The Hoover Sun January 2013

Sun HooverSun.com

January 2013

Hoover

Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Volume 1 | Issue 4 | January 2013

STATE CHAMPS, 15-0 Hoover stomps Bulldogs to claim 2012 6A state title

By NATHAN KELLY The smell of tailgating and carnival food along with cars decorated in window paint can only mean one thing; the Super 6 State Football Championships were

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back. And to no one’s surprise, undefeated Hoover High School was there.

It was old hat for Hoover at JordanHare Stadium for the Super 6 on Friday night. The Buccaneers made its 12 appearance to the 6A state championship

in the last 13 years and played like it.

Hoover (15-0) faced the Opelika High School Bulldogs (10-5) in a rematch from the last game of the regular season which

See HHS | page 13

The perfect season

Members of the 2012 undefeated Hoover High School Buccaneer football team pose with the AHSAA State Championship trophy at Beef O’Brady’s on Dec. 8. From left are Chandler Coskery, Chris Fort, Brooks Bennett, Vince Brown, and Carter Allums. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

Lisa See, others to headline Southern Voices Festival Tickets go on sale this month

By REBECCA WALDEN It’s no surprise tickets to the Southern Voices Festival traditionally sell out fast. Previous lineups included names like Rosalynn Carter, Harlan Coben, Pat Conroy, Carl Hiaasen, Frank McCourt, Ann Patchett and Ann Rivers Siddons.

For readers and writers, this event at the Hoover Public Library provides an intimate accessibility to the literary world.

In fact, it’s not at all uncommon to see other author guests in the audience as they listen to one of their peers give a keynote address. During last year’s Friday night event, author Scott Turow fielded questions about the creative process from more than one commercially successful writer in the audience. And exchanges like this happen often, for both the budding writers and musicians

Left, Southern Voices Co-Chair Carrie Steinmehl with author Vanessa Diffenbaugh (The Language of Flowers) in 2012. Above, Hoover Public Library Director Linda Andrews with Alabama author Mark Childress (Crazy in Alabama). Photos courtesy Hoover Public Library.

See VOICES | page 15

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From Ross Bridge to Riverchase and from Spain Park to Shades Crest, the Hoover Sun covers it all in our weekly newsletter, Hoover Happenings. Sign up today and see what’s in store for this week!

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January 2013

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

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Bluff Park Elementary School teachers Beth Uhlman and Christy Selman challenged the students at the school to sign up for the Mercedes Kids Marathon. If there were 150 children who signed up, they said they would dress up as Tinker Bell and a chicken. When the count reached 179 students, they wore their costumes all day.

Photo by Matthew Allen.

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden When the New Year ness” checkup 16 days rolls around, three topics before Thanksgiving. The always spring to my mind: result? A chiding nurse 1. How long will it take practitioner warning me me before I quit writing to purchase a scale, weigh 2012 on my checks? myself every morning, 2. How much stuff will and (wait for it), lose 23 Rett and the kids let me pounds. donate without uttering Or the time I was conrespective cries of “I still sulting with a client over wear that!” (false) or “I the phone and failed to play with that all the time, notice my alarming interWalden Mom!” (really false)? state speed until a kindly 3. What will I do with the promise of officer from the Tuscaloosa Police Dea New Year (completely free of screw- partment illuminated me. You haven’t ups and woulda shoulda couldas)? experienced awkward until you’ve endAfter two decades of check writing ed a new business call with the words, and 10 years of marriage, I can defini- “Please excuse me. I’m being pulled tively say that item three is the only goal over.” with any real potential.

On the flipside, 2012 is filled with As you’ve likely gathered from my moments that made my cup runneth previous columns, I’m textbook Type over. The first time my toddlers said A. This is actually kind of great come “I love you” to each other. A conversaresolution time because we over achiev- tion with my father I’d wanted to have ing types are in a state of perpetual com- for years. The genuine affection I felt petition (with ourselves). Thus, the pro- toward our new Sunday School class, verbial clean sheet of paper that comes who assuaged my mommy fears when I with a new calendar year is basically learned a surgical visit at Children’s was like any day of the week to us. in our future.

Not that 2012 was pitch perfect. In But, as I reflected on the memories fact, there are a few things I’d rather of 2012 (those above and those not suitforget. Like most recently, when I fool- able for print), taking stock of the things ishly decided to participate in a “well- I’m proud of, and the things I’d like to

do over, a peaceful thought came to me.

For me, resolutions have no purpose.

The fact is, every year I am getting better at enjoying the good moments, whenever and however they present themselves. And I don’t mean the manufactured kind where everyone is dressed “right” and posing for the perfect picture even if, at that given moment, they’re miserable. I’m talking about the real moments – the ones you can’t design.

Like the time my son overheard me use the expression “peace out” while telling a story to my husband, and then said it on repeat for like a week. Or the time my daughter matter-of-factly informed me that if I didn’t sleep in her room that night, Jesus would put me in time out.

In this issue of the Hoover Sun, we celebrate the moments that make our community so vibrant. From family members whose dreams for their children have opened unbelievable doors of opportunity, to arts and culture events that will enrich your winter soul, January is ripe with ingredients to make this New Year your best one yet.

Let the meaningful moments of 2013 commence.

Cheers,

Correction The article on Joe and Marie Bianchi’s 65th wedding anniversary in our December issue mistakenly listed Joe as an executive. Joe was a member of management with US Steel for many years.

Meet our staff Warren Caldwell

Warren Caldwell grew up in Birmingham, attended W.A. Berry High School and Jacksonville State University. After earning his BA in Mass Communications, he started a career in television as Director of Creative Services, creating and producing promotional campaigns for entertainment programming, news programs, and civic organizations as well as commercials for local clients in several markets.

Later, he worked on the advertising agency side, managing broadcast and print media buys, coordinating special events, promotions and community relations projects for a variety of retail and business to business clients. Over the years, Warren has enjoyed relationships with clients of all types, ranging from multi-offices agencies to one person retail shops. Although Warren loves to shop, eat, spend time in Hoover and would love to live here, his 14-year-old dog George would never allow him to leave Highland Park.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (5, 11) Alabama Dance Academy (12) Case Remodeling (6) Child’s Play Therapy Center (10) Creekside Tavern (15) Davis Likis Fniancial (15) EyeCare Associates of Hoover (9) Geico Insurance (16) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (18) Homewood Music (6) Hoover Fitness (8) Hoover Self Storage (7) Iberiabank (11) Inverness Dermatology (10) La Paz (20) Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio (19) Lulie’s on Cahaba (12) More Than a Maid, LLC (12) Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (14) Planet Fitness (5) RealtySouth Marketing (13) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (3) SecondHand Rose (17) Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (6, 11) South Trace Pediatrics (15) Sumo Japanese Steakhouse (19) Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (17) The Cook Store (16) The Maids (1) Unlimited Property, LLC (9) Wanda Turner / Re/MAX (10, 17) Whitehead Orthodontics (9) Zounds (16)

Publisher : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Contributing Editor : Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Contributing Writer : Nathan Kelly Intern : Kaitlin Bitz Published by : Hoover Sun LLC

Contact Information: Hoover Sun #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@hooversun.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: Rebecca@hooversun.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

For advertising contact: dan@hooversun.com Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use 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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HooverSun.com

