Hoover sun vol 2 iss 3 dec 2013

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Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Santa at The Preserve

December 2013 • 1

Volume 2 | Issue 3 | December 2013

Deck the Halls

Just as it provided the city’s founding family with a place to gather for the holidays, the Hoover-Randle Home is now serving its new owners in a similar fashion

Residents of The Preserve will enjoy breakfast with Santa, who will be flying into the neighborhood via helicopter on Dec. 14. Details inside.

Community page 16

Holiday Gift Guide

Looking to make holiday shopping easy and enjoyable? Check out unique items from local stores in our holiday gift guide inside.

Special page 14

INSIDE City ..........................6 Celebrations...........8 Chamber..................9 Business ................10 Food ...................... 12

Community ....... 16 School House.....22 Sports ................ 26 Calendar..............30

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, AL Permit #656

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Barbara Randle, who owns the Hoover-Randle Home with her husband, Edmond, has been welcoming family and friends into the historical house for many holiday seasons, much like the Hoover family did when the home was first built. Photos by Jeff Thompson.

Jane Hoover Parrish, one of four children to city founder William Henry Hoover and his wife, Helen, fondly remembers Christmas in the Hoover-Randle Home as a warm, family-centered event each year.

By JEFF THOMPSON

branches are dressed in tinsel and ornaments. Traditional décor deadMuch has changed in the ends here though, as the rest of the Hoover-Randle Home since Jane home exudes its owners’ style — a Hoover Parrish and the city’s seamless blend of thoughtful crefounding family lived there. ation and eclectic beauty.

She was 15 when her father, “In my home, I hope you see William Henry Hoover, moved warmth, and I hope you see color,” the family to the colonial-style said Barbara Randle. “Art is a big property in 1950. Built in the part of my life, and I’m into art rural woods south of Birmingin many forms. I hope this is a ham, the Hoovers had no neighhappy place that speaks to you in some way.” bors, aside from a sawmill, on its The Hoover-Randle Home on Tyler Road was built by William Hoover, 160 acres of freedom.

Inside the large dining area is the city’s founder. It’s now owned by Edmond and Barbara Randle.

But while the house and propa table that seats more than 20.

Its chairs are covered in bright erty have evolved to suit their current owners, Edmond and Barbara Randle, Modern traditions colors all matching a paper-wrapped tree as the Step through the front door during the Christ- centerpiece. celebrating the holidays in Hoover’s first home mas season, and you’re immediately greeted has seen little variation over the years.

Souvenirs from Randle’s life as an artist and When it comes to Christmas, the Hoover- by a green Christmas tree. Sitting center in the home’s spiral-stair foyer, its welcoming Randle Home has always been about family.

See RANDLE | page 28

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2 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

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December 2013 • 3

4 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

Support our Community Partners

Students and teachers from Bluff Park Elementary School do their part for Breast Cancer Awareness by going pink. Photo courtesy of Kim Morrison.

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden around the kitchen island, to share in food and One of my favorite singer-songwriters of all time is James Taylor. In the song, “Secret conversation. Chris was quick to admit that not all those conversations are easy ones, but of Life,” his lyrics tell us that the “secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” that the focus remains on slowing life down for a moment, and engaging in conversation I am not that girl. In fact, Alabama’s “I’m together. in a Hurry” fits me much better.

But thanks to a recent conversation from Think about that for a moment.

When is the last time you were genuinely a rather unexpected source (props to Hot & Hot Fish Club’s Chris Hastings), I am engaged in the moment with family? When beginning to see the light. your head and your heart were fully invested in what someone else was saying, doing or On a recent photo shoot, I found myself feeling? standing in Chris and Idie’s kitchen, on Walden That’s really what Chris was talking about assignment to discover what kind of fare that day in his kitchen. It gave me a much graces the home dinner table of a soughtafter chef. While sampling the hand-rolled garganelli and needed reminder, particularly as we sit on the cusp of this shrimp he’d prepared for our lunch, I received the best just- Christmas season, and all the well-intentioned mayhem the month of December can sometimes bring. say-no-to-holiday-crazy advice ever.

In the words of Sweet Baby James, “Try not to try too It was part of the long and thoughtful response he gave hard. It’s just a lovely ride.” to the question that had me most curious: “When you are not at the restaurant, or doing paperwork This holiday season, I wish you many enjoyable for the restaurant, when you are just here at home, chilling passages. with Idie and the boys, what does that meal look like?”

Warmly, Frankly, I learned, it’s not the meal that matters.

Rather it’s the time, spent together and in conversation that is worthwhile.

For the Hastings, Sunday dinners are a favorite family ritual. They’re when the frenzied pace of the workweek slows down, when the boys can drive home from Tuscaloosa, and when all four of them can gather

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

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

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

Copy Editor: Staff Writer: Interns: Published by :

Dan Starnes Jeff Thompson Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Michelle Salem Haynes Louisa Jeffries Katie Turpen Sydney Cromwell Lauren Moriarty Hoover Sun LLC

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (27) Alabama Power (5) Alfa Insurance (25) Anthony and Co. (13) Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Club (18) Black Pearl Asian Cuisine (24) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (29) Brookwood Medical Center (16) Cahaba Cycles (7) Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (6) Carl’s Comfort Shoes (23) Decorating Dens Interiors (12) Four Corners Gallery (10) Geico Insurance (11) Greystone Antiques & Marketplace (25) Hearlab (8) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (14, 19) Hoover Public Library (18) Hoover Tactical Firearms (13) Hunter Street Baptist Church (14) Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel (21) Jimmie Hale Mission (26) Jordan Alexander Jewelry (20) La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant (9) Marco’s Pizza (22) Mitchell’s Place (17) Mountain Brook Art Association (28) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (15) O Sushi Japanese Cuisine (26) Osaka Sushi Restaurant (17) Princeton Baptist Vein Center (28) RealtySouth - James Harwell (19) RealtySouth Marketing (3) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (23) Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (32) Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk (25) Salon 150 (28) Serra Independence (2) Signature Homes (5) Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (29) Stellar Massage (22) Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (21) Swimming Pool Services (15) The Cuckoo’s Nest (20) The Maids (1) The Whole Scoop (15) Vision Gymnastics (24) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (10) Wrapsody (27)

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December 2013 • 5

6 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

City Hoover’s zip codes ranked among top in nation

Mayor’s Minute

By Gary Ivey

We want to wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season. This is such a fun and festive time of year in Hoover. However, please be extra careful due to the increase in traffic in our city during the holidays. The police department will have their command bus set up again and will monitor traffic closely for easier access at all the intersections and major roadways. With the opening of the Chapel Lane extension in November, we feel certain this will help reduce congestion throughout the city.

If you still need to make plans to host a holiday party, please keep the beautiful Aldridge Gardens in mind or the recently renovated Hoover Met. Both venues offer great amenities and catering and are easily accessible. For more information about either of these locations, please visit our website at hooveralabama.gov or call 444-7500.

2013 has been a very busy and exciting year in Hoover. We are pleased to say that our 2014 budget has been approved and the city remains fiscally sound. Another positive, we have had a balanced budget for the past nine years.

There are many new projects on the horizon for 2014 and 2015. We are delighted that Von Maur opened its doors in time for the holiday season and feel certain this will drive additional businesses to relocate to our city. We have just approved a freestanding emergency room that will open its doors in 2015. This will be

By MADOLINE MARKHAM According to a recent analysis by the Washington Post, Hoover’s zip codes are among the top in the country, all ranking in the 90th percentile or higher. The rankings were based on income and education level from census data.

35242 came in at 93 percent as the third highest in the state, right behind two Mountain Brook zip codes. After it were 35244 at 91 percent and 35226 at 90 percent.

In 35242, there is a median household income of

Gary Ivey

the first free-standing emergency room in our state.

As you can see, Hoover continues to thrive. It is an honor for me to close this year as your mayor and be able to share in our success. However, none of this would have been possible without the City Council or our dedicated and hardworking employees. We will all work hard to continue to exceed your expectations.

Happy holidays.

Gary Ivey Mayor

$93,039 and 59 percent of the population are reported college graduates. In 35244 those figures are $87,234 and 57 percent, and in 35226 $80,675 and 61 percent.

The Post also reported that a recent analysis of census data by sociologists Sean Reardon of Stanford University and Kendra Bischoff of Cornell University showed that middle-income neighborhoods have faded as more people live in areas that are either poor or affluent. In 1970, 65 percent of families lived in middle-income neighborhoods; four decades later, 42 percent did.

Hoover selected for 2014 USA Football Bowl Festival

By KATIE TURPEN In November, Dennis Wilson, president of USA Football Network, Inc. and Metropolitan New York Football Writers Association, announced that Hoover Metropolitan Stadium will be the site of the 2014 USA Football Bowl Festival. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the bowl, and Wilson said he hopes to make Hoover the festival’s permanent home.

“I hope we keep it here forever,” Wilson said. “I have not met a person here I didn’t like. We want to continue to do things for this community.”

The event will begin on Sunday, Jan. 19 with a traditional USA College Football Awards Banquet where college division national awards are presented. On Monday, Jan. 20, the senior all-star game will kickoff at 1 p.m. at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. On

Tuesday, Jan. 21, NFL, CFL and AFL coaches and scouts will conduct a USA Professional Football Leagues Testing Combine.

Wilson said he hopes the festival will attract interest from younger football players.

“We’d love to bring a high school all-star game here at some point,” Wilson said.

