Hoover Sun May 2013 by Starnes Media

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Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Jazz on my mind

May 2013

Volume 1 | Issue 8 | May 2013

A daughter of her own A mother’s story of making a difference for one child, her child

Spyro Gyra will bring its lyrical, jazzy music to The Preserve for the Jazz Festival scheduled for June 2. Find event details in this issue.

Community page 11

Competitive play

The Wilbanks family complete: Jadon, Jonah, Jeff, Brittnie and Bella. Photo courtesy of Brittnie Wilbanks.

By MEGAN SMITH

Members of Iron Tribe Fitness’ two Hoover locations say they see the gyms as playgrounds for adults. Find out more about the facilities inside.

Bella Wilbanks is finishing her first year at South Shades Crest Elementary, but unlike her second grade classmates, this was her first year in the United States. Last May, 9-year-old Bella arrived in the U.S. with predictable language and cultural barriers to overcome, but they weren’t her biggest walls.

Business page 7

who needed help. Three weeks later, at just three days old, Brittnie was part of her forever home and family. Bringing Bella home wasn’t so easy. In fact, it took four years. The Wilbanks’ journey began in 2008 when Brittnie heard statistics during sermons at Hunter Street Baptist Church. Brittnie said she

See WILBANKS| page 21

Trying to make it home

INSIDE City ...................... 4 Business ............. 6 Food .................... 8 Celebrations ...... 9

During her years growing up in an orphanage in India, she didn’t experience the love of a family. She was still in “survival mode” and found she had little in common with America. But she did have something in common with her adoptive mom. Brittnie Wilbanks was adopted, too. Brittnie’s story starts with a family unable to conceive that found out about a pregnant girl

Community ....... 13 School House ... 17 Sports ............... 20 Calendar ........... 22

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facebook.com/thehooversun

Mikey White

Sam Gillikin

Former Hoover players hoping for a few more games at the Met

Sam Frost

By CLAYTON HURDLE Sam Gillikin is holding out hope that he gets to return home to Hoover for the SEC baseball tournament this month.

Colton Freeman

Gillikin, a 2012 graduate of Hoover High School, was a highly-touted baseball recruit, batting .453 in his senior year with six home runs and 36 RBIs. He now plays baseball

Chris Ellis

at Auburn, where he has contributed a .159 average as of April 18 in a pinch-hitting role for the Tigers.

See BASEBALL | page 21

May 2013

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month

Please Support our Sponsors Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (4) Suzanne Dunbar’s fourth grade class at Deer Valley Elementary has written a novel, Silver, Gold, and Amber, about a girl, Amber, who learns the story of Paralympians and meets them at Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham. Pictured are Dunbar’s students with paralympic basketball player Mary Allison Milford, who visited their classroom.

Alabama Power (3) Alabama Shakespeare Festival (21) Aldridge Gardens (4) Altadena Valley Country Club (23) Anthony and Co. (13) Baptist Vein Center (14) Beef O Brady’s (21) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (6, 7) Brookwood Medical Center (3) California Closets (7) Children’s of Alabama (5)

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden This is our eighth issue – hard to believe we are two-thirds of the way through our first year of publishing the Hoover Sun! And although we are still a relatively young paper, I have to say that with the completion of this issue, I feel like we’ve reached a watershed moment. To be sure, there are many measures by which to judge the impact of a publication such as ours. But if reader engagement is any indicator, we are making an impact. I want to thank just a few of you who have taken time to write me, both for your words of affirmation and your ideas, as well as your criticism about what you want to see handled differently:

ff Most recently, Jo Gardner asked that

we develop a reader service similar to what The Birmingham News published in their “Good Neighbors” section. ff Another reader wrote and asked if the City would get behind the idea of launching a community garden. ff Kristi Phillips wrote to remind us of our responsibility to handle our coverage of sensitive topics, such as underage drinking, with the greatest of care.

City of Hoover (9) Classic Home Mortgage, Inc. (8)

ff We’ve also heard from

folks gathering together and asking the City to back such an idea. If it came to fruition, would you support it? Perhaps most importantly, what are All of this is feedback I the untold stories of take to heart, and I hope you this community that will see that reflected in future need to be told? Many coverage. Our aim is not to talk of you have written me at you, but with you. And in with wonderful ideas. Walden this rapidly changing media These are forming landscape, it is my personal the framework of future issues, and goal to provide you with coverage about for that, I thank you. For those who your community that is comprehensive, haven’t reached out, don’t assume informative and, as appropriate, I know your story. Sound off in an uplifting. email, or call us with your thoughts. With that said, what are your This paper is a living, breathing, thoughts? evolving project, and it’s all the better If we offered a Good Neighbor portion for your candor. of the paper, would you participate? Thank you for your readership. Some may contend that in this digital age, it isn’t relevant. But then again, not Respectfully yours, everyone has a social media footprint. What do you say? What about the notion of a community garden? Personally I think it’s long overdue. And I’d love it if the Sun could be the impetus behind a few like-minded Rebecca members of the community who have rightly reminded us to seek out the stories from underreported parts of the city.

Geico Insurance (10) Greystone Antiques/Marketplace (22) Homewood Music (8) Hoover Fitness (11) Hoover Public Library (12) Hoover Tactical Firearms (12) Hunter Street Baptist Church (13) Hyatt Regency Birmingham/Wynfrey Hotel (6) Issis & Sons (1) RealtySouth - Becky Hicks (18) RealtySouth Marketing (15) Red Mountain Theatre Company (16) Renaissance Consignment/Marketplace (17) Rio Tan (21) Sarver Orthodontics (16) SecondHand Rose (20) Silver Lining Consignment Boutique (8) South Trace Pediatrics (18) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (14)

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 Keith Richardson 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.

Please recycle this paper

Spain Park Day Camp (19) Sumo Japanese Steakhouse (23) Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (19) The Maids (1) The Wade Team (19) Thimbles (8) Wrapsody (20)

Meet our intern Clayton Hurdle Clayton is a junior journalism and mass communication major at Samford. A native of Hendersonville, Tenn., he has enjoyed getting to know the Birmingham area better through his internship. He enjoys all things sports and his unrealistic dream job would be as a football or basketball coach.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

Hoover Sun

City Mayor’s Minute By Gary Ivey

Dear friends and neighbors,

is the beautiful Aldridge Gardens, which is located Every May for on Lorna Road. the past 15 years, This is a gorgeous the top baseball and serene place teams from the that is free to visit Western and Eastern and a great place Divisions have to enjoy a leisurely met at the Hoover afternoon picnic. Met to determine If you haven’t the champions of visited one or all Gary Ivey the Southeastern of these parks, Conference. The make that one of your games draw over 125,000 fans goals for the summer. If you need to Hoover over the weeklong directions or additional information competition. The 2013 SEC about any of these parks, visit our Baseball Tournament will be website, hooveral.org or call 444played during the week of May 7500. 21-26. For ticket information, Finally, congratulations to all the visit secdigitalnetwork.com or call upcoming high school graduates 978-2822. and college graduates in Hoover! Also, another fun event coming May is a very exciting time in the to the Hoover Met is the Hot Rod lives of our students in Hoover as Power Tour on June 5. This promises they embark on getting ready for to be a fun-filled day, so come see their next step in life, whether it is car enthusiasts from all over the college or starting their careers. world show off their custom car Please remember that the city creations. This is a free event, and leaders and employees are here you’ll be sorry if you miss it! for you and will continue to try to I want to encourage you over the exceed your expectations in every summer to take a little free time way with our quality of services in and be sure to visit one of our many Hoover. Please contact our office if parks. The city has added over 400 we can be of assistance to you. acres of green space over the past five years including Veterans Park, Sincerely, Loch Haven Dog Park, Moss Rock Preserve and Inverness Nature Park and Trails, which is home to a 1.8mile walking trail and disc golf Gary Ivey course. Another jewel in Hoover Mayor

Five can’t-miss events this month in Hoover Hydrangea Sale

May 10-11 Aldridge Gardens will hold a Hydrangea Sale May 10-11. The sale will feature many of the varieties of hydrangeas found at Aldridge Gardens as well as some other ornamental favorites. Members of Aldridge Gardens get an additional 10 percent off sales price. The sale will run Friday, May 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m.-noon. To become a member of Aldridge Gardens, visit aldridgegardens.com or register at the Gardens.

with cancer with their rent, utilities, groceries, copayment, treatment and travel,” Foundation board member Steve Bishop said Registration is at 10 a.m. The driving range opens at 10 a.m. and lunch is at 11 a.m. Shotgun start at noon. Participants who beat the pro on a Par-3 win cash prizes and a hole in one wins $5,000. There is a $125 registration fee for individual players and a $500 registration fee for a four-man team. Registration includes range balls, golf cart and a barbecue buffet lunch. Register at loriejohnsonfoundation.org, or call Jay Mullaly at 587-9902.