January 2013

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January 2013

BEST OF HOOVER 2013

FOOD & DRINK Most Friendly Service q Jim N Nick’s q Riff Burger q Taziki’s q The Whole Scoop Most Kid Friendly Restaurant q Chick-Fil-A q Jim N Nick’s q Stix q The Egg & I q The Whole Scoop q Taziki’s Best Happy Hour q Firebirds q On Tap Sports Café q Riff Burgers q Stix Best Breakfast/Brunch q Green Valley Drugs q The Egg & I q Clubhouse at Ross Bridge q Creekside Tavern Best Ladies Lunch Spot q Taziki’s q The Boot q Edgar’s q The Egg & I q Zoe’s Kitchen Best Date Night q Bonefish Grill q Brock’s at Ross Bridge q Firebirds q J Alexander’s q La Dolce Vita Best Casual Dining q The Boot at The Preserve q Fresh Art Café q Costa’s q Creekside Tavern q The Egg & I q Green Valley Drugs q Jubilee Joe’s q Riff Burger Best Asian Food q Hunan Garden q Mandarin House q New China q Pacific Rim q Stix q Sumo

Hoover Sun

Best Italian Food Bellini’s Costa’s Formaggio’s In-N-Out Grill La Dolce Vita Olive Garden Salvatore’s

q q q q q q q

Best Mediterranean Food q Costa’s q Pita Café q Purple Onion q Taziki’s q Zoe’s Kitchen Best Mexican Food q Habeñeros q Iguana Grill q La Fiesta q La Paz q Pablo’s Best Pizza q Baker’s Famous Pizza q Café Lazio q California Pizza Kitchen q Salvatore’s q Sanpeggio’s q Tortuga’s

Best Community Event

q Bluff Park Art Show q Celebrate Hoover Day q Hoover Tree Lighting

Ceremony q Moss Rock Festival q Southern Voices q Taste of Hoover q Uncorked on the Green Best Neighborhood q Bluff Park q Chace Lake q Green Valley q Country Club Highlands q Lake Cyrus q The Preserve q Riverchase q Ross Bridge q Russett Woods q Trace Crossings Best Church Choir q Hoover Church of Christ q Hunter Street Baptist q Riverchase United Methodist

Best New Restaurant q Creekside Tavern q La Paz q Riff Burger q The Boot at The Preserve

Best Charity Event q Bradley Johnson Golf Tournament q Grace’s Kitchen q Heart Ball q Jazz Festival at the Preserve q Regions Classic q Toys for Tots q Walk Me Home 5K

Best Coffee q Earth Fare q Panera Bread q Starbuck’s q The Egg & I

Best Local Band/Musician q Eric Essex q Mile Marker 7 q Hoover High School Jazz Band

Best Bakery q Ashley Mac’s q Earthfare q Edgar’s q Gigi’s Cupcakes q Louise’s Cakes and Things

Best Hometown Hero q Brenda Ladun q Damon Johnson q Rhonda Dial q Scout Campbell

COMMUNITY Best Outdoor Space q Aldridge gardens q Moss Rock Preserve q The Preserve q Veteran’s Park

Best Local Personality q “Dollar” Bill Lawson q James Spann q Micky Ferguson Best Place for A Family Outing q Aldridge Gardens q Hoover Football Games q Hoover Public Library q Hoover Rec Center q The Whole Scoop q Carmike Cinemas (formerly The Rave)

HEALTH & WELLNESS Best Work Our Facility q 24E Fitness q Fitness 4U 24/7 q Hoover Fitness q Hoover Rec q Hoover YMCA q Planet Fitness Best Dentist q Michael S. Anglin Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry q Moulton Dentistry q Hoover Family Dentistry q M. James Dobbs, DMD Cosmetic & Family Dentistry q Dr. Paul Barganier q Dr. Louten Johnson Adolescent & Pediatric Dentistry q Dr. Preston Reynolds Best Orthodontist q Backus Orthodontics q PT Orthodontics q Whitehead Orthodontics Best Pediatrician q Dr. Alice Hardy, South Trace Pediatrics q Brian Dudgeon, Greenvale Pediatrics q Dr. Andrew McCown, Southlake Pediatrics q Dr. John Cortopassi, Greenvale Pediatrics q Dr. Jeff Malone, South Trace Pediatrics Best Family Practitioner q Dr. Carrie Huner, Brookwood Primary Care q Dr. James Marshall, Medical Center West, Trace Crossings Health Center q Dr. Jody Gilstrap, Baptist Health Cente,r Hoover

BUSINESS & SERVICES Best New Business q Christmas Tree Shoppe q Earth Fare q Fitness 4U 24/7 q The Urban Barn q The Whole Scoop

Vote online through Jan. 25 at

Best Children’s Store q Crazy 8 q Kick’s Shoes for Kids q Mustard Seedz Sew Precious q Toys R Us Best Women’s Clothing Store q Belk q Plato’s Closet q Silver Lining Boutique q The Urban Barn q Turquoise Best Place to Buy Home Décor q Home Goods q Pier One q Southern Wicker q World Market q Wrapsody Best Customer Service q Plato’s Closet q The Whole Scoop q Wrapsody Best Veterinarian q Alford Avenue Vet Clinic q Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic q Galleria Animal Clinic q Patton Chapel Animal Clinic q Southlake Animal clinic Best Mechanic Shop q Cahaba Custom Cars q Christian Brothers q Estes Tire q Long Lewis Ford q NTB Best Salon q Bluff Park Barber q J. Scott Salon q Salon 150 q Stone Salon q Tranquility Salon q Yenger’s Hair Studio Best Store for Your Hobby q Hobby Lobby q Robin’s Sewing q The Model Box q Thimbles Best Financial Planner q Ashford Advisors q Brooks Clark q Davis Likis Finacial q Mickey Parham q Regions – Michael Johnson q Prudential – Terry Bagwell Best Golf Course q Hoover Country Club q Inverness Country Club q Riverchase Country Club q Ross Bridge

hooversun.com/best-of

HooverSun.com

January 2013

City Council Q&A

Adm. Jack Natter (Ret.) City Councilman, Place No. 4 What might readers be surprised What positive community to learn about you? outcomes should we expect A few years ago, my wife Nancy, to see in the first quarter who has a very green thumb, as a result of issues before encouraged me to grow my own the Council? lemon trees and make my own Since there are no pivotal Limoncello, which is an Italian issues right now, any community after-dinner liqueur. This endeavor outcomes are truly speculative. has been a great success with Meyer That being said, there is a need lemons. Presently, I have about 40 in Hoover for additional fields lemons on one of the trees. for various athletic use, which is Natter being addressed in the embryonic What is your favorite “within the stage at this time. Also, the various volunteer committees within the city continually city” escape (other than home, since Dr. Lott bring viable ideas to the mayor and Council for mentioned that in our last issue!)?

Any golf course and the SEC tournament. consideration and implementation.

Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Thanks to the Hoover Police Department, holiday shopping and maneuvering our busy roadways at Christmas ran smoothly. 2012 was a great year, and I am looking forward to many exciting things for our city in 2013.

Congratulations to our Hoover Bucs on winning the 6A High School Football State Championship. We are Gary very proud of them!

In other sports news, the City hosted the NCAA Soccer Tournament at Regions Park in December and had a record crowd of 11,000 attendees. We are looking forward to many more events and concerts at Regions Park this year.

Many people make New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, so if you are looking for a place to do that, visit the Hoover Recreation Center today. It’s a great family facility with plenty of state-of-the art equipment and exercise classes. The center has something to offer every age group.

We have had a very successful year in bringing new businesses to fill our large empty retail

buildings. We are very happy that Schaeffer Eye Center has chosen to move their business to the old Mark’s Fitzgerald building on Highway 31.

The building has been vacant for several years, and I am pleased it will now bring new life to the Highway 31 corridor. The old Just for Feet building was torn down, and the new Jared Jewelers building is complete.

It opened its doors in mid-December, Ivey just in time for the holiday rush. The new Von Maur will open in fall of 2013.

Hoover is a vibrant and growing community.

Let’s all be mindful of our many blessings and how fortunate we are to live in a City that we are proud to call home. We will continue to try to exceed your expectations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can assist you in any way. You can also visit our website at hooveral.org.

