Hoover Sun May 2015 by Starnes Media

Sun Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Four finalists vying for city schools superintendent

Marczak

Murphy

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Wilson

Volume 3 | Issue 8 | May 2015

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By ROY L. WILLIAMS The process of selecting a new superintendent for Hoover City Schools is entering its final phase. The new superintendent should be selected by late May. The Hoover Board of Education completed interviews of the four finalists in late April, and between now and May 22 will be checking references and doing site visits of cities where the candidates currently work. Â On April 14, Dr. Kendy Behrends, a consultant for the Alabama Association of School Boards, which consulted the national search

See SUPERINTENDENT | page A22

City of Hoover to buy the old Berry school site By ROY L. WILLIAMS The city of Hoover has agreed to buy the old Berry High School property, and the mayor said he is exploring plans to convert it into a proposed athletic complex.

Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey stands in front of the iconic wall mural adjacent to the old Berry High School. The mural, which will remain at the site, was built by students in 1965, two years before Hoover became a city. Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

The Hoover City Council, during its April 20 meeting, passed a resolution in a 7-0 vote authorizing Mayor Gary Ivey to enter a contract with the Hoover Board of Education to purchase the old Berry High property, 2826 Columbiana Road, for $9 million.

Under the contract, the Hoover school system will receive $3 million in cash at closing, followed by two more $3 million payments over the next two years.

See BERRY | page A6

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Making an impact HHS graduate provides supplies and funds to developing countries By MADISON MILLER When Alex Stern arrived in Arusha, Tanzania, in southeast Africa last year, he came prepared to give. After choosing to take a year off between graduation from Hoover High School and starting college, Stern created an organization called Project Kits 4 Kids. He collected soccer gear from across Birmingham to give to students at Zion Gate, a school in a poverty-stricken area of Tanzania. Stern wanted to share his lifelong love of soccer and

See 4 KIDS | page A23

HHS graduate Alex Stern created the organization Project Kits 4 Kids. Photo by Madison Miller.

A2 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

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The Deer Valley talent show was held in March. More than 100 students participated in the event and featured talents included singing, dancing, piano, comedy and even a science experiment. Photo courtesy of Betty Wilson.

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden As foretold by The Tempjust yet). tations in 1964, it really is Onto lake trips and all about the month of May. beach trips and eating every single meal (a grilled meat, Now that April has served its pollenated purpose, drenching always) that we can on the us along the way with downback deck. pours that even the cutest pair Onto wading without of wellies can’t handle, the Puddle Jumper vests and passing big kid swim tests fourth month of the year can and earning water slide just peace on out of here. Onto the home stretch of privileges. the academic year (hat tip to Onto rehearsals and recitWalden our teachers here, both for als and feeling misty-eyed in all you’ve done these past eight months the audience as we watch our tiny dancer and all that you’ll put up with as kids take the stage. slowly zone out of the school mindset In our house, this month will also mark this month!) It’s a little bittersweet for us, the 12th year we’ve been a family. It never inching closer to the completion of Ella’s occurred to me that the word “family” had first year of formal K-12 school (how did to mean offspring. What I did know was that happen?) and the start of Connor’s that on May 24, 2003, I had said “I will” last in preschool (at what point is it no and “I do” with the most conviction I’d longer okay to refer to your children as ever felt about any decision in what was “my babies?” Lucky for me I appear to then my entire 25 years. not have embarrassed them with that term And 12 years, two houses, two dogs

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and two kids later, I’m even happier than the girl who stood at the altar of Vestavia Hills United Methodist that day. He was then, just as he is today, the heart of our family. Although for many mamas and daddies, summer is another season of work, these next 10 weeks or so are indeed an easier time to focus on family. We can’t blame carpool or packing lunches or afterschool activities – not until August, at least. For my own little family, it’s our shared goal to bring home some of that anniversary week/family beach trip magic back to Birmingham with us. To remember that we can relish in later bedtimes and quasi-laid back mornings, and to enjoy the very thing that is always in front of us but impossible to appreciate in the hustle of the school year – each other. May this be your best May yet!

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May 2015 • A3

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A4 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

City Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

With summer fast approaching, I hope you will take a little time and go visit the beautiful Aldridge Gardens, which is located on Lorna Road. This is a gorgeous and serene place that is free to the public and a great place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnic. We have many other parks in Hoover. If you need directions or additional information about our parks, visit our website at hooveralabama.org or call 444-7500. Over the past 17 years, the top baseball teams from the Western and Eastern Divisions have met in May at the Hoover Met to determine the champions of the Southeastern Conference. The games draw more than 125,000 fans to Hoover over the week- long competition. The 2015 SEC Baseball Tournament will be played during the week of May 18- 24. Be sure and visit secsports.com for ticket information. The Hot Rod Power tour will be coming to Hoover on June 10 to the Hoover Met. Be sure you save the date and additional details will be in next month’s Mayor’s Minute or you can visit our website. Finally, congratulations to

Gary Ivey

all the upcoming high school graduates and college graduates in Hoover! May is a very exciting time in the lives of our students as they embark on getting ready for their next step in life whether it is college or starting their careers. Please remember that the city leaders and employees are here for you and will continue to try and exceed your expectations in every way with our quality of services. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you. Sincerely,

Gary Ivey Mayor

Meet new Hoover Board of Education Member Jill Ganus Veitch By ROY L. WILLIAMS The newest appointee to the Hoover Board of Education says she is looking forward to helping school leaders address many challenges, including rezoning as the school system tackles growth in population. Jill Ganus Veitch was appointed in a 6-0 vote, with one abstention by Councilman Gene Smith, during the April 20 Hoover City Council meeting. Veitch said she will be studying school issues and getting feedback from parents as she prepares to take office on June 1. “I will be the new person and will be calling on board members seeking advice,” she said. “I will also be listening to stakeholders, including teachers, students and parents. I am an open person and a good listener.” Veitch will replace current School Board President Donna Frazier, who opted not to seek reappointment. Once she takes

office, the panel will have to choose a new leader. Veitch said she feels honored to be selected, and looks forward to serving on the Hoover school board. Her appointment brings a familiar name back to the city school board. Her husband, Bill Veitch, served as a school board member from 2002 to 2012. Veitch said she hopes to attend some of the finalists’ interviews. Asked what she sees as the biggest challenges Hoover city schools face, Veitch said “rezoning and making sure we find the right superintendent.” Veitch is a former Jefferson County Judge who is now an assistant district attorney in Tuscaloosa County. Her husband, Bill Veitch, is chief assistant district attorney in the Jefferson County Bessemer Division. The couple have a 13-year-old son, Jack, who is a 7th grader at Bumpus Middle School. In her application, Ganus Veitch cited her career as a child advocate as making

her the best candidate as a school board member. She served seven years on the Bessemer Domestic Violence Task Force and is currently on the Tuscaloosa Domestic Violence Task Force. She also served on the YMCA Hoover board of directors over the past five years. The most pivotal moment of Ganus Veitch’s interview came when she was asked how she would separate herself from the previous 10-year tenure on the board of her husband Bill. “I love my husband, but I was Jill Ganus the child advocate before I met Bill,” she said. “We are definitely two different individuals.”

BOE hears potential impact of now-dropped bus plan By ROY L. WILLIAMS A Birmingham-based traffic consultant told members of the Hoover Board of Education that if the school system had proceeded with its now-dropped plan to halt bus transportation for students, it would have made traffic congestion to and from the city’s schools even worse. Darrell Skipper of Skipper Consulting

said he did his study at the request of Interim Superintendent Jim Reese “in case this issue ever came up again.” The Hoover school board, in a controversial July 2013 decision, had voted to end bus service for most students to cut costs. After a public outcry from many Hoover parents, plus inquiries by the U.S. Justice Department, the Hoover school board in December 2013 rescinded that decision to end bus service.

“If you eliminate a bus, it takes 24 cars to replace it,” Skipper said. “That means it would take 50 percent more time to exit school campuses per day.” After Skipper’s report, Hoover school board attorney Donald Sweeney said the public shouldn’t read too much into the study, adding there are no current plans to revisit eliminating busing for Hoover students.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • A5

Hoover Freestanding Emergency Department construction on schedule Open house date to be announced By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE All is a go for the mid-May opening of Hoover’s first emergency services facility, the Medical West freestanding emergency department (FED) on Highway 150 at I-459. An affiliate of UAB and the first of its kind in the state, the 24,342-squarefoot FED will offer 10 exam rooms, including two trauma rooms. The FED will also provide various outpatient services including CT scan, digital X-ray, general and vascular ultrasound, EKG and a full-service lab. In addition to emergency imaging, the radiology services will be available for outpatient appointments through physician referral. The property, located next to the Crossings of Hoover shopping center, will also have a helipad for emergency transport. According to Nathan Clark, director of business development for Medical West, the 50-member staff will include experienced ER registered nurses, respiratory therapists, imaging and lab techs, patient access representatives and a mix of patient care assistants. One ER doctor plus a physician assistant or nurse practitioner will be present for every shift, 24 hours every day. “One of the most important things we want residents of this area to know is that the FED will operate exactly like our emergency room on the hospital campus,” Clark said. “We are fully equipped for emergency situations, and if you are in such a situation where you would typically go to the

Construction workers continue progress on the entrance to the Medical West freestanding emergency department. Photo by Marienne Thomas Ogle.

hospital ER, then now you can go to the FED in your neighborhood.” Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said the location and accessibility of the FED can make all the difference to residents and those traveling in and through the area. “They are projecting that this facility could handle up to 20,000 patients in the first year, and the big thing going on here is that

it will save lives,” Ivey said. “Whether bicycle or golf cart wrecks, or motorcycle and, of course, car wrecks, time is of the essence, and with the traffic the Hoover area experiences, response time is vital.” The construction of the $13.5 million Hoover FED coincides with the recently completed $15 million renovation of Medical

West Hospital in Bessemer and is one of 14 of the hospital’s satellite locations, Clark said. “We strongly believe that people who utilize the FED will discover the difference of Medical West,” Clark said. “We strive to cultivate a community atmosphere with a high touch, yet high tech, environment.”

A6 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Mayor Gary Ivey said that the city will consider converting the campus into a multi-use athletic complex. Photos by Karim Shamsi-Basha.

BERRY

CONTINUED from page A1 During an interview at the old Berry High School prior to the vote, Mayor Ivey said that the city will consider converting the complex into a multi-use athletic complex. Ivey said athletics is a perfect use for the 35-acre campus since it contains a football stadium, several tennis courts and two gymnasiums. With youth lacrosse and soccer growing in popularity, Ivey said using the stadium for lacrosse or soccer as well as youth football would be ideal, though no final decision has been made. “Public use for athletics is a natural fit for this facility. It’s in the heart of Hoover,” Ivey said. Councilman John Lyda said it’s no secret that the city of Hoover needs more public recreational space, especially for youth sports growing in

popularity such as soccer and lacrosse. “This resolution allows us to find an appropriate reuse for an important piece of property in the city while honoring the nostalgia and history of the old Berry High School,” Lyda said. Ivey said the iconic wall mural adjacent to the school building, a historic landmark off Columbiana Road, will remain. He said the popular mural made of tiles was built by students in 1965 when it was still in use as Berry High in unincorporated Jefferson County, two years before Hoover became a city. The old Berry High School closed nearly two decades ago when the new Hoover High School was built. The campus later served as Berry Middle School until a new Berry Middle School opened near Spain Park High School. The Hoover school board currently houses its Crossroads alternative school on the old Berry High campus, and under the contract with the city

The campus contains a football stadium, several tennis courts and two gymnasiums.

will be allowed to keep the Crossroads school there for the upcoming 2015-16 school year until turning the property over to the city by June 1, 2016. Hoover Board of Education President Donna Frazier called the city’s pending purchase of the old Berry High site a win-win for both the city and the Hoover school system. “Given the size of this property, which is so special and unique in Hoover, the potential for the city to develop this property to meet the present and future park and recreational needs of the city of Hoover is extraordinary,” Frazier said. “From my perspective, the development of this property by the city is absolutely the best and most appropriate use of an asset that the city helped the board acquire in the first place.” Considering the potential use of the old Berry High property for all Hoover citizens, including parents and students, Frazier said she will ask the

Hoover Board of Education to meet soon to consider the sale to the city “once all legal requirements are met.” “This transaction represents a true win-win for the city of Hoover and the Board of Education,” Frazier said. “The city can put this property to the best possible use for the citizens of Hoover, young and old. The board will be able to use the proceeds from the sale to address a number of pressing needs.” Under the contract with the city, the Hoover school system will continue to pay all utilities, -including water, gas, sewage, electricity, Internet and telecommunications -- along with providing housekeeping and pest control on the old Berry property until May 31, 2016.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • A7

Dr. Jim Reese discusses school safety during Friends of Hoover address By KATIE TURPEN In April, Friends of Hoover hosted Hoover City Schools Interim Superintendent Jim Reese during their monthly meeting at The Egg & I. Dr. Jim Reese was named Hoover City Schools’ new interim superintendent at a called board meeting Dec. 19. He is a native of Enterprise, Alabama. After graduating from Enterprise High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy University. He then went on to Auburn University, where he earned his master’s degree in history and his doctoral degree in educational leadership. Reese worked in the Enterprise City School System for more than 30 years in multiple capacities, including the last nine years as superintendent of education. He retired from Enterprise City Schools in 2010. He and his wife, Marcy, have been married 38 years. They have a son, a daughter and five grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. Reese began his presentation by stating how pleased he was with the nature of the Hoover community and the school system. He has noticed many similarities between Hoover and Enterprise. “People have been so wonderful everywhere I go,” Reese said. “There are such diverse interests throughout the school system and high expectations of these students.” School safety should be the number one priority of any school administration, he said, citing his experience handling a tornado that hit Enterprise on March 1, 2007. It left Reese with the task of rebuilding two schools and dealing with the deaths of eight students. “Everywhere you looked there was rubble,” Reese said, recalling the day’s events. “There were so many stories of heroism that day. There was one coach who held the hand of a student who was trapped for two hours until she was rescued.” Several days after the tornado, the school administration held a meeting at a local church. It was then Reese realized how tragedy truly brings a community together.

ALABAMA VEIN CENTER Interim Superintendent Jim Reese.

