Hoover Sun January 2015 by Starnes Media

Sun Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Volume 3 | Issue 4 | January 2015

A place for all

New interim school superintendent named By JE

S S A P E AS E

Dr. Jim Reese was named Hoover City Schools’ interim superintendent at a called board meeting on Dec. 19. Reese served for nine r. Ji eese years as the superintendent for E nterprise City Schools until his retirement three years ago and was recommended for the interim position by board member E arl Cooper. He was unanimously voted in to serve in Hoover starting Jan. 1. Current superintendent Andy Craig announced his offi ial esi nation at the e oa d of d ation meeting, prompting the search for his replacement. “ It’s been a fairly exha usting process, but I can truthfully say we actually contacted, met with or touched base with every person who was available for the position,” Cooper said. “ The results of these efforts came up with an education leader who, after he got done busing tables at his father’s restaurant

See SUPERINTENDENT | page A23

The city budget at a glance

L ocal resident planning all-inclusive playground to honor his daughter By KAT IE T U R P E N Three-year-old Carly Chandler will never be able to walk, talk or feed herself. But thanks to her father, Dustin Chandler, she will soon enjoy an all-accessible playground

By S Y DNE Y C R OM WE

Hoover resi ent an e ha oi e of er ustin han er ho s his au hter ar ho has een ia nose ith a rare eneti isor er. n a in usive a roun a e ar ’s u house is ein ui t in e ha in her na e. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

where she can play with children of all abilities. Dustin, a Hoover resident and Pelham oli e offi e is entl lannin and raising funds for an all-inclusive playground called Carly’s Clubhouse. Carly

INSIDE

was born with a very rare disorder called CDK L 5. There is no cure for CDK L 5, and it causes severe developmental delays. After Carly was diagnosed, Dustin met

oo e s d et fo the fis al ea is not just a bunch of numbers; it’s a chance to glimpse the projects to come. Mayor Gary Ivey said that many projects are still early in the planning process, but the city has “ a lot of good stuff on the drawing board.” From the full budget of $146.3 million, here are some of the highlights of what to look forward to: P e r s on n e l This year’s personnel budget increased by $1.8

See CLUBHOUSE | page A22

Sponsors .......... A4 City...................... A5

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

L L

See BUDGET | page A23

Community ...... A12 School House .....B7

Sports ................ B10 Calendar .............B17

Pre-Sort Standard U .S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit # 830

facebook.com/thehooversun

Threepeat for Bucs

Phenomenal women

The Hoover Buccaneers on the rst ass state crown and their third straight state championship eatin rattvi e. etai s insi e.

Hoover is e ith har orkin o en. n this issue rea a out the area’s fe a e usiness o ners an the servi es the rovi e.

See page B1

See page B10

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A2 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

These New Year’s Resolutions Are Easy to Keep! 1) Enjoy carefree retirement living every day

2) Find more time for the things you love to do – leave the cooking and cleaning to us!

3) Nurture your health – mind, body and spirit

4) Enjoy the peace-of-mind and security systems and people who care about you.

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January 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ A3

A4 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

About Us Please Support our Community Partners

Photo of the Month

n o ember eer alley lementary School hel a fashion sho to bene t the Susan omen oun ation he stu ents mo ele their o n clothes featurin the color pink he school also ha a Sur i or alk honorin breast cancer sur i ors Photo courtesy of Amanda Knerr.

Send your submissions for Photo of the Month to

katie@starnespublishing.com

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden As cliché d as the N ew E ven on the days when Y ear’s resolution has become, I discover the forgotten, I still like the tradition. once fresh ingredients I like the clean slate, in my vegetable crisper, unblemished by the behavthe ones for that wholeiors we’ve earnestly tried to some, unprocessed meal leave in the year we just bid I was going to make from farewell. that cool recipe I found Funny thing, though. Darn online? Y eah, even when if it isn’t even February before find that the e lon I’ve managed to mar up that since surpassed their clean slate something awful. ex piration date, and we Walden Mercifully, my thirties instead gather around the have taught me to embrace the essence table for our usual delicious, if not espeof daily do overs. E ven a badly botched cially lean or original meal. resolution attempt can be made right by E ven then, all resolution-related hope another sunrise. is not lost. Say, for ex ample, if I let a colorful rant The very idea of perpetually improvat li s a idst ho id t affi e en ing, the notion of admitting I am a work after promising to stick with G-rated in progress, and that I always will be, frustrated phrase substitutes like “ That of setting what is hopefully a realistic, jack wagon! ” attainable goal, and trying my level best O r if I keep auto-drafting monthly to pursue it, that’s what buoys me against membership fees to L ifetime Fitness, the inevitable blows that are also a part while the accompanying membership of each new year. card sits untouched, judging my laz y, For me, 2015 is no different. The well-intentioned self with contempt from window dressing may differ slightly its sleeve holder in my wallet. ( driving patience, regular workouts

Sun 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

and less processed meals are perennial faves) , but the end game will remain the same: I want to be better, to feel better, to do better. e ifi all in esol e to } Always replace the toilet paper roll ( better wife! ) } RSVP each time it is requested ( better friend! ) } Wake up when my alarm clock dings the fi st ti e ette o t se iously y’all, 5:45 a.m.? The struggle is real.) Add to it no longer printing out coupons I know I’ll never use, and putting the empty Capri Sun box es in the outdoor recycling bin and not the kitchen trash out of sheer convenience, and 2015 can bring it. Do overs, here we go. Happy N ew Y ear!

Publisher : Creative Director : Graphic Designer: Editor: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers: Editorial Assistant: Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :

Copy Editor: Contributing Photographer: Published by :

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

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (B6) Aldridge Gardens (B3) ARC Realty (B12) Aspire Physical Recovery Center (A10) At Home Furnishings (A8) Baptist Health Centers (A6) Batts’ Chimney Services (B14) Bedzzz Express (A24) Bella’s Bridal and Formal (B1) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (B10) Bluff Park Window Works (A9) Brandino Brass (A20) BumperNets (A11) Cabinetry Refinishing & Restoration (A1) Cajun Cleaver (A5) Children’s of Alabama (A20) Construx (A17) Decorating Dens Interiors (A3) El Gringo Mexican Restaurant (A23) Encore Rehabilitation (A16) Expedia CruiseShipCenters (A5) Geico Insurance (A3, B6) Granite Transformations (A7) Guitar Gallery (A9) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (B17) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (A10, B14) Hoover Athletic Association (A19) Hoover Florist (B2, B10) Hoover Public Library (A7) Hoover Title Mart (B19) ifix and repair (B2) Iron City Realty (A22) Issis & Sons (B19) Jesse’s Steak and Seafood (A6) Kasey Davis Dentistry (A6) Kelli Gunnells Realtor (B18) Kids Meds Pharmacy (B3) LAH Real Estate - Hoover Office (B16) Lou Lou’s (B5) Mainstreet Monograms and More (B5) McDonald’s - Hoover 150 (A2) MedCenter Hoover (A22) Morningside at Riverchase (A2) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (B2, B10) North Shelby Dental Studio (B16) On Time Service (B11) Over the Mountain Glass (A11) Park Crest (B2) Planet Fitness (B9) Preston L. Reynolds DMD (A14, B6) Project Share (B15) Pure Barre Hoover (B3) Raymond James (A14) RealtySouth - James Harwell (A19) RealtySouth Marketing (B9) Reflections Diamond Jewelry (B5) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (A16) Riverchase UMC Day School (B13) Sarver Orthodontics (B8) Susette Clark-Walker/RealtySouth (A13) The Clothes Tree (A13) The Lice Place (B11) The Maids (B13) Therapy South Riverchase (A12) Urban Home Market (B10) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A15) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (B15) Water Drainage Solutions (A9) Weigh To Wellness (A18) Winonah International School of Cosmetology (B4) Wrapsody (B5) YMCA of Greater Birmingham (A21)

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 2015 • A5

City Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

We hope you had a wonwinning the 7A High School derful holiday season and a Football State Championship. Happy N ew Y ear. It’s a very We are very proud of them for ex citing time with a new year bringing this honor home. The starting and brand new opporCity of Hoover has an increditunities everywhere. ble educational system as well In January, many of us as athletic programs. We are all make new year’s resolutions very fortunate to live in a city to ex ercise and get in better with so many opportunities for shape. If you are looking for our citiz ens in a safe and secure a place to do just that, check environment. out the Hoover Recreation We will work hard to conCenter with its state of the art tinue to try and ex ceed your Gary Ivey equipment and facilities. The expe ctations. Please don’t hesHoover Senior Center offers a itate to onta t o offi e if we variety of exe rcise programs designed to meet can assist you in any way. Y ou can also visit o needs too staff will st i e to find a hooveralabama.gov or call 444-7500. way at one of our facilities to work with you no atte what o a e o fitness le el O nce again, happy N ew Y ear! If you are looking to start a new hobby, Aldridge Gardens will be offering a design Sincerely, workshop this month. For more information Gary Ivey a o t this o to find o t e e thin oin on Mayor at Aldridge Gardens, visit aldridgegardens.com or call 682-8019. Congratulations to our Hoover Bucs on

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The annual Christmas Tree L ighting Ceremony was held at Hoover City Hall on Monday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. South Shades Crest E lementary School fourth-grader James DeL ano lit the Christmas tree and the South Shades Crest E lementary School third grade choir gave a special performance.

“ O ur city was recently named one of the top 30 cities to live in the country,” said Mayor Gary Ivey during the event. “ Tonight is a night to celebrate our community.” Following the tree lighting, Santa Claus a i ed ia fi e t and too i t es with children in Santa’s Workshop.

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Hoover Sun

A6 • January 2015

Chamber honors the HCS Employee of the Year By KATIE TURPE N During the N ovember luncheon, the Chamber of Commerce honored the 2014-2015 Hoover City Schools E mployee of the Y ear and Superintendent Andy Craig gave the state of the school system address. Cadence Bank sponsored the luncheon. The E mployee of the Y ear Award started in 1996 and focuses on the administrative and support personnel throughout the school system. Teachers have their own state-wide recognition program in the spring, and thus are not included in this program. Human resource analyst Dena Fore was named the 2014-2015 E mployee of the Y ear. Fore has been with Hoover City Schools nine years. Prior to human resources, Fore worked in Student Services as district registrar and prior to that, secretary/ registrar at Green Valley E lementary School. O ther outstanding employee nominees were Brian Fancher, Bobbie Fancher and Stevie Y anko. “ I stand here with profound gratitude and am privileged to work with phenomenal people,” said Craig. “ The success of the organiz ation is rooted in the community.” Following the awards presentation, Craig gave the state of the school system address. Craig was named superintendent in 2007. He holds an accounting degree from the U niversity of Alaa a in nts ille and wo ed as a e tified public accountant before coming to Hoover City hools as assistant s e intendent of finan e in 2001. Craig said he was living in Decatur, Ala. at the time the application for assistant superintendent of finan e a e a oss his des e was

Superintendent Andy Craig stands with all the outstanding employee nominees which were Stevie Yanko. Brian Fancher, Dena Fore and Bobbie Fancher. Photo by Katie Turpen.

originally reluctant about applying for the job and remained reluctant during the interview process. However, he said he took the job as a leap of faith. “ Hoover had such a great reputation and is such a great system for so many reasons,” said Craig. “ It’s been a rewarding 13 years.” ai went on to dis ss the diffi lt ti es the

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school has faced while he was superintendent. He said the economic downturn was a disruption and that funding for education has declined while the system has simultaneously ex perienced rapid enrollment growth. However, Craig remains optimistic about the future of the school system. He said the system is investing heavily in technology to create a rich

learning environment and that very soon, every child in third through twelfth grade will have a learning device. e a e ana in o defi it e intentionally,” said Craig. “ This school system is very resilient and we are in the position to attract the very best out there.”

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A7

Hoover council approves addition of Hoover Met batting cages, pool repairs By KATIE TURPE N During a December meeting, the Hoover City Council approved bids to build new batting cages and fence padding at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium and also to repair the Hoover Recreation Center’s pool. E xe cutive Director Allen Pate said that two new batting cages will be built and four inches of padding will be mounted to the outer fence of the Hoover Met. Repairs will be made to the Hoover Recreation Center pool’s drainage system. The council also approved new community service agreements with the Birmingham Children’s Theatre, The Clay House Children’s Center and Birmingham International Center. In addition to the new contracts, the council also amended its previous contracts with ClasTran, the Birmingham Z oo and Aldridge Gardens. The Hoover C ity C ouncil also: } Approved a new security screening system. } Authoriz ed Bessemer U tilities to install fi e h d ants in the Ross Bridge Cottages subdivision and Birmingham Water o s to install fi e h d ants in the Magnolia Grove subdivision. } Authoriz ed the mayor to ex ecute an agreement with AT& T for a services upgrade and to

} }

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ex ecute an agreement with L ex isN ex is for municipal court. Granted Water Franchise to the Birmingham Water Works Board. Approved the proposed 2015 International Codes, 2014 N ational E lectric Code and Alabama E nergy and Residential Code. Made appointments to Planning and Z oning Commission and the L ibrary Board. Approved a bid for ballistic vests/ carrier plates. Approved a resolution for Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday – Feb. 20- 22, 2015. Authoriz ed mayor to ex ecute agreement( s) with Q CHC, Inc. to provide health services to inmates in the city’s jail facility. Authoriz ed the mayor to accept grant for proposed City of Hoover Floodplain Management Plan. Authoriz ed the mayor to ex ecute Claims Service Contract with Alternative Service Concepts, L L C. Authoriz e the mayor to ex ecute a subscriber services agreement with X celigent, Inc. to provide a searchable, comprehensive, commercial database of available properties located within the city limits of Hoover.