Gary Ivey Mayor

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January 2013

Hoover Sun

Celebrations Carroll-Shipp

Zito hits hole-in-one Tommy J. Zito Sr., a hoover resident, hit a hole-in-one at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley on Nov. 26. Zito hit the hole-in-one using a Cleveland Golf 8-iron on Hole 16 of the Valley course, which is a 138yard par-3 hole. Joe Pierce, Dale Mitchell and Alvin Washington, also Hoover residents, witnessed the shot.

Fifth graders experience outdoors at Camp McDowell

Tommy Zito Riverchase Elementary fifth graders prepare to embark on a canoeing trip.

By KELLY MILES Mr. and Mrs. William Mark Carroll of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Cathryn Deanna Carroll, to Garrett Colin Shipp.

DeDe is a December 2012 summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a major in elementary education. She was administrative vice president of Pi Beta Phi sorority and a member of The Order of Omega and Kappa Delta Pi education honor society. She is a 2009 honor graduate of Hoover High School. DeDe is the granddaughter of Mrs. Brenda C. Kunze, Mrs. Charles Donald Pierce and the late Mr. Pierce of Hoover.

Garrett is the son of Ms. Sheri Brown Shipp and Mr. Stanley Byron Shipp of Birmingham; grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Shipp of Rainsville and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Brown of Fort Payne. He is a 2007 graduate of Hoover High School, 2011 graduate of Auburn University with a major in marketing, and member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

The wedding is planned for March 2013.

Have an

engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement?

Email rebecca@hooversun.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!

Riverchase Elementary School fifth graders embarked on an outdoor classroom experience at the Environmental Learning Center at Camp McDowell this fall. The goal of this trip was to go beyond basic curriculum in order to bring classroom learning alive through real life experiences – all while having a great time.

The three-day camping trip was filled with rich educational experiences. Students were able to explore life in a pond where they learned about

animal adaptations, food chains and ecosystems.

In an effort to better understand the rock cycle, students took long hikes through the forest to see examples in a natural habitat. They went canoeing and learned survival skills from their favorite naturalist “Big Dave.”

Nighttime activities included sessions for students to get up close and personal with wildlife native to Alabama forests. Students were also able to participate in a Night Hike. Not only did they learn about night vision, but they also learned to appreciate nature from a new perspective.

Happy 35th, Hoover Rotary!

The Hoover Rotary Club celebrated its 35th anniversary in the fall of 2012, and longtime Rotary member Charles “Larry” Sparks said the chapter is in a class by itself.

“Our club has always been one of the leaders in our district for clubs our size, and it offers many different ways for members to be involved in service. From ringing the bell for the

Salvation Army, collecting and buying toys for Toys for Tots, to support for Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and much more, our club thrives on helping others,” Sparks said.

Join the chapter for lunch any Wednesday at noon at Hoover Country Club for more information on joining, or contact Sparks at clsparkslaw@gmail.com.

HOMEWOOD MUSIC 82 YEARS BEHIND THE TIMES

Musical Instruments in great variety BUY-SELL-TRADE-REPAIR

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Inventory updated Daily|205.879.4868|hmi@scott.net

HooverSun.com

January 2013 7

Community Hoover Drum Line undefeated in 2012 The Hoover High School Drum Line was undefeated during the 2012 fall marching contest season.

The ensemble was the highest scoring drum line and won “Best In Class” at the Spain Park Sparks in the Park Marching Contest on Sept. 29.

The drum line also won “Best In Class” at the Peach State Marching Contest on Oct. 27 in Rome, Ga., and received 97 out of 100, which was the highest scoring drum line out of 23 participating groups from Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

The competition show was based on original music by wind composer Sean O. Laughlin from San Francisco, along with additional arranging David England and Jeff Fondren. The drum line is directed by Jeff Fondren and assisted

by Hoover drum line alumni Jordan Berry and Griffin Hood, both 2009 graduates.

Service Club to hold Hearts and Harmony Gala Event set for Feb. 15 at Embassy Suites The Hoover Service Club has scheduled its Hearts and Harmony Gala for Friday, Feb. 15 at Embassy Suites on Highway 150.

The event will feature dinner and dancing with music by the Hoover High School Jazz Band, along with a special “Dancing with the Stars” demo.

A live and silent auction will include items such as a vacation in Highlands, N.C., fishing trip to Lake Charles, La., diamonds from Steeds

Jewelers, a weekend at Barnsley Gardens Resort and Spa and ladies jewelry from James Avery.

Tickets are $100, $50 of which is tax deductible. Funds raised will fund scholarships for Hoover and Spain Park High School students as well as charities that support the Hoover community.

For tickets, contact Frances Wheeler at 978-2350 or HSCgala@ gmail.com.

HHS Drum Line

Pruning for form and how to avoid ‘Crape Murder’

By BEVERLY BATES Have you driven around the Birmingham area and noticed ugly knotted, gnarled, pitiful scars and wounds on a once-lovely crape myrtle? Because many butcher these ornamental trees, many homeowners think they also must top these once beautiful plants.

Join Rip Weaver on Jan. 19 as he teaches how to correctly prune crape myrtles and other ornamentals and, weather permitting, he will also demonstrate in the Gardens the pruning of several of our favorite shrubs and specific landscape plants. Bring your own hand pruners if you wish to prune.

Come witness the reasons for and steps to pruning

ornamentals in your landscape and how to eliminate “crape murder.”

For more information or to make reservations, call 682-8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com.

Saturday, January 19

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Aldridge Gardens 3530 Lorna Road $12 Members/$15 Non-Members Class size limited.

Pre-registration suggested.

MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW YEAR!!

Expires 2-28-2013

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January 2013

Hoover Sun

Partnership leads to preservation of Bluff Park icon

By JEFF THOMPSON For the better part of the 20th century, the intersection of Shades Crest and Farley Roads in Bluff Park was marked with the Crawford Fire Tower, its skeleton metal frame stretching high above the pines as a monument to methods of the past.

The tower isn’t there anymore, torn down and misplaced in 1992 after 63 years on the job, but the cab was removed and hidden on city property.

Hidden until last year, that is.

On Oct. 31, the Hoover Historical Society dedicated the restored Crawford Fire Tower Cab at its new location on Patton Chapel Road across from Hoover Fire Station No. 2. The ceremony marked the conclusion to a project that began in May 2011, completed by a partnership between the Historical Society and the City of Hoover.

“The wonderful city of Hoover – and let me say I love Hoover and our wonderful elected officials – they too have an interest in our interests,” Society President Delores Wilkinson said.

The project began last year, Wilkinson said, when a member of the Hoover Fire Department found the tower cab on the lot at Fire Station No. 4 on Municipal Drive.

He encouraged the Society to restore it and, from there, the Project Fire Tower Committee was formed. It was chaired by Jim Lyons.

Lyons said while the committee delved into the tower’s history, more than 20 Hoover Public Works employees took the lead on reconditioning the cab and preparing the site, doing much of the work in

(Above) Hoover Historical Society President Delores Wilkinson, joined by Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, cuts the ribbon dedicating the restored Crawford Fire Tower Cab on Patton Chapel Road. The cab has been restored through a partnership between the City of Hoover and the Hoover Historical Society.

Photo by Matthew Allen.

(Left) The Crawford Fire Tower, erected in 1939, sat atop Bluff Park until 1992.

Photo courtesy of Hoover Historical Society.

(Right) The Crawford Fire Tower Cab as it was discovered by a member of the Hoover Fire Department. Photo courtesy of Hoover Historical Society.

their time off.

“It was a heck of a job,” he said.

“The city has some real experts on reconditioning stuff. It took skilled people because parts had to be welded back together, and it’s quite an ordeal to do that. But I think the thing looks better now than when it was new.”

Before the information age, fire towers were a vital part of the emergency service information chain.

