The Hoover Sun

Sun HooverSun.com

November 2012

Hoover

Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Volume 1 | Issue 2 | November 2012

Stories of service Honoring Hoover veterans throughout history

Veterans Day 2012

Adoption

journeys

Wes and Emily Hodges had both always wanted to adopt, even before they met.

Johnny and Courtney Grimes didn’t know when adoption would become a part of their family, until now. Learn their stories in our special feature for National Adoption Month.

(Above) Brad Hallmark and his fellow soldiers at an exercise in Alepna, Mich., in August. (Below) Roy Deerman and his wife. (Right) John Lewis.

Community page 7

Annual tree lighting ceremony

Roy Deerman

By REBECCA WALDEN

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

From World War II to Vietnam to the War on Terror, from the greatest generation to the millennials, there are many proud servants of the United States Armed Forces who call Hoover home. And whether these soldiers are 19 or 91, they each have a story.

Construction Battalion United States Navy 93 years old For U.S Navy member of 130th Construction Battalion Roy Deerman, Veterans Day harkens memories of the bombing of Okinawa in April 1945.

Arriving at Saipan, his battalion was forced to spend 12 days at sea, dodging Japanese suicide planes while awaiting clearance to land. At camp, the environment only became increasingly hostile, so much so that he witnessed the death of his own tent mate, shot by a Marine on orders to kill anyone on site who could not provide the correct password of the day.

Deerman received a presidential citation for his efforts in helping repurpose a patch of swampland into a traffic circle for supply plane use. Drawing upon his naval training as a water distillation specialist, Deerman came home with a renewed vigor for how he would earn a living. After trading in his pre-war swing shift days at Childersburg’s DuPont powder plant for the role of small business owner, he found lifelong success as sole proprietor of Deerman Plumbing & Heating, eventually counting Bruno’s and the UAB Medical Center among his many customers.

Join the city of Hoover at City Hall for a festive celebration including music by Rocky Ridge Elementary students and photos with Santa. Find out more about this and other local events happening this month inside.

Community page 10 John Lewis

Sergeant United States Army 65 years old Not unlike Deerman, John Lewis also found that his military service marked him in more ways than one.

“It never leaves you,” said Lewis, who served in Vietnam in the Army’s Third Brigade of the

See VETERANS | page 8

INSIDE Sponsors .............. 4 Celebrations ........ 5 City ........................ 6 Community .......... 7 School House ...... 19

Sports .................. 16 Opinion ................ 17 Business .............. 18 Food ..................... 20 Calendar .............. 22

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November 2012

Hoover Sun

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November 2012

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November 2012

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors Shades Mountain Elementary kindergarteners Ismeal Abulohom, Helen Mwangota, Ann Mei Johnston, Jake Fleming, Charlotte Owen, Clementine Green, Brayden Patterson and Calvin Maina recreate their favorite storybook characters for the school’s recent “Fairy Tale Ball.”

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden One of my all–time favorite movies my mindset. is Love Actually. Through interwoven Before I listened to U.S. Army vignettes–quirky and charming in that Sergeant John Lewis describe in telltale Brit fashion–director Richard painstaking detail the unimaginable Curtis beautifully illustrates the realities of infantry fighting in Vietnam, movie’s central theme: “love actually is I never realized how hollow the oneall around.” liner thank you I say to For me, it’s especially my father-in-law each apparent this time of year.

Veteran’s Day must In my little house sound. divided, reigning in the When Johnny Grimes smack talk while watching told me how in one week the Iron Bowl together strangers from all over is nothing if not an act of the country helped his amour. family raise the $18,000 Then there’s the matter they needed for adoption of standing in the kitchen, costs, it did much to elbow deep into the cavity bolster my confidence in Walden of a glacially cold bird, the innate goodness of us searching for giblets. all.

Love? Well, I’m sure not shoving my I hope these features, along with arm up the nether regions of a turkey coverage of the many other events, for kicks. activities and celebrations happening By the time leftovers are gone and this month all over Hoover, help you Christmas decoration boxes are out, broaden your mindset, too. mutual affection is the only logical Early in the month, pay tribute to explanation for how we can trick out local military service men and women our house, while two toddlers “help,” through a week’s worth of “Thank-awithout going all Boris Karloff on the Vet” activities hosted by the Library. neighborhood.

If you have a heart for service, make All jest aside, a remarkable time plans to learn more and attend the of year–one of reflection, gratitude Hoover Service Club’s Nov. 9 luncheon and camaraderie–is upon us. And as at Hoover Country Club. What better blessing–aware as I consider myself to time of year to ingratiate yourself to the be, assembling this issue has broadened needs of others?

On Nov. 18, join residents from all over the city of Birmingham for the 65th annual Alabama Civic Chorale’s performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” hosted by Riverchase United Methodist Church. While this is a long-standing tradition for many, it will be the Walden family’s first. I hope you’ll join us.

Later that night, congregants from five area churches will gather for a community-wide Thanksgiving service and fellowship. What a great way to focus on the heart of what this month is all about.

During this season of thanks, I wish for you moments that are both meaningful and that stretch your comfort zone. It’s the same challenge I’ve set for myself. As I’m out and about, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones, surrounded by people who deserve to be celebrated and those who want to celebrate, it will serve as reminder to me that Richard Curtis really did get it right: “If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

Cheers,

Meet our staff Dan Starnes, Publisher Dan Starnes originally moved to the Birmingham area from Georgia to work as an assistant golf professional. Now, eight years later, he publishes four community newspapers and isn’t sure which end of the golf bat to hold. When he isn’t working or planning new publishing endeavors, his favorite activities are fishing, kayaking, camping, or walking his 12 year-old lab mix. His favorite Hoover spots are Moonlight on the Mountain, Moss Rock Preserve, Aldridge Gardens and any of the fantastic outdoor festivals the city offers throughout the year. In addition to the Hoover Sun, he publishes 280 Living, The Homewood Star, and Mountain Brook’s Village Living. He is extremely excited about the Hoover Sun and has been overheard saying that it is his favorite publication to date.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma (14) Aldridge Gardens (13) ALDOT (19) Ashford Advisors (23) Brookwood Medical Center (11) Benny Watson for Circuit Clerk (6) Backyard Adventures (6) Birmingham Ballet (14) Christmas Village (16) Creekside Tavern (7) Campaign to Elect Davis Lawley (12) G-Dogs (10) Hoover Self Storage (2) Full Moon Barbecue (8) Four Corners Gallery (7) Geico (3) Greystone Antiques and Marketplace (20) Judge Sherri Friday (8) Junior League of Birmingham (3) La Paz (10) Little Sprouts Day School (17) Mountain Brook Art Association (16) Outdoor Living Areas (5) Plastic Surgery Specialists (23) Shops of Grand River (24) South Trace Pediatrics (9) Sumo Japanese Steakhouse (18) Susette Clark-Walker (15) The Lingerie Shoppe (16) Thimbles (18) Village Dermatology (2) Virginia Vinson for Judge (16) Yeager’s Hair Studio and Spa (21) Zounds (21)

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

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Jeff Thompson Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell Matthew Allen Contributing Writers : Marynell Winslow Felicia Brewer Liz Crotwell Christiana Roussel Scott Jones Intern : Kaitlin Bitz Published by : Hoover Sun LLC

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

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

Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of

Madoline Markham, Managing Editor Madoline Markham’s favorite Hoover spots are anywhere in the woods and sunshine— Moss Rock Preserve, Aldridge Gardens and Veteran’s Park. After growing up off Highway 280 a neighborhood over from the Hoover line, she received a bachelor’s degree in history from Rhodes College in Memphis and then a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Thanks to working for Southern Living and Cooking with Paula Deen, her first love is food writing, but she also enjoys telling nonfood-related stories about and for the community. She chronicles her cooking adventures at maplemacaroni.blogspot.com and can be reached at madoline@280living.com.

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

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November 2012

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Government Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey As Mayor of Hoover, I am very excited about the renovations being made at the Riverchase Galleria. As detailed in the Hoover Sun cover story last month, the mall and Wynfrey Hotel will be renovated, and a new Von Maur department store will open.

On the perimeter of these buildings, Earth Fare, an exciting grocery store featuring local and organic fruits and produce, opened in May. Jared Jewelry, a store new to our area, is under construction in the former Just for Feet location. I am very excited about all these developments and additional business moving to Hoover.

I know all this activity spurs more businesses to want to move to where the action is located. The shopping center improvements are already underway.

The Galleria Tower, one of the largest office buildings in the Hoover area, continues to be a great address for business as evidenced by its occupancy at well over 95 percent. The Tower joins with the other components of the Galleria to continue to improve with changes underway to interior lobbies, a new state of the art elevator system and new elevators from the Tower to access the shopping center. The renovation process is extensive and when completed in 2013, will only further enhance the

City Council Q & A John Lyda, Place 3

By REBECCA WALDEN John Lyda serves on the Hoover City Council, Place 3.

Editor’s Note: In future issues of the Hoover Sun, we will publish brief Q & A profiles of your Hoover City Council members. Submit your city council questions to Rebecca@hooversun.com.

Gary Ivey Riverchase Galleria.

We are very excited that the holidays are right around the corner so we want to invite you and your family to join us at our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hoover City Hall. It will be held on Thurs., Nov. 29 at 5 p.m., and a definite visit from Santa is on the horizon that night. The Hoover Police is ready for the influx of holiday shoppers to our City, and we will assist them to make their holiday shopping experience pleasurable.

Please feel free to contact my office or visit our website if we can help you in any way. My goal is that we will continue to exceed your expectations!

As a freshman city council member, what do you anticipate your biggest challenges to be?

While I will be joining an administration made up of experienced council members, I’m comfortable knowing I’ve established good working relationships with them over the past few years. While serving on the Hoover Public Library Board of Trustees has allowed me to build and foster relationships since 2009, being consistently present at the city council work sessions and meetings has also helped. As a new member of a well established group, I plan to learn from their experience and knowledge depth of city operations, but I’m also confident that my thoughts, ideas and opinions will be heard and valued.