Hoover council approves transit agreement By JE

SSA PE ASE

The Hoover City Council approved a new transit agreement with the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority at its Dec. 15 meeting. The transit services agreement requires the Transit Authority to provide 1,191 service hours at a cost $63,933.88 or $53.68 per service hour. Council member Jack Wright commented that $ 53.68 an hour was “ pretty good money” before the council unanimously approved the agreement. A public hearing was also scheduled to consider the request of the U S Steel Corporation, represented by N imrod L ong & Associates, Inc. U S Steel is requesting the conditional use for a park to be located at 420 Renaissance Drive. The owner of the property is U S Steel Corporation, and the property is currently z oned as a Planned Single Family District. The council also: } Proclaimed support of U AB and U AB Football and asked for the continuation of the football program. } Appointed Dr. L ott to Hoover’s Medical Clinic Board. } Canceled the work session on Jan. 1 due to N ew Y ear’s holiday and moved the regular meeting from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20 due to Martin L uther K ing, Jr. holiday. } Revoked and re-awarded a bid for law enforcement supply to Ballistic Vests/ Carrier Plates. } Authoriz ed the mayor to ex ecute agreement with K imberly Richardson Consulting, L L C

The Hoover City Council approved a new transit agreement with the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority at its Dec. 15 meeting.

for the purpose of providing contract-based grants management assistance services regarding the City’s CDBG Program. } E x ecuted an O perative IQ L icensing Agreement with Bound Tree Medical, L L C to provide mobile inventory software for emergency medical operations. } Accepted the deed from McGill Crossings Acquisitions, L L C, for property described as L ot 2 of The Cove at McGill Crossings. The property is about eight acres and council member Gene Smith suggested using the area for a playground.

} Adopted the 2015 International Codes, 2014 N ational E lectric Code and Alabama E nergy and Residential Code by reference, with o osed odifi ations } Set public hearing for Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. to consider the following Jonathan Belcher and N SH Corporation d/ b/ a Signature Homes’ request to rez one about 17 acres adjacent to K irkman Preserve. This property would be rez oned as a residential development district for 35 medium density homes. This property is located at 2005 K irkman Drive and is owned by N SH Corporation.

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HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A9 They offer physical, occupational and speech therapies, 24-hour registered nurse care, and more. 721620. as pireathoover.com.

Now Open Newk’s is now open at 3780 Riverchase Village. The restaurant has also opened a new location at 950 Inverness Corners. 588- 8624. n ewks.com.

2 203-

Iron C ity Realty is now open at 1957 Hoover Court, Suite 309. N ancy Callahan is a broker with the business. 365- 7557.

Twin Peaks, a restaurant at 4330 Creekside Ave., is now open. .9461 t winpeaksrestaurant.com.

Coming Soon

Preserve Paints, 2815 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Suite 500, is now open. They are an authoriz ed Benjamin Moore Paint retailer and offer a full line of interior and ext erior paints. 588- 1585. p reservepaints.com.

5 403-

978.

6 94-

184.

C hina Bistro, 160 Main Street, Suite 140, is now open in Patton Creek. L oose E nds Hair Salon, 2674 Valleydale Road, is now open.

Relocations and Renovations

C onsider It Joy B aking is now open at 759 Shades Mountain Plaz a in Bluff Park. The bakery specializ es in Paleo and grain-free baked goods. consideritj oybaking.com. Fried G reen Tomato’s, 1615 Montgomery Highway, Suite 132, is now open. The restaurant, owned by the same people who owned the Irondale Cafe, offers meats, vegetables, and desserts. 824500. e atfgt.com.

Brass Bear Antiq ues and Flea M all will open soon at 2656 Valleydale Road in a long-vacant location that once housed Piggly Wiggly and Big B Drugs. The store will have more than 30,000 square feet of antiques, furniture and much more. brassbearantiq ues.com. Alabama C redit Union has purchased the building currently occupied by First Financial Bank at 1604 Montgomery Highway and plans to open in early 2015. This will be the second Birmingham-area location for the Tuscaloosa-based credit union. alabamacu.com.

Aspire Physical Recovery C enter, 575 Southland Drive, is now open.

Hyatt Place, 4686 Highway 280 in Inverness, has been acquired by L one Star Funds from Hyatt Corporation as part of a larger $590 m illion purchase. The hotel will undergo ext ensive renovations and will retain the Hyatt Place name and brand. 95- 924. h yattplace.com.

Pure Barre 280 , 5426 Highway 280, Suite 6, is under new ownership. Deanna Piz itz welcomes Meredith L atimer and Amy McCool as co-owners. 915224. p urebarre.com.

C olorbar Salon, 4700 Highway 280, Suite 11, is now open in the former location of Richard Joseph SalonSpa. They are an authoriz ed Aveda salon. 91065. c olorbarbham.com.

New Ownership

The Valleydale Village Shopping C enter, located at the intersection of Valleydale and Caldwell Mill roads, has been purchased by The Rosen Group of N ew Y ork. The shopping center is anchored by Publix a nd includes several other tenants, including The U PS Store, N eighborhood Brew, Taco Bell and others. rosengroupinc.net.

News and Accomplishments Ponder Properties, 850 Corporate Parkway, Suite 106, is adding a residential real estate division to its business. The company is well-known throughout Birmingham for commercial real estate. Deneise Fondren has been hired to head the residential real estate division. 40891 1. p onderproperties.com.

ProctorU, a company specializ ing in proctoring of online tests for colleges and universities, has moved to a new space at 2200 Riverchase Center. Their new space is nearly three times as large as the space they previously occupied. 1- 855- 72 -8678. p roctoru.com.

M odel Box, 1921 Hoover Court, 14 The has eo ened followin a fi e that damaged the store in June. The store offers a wide range of items for hobbyists including radio-controlled cars, boats, airplanes and helicopters. 97887. f acebook.com/ themodelboxinc.

Terry Ponder, partner at Ponder Properties, 850 Corporate Parkway, Suite 106, was recogniz ed by the N ational Association of Realtors as the 2014 O utstanding Member and 2014 Agent for Change. He was presented with these awards at the N AR Commercial Realtors E xpo i n N ew O rleans in N ovember. 40891 1. p onderproperties.com.

King Acura, 1687 Montgomery

20 Highway, announced that L eonard Roy

was awarded as Salesman of the Month for O ctober. 978. k ingacura.com.

James Harwell, a Realtor with RealtySouth’s O ver the Mountain offi e lfo d e was swo n in as the 2015 president of the Birmingham Association of Realtors. 822364. r ealtysouth.com.

Hirings and Promotions BumperNets, 2000 Riverchase Galleria, has hired Joe X ie as head table tennis coach and athletic director. He is a recent graduate of Mississippi College and regarded as one of the best table tennis players in the U .S. He is now accepting private and group table tennis lessons. 9872. b umpernets.com.

Anniversaries Discover ITT, an instructor-led computer hardware/ software training ente i e hase ffi e la a ite celebrated its third anniversary on O ctober 14. 9849.

BumperNets, 2000 Riverchase Galleria, recently celebrated its 15th anni e sa t was the fi st ta le tennis and billiards store in the U .S., and it operates three different storefronts on the lower level of the Riverchase Galleria. It is also the largest pinball store in the Southern U .S. and is the authoriz ed retailer for Brunswick billiard tables in Birmingham. 9872. b umpernets.com.

Closings 25

L a Paz Restaurant & C antina, 3340 Galleria Circle, has closed.

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A10 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Restaurant Showcase Rd

150

Sha des Cre st

Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

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2341 John Hawkins Parkway 982-8985 Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. johnnybruscospizza.com

By M ADIS ON M IL L E R

Johnn rus o’s ana er i soon o in a ou h thro in ontest.

ete

Robert L oerke has always felt at home in the atmosphere of a piz z eria. Growing up, he enjoyed frequenting a family friend’s piz z a restaurant and dreamt of opening his own. Though he eventually went into a career in the computer industry, he and his wife, Julia, always kept the idea of owning their own piz z a restaurant in mind. Five years ago, their dream became a realit o e t and lia o ened thei fi st f an chise of Johnny Brusco’s N ew Y ork Style Piz z a. The restaurant originated in Georgia and has since ex panded to eight states. Its esta ia ills lo ation was the fi st fo the Birmingham area and they recently opened their second location in the Hoover area. While atmosphere is important, Robert and Julia understand that the quality of the food is what makes customers come back for more. U nlike many piz z a restaurants, Johnny Brusco’s has avoided bringing in machinery to assist with dough prep, insisting that handmade dough produces a better quality piz z a. Though many restaurants add these to save ti e in the it hen the i ht e sa ifi in a o the oe es said When looking for staff, Robert and Julia look not only for ex perience, but also for open minds and a willingness to learn. Chefs who might be under ex perienced in piz z a can e ta ht thei t aditional wa effi ientl

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o ert oerke

ass

ith raft eer. Photos by Madison Miller.

“ This is a craft,” Robert said. “ They have to be willing to learn and good at what they do.” Though their Meat Delux e specialty piz z a, lasagna and mini garlic knots are among their most popular items, customers can’t go wrong, Robert and Julia said. “ We’ve received positive feedback from every menu item,” Robert said. Their personal favorite, however, is the Johnny’s Italian Special. O n a thin crust loaded with sausage, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni and een e e s the hoi e has a a iet of a o s

“ I like the thin crust,” Julia said. Robert and Julia hope to continue to grow their business. N ow they look forward to serving and giving back to both communities. Johnny Brusco’s frequently participates in school team and individual sponsorships, hosts community parties and other community fundraising events. Robert and Julia agree that customer service is top priority. “ [ It’s important to] make them feel welcome, listen to them and let them know that you care,” Julia said. “ It’s not about you, it’s about them.”

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A11

Business Spotlight

459 k aw H n

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H ery

444-8989 160 Main Street, Suite 160 Lo Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Search “Mainstreet Monograms and More” on facebook.com a rn

om ntg Mo

Mainstreet Monograms and More

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

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By RE BE C C A WAL DE N L ong before she opened her own storefront, Donna Tippins’ sewing talents were evident all over town — f o the owin owns wo n the Hoover Belles to the uniforms adorning the Hoover High School Buccanettes and even the 287-member Hoover High School band. “ I’m a six th-generation seamstress,” said Donna, who is also a fa ilia fa e to an as a ath tea he within the lo al s ste tsa o ation she lo ed t e ent all left to pursue her true passion of sewing. What began with doing alterations and sewing as a means of volunteer seri e t ned into a f ll ed ed siness endeavor. o the last th ee ea s lite all had a sto e in ho e said onna asi all f o a to idni ht ost da s eo le we e t ai sin through our house.” Custom requests began pouring in. “ A lot of the girls for whom I did uniform sewing work began bringing in their own personal items to be monogrammed,” said Donna. “ And the also e an as in fo s e ialt items as well.” Donna and her husband, Wade,

Donna Tippins and her husband, Wade, opened Monograms and More in Patton Creek in July 2014. Photo by Rebecca Walden.

i l eali ed the needed to esta lish a business storefront to manage the t affi that had a idl o e ta en their home. n l the o ened ainst eet ono a s and o e within atton ee he s ae foot sto e e e ts ade s en inee in e e fo desi n and i es off a

chic, industrial vibe, making a crisp a d o fo onna s an onoa ed oods a li es o tes of fellow oo e esidents nd iel and i owell and the sto e s ho e d o ite s a ifts and otti otties ewel ainst eet ono a s and o e is the e l si e local dealer for L otti Dotties, a line of

sil e lated a neti ewel with interchangeable stones. ainst eet ono a s and o e lives up to its name. The store carries Birmingham’s largest selection of o fo t olo s to s in a wide a iet of olo s he also feat e the o lar Charles River Apparel, reclaimed wood si ns n e o s st les of tote a s and a sha hi olle tion of dis la lette s ade o t of old R eader’ s D igest books. Those familiar with the going rates for monogramming in the O ver the o ntain a ea will e leasantl s ised the sto e s sta tin onoa fees onl fo a th ee lette monogram or name. This same fee will also i e sho e s a in h o et si e ono a as well ical turnaround time is four business da s a li s a e se en da t na o nd tho h the e een nown to o a o e and e ond fo thei lients on more than a few occasions. “ A woman came in just in a panic in mid-N ovember,” said Donna. e fa il hoto session had een moved up a full week earlier than she’d expe cted, and she came in with an o tfit she d st hased f o ew e io s e hel ed he find the i ht si e ono a and too a e

of it witho t an ind of sh fee it was ead within the ho while she sho ed at ost o he elief o see on someone’s face in a moment like that makes this business so worthwhile. The bottom line for us is that we will do whate e it ta es to et o to o ha la e lso e entl onna wel o ed four past customers for whom she’d done work prior to opening the store. a elin f o ent the o made a special trip to visit the new sto e whe e the sto ed on favorite items. While the group dined at nea esse s ade and onna sta ed at the sto e lon afte losin hours to complete the group’s monoa in o de whi h was ead the ti e the finished dinne n e one io it is stomer service,” said Wade. “ When people come in, we want them to make themselves at home. We don’t i e a o t i e e e entl had a shopper come in and peer behind the counter, telling us, ‘ I don’t see a et n oli told he that we don t ha e one t if she s an ite f o us and doesn’t like it, to bring it back and we will refund her. That’s just how we are.”

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A12 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Community The Birmingham Pen Women seek new members The N ational L eague of American Pen Women began a new season in O ctober and will continue to hold monthly meetings at The Club. O ne highlight of its overall programs is the Birmingham Pen Women’s annual art show, which will be held again at the Soon Bok L ee Sellers Gallery located at Artists on the Bluff in Hoover. Twenty area women artists will be included in the juried ex hibit which will run in February. This year’s juror will be N elson Grice, Hoover artist and instructor.

The Pen Women is a national organiz ation of professional writers, artists, and musicians. It was fi st o ani ed in as the ea e of e i an en o en and in added the wo d national It affords its members an overview of the arts. The Birmingham Branch of Pen Women is currently seeking new members. For more information, email Mary L embke at lembkefamily@ ha te net o all o o e a o t en Women, visit nlapw.org.

he Birmin ham en omen of cers Back ro ane Harris llen ustice Charlotte Hol er ary embke of esta ia Hills an Caroline Clark of ountain Brook ront ro oyce Byr heresa eterson an uth ruett ot picture Barbara Sims of Hoo er innie Cooper of Hoo er San ra a is an elin a athe s of Home oo Photo courtesy of Mary Lembke.

