Hoover Sun June 2013

Sun

June 2013 • 1

HooverSun.com

Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Wedding Trends

Explained by area vendors, explore the latest trends in Hoover weddings inside this issue.

Special page 14

Changing roles

As Mike Holly takes over at Bluff Park United Methodist, his wife Julie will leave Discovery UMC to take his former position. Find out more inside.

Faith page 20

INSIDE City ..................... 3 Community ....... 5 Business ............ 8 Food .................. 10

School House .. 16 Sports ............... 18 Faith .................. 20 Calendar ........... 22

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Volume 1 | Issue 9 | June 2013

And the rocket’s red glare

Fireworks spectacular to headline Hoover’s Freedom Fest

By REBECCA WALDEN and JEFF THOMPSON Fireworks will return to the Hoover Met this Fourth of July, but the show promises to be unlike any the stadium saw during its time hosting the Barons.

“I think, actually, my terms were this needs to be the best firework show around on the Fourth of July,” said Lansden Hill Jr., president and CEO of Pyro Shows.

Pyro Shows is a company based in Tennessee that produced fireworks displays for the Birmingham Barons before the team relocated, but the company has extended its reach far beyond the Hoover Met. It has hosted displays on multiple continents and has orchestrated the annual show at the National Mall in Washington D.C. for the past decade.

Hill said the company puts on approximately 800 shows each year – 200 shows on the

The City of Hoover is planning to anchor its new event, Freedom Fest, with a large fireworks display by Pyro Shows. Photo courtesy of Pyro Shows.

Fourth of July alone – but this show in Hoover, part of the City’s new Freedom Fest celebration, is intended for a bigger audience.

“In designing the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular for the City of

Hoover, we planned to use fireworks up to six inches in diameter,” Hill said. “Each six-inch shell is about the size of a grapefruit and weighs about three pounds.”

Hill said the company would

launch more than 100 of these as part of the Hoover show. The shells travel at 200 miles per hour, reach altitudes of 600 feet and, when they explode,

See FREEDOM | page 21

A fashionable advocate DeRamus brings global awareness through speaking, travel and style

By REBECCA WALDEN and CHANDLER JONES Redefining the expectations of those around her is nothing new to Ashley DeRamus.

The 30-year-old Hoover resident has Down syndrome but refuses to be defined by it, and she will soon add “clothing line entrepreneur” to her resume.

For DeRamus, this feat is the culmination of years of personal advocacy on behalf of the Down syndrome population. Her work has taken her to the United Nations and on the sea to Nova Scotia, and soon she will speak in front of 2,500 people in Denver.

“We are working to raise awareness

26

Ashley DeRamus models items from her new clothing line for people with Down’s syndrome. The line launches this summer.

of what Down syndrome people are capable of doing and emphasize their abilities and not their limitations,” said Ashley’s mother, Connie DeRamus.

Self-esteem is a cornerstone of Ashley’s work and the lynchpin in her desire to design clothing for the Down syndrome figure. Connie said existing clothing lines amount to little more than elastic-waist pants and baggy shirts.

“You can’t buy clothing that fits,” Connie said. “If they want to look stylish, which Ashley is all about, you have to buy the clothes and then have them majorly altered, and you end up paying so much more.”

With the support of her parents, Connie and Miller, and the marketing savvy of her manager, Gary Kannegiesser, Ashley’s by Design apparel is expected to be available this summer.

“I’ve been watching a lot of

fashion shows like, ‘What Not to Wear,’” Ashley said. “When I watch those shows, I ask how I could have something like that for Down syndrome.”

For her part, Ashley has been busy picking out designs and selecting fabrics and color swatches. But most thrilling for Ashley is the modeling portion of the production cycle.

In preparation for the launch, Ashley will work with stylists and model for print materials – typical parts of introducing a clothing line.

While the clothing will be sold online, DeRamus will also promote it to more than 2,500 attendees of the National Down Syndrome Congress in Denver in July. Conference organizers have already tapped DeRamus to host a hair and makeup seminar, and plans are under way for a fashion show of the clothing line there.

See DERAMUS | page 21

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2 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

About Us Photo of the Month Harper and Laura Katherine Granger at the 2013 Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil at Ross Bridge in April.

The event benefited the families of Kayda Richey, age 4, and Coleman Parker, age 3, both battling leukemia. Proceeds also went to the Developmental Therapeutics Program at Children’s of Alabama, which seeks new and innovative therapies for kids with cancer.

Visit hopeforautumnfoundation. org for more.

Please Support our Sponsors Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (9, 21) Alabama Power (18) Anthony and Co (15) Bromberg & Company, Inc. (14) Brookwood Medical Center (16) Cahaba Dermatology and Skin Care Center (11)

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden The annual glut of you know how much your Father’s Day advertising kids can flip out (in a good is upon us. I dread card way) over nitrates shaped shopping this time of year. like sailboats, pirates, and Rows and rows of cards ponies? The man’s got mad with irksome, insulting hotdog prep skills, I tell you. stereotypes that suggest So how will I say thanks the men in our lives are this year for this, and the beer-swilling, remotemillion other little things he control-hogging goofballs does for the sake of family who break anything they sanity? Ok sure, cards are try to fix – really? Is that an obligatory ritual, so of Walden the best the card industry course I will get him one. can do?

Maybe on the opposite end of the aisle, In this month when we honor the away from the belches and pictures of dads in our lives, I challenge you to inept golfers, and onto the ones that wax do something different: sidestep the soap opera sentimental? Box checked. card aisle, save yourself from buying Better yet? While sentiments are an overpriced piece of paper filled lovely, shared experiences are better. with someone else’s (usually awful and Grab your group, and make a memory. inaccurate) words, and instead, thank With all the events happening in and Dad in your own way. around Hoover this month, you’ve got In my house, there’s a guy who plenty of opportunity. will wake up early to make Green For example…

Eggs and Ham – just because it would You could just buy your dad the have been Dr. Seuss’s birthday. His latest bestseller. Or, you could take Hanna Barbera impressions are spot- him to the Library. Show him why the on – not even the four-legged children grandkids are so jazzed about summer in our house miss Daddy’s Scooby reading. From Dinoman to Madcap Doo bedtime stories. And his paternal Puppets to Safari Greg, each week in prowess reigns supreme now that we’re June at the Library is jam-packed with in the stage of “I’m not eating that.” Did fun-filled events!