Lorie Johnson Golf Tournament

Free Friday Flicks

May 20 The Fifth-Annual Lorie Johnson Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Monday, May 20 at Riverchase Country Club. The foundation, created in honor of a Chelsea woman who later passed away from breast cancer at age 34, provides financial assistance to low-income women and girls with cancer of any kind; many of the women they help have breast cancer. “We help low income individuals

Starts May 31 Grab a blanket, family and friends and enjoy a free familyfriendly movie every Friday night this summer at Veterans Park next to Spain Park High School. Movies will be shown every Friday night from May 31-July 26. Films start at dusk. Come early to visit vendors, get food and enjoy fun activities. Movie listings will be listed on hooversun.com and in the June issue when they become available. For more visit hooveral.org.

Color Me Rad

June 1 The Color Me Rad 5K will be held on June 1 at 9 a.m. at the Hoover Met. The 5K is a fun run where participants are splattered with color at the beginning, middle and end. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. The cost is $35. To register visit colormerad.com.

Art in the Gardens

June 1-2 Art in the Gardens, a juried art show, returns to Aldridge Gardens June 2-3. The show will include a variety of media including jewelry, sculptures and paintings from 6080 participating artists. An exhibit by William Thomas will be on display in the Aldridge Gardens Gallery concurrent with the show. The show will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Parking will be off-site at h.h. gregg and Bed Bath & Beyond on Lorna Road, and shuttles will be provided. For more, visit aldridgegardens. com or call 682-8019.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

Meet state Final Four

Buy a Tag Teacher of the Year Help a Child

finalist Jeff Johnson

Hoover High School teacher Jeff Johnson is a finalist for the 2013 Alabama Teacher of the Year.

On April 9, Hoover High School teacher Jeff Johnson was named one of two high school “Final Four” finalists for Alabama’s 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year winner will be revealed at a ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Department of Education on May 8. Hoover Sun asked Johnson about his teaching career and learned his passion for teaching all students and his teachers who motivated him to be where he is now. Tell us about yourself. I am 51 (ouch). I currently teach IB physics, AP physics and introductory physics. I live in the South Avondale area of Birmingham and have been teaching 27 years (I think that is four dog years). What would receiving the title of Alabama Teacher of the Year mean to you? I am passionate and excited about teaching students and teaching physics to my students. I hope that my enthusiasm is infectious (and with any luck, my students will catch that enthusiasm). I love to teach because I believe that every student who walks into my classroom will be successful. In addition to teaching those students in Hoover, I teach ACCESS classes that reach out to students in communities that do not necessarily have the benefits and privileges of students in the Hoover school system. Receiving the Alabama Teacher of the Year would allow me to advocate for all teachers and students in Alabama. I want to help teachers and students from every walk of life see that you can be successful, no matter where you are from or what your current circumstances are. You see, I grew up in a very poor rural working class community, a community that did not value education. My father dropped out of school in the seventh grade, and my mother graduated from high school with very little math and science. My heroes were my teachers who believed in my talents and my potential. If I were named the Alabama Teacher of the Year, what an amazing arc that would complete. What would be your first action as Teacher of the Year? I would come back to the Hoover School District and thank all of the teachers and staff that are responsible for this recognition. I believe that

I sit on the shoulders of giants. I get the best and the brightest at my school. I want to put a face on those that deserve this recognition, those that come before me. After that, I want to go to those districts that are struggling and talk with them about how to do more with less and how to reach those students that are “challenging” (I was one of those students). What mentor or hero deserves partial credit for your nomination and why? I remember my teacher Mr. Jim Honeycutt coming into class one day as “The Unknown Physics Teacher.” He taught an entire lesson on “conservation of energy” with a bag on his head. He connected with students in ways no other teacher ever could. He was always so enthusiastic about every lesson he taught and took an interest in what we were doing outside of physics class (our accomplishments, our dates, our successes and our failures). He was the teacher I aspire to be — smart, funny engaging and challenging. He was always enthusiastic about every lesson he taught, and most importantly, took an interest in what we were doing outside of physics class. Mrs. Mary-Leigh Aldridge, another teacher, not only expected me to achieve in her class, but also achieve at the highest levels. She was funny, demanding, engaging and most of all, unrelenting. Mr. Honeycutt and Mrs. Aldridge made me believe it was well within my power to overcome the pattern of low expectations that had been placed on me. What one thing do you hope every student learns from you? I hope that my students take away the idea that learning is not always about a grade, and real learning can be a struggle. Sometimes you have to wrestle and struggle with a difficult concept in order to truly understand it. Memorization and learning are not the same thing. For most of my students, AP physics is their first “real” struggle. It is a very difficult course with very difficult concepts. Often students become frustrated and want to give up or quit. All of my students are bright and are not accustomed to this struggle. I love watching them grow and develop over the course of the year. One of the first things I tell my students is, “I’m going to be patient with you so you have to be patient with yourself.”

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May 2013

Hoover Happenings Relocations, renovations, expansions for area businesses

The Urban Barn relocates On May 1, The Urban Barn relocated to a new home in Lee Branch Shopping Center. The move came when Owner Colleen Burback felt it would be a better location for her business than its previous location in Inveness Corners. She said most of The Urban Barn’s customers lived closer to Lee Branch Shopping Center so the move is a win-win. The Urban Barn is a clothing retail store specializing in boutique fashion, gifts and home décor. For more call 451-8888 or visit the-urbanbarn.com.

Local architect designs Hoover Miracle Field The City of Hoover has selected Barry Davis Architects, P.C. to design the new Miracle Field, which could be available for use later this year. An international program, The Miracle League provides more than 80,000 children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in more than 200 Miracle League organizations. “The Miracle Field is an exciting opportunity for us and a step forward for the City of Hoover,” said President Barry Davis. “The ability to provide recreation facilities and services for those with disabilities is a sign that Hoover is growing in all the right ways. We at Barry Davis Architects feel privileged to participate in the City’s development.” Barry Davis Architects is currently in its 25th year of operation. The firm’s projects can be seen

throughout the Southeast, but more locally with the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the City of Vestavia Hills Public Works, UAB, the Galleria Mall, the Birmingham Veterans’ Administration, the Hoover Recreation Center, the Hoover Public Library, and several local fire stations, detention centers, health facilities and retail stores.

Montgomery Highway auto dealer renovations Interior renovations at Crest Cadillac of Birmingham are scheduled finished by mid-May. The store is turning the old Hummer showroom into a showroom for Cadillacs. The outside of the building is receiving a limestone panel facelift and should be completed by July. Crest Cadillac is located at 1677 Montgomery Highway. Call 588-4478 for more. Tameron Hyundai has been located at 1595 Montgomery Highway for four years, but the building was built in the 1970s. This spring, the building has undergone a complete renovation to make it as modern as the store’s merchandise. The grand opening is scheduled for May 1. Call 380-6250 for more.

Regus expands a fourth location Regus, a flexible workplace provider, will open its fourth full service business center in Birmingham in July. The new center is located at 2700 Corporate Drive. Regus operates more than 600 locations throughout the U.S. Businesses of all sizes can access customizable office space at locations

without an exhaustive search or long-term lease. Regus offers fully equipped offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms, and business lounges. For more, visit regus.com.

Baha Burger is back Baha Burger has returned to its old location on Chace Lake Circle. The change was made when Eric Finney took over ownership of the restaurant. “We are back and better than ever,” Finney said. “We encourage anyone who is a fan of the restaurant to visit and see all the changes we have made in such a short time.” The location became Riff Burgers when Baha Burger was sold. Finney and his brother, Greg Finney, bought the restaurant in February and have brought the atmosphere of Baha Burger back to its original home. Baha Burger is located at 4745 Chace Circle and can be reached at 682-6980.

Ross Bridge Cinco de Mayo A Cinco de Mayo fiesta will be held at Ross Bridge Golf Course on May 5. Guests can bring a sombrero and hit the course for only $80 plus tax. The first drink on the course is on the club. There will be special events and prizes throughout the day. You can also enter the $5 skins game if you want the challenge. Festive drinks and a special Mexican menu will be available at the Clubhouse afterward. Sign up now for a tee time between 1:303:30 p.m. on May 5 to participate. Contact Ross Bridge at 949-3089 or akalifeh@rtjgolf.com to reserve your spot.

Hoover Sun

Hoover Chamber of Commerce

May

events

May 2: Economic Development Committee. Chamber Office. 8:30 a.m. Visitors welcome. May 4: Celebrate Hoover Day. Rain date: May 5. Veteran’s Park. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 7: Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Tickets $20 through City of Hoover only. The Wynfrey Hotel, 7:30 a.m. Call 988-5672. May 9: Coffee and Contacts. BancorpSouth. 7:30-9 a.m. Call 4372770. May 15: Ambassador Meeting. Chamber Office. 4:30 p.m. Visitors welcome. May 16: Hoover Chamber Luncheon. Networking. 11:30 a.m., luncheon at noon. Reservations by May 13, $18. $20 without reservations. Hoover Country Club. May 23: Business after Hours. Baha Burger. 5:30-7 p.m. Call 6826980. May 28: Minority Business Council Meeting. Brown Bag Luncheon. Chamber Office. Noon. Visitors welcome.