Cub Scouts receive Supernova awards

icture from left to ri ht are iley insmore Benton urnbull Harrison Burchell iley uthin an Bray en a ox

E arlier this fall, six boys from Cub Scout a en e ei ed thei ha les Townes Supernova awards. These awards are given to boys who complete the requirements for the Supernova program. The rigorous requirements and activities were designed to

ilson

DAR accepting scholarship applications

motivate youth and recogniz e more in-depth, advanced achievement in STE M-related ( science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities. O ut of the seven Supernova Awards awarded this summer, six of them we e f o a in oo e

E ach year, the N ational Society Daughters of the American Revolution ( N SDAR) awa ds o e than th o h e it and finan ial need s hola shi s to o n individuals for their academic achievements. DAR scholarships are offered for a wide range of disciplines including history, medical, nursing, music, law, education and many more. Though some of these scholarships are for advanced study, many are available to graduating high school seniors. The various DAR scholarships each have different requirements and procedures, which must be followed to apply for the scholarship. Completed applications must be ost a ed on o efo e e a The Alabama Society DAR ( ASDAR) also awa ds two s hola shi s to graduating high school seniors in Alabama

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who will attend college in Alabama. The application deadline for these scholarships is an a All application forms and more information for these scholarships are available at DAR.org or can be requested from the local L ily of the Cahaba Chapter, N SDAR, by emailing lilyofthecahaba@ gmail.com. The N ational Society Daughters of the e i an e ol tion was fo nded in to promote patriotism, preserve American history and support better education for our nation’s children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. L ast year, Daughters contributed more than illion ho s in o nit se i e DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organiz ations.

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HooverSun.com

January 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ A13

Hoover resident visits Washington D.C. as supporter of ABLE Act

Girl Scouts of Troop 206 earn Bronze Award Girl Scout Troop 206 members Haley Adams, Celeste Clark, Abigail Collins, Anna L ane E lmore, Blakely Glover, Allison Johnson, Jaime Schnader, Allie Simmons, Juniper Sosa, and Maya Touchstone recently earned the Girl Scout Bronz e Award for their project â&#x20AC;&#x153; E dible a den he i ls eated o e een and efficient homes. The girls are students at Bluff Park

E lementary School. The Girl Scout Bronz e Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. This award recogniz es that a Girl Scout has gained the leade shi and lannin s ills e i ed to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in the community.

Celebrations C herry-Wynn

On a recent trip to Washington D.C., Ashley DeRamus met with Alabama Rep. Spencer Bacchus.

Ashley DeRamus of The Ashley DeRamus Foundatiom is an active supporter of the Achieving a Better L ife E xpe rience ( ABL E ) Act, legislation passed by the House of Representatives in December. O n a recent trip to Washington D.C., she met with and gained the full support of Alabama Rep. Spencer Bacchus as well as Sen. Richard Shelby and Sen. Jeff Sessions. The ABL E Act would allow people with disabilities to set up savings accounts with no tax on earnings, and to cover housing, transportation and other e enses enefi ia ies of the t wo ld e a le to ild a financial cushion in their ABL E accounts without jeopardiz ing their eligibility for Medicaid and Social Security disability

enefits nde ent law to alif fo these enefits eo le with disa ilities cannot have more than $ 2,000 in assets and cannot earn more than $680 per month. he o se s ote in fa o of the bill was the culmination of a year-long campaign, spearheaded by hundreds of families with disabled children and numerous advocacy groups, from Autism Speaks to the N ational Federation of the Blind. The Ashley DeRamus Foundation is an organiz ation founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and alit of lifest le fo those with own syndrome. For more, visit ashleyderamusfoundation.org.

Abraham Jr. and Pandora Cherry of Hoover are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley N icole Cherry, to Paul Wynn Jr., son of Mrs. Shirley Jones and the late Paul Wynn Sr. of Tuscaloosa. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Cora L ee Bryant Williams and the late James Williams Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Cherry Sr., and Ms. Matilda Gregg. Ashley graduated f o the ni e sit of la a a with a degree in Industrial E ngineering. She attended Hoover High School. She is a member of Alpha K appa Alpha Sorority Inc. While at the ni e sit of la a a she was the esident of the N AACP, a member of N ational Society of Black E ngineers and received the L ucy Foster Award. Ashley is the founder of a nonofit o ani ation alled ittle adies n an organiz ation empowering young girls to become powerful women. Ashley is currently employed with Mercedes Benz in Vance, Ala. as a specialist. The prospective groom is the grandson of O della L eatherwood and the late Albert L eatherwood and the late William and Alberta

nn a l is a ad ate of the ni e sit of Alabama with a degree in Communication Studies. He attended N orthridge High School. He was a member of the Track and Field at the ni e sit of la a a e is a e e of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Paul is currently employed at Frito L ay as a District Sales Manager and serves in the N ational Guard as a First L ieutenant. The wedding is scheduled for March 28, 2015.

Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email rebecca@hooversun.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!

A14 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

This year in Hoover Six things to w atch for in 2 0 1 5

UAB Medical West’s FED

e ical est’s freestan in emer ency epartment is slate to open its oors in ay Photo courtesy of UAB Medical West.

By mid-2015, residents will no longer need to drive outside Hoover for emergency care. U AB Medical West’s freestanding emergency department ( FE D) is slated to open its doors in May. s the fi st in the state edi al est is t eadin new ground in creating this medical center. The 24,342-square-foot facility will include ex am and trauma rooms, isolation and decontamination units, a full-service lab, a helipad and facilities for diagnostic tests such as CT scans, X -rays, ultrasounds and E K Gs. Hoover E xe cutive Director Allen Pate noted that having a nearby FE D could become the difference between life and death for victims of car accidents on heavily traveled roads such as I-459 and U .S. 31.

The Crossings of Hoover

Whole Foods

i ht next oor to B e ical est’s ill be Hoo er’s latest shoppin center he Crossin s of Hoo er hich is sche ule to open by this sprin Rendering courtesy of GBT Realty.

hole oo s ill be locate in i erchase illa e in the former Belle oo s space Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market.

Right next door to U AB Medical West’s FE D will be Hoover’s latest shopping center, The Crossings of Hoover, which is scheduled to open by this spring. Construction wo on he ossin s is s hed led to e finished in January, with its shops opening by spring 2015. Jennifer Weyand, a spokesperson for property owner GBT Realty, said the site will include a McDonald’s, Jimmy John’s, Starbucks, nail salon and a 25,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store. There is additional space that has not yet been leased, as well as neighboring land parcels that could be used by drive-through restaurants.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report in N ovember, Whole Foods Market announced that it recently signed leases for 12 new store locations across the country, one of which will be in Hoover. David Ashford of Southpace Properties, representin the owne of i e hase illa e onfi ed that the Whole Foods will be located in Riverchase Village in the former Belle Foods space. Riverchase Village is located at the corner of U .S. 31 and L orna Road. The area is being targeted for other retail redevelopment including the recently opened N ewk’s E atery.

HooverSun.com

Hoover Met hosting University of Alabama baseball team

Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard is returning for his sixth year as the head coach in 2015. The University of Alabama recently announced it will play its 2015 home baseball games at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Photo courtesy of Hoover Chamber of Commerce.

This spring, the Crimson Tide will roll into Hoover. The U niversity of Alabama recently announced it will play its 2015 home baseball games at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard is returning for his sixt h year as head coach in 2015. Approxi mately 30 games will be played at the Met, and U A will pay the city $ 3,500 per game. Concession rights remain with the city. Any postseason play ( N CAA regionals or super-regionals that Alabama may host) will also be at the Met. Additionally, as already scheduled, the SE C Tournament will be at the Met from May 19-24. The season-opening game at the Met will be against Maryland-E astern Shore on Friday, Feb. 13. N onconference games include games against Samford ( March 16) and U AB ( April 14) . Weekend home series include games against Tex as A& M, L SU , Georgia, Arkansas and Vanderbilt.

January 2015 • A15

New sidewalks

The city and the Alabama Department of Transportation ( AL DO T) are currently designing four sidewalk and crosswalk projects at Ross Bridge, Preserve Parkway, Chapel Road and Bluff Park. At Ross Bridge Parkway, there will be almost a mile of new sidewalks on the west side of the road, running from Deer Trail Road to Deer Valley E lementary. There will also e fi e osswal s in l din one at the s hool O ver a mile of new sidewalks will also be installed on Preserve Parkway from Sulphur Springs Road to the Preserve Town Center. O n Chapel Road, another mile of sidewalks will line the south side of the street from Park Avenue to Matz ek Drive. This project will require temporary and permanent easements from residents, which could delay construction. In Bluff Park, a series of short sidewalks will be built on Valley Street, Tyler Road, Clearview Road, Clearview Drive, Savoy Street and Cloudland Drive. These walkways will also require easements in order to be built.

Improvements to local facilities

This fall, the council approved bids to build new batting cages and fence padding at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Photo courtesy of hooveral.org.

This past fall, the Hoover City Council approved a $ 146 million budget, which includes money for various sidewalk and t affi o e ts as well as i o e ents to it wide fa ilities in l din a s s o ts fields fi e stations the library and Aldridge Gardens. Several residents addressed the council about not enough funding for Hoover City Schools being included in the budget. The amount allotted for the school system in the budget is $ 2 million. Council President Jack Wright stated that when the council met with the Board of E ducation, Superintendent Andy Craig did not state that the system needed more funding. Wright further said that the council cannot control the decisions made by the Board of E ducation. Also this fall, the council approved bids to build new batting cages and fence padding at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium and to repair the Hoover Recreation Center’s pool. City E x ecutive Director Allen Pate said that two new batting cages will be built and four inches of padding will be mounted to the outer fence of the Hoover Met. Repairs will be made to the Hoover Recreation Center pool’s drainage system.

A16 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

J ourney to The C apitol

Local politician Gary Palmer discusses highlights of campaign and upcoming term By KATIE TURPE N For Gary Palmer, the past year has been an eventful one. In O ctober 2013, the Hoover resident announced his plans to run for Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U .S. House of Representatives. Following the primary election, Palmer won a runoff election against fellow Republican nominee Paul DeMarco. This past N ovember, Palmer defeated Democratic candidate Mark L ester during the general election. al e offi iall ta es offi e on January 3, 2015. The Hoover Sun sat down with Palmer to discuss his transition into politics, highlights of his campaign, and what he enjoys most about living in Hoover. Palmer grew up in the small town of Hackleburg, Alabama. His father, a logger, built the family’s home. Palmer learned from a young age how discipline and effort mold a person’s character. was the fi st in fa il to o to college,” he said. “ I learned early on that the promise of America is there if you work hard for it.” For 24 years Palmer led the Alabama Policy Institute ( API) , a research and education organiz ation he helped to found. “ I’ve always been a problem solver,” he said. “ As one of the

ary almer celebrates ith his ife an three chil ren after the announcement he Congressional District race in November. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

co-founders of the Alabama Policy Institute, that’s what I did. I worked with engineers. I also knew that smart people have a transition plan. I just felt li e was ein alled to offi e knew God had a plan for me.”

O ver the past year, Palmer has journeyed across Alabama’s 6th Congressional District. The district is based around the Birmingham suburbs and encompasses nearly all of Jefferson County as well as Bibb, Blount,

on labama’s th

Chilton, Coosa and Shelby counties. “ I’ve learned this is a geographically beautiful district,” he said. “ It’s also a great place to raise a family. These are great, hardworking people. I think the most enjoyable part about

the campaign has been spending time with all the lo al offi ials O f all the moments that stand out for Palmer, he said it is the response he received when he made campaign phone calls that felt most special. “ It was so great to receive such a positive response,” he said. “ When I called, they said yes. It’s humbling to have so many people believe in you.” As Palmer looks forward to his upcoming term in Washington, D.C, he has clear objectives in mind. He said that more than 90 million people are currently out of the workforce, and now, more than ever, the country is at a turning point. “ What I want people to realiz e is this is not a career for me, it’s more of a mission,” he said. “ The bigger picture is that this country is in need of change.” Palmer and his wife, Ann, have two daughters and a son. He said his family has not been overly swept up in the campaign. “ My family is acutely aware of the reality and how hard being in this position can be,” he said. As Palmer prepares to begin his term, he is thankful for his roots and the opportunity to live in the Hoover community. “ It’s just a very livable area with great schools and great people,” he said.

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A17

Making waves of change l n n fit ide le n te f de el in nt ie By KATIE TURPE N For many living in undeveloped countries around the world, clean water is anything but a guarantee. However, one local organiz ation is hard at work to change that. e e thi st is an inte national non ofit o aniz ation dedicated to bringing clean and living wate to de elo in o nt ies hei offi e is located off of U .S. 280 in the E denton subdivision. The organiz ation sends teams out to drill the clean water wells. To date they have completed more than 2,500 projects that serve more than 325,000 people. Projects have been built in South Sudan, Sudan, India and Cambodia. Co-founder and E x ecutive Director Mark Whitehead worked in industrial sales for more than 20 years and admits that mission work was never on his radar. It was a sermon preached by

David Platt in 2006 that propelled him forward and inspired him to go on a series of trips. O ne of those was to o th dan and he saw fi sthand where people received their water. he too s to a ee that was not owin covered in algae,” Whitehead said. “ I knew right then what we needed to do.” The organiz ation was founded in 2008. N everthirst has additional volunteers, teams and leaders in each of the four countries it serves. hei sol tions in l de io sand filte s i ed water systems, household rainwater collection, deep wells and pump wells. Whitehead said they were unfamiliar with these systems when they fi st sta ted t we e ea e to lea n “ This organiz ation has opened so many doors,” said Whitehead. “ It has really grown year after year.” The organiz ation also hosts annual fundraising

To date, Neverthirst has completed more than 2,500 clean water projects that serve more than 325,000 people. Projects have been built in South Sudan, Sudan, India and Cambodia.

events throughout the year, including an awareness campaign called WO D for Water. “ WO D” is a CrossFit term that stands for “ Workout O f the Day.” The goal of WO D for Water is for individuals to come together and do a high-energy workout while helping N everthirst raise money to provide clean water. The Hoover community has been an active supporter of the organiz ation. Since the summer of 2012, Shades Crest Baptist Church member Micah Smith has organiz ed lemonade stands to raise money for N everthirst. Since 2012, these stands have raised more than $ 14,000 to drill fi e lean wate wells all lo ated in ndia he wells have provided clean water to more than

2,500 people. The Hoover Y outh well was funded by the 2013 lemonade stand. N ot only did youth from Shades Crest Baptist come and help, but multiple others from Hunter Street Baptist Church and Bluff Park Community Church volunteered their time. The Hoover Y outh well is in the village of Shahpur, located in the district of Jehanabad in Bihar, India, and will serve 15 families. “ Since so many of Hoover’s youth helped man the le onade stands it was onl fittin that the well funded would be named in honor of them,” said Smith. For more, visit neverthirstwater.org.

