Hoover Sun April 2013

Sun HooverSun.com

Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Spring Home Guide

Special Section page 20

The weight is off

Volume 1 | Issue 7 | April 2013

Meet the new Met

By JEFF THOMPSON AND REBECCA WALDEN The Birmingham Barons’ occupancy of the Hoover Metropolitan Complex is already fading into memory, at least as far as the City of Hoover is concerned.

With Regions Park opening downtown in April, the City is painting over, replacing and washing away reminders of the local baseball team’s tenure, the team many remember for providing sizzling summer fireworks displays, Thirsty Thursdays and Michael Jordan’s delve into America’s pastime.

But when spring cleaning is complete, what’s left will be a whole new Met – and a hole in the revenue stream.

According to the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for the City of Hoover, the Barons paid around $280,000 last year to lease Regions Park, and Regions Bank paid $310,000 for the naming rights, of which Hoover received $110,000. Hoover officials said they not

See MET | page 19 Bluff Park mom Paige Hofer is living happier and healthier after losing 78 pounds, thanks in part to support from the community.

By JEFF THOMPSON

Relay for Life This year’s Relay for Life in Hoover is will once again draw thousands to support the fight against cancer. Find out how you can help inside.

Community page 10

INSIDE Faith .................. 15 School House .. 16 Sports ............... 18 Home Guide .... 20 Calendar ........... 22

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The former Regions Park is back in the hands of the City of Hoover following the Birmingham Barons’ departure, and its future will boast festivals, major sporting tournaments and more. Photo courtesy of the City of Hoover.

State title one of many wins for Webb

Community page 12

Sponsors ........... 4 Community ....... 5 City ..................... 11 Business ........... 14 Food .................. 14

April 2013

Last month, Hoover senior Marqu’es Webb led the Lady Bucs to their third 6A State Title in four years. She went on to receive multiple recognitions for her performance on the court in the weeks to follow. Photo by Clayton Hurdle.

March was a month Marqu’es Webb will likely remember the remainder of her career, whether she chooses to continue dominating the basketball court or not.

Last month, Webb led the Hoover Buccaneers Varsity Girls Basketball Team through the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) 6A Playoffs and into the State Championship. In her final game as a Buc, she put up 29 points and pulled down 21 rebounds, leading Hoover to its third title in four years.

At a trophy presentation hosted by Hoover High School after the game, Ron Ingram, director of communications for the AHSAA, said Webb set state records in the AHSAA tournament with 118 points and 118 rebounds.

“Thank God for Webb,” said her coach Tiffany Frederick. “… That was some of the best post play I’ve seen in the (Birmingham Jefferson) Civic Center in my time. She totally carried us.”

For her performance, she was named to the All-Tournament Team and awarded Tournament MVP. Later that month, she was named Gatorade’s 2012-13 Alabama Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Webb and teammate Breigha WilderCochran, a Hoover High senior, later represented the state in the 23rd Annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Basketball

BacktoBack Bucs claims second state title in a row

As the final buzzer sounded to mark back-toback 6A State Championships for Hoover High Varsity Girls Basketball, the Bucs’ sideline erupted in celebration. Photo by Clayton Hurdle.

By CLAYTON HURDLE In March, Hoover High defeated Blount in the State 6A Championship 66-55. Hoover teammates Marqu’es Webb, Kara Rawls, Courtney Hunter, Breigha Wilder-Cochran, Jasmine Brown, Sara Mitchell and Olivia Adamson were all playing their final game as Lady Bucs.

Hoover wore out the Leopards in a tough-fought

See WEBB | page 19

See STATE | page 19

Happenings Hoover

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

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April 2013

Hoover Sun

RELIABLE TRUTH Richard E. Simmons III

N What do science, history, and logic have to say about the reliability of the Bible?

This book presents in a profound way how the Bible reflects the true nature of reality.

Reliable Truth is about seeing the world as it is while debunking the myths, legends, and false beliefs of the Bible.

“Richard Simmons has hit a homerun with this book.” ~ Kevin Elko, Author and Sports Consultant “Reliable Truth answers the questions that both Christians and tough minded skeptics are asking. I highly recommend this book!” ~ Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor, Church of the Highlands “Great research and scholarship... written in plain language we can all follow.

Once I started, I found it hard to put down.” ~ Drayton Nabers, Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice and CEO of Protective Life “Richard Simmons has done an outstanding job…I highly recommend this book.” ~ Frank Barker, Pastor Emeritus, Briarwood Presbyterian Church “A much needed book in our day of relativism.” ~ Tim Kallam, Senior Pastor, Mountain Brook Community Church “This may be Richard Simmons’ best book yet, because Reliable Truth is what the world needs now.” ~ Frank Limehouse, Dean, Church of the Advent “Simmons provides convincing and convicting evidence for the reliability of the Bible...a great book to give to college students, and every pastor and Bible study leader needs to read it as well.” ~ Gary Fenton, Senior Pastor Dawson Baptist Church “Richard Simmons provides the kind of no nonsense scholarship that supports the Bible and Biblical Truth.” ~ Rich Webster, Rector St. Luke's Episcopal Church “...this book takes on the most pressing questions of contemporary society and gives answers to them.” ~ Doug Dortch, Senior Pastor, Mountain Brook Baptist Church “Richard Simmons makes a compelling case for why the Bible is what it claims to be: The Truth.” ~ Larry Taunton, Executive Director Fixed Point Foundation

Richard E. Simmons III

For More Information view www.reliabletruthbook.com or call 205-789-3471

HooverSun.com

April 2013

Join the world’s to end cancer.

Come support the Relay For Life and make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Together we’ll stay well, get well, find cures and fight back.

Relay For Life is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived. It’s a community event that supports the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives.

Teams: Dedicated teams of friends, families and coworkers rally together to raise funds in support of those who have been touched by this disease.

Luminaria: During a special luminaria ceremony, candles will be lit remembering loved ones and honoring those battling cancer.

Activities: Entertainment and activities are planned to keep the event festive from dusk till dawn.

Sign Up Today!

Relay For Life of Hoover April 26, 2013 | 6:00 p.m. | Hoover High School For more information contact Lindsay Dring at 205-930-8868 or lindsay.dring@cancer.org, or visit relayforlife.org/hoover.

1.800.227.2345 | relayforlife.org | cancer.org

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April 2013

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

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In February, Hoover seniors participated in a Senior Sock Hop with the Doo-wop band “The Kool Kats” performing oldies music. A few seniors even dusted off their poodle skirts and took pictures while sipping on root beer floats and dancing the afternoon away.

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Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden Thanks and praise for marathons), I’d rather bond longer days! Although over anything else. my body clock is still Lucky for me, Hoover’s playing catch up, the rest April calendar is packed of me is stoked for three – from crawfish to choral extra hours of daylight. performances and bass fishing Our street has once again to barbecue festivals – even turned into kid central, one high-styled interior with the neighborhood design event. But wait! littles traipsing up and There’s more… down Valgreen Lane in Early in the month, the their trikes, bikes and Autism Society of Alabama Walden wagons. will host its second annual For me, April is the beginning of a Walk for Autism, at Veteran’s Park, and season’s worth of simple pleasures: Shades Crest Baptist will have its High watching my youngest marvel over a Country 5K. Later in April, Hoover will dandelion, counting the birds vying for welcome the Walk for Lupus Now event, a prime spot on our backyard feeder, also at Veteran’s Park, and a Relay for waiting in anticipation for my oak leaf Life race, sponsored by the Birmingham hydrangeas to leaf out and bloom. chapter of the American Cancer Society.

My front walkway once again feels The Hoover Sun’s own Matthew Allen like home now that it’s covered with has organized a team from our paper – sidewalk chalk artistry, bubble wands we hope you’ll “spend the night” with and traces of finger paint. us walking this relay race the evening of Suddenly, it’s easier to untether myself April 26 at the Hoover High campus! from the iPhone and get outdoors, where In less athletic news, a host of – thanks to my kids – I’ve rediscovered activities await those who enjoy the how to search for animal shapes in the finer things in life — like stellar music, clouds, and twirl to the point of being smoky barbecue and savvy décor. nose-to-blade in the Bermuda grass.

On April 7, all residents are invited to Of course, if I do that too long, I’ll enjoy a free performance of the Alabama start to notice the errant monkey grass Singing Women’s Choir at Riverchase along my front flower bed – you know Baptist Church. Fittingly, on Apr. 17, that stubborn variety that manages to ‘cue lovers all over Hoover will unite evade death at every turn? But I don’t to enjoy Bluff Park United Methodist’s particularly feel like digging up monkey 17th annual barbecue festival. Expert pit grass today, or any other day. And while masters will prepare over 3,000 pounds the family that does yard work together of meat, so come hungry. And if you’re stays together (so my parents would have HGTV-obsessed like me, do not miss this me believe after years of family weeding year’s Decorator’s ShowHouse, located

Faux Studio Designs (20)

in our own Riverchase neighborhood, and open to the public starting Apr. 20.

On your way there or on your way home, head to the Hoover Met for Household Hazardous Waste Day. I won’t disclose how many old paint cans have taken over my garage, but I’m thankful that this service exists so I can truly “clean house” and also show my kids environmental stewardship in action.

Creative types, if you’ve got the talent and the tenacity to strut your stuff, don’t miss your chance to enroll as a performer at “Hoover’s Got Talent,” showcasing Hoover’s most talented patrons of all ages, taking place April 23 on the Plaza Stage of the Hoover Public Library.

And if you are a Hoover teen (or you’re related to one), come and encourage others to attend the Hoover Teen Board’s Cray Day Crawfish Boil, happening at Veteran’s Park April 27.

It’s free with your HHS or SPHS student I.D., and the first 50 students to attend receive a free T-shirt (Hello? You can never have too many comfy tees!)

Rain or shine, there’s much to put a spring in your weekend step this month.

So get ready to soak up some Vitamin D (but pack your galoshes just in case) and enjoy spending April in the best city in Birmingham!

Cheers, Rebecca

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Contact Information: Hoover Sun #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@hooversun.com Publisher : Executive Editor : Creative Director : Editor : Managing Editor : Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :

Dan Starnes Jeff Thompson Keith McCoy Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham Matthew Allen Rhonda Smith Warren Caldwell

Contributing Writer : Sara Perry Interns : Clayton Hurdle Megan Smith Nathan Kelly Published by : Hoover Sun LLC

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

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

editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 3131780 or by email.