Workers, or “lookouts,” would spend long hours in the cab waiting for traces of smoke to appear, then relay the location of the fire to suppression personnel on the ground.

So, after completing its research, the committee stocked the Crawford cab with historically accurate items like a kerosene heater, a circular map, a crank telephone and a wooden stool – which was used by lookouts to

protect them from lightning strikes.

“If you get out of car and walk up to the cab, you’ll see its history in there,” Wilkinson said. “Ours is one of only a few in the United States that has been totally and historically done correctly.”

The site on Patton Chapel Road also includes a historic marker for those interested in learning more about the tower.

“I think it was a great project that let us restore piece of history from the Bluff Park area,” Lyons said. “There was good teamwork between the City of Hoover and the Historical Society to make this happen for future generations that may never even hear of a fire tower.”

To learn more about the tower, visit hooverhistoricalsociety.org.

HooverSun.com

Women

2013

January 2013

of

Hoover Savvy • Energetic • Creative • Smart • Strong • Brave

Each January, the Hoover Sun will recognize businesswomen dedicated to our community. We applaud them for their creative, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial spirit and appreciate their efforts to make the place we call home the best it can be. Through their businesses, these women represent our area to all who stop through, and for that we are grateful.

R

Rolanda Eldridge

olanda Eldridge spent many years in the financial services industry, but when she started a family, she desired a work-life balance that gave her flexibility. Her experience in finance gave her the opportunity to go into business on her own. In 2005, she started Unlimited Property, LLC, and began purchasing and renovating affordable single-family homes for leasing and purchasing with owner financing.

Rolanda lives in Hoover with her husband — whom she says is her biggest supporter — and her two sons, both students at Hoover High School. She counts tennis, reading, traveling and time with family among her favorite ways to invest her free time.

When asked about future plans, she says she would like to continue adjusting her business model, diversifying into multi-unit apartments, senior and veterans’ housing. “Investing in people is my #1 priority, and I am committed to providing a quality product,” she says.

Unlimited Property, LLC

Articles featured in this section are paid advertisements

P.O. Box 36233 • (205) 267-8256

Dr. Stephanie Whitehead

Dr. Lynn S. Hammonds, Dr. M. Rob Pate , Dr. Catherine S. Amos

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r. Catherine S. Amos will celebrate 35 years this month in private practice of optometry. She was the first female graduate from the UAB School of Optometry and opened her practice in Hoover at the Diamond Head Building. Dr. Lynn S. Hammonds joined her in 1992.

They merged their practice with Eye Care Associates in 1996, a team of experienced and competent optometrists located in Alabama. In 2003, she and Dr. Hammonds moved their practice to 2100 Data Park Drive. In 2007, Dr. M. Rob Pate joined the practice, and they relocated in December 2012 to 1809 Data Drive.

The doctors and staff provide the absolute best quality eye health and vision care to their patients. They provide the community with outstanding service and superior eye care products. Their goal is to serve patients with utmost quality, care and sincerity.

New patients are welcome, and office hours have been extended on Thursdays until 7pm to further accommodate patients. Saturday appointments are also available.

1809 Data Drive • (205) 982-5000 • www.webeca.com

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r. Stephanie Whitehead knew in high school that she wanted to help create new smiles, and to this day, she considers that a privilege. Dr. Whitehead began practicing orthodontics in 1988, and after 24 years in Riverchase, she recently moved her practice to Trace Crossings. She graduated from Berry High School, went to the University of Alabama, UAB School of Dentistry and finished her residency at the Baylor College of Dentistry. She is married, and she and her husband have raised four children in Hoover.

Like anyone with four children and a full time job, “free time” is elusive, but she does enjoy baking cookies, and she brings them to her office to share! “We have fun in our office, and I love the opportunity we have to develop relationships,” she says. “I feel blessed to work in a job that I love and with a great group of people.”

5336 Stadium Trace Pkwy • Ste 112 (205) 988-9678 • www.whiteheadorthodontics.com

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Women of Hoover

Wanda Turner, GRI, SFR

s an Internet-savvy real estate professional, Wanda Turner has helped many home buyers find their new homes, and many sellers obtain top dollar for theirs.

“My goal is to make every buying or selling experience as easy and enjoyable as possible,” she says. “Trust and honesty are the basis of any relationship for me, and it’s the foundation of my real estate services.”

Wanda is a member of the RE/MAX Executive Club, and is a member of the Oak Mountain Real Estate Network [OREN]. Prior to real estate, she worked at Simmons Middle School and at the Hoover Crossroads School, and she owned a consignment store in Hoover for five years.

Wanda has been married for 32 years, with two grown sons and a Yorkie named Chloe. A native of Memphis, TN, she has lived in Hoover for more than 16 years.

Hoover Sun

Dr. Elizabeth Jacobson

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hen Dr. Elizabeth Jacobson opened Inverness Dermatology and Laser, she set out to establish a practice that offered more than the traditional dermatology office. Four years later, she is realizing her dream of providing optimal care to thousands of patients.

Dr. Jacobson is a resident of Hoover, and she, her husband and three children are active members of Hunter Street Baptist Church. She is a graduate of Auburn University, studied medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and is board certified in dermatology. And, to top it all off, she stays busy with her children’s schedules, enjoys traveling and reading, and she even tries to fit in boot camp several times a week! Dr. Jacobson invites you to visit their office, and experience the best in dermatological patient care.

wandaturner@remax.net • (205) 999-8551 • www.wandaturner.net Buyer & Seller Specialist • Short Sale Specialist

250 Inverness Center Drive • (205) 995-5575 www.invernessderm.com

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hen Deborah Boswell and Kerri Bailey opened Child’s Play Therapy Center five years ago, they dreamed of a place where children could receive the highest quality therapy services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and academic services. Their respective career paths led them together five years ago, and they decided to open their business together.

“After 14 years of school-based occupational therapy, I was ready to take my career to the next level,” said Kerri. “I wanted the autonomy and flexibility of private practice.”

Deborah’s experience in school- and hospital-based settings gave her the desire to do more as well. “Helping children become effective, confident communicators was extremely gratifying,” she said. “I began to realize I would enjoy starting my own business and providing the highest level of service to my clients.”

Five years later, the two are excited about where they’ve been and where the company is headed. Located in a professional building on Lorna Road, the practice is currently expanding and will soon occupy twice the amount of space it currently does. The center’s mantra of “MOVE…TALK…PLAY…LEARN” is evident throughout the practice, as children feel free to do all that and more in their colorful setting, and especially in their sensory-motor gym equipped with therapy devices, toys and more.

Both women are involved in the Hoover community as well. Deborah manages a corporate communications coaching business in Hoover. She is married and a mother to three boys [as well as three dogs!], and enjoys jogging, reading and traveling. She also facilitates a stuttering support group for adults and teenagers. Kerri is married with two adult children, two mini dachshunds, and is involved with the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce and Hunter Street Baptist Church.

Deborah Boswell and Kerri Bailey

3057 Lorna Road, Suite 220 (205) 978-9939 www.childsplaytherapycenter.com

Women of

HooverSun.com

Hoover

Dr. Maxcie Sikora

Sonja Pettus

S

onja DeVon Pettus isn’t one to sit around idly. The full-time internal medicine physician, wife, and mother of three is an avid consignment shopper, so in 2009, she decided to open Silver Lining Consignment Boutique in Hoover.

“I believed that other women also love finding great deals in clothing and accessories without compromising image or style,” she said.

Sonja lives in Dora and operates medical clinics in Walker County, so she relies on “the world’s greatest employees” to bring her vision to life in day-to-day operations.

Earlier this year, after sensing a demand for new, boutique clothing, she opened DeVon Designer Fashions within Silver Lining. “Our customers love the brands and styles we carry, and sales have been amazing,” she said.