A18 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Get to know

Miss Alabama USA, Hoover’s own Madison Guthrie

By RE BE C C A WAL DE N Madison Guthrie, a former Spain Park student, was crowned Miss Alabama U SA in N ovember. The Shelton State interior design major is also nurturing a growing modeling career, already having worked with brands such as E SPN , Iz od and MAC. Madison is the daughter of David and Ginger Guthrie. She will compete for the title of Miss U SA this summer.

Q A

How did you learn about the M iss USA competition? I have always known about it and I have watched Miss U SA for several years, but a photographer I shoot with, Jack Bains, is who encouraged me to compete.

Q A

What made you want to participate? Did you have any experience with programs like this before? I knew of Baskin Champion who won Miss Alabama Teen last year and I saw on social media all the modeling opportunities that unfolded for her. I had never competed in a pageant before but felt it was time to step out of my comfort z one and try something new.

Other that the outcome of winning, what was the most rewarding aspect of the process? What was the most challenging part of the experience for you?

It gives you the opportunity to be around a lot of women at one time. Y ou can use that situation to be a light and set a good exa mple for others to follow. We all compare ourselves to something or someone and for me that was the hardest part. Prior to the competition, I’d sometimes compare myself to others and get discouraged. At times I can be a worrier, so I have to stay in constant prayer and remind myself to stay focused on my own journey and not worry about what I felt I lacked.

Q A

How are you balancing your other life commitments along with the demands of the M iss Alabama USA title? I have decided to take a year off from s hool so that an o letel f lfill and enjoy my duties as Miss Alabama. O f course I have a social life too, so spending time with loved ones always stays a top priority for me.

Q A

What is the one goal you want to say you’ve achieved using the notoriety and n uence a oc ated th you t tle I want to be remembered as a Christian woman who set a high ex ample for women of all ages. I feel I have already proved that you don’t have to be a “ pageant girl” to win a pageant. I was able to succeed at something completely out of my comfort z one because I had faith. I hope that my strong faith inspires other women to go after what they once thought they never could achieve.

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Madison Guthrie of Hoover was recently crowned Miss Alabama USA 2015. This was uthrie’s rst e er pa eant Photo courtesy of Sage Media Group.

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HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A19

Playing their cards right

Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club enjoys new home in Hoover By KATIE TURPE N O n a Friday morning, the Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club ( BDBC) is packed for a tournament. E x citeent is in the ai as e e s find thei seats and sit down to play. For Jeanne Wamack, a club member who also teaches bridge classes, the event is particularly thrilling to watch. Wamack began playing bridge in high school and picked the game back up in 2005 when she saw a sign in a neighbor’s yard for the Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club and started taking lessons. “ There’s a lot of math and logic, and it’s just a great game for all ages,” Wamack said. The BDBC began in 1953. The e e owned non ofit has o e than 425 members, including nationally known speaker, author and bridge columnist Frank Stewart. The club is open for bridge games six days a week with special Saturday games in the winter, spring and summer. All levels of play are offered, from early beginner to advanced. The organiz ation hosts an annual Mentor-Mentee match program for newer players to be coached by expe rienced players. The BDBC also provides continuing education, beginner classes, intermediate classes, advanced classes, tips before games, supervised play and

Birmin ham

uplicate Bri

e Club members en oy each other’s company prior to a tournament Photo by Katie Turpen.

guest speakers. After being located in several buildings around Birmingham, the club found a new home off Valleydale Road in Hoover in September 2012. “ Members volunteered their time to scrub the building from top to bottom, weed, mow and clean the yard, paint, move furniture, soundproof walls, among many other essentials,” Wamack said. The club sponsors several

tournaments each year, with the sectionals and regionals drawing visitors from several states and even other countries. When a bridge game is played, points are awarded to the highest winners in the game, depending on how many pairs are playing in the game and what levels of ability have participated in the game. As points accumulate, there are milestones for players to reach, from Rookie to L ife Master. Wamack said the BDBC has

members with points in every range. “ Bridge is a challenging yet entertaining game that makes one think and plan,” said Wamack. “ Anyone can learn this game, youngsters included, as we had o fi st o th id e a this past summer.” The BDBC supports local charities and has donated thousands of dollars to Meals for Homeless Veterans, the Susan G. K omen Foundation and the Alz heimer’s Association, among other

groups and shelters. Furthermore, the organiz ation has several parties throughout the year, celebrating birthdays, holidays and other special days. “ We like bridge, we like each other, and we like good food,” said Wamack. Beginner classes start on Tuesday, Jan. 13. For more information, visit bridgewebs.com/ birmingham/ or call 560-0706.

A20 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Running

wild

Coyote and other animal sightings picking up across Hoover By DOUG

DE M M ONS

It would not surprise K en Gregory in the least if one day he were to get a call about a coyote being spotted in the Riverchase Galleria parking lot. Coyotes are not native to Alabama, but they have made the state their home in recent years and are especially prevalent in Hoover. Gregory is a Hoover police sergeant and the it s ani al ont ol offi e e said that o ote sightings have been picking up across the city this year, especially in areas around Moss Rock Preserve. This year alone, there have been 40 coyotes trapped in Hoover, he said. “ Coyotes are an animal that adapt to anything,”

Gregory said. “ They’re getting accustomed to being around people.” Coyotes can be dangerous, but they will almost always avoid confrontations with people. “ Most of the time if they encounter a human, they’re going to run away,” Gregory said. t the a e also noto io sl diffi lt to t a and remove from residential areas. “ We’ve probably had over 20 traps set and they just moved to other streets,” he said. The city sometimes seeks help from specialist Jim Sweez y of N uisance Wildlife Control. Sweez y said he has caught 20 to 25 coyotes in Hoover this year for the city and private homeowners and estimates the coyote population in Hoover to be in the “ hundreds.”

“ E very place I go out there, I see a coyote sign,” Sweez y said. Many of the coyotes he encounters are suffering from mange or other diseases. Sweez y sets traps to catch coyotes alive, so as to avoid harming a child or family pet that i ht find the t a he t a wo s f nnelin the coyote through brush or rocks to a bait that

triggers the trap. Captured coyotes are then euthaniz ed. Gregory said the state does not allow coyotes to be relocated since that only moves the problem somewhere else. Hoover has also seen a number of complaints about fox es and beavers. Sweez y said the fox

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HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A21

This beaver was found close to the Star Lake area. Photos by Jim Sweezy.

How to avoid attracting coyotes } Do not feed your dogs or cats outside. Or if you do, don’t leave uneaten food sitting outside. Dog and cat food left outside is a primary source of food for coyotes. } Do not inadvertently feed coyotes. Many people leave food out for wild creatures in general. Coyotes are also attracted to that food and to the raccoons and possums that eat it. population had dropped partly due to coyotes hunting them but that the number of fox es has rebounded lately. Sweez y said he has also gotten quite a few complaints about beavers in Hoover. “ They get in drainage ditches and they’re backing up in subdivisions,” he said of the nocturnal

} Keep garbage sealed. Open trash cans provide food for scavenging coyotes. } Keep outdoor barbecue equipment clean. Scraps of food left over from backyard grilling attract coyotes. } Be cautious about leaving dogs and cats outside at night. Coyotes will attack and eat cats and small dogs

dam builders. “ Very seldom do people ever see them. They don’t know they have a beaver problem until they walk out and step in water.” Fox es are also shy creatures when it comes to humans, Gregory said, but sightings are not uncommon in Hoover. “ They’re like coyotes,” he said. “ They’ve

These foxes were found in the Rutherford Lake area.

adapted. They come out in daytime.” If a person encounters a coyote, the animal will most likely run off. But if it doesn’t, ex perts advise that you should never run from a coyote. Instead, make yourself threatening by yelling, waving your arms, clapping and stomping your feet.

Residents who spot a coyote or see signs of one in a neighborhood can call the Hoover Animal ont ol offi e at

A22 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

his ren erin sho s the plans for Carly’s Clubhouse a s uare foot all inclusi e play roun in elham that ill ha e uni ue e uipment such as ip lines rocket ships an heelchair accessible s in s Image courtesy of Dustin Chandler.

CLUBHOUSE

CONTINUED from page A1 countless parents of children with special needs. “ A common thread with all of us is we want our children to be able to play with their able-bodied siblings or peers,” said Dustin. fte an da s t in to find a sol tion the idea of Carly’s Clubhouse was born.” The city of Pelham donated the land for the 30,000-square-foot playground, and Dustin said it will have a variety of fun components such as a essi le i lines a o et shi with ashin lights, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, swings and more. “ We should allow our children to learn about each other in a true social setting,” Dustin said. “ Carly’s Clubhouse will provide a place for our children to play ‘ shoulder-to-shoulder’ and see children from other walks of life. It will allow their parents to meet other parents walking the same path or possibly a different one.”

Dustin is the general coordinator for multiple committees and volunteers that meet every three weeks. This past fall, community meetings were held as a kickoff celebration in Pelham. Dustin has also been traveling to various events promoting the project. “ My hope is that through this whole process people can come together and learn about each other,” said Dustin. “ We can learn that children with special needs are no different than ourselves.” K yle Cundy is the project manager of L eathe s and sso iates the fi that desi ned the playground. “ These playgrounds turn into destination playgrounds and service more than just their immediate community,” she said. “ Families from surrounding areas will travel in to utiliz e these play structures.” Susan L ee is the special needs coordinator for the project and also a special-education teacher at Inverness E lementary School. She became involved with Carly’s Clubhouse for her

Carly Chan ler as born ith a ery rare isor er calle C Her father is planning Carly’s Clubhouse in her honor Photo courtesy of Dustin Chandler.

6-year-old daughter, Alyssa, who has a genetic disorder called Rett syndrome. L ee said her two brothers have missed out on playing with their little sister. “ We used to frequent the parks around Shelby County on a regular basis,” L ee said. “ Several years ago, when Alyssa was about 3 years old, they stopped asking to go to the park. Finally, I asked them, ‘ Why? ’ Their answer broke my heart. They said it made them sad to go play and see Alyssa just sitting in her wheelchair watching. I am involved with Carly’s Clubhouse so that my children can all play together like typical siblings.” Although the playground is located in elha stin said he ho es it will enefit all of Birmingham. “ I grew up in Hoover and am proud to call it home,” said Dustin. “ I really want Hoover to be

part of this project.” Dustin said around $ 1 million is needed to create the playhouse. If more funds are raised than needed for the project, Dustin plans to use the money to help other areas build their own unique play areas. Carly also made state history this past spring. In April, Gov. Robert Bentley signed a piece of legislation named after her called Carly’s L aw, which authoriz es a study that will exa mine the use of oil derived from medical marijuana to treat seiz ures. The study will be done by the e a t ent of e olo and is the fi st of its kind in Alabama. The Carly’s Clubhouse project’s nex t fundraiser is set for January 24 at the Pelham Civic Complex. For more, visit carlysclubhouse.org.

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • A23 BUDGET

CONTINUED from page A1

Superintendent Andy Craig tells the Hoover Board of Education goodbye at a recent meeting as President Donna Frazier holds back tears. Photo by Jessa Pease.

SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUED from page A1

at eight years old, has been a lifelong educator.” Cooper said Reese has seen the highs and lows of educating and hat he has masterfully handled crises in the past, such as the tornado that hit E nterprise on March 1, 2007. Reese thanked the Board of E ducation for the opportunity, and said that it was a pleasure speaking with all of Hoover’s board members. “ If I had a choice of a school system anywhere, not just [ in] Alabama, to serve as an interim superintendent, it would be Hoover,” Reese said. “ E ven when I was in E nterprise, the Hoover school system had an exc ellent reputation, and all of us at E nterprise knew about Hoover.” After the tornado hit E nterprise in 2007, it left Reese with the task of rebuilding two schools and dealing with the deaths of eight students. He said the expe rience made him a better superintendent and a better person, but he also noted that Hoover isn’t in need of rebuilding. Reese said the school system is in great shape. “ A lot of times people will take for granted school boards,” Reese said. “ Having attended board meetings for 25 or more years, I do not take for granted school

boards, and everyone I have talked with has talked about the Hoover City School Board. It will be a pleasure for me to work for you and with you. I am just ex cited about accepting this opportunity and being a part of the Hoover City School system.” He said he understands his role as interim superintendent and that he plans on being the bridge between Craig and the nex t permanent superintendent. He has already met with several of Hoover’s administrative staff. The most rewarding aspect for him, Reese said, is to go into those schools and watch students learning. An interim superintendent can serve a max imum of 180 days, and at the Dec. 8 meeting Board President Donna Fraz ier said her goal is to have a permanent superintendent by the end of the school year. She also stressed that while the board needed to find an inte i s e intendent the eal fo s is findin a e anent one lti atel o oal was to find so eone the board felt would be the best available person to meet the current leadership needs of the district and someone who would sustain our momentum and reputation as a leading school district,” Cooper said in an statement released after the meeting. “ Dr. Reese is very much respected as a leader in education with demonstrated unquestionable values and a strong focus on schools and the community.”