Each team has a roster of 66 players, and Wilson said the SEC will be well represented with students already selected from schools such as Mississippi State, Auburn and Arkansas. The five-day event will make Alabama the home of two of the three primary college football all-star events that are recognized by national media.

“If we can help a child get a career in sports we’ve done our job,” Wilson said.

For more information on the festival, visit usafootballbowl.com.

December 2013 • 7

HooverSun.com

Study projects bus cuts to have widespread negative effects on local housing market Hoover economic outlook for 2020 Average Home Price Number of Home Sales Projected Employment Retail Sales

Current projections $372,000 2,524 53,300 $3.21 billion

After bus termination $284,000 1,497 39,800 $2.11 billion

Difference - $88,000 - 1,027 - 13,500 - $1.1 billion

– Information from the School Transportation Real Estate, Economic, and Socioeconomic Impacts Overview by Zanola Company, LLC and provided by Gene Smith.

By JEFF THOMPSON A recent study projects that ceasing school buses in Hoover could negatively impact many facets of the city’s economy.

According to the study, performed by the St. Louis-based research group Zanola Company, LLC, the decision by the Hoover City Schools Board of Education’s to terminate bus service is projected to cast a long shadow over the economy by the year 2020.

The report projects that average home price, number of home sales, new home closings, projected employment and retail sales will all decline from projections for 2013.

However, were school bus services to continue, all five of these factors would increase steadily over the coming years.

“Our anticipated outcome over an extended time frame is that reduced school transportation will continue

a trend away from the presently projected positive home trends,” the study reads. “It is also our opinion that the same type and levels of housing outcomes will extend to population migration, employment, desirability factors, and retail sales.”

Hoover City Councilman Gene Smith, who commissioned the study in July and paid for the report with personal funds, released the study last month. Smith said the report, which is more than 60 pages, was paid for with his own money because he didn’t feel other members of the Council would feel it was worth using tax dollars to produce.

“I myself am not even sure it is,” he said.

News of the study’s existence came during a meeting saturated with commentary on the school system’s decision to end bus service. For opponents, Nov. 4 was the final night to appeal to the Hoover City Council to

intercede as the fiscal year 2014 budget was on the agenda. Within that budget is the City’s $2 million contribution to the Board of Education, which members of the organization Save the Hoover Buses encouraged the Council to increase.

Despite earnest pleas, the proposed budget passed unanimously.

“Every one of you is out of touch,” Hoover resident Robin Schultz told the Council. “You’ve never been in the shoes of the people this affects.”

Members of the organization revisited their concerns about the Board’s decision — including a potential increase in traffic, cost required to cope and parents with students at multiple schools. But they also focused accusations of irresponsibility toward Council members, as the Council appoints Board members.

“You appointed the Board of Edu-

cation,” Dan Fulton said. “So when it’s time for elections, you’re the ones who will be held accountable.”

But the Council, particularly Smith, who’s head of the City’s Finance Committee, was armed and ready. Smith told residents that following multiple conversations with members of the Board, he didn’t believe increasing the funding would make a difference.

“If we give them any more money, they’re just going to use it to pay down their debt,” Smith said he was told.

Smith said the Board ended its FY 2013 projecting a $13 million deficit and has budgeted a $17 million deficit in FY 2014. But he said he believes these numbers could read closer to $15 million and $20 million following final calculations.

He also said he’s been encouraged by residents to discontinue the City’s $2 million contribution until a com-

plete plan to reduce the deficit has been presented by the Board or Superintendent Andy Craig.

“Andy [Craig] said he needed three years to get the budget balanced,” Smith said. “If he makes it to four, I think the state will take over the system.”

In a statement released last month, Craig said he and the school board have been in discussions with State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice and other representatives of the State Department of Education, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office and representatives for the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, regarding the decision.

“As a part of these continuing discussions, we have engaged in a collaborative review process with the Department of Justice, with the mutual goal of best serving the students of Hoover,” Craig’s statement reads.

8 • December 2013

Celebrations Kitchings - Sweeney Kelsey Elyse Kitchings and Devon Tyler Sweeney were married on Oct. 12 at Mathews Manor in Springville. Rev. Jim Savage of Riverchase United Methodist Church officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kitchings of Hoover. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Marion Camp and the late Mr. H. Nelson Camp of Huntsville and Ms. Jerrie Kitchings and Mr. Bill Kitchings Sr. of Hoover. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Zatkyo of Berlin, N.J. He is the grandson of Mrs. Jimmie Hetrick and the late Harry Hetrick of Port Charlotte, Fla., the late Ruth Hetrick of Bromall, Pa., Mr. Paul Sweeney and the late Mrs. Audrey Sweeney of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an Essense ivory satin gown with tailored pleating, sweetheart neckline and a lace up back. Swarovski crystals adorned the empire waist and the veil.

Mrs. Haley Pena Waddell served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mrs. April Johnson Kitchings, sister-in-law of the bride, Mrs. Allison Ouren Pate and Miss Katie Goodman. Miss Kyla Shaw, cousin of the bride, served as a junior bridesmaid.

Mr. Brandon Sweeney, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Mr. Blake Kitchings, brother of the bride, Mr. Steve Zatyko and Mr. Sam Burton. Junior groomsmen were Tyler Smith, cousin of the groom and Lawson Shaw, cousin of the bride.

The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and now reside in Germantown, Tenn.

Hoover Sun Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement?

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

Gable - Guida

Jamie Rae Gable and Antonio Dario Guida married at the Chiesa San Luca Evangelista in Praiano, Italy on Oct. 19. The Priest Don Luigi Amendola officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Gable of Vestavia Hills and Ms. Joanie Gable of Hoover. She attended Briarwood Christian High School and Auburn University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising, design and production and minors in business and international studies.

The groom is the son of Mr. Cristofaro Guida of Positano, Italy and Mrs. Rosa Manna of Praiano, Italy. He is an owner and employed as the operations manager for The Gabbiano Hotel on the Amalfi Coast in Positano, Italy.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was her sister, Cassie Shears of Wilsonville. The bride was also attended by Tessa Shears of Wilsonville and Alba Cuccurullo and Aurora Galani of Praiano, Italy.

Dario’s brother, Danilo Guida, of Positano, Italy served as best man.

The couple met while Miss Gable was studying in Ariccia, Italy her senior year at Auburn. She returned for an internship in fashion design. Securing another Visa, she returned to work for a design and production company. The couple will honeymoon in Costa Rica and return to the states for the holidays. They will live in Positano, Italy where they will work in the hotel and fashion industries.

December 2013 • 9

HooverSun.com

Chamber State of the City to be delivered this month BB&T Bank will sponsor the Dec. 19 Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and has invited Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey to give the State of the City Address.

Mayor Ivey has a long history of service to the people of Hoover, having lived in Hoover for more than 30 years.

Mayor Ivey is president and CEO of the Crest Cadillac dealership in Hoover. He served on the board of SafeHouse in Shelby County for 12 years and on the Hoover Planning and Zoning Board for eight years.

Mayor Ivey was elected to the Hoover City Council in 2004 and was re-elected in 2008 with no opposition. He served as president of the City Council the entire time he served on the Hoover City Council.

Under his leadership as president of the City Council, Hoover has continued to maintain a balanced budget. He was elected mayor of Hoover in October 2011 and re-elected with no opposition in August 2012.

Mayor Ivey is also a trustee at the Church of

the Highlands and is married to Carolyn Ivey.

They have two daughters, Tyler and Nicole.

He has enjoyed his service to the people of Hoover as president of the City Council, and looks forward to continuing that service as mayor of the City of Hoover.

To attend the luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, Dec.16, by calling 988-5672, or emailing the Chamber at admin@hooverchamber.org. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The Luncheon is $20, payable at the door, or $22 for those who show without reservations, if space is available. Payment can be made by cash, check or major credit cards. Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those who make reservations and simply do not come will be invoiced, since a meal will have been ordered for them at their request. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive. – Submitted by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce

Annual City of Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting The annual Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The event, which typically draws a large crowd, will include a Hoover City School choir performance, a Christmas sing-a-long, a snow play area and light refreshments.

Santa will make a grand entrance in a fire truck, and children will have the opportunity to take their photos with him. Hoover City School students will lead the lighting of the 32-foot-tall-Christmas tree that stands in front of the Hoover Municipal Center on U.S. 31.

Parking will be available at Hoover Public Library, which will be closed for the day. This is a free event that is open to the public. For more information, visit hooveral.org.

Hoover Public Library Director Linda Andrews gets in the spirit by dressing as Ms. Claus at the 2012 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hoover City Hall. Photo courtesy of the City of Hoover.

Guests enjoy the holiday festivities at the 2012 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hoover City Hall. Photo courtesy of the City of Hoover.

10 • December 2013

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December 2013 • 11

HooverSun.com

Now Open Discount department store 1 Marshall’s, 5583 Grove Blvd., is now open in its new location.

989-1378. marshallsonline.com.

Fleur De Lys Cooking Company has opened a café in Riverchase off Valleydale Road at 100 Concourse Parkway, Suite 145. Many of their cookies, cakes and casseroles are vegan, gluten-free and no-sugar-added. Current hours are MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and its owners hope to open for breakfast soon.

623-5583. fdlcooking.com.

2

Bassett Home Furnishings opened an HGTV Home Design Studio at 2970 John Hawkins Parkway.

988-2180. bassettfurniture.com.