Silver Lining CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

2341 John Hawkins Pkwy • Ste 129 • (205) 987-4403 www.mysilverliningboutique.com • www.devonboutique.com

January 2013

D

Board Certified Allergy & Asthma Specialist

r. Maxcie Sikora is a Board Certified Allergist. She trained at Tulane University and the University of South Florida. She attended medical school at The University of South Alabama. She is also Board Certified in Pediatrics. As a lifelong allergy sufferer, Dr. Sikora understands the importance of appropriate medications and procedures in treatment.

Food allergy is one of her many interests because it affects every aspect of a patient’s life as well as family life. Assisting families with the diagnosis, avoidance measures, lifestyle changes, and treatment of allergies is very rewarding. With appropriate management, Dr. Sikora’ patients are able to lead healthy and productive lives. As an allergist, she strives to always provide up-to-date patient care with kindness, humility, and respect. She treats pediatric and adult patients, and physician referral is not required.

To schedule an appointment, please call (205) 871-9661 or visit. alabamaallergy.com Homewood • Hoover Hwy 280 • Cullman (205) 871-9661 www.alabamaallergy.com

L

ocal IBERIABANK Branch Manager, Beverly Meadors, is committed vto serving and investing in her community. With over 35 years of experience in banking in Hoover, many of you may know Beverly as your local banker. You may also know that she is passionate about giving back to her community and gives her time to many local organizations including Moss Rock Festival – Board of Directors, Shades Crest Baptist Church – Stewardship Committee, American Cancer Society Relay for Life–Co-Chairman Team Development, Hoover Chamber of Commerce, Aldridge Gardens, and the Hoover-Metro Kiwanis Club. Beverly’s goal is to help clients and her community, reach their individual and business financial goals. Beverly’s specialty is private and small business banking. Her tremendous level of banking experience serving the Hoover community made Beverly the perfect fit as IBERIABANK opened the new branch. Beverly chose IBERIABANK because of the solid financial performance and ability to expand during turbulent economic times.

With a rich history and over 125 years in business, IBERIABANK has continued to stay well capitalized in large part due to growth achieved through mergers and acquisitions of both failed and under-capitalized smaller banks. IBERIABANK’s comprehensive approach to business allowed the bank to expand to better serve the Birmingham community.

The Hoover branch has a dynamic team of banking professionals. In addition to Beverly, the IBERIABANK Hoover branch team includes our Assistant Vice President/Assistant Branch Manager, Carmen Cruz, with 32 years in banking, Bank Officer/Senior Relationship Manager, Ada Dailey, with 22 years of experience and Lead Teller, Jeanene Roy, with 26 years in banking. Combined, the IBERIABANK Hoover branch brings over 115 years of banking experience to our clients. We are empowered to provide local decision-making and we are dedicated to having a personal relationship with each of our clients.

Beverly Meadors

2765 John Hawkins Parkway • (205) 803-5949 • www.iberiabank.com

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12 January 2013

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Women of Hoover

Kim Hendon Williams

lthough she has spent most of her career in the IT world, Kim Williams had a vision about two years ago to start a residential and commercial cleaning. With a leap of faith in October, she started her company, More Than a Maid.

Williams is very involved in her community as well. She is Administrator for The Word Unlimited International Ministries, a Hoover-based ministry where her husband pastors; serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for the Career Services Department with Alabama A&M University; is Technology Director with Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Birmingham chapter; is active in the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and is active in the Greater Birmingham Area Alumni Chapter of Alabama A&M University.

She and her husband live in Hoover and have three beautiful children.

Residential & Commercial Cleaning (205) 426-5987 kimwill3@bellsouth.net

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Hoover Sun

Pamela Merkel-Sayle

ven as a child, Pamela Merkel-Sayle knew that she wanted a performing career and to ultimately own a studio and teach her passion to others. When her passion for teaching surpassed her passion for being on stage, she knew the time was right to open her own studio. She opened Alabama Dance Academy in Hoover in 1995, and the past 18 years have seen lots of growth and success.

The studio offers more than 3,400 square feet of space for students to learn ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and lyrical/contemporary.

Pamela, her husband and three children are active members of Riverchase United Methodist Church. In rare free time, she enjoys working out and traveling to New York City.

In January, the academy is starting new classes for younger children.

Visit them at aladance.com, find them on Facebook or call for more information.

3221 Old Columbiana Road • (205) 978-6830 • www.aladance.com

HooverSun.com

Sports

HHS holds early signing day

From left are Taylor McCullum, Avery Hoven, Kara Rawls, Courtney Hunter, Marqu’es Webb, Breigha Wilder-Cochran and Connor Short.

In late fall, Hoover High School hosted an early signing day. Various seniors were recognized for their athletic and academic achievement and signed to receive athletic scholarships in their sport.

Recognized were:  Taylor McCullum - golf at UAB  Avery Hoven - volleyball at Mercer University  Kara Rawls - basketball at the University of Alabama  Courtney Hunter - basketball at the University of Alabama  Marqu’es Webb - basketball at Vanderbilt University  Breigha Wilder-Cochran - basketball at South Alabama University  Connor Short - baseball at Auburn University.

Simmons Volleyball wraps up season

Simmons Middle School Eighth Grade Volleyball Team

The 2012 Simmons Middle School eighth grade team ended its season with an overall record of 39-5 and a Metro South record of 101. The team won first place at the Huntsville Panther Smash, first place at the Huntsville Bash, first place at the Madison Academy Tournament and second place at the Oak

Mountain Screaming Eagles Tournament and Metro South Tournament.

All Metro Players for the tournament were Olivia Portera and Nora Webster. All Metro South players were Annie Medders and Olivia Portera. The team was coached by Jo Ann Hollis and George Murphy.

HHS

CONTINUED from page 1 Hoover won. Both games went Hoover’s way as they defeated the Bulldogs 31-0 Friday night.

The seats were full of proud parents, football scouts and crazed, painted-up students showing support for their schools. The seats filled early to see “Nova,” one of Auburn University’s golden eagles take flight around the stadium.

The Friday night lights were on, the crowd was amped and after the coin toss, Hoover never looked back.

The first quarter looked like Hoover would win in a blowout after the Buccaneers put up 14 points in three plays. Running back Calen Campbell took a routine handoff that went 60 yards for the first score of the night.

Campbell scored 32 seconds later on a threeyard run after Hoover defensive back Marlon Humphrey intercepted a pass on Opelika’s first play of the drive.

Campbell finished his outstanding night with 191 yards rushing and three of the Buccaneers’ four touchdowns. The performance won him MVP honors for the game as well as a ring.

The second and third quarters shifted the game into a defensive struggle. Both the Buccaneers and the Bulldogs were putting together drives, but a field goal by Hoover in the third was the only scoring drive of the two quarters.

The closest Opelika came to scoring all game was a drive in the second that led to a missed 23-yard field goal.

Hoover proved to be too much for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter when the Buccaneer added two more touchdowns to their 17-point lead.

After the players doused Head Coach Josh Niblett with Gatorade, the game was all but over for Hoover’s undefeated season. The Buccaneer crowd was chanting, singing and dancing along with Hoover’s players as the clock ran out.

The shutout was Hoover’s third of the season.

A soaked Niblett accepted the state championship trophy with his team after a convincing win and a seventh state championship for the school in 13 years.

January 2013

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14 January 2013

Hoover Sun

School House Robotics team makes strong showing at South Regionals

By SCOTTIE WILSON, Engineering Teacher, Spain Park High School

the Eastern portion of the United States.

Through Spain Park’s robotics program, comprised of 122 Engineering Academy students, participants compete in the BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) robotics program, a six week long competition in which they have to design and build a robot from a given set of materials. It’s a time-intensive commitment, requiring students to meet after school three to four days each week.