million, with about $ 155,000 going toward the salaries of 21 new fulland part-time positions. These jobs in l de a new fi efi hte a li safety dispatcher, a commercial building inspector, a court operations coordinator and several custodians and seasonal workers. City employees will also see a 2 percent increase in their cost of living adjustment ( CO L A) , estimated to cost around $943,000, and increases in health insurance and workers’ compensation. G ove

r n m e n t b u i l d i n gs The big project, of course, is the Jefferson County satellite courthouse. In O ctober, the city announced that the temporary satellite site at the Met would become a full service location. It offers tag renewals, licenses for boats and motorcycles and vehicle title applications, but the city has been looking for a larger, permanent home for the courthouse. Hoover has $ 100,000 budgeted for the satellite courthouse this year, but Ivey said the city is still in negotiations for a permanent location. Right now, the $ 100,000 does not have an expr ess purpose. Hoover City Hall, located at 100 Municipal L ane, will also be receiving $ 750,000 in renovations. This includes upgrades to the se ond oo li est oo s and offi es on the se ond and thi d oo s Police and fire The police department is budgeted $ 1.3 million for a new

dispatch and 911 system, though Capt. Gregg Rector said there is not yet a timeline for when this new system will be purchased. he fi e de a t ent was i en $ 350,000 to upgrade its GPS equipment and will be receiving $ 233,000 in upgrades and repairs to various stations. he fi e de a t ent will e getting several new pieces of equipment, including 15 cardiac onito s and defi illato s adio backups and new scuba breathing apparatus. Additionally, the police will be purchasing 13 replacement vehicles and eight replacement oto les and the fi e de a tment will receive five new vehicles. R oad

w ays Several of Hoover’s roadways will look different by December 2015. The design process is currently underway for new gateway signs to the city, and several roads such as Valleydale Road and Patton Chapel Road will be widened in some sections. Hugh Daniel Drive will be resurfaced between U .S. 280 and County Road 41, and Galleria Boulevard will be ex tended from Highway 150 to South L orna Road. N ew street lights will be installed on Highway 31 between I-459 and Riverchase Parkwa and t affi si nals will e installed at three intersections: Chapel L ane/ Al Seier Road, Ross Bridge Parkway/ Deer Valley E lementary and Ross Bridge Parkway/ Shannon Road. W al k w ays Ivey said walkability and connections across Hoover

will continue to be a priority in 2015. The budget sets aside $ 650,000 for sidewalk projects in this fis al ea in l din at Bluff Park E lementary, various locations in the Bluff Park community and in Ross Bridge from Deer Trail to Deer Valley E lementary. E x isting sidewalks from Sulphur Springs Road to the Preserve will be improved. Inverness will also be the recipient of a $ 100,000 greenway project. P ar k s an d r e c r e at i on Changes in Hoover’s recreational facilities begin in January with repairs being made to the rec center pool. Craig Moss, the director of parks and recreation, said the project will take 120 days to complete and will include drainage repairs and new laste ool de oo in diving boards, starting blocks and wall-mounted showers outside the locker rooms. The city’s parks will receive around $1.8 million in improvements and upgrades, including a replaced playground and additional bleachers at Shades Mountain Park, batting cages and field e i ent at ain Park and paved parking lots at Rocky Ridge Park. The Met will be receiving $ 816,000 in upgrades, and $ 2 million is budgeted for new parks or sports facilities. Ivey said that they are currently too early in development to even name potential locations or amenities. Moss said that much of this year will be spent in feasibility studies and planning. The full budget document is available online at hooveral.org.

Sun B SECTION

Women of B1 School House B7 Sports B10 Calendar B17

Women of

Hoover B5

To start off the new year, the Hoover Sun is recognizing businesswomen in our community. Each woman featured uses her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her profession to make the place we call home the best it can be. Business articles featured in this section are paid advertisements.

ella’s Bridal and Formal is one of the largest independently owned full-service bridal salons in Alabama. Located in the Patton Creek Shopping Center, it opened in December 2004. In addition to the bridal salon, Bella’s recently added a pageant and prom store, also in Patton Creek, featuring a huge selection of pageant and prom dresses from the most popular designers with more than 1,000 prom dresses in stock. The original space will give brides more room and allow more space for couture wedding gowns and dresses for the entire wedding party. Owner Carol Riney is passionate about military service men and women, giving a military discount on dresses. Last year, she donated a dress and accessories to a girl battling cancer. She is passionate about giving back to her community. Riney also loves helping young pageant and prom girls gain self-confidence. “I want them to feel beautiful and remember that feeling forever,” she said. “The girls gain experience that will help them in their careers. It prepares them for interviews and real life experiences”.

Carol Riney Riney loves helping someone find the perfect dress for her occasion. She loves working with brides and wedding parties and hopes their experience at Bella’s is a special memory that lasts forever.

so I keep cost in mind without sacrificing quality and style,” she said. “I worked in the finance

industry, and I wasn’t excited about going to work. Now, I look forward to each day and love what I do.”

“There aren’t many stores in Birmingham that offer designer wedding gowns at reasonable prices

403-7977 • bellasalabama.com • 4441 Creekside Ave.

Hoover Sun

B2 • January 2015

Cindy Edmunds

hen Cindy Edmunds and her husband, Kirk, decided to start their own business, they knew their backgrounds would make the perfect combination. While Cindy had experience in sales and marketing, Kirk had a background in information technology. They shared an entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine desire to help people. iFix and Repair opened on June 26, 2012. The business offers repair of smart phones, tablets, laptops and game consoles. It also offers accessories such as phone cases, chargers and headphones. All repairs are made on-site by trained technicians and most repairs are completed in two hours or less. What sets iFix and Repair apart, Cindy said, is their friendly atmosphere and emphasis on customer service. “We’re very honest with our customers and will tell them if there is a better option available,” Cindy said. Our goal is to provide our customers with the most economical solution while minimizing their down time.

Sherry Chen

herry Chen hears over and over again that her customers taste the freshness of the ingredients in Mr. Chen’s Chinese and Taiwanese dishes. The restaurant has been serving traditional, authentic Chinese food on U.S. 31 since 2009. As manager and co-owner, she oversees a combination of spicy Chinese Szechuan cooking style and a light and sweet Taiwanese style. Its best-selling dishes include pan-fried or steamed dumplings, boiled fish in hot oil, eggplant with basil pork, and stir-fried pork with squid. In all they do, Chen’s team strives to provide the best in customer service. This combination of traditional cooking styles creates a flavor similar to the food in parts of southern China. Customers appreciate this authenticity, especially those who have tasted authentic Chinese food before, Chen said. The dishes have also helped her co-owner, Wlung, become less home sick for Taiwan.

988-9555 • ifixriverchase.com 2000 Riverchase Galleria #202

824-8283 • mrchenschineseal.com 1917 Hoover Court

Karen Morgan Jenkins

Kelli Beard

Jenkins’ mother, Bebe Butler Morgan Abner, first opened Hoover Florist on April 1, 1981. Jenkins followed in her mother and grandparents’ footsteps to become a third generation florist.

Park Crest accommodates ceremonies and receptions in both the gardens and their indoor venue. They frequently host dinners, proms, weddings, corporate meetings and Christmas parties, and soon they will be able to host even more with a new addition coming the summer of 2015.

aren Morgan Jenkins knows that a bad day can be turned upside down with something as simple as a beautiful flower arrangement. “Flowers make people happy and I wanted to see people smile,” Jenkins said. At Hoover Florist, Jenkins maintains a full service floral shop, which offers a wide variety of fresh flowers, permanent botanicals, fruit and snack baskets, plants and of course, services for wedding and corporate events.

The shop enjoys giving back to the community with flower donations and advertising with local schools. It also participates in a yearly fundraiser for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. When she is not at Hoover Florist, Jenkins enjoys spending time with her husband, David, and two children, Alyssa and Joel.

823-5273 • hooverflorist.net 1905 Hoover Court

o Kelli Beard, the beautiful view of the mountain at Park Crest Event Facility just screamed “Wedding Venue.”

She had been a stay-at-home mom for many years when she and her husband purchased Park Crest in 2006. They opened the doors April 2007 and have often been referred to as the secret gardens of Hoover.

The Beard’s eldest son, a building science graduate, is designing and building a new 25,000 square-foot venue, The Carriage House. Now Kelli loves working with couples to help them create their dream weddings, and said the best part is making a bride’s dream come true.

822-7275 • parkcrestevents.com 2030 Little Valley Road

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B3

Lea Wolsoncroft

hen a child’s health is improved, everyone in the house is happier. That’s why Lea Wolsoncroft and KidsMeds Pharmacy are there to help. “Kids are not little adults, they have very unique needs,” Wolsoncroft said. “Medication is not a one size fits all when it comes to children.” She opened her pediatric pharmacy, which specializes in family health, on Aug. 13, 2002. KidsMeds can compound medication into a liquid form or a suppository for patients who cannot take commercial medications. They can also compound medications for reflux and other tummy disorders and numbing lollipops for tonsils, mouth ulcers or hand/foot/mouth. Wolsoncroft graduated from the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University. She and her husband, Tom, live in Hoover with their two children. She stays active at Riverchase United Methodist Church and currently serves as the second vice president of the National Community Pharmacists Association.

824-0775 • kidsmedspharmacy.com 1936 Old Orchard Road

Tynette Lynch

ynette Lynch, chief executive officer of Aldridge Gardens, has made her career in tourism for more years then she wants to admit.

She was recently named Tourism Promoter of the Year by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance. She still owns Hospitality Business Solutions Inc, a consulting company, but her favorite topic these days is beautiful Aldridge Gardens. Aldridge Gardens features two event venues that are perfect for small corporate meetings, retreats, educational events and garden weddings. It also has 32-acre lake with walking trails and acres of hydrangeas as well as other native plants. The Gardens are open to the public and do not charge a fee to visit, except for special events. Tynette is married to Pat Lynch and has two grown sons, two stepdaughters and 12 beautiful grandchildren. Their children were raised and educated in Hoover and remain close by.

682-8019 • aldridgegardens.com 2530 Lorna Road

hile most women that engage in Pure Barre classes are physically ready and capable of all the moves, Riverchase owner Shelly Whitlock Smith’s experience was different. On Christmas Eve 2006, she was in a car accident that left her pronounced dead on the scene. After what she calls “miraculous occurrences” over the next two weeks, she gained strength, emerging from the trauma with only partial paralysis in her right arm. “Realizing that I was given a second chance at life and then seeing that Pure Barre allowed me to grow in my areas of my life, I then focused my energy towards making a stronger city of women by building them up, no matter what type of obstacles that they may face,” she said.

Shelly Whitlock Smith

Smith opened the Pure Barre Riverchase in November 2013.

be seen in 10 classes or less.

Pure Barre offers a 55-minute workout that strengthens primary and secondary muscle groups in a fast paced, non impact group setting. The technique lifts the seat, tones muscles and burns fat in record time. Changes in the body can

Today, Smith’s life looks much different than after her accident.

The Riverchase location offers classes between 5:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. seven days a week. It also features a retail area with workout and Barre apparel, jewelry and gift items.

“Now, I am pregnant, and it is an amazing thing to watch God’s transformation in my physical body while I’m able to assist other

women concerned with their health and showing its possible to stay healthy by having a fit pregnancy,” she said.

982-8366 • purebarre.com/al-briverchase/ • 1870 Chace Drive, Suite 100

Mondonna Movahed

inonah International School of Cosmetology holds a sentimental place in Mondonna Movahed’s heart. Besides her interest in making a difference in the lives of enthusiastic and eagerto-learn students, Winonah’s prior owner was Mondonna’s younger sister Bita who passed away in 2009 at age 34. Winonah is one of the first locally owned cosmetology schools to be licensed in the state of Alabama. The business was originally founded in 1984, and it has been in Mondonna’s family since 1998. “We’ve had the opportunity to train hundreds of cosmetologists in the past 30 years, most of whom are now successful business owners, stylists, educators and managers in our state,” Mondonna said. Winonah offers open enrollment for a variety of programs including cosmetology, nail technology, cosmetology instructor, natural hair,

“We’ve had the opportunity to train hundreds of cosmetologists in the past 30 years, most of whom are now successful business owners, stylists, educators and managers in our state.” and manicurist/waxer, and they will soon offer barbering. Winonah currently offers $1,000 off tuition as well as no registration fee for students who enroll by January 31, 2015. The school also delivers personalized, positive guest experiences to keep them coming back. All services are performed in a professional salon setting with an extensive list of hair, skin and nail services available. Among the school’s specialties are high fashion birthday parties for children where the school helps create memorable moments for you to share with your little girl. Over the past few years, Winonah has gone through a lot of changes to

stay current with the ever-changing trends in the hair and beauty industry. Winonah recently celebrated the grand opening of its new & modern facility on December 9 in Hoover with dozens of staff, students, associates, family members and Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors. “We are so proud of what we have accomplished so far at Winonah. I am so fortunate to have the support of my family and friends every step of the way,” Mondonna said. “I strongly encourage you to visit Winonah, tour our facility, talk to the students and instructors, and see all that the Winonah International School of Cosmetology School has to offer.”

870-8761 • winonah.net • 1870 Chace Drive, Suite 140

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B5

Donna Tippins

lifelong dream became reality in 2014 when Donna Tippins opened her own store, Mainstreet Monograms & More, in the Patton Creek shopping center. “I’ve monogrammed for more than 20 years,” she said. “Working out of my home was fine until one night, well after 10:00, I was opening my front door to someone who was picking up a custom order. I knew then that I had enough business to venture out on my own.” Donna loves what she does, and she has made many loyal customers over the years.“We take great pride in our work, and we strive to carry the lines people want,” she said as she took a moment to chat with another longtime customer. “I feel we are providing a service and experience that people appreciate.” That is evident by the hustle and bustle of her store, just months after opening for business.

Avani and Rupa Patel

upa Patel always had a flair for fashion, jewelry and selling. She began her career as an Avon saleswoman in 1988, and took the risk of transitioning from a homemaker to a business owner when she opened Reflections Diamond Jewelry in 2005. At her store, Patel offers custom designed pieces at great prices for any occasion. Her daughter Avani joined the team when she was 17 years old. After completing her bachelor’s degree in accounting at Birmingham Southern College in 2011, Avani began working full time at Reflections Diamond Jewelry. Shortly after, she moved to Carlsbad, Calif. to complete her industry classes in jewelry. She graduated in December 2012 from the Gemological Institute of America in Graduate Gemology, Jewelry Design and CAD/CAM. This mother daughter duo stands ready to storm the industry with their innovative ideas and one of a kind custom designer jewelry.

444-8989 • 160 Main St., Suite 116

205-982-4888 • www.reflectionsdiamond.com 1845 Montgomery Highway, Suite 225

Sarah Brown, Terry Shea

Mary Lou Kunka

rapsody is a unique and trendy gift shop that truly celebrates the joy of giving!