3

Fine and Funky Junk, 1923 Hoover Court, is now open. Previously located within Hoover Antiques, it offers antiques, collectibles and other items from individual vendors.

822-7273. facebook.com/ fineandfunkyjunk.

4

Molly Green, a women’s boutique, has moved from Homewood to the Riverchase Galleria, Suite 2000. The store is owned by Bluff Park natives Brittany Hartwell and Anna Miller.

637-7211. mollygreenboutique.com.

9

Reflections Jewelry, 1845 Montgomery Highway, Suite 225, is now open after moving from its former location on Highway 150.

982-4888. reflectionsdiamond.com.

10

News and Accomplishments Window Décor Home Store, 1401 Doug Baker Blvd. in Lee Branch Shopping Center, is now carrying readymade drapery. The store features Softline and India’s Heritage brands in popular fabrics.

Stop in today to see them.

437-9575. alabamawindowdecor.com.

11

New Ownership Barrister’s Tavern, 1535 Montgomery Highway, is under new ownership. A grand opening celebration is coming soon, but a date has not yet been announced.

978-6970.

12

Coming Soon Neighborhood Brew, 5184 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 206, will be opening soon. It offers a wide selection of wines and beers, as well as freshly brewed coffee. It also plans to offer smoothies and a small selection of foods to compliment drink purchases. theneighborhoodbrew.com.

5

Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, a new restaurant owned and operated by Benard Tamburello, will open soon in The Preserve. Tamburello currently owns Bernie’s on Main Street in Columbiana.

6

Relocations and Renovations

Holiday Open Houses Wrapsody, 161 Main St., Suite 127 in the Patton Creek Shopping Center, is hosting an Elf Party with Santa Claus, Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-4 pm. Call the store for more information.

989-7277. wrapsodyonline.com.

13

Hirings and Promotions Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, 2010 Patton Chapel Road, Suite 200, has hired Malinda Baucum, CRNP, to join their staff as a nurse practitioner.

871-9661. alabamaallergy.com.

14

India Spices, currently located on Valleydale Road near U.S. 31, will be moving to the Plaza at Riverchase, 1853 Montgomery Highway, Suite 107.

987-2299.

7

Business news news Business

Computers has moved to a 8 JC new location, 1633 Montgomery Highway, Suite D, adjacent to the Shell gas station at the intersection with Patton Chapel Road North. The new space is one block north of its former location on the opposite side of the highway.

822-1699. jc-computers.com.

Century 21 Advantage, 2200 Valleydale Road, Suite 200, has hired Jason Boner as director of business development. Boner also offers coaching programs for Realtors in the Birmingham area.

823-6677. myc21realty.com.

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Business news Business news to share? to share?

Coming Soon Soon Coming Now Open Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion Coming Soon Expansion Expansion Anniversary

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If youIfare in a brick and mortar business you are in a brick and mortar business If you are in a and brick and mortar in Hoover want share your in Hoover and want to to share yourbusiness event with the community, in Hoover and the want to share your event with community, let us know. event with theknow. community, let us let us know.

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If you are in a brick and mortar business in Hoover and want to share your Email dan@hooversun.com event with the community, let us know.

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12 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

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By LAUREN MORIARTY Jason Bush always knew his Aunt Minny Lou’s pie was special. Few people had turned down a piece of the creamy peanut butter filling in a snappy chocolate crust. Much to the community’s delight, Bush realized the pie’s potential and decided to feature it on the menu at Jefferson’s Hoover.

While the cool pie is an ideal ending to a spicy plate of wings, Jefferson’s also caters to both families and the after-work crowd with a wide range of entrées, including several kid-friendly options.

Wings are a customer favorite, Bush said. The Signature Wings are tossed in “Turbo” hot sauce and fried so the sauce comes off as a dry rub.

Frying the doused wings achieves mild flavor that customers of all ages enjoy, he said.

Jefferson’s also specializes in oysters and runs a Tuesday special selling them for 75 cents. Other menu specials include $5.99 burgers and fries on Mondays and $6.50 salads on Fridays.

In 1991, Bush’s fraternity brother Jeff Webb opened the first Jefferson’s across the street from Jacksonville State’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity

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(left) Owner Jason Bush in his Hoover restaurant. (above) Jefferson’s Signature Flaky Wings and Peanut Butter Pie are popular with customers.

Photos by Lauren Moriarty.

house. Years later, Bush capitalized on his love of good food and left his dad’s Fortune 500 software business to open a Jefferson’s franchise of his own. The original Jacksonville State location is still open, but today Jefferson’s has many locations throughout

the Southeast.

In a nod to his local roots, Bush said he enjoys customizing his restaurant/franchise to suit Hoover’s tastes. Jefferson’s Hoover location sells pies from Calera company Southern Fried Pies, just a short

drive from Hoover. The flaky desserts are popular with customers.

Bush also donates gift certificates to The University of Alabama to use as prizes during hockey game halftime festivities. The ice hockey team visited Jefferson’s in October to sign

autographs.

Bush said he is grateful to Hoover for their support of his establishment over the past three years.

“Business has been good,” he said.

“The community is great, and we look forward to serving them in the future.”

December 2013 • 13

HooverSun.com

Business Spotlight

Read past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

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161 Main Street, Suite 127 989-7277 wrapsodyonline.com Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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By LAUREN MORIARTY It all started with a few buckets of paint, a Bunko group and a pitcher of margaritas. Sarah Brown and Terry Shea had met through a mutual friend and discovered they both dreamed of opening a gift store like the ones they remembered from their childhood towns.

In 2004, they opened Wrapsody with help painting from the same friends who continue to support Wrapsody today in both their Hoover and Auburn locations.

The store’s gift selection features merchandise Brown and Shea feel is not just fun but also has meaning.

When buying for the store, they look for items with a special story and price point they would want to buy themselves.

Often that philosophy looks like supporting local artists. Colorful hair bands sold by the register are made by a local high school student. The Hot Skwash velvet pumpkins, one of Shea’s personal favorites, are crafted by stay-at-home moms while their children are away at school. Monograms are sewn locally.

“We appreciate our customers and try to give them something unique to buy,” Shea said.

Silver spoon crosses from a

(left) Co-owner Terry Shea said the collection of bracelets by Alex and Ani are some of her favorite products. (above) Terry Shea and her Wrappettes: Aimee George, Barbara Fullenwider, Terry Shea, Brook Thompson and Anna Parker. (right) Colorful hair bands made by a local high school student are popular with customers.

Birmingham artist can be bought in Hoover, and Sweet Home Alabama plaques crafted by an Auburn artist are sold at the Auburn location.

Sweet Melissa’s products, made locally, are sold in the store. Regional items such as pottery from Mississippi also support a broader base of Southern artists.

The Wrappettes, Wrapsody’s staff, know many customers by name and are happy to recommend gift ideas.

Complimentary gift-wrap is always available, and both locations emphasize being a happy, hometown gift store, Brown said.

“We like being that store where when you walk in, people know you,” Shea said.

With Christmas approaching, the store is decked out for the holiday season. This season’s theme is “Back to the Basics,” so customers can expect to see traditional holiday items

such as poinsettias, stars, crosses and plenty of evergreen and mistletoe. Several themed Christmas trees will also be on display, including a Tacky Sweater and Sweet Home Alabama tree.

The same loyal friends who helped with the store’s beginnings continue to support Wrapsody today, joining the crowd of customers during holiday sales. The store will run its annual Twelve Days of Christmas

sale, which features a daily rotating special Dec. 2-14. Santa and his elves will be visiting the store Dec. 8 for a festive afternoon of free pictures with the little ones. The day after Christmas, customers flock to the Christmas Sale where all Christmas products are half off. In past years, lines of loyal customers have stretched around the building — all thanks to what started with friends, paint and margaritas.

14 • December 2013

Holiday Gift Guide For the faithful Ronaldo Bracelets $60-$140 With Ronaldo jewelry, every detail of the 14-karat gold and sterling silver pieces is symbolic. This year’s line features the “Jesus Loves Me” bracelet, which has a pearl centered in a cross to represent the heart of Christ.

Wrapsody 161 Main Street, Suite 127 989-7277 wrapsodyonline.com

For stylish comfort Aetrex Ankle Boots $129.95 These leather boots, available in brown or black, feature memory foam cushioning that will make you feel like you are walking on air.

Carl’s Comfort Shoes 4421 Creekside Ave. 402-2108 carlscomfortshoes.com

Hoover Sun

For the playful Blossom Blanks Pajamas $19 These fun holiday-themed pajamas are designed to keep young ones warm while they open gifts on Christmas morning. Available in sizes 12 months to 6 years, they can also be embroidered in-store for a special holiday memory.

Thimbles 181 Main Street, Suite 221 682-6008 thimbles-heirloomsewing.com

For the firearm collection Springfield XD 9mm $475 The ergonomics of this 9mm, which comes with two magazines, make it feel like an extension of your body as you shoot.

Hoover Tactical Firearms 1561 Montgomery Highway.

822-3600 hoovertacticalfirearms.com

For classy fan fare Alabama and Auburn Jewels Necklaces, $150-$200 Earrings, $35-$60 The lady in your life can sport her team colors with these elegant jewels from Sorrelli.

Anthony & Co. Jewelers 2080 Valleydale Road 987-2224 anthonycojewelers.com

HooverSun.com

Holiday Gift Guide

December 2013 • 15

For the house divided Garden Flags $13.95 each Display your Tide or Tiger pride to everyone who drives past your house with these inexpensive flags from Tidmore.