What budget changes do you anticipate during this next fiscal year?

Although I’ve not had the opportunity to review or discuss the upcoming budget, I feel confident that there won’t be any sweeping changes. This administration has taken a fiscally conservative approach to budgeting since the 2008 economic downturn. With revenues relatively flat over the past couple of years, I anticipate a sound budget plan that allows us to live within our current means while continuing to provide the high quality of life and city services that Hoover residents enjoy.

With regard to public safety challenges, what new ideas can you bring to the table?

inc.

Hoover’s commitment to public safety has historically been unwavering and will remain a top priority for me as a Hoover council member. Our public safety administration and staff in both the fire and police departments remain one of the most highly-trained, effective teams in the state.

According to published statistics, Hoover’s crime rate has always been significantly lower than the national average and has dropped steadily since 2003, falling or remaining flat in each of the crime categories.

Our fire department has historically maintained an ISO class 2 rating, putting our Hoover Fire Department in the top 1.2 percent of all fire departments in the United States.

As a council member, my priority will be to support and allocate the necessary funds for our fire and police administrations to carry out the superior service illustrated in the above statistics.

What about school safety?

Our police department has a dedicated team of 11 school resource officers who are in our schools on a daily basis, bridging the gap between students and law enforcement.

These men and women serve a vital role in our community schools by being teachers, informal counselors and law enforcement officers. While prevention of all crime will always be the ultimate goal, these officers do a phenomenal job of educating students and, when required, quickly and professionally addressing issues that arise. Again, the council’s role in this area of city government is to ensure the proper support is given so that education, prevention and quick response are there as needs arise. I stand firm on my commitment to ensure this support remains strong.

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November 2012

Hoover Sun

Celebrations Jost-Barnett

Wenke-Janey

Jernigan-Green

Audrey and John Jost of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Lydia Jost, to Tyler Barnett, son of Jane and Jack Barnett of St. Louis.

The bride-elect is granddaughter of Art and Ginger Sharbel of Vestavia Hills. Miss Jost is a 2004 graduate of Spain Park High School and a 2008 graduate of Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and Golden Key. She is currently employed as a third grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood.

The prospective groom received an undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas. He is currently a law student at the University of Missouri and anticipates graduating in 2013.

The wedding will be held May 18, 2013 at St. Elias Maronite Church.

Christie Kathleen Wenke and Claiborne Thomas Janey married August 18 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope. Rev. Steven Williams officiated. The reception was held at the Nix Center in Fairhope.

The bride is the daughter of David and Kathryn Wenke of Fairhope. She was given in marriage by her father, and her sister Nicole Pennell of New York was matron of honor. Hannah Pinckney of Vestavia was maid of honor.

Bridesmaids were Lindsay Wenke, Christie Harris, Lindsey Meadows and Jeanne Sleadd. Ethan Pennell, nephew of the bride, was ring bearer.

The groom is the son of Lanelle Hanke of Hoover and the late Mark Janey. His best man was Chris Richards, and groomsmen were Kyle Anderson, Jaron Cordes, Nicholas McEuen, Jonathan Ritchey and George Robertson. His niece, Sarah Singh, was flower girl.

The couple honeymooned in Key West and now reside in Homewood.

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Jernigan of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Leesa Marie, to Adam Green, son of Ms. Carol Green of DeSoto, Texas, and Mr. and Mrs. John Green of Sunnyvale, Texas.

Miss Jernigan is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Giles of Panama City and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Jernigan. She is a 2004 graduate of Hoover High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Auburn University. Miss Jernigan is employed with Baptist Health Systems as an IT Specialist.

Mr. Green is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Green and Mrs. Bobbie Markum of DeSoto, Texas, and the late Mr. Bill Markum. He is a 1997 graduate of Poteet High School and attended Texas Tech University. Adam is a partner at Accounting Services Group.

The wedding is planned for April 27, 2013 at Gabrella Manor in Birmingham.

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

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November 2012 7

More online: Read about the Robinson family’s adoption journey at HooverSun.com.

Community

In celebration of family

Hoover couples reflect on their journeys to adoption

By REBECCA WALDEN Since 2000, National Adoption Day, observed the Saturday before Thanksgiving, has been dedicated as a time of awareness, advocacy and celebration for adoptive families.

While the stories of many local adoptive families vary, most bear the unifying thread of being called to adopt.

Before Wes and Emily Hodgins married, the couple visited different churches in the area, and Emily said each new visit was strangely similar to the one before – the topic of each sermon was adoption. One afternoon over lunch, the pattern came up in conversation, and Wes said he had always wanted to adopt.

“I’d had the same feeling,” Emily said. “Growing up, when I had a friend adopting, I was interested to the point that my parents had to remind me to give that family personal space! I was fascinated.”

So, with perseverance, patience and a healthy sense of humor, the family began its adoption journey.

In the summer of 2010, the Hodgins had immersed themselves in international adoption research when a Tennessee woman made national news by sending a 7-year-old boy she adopted back to Russia on a

one–way flight. Almost immediately, all three countries the couple was researching froze adoptions. But through a serendipitous turn, they found an Atlanta–based birth mother, with whom they formed a supportive bond.

“You hear things about birth mothers, and you get these ideas in your head,” said Emily. “She was none of that. She actually had a very similar personality to me.”

The couple never missed a doctor’s appointment.

“Driving to Atlanta was nothing to us,” Emily said. “If we were invited, we were going.”

And they did, bringing Thin Mints to assuage the birth mother’s chocolate cravings, and listening to the baby’s heartbeat on ultrasound.

That child, 18-month-old Alexa, is now a happy member of the Hodgins family.

High school sweethearts Courtney and Johnny Grimes had also included adoption in their family plans, but they didn’t know how or when they would act on them. The call came following unsuccessful attempts to conceive a second child.

“Naively, we thought we’d have two of our own and then adopt, but

(Left) Emily and Wes Hodgins with their daughter, Alexa. (Above) Johnny and Courtney Grimes, pictured with their son, River, are awaiting the final steps of adoption of their daughter from Ethiopia.

God threw a wrench in our time line,” Johnny Grimes said.

But 15 months into the adoption process, Courtney became pregnant – news they’d barely absorbed when she miscarried. Not 24 hours later, they received a referral for a sixmonth-old Ethiopian infant girl they would name Penelope.

“We’ve always had a deep desire in our hearts to have our family look like Heaven,” said Johnny. “From every nation, tribe and tongue – black, white, red and yellow. We cannot wait to have Penelope home.”

The Grimes now wait only for a court date before they can fly over and adopt their daughter, who turns

1 on Nov. 21, the same day her big brother turns 5.

This year the National Adoption Day Coalition expects 4,500 children in foster care to be adopted on National Adoption Day, on Nov. 17. For more information, visit nationaladoptionday.org.

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November 2012

Hoover Sun

Veterans Day 2012

(Right) U.S. Navy veteran Roy Deerman and family. (Far right) U.S. Army veteran John Lewis and family.

VETERANS

CONTINUED from page 1 Fourth Infantry Division. “Any poignant experience, whether in military or civilian life, will probably be branded in your brain but particularly the combat experience. It’s permanent.”

For Lewis, military service became the barometer by which he measured all other challenges.

“It serves as a reference point,” he said. “Compared to what you saw and experienced there, everything else has got to be an improvement throughout your life.”

May 17, 1967 remains the most profound date in his mind. Following injury, Lewis was en route to receive medical care when rocket-propelled grenades began penetrating the armored personnel carrier transporting he and nine others. Four died instantly. As Lewis, now having sustained additional shrapnel injuries, started to climb out of the hatch, ammunition crates fell on his legs, trapping him.

“For a moment, I thought I was done,” he said.

“The ammunition had me pinned down, it was starting to burn, and – just for an instant – I accepted the fact that this is where they will find my remains.

The one person I thought about in that moment was my mother.”

With a spirit of humbleness and humility, Lewis

acknowledges that he left the warzone with more questions than answers.

“Why I was allowed to live will always be one of life’s mysteries,” he said. “I have always known that I was no more deserving than anyone else with whom I served. Someday, I hope God will help me understand the ‘why’ of it all.”

In the meantime, Lewis is doing his part to shape the mindset of the youngest among his brood.

“I want my grandsons to know it’s honorable to serve your country,” he said. During a recent family outing, Lewis emphasized the point by telling his two oldest grandchildren to salute two soldiers who were eating lunch nearby.

“When the soldiers walked by, Will (age 7) and Josh (age 5) saluted them,” said Lewis. “One of them was a general and they both just lit up.” Pleasantly surprised by the boys’ gesture, the soldiers saluted back.

Brad Hallmark

Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force 37 years old

Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Brad Hallmark wishes such exchanges weren’t so uncommon.

“It means a lot to have someone say thank you and give you a handshake or pat on the back,” he said.

“I’m proud to say I have defended my country, and I hope that my small role has helped in some way keep us safer or save a life.”

Hallmark is part of the 117th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) of the Alabama Air National Guard.

Influenced by his grandfather’s World War II stories and the stories of a close friend’s father who served in the Air Force, Hallmark joined the Air National Guard in 1998 for what he thought would be a fouryear commitment.

“That was 15 years ago,” he said. “I’ve just always admired people who served in the military, and I wanted to be a part of something bigger, like this.”

Hallmark is indeed making his mark.

Demonstrating his pride for his aircraft maintenance shop, Hallmark recently created a visual identity for the members of the 117th.

“The name ‘Hose Snatchas’ is truly reflective of what we do–pull fuel hoses. The ‘Harder than it has to be’ slogan is something we’ve said for years; nothing is ever as easy as it appears on the surface.”