Sarah Brown and Terry Shea started Wrapsody from a conversation during a girls’ lunch date and from their mutual desire to bring a cute and trendy gift shop to the Hoover community. It opened in Patton Creek in 2014 and now has a second location in downtown Auburn. Wrapsody was created by friends and is sustained by friends. The name Wrapsody is a take on the word “rhapsody,” which means enthusiasm, bliss and joy, all of which were a part of the creation and daily activities of this store. Wrapsody was voted Best Gift Store and Customer Service in the Hoover Sun’s Best of Hoover contest in 2013. It specializes in seasonal and home décor, personal gifts and state pride items and carries exclusive lines of jewelry, luggage, pottery, candles and apparel.

989-7277 • wrapsodyonline.com 161 Main St., Suite 127

istinguishing between work and play can be a challenge for Mary Lou Kunka. The owner of Lou Lou’s, a boutique in Patton Creek, loves what she does: outfitting women with colorful dresses and jewelry, monogramming a variety of items, and bringing new and unique gift items to Hoover. “More than one mother has shopped with us who said this was their best shopping experience with their daughters,” Kunka said. “It’s fun to be able to offer a fun shopping experience to so many people.” With many years’ experience in retail sales, including stints with large department stores, Kunka is able to manage the supply side of the business while her personality makes customers feel like family as soon as they walk into her store. “There isn’t a single day that passes that we don’t laugh and have a good time,” said Kunka. “Our customers need to be comfortable while shopping and feel like they can be themselves.”

982-5117 • shopatloulous.com 160 Main Street, Suite 128

Hoover Sun

B6 • January 2015

Dr. Kasey Davis

asey Davis’ family of six influenced her decision to go into dentistry even before they were around. Early on she knew she wanted to go into an area of medicine because she loved studying everything about the human body. She shadowed multiple doctors in undergrad, but every specialty she tried held extremely challenging hours. Knowing she would want a large family, and time to spend with them, she tried shadowing a pediatric dentist. Her pursuit led to Davis opening her own office in August of 2014. Kasey Davis Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for all ages, toddler to senior citizens, and family is still a major influence at her practice. She chose Bluff Park to create a family-friendly environment where people can feel at home. Dr. Davis truly loves what she does and feels blessed she is able to stay passionate about what she does on a daily basis.

Julie Davis, Carissa Fikes, Stephanie Grissom, Emma Duplechain

he team in Dr. Preston Reynolds’ dentistry office makes patients and their smiles their top priority.

Julie Davis has enjoyed helping and making patients feel welcome as the practice’s office manager for 17 years. Her two children are graduates of Hoover schools, and she is a new grandmother. She also sings in the choir at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. Hygienist Carissa Fikes happened to fall into dentistry and has loved caring for patients and developing relationships with them for the past 23 years. Fellow hygienist Stephanie Grissom has always found the field of dentistry interesting. She and her husband have a dog and cat. Newer to the practice, Emma Duplechain was originally Reynolds’ patient as a 3 year old and now loves her role providing patient care during restorative procedures. All of these ladies are proud to be a part of Dr. Reynolds’ team.

Preston L. Reynolds, D.M.D. 822-7277 • kaseydavisdentistry.com 589 Shades Crest Road, Suite A

823-0723 • plreynolds.com 1235 Blue Ridge Blvd., Suite 117

honda Evans enjoys her job because she knows that she is providing an excellent product at a great price. As a GEICO Insurance Agent, Evans combines her love of working with people with that of community involvement, sport involvement and marketing. Evans has been Birmingham’s GEICO Insurance Agent since February of 2004. Her company provides insurance for auto, motorcycle, ATV, RV, boat, home and renters. Evans has received two insurance designations including Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Certified Insurance Counselor. After graduating from Hale County High School in Moundville, Evans earned her bachelor’s degree from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. Prior to working with GEICO in Birmingham, she worked in commercial insurance sales for two years and worked for GEICO in Honolulu for nine years. An avid fan of the outdoors, she is especially fond of biking and participating in sports activities

Rhonda Evans with her family. Evans and her husband, Tim, have two children, Nicholas, 9, and Amber, 7.

She is also active with the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama

and The Mal Moore Memorial Golf Tournament.

She has always enjoyed giving back to the community. Most recently, Evans helped to organize a 3K fun run benefitting Angel Tree and a motorcycle ride benefitting pediatric brain tumor research.

824-4449 • geico.com/insurance-agents/alabama/birmingham/rhonda-evans/ • 3301 Lorna Road, Suite 2

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B7

School House

Simmons Student Advisory Council members load contributions as part of the canned food drive they helped organize. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Bueche.

Simmons Middle School students give back to the community E arlier this winter, the Simmons Middle School’s Student Advisory Council ( SAC) gave back to the community by collecting cans for the needy and participating in an ext ensive cleanup on school grounds and surrounding areas. SAC members gave up two hours of their weekend to clean up debris around the stadium area and pick up sticks and pinecones in an effo t to lean o t owe eds a o nd the school. They also cleaned up trash along the property line adjacent to The Preserve and

from the various parking lot areas and from the tennis courts. All in all, the work of the SAC did much to improve the appearance of the school and surrounding areas and taught the st dents the enefit of wo in to ethe fo a common goal. In addition, over a two week period, a canned drive sponsored by the SAC collected more than 2,500 cans. It took two vanloads to haul the canned goods away to an organiz ation that distributes them to the many needy people in the area.

DeMarco presents playground funding to Bluff Park Elementary PTO

Paul DeMarco recently presented the Bluff Park Elementary PTO with a $1,000 donation, which will be used to build a shade structure on the playground. Pictured from left to right are Paul DeMarco, Sharon Pierson, Georgia Pearson, Michelle Grant, Karyn McRee, Mandy Black and Kadence Black. Photo courtesy of Michel O’Brien.

Chromebook mania has hit Hoover Thousands of the Google, cloud-based devices now sit in the hands of Hoover students as part of the latest installment of the school system’s 1:1 program, the E ngaged L earning Initiative ( E L I) . In late N ovember, Hoover City Schools’ technology staff distributed the last of the Chromebooks to Hoover’s ten elementary schools. “ As soon as they saw the tech coaches coming into the classroom with the Chromebooks, they were so exc ited. This really is a game-changer in many ways for how they will learn,” teacher E liz abeth Gilmore said. HCS E L I project lead Alyssa Hare coordinated many aspects of the Chromebook rollout. “ We’ve put a lot of work into it. We’ve tried

to make it as easy as possible on the teachers. We want to make it fun, we don’t want to make it work,” Hare said. HCS technology integration coordinator K elli L ane works daily with educators across Hoover City Schools. Her goal with this Google project is to drive home the usefulness of the Chromebook and its related educational applications, a process that started well before the 2013-14 school year. “ We’ve been working hard all summer on this process preparing our teachers. So what we did is we brought in a team from each school – and called them the ‘ E L I facilitators.’ We worked with them all summer long on how to use the Chromebooks in their classrooms and how that can impact their kids instructionally.” -Submitted by Hoover City Schools

B8 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Ringing in the New Year Students share their 2015 resolutions

“My New Year’s resolution is to not play video games for one day.” Phillip Retzer, fifth grade, Rocky Ridge Elementary School

“I want to be an even better student for 2015. Maybe by being a good example for the kindergartners.” Ella Hartman, fourth grade, Green Valley Elementary School

“I would like to do more community service.” Michael Ford, fifth grade, Green Valley Elementary School

“I would like to make the world better in general by helping people.”

“My New Year’s resolution is to play outside more.”

“My New Year’s resolution is to make the A/B Honor Roll.”

Maxwell Wainwright, fourth grade, Green Valley Elementary School

Canon Shaw, fourth grade, Rocky Ridge Elementary School

Allison Smith, fifth grade, Rocky Ridge Elementary School

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B9

Deer Valley Elementary hosts a fashion show

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Nicole Stokes, Ami Weems, Jan Curtis, Lauren Boyd, Alexandra Imaghodoor, Dr. Wayne Richardson at the Deer Valley Elementary fashion show. Photos courtesy of Amanda Knerr.

The Student Council of Deer Valley E lementary School presented the “ Think Pink” fashion show enefitin the san o en o ndation in o e e he a ti i ants sele ted thei own atti e feat in the olo in he e ent was e eed o anne of The show kicked off with L auren Boyd, aile owlin a li ans nna elle e a e ho and etse tte lin sin in hin in he fashion show feat ed a a iet of o tfits in l din d esses nit

o tfits as al o tfits and s o ts atti e t the end of the fashion show east cancer survivors were presented with pink oses an tis a tea he at ee alle who is entl attlin east an e was hono ed in a slide show hi hli htin he o a eo s fi ht le and a a hodoo f o the san o en o ndation e ei ed a he f o representatives from the Student Council as well as f o a ne i ha dson and i ee s o e than was aised f o this e ent

HCS Law Academy earns distinction in New York City competition he ain a i h hool aw adhad an i essi e showin in the ie o ial o ld ha ionshi in ew o it he a ade et ned ho e with the hono s of tstandin itness li ia ide and tstandin tto ne h istina a hlin ide a f esh an had an e otional o t a al of a ie in widow a hlin a senio and aw ade tea a tain was e io sl e o ni ed as tstandin itness at the ational i h hool ha ionshi in a he aw ade o eted e

a ainst fo t tea s in l din thi teen fellow state ha ions and si national ha ions his in l ded tea s f o o th o ea on on eland the nited in do st alia and anada ll st dents we e i essi e in the o t oo aw ade o di e to i a said hese st dents end ed a elin s hed le to a o lish a lot e a e e o d of the a o di e ts the ain a i h hool aw ade with ai ho son -Submitted by Hoover City Schools

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Prince of Peace students take part in Columbus Challenge day

During Columbus Challenge day, every grade had exploration-themed events that focused on famous trailblazers and geography. Using maps made by famed explorers e is an ark an o asses the oun stu ents a e it to the a i ean an back to class in time for lunch. Photo courtesy of Jill Spero.

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B10 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Sports

Threepeat oh so sweet for Bucs Hoover sets tone early, powers past Prattville for 7A state title By DAVID KNOX It’s a threepeat for the Hoover Bucs. Josh N iblett’s battle-tested and burnished anee s won the fi st lass state own and their third straight state championship by pounding Prattville 35-21 Dec. 3, in the opening a e of the la a a i h hool thleti ssoiation e ha ionshi s at o dan a e tadi ll we tal ed a o t this wee was e let s be 1-0,’” N iblett said of the Bucs’ focus. “ [ It] had nothing to do with any of the games that have come before or anything that’s coming after it. “ We’re blessed to have the opportunity not only to win a state championship, but it’s not just about winning a state championship. It’s about ha in the o o t nit to wa e this o nin and a e the ost of what we do i lett said e tal to o ids a o t winnin the da e e da so e e wee s a diffe ent hallen e e e wee s a diffe ent o o t nit st o d of o ids o d of o oa hes and thei effort.” It is the Bucs’ 11th state title and fourth in the past 10 years, furthering their spectacular run as not the to foot all o a in la a a as t also one of the most elite programs in the nation. But it was ext ra sweet to dispatch Prattville, which had defeated Hoover 35-34 in the 2011 final and held a e o d in fi e e io s head to head eetin s in state final a es

he Hoover u aneers are oise to hear the of ia announ e ent that the are tro h . Photo by Barry Stephenson Time Capsule Images

The Bucs ( 12-2) set the tone on the opening drive, going 80 yards in 12 plays to score the a e s fi st to hdown he d i e l inated with a t heson s a d ass to ti ht end in o on thi d and oal defensi e

ass

holding penalty and a pass interference call were sandwiched around a Hutcheson-to-L eona d ood a d ass la and a ad n by Marcus Webb. With trips receivers to the i ht o fo nd hi self o en to the left and

state ha

ions an re eive their

Hutcheson’s pass found him in the end z one. nte h ith s a e the sa lead with 6:23 left in the opening quarter.

Continued on next page

HooverSun.com The L ions ( 11-3) came roaring back. Pratt ille a te a eith ashin ton assed 39 yards to Seth K notts down to the Bucs’ 29. The L ions option game moved the ball down to the 2, but on fourth-and-goal, Washington was stopped cold dead for no gain by linebacker Jeremiah Moon who had 10 stops on the night, including one for loss. “ It was huge,” N iblett said. “ The thing was they hit us on a couple of things to get down there, but we were able to stiffen our necks there and make a huge stop there. “ There’s not many teams, especially in high s hool foot all whe e the all s fi st and oal from the 1 and you get stops to get them off the field hat was a i o ent shift in the game.” The Bucs punted from their end z one, and the L ions set up shop on the Hoover 42. But after Prattville moved the ball to the 33, the Bucs defense stiffened again and forced a punt into the end z one. After another defensive holding call on Prattville, Hutcheson hit Alex E lam for a 27-yard gain to the L ions 41. O n a third-and-3 from the 20, Webb cracked through the middle and cut to the left pylon for a touchdown with eight minutes left in the half. The drive covered 80 yards in six pl ays. After the Bucs forced a three-and-out, they got the ball back on their 40 with 3:53 left in the half. The Bucs went 60 yards in six plays. Webb got loose for 23 yards, and then Bradrick Shaw broke off a 24-yard run to the efo e finishin it off oin off ta le fo the TD on the next play. Schmith’s kick made it 21-0 with 2:04 left in the half. Prattville took the kick and went 80 yards th o h the ai the final on a ashin ton-to-K notts connection. AJ Reed’s PAT cut the lead to 21-7 with 1:24 left in the half. But that jubilation was short-lived for L ions fans. The Bucs put together what N iblett called the biggest drive of the game, going 80 yards in six plays in just over a minute. t heson fo nd ood o en dee on a route for a 41-yard score and the Schmith ex tra point made it 28-7 with 20 seconds left before the break, and for all intents and

January 2015 • B11 purposes, the game was over. Prattville took the second-half kickoff and converted a fourth-and-2, and then Washington hit K notts for 57 yards to the Buc 1. Washington scored on third-and-goal and Reed hit the point to end the 67-yard, nine-play drive and cut the lead to 28-14 with 7:44 left in the third. But as before, the Bucs answered. They too thei fi st ossession of the half and faced with a third-and-9 at their 40, Hutcheson found E lam wide open for a 30-yard pickup. Hutcheson hit E lam for 10 more, and then on the nex t play, Shaw started around left end, an into t affi and e e sed field fo a ad score. Schmith’s PAT made it 35-14 with 5:10 left in the thi d a te An ex change of punts left Prattville with ood field osition at the s with left. A 17-yard Washington-to Derek Gappa pass moved the ball to the 17 but on fourth down Washington’s pass intended for K notts was incomplete. The L ions got the ball back at their 45 when Desmond Martin intercepted a Hutcheson pass after E lam was knocked loose from the ball. E lam suffered a ruptured spleen on the play. That led to a consolation score for the L ions. Washington hooked up with Gappa for a 25-yard TD and the PAT made it 35-21 with 4:51 left. Prattville’s last gasp ended when P.J. Hall picked off a pass with 1:50 left, and the Bucs ran out the clock. The Bucs, who started the season 0-2 after losses to national powers Miami ( Fla.) Central and ol itt o nt a fo nd thei identity and senior leadership to bounce back from what o ld ha e een a diffi lt season with so many expe ctations on their heads, N iblett said. e who finished with a ds on 22 carries, was named the game’s MVP. Shaw racked up 101 yards on 19 carries and Hutcheson was 9-of-15 for 150 yards. The Bucs had 394 yards of total offense to the L ions’ 371. Washington was 11-of-23 passing for 267 yards.