Tidmore Flags 1901B Hoover Court 800-321-3524 tidmoreflags.com

To add pizzazz to the wardrobe A’reve Textured Tunic $68 Choose from designer pieces at discounted prices for the fashionista in your life with the selections at this Highway 150 boutique.

Silver Lining Consignment Boutique 2341 John Hawkins Parkway 987-4403 mysilverliningboutique.com To capture the memory Fashionable Frames $18-$30 Set your favorite photos in frames selected by the trained eyes at Renaissance. The store carries a selection of new, reclaimed, salvaged and embellished pieces, some designed by local artists. Check out the store’s remarkable selection of jewelry, furniture and clothing while you’re there.

Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace 6801 Cahaba Valley Road 980-4471 renaissanceconsignment.com

For the Auburn sentimental Toomer’s Oak Necklace/Ornament $26 Tigers who are missing their favorite post-game celebration spot will love how this piece was cast from oak leaves on the trees at Toomer’s Corner in Auburn.

Aldridge Gardens 3530 Lorna Road 682-0819 aldridgegardens.com

16 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

Community By helicopter tradition, Santa to arrive at The Preserve

By REBECCA WALDEN In a special interview to the Hoover Sun, Santa Claus told the paper he’s gearing up for his annual trek to The Preserve on Dec. 14.

The Breakfast with Santa event is free and open to Preserve residents, as well as their friends and family.

Festivities begin at 8 a.m., with Santa expected to arrive by 10 a.m..

As is tradition, Santa told the Sun he will visit with every boy and girl who attends, no matter how long it takes for each child to have their own Santa moment.

“Some of them bring me letters, some like to tell me a story,” he said. “I love visiting with each one of them.”

Sharing one of his favorite memories, Santa described the place he has in his heart for the visitors with special needs who attend the event.

“Several children who have attended before have special needs, and I just love to see them,” he said.

“This is one of my favorite activities, and it’s important to me that each child has as much time with me as they would like. We never rush anyone.”

Last year, nearly 200 children watched Santa fly into The Preserve via helicopter; they were joined by approximately 300 more (parents, friends and neighbors) for what has become one of the neighborhood’s most beloved holiday traditions.

The Breakfast with Santa tradition

On Dec. 14, Santa Claus will fly in to The Preserve via helicopter for the annual Breakfast with Santa event, which is free and open to residents of The Preserve community.

began in the neighborhood’s formative years, started by Preserve Jazz Festival co-founder Jason Henderson and a few others when their children were quite young. Since then, and with a little help from his elves, Santa has raised the bar every year, even flying in via helicopter.

“We have a great neighborhood

and they really get into all the holidays,” said resident Anna Fowler, describing the event’s flawless execution, down to a “pancake team” she describes as a well-oiled machine.

“They make pancakes [to feed hundreds] while drinking mimosas and Bloody Marys –they are fantastic!”

Neighbors turn up wearing anything from their holiday finest to their holiday flannels. From primped up to pajamas, all are welcome. All neighbors bring a covered dish, with categories assigned based on house number to ensure a balanced spread for all.

Best of all? At least for residents, it’s one-stop holiday magic.

In the words of Fowler, “By noon you have had breakfast, seen Santa, had pictures and never left the neighborhood.”

December 2013 • 17

HooverSun.com

Santa coming to your street with help from Hoover Fire

Santa greets Hoover residents on Christmas Eve. This year marks the 15th annual tour.

The Hoover Fire Department will be escorting Santa and his helpers around the city on Christmas Eve. This has been a longstanding tradition of the fire department for at least 15 years. He will be escorted around the city from 4-9 p.m. trying to reach as many areas as possible.

If there is inclement weather, Santa will be at each fire station from 5 to 7 p.m. All fire engines with Santa are on duty and may have to deviate from Santa duties to respond to emergencies. They will resume as soon as possible.

The department is designing a web page that will be interactive with GPS locations of Santa so residents can see how close he is to their house. This is a work in progress, and can be checked at hooverfiredepartment.org for updates. The page should be complete in the first few weeks of December and will also contain provisional schedules for when Santa should reach a particular neighborhood or street.

– Submitted by Rusty Lowe, Executive Officer, City of Hoover Fire and Medical Services

Aldridge Gardens continues education programs with assistance from grant

Rep. Jim Carns, Jim Wilson, Audrey Ann Wilson, Aldridge Gardens CEO Tynette Lynch, Patti Pennington and Sen. Jabo Waggoner with the grant check that will support Aldridge Gardens and its educational outreach programs. Photo courtesy of Lauren Hunt.

Aldridge Gardens recently announced a $5,000 grant from the Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council. Aldridge Gardens began offering field trip and day camp programs to give children the opportunity to learn about nature and appreciate science in an outdoor classroom setting. All programs comply with the Alabama State Course of Study so that students can learn the concepts they are studying in the classroom in an interactive way.

State Sen. Jabo Waggoner was in attendance and expressed his gratitude for this program and the positive effect it is having on children.

“Projects like the Children’s Education Program provide so many benefits for students. It gives them the opportunity to get outside and learn about nature,” Waggoner said. “Many elementary students never have this opportunity, and I am proud to have played a small role in this project.”

Students from elementary schools throughout the Birmingham area visit Aldridge Gardens for field trips, and children can attend day camps during the summer. Tynette Lynch, CEO of Aldridge Gardens, said the Children’s Education Program is making an impact in the

community.

“We’re very grateful for the involvement from Cawaco RC&D and their generous contribution to Aldridge Gardens,” Lynch said.

“It means so much to the schoolchildren who benefit from this sponsorship,” Students from Greystone Elementary School were present at the event. The goal of the Children’s Education Program is to cultivate children’s natural curiosity, empower them with understanding and engage them in problem solving and decision making to preserve the delicate balance of nature. Volunteers guide children through the garden and help them apply classroom concepts to their outdoor activities.

State Rep. Jim Carns attended the event and applauded the work of the gardens’ administration and volunteers.

“We are fortunate to have the Children’s Education Program available to elementary students. I am thankful for the volunteers at Aldridge Gardens who willingly serve to make this program possible,” Carns said. “I’m proud to be able to partner with Aldridge Gardens and Cawaco RC&D.” - Submitted by Lauren Hunt

18 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

Homecoming queen never let brain tumor hold her back

By SYDNEY CROMWELL Hoover High School senior Amy Brinton is known for her enthusiastic involvement in a variety of community activities. She is a member of the percussion section of the high school band, a volunteer at the Birmingham Zoo and part of the Hunter Street Baptist Church high school choir.

When she was 15, however, Brinton’s enthusiasm was overshadowed by a fear that she would never speak normally again.

Brinton began experiencing headaches and nausea during her freshman year, as well as episodes where her speech became unintelligible and the world seemed to move slower around her. That summer, an MRI at Children’s of Alabama revealed a brain tumor that required immediate surgery. The revelation was tragic for Brinton, but it never shook her confidence that everything would work out.

“I started crying and then realized I had more math homework to do,” Brinton said. “I just knew that God gave [the tumor] to me for some reason.”

Throughout her surgery and recuperation, Brinton relied heavily on the prayers and support of her family and friends. She was able to walk two days after surgery and returned to school only a few weeks later. She credits God and the prayers on her behalf for her fast recovery and the early discovery of the tumor, which is not typically

Amy Brinton remained optimistic and recovered quickly after her brain surgery. Photo courtesy of Amy Brinton.

found until much later in life.

Brinton’s fellow band members were also constant supporters from the day they found out about her tumor.

Immediately after her surgery, they brought a quilt and get-well cards to her home. During a football game televised on ESPN, the band wore ribbons and bracelets in her honor so Brinton could see their support even when she could not be at the game. Jeff Fondren, the Hoover High School percussion teacher and assistant band director, said no one in the band was surprised

by her swift recovery.

“She was such a tough trooper,” Fondren said. “She just wasn’t going to let it deter her. She knew how much she meant to the team.”

Almost immediately after returning to school, Brinton began attending band practices again. Although she couldn’t march with them, Brinton would watch the band rehearse and read her sheet music to make sure she wouldn’t fall behind. Her determination paid off, and she began fully participating in practices two weeks

before the band’s first competition.

“She still had bandages and was still going to the doctor, but she pulled through it. She did a great job,” said Fondren.

Brinton’s courage and willpower through her ordeal was a source of inspiration to the band in the months following her surgery.

“The students think the world of her. She works as hard as everyone else and has not once used that surgery as an excuse for her not doing well,” Fondren said. “It showed them, no matter how tough the circumstances, you just have to keep going.”

Two years have passed since Brinton’s surgery, but her friends, family and band mates know she still has unparalleled energy and perseverance in everything she does. Her spirit has also earned the admiration of people who hardly know her. After a summer percussion camp at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2012, Fondren received a call from the percussion professor just to say that Brinton’s presence had made the camp so much better.

“She just doesn’t give up. Not only is she very determined, she is a great person. She comes into any task with open arms and she’ll have a smile on her face,” said Fondren. “If I had 30 more like her, this drum line would be incredible.”

The rest of Hoover High School’s students seem to agree. At the homecoming football game against the

Amy Brinton was crowned Homecoming Queen on Sept. 20.

Photo courtesy of Amy Brinton.