During the competition, held recently at Auburn University, competition was fierce amongst the top 56 schools from 18 different BEST hubs from

Spain Park’s BEST robotics team came home with the following awards: • First Place, Most Elegant Robot • Third Place, Most Robust Robot • First Place, Formal Marketing Presentation • Third Place, Team Exhibit and Interview • Third Place, Robotics The goal of the Engineering Program is to expose students to the field of engineering as well as to introduce them to some of the material they will be exposed to in a four-year undergraduate engineering curriculum.

HHS student to play in Atlanta Symphony youth orchestra Cory Cheung, a sophomore at Hoover High School, was recently selected for the Atlanta Symphony youth orchestra. He was chosen after auditioning against other musicians from around the Southeast and was one of only two tuba players selected.

The orchestra is comprised of students 14-18 years of age. Cory will perform throughout the 2012-13 season at Atlanta Symphony Hall in the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

Cory is a member of the Hoover High School symphonic winds concert band, marching band and First Edition jazz band.

Cory Cheung

Spain Park junior Andrew Forsyth, left, pilots the team’s model on a test run. Following the BEST Competition, students took the robot to different elementary schools in the system to encourage interest in engineering. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

Shades Mountain Christian honors late coach

By ASHLEY CACIOPPO Shades Mountain Christian School recently renamed one of its major annual basketball tournaments to honor the memory of beloved coach John Edward Allen, who passed away last summer after a battle with cancer. The Thanksgiving Tournament will now be known as the John Allen Memorial Tournament.

In the brief five years he served as the school’s basketball

coach, Allen had a record of 60-53, which included an Area Championship in 2009-10 and a trip to the AHSAA State Sweet 16 in 2011-12.

The school has hired Chris Monroe as the new head coach for the boys. Monroe is the Assistant State Director of Youth Basketball of America in Alabama and has coached basketball for the past 10 years.

In addition, Blake Laney has been named the head coach of the SMCS girls’ basketball team.

Members of the Allen family participate in a dedication ceremony formally honoring the legacy of Coach John Edward Allen Jr.: niece Heather and her daughter, Leighton; brother Michael Allen his wife, Traci, and their daughters Kaitlyn and Mary Ashley; wife, Karri, son Jonathan; and the school’s athletic director Mike Crawford.

1.26.13

VILLAGE TO VILLAGE 10K+1 MI RUN REGISTER AT WELCOMETOMOUNTAINBROOK.COM Presented by

Village Living

Sponsored by

Bronze Sponsors: Kevin J. Alexander DMD, PC. • Business Electronics • Evson, Inc. The Fitness Center • The Birmingham Zoo • Mafiaozas

HooverSun.com

January 2013

Brocks Gap students take on Project Planet contest Students from Brock’s Gap Earthsavers/ Science Club pictured with Mayor Gary Ivey accepting a plaque for participation in the Planet Projects: Jonathan Dinkel, Tyler Kaiser with Sara the Beagle, Abby Richardson, Lauren Hines and Emma Hines.

Members of the Brocks Gap Intermediate School’s Earthsavers/Science Club turned out in strong numbers at the annual Moss Rock Festival this past fall. According to club sponsor Jana

Maynard, the objective for the festival’s Project Planet contest this year was to research and make a seed. Her students researched and made both a sweet gum seed and a whirlybird seed.

VOICES

crowd and she was just as charming as her writing indicates.”

Another author and Library staff favorite participating this year is Tayari Jones. Library Director Linda Andrews added that her favorite first line ever written comes from Jones’ novel, Sliver Sparrow.

This year will be the second for author Ron Rash, who first attended Southern Voices in 2002 as a new novelist who at that time was known for his poetry.

Library staffers are especially excited to welcome Dorothea Benton-Frank.

“Our patrons have been asking about her for years,” said Borden. “I went to her book signing on a Friday night and begged her to join us. I even name dropped! Friend of the conference, writer and now Birmingham resident Patti Callahan Henry talked her in to joining us.”

Tickets for Southern Voices go on sale Friday, Jan. 11 from 9-11 a.m. by phone (444-7888) and online (southernvoices.info) only. Tickets available after the first two hours will be available at the Box Office, but the Library anticipates a sell-out. Tickets for Friday’s Evening with Lisa See are $35, and for Saturday’s Conference are $40.

CONTINUED from page 1 as well as those established in their field.

Reputation of the event’s success has gotten around, and helped planners recruit top talent for this year’s event, scheduled for Feb. 19-23.

“We met one of this year’s guests, Michel Stone, at the South Carolina book conference,” said Assistant Library Director Amanda Bonner Borden. “Her novel The Iguana Tree explores love and the trials of immigration to the U.S. She has been compared to Steinbeck. When we asked her to come, she said her friend A.J. Mayhew had told her that if she ever got invited to Southern Voices in Hoover that she better say yes.”

Joining Stone for this year’s lineup are other distinguished guests, including Lisa See, who came to the Festival by way of Twitter.

“We’d been hoping to have Lisa for years for the exquisite beauty of her writing,” said Borden, who recruited the author after See contacted her when she saw through Twitter that one of her novels would be discussed at one of the Library’s monthly Book Club meetings. “We watched her interact with the

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16 January 2013

Happenings Patton Creek Rave sold to Carmike In 2012, Carmike Cinemas Inc. agreed to purchase 16 movie theaters operated by Rave Cinemas LLC, including the theater at Patton Creek. According to a Carmike release, the purchase price for the theaters is $19 million in cash and $100.4 million of assumed lease obligations. The purchase was expected to close before the end of the year, and included Rave’s theaters in Lee Branch and Vestavia Hills as well.

Carmike Cinemas President and Chief Executive Officer David Passman indicated in the release that Carmike would not be slashing staff, saying he looks “forward to enthusiastically welcoming the Rave associates at these theatres to the growing Carmike family.”

SALE Jan 11th-19th

20% OFF

(some exclusions apply - see store for details) No gift wrap, no exchanges, no returns!!

2841 Cahaba Road • 879-5277 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com Mon-Fri 10a.m.- 5p.m. • Sat 10a.m.- 4p.m.

Pure Dermatology holding open house Martin-Bentley Dermatology & Skin Wellness has relocated and changed its name to Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics. Previously located at the Baptist Health Center building on Preserve Parkway, the new office is now open at 5346 Stadium Trace Parkway, Suite 100.

The office has an Open House scheduled for Jan. 31, which will feature special discounts, free sample products, door prizes and more. For more, visit puredermalabama.com or call 6828022.

Jefferson Credit to open in May Jefferson Credit Union celebrated a groundbreaking for its first Hoover branch location on Nov. 28. The new site, expected to open May 1, is located on Ross Bridge Parkway behind Walgreen’s and near the intersection with Highway 150. According to a release from Jefferson CEO Charles Faulkner, the location will be a full-service branch featuring modern design and technology.

“We are excited to be offering the Hoover area a wide array of financial products at extremely competitive rates,” Communications Officer Glenn “Buddy” Sutter said.

Hoover Sun

For more, call 325-5683 jeffersoncreditunion.org.

or

visit

EyeCare Associates relocates EyeCare Associates Inc. in Hoover has relocated from its 2100 Data Park Drive office to the office next door at 1809 Data Park Drive in the building formerly occupied

by Greenvale Pediatrics. The office is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. For more, visit webeca.com or call 982-5000.

Dental surgeons now on Valleydale Hoover is the new home to Alabama Oral and Facial Surgery. Located at 2290 Valleydale Road, Suite 100, the clinic specializes in oral and maxillofacial procedures with expertise ranging from wisdom teeth removal to corrective jaw surgery. It also diagnoses and treats facial injuries and performs a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures. For more, call 682-1099 or (866) 652-4447 or visit alabamaoralsurgery.com.

Iron Tribe to open two Hoover locations Birmingham-based fitness company Iron Tribe, which operates four stores in the metro area, plans to soon open two new fitness centers in Hoover.