‘Pound the rock’ Bucs’ dynamic duo running game too much for Lions By DAVID KNOX Hoover’s offense seemed to be in search of its identity early in the Bucs’ football season. Turns out, it was pretty simple. “ O ur game plan all year was pound the rock, pound the ball,” said running back Marcus Webb. The Bucs certainly did that in the Class 7A state championship game against Prattville. Webb, named the game’s most valuable player, rushed for 153 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. Fellow running back Bradrick Shaw rushed for 101 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. The two seniors were virtually unstoppable in the Bucs’ 35-21 win. Prattville won the coin toss and deferred. That turned out to play into the Bucs’ hands. “ I think the biggest thing was once they decided to defer and we took the ball we knew we were going to have to try to establish to try to establish the run game a little bit,” Hoover coach Josh N iblett said. “ But we had some shots we wanted to be able to take in the throwing game.” The Bucs went 80 yards in 13 plays, eatin half of the fi st a te h of the damage came on the ground, 10 running plays, the longest being a 17-yard run by Webb. That opened up the play-action game, a 15-yarder from Jack Hutcheson to L eonard Wood being the big play. The touchdown came on a 7-yard pass from Hutcheson to Q uincy Cox. Hoover led 7-0 and never trailed. The two backs each now have state championship game MVP honors, as Shaw was the 2013 MVP.

“ I can’t say enough about them,” N iblett said he e two of the ost nselfish ids I’ve ever been around, but they’re also two of the biggest competitors I’ve ever been around, too… They try to outdo each other in practice every day, but at the same time they respect each other so much, they’re brothers. When you see one score, the other one is probably happier than the one that’s scored.” N iblett said each of the backs brings something a little different to the table and that he didn’t think either one of them would want to play without the other one. He also credited assistant coach Jason K ervin for keeping them fresh. “ These two are so durable,” N iblett said, “ and people don’t write about this much. But when you touch the ball as much as these two do and don’t turn the ball over, have eat all se it and a e a le to finish games and not have injuries over two years, [ it] is second to none. And these guys have never missed a game. So I’m very proud of that.” Hoover’s offensive line, led by seniors Chance Pruitt, Z iggy Arledge and Alex Horn, dominated the line of scrimmage all night, giving Webb and Shaw wide running lanes. The Bucs made some adjustments, N iblett said, as Prattville tried to overplay the outside running lanes. “ We had a game plan of trying to do some things out on the perimeter, and we adjusted that just a little bit because they overplayed us to the perimeter. The game plan was to do what we’ve been doing, stick with our identity that we’ve had.”

Hoover Sun

B12 • January 2015

Hoover’s Johnson catches game-winning TD in Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game Spain Park’s Jackson leads defense By DAVID KNOX Hoover High’s Justin Johnson helped the Bucs keep their state-title streak alive. He did the same thing, in an even more dramatic way, for the Alabama All-Stars. Johnson hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline on the final la of the a e to lift the Alabama team over the Mississippi All-Stars 36-30 in the 28th battle between the high school stars from each state. It was the seventh straight win for the Alabama stars and their 21st in the series. The game was played Dec. 13 at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. The game was tied 30-all with nine seconds remaining when Foley quarterback Tyler Cameron hooked up with Johnson, who caught three passes for 49 yards. “ Coach [ Jamey Dubose of Phenix City Central] had been talking with us all week about how important it was to bring it back to the state,” Johnson said. “ We just kind of stuck with it. It got down to the end [ and was a] tie game. We had to make a big play.” Mississippi looked like it would end the streak, jumping out to a 14-3 lead after one quarter and building a 28-17 halftime lead. But Alabama took the lead when Mountain Brook’s Jacob Carroll threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jalen Harris with 5:10 to play in the third quarter. Mississippi tied it up on a safety with 3:22 to go in the period, and the game remained tied until Johnson’s heroics. Defensive back Michael Jackson of Spain Park led an Alabama defense that didn’t allow a second-half touchdown. Jackson made 11 solo tackles and 12 overall with one for a loss. Hoover’s Darrell Wilson had three tackles and broke up a pass and fellow Buc Christian Bell had one tackle and a half-sack.

Hoover’s Justin Johnson (1) takes off on a route.

Junior Olympics cross-country event returns to Hoover in 2016 BY DAVID KNOX U SATF Alabama has been awarded the 2016 N ational Junior O lympics Cross-country Championship to be held at Hoover’s Veteran’s Park on Valleydale Road in Shelby County. The event, which has been held at the same location in has own si nifi antl in si e The N ational Cross-country Championship is expe cted to have nearly a thousand more entries than in 2010, totaling more than 3,000 runners between the ages of 8-18 from all over the country. Attendance will include the runners plus coaches and families and fans, potentially topping 10,000. The day-long event will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. U SATF Alabama has partnered once again with the city of Hoover, Shelby County and the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors bureau, all of whom sponsored the event in 2010. “ Bringing this exc iting national competition back to Alaa a e e ts the ational onfiden e in the s onsors and their hospitality and the quality of the cross-country course at Veteran’s Park,” said Molly McGregor, president of U SATF Alabama. “ The city of Hoover is proud to be chosen as the host site for the U SATF Junior O lympics Cross-country N ational Championships at Veterans Park,” said Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey. “ We look forward to welcoming the participants, staff and fans to the city for this prestigious event that will feature some of the most talented junior athletes in the nation. O ur staff will work ha d with the lo al o ani in o ittee to ens e this is a memorable expe rience for both the athletes and attendees.” Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock welcomed the opportunity because of the success of the 2010 Championships. “ Shelby County is ex tremely pleased to host the U SATF N ational Junior O lympics. This is another ex ceptional national event coming to Shelby County, made possible through the collaborative effort among public and governmental entities. Shelby County and the city of Hoover’s common goal is to boost economic impact with regional and national tourism initiatives, and we expe ct thousands of cross-country enthusiasts to enjoy all the amenities of our area during their stay.”

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B13

Becoming a legend Hoover resident honored at SEC Championship By JE

SSA PE ASE

Becoming a legend was never the eighth-grade boy’s game plan— he just wanted to play football. Bobby Humphrey was a great backyard football player, but his mother wouldn’t let him play on a team. So when Humphrey was in eighth grade, he joined a team without telling her, and he got away with it for about three wee s ntil his fi st a e e e it is fi st all a e e e in my life,” Humphrey said. “ I scored three touchdowns, led the team in tackles, had an interception and I got the MVP on offense, defense and special teams.” But it was a bittersweet victory because he knew his mother would be angry when he got home— it was after dark and he had been playing football. Standing in the doorway to his house, Humphrey presented his mother with his three trophies, and to his surprise, his mother wasn’t angry. “ She said there was something about the look I had in my eyes, that I really had a desire to do something,” he said. “ She let me play from that day forward, and she said it’s the best thing she could’ve done.” Humphrey went on to play football at the U niversity of Alabama and was a fi st o nd d aft i the en e

Bobby Humphrey spoke about his experiences in football at the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s annual Diamond Awards. Photo by Jessa Pease.

Broncos. N ow, he is an SE C Football L egend. The legends are part of an annual award program designed

to honor outstanding former college football players from each of the conference’s 14 member institutions.

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Referred for a reason.

“ My dream was to play football, and it led me to many different things,” Humphrey said. “ Things

are still happening just from a little kid who wanted to play ball. I never thought in my wildest dreams that my name would be associated with the word legend.” The Hoover resident was honored on the field efo e la a a and issouri played for the SE C Championshi title on e e e esented the U niversity of Alabama for his years as a running back under coach Ray Perkins from 1985 to 1988. Humphrey set the single-season rushing record in with a ds and finished 10th in the running for the Heisman Trophy. e was the fi st la e to e e si n a i ision s hola shi to la football out of Glenn High School in i in ha and was fi st noti ed an Alabama fan during a game his sophomore year. Although Glenn was down by a lot, Humphrey’s run for an 80-yard touchdown made an impression. Humphrey attributes his success to his strong desire to play football. “ I’m telling you, every one of those 14 guys that are going to be sitting on that stage honored as legends this weekend, none of those guys set out to be legends,” he said. “ But they are going to feel really good about the results.”

B14 • January 2015

Hoover Sun

Q&A With

Myra Miles Former Hoover High School athletic director By DAVID KNOX Myra Miles retired as Hoover High School athletics director last summer after a 30-year career in public school service and athletics. In N ovember, she was elected to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. She will be inducted in Montgomery at a ceremony in March. Professionally, she has accepted a position with TN T Fireworks. As she departs the Hoover High scene -- lite all in a la e of fi ewo s as a display went off after the Bucs’ Class 7A State Football Championship at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn -- she shared a few thoughts.

When you started out your coaching career at Haleyville did you have any idea you’d someday be in the AHSAA Hall of Fame? N ever in a million years did I think I would be inducted into the AHSAA Hall of Fame when my career began.

When you accepted the position as Hoover High athletics director, things were a little rocky after football coach Rush Propst left. You’d been there as a

coach and teacher and knew what you were getting into. What gave you the confidence that you could succeed in such a high-pressure situation at such a visible program? It all goes back to having a great coaching staff as well as outstanding administrative support from so an eo le e it was diffi lt at ti es t what o isn t diffi lt My passion has always been to help others, and I have stayed true to that since my career began. When you are helping others, in return others are always there to help you!

Football is king in Alabama, and certainly Hoover High has turned into a national brand because of it. Are the football rites what you’re proudest of during your time as AD? L et me say that I am ex tremely proud of everything our football program has accomplished in Alabama and also what our kids and coaches have achieved on the national stage. But what I am the proudest of is that our entire boys and girls programs have also exc elled in the state. Hands down, Hoover High School has the strongest athletic program in the state. E very single team, boys and girls, are

competing in the top 10 each and every year. O ur football team drives the train but all of our other sports are on the track with them.

What was the best advice anyone gave you when you took the position? What advice did you give Andy Urban as your replacement? Best advice anyone gave me was to be consistent and allow your coaches to run their programs. I told Andy to do the same thing basically. L et the coaches know you are there for them but let them run their program. Above all, I stressed to him to support each and every team the same way. Always do what is best for kids and e e thin will e fine

Q A

What will you miss most about Hoover High? And will you continue to live here? Honestly, what I miss the most is offi e staff oa h an Mr. Hulin and our great assistant principals. But not seeing my coaches and the kids every day really was the toughest adjustment. I love my Hoover Buc family. For now I will still live here but will eventually move to Florence.

Myra Miles retired as Hoover High School athletics director last summer after a 30-year career in public school service and athletics. In November, she was elected to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Jason Gaston.

Q A

What’s next on the horizon for you? (Obviously it’s TNT Fireworks, but I’ll let you explain that.) I am very ex cited about one of our newest fundraising programs. We will be launching this program in March with schools, churches and non ofit o s

Have you closed the door on athletics administration or coaching again? You’re still a very young 53.

I can’t say I will close the door to athletic administration, but right now my only focus is being the best VP of Business Development that I can be. I have been blessed my entire career. I have always surrounded myself with people that are a lot smarter than me and also have a passion for helping others. Andy an and his assistant isa id an are doing a fantastic job, and I am so proud of them. They will continue to lead the entire athletic program upward to great things.

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B15

Spain Park’s Jackson leads defense as Alabama stars beat Mississippi

Jags defeat Panthers

By DAVID KNOX Spain Park defensive back might not have gotten as much ink as some of Hoover Bucs defensive stars, but the future Miami Hurricane showed off his skills in front of a TV audience in the Alabama-Mississippi AllStar Game. Jackson made 12 tackles including one for a loss to lead the Alabama team to its seventh straight win in the series. It was a Buccaneer on offense who made the big play, though. Hoover’s Justin Johnson hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline on the final play of the game to lift the Alabama team over the Mississippi All-Stars 36-30 in the 28th battle between the high school stars from each state. Alabama leads the series 21-7. The game was played Dec. 13 at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. The game was tied 30-all with nine seconds remaining when Foley quarterback Tyler Cameron hooked up with Johnson, who caught three passes for 49 yards. Mississippi looked like it would end the streak, jumping out to a 14-3 lead after one quarter and building a 28-17 halftime lead. But Alabama took the lead when Mountain Brook’s Jacob

Michael Jackson (9) leaps to block a kick for Spain Park.

Carroll threw a 7-yard TD pass to Jalen Harris with 5:10 to play in the third period. Mississippi tied it up on a safety with 3:22 to go in the third quarter, setting the stage for Johnson’s endof-game heroics. Jackson led an Alabama defense

that didn’t allow a second-half touchdown. Hoover’s Darrell Wilson had three tackles and broke up a pass and fellow Buc Christian Bell had one tackle and a half-sack. Spain Park coach Shawn Raney was an assistant for the Alabama team.