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April 2013

Community Kiwanis raises funds for children’s organizations at pancake breakfast

Kiwanis Club of Vestavia – Hoover members Stephen Porterfield and Tom Woodall of Sirote & Permutt, Pancake Breakfast Chairman David Allison and current President Tamera Erskine.

The Kiwanis Club of Vestavia – Hoover hosted a Pancake Breakfast in February at Mountain Chapel Methodist Church.

More than 220 breakfasts were served, raising

almost $5,000 that the Club will donate to a number of children’s charitable organizations including Reading is Fundamental, The Exceptional Foundation and Children’s of Alabama.

Bass Fishing Tournament to raise funds for Hoover programs Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation is hosting its 14th annual Bass Fishing Tournament at Lake Mitchell in Shelby County. The tournament will be held on Friday, April 19. Competing fishers will launch off from Higgins Ferry.

The tournament begins at 5:30 a.m. (or safe daylight) and ends at 3 p.m. The weigh in entry fee is $80 per boat and includes a $10 lunch.

To compete in the Tournament, register by noon on April 18. There will be no on-site registration.

with a penalty of four ounces per dead fish.

ff No fishing is allowed within 50 yards of another tournament boat.

ff Life jacket must be worn while boat is underway.

ff Contestants must be within sight of launch at 3 p.m.

ff One pound per minute will be deducted for late arrivals.

ff No alcohol is permitted. All boats will be checked prior to launch.

ff Only artificial bait will be allowed. ff All disputes will be settled by a tournament committee.

ff All Alabama boating laws will be observed.

Rules for the tournament:

ff Only large mouth or spotted bass may be caught.

ff There is a 12-inch minimum, and only the five best fish are allowed.

ff All fish must be alive. ff Maximum of two dead fish will be allowed

All proceeds benefit the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Therapeutic Recreation Programs, which serve individuals with disabilities. For more, visit hooveral.org or call 444-7765.

Katherine Love earns Silver Award

Simmons eighth grader Katherine Love recently led efforts to renovate the youth center at Inverness Vineyard Church.

Katherine Love, an eighth grader at Simmons Middle School and member of Girl Scout Troop 468, earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for her project to renovate the community/ youth center at her home church, Inverness Vineyard Church.

Thanks to Katherine organizing supplies and labor, the room has new carpet and paint, better electrical work, a food preparation area, and storage and divided areas for meetings and meals. Katherine learned about team work and encouragement throughout the project.

“This room will serve the church and community for years to come,” she said. “I learned how to give even more to others and push through even more when you’re tired and sore. It feels good to help.”

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6-8) can earn. This award symbolizes a Girl Scout Cadette’s accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

SEC Women’s Golf Tournament coming to Greystone Greystone Golf and Country Club will be hosting the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Women’s Golf Championship April 19-21.

This will be the first of four consecutive SEC Women’s Golf tourneys held at Greystone. Play will begin on Friday April 19 at 8:30 am.

The 54-hole stroke play tournament includes all SEC schools with the best four out of five scores counted daily for a team score. All 14 SEC teams will be represented

with the Defending National Champion Alabama and Defending SEC Champion Auburn participating. Both state schools are currently ranked in the Top 10 nationally.

The field will feature many of the future stars of the LPGA tour. The top American player and current top five LPGA player Stacy Lewis played at Arkansas.

Children are welcome and can attend for free.

For more, call 986-5120, or visit greystonecc.com.

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April 2013

Hoover Sun

Where faith, humor and compassion meet

Matthew and Caleb Landers’ autism has taught their parents much about the frustrations and joys of parenting.

How one Hoover family is helping their autistic children thrive

BY REBECCA WALDEN For Kristin and Phillip Landers, autism isn’t just April’s health awareness focus; it defines their daily reality.

Still young newlyweds in 2002, they welcomed their oldest, Matthew, into the family a mere 18 months after they wed. And for the first year, nothing seemed amiss.

“After that I began to notice he never started pointing, waving or moving past minimal babbling,” Kristin said. “He wasn’t answering consistently to his name. He didn’t know how to play with many of his toys. He seemed lost.”

Phillip and Kristin enrolled Matthew in speech therapy at Children’s Hospital. At 26 months, he was diagnosed with autism at Mitchell’s Place.

Two years later, little brother Caleb joined the family. From ages four to seven months, Caleb experienced rapid head growth. Kristin proactively enrolled him in Milestone Therapy at Mitchell’s Place. Shortly thereafter, Caleb was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

While Kristin is quick to acknowledge that early intervention is key, she does not gloss over the frustration of the boys’ formative years.

“As a mom, you’re thrust into this world you know nothing about, and you’re trying to soak up all the knowledge you can so you can make the right therapy decisions for your child while the synapses in their brains are still making connections,” she said. “And you’re

trying to change parts of their diets and talking to a variety of specialists and moms to gain information. It’s overwhelming.”

The Landers had much to learn about how to create the ideal environment, free of behavioral triggers. They learned the hard way that common family outings like dining out, even trips to the Galleria, could result in unpleasant meltdowns.

One of the most difficult challenges was trying to help Matthew learn to talk. A tireless advocate for her son, Kristin would not give up.

“I would hold two boxes up – one of cookies, the other of Goldfish – and refuse to give him the snack he wanted until he pointed to one or said the word. This could go on for 15 minutes or more with him screaming, crying, kicking and hitting. But he was making sounds and beginning to put sounds together, so we were seeing that he could form small words.”

Today, their days are more typical, filled with school, homework and extracurricular activities.

Matthew, now 8 years old, is even thriving in his second year of Upward Basketball.

“I am so fortunate to have a supportive husband (Phillip) who has gone with me to a multitude of meetings, let me cry on his shoulder, handled most of the financial provision for expensive therapy, and is a wonderful, loving, engaged dad.”

And while family dynamics have become easier, Kristin still struggles with the social misconceptions about children with autism

spectrum disorders.

“Not every child screaming in a store is a discipline problem. Some are ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) kids overwhelmed by the lights. Some hate the noise. Some hate all the people and may feel trapped. Some are so frustrated by their lack of language that they just scream.”

She adds that the need for compassion isn’t just for the children either.

“I’ve gotten some dirty looks because another parent or grandparent thought I was just part of the generation that let their children act out. Not so. Behaviors in public have gotten better, but we work our tails off to teach these appropriate behaviors. People need to realize that this is a different generation of kids coming up and exercise a little compassion – and maybe even a helping hand if possible.”

“And please don’t invalidate us moms by saying, ‘Everything is fine – you just worry too much.’ I heard that a lot initially when I was noticing delays, and it feels like a sucker punch when you’re already down.”

Kristin acknowledges that her faith has been the one constant helping her to be the kind of perceptive, selfless parent her boys need.

“My resume has been written. This is God’s plan for their lives. I am not supposed to try and make them live up to my expectations – but help them reach the potential that God has put within each of them. I have to observe their gifts and help them develop those gifts.”

For her oldest, it’s math, whereas Caleb, shows an aptitude for the social sciences.

And on the long days, Kristin and Phillip hold onto their good humor.

The last time they visited their grandparents, Matthew asked his granddad to help him hook up the Nintendo Wii to their television, only to hear that his grandfather had no idea.

“Granddaddy, you’re 79 years old and you can’t do this?” Matthew said.

“My dad just cracked up laughing and told me later how much it means to him now to hear Matthew make conversation – even it’s only that he’s telling my dad how bad he is at technology,” Kristin said.

HooverSun.com

April 2013 7

Make good on your Know Before You Go must show your driver’s license at point of spring cleaning intentions You drop-off to verify that you are a Hoover resident.

City’s Household Hazardous Waste Day leaves no excuse

By REBECCA WALDEN Mark your calendar for April 20 – Hoover’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day, taking place from 8 a.m.-noon at the Hoover Met. This event provides Hoover residents with a free, safe drop-off point to get rid of a wide variety of the environmentally unfriendly waste that homeowners usually can’t help but accumulate.

“This is a great opportunity for Hoover citizens to turn in items that should not be disposed of elsewhere,” said Hoover Police Department Captain James A. Coker. “Paint, fuels, ammunition and insecticides are some examples.

The City will properly dispose of these items, and you will be helping to protect the environment.”

Residents showed up in impressive numbers last year, with collection data results pointing to poisonous solids and liquids among the most donated items.

For Jeff and Kari Parker, who are raising two young daughters off the South Shades Crest Road area of Hoover, Household Hazardous Waste Day is a can’t-miss event to keep their home safer and also less cluttered.

“Last year, I cleared my garage of a dozen paint cans that had been sitting there for years,” said Parker, adding that the event set-up makes it hassle-free. “You arrive with your items, and they handle everything for

Volunteers dispose of old gasoline at last year’s Waste Day.

you. It’s an ideal time to dispose of items that cannot be tossed in with household garbage or poured down the drain.”

Chace Lake resident Tony Ballard agreed. “This is just a much safer way to dispose of chemicals than putting them in your garbage cans to go to the landfill. We only have so much clean air, water and land to use, so we need to take care of what we have.”

For families with schoolage children, the waste day also

provides caregivers a chance to show children environmental stewardship in action.

“It’s no secret that many of our Hoover families are of an ‘ecofriendly mindset,’” said Hoover City Schools Communications Coordinator Jason Gaston. “For our students, a lot of that starts in the classroom, where they learn from an early age that recycling, repurposing and re-using are great ways to sustain our planet.”

For more, call 444-7543.

Accepted items at Household Hazardous Waste Day Aerosol spray cans (with content) Automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, gas and/or mixed gas) Batteries (automotive & alkaline) Cables-wiring Caulk/glue Computers, keyboards, computer mouse equipment Drain cleaners/openers Fluorescent tubes/light bulbs Household cleaners (bleach, oven cleaners, metal cleaners, polishes, toilet cleansers) Oil & latex paint, aerosol paint, paint thinners/strippers/removers (Please Note: Empty latex paint containers or hardened solid paint is safe to put in the regular garbage. You can bring the liquid to a solid by mixing the paint with cat litter, sand or sawdust. Please remove the lid before putting it in your trash bin.)

Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers Polish (auto & furniture) Power supplies Wood preservative Radios/stereos Wallpaper remover Grease and rust solvents Stains/varnish Standard vehicle tires (No commercial or heavy equipment tires) Preservatives Lighter fluid Kerosene Moth balls Insect repellent Telephones

Televisions Waste Cooking Oil Flags* *If you have old flags that need to be discarded, bring them to this event. They will be turned over to the Boy Scouts for proper disposal.

Items accepted by the Hoover Bomb Unit Fireworks/pyrotechnics/flares Gun powders Military ordnance/relics/souvenirs Ammunition Explosives & explosive materials Reloading supplies Firearms Edged weapons Prescription medications Non-prescription drugs

Items not accepted Refrigerators/freezers Stoves Microwaves Toasters/toaster ovens Coffee makers Mercury Propane canisters (large or small) Oxygen bottles Welding tanks Smoke detectors Lawn equipment (weed eaters, mower) Medical waste (Syringes) Radioactive material (of any kind) Asbestos PCB Unidentified materials & containers Air conditioners

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April 2013

Decorators’ ShowHouse comes to Hoover for first time

By MEGAN SMITH For the first time in its 37 years, the Symphony Volunteer Council has selected a home in Hoover for its annual Decorators’ ShowHouse.

The Bryant House overlooks Riverchase Country Club. “[Each year] we look everywhere,” said Nan Teninbaum, publicity chair of the SVC, “but we find the best house we can, and it must have room for the Tea Room, the Symphony Shop and a good flowing floor plan.”

Built in 1991, the four-story home combines the architecture of two historic homes in Charleston. The front doors open into a foyer with marble and granite flooring. Guests will see the home’s semi-circular library Decorators ShowHouse is located in Riverchase at 2082 Royal Fern Lane. with cherry wood paneling, a great room, wood porches that extend the length of the building, a 1,200-square-foot “and it’s enticing because it’s freshly painted and freshly master bedroom and floating staircases. The master redone.” bathroom has a marble Jacuzzi and a dressing area.

The home will be open to the public from April 20-May 2 As always, each room on the tour will be designed for $20. Lunch from Homewood Gourmet will be served in by a different Birmingham design team. Once the Tea Room every day for $13. Large groups must call in chosen, the teams use their own resources to put advance. The Symphony Shop, featuring items from local together a look for the room, changing the paint artists, antiques and unique items from members of SVC, (donated by Benjamin Moore & Co.), wallpaper, will be open every day. window decor and furnishings while leaving the Located at 2082 Royal Fern Lane, the home will be open architecture untouched.

Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday from 10 Everything the decorators bring into the home is for a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. No parking is sale. If guests see something they want, including the allowed at the home. A shuttle will pick up at Riverchase wall color, they can buy it. Everything is first-come, United Methodist during opening hours. No infants or so attending the sneak peak party is encouraged if children under 8, backpacks or large tote bags or purses, you’re looking to buy, said Teninbaum. umbrellas and cameras are allowed in the ShowHouse.

“This home is on the market,” Teninbaum said, For more, visit ShowHouse-Al.com.

Hoover Sun

Hoover Library’s Passport to the World Hoover residents can explore the continents of the world, all within the walls of the Hoover Library at Passport to the World on Saturday, April 20 from 1-4 p.m.

Participants can enjoy foods, learn dances, listen to music, see animals, make crafts, play sports, explore literature, view short films and more about different countries.

The library will feature the following countries during this year’s annual Cultural Diversity celebration: Spain, Germany,

Pakistan, Korea, Argentina, Canada and Kenya. Also featured will be the continents of Antarctica and Australia.

There will be fun activities featuring these countries for all ages from demonstrations of taekwondo, flamenco and tango dancing to crafts, sports, film and trivia activities. Books by authors from these countries and books that highlight these countries will be featured in special book displays during April.

The following special programs are scheduled for this event:

ff Coffee-ol-ogy Coffee Café will present a program on the Foods and Coffees of the World on the Library’s Plaza stage at 1 p.m.

ff The Birmingham Zoo will present a program at 2 p.m. on the Library’s

Plaza stage highlighting the amazing adaptation skills that animals from Africa have to help them survive in the wild. This 30-minute program features several different animals, each with unique adaptations, and focuses on animal types, biomes, and animal diversity.

ff Get Rhythm, led by John Scalici, an internationally recognized drum

circle facilitator, speaker and musician, will lead a fun-filled interactive community drum circle celebration starting at 3:15 p.m. in The Library Theatre. Rhythm is a universal language. Come be part of a rhythmcharged group experience that will wrap-up the Hoover Library’s Passport to the World event.

For more, call 444-7820.

A day to celebrate Hoover The annual Celebrate Hoover Day will return Saturday, May 4. The free family-friendly event draws more than 10,000 residents of all ages to Veterans Park on Valleydale for a fun day at the park.

The event will feature a Veterans Memorial Paver Dedication, an expansive exhibitor pavilion, a car

show and live entertainment. There will be a kids zone with inflatables and games, a giant apple pie and Blue Bell ice cream.

Festivities will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Complimentary shuttles to the park will be provided. If weather forces a reschedule, the rain date is Sunday May 5, from 1:30-5:30 p.m.

HooverSun.com

April 2013

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Hoover Rec Teen Board to host “Cray Day” Crawfish Boil Rising freshmen, sophomores and juniors also encouraged to apply for Board

Few things say “spring” like a down home crawfish boil. And that’s exactly what all Spain Park and Hoover High school students are invited to enjoy on Saturday, April 27 at the “Cray Day” Crawfish Boil, sponsored by the Hoover Teen Recreation Board.

The event will run from 2-4 p.m. at Veteran’s Park and will include free crawfish, corn and potatoes as well as a variety of other snacks. The first 50

Girl Scout Troop 532 collects food for Missing Link Rescue

students to attend will also receive a free T-shirt.

The Board is a division of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Under the leadership of Supervisor Tracy Vinzant, the 12-member board plans and executes teen-focused events throughout the school year. All events are free for students with a Spain Park and/or Hoover High school I.D. This event marks the Teen Board’s last program for the 2012-13 school year. At this time, the Board

is accepting applications for new members. Rising freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. For more information, contact Tracy Vinzant at 739-6767.

2012-13 Members are Madison Beardon, Acqueline Cain, Devin Carter, Carter Fields, Jenna Hosemann, Zahida Iqbal, Amanda Ivy, Skylar Kennamer, Shaheen Mehrara, Joicelyn Redwine, Justin Redwine and Linna Rohman.

Vegetable and Hydrangea classes coming up Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, will host the classes listed below to assist gardeners of all skill levels.

Vegetable Gardening for Central Alabama Saturday, April 6, 9-11 a.m.

Instructor: James Horton, Director, Birmingham Botanical Gardens $12 Members/$15 Non-Members For beginner to intermediate gardeners, this seminar is focused on everything you need to know to start growing your own tasty vegetables.

Learn from Garden Director James Horton the details of planting spring and summer vegetables including site selection, soil type, soil prep, timing of

Hail to the Hydrangea!

Saturday, May 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Instructor: David Doggett, Master Gardener and Hydrangea Propagator $12 Members/$15 Non-Members

most confusing. Doggett will present and explain the various types of hydrangeas and provide guidance on plant placement, sun or shade, plant care, fertilizing and bloom color.

He’ll sort out the confusion many gardeners have about the different species and the proper pruning time for their hydrangeas.

Some of the newest hydrangea introductions will be discussed, all just in time for the annual Mothers’ Day weekend hydrangea sale at Aldridge Gardens!

Pre-registration requested.

Hydrangeas are among the most popular ornamental shrubs for Southern gardens – and some of the

For more information or to make reservations for either class, call 6828019 or visit aldridgegardens.com

planting, vegetable varieties, planting techniques, organic and inorganic fertilizers and how to manage insects and diseases. Participants will leave with handouts and the confidence to begin their own garden. Think globally. Grow locally.

Class size is limited. Preregistration suggested.

City teams to converge for Municipal Madness Basketball Front row: Taylor Truett, Mackenzie June and Ellie Robinson. Back row: Jana Budoff Maynard, Kristen Gurosky, Grace Heglas, Brayden Williams and Kaitlyn Gurosky.

During the annual Hoover Valley service area’s Dads & Daughters Dance in February the Girl Scouts of Troop 532 collected food to be donated to families in

need within the Birmingham area.

The Girl Scouts were responsible for all aspects of the collection, from box creation to donation sorting and delivery.

Teams from the Hoover Police, Fire, Public Works and Park Maintenance departments and more will compete in the annual Municipal Madness Basketball Tournament at the Hoover Recreational Center gymnasium this month.

The tournament will be held Friday, April 5, beginning at 3 p.m.

Teams play at least two games in

the single elimination bracket with a consolation bracket.

The tournament is a fundraising program that was born in the Therapeutic Recreation Department more than 15 years ago. It is an opportunity for Hoover City Departments to put together a basketball team and play other city teams.

Players each pay $10 and receive a fun afternoon and a T-shirt while supporting one of the quality programs offered through Hoover Parks and Recreation. The winning team also gets bragging rights for a year.

Friends, family and co-workers are welcome to come out and cheer on their teams.

10 April 2013

Runs ‘round town

Relay for Life April 26, Hoover High School

Area runs and walks 10th Annual Walk for Autism

A team participates in last year’s Hoover Relay for Life.

By REBECCA WALDEN On April 26 at 6 p.m., residents from all over the city of Birmingham will descend upon Hoover High School’s campus to participate in the American Cancer Society’s local Birmingham chapter’s Relay For Life event. The format of the event – billed nationally as the world’s largest walk to end cancer – is purposeful and poignant, complete with luminaries and scores of devoted relay participants who walk the track from the 6 p.m. start to 6 a.m. the next morning.

Beverly Meadors, vice president and branch manager of IBERIA Bank’s location on John Hawkins Parkway, first became acquainted with Relay for Life early in her banking career when an associate lost his battle with cancer.

“Cancer touches everyone in some way, but how you deal with it is a different matter altogether,” she said.

Meadors said she was so touched and moved by the ceremonies from her first Relay for Life event that she promised the next year she’d become even more engaged.

Today, she participates in not only his memory, but

also for her first husband and former mother-in-law, along with many others she has lost over the years.

“I would challenge everyone in Hoover to become involved and see what a difference you can make. It takes the whole community,” she said.

For Kathleen Spencer, regional director of sales for Holiday Inn Hoover, Relay for Life signals much-needed hope despite widespread cancer diagnoses throughout her family tree. Spencer lost her mother, four aunts and six cousins to breast cancer; she also lost an uncle to brain cancer and a grandfather to lung cancer.

“Cancer is a malevolent attacker,” she said. “It can devastate a family, it can rob an individual of their pride and it can play havoc with hopes and dreams.”

Spencer implores fellow residents and those who work in the community to take part.

“I know my City, and I know we can do this. Together we can make Hoover the top fundraising team out of all the cities. Together we can ‘exceed expectations.’ Hope is the one thing none of us can live without.”

Visit relay.acsevents.org for more.

Hoover Sun

April 6, Veteran’s Park This 1-mile walk and 5K race will benefit the Autism Society of Alabama.

The ASA mascot Jerry, a frog (FROGS: For Research Outreach and Giving Support) will be there taking pictures and showing support. There will be a sulcata tortoise named Frankie making an appearance. A DJ from Hit Me With Music and food vendors will also be present. Registration is $30 ($35 day of event) and includes a T-shirt. Race check-in begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 7:30 a.m. Check-in for the walk starts at 8:30 a.m., and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Visit walkforautismal.com or email lauren@autism-alabama.org.

12th Annual High Country 5K Race

April 6, Shades Crest Baptist Shades Crest Baptist Church, 452 Park Ave., holds this annual event to promote fitness within the community.

Registration is $25 on raceit.com.

The event features a 5K run with timing splits and a free 1-mile fun run.

Following the race at approximately 9 a.m. there will be a free pancake breakfast.

Visit shadescrest.org or call Mark Johnson at 822-1360.

Walk to End Lupus

April 20, Veteran’s Park This year, the former “Walk for Lupus Now” 3-mile walk will be held to raise awareness and funds for services provided by the Lupus Foundation of America. There will be music, snacks, face painting, entertainment and information about living with lupus.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds go toward the Mid-South chapter and lupus research.

Visit lupuswalkbirmingham.kintera. org or call Mike Singer at (615) 2982273.

Walk Me Home

April 27, Veteran’s Park The awareness fundraiser for foster care will offer a 5K run and a 5K walk.

All participants will receive T-shirts, rubber bracelets inscribed with “Walk Me Home,” lapel foster pins, and a blue ribbon to decorate the magnolia trees at the park. There will be guest speakers, live music, craft booths, inflatables and a resource area with information for foster parents and potential foster parents. The grand finale of the event feature more than 100 Hogs and Harley’s arriving with police escort.

Registration, $30, will be 7-8 a.m., and the run will begin at 8 a.m. Proceeds go to foster parents.

Visit firstgiving.com/walkmehome/ shelby or email Frank Burder at fhburder@gmail.com.

HooverSun.com

April 2013

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City Mayor’s Minute

By Gary Ivey

I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather! We are very excited that the city has launched its new website, hooveralabama.gov, and social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. The site has many new features that will make it much easier for visitors to navigate and get information. Our previous website had been in place for more than 10 years, and it was time for a new look and a redesign.

Some of the additions to our site are: Gary Ivey ff An extensive history of the City of Hoover since its incorporation in 1967 ff A “Notify Me” section, where you can sign up to receive emails with event listings, emergency alerts, news flashes and much more ff A “Let Us Help” section, where people can report things such as potholes or things that need repairing, violations of the city code, overgrown lots or stormwater problems.

We have so many great events being held in Hoover in April and May. Please be sure and save the following dates: ff Decorators’ Showhouse: April 20-May 5 held in Hoover in the Riverchase subdivision. For information visit ShowHouseAl.com. ff Household Hazardous Waste Day: April 20 from 8 a.m.–noon held at the Hoover Met. You must show your driver’s license to prove that you are a Hoover resident prior to dropping off items.

A complete list of items we take is listed on our website. ff Celebrate Hoover Day: May 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. This is one of our premier events of the year. This family-friendly and free event is held at Veterans Park on Valleydale. ff 31st Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast: May 7 at 7:30 a.m. at the Wynfrey Hotel. Tickets go on sale April 1, so please visit our website for details.

We want to exceed your expectations in every way with all we do. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you.

Sincerely, Gary Ivey Mayor

Hoover police officers, firefighters receive awards

Hoover Fire and Police Department employees who received awards during the Chamber luncheon.

The Hoover Chamber of Commerce recognized service officers for their distinction of service at its February meeting. Those given awards were:

Hoover Police Department Detention Officer of the Year - Tyrone McCall Telecommunicator of the Year - Jamie Sauvage Police Officers of the Year - Ryan Smith and Brandon Massey

Hoover Fire Department Firefighter of the Year - Lt. Rodger Cofer Paramedic of the Year - Clint Moore

Officer Brandon Massey, Police Chief Nicholas Derzis and Officer Ryan Smith during the awards luncheon.

12 April 2013

Hoover Sun

Finding her fitness groove Bluff Park woman sheds 78 pounds, achieves lifelong goal for better health There are those for whom a healthy weight is one of life’s givens, no different than their height or natural hair color. Then there are those whose quest for a healthy weight is a lifelong journey, fraught with selfdoubt and social consequences. Such was the case for Bluff Park mother of two Paige Hofer.

“Until about the second or third grade, I was your normal skinny kid, but then around that time as I look back on my school photos, it’s easy to see that I was getting heavier,” she said, recalling an incident where she was bullied by some boys in her neighborhood.

After these episodes, Hofer said she would retreat and eat, a habit that continued through high school, even though by then the bullying had long since ended.

“But I did have an ostrich’s headin-the-sand mentality,” she said. “I would think about my weight and tell myself, ‘I’m fine,’ ‘I’m okay,’ but then I also recognized that I didn’t like P.E. and I didn’t like sports because I did feel self-conscious.”

When she did work up the courage to exercise, Hofer encountered embarrassment. “I remember going to the Rec Center at (the University of) Alabama when I was a student there, and the first time I got on a StairMaster, I just sunk down to the ground.” It wasn’t until after

college, when she was working in advertising for a Chicago-based pen manufacturer that Hofer started taking her weight loss seriously.

“A friend of mine was close to the point where she was going to get engaged, so she wanted to do Weight Watchers and she talked me into it.

It was the first time anyone had ever said to me, ‘Let’s lose weight.’”

Hofer gave it a shot, and within three weeks, she’d lost 10 pounds, which made her a believer. That 10 pounds eventually became 30, all from diet alone. When she added exercise to her routine, 30 became 90 – inside of a year’s time. And then, life happened.

First, amidst the economic crash of 2001, she lost her job. Then, she came home to help take care of her parents – particularly her mother, who at a rather young age was facing numerous health issues. During this time, she began dating her eventual husband, Scott.

“Being home, my eating habits began to slide. My exercise started to slide. And then I met Scott, and what do you do when you start dating? You go out to eat a lot,” she said.

After they married, Hofer began a travel-intensive job that kept her on the road (and dining out) 80 percent of the time. Year over year, the weight slowly came back, and continued to creep upward after two pregnancies.

“After we had Will, our first, I was busy with him and with work;

Bluff Park mom Paige Hofer is living happier and healthier after losing weight, thanks in part to support from Hoover Fitness.

I didn’t want to go to the gym even though I could tell I’d gained the weight.”

Hofer acknowledged it was worse now that she’d experienced what life was like on the fit and active side.

“But then I had this baby, and he was so wonderful and the last thing I wanted to do was take him to the gym day care when he’s been at day care all day.”

She’d barely had time to think through the time conundrum before she discovered she was unexpectedly pregnant with her second baby. Post-delivery, Hofer was a mere eight pounds from the highest weight she’d ever been.

Three and a half months later, her mother passed.

“She’d been overweight her entire life, as long as I can remember, and her weight had caused some

unpleasant things to happen to her body. At one point in the hospital, she turned to me and said, ‘Paige, I never thought I would see myself like this at age 62.’”

Hofer said that those words repeated themselves, even though she kept trying to put it on the back burner in the midst of her grief. “I’d lost my mom at a young age, and I felt really cheated by that,” she said.

“I wanted to do things with her, I wanted her to know my kids.”

That line of thinking gave Hofer the motivation she needed to leave a better legacy for her own sons. “I want to be here for my children and for my children’s children. I want to be active to do things with them.”

This time, Hofer took a more realistic pace than the rapid results lifestyle she embraced as a single woman in Chicago.

Finding that the Weight Watchers

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model no longer worked for her, Hofer purchase a heart monitor. She now focuses on the simple math of caloric intake versus caloric burn.

“Now, I am accountable to myself,” she said. “With Weight Watchers, I found that I could cheat the system with the points. I really had no idea how much I was actually consuming and how much I was burning.”

The next priority was finding a gym that could accommodate her lifestyle as a stay-at-home mom.

She found what she was looking for in Jason Cerniglia’s Hoover Fitness, also located in Bluff Park.

“The people that work in the childcare room are really involved.

They do activities together and the kids really like it.”

To maintain the results of what Hofer hopes is her second and final dramatic weight loss, she has made some realistic rules for herself.

“If I miss more than two days of exercise, I can come up with all kinds of mental reasons to miss it on days three, four and so on.”

She’s also more realistic about what’s fit to eat.

“The first time, I was single, and I could just focus on myself. I had time to measure everything and to focus on every lick, every bite, every taste.

This time I wanted a more realistic lifestyle; I didn’t want to feel like I was constantly dieting,” she said.

So, nothing is off limits, but Hofer is loyal to her calories in, calories out model, and that is how she sets her limits.

“I’m just trying to balance things; it’s really just a budgeting of my calories.”

Rained-out makeup day: Sunday April 21, 12:00 - 5:00

HooverSun.com

April 2013

13

14 April 2013

Hoover Sun

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

Riff Burgers

4745 Chace Circle 682-6980 riffburgers.com Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.-8p.m.

By NATHAN KELLY Riff Burgers aims to make its homemade American food with made-from-scratch recipes as a creative as a musical riff in a song.

The environment in Riff Burgers feels like a place you’d see famous Southern rock and roll musicians eat.

The walls are covered with concert posters and vinyl album covers.

The restaurant is under the same ownership as when it was called Baha Burger, but the menu has been “elevated,” according to General Manager Eric Pilkinton.

Pilkinton described Riff Burgers as a fast-casual style restaurant that puts time and care into making gourmet burgers with fresh ingredients to suit any eater.

Every meal is prepared daily from scratch in its kitchen, from grinding the meat to preparing its house-made pickled veggies, as well as creating custom dressings and dipping sauces.

“You don’t just get a pickle out of 5-gallon drum,” Pilkinton said. “We make our own pickled veggies and pimento cheese, and we buy local produce from local distributors.”

The restaurant’s ground-up burger varieties include beef, lamb, turkey and veggie. Side items like French fries, onion rings and sweet potato fries come

Riff Burgers is located in Chace Landing, former home to Baha Burgers.

The Classic Riff Burger at Riff Burgers. Photos by Nathan Kelly.

with fried okra as a garnish.

If one of Riff’s nine burger options doesn’t suit you, the menu offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and seafood such as salmon and catfish.

The investment group behind Riff Burgers, Fresh Hospitality, also owns other Birmingham area restaurants including Taziki’s and Jim ‘N Nicks.

Pilkinton said he wants to give

customers a clean restaurant that provides a great environment where they can enjoy great music with their meal.

Riff Burgers makes an effort to

support local family farmers by using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, and is proud to offer many healthy dining options such as gardenfresh salads and ripe seasonal fruit.

Hoover Happenings Walgreens coming to Lorna Road-U.S. 31 intersection The Riverchase Shell and the former Omelet Shoppe building at the corner of Lorna Road and U.S. 31 will be torn down by early April. A Walgreens to be built in their place is expected to be open before fourth quarter, said Traci Fassina, president of Rogina Investment Corp.

The Omelet Shop, which has been vacant for more than a decade, will be torn down to accommodate parking requirements of the city.

Walgreens will usually spend $4-5 million for a building, Fassina said, and construction usually takes six months. Walgreens will be an asset to the city and help in sales tax revenues, Fassina said.

“The fourth quarter is the biggest quarter,” Fassina said, “They’ll probably be operating before then.”

The Rogina Investment Corp. will also have a new tenant to occupy the former Blockbuster building behind the Omelet Shoppe, but cannot reveal further information because of a nondisclosure agreement.

Mexican and Caribbean cuisine at new restaurant Mexibbean Island Grille, a casual dining restaurant, opened in late February with a menu offering a fusion of coastal Mexican and Caribbean island cuisine.

The restaurant can accommodate large groups and offers outdoor seating, take out and catering.

Mexibbean Island Grille is located at 1841 Montgomery Highway and is open 11 a.m.-9

p.m. every day. Call 276-0000 for more.

New Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center Dr. Vlada Groysman, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at UAB, is opening her own dermatology center. FAAD board-certified, Groysman will conduct medical and surgical procedures at the center. This includes aesthetic and cosmetic injections as well as laser technology for various skin improvements.

The health center is slated to open April 1 and is located at 2290 Valleydale Rd. Suite 204.

and May to teach gardeners ways to recycle the environment and tips for putting a beautiful garden together from the ground up.

Roots will have a special plant sale on Mother’s Day weekend, May 11-12. For more, call 682-8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com.

Tire Engineers now Express Oil Change Tire Engineers has been bought by Express Oil Change. Johnny Johnson started Tire Engineers, and his family still runs the company.

Tire Engineers has several Birmingham locations including one at 4750 U.S. 280. For more visit tireengineers.com.

Tidmore Flags now in Hoover

Hoover Grille renovated

Tidmore Flags, which sells an assortment of flags and banners, relocated to Hoover Court in late March.

The new location offers double the space and parking of its previous Homewood location.

Tidmore Flags is now located at 2901 B Hoover Court. Visit tidmoreflags.com for more.

Embassy Suites reopened its restaurant after a three-month renovation in January.

“The layout is enclosed, and it is more of an actual restaurant now,” said Sydney Lynch, executive administrator of the hotel. “It has more of an intimate feel.” Adding dim lighting also contributes to a more intimate setting, she said.

New flooring, furniture and menu complete the restaurant’s facelift.

Located at 2960 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover Grille is open every day 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

‘Roots’ at Aldridge Gardens open Aldridge Gardens opened its gift shop, Roots in March. The gift shop offers plants, pottery and other garden gifts provided by partners with Aldridge Gardens like the Alabama Environmental Center, Myers Plants and Potter, and Hanna’s Garden Shop.

Pat Sholund, director of operations at Aldridge Gardens, said Roots will feature trunk shows and classes during the months of April

Teeth whitening to benefit children’s charities Hoover’s Dr. James Sanderson is conducting a teeth-whitening campaign that will benefit children’s charities.

Tooth whitening patients will also receive a discounted rate.

“Dr. Sanderson and team donate their time and expertise,” said Greg Anderson, director of Crown Council, “while Philips Oral Healthcare provides all supplies. You receive a brighter smile, and, best of all, provide children with a brighter future.”

Until June, 100 percent of proceeds from teeth whitening procedures done at Laser Assisted Comprehensive Dentistry will be donated to children’s charities. Half of the donations raised by the company will be given to Sight Savers America, a local charity, and the remainder will go to Smiles for Life Foundation to be distributed to charities worldwide.

Crown Council’s Smiles for Life Campaign has raised more than $31 million for ill, disabled and disadvantaged children since it began. Last year, donations totaled $1.303,605.39 and this year’s goal is for total collections to break $32 million.

Email Dr. Sanderson at sandentistry.com or visit smilesforlife.org for more.

Galleria Belk to receive makeover Belk is celebrating its 125th year with a makeover. In a visit on March 11, Jonny Belk, president and chief operating officer of Belk, announced plans renovate the Riverchase Galleria to make it a flagship store.

The project will include updates and expansions in the men’s and women’s departments. The store started its 125 Days of Service program in March, which includes makeover projects in low-income schools with a $2 million partnership with the Points of Light Institute. The store started its 125 Days of Prizes March 10. Prizes include trips, jewelry and perfumes.

Visit facebook.com/Belk for more.

HooverSun.com

April 2013

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Faith Annual barbecue returns to Bluff Park UMC

By SARA PERRY After almost 90 years in existence, the Bluff Park United Methodist Church had again outgrown its facilities and embarked on a building program.

Mal Bailey came up with the idea of barbecue to raise funds for the new building.

With the support of his Friendship Sunday School Class, the project was launched. Men worked in shifts for a day and night to cook and slice pork butts. That first year you could buy one sandwich, a bag of chips and a drink for $1.50.

Now in its 17th year, the project includes a pit crew, five grills and 3,000 pounds of meat

to be cooked over two days. Bob Walker, Andy Holder, and Marvin Broome head up the group of 15-20 volunteers.

Bob Walker pointed out that camaraderie has developed among the members in the process.

Many who might not interact on a Sunday in different services and Sunday school classes develop friendships working side-by-side.

This year’s barbecue is scheduled for April 12-13. Sandwiches only will be served April 12 from 5-7 p.m., and plates and sandwiches, as well as baked goods, will be available April 13 from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Proceeds will go toward the church’s Building Fund.

Bluff Park United Methodist is located at 733 Valley St. For more visit bluffparkumc.org.

Shades welcomes new pastor Later this month Dr. Bryan Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee A. Lee will join the staff as the and served as adjunct professor fifth pastor in the history of for congregational leadership at Shades Crest Baptist Church.

Campbell University Divinity School. He served as a leader Lee is a graduate of Belmont College in Nashville, for numerous conferences and where he earned a degree consultant for local churches in in religion and psychology; the North Carolina area.

Southern Baptist Theological Lee joins the staff of Shades Seminary in Louisville where Crest, where Reverend Denis he earned his Master of Tanner serves as associate Divinity; and Southeastern pastor for spiritual formations and Reverend Mark Johnson Baptist Theological Seminary, in Wake Forest, N.C., Doctor serves as associate pastor for Dr. Bryan Lee of Ministry. congregational life ministries.

Shades Crest Baptist Church is He is married to Clella A. Lee, and they have two sons, both of whom located at 452 Park Avenue in Bluff Park. For are married. Lee has served churches in North more, visit shadescrest.org.

From the pulpit

What is love?

By TONY BARBER | Bluff Park Baptist

I told someone the other day I was looking forward to spring because I “loved” spring. It is a season of growth and beauty, and of newness.

But do I really love spring? Have you ever tried to define love?

We use the word in so many ways to describe a huge range of emotions and feelings that it has become difficult to define. I love my wife, and I love banana pudding. I love my children and grandchildren, and I love hiking. I love (fill in the blank). Do we really know what love is? We can. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:8 that “God is love.” There! We all know what love is, don’t we? Sadly, no. Not even all Christians understand the concept that is put forth in that verse.

You see, a lot of people read those words and approach the verse the wrong way. We read, “God is love” and immediately define the word love and apply it to the character of God. We use our tiny human minds to figure out what we believe to be love and just say, “Well, that’s what God is.” But that is backward and will never

help us to understand one of the greatest truths in the Bible. That verse doesn’t define God. The verse describes love.

Do you want to know what love truly is?

Read and study the Bible and discover the character of God! You will read a lot about his compassion and long-suffering as well as his discipline. You will find God’s deep-seeded care and unbelievable patience, but you will also find His righteous anger and strict guidelines for living a purposeful life. You will find that He loves the unloveable, forgives the undeserving, forgets past transgressions and yearns for our relationship with Him to be right.

Don’t let our puny human understanding of love define the God of the universe. I challenge you to read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. We have always called that the “love chapter,” but as you read it this time, read it as a description of the very character of God. Then, and only then, will you know what love really is; for God is love.

Birmingham-Southern Choir to present civil rights-themed program The Birmingham-Southern College Concert Choir, concluding its annual spring tour, will perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street. Admission is free.

The 35-voice undergraduate choir has focused much of its program on the 50th anniversary of the tumultuous events in downtown Birmingham, close to the college campus, that took place in 1963 and made civil rights history.

Including classical works by African-American composers as well as spirituals and contributions by composers Robert Starer, Gwyneth Walker and jazz legend Dave Brubeck, the theme of social justice and social action is expressed in an eclectic mix of choral literature.

Also included in the program are motets

by Palestrina, Ola Gjeilo and excerpts from the Gloria by 20th-century composer Francis Poulenc.

16 April 2013

Hoover Sun

School House Hoover, Bumpus students named to honor bands Members of the Hoover High School Band auditioned to earn a spot with the 2013 Alabama All-State Band Festival, taking place in Huntsville April 18-20. Students selected are: Cory Cheung - tuba (Red Band) Kate McAfee - french horn (Blue Band) Forrest Hinton - string bass (Unassigned) Jeremy West - piccolo (Unassigned) Britton Bullock - clarinet (Alternate)

Hoover High School band students named to honor bands.

Bluff Park Elementary students engage in aerospace study Third, fourth and fifth grade students at Bluff Park are studying aerospace science via A.C.E. (Aerospace Connections in Education), which partners with the Civil Air Patrol.

Hoover pilots Capt. Cole and Lt. Bonnecarrere spoke to the students in February. Pilots landed their helicopter on the Bluff Park field and answered questions regarding the four forces of flight and Bernoulli’s Principle, which the students are currently studying.

Bluff Park students with their guest speakers from Civil Air Patrol.

In addition, the following Hoover High School students have been selected for the 2013 Alabama

Bandmasters Association District IV Honor Band: Cory Cheung - tuba Kate McAfee - french horn Forrest Hinton - string bass Jeremy West - piccolo Britton Bullock - clarinet Frances Clarke - clarinet Nick Greengard - tenor saxophone Will Christian - baritone The following R.F. Bumpus Middle School Band students were also named to district honor band: Erin McAfee, Jason Lee, Joseph Jun, Olivia Gault, Nathan Solomon, Logan Jones, Carson Fehler, and Annemarie Guske.

Homewood High senior named candidate for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Sushmitha Yarrabothula, a graduating senior at Hoover High School, has been named two of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Candidates were selected from nearly 3.4 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2013.

Scholars will be invited to Washington D.C., for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators and other leading individuals in public life.

Sushmitha Yarrabothula

HooverSun.com

April 2013

Brock’s Gap students host Cocoa and Cookies fundraiser

17

A fairy tale at Deer Valley

Recently, sixth grade students at Brocks Gap Intermediate School held a Cocoa and Cookies fundraiser at Ross Bridge.

This fundraiser benefits Sugarbelle Foundation, a pending non-profit. While Sugarbelle Foundation is not a “rescue” the dog in the picture, Blu, was sponsored by Sugarbelle Foundation and has been recently adopted into a loving home.

Emma Hines, Ian Rohrer, Lauren Hines and Blu the dog.

Bluff Park fourth graders visit U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Mary Ella Hatfield, Ireland Pavlov, Victoria Gibbs, Alana Sankey

Fourth grade classes from Bluff Park Elementary recently went on the ultimate field trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. They learned about the history of space exploration as they toured the museum, saw exhibits and experienced interactive simulators.

While at the museum, students participated in a hands-on science lab about air pressure, watched an IMAX movie “To the Artic,” saw the Saturn V display and toured the outdoor Rocket Park with rockets and space memorabilia.

Students also went on a journey to Mars on the Mars Space Rover and climbed the Mars rock wall.

Second grade teachers at Deer Valley Elementary recently launched a fairy tale unit to make the common core of language arts learning fun.

The entire unit culminated with a grade level Fairy Tale Ball. Students dressed in character and brought in snacks, such as Three Little Pigs in a Blanket, Rapunzel’s twisted hair ropes (braided fruit roll-ups), and magic wands made of fruit and cheese on a stick, to share with their friends. After eating their snacks, students gathered in the gym, where Little Red Riding Hood, Assistant Principal Ami Weems,

Bluff Park students Andrew Martinez, Brodie Garner and Andrew Pierson.

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led the children in the “Electric Slide,” the “Chicken Dance” and other favorites.

Jackson Mitchell and Jalia Stewart agree their favorite part of the unit was getting to come to school in costume. Students in Lynne Lindsey’s second grade enjoyed the snacks while students from Lindsay Nichols’ class agreed that dancing at the ball was the best part.

Teachers agreed that making the common core standards come alive for their students was the best part of teaching and learning during the fairy tale unit.

18 April 2013

Hoover Sun

Sports Bumpus student helps HHS finish strong at state

The 2013 Hoover High School Buccaneers Baseball Team wraps up its regular season this month.

Buccaneers confident about tournament chances

By NATHAN KELLY Hoover High School has done enough in the first half of its season to make it to the postseason, according to Head Coach Rick Davis. The Buccaneers made it to 13-8 through their first 21 games, setting up Davis for another chance at the state championship.

The journey through the state tournament is familiar ground for Davis. He’s led 14 teams to the tournament in his 19-year tenure as head baseball coach

for Hoover. His success was recognized with the highest honors in the state when he was inducted to the Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in January.

Davis said even with eight losses his team should be making it to the post season because of the lack of strength the Birmingham area has shown this season.

In mid-March Hoover was one game behind Pelham in the Area 10 standings.

“The only thing I’m really concerned about is our batting right now, we’re slumping, which can actually be a good

thing,” Davis said. “If you’ve got a few guys that should be hitting over .300 and aren’t, hopefully that means they’ll be getting it together in time for the postseason.”

The Buccaneers are led by seniors Geoffrey Bramblett, Josh Campbell, Michael Powers, Connor Short and Hunter White who all signed letters of intent to play baseball in college.

Hoover will wrap up the regular season with two divisional games against Oak Mountain in a double header on April 15.

Bumpus student Sydney Steely, front, ran with the Hoover High Indoor Track Team at the state meet.

R.F. Bumpus Middle School seventh grader Sydney Steely contributed tremendously to the Hoover High Indoor Track and Field team during the AHSAA State Indoor 1A6A Championship in February.

Steely helped her 4x800-meter team finish in second place and ran a personal record of 11:09.38 in the 3,200-meter, placing fifth and improving her previous best time by 28 seconds. She also placed sixth in the 1,600-meter race.

Sydney scored a total of 15 points, all of this helping the girls’ team finish runner up in the State 6A. During middle school indoor-track competition, she ran the 1600-meter and 400-meter races.

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HooverSun.com

April 2013

Hoover’s ‘Biggest Loser’ wins $100,000

By MEGAN SMITH Gina McDonald of Hoover was eliminated in the penultimate episode of season 14 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. But McDonald didn’t let elimination keep her from achieving her weight loss goals. She was sent home and kept a rigorous training schedule and healthy diet.

McDonald said she’s dreamed of being fit and healthy her whole life.

She wasn’t going to let the opportunity to make her dream come true pass by.

During the live finale on March 18, 11 previously eliminated contestants returned for a chance to weigh in a final time. They were still competing for the “At Home” prize, $100,000. Having lost 46.12 percent of her starting weight, or 113 pounds, McDonald won.

“Winning the money was just icing on the cake,” McDonald said. “I won more than that. It was about the change, not cash for me.”

Starting at 245 pounds, McDonald has not only changed her physical appearance, but she also became emotionally healthy and cured

STATE

CONTINUED from page 1 contest in which Blount led at halftime, 27-23.

Blount jumped out to a 13-9 lead in the first period, but the Lady Bucs stayed right with the Leopards in the second.

Hoover finished the third period with a 41-

19

WEBB

CONTINUED from page 1 Game at Alabama State University, where Webb scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and led Alabama to a 64-54 victory.

“Marqu’es Webb has mastered the ability to be an intense competitor while maintaining a professionalism that is beyond her years,” Frederick said in a release. “She encourages all of her teammates, and she is the first to help a fallen competitor off the floor. She leads

her team with a big heart for both the game of basketball and her peers.”

Webb has maintained a 3.48 GPA in the classroom and has volunteered locally on behalf of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Montgomery Zoo and as a youth basketball camp counselor. She signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Vanderbilt University this fall.

MET

CONTINUED from page 1

herself of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and type two diabetes.

“My weight loss goal was to weigh in at 135,” McDonald said. “I achieved that and more.”

Now, at a healthy 132 pounds, McDonald plans on using her weight loss as motivation and education for others.

40 lead, and took the lead for good with a Shannan Watkins field goal with 7:36 to play in the contest.

As the fourth quarter neared its end, the Lady Bucs began to pull away with a good performance from the free throw line. Hoover was 13-18 from the charity stripe in the game’s final two minutes, putting the game out of reach for Blount.

only have a plan to recoup those funds, but they think returning the Met to the City’s control will have greater positive impact for the community at-large.

“We will host events to create a lot of overnight stays in the city, with the prerequisite that they are family-friendly,” Mayor Gary Ivey said, noting that the City has already turned down several organizers pitching events high on crowd appeal but low on the family-friendly scale. “When you are talking to people about an event, you want them to be interested and proud to come to your facility. It needs to be a win-win.”

Some of this summer’s win-wins include the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament, under contract until 2016, and Hot Rod Magazine’s Hot Rod Power Tour in June, which returns to the Met from its 2010 visit.

In preparation for those and the many other events the City wants to attract, its plans include spending more than $1.2 million on the facility last year and this year.

In 2012, the City completed $42,000 in wheelchair-accessible improvements, $24,000 to increase air conditioning in the Michael Jordan room, and $651,000 for sound system upgrades.

In the 2013 budget, Hoover allocated $480,000 for new bullpens, dugout renovations, painting, replacing signs and installing flooring.

“What we’re doing right now is getting the facility back to Hoover standards and where we

want to see it, just as you’d treat a rental house once your tenants have moved out,” Ivey said.

The Met’s appearance isn’t all Hoover has been upgrading. The City recently hired two contract employees to work full-time as facility managers, and last month, the City approved an agreement with Event Operations Group, a Pelham-based business, to provide additional staffing and management for bigger events.

Hoover also approved agreements with Coca-Cola to be the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage provider and Five Star Concessions as the exclusive concessions and alcoholic beverage provider.