Northridge Jaguars in September, Brinton was crowned the 2013 Homecoming Queen. Brinton said she was shocked and her mouth “hung open” when she heard the announcement.

“It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. She’s very deserving of that honor,” said Fondren. “She’s that ray of sunshine.”

Brinton still gets MRIs every six months to monitor a piece of the tumor that surgery could not remove, but she is otherwise completely healthy and no longer experiences any symptoms.

She plans to attend Auburn University in the fall to study zoology.

December 2013 • 19

HooverSun.com

Hoover artists featured at Brookwood’s holiday art show

(Top) David Nichols, Laura Lewis, Hazel Marlar, Christi Bunn and Don Estes will be featured artists at the Brookwood holiday art show. (Above) Greystone artist David Nichols.

The works of Greystone artist David Nichols will be for sale at a two-week show full of gift items by local artists. The Mountain Brook Art Association event will run Dec. 5-19 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily in the lower level of Colonial Brookwood Village.

Work in all sizes and price ranges from the top artists in the metropolitan area will be available for sale. Proceeds from all sales will be donated to Birmingham’s Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.

Featured artists will appear at the show daily to offer on-site demonstrations.

The opening reception will be held Dec. 5 from 4-8 p.m. with catering from Cocina Superior. A Grand Finale party will be held Dec. 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Brio.

For more information on featured artists and additional events, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

Troop 116 earns Silver Award Regan Gates and Madison Thomas, ninth graders at Spain Park High School and members of Girl Scout Troop 116, recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for their project Jag Walk.

The girls helped create a walking path around the school so that people can exercise and fight obesity.

They made a PowerPoint presentation and brochure, painted the path, spoke to the PTO and raised awareness about the walking path at Berry Middle School’s registration. Doing this project taught the girls public speaking and leadership skills.

Regan and Madison hope people will use the walking path to become happier and healthier.

Regan Gates and Madison Thomas recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for their project Jag Walk.

Troop 128 awarded Bronze Award Girl Scout Troop 128 members Sophie Mayhew, Natalie Ardovino and Madison Garrett, students at Berry Middle School, recently earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for their project “Get to Know a Book.”

Girls worked with their reading coach to decide how to help students at their school become better readers. They made a graph showing the parts of a book, and students will add their own examples to this graph throughout the year.

The girls also made a timeline with Caldecott books for kindergarten through second graders, and Newbery books for third through

Troop 128 members Natalie Ardovino, Sophie Mayhew and Madison Garrett. Photo courtesy of Robyn Tucker.

fifth grades. They read each book and wrote summaries to interest students in reading the books.

20 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

The promise of a future

Bluff Park home provides housing for adults with autism

By REBECCA WALDEN For the congregation of Bluff Park United Methodist, opportunities are ripe to be the change. It’s a perspective that has propelled the church’s drive to conceptualize and bring to fruition the Bluff Park Promise Home, a 4,000-square-foot, six-bedroom facility, located behind the church, that provides permanent housing for six adults with autism.

The home is managed by Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center. Five of the six residents have already been selected, with a sixth expected to move in by the end of the calendar year. And after months of planning and preparation, the facility is finally taking on a family vibe all its own.

“Whenever a child is diagnosed with a disability, parents and grandparents wonder, ‘What will happen when we are not here?’” said church lay leader Bill Pearson. “For these six folks, we have cleared most of that anxiety away because we, the church, along with Glenwood, have provided them a nice home for the rest of their lives. They will be cared for, and they will be loved.”

Pearson is an instrumental player in the process and a longtime advocate for autism awareness since his grandson, Henley, was born with autism in 2000. Also on Glenwood’s board of directors, he acknowledges that while there are many unmet needs of adults living with autism, this is a small, and highly replicable, first step.

“You can’t focus on what we can’t do,” he said. “With the Promise Home, we have started with six. I believe in 10 years, there will be many, many more churches in Alabama that will have accomplished what we’ve done here.”

On the day of the ribbon-cutting this past

Tom Duley, minister of missions and congregational care for Bluff Park United Methodist Church, stands at the front door of the Church’s Promise Home. Photo by Katie Turpen.

June, Austin, one of the residents, greeted everyone at the front door with an enthusiastic invitation: “Come on! Let me show you my room.” Meanwhile, residents Monika and Ramona were most interested in closet space.

All were proud and have taken to the task of decorating their new residence with spirit.

“It is so touching to see the pride that Austin has in his room, and to see their overall eagerness at sharing this place with the people that come into their life,” said Sherri Van Pelt, vice president of development and communications for Glenwood. “On a recent visit I made to the

home, it really struck me to see place mats all around the dining room table. It was so clear to me that this is their family table, where they gather and talk about their day.”

An additional binding agent to that sense of family is the home’s close connection to the Bluff Park United Methodist community of faith. In anticipation of the ribbon-cutting, church members hosted a shower where members of the congregation showed up with newly purchased gifts, cookware and other items that would help the residents create their new home.

Under the leadership of the church’s former

The dining room is the heart of the room, where residents gather for meals and to share the highlights of their day. Photo courtesy of Sherri Van Pelt.

senior pastor, Reid Crotty, along with new Senior Pastor Mike Holley and Tom Duley, church members have embraced the facility as an extension of the greater church family.

“We hope there will be families touched by autism who come here to interact and worship with our community, even if they don’t have connections to the residents in the house,” Pearson said. “The bottom line is that adults with autism are an underserved community. We hope that we can build a reputation for serving to many more adults with autism than we have the capacity for in the Promise Home.”

December 2013 • 21

HooverSun.com

Giving it all away Drop Off Donations

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Discovery United Methodist Church 5487 Stadium Trace Parkway

The Garage Giveaway

Saturday, Dec. 7 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium 100 Ben Chapman Drive thegaragegiveaway.com Volunteers gather at last year’s The Garage Giveaway. Photo courtesy of Cassidy Harrison.

By LAUREN MORIARTY On a December morning, a mother gathered her two children and left home with the intent to never return. She was fleeing an abusive relationship, and whatever she found at The Garage Giveaway was what she and her children would begin their new life with. That day, the Hooverbased event was able to provide her with clothes, toiletries and basic household items.

As the founder of The Garage Giveaway, Cassidy Harrison has heard many stories like this

one. The event was born five years ago when Harrison read the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. She was inspired by his message of extravagant giving and felt a pull to replicate it in her community through a free garage salestyle event.

“It’s about a voluntary sacrifice of the excess in our lives to meet the needs of others,” Harrison said.

The annual event, scheduled for Dec. 7, allows those who have a financial need to browse and take home the donations.

“We are diligent to invite people who have

already been identified as families who would benefit from assistance,” Harrison said. “For example, we distribute flyers at government housing projects and food banks at the discretion of counselors.”

A team of 10 young adults prepares yearround, and that number quickly multiplies to 100 volunteers on the day of the event to accommodate a crowd around 5,000.

The Garage Giveaway accepts donations of everything except food, underwear, swimsuits, opened bath products and weapons. Items that are always needed include all sizes of clothes and

shoes, furniture, appliances, home goods, toys, books, videos and kitchen ware. The items are sorted and given away for free to attendees.

Local merchants have also become involved by donating grocery produce boxes. Uncle Bob’s Storage in Hoover assists with storage and moving, and Discovery United Methodist Church allows use of their facility and resources.

The Garage Giveaway is currently looking for an attorney to help them draft a 501(c)(3) application and also has a need for volunteers looking to donate their time, money or possessions to the event.

22 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

School House Cross country team collects canned foods

The 2013 Bumpus Middle School cross country team recently performed a community service project by collecting canned foods and peanut butter for local food banks. Photo courtesy of Stan Doran.

SPHS’ Morrow named Social Studies Teacher of the Year Spain Park High School’s Cheryl Morrow, a social studies teacher and instructional leader, has been named Alabama’s Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Social Studies Council of Alabama (SSCA).

Morrow becomes the first educator in Alabama to win two SSCA awards in the same year.

In spring of this year, SSCA awarded Morrow the Excellence

in Teaching Social Studies Award for the quality of her lesson plans.

“Students benefit greatly from experiencing robust, vibrant instruction in the social studies curriculum,” Morrow said. “An education built on a foundation rich in history, government, economics, phycology, sociology and geography is one that develops a skill set needed for future decisions that will invariably affect our

nation and our world. Our ability to read, think, analyze and discern lies in our understanding of both historical and future events. Social studies is more than an equation that is exacting; it is a understanding of people and places that is necessarily and beautifully complex.”

Morrow was recognized at SSCA’s annual conference at Samford University on Oct. 14.

The Social Studies Council of Alabama is the state affiliate of the National Council for the Social Studies. It was formed in the 1960s to answer the growing need for organized curricular cooperation across the many disciplines recognized as the “social studies.” For more information, visit alsocialstudiesonline.org.

— Submitted by Jason Gaston

Cheryl Morrow

December 2013 • 23

HooverSun.com

Gwin Elementary School receives Joan Broerman Book Basket

Bluff Park students honor Veterans

Bluff Park choir members honor veterans during the school’s annual Veterans Day Program. Photo courtesy of Kim Morrison.

In November, the fourth grade choir at Bluff Park Elementary School honored veterans during its annual Veterans Day Program.

Donations were made to Wreaths Across America and presented to the Winslow family. Marine Pfc. Ryan

G. Winslow, a former Bluff Park Elementary School student, gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

His family now works with Gold Star Families and assists Wreaths Across America in placing wreaths on the graves of veterans.