Claire Holt dribbles the ball up the court for Spain Park in a game against Pelham. The Lady Jags won this game 49-44, rallying from 10 points down in the fourth quarter. Photo by Ted Melton.

B16 â&#x20AC;˘ January 2015

Hoover Sun

Hoover

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

616832

35226

1038 Valley Crest Drive

New

$347,000

616544

35226

5407 Whisperwood Circle Unit# 35

New

$144,900

616822

35226

200 Sheffield Ct Unit# 26

New

$179,900

616725

35226

3117 Spruce Drive

New

$214,900

616449

35226

782 Highland Manor Court

New

$290,000

616883

35244

5192 Park Trace Drive

New

$339,000

616832

35226

1038 Valley Crest Drive

New

$347,000

616748

35244

5246 Park Side Circle Unit# 100

New

$370,000

616161

35216

3101 Lorna Road Unit# 1317

New

$54,900

616269

35226

1703 Patton Creek Lane Unit# 1703

New

$65,000

616347

35226

4480 Preserve Drive

New

$600,000

616251

35244

611 Riverhaven Place Unit# 611

New

$154,900

616435

35244

125 Paradise Lake Road

New

$204,900

616672

35226

2516 Montauk Road

New

$419,900

614720

35244

5993 Lake Cyrus Drive

New

$239,900

616341

35226

3442 Birchtree Drive

New

$259,900

616332

35244

5712 Park Side Pass

New

$264,900

616293

35244

1700 Chace Drive

New

$329,500

616098

35244

5828 Chestnut Trace

New

$429,900

616195

35216

3428 Meadow Woods Drive

New

$151,600

Real estate listings sent to Hoover Sun by Vinnie Alonzo of RE/MAX Advantage South between Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. Agents and agency vary by property.

1038 Valley Crest Drive

4480 Preserve Drive

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B17

Community Calendar Hoover Public Library 200 Municipal Lane 444-7800

Adults Jan. 4: Global Cuisine @ the Plaza: Cuba. 2:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Coffee-ol-ogy Café presents free programs on food and coffee from around the world. Complimentary samples provided. Call 444-7821. Jan. 5: Friends of the Hoover Library. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. State of the City Address with Mayor Gary Ivey of Hoover. Free and open to the public. Refreshments at 9:45 a.m. Call 444-7840. Jan. 8: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Long Man by Amy Greene. Call 444-7820.

documentaries that explore life in England’s historic manor houses, including the estate seen on PBS’s Downton Abbey (TV-PG, 60 minutes each). Free admission and refreshments. Call 444-7840.

Jan. 21: No Jacket Required Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Plaza Reading Room. This month’s genre: Alabama Authors. Call 4447840.

Jan. 12: Neuroscience Café: Traumatic Brain Injury. 6:30 p.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Presented by the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center. Free. Call 444-7840.

Jan. 22: Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group. 7 p.m. Allen Board Room. The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs. Call 444-7816.

Jan. 13: Daytime Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Adult Programming Room. The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor by Mark Seal. Call 444-7816.

Jan. 10: Purl @ the Plaza with Free Beginner’s Knitting Lessons. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Plaza Reading Room. Call 444-7821 to register.

Jan. 13: Glue Gun Gang: Inspiration Board. 6:30 p.m. Adult Programming Room. Get inspired to stick to your New Year’s resolutions by collaging your goals and dreams. Adults only. Free. Reservations required. Call 444-7840.

Jan. 10: Purl @ the Plaza. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Library Plaza. New year, new projects. Bring your yarn to knit, crochet or embroider. Call 444-7821.

Jan. 15: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Long Man by Amy Greene. Call 444-7820.

Jan. 12: Coupon Swap. 10 a.m. Nonfiction Department. Bring coupons you don’t need and swap for ones you do. Call 444-7840.

Jan. 15: Glue Gun Gang: Inspiration Board. 10:30 a.m. Adult Programming Room. Get inspired to stick to your New Year’s resolutions by collaging your goals and dreams. Adults only. Free. Reservations required. Call 444-7840.

Jan. 12: Helping Hands. 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Adult Programming Room. Make newspaper rolls for a local humane society. Teens and adults. Call 4447840. Jan. 12: Secrets of Highclere Castle and Secrets of the Manor House. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre. Join us for a pair of

Jan. 15: Getting Unstuck. 7 p.m. Adult Programming Room. New psychological research looks at how we get stuck and, more importantly, our best chance to get unstuck. Prepare to be surprised and motivated. Presented by Psychology for the Real World’s Octavia Kuransky. Call 444-7816.

Jan. 22: Diane Schuur. 8 p.m. The Library Theatre. Grammy Award winner. Tickets $25. Call 444-7888. Jan. 23: After Hours @ the Plaza: Game Nite. 7 p.m. -10 p.m. Library Plaza. Put your game face on and meet up with your fellow gamers. Call 444-7821. Jan. 23: Diane Schuur. 8 p.m. The Library Theatre. Grammy Award winner. Tickets $25. Call 444-7888. Jan. 24: Get Organized – Finally! 11 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. From time management to to-do lists, make this the year you get on track. Presented by Lisa Phillips, SimpleWorks. Call 444-7840. Jan. 25: Christophe Jackson. 2:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Call 444-7821. Jan. 26: Monday at the Movies. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre. Eleven jurors are convinced that the defendant is guilty of murder. The twelfth has no doubt of his innocence (NR, 96 minutes). Free admission and refreshments. Call 444-7820.

Jan. 29: Rosewood. 6:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Acoustic trio of banjo, guitar and bass featuring tight vocal harmonies. Call 444-7820. Jan. 31: Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Share your literary works and network with other aspiring writers. Call 444-7820.

Teens Jan. 12: Helping Hands. 3 p.m. Join us in making newspaper rolls for a local humane society. Jan. 20: Book Club and Pizza. 6:30 p.m. We are starting a book club for teens who like to read, discuss books and socialize. Grades 7-12.

Kids Jan. 10: How to Train Your Dragon. 10:30 a.m. Vikings and dragons unite in this fun-filled program for all ages. Jan. 12: This Just In! 6:30 p.m. A new-books book club for grades 4-6. Jan. 13: Play Along with Olaf. 6:30 p.m. Come play games, make crafts and have refreshments with Olaf. All ages. Jan. 23: Lego. 4:30 p.m. Registration begins Jan. 9. Grades 4-6. Jan. 27: Lego. 4:30 p.m. Registration begins Jan. 9. Grades 1-3.

B18 â&#x20AC;˘ January 2015

Moonlight on the Mountain

Hoover Sun

Community Calendar Hoover City Council

585 Shades Crest Road moonlightonthemtn.com

Hoover City Hall 100 Municipal Lane, 444-7557

Jan. 3: Steve Forbert. $20. Jan. 5: Open Mic Grand Playoff. $5. Jan. 8: Jim Hurst. $15. Jan. 9: Rick Carter and Friends.

Jan. 1: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third oor. Jan. 1: Board of Zoning Adjustments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Regular Scheduled Meeting. 7:30

p.m. Hoover City Hall, third oor. Jan. 5: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third oor.

Jan. 15: City Council Work Session. 5 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third oor. Jan. 19: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Hoover City Hall, third oor.

Jan. 10: Claudia Nygaard and TBA. Jan. 15: Brother Sun. $15. Jan. 16: Adam and Chris Carroll and TBA.

Hoover Events

Jan. 17: Beth Patterson with opener Marc Gunn. Jan. 18: Three on a String. $20. Jan. 19: Open Mic Night. $5. Jan. 22: The Kate and Corey Band. Jan. 23: Dana Cooper with opener Donna Brooks. $15. Jan. 25: Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart. $15. Jan. 29: The Andrew Duhan Trio and Caroline Spence. Jan. 31: The Ricky J. Taylor Band. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and cost $12 unless otherwise stated.

Jan. 16: Hoover High School Varsity Basketball vs. Oak Mountain. Girls 6 p.m. Boys 7:30 p.m. Hoover High School.

Jan. 24: Hoover High School Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Mountain Brook. 7:45 p.m. Hoover High School.

Jan. 20: Hoover High School Varsity Basketball vs. Tuscaloosa County. Girls 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Hoover High School.

Jan. 27: Hoover High School Varsity Basketball vs. Oak Mountain. Girls 6 p.m. Boys 7:30 p.m. Spain Park High School.

Jan. 20: Spain Park High School Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Mountain Brook. 6 p.m. Spain Park High School.

Jan. 29-30: Premiere-StudentDirected One-Act Plays. Hoover High School.

Jan. 13: Spain Park High School Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Mountain Brook. 7:30 p.m. Spain Park High School.

Jan. 23: Spain Park High School Varsity Basketball vs. Vestavia Hills. Girls 6 p.m. Boys 7:30 p.m. Spain Park High School.

Jan. 30: Hoover High School Varsity Basketball vs. Wenonah. Girls 6 p.m. Boys 7:30 p.m. Hoover High School.

Jan. 13: Hoover High School Varsity Basketball vs. Thompson. Girls 6 p.m. Boys 7:30 p.m. Hoover High School.

Jan. 24: Hoover High School Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Carrollton. 3 p.m. Hoover High School.

Jan. 6: Spain Park High School Varsity Basketball vs. Hewitt-Trussville. Girls 6 p.m. Boys 7:30 p.m. Spain Park High School. Jan. 10: Seventh Annual Chili Bowl. 11 a.m. Robert Trent Jones at Ross Bridge. $95 plus tax per player includes green fees, cart fees, practice balls, awards and prizes and a chili lunch buffet with awards afterward. Visit rtjgolf. com/rossbridge.

January

sales Find great deals at these retailers

20% - 50% OFF (in stock only)

Marguerite's Conceits January 5th - 10th 2406 Canterbury Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-2730

20% OFF

(some exclusions apply see store for details)

The Cook Store

January 9th - 17th 2841 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook 205-879-5277

January inventory sale 20% OFF most toys Homewood Toy & Hobby 2830 18th Street, Homewood 205-879-3986

50% OFF all winter merchandise The Clothes Tree

Starting Jan. 10 2880 Rocky Ridge Road 205-822-1902

Contact stores for exclusions and other details.

Jan. 30: Spain Park High School Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Huffman. 7:30 p.m. Spain Park High School.

HooverSun.com

January 2015 • B19

Community Calendar Hoover Chamber of Commerce 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 988-5672 Jan. 8: Coffee & Contacts. 7:30-9 a.m. Regus-Perimeter Park, 1 Perimeter Park South, Suite 100-North. Call 970-6000. Jan. 14: Ambassador Meeting. 4:30-5 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Office.

Jan. 15: Hoover Chamber Luncheon. 11:15 a.m. Hoover Country Club. Reserve space by Jan. 12. $20, $22 without reservations. Call 988-5672. Jan. 22: Business After Hours. 5:30-7 p.m. Holiday Inn

Express & Suites, 156 Resource Center Parkway. Call 776-6370. Jan. 27: Minority Business Council Meeting Brown Bag Luncheon. Noon. Chamber of Commerce Office. Email jeterr2@nationwide.com.

Area events Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Hike. 10:30 a.m.1p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. Join the Birmingham Pledge Foundation and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve for the third annual hike to Hawk’s Ridge Overlook for a communal reading of The Birmingham Pledge. Call 245-4146.

Jan. 8: Sketching in Oils with David Baird. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Forstall Art Center. This one-day class will consist of a demonstration by the instructor and individual one-on-one critiques as students work from a live model. Visit forstallartcenter.com.

Jan. 3: Stories Under the Stars. 7-8:30 p.m. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Listen to stories around a fire told by storyteller Zechariah Hook. $4. Call 833-8264, ext. 13.

Jan. 10: Red Shoe Run. 7 a.m. Rosewood Hall, Homewood. The 10 mile, 5K and family fun run benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Call 638-7264 or visit redshoerun-bham.org.

Jan. 4: SoHo Bridal Show. 1-4 p.m. Rosewood Hall, SoHo Square. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Visit thebridalmarket.com.

Jan. 10: Birmingham Spotlight Gala. 7-11 p.m. McWane Science Center. Fundraiser with the mission of empowering the city’s non-profit organizations. $65. VIP $80. Visit http://spotlightgala. eventzilla.net/.

Jan. 4: Birmingham City Pokemon Championship. 1-7 p.m. Mad Doctor Game Shop, 1318 20th St. S., Suite 100. Call 334-4340241. Jan. 6: Beer, Burgers and Bingo. 8-11 p.m. Black Market Bar and Grill. Visit evilbartenders. wix.com.

Jan. 11: Southern Bridal Show. 4 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Visit eliteevents.com. Jan. 11: Birmingham Boys Choir Concert. 4 p.m. Brock Hall, Samford University.

Visit birminghamboyschoir.com. Jan. 13: New York Times Columnist David Brooks Lecture. 6:30 p.m. Wright Center at Samford University. Part of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church Claypool Lecture Series. $25. Visit tickets.samford.edu. Jan. 16: New Works Concert. 8-10 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University. Enjoy an evening of exciting new works by regional choreographers from across the Southeast and beyond. $15, $8 for students. Visit samford.edu/ wrightcenter. Jan. 17, 18: BrickFair 2015. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. LEGO models, display and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. $10 at the door. Visit brickfair. com. Jan. 17, 18: Swan Lake. Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m. The Alabama Theatre. $25-$55 each. Visit alabamatheatre.org.

Jan. 21-25: Ringling Bros’ Circus Xtreme. Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Visit ringling.com. Jan. 22-25: Birmingham Boat Show. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center. With more than 250,000 square feet, the show highlights the latest in boats, motors, fishing gear, guides, outfitters and related outdoor gear. $10. Free for children. Visit birminghamboatshow.com. Jan. 23, 25: Hamlet. Friday 7:30 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, Samford University. Presented by Opera Birmingham. $20, $35, $65, $90. Visit operabirmingham.org. Jan. 25: A Slippery Slope: The Consequences of Hate. 3-5 p.m. Carver Theatre. Presented by Birmingham Holocaust Education Center and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Visit facebook.com/events/157909749897 1209/?ref=22.