Moreover, the City is putting together incentives, including discounted weekday rates on facility space, to attract statewide businesses and professional associations.

“The Barons only played from April to September and only three days a week. Utilization of the Met is our key objective,” Hoover City Council President Jack Wright said. “We have 365 days, and we want to use as many of them as possible.”

Already, the city has received calls about hosting weddings, birthday parties and reunions, said Erin Colbaugh, events coordinator for the City of Hoover “We are crawling now,” said City of Hoover Executive Director Allen Pate, “but give us a year or two and you will see a lot of activities happening at the Met.”

20 April 2013

Spring Home Guide

Hoover Sun

Make a lamp Katie Baker Bolton built her first lamp at age 8. Her grandfather, a lamp store owner by trade, had told her not to, that little girls don’t play with electricity. So she waited to actually plug in the completed lamp until she had shown it to him.

“Well, you did it right,” he said. And it worked.

Since then, she said she has had a lifelong sickness and incurable addiction to lamp making.

For years Bolton practiced drilling holes on cups and saucers from thrift stores before moving on to porcelain vases to act as a lamp base. Later she would teach herself faux finishes to revive old lamps and learn to look for vases, figurines or other architectural pieces to serve as bases. Eventually she would add children’s blocks, an antique ship, bird cages and old wooden laundry hampers to her repertoire.

“If you can come up with an idea of what you want, I can figure out how to do it,” she said. “Sometimes I wake up at 3 a.m. with a solution.”

Since 2000, Bolton and her mom, Dianne Baker-Clelland, have run Baker Lamps and Linens. Her mom had a lamp store on Lorna Road before coming to the Inverness business.

“You don’t see things made in the way we try to do it,” Bolton said. “We reclaim, restore and redecorate. You can repair an old lamp much easier than a new lamp.”

out of anything How to make a lamp out of a vase 1. Drill a 9/16-inch hole into the bottom of the vase with a diamond-tipped bit on a drill press (not a hand drill).

2. Cap the top with a vase cap. Vase caps come in a variety of sizes and in metal or wood. Baker said she has someone who makes custom wooden caps for any unique shape of vase.

3. Set out a wood, metal or acrylic lamp base.

4. Run a rod through the base cap, vase and base, and bolt them together with nuts and washers.

Baker Lamps and Linens Owner Katie Baker Bolton, left, and her mother, Diane Baker-Clelland, make lamps out of an assortment of objects.

Bolton’s three kids have lamps made of a bubble gum machine, a stack of three baseballs, a parking meter — anything she can figure out how to run a rod through or behind. Around her house you’ll also find eclectic lamps made of a silver clarinet,

wallpaper rollers, wine bottles, an old decanter and an old water cooler glass.

“When looking for a lamp, I encourage people to think outside the box and not just settle,” she said.

In addition to completed

lamps, Baker Lamps and Linens sells lamp parts for customers interested in making their own.

Baker Lamps and Linens is located at 5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 115. For more,call 981-3330 or visit bakerlampsandlinens. com.

5. Add harped wings and a socket base to the structure. Screw in the harp at the top and the socket at the base of the structure.

6. Run a cord up from the bottom. Connect the cord to the terminals of the socket interior. Terminals must be connected to the correct charges on the cords.

7. Wire the cord to the socket.

8. Put a socket cap over the interior socket and snap it into the base.

9. After the lamp is completed, select a shade and finial.

Decorating & Upholstery Services Available

Vendors & Consignors Welcome

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Celebrate spring at our Open House April 11, 12 & 13th

Over 70 vendors and consignors including High Cotton & Co. Clothing Boutique, Drapes Etc. Shelayne Thompson, Floral Designer and Wicker Furniture Door Prizes & Light Refreshments Served 5475 Highway 280 Birmingham, AL • 205-995-4773

HooverSun.com

April 2013

The problem with puddles Standing water around your home deserves your attention

Water Drainage Solutions General Manager Jonathan Messner, Project Manager Brian Didcoct and Scot Thompson, responsible for landscape, design and installation.

What to watch for: ›› Sod dying ›› Standing water ›› Moisture in foundation ›› Cracks in foundation, patio or porch ›› Heavily eroded areas ›› Poorly graded beds and flat areas

By JEFF THOMPSON The product of April showers isn’t always pretty.

Puddles and spots of dying sod are dead giveaways your property might have bigger issues. Even something as small as where your gutter’s downspout releases could predict the need for thousands of dollars in repairs in the future.

“Water is one of nature’s most destructive forces – if not the most destructive,” said Jonathan Messner, general manager of Water Drainage Solutions in Hoover. “And a water problem is not going to go away on its own.”

The Hoover Sun reached out to Water Drainage Solutions for what to look for in your yard this spring to avoid costly repairs or a reduction in property value. Here’s what they said:

›› Identify where your downspouts empty Messner said that keeping an eye on where rainwater from your gutters ends up is the difference between a healthy foundation and one that will attract negative attention from a home inspector. When downspouts empty next to your house, water often soaks into the soil alongside the foundation and can cause erosion. This can cause damage to the foundation.

Check your basement walls for moisture, a clear sign this may be occurring, said Scot Thompson, who is responsible for landscape, design and installation with Water Drainage Solutions. Other, much more severe signs, he said, are cracks in the foundation that can cause the house to shift.

“You have to have gutters, spouts and drains to carry water away from the house a minimum of five feet,” Thompson said. “Otherwise, it’s going straight into your foundation.”

›› Keep an eye on your grass Messner said if your house is on a slab, erosion around the foundation isn’t your biggest worry. Your yard, however, is another story.

Pooling water or “soupy, sloppy wet grass” are signs water isn’t draining off your property. It kills sod and trees and could eventually erode an area much larger than the obvious problem spot. Often, he said, this is either an issue with the slope of your yard or your home’s proximity to your neighbor.

“With slab homes, especially homes no more than 15-20 feet apart, it’s very difficult to get the slope right,” Thompson said. “No sunlight means the water won’t evaporate, and if it’s already not running off that means it’s not going anywhere.”

Taking care of these problems quickly is extremely important to the health of your property, and professionals can design aesthetic solutions, including French drains or flumes that appear as dry creek beds.

“Even if you do not see a water issue at this time, if you don’t have drains for your downspouts or poorly graded foundation beds you should give someone a call,” Messner said. “It may not be a problem yet, but it is better to design and install a system before that happens so you are not stretched with the expense of fixing the damage.”

For more on Water Drainage Solutions, call 244-1114 or visit waterdrainagesolutions.com.

21

22 April 2013

Community Calendar Comedy Club Stardome stardome.com 444-0008

April 2-4: Mike Gardner April 5-7: Steve O April 9, 11: Tony Tone April 10: Bill Burr April 12-24: John Witherspoon April 17-21: Etta May April 23-25: Ms. Pat April 26-28: Arnez J.

Moonlight on the Mountain moonlightonthemtn.com April 1: Open Mic Night April 4: Dirk Hamilton and The Howling Brothers April 5: Robbie Hecht and Allie Farris April 6: Webb Wilder, Sara Petite Opens April 7: David Berkeley Duo April 11: Tim Grimm and Jan Lucas April 12: Naked Blue, A Benefit For Chips At Children’s April 15: Open Mic Night April 18: Copper Stills April 19: The Jason Bailey Band April 20: The Barefoot Movement April 25: Chris Trapper and Jesse Terry April 26: Alice Bargeron and Buck Johnson April 27: Joe Pug All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and cost $12 unless otherwise noted. Open Mic Night is $5.

Hoover Sun

Community Events April 1: Tai Chi Classes. Mondays at 1 p.m. Hoover Senior Center.

April 1: Investment Workshops. Held the first four Mondays in April at noon. Pre-register at the Hoover Senior Center Front Desk.

April 3: Cooking Class with Jennifer and Bill Tsantes.

6-7 p.m. Fireside Room, Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street.

April 4: Free Eye Exams. Presented by UAB Eyecare. 9 a.m. Pre-register at the Senior Center Front Desk.

April 4: Economic Development Committee. Visitors welcome! Hoover Chamber of Commerce Office. 8:30 a.m.

April 5: Municipal Madness Basketball Tournament.

Hoover Recreational Center Gymnasium. 3 p.m.

April 6: 10th Annual Walk for Autism. Benefits the Autism Society of Alabama. $30 in advance, $35 race day.

Veteran’s Park. 7 a.m. run check-in, 7:30 a.m. run. 8 a.m. walk check-in, 8:30 a.m. walk. Visit walkforautismal.com or email lauren@autism-alabama.org.

April 6: High Country 5K. Shades Crest Baptist Church, 452 Park Ave. 8 a.m. 5K. Free 1-mile fun run. 9 a.m. breakfast. $25 on raceit.com. Visit shadescrest.org or call Mark Johnson at 822-1360. Register at raceit.com.

April 6: Vegetable Gardening for Central Alabama. 9-11 a.m. Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road. Call 682-8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com to register.

April 7: Hoover Historical Society’s Annual Tea at the Historical Hale Joseph Home. 2136 Bluff Road, 35226.

2-4 p.m.

April 7: The Alabama Singing Women Choir. Riverchase Baptist Church. 10:30 a.m April 7: Civil Rights-Themed Program. Presented by Birmingham-Southern Concert Choir. Free. Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street. 4 p.m.

April 9: Coffee & Contacts. Hoover Chamber of Commerce event. 7:30-9 a.m. The Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Galleria Circle. Contact angela.finley@wynfreyhotel.com or call 987-1600.

April 10: Do you know the difference? Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack vs. Stroke. Jinnie Lacey, RN with HealthSouth, will present. 12:15 p.m. Hoover Senior Center.

Country Club. Call 986-5120 or visit greystonecc.com.

April 11: Hoover Service Club Membership Coffee. 10 a.m.-noon. Aldridge Gardens. Call 936-0462.

April 20: Hoover Library’s Passport to the World. Food, music, crafts and more. Hoover Public Library. 1-4 p.m.

April 12: Shelby Strummers Dulcimer Band. Gospel, hymns and blue grass. 12:15 PM. Hoover Senior Center.

April 20: Brookwood Celebrates. Bring a new or gently used book to donate. There will be music and entertainment. Colonial Brookwood Village. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Visit birminghamreads.com.

April l2-l3: Annual Bar-B-Q and Bake Sale. April l2 from 5-7 p.m.; April l3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bluff Park United Methodist Church. 733 Valley Street.

April 12-13: Stadium Fest 2013. Performances by Switchfoot, David Crowder, Newsboys and other Christian artists. Free. Friday 6-9:30 p.m., Saturday noon-9:30 p.m.

Spain Park High School Stadium, 4700 Jaguar Drive. Visit stadiumfest.com.

April 13: Aubie 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Presented by the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club. Benefits the Phil Neel Memorial Scholarship, in memory of the creator of Auburn’s mascot. Aubie will also run the race. 8:15 a.m.

Hoover High School. $15 for fun run, $20 for 5K though April 5, $35 for 5K after April 5. Visit thegbac.org/events.

April l4: Youth Praise Band. 6 p.m. Bluff Park United Methodist Church Chapel, 733 Valley Street.

April 14: Bible Validity Talk. Richard Simmons III, author of Reliable Truth: The Validity of the Bible in an Age of Skepticism, will come to speak about the book. 9:45 and 11 a.m. Riverchase United Methodist Church. Call 987-4030.

April 16: Lunch and Learn. Sponsored by Brookwood.

Pre-registration at the Senior Center by April 12 or until capacity has been reached. Noon. Hoover Senior Center.

April 17: Ambassador Meeting. Visitors welcome! 4:30 p.m. Hoover Chamber of Commerce Office.

April 18: Hoover Chamber Luncheon. Hoover Country Club. 11:30 a.m. networking. Noon luncheon. Make reservations by April 15. Those who make a reservation and do not attend will be invoiced unless cancelled prior to the event. $18 or $20 without reservations.

April 19 – 21: SEC Women’s Golf Tournament. Greystone

April 20: Walk to End Lupus. Veteran’s Park. 8:30 a.m. registration, 10:30 a.m. walk. Visit lupuswalkbirmingham. kintera.org or call Mike Singer at (615) 298-2273.

April 20-May 2: Decorator’s ShowHouse. $20. 2082 Royal Fern Lane, Hoover. Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 2-6 p.m. Visit ShowHouse-Al.com.

April 23: Hoover New Horizons Luncheon. Featuring the Joyful Singers. 11 a.m. Hoover Senior Center. $8. Call 739-6700.

April 23: Clay Shootout. Hoover City Schools Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser. Funds raised are reinvested for classroom grants and other academic support. Selwood Farms. Visit hooverfoundation.org/hcsfsporting-clay-shoot-fundraiser/.

April 23: Minority Business Council Meeting. Brown bag luncheon. Hoover Chamber of Commerce Office. Noon.

Contact Reginald Jeter at jlj@hsy.com.

April 25: Business After Hours. Homewood Suites Riverchase, 121 Riverchase Parkway East. 5:30-7 p.m. Call 637-2900 or contact Teressa Eades at teressa.eades@ hilton.com.

April 26: Annual Bass Fishing Tournament. Hosted by Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation. Lake Mitchell.

5:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit hooveral.org or call 444-7765.

April 26: Relay for Life-Hoover. Hoover High School. 6 p.m. Visit relay.acsevents.org.

April 26, 28: Parenting Conference. Led by Gordon Bals of Daymark Counseling Center. Hosted by Cross Creek Church. 6-8:30 p.m. Visit crosscreekchurch.net to register.

April 26-28: Bargain Carousel. Annual 1,000-family

HooverSun.com garage sale to benefit Junior League of Birmingham projects. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5. Former JC Penney location, 7580 Crestwood Blvd. Visit jlbonline. com/?nd=bargain_ carousel April 27: Hazardous Household Waste Day. 8 a.m.-noon. Hoover Met. Call 4447543 or visit hooveral.org.

April 27: Walk Me Home 5K Run and Walk. Awareness fundraiser for foster care. $30. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. run.

Veteran’s Park. Visit firstgiving.com/ walkmehome/shelby or email Frank Burder at fhburder@gmail.com.

April 27: Teen Board’s “Cray Day” Crawfish Boil. Crawfish, corn and potatoes as well as a variety of other snacks. The first 50 students to attend will also receive a free T-shirt. 2 – 4 p.m.

Veteran’s Park.

April 29: Golf Tournament Benefitting Bluff Park United Methodist. Riverchase Country Club. 11 a.m. registration, 12:30 tee time. $85 per player. Call 822-0910.

May 4: Annual Ladies Day. Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street.

May 4: Deer Valley Community-Wide Garage Sale. 8 a.m.-noon. Balloons will be hung on participating homes’ mailboxes. The Deer Valley subdivision is located between the Highway 150Ross Bridge Parkway intersection and Deer Valley Elementary School.

Email info@deervalleyhoa.org or visit deervalleyhoa.org.

May 4: Hail to the Hydrangea! Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road. 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Call 682-8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com.

May 4: Celebrate Hoover Day. Kids’ activities, car show, entertainment and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Veteran’s Park.

May 7: Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. The Wynfrey Hotel. 7:30 a.m. $20. Call City of Hoover at 444-7500.

April 2013 23

Hoover Library Events April 4: Documentary Screening: Death And The Civil War. Free. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre.

April 4: Playing @ The Plaza: Marian Mckay. 6:30 p.m.

April 6: Mr. Men and Little Miss. 10:30 a.m. We’ll pay homage to one of our public’s favorite series with games, crafts and snacks surrounding characters like Mr. Happy and Mrs. Chatterbox.

Depot will teach you how to get the most out of your storage space. 10:30 a.m.

Gallery.

April 13: Purl @ The Plaza. Bring your yarn and knit, crochet or embroider. 3-5 p.m.

April 25: Learn @ The Plaza: Chef Chris Vizzina. 6:30 p.m.

April 18: Death In The Civil War. An Evening With Dr. Mark Schantz, author of Awaiting The Heavenly Country: The Civil War And America’s Culture Of Death. 7 p.m. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

April 7: Coffee Tastings @ The Plaza.

Discover the tastes of Sweden.

Complimentary samples. 2:30 p.m.

April 22: Monday At The Movies: Footloose. Free admission and refreshments. 2 p.m. And 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre.

April 12-13: The Library Theatre Presents Tap “The Artistry Of Tap Dance From Around The Globe.” $25. 8 p.m.

April 23: Hoover Has Talent. Kids can apply to participate beginning April 1.

Theatre.

April 13: You Can Do It @ The Plaza.

Jones-Warren Construction And Home

April 25: Artist Reception Honoring Cindy Aune. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friends Art

April 27: Write Club: How To Pitch Your Novel. Guest Speakers Carla Swafford, author of Circle Of Danger, and Lexi George, author of Demon Hunting In Dixie.

10:30 a.m. Library Plaza.

April 28: Instrumentalists @ The Plaza: Bradford Sims, Guitar. 2:30 p.m.

April 29: Medicare And You. 7 p.m.

Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

Tuesdays: ESL Class. Free ESL Classes For non-native English speakers. 6:30 p.m.

Theatre Level Meeting Rooms.

571 Park Avenue

Intro to Silversmithing, taught by Cecily Chaney. April 20, 1-6:30 p.m. Learn how to use a torch and basic tools to make a sterling silver ring to take home. $75 includes materials and supplies fee.

Limited to four students. Contact Cecily Chaney 223-4514 to register.

Cold Connections Jewelry Class, taught

by Cecily Chaney. April 16, 1-5 p.m. Learn to fold form, rivet, strap, stamp, pierce, saw and patina copper. $50 instruction free; $25 materials and supplies fee.

Limited to five students. Contact Cecily Chaney 223-4514 to register.

Calligraphy – Beginning Copperplate, taught by Deb Warnat. Classes resume in May. Visit debwarnat.com or call 243-0576 Clay, taught by Nada Boner. Ongoing classes in handbuilding and sculpture. $35 per class includes supplies. Mondays,

Iron Horse Cafe ironhorsecafe.net

Artists on the Bluff Drawing and Painting with Model or Photo, taught by Rollina Oglesby.

Charcoal, Pastel, Oil and Acrylic. $120 + supplies (former students $95). Tuesdays, April 2-23, 9 a.m.-noon; Wednesdays, April 3-24, 9 a.m.-noon; or Thursdays, April 4-25, 6:30-9 p.m. Contact Rollina at donrollina@ bellsouth.net or 668-5106 for registration and supply list.

Painting and Mixed Media, taught by Rik Lazenby. $120 per month. Tuesdays or Thursdays, 8 a.m.- noon or 5:30-8:30 p.m. for adults; Wednesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. for ages 13-18. Contact Rik at 281-5273,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 for adults. Visit JayneMorgan.com or call 902-5226

Live Entertainment

978-5599 April 2: Karaoke April 3: Acoustic Night April 4: Live Music April 5: Deputy 5 April 6: Velcro Pygmies April 9: Karaoke April 10: Taproot with Divided Seasons, Beitthemeans April 11: Live Music April 12: Dirty Pop April 13: Naked Eskimos

9 a.m.-noon or 6-9 p.m. Contact Nada at 541-3949 Pottery and Ceramics, taught by John Rodgers. Classes available daily in potters wheel, handbuilding and slipcasting.

Contact John at 862-2025 or jrodgers113@ gmail.com.

Woodworking, taught by David Traylor.

Offering workshops in furniture making. All skill levels welcome. Visit woodshopstudio.com or call 531-4751.

Beginning Zentangle, taught by Darla Williamson. $35 per class includes supplies. Beginner classes: April 2 and 6, 9 a.m.; April 11, 1 p.m.; April 4, 9, 6 p.m.; April 14, 6 p.m. Tipsy Tangles.

Intermediate classes: Beyond the Basis April 9 at 1 p.m. and April 22 at 6 p.m.; Grids Alive April 30 at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. Visit TangledStones.com or call 305-2082.

April 16: Karaoke April 17: Acoustic Night April 18: Live Music April 19: Framing Hanley with Super Bob, GWO, 3 Pill Morning April 20: Longreef April 23: Karaoke April 24: Live Music April 25: Live Music April 26: TBA April 27: Splendid Chaos April 30: Karaoke

April 2013

Hoover Sun