Iron Tribe spokesperson Daniel Walters said construction is underway on a nearly 7,000-square-foot space located at 2942 Highway 150. The center, located on John Hawkins Parkway across from Applebees, is projected to open in February 2012.

Iron Tribe Hoover, located at 1581 Montgomery Highway, Suite 115, is a 5,000-square-foot space in a strip center near the intersection of U.S. 31 and Lorna Road.

Walters said construction is almost complete on the facility and classes are slated to begin on Monday, Jan. 14.

For more, visit irontribefitness.com.

HooverSun.com Read all the past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

Business Spotlight

Planet Fitness

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Scott Lyons is about making fitness realistic. His gyms offer fitness equipment appropriate for first time gym users — and for only $10 a month.

“We don’t cater to body builders,” said the Planet Fitness owner and franchisee, “but are geared toward regular folks who want to get in shape. Anyone can come in and feel comfortable in our gym.”

The Hoover Planet Fitness, located off Highway 31 in Riverchase, hosts 85 pieces of Life Fitness and Cybex cardio equipment: treadmills, elliptical machines and bicycles.

Even with close to 6,000 members at the Hoover location, there is a machine for everyone. The machines do not have time limits or sign-up sheets.

“That’s why we put 80-100 pieces in each location, so that there is no waiting,” Lyons said.

Twenty-two 60-inch TVs hang alongside the cardio equipment to keep members entertained while they work out, and a giant fan above each area ensures the air is cool and circulating.

In addition to use of cardio equipment, members have access to prefitness training in small groups of no more than five people. Twice a day members can meet with a fitness instructor to design an individual program based on their needs. There are also 30-minute sessions each day that target individual muscle

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January 2013

Planet Fitness 1839 Montgomery Highway, Suite 40 444-2282 Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

PlanetFitness.com

Planet Fitness Owner Scott Lyons is committed to making his gym approachable and to training members how to use the equipment. Photos by Madoline Markham.

groups: chest, back, abs, arms, legs or shoulders.

In back left of the 18,500-squarefoot Planet Fitness space is a 30-minute workout area. There, members can engage in a circuit workout rotating between different resistance machines and steps on a bench to raise heart rate. A special red light/green light switches regularly to keep the time for each station.

“You burn more calories doing circuit than regular resistance because you are keeping your heart

rate elevated the whole time,” Lyons said.

The gym also features tanning beds, locker rooms and areas for stretching and ab work.

The Hoover Planet Fitness is one of 600 locations; the chain is the fastest growing franchisor of full-size fitness clubs in the country. Another 120 are scheduled to open in 2013.

But Lyons didn’t just acquire the business because of its success.

“I got in it because I was working out a lot and wanted a certain type of

place to work out,” he said.

Tuscaloosa, where Lyons lived at the time, didn’t have that type of place. That’s when he opened his first facility.

“I have stayed in this business because it is a positive atmosphere.

People come in and they feel better.”

Lyons’ tip for getting in shape for the New Year is in keeping with the philosophy of Planet Fitness.

“Start slow and build on that,” he said. “I’d rather someone workout two days a week the first month, then

three days a week the next, and four days a week the next. It’s better than if you say you will come four days a week at first and then are not able to do it.”

Memberships are $10 per month.

The enrollment fee is $10 for the start of the year but varies by time of year.

A $19.99 Black Card membership includes unlimited guest privileges, reciprocal use at other Planet Fitness locations, unlimited tanning, use of the massage chairs and half price on cooler drinks.

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18 January 2013

Hoover Sun

Community Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS Jan. 9 – First Financial Peace University Meeting. Personal class facilitated by Dan Little. Meets Wednesdays through March 26.

Bluff Park United Methodist. Call 822-0910 or email bluffparkumc@gmail.com.

Jan. 12 – Bama Shootout. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

BJCC. 18 of Alabama’s best high school boy’s and girl’s basketball teams will play. Ticket prices vary by school. Call 502-435-3255.

Jan. 13 – Southern Bridal Show. Noon-5 p.m.

BJCC. Call 800-523-8917 or visit eliteevents. com.

Jan. 15 – Hoover Historical Society. 1:30 p.m.

Artists on the Bluff Cafetorium. Program

by Staci Glover, UAB Department of Anthropology, on the History of Coal Mining in Jefferson County. Call Tom Laggy at 6636370.

Jan. 20 – Reflect & Rejoice: A Tribute to MLK Jr. 3 p.m. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Alabama Symphony Orchestra collaborate to present program including Beethoven’s No. 5 and conducted by Roderick Cox. Tickets range from $9 to $24. Call 9752787.

Jan. 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast. 7 a.m. BJCC. Call 324-8796.

Jan. 24-27 – Birmingham Boat Show. BJCC. Tickets are $10. Children are free. Visit birminghamboatshow.com.

Jan. 26 – Krispy Kreme Donut Dash. 8:30 a.m. Children’s Hospital. Participants must complete a four-mile run and eat a dozen donuts in one hour or less. Runners who don’t want to eat a dozen donuts may register as a casual runner. Benefits Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Visit k2d2fun.com.

NEW YEAR, NEW LIBRARY SERVICES After the whirlwind holiday season, Hoover Public Library is an ideal spot for respite – not to mention a warm one, of particular value when cabin fever sets in and the dreary frozenness of January has just begun.

The library has lined up three major new initiatives kicking off this month:

 Purling @ the Plaza  After Hours Game Nite @ the Plaza  You Can Do It @ the Plaza.

For more, contact Assistant Library Director Patricia Guarino at 444-7828.

Hoover Library launches app. The Hoover Public Library has launched a mobile app that enables patrons

New Offerings @ the Plaza

to instantly tap into library resources anytime and from anywhere. You can search the library catalog, check your account, find events and more.

To access the library’s mobile app, search Hoover Public Library in your phone’s market and download the app. For more information on the library’s new mobile app, visit hooverlibrary.org/apps or call 444-7747.

– Submitted by Hoover Public Library Staff

ARTISTS ON THE BLUFF - 571 Park Avenue sessions, all in January. Call 281-5273 to register.

Calligraphy classes. Beginning copperplate, taught by Deb Warnat.

Thursdays, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 6:308:30 p.m. Visit debwarnat.com or email debwarnat@debwarnat.com.

Studios. Call 995-3791.

Beginning pastel class, taught by Cynthia Cox. Classes begin Jan. 22 and meets each Tuesday for six weeks from 10 a.m.-noon.

Call (803) 761-3358.

Understanding Your Camera, taught by Corey Nolen. Held on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Call 919-1904 or email info@ coreynolenphoto.com.

Zentangle® classes. Beginner classes on Jan. 15, 2 p.m. or Jan. 17, 6 p.m. Zentangle® for kids on Jan. 21, 1-4 p.m. Six-week series begins Jan. 24. Valentine’s card workshop on Jan. 26, 1-6 p.m. Email darla@ tangledstones.com or call 305-2082 for more.

Basic Photography Class. Perfect for those who just bought their first “good” camera. Cost is $45 for two nights, Jan. 29 and Jan. 31, 6-8 p.m. both nights. Taught

by Butch and Joy Oglesby of Blue Moon

Painting/Mixed Media Classes. Classes taught by Rik Lazenby, director of Artists on the Bluff. Adults meet Tuesday/ Thursday, and children ages 13-high school meet on Wednesdays. Cost is $120 for four

Acrylic Painting Classes. Taught by Jayne Morgan. No painting experience necessary. $40 per two-hour class, price includes all supplies. Classes held Tuesday and Thursday, 3:15 p.m. for third-fifth

Communicating Through Photography, taught by Corey Nolen. Held on Saturday, Jan. 5 from noon-2 p.m. Call 919-1904 or email info@coreynolenphoto.com.

grades and 5:30 p.m. for sixth-12th grades.