A source of pride, symbols like these, emblazoned on everything from T-shirts to patches to stickers, are common amongst ARWs. “It isn’t harmful and kinda serves as a ‘we were here’ note. Usually the reaction we get is ‘Hey those guys from wherever tagged us!’...and you have a good laugh.”

Hallmark can be seen almost every year marching in Birmingham’s annual Veteran’s Day Parade.

“I have always considered myself a pretty patriotic person,” he said. “[This day] means more to me now because I have seen what people are willing to do and sacrifice for their country.”

Hallmark’s pride in his team is infectious.

“I’m so proud of our shop winning the 2011 ‘Best Fuels Flight In The Air National Guard” distinction.

This is out of more than 80 bases. I work with the greatest bunch of guys. They’re all knowledgeable and hardworking; it’s like working with family.”

This year’s Veteran’s Day Parade will be Sunday, Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. starting at 8th Avenue North and 19th Street in downtown Birmingham.

HooverSun.com

November 2012

Coming in December...

We see newborns at Brookwood and St. Vincent's!

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10 November 2012

Hoover Sun

Music and merriment for all at annual tree lighting ceremony

Alabama Civic Chorale to perform ‘Messiah’

By REBECCA WALDEN

By JIM SAVAGE Later this month, the Alabama Civic Chorale returns to Hoover for their annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” complete with full orchestra and chorale members from around the state. For more than six decades, this event has been a seasonal highlight and beloved tradition for many in the

Help add a little sparkle to the Hoover Municipal Center by attending this year’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event will take place at City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.

Featuring a special performance by the Rocky Ridge Elementary Holiday Choir, the official tree lighting honors will be handled by Rocky Ridge Elementary fifth grader Tripp Wiggins. The evening’s festivities will culminate with a grand entrance of Santa on a fire truck. Pictures with Santa will be provided at no cost. Light refreshments will be served.

Hoover City Hall is located at 100 Municipal Lane across from the Hoover Public Library.

Pictures with Santa Can’t make it to the tree lighting ceremony? Not to worry. The holiday spirit is so palpable in our city that Santa can’t help but come back for a second and third visit to listen to the wish lists of as many local children as possible.

Hoover residents are invited to bring their children to one of two Pictures with Santa events. Both will take place in the Hoover Recreation Center Conference

Complimentary pictures with Santa will be provided at the event.

Younger guests enjoy the sights and sounds of the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Birmingham metro area.

The performance is directed by Bebe Kok with organist accompaniment from Walt Rogers, and including various members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. It will be held Sun., Nov. 18 at 3 p.m., in the sanctuary of Riverchase United Methodist Church, located at 1953 Old Montgomery Highway.

Rocky Ridge Elementary fifth grader Tripp Wiggins will handle this year’s tree lighting ceremony honors. Photo courtesy of Lisa Cranford.

Room, and both will include one free photo with the Big Man. Details follow below.

Monday, Dec. 10, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Dee Nance at Hoover Parks and Recreation, 444-7765.

Holiday Night at the Rock!

Rocky Ridge Elementary to host Santa’s Market On Fri., Nov. 30, from 6-9 p.m., Rocky Ridge Elementary PTO will host Holiday Night at the Rock.

Parents can bring their children ($7 per child at the door) for an evening of entertainment including movies, snacks and a picture with Santa. While the kiddos are occupied, parents can peruse Santa’s Market, comprised of local vendors offering unique and fun gift

ideas to make holiday shopping a breeze.

Vendors who wish to participate should contact Shelley Shaw, at 4926014 before Nov. 15.

Rocky Ridge Elementary is located at 2876 Old Rocky Ridge Road. For more, visit rockyridgeelem.al.hce. schoolinsites.com.

HooverSun.com

November 2012

11

The Market returns Aldridge Gardens presents ancient Japanese art form with holiday gifts Local residents can give back to the community while shopping this holiday season. The Junior League of Birmingham’s annual three-day shopping extravaganza, The Market, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center located off of U.S. Highway 280.

The Market provides a venue for shoppers to purchase unique items that cannot regularly be found in the greater Birmingham area.

New to The Market this year is MADE in the deep south, a one-of-a-kind jewelry line created by Birmingham native Michela Bruno Swafford. The line was developed deconstructing antique jewelry pieces by the pieces mixing them with rustic leather and other vintage pieces.

Also new this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus

will be special guests at The Market on Nov. 17 from 9-11 a.m. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free to The Market.

The funds raised through The Market support the Junior League of Birmingham’s 35 community projects.

Tickets to The Market are $12 for general admission or $24 for a three-day Must Have Pass. The Sneak Peek Party is $36 and Martie & The Market is $24. Groups of 10 or more may purchase General Admission tickets to The Market for $10 per ticket. This offer is not valid on JLB quota tickets.

All events are open to the public. Strollers are welcome Thursday and Friday after 2 p.m. and all day Saturday.

For more details and information on the Junior League of Birmingham’s Market, visit juniorleaguemarket.com.

On Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m., Aldridge Gardens will host a lunch and learn event featuring Jane Mullins, Third Degree Master of Ohara Ikebana School. Mullins will be teaching an Ikebana class, the Japanese art of floral design. She will explain the principals of the art as she demonstrates up to six arrangements. The history of Ikebana dates back approximately 500 years and is enjoyed throughout the world.

Aldridge Gardens welcomes Garden clubs and lunch groups and come enjoy this special morning.

Class cost is $20, or $28 with lunch, for members, or $25, or $33, for nonmembers. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. Register online at aldridgegardens.com. For more information, call 682-8019.

Hoover Belle application deadline is fast approaching Last day to apply is Nov. 15

By CATHY HEAD Young ladies interested in representing the City of Hoover as Hoover Belles are invited to apply for membership between Oct. 15 and Nov. 15. This is a firm deadline. High school girls in their sophomore year who are residents of Hoover are encouraged to complete applications for this service organization.

Hoover Belles must be of exemplary character, BMCPrimary-HooverNEWlocation-10x7_5.pdf have a pleasant personality, be continuously

enrolled in school and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. They serve a two-year term spanning their junior and senior high school years and must perform a minimum of 30 community service hours during this time.

Application forms will be available from Oct. 15-Nov. 15 at the Hoover Chamber of Commerce offices, as well as in the guidance offices of Hoover and Spain Park High Schools. Applications must be returned to the Chamber of Commerce by 3 1p.m.

10/19/12 2:10 16.

PM on Fri., Nov.

Jane Mullins creates Ikebana arrangement like these. Photos courtesy of Lorne Dann.

Bluff Park United Methodist hosts community-wide Thanksgiving service On Sun., Nov. 18, at 6 p.m., Bluff Park United Methodist will host a community– wide Thanksgiving service.

The tradition brings together numerous area congregations, including Bluff Park Baptist, Bluff Park Methodist, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian, Shades Crest Baptist and St. Alban’s Episcopal.

This year’s event, which in past years has drawn a crowd of nearly 400, will include a message from Bluff Park Baptist

Church Senior Pastor Tony Barber and will also feature special music from the hosting church’s chancel choir.

Following the service, attendees are encouraged to stay for fellowship and refreshments in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Childcare is available. For more information, contact Children’s Director Leigh Delashaw at 822–0910.

12 November 2012

Hoover Sun

Local mothers host Wreaths Across America fundraiser

Hoover Service Club announces membership drive, details for winter gala

Funds support second monument in state to honor fallen war heroes

Alabama Gold Star Moms Anne Adkins, Adrienne Bourland, Linda Brooks, Loris Bryson, Ellen Comfort, Violet Kaylor, Brenda Murkerson, Jean Prewitt, Terry Savage, Dixie Smith, Donna Smith and Marynell Winslow attend a Wreaths Across America monument dedication ceremony. Their efforts help honor the memories of their sons, one of whom lost his life in Vietnam and others in the War on Terror. Photo courtesy of Marynell Winslow.

By MARYNELL WINSLOW Wreaths Across America started in the Northeast in the 1980s and has now spread across the nation. The goal of this non–profit is to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave site in the United States.

This year, Jefferson Memorial Gardens South cemetery on Highway 150 is an official Wreaths Across America site.

More than 500 veterans are buried there.

The Alabama Department of the American Gold Star Mothers, a group of mothers who have lost children in military action, is the local sponsoring organization for the campaign.

Monies raised during this year’s drive ($5 for every $15 wreath sponsored) will help fund a monument to be placed within the veterans cemetery under construction

in South Alabama. In April, the Alabama chapter of American Gold Star Mothers dedicated the state’s first Wreaths Across America monument, located at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. This monument was made possible through two years of wreath fundraising efforts within the Hoover community.

Each wreath costs $15 to sponsor.

If you wish to sponsor a wreath to be placed on a Hoover area veteran’s grave site, contact Marynell Winslow at marynellwinslow@bellsouth.net.

Sandra Barnett and Judy Thompson provide giftwrap to holiday shoppers at Riverchase Galleria. Monies raised benefit Grace House Ministries.

By REBECCA WALDEN The Hoover Service Club, a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1975 for civic–minded women, is recruiting new members who share its vision of a perpetually strengthened community.

“We have three basic goals,” said Event Chair Lynda Wasden. “We aim to give aid to the needy in our community, to further education through academic scholarships and to recognize outstanding volunteer service to the community.”

During its 2011-2012 year, the club’s community service contributions exceeded $13,000 donated to 17 area agencies, churches, and arts and culture organizations. It awarded nearly $10,000 in student scholarships at both the middle school and high school levels.

“We do a lot of really fun, hands-on projects to raise money for our community beneficiaries and scholarship winners,” said Jennifer Caton, publicity chair. “We welcome new members anytime. More members equals greater community impact.”

Membership dues are $20 per year with meetings held the second Thursday of the month at the Hoover Country Club at 11 a.m. Lunch is available (registration required). Guests are welcome. The club’s November meeting will include a fall fashion show featuring apparel from SteinMart.