HooverSun.com

May 2013 7

Read all the past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

Iron Tribe Fitness

Business Spotlight 2942 State Highway 150 733-5900 1581 Montgomery Highway 822-1234 irontribefitness.com

By MADOLINE MARKHAM

Iron Tribe manager Matt White gives the class a demonstration on the rings. Photo by Keith McCoy

The Hoover location on Montgomery Highway already has around 100 members, and the AL 150 location had 53 at the end of its first six weeks. Each gym can only have 300 members, and White estimates they will be full in another six month. He encouraged people to join soon. The center of each class is a high intensity Workout of the Day (WOD): running, rowing, Olympic lifting, power lifting, or some combination of those things. No two WODs are ever the same.

The regimen appeals to those who love competition. Everyone’s score from the workout is written on a marker board and is listed online. A male and a female winner are awarded each day. “We talk about performance, not aesthetics,” Walden said. “When you focus on performance, aesthetics come.” Those who come to Iron Tribe, especially female participants, gain confidence, according to Walden. A lot of people make career changes

because they start facing their fears. Others stop smoking. Everyone has newfound energy, he said. Although the workouts are intense, Iron Tribe does not cater to just young, in-shape athletes. They have more clients over age 45 than under and welcome business people and the stay-at-home moms and their families. Clients from age 6 to 72 complete exercises scaled to their levels. “It’s rare that someone doesn’t get a family member involved,”

Everyday is a competition at Iron Tribe Fitness. There are no treadmills or exercise bikes — just free weights, rowing machines, pull-up bars, and most importantly, a coach and team to drive the workouts. “You put forth more effort in five minutes of our workouts than most people do in 45-minute workouts,” owner Forrest Walden said. The gym opened two Hoover locations this year: Hoover (on Montgomery Highway) in January and then on Alabama 150 in March. “We saw the transformation [Iron Tribe was bringing] in the communities where we had locations, in Homewood, Mountain Brook, on 280 and Downtown Birmingham,” A: 150 Iron Tribe manager Matt White said. “A lot of our members had been asking us to create Iron Tribes in Hoover.” The new Hoover locations are also the largest and have the best quality equipment of all the Iron Tribe locations along with the same coaching you will find at any location, according to White. “We have tremendous people in our classes, both in terms of the community that is being built and the results we are seeing,” White said.

Walden said. “We have quite a few families where both spouses and their kids are involved.” Iron Tribe also encourages a Paleo Diet Lifestyle to go with the exercise: meats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. With a background as a personal trainer and in the fitness business, Walden discovered the Crossfit strength and conditioning program five years ago and started doing it out of his garage with friends. Building on his experience with Fitness Together franchises, he moved from his garage to build an innovative business model for the Crossfit experience. He started a Homewood gym in 2010 and has since opened locations around Birmingham. “It’s like a playground for adults,” Walden said. “I have never had anyone not say, ‘I feel like a kid again.’” Those new to Iron Tribe start with a 12-session, month-long Iron Tribe 101 class that teaches fundamental Crossfit workouts and the terminology used in the classes. “From there you can walk right into an Iron Tribe class,” Walden said. “I feel like everyone loses 20 pounds in that first month.” To get involved with Iron Tribe, call or go online to schedule an initial consultation.

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May 2013

Hoover Sun

Restaurant Showcase

The Boot at The Preserve

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

616 Preserve Parkway, Suite 112 978-8988 Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thebootatpreservevillage.vpweb.com

By NATHAN KELLY New Orleans Cajun meal or a classic Southern recipe? It’s a choice that might make you come back to The Boot more than once, or twice, or many more times. Executive Chef Chris Stone has worked from Miami to Dallas, and his eclectic menu likewise covers cultures across the Southeast. “When I created the menu, I wanted a splash of Southern and a splash of New Orleans,” he said. “We’ve got the right staff working with us and an overall menu that I’m very proud of.” The restaurant’s two most popular menu items — BBQ Shrimp NOLA and the Pimiento Cheese and Fried Green Tomato Sandwich — attest to that mix. The Boot also has a full bar. Its draft beer selection highlights craft beers from local Southeastern breweries like Good People, Back Forty, Avondale, Straight to Ale, Terrapin and NOLA Brewing from New Orleans. As temperatures rise, The Boot will add a Southwest Chicken Salad with fresh lime juice to its spring and summer menu, and Stone said he’s never tasted a chicken salad quite like it. Turkey and salmon burgers will also be added to the menu this year to give guests healthier options. No matter the season, The Boot uses

Executive Chef Chris Stone (right) serves up Southern and Cajun cuisine, including the popular Ground Chuck Burger with Peaches (above), from The Preserve. Photos by Nathan Kelly.

local vendors for all of its products. Its meat selection comes from steroid-free animals, according to Stone. Nestled among the residential areas of The Preserve, the restaurant boasts two patios for sunny days and an indoor

fireplace lit in the evenings. Inspired by the success of nearby events like Moss Rock Festival and The Preserve Jazz Festival, The Boot is adding more live music nights this year.

Since opening in 2011, Stone said he has frequently welcomed customers who have just finished hiking or rock climbing at the Moss Rock Nature Preserve; the front of the restaurant faces the park.

“We wanted to be off the beaten path when we were choosing a location to open,” Stone said. “Our location is a perfect place to feel like you’ve gotten away from the city but still are in driving distance from your home.”

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HooverSun.com

May 2013

Celebrations Usher

Mary and Alex Usher of Hoover will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on May 8. Mary Dison was born in Clay County and moved to Birmingham to work. Alexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister introduced her to Alex. The couple dated for about six months and married on May 8, 1948. Mary is retired from Alabama Power, and Alex is retired from U.S. Steel. Mary and Alex have one son, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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

Cheney - Clement

McCurdy - Strickler

Robert and Karen Cheney of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Samantha Paige Cheney, to Neil Richard Clement Jr., son of Neil and Meredith Clement of Birmingham. The bride-elect is a 2008 graduate of Spain Park High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts in middle school math and science with a missions minor at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga., where she played varsity volleyball. She is the granddaughter of Robert and Ann Cheney of Montgomery and Frank and Joyce Singletary of Orlando. The prospective groom received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and English with Biblical languages minor at Covenant College. He is the grandson of Richard and Ruth Clement of South Africa and Dorothy MeGahee of Birmingham. The wedding is planned for May 19 at American Village in Montevallo.

Mr. and Mrs. George Russell McCurdy Jr. of Montgomery announce the engagement of their daughter, Carrie Redding, to Howard Martin Strickler Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. Howard Martin Strickler of Hoover. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Voncille Redding and the late Joseph Albert Redding III of Montgonery and Mr. and Mrs. George Russell McCurdy of Montgomery. Ms. McCurdy is a 2007 graduate of Saint James School and graduated from The University of Alabama, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She currently resides in Birmingham and is employed by Murfee Meadows Inc. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John Otis Hunter of Houston, Ala., and the late Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Strickler of Berea, Ky. Mr. Strickler is a 2007 graduate of Spain Park High School and graduated from The University of Alabama, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Alabama. The wedding will be held on Aug. 3 at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery with a reception to follow at Wynlakes Country Club.

10 May 2013

Hoover Sun

Celebrating strides in the ﬁght against Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk Benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation May 18 Veterans Park

Maddie Hagler’s team gathers at last year’s Great Strides Walk at Veterans Park.