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You could give him a gift certificate to … fill in the blank. Or, you could put that dough towards learning a hobby you both can enjoy. Like at the “Hydrangea Propagation Workshop,” happening June 8 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Aldridge Gardens. I will add here that one of the most meaningful gifts I ever received from my dad was a brown paper sack full of Canna bulbs from his backyard. I planted them along the fence in my own backyard, and I think of him each time they bloom. Our mutual green thumb makes for good memories.

You could be predictable. Like going to see a summer blockbuster at Carmike with everybody else. Or you could step out into a balmy June night for one of Hoover’s first Free Friday Flicks! The films will air at Veterans Park each Friday starting May 31.

You get the idea. It’s all about time thoughtfully spent together. No tacky Father’s Day cards required.

Happy June!

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Rebecca

Correction

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The business spotlight on Iron Tribe Fitness in the May issue incorrectly stated that Iron Tribe is a Crossfit affiliate. Iron Tribe now operates independent of an affiliation with Crossfit.

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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 :

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June 2013 • 3

HooverSun.com

City Mayor’s Minute

By Gary Ivey

Summertime is here, and we hope everyone is enjoying it!

We are very excited that a groundbreaking was held on May 20 for the new Miracle League Baseball Field that is being built at Hoover Sports Park East. We are glad to invest in this fully accessible field, and we feel that this is much needed in our community and will impact the lives of many families.

There will also be a fully accessible playground adjoining the field. City officials would like to thank the non-profit Over the Mountain Miracle League that helped turn this field of dreams into a reality. This dedicated group of people raised about $70,000 towards the field.

Construction will begin in June, and the field should open this fall.

We are also very excited that the City of Hoover will be hosting Freedom Fest on the Fourth of July at the Hoover Met Stadium. This will be a three-hour music festival from 6-9 p.m. with a magnificent fireworks show closing out the evening!

The gates will open to the event at 5 p.m., and you can come out early to see the car show or let your children play on the inflatables. Admission is free, but the concession stands will be open so you might purchase food.

Don’t forget we have plenty of

Gary Ivey

free parking as well and easy access in and out of The Met. The musical entertainment acts will be Three on a String, The Total Assets and Steve Padilla.

For additional details about the event, you can visit hooveralabama.gov or call City Hall at 444-7500.

Hoover has something for all ages. Please don’t hesitate to call our office if we can assist you. Our staff will continue to work hard to exceed your expectations!

Sincerely,

Gary Ivey Mayor

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast features Hoover native Mike Kolen The Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was held in May at the Wynfrey Hotel.

The speaker was Mike Kolen, a native of Hoover who played high school football at Berry High School, college football at Auburn, and professional football for the Miami Dolphins. He was a member of the undefeated 1972 Dolphins team that won the Super Bowl, the only NFL team to win the Super Bowl after an undefeated season.

The event was emceed by Brenda Ladun of ABC 33/40, and invocations were given by Joshua Canizaro of Church of the Highlands [Greystone campus], Dr. Jim Savage of Riverchase United Methodist Church and Rev. Reid Crotty of Bluff Park United Methodist Church.

First Edition Ensemble jazz band from Hoover High School performed at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.

Photo by Matthew Allen.

Special guests included the First Edition Ensemble jazz band from Hoover High School; the Hoover Belles; and numerous elected officials from Hoover, Jefferson County, Shelby County and surrounding municipalities.

The breakfast was sponsored and hosted by the Hoover Beautification Board, and Jennifer Gregory and Mary Ross Searcy were co-chairpersons of the event this year.

Hoover area road projects on schedule

By JEFF THOMPSON The City of Hoover’s road projects for 2013 are progressing, according to Mayor Gary Ivey.

The widening and resurfacing of Patton Chapel Road at the intersection of U.S. 31 is a project being conducted

by Jefferson County. Ivey said he anticipates completion of the project by the end of June.

Nearby, the Chapel Lane Extension project, which will lengthen the road under I-459 to connect with Galleria Boulevard, was recently bolstered with additional funding from the city. Ivey said the nearly $6 million

project is slated for completion by the end of the summer.

Also near the Riverchase Galleria, a widening project on U.S. 31 will add a full lane going each direction between the I-459 overpass and the bridge over the Cahaba River just south of Chace Lake – a distance of approximately a mile and a half.

To assist drivers travelling north, a full turn lane will be constructed at the I-459 interchange for drivers intending to go west on the interstate toward Tuscaloosa. Ivey said this would help reduce the bottleneck that sometimes spills onto the highway and impedes traffic flow.

Hoover’s portion of the bill for the widening project will be capped at $500,000, Ivey said – reflecting a 50 percent match with the State of Alabama up to $1 million. Any excess will be covered by the State.

“We are scheduled to open bids the end of July on this project,” Ivey said.

“The state will then proceed with an early award to get the contractor started on the project as quickly as possible.”

Finally, a realigning and resurfacing project for Alabama Highway 150 at its intersection with Galleria Boulevard has only recently entered the design phase.

“Construction will be a while yet,” Ivey said.

4 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Faster emergency response one benefit of new agreement

By JEFF THOMPSON In April, the Hoover City Council agreed to enter into an Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Vestavia Hills for fire protection. Once the details are finalized, residents living near the shared border between the two cities will have the promise of immediate response from the department closest to their home or business. “‘Automatic Aid’ means the closest resources are sent to the scene of an emergency,” Vestavia Hills Fire Chief Jim St. John said. “I’ve always said the city limits of Vestavia and Hoover look like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle.

Because the boundaries the two communities share are so jagged, often another city’s resources are closer to the scene of an emergency.”

Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said the area affected by the agreement surrounds the northern city limits of Hoover where Vestavia and Hoover touch.

It extends from areas of Bluff Park near Alford Avenue to areas of Rocky Ridge Road. Included are businesses on Montgomery Highway and Lorna Road for approximately one mile into Hoover and one mile into Vestavia Hills.

St. John said the agreement would be extremely beneficial to residents on Tyler Road, where houses across the street from one another are in different city limits.