Adult classes Thursday, 6 p.m. Space is limited. Please sign up by calling 902-5226 or emailing Jayne@jaynemorgan.com.

Ceramics Workshops. Taught by John Rodgers. Intro course Tuesday-Friday by appointment. Workshops: Jan. 5, Intro to Moldmaking for Slip Ceramics. Jan. 12, Minigama Kiln Building - Part I. Jan 19, Minigama Kiln Building - Part II. Jan 26, Handbuilding with Slab and Extrusions. For more, call 862-2025 or email jrodgers113@gmail.com

Live Entertainment Iron Horse Cafe ironhorsecafe.net 978-5599

January : Jan. 2 – Acoustic Night Jan. 3 – Mike and Imran Jan. 4 – Violent Stupidity Jan. 5 – Imran Jerry birthday bash Jan. 6 – Johnny D Jan. 8 – Johnny D Jan. 9 – Acoustic Night Jan. 10 – Danny and Randay Jan. 11 – Deputy 5 Jan. 12 – Downstoke Jan. 13 – Johnny D Jan. 15 – Johnny d Jan. 16 – Acoustic Night Jan. 17 – Mike and Imran Jan. 18 – Splendid Chaos Jan. 19 – Longreef Jan. 20 – Johnny D Jan. 22 – Johnny D Jan. 23 – Acoustic Night Jan. 24 – Danny and Randy Jan. 25 – Tragikly White Jan. 26 – Dirty Pop Jan. 27 – Johnny D Jan. 29 – Johnny D Jan. 30 – Acoustic Night Jan. 31 – Mike and Imran

HooverSun.com

January 2013

19

Community Calendar Comedy Club Stardome stardome.com 444-0008

Jan. 5 – Spark Plug Jan. 3-6 – April Macie Jan. 11-12 – Tim Wilson Jan. 15 – Tyler Craig Jan. 18-20 – Sun DeRay Jan. 22-27 – Marc Ryan Jan. 29 – Tim Statum

Moonlight on the Mountain moonlightonthemtn.com Jan. 5 – The Hollows Jan. 10 – Korby Lenker and Brooke Annibale Jan. 11 – Wilder Adkins, David Story and Erin Rae McCaskle Jan. 14 – Open Mic Grand Playoff Jan. 18 – Malcolm Holcombe, Shannon Labrie opens Jan. 19 – Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart Jan. 21 – Open Mic Night Jan. 24 – The Honey Dewdrops Jan. 25 – Ellis Paul Jan. 27 – Michael Reno Harrell Jan. 31 – Branden Reeves and Lauren St. James Feb. 1 – Herb Trotman Band Feb. 4 – Open Mic Night All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and have a $12 admission. Open Mic Night is $5.

HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS Jan. 6- Coffee Tastings @ the Plaza.

2:30 p.m. Taste the world! Coffee-ol-ogy Coffee Café presents fun and interactive programs on food and coffees from around the globe. Complimentary samples provided. Experience Cuban food and coffees.

Jan. 12– Llama, Llama Pajama Party.

10:30 a.m. Join us for crafts, activities and snacks from the popular book series. Registration begins Dec. 28.

Jan. 12- Purl @ the Plaza. 3–5 p.m. Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts!

Bring your yarn and knit, crochet or embroider.

Jan. 8- Trash to Treasures. 6:30 p.m.

Learn to make “upcycled” craft projects.

Jan. 13- Instrumentalists @ the Plaza.

2:30 p.m. Pianist Katherine Taylor.

Jan. 14- Learn to Use Your NOOK. 6:30 p.m. NOOK Simple Touch Class, 7:30 p.m. NOOK Color/Tablet Class. – Barnes & Noble provides training. Call 444-7820 for information. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Jan. 14- Book Buzz. 6:30 p.m. A book club for grades 2-3! We choose the subject. You choose the book you want to read. Share it with other readers, then get busy with a fun activity. Space is limited. Register soon by calling 4447833.

Jan. 15- Tween Scene: Make Cuteas-a-Button Rings. 6:30 p.m. Learn how to turn discarded buttons into fun and colorful jewelry. Grades 3-6.

Reservations begin Jan. 2.

Jan. 15- After Appomattox. 7 p.m.

Join us for the follow-up to last year’s popular Civil War program series.

Dr. John Mayfield will be discussing Reconstruction using the book A Year in the South: 1865 as a guide. Reservations required. Call 444-7816. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Jan. 22- European Travel Tips (focusing on Italy). 1:30 p.m. Come hear travel experts Bill and Judy Lewis present three exciting programs on how to have a true European travel experience as you enjoy tastings from each country. For information, call 4447840.

Jan. 22- Teen Spot – Mystery Food Tasting. 6:30 p.m. Think you know your favorite food on sight? Come test your skills, at our mystery tasting.

Registration begins Jan. 2.

Jan. 24- Playing @ the Plaza. 6:30 p.m.

The Onlys. Classic rock & roll hits from the 50s through today will have you up and dancing.

Jan. 25- After Hours @ the Plaza, Game Nite. 7–10 p.m. Bring your friends and relax by playing Wii and XBox games, Trivial Pursuit, cards and more.

Beer tastings provided by Good People Brewing Company. ID required.

Jan. 26- Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow writers, flesh out your characters and tie up those dangling plot threads!

Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Jan. 26- You Can Do It @ The Plaza.

10:30 a.m. Jones-Warren Construction and Home Depot show that “you can do

it” when it comes to home remodeling and repair.

Jan. 28- Monday at the Movies. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Call 444-7820 for titles. Free admission and refreshments!

Located in the Library Theatre.

Jan. 28- This Just In! A book club for grades 4-6, 6:30 p.m. Which of the latest are really the greatest? Read a book published in the last six months.

Make a commercial to spread the word.

Space is limited. Register soon by calling 444-7833.

Jan. 29– After Appomattox. 7 p.m.

Join us for the follow-up to last year’s popular Civil War program series.

Dr. John Mayfield will be discussing Reconstruction using the book A Year in the South: 1865 as a guide. Reservations required. Call 444-7816. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Feb. 1-11- Valentines for Children’s Hospital. We’re collecting homemade and store-bought valentines (NO CANDY) for the patients at Children’s Hospital.

Bring signed valentines to the preschool desk and receive a holiday prize.

Feb. 1- Library Skills 101. 10:30 a.m.

Learn your way around the Hoover Public Library! Includes a scavenger hunt and a session on navigating the online catalog. Perfect for homeschool families, grades 3-8.

Feb. 2 – Celebrate Groundhog Day in the Kidzone!

Feb. 5- Who Loves Captain Underpants? Tra-la-la! 6:30 p.m.

Prepare yourself for action and laughs

with your favorite principal turned superhero. Grades 2-5. Reservations begin Jan. 22.

Ongoing Book Clubs Fiction Book Club. First and second Thurs. of each month, 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Call 444-7820 for titles.

Nonfiction Book Discussion Group.

Fourth Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.

Allen Board Room. Call 444-7816 for titles.

Ongoing Storytimes • Early Birds (up to 12 months) Tuesdays, 10 & 11 a.m.

• Mother Goose (1-year-olds) Tuesdays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

• Together with Twos (2-year-olds) Mondays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

• Tiny Tot Tales (under 4 years) Wednesdays, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

• After Lunch Bunch (3 and up) Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m.

• Storytime Live (3 and up) Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Groups must call 444-7833 to register.

• PJ Storytime Wear your pajamas to the library for a bedtime story and snack.

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.

Please call 444-7833 to register for the above storytimes.

• TeleTale Can’t come by for storytime? Call 4447838 to hear a new story each week.

January 2013

Hoover Sun

HOOVER

3340 Galleria Circle, Hooverr AL 35244 Phone: 205-444-2035