In February, Hoover Service Club will host Hearts in Harmony Gala, benefitting the Club’s affiliated charities and scholarship initiatives. The gala will take place Feb. 15, 2013 at the Highway 150 Embassy Suites. Tickets go on sale Dec. 1.

For more information about the Hoover Service Club or the Hearts in Harmony Gala, or to inquire about membership, contact Jennifer Caton at 978-7056 or jcaton@AAAalabama.com.

Fixing 280 one light at a time

By JEFF THOMPSON

An Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) proposal to begin addressing the abhorrent congestion on Highway 280 is ready for scrutiny.

On Monday, Nov. 19, ALDOT is giving the public the opportunity to review and comment on a new multi-million dollar plan to reduce average drive times down Highway 280. The plan focuses on proposed changes to 26 intersections between Hollywood Boulevard, located less than a mile past the Red Mountain Expressway interchange, and Hugh Daniel Drive, one intersection east of State Highway 119.

“Our goal is to shorten a driver’s trip by three to five minutes,” ALDOT Director John Cooper said while speaking to the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce last month. “I believe this will cost $12-15 million, and we’ll be able to take it to bid

by April and have it done by November 2013.”

According to ALDOT Division Engineer Brian Davis, the plan involves a long list of improvements, and the department has a different plan for each intersection. Among other things, the project includes eliminating some access points to thea main highway, reconfiguring side streets and widening intersections.

Mostly, though, it’s about the lights.

Davis explained that the average cycle for a traffic signal on Highway 280 is 170 seconds, and the highway is only allocated an average of 65 seconds per cycle. The proposed plan could raise that to an average of 110 seconds.

The predicted time savings of three to five minutes may even be an understatement, Davis said. ALDOT is currently installing a high-tech traffic signal system called SCATS along Highway 280, which uses an adaptive computer system to reduce traffic delays by adapting to fluctuations in traffic. That project was bid before the proposal

to alter intersections, and the two haven’t been modeled together.

But with all the positives that come from a shorter drive down 280, Davis said he is aware ALDOT will be asking drivers to do things differently. At multiple intersections, ALDOT is proposing to remove the ability for drivers to either travel directly across or make left turns. However, the voices of many will likely outweigh the voices of a few. Division 3 Preconstruction Engineer Lance Taylor said some parts of Highway 280 carry more than 100,000 cars a day.

“We have got to consider the issues for the 100,000 to be more important than the issues of the couple thousand trying to get from one side (of Highway 280) to the other,” Davis said. Davis and Taylor stressed the proposal being discussed on Nov. 19 was not the big fix for the highway’s traffic dilemma and has nothing to do with an elevated highway or toll road. In fact, four of the intersections that provide drivers with the most headaches – Rock Ridge Road, Interstate 459, Valleydale Road and Highway 119 – aren’t included. He said these intersections required a more time-intensive and costly commitment from the department.

“I think the department will always be working on a long-term solution for 280,” Davis said. “But if you can spend $12-15 million and make a pretty decent improvement in the meantime, then all of a sudden you make it a more usable facility while you develop your solution.

“Those people out there need a break and they need it today.”

ALDOT will hold its public involvement meeting to discuss the new proposal on Monday, Nov. 19 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, located at 3660 Grandview Parkway. An open house to review the project begins at 4 p.m., and will be followed by a comment period at 5 p.m.

For more, see page 19.

HooverSun.com

November 2012

Thank you, Hoover!

Taste of Hoover a roaring success The inaugural Taste of Hoover was held Thursday, Oct. 18 at Aldridge Gardens. Fifteen restaurants and vendors participated, and turnout was estimated to be between 1,200-1,500 people.

The event was co-hosted by the Hoover Sun, Aldridge Gardens, and The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop. Participating vendors included Mikey’s Grill, Riff Burgers, Sumo Japanese Steakhouse, Earth Fare, Fresh Art Café, Full Moon BBQ, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, Royal Cup Coffee, Creekside Tavern, The Privileged Bride, La Paz, La Dolce Vita, Beef ‘O’

Brady’s, Bistro Provare at Jefferson State Community College, and Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ. Future events will charge admission and will serve as a fundraiser for Aldridge Gardens. Plans are also in the works to expand the size of the event to include more of the grounds at Aldridge Gardens, as well as involving more food and beverage vendors from around Hoover.

A Taste of Hoover joins several other successful “Taste of” events in and around Birmingham, including Taste of Shelby County, Taste of Vestavia, Taste of Homewood, and Taste of Birmingham, among others.

(Above) More than 1,000 readers attended the first Taste of Hoover event at Aldridge Gardens in October, including (left) Chase Lake residents Eric and Joan Bishop and children, Emmett and Natalie.

Special Thanks To

13

14 November 2012

Hoover Sun

School House Hands on health at Deer Valley

Shades Mountain honors literary great with crocodile cake

Jake Trent, Brody Black, Julia Heath, Caden Carr and Devan Carlisle

For the third year in a row, faculty, staff and students from the UAB Department of Physiology and Biophysics will bring their outreach program PhUn Week (Physiology Understanding) to Deer Valley Elementary in November. Through this program students receive handson opportunities to explore the workings of the heart and lungs.

PhUn week is a nationwide event established in 2005 by the American Physiological Society. What began as a four-site pilot test across four states

has expanded into a national program where grade school science teachers and students can connect with APS members to spark student curiosity in physiological science.

Another popular program, Body Trek, an interactive classroom that visits schools in the Birmingham metro area to teach students about living a healthy, safe lifestyle, also returns to Deer Valley in November. Body Trek is sponsored

by Children’s Health Systems and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

As described by Brian F. Geiger and other Birmingham area health and physical educators, Body Trek is a colorful self-contained recreational vehicle, outfitted with various learning stations, lit pathways, video monitors and volunteer educators to guide students through the exhibits.

Activities focus on personal health and safety, and include preventing home accidents, bicycle and seat belt safety, healthy nutritional habits, hand washing, physical fitness and brain function.

Third graders celebrate one of the great writers of children’s literature, Roald Dahl, with an elaborately themed birthday party that included crocodile cake.

On Sept. 13, third graders at Shades Mountain Elementary School celebrated the birthday of author Roald Dahl, the creative mind behind beloved children’s stories including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and The Witches.

In preparation for the day’s festivities, students learned about

the famous author’s life, read some of his popular books and completed numerous hands-on activities.

To mark the occasion, students dressed in yellow (Dahl’s favorite color), and enjoyed a Dahl-themed birthday party, complete with crocodile cake, peach punch and Wonka candy.

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HooverSun.com

November 2012

Crossroads students form Hand in Paw therapy team

15

HHS “First Edition” Jazz Band to perform in Chicago

By FELICIA BREWER A few four-legged friends have enrolled in a new class called Barkology 101 to help enhance student learning at Hoover’s Crossroads alternative school. New Beginnings, one of two programs available through Crossroads, received a grant this past summer from the Hoover Foundation to fund Barkology 101. As part of the new class, eight students and five dogs from the school’s Personal Development Class will work together to become a Hand-inPaw Therapy Team.

During the fall semester, students are taking the dogs to Hoover PetSmart each Wednesday for dog obedience training led by an accredited instructor. In the spring, students will learn how to become handlers as the dogs undergo Handin-Paw certification. Once this is complete, students will be able to take the visiting therapy dogs to a number of facilities, including Children’s Hospital, UAB Hospital and senior living facilities.

Therapy dogs are not new to the school campus. Principal and program creator Anna Whitney started bringing her dog, Andy, to school with her six years ago. After seeing the positive impact his presence had on students and staff, Andy became a beloved part of the school community.

Through the years, Whitney added two other dogs to the New Beginnings campus, Big Gumbo and Izzie. As evidenced by this latest non-traditional learning opportunity, Whitney

Hoover High’s First Edition Jazz Band is in final preparations to perform during next month’s 66th annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Conference, held in Chicago. Photo Courtesy Jean Ingram.

Crossroads tenth graders Rachel Little and Asia Rodriguez participate in a Barkology 101 event with dogs Gumbo and Evie.

is making good on her promise to introduce “out-of-the-box” learning opportunities for her students while keeping the focus on good citizenship.

New Beginnings accepts 60 students each academic year and provides non-tra­ ditional learning activities to help young people achieve personal, academic and vo­cational success. The class is led by teachers Kim Spidell, Charles Crowder and LeAnna Hurst.

The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, recognized as the single most prestigious clinic of its kind, will welcome the Hoover High School “First Edition” Jazz Band to its 2012 event, scheduled to take place at its 66th Annual Conference, Dec. 19-22, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.

Jean Ingram, Hoover High School guidance

counselor, said First Edition’s invitation is the highest honor a high school band program can receive. She added that the performance at Midwest will bring national attention to the program.

Hoover High is the fourth band from the state of Alabama invited to attend the clinic over the last 50 years. Band director is Sallie White.

New sixth grade officers

Green Valley Elementary takes a ‘sweet’ field trip Front row: Dulse Acosta, Alex Magnus, Spencer Slay, Wes Bradford, Trish Luu, Hannah Drexel, Carmen Shelton, Abriel Dickinson and Mrs. Mary Taylor.

Back row: Mr. Demetrius Coates, Steven Gallegos, Kevin Juarez, Troy Young, Yoseline Rivas, Walt Meyer, Sergio Placencia, Kamari Davis, Will Holden, Kenyatta Gaines and Liliana Miranda.

Mary Taylor’s kindergarten class recently visited Krispy Kreme. On their tasty fieldtrip, they saw firsthand how the tempting confections are made, from rolling off the production line to being covered in glaze. In the name of education, of course, a taste test was required.

First graders visit Birmingham-Southern, study environmental responsibility

During their field trip to the Southern Environmental Center, Bluff Park first graders Brooks Grant, Coleman Gray, Jordan Dunn, Julia Clark, Zoleigh Gunter and Alex Lee learned why it is important to “reduce, reuse and recycle.” Photo courtesy of Michelle Grant.

Bluff Park Elementary first graders recently took a field trip to the Southern Environmental Center (SEC) at BirminghamSouthern College. Students learned about air pollution and water quality, and how they can protect and improve their local environments by reducing, reusing and

recycling.

They toured the EcoScape, a four-acre outdoor classroom equipped with giant “beneficial bug” sculptures, fragrance gardens and a two-story treehouse. Students learned about medicinal plants, edible landscapes and sustainable landscape practices.

After the EcoScape tour, students visited SEC’s interactive museum, where they made EcoArt jewelry out of discarded telephone wires, and faced hands-on simulation challenges, including being “flushed” down a giant sewage pipe and attempting to lift a week’s worth of garbage.

Sixth grade officers: president, Ally Gunning; vice-president, Landon Roe; historian, Annaliese Chambers; treasurer, Lauren Hines; secretary, Noel Rengering. Fifth grade officers: president, Maddie Mehringer; vice-president, Abby Norris; treasurer, Hannah Villani; historian, Emily House; secretary, Charlotte Hager. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Ponder.

New technology at Brock’s Gap Christie Willis, technology teacher with Brock’s Gap Intermediate, recently received a grant from the Hoover City Foundation to fund a new tech initiative under the name Project P.I.G. (Project iPod Greenhouse). Funds supported the purchase of 10 Apple iPods for use in math and science curricula, now taking place in an experiential learning environment.

Using an outdoor classroom setting and aided by iPod applications like LeafSnap, students are deploying math and science skills as they take snapshots of leaves, decipher what types

of plants inhibit this environment and learn how much water and food is required to sustain this plant life. To follow the Project P.I.G. blog, visit projectipodgreenhouse.wordpress.com.

Brock’s Gap sixth grade science teacher Jana Maynard also received a grant, which will support What’s Cooking Sunshine? and helped Maynard purchase three solar cookers for sixth grade science student use and members of the Earthsavers/Science Club. The goal of this project is to help students develop a better understanding of solar energy.

16 November 2012

Hoover Sun

Sports Hoover Country Club Ladies Birmingham Golf Association team play winners

By LIZ CROTWELL

Kathy Hartwiger recently claimed her tenth victory at the Annual Women’s State Amateur Championship.

The 2012 Ladies Birmingham Golf Association team play season finished out with Hoover Country Club ladies golf participants claiming the First Place Overall trophy. Thirteen area clubs competed for the award.

During the event, the 80th Annual Women’s State Amateur Championship was waged between the 16 lowest handicap players in the field. It was a match play tournament. Kathy Hartwiger won the championship for the 10th time by winning four matches, two of which were played on the same day.

All other entrants in the tournament were grouped into flights according to handicap. Trish Carter competed in the first flight and survived the first round on Tuesday, but was eliminated in round two by a 20-year-old collegiate golfer. Diane Hill competed in the sixth flight and won the final round against Connie Brady of Heron Lakes in Mobile after one extra hole.

Front row: Kathy Babin and Carolyn Horton. Back row: Gale Melton, Diane Hill, Jean Shaw, Liz Crotwell and Trish Carter. Not pictured: Betty Lenoir, Anne Lenoir, Anne Long, Bess Owen, Ilean Taylor and Paula Verdu.

Varsity basketball schedules for November Spain Park Boys

Spain Park Girls

Nov. 5: @Bessemer City Nov. 10: Oxford (@Gadsden State Community College), 3 p.m.

Nov. 13: @ Vestavia Hills Nov. 15: @ Hoover Nov. 21-23: Rebel Classic @ Vestavia Hills High School Nov. 27: @ Thompson Nov. 30: North Forsythe, Ga. Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 10: Glenco (@Gadsden State CC), 1 p.m.

Nov. 13: @ Vestavia Hills Nov. 15: @ Hoover Nov. 19-21: @ Pell City Thanksgiving Tourney @ Childersburg (Time TBD) Nov. 26: @ Gadsden City, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 27: @ Thompson Nov. 30: North Forsythe, Ga., 4 p.m.

Dec. 4: Vestavia Hills

*Game times 7:30 p.m. unless indicated.

*Game times 6 p.m. unless indicated.

Hoover Boys

Hoover Girls

Nov. 13: Oxford Nov. 15: Spain Park Nov. 19: @ Talladega Dec. 3: Ramsay

Nov. 15: @ Spain Park Nov. 20: @ Center Point Nov. 29: Shades Valley Dec. 6: @ Thompson

*Game times 7:30 p.m.

*Game times 6 p.m.

CIRCLE IT, DON’T FORGET IT.

PAJAMAS BABYDOLLS

WEDDINGS

REMINDERS ARE THINGS THAT CAUSE SOMEONE TO REMEMBER SOMETHING.

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•

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HooverSun.com

November 2012

17

Opinion Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Be happy. Be the blessing.

People often think of happiness as a Happiness can only be made in our heart. reaction. Something happens, and our spirits Only we can kick the gears in motion. get a boost. But really, happiness is proactive.

And here’s a thought for you: Instead It’s cherishing what we already have and of expecting others to bless us, why living life with our eyes open, purposefully can’t we be the blessing? It sounds seeking moments that fill us with joy. counterintuitive, but one great irony of Most of us don’t lead exciting lives. happiness is we get more by forgetting Exciting events happen, but not on a daily our own for a while and creating it for basis. Moments, however, are daily. They’re others. Why? Because focusing on our also abundant. And with each new moment happiness puts us in a bubble. It narrows comes a new opportunity to be happy. Even our worldview, magnifying our problems.

Kampakis if we’re not happy with life, we can be happy Soon we believe no one has it worse. We in the moment. We can savor it as we might a breeze, wonder, “What’s the use?” and decide to quit trying. knowing it’ll pass quickly, but enjoying it while it lasts.

But if we look outside our bubble, we see the As I write this, my two-year-old daughter, Camille, world’s needs. We realize how good we actually have is cuddled on my lap. When she woke up today, she it. We want to help, so we get off the couch and begin stood in her crib and called for me as she always does, using our God-given talents. It feels good because saying, “Momma?...Momma?” in the sweetest voice this is how we were designed to live. By giving and ever. These moments flood me with joy. They make doing what a healthy mind and body are able to do. me pause and thank God she’s my child. In short, they As we connect with others, we find purpose. We find make me happy. the greatest happiness we’ve ever known from human On a smaller scale, I also find happiness in the interaction. coffee I’m drinking. It’s from a Keurig, which to me is Happiness can be ours today, so let’s not put it on like having Starbucks in my home. Being served by a hold. Let’s quit telling ourselves we’ll be happy when machine is a treat. It makes my morning better. the right stars align — when we get a new house, And then there’s the happiness I feel by taking the a new car, a new job and boss — because that’s an cluttered thoughts in my head and arranging them into invalid excuse. Happiness is a habit, a way of looking this essay. Through writing, I sort through life, slowly at life. It’s changing our filter so we can find happy gaining clarity so I can understand what I need to know. moments each day. Without this filter, we stay locked My point is, happiness exists everywhere. It’s in an unhappy place. As my friend Kim’s mom says, simply waiting to be noticed. Being happy means being “If you have to move an inch to be happy, you’ll never present in our lives. It means finding extra pleasure in be happy.” things that make us smile. It means taking control of Happiness is within reach, and often under our nose. our happiness, and not expecting others — a spouse, Let’s do ourselves a favor by delighting in simple parent or best friend — to carry the burden. No one pleasures, and sharing our joy with others. wants that burden, nor do they deserve it.

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham Happiness doesn’t land on our doorstep in a pretty mom of four with a background in PR, writing and package. Yet so often, we sit around like couch photography. Read her blog at karikampakis.com or potatoes, waiting for the delivery. It’s a waste of time find her on Facebook and Twitter. Email her at kari@ because no one can manufacture happiness for us. karikampakis.com.

My South By Rick Watson

Toothache

There should be some kind of felt numb. I sounded like law that says, “No dental work I’d drank too much tequila after the age of 60.” I’m talking when I drooled, “It wheels about banning root canals, murty nung.” extractions or any procedure Then he put what sounded that causes your mouth to smoke like a stump grinder in my like a brush fire. But sadly, these mouth to get through the procedures are totally legal. crown and down to the roots.

I woke up one night this past When he finished, I stopped week with a toothache. That’s at the front desk to settle the Watson odd, I thought to myself. I had a bill. My portion, after what checkup recently and had no problems. But the insurance would pay, was enough to buy the fact remained — my jaw was hurting. a flat-screen TV. The next morning it seemed like an Later it was back to my regular dentist to unpleasant dream, but a few nights later finish the job. The old bridge had to come the same thing happened again. I made an off and one of the jaw teeth had to come out appointment to see my dentist. before she would fit me with a new bridge.

She tapped on my teeth like she was She had one of the women who worked in playing a xylophone, but none of them hurt. bookkeeping break the bad news about the She took a tiny implement shaped like a cost. She spoke like a grief counselor as she scythe and gouged under one of my bridges. explained all the charges.

“Hmmm,” she mused. “How long have “So, do you want to have the work done?” you had this bridge?” I told her I got it when she asked.

Carter was in the White House. She failed to What I wanted to say is, “No, I think I’ll see the humor. I doubt she was born when live the rest of my natural life in excruciating Carter was president, I thought to myself. pain.” But instead I whipped out my debit After studying the X-ray, she card, and she scurried off as if she’d won recommended I go to an endodontist. I the lottery. I could almost hear her say, wondered why I should see someone who “Woohoo, now we can all go to the beach studied insects, but then my brain rebooted this weekend.” and I realized she meant some kind of dental Obviously I’m having fun at the expense specialists. of my tooth-worker friends. They were all The endodontist looked younger than my very professional and can’t help the fact that regular dentist, so I didn’t bother hitting him insurance pays so little. with the “Carter was in the White House” But I got to thinking — I’d be willing gag. After more X-rays, he said my back to bet there are a people these days that go tooth that had a crown needed a root canal. without treatment because they can’t pay.

He came out with a needle as big as a I am grateful that we’ve been in a position bicycle pump and shot me full of Novocain. to pay for problems when they arise, but we After a few minutes, he asked if my jaw won’t be going to the beach this weekend.

18 November 2012

Hoover Sun

Business Happenings Hoover medical facilities to relocate Montgomery Highway

New Italian eatery Pazzo Calzone Bakery is coming soon to 1678 Montgomery Highway in Hoover. The restaurant offers freshly made, over-stuffed calzones and premium salads along with simple Italian side dishes. For more, visit pazzocalzonebakery. com.

Hyundai dealership expands Tameron Hyundai has expanded its dealership in Hoover. Last year, Tameron purchased an empty restaurant and approximately one acre of land adjacent to its current lot at 1595 Montgomery Highway to make way for the Tameron PreOwned Lot and Sales Center. The new center opened Oct. 18, according to Danny Braden, Tameron president and general manager.

Braden said the expansion has allowed the dealership to add 14 jobs to Tameron’s workforce and increased the number of vehicles it stocks to more than 250.

For more, contact the Pre-Owned Lot at 380-6250 or visit tameronhyundai.com.

Brookwood Primary Care moving The Publix shopping center on Montgomery Highway in Hoover

will be the new home for Brookwood Primary Care, which is moving from its current location at 5346 Stadium Trace Parkway the second week on November. For more, visit brookwoodprimarycare.com or call 988-8311.

Riverchase Galleria

New maternity store opens Destination Maternity opened in the Riverchase Galleria on Oct. 19.

The new addition to the mall lineup will feature a combination of the brand’s Motherhood clothing, and its higher-end merchandise sold under the label A Pea in a Pod. For more, visit destinationmaternity. com or call 444-4845.

Brock’s Gap Parkway

New facility for Adolescent & Pediatric Dentistry

Alabama Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry, a Hoover business specializing in dental care for children, recently announced plans to move from its current location on Stadium Trace Parkway to a new building on Brocks Gap Parkway.

Dr. Lauten Johnson, DMD, one of two dentists who work at the Hoover location, said the reason for the move was the need for additional space, and the new facility will

offer the practice more than three times that of the current facility.

Johnson also said patients would see no gap in service during the move, which is scheduled for spring of 2013.

For more, visit alpediatricdentistry.com or call 982-0112.

Highway 280

Hoover subdivision in development In October, The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission approved initial plans to develop a new 28-lot subdivision off Doug Baker Boulevard. The new subdivision is slated to be called Hunter’s Gate.

Lots in the subdivision would be 60 feet wide and 120 feet deep according to the plans, and homes would have up to 2,200 feet of living space.

Alabama Outdoors open in Inverness Alabama Outdoors has opened in the former Blockbuster location in Inverness Plaza.

The outdoors store offers the same outdoor products and services as their Homewood and Trussville locations. They sell clothing, footwear and equipment for hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing or just walking to class or school.

Alabama Outdoors special-

izes in products from Patagonia, The North Face, Chaco, Merrell, TOMS, Mountain Khaki’s, Salomon and other brands.

Their hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

The store is located at 108 Inverness Plaza and can be reached at 980-3303.

For more information visit alabamaoutdoors.com.

owner Sonja Pettus is opening a women’s clothing and jewelry boutique inside her store on Highway 150. Pettus plans to host an open house for DeVon Boutique on Nov. 2 from 5-8 p.m. The event will feature refreshments and door prizes.

DeVon will offer customers of Silver Lining the option to shop for retail brands as well as consignment merchandise.

DeVon will feature items from, among others, Veronica M., Nicola, Monoreno and Blu Pepper.

Silver Lining is located at 2341 John Hawkins Parkway. For more, visit facebook.com/DeVonBoutique or call 9874403.

Highway 150

DeVon opening inside Silver Lining Silver Lining Consignment Boutique

Hoover Chamber of Commerce events Nov. 1 – Economic Development Committee at Chamber Office. 8:30 a.m.

Make reservations by Nov. 12. $17 or $20 without reservations.

Nov. 22-23 – Chamber Office closed - Happy Thanksgiving

Nov. 8 – Coffee & Contacts.

Southern Wicker & Interiors, 3780 Riverchase Village, Suite 100 (next to Best Buy on Lorna Road in Hoover), 988-4111. 7:30-9 a.m. Email Southernwickeran@bellsouth.net or visit southernwickerandinteriors.com

Nov. 27 – Minority Business Council Brown Bag Lunch at Chamber Office.

Noon. Visitors welcome!

Dec. 4 – Business after Hours at Wine’d Down in Patton Creek. 5:30-7 p.m. Call 988-9463 or visit wineddown.com.

Nov. 14 – Ambassador Meeting.

Chamber Office. 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 – Hoover Chamber Luncheon. Hoover Country Club. Networking at 11:30 a.m., luncheon at noon.

Dec. 6 – Economic Development Committee at Chamber Office. 8:30 a.m.

Walk at Veteran’s Park to raise support for

St. Jude supporters in the Hoover community and in 90 cities nationwide will participate in the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. on Saturday, Nov. 17 to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Hoover event will be held at Veteran’s Park on Valleydale Road.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m.

Registration for this familyfriendly event is free. All participants are encouraged to raise money to help save kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude, located in Memphis, welcomes all families with patients without fees, thanks to committed fundraisers and donors.

To register for fundraising, visit fundraising.stjude.org. Registrants will have access to resources to help them reach fundraising goals, including personal and team fundraising pages; recruitment and donation email templates; downloadable resources like a fundraising letter to mail to friends and family and flyers to display at home or work; social media tools; and fundraising tips and videos.

HooverSun.com

November 2012

Read all the past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

19

Business Spotlight

Brick Alley Bicycles

Brick Alley Bicycles 1581 Montgomery Highway, #105 brickalleybikes.com 822-0779

By REBECCA WALDEN From the moment Craig Tamburello started BMX racing at the tender age of nine, cycling was his sport — and his lifestyle.

“It kept me healthy and in great condition for any other sports I was playing,” Tamburello said. “I fell in love with the toys, the parts and pieces that made up the bike as a whole.”

After venturing into road and mountain biking as a teen, Tamburello naturally gravitated to the local bike shops, which led him to his first job, and an industry mentor who helped him learn about the business aspect of cycling.

“I have made bicycles a lifestyle,” Tamburello said. “Not only is it a great means to staying healthy, but it also offers less stress on the back and joints of our bodies. There are just so many positives to this form of exercise.”

Drawing from this experience with an eye to improving upon the large bike shop model, Tamburello opened Brick Alley Bicycles in June 2011. The full-service bicycle repair and retail store distinguishes itself from other shops by specializing in niche brands, repairs and custom builds.

Tamburello says his “service first” model is also reflected in the business name.

“The name, Brick Alley Bicycles, reminded me of growing up with my grandparents in Ensley. I really liked the historical value of the city, its brick alley driveways, alleyways, and brick and mortar buildings. There is definitely a bit of ‘old school’ appeal with the name. When I first said it, I knew it was the right one!”

With close to 30 years of experience in the bicycle industry, Tamburello’s contagious enthusiasm for the sport makes his shop an ideal destination for both novice and experienced

Brick Alley Bikes Owner Craig Tamburello has turned his lifelong cycling passion into a professional pursuit. Photo courtesy of Craig Tamburello.

Brick Alley Bikes restores bicycles.

cyclists alike.

“I am here to customize and personalize the experience, not just sell a product,” Tamburello said. “Along my pathway in the industry, I’ve studied the technology, function and evolution of these products.

Because I’m entrenched in the market, I can

make informed recommendations for both the serious enthusiast and the beginner level rider.”

Indeed. Just recently, one of his customers rediscovered a 1984 Benotto in his garage that Tamburello helped him restore.

“It had deteriorated and started to rust

on the exposed chrome finished parts,” said Tamburello, who broke the bike completely down, cleaned all the parts and removed as much rust as possible. “My goal is to restore it to a like new finish and to rekindle that image and emotional energy the customer once had with his bike.”

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING

PROJECT NUMBER: NH-0038( ) US Highway 280 Intersection Improvements/Access Management From Hollywood Boulevard to Doug Baker Boulevard Monday, November 19, 2012 Cahaba Grand Conference Center 3660 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35243 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Begin Project- Hollywood Blvd.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) personnel will be on hand to answer questions regarding the project. The Open House will begin at 4:00 PM. The Comment Period will be conducted between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, which includes a presentation on the proposed project. Any person wishing to comment during this period must register at the Sign-In Table.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR FOR INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE CONTACT: Mr. Brian C. Davis, Division Engineer Alabama Department of Transportation – Third Division P.O. Box 2745 Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2745 Attn: Mrs. Sandra F. P. Bonner REQUEST FOR SPECIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE RECEIVED AT LEAST FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING

End Project – Doug Baker Blvd

20 November 2012

Hoover Sun

Food

Roasted goodness

An easy and healthy fall side

By SCOTT JONES During my 11 Thanksgiving seasons at Southern Living, few things perplexed readers more than what to serve alongside their big holiday bird. They were cool with the turkey (unless, of course, it was still frozen solid and guests were just around the corner). And I reckon they had dessert down, too.

But the subject of side dishes was an altogether different matter.

Home cooks seem to be stuck like chuck when it comes to fresh ideas for sides, especially those

RECIPE

suitable for fall entertaining — Thanksgiving being autumn’s grand culminating meal. I have kids (and other picky eaters in my life), so I get that the palate of available veggies seems to be less exciting than summer’s bounty.

So here’s my solution to this side dish dilemma: Roasted Vegetable Salad. It has enough of the familiar (in the carrots, sweet potatoes, garlic) with an updated touch (serving over salad greens with feta), plus it’s kidapproved (at least by my finicky 12-year-old daughter). Oh, and it’s dead-on seasonal and good for you, too.

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Line jellyroll or baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 4 large carrots, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 4 large parsnips, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1/2 pound green beans, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 1 large red onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices 5 garlic cloves, peeled 2 to 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup bottled olive oil-and-vinegar dressing 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 2 tsp. horseradish 1 tsp. Dijon mustard Fresh arugula or mixed salad greens Feta cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. Combine sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, green beans, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat.

Place vegetables in a single layer on a large, nonstick aluminum foil-lined jellyroll or baking pan.

2. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or just until tender, turning vegetables after 25 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whisk together dressing, parsley, horseradish and mustard. Place cooked vegetables in a large bowl, and drizzle with desired amount of dressing; toss gently to coat. Serve over arugula with any remaining dressing. Sprinkle with feta cheese.

Recipe contributor Scott Jones is a nationally recognized food and wine expert.

Longtime Hoover resident Scott Jones is the former Executive Food Editor of Southern Living. Through his company JONES IS HUNGRY (jonesishungry.com), he focuses on consumer-friendly food and wine content, recipe development and strategic culinary consulting. Jones also brings his fun, comfortable style to wine education and cooking classes tailored for both the novice and aficionado. Whether for friends, family, your best clients or corporate functions, everyone leaves feeling empowered and entertained. For more information, call 516-3487 or email him at scott@jonesishungry.com.

HooverSun.com

November 2012

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

Restaurant Showcase

La Paz

By CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL and JEFF THOMPSON Following a successful soft opening the first week of October, the new La Paz location on Galleria Circle has seen a long string of Hoover customers exit the Mexican eatery wearing smiles. And its staff expects to see many more.

“The traffic has just been great,” General Manager Eric Murphy said.

“We’ve been full both lunch and dinner. Hoover has really come out and supported us.”

Nestled between National Tire and Battery and J. Alexander’s restaurant on Galleria Circle, La Paz serves up a festive atmosphere and flavorful dishes many in the area will find familiar. The restaurant is a duplication of La Paz in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village, which has been plating up customer favorites like creamy queso, beef nachos and grilled shrimp quesadillas for more than two decades.

The first La Paz opened in Atlanta in 1979 and enjoyed a huge response, so the owners spread the Mexican vibe and great food to Nashville, Destin, Asheville, Charlotte, Knoxville and, eventually, Birmingham in 1991.

Some of those locations have since closed, but in 2008, resident and Golden Rule Bar-B-Q executive vice president Todd Becker formed The Red Mountain Restaurant Group

3340 Galleria Circle 444-2035 Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday- Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

La Paz employees Charlie Nearing and Bobby Richards with Service Manager Bear Blackmon and General Manager Eric Murphy.

LLC as a way to purchase the local La Paz and make sure it remained open. Becker formed a five-man team with Golden Rule Chief Executive Charles Matsos, businessman Clete Walker, Bobby Dillon of Synovus Securities and real estate developer Cannon Prickett. Matsos was a partner in the Michael’s Steak and Seafood formerly housed in the La

21

One of the hottest dishes at La Paz in Hoover, according to restaurant staff, is Fish Tacos. They’re available grilled or fried and served with Mexican Rice and black beans.

Paz building.

“There’s not a lot of Mexican out there, and none on that circle,” Matsos said of Hoover and the access road around the mall.

La Paz in Hoover has a menu identical to its sibling in Mountain Brook, and Murphy said early customer favorites are: Fish Tacos, fried or grilled; Carnitas Especial; and

the Arizona Quesadilla. The menu also features traditional tacos, fajitas, chips and salsa, plus margaritas and other drinks. Other highlights include live music every Friday or Saturday night and extensive outdoor seating.

Any La Paz menu item can also be ordered to-go, and the restaurant is available for catering.

“It’s a nice, fun environment with

ra

ay fo Call tod

FHeRarinEg EExam!

fantastic food and a great staff,” La Paz employee Bobby Richards said.

Christiana Roussel lives in Birmingham and enjoys all things food-related. Follow her culinary musings on line at ChristianasKitchen.com, Facebook (Christiana’s Kitchen), Twitter or Instagram (Christiana40).

22 November 2012

Hoover Sun

Community Calendar Live Entertainment Iron Horse Cafe

Community Events

size is limited. Pre-registration required. Visit aldridgegardens. com or call 682-8019.

Nov. 7 – USO Dance, Senior Center. 1-3 p.m. Call Tracy Vinzant at 739-6767. Registration required.

Nov. 1 – High School Cross Country Sectionals. 2 p.m., 5A Division. 3 p.m., 6A Division.

Veteran’s Park.

ironhorsecafe.net 978-5599

Nov. 1 – Economic Development Committee at Chamber Office.

8:30 a.m.

Nov. 1 – Violent Stupidity Nov. 2 – Spunk Monkees Nov. 3 – Rexton Lee Nov. 4 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 6 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 7 – Acoustic Night Nov. 8 – Violent Stupidity Nov. 9 – Downstroke Nov. 10 – Az Izz Nov. 11 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 13 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 14 – Acoustic Night Nov. 15 – Violent Stupidity, Nov. 16 – Deputy 5, Nov. 17 – 17th Floor Nov. 18 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 20 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 21 – U.S. Pre-Thanksgiving Day Party Nov. 22 – Violent Stupidity Nov. 23 – Naked Eskimos Nov. 25 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 27 – Johnny D Karaoke Nov. 28 – Acoustic Night Nov. 29 – Violent Stupidity Nov. 30 – Reckless

Nov. 3 – Hoover Service Club Annual Trash & Treasures Sale. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sertoma Gymnasium behind Green Valley School.

Donations can be dropped off Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call Jennifer Caton at 978-7056 or email jcaton@AAAalabama.com.

Nov. 14 – Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 – Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club.

Networking at 11:30 a.m., luncheon at noon. Make reservations by Nov. 12. $17.00 or $20.00 without reservations.

Nov. 5 – City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Elected officials take office.

Hoover City Council Chambers, Hoover Municipal Complex. Call 444-7507.

PAINTING AND MIXED MEDIA Rik Lazenby Limited to 12 students, $120 per month Adult: Tuesday & Thursday. 9 a.m-noon, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Ages 13-18: Wednesday 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Contact Rik Lazenby

Comedy Club Stardome

to register, 281-5273 or visit lazenbystudio. com CALLIGRAPHY Deb Warnat Visit debwarnat.com or call 243.0576 CLAY Nada Boner

stardome.com 444-0008

Nov. 2 – Outshine Nov. 3 – Franklin Road Nov. 9 – Preston Summerville Nov. 10 – Reagan & Rebecca Nov. 16 – Citizen Jane.

Nov. 17 – Donkey Kong Nov. 23 – About Time Nov. 24 – Whiskey Dix

Nov. 17 – St. Jude’s Walk. 8 a.m., registration, 9 a.m. walk. Veteran’s Park. Call (800) 654-856.

Nov. 18 – Birmingham Boys Choir performance. 10:30 a.m. Chapel in the Pines.

Nov. 18 – Handel’s “Messiah” performed by Alabama Civic Chorale. 3 p.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church.

Nov. 18 – Holy Spirit Night. 5:30 p.m. Inverness Vineyard Church.

Nov. 18 – Community-wide Thanksgiving Service. 6 p.m. Bluff Park United Methodist Church.

Nov. 27 – Horizons 25th Birthday Luncheon. 11 a.m. Reception at 1 p.m. Senior Center. Call Dana Stewart at 444-7884.

Nov. 27 – Minority Business Council, Brown Bag Lunch at Chamber Office. Noon.

Nov. 29 – Citywide Christmas Tree Lighting. 5 p.m. Hoover City Hall. Music, a visit from Santa and light refreshments.

Nov. 30 – Holiday Night at Rocky Ridge Elementary. 6-9 p.m. $7 per child, payable at the door.

Entertainment for children, Santa’s Market. Call Shelley Shaw at 492-6014.

Dec. 3 – “Strings & Things” Christmas Bazaar. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Senior Center. Call Dana Stewart at 444-7884.

Dec. 3-4 – Pictures with Santa, Hoover Recreation Center Conference Room. Call Dee Nance, 444-7765.

Dec. 9 – Come to the Stable event. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church.

Nativites and Creche Scenes on display. Refreshments, live music and raffle.

Sports Nov. 7 – CUSA Men’s Soccer Tournament Quarter-Finals, Games at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Regions Park. For tickets, visit conferenceusa.com.

Nov. 9 – CUSA Men’s Soccer Tournament Championship SemiFinals, Games at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Regions Park. For tickets, visit conferenceusa.com.

Nov. 11 – CUSA Men’s Soccer Tournament Championship. 1 p.m., Regions Park. For tickets, visit conferenceusa.com.

Nov. 16 – 16th Annual Hoover Hurricanes Invitational Swim Meet, Hoover Recreation Center. 8 a.m.2 p.m.

ARTISTS ON THE BLUFF CLASS SCHEDULES

Nov. 1 – Anthony Bourdain Nov. 2 – Peabo Bryson Nov. 9 – Dido and Aeneas Nov. 16-17 – Justin Brown Bach Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 – Bartok, Mozart and Dvorak

985-09838

Nov. 16 – “The Iron Bowl Hour” Tailgate Party. 1 p.m. Senior Center.

Call Tracy Vinzant at 739-6767.

Nov. 6 – Lunch and Learn. 1011:30 a.m. “Ikebana – An Ancient Japanese Art Form.” Instructor, Jane Mullins, Third Degree Master of Ohara Ikebana School. Order lunch when registering. Class

alabamasymphony.org 975-2787

Gabriel’s Cafe

Nov. 8 – Coffee & Contacts at Southern Wicker & Interiors.

7-9:30 a.m. 3780 Riverchase Village, Suite 100. Call 9884111, email Southernwickeran@ bellsouth.net or visit southernwickerandinteriors.com.

Nov. 3-4 – Moss Rock Festival.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Sunday. The Preserve.

Parking and shuttle buses available from Regions Park.

Alys Stephens Arts Center

Oct. 30 - Nov. 2 – Andy Woodhull Nov 2-3, 9-10 – James Gregory Nov. 16-17 – Anjelah Johnson Nov. 23-24 – Cocoa Brown Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 – Killer Beaz

Nov. 8 – Hoover Service Club Luncheon and Fashion Show. 11:30 a.m. Hoover Country Club. Lunch is available (registration required).

Call Jennifer Caton at 978-7056 or email jcaton@AAAalabama. com.

Nov. 18 – Open House for Children’s Ministry Building and Student Ministry Center. 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Riverchase Methodist Church.

$35 per class Monday 9 a.m.-noon, 6-9 p.m.

Tuesday 6-9 p.m.

Visit nadaboner.com or call 541-3949 WOODWORKING David Traylor, build a dovetail drawer, mortise and tendon

and taper legs in eight weeks. $650.00 (materials included).

Visit woodshopstudio. com or call 531-4751

tangledstones.com, visit tangledstones. com or call Darla at 3052082.

ZENTANGLE Darla Williamson $35 per class Classes throughout fall Email darla@

Artists on the Bluff is located at 571 Park Avenue, Hoover, AL 35226 next to Bluff Park Elementary School.

HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS Nov. 2-3 – Pride and Prejudice. The Library Theatre. Call 444-7820 for show times.

Nov. 13 – How to Write a Grant.

Practical advice from a professional grant writer. 9:30 – 11 a.m. Reservations required. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Call 444-7816.

Nov. 16 – Lunch and Learn, Noon.

Meeting Rooms A & B. Put Your Ideas Into Action, hosted by Dale Callahan, Ph.D. To reserve visit uab.edu/iem or call 934-8480.

Moonlight on the Mountain moonlightonthemtn.com 578-2444 Nov. 1 – Charlie Morris Nov. 2 – Adler and Hearne, and Gary Furr Nov. 4 – ODI, Logan Venderlich Nov. 5 – Open Mic Night Nov. 8 – Chad Elliott and Bonita Crowe Nov. 10 – Chris Davidson & Friends Nov. 12 – Birmingham Art Music Alliance: “Artful Music of the Here and Now” Nov. 14 – Mary Gauthier. Scott Nolan opens Nov. 15 – Gregg Curry & The Higgses Nov. 16 – Runaway Home, and Steve Norris Nov. 19 – Open Mic Night Nov. 23 – James Harwell. A Moonlight Benefit Nov. 30 – Henri’s Notions Dec. 3 – Open Mic Night

Nov. 16-17 – Marvel Movie Madness.

Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 all day, starting at 10:30 a.m. Library Theatre.

On Saturday, the Library will show five superhero movie from the popular Avenger series (showtimes are 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Free admission and free refreshments. For more information call 444-7820.

Nov. 16 – Library Theatre welcomes Pierce Pettis. 8 p.m. Tickets $12. Call 444-7888 or visit TheLibraryTheatre. com. A staff writer for Polygram/ Universal Music in Nashville, folk singer/ songwriter Pierce Pettis’s songs have been covered by artists ranging from Garth Brooks and Dion to Joan Baez and Art Garfunkel.

Nov. 17 – Write Club. 10:30 a.m. Mingle and share with your fellow amateur writers. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Call 444-7820.

Dec. 1 – Jingle Bells, Lots of Elves.

10:30 a.m. Test your ability to become one of Santa’s toymakers. Registration begins Nov. 13.

Nov. 18 – Instrumentalists @ the Plaza. 2:30 p.m. Oudist Suheil Sedran.

Dec. 1 – Your Job Clinic. 10:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Learn to write a resume, find free Internet career resources and secure funding for job training. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Call 444-7816.

Nov. 19 – Book Buzz. 6:30 p.m. Picture Perfect Graphic Novels. Book club for grades 2-3! We choose the subject, you choose the title. Follow up activity included. Registration required. Call 444-7833.

Nov. 20 – Book Café. Teen Spot. 6:30 pm. Need a book recommendation for the holidays? Come by the Teen Spot for a cup of something hot and a book to go!

Dec. 2 – Storyteller Dolores Hydock.

2:30 p.m. Holiday stories to bring cheer to everyone!

Dec. 4 – Origami Yoda and Friends.

6:30 p.m. Party with Yoda, Darth Paper and Fortune Wookiee you must. 8-12 years old you are. Registration begins Nov. 13.

KidZone Nov. 1 – Storytime Live. I is Incredible. 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 1 – PJ Storytime. Puss in Boots. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 – ogether with Twos. Vroom, Vroom! 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 6 – Mother Goose. Dance to the Music. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 6 – Early Birds. Hey Diddle Diddle! 10 and 11 a.m.

Nov. 7 – Tiny Tots. Red Light, Green Light. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 7 – After Lunch Bunch. Musical Me. 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 – Storytime Live. J is Jumpy. 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 9 – PJ Storytime. Jack and the Beanstalk. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 – Teddy Bear Trauma Unit. Bring in favorite stuffed animal for a health check. 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 13 – Mother Goose. Dog Days. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 13 – Early Birds. Tuck Me In. 10 and 11 a.m.

Nov. 13 – Sock Puppet Workshop. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 14 – Tiny Tots. Button Up. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 14 – After Lunch Bunch. Tall Trees. 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 – Storytime Live. K is Kind. Hoover Public Library. 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 15 – PJ Storytime. Princess and the Pea. 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 – Together with Twos. Turkey Tales. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 20 – Mother Goose. Let’s Eat! 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 20 – 10 and 11 a.m., Early Birds. Gobble Gobble.ur Nov. 20 – Tween Scene. Lego Galaxy. 2 p.m.

Nov. 26 – Together with Twos. Going on a Bear Hunt. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 26 – Book club for grades 4-6. 6:30 p.m. Read a book published in the last six months, then create a commercial to share. Registration required. Call 444-7833.

Nov. 27 – Mother Goose. Let It Snow! 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 27 – Early Birds. My Mommy, My Daddy. 10 and 11 a.m.

Nov. 28 – Tiny Tots, Penguin or Puffin? 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 28 – After Lunch Bunch. Snuggly Sheep. 1:30 p.m.

HooverSun.com

November 2012 23

Library Hoover Public Library honors veterans with a host of activities highlights

By KELSI WALTERS The Hoover Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Hoover, has planned a series of activities in appreciation of those serving our country. This year’s events, all of which will take place at the library, include: ff Nov. 4: Reception honoring veterans. Come enjoy good food, live music and great company. Library Plaza, 2-3:30 p.m. ff Nov. 5: Two showings of the movie, Rescue Dawn.

The Library Theatre, 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. ff Nov. 5-8, Nov. 10: Various children’s activities.

Library KidZone. All children’s story time participants will receive a flag. They also will be able to make special crafts for patients at the VA Hospital and participate in the library’s “Thank a Vet” poster contest.

Winning posters will be on display in the Library’s main corridor window wall, November 3-13. ff Nov. 5-9: Flag Folding Ceremony. 4:45 p.m. daily. o Monday: Bluff Park United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop 321 and Cub Pac 21 o Tuesday: Hoover Police Honor Guard o Wednesday: Bumpus Middle School Girl Scout Troop 532 o Thursday: Discovery United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop 23 o Friday: Bessemer Composite Squadron AL087 Civil Air Patrol. ff Nov. 8: Book Discussion Event. Based on Laura Hillenbrand’s bestselling book, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption.

Library Plaza, 12:30 p.m.

The library also will feature a number of displays throughout the building, including a patriotic exhibit featuring works from artists of the Exceptional Foundation, a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action table, book displays, flag and uniform displays and newsreels from World War II. Patrons wishing to personally honor a veteran may submit that individual’s photograph to the Technology Hub at any time, for inclusion on the Library’s memorial Wall of Honor, which will be on display in the building’s main corridor.

Flag folding ceremonies will take place daily at 4:45 p.m. Various civic groups will handle the honors throughout the week. Photo courtesy of Lance Shores.

Spanning a variety of age groups and interests, the Library’s events calendar offers activities with wide-ranging appeal. During their after-hours event, GeekFest, the Library converted itself into a sci-fi wonderland, featuring the likeness of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Gaming and other superhero types everywhere! The event drew a crowd of more than 600.

Teddy Bear Trauma Unit – Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m.

Calling all would-be Doc McStuffins! Bring your favorite stuffed animal to the Library’s KidZone for a health check.

Sock Puppet Workshop – Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Bring your imagination and we’ll provide the rest of the fun! Learn to make your own colorful critters, made out of socks!

Hoover Public Library will host a week’s worth of festivities to honor the sacrifice and service of Hoover area veterans. Photo courtesy of Lance Shores.

Marvel Movie Madness – Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m and 7 p.m., Library Theatre. Come enjoy five superhero movies featuring the summer blockbuster The Avengers. Don’t be surprised if a few superheroes even show up before the 7 p.m. screening! Free admission and refreshments. For more information, call 444–7820.

November 2012

Hoover Sun

moonlight MADNESS SALE DOORS OPEN AT 10PM ON THANKSGIVING Shop during our Moonlight Madness Sale and save even more on our already low outlet prices. Be one of the first 500 shoppers when the doors open at 10PM on Thanksgiving and receive a free gift with a chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. Plus, text to win prizes throughout the night.

Visit shopsofgrandriver.com for more information.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND HOURS THANKSGIVING: OPENS AT 10PM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23: OPEN TIL 10PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24: 9AM - 9PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25: 10AM - 7PM

UPCOMING EVENTS VETERANS DAY WEEKEND SALE NOVEMBER 9-12

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING NOVEMBER 15 | 6:30PM

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 3-14

I-20 East, Exit 140 | Just 20 minutes from Birmingham shopsofgrandriver.com