Ivey said it has been the City of Hoover’s goal over the past three years to solidify agreements with all

departments that border its city limits to enhance coverage and to allow the closest fire stations to respond to emergencies.

“We have had a Mutual Aid Agreement with Vestavia for years, meaning we assisted each other if we arrived on the scene and needed assistance,” Ivey said. “Now, the agreement makes the response automatic to certain areas saving time.”

With mutual aid agreements, St. John said, if a department finds itself in a situation where it arrives on scene and doesn’t have enough resources, it can call for the other department to assist. Vestavia Hills and Hoover have Mutual Aid Agreements with their neighboring cities and fire protection jurisdictions. Moving to automatic aid improves these agreements because it allows for departments to be dispatched simultaneously.

Ivey said benefits to residents include faster response times, utilization of resources from other departments and more manpower on fire scenes. Vestavia Mayor Alberto Zaragoza added that the agreement has financial benefits because the cities won’t need to build additional fire stations in the affected areas.

“This is big for the leadership in both communities,” St. John said. “ It’s something that requires a lot of detailed work but doesn’t involve sharing of any taxes. It’s done without charge to one another. Most importantly, it allows these departments to move as rapidly as possible, which could make the difference in an emergency.”

Hoover Vacation Bible Schools Prince of Peace Catholic. June 3-7, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Open to ages 4k-sixth grade. Visit princeofpeace-hoover.org for more.

Oakmont Presbyterian. June 10-14, 8:45 a.m.-noon. For more, call 823-5910. Visit oakmontchurch.org for more.

Shades Valley Baptist. June 1014, 9 a.m.-noon. Open to ages 4K-sixth grade. Call 841-2588 for more.

Riverchase United Methodist.

June 10-14, 9 a.m.-noon. Open to all ages. Visit riverchaseumc.org/ VacationBibleSchool for more.

Cross Creek Church. June 1014. Camp times and locations will change daily. Open to ages 4-10.

Visit crosscreekchurch.net/children or call 453-9190 for more.

Green Valley Baptist. June 3-7, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Open to ages 5Ksixth grade. Sports Camps offered after VBS until 4:30 p.m. for children in grades first through sixth.

Visit gvbc.org for more.

Christ the King Lutheran. July 14-17. Dinner at 5 p.m. Programs 6-8 p.m. Email faithpack@bellsouth.net for more.

Bluff Park Baptist. June 9-13, 6-9 p.m. Family Night on Thursday.

Visit bluffparkbaptist.org for more.

Bluff Park United Methodist Church. July 8-12, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 12 dinner at 6 p.m.

Open to ages 4K-fifth grade. Visit bluffparkumc.org or call 8220910 for more.

Health fair and more coming to Senior Center

Dick Baumgarten and Lois Avery at a recent Senior Center Beach Party.

On Tuesday, June 25, the Hoover Senior Center will hold a special evening with instrumental quartet, “Just Friends.”

The event will include dinner and entertainment. There is an $8 ticket fee, which can be made payable to Hoover New Horizons no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, June 22.

“Just Friends” features a big band sound. With their extensive song list, this group offers a strong selection of music from the 1940s era to hits of today.

The Senior Center is also preparing for a “Beat the Heat” Health Fair for July 30 from 9 a.m.-noon.

There will be healthy cooking demonstrations, “Ask the Doc” with trivia games, bone density screenings, derma scan, blood pressure checks, BMI checks and other informational tables. The first 75 people to arrive will receive a free glucose screening.

Food will be provided along with tote bags provided by event sponsor Brookwood Hospital. There will also be door prizes awarded throughout the health fair.

For more, call 444-7791.

June 2013 • 5

HooverSun.com

Community Rotary awards annual scholarships

Hoover City School Foundation hosts annual Clay Shoot

Wyvolyn Kirkland, Gabriela Vargas-Uribe, Megan Eighmy and Kyle Griffin.

Morgan McGowan, Lalo Silva, Faith Muñez, Ashley Eckard and Hunter Gibson. Not pictured: Katie Bradner.

The Hoover Rotary Club announced its annual scholarship winners at a luncheon in May at the Hoover Country Club.

The club raised a record $14,000 this past year, which was distributed to 10 students from Hoover and Nick Cotumaccio, Nicholas Cotumaccio, Chuck Penuel and Mitchell Weyandt at the Clay Shoot

The Annual HCSF Clay Shoot was held in April at Selwood Farms in Childersburg.

With perfect weather and great attendance, the event, a major contributor to the funds generated each year by the Hoover City School Foundation, was a huge success.

“The funds raised will again go to provide grants for our teachers, as well as a scholarship for a graduating senior at Hoover High School and Spain Park High School, who plan to attend a two-year Alabama community college or vocational school,” said Bill Gray, senior vice president at Bryant Bank and cochairman of the Clay Shoot Events Committee. Fellow Co-Chairs were Steve McClinton and David Smith.

The team from Regions Bank,

comprised of Pat Hurdy, Joe Greenway, Ross Swinson and Curtis Proctor, won first place, with the team from Wayne’s Environmental Services, comprised of Steven Splawn, Justin Brown, Tim Crow and Tommy Crawford, coming in second.

Special guests in attendance at the event included Andy Craig, superintendent of Hoover City Schools; City Councilman John Lyda; and Stephen Presley, Hoover City Schools Board of Education member.

Event organizers extend a special thanks to its sponsors: Starbucks on Highway 150, Chick-Fil-A on Highway 150, the Highway 280 location of Hamburger Heaven and The Whole Scoop of South Shades Crest Road.

inc.

Spain Park High Schools.

It conducts a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to fund the scholarships, most notably an annual raffle with many prizes available to those who purchase $10 tickets.

Softball association scholarships recipients Hoover Softball Association has announced its 2013 Scholarship Award winners from both Hoover High School and Spain Park High School. Awards were based on students’ dedication to the sport of softball and their hard work as students.

Applicants were selected by the HSA scholarship committee, according to years played at the park, community service, leadership in HSA activities such as camps and registration, high school GPA and an essay on how their participation in the HSA program will benefit their particular career goals.