Judge Andra Sparks speaks to Simmons Middle School Traci Ingleright, enrichment teacher, with Claire Datnow and students of H.W. Gwin Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Boris Datnow.

By CLAIRE DATNOW As the lucky winner of the Joan Broerman Book Basket, I had the pleasure of donating a basket filled with new books to the library at H.W. Gwin Elementary School. Ginger Clark, the librarian, Traci Ingleright, enrichment teacher, and her students gathered in the library to accept the books and to get a sneak preview of what they would soon be reading.

The book basket was named in honor of one of the founding members and longtime Regional Advisor of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Attendees at the annual Writing and Illustrating for Kids Conference (WIK) purchase brand-new books from the bookstore for the basket. While books are always welcome, with reduced budgets, school libraries need all the support they can get.

Presiding Judge of Birmingham Municipal Courts Judge Andra Sparks recently spoke to Simmons Middle School eighth-graders about making good choices, discovering their abilities, making the most of their strengths and liking who they are, all of which will positively impact their future.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Bueche.

24 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

Bluff Park Elementary hosts outdoor classroom social Bluff Park Elementary School’s outdoor classroom social on Oct. 24 served as a culmination of weeks of study, planning and preparation by students, staff and volunteers, but it also marked a beginning point to bring awareness to our parents and neighbors of the many learning opportunities that connect to our outdoor classroom and our schoolwide effort to promote healthy living.

All guests were given a guided walking tour during the evening. Students also designed a scavenger hunt to get everyone moving and learning about the habitats and plant life that can be found in the great outdoors.

With guidance from our coaches, students led all guests in fun exercises to give a preview of Family Fitness Night. Hundreds of helping hands made this night possible. However, we are so thankful to have hosted our wonderful

community partners who donated their time and talents to make the event possible.

Chef Brad of Hoover Country Club created a healthy salad of fruits and vegetables.

Chastain Farms showed produce and methods of preparation. Dayspring Dairy – the only Alabama dairy to make cheese from sheep’s milk – provided samples of feta cheese.

Bluff Park resident Kurt Kristensen shared information on beekeeping and raising chickens. Earth Fare donated produce for the evening, which students used to make edible fruit sculptures. W.A.Y. (Wellness, Academics, and You) partnered with schools to provide healthy living instruction for students and our student volunteers from Hoover Belles, Girl Scout Troop 91 and Scout Pack 321.

-Submitted by Nancy McGowan

Bluff Park recently hosted an outdoor classroom social. The event served as a way to teach parents and neighbors about the virtues of Bluff Park’s outdoor classroom and the benefits of healthy living. Photo courtesy of Nancy McGowan.

Spain Park Engineering Academy moves on to regional competition

By JESSICA ROBINSON Spain Park High Engineering Academy

The Spain Park High School Engineering Academy’s robotics team celebrates after the UAB Blazer BEST completion in October. Photo courtesy of the Spain Park Engineering Academy.

“Game Day” as it’s called is fast approaching for the South’s BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology Regional Robotics Championship), and Spain Park High School’s Engineering Academy could not be more excited.

Since Spain Park High School performed well during the UAB Blazer BEST completion in October, the team is moving on to the South’s BEST Regional Competition at Auburn University.

The academy will compete against other schools on Dec. 7-8. The competition consists of each team creating a robot that will be required to perform different tasks. Each team is also required to create a table display based on the theme of the competition, and numerous other categories are judged during the event.

“This whole process is amazing,” said Academy instructor Dr. Scottie Wilson. “It’s very tiring, but it’s great to see how analytical these kids become. They put thoughts into action, put their knowledge onto paper and ultimately build what they’ve envisioned.”

Spain Park Engineering Academy focuses heavily on outreach to the community. The Academy travels to area middle and elementary schools during the season to demonstrate the robot. This encourages students to explore the world of math and science and strikes an interest within the younger community.

Engineering Academy fundraisers have also become a key part of the competition. Hunan Cuisine on U.S. 280 has helped fund the program by hosting a fundraising night. It and other local businesses provide needed financial support for the team.

Everyone is excited and anxious for the competition. For seniors like myself, this is the last time to compete, so the drive and will is there.

December 2013 • 25

HooverSun.com

Two Spain Park seniors selected as High School Heisman finalists Spain Park High School senior Will Freeman is currently qualified for the fastest swim meet in the country. He is one of the top 12 national finalists for the 2013 Wendy’s High School Heisman. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN Two Spain Park High School seniors, Madeline Held and Will Freeman, have been announced as the 2013 Wendy’s High School Heisman winners for Alabama. It is the first time in the history of the national program that two state finalists are from the same school.

“Over 48,000 students went through this process,” Spain Park High School Principal Dr. Ken Jarnagin said. “To have two state winners from the same school is a really big deal.”

The national program selects students based on their academics, athletics and community service. Applicants must have a cumulative high school grade point average of a B (3.0) or better, participate in an eligible sport and demonstrate leadership in community service activities.

At the school-wide assembly on Nov. 20, both

Spain Park High School senior Madeline Held is a long distance runner and one of the two Alabama finalists for the 2013 Wendy’s High School Heisman. Photo

by Katie Turpen.

students were recognized for their achievement and awarded silver medals by a Wendy’s High School Heisman official who also announced that out of 102 state finalists, Will Freeman has been selected as one of the 12 National Finalists.

“It’s pretty crazy. I’m excited to go to New York City,” Freeman said. “I owe a lot of this to my parents. They taught me to have a great work ethic.”

Freeman is a swimmer, currently qualified for the fastest meet in the country, the 2014 Phillips 66 Summer National Championship. He plans to swim next year at The University of Alabama. Held is a long distance runner and has been accepted at both The University of Alabama and Auburn University.

Freeman, along with the other 11 national Heisman finalists will compete in New York City on Dec. 13 and one male and one female

Riverchase teacher authors book

By JASON GASTON Have you ever missed out on some really great things because you were glued to a digital screen? That’s the message of a new book authored by Blake and Erin Gilchrist, T.J. Put Your Phone Away.

Blake, a physical education teacher at Riverchase Elementary School, and Erin, a teacher in Trussville, held a book signing in November at Riverchase Elementary to introduce the new book. Scores of students, faculty, staff and parents showed up to meet the authors and learn about the book’s timely message.

“My wife and I talked about writing a children’s book for a while, but we wanted to write about something relevant and original. So we came up with the idea about a boy who misses out on the real world because he is always play-

ing on his phone,” Blake said. “Then, we just started throwing ideas and different scenarios around until we came up with a good storyline and characters. The book is a great lesson for all ages. We thought it would be a fun way to teach a lesson about personal interactions for parents and children.”

The Gilchrists say T.J. Put Your Phone Away was written in response to a generation of kids and adults that revolves around digital technology. Through T.J.’s journey, a family learns that it’s important to remember to live life and experience things, rather than staying “plugged in” all the time, according to a synopsis of the book on Amazon. Although geared toward a younger audience, the authors admit the message resonates just as much with adults.

Learn more about T.J. Put Your Phone Away by visiting crestpublishers.com.

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Open 7 Days a Week!

Shop our Extended Christmas Hours Tuesday's, Wednesday's & Thursday's We are open until 8:00pm 5475 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-4773

national winner will each receive a crystal Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy, a $500 Wendy’s gift card and a donation from Wendy’s in the amount of $10,000 to their respective high school. The winners will also be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy announcement on Dec. 14.

Freeman is thankful for his award and hopes to continue his service throughout his college years.

“I really just want to continue to give back to the community,” Freeman said.

Spain Park High School will receive $2,000 from the Wendy’s Heisman program. In the national program’s history, three other Heisman winners have come from Alabama.

For more information on the Wendy’s High School Heisman, visit WendysHeisman.com.

26 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

Sports Former Hoover wrestler starts league for children

The Hoover Recreational Wrestling League started by former Division I collegiate wrestler Ryan Romano holds weekly practices at Hoover High School. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN Hoover High School alumnus Ryan Romano knows a thing or two about the impact the sport of wrestling can have on a person.

He has more than 15 years of wrestling experience under his belt. As a team captain, he led Hoover High School to three state championships.

He went on to become a Division I collegiate wrestler at West Virginia University.

He is now the owner of Warehouse Performance Institute, a fitness studio in Bessemer.

He said owning his own fitness area has been

a longtime dream.

“Believe it or not, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Romano said. “Wrestling is a sport that will help any kid in becoming a better athlete.

This winter, Romano decided to give back to the community that supported him throughout his early years. In November, he started the Hoover Recreational Wrestling League, providing a chance for elementary and middle school children to explore the sport of wrestling.

“The whole goal is to draw interest in the Hoover area,” Romano said. “This is a great

opportunity for kids to learn the basic fundamentals of wrestling in a fun environment.”

To create interest, Romano visited Hoover middle and elementary schools to share his wrestling expertise.

“We did demos and played different games,” Romano said. “It was really fun to watch the little ones.”

Registration was held throughout October and the league officially began on Nov. 4. It is condensed into a seven-week season with practices held once a week and matches held once a week at Hoover High School. Romano

said they currently have 50 children and four different teams.

When the season ends in late December, children who have interest in further training can visit Romano at Warehouse Performance Institute.

“After the season is over, those who want to, can come train with me to get in more practice,” Romano said.

The cost to participate in the league is $100.