“When I saw the resolve on the faces of the teachers and administrators, I knew we would make it through,” Reese said. “It really renewed my faith in humanity.” In the days that followed, Reese recalls people traveling from all over the state to help the Enterprise community, including students from Hoover. “The first day I was employed at Hoover City Schools, I stated that the tornadoes made me a better administrator and a better person,” he said. “The things I used to worry about, I don’t worry about as much anymore. It shows you that you can’t predict everything.” Reese ended his presentation by discussing his time at the 20th annual Finley Awards in March. His advice for young people is to not be overly demanding on themselves and to remember that happiness is a journey rather than a destination. Friends of Hoover is a service-based organization that discusses any issue that affects the citizens of Hoover. As an open organization, it encourages citizen participation in civic, cultural and charitable activities that enhance quality of life in Hoover. The group meets the second Monday of each month at The Egg & I in Hoover.

Hoover City Council agrees to cable deal with Charter Communications By ROY L. WILLIAMS The Hoover City Council, during its April 20 meeting, authorized city officials to sign a new cable television franchise agreement with Charter Communications. The renewal of the agreement with Marcus Cable of Alabama, LLC, d/b/a Charter Communications, resolves a situation in which the current contract was set to expire the day of the council meeting (April 20). Under the resolution, the city would extend the Charter franchise so that it would expire simultaneously with the current Bright House franchise on Oct. 16, 2017. The new cable agreement approved by the council has a couple major hurdles to overcome. Charter Communications, the nation’s fourth-largest cable operator, announced on March 31 it has agreed to a $10.4 billion merger with Bright House Networks LLC, America’s sixth-largest cable service provider. A city official told the council the new cable franchise agreement won’t go through unless the FCC approves the Charter-Bright House merger as well as cable rival Comcast’s pending acquisition of Time-Warner. In that Comcast/Time Warner merger, some assets/ customers in “overlapping” markets are being

sold to Charter. For Hoover residents, the deal means less of a choice for cable services. In 2012, the City of Hoover signed a 5-year franchise agreement with Bright House. In his letter to Hoover council members about the proposed agreement with Charter, Ben Powell, Hoover’s supporter services director, said the city had grown “comfortable with Bright House and was desirous of the competitive cable environment that they brought to Hoover.” If the deal clears regulatory approval then the combined business will be conducted through a partnership, with Charter owning 73.7 percent and Bright House’s parent company, Advance/Newhouse, owning 26.3 percent. Should the pending Charter-Bright House merger be approved, the cable industry in Hoover will become less competitive. At some point during the proposed merger process, Charter and Bright House will be required to request the city’s approval, via another formal resolution or ordinance, of the changes of control related to their plans. Powell told the council via his letter that at that time, he recommends the city to “conduct a full assessment of the cable environment in Hoover along with the impact of the proposed merger on the citizens and the community.”

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Hoover Sun

New satellite car tag office coming to Hoover By ROY L. WILLIAMS Residents of Hoover and surrounding areas wanting to avoid driving to downtown Birmingham or dealing with traffic on Alabama 150 will soon have a more convenient place to renew their car tags or buy new ones. In April, the Jefferson County Commission approved a request to spend $850,000 to build and equip a new full-service satellite car tag office in the Hoover Court Town Center on U.S. 31. The county build-out and conversion of the building should be completed by early June, then equipment will be moved in. By late 2015, Jefferson County residents should be able to begin buying new vehicle tags and boating licenses and filling out vehicle title applications at the strip retail center, located on U.S. 31 about a mile from Interstate 65. Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington made the motion to approve the plan, saying it will be a great service for citizens of Hoover, Vestavia and other nearby cities. The motion was approved 4-1, with fellow commissioners Joe Knight, Jimmy Stephens and George Bowman supporting. Commissioner Sandra Little Brown voted no, saying putting the satellite car tag office on Green Springs Avenue would reach more residents of the county. The measure goes before the full county commission for a vote this Thursday. Currently, Jefferson County citizens must get their new car tags and renewals, vehicle title applications and boating licenses at the downtown Birmingham county courthouse or satellite offices in Bewssemer, Center Point or the Hoover Met just off Alabama 150.

In April, the Jefferson County Commission approved a request to spend $850,000 to build and equip a new full-service satellite car tag office in the Hoover Court Town Center on U.S. 31.

The Hoover Met office only has three windows, whereas the new satellite office in Hoover Court Town Center will have 12 windows, speeding up lines. Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos, a former mayor of Hoover, has said finding a more convenient permanent site in Hoover has been a priority for the commission. “You have car dealerships up and down Highway 31,” Petelos said, adding the new site will be a better fit than the smaller satellite office in the Hoover Met. Commissioner Brown, who lives in Birmingham, complained that the Hoover Court Town

Center location “is closer to Shelby County than a lot of the zip codes we serve.” “I want us to monitor how many people will use it,” Brown said. “I don’t see it as being a good site. If we put the satellite office back in Green Springs, we will be closer and serve a lot more people.” Joe Box, owner and pharmacist of Green Valley Drugs in Hoover Court Town Center, said the new satellite car tag office will be a shot in the arm for both business owners in the center and Hoover residents. “It will be a wonderful addition to our center,” said Box, whose father founded Green Valley Drugs

in the center in 1961. “It will be major convenience for residents. Ask anybody wanting to avoid those long lines at the downtown county courthouse.” The county agreement with Hoover Court Investors LLC/ Murer LLC calls for a 10-year initial term with two five-year renewal options. Under the plan, the Jefferson County Commission will pay the owner $500,000 to build out the satellite tag office. The remaining $350,000 will be used to pay for architects, engineers, security cameras, phones, furniture and burglar alarms.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • A9

Five Questions with Roy Williams:

Greg Powell CEO of fi-Plan Partners in Hoover

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By KATIE TURPEN Greg Powell has seen the stock market go through many peaks and valleys during his 33 years in the financial services industry. Since 2005 as president and CEO of fi-Plan Partners, an investment advisory firm on Feldspar Way in Hoover, Powell has helped guide investment clients through the economic downturn known as The Great Recession. He is the creator of Your Financial House, a management tool designed to bring all aspects of financial planning under one roof. In a Five Questions interview, Powell shared his thoughts on the whether the nation’s economy has improved enough to warrant the Federal Reserve changing its current low interest-rate environment. He also discussed why now is a good time to do a mid-year evaluation of your investment portfolio and how his involvement in the National Federation of Independent Business (he was recently named to the NFIB’s board of directors) makes him a better financial advisor and business owner.

For those unfamiliar with fi-Plan Partners, what sets it apart from other financial planning/investment firms? At fi-Plan Partners we are an independent investment firm, which means that we have access to a wide range of investment products. We are not locked in to any one kind of investment. This freedom allows us to implement investment strategies that are in the best interest of our clients. We also coordinate these strategies with a customized financial blueprint so that we fully understand the goals our clients want to achieve for their future. This is why we do all our financial planning and money management in house as compared to advisors who outsource these services. We can be much more proactive for our clients.

What was your reaction when you heard the news that the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee is taking the breaks off of keeping interest rates at the current record-low levels that have been in place since the financial crisis of 2007? For the past two years, we have been saying that interest rates would not go up anytime soon. If you go to our website, fiplanpartners. com, you can see the video blogs we issued discussing this topic. We believe the Fed is still in a situation that will make it difficult to raise interest rates. The Fed is fighting deflation and raising rates right now would choke the current economy. We think the media and the politicians in the beginning of this election cycle are using interest rates as a topic to get sound bites and sell media.

If it were to happen, what impact could the Fed decision to stop holding rates steady have on investors, both savers who have seen minuscule returns on savings accounts and CDs in this low rate environment and stock investors who’ve benefited as the stock market has hit record highs? A: You can have all the discussion you want to have about interest rates, but if we are

Greg Powell

correct about our deflation forecast, the stock market still has upside to it. Of course, there are no guarantees. However, Corporate America is increasing earnings by embracing technology to help with the cost cutting. The American worker has felt the impact of technology replacing jobs. This in turn has kept consumers from spending money, and instead, use their money to pay down existing debts. It is one of the reasons why new jobs have not increased in the economy. Consumers also need to realize that interest rates are not going to go up anytime soon. Their money markets and CDs will continue to pay very little.

What are some smart mid-year investment moves to make as summer approaches? It is always good to evaluate the performance of your portfolio at midyear. You should also have dialogue with your financial advisor to make sure that your portfolio performance and 401(k) returns are in line with your financial blueprint. If someone is working with a financial advisor who does not do financial planning but is managing their money, that is like working with a builder who is trying to construct a house for you without a blueprint.

You have been so active in supporting capitalism, entrepreneurship, and the success of small business to the point that the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) asked you recently to serve on their national board of directors. How does your involvement make you a better financial advisor and business owner? I believe that small business is a great indicator of how well our economy will do moving forward. These small business indicators give me great insight into how certain sectors of the market will perform whether it is looking at companies that are selling the products or companies buying the products. Case in point, in tracking the trucking industry, I know that if truck line deliveries are going up, that is a good indication that in 90–120 days we will start to see the economy pickup because retailers and business owners have to place their orders in advance.

ABOUT FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ROY WILLIAMS: This is the debut of a monthly small business Q&A feature Roy Williams was known for over 20 years as a business writer in Birmingham. If you have a business in Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills or Mountain Brook and want to be considered for this feature, email Roy@starnespublishing.com

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A10 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Council denies landowner request to rezone 26 acres on South Shades Crest Road es C rest Rd

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The Hoover City Council, in a unanimous 7-0 vote, denied a landowner request to rezone 26 acres just off South Shades Crest Road where a developer wanted to build a retail center that included a gasoline station and grocery store. The vote came after a public hearing in which more than a half-dozen residents of neighborhoods in the Trace Crossings community spoke out against it, citing trafﬁc and safety concerns. It was a dramatic development after a consultant last week recommended the Hoover City Council approve a proposed rezoning of the 26-acre tract on South Shades Crest Road, provided he meet several stipulations including a study on the potential impact of trafﬁc on the area. Bob House had told the council during a work session that the project could bring a big retail box, a strip center of small shops and a gasoline station to vacant land near the Trace Crossings community. Landowner USS Real Estate wouldn’t reveal who the proposed developer was nor their plans, but rumors were rampant that a Walmart Neighborhood Market was one of the potential tenants. USS Real Estate’s original request to rezone the property from industrial to commercial was approved on March 9 in a 7-0 vote by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration by the City Council. During the board meeting, Justin Armstrong of USS told the council

Estate, said he is not sure what their next step will ybe. w “We shave Pk two options — to not in land or to hold onto it, and we sell kthe aw to sell it,” he said. “The current prefer H n Joh industrial zoning is not the best use for the land. If the city wants to buy the land, we’d love to hear from them.” Lyda said he and several others council members have received emails from residents complaining about the potential adverse impact of traffic from the development. City officials told the council the developer has submitted a traffic study that indicates traffic flow will be heavier in the afternoons when retail shops are open, but shouldn’t affect morning traffic when the stores are closed. Besides mandating a traffic study, House said city officials will restrict the developer’s proposed gas station to no more than six pumps and limit lighting so that it won’t have This map shows the 26 acres just off South Shades Crest Road where a developer wanted to build a a negative impact on surrounding retail center that included a gas station and grocery store. neighborhoods. that rezoning to commercial was the request. All six other members of the pleased,” he said. Armstrong said in an interview last best fit for the neighborhood. council joined him in the 7-0 vote Wright said one issue that many month that rezoning the 26 acres of But the council chambers were against USS Real Estate’s proposal residents brought up was that South land to commercial use will help propacked with residents who live near — Council President Jack Wright and Shades Crest Road is in need of repair, tect the community. Under the current the proposed development and were council members John Natter, Brian and that construction could further zoning, the property is restricted for vocal in their opposition. In the end, Skelton, John Greene, Gene Smith and damage the road. He said that road is industrial use, primarily because there their voices swayed the council to turn John Rives. maintained by Jefferson County and is a railroad nearby, he said. down the request. “We heard a lot of concerns from he hopes the commission will consider Today due to major growth of The 26 acres of land is south of the public about traffic and safety, and fixing it to improve safety. homes and other development nearby, “Though we denied the rezoning, being rezoned for commercial use is a Interstate 459 near South Shades felt it was best to deny the rezoning Crest Road and across from Brock’s request,” Lyda said. if the property owner comes back to better fit, Armstrong said. The indusGap Parkway. H.T. Lanier, who lives in the us with a plan that is more feasible, trial zoning in place now means any Hoover City Councilman John Creekside subdivision of Trace Cross- we will consider it at a later date,” property owner could use the land Lyda, who serves on the city plan- ings, was pleased that the council lis- Wright said. for auto repair shops, animal clinics ning and zoning commission, made tened to residents. Armstrong, manager of commercial or sanitary sewage plants that aren’t the initial request to deny the rezoning “We got what we wanted, so I’m sales and development at USS Real good for the community, he said.

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hooversun.com

May 2015 • A11

Alabama School Connection founder gets data on Hoover school employee pay By ROY L. WILLIAMS The founder of Alabama School Connection, a Hoover-based nonprofit, says she has received the payroll records revealing compensation of school employees, including teachers, that she requested from the Hoover Board of Education more than a year ago. In an interview after the April 13 Hoover school board meeting, Trisha Powell Crain said school officials gave her the pay data on April 10, a week after the Alabama attorney general’s office issued an opinion that says the Hoover school board must approve her public records request for

data revealing compensation school employees receive by name. “They gave me the records they chose to give — two years of payroll records,” said Crain, who originally requested pay data from 2010 through 2013.” Donald Sweeney, the lawyer representing the Hoover Board of Education, declined comment about the matter after the April 13 board meeting except to say Crain had gotten the pay data she had requested. “Since this request was first made in January 2014, concerns about levels of education funding continue across the state of Alabama,” Crain said in her April 5 statement. “With

personnel costs accounting for 80 to 85 percent of a school district’s expenditures, employee compensation continues to be an important part of that discussion.” In her April 3 letter to Hoover school board lawyer Sweeney, Brenda Smith of the state attorney general’s office cited several examples of opinions in other Alabama cases that “settled that payroll records, such as salary or other compensation, are public records.” “The Hoover City Board of Education is required to disclose, by name, the compensation of employees under the Open Records Law,” wrote Smith, the chief of the Opinions Division in

the state attorney general’s office. Hoover Board of Education officials, citing privacy concerns of employees, originally fought Crain’s request. School board members said that having employee pay made public could open the system up to potential lawsuit and cause friction among many teachers and other front-line employees. Crain then hired an attorney, prompting the Hoover school board to vote March 16 to seek the state attorney general’s opinion on the following question, “Are the names of employees of the Hoover City Board of Education public records in addition to their compensation?”

Alabama School Connection’s Trisha Crain.

In response to the state attorney general opinion, Hoover Board of Education President Donna Frazier issued a statement saying the board respects the attorney general’s opinion, but adding the matter is an “overriding concern to our employees.”

Sprouts Farmers Market opens on Alabama 150 By ROY L. WILLIAMS Sprouts Farmers Market, a grocery that touts its fresh and organic foods, held its grand opening in April just off Alabama 150 at 5250 Medford Drive. Hoover’s Sprouts is the second to open in the Birmingham area, joining the recent opening of a location in Brook Highland near U.S. 280. The store held a job fair in March at the Pelham Civic Complex to fill 120 openings in its bakery, meat, produce, vitamin and cashier departments. The Hoover Sprouts can be reached at 2634970 and is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily including Sundays.

Here is some interesting information on Sprouts, courtesy of its website, sprouts.com: The first Sprouts store opened in Chandler, Arizona in 2002. The chain operates more than 200 stores across the U.S. today. Sprouts touts itself as a grocery that focuses on the belief that “healthy living is a journey and every meal is a choice. We love to inspire, educate and empower every person to eat healthier and live a better life. This isn’t just a mission. It’s our passion.” Sprouts describes itself as the grocery shopping experience that makes healthy living easy and affordable.

The website says the typical Sprouts is a neighborhood grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods and products in an approachable setting “that feels like an old-fashioned farmers market.” Sprouts carries fresh fruits and vegetables, barrels of wholesome grains, nuts, sweets, full-service deli, meat and seafood counters — complete with handmade burgers and sausages. It also sells fresh baked goods, readyto-eat meals, gourmet cheeses, vitamins and supplements and thousands of natural, organic and gluten-free groceries.

Sprouts Farmers Market, a grocery selling fresh and organic foods, held its grand opening in April off Alabama 150 at 5250 Medford Drive.

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The Birmingham Math Academy is now open in Bluff Park at 2142 Tyler Road, Suite 114. They offer math coaching for elementary, middle and high schoolers. 427-5831, birminghammathacademy.com

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Young America Insurance, 3325 Lorna Road, Suite 2, is now open. The company specializes in low-cost insurance. 909-5557, youngamericainsurance.com

Sports Vision South is now open at 3055 Lorna Road, Suite 100. The

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business, formerly located in Gardendale, specializes in vision training for athletes, allowing them to have the best vision possible to improve performance. 490-1063, sportsvisionsouth.com Du

Sprouts Farmers Market, 5250 Medford Drive, is now open. 263-4970, sprouts.com

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Hoover Sun

Relish CafĂŠ is now open inside Hoover Tactical Firearms at 1561 Montgomery Highway. Their hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. They offer a meat and1 three y1 during lunch on weekdays; Hwbreakfast on Saturday mornings; and a short order menu on weeknights, Saturday afternoons and Sundays. 612-9135, relish205.com

Lisa Miller Oral Facial Surgery, 1 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 200, is now open. Dr. Miller and her new

hooversun.com

May 2015 • A13

staff are accepting new patients for wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, missing teeth replacement and other services. 789-5075, lisamillerofs.com

Mattress King, 5403 Highway 280, Suite 301, has expanded and added a Tempur-Pedic Showcase showroom. 995-3144, mattressking.net

Precious Pieces, a children’s consignment store at 2142 Tyler Road, Suite 106, is now open and is accepting consignments. The store will carry gently used children’s clothing and accessories sizes NB to 14, with a portion of profits going toward therapy scholarships to children with autism. (850) 221-0924, preciouspiecesbluffpark.com

Michael Lynam of Principal Financial Group, 2200 Riverchase Center, Suite 608, has earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner, or CFP. 444-5571, principal.com/midsouth

Asian Buffet is now open in the former Petrucelli’s location at 10 Meadow View Drive. They are open seven days a week and offer a lunch and dinner buffet, as well as a seafood buffet on Fridays. 518-0491

Halo, 5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 121, is now open. The store offers women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. 783-1088, bringonhalo.com

Sew Precious, a children’s clothing and monogramming store, has opened its third area location at 611 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 115, in the Village at Lee Branch. The store is located where Fireflies and Fairytales was previously located. 783-5253

11 Vape Escape has opened its fifth area location at 2800 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Suite 3B. 536-6010 Bare Naked Noodles Café is now open at 100 Concourse Parkway, Suite 145. They serve breakfast Monday-Friday, 9-11 a.m., and lunch Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 305-2715, barenakednoodles.net

Coming Soon Results Physiotherapy will open a physical therapy clinic in The Grove shopping center at 5541 Grove Blvd., Suite C2. resultsphysiotherapy.com

Relocations and Renovations Lotus Boutique has moved from its location inside the Riverchase Galleria to 4375 Creekside Ave. in the Patton Creek Shopping Center. 988-9988, lotusboutique.com

Orangetheory Fitness will be opening in May at 210 Inverness Corners. This will be the second location for the fitness franchise in Alabama, the other being in Patton Creek Shopping Center in Hoover. 991-9700, orangetheoryfitness.com/inverness

Universal Logistics, a transportation and logistics company at 5336 Stadium Trace Parkway, Suite 110, has purchased the two-story Awtrey office building at 5330 Stadium Trace Parkway. 1-877-686-8505, universallogisticsservices. com

Brewer Cabinets has relocated to the former Blockbuster building at 1553 Montgomery Highway. It was formerly located inside Devine Flooring at 1642 Montgomery Highway. 942-4000, brewercabinets.com

News and Accomplishments In tandem with National Chocolate 18 Chip Day, Full Moon Bar-B-Que, 2000 Patton Chapel Road, will celebrate Cookie Craze Day on Friday, May 15, by offering customers one free Half Moon Cookie with any purchase at all locations. 822-6666, fullmoonbbq.com Newk’s Eatery hosted a “Q for a Cause” fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Alabama in conjunction with the opening of its two newest locations in Hoover and Inverness. 3780 Riverchase Village, Suite 1000. 588-8624, newks.com

Jesse’s Steaks & Seafood, 150 Main Street, has new lunch hours from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. They also accept reservation 989-0053, jessesteaksandseafood.com

“When it rains, we drain!”

Pazzo Calzone Bakery, 1678 Montgomery Highway, Suite 101A, has changed its name to Pazzo Big Slice Pizza. The restaurant still offers calzones but has moved its focus to signature pizzas. 383-3303, pazzocalzonebakery.com

The Hyatt Regency Birmingham The Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, has partnered with Riverchase Country Club to offer rounds of golf to its guests. The private course, located at 2000 Club Road, will offer a round of golf for $50, which includes tax, cart and transportation to the club. 705-1234, wynfrey.regency.hyatt.com

Tonia Myers, owner of Myers Studio 14 Hair Care Center, 3780 Riverchase Village, Suite 500, #4, recently completed a hair loss certification course. She is now able to work with dermatologists and oncologists, and serve individuals who have experienced hair loss. (678) 327-3674, myersstudio14.com

Kasey Davis Dentistry, 589A Shades Crest Road, has announced new hours. They are now open Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 822-7277, kaseydavisdentistry.com

North Shelby Family Dental, 2000 Southlake Park, Suite 250, has changed its name to Cowan Family Dental. The practice, which opened in May 2014, is owned by Dr. David Cowan. 278-3316, davidcowandmd.com

Fried Green Tomato’s, 1615 Montgomery Highway, Suite 132, is now open seven days a week, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 824-5000, eatfgt.com

Hirings and Promotions RE/MAX Over the Mountain, 2870 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 100, has hired Jessica Daviston as a sales associate. She is a resident of Bluff Park. 475-2008, otmrealestate.com

ARC Realty, 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 133, has hired Brandi Ard, Pierce Prescott, Cassie Moore, Marguerite Haynes, Kate O’Quinn, Charlie Graham and Lindsay Larimer as Realtors. 969-8910, arcrealtyco.com

RealtySouth’s Over the Mountain Alford Office, 1220 Alford Avenue, has hired Alex Tucker as a Realtor. 822-2364, realtysouth.com

Anniversaries Ellis Piano, 1550 Montgomery Highway, Suite A, is celebrating its 32nd anniversary. 979-4463, ellispiano.com

Rittenhouse Senior Living, 570 Southland Drive, is celebrating its seventh anniversary this month. 823-2393, rittenhousesl.com/comm-hoover

34 Maximum Physical Therapy &

Sports Wellness, 2680 Valleydale Road, Suite A, is celebrating its first anniversary in business. 981-1690, maximumpt.net

Closings 35

Mattress King, 1581 Montgomery Highway, has closed.

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A14 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Community Friday Night Flicks return

Learning program expands in Birmingham area

Members of OLLI attend a course on British classic film at their affiliate’s original location in Vestavia Hills. People of all ages will be gathering May 29 for this year’s first Friday Night Flicks at Veterans Park. Photo courtesy of City of Hoover.

The 2015 Friday Night Flicks schedule: May 29: Big Hero Six

June 12: Strange Magic

July 10: Home

July 31: RAIN DATE

June 5: Alexander and the Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

June 19: Annie (2014)

July 17: Maleficent

June 26: Paddington

July 24: Dolphin Tale 2

For more information, visit hooveral.org.

By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE If you’re looking for something fun, free and for the whole family, grab a carload of folks and head out to Veterans Park on

May 29 for the kickoff of Friday Night Flicks. Each of the eight weekly showings begins at dusk and features a PG-rated film. Food vendors will also be on hand. Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said

he’s always excited to see the growing popularity of the event. “You can’t beat it for a great evening out and we’re expecting big crowds again this year,” Ivey said.

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By MADISON MILLER AND MADOLINE MARKHAM Lifelong learners will soon have an opportunity to take classes on a variety of subjects at the Hoover Senior Center. The local affiliate of the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute (OLLI), originally based in Vestavia Hills, has expanded to several new locations throughout the area. OLLI is designed for people who want to be lifelong learners. The national program’s affiliates offer a variety of courses based on what interests its membership, from local history to travel. Vestavia’s affiliate began in 2013 through the University of Alabama system and quickly grew to more than 200 members who were interested in programs with increasing depth. “It took off like wildfire,” Co-chair of Curriculum and Recruitment Committee

Diane Wheeler said. “It’s something you can experience and enjoy to expand your worldview.” Classes at the Hoover Senior Center will begin this summer with topics such as music history and home weatherization. The group will also take a field trip to Rickwood Caverns in Warrior. Participants can attend as many classes as they would like for an annual fee of $25. OLLI also offers bonus classes, which are free and open to the public, to allow participants to try classes before paying a fee. Each OLLI group is managed by its all-volunteer membership. The group seeks out what others want to learn and create courses around that. “You don’t have to become an expert and take it up for life,” Wheeler said. “It’s just fun to know.” Call the Hoover Senior Center at 7396700 for more information.

Neighborhood News

hooversun.com

Shades Mountain

Send your text and photos for this section to madison@starnespublishing.com

Bluff Park, Shades Mountain

South Hoover

Riverchase, Southlake, Trace Crossings

Whetstone achieves rank of Eagle Scout

Oakmont Presbyterian Church to celebrate 50th anniversary Oakmont Presbyterian Church, at 1817 Patton Chapel Road in Hoover, celebrates its 50th anniversary as a church this year. The celebration will be on Sunday, May 17. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. and continues to 3 p.m. Oakmont was chartered as a church on July 4, 1965, with 53 charter members. The church is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley. Its first worship service was on July 5, 1964, with a seminary student and eight worshippers. A house on Patton Chapel Road was the first church building, with the living room used as the sanctuary and Sunday school classes in the former bedrooms. Its first minister, Rev. James W. “Bill” Patton, came in November 1964. The present sanctuary and educational buildings were constructed between 1967 and 1973. Now, in 2015, the church looks forward to another 50 years of service to God. Oakmont has a long history of service to the community. Over the decades the church has given to Greater Birmingham Ministries, Operation Christmas Child and the Boyd School boys’ home in Green Pond, Alabama, to name a few. Members have worked on Habitat for Humanity houses and volunteered at shelters for the homeless. At the present, Oakmont hosts English as a Second Language classes. Its 2014 Pentecost Can Campaign collected over 6,400 cans of food, which went to the Green Valley Baptist Church food bank. In 2014, the church raised $2,900 for mission projects in the Congo and Zambia. Oakmont has also long been a polling center

May 2015 • A15

Morgan Robins Whetstone

Oakmont Presbyterian Church, at 1817 Patton Chapel Road in Hoover, celebrates its 50th anniversary as a church this year. Photo courtesy of Ralls Coston.

for elections. From its beginning Oakmont has been involved with Scouting. It has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 93 since 1966. This is a very active troop, with over 150 young men earning their Eagle badges in the troop’s existence. The Boy Scouts meet on Tuesday nights. For younger boys, Cub Scout Pack 93 meets at Oakmont on Monday nights. Also, Brownie Troop 791 meets on Sunday afternoons once a month. The 50th anniversary celebration begins at 9 a.m. on May 17, with a continental breakfast.

The worship service is at 11:00. We will have lunch at noon. A Musical Extravaganza will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in which Oakmont members will share their talents. Some of the groups that will be performing include a barbershop quartet, a madrigal group and a guitar trio. For those who want to join us, please call Oakmont at 823-5910 or contact the church at OakmontChurch.org to make a reservation. The church needs to know how much food to prepare for its guests. -Submitted by Ralls Coston

Morgan Robins Whetstone, age 17, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. As a member of Troop 367, he was recognized for his achievement at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on September 28, 2014. Troop 367 is sponsored by Riverchase United Methodist Church and led by Scoutmaster Lee Picard. On his trail to Eagle Scout, Whetstone completed 30 merit badges, camped 81 nights, hiked 144.3 miles, performed 76 hours of service and held several leadership positions within the troop. His peers also elected him to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society. For his project, Whetstone built and installed benches for historic Bailey Cemetery in Vincent, Alabama, as part of a restoration project sponsored by the Vincent Historical Society. Whetstone is a senior at Spain Park High School and a member of the National Honor Society. He has received an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy. He is the son of Melissa and Greg Whetstone of Hoover.

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A16 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Farmers Market coming to Ross Bridge Ross Bridge Farmers Market Fridays, 3-7 p.m. May 29-Aug. 14, except July 3 Parking Lot in front of Ross Bridge Welcome Center 2101 Grand Avenue facebook.com/rossbridgefarmersmarket

The new Ross Bridge Farmers Market will feature produce from local growers as well as local artisans. Photos by Madoline Markham.

By MADOLINE MARKHAM Fresh produce and a selection of artisanal foods and crafts will be available at Ross Bridge on Friday evenings this summer. A new farmers market will run from 3-7 p.m. starting May 29 in front of the Ross Bridge Welcome Center. “The Ross Bridge Farmers Market provides the opportunity for the Hoover community to get to know and support small family farms and local businesses in a fun and inviting atmosphere,” said Lyndsi Hughes, who is managing the market

with her husband, Tim. “We encourage people to attend and to get to know the farmers and where their food comes from, as well as shop with their families and enjoy the summer season.” The market will feature a mix of growers and artisans as well as a kids activity area and live entertainment. Lyndsi also hopes to bring in at least one food truck and brewery each week. “We want people to come and bring picnic blanket, let their kids play and enjoy summer Friday afternoons,” she said. Vendors at the market will include Vanzandt

Farms, Smitherman Farms, Southern Oaks Farms, Sprout & Pour juicery, Spoon & Ladle Soup Co., Murphy’s Pepper Jelly, BB’s Bread, Garden Honey Bee and Marble Creek Farmstead. The Hughes have lived in Hoover for the past five years and enjoyed the market that was previously held at Ross Bridge in the summer. In the years since, Tim’s tailgate equipment rental company, Gameday Done Right, had provided tents and other equipment for farmer’s markets at The Summit and in downtown Homewood that were run by Urban Cookhouse. During that

time, he and Lyndsi developed relationships with growers that they are now using to bring them to Ross Bridge. “A lot of vendors participated in the Ross Bridge market a few years ago and are excited to come back to the area,” Lyndsi said. The Hughes hope fill a void in Hoover for a farmers market and grow it each year. “Bringing growers and artisans and small businesses together does a lot for the growers,” Lyndsi said. “It supports Alabama and local businesses, and that’s what we should continue to do.”

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hooversun.com

May 2015 • A17

Hoover developments in Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes allows area residents to tour new home designs.

Homes in the Hoover area will be featured in this year’s Parade of Homes May 9-10 and 16- 17. The Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (GBAHB) event allows potential new home buyers and others to see construction and design trends and to connect with builders. The Preserve, Ross Bridge, The Hamptons at Ross Bridge, Magnolia Grove and McGill Crossings will all be featured. For the fourth year, an Ideal Home will serve as a showcase house, featuring the latest in design trends, decor, technology and sustainability. The 2015 Ideal Home is in The Preserve in Hoover at 451 Renaissance Dr. “This home truly is an ‘ideal home,’” said Kyle Murphy, 2015 Parade of Homes chairman. “It incorporates all of the wants and needs of today’s buyer, coupled with the latest in products and features.”

In addition to the more than 75 featured homes, this year the Parade will feature 22 “villages.” “The Parade gives people the opportunity to tour some of Birmingham’s most elegant and beautiful new homes,” said Alicia Vincent, executive officer of the GBAHB. “It’s an annual tradition for a lot of local families, and with new homes in every price range, people often discover exactly what they’d like to see in their next home.” Comprehensive tools are available online to help plan a Parade route. Visit birminghambuilder.com for maps and more information. 2015 Parade of Homes magazines are also available at local Lowe’s stores. The Parade is free and open to the general public Saturdays, May 9 and 16, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays, May 10 and 17, from 1-6 p.m.

HHS student earns Gold Award Maggie Benson, a twelfth-grader at Hoover High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Maggie Benson earned her Gold Award for her project, Backpacks for the Homeless. Her project focused on raising awareness of homelessness/ The project benefited the homeless population of downtown Birmingham. The backpacks contained care supplies and included a list of places that offer assistance coping with and getting out of homelessness. “I was able to see that through cooperation and hard work we can make a real difference in this world,” Benson said. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades nine through twelve who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.

Maggie Benson

“By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award,” said Mary Charles, interim chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, “Maggie Benson has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.”

A18 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Making great strides in research

This year’s Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk will be held at Veterans Park on May 16.

By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE While never a cystic fibrosis patient himself, Brad Skiff’s life has been impacted twofold by the disease. The Hoover resident saw his brother-in-law, John, suffer from CF from a very young age and go through two double lung transplants, only to leave a young son and wife behind when he passed away at 36. But Skiff’s cousinin-law, Sarah, is now 45 and doing well thanks to advanced CF research and new medications. “I’ve seen both sides of CF — it totally debilitating someone, then also how research and awareness has enabled my cousin’s wife to

benefit,” Skiff said. That’s why he, along with family members and friends, will be part of the crowd at the May 16 Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk at Veterans Park. According to Jennifer McEuen, associate executive director of the Alabama chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the event will begin with a 9 a.m. check-in for the 10 a.m. 5K walk/ run. Breakfast food will be served, clowns will perform, and some special guest appearances are anticipated. There is no set fee but organizers encourage participants to make donations, McEuen said. “This is a big celebration for all the fundraising

Team Restore members Brad, Amy, Bennett and Mackenzie Skiff take part in the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk to honor family members. Photo courtesy of Brad Skiff.

that has taken place via family, friends and sponsors,” she said. “In fact, we have about 55 teams in this area that have raised money with bake sales, phone calls, letter-writing and other means.” Cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-threatening disease with no cure. It primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, creating thick, sticky mucus that prevents proper nutrient absorption and causes tissue scarring that leads to loss of lung function. CF patients may spend significant time in the hospital and average 30 pills a day, plus two 45-minute breathing treatments as part of their daily routine, McEuen said. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was created

in 1955 by parents of CF children hoping to find a cure and extend life, McEuen said. Among its achievements is the 2008 implementation of newborn screenings so CF is now usually caught at birth, making a huge difference in quality of life. “When the foundation was founded, CF life expectancy was elementary school age, but today it can be the 30s, 40s and beyond,” she said. “This is great progress but we have more to make.” For more information or to sign up for the May 16 Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk, go to cff.org/Chapters/alabama.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • A19

Lyme lives here By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE Tina Neathammer wants people to realize that “Lyme lives here” — in Hoover, Jefferson County, throughout Alabama and beyond. And Neathammer should know — she and her daughter, Tori, have been living with Lyme disease for years. The experience has impacted their lives to such an extent that the 54-year-old Hoover resident now devotes much of her time to educating the public about the infection and the lack of appropriate diagnosis and treatment availability. “I had no idea this would become my calling,” Neathammer said. “But there are just so many people out there who are sick but don’t know why and then, when they finally find out, they can’t get treatment.” In recognition of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a Lyme disease awareness gathering will be held May 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Veterans Park. The event will feature information booths, food and children’s activities. The public is also invited to take part in “take a bite out of Lyme” by biting lime slices. It’s part of an international social media challenge that will be posted to Facebook. “Frankly, we want to bring attention to ourselves and alert people to this problem that can affect anyone and infects more than 300,000 across the country annually,” Neathammer said. “We have more kinds of ticks in the South than the whole East Coast that can cause Lyme, and it’s important people are educated about the disease, prevention, treatment and patient

Rick, Tina and Tori Neathammer man an information booth on Lyme disease. Photo courtesy of Tina Neathammer.

support.” Lyme disease is a bacterial infection most commonly contracted from the bite of a tick, though some researchers now believe other creatures such as mosquitoes, fleas and biting flies may also transmit the disease. According to the Alabama Lyme Disease Association, Lyme can mimic other diseases, and many patients have been misdiagnosed with a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, ADHD and mental illness. Tori became ill in 2006 at age 14,

after participating in a Cahaba River cleanup. “First it appeared to be the flu, then mono, followed by about two years of almost every body part just quitting working,” Neathammer said. “Tori was a dancer, but the exertion wore her out. She was treated for multiple problems including asthma, low blood pressure and fainting, and allergies — but it wasn’t any of them.” Doctors eventually decided Tori herself was the problem and diagnosed her with anxiety and “school avoidance,” Neathammer said. “I was so angry about the diagnosis

I took her to my family physician, and testing showed she had Lyme disease,” she said. “Meanwhile, I had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my 20s but was also getting sick with similar symptoms, so he tested me and I was positive. Now doctors think it was Lyme all along.” Kevin Wolfe, the primary organizer of the Alabama Lyme Disease Association in 2011 and its current president, knows Neathammer’s fear and frustration — his 7-year-old son had been misdiagnosed by 25 physicians in three states before a specialist in tickborne diseases correctly determined

the child had Lyme. In fact, one doctor told him there is no Lyme disease south of the MasonDixon Line because lizards here have an enzyme in their blood that “deactivates” the bacteria, making it harmless to humans, Wolfe said. “Given how widespread this disease is, it is shocking how limited the research and education on testing, diagnosing and treating this devastating disease is,” he said. And because there were no treatment options in Alabama, the Neathammers traveled to an infectious disease physician in Tampa. “We were both put on IV antibiotics and immediately began improving,” she said. “It was pretty dramatic.” While Tori, who still takes oral antibiotics, will graduate from the University of Alabama next year, Neathammer’s condition has deteriorated to include jaw and joint infections and the need for two knee replacements. But though her physical problems continue, Neathammer persists in her efforts to awaken the public to the realities of Lyme, including the desperate need for Alabama physicians to be trained to properly diagnose and treat the disease. “I knew how sick my daughter and I were, but when physicians couldn’t give our illness a name, they essentially gave up on us,” she said. “I have no doubt if I had not pounded on doors until we were appropriately tested, diagnosed and then treated, that we would both be completely disabled and permanently damaged.”

A20 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Spring fashion fever Gorgeous glam

Popping patterns Be bold this spring with these hot pink Raoul shorts ($265) paired with this Alice&Trixie patterned jacket ($365) over a pale blue Amanda Uprichard top ($150). Complete the outﬁt with a pair of nude Helen’s Heart heels ($60) and these sparkling pink earrings ($58). Find the outﬁt at The Clothes Tree.

For something cool and breezy try this Alya dress ($14) topped with a Petticoat Alley fringe cover up ($12). Add a brown fringe bag ($8), Forever 21 booties ($16) and a bold statement necklace. Get the outﬁt at Plato’s Closet.

Sweet chic This lace slip dress ($42) and Molly Green tope top ($28) combo creates a great look for spring. Add a pair of pale green Articles of Society jeans ($64) and white Sbicca sandals ($78.99), and accent the outﬁt with a tassel necklace ($38), bracelets ($14) and a few colorful Nepal bracelets ($8). Get the look at Molly Green.

Get these looks Molly Green 2000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 123 The Galleria

Lovely lace On days when you still feel a breeze, layer a light pink baby doll top ($42) with long-sleeved lace crop top ($44). Pair with three-button bell bottoms ($46) and multicolored bracelets ($24$34) for a classic and cute look. Get the outﬁt at The Urban Barn.

The Clothes Tree 288 Old Rocky Ridge Road Plato’s Closet 1725 Montgomery Highway South Riverchase Promenade The Urban Barn 601 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 105 The Village at Lee Branch The Pink Tulip 180 Main St., Suite 212 Patton Creek Center

Cute crochet Show off your girly side with a pale pink top ($48) over a lace slip ($29). Give the look a boho vibe with a crotched mesh kimono cardigan ($46) on top. Get the outﬁt at The Pink Tulip.

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May 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ A21

A22 • May 2015 SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUED from page A1

on behalf of Hoover City Schools, presented board members with the names and bios of five finalists. One of the candidates, Dr. John D. Barge, former Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, called Hoover Board President Donna Frazier three days later to withdraw from consideration. Barge told her he has accepted another position in Georgia. The four remaining finalists, interviewed at the Hoover Board of Education central office in late April, are as follows: }} Dr. Charles Ledbetter, superintendent of Dublin City Schools in Dublin, Georgia }} Dr. Chris J. Marczak, assistant superintendent of Oak Ridge City Schools in Oak Ridge, Tennessee }} Dr. Paul “Vic” Wilson, superintendent of Hartselle City Schools }} Dr. Kathy L. Murphy, superintendent of Monroe County Public Schools All of their interviews were open to the public and live-streamed/archived to the Hoover City Schools’ website, hoovercityschools.net. Three of the four finalists, Wilson, Murphy and Ledbetter, received their education doctorates from Alabama colleges and have been principals in state schools. The fourth finalist, Marczak, has received accolades during his 16 years in the classroom and administrative leadership positions in Tennessee public schools. The four finalists were asked the same set of 15 questions. After checking references and making site visits, the school board hopes to negotiate a contract with its top choice by May 22. School Board President Donna Frazier said the board has set a goal of selecting the new superintendent by the time the 2014-15 school year ends in late May. The new superintendent should start with the Hoover School System by the end of June. The Hoover Board of Education has been searching for a new city schools chief since Dr. Andy Craig resigned in December 2014 to take a new

Hoover Sun job with the Alabama Department of Education. Dr. Jim Reese, former superintendent of Enterprise City Schools, has been serving as interim superintendent. Behrends said 39 applicants from 15 states including Alabama expressed interest in the Hoover superintendent job, and 31 completed the application process. “I was very impressed with the quality of the applicants,” she said. Here is background on the four finalists for superintendent of Hoover City Schools: Dr. Paul “Vic” Wilson }} Current position: Superintendent, Hartselle City Schools, Alabama }} Education Doctorate, Samford University, Educational Leadership }} Education Specialist, University of Montevallo, Educational Leadership }} Master’s, Samford University, Educational Administration }} Bachelor’s, University of Alabama, English and History Education }} Years in education: 1995-present }} About the candidate: Wilson has the strongest ties to the Hoover area, having spent 18 of his 20 years involved in education in Shelby and Jefferson counties. He has a bachelor’s in English and history education from the University of Alabama, a master’s in educational administration from Samford University and an education doctorate from Samford. Wilson began his career in 1995 as a teacher in Shelby County Schools, and then spent four years as a teacher in Homewood City Schools before being promoted to assistant principal in the Homewood school system from 1999 to 2002. He was assistant principal at Mountain Brook High School from 2002 to 2006, then became principal at Homewood High from 2006 to 2008. Wilson worked as principal at Mountain Brook High School from 2008 until 2013. He has led the 3,050-student Hartselle City Schools as superintendent since July 2013. Dr. Kathy L. Murphy }} Current position: Superintendent, Monroe County Board of Education, Alabama

}} Doctorate, Auburn University, Physical Education, Program Administration }} Education Specialist, Auburn University Montgomery, Education Leadership }} Master’s, Auburn University Montgomery, Educational Leadership }} Bachelor’s, Troy University, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance }} Years in education: 1984-present }} About the candidate: Murphy has the most experience of the five finalists, beginning her career as a physical education teacher at Auburn Junior High School in 1984. Other than a five-year stint as an assistant professor at West Georgia College from 1988 to 1993, she has spent her entire professional career in Alabama. Murphy has served as superintendent of Monroe County schools, which has 3,650 students, in southwest Alabama since 2011. She was appointed to her superintendent’s position after serving as principal of Charles Henderson High School in the Troy city school system in 2010. From 1993 through 2010, Murphy served in several administrative leadership roles for the Butler County Board of Education, from principal of Greenville Middle and Greenville High schools to three years from 2008 to 2010 as administrative assistant to the superintendent of Butler County schools. Dr. Charles L. Ledbetter }} Current position: Superintendent, Dublin City Schools, Georgia }} Doctorate of Education, Auburn University, Education Leadership }} Certificate of Completion, University of Alabama, U.A. Superintendents Academy }} Master’s of Education, Auburn University Montgomery, Social Studies }} Bachelor’s, Auburn University, History }} Years in education: 1989-present }} About the candidate: Ledbetter has been superintendent of the 2,700-student Dublin City Schools in Georgia since 2009. Named after Dublin, Ireland, the city had 16,201 residents in the 2010 census. Dublin is in Laurens County in central Georgia between Atlanta and Savannah. Prior to his appointment as Dublin City

Schools superintendent six years ago, Ledbetter spent two decades as a teacher and administrator in various Alabama schools. He began his career in 1989 as a teacher and coach at Sparta Academy, and then served as a high school teacher and coach at Tallapoosa County Schools from 1990 to 1993. He was athletic director/teacher/coach in Walker County High Schools from 1993 to 1995. Before being appointed to his current superintendent’s position in Dublin, Ledbetter spent 13 years in Tallapoosa County Schools, serving as a teacher/coach, assistant superintendent, middle school principal and high school principal. Dr. Chris J. Marczak }} Current position: Assistant Superintendent, Oak Ridge City Schools, Tennessee }} Doctorate, Trevecca Nazarene University, Educational Leadership }} Master’s, Trevecca Nazarene University, Leadership and Professional Practice }} Bachelor’s, Austin Peay State University, Interdisciplinary Studies }} Years in education: 1997-present }} About the candidate: Marczak has been assistant superintendent of the 4,800-student Oak Ridge City Schools, located about 25 miles west of Knoxville, since 2013. He has spent his entire 16-year educational career in Tennessee. Marczak beat out 51 applicants to become assistant superintendent of Oak Ridge City Schools in July 2013. He previously served as network lead principal of the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System, overseeing five elementary schools to help them integrate instructional technology and Professional Learning Communities. Marczak spent eight years as a principal and assistant principal in Nashville public schools and another seven years as an elementary school teacher in Nashville public schools and Wilson County (Tenneessee) schools. A Rhode Island native, Marczak has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Austin Peay State University, and holds both a master’s and doctorate in educational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University.

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hooversun.com

May 2015 • A23

Alex Stern provided donations to Zion Gate school in Tanzania last year. Photo courtesy of Alex Stern.

4 KIDS

CONTINUED from page A1 help bring the community together through a means he had always found effective: sportsmanship. “I think sports facilitates a lot of things, specifically unity within the community,” Stern said. “[Developing countries] don’t have as much

infrastructure as we do in particular. [Sports] has a way of bringing people together, which facilitates other things that are more important, like education and health care.” He enlisted the help of friends, teammates and coaches to gather gear to hand out for the trip. Stern’s former coach at Briarwood Soccer Club, Ryan Leib, was happy to help make Stern’s goals become a reality.

“It was a great moment for me as a director,” Leib said. “We put a lot of time into soccer, but more importantly, we want to build the person and [direct] them to be ambassadors for Christ. I was really excited to help.” When Stern arrived, however, he found students who needed more than sports equipment. “I was kind of naïve when I got over there,” Stern said. “I wasn’t

expecting how impoverished these countries were. I [realized] these kids need a lot more than soccer jerseys. They actually probably need other things first.” Students in Tanzania and other impoverished countries must pay a fee to attend school, and many require sponsorships to do so since they cannot afford it themselves. Schools have a limited supply of materials since they

are often responsible for providing other necessities as well. “[Schools] are mainly focused on feeding the kids and providing them with a lot of medicine,” Stern said. “That’s a particular in some places like West Africa where disease is pretty rampant.” After spending two months with the school, Stern returned to Birmingham and set out to continue to fulfill needs in poor areas of the world. He recently began his freshman year at UAB and is studying public health and foreign languages with a focus on Spanish. When deciding where to go next, Stern knew that his focus in Spanish would allow him to help more people. He made contact with a backpacker he met in Tanzania who connected him with Hogar de Niñas Madre Albertina, an orphanage in Granada, Nicaragua, for children with living parents who can no longer care for them due to economic or social reasons. Stern was able to assess the needs of the students and has been collecting donations based on those needs. He will leave in June, hoping to distribute not only soccer gear, but also school supplies and donated sponsorships for students. “There’s so much of an excess of opportunity in America that we can all use it to benefit other places where it’s not as present.” Stern said. After school, Stern would like to continue to work with foreign cultures and help to alleviate poverty. With future Project Kits 4 Kids plans, he hopes to continue to focus of filling a real need in each community. “I want to do something that is more impactful,” Stern said. “It’s not that sports equipment isn’t good or unappreciated, it’s just that a lot more can be done.” To donate to Project Kits 4 Kids, email alexstern01@gmail.com or visit gofundme.com/projectkits4kids.

MedCenter HOOVER

5RGENT #ARE s &AMILY -EDICINE

Sun

SECTION B School House B11 Sports B15 Real Estate B20 Calendar B21

Lady Bucs win Yellow Jacket Invitational golf tournament Team Scores Hoover 237

Arab 314

Spain Park 256

Fort Payne 327

White Plains 259

Boaz 356

Glencoe 271

Buckhorn 356

Mountain Brook 274

Southside 372

Westbrook Christian 284

Gadsden City 404 Oak Mountain 434

Scottsboro 284 Hoover High’s girls golf team celebrates its win in the Yellow Jacket Invitational. Photo courtesy Hoover Athletics.

By DAVID KNOX The Hoover High girls golf team has found its stroke early. The Lady Bucs captured their third consecutive tournament when they won the Yellow Jacket Invitational hosted by Glencoe High School played over the Robert Trent Jones Trail Silver Lakes Golf Course. Under cloudy, wet and muddy conditions,

the Lady Bucs fired a 237 to win by 19 strokes over second-place Spain Park (256). Third place went to White Plains (259) while Glencoe finished fourth with a 271 in the 15-team field. Hoover was led by sophomore Mychael O’Berry with a 1-under-par 71, followed by Julie Baker (79) and Elizabeth Moultrie (87). Spain Park’s solid showing was led by Jordan Susce and Caroline Waldrop, each shooting 76.

Top 10 Individual Scores Mychael O’Berry (Hoover) 71

Layne Dyar (White Plains) 81

Jordan Susce (Spain Park) 76

Morgan Prickett (White Plains) 85

Caroline Waldrop (Spain Park) 76

Elizabeth Moultrie (Hoover) 87

Julie Baker (Hoover) 79

Grace Wann (Mountain Brook) 88

Hope Bishop (Glencoe) 80

Elle Kate Patterson (Fort Payne) 88

hooversun.com

May 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B2

hooversun.com

May 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ B3

B4 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Mother’s Day Gift Guide Stretch Bracelets $145 each

These Catherine Page Evra stretch bracelets are available with pendants in labradorite, turquoise, clear crystal and rutilated quartz. Bromberg’s 131 Summit Blvd. 969-1776

Butterﬂy Bouquet $59.95

Choose a special arrangement for Mom. Hoover Florist Hoover Court Town Center, 1905 Hoover Court 823-5273

Posturepedic Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Thymes Goldleaf Gardenia Fragrance Line

Queen, $799, King, $1,199

$19.50-$54

Mom can choose between a ﬁrm, plush or pillow top mattress and receive a free set of sheets, two pillows, a down alternative comforter and two pillowcases.

Choose from a body creme, body wash, hand creme or eau de parfum in Thymes’ Goldleaf Gardenia scent. Wrapsody 161 Main Street, Suite 127 989-7277

Bedzzz Express 1676-B Montgomery Highway 979-7274

OTBT Bushnell Wedge Sandal

Custom Designed Mother's Day Cakes

This thick-strapped platform has just enough stretch in that slingback to keep you comfortable.

Give Mom an 8-inch round ice cream cake in her favorite ﬂavors.

$125

Alabama Outdoors 108 Inverness Plaza 980-3303

$24.99

Bruster's Real Ice Cream 1008 Vestavia Parkway 978-2347

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B5

Graduation Gift Guide Wash Bags

Girls $24, Boys $18

Tag Watch $2,050

This Tag Heuer Formula 1 stainless steel watched features black and blue bezel.

These photo-inspired bags will outﬁt any grad to keep their toiletries in style. Swoop 2721 Cahaba Road Mountain Brook Village 803-0886

Yeti Rambler & Colster

Bromberg’s 131 Summit Blvd. 969-1776

Custom Graduation Cakes

Starting at $29.99 The stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulated Rambler series will keep your chilled beverages as cold as science allows.

$24.99

Alabama Outdoors 108 Inverness Plaza 980-3303

Give your grad a cool treat with an 8-inch round ice cream cake in his or her favorite ﬂavors.

Laundry Hamper

$40 hamper, monogramming additional Send your student off with customizable essentials like a laundry bag by Buckhead Betties. Wrapsody 161 Main Street, Suite 127 989-7277

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 1008 Vestavia Parkway 987-2347

Initialed Beach Towel $35

This bright towel is available in lime, pink and blue. A Little Something 3168 Heights Village 970-2077

B6 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

2015 Food and Drink Most Friendly Service Chick-fil-A

While you eat more chicken, you are also guaranteed a friendly greeting and fast service. 3020 John Hawkins Parkway, 987-7568 Runner up: Jim ‘N Nick’s

Most Kid Friendly Restaurant Chick-fil-A

Who can beat chicken nuggets, waffle fries, soft-serve ice cream and lemonade with a side of playing in the ball pit. 3020 John Hawkins Parkway, 987-7568 Runner up: The Boot

Best Date Night Firebirds

This Patton Creek restaurant offers flavorful appetizers and entrees that are easy to share. 191 Main Street, 733-2002 Runner up: J. Alexander’s

Carlos Vizcaino owns Tortugas Homemade Pizza with his wife and son.

Best Breakfast/Brunch

Best Casual Dining

Best Mexican Food

This popular breakfast destination welcomes civic groups including Hoover Kiwanis Club and Friends of Hoover for meetings. 4741 Chace Circle, 982-8477 Runner up: Chick-fil-A

A staple in the Birmingham area for 30 years, Jim ‘N Nick’s slow cooks its barbecue and adds homemade trimmings. 1810 Montgomery Hwy, 733-1300 Runner up: The Boot

Known for its authenticity, guest can find fresh Mexican food around inside this festive eatery. 2085 Colonial Drive, Suite 101, 205-987-8240 Runner up: Habeñeros

The Egg and I

Best Ladies’ Lunch Spot Zoe’s Kitchen

Fast and fresh, here diners can choose from a variety of healthy, Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. 180 Main Street, 989-4020 Runner up: The Boot

Best Asian Food

Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

An original tenant in Patton Creek, Sumo is known for its hibachi, sushi bar and cocktails. 151 Main Street, 444-1515 Runner up: New China

Jim ‘N Nick’s

Iguana Grill

Best New Restaurant Best Italian Food Salvatore’s

Family owned and operated for 30 years, Salvatore’s offers a variety of pizza and pasta dishes. 1594 Montgomery Hwy, 823-7206 Runner up: Costa’s

Best Mediterranean Food Taziki’s

From Greek Salads to gyros to a host of other fresh options, Taziki’s brings a taste of Greece to Chace Lake. Friday Special, anyone? 4745 Chase Circle, 682-6999 Runner up: Costa’s

Vecchia Pizzeria

Vecchia is passionate about the fresh ingredients and right oven that make a pizza great. 610 Preserve Pkwy, Suite 100, 637-3036 Runner up: Newk’s

Best Dessert

Edgar’s Strawberry Cake

Edgar’s Bakery specializes in themed cakes, gourmet lunch and breakfast, scratch-made pastries and more. Patton Creek Shopping Center, 180 Main St, 205-444-1220 Runner up: Gigi’s Cupcakes

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B7

Best Burger

Best Dentist

Five Guys

Dr. Jennifer Morrissey-Patton, Hoover Family Dentistry

Five Guy’s burgers use fresh ground beef and aren’t complete without a heaping bag of fries. 4730 Chace Circle, Suite 128, 205-985-9883 Runner up: Baha Burger

Dr. Morrissey makes sure her patients leave with clean teeth and a bright smile. 425 Emery Drive, 989-8480 Runner up: Chace Lake Family Dentistry

Best Pizza

Best Orthodontist

Tortugas

Tortugas, a family-run establishment, serves Chicago-style stuffed pizza. 2801 John Hawkins Parkway, 403-9800 Runner up: Salvatore’s

Backus Orthodontics

The Backus Orthodontics team works to ensure the best service possible as they work to straighten teeth. 425 Emery Drive, 987-0040 Runner up: PT Orthodontics

Best Coffee

Neighborhood Brew

Friends, family and neighbors catch up and enjoy coffee at The Neighborhood Brew. 5184 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 206, 980-7445 Runner up: Starbucks

Best Place for a Sweet Treat Krispy Kreme

Most people might be lying if the “hot now” sign didn’t make them crave fried dough with addictingly sweet glaze. 1990 New Patton Chapel Road, 205-822-8272 Runner up: Panera Bread

Community Best Church Choir

Hunter Street Baptist Church

Sopranos, altos tenors and bases come together to form the primary worship-leading choir at Hunter Street Baptist. 2600 John Hawkins Parkway, 985-7295 Runner up: Riverchase United Methodist

Best Teacher Jane Bruce

Bruce is an award-winning information technology instructor at Hoover High School. Runner up: Krystal Pettit, Simmons Middle

Best Pediatrician Guests enjoy the annual Moss Rock Festival held at the Moss Rock Preserve.

Best Outdoor Space

Best Place for Family Outing

Two hundred fifty acres of hiking trails, bouldering rocks and more welcome nature lovers, bird watchers and anyone who enjoys stepping into the woods at Moss Rock. 617 Preserve Parkway Runner up: Aldridge Gardens

Families can hike, boulder walks, birdwatch or just explore the woods at Moss Rock without driving far from home. 617 Preserve Parkway Runner up: Veterans Park

Moss Rock Preserve

Best Community Event Bluff Park Art Show

The Bluff Park Art Show permanent collection has grown to near 100 pieces of original art that rotate through the Hoover schools and other area locations. Runner up: Moss Rock Festival

Best Neighborhood Bluff Park

Perched atop Shades Mountain, Bluff Park retains a distinctive of feel of community within Hoover. Runner up: The Preserve

Moss Rock Preserve

Health and Wellness Best Work Out Facility Hoover YMCA

The YMCA offers a community center and variety of programs for the whole family. 2250 John Hawkins Parkway, 396-1700 Runner up: Hoover Rec Center

Best Pharmacy CVS

CVS stocks up the products residents need to stay healthy and active. Runner up: Publix

Dr. John Cortopassi, Greenvale Pediatrics

Cortopassi is board-certified in pediatrics and has been a member of the Greenvale Pediatrics team since 1980. Runner up: Dr. Jeff Malone, South Trace Pediatrics

Best Family Practitioner Dr. Jody Gilstrap, Baptist Health Center Hoover Gilstrap is board-certified in family medicine and enjoys spending time with his family and coaching youth sports. 5295 Preserve Parkway, 682-6077 Runner up: Dr. Carrie Huner, Brookwood Primary Care

Best Orthopedist Dr. Jeffrey Davis, Andrews Sports Medicine

Davis’s practice philosophy is to treat each patient with respect and provide complete attention to every individual. 201 Doug Baker Blvd., 939-3699 Runner up: Dr. Michael Ellerbusch, Southlake Orthopedics

B8 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

Hoover Sun

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B9

The Bluff Park Art Show is a tradition that began more than 50 years ago in Hoover.

Best Chiropractor Dr. Trey Lott, Lott Pain Relief Inc.

Lott provides a medical and chiropractic approach to treatment of neck pain, low back pain and sports injuries. 2010 Patton Chapel Rd Suite 201, 822-3333 Runner up: Dr. Jerry Nesseler

Best Spa Renaissance Ross Bridge

The hotel’s spa offers scrubs, wraps, massages, facials, scalp treatments and more. 4000 Grand Ave., 916-7677 Runner up: Massage Envy

Businesses and Services

Best New Business Mainstreet Monograms

The shop offers comfort colors, raincoats, bandeaus, monogramming and many other popular designs. 160 Main Street, 205-444-8989 Runner up: The Growing Tree

Best Customer Service Publix

Publix claims it’s the place where “shopping is a pleasure,” and Hoover residents have voted that they agree. 1584 Montgomery Highway, 824-72118; 2543 John Hawkins Parkway, 982-8506 Runner up: The Whole Scoop

Best Place to Buy a Gift Wrapsody

This destination store for women sells unique and thoughtful gifts, including a wide selection of Greek paraphernalia. 161 Main Street, Suite 127, 989-7277 Runner up: Lou Lou’s

Best Children’s Store

Best Women’s Clothing Store Von Maur

Von Maur’s brand is known for its clothing selection and customer service. 2400 Riverchase Galleria, 982-4337 Runner up: Belk

Best Store for Men Alabama Outdoors

This store provides a wide array of the leading brands in outdoors wear. 108 Inverness Plaza, 980-3303 Runner up: Jos A Bank

Best Mechanic Shop Estes Tire

Family owned and operated since 1975, Estes stocks tires, sells wheels and offers auto repair. 3420 Old Columbiana Road, 979-7841 Runner up: Hendrick Automotive

Best Salon Stone Salon

Stone Salon’s professional staff seeks to create beautiful hair for its clients. 616 Preserve Parkway, Suite 108, 205-824-7773 Runner up: Great Clips

Best Golf Course

Renaissance Ross Bridge

Ross Bridge’s long course offers multiple tees for golfers at all levels. 4000 Grand Avenue, 916-7677 Runner up: Hoover Country Club

Best Grocery Store Publix

Publix’s selection of groceries and shopping experience it top-rated by Hoover shoppers. Runner up: Costco

Best Real Estate Agent

James Harwell, RealtySouth

Sew Precious

James Harwell seeks customer service above all else, believing that every individual deserves his full commitment and loyalty. 1220 Alford Ave., 822-2364 Runner up: Kelli Gunnels, RealySouth

Best Place to Buy Home Décor

Hoover Toyota

This locally owned kids’ boutique is where moms turn for clothes for both boys and girls. 180 Main Street, Suite 124, 444-0005 Runner up: Toys R Us

Home Goods

Every time you go in, the store’s selection of furniture and accessories changes up to offer new ideas and inspiration. 1660 Montgomery Highway, 823-5221 Runner up: Hobby Lobby

Best Veterinarian Hope Animal Clinic

The mission of Hope Animal Clinic seeks to offer veterinary medicine and surgery as well as comprehensive pet care services. 3051 Morgan Road, 426-2828 Runner up: Bluff Park Animal Clinic

Best Car Dealership – New Cars Hoover Toyota is one of Alabama’s oldest Toyota dealers, offering more than 20 years of sales, service and parts expertise to customers. 2686 John Hawkins Parkway, 978-2600 Runner up: Long Lewis Ford

Best Car Dealership – Used Cars CarMax

This national chain buys and sells all makes and models of cars from its Hoover location. 2696 John Hawkins Parkway, 985-0556 Runner up: Long Lewis Ford

B10 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Hoover students finalists in fashion week competition By MADOLINE MARKHAM Francesca Dichiara had always known peanuts were an Alabama enterprise since she had visited the Peanut Depot in downtown Birmingham, but it wasn’t until this year that she saw how that could translate into fashion. Francesca’s peanut-inspired design is one of the 38 semi-finalists for Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star competition. Each contestant crafted a garment representing one of Alabama’s major industries (agriculture, livestock, transportation, technology, fishing, forestry and mining) with recycled or alternative materials such as glue, staples, tape, safety pins and paper clips. These garments were on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art through April 26. To create her design, Francesca started with a base made with chicken wire and duck tape and layered on top of it peanut shell “sequins” that she spray painted. To create the skirt, the St. Rose Academy student and Hoover resident draped burlap-like peanut bags over the chicken wire before spray painting them as well, and used string to lace up the back. To complete the look, she created a flower out of peach seeds, which she got at Peach Park in Chilton County when she picked up the peanuts on her way home from Spring Break. In all of it, she incorporated her favorite color, blue. “I feel like it is a mature color and very relaxing,” she said of the color.

Berry Middle School student Lola Waldrop’s design is a semifinalist in Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star competition.

Birmingham Fashion Week May 7-9 Pepper Place Downtown Birmingham bhamfashionweek.com

Hoover resident Francesca Dichiara created her design using Alabama peanuts and peanut bags. Photos courtesy of Juan Rodriguez Photography.

Berry Middle School student Lola Waldrop is also a finalist in the competition. Her design mimicked the look of the interior of cave. Using a base of duct tape, wire, trash bags aluminum and chicken wire, she used charcoal and rock salt to create a texture like

one seen in a cave that she used on the collar and the under side of the skirt. A select number of contestants will advance to the final round of the competition to showcase their design on the Birmingham Fashion Week runway Thursday, May 7 and

Friday, May 8. In addition to their initial runway look, the design students selected to progress to the next round will also be required to create a second look from recycled Buffalo Rock Co. materials to walk the runway and compete for the sought-after title of

Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star. Semifinalists will move on to the final round of judging during the finale runway show on Saturday, May 9, with the winner will be announced that evening and awarded a $500 scholarship.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B11

School House Berry Middle School student named Children’s Miracle Network Champion

Kim Mitchell and her son James Strong, the 2015 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Alabama Champion. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN In April, Berry Middle School seventh-grader James Strong was named as the 2015 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Alabama Champion. The event took place at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. Strong will serve as a fundraising and awareness ambassador for Children’s of Alabama and all children treated at the charity’s 170 member hospitals. “James is a fighter, and he has always been a fighter,” said his mother, Kim Mitchell. “He is the definition of strength, the definition of faith and the definition of life.” When Mitchell was 5 months pregnant, she learned her baby would have hydrocephalus and would need a shunt placed in his brain immediately after birth. In addition to hydrocephalus and a spinal cord tumor, Strong also suffers from Dandy-Walker Syndrome, mild cerebral palsy, cranio-cerebral disproportion and Chiari malformation. To date, Strong has had more than 20 surgeries to replace his shunt and to address some of his other conditions. The ninth floor

at Children’s of Alabama has become a second home to him and his mother. But he does not focus on his disability. He plays basketball and tennis, loves to swim and is passionate about the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. During the event, Berry Middle School Principal Chris Robbins spoke about his time knowing Strong. He commented on his sense of humor and excellent basketball skills. Robbins also shared thoughts from some of Strong’s teachers. “The one thing that kept coming up again and again was his megawatt smile,” Robbins said. “It’s very fitting that his last name is strong, because that’s what this young man is.” Every year, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions program identifies a child with a remarkable medical story from each state to serve as an ambassador for the millions of children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals annually. The Champions and their family will travel to Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, for one week in October to meet with media and delegates to highlight the work taking place at Children’s Hospitals. For more visit, childrensal.org.

Bluff Park Elementary students visit State House

Rep. David Faulkner visited with fourth-grade Bluff Park Elementary students at the State House during their visit to Montgomery. 115 fourth-graders made the trip and they are shown here in front of the State House with BPE teacher Caroline Adams and Rep. Louise Alexander. All were recognized by the Speaker of the House of Representatives while watching from the gallery above the House Chamber.

B12 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Trace Crossings teacher a Final Four Teacher of the Year finalist Trace Crossings Elementary teacher Minnette R. Wiggins has been named one of the Final Four finalists for Alabama’s 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. “My successes are when a child is excited about something he has learned, when she has an ‘ah-ha’ moment, when he achieves a goal, and when academics makes a difference to the individual life of a child,” Wiggins said. “My students inspire me daily to be the best teacher I can be, and they deserve nothing less. I am so very proud to be a small part of the teaching world.”

The next step for the final four is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. The 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. at the RSA Plaza Terrace in Montgomery. Finalists emerged from more than 130 educators across the state who submitted applications for the Alabama Teacher of the Year Program. Applicants submitted packets outlining education history, professional

biographies, community involvement and philosophies of teaching. Alabama’s Teacher of the Year spends the majority of the school year serving as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession as well as presenting workshops to various groups. Additionally, Alabama’s representative is a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year. Serving as a camp counselor at a church camp was all it took to solidify Minnette Wiggins’ decision to pursue a teaching degree. Having taught in both rural and suburban school systems, Wiggins does not believe there

SPHS athletes sign with colleges

is a one-size-fits-all curriculum. She strives to create a 21st century learning environment for her first graders where instruction is personalized, project-based, and hands-on. When Wiggins reflects back on her 30-plus year career, the veteran educator considers her greatest accomplishments those that are based on the personal growth and the academic growth of each student. The National Board Certified teacher treasures her students’ enthusiasm for learning and their unconditional trust in her to lead them toward achievement and growth. Parent Edie Schauble Pickett credits

on the right foot on his education journey.”

Bluff Park Elementary selected as Green Ribbon School By ROY L. WILLIAMS

Seated, left to right, are Keyasha Golrdon, basketball, Wallace State; Victoria Baldwin, basketball, Lander; Jamaiya Lee, basketball, Wallace Statte. Second row, from left,are Tyler WIse, basebaqll, Birmingham-Southern; Micah Wheeles, lacrosse, Montevallo; Jhavonte Waire, cheer, North Alabama; Jeff Bannon, track and field (pole Vault), Anderson. Photo by Keith McCoy

Minnette Wiggins.

Wiggins with making school and learning exciting for her son, starting him “out

Hoover’s Bluff Park Elementary selected as a 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover is among only four schools in Alabama named as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. The award honors schools, districts and colleges for reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and offering environmental education. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan was joined by Managing Director of the

White House Council on Environmental Quality Christy Goldfuss today, April 22, in announcing the honorees. Fifty-eight schools, 14 districts, and nine postsecondary institutions were honored for their promising efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways. In addition, nine colleges and universities were honored with the Postsecondary Sustainability Award, in the first year of that award category.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B13

HCS holds 20th annual Finley Awards

HHS student award winner John Charles Nichols, faculty award winner Robert Cofield and SPHS student award winner Jeff Bannon at the 20th annual Finley Awards. Photo courtesy of Jason Gaston.

Hoover City Schools held the 20th annual Finley Awards in March at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. This annual district-wide award ceremony recognizes an employee and two graduating Hoover City School seniors who exemplify good character. John Charles Nichols of Hoover High School and Jeff Bannon of Spain Park High School were selected as the student winners. Robert Cofield, a 12th-grade English teacher at HHS, was the faculty award winner. In addition, every school in the system had winners from each grade level, and those in

grades 3 through 12 were also honored during the ceremony. The Finley Awards for Character Education program began in 1996 as a tribute to coach Bob Finley’s character. Finley was a longtime educator, serving at Hoover’s original high school (W.A. Berry High School) from 19631994. With his untimely death in the summer of 1994, Coach Finley left the legacy of exemplary character for youth to emulate. In its 20 years, the Finley Banquet has grown in size and scope to honor students and faculty.

Deer Valley scores at Lego Robotics Deer Valley had five teams compete in the Lego Robotics competition at Greystone in February. One of the teams took home third place. The winning team members are: Kashvi Gaddam, Shariq Khimani, and Brooke Turtletaub. All of the students did a fantastic job during their first competition. One student had such a good attitude and encouragement that his team was awarded three extra points awarded by the judges. The other Lego Robotics members are: Josue Castillo, Sam Norton, Elise Hart, Srikar Bodem, Jordan Curtis, Ian Smith, Luke Zellmer, Wesley Anderson, Prithvi Venkatesan, Tyler Wiggins, Daniel Zhao, Rowan Hammond, Roman Gilmore, Arman Dolatabadi. Sponsor Samantha Funkhauser is very proud. -Submitted by Betty Wilson

Bottom row: Brooke Turtletaub, Srikar Bodem, Prithvi Venkatesan, Samntha Funkhauser, Middle row: Luke Zeller, Roman Gilmore. Top row: Shariq Khimani, Ian Smith and Jordan Curtis. Photo courtesy of Betty Wilson.

Shades Mountain Elementary receives grant for trail project

Pictured from left to right are Jennifer Glick, Kara Harrison, Paul DeMarco and Juli Feltham.

On behalf of the Shades Mountain community, students, teachers and families, Shades Mountain Elementary School would like to thank Paul DeMarco for the support of their school. The community service grant of $1,000 was directed to the sports field/nature trail project. Along with the PTO matching the funds, they were able to purchase four metal picnic tables. These tables will last us for many years

to come. This area has been a work in progress for six years. Paul DeMarco’s support of the initial effort helped establish a partnership with the community. The area is beautiful and provides a myriad of wonderful learning opportunities to students during the school day.

B14 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

Hoover Sun

Summer

FUN Photo Contest

in a jpeg format s to o h p r u yo l ai To enter, em rsun.com. to photos@hoove s and include e ag im y it al u q h Please send hig oto credit. a caption and ph wed per person. lo al e ar s to o h p r Only fou

Fun

#HooverSummer

Winners will be announced in the September issue.

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

Deadline is August 9, 2015

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B15

Sports Former Buccaneer Cannon leads Blazers to golf title By DAVID KNOX UAB junior Will Cannon had a record-setting performance at The Goodwin in Stanford, Calif., leading the Blazers to a tournament championship and earning his first Conference USA Men’s Golfer of the Week honor. The Hoover High graduate guided UAB to a team title while also tying for first place individually among the field of 24 teams. Cannon finished the tournament with a 197 (-13) to tie for a UAB school record 54-hole score. He shot under 69 in all three rounds, including a career-best 62 (-8), which also ties for a school record 18-hole score. He never fell below eighth in the individual standings and moved into first after the second round. Cannon carded an eagle and 17 birdies, second highest among individuals, over the three-day tournament. His career-best second round included an eagle, six birdies and 11 pars. He also tied for a school-best 36-hole total with a 128 (-12) through the first two rounds of play. His performance led UAB to a record-setting 817 (-23) team total, which is 10 strokes better than the previous record set in 2007. “I am really proud for Will to be co-champion at The Goodwin,” head coach Alan Murray said. “It was as impressive an individual performance that I have witnessed during my time at UAB. To finish at the top of such a strong field is something Will should be very proud of.”

The individual performance was the best of his career, and it came against some of the top golfers in the nation. “It feels incredible to have a great finish like that,” Cannon said. “That is why we all practice and play, to be able to put yourself in that situation and have a chance to win. It is very satisfying that the hard work is paying off. The Goodwin is one of the best fields in the country so it is encouraging, not only for me but everyone on this team, to compete with some of the best players. Overall the week was just awesome. It was one of the best weeks I have ever had.” Cannon said he hoped it would be a stepping-stone for the UAB men’s golf team as the Blazers prepared for the Conference USA Tournament and a possible fifth straight trip to the NCAA Regionals. “I think first off, this tournament gives all of us a lot of confidence,” Cannon stated. “We had been finishing right around that fifth place area all year and to be able to win a tournament like this is big for us.” It wasn’t all work for the Blazers as Cannon and the rest of the team were able to experience some of California’s sites during the stay on the Pacific coast. “We had a lot of fun,” Cannon said. “We got to go over to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge. I have never been to California so that was really cool to go see that. One day we went go-karting so it was a lot of fun, we had a great time.”

UAB golfer Will Cannon, a former Hoover High standout, tied for first in the prestigious The Goodwin golf tournament in Stanford, Calif., leading the Blazers to the team championship. Photo courtesy of UAB Athletic Media Relations.

B16 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Spain Park softball team sports gaudy record as area tournament approaches By DAVID KNOX Rankings and records mean nothing when postseason play arrives. Still, it’s tough to overlook what C.J. Hawkins’ Spain Park Lady Jaguars have done this spring on the softball diamond. As late April approached, the Lady Jags were roaring along with a 30-7-2 record and ranked No. 2 in the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A final rankings. Spain Park is coming off an outstanding 2014 season that saw the Lady Jags finish fifth in the state tournament, posting the best season Hawkins’ team has had at Spain Park. Hawkins’ ClayChalkville team was runner-up in 2004. So goals are high for the Lady Jags. “The ultimate goal is always to win a state championship,” said Hawkins, who recently won her 700th game as a head coach. “It’s attainable. We have to stay healthy, we have to get hot at the right time, peak at the right time. And team chemistry. We’ve got the weapons, but we’ve got to play together. “It’s a crapshoot in our area.” Ah, yes, the little matter of playing in one of the tougher areas around. But the Lady Jags ran the table, going 6-0 in area play. Class 7A, Area 6 is made up of Spain Park, Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussville and Mountain Brook. Hewitt is ranked No. 3. and Vestavia has been ranked a good part of the season. Midway through the season, Hawkins felt like hitting, defense and the pitching of her two seniors, Mary Kathryn Bonamy and Mallory McCarty, were the strong points. Bonamy, sophomore Jenna Olwzewski, junior Destini England and sophomore Mary Katherine Tedder were among the hitting standouts. Tedder, the daughter of former Birmingham Barons player

Coach C.J. Hawkins discusses strategy with her Spain Park team. Photo by Christy Parker.

Scott Tedder, has committed to play at Texas. Bonamy is headed to Notre Dame, Olwzewski is committed to Auburn and England has committed to West Florida “I’m not so concerned with our record, more with team chemistry,” Hawkins said. The Lady Jags have a full middle school roster but just eight players on the junior varsity. Her varsity really has no subs, but she’s loath to move any up

just to have them sit on the bench or pinch run. “They need to be playing, they need to be getting better. We just need to stay healthy.” Since fastpitch softball became an AHSAA championship sport, Hoover has won five bigschool titles and Sparkman has also won five, all in the past nine seasons, and three in a row. “There’s a lot of parity,” Hawkins said, “but right now Hoover is the team to beat. They are

loaded, loaded, loaded.” She also names Oak Mountain, Sparkman, Baker and Central-Phenix City as top contenders for a run at the 7A crown. But it comes down to the same thing – being at your best when tournament time arrives. “You’ve got to peak, stay healthy, and play together.”

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B17

Spain Park finishes second in golf tourney in honor of former player Tournament Scores Spain Park (+42) 311-307—618

Briarwood Christian (+52) 313-315—628

Patrick Martin 74-74--148 Sam Prater 78-80—158 Conley Miller 79-83—162 Thomas Luther 84-76—160 Andrew Tomko 80-77—157

John Hayden 77-76—153 Blakely Burrow 76-74—150 Jacob Maze 82-84—166 Robert Sorrell 84-81—165 Bentley King 78-87—165

By DAVID KNOX The ninth annual Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament was competed over the Legacy Course at Greystone Golf & Country Club April 8-9. Mountain Brook came away with the team title by eight strokes over host Spain Park. Northridge-Tuscaloosa’s William Walker, a UAB signee, was the individual medalist at 145. Among the other local teams in the 15-team invitation-only event, Homewood posted a fifth-place finish, Briarwood Christian was seventh and Hoover was 15th. The all-tournament team was Patrick Marin, Spain Park; Jonathan Eyster, Mountain Brook; Ben Fuller, Mountain Brook, Alex Green, Fairhope; William Buhl, Bayside; and William Walker, Northridge, medalist. The tournament is played every year and in honor and memory of Spain Park

golfer Bradley Johnson, a rising star as a junior golfer. Johnson was an American Junior Golf Association All-American and the U.S. Junior Amateur runner-up in 2005, losing 5&3 in the final to Kevin Tway – who has gone on to play on the PGA Tour – the best finish ever by an Alabamian in the event. Tragically, Johnson was killed March 25, 2006, when his green Chevy Blazer was hit by a tractor-trailer near Birmingham. After spending the night with his two best friends at a lake house about an hour from his home, Johnson reached a stop sign on a rural county road. He pulled too far into the intersection. An 18-wheeler crashed into his SUV. His friends were knocked out, but survived. His life was cut short on the verge of a burgeoning golf career. Johnson was planning to play a practice round for a state tournament that day. Later that weekend, he was going to reveal

to his family which one of three SEC scholarship offers – Auburn, Georgia or Alabama – he would accept. His death sent shock waves not only through the Hoover community but through the world of junior golf as well. The Bradley Johnson Memorial Foundation, Inc., was established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing financial resources for junior golfers, from helping to fund tournaments and to provide scholarship money. The BJMF – bjmf.org– has given out more than $100,000 to golfers. Also, a program called “Birdies for Bradley” was established through the AJGA thanks to a grant from the Achieving Competitive Excellence program. It’s another way the BMJF helps talented young golfers get a chance to continue to p lay, even if they do not have a lot of financial resources.

Spain Park High School golfer Andrew Tomko. Photo by Karim ShamsiBasha.

B18 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

SEC Baseball Tournament returns to Met this month 2015 SEC Baseball Standings as of April 23 Eastern Division

Western Division

SEC

Pct.

All

Pct.

SEC

Pct.

All

Pct.

Florida

12-6

.667

32-10

.762

LSU

13-5

.722

36-6

.857

Vanderbilt

12-6

.667

30-12

.714

Texas A&M

12-6

.667

36-6

.857

Missouri

12-6

.667

26-15

.634

Arkansas

9-9

.500

24-17

.585

Kentucky

8-9

.471

3.5

23-16

.590

Ole Miss

8-10

.444

21-21

.500

South Carolina

8-10

.444

25-17

.595

Auburn

8-11

.421

5.5

27-16

.628

Georgia

6-12

.333

21-21

.500

Alabama

7-11

.389

22-18

.550

Tennessee

5-13

.278

16-20

.444

Mississippi State 6-12

.333

22-19

.537

By DAVID KNOX It’s been a busy spring at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The University of Alabama has called the Met its home field this year, as renovations continue at Tuscaloosa’s SewellThomas Stadium. And from May 19-24, the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament returns for its 18th consecutive year to Hoover. One question, though. Will the home-awayfrom-home Crimson Tide be among the 12 teams in the field? The 2015 tournament again features just the top 12 of the league’s 14 schools, and as of

mid-April, Alabama was battling Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee for the final two spots. Each division’s winner lands an automatic spot, but the other 10 teams are selected by league winning percentage, regardless of division. Attendance has been excellent through the years, thanks in part to Alabama’s and Auburn’s participation in the tourney, but also because the top five schools in NCAA Division I home attendance in 2014 were SEC schools, and they like to come to Hoover. The 2013 SEC tournament drew 134,396 fans to the Hoover Met, a record high for the event. Last year dipped to 120,386, seventh-best in the 17 years. Auburn did not make the field, and

Alabama was eliminated after one game. So, local attendance certainly boosts the box office. The good news is that the league appears to be very balanced after the top four teams in each division, so neither Alabama nor Auburn should be written off just yet. And we’re just about halfway through the SEC schedule, so anything can happen. The tournament format works this way: Seeds 5-12 meet in a single elimination format on the opening day of the tournament (Tuesday, May 19), followed by traditional double-elimination play Wednesday through Friday. The tournament will return to single elimination play on Saturday. A total of 17 games will be played

throughout the tournament. All tourney games have been televised in high definition since 2008. For the first time in the history of the tournament, all games of this year’s SEC Baseball Tournament will be nationally televised. Although Hoover has been the host for 17 years, some other sites have expressed interest in taking the game away, at least for a limited run. The SEC is scheduled to keep the tournament in Hoover through 2016 under the current contract. Do not be surprised if an announcement concerning future sites is addressed during the tournament or more likely at the SEC meetings in Destin, Florida, later this month.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B19

Seeding

Ticket information General admission tickets: $14 per session for adults, or $8 per session for children ages 3-12. There are two games per session every day but the ﬁnal day, when the championship game is held. On the ﬁrst three days of the tournament (Tuesday through Thursday), there will be two sessions each day, one in

the morning and one in the afternoon/ evening. There is only one session (with two games) on both Friday and Saturday. Fans can buy a six-pack, which includes six general admission tickets good for any session, for $66. Those interested in buying tickets for all nine sessions can get reserved box seats for $120 and have

an opportunity to purchase a hospitality upgrade. Hospitality passes offer both indoor and outdoor seating, ﬂat-screen TVs, one meal per session, snacks and beverages. All tickets, hospitality passes and special parking passes can be bought online at secsports.com.

The two division champions shall be automatically seeded number one and number two based on winning percentage in Conference competition. The remaining teams shall be seeded numbers three through 10 based on winning percentage without regard to division. Ties will be broken in the following manner: 1. Two-Team Tie. The following procedure will be used in the following order until the tie is broken: A. Won-lost results of head-to-head competition between the two tied teams. B. If two teams are divisional opponents: (1) Won-lost percentage within their division (over the 15-game SEC division schedule). (2) Won-lost percentage of the two teams versus the No. 1 team in their division (and proceeding through the No. 6 team, if necessary). C. If two teams are not divisional opponents: (1) Won-lost record of the two teams versus the No. 1 seed using common opponents only (and proceeding through the No. 10 seed, if necessary). (2) Coin ﬂip by the Commissioner. 2. Three-Team Tie (or more). The following procedure will be used in the following order until the tie is broken: (Note: If the three tied teams have three different records against each other, they shall be seeded in best percentage order.) Otherwise, once the tie has been reduced to two teams, the twoteam tiebreaker procedure will be used. A. If all three teams are common opponents: Total won-lost percentage of games played among the tied teams. B. Won-lost percentage of the tied teams versus the No. 1 seed and proceeding through the No. 8 seed, if necessary, using common opponents only. C. If three or more teams still are tied, the Commissioner will conduct a draw.

B20 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

Hoover Sun

Hoover

1941 Cahaba Cove, Unit 18

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

629389

35244

1941 Cahaba Cove, Unit 18

New

$329,900

629375

35244

2108 Christina Cove

New

$850,000

629369

35244

232 Eden View Drive

New

$284,000

629346

35226

4873 Crystal Circle

New

$384,000

629322

35244

5784 Cypress Trace, Unit 8

New

$255,000

629297

35242

2715 Stonehaven Place

New

$489,900

629295

35226

4787 Mcgill Court, Unit 53

New

$480,120

629291

35226

4726 Mcgill Court, Unit 33

New

$423,340

629271

35242

300 Fairfax Way

New

$349,900

629269

35226

4737 Mcgill Court, Unit 64

New

$499,900

629266

35226

4770 Mcgill Court, Unit 43

New

$445,125

629246

35226

5736 Colony Lane, Unit 69

New

$126,000

629236

35226

2225 Hawksbury Lane

New

$179,900

629254

35226

2309 Bellevue Court

New

$609,900

629202

35226

1400 Shades Crest Road

New

$329,000

629153

35242

951 Greystone Highlands Circle

New

$184,900

629135

35244

1725 Russet Crest Circle

New

$245,000

629105

35226

2276 Larkspur Drive

New

$189,900

629099

35226

3853 Ross Park Drive

New

$364,900

629080

35226

2301 Grand Avenue, Unit 119

New

$112,000

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

2309 Bellevue Court

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B21

Calendar Hoover Events May 2: Celebrate Hoover Day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Veterans Park. Call Brittany Toole at 444-7792.

Society Board Meeting. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Hoover Historical Society. Visit hooverhistoricalsociety.org/.

May 8-9: Annual Spring Plant Sale. May 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., May 9, 9 a.m.-noon. Aldridge Gardens. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

May 14: Hoover Service Club Meeting. Scholarship/Citizenship Awards Luncheon, Flora Mae Pike Award presentation and installation of new officers. Visit hooveral.org.

May 12: Hoover Historical

May 16: Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Walk. 10 a.m. Veterans Park. Family-oriented event with 5K walk, children’s activities, food and festivities. Visit fightcf.cff.org. May 20: Spain Park High School Graduation. Samford University. Visit spainparkhigh.al.hch. schoolinsites.com.

May 21: Hoover High School Graduation. UAB Bartow Arena. Visit hoovercityschools.net. May 28: Art Exhibitions on the Gallery: Artist Frank Fleming “An Evening with the Artist.” 6-8 p.m. Aldridge Gardens. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

May 29: Ross Bridge Farmers Market. 3-7 p.m. Parking lot in front of Ross Bridge Welcome Center. Visit facebook.com/rossbridgefarmersmarket. May 29: Friday Night Flicks: Big Hero 6. Film starts at sundown. Veterans Park.

Hoover City Council Events 100 Municipal Lane 444-7500 May 4: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor. Visit hooveral.org.

May 7: Board of Zoning Adjustments. 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor. Visit hooveral.org.

May 11: Planning and Zoning Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor. Visit hooveral.org.

May 18: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor. Visit hooveral.org.

Hoover Chamber of Commerce Events 1694 Montgomery Highway 988-5672 May 7: Economic Development Forum Meeting. 8:30 a.m. Chamber Office.

May 18: Ambassador Meeting. 4:30 p.m. Chamber Office. Visitors welcome.

May 14: Coffee and Contacts. 7:30-9 a.m. Morningside of Riverchase. Call 403-7400 or dkodadek@5sqc.com for information.

May 21: Hoover Chamber Luncheon. 11:15 a.m. Hoover Country Club. Please make reservations by Monday, May 18. $20.00 or $22.00 without reservations. Contact Lisa Dunbar 988-5672

or lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations. May 19-24: SEC Baseball Tournament. The Hoover Met. Ticket packages available at secsports.com or 1-800-732-4849. May 26: Noon Minority Business Council

Meeting Brown Bag Luncheon Meeting. Noon. Chamber Office. Visitors welcome. Contact Reginald Jeter jeterr3@nationwide.com for information. May 28: Business After Hours. 5:30-7 p.m. Outback Steakhouse. Contact 979-7585 or obs1256@outback.com for information.

B22 • May 2015

Hoover Sun

Calendar

Moonlight on the Mountain

Hoover Library Events

585 Shades Crest Road moonlightonthemtn.com

200 Municipal Lane 444-7800

May 1: James Harwell. $10. May 2: Justin Johnson’s Rolling Cigar Box Guitar and Roots Revenue. $15. May 4: Open Mic Night. $5. May 7: Song Swarm: Taylor Pie, Michale O’Connor, Jeff Plankenhorn. $12. May 7: Elephant Revival. $15. May 9: Radney Foster. $20. May 15: Debbie Bond. $12. May 16: Angela McKinney and Her Mighty Small Band. $12. May 18: Open Mic Night. $5. May 21: A Comedy Night with Extemporaneous Theatre Company. May 23: Jazz Café: David Jones and Friends. $15. May 28: The Mulligan Brothers. $12. May 30: Dan Navarro. $12. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and cost $12 unless otherwise stated.

May 2: The Library Theatre. 4 p.m., 8 p.m. Theatre Level.

animation studio and learn the secrets behind its creative rebirth. Free admission and refreshments.

May 3: Global Cuisine at the Plaza. 2:30 p.m. The Plaza. Explore the cuisine of Mexico.

May 11: Helping Hands. 3 p.m. Make newspaper rolls for a local Humane Society.

May 4: Beekeeping. 6:30 p.m. Adult Programming Room. Free.

May 11: Trivia Night at Beef ‘O’Brady’s. 7 p.m. Beef ‘O’Brady’s. Compete for prizes at local Hoover restaurant, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.

May 6: History of Southern Flight. 11:30 a.m. Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Bring your lunch and listen to local historian Jim Phillips present interesting facts, stories and amusements about the region’s flight history. Drinks and sweets will be provided. May 7: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Meeting Rooms A and B. Discuss The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Free. May 7: Steel City Jug Slammers. 6:30 p.m. Library Plaza. Playing a mixture of traditional and homemade instruments, SCJS plays the delta blues and old-time music that hearkens back to early 1900s juke joints. Free. May 8: Homelessness 101. 10:30 a.m. Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Workshop presented by One Roof. Learn about homelessness, helpful resources and specific do’s and don’ts regarding interaction with people who are experiencing homelessness. Free. Registration required. May 9: Purl at the Plaza. 10:30 a.m. The Plaza. Bring your yarn and knit, crochet or embroider. Free. May 11: Waking Sleeping Beauty. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre. Go inside the fabled

May 12: Daytime Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Discussion of the book Brave Companions: Portraits in History by David McCullough. May 12: Spanish Conversation Club. 7 p.m. Library Plaza. All Spanish fluency levels welcome to practice the language and learn about the culture with a native speaker. May 14: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Meeting Rooms A and B. Discussion of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

May 19, 21: Glue Gun Gang: Dot Paintings. May 19 6:30 p.m., May 21 10:30 a.m. Acrylic dot painting, a technique made famous by Australian Aboriginal artists in the 1970s. Adults only. Free. Reservations required. Sign up begins May 1. May 20: No Jacket Required Nonfiction Book Group. 10:30 a.m. Discuss a nonfiction book of your choice in this month’s genre: Travelogues. May 21: Art Reception: David Diodati. 5:30 p.m. Friends Art Gallery. Reception honoring May Featured Artist, David Diodati. May 22: After Hours at the Plaza: Game Nite. 7 p.m. Library Plaza. Team up with fellow gamers. May 23: Business Blogging and Podcasting. 10:30 a.m. Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Dr. Dale Callahan presents a seminar on how blogging and podcasting can help small businesses.

May 16: Science Fiction and Fantasy Triple Feature. 10:15 a.m. Library Theatre. Summer-long celebration of the science fiction and fantasy genres. Free admission and refreshments.

May 28: Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group. 7 p.m. Board Room. Discussion of the book The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan.

May 18: Monday at the Movies: Back to the Future. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Library Theatre. Free.

May 30: Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Meet with fellow amateur poets and novelists.

May 18: Neuroscience Café-Parkinson’s Disease Update. 6:30 p.m. Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Presented by UAB’s Comprehensive Neuroscience Center.

May 31: Philos Moore. 2:30 p.m. Plaza and Reading Room. Singer/songwriter from Birmingham performs a unique blend of Americana and altcountry.

POWER TO

HOME

Safe, affordable, reliable electricity is one form of power we provide, but not the only one. Meet Rita Burns. She recently built her first home, and with the help of Alabama Power, was able to make sure it was as comfortable and efficient as she imagined it could be. With a simple call to Alabama Power for advice and direction, Rita now has a comfortable place that her whole family can enjoy. That’s power to turn a house into a home. That’s Power to Alabama. Watch Rita’s story of comfort at AlabamaPowerRealTalk.com.

hooversun.com

May 2015 • B23

Calendar Area Events April 30-May 3: Alabama International Auto Show. April 30 Noon-9 p.m., May 1-2 10 a.m.-9 p.m., May 3 10 a.m.-6 p.m. BJCC. $12 adults, $6 children 6-11, children 5 and under free.

May 3: Shen Yun. 4 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Visit bjcc.org.

May 9: Crawfish and Cornhole. 2-7 p.m. Avondale Brewing Company. $20 admission includes a beer, all-you-can-eat crawfish and live music benefiting Make-A-Wish Alabama. Call 440-1933.

May 1-3: Celebrating Spring with Dance. May 1-2 7:30-9:30 p.m. and May 3 2:304:30 p.m. Alabama School of Fine Arts. $10 for adults, $5 students. Visit asfa.k12.al.us.

May 4: 23rd Annual Ireland Legacy Tournament. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Overton Club. $2,750 for a team of four, $700 individual. Many sponsorship opportunities are available. Call 7953251.

May 9: Motherwalk 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. 8 a.m.-noon. Homewood Central Park. Benefiting ovarian cancer research through the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Call 276-1696.

May 6: Hozier. 8-11 p.m. Alabama Theatre. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster, $27.50-$47.50. Call 1-800-745-3000.

May 9: ASO Youth Orchestra Spring Concert. 3 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Call 9752787.

May 7: Birmingham Art Crawl. 5-9 p.m. Birmingham Historic Loft District. Free admission. Visit birminghamartcrawl.com.

May 9: Girls on the Run 5K. 8 a.m. Veterans Park. Registration is $28 until race week. Visit girlsontherunbham.org.

May 7: Eat UP: A Taste of Uptown. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Uptown Entertainment District. Food samples will be provided by Uptown’s seven restaurants. $25. Visit ticketmaster.com.

May 11: Collat Jewish Family Services Hands Up Together Event. 7 p.m. Alabama School of Fine Arts Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre. Visit cjfsbham.org or call 879-3438.

May 7: An Evening with David Phelps. 5:30 p.m. Wright Center, Samford University. Phelps is a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. $135 per person. Visit samford.edu/legacyleague.

May 15: Black Jacket Symphony Presents “Nevermind” and “Ten.” 7 p.m. Iron City. $25. Call 202-5483.

May 30: Sixth Annual Bob Sykes Barbecue and Blues Festival. Noon-7 p.m. DeBardeleben Park, Bessemer. Call 426-1400 or visit bobsykesblues.com.

May 16: Birmingham Crawl for Cancer. 1-6 p.m. Lakeview District. 10-12 people per team. After-party at Side Bar. $40 per person. Register at crawlforcancer.org, go to “cities” and click on “Birmingham.”

May 30: Florida Georgia Line Anything Goes Tour. 7:30 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $40.50. Call 1-800745-3000.

May 1-3: Wings Over Oak Mountain. Oak Mountain State Park. Special programming, exciting birding excursions, interaction with live raptors and the beauty of Oak Mountain State Park. $75 each, $125 per couple. Visit awrc.org. May 2: Here’s to Forty: A Celebration of Children’s Dance Foundation. 7:30 p.m. The Alabama Theatre. Visit childrensdancefoundation. org. May 2: Tumor Trooper 5K Run/Walk. 7:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Registration through April 24 is $20, April 25race day is $25. Call (404) 252-4107. May 2: SLIPKNOT. 8 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Tickets $34-$87.50, available through Ticketmaster/Live Nation. May 3: Mother’s Day Brunch. 1 p.m. Clubhouse on Highland. Catered brunch by Ashley Mac’s, a silent auction and more will benefit Sav A Life Vestavia. Open to the public. $50. Visit savalife. instagift.com.

May 7-9: Birmingham Fashion Week. 6 p.m. Pepper Place. Visit bhamfashionweek.com. May 7: ArtPlay Parlor Series: Julia Bullock. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. $37.50. Visit alysstephens.org.

205-874-9790

Severe Headaches?

Living with headaches is tough.

Day after day of being miserable, irritable, and looking a lot older than you really are. The frustration of knowing that your friends and family don’t understand what you’re going through. Add this to doctors’ visits, MRI’s and CT scans -which only come back with “normal” results. And that’s not all… trying one medication after another, feeling like you’re on a merry-go-round of drugs. All this is enough to make anyone want to scream! Drs. Latanya Montgomery and Sheri NeSmith, have been helping patients with neck tension, headaches and migraines live pain free for years now. Every week I hear how women suffer from severe

headaches – statements like… •“I feel like my head is in a vice.” •“My eyes hurt and I feel so drowsy.” •“I have to lay down.” •“I’ve had migraines since childhood.” •“Muscle tension in the neck and pain into the shoulders.” “I only wished I had found you sooner”

I hear this so often, I decided to do something about it and run this ad. I’m running a special 20-day offer for those suffering with headaches. Until May 28, $27 will get you all the services I normally charge new patients $127 for! Just call before May 28 and here’s what you’ll get… An in-depth consultation about your headaches where I will listen…really listen… to the details of your unique

situation. A complete neuromuscular and skeletal examination of the head and neck so we can find the problem. A thorough analysis of your exam findings where we’ll map out how you can get rid of your headaches once and for all. A special report complimenting your recommendations that reveals the foods you should never, ever eat when suffering from chronic headaches. Imagine being able to live life like a normal person again, pain free and without headaches -- being able to play with your kids, enjoy time with friends, and not have to worry that your headache will hit you at just the wrong time. Call today. I may be able to help you live a normal, pain-free life again. Call 205-874-9790

May 16: Do Dah Day. 11 a.m. Caldwell Park.

Free admission for spectators and festival attendees. $5 per walker for fun walker. $10 animal prize per animal per category. $10 teams per person. $10 teams with car per person plus $15 per car. $15 cars. $10 motorcycles. $20 floats. Political team/car/ float $50 per candidate. Visit dodahday.org. May 16-17: Great Southern Gun and Knife Show. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. BJCC Exhibition Halls. Adults $9 and children 6-11 $2. Call (865) 458-0051. May 20: Birmingham Franchise Expo. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Over 20 successful and proven franchise companies will speak. Free. Reservations encouraged. Visit alabamafranchiseexpo.com. May 20-24: Disney on Ice: Frozen. Various times. Legacy Arena, BJCC. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and the BJCC Central Ticket Office, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Visit bjcc.org.