Madelyn Shelton and Jessica Hamner received $2,000 in scholarship funds. Both played softball for more than 10 years with the HSA program including recreational ball and travel ball through the Hoover White Lightning Association. Madelyn played two years on the Hoover High School Softball Team, and Jessica played for three years on the Hoover High School Softball Team. Both young ladies plan to attend Auburn University in the fall of 2013.

Kelly Slaten and Madeline Walley of Hoover High School and Dekayla Sankey and Mary Beth Glass of Spain Park High School received $1,000 scholarship awards.

HSA scholorship winners Madelyn Shelton and Jessica Hamner

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6 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

New Horizons board Lily of the Cahaba DAR Chapter honors at work for 2013 State Regent

Voltz to be honored by Girl Scouts

Back row: President Jim Langley, Bruce Martin, Ken Sullivan. Front row: Treasurer Judy Mackinaw, Vice-President Beverly Sublette, Secretary Janice Watson, Diane Scripps, Earline Dance. Not pictured: Shirley Graham and Donna Wiltsey.

Members of the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the DAR and their guests gathered recently to celebrate the chapter’s fifth anniversary and honor State Regent Constance H. Grund who served as the chapter’s Organizing Regent. Pictured are Treasurer Pat Campbell, Second Vice Regent June Wilkingstad, Alabama Regent Constance Grund, Lily of the Cahaba Regent Marlene Lawley, Recording Secretary Kaye Sutley, Chaplain Ives Ort, Corresponding Secretary Mimi Taylor, Registrar Shelby Bailey and Vice Regent Susan Moore.

By TRICIA FARRIS Recently members of the Lily of the Cahaba chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) held a luncheon at Vestavia Country Club to honor Alabama State Regent Constance H. Grund and celebrate the chapter’s fifth anniversary.

The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter held its organizing meeting on Feb. 2, 2008 with 50 members and chartered a year later with 96 members. Now, the chapter has nearly 120 members. Grund served as the Organizing Regent of the chapter and is the current

Regent for the State of Alabama.

Known as the largest women’s patriotic organization in the world, DAR has more than 165,000 members with approximately 3,000 chapters in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries. Any woman 18 or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership in the DAR. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit DAR.org.

For more information about the Lily of the Cahaba chapter, visit lilyofthecahaba.com.

The Hoover New Horizons Advisory Board is instrumental in recruiting volunteers while also coordinating

and implementing monthly luncheons, group travel, Hoover Express, activities and special events.

Stallworth earns Eagle rank Scout high adventure Owen Hardin Stallworth III, a bases, including canoeing more than member of Troop 93 at Oakmont Presbyterian 50 miles through the Canadian wilderness Church, was recently at Northern Tier, awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court hiking more than 70 miles during an of Honor ceremony.

For his Eagle Scout 11-day backpacking Leadership project, expedition at Philmont, N.M., and Owen designed and built five benches for completing more than 15 deep sea the Inverness Disc Golf Course in Hoover.

Owen Hardin Stallworth III dives in the Florida Stallworth earned 24 Keys.

Stallworth, a junior at Hoover merit badges, the 50-Miler award, the Triple Crown award and the High School, is the son of Owen H. United States Heritage award. He Stallworth Jr. and Tammy S. Arnau. served as senior patrol leader and He is the grandson of Owen and Edith was inducted into the Order of the Stallworth Sr. and Porter G. Cowden Arrow. He attended all three Boy Jr. and the late Lena B. Cowden.

Deborah Voltz

Hoover resident Deborah L. Voltz, Ed.D. was recently recognized as a 2013 Women of Distinction honoree by the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

Voltz is the dean of the UAB School of Education The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement. Proceeds from the East-Central Women of Distinction Luncheon provide direct support to Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, which serves more than 15,000 girl members in 36 counties.

For more information on the luncheon, contact Kelly Connelly at 800-734-4541 x1030 or visit girlscoutsnca.org/ wodeastcentral.

June 2013 • 7

HooverSun.com

Aldridge Gardens to hold sports art exhibit, hydrangea workshop Hydrangea Propagation Workshop Saturday, June 8. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Pavilion.

Hydrangeas are a major component of most Southern gardens. This hands-on workshop will teach you an easy way to propagate hydrangeas for yourself. Class fee ($20 members/$27 nonmembers) includes 56-quart Sterilite propagation box, rooting hormone, potting soil and pots. Class members may root up to three fresh hydrangea cuttings to take home.

Bring your pruners and scissors for trimming leaves. We’ll also learn how to propagate hydrangeas from seed and layering. You will receive workshop hand-outs. Willie Edmiston and David Doggett, hydrangea propagators, will instruct the class. Class limited to 30. Preregistration requested.

In the Gallery: Artist Daniel A. Moore Exhibit runs July 9-Aug. 30 Meet the Artist Reception, June 20, 5-7 p.m.

No single image represents Coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant’s defensive philosophy better than a historic play against Penn State in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. With fourth-and-goal inside the Alabama one-yard line, Mike Guman was stopped cold by linebacker Barry Krauss and the swarming Crimson Tide defense. The effort preserved the 14-7 victory for Alabama and clinched its tenth national title, the fifth under Coach Bryant. “The

Goal Line Stand” was the artist’s first of many popular Alabama football paintings. Moore is known for his beautiful paintings that showcase some of football’s greatest moments.

Aldridge Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Check for gallery closings due to private events at aldridgegardens.com.

Garden-to-Garden Tour June 19 Join Aldridge Gardens for a spring “Gardento-Garden Tour” as they travel to Nashville to visit the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Spring is one of the best times to visit Cheekwood, with a front-row seat for the season’s arrival. To top off the tour, we will be some of the first guests to see the new stunning outdoor art installation by acclaimed-British artist Bruce Munro, Light.

The second-ever North American exhibition of “Light” showcases how Munro uses an inventive array of materials and hundreds of miles of glowing optic fiber.

Munro’s fascination with light as an artistic medium will transform Cheekwood’ s beautiful gardens into an enchanting, dream-like landscape.

This grand-scale exhibition is promised to be one of the most stunning art exhibitions under the night sky.

For complete trip details and to register, visit aldridgegardens.com

Thursday farmers market Riverchase United Methodist Church believes helping local farms and growers builds community relationships as well as fulfilling Christ’s call to servanthood.