Romano hopes to continue the league for years to come. For more information about the wrestling league, email Ryan Romano at ryromano414@gmail.com.

December 2013 • 27

HooverSun.com

Hoover High 3K results in more than $4,000 for cancer research This year, Hoover High hosted its fourth annual Junior Class Officers 3K Run. Close to 1,500 students and faculty participated in the race, which took place on the grounds of the school Oct. 29. Together, participants raised more than $4,000 from the event.

Planning for the event started in August and was supervised by Hoover High School teacher Jamey Nowlin.

“I feel that all our faculty, staff and students love this day,” Nowlin said. “It’s the one day each year that our really large school feels small. We all come together in smaller groups (teams) to support a common cause that is bigger than ourselves while also promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

In its four years, the 3K Run at Hoover has raised more than $10,000 for cancer research.

-Submitted by Jason Gaston

Hoover students turned out in the hundreds to show their support for cancer research.

Photo courtesy of Jean Ingram.

Seventh grade Metro Champions Hoover junior quarterback Jack Hutcheson.

Top-ranked Hoover Bucs extend winning streak

The R.F. Bumpus Middle School football team recently claimed the seventh grade Metro Championship. The Bucs, led by Coach David Brizendine, ended the season with an 8-0 record with a 20-18 win over Clay-Chalkville Middle School at the championship game held at Hoover High School.

Behind junior tailback Braderick Shaw, the state’s No. 1 team made a strong start into the 2013 AHSAA Playoffs.

In the first round, the Hoover Bucs dominated the Huntsville High Panthers 41-7, continuing their undefeated season. The Bucs limited the Panthers to just nine first downs and 182 yards of total offense.

Shaw led the way with 124 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The victory vaulted Hoover to No. 3 in the USA Today national

rankings, and the Bucs continued their march through the playoffs with a 33-14 win against the Shades Valley Mounties on Nov. 15. The game extended Hoover’s winning streak to 27 Shaw was again a powerhouse in the game, rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 26 touches.

Hoover traveled to Florence on Nov. 22 en route to the 2013 Super Six, which will be held Dec. 5-6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

28 • December 2013

Hoover Sun RANDLE

CONTINUED from page 1 seamstress can be found among the decorations. For the past 15 years, she’s had a business creating textiles from other fabrics. She’s taught classes on her technique all over the world, and the room tells the story of her journey.

Hanging from the windows are paper prayer flags from Kathmandu, Nepal, that were handmade by refugees. Two elephants march away from one another on the long table. In the corner is a thin red pine that almost touches the vaulted ceiling from its perch on a coffee table. It serves as the family Christmas tree.

“Christmas for me is a holy holiday,” she said, “but to me it also means color. I’ve never been one who likes a one-color Christmas tree.”

The holidays in the Randle home are filled with familiarity. Friends come by for an annual open house shortly before Christmas, and on Christmas Day the family arrives.

“We always have a very big celebration on Christmas evening,” Barbara Randle said.

“It’s wonderful to have a place that accommodates everybody. There’s always lots of laughter and happiness, presents and good food.”

The Randles moved into the home in 1989, and Barbara refers to its transformation as “evolution.” But not so long ago, its purpose during Christmas was much the same.

Past lives “It was always about family,” Jane Hoover Parrish said of her Christmas celebrations in the house.

Although Parrish only lived in the home for about four years, leaving at age 19 to marry, she fondly remembers the scenes during the holidays. Her mother, Helen, threw a Christmas Eve party every year and cooked most of the food. Her father, William Henry Hoover, would sit in the living room and read as her two brothers and sister sat around the tree, a large, live conifer decorated with round ornaments.

The party brought with it the promise of

Members of Hoover’s founding family, including Jane Hoover Parrish and her children, visit Helen Hoover at the Hoover-Randle Home for Christmas. Parrish said Hoover would put out the ceramic tree pictured every year. Photo courtesy of Jane Hoover Parrish.

“I don’t ever think about owning a piece of history, but I do feel like we’re the caretakers. Mr. Hoover was a visionary.”

-Barbara Randle coconut and chocolate pies and ambrosia — all annual traditions. Then, in the morning, Helen would prepare the Christmas Day meal that featured turkey and dressing.

“She’d be cooking, and we’d come in with her presents,” Parrish said. “My sister [Helen] and I still laugh about this from time to time. It was so inconsiderate. She would be really busy cooking, and we’d say, ‘Here’s your present!

Open it! Open it now!’ We could kick ourselves for doing that.”

Around the house, traditional decorations dominated.

“We always had either a wreath or big bow on the door,” Parrish said. “There was a beautiful tablecloth, and we had Christmas napkins, and she lit so many candles. It was just really your old-timey Christmas.”

December 2013 • 29

HooverSun.com

The style of Barbara Randle, an artist by trade, can now be seen throughout the colonial-style home. Photos by Jeff Thompson.

Familiar feelings The Hoover-Randle Home now sits on six acres, but when it was built in 1950 it was the centerpiece of 160 acres. There were no paved paths in the Tyler Road area, as there was no City of Hoover. Helen Hoover drove her Cadillac to downtown Birmingham to do her Christmas shopping.

In 1954, after buying 682 acres on U.S. 31

south of Vestavia, William Hoover founded the community of Hoover. It was around this time that Parrish left home to start her own life. The City was later incorporated in 1967 with a population of 406.

When the Randles purchased the property in 1987 after Parrish’s mother passed away, they spent two years redecorating and adding on to the house before they moved in.

“I don’t ever think about owning a piece of history, but I do feel like we’re the caretakers,” Randle said. “Mr. Hoover was a visionary.”

Randle said she stays in touch with Jane and her sister Helen and invites them over from time to time. Parrish said she happily accepts the invitations, as she’s sentimental about the house. She said she noticed that the Randles didn’t change several of the doorknobs and kept the dining

room chandelier.

With the addition of Randle’s style — as well as steady development throughout her father’s city — many things are now different from Parrish’s time in the Hoover-Randle Home. But peek through the windows Christmas Day and it’s easy to see what’s the same.

“Christmas is family,” Randle said.

“It was always about family,” said Parrish.

30 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

Community Calendar Hoover Events Dec. 1: Hanging of the Green. Bluff Park Baptist Church. 6 p.m. Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season and the first Sunday of Advent.

Dec. 2: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Hoover City Hall. 5 p.m. Contact Erin Colbaugh at colbauge@ci.hoover.al.us.

Dec. 3: Simmons Middle School Winter Choir Concert. Shades Crest Baptist Church. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: Lighting of the Green. Ross Bridge. Open to the public.

Dec. 7: The Garage Giveaway. Hoover Met Parking Lot. Contact Erin Colbaugh, colbauge@ci.hoover.al.us.

Dec. 7: Ross Bridge Holiday Market.

Ross Bridge Town Hall. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Festivities include Boy Scout Christmas Tree Lot, fresh greenery for sale from Dorothy McDaniel, caterers with samples and taking holiday orders. For more, visit rossbridgemarket.com.

Dec. 8: Elf Party with Santa Clause.

Wrapsody. 1-4 p.m. 161 Main Street, Suite 127, next to Panera Bread in the Patton Creek Shopping Center.

Dec. 8: Bring Your Old Buddy Scramble. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Ross Bridge. 10 a.m. Everyone is invited and single players will be paired by our staff. The entry fee is $125 per player and $500 per foursome and includes a round of golf with cart and tax, lunch, prizes, a 2014 RTJ Trail Card and a Loyalty Program Card. Register at rtjgolf. com.

Dec. 8: Alabama Youth Orchestra

Holiday Concert. Riverchase Galleria.

Dec. 8: Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting and Remembrance Service. Sanctuary.

Riverchase United Methodist Church. Candles will be lit at 7 p.m. Anyone wishing to honor the memory of a loved one is welcome. For more, contact Carol Wood, 837-7111.

Dec. 12: Monte D’Oro Christrmas Party. For more, contact Alice Hope at ahhope@bellsouth.net Dec. 12: Hoover Service Club Monthly Meeting. Spain Park Choral Group Holiday Music Program, directed by Charles Henry. Hoover Country Club. 11 a.m. Lunch $18. For reservations or additional information, email hscinformation-HSC@yahoo.com.

Dec. 13: Horizons Christmas Luncheon. Hoover Country Club. 11 am.

Contact Dana Stewart, stewartd@ci.hoover.al.us.

Dec. 14: Meadow Brook Run. Aliant Bank, Highway 280. For more, contact Erin Colbaugh,colbauge@ci.hoover.al.us

Dec. 17: Lunch & Learn. Hoover Senior Center. Noon. For more, contact Tracy Vinzant, vinzantt@ci.hoover.al.us.

Dec. 14: Math Team Tournament.

Vestavia Hills High School. Simmons Middle School.

Dec. 19: Girls Chorale Caroling.

Various locations around Hoover. Simmons Middle School.

Dec. 14: “Lights on the Bluff” Live Nativity and Christmas Hayride. Bluff Park Baptist Church. 5-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Bluff Park Baptist Church. 5 p.m.

Dec. 14: Decked Out Dash. Oak Mountain State Park. 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit The Arc of Jefferson County’s programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Contact Amanda Marcrum or Scarlet Thompson at 323-6383.

Dec. 27-28: Alumni Age Group Indoor Track Invitational. Birmingham Crossplex. Indoor track meet for all ages.

For more, contact Diana Knight at dknight@ sovereigncpa.com.

Dec. 15: IV “Come to the Stable.” St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Live nativity, live music and refreshments.

Call Bob Gornati at 901-2954 or the Parish Office at 822-4480.

Artists on the Bluff: Drawing and Painting, taught by Rollina Oglesby. Drawing Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon or 5:30-8:30 p.m. Charcoal, Pastel, Oil and Acrylic with Model or Photo Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon or Thursdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Plein Aire Painting Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon. $120 + supplies (former students $95). Email donrollina@bellsouth.net or call 733-8939 to register.

Painting and Mixed Media, taught by Rik Lazenby. $120 per month. Adult classes Tuesdays 9 a.m.-noon or 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Thursdays, 9 a.m.noon. Young adult classes (ages 13-high school) Wednesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Call 281-5273 to

Dec. 29: Food Pantry. Hoover Church of Christ. 3-4:30 p.m. Call 822-5610 or visit hooverchurchofchrist.org.

571 Park Avenue

register or visit lazenbystudio.com.

Acrylic Painting, taught by Jayne Morgan. $40 per class including supplies. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for high school; Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for high school; or Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. for adults. Visit jaynemorgan.com or call 902-5226.

Photography/ Blue Moon Studios. Visit BlueMoonStudios.net, call 995-3791 or check Facebook for class schedule.

Woodworking, taught by David Traylor. Offering workshops in furniture making. All skill levels welcome. Also teaching Summer Woodworking

Camps for children. Visit woodshopstudio.com or call 531-4751.

Jewelry/Mixed Metal Bracelet Class, taught by Cecily Chaney. Dec. 22, 1-4 p.m. $75.

All material and supplies included. Call 223-4514.

Sun, Dec. 22 , 1 to 4 p.m. – Learn to do simple enameling and put your link bracelet together. All materials and tools supplied - $75. Contact Cecily Chaney for more info at 205 223-4514 Beginning Zentangle, taught by Darla Williamson. Dec. 13. Tipsy Tangles, 6 p.m. $35 per class includes supplies Visit tangledstones.com or call 305-2082.

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December 2013 • 31

HooverSun.com

Hoover Library Events Children’s Programs

of the Year. 10:30 a.m.

jazz style. Call 444-782.

Dec. 3: Mother Goose Storytime. Bunches of Boxes, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For one year olds and their caregiver.

Dec. 12: PJ Storytime: Holiday!, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 13: After Hours @ The Plaza: Game Nite. 7-10 p.m.

Call 444-7821.

Dec. 3: Early Birds: Family Fun, 10 a.m. Storytime for babies and their caregiver.

Dec. 4: Tiny Tot Tales. Kitty Kats, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 4: After Lunch Bunch.

Snow Day, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 5: Storytime Live: Alphabet Garden Growing “X.” 10:30 a.m. PJ Storytime: Holiday. 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 7: Holidays Around the World: Saint Nicholas Day, 10:30 a.m. Join us as we travel to Germany for a traditional celebration complete with candy filled shoes and pickles. All ages.

Dec. 9: Together with Twos: Trouble with Turkeys. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 9: This Just In! Book Club for students in grades 4-6.

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 10: Mother Goose Storytime: Let It Snow, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For one year olds and their caregivers.

Dec 10: Early Birds: Babes in Toyland, 10 a.m. Storytime for babies and their caregivers.

Dec. 11: Tiny Tot Tales: Let It Snow, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 11: After Lunch Bunch: Jolly Holiday, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 12: Storytime Live: The Most Wonderful Time

Dec. 12: The Hobbit. An Unexpected Party, 6:30 p.m. Dust off your wizard hat, brush up your furry feet and meet your friends and fellow conspirators for an evening of Hobbit festivities. There will be plenty of excitement with reasonable reward. Don’t forget to dress accordingly.

Dec. 16: This Just In! Book Club for grades 4-6.

Dec. 17: A Roger Day Christmas. 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Come celebrate the holidays at the Hoover Public Library. Sing-along with Roger Day and enjoy a visit with Santa Claus.

Adult Programs For more, visit hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7800.

Dec. 5-7: A Christmas Survival Guide. The Library Theatre. 8 p.m. Tickets $25 at 4447888 or TheLibraryTheatre.com.

Dec. 8: Global Cuisine @ The Plaza: Enjoy Italy.

Coffee-ol-ogy Café. 2:30 p.m. Food and culture of Italy. Free samples provided. Call 444-7821 Dec. 12: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 10 a.m. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Call 444-7820.

Dec. 12: Chad Fisher Group Holiday Special. Library Plaza.

6:30 p.m. Trombonist Chad Fisher and his band present a special program of holiday classics played

Dec. 14: Purl @ The Plaza With Knitting Lessons. 3-5 p.m.

Dec. 16: Free Beginner’s Knitting Lessons. 1- 3 p.m.

Bring your yarn to knit, crochet or embroider. Registration required. Call 444-7821.

Dec. 16: Monday @ The Movies. The Library Theatre. 2 and 6:30 p.m. A food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas (1945, NR, 105 minutes).

Free admission and refreshments.

Call 444-7820.

Dec. 17: Helping Hands.

Adult Programming Room. 2:30 p.m.

Make newspaper rolls to be donated to a local humane society.

Dec. 18: Coffee, Cocoa And Conversations. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for light refreshments at our first ever book group open house! You can meet the book group leaders, pick up flyers with next year’s selections and hopefully discover a new book group you’d like to attend. Call 444-7840 Dec. 19: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 10 a.m.

Defending Jacob by William Landay.

Call 444-7820.

Area Events Dec. 5: Open House & World AIDS Day Event. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Birmingham AIDS Outreach, 205 2nd Street South. Free.

Call 322-4197.

Dec. 5-22: Red Mountain Theatre Company presents ‘Tis the Season.’ Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m. RMTC Cabaret Theatre, 301 19th Street North. $30-35. Family-friendly play featuring sights and sounds of the holiday season. Visit redmountaintheatre.org or call 324-2424.

Dec. 6-31: ZooLight Safari.

Birmingham Zoo. More than half a million lights, music and holiday activities transform the zoo in a winter wonderland. $8 nonmembers, zoo members free. Visit birminghamzoo.com or call 879-0409.

Dec. 7: Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

3 p.m. and 8 p.m. BJCC. $41.65, $52.15 and $73.20. Call 745-3000.

Dec. 7, 14, 21: Breakfast with Santa. 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Birmingham Zoo. Members: $14 adults, $9 children. Nonmembers: $14 adults, $15 children. Visit birminghamzoo.com.

Dec. 8: Birmingham Girls Choir Holiday Concert. 3 p.m. Shades Crest Baptist Church. Featuring Una Voce, Intermezzo, and Prelude Choirs. Directors are Margaret Heron, Meredith Devore and Lindsay Walker.

Dec. 12-22: ‘A Bluegrass Christmas Carol.’ Virginia Samford Theatre at Samford University. $20, $25.

Classic Christmas carol “mountainized” with bluegrass group The Herb Trotman Band accompanying the musical. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 251-1206.

Dec. 13-15, 21-22: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Times vary by date. Wright Center, Samford University. Presented by Alabama Ballet. $20-$55. Call 975-2787 or

visit samford.edu/wrightcenter.

Dec. 13: Birmingham Ballet’s The Muttcracker. 7:30 p.mBJCC. Dancers and dogs make for a memorable night benefiting the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. . $32.75, $43.75 and $54.50. Visit birminghamballet.com/performances.htm or call 1-800-745-3000.

Dec. 14-15: Birmingham Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. BJCC. Visit birminghamballet.com/performances.htm. Call 1-800-745-3000.

Dec. 20: Mythbusters. 8 p.m. BJCC. Popular TV show comes to life on stage with hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage performing experiments and more. $38.10$96.75. Call 1-800-745-3000.

Dec. 30: Annual Community Kwanza. 6 p.m. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Free. Visit bcri.org or call 328-9696.

Moonlight on the Mountain Moonlightonthemtn.com Dec. 2: Open Mic Night Dec. 5: Sam Pointer’s Acoustic Christmas, $15 Dec. 6: The Hearts Dec. 15: Lee Anna Culp: Home for a Holiday Dec. 16: Open Mic Night Dec. 19: Decembersongs: Rod Picott, Amy Speace, Doug and Telisha, $20 Dec. 22: A Celtic Christmas Dec. 31: The Beatlads, New Year’s Eve in Bermuda, $15 All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and have $12 admission unless otherwise specified. Open Mic Night is $5.

Come be merry at Danberry – you can help make someone’s holiday bright!

Holiday Open House & Marketplace Wednesday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover Join us as we showcase some of our residents’ beautifully decorated apartment homes in all of their holiday splendor. Holiday treats and cocktails will be served.

Shop from a huge selection of collectible ornaments & more!

Christopher Radko, Vaillancourt…just some of the many fine ornaments available in our Marketplace as well as a wide array of jewelry, quilts, handmade gifts, edible treats and much more (special holiday pricing).

Proceeds from ornament sales go to the Crisis Center, Inc. Call us today at 443-9500 or visit us at www.DanberryAtInverness.com to find out more.

Distinctively Different Retirement Living

32 • December 2013

Hoover Sun

We also rent tuxedos!

Consign your dress now and get 20% OFF! Consign any formal wear this month, and receive 20% off your entire purchase, valid through December 31, 2013.

Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. One coupon per household. One-time use.

Style Reborn for Home and Fashion

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We have thousands to choose from!

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