14: Grease. 7 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. Part of Alabama Theatre’s Summer Film Series. Visit

the

Library

Theatre

alabamatheatre.com. Aug. 14: Art on the Rocks. 7-11 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Visit artsbma.org. Aug. 15: Boiling N’ Bragging. 6-9 p.m. Otey’s Tavern, 224 Country Club Park. Football season kick-off party benefitting the Critical Care Transport program at Children’s of Alabama. Call 332-7571. Aug. 16: The Sound of Music. 2 p.m. Alabama Theatre. $8. Part of Alabama Theatre’s Summer Film Series. Visit alabamatheatre.com. Aug. 19: Iron Cinema Presents Garden State. 7 p.m. Iron City, 513 22nd St. South. Free. Visit ironcitybham.com. Aug. 22: Baby Steps Memorial 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. 8 a.m. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Run allows grieving families and their friends to come together to remember lost loved ones. Visit ameliacenter.org. Aug. 22: Kishi Bashi. 9 p.m. Saturn Birmingham, 200 41st St. South. $13 in advance, $15 day of show. Visit saturnbirmingham.com. Aug. 23: Southern Bridal Show. Noon-5 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. Meet face-to-face with wedding professionals and find everything you need to create the wedding of you dreams. $15 at the door. Visit eliteevents.com. Aug. 28-30: Sidewalk Film Festival. Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m. Over 200 movies, parties, workshops, music, food and more. Visit sidewalkfest.com.

SEAS ON T I OPEN CKETS O N SALE S BE SALE AU G GIN A UGU UST 17! ST 21 !

2015-2016 Season

Blind Boys of Alabama September 24 & 25

Golden Dragon Acrobats October 10 • 2 shows

George Winston November 12 & 13

SCROOGE! The Musical December 3-5

Dianne Reeves

January 17 • 2 shows

Kellylee Evans

February 24 & 25

Alan Doyle

March 17 & 18

LUMA

April 21 & 22

Larry Gatlin Trio May 7 • 2 shows

T h e L i b r a r yT h e a t r e . c o m

www.commutesmart.org

(205) 444-7888

200 MUNICIPAL DRIVE • HOOVER, AL 35216