After all, the first job God gave to Adam and Eve was to garden, so their goal is to help farmers and provide fresh produce to neighbors in Hoover.

Each Thursday in the summer from 1-5 p.m. local growers will bring produce outside the church to sell to area residents.

Riverchase United Methodist Church is located at 1953 Old Highway 31 in between Riverchase Parkway and Highway 150, just off of U.S. 31.

For more call 987-4030.

Egg Fest at Ross Bridge Easter Seals of Birmingham will welcome Big Green Egg grilling enthusiasts as well as anyone looking for an afternoon of family fun for its first Easter Seals Egg Fest.

Egg Fest events are held all around the country, and organizers are excited to now bring it to Hoover Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Ross Bridge.

Attendees can look forward to food samples, a bouncy house for kids and live music from 12-4 p.m. Organizers encourage bringing a cooler, picnic blanket, chairs and tents.

Absco will provide 15 demo Green Eggs for teams to grill on for the event, and after that you can bring your own Egg out for at a

discounted registration fee.

Teams will compete in poultry, pork and chefs choice categories, and food trucks will also be on-site.

Team registration is $100 or $60 if you BYOE (bring your own egg). Each team is limited to five people per team.

Admission is $10 per adult, and children 12 and under are free.

Cook sign in and set up starts at 8 a.m. The lighting of the egg will be held at 9 a.m.

To register a team or buy tickets, visit instagift.com/eastersealsbham.

For more visit biggreenegg.com/events/ eggfests/.

Free Friday Flicks schedule Grab a blanket, family and friends and enjoy a free family-friendly 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 19.

Films start at dusk. Come early to visit vendors, get food and enjoy fun activities.

All movies shown are rated PG. For updates on rain delays or cancellations, follow @BYMovieParties on Twitter.

The movie schedule is: June 7: Ice Age Continental Drift June 14: Escape from Planet Earth June 21: The Odd Life of Timothy Green June 28: Hotel Transylvania July 5: The Lorax July 12: Madagascar 3 July 19: Wreck it Ralph

Blues concert series coming A summer blues concert series, Live in the Gardens, will be held at Aldridge Gardens.

The Gardens is encouraging people to bring a picnic dinner, tables and chairs, and refreshments to the evening concerts.

All concerts will be held at Aldridge Gardens, 3520 Lorna Road. Admission for members is $10 and for non-members is $20. Advance tickets are available at aldridgegardens.com.

June 27, 6-8 p.m.

Mr. Gip Gibson & Earl Williams & The Juke July 28, 5-7 p.m.

Bo Barry, Tommy Stewart & JJ Paterson “Lou Rawls Review” Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m.

Foxxy Fatts & Company

8 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Business Spotlight

Mustard Seeds

Read past Business Spotlights at HooverSun.com

180 Main St., Suite 132 879-7091 mustardseedgirls.com Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

By MEGAN SMITH Janice Dance and Melinda Lawry’s work to spread scripture in merchandise has expanded as their children have grown.

“In 1997, inspirational wasn’t very big,” Dance said. “We wanted to create something that women and children could wear to show their faith.”

With newborns, they focused on baby clothing, but they made sure their designs sent a message.

“Everything got inspirational after 9/11,” Dance said. “But other businesses just have a picture and slap a scripture to it. Ours tells a story.”

Popular sellers include baby jumpers with caterpillars turning into butterflies and tadpoles into frogs with Jeremiah 29:11 (“I know the plans I have for you…”) on it.

Now that their children are teenagers, they focus on what they would like to wear.

The Patton Creek store’s most popular item is the pocket shirt, a plain T-shirt with bold pockets with a small signature cross on it. They also offer a variety of collegiate tees with scripture including a popular phrase or word from the chosen school. These tees range in price from $20-30.

Not only is their brand inspirational, but it’s also unique — Dance creates all of the stores’ designs.

“No other gift shop has what we have because we design and create

Mustard Seeds owners Janice Dance and Melinda Lawry sell a variety of inspirational apparel items in Patton Creek.

our own stuff,” Lawry said.

All of their shirts have scripture, but they like to advertise faith in a minimal way.

Popular shirts, starting at $25.95, have a design with the word “faith” in the middle and “Matthew 17:20.” They also have “hope” with “Jeremiah 29:11” and “love” with “1

Corinthians 13:13.”

“There are so many T-shirts with no meaning,” Dance said. “If you’re wearing scripture, I think it can become a reminder to the person wearing it and to whoever looks at it that what they do matters. It can make people think before they act.”

Dance creates new designs

when she sees something trending, including parodies of popular brands.

Vineyard Vines and its signature whale became “I am the vine” with a whale and a scripture about Jonah.

Southern Tide and its fish logo became “Southern Divide” with a fish and loaves. A boat is shown with Matthew 14:19.

“Our dream is to be ‘the shirt shop’ where everyone has to have at least one of our shirts in their wardrobe,” Dance said.

They also want to maintain a positive atmosphere for customers.

“We want it to be upbeat,” Dance said. “We want people to come in here and feel better. Like how you feel when you watch a really good movie, we want you to leave us in a better mood.”

After leaving a storefront in Homewood for wholesale, they reopened in Hoover. The new store has pages from an old hymnal as custom-made wallpaper, Christian music always playing, and repurposed old doors, frames and shutters to act as shelves for their merchandise.

Dance and Lawry just introduced a line of plates and cups and covers for cell phones and iPads that feature their designs. The storefront also features jewelry, artwork and custom cards from local businesses and artists.

They make sure that everything leaves the store wrapped with their bags with the signature sticker on it, to make sure the recipient knows exactly where it came from.

The name of their business even came from scripture.

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20, is where we drew our inspiration,” Lawry said.

June 2013 • 9

HooverSun.com

Hoover Chamber of Commerce

June

events

Hoover Happenings Old Navy coming to Galleria

June 6: Economic Development Committee Meeting at Chamber Office. 8:30 a.m.

According to news reports, Old Navy has leased a 15,000-square-foot space in the Riverchase Galleria formerly occupied

by Forever 21. The clothing retailer could open by Christmas of this year.