By REBECCA WALDEN On May 18, Veterans Park will be filled with kids crafts, Zumba dancing, clowns, music, food and a signature 5K as a part of the annual Great Strides Walk, sponsored by the Alabama chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. While held in Hoover, the event represents the CF community of greater Birmingham. Clay Hagler, principal of the Hagler & Brocato accounting firm on Valleydale Road, is participating this year as he has annually since 2006, when his oldest child, Maddie, was born with CF. “The walk provides the Cystic Fibrosis

community the necessary funds to battle the disease on many levels,” he said. “The money raised has helped develop life-changing drugs and therapies that have increased the average lifespan of Cystic Fibrosis patients from 14 years of age to their mid-30s. Not only are we battling the disease, but we are also assisting the local economy. Many of the research studies are performed in Birmingham at UAB (at the Gregory Fleming James CF Research Center) and Children’s Hospital.” UAB and Children’s also house the Foundation’s accredited care centers, which in total serve a combined CF population of 400 patients from across Alabama. That represents more than $10 million

reinvested back into Birmingham for CF research. Recently, Birmingham-led research efforts resulted in the development of Kalydec, approved by the FDA in January 2012. For the local families impacted by CF, these kinds of advances mean much more than abstract science. “When Eleanor, my niece, was first diagnosed, our family was devastated,” said CF Foundation Team Leader Deb Hamner. “Personally, I did not even know what CF was or how it affected people with the disease. After researching the disease and the CF Foundation, I quickly discovered the progress that has been made through the years. Drugs are being approved each year to help combat the disease. Doctors believe the cure may only be a few

Zumba instructor Cristina Rodriguez leads warm up activities at a previous CF race.

years from being a reality. I was so encouraged and it inspired me even more to do what I can to help. “Eleanor is such a blessing to our family. She is so full of life and has a wonderful personality. We are so blessed to have this precious girl and look forward to the day when we can tell her the cure has been found.” For more information about the race, including registration either as an individual or for a team, visit cff.org.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

From neighborhood party to festival fame The Preserve Jazz Festival scheduled for June 2

On the lineup Headliner: Spyro Gyra Spyro Gyra’s core and desire was never for strictly commercial purposes. There was no calculated effort to sell millions of records, sell out concerts throughout the world, and inspire a whole new generation of musicians seeking an eclectic road of their own. When Jay Beckenstein and Jeremy Wall first started jamming back in Buffalo, they did it because it was a blast, pure and simple. They made lyrical, jazzy music for a few folks at Jack Daniels and developed a high-energy live gig. One thing led to another, and suddenly, instrumental music was never quite the same.

Other Artists Rounding out this year’s great lineup is coheadliner and jazz pianist, Alex Bugnon with very special guest, Birmingham jazz guitarist Eric Essix. Making their festival debut, The Good Times Brass Band hits the PJF stage and kicking off this year’s festival is Birmingham jazz and classical ﬂutist Kim Scott.

By REBECCA WALDEN Building a music festival out of thin air is exactly what Jason Henderson, Preserve Jazz Festival founder and resident of The Preserve, accomplished when he and his family first moved into the neighborhood in 2006. “We actually hired Eric Essix and his band for a neighborhood outdoor fall event, and it went over great,” he said. That event led to a serendipitous conversation between Henderson and Essix, who casually mentioned that he’d always wanted to do a jazz festival. In Henderson’s view, The Preserve, with its spacious public green space, presented the perfect location for such an event. “The centerpiece of the neighborhood is our beautiful 10-acre park with the actual Preserve as the backdrop. The park has a slight slope and almost serves as a natural amphitheater. It’s a great setup for concerts.” Essix agreed, and 10 months later, the inaugural Preserve Jazz Festival took place. “Most people are pleasantly surprised that the event is held in a neighborhood,”

Festival goers set up to watch jazz performances at last year’s Preserve Jazz Festival.

said Henderson, who attributes the Festival’s year-over-year crowd growth to a consumer friendly culture. Patrons can bring their own food and beverages, and Festival organizers work closely with local sponsors and law enforcement to ensure a smooth and safe experience. “We could have never pulled this event off without the support of the City of Hoover,” Henderson said. “They have been great to work in every department: the police, fire, public works, transportation, the mayor’s office. They have been so supportive over the years and continue to be.” For their part, Henderson and Essix are also sharing the love. After the second the year they set up a foundation as a way to give back to the community. After paying the bills for the event,

HOOVER FITNESS 21 DAY

they award small grants to area schools, music groups, churches and others. “This event is not a big money maker as we both have kids, careers and day jobs,” Henderson said. “But even though it’s not typically a big sum of money, these grants may help pay for a band trip, new instruments or lessons for kids whose families might not be able to afford them.” 2013 also marks the third year that Henderson and Essix have held the Preserve Jazz Prelude, which takes place at Samford University the Saturday prior to the Festival. The event is a fundraising effort in support of the John Porter Minority Scholarship. Tickets for the 2013 Preserve Jazz Festival are available now at preservejazz.com. Ticket prices remain unchanged from 2012 and range

Before

from $40 (general admission) to $125 (VIP) plus a small Ticket Biscuit processing fee. An overnight jazz package is also available through Ross Bridge Resort & Spa, which includes hotel accommodations, breakfast, parking and festival general admission tickets. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Festival gates open to the general public at 3 p.m., with musical performances starting at 4 p.m. Attendees can once again park and ride for free from The Hoover Met (formerly Regions Park) on shuttle buses to and from the festival site. Riders must be able to hold all bags, coolers and other items with them on the bus ride. No public parking is allowed at the festival site. Bus service from Regions Park will run every 15 minutes or when the buses are full.

After

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12 May 2013

Hoover Sun

McSwain finally

‘Found the Gown’ By MEGAN SMITH In her first year and a half of marriage in 2004, Evelyn McSwain only saw her husband for a total of two weeks. As their wedding had approached, the couple received news U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin McSwain would be redeployed. So, to have more time together as a married couple, they tossed their plans out the window and chose a courthouse union. Evelyn tried to organize a wedding for their fiveyear anniversary in 2009, but that didn’t work out either. Kevin was deployed again. “You know when you want something so bad, but you don’t want to be disappointed,” she said. “That’s how I left.” Then, last summer while on a work trip in California, Kevin called and asked Evelyn about having a wedding. She was elated. At long last, the couple will walk down the aisle Feb. 21, 2014 — six days before their 10-year anniversary. “I told him it was not going to be a party,” McSwain said. “It was going to be how I wanted it the first time: bridesmaids, groomsmen, dresses – the whole thing.” A fan of wedding reality shows, McSwain’s dream wedding includes an appearance on a wedding show. She applied to all the ones she watches, and her wish

came true to be on TLC’s I Found the Gown. In January, she and three of her eight bridesmaids, daughter Moeshia Miles, sister-in-law Christina McSwain and friend Reshunda Gilbert, flew to Watertown, Mass., to shop at Vows Bridal Outlet for the show. As is often on the case on the show, finding the right gown came with the price of opinions. “I definitely didn’t like one gown, and I was not afraid to say so,” Miles said. McSwain said it was a little challenging not to take the critiques personally and to remain positive. Being criticized in a gown and how she looked in it brought doubts about her body image. But after four gowns and six hours of filming, including retakes and side interviews, McSwain found a Casablanca beaded ball gown 60 percent off retail price and knew it was the one. “I walked out and broke down and cried like a baby,” McSwain said. “The reality hit me in that moment, ‘We’re really doing this. This is your dress.’” The McSwains have invited 150 guests to the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel for their vow renewal ceremony. “I’m really glad she’s finally getting a wedding,” Miles said. “Good things are happening, and she deserves everything that’s coming to her.” TLC’s I Found the Gown episode featuring McSwain will air May 10 at 9 p.m.

Evelyn McSwain tries on a wedding dress while shopping during the filming of TLC’s I Found the Gown. Photo courtesy of TLC.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

Community

A magical book adventure coming to the Library

Troop 531 creates ‘Loving Library’

Last year’s summer reading kicked off with super heroes; this year the Library will be transformed into a land of popular children’s books. Phot o courtesy of Hoover Public Library.

Booklandia will officially kick off Hoover Public Library’s Summer Reading Program on Friday, May 17 from 7-9 p.m. The evening will feature summer reading program registration, entertainment, crafts, snacks and games. “Booklandia coincides with Children’s Book Week (May 13-19), so we are piggy backing on that to create a special, one of a kind magical kickoff,” said Assistant Library Director Amanda Borden. “We’re transforming the library into one big book adventure.” According to Borden, the Library’s downstairs area will invite kids to step into the Wizard of Oz. Meanwhile, the Plaza will turn into Narnia, the Teen Department into the City of Bones and the Children’s

Department into a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Fans of Maurice Sendak should be sure to visit the preschool room, which will be remade under the Booklandia theme to represent Where the Wild Things Are. Each “book land” will feature roaming characters, crafts, snacks, or games from the books. “As in years past, kids, teens and adults can read for fun all summer long and earn prizes just for doing so,” said Borden. Fans of the Library’s children’s curriculum also have much to look forward to after Memorial Day. Borden said theatre shows will run seven times each week starting following the holiday. -Submitted by Hoover Public Library

Junior Girl Scout Troop 531 members

Junior Girl Scout Troop 531 earned its bronze award by creating a “Loving Library” for Children’s of Birmingham. The Bronze award is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve. The troop donated a mobile cart, as well as a variety of books, for all ages to the Oncology Unit. The cart will be taken from room to room, and patients will be allowed to choose a book to keep. In order to supply books, the troop held several book drives at three local schools and a day care center, collecting both new and used books. Due to health concerns, only new books can be donated to Children’s of Alabama, but the Scouts were able

to trade in used books for cash. and purchase new ones. As part of the project, Troop 531 created a logo that was used to make labels. These labels were placed inside each book to give the child a place to write his or her name. They have set up an email address for anyone who might be interested in donating to this cause. They will continue to assist in stocking books for the cart. The email address is troop531girlscouts@gmail.com. Troop 531 members are Juliana Craft, Heather Hancock, Liv Heywood, Olivia Hofmann, Angie Morales, Mya Rumph, Shelby Self, Hannah Villani and Katherine Wright.

14 May 2013

Hoover Sun

Scouts learn about glucose with Miss Hoover

Riverchase Loves Artists art show a success

Barbara Traywick, Jill Miller and Paula Campbell at Riverchase Loves Artists.

This spring, members of the Riverchase Women’s Club hosted its seventh annual charity art show, representing more than 30 artists from Alabama who have been selected for their unique and outstanding art. This has become one of the most respected

art shows in the state. Proceeds from the event support the work of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, The Amelia Center and The Exceptional Foundation. For more, contact Susan Atwood at 991-5566.

Harmony Giddens named ﬁnalist in National American Miss

Hoover’s Harmony Giddens, age 4, will represent Alabama as a finalist in the National American Miss pageant Princess division in June. Harmony enjoys playing T-ball, singing and dancing, as well as watching the Disney Channel and playing dress-up. She is the daughter of Erik and Tonisia Giddens.

Third grader to compete in state pageant Miss Hoover Briana Kinsey teaches members of Girl Scout Troop 208 about glucose.

In March Girl Scout Troop 208 got a science lesson from Miss Hoover, Briana Kinsey while earning their Daring to Defeat Diabetes patch. They took part in experiments to learn about glucose, osmosis and diffusion, and the roles of the pancreas and insulin in the body. “The Girl Scouts were so excited about being in the lab and learning all about the science of glucose,” Kinsey said. “They were so engaged and did not want

the program to end.” The program was part of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative, which seeks to ensure girls are educated in STEM-related fields to give them an edge when competing for an increasing number of STEM-related jobs. STEM topics help girls develop problemsolving, critical thinking and collaborative skills.

Madison E. Lee, age 8, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Alabama Pageant to be held June 6-8 in Montgomery. Madison, a third grader at Shades Mountain Elementary School, will compete in the Junior Pre-Teen age division, along with other young ladies from across the state. Madison’s activities include tap and ballet dance, cheerleading, reading, drawing and playing with friends. She loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses and air transportation to compete in the National Pageant in California, where

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Madison Lee

she will receive a complimentary tour of Hollywood and two VIP tickets to Disneyland.

The National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to celebrating America’s future leaders and equipping them with lifelong skills. Each year the pageant nationally awards more than $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and other prizes. All activities and competitions are kept age-appropriate. Girls under the age of 12 are not allowed to wear make-up, and there is no swimsuit competition. The Pageant program is based on inner-beauty, as well as poise and presentation. Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, as well as setting and achieving personal goals.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

Arts Alliance displays SPHS student’s work in new gallery

Annabelle DeCamillis, right, poses with her mother, Dori, next to her painting titled “Paradise” during a reception honoring the Spain Park senior at the Hoover Municipal Complex in April. Photo by Jeff Thompson.

By JEFF THOMPSON Spain Park senior Annabelle DeCamillis’ artwork is now on display in the Hoover Municipal Complex lobby as the first artist featured by the Hoover Arts Alliance in its new gallery. She is also the 2013 recipient of the Signature Homes/ Hoover Arts Alliance art scholarship and was recognized by the Hoover City Council during a meeting in April. The Alliance, in its sixth year of operation, created the gallery in the Complex at the suggestion of Gene Smith, Alliance president Linda Chastain said. Work by local artists is slated to rotate after

being on display for about a month. Alliance members said DeCamillis’ work will be featured until shortly before graduation in May. “I put my life into these,” DeCamillis said of her work on display. “I think it’s worth seeing.” DeCamillis has been celebrated across the country. She was awarded a gold medal at the 2012 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and her winning painting was chosen to be on exhibit at the U.S. Department of Education. She was most recently chosen as a YoungArts finalist and scholarship recipient, which sent her to Miami for to study with world-renowned artists and exhibit her paintings at the Miami Museum of Art.

Rep. DeMarco addresses Shades Crest Garden Club

Front row: Bernice Peterson, Nell Hayes, Jo Gardner. Back row: Marie Taylor, Clara Murphy, Suzy Purvis, Paul DeMarco, Gwen Eblen, Sharon Klug, President, Becky Blair, Dot Sanderson.

The monthly meeting of Shades Crest Garden Club was held in March with special guest Rep. Paul DeMarco. DeMarco talked about state and political issues in language club members said they could all understand. He was elected to

the Alabama House of Representatives for the Jefferson County District. After his presentation, the club treated him to a potluck lunch. Shades Crest Garden Club was founded in 1934 and is a very active organization.

Events to commemorate Civil Rights Movement To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, Hoover Public Library is offering three special programs this month. On May 21 at 7 p.m., Birmingham News reporter Barnett Wright, author of 1963: How the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Changed America and the World, will discuss the book, and a book signing will follow. In addition, on May 14 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., there will be a special screening of the PBS documentary Freedom Riders. The film examines the impact of a group of students who boarded a bus headed for the Deep South and their efforts to bring America face-to -face with

the nation’s civil rights inequities. Finally, patrons, both adults and children, can make an origami crane from repurposed paper. Inspired by a display of cranes at New York’s 9/11 Tribute Center, area community members are working to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing by creating a similar display in Birmingham. Cranes will be donated to the local art project. This activity will be in the Nonfiction Department all day on Thursday, May 9, all day. All these programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. For more visit hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7800.

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16 May 2013

Hoover Sun

Scout leads project to support Sav-A-Life

Lady Legacy Scholarship Foundation committee members

Hoover Ladies Golf Association announces Lady Legacy Scholarship Foundation The Lady Legacy Scholarship Foundation, an extension of the Ladies Birmingham Golf Association and a project of the Hoover Ladies Golf Association, offers grant funds to metropolitan middle school and

high school girl’s golf teams. Also, the Foundation is actively recruiting scholarship recipients for college-bound women with an interest in golf who plan to attend an Alabama college. If you know

of candidates for these programs, please contact Kathy Babin, Hoover Country Club Ladies Golf Association Lady Legacy Representative, at 985-7310 or rklmoo@charter.net.

Hoover represented in Drum Corps International This summer, four current and one former Hoover High School Band member will march prestigious Drum Corps International Drum and Bugle Corps. Joe Berry, Brent Dunn and Elliot Davis will be marching Music City Drum and Bugle Corps of Nashville. They are an Open Class corps, touring the country from July

to August, with their championships concluding in Michigan City, Ind. MCDC has been in the top ten for that division for the last five years. Danny Moore will march The Cadets out of Allentown, Penn. They are a world-class corps touring the country from mid-June to mid -August, with their championships concluding in Indianapolis, Ind.

The Cadets have won the World Championship five times in their history. Danny currently attends Jacksonville State University, which Brent will be attending this fall. Elliot and Joe head to Alabama. HHS graduate Katie Palmer is also marching Bugel for MCDC. The others are drummers.

Rachel Higginbotham, a senior at Hoover High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, Hats for Hope. Her project focused on supporting the women served by Sav-A-Life in Vestavia. She taught her peers and others how to crochet baby hats and then donated them to the organization. She hoped that women who seek out Sav-A-Life for support when they have an unplanned pregnancy would be encouraged by the hats when they see how the community cares about them. At the end of November 2012, she had donated 75 caps, exceeding her goal of 50. She and her group are continuing the project into the future to provide more expecting mothers with the caps.

Rachel Higginbotham

“By giving them something handmade, they are reminded that the community cares about them and their child,” said Rachel. “Hopefully, they will look forward to having their baby wear it one day.”

Hunter Street preparing for Colossal Coaster World VBS Hunter Street Baptist Church will hold Colossal Coaster World at Summer Quest Vacation Bible School June 3-7 for all boys and girls completing grades 1-6. You don’t have to be a church member to attend. Through every twist, turn, and dive, Colossal Coaster World at Summer Quest will challenge kids to face their fears and trust God. As amusement park visitors at Colossal Coaster World, kids will learn about Biblical truth and how it applies to everyday life. Activities include crafts and recreation, small group

Bible study, music and worship. Colossal Coaster World will meet the week of June 3-7 at Hunter Street, 2600 John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-noon on Friday. Colossal Coaster World is free, but children must be registered to attend. Parents are encouraged to register online at HunterStreet.org or in the Church Office. For more information, contact the Church Office, 985-7295, or visit HunterStreet.org.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

School House

Arbor Day Highlights Shades Mountain Elementary

Trace Crossings Students at Trace Crossings Elementary celebrated Arbor Day by planting a High Bush Blueberry Bush. Hoover Beautification Board member Mike Zarichnak spoke about how planting more than one bush allows plants to cross-pollinate and produce fruit. The following students read aloud a poem about trees:  Dominic Renda  Madison McAdams  Emarie Price  Haley Colby  A’Kerria Hubbard Three fourth-grade students who entered the Arbor Day Essay contest read their essays aloud:  Annabelle Clayborne read about her favorite tree, the Bradford Pear.  Dawson Rye read about his favorite tree, the Hickory Tree.  Carlton Purcell, who earned Honorable Mention, read about his favorite tree, the Chinese Cherry Tree. The ceremony concluded with the planting of the blueberry bush outside, where City Forester Colin Conner led students in reciting the Arbor Day Pledge.

Bluff Park Elementary students named among Finley award recipients

Shades Mountain Elementary students plant a tree on Arbor Day.

Each year fourth grade teachers Arlene Harman and Michelle Glenn celebrate Arbor Day with their students by planting a tree at the school. This year’s tree was the first tree to be planted on the school’s newly finished sports field. The City of Hoover Beautification Board donated a Bald Cypress, and Board members Mike Zarichnak and Roberta Atkinson were on-hand to

help celebrate the tree planting. Students learned the importance of planting a tree at the correct depth and to cut circling roots. Then, they grabbed their shovels to fill the dirt and lay pine straw around the newly planted tree. As part of the festivities, class winners for the Arbor Day Essay contest read their essays about their favorite tree in Hoover.

Simmons Middle School Simmons Middle School celebrated its Arbor Day with the planting of a Native Crabapple Tree. The school’s Conservation Club served as a sponsor of the event, along with leadership from second

grade math teacher Kim Heitkam and second grade science teacher Chris White. The history of Arbor Day was read by Clayton Schock, an Arbor Day Greeting Poem was read by

Charlie Steele and a story about Arbor Day was read by Walker Peoples. Hoover City Forester Colin Conner then showed the students how to plant a tree. All the students

participated in shoveling dirt and the placement of the pine straw around the tree. The ceremony concluded with all students reciting the Arbor Day Pledge.

Finley Award Winners. Back row: Georgia Anderson (third grade), Anna Lane Elmore (fourth grade) and Noel Ponder (ffith grade). Front row: Brady Sheppard (kindergarten), Cole Clark (first grade) and Garrett Jackson (second grade).

Six Bluff Park Elementary students were named Finely Award Character Education nominees this year. Each year, Hoover honors Coach Bob Finley, a former Athletic Director at Berry High School who exemplified great character. A Hoover employee and a senior student from each Hoover high school are selected as Finley award recipients for best displaying characteristics of Coach Finley. Each Hoover school also selects students who show good character by selecting Character Education nominees. Teachers and staff select nominees for each grade level in elementary school.

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18 May 2013

Hoover Sun

Top Hoover seniors ready for next step Dion Hagan Spain Park High School

What are your college and career aspirations? I’m planning on going to Harvard University. I don’t really know what I’m planning to do yet. I’m planning on either going into medicine, or completely different with finance. I’ve always wanted to do medicine because the human body has always interested me, and I have an interest in helping people. On the other hand, Harvard’s resources are unparalleled with finance. I feel like I could take my career much further in that way. What one thing on your college application helps you stand out? I play the cello, I don’t know if that helps. I do a lot of community service as well. When you’re 50 and you look back at yourself as a teenager, what characteristic will you remember most? Determination. Any of the goals I’ve put forward for myself, I’ve accomplished almost all of them. What can aspiring grads learn from you? Never sell yourself short. Believe in yourself, don’t listen to people telling you that you can’t do things. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. What did you recently learn from someone younger than you? My brother is much better at time management than I am. As soon as we get home, he starts doing his homework and he’s

done at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. I wait until 11 p.m. or midnight to even begin. What do you remember most about freshman year? I remember the seniors that year. I looked up to them as role models. A lot of the seniors showed me the way. Who was your most inspirational teacher? My most inspirational teacher was Mr. (Craig) Thompson, the AP U.S. History teacher. He took the history and taught us the background behind it. He made us think about the global aspect of it. He talks about ethics, aesthetics and other things that he wasn’t necessarily required to teach us, but he felt like it would help us as a person. How do you feel about gym class? I personally think it’s stupid. I don’t feel like it actually does anything. It’s a state requirement that looks good on paper, but it doesn’t actually produce any results. What’s the study secret to your success? Pay attention in class, because if you don’t pay attention in class you have to work harder. To be quite honest, I didn’t actually do a lot of studying outside of class, but I did a lot of paying attention in class. If you could go back in time, what year would you visit? As an African American, 1964 and the Civil Rights Movement. My parents and grandparents tell me all these different stories; it would be cool to get that perspective.

Susmitha Yarrabothula Hoover High School

What are your college and career aspirations? I haven’t decided just yet. As of now, I’d like to major in biomedical engineering and minor in international studies. My big goal is to work with the World Health Organization. What one thing on your college application helps you stand out? I am one of the founding members of the debate team, and I’ve been the captain for three years. That helps me stand out as someone who is dedicated to what she wants to do, and also as a leader. When you’re 50 and you look back at yourself as a teenager, what characteristic will you remember most? My resolve. While I do like to have fun and hang out with my friends like a normal teenager, I ultimately know that in the long term that what I do now will affect me in the rest of my life. What’s been your favorite part of HHS? I really love the school spirit. As dedicated as we are to sports, I feel like there could be a little more focus on academics. However, I love the way the school bonds over a football game. It’s more school spirit than I’ve seen at any other space.

›› Read full interviews online at hooversun.com

What did you recently learn from someone younger than you? On the debate team we have so many intelligent people, from freshmen to seniors. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to just say what’s on your mind. Don’t be afraid or nervous of who’s around you. What’s the study secret to your success? My study secret would be to pay attention in school so you don’t have to work so much after school. You can retain more information by just paying attention at school. If you could go back in time, what year would you visit? I would visit 1965 because I feel like there was a cultural revolution at that time, especially in America. There was so much going on in the rest of the world, too. If the U.S. revoked your citizenship, where would you start your new life? Actually I don’t have a U.S. citizenship, but I would move back to India. I grew up in the United States, but India is my home country and I love the culture there. There’s so much to do. If you were given $1,000,000 and forced to spend it in a day, what would you buy? Clothes. I would buy out an entire store full of clothes. Unless I can give to charity because the clothing option would just make me selfish. What will walking across that stage mean to you? It will mean that four years of hard work have finally paid off. I’ll be very nervous, too, because I’d have to give a speech.

HooverSun.com

May 2013

South Shades Crest students participate in Chess Championship

Hoover High student serves as page

In March three students from South Shades Crest Elementary had the opportunity to participate in the 2013 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship in Madison, Ala. On the first day all three students participated in the individual tournament. David Lou, a fourth grader who takes chess lessons online, had three wins, two draws and no losses, earning him a third place finish in the state in the elementary division for fourth through sixth grades. William Wolfe, a member of the Knight School, and Eshika Kudarvalli, a member of Chess Kids Nation, both second graders, had three wins and two losses each in the primary division for kindergarten through third grade. The next day, Eshika and William

Kennan Gawlowicz spent three days serving in the State House of Representatives earlier this spring. She was sponsored as a page by Rep. Paul DeMarco. Her experience included two days serving on the house floor during full day sessions and one day serving in multiple house committee meetings. Kennan has been a Hoover resident since July 2005. She runs varsity cross country for Hoover High and is on track and field team. Chess players William Wolfe, David Lou and Eshika Kudarvalli.

both earned spots on their chess school teams and competed in the club team tournament. Eshika played for one of the Chess Kids Nation teams, and

William played for one of the Knight School teams. Eshika’s team placed first in the state for club team play in the primary division.

Hoover schools come together for My Furry Valentine event In February the Wholesome Pet Market sponsored My Furry Valentine, which benefited Have A Heart Animal Rescue and Sugarbelle Foundation. Volunteer students from Brocks Gap Intermediate School, Bumpus Middle School and Hoover High School came out to wash dogs. More than 40 baths were given. Funds raised for Have A Heart Animal Rescue provided micro-chipping for 23 dogs. Brian Batista Photography was on hand to take

photographs, and people voted all day on the pets in the My Furry Valentine Contest. Belle, a pointer mix who was adopted from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, won first place. She is loved by the Hines Family. Niki, a 4 year old who was rescued from the streets by Memphis Pitbull Safehaven, won second place. Niki is loved by Debbie Smith. For more visit haveaheartanimalrescue. com or sugarbellefoundation. weebly.com.

Rep. Paul DeMarco and Kennan Gawlowicz.

Brock’s Gap celebrates pi Dr. Montgomery’s math class at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School investigated pi on pi day, March 14. Caitlin Renda, a fifth grader, won a pi reciting contest for naming 64 digits in front of her classmates. The class measured the circumference and diameter of many round items and used calculators to see if they could come up with 3.14. They also ate pie!

Area students volunteer at the My Furry Valentine event.

Caitlin Renda recited 64 digits of pi.

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20 May 2013

Hoover Sun

Sports Spain Park girls win area title

Front row: Amanda Gaston, Ashley Gaston, Takia Mickens, Denise Newton, Kelsie Williams, Carly Rains. Back row: Coach Shields, Coach Eric Steinert, Elizabeth Philpot, Christen Craig, Denisha Morgan, Victoria Baldwin, Keyasha Gordon, Coach Mike Chase, Coach Bolton.

Spain Park HS Girl’s Basketball 20122013 Varsity team won the Class 6A,

Area 8 title and made an appearance at the Sweet 16 tournament in Montgomery.

8U team wins District The Hoover 8U allstar basketball team won the ARPA District 3 tournament recently by defeating Homewood and Birmingham. The team also advanced to the Final Four in the ARPA state tournament on by defeating Meridianville and Mobile. Hoover was defeated by eventual state champion, Eufala, 34-27 in the Final Four, but the team gave the champions their toughest challenge of the tournament. Front row: Davison Dover, Jake Traffanstedt, Julian Gilstrap, Jackson Cunningham, Brady Edwards. Back row: Coach Brian Hatch, Evan Reeder, Jake Hatch, Nishant Gopalachar, Sathvik Prahadeeswaran, Brodin Grady, Coach Jody Gilstrap. Photo courtesy of Vance Traffanstedt.

Hoover High Girls Tennis advances to state tourney Hoover High School Girls Tennis placed second in the 6A, Section 5 Tournament at the Pelham Tennis Center and advanced to the play in state tournament in Mobile. In singles, Courtney Schrock won the No. 1 seed, Julianna Dinsmore won the No. 4 seed and Hallie Lee was No. 2 seed runner-up.

In doubles, Courtney Schrock and Hallie Lee won the No. 1 seed, and Radhika Patel and Hannah Soni were No. 3 seed runners-up. Team members are Madison Bamman, Abbey Deffenbaugh, Julianna Dinsmore, Hallie Lee, Rebekah Odle, Radhika Patel, Bria Poe, Courtney Schrock, Hannah Soni, Layne Tosney and Meredith Vines.

Hoover High School Tennis Team

HooverSun.com

May 2013

BASEBALL

CONTINUED from page 1 Jeff and Brittnie Wilbanks traveled to India a year ago to adopt their daughter, Bella. Photos courtesy of the Wilbanks family.

WILBANKS

CONTINUED from page 1 was overwhelmed to hear more than 147 million children worldwide are orphans. At first, she didn’t think she could make a difference. Then, she realized that even with one adoption, she could make a difference to that child. “We realized the Lord was pressing our hearts,” Brittnie said. “We had plenty of room in our home and in our hearts to adopt. We felt it was a calling.” Initially, Brittnie and her husband Jeff, biological parents of boys Jonah, 15 and Jadon, 11, wanted to bring home a newborn girl. That is, until they heard statistics about older children aging out of programs and losing the opportunity for adoption. They also heard stories of 8- or 9-year-old girls going missing from programs or being sold to human trafficking rings. “We realized that our daughter could be there and she could be one of those girls,” Brittnie said. “That was an awakening for us. It really fueled the adoption and we were

willing to go for older children.” Their agency matched them with a 7 year old from Aizawl, India, and they signed the papers to be her parents. A year and a half later, Bella was a member of the Wilbanks family. Brittnie, her husband, Jeff, their son Jonah and a family friend who had previously lived in India flew more than 8,000 miles to meet their daughter. “We made eye contact for the first time, and I knew it was worth it all,” Brittnie said. Until that point, Brittnie added, the adoption hadn’t been a reality. “It had been a dream and then – bam, you’re not thinking, planning and hoping anymore. It was a huge step of commitment to realize ‘I don’t know her, but I love her and I want to take care of her-I get to take this on.’” After four years of anticipation, Brittnie said her sons bonded quickly with Bella, but there were challenges along the way. They’ve had to remind Bella that she’s there to stay and she doesn’t have to be in “survival mode” anymore. But they’ve overcome each obstacle and grown together as a family.

“We realized that Christians are adopted by God into his family,” Wilbanks said. “Why not turn around and adopt someone into our own?” Even though Bella was just one of millions of orphans worldwide, the Wilbanks have provided her with a home and family, parents, siblings, a live-in grandmother and even a dog, and that has made a difference to her. May 5 marks the first anniversary of Bella’s new life with her forever family.

“My personal season has not been at all how I’ve wanted it to be,” he said. “Things are starting to pick up on a team level, though. We’re trying to think one game, one series at a time and hopefully we’ll get [to the championship].” Auburn wasn’t the only place that had interest in Gillikin coming out of high school. The 2012 Hoover Area Player of the Year committed to Auburn early on in high school, and never wavered on that commitment. However, he was nearly chosen in the first round of the MLB draft by both the Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks, and eventually turned down a secondround offer from the Chicago Cubs to play in one of the most elite leagues in college sports. “Being able to play in the SEC is special,” he said. “They treat us like big-leaguers when we’re on the road. The atmosphere and talent are special.” Less than a year removed from wrapping up his stellar career at Hoover, Gillikin has been comfortable at Auburn since his first day as a Tiger. “Nothing about Auburn has come as a surprise to me,” he said. “I came in more prepared than I need to be. Hoover prepared me for the next level, no doubt about it.” For four other SEC baseball players, a berth in the conference tournament would also be a return home to Hoover. Mississippi State’s Sam Frost, a 2009 graduate of Hoover, was a member of the Bulldog team that left the Met last year as conference champions. Mikey White and Colton Freeman, both from Spain Park High School, are freshmen at Alabama. While Freeman is sitting out for the year, White has started every game for the Tide infield and held a .236 batting average as of April 18. Chris Ellis, also a Spain Park grad, is in his second year as a pitcher at Ole Miss. Ellis had a 5-2 career record as of April 18 with the Rebels. Gillikin hopes, like the four other Hoover products playing SEC baseball, that he gets to come back home and help his team win a conference championship. He knows getting there won’t come easily, but with his help, Auburn is looking to rise to the occasion and make it to its fourth straight appearance in the SEC championship tournament, which will be held May 21-26. “I learned at Hoover to play the game hard,” Gillikin said. “Do the right things on and off the field. If you play hard, good things will happen.”

22 May 2013

Community Calendar Comedy Club Stardome stardome.com 444-0008 May 1-2: Drew Thomas May 3-5: Dominique May7-9, 12: Mike Speenburg May 10, 17: Open Mic Night

Hoover Events May 1-5: Decorator’s ShowHouse. 2082 Royal Fern Lane, Riverchase. Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Parking and shuttle pickup at Riverchase United Methodist Church. Visit showhouse-al.com.

Special events and prizes throughout day. Clubhouse will offer special Mexican menu and drinks. Tee time between 1:30-3:30 p.m. Call 949-3089. May 5-8: Gospel Conference. Hunter Street Baptist Church. Open to community. Registration required. Visit HunterStreet.org/go.

May 2: Art Exhibitions in the Gallery: Artist William Thomas “Meet the Artist Reception.” 5-7 p.m. Aldridge Art Gallery. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

May 8: Silver, Gold and Amber Book Signing. Book written by a 4th Grade class at Deer Valley Elementary. Barnes and Noble, Patton Creek. 6-7:30 p.m.

May 10-11 17,18: James Gregory

May 3: Book signing of Images of America: Bluff Park by Heather Skaggs. The Boot at Preserve Village. 7 p.m.

Moonlight on the Mountain

May 4: 2nd Annual Making Tracks for Celiacs 5K/1 Mile Fun Run. Includes World of Gluten Free Vendor Fair and Family Friendly Picnic. 8 a.m. Hoover Met.

moonlightonthemtn.com

May 11: Seth Glier and Liz Longley

May 4: Hail to Hydrangea! Aldridge Gardens. Master Gardener and Hydrangea Propagator David Doggett will present and explain various types of hydrangeas and provide guidance on plant care. Tickets $12, $15 nonmembers. Call 682-8019.

May 16: Kenny Vaughan Trio and Amy McCarley ($15)

May 4: Celebrate Hoover Day. (Rain date, May 5) Veteran’s Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

May 9-11: 11th Annual Spring Hydrangea Sale. Members only preview sale, May 9, 4-7 p.m. May 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and May 11, 9 a.m.-noon. Aldridge Gardens. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

May 17: James Harwell CD Release Benefit: A Moonlight Benefit! ($10)

May 4: Birding in the Gardens. 8-10 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Class size limited to 15, members only, free. Registration required. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

May 10: Trace Crossings Variety Show. Donations benefit Trace Crossings Library. 6 p.m. Trace Crossings Elementary School.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Ross Bridge Golf Course. $80 plus tax, and first drink is free. $5 skins game.

May 10-12: Bama Bash Baseball Tournament. More than 40 baseball games. Free, donations accepted at Spain

May 6: Open Mic Night May 10: Grant Peeples and Dejavudu

May 18: The Dill Pickers May 20: Open Mic Night

Hoover Sun

May 9: Book Signing for Images of America: Bluff Park by Heather Skaggs. Aldridge Botanical Gardens, 4-7 p.m. May 9: Hoover Service Club Meeting. Scholarship Awards program and installation of New Officers. Spain Park and Hoover High students will be awarded scholarships and six middle school students will be provided monetary awards.

Park Athletic Complex as part of Magic City Baseball’s charity fundraiser. Visit scorebook.com/baseball. May 13: Friends of Hoover Meeting. Guest speaker will be Shawn Raney, head football coach of Spain Park High School. 11 a.m. The Egg & I. May 18: Great Strides Walk. Supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Alabama. Veteran’s Park, 8 a.m. May 18: Hoover Historical Society. Meet artists on the Bluff Cafetorium. Program: In observance of Armed Forces Day, Lindsey Murdock will perform patriotic music with trumpet solos. 1:30 p.m. May 21-26: SEC Baseball Tournament. Hoover Met. Visit secdigitalnetwork.com. May 23: New Member Brunch. Hoover Senior Center, 10 a.m. May 28: Horizons Luncheon. Hoover Senior Center, 11 a.m. May 31: Free Friday Flicks. Veteran’s Park. June 1-2: 11th Annual Art in the Gardens. Juried Art Show for Alabama Artists. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit aldridgegardens.com. June 2: Preserve Jazz Festival. The Preserve, main neighborhood green space. 4 p.m. Visit preservejazz.com. June 5: Hot Rod Power Tour. Hoover Met. June 7: Free Friday Flicks. Veteran’s Park.

May 24: The Wildwood Ruminators

Community Events

May 25: Corey Nolen May 29: Craig Hultgren “15 Minutes of Face” ($10/$5 students) May 30: Alice & The New Delta Payroll ($10) May 31: Chuck Brodskey June 1: Shades Mountain Air All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and have $12 admission unless otherwise specified. Open Mic Night is $5.

May 4: Birmingham Ballet Presents Artist’s Palette. BJCC. Tickets $25, $35, $45. Visit birminghamballet.com/ artistspalette.htm.

May 18: Women on the Move to Improve Women’s Health 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Lakeshore Greenway. 8 a.m. Visit adph.org/owh or facebook.com/WomensHealth5k

May 5, 12, 19: Wedding Singer Sunday Buffet. Buffet: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Show: 2 p.m. at RMTC Cabaret Theatre. Call 324-2424. Reservations must be 72 hours in advance.

May 18-19: Great Southern Gun & Knife Show. BJCC, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Visit greatsoutherngunshow.com.

May 11: 2013 Spring Walking Tour Series: Five Points. Vulcan Park and Museum. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Visit Facebook. com/events/137086749791261/

May 21: A Fiddler’s Tale. Samford University and Patty McDonald present Concertmaster & Friends. 7:30 p.m. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

June 1: 4th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival. Debardeleben Park, 1-9 p.m. Tickets $8 before, $12 at gate, 12-under free. Portion of proceeds will benefit The Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation and Hands On Birmingham.

May 11: Girls on the Run 5K. Begins at Marconi Park. 8 a.m. Visit girlsontherunbham.org.

May 22: Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Spring Luncheon and “Purses, Etc.” Vestavia Hills Country Club.

June 5-9: Regions Tradition. Shoal Creek. Visit regionstradition.com.

Reservations by May 15, $35. Call Gail Wood at 591-1414. May 31: The Seasoned Performers 45-minute Make ‘em Laugh. $15 tickets include wine and cheese reception. 2 p.m. at Birmingham Festival Theatre. Call 978-5095.

The Power to Perform

Your Sports Injury Specialists Dr. Geoffrey Connor

Connor

1651 Independence Ct., Suite 211 Birmingham, AL 35209 www.d1sportsdocs.com www.facebook.com/D1sportsmedicine

@ D1_SportsDoc

Vendors & Consignors Welcome

SPORTS MEDICINE & ORTHOPEDICS 205.803.3700

Decorating & Upholstery Services Available

We have over 70 Vendors with new merchandise arriving daily. 5475 Highway 280 Birmingham, AL • 205-995-4773 Open: Monday - Saturday 10 - 6 and Sundays 1 - 5.

HooverSun.com

May 2013 23

Community Calendar Live Entertainment

Library Events May 3: Friends Of The Library Annual Luncheon and Installation of Officers. Creekside Tavern. 11 a.m.1- p.m. For reservations, call 425-2176. May 4: The Library Theatre Presents Edwin McCain. 4 p.m., 8 p.m. $25. May 5: Coffee Tastings @ The Plaza. 2:30 p.m. Enjoy Mexican foods And coffee. May 6: Nook Simple Touch Class. 6:30 p.m. Theatre Level Meeting Room. May 6: Nook HD/HD+ Class. 7:30 p.m. Theatre Level Meeting Room. May 7: Easy Tax Planning For Your Small Business. Reservations required. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Theatre Level Meeting Room.

May 9: Origami Cranes from Repurposed Paper. Nonfiction Department. Activity inspired by crane display at N.Y. 9/11 Tribute Center. Cranes will be donated to the commemoration of 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing. May 9: Playing @ The Plaza: Chuck King. Trumpeter and vocalist to perform an evening of jazz classics with his band. 6:30 p.m.

Painting and Mixed Media, taught by Rik Lazenby. $120 per month. Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9 a.m.- noon or 5:308:30 p.m. for adults; Wednesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. for ages 13-18. Contact Rik at 281-5273,or visit.lazenbystudio.com. Maison Blanche “La Craie” Furniture Paint Class, taught by Rik Lazenby. All supplies and sample pieces will be provided for class. $125 per class. Class will be five hours long. Saturday, May 4 beginning at 11 a.m. Contact Rik at 281-5273, or visit lazenbystudio.com. Acrylic Painting, taught by Jayne Morgan. $40 per

Iron Horse Cafe

May 19: Instrumentalists @ The Plaza: Vann Burchfield, Saxophonist. 2:30 p.m.

ironhorsecafe.net 978-5599

May 20: Monday At The Movies: Grease. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Free admission and refreshments. The Library Theatre.

May 2: Parabelle w/ Screaming for Silence, A Memory Down,

May 21: Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham. Library Theatre Meeting Rooms, 7 p.m.

Reaping Monday, and Oceans

May 11: You Can Do It @ The Plaza: Paint Like A Pro. Jones-Warren Construction And Home Depot will lead. May 11: Purl @ The Plaza. Bring your own yarn and knit, crochet or embroider. 3-5 p.m.

May 24: Free Friday Flix: Wreck-It Ralph. 6:30 p.m. The Library Theatre

May 6: Smile Empty Soul, Hurt,

May 14: PBS documentary ‘Freedom Riders.’ Library Theatre, 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

May 31: After Hours @ The Plaza: Game Nite. Free beer tastings provided by Good People Brewing Company; ID

May 7: Karaoke

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, May 7-28, 9 a.m.-noon; Wednesdays, May 8-29, 9 a.m.-noon; or Thursdays, May 9-30, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Rollina at donrollina@bellsouth.net or 668-5106 for registration and supply list. Free portrait drawing, Saturday, May 11, 1-2 p.m.

May 7: Kick Off for Adult Summer Reading “Escape Into Reading.” 7 p.m. Registration continues through July 31.

571 Park Avenue

class including supplies. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for high school; Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for high school; or Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. for adults. Visit JayneMorgan. com or call 902-5226.

Clay, taught by Nada Boner. Ongoing classes in handbuilding and sculpture. $35 per class includes supplies. Mondays, 9 a.m.-noon or 5-8 p.m. Contact Nada at 541-3949

Intro to Silversmithing, taught by Cecily Chaney. 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. Dates to be announced. Call Cecily Chaney 223-4514 to register.

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.

May 4: Reckless

SSS Fals Fate

May 8: TBA acoustic May 9: Violent Stupidity May 10: Az Izz May 11: Deputy 5 May 14: Karaoke May 16: Violent Stupidity May 17: Fly By Radio May 18: Naked Eskimos May 21: Karaoke May 23: Violent Stupidity

Cold Connections Jewelry Class, taught by Cecily Chaney. May 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. Thursdays, May 2-30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Visit debwarnat.com or call 243-0576.

Woodworking, taught by David Traylor. Offering workshops in furniture making. All skill levels welcome. Visit woodshopstudio.com or call 531-4751. Zentangle, taught by Darla Williamson. Beginning classes half price until June 30. $35, $17. Beginner classes: May 1 at 1 p.m.; May 7, at 6 p.m. and May 9 at 1 p.m. Visit TangledStones.com or call 305-2082.

May 25: Dirty Pop May 28: Karaoke May 30: Violent Stupidity May 31: Splendid Chaos

May 2013

Hoover Sun