Allegedly, Forever 21 is relocating to a larger space in the Galleria, taking the 65,000-square-foot space McRae’s used

June 13: Coffee & Contacts at Costco Wholesale. 7:30-9 a.m.

3650 Galleria Circle. Contact 909-1039 or w362mbr@costco.com.

LAH opening Hoover office

June 18: Ribbon Cutting at new Alabama Power Company Credit Union. 11 a.m. Located behind Alabama Five Guys Burgers at 4730 Chase Circle. Contact Caitlin Brothers at cbrothers@apcocu.org or 226-6896 for more.

June 19: Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. 4:30 p.m.

June 20: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. Networking at 11:30 a.m.

Luncheon at noon. Make reservations by June 17.

June 27: Business after Hours at Creekside Tavern. 5:30-7 p.m.

Patton Creek Shopping Center. Call 4027281 or contact margeesly@bellsouth. net for more.

Lawrence Arendall Humphries Real Estate Inc. is slated to open a new branch office in Hoover. The company is Birmingham’s largest locally owned real estate company and specializes in the overthe-mountain real estate market.

“The City of Hoover, like many of our suburban cities, is a great example of why people like to live and raise their families in the metro Birmingham area: an excellent school system, the great sense of community and a

to inhabit.

Neither public relations officials for the Galleria nor Gap, Inc., the parent company of Old Navy, returned requests for confirmation by deadline.

Old Navy currently operates Birmingham in Homewood’s Wildwood shopping center and at The Summit.

beautiful landscape,” Maurice Humphries, president of LAH, said in a press release.

Ben Preston, a resident of Pelham, will serve as assistant manager at the new branch, which is LAH’s third branch in Birmingham, joining its Homewood and Mountain Brook locations. Preston has been with the company since 2006. John Holley, a Homewood resident, will move from the Homewood branch to the new Hoover branch as qualifying broker.

Grill to open in Chace Lake By this fall, Chace Lake will be home to a new health-conscious restaurant called Cedar’s Grill.

Ghassan “Gus” Dib, who plans to open the restaurant behind the CVS on U.S. 31, said Cedar’s would place an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Its specialties will include fresh seafood and kebabs.

Patrons can also order from a juice bar that is slated to feature more than 50 varieties of “100-percent, fresh-squeezed” juices and cocktails.

Dib, owner of International Autoplex in Pelham, said Cedar’s is scheduled to open in September.

Hoover athletic camps upcoming Hoover High Coaches are offering a plethora of sports-related camps this summer.

Lady Bucs Coach Tiffany Frederick will lead her Building Champions camp June 24-26 from 8 a.m. to noon each day. Girls and boys, third grade and up, are encouraged to participate in this three-day camp. This camp focuses on the fundamentals of basketball through station work and competition. Campers are divided by skill level to ensure the best experiences for each camper.

Fee is $135. To register, call 439-1378 or email tfrederick@hoover.k12.al.us.

Coach Josh Niblett’s Football Camp is a three-day camp that will teach the basics of the skill positions to young players (rising kindergarten through sixth grade) as well as refine experienced player’s skills (rising seventh and eighth graders). Camp costs $100 if you register by June 3, $115 if you register by July 8, or $125 thereafter. Camp will be held at the Hoover High School Athletic Fields. For more information, email karonniblett@att.net.

Coach Rick Davis will lead the 2013 Young Guns Baseball Camp, to take place at Shades Mountain Park. He has been a head high school baseball coach for 23 years. Coach Davis has amassed over 600 career wins and has seen 79 of his players move on to play college baseball.

Bat, glove, cap, cleats and sneakers are required.

Wear your practice pants or shorts. Sliding practice will be the last day of camp, so bring a towel that day. Camp fee is $115 per student or $75 per student (multi-family discount). The fee includes a T-shirt for each student. For more information or to register, call 296-8962 or email rdavis@ hoover.k12.al.us.

To learn more about summer camps in and around Hoover, visit HooverSun.com.

10 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Restaurant Showcase

Read past Restaurant Showcases at HooverSun.com

150 Main Street Patton Creek 989-0053 Monday-Thursday, 3:30–10 p.m.

Friday, 3:30–11 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Jesse’s Steak and Seafood

By NATHAN KELLY Jesse’s Steak and Seafood captured the taste of Gulf of Mexico seafood and brought it to Hoover.

Owner Frank D’Amico was born and raised in Hoover but took off to Florida after graduating from high school to chase his passion of fishing.

He opened a steak and seafood restaurant in Tampa with his younger brother, Nathan, in 1978. The establishment was named after his daughter, Jesse.

After more than 30 years in the business in Tampa, D’Amico began to make frequent visits back to Hoover to visit his mother, who had become sick.

On his visits he discovered a number of properties for sale in the Hoover market and decided to bring his restaurant to his hometown for its second location, which opened in April.

D’Amico said his restaurant has had success through the quality of seafood and meat he has always provided for his guests.

“Our prime rib alone made us a landmark in Tampa,” he said. “When you combine that with the way we treat our guests and guarantee a fresh cut steak with fresh caught seafood, we began to make a name for ourselves.”

Jesse’s has changed a lot in its 30-plus year history, he said. The restaurant originated with selling hamburgers and roast beef in a pub atmosphere.

He said the Birmingham community has fallen in love with his seafood since he opened.

“I guess it has something to do with being

Above, Hoover native Frank D’Amico has brought his Tampa-based restaurant concept back home. Photo by Nathan Kelly.

Right, Jesse’s Prime Rib made his original restaurant a landmark in Tampa.

so far away from the Gulf, but everyone here seems to love the seafood,” he said. “All the shrimp we serve comes from the Gulf of Mexico, and since I’m such a big fan of sport fishing, I’m only going to pick the best quality of fish to serve here.”

Before Jesse’s became a household name in Tampa, D’Amico used to cut the middle man out and catch all the seafood himself. Once

his restaurant’s demand grew, he couldn’t afford the steep price of gas for his boat for the amount of seafood he would bring back.

Now Jesse’s owns multiple fishing boats to provide seafood caught by fishermen D’Amico knows personally.

Jesse’s also has a full bar with happy hour every day from 4-6:30 p.m. All drinks and appetizers are half off the price for happy hour.

Even after being open for a short two months, Jesse’s has received a tremendous amount of support from the Hoover community, D’Amico said.

“Hoover took us under their wing,” he said.

“I had heard they wanted us here for some time now, and they haven’t disappointed. I’m so happy to have my restaurant in my two favorite cities in the world.”

June 2013 • 11

HooverSun.com

Hot Rod Power Tour returns to Hoover

Thousands turned out in 2010 for the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Photos courtesy of Hot Rod Magazine.

By NATHAN KELLY For the first time since 2010, the annual Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour will stop in Hoover.

On Wednesday, June 5, the tour pulls into the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium to showcase its automotive eye candy as one of seven stops on its seven-day tour.

From noon-7 p.m., spectators can see thousands of show cars and traveling exhibits, all for free.

“We’re very excited to be hosting a return visit of the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour” Mayor Gary Ivey said.

“The City of Hoover is dedicated to bringing events like the Power Tour into our great city as a way to expose new people to the City’s wonderful attractions in hopes that they return with their friends and families for another visit.”

Although admission is free, there is a fee to register a vehicle for the one-day event. Pre-registration is $80 plus a $3.50 handling fee, and a $90 fee for cars registered on site of the event. Registration is open to any year, make or model of vehicle.

Jeff Dahlin, publisher for Hot Rod Magazine, said the Power Tour is a

unique experience for Hot Rod fans in the South and anyone who enjoys spectating car shows.

“When people hear about a car show coming to town, they may not understand the spectacle of what this tour brings,” Dahlin said. “When you hear 10 hot rods going down the interstate, it’s going to make a lot of noise. Now imagine 4,000 hot rods instead. It’s impressive no matter who you are.”

Fans of the Power Tour will grab lawn chairs, signs and lemonade to sit on the side of the road to watch the hot rods go by, according to Dahlin.

The drivers who participate in the entire 1,400-mile tour are nicknamed the “Long Haulers.” The tour begins in Arlington, Texas, where the fans, drivers and of course the cars take a journey east through seven states in the Southeast until they reach the tour finale in Charlotte.

Each venue in the seven-city road trip features a midway with 50-60 vendors from different automotive companies. The vendors sell a variety of engine, exhaust and many more parts, Dahlin said.

The stop in Hoover will feature a special auto cross race. The auto

cross race will be the only race of its kind in the entire tour, Dahlin said. The race will take place in a parking lot with a cone obstacle course. Any driver with a registered car can enter the race – and the requirements are flexible.

“You would think that we would have more restrictions on the cars in the race,” Dahlin said. “The cost to compete is free and if you have paid the registration fee for your car, you can compete with all the hot rods.”

For more information or to preregister a vehicle, visit hotrod.com or call (877) 413-6515.

12 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Summer fun

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Photo courtesy Ruffner Mountain.

By MOLLIE BARTHOLEMEW Summer is upon us. Hitting the pool and playing around the neighborhood are great, but it’s also fun to get outside Hoover for a new adventure. We’ve compiled a list of things to do just a short drive away, some outdoor and some indoor, some close by and some a little further away.

I’ve tried them with my family and recommend each and every one.

You’ll also find contact information as well as the driving distance and time from the Riverchase Galleria to help you plan your trip.

Hoover Sun Sales Manager Matthew Allen tries out the new Beanstalk Forest at Red Mountain Park.

Outdoor Fun

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Red Mountain Park

20 miles, 30 minutes Enjoy miles of tranquil forest-covered trails as well as heart-pumping ridgeline trails. The new architecturally “green” Treehouse Visitor Center boasts a woodland animal exhibit, and the back porch is a perfect place for a family picnic.

• For the GPS: 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206 Visit ruffnermountain.org or call 833-8264 .

10 miles, 15 minutes Birmingham’s newest green space offers 10 miles of hiking trails, seven miles of mountain biking trails and two miles of flat trails. The Tree House at the top of the ridge is a favorite for kids of all ages! For those with older kids seeking more adventure, a thrilling zip line tour through the canopy of trees or the new the Beanstalk Forest adventure will please even the least outdoorsy family member.

• For the GPS: 277 Lyon Lane, Birmingham, AL 35211 Visit redmountainpark.org or call 202-6043.

Moss Rock Preserve and Waterfalls 3 miles, 7 minutes Spend a morning hiking the 10 miles of trails at

Moss Rock Preserve. The trails will whisk you past two cascading waterfalls and through a unique and historic boulder field. These huge rocks were once used by Native Americans as campsites, and today are popular for bouldering and rock climbing. The rocks are also a wonderland for kids; the rock tunnels are a great for a game of hide and seek.

• For the GPS: 617 Preserve Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35226 Visit exploresouthernhistory.com/mossrock.html.

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 20 miles, 25 minutes Discover how Birmingham’s iron industry began on these 1,500 acres through blacksmith

HooverSun.com

around town

June 2013 • 13

Displays at the Southern Museum of Flight. Photo courtesy of Southern Museum of Flight.

demonstrations held at Tannehill on the weekends. A mini train also chugs 1 mile up to Farley Field. Many of the hiking trails available today were used by Confederate troops during the Civil War and are some of the most beautiful sections of the park. Skip rocks in the creek or even bring a fishing pole, as the creek is stocked with Rainbow Trout. Wrap up your visit with something delicious at the Sweet Shoppe for the short ride home.

• For the GPS: 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla, AL 35111 Visit tannehill.org or call 477-5711.

Argo Drive-In 30 miles, 30 minutes An inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening with the family! Go back to the 1950s with an old-fashioned drive in. Pack an appetizer- style picnic dinner the family can graze on, complete with homemade popcorn. If the evening proves to be a nice southern night, open your tailgate and line the back with pillows or use a blow up mattress in a friend’s truck bed. If you want to move outdoors, BYOC (bring your own chair), grab a blanket and set up shop facing the screen.

There is nothing like taking in a family flick under the southern night sky.

• For the GPS: 100 Angus Street, Trussville, AL 35173 Visit argodrive-in.com or call 467-3434 for more.

Indoor Fun Peanut Depot 12 miles, 20 minutes What could be better than a warm bag of peanuts on a rainy day? Drive into the loft district and walk onto cobblestoned Morris Avenue to take a trip back in time. Take in the architecture as you walk into the turn-of-thecentury building that houses the Peanut Depot.

Let the kids enjoy the sights and sounds of the antique roasters roasting peanuts the original organic way. Be sure to take a bag to go – the first bag will likely be gone before you arrive back in Hoover.

• For the GPS: 2016 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203 Visit peanutdepot.com or call 251-3314.

Vintage Fire Truck Museum 11 miles, 20 minutes.

Imagine you are 5 years old, dreaming of hopping in an open-top fire truck, honking the horn, running the siren and even pretending you are racing to a real fire. Now wake up – in downtown Birmingham, this is a reality. The Southern Vintage Fire Apparatus Association houses more than 20 vintage fire trucks dating back to 1917. Truck owners and museum staff couldn’t be any nicer or more excited to share their collection with your family. It is a morning well spent and a ball for all who are young and young at heart.

Contact Jerry Northington at 903-0050 to schedule a visit.

Southern Museum of Flight 18 miles, 25 minutes Let the kids take off on a morning of adventure at this museum of southern aviation history. The attraction is outstandingly familyfriendly and offers fun for toddlers through teens. A pilots’ playroom includes an indoor mini playground and many aircraft toys, a Moonwalk, an airplane open for exploration

and a flight simulator for kids age 12 and over.

An F-4 Phantom provides shade for the perfect picnic spot, so pack a lunch for this high-flying fun morning.

• For the GPS: 4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206 Visit southernmuseumofflight.org or call 833-8226 .

Golden Flake Company 10 miles, 15 minutes Have you ever eaten a warm chip right off the delivery line? Well if not, you’re in luck.

Birmingham is home to one of the oldest and most recognizable snack companies in the nation, Golden Flake. The company offers walking tours to ages 5 and up Monday through Wednesday. Come hungry — you will have plenty of time to sample warm chips just off the line, as well as take some bags of fresh chips home with you and all for free!

• For the GPS: 1 Golden Flake Drive, Birmingham, AL 35205 Visit goldenflake.com/tours.html or call 323-6161 .

2013Wedding trends

14 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Local vendors share what’s hot for celebrations this season

Photos courtesy of Blue Moon Photography

Weddings are returning to a rustic chic.

According to local vendors, styles for celebrations are all about the outdoors, as brides are choosing to mix Southern style with traditional class on their wedding days.

Go outdoors

Vendors are seeing more weddings take place in outdoor venues and locations other than churches. The settings are more relaxed, and include sites from gardens to barns. Joy Oglesby of Blue Moon Photography in Hoover said popular outdoor venues in the area include Mathews Manor in Springville (mathewsmanor. com); Windwood Farms, an equestrian facility in Pelham (windwoodequestrian.com); and The Sonnet House on Alabama 119 in Leeds (thesonnethouse.com).

Planning an event outdoors can require more

work, as brides must make a backup plan as well.

“Always factor in a rain plan and work with a coordinator that is possible for any size party you have,” said Elizabeth Furst, events coordinator with Aldridge Gardens in Hoover.

“Factor in preparation for cold as well, and always wear heel covers so you don’t sink into the grass.”

Bring on the boots

Heel covers won’t be a problem for many brides this year though, as more and more are choosing to walk down the aisle in something other than stilettos.

“We’re seeing a lot of girls want dresses they can wear with cowboy boots, and they’re having their bridesmaids wear boots as well,” said Vickie Burgin, formalwear manager at Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace.

“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve probably had a dozen brides ask about boots.”

Angela Paul, a consultant with Bella’s Bridal in Hoover, said while the shoes are becoming less formal, the dresses aren’t.

“No matter what the venue is or the theme of the wedding, a bride’s gown can be as formal as anything,” Paul said. “We’ve seen ball gowns at beach weddings. Just put those cowboy boots on underneath.”

But if boots aren’t the way to go, brides are still finding ways to add flare to their feet.

Oglesby said more than once this year she’s seen a bride’s “something blue” be her shoes.

Country chic

Rustic accents are also widely used in country-chic style. Vendors said burlap trims just about everything.

“We’re seeing mason jars used for receptions,” said Karen Jenkins, owner and manager of Hoover Florist. “And burlap is in big time this year. We’ve done bows on bouquets or wrapped the handles in burlap. We’ve also wrapped thin strips around the tops of the jars.”

Speaking of parties, this year’s receptions are also increasingly country. Often, brides are having their receptions at the same location as the wedding.

“People are making their receptions more laid back,” Furst said. “Instead of formal, sitdown events, this year’s receptions have been more social with things like lawn games and casual food at stations.”

See BRIDES | next page

Sweet Summertime ---easy style at your fingertips

Style Reborn for Home and Fashion 6801 Cahaba Valley Road (Hwy 119) 1/4 South of Hwy 280 205-980-4471 • RenaissanceConsignment.com

June 2013 • 15

HooverSun.com BRIDES

CONTINUED from page 14

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

Hoyle-Parker

Pink is back With flowers, Jenkins said brides are carrying bouquets with more color, while there is less in arrangements for bridesmaids.

Furst said along with the burlap trimmings, pale pink and cream have been widely used in summer weddings, and last fall she saw bright yellows and gray.

“Before, pink left the scene,” she said. “Now it’s making a comeback in different shades.”

Paul said this year’s brides aren’t necessarily looking for white or ivory dresses, and she’s seen an increasing number of requests for blush, light pink and light gold.

In addition, many of this year’s brides are choosing to honor the memory of loved ones in their weddings. Vendors have attached items like a grandmother’s broach and a father’s handkerchief to bouquets.

Celebrations Boxx-Beachum

The first look

As a photographer, Oglesby said one trend she’s enjoyed is that many brides and grooms are choosing to see each other before the ceremony.

“We feel there’s a lot of reasons for it, she said. “For one, it helps get the butterflies out.

It also allows some time for you and him so you’re not rushed.”

Taking time before the ceremony helps the photographer as well, she said.

“I think it’s an awesome trend,” she said.

“It’s good for the photographer because we can do all the photos before the wedding and you don’t have an hour-long gap between your ceremony and party.”

– From Staff Reports Thanks to Hoover Florist (hooverflorist. net), Blue Moon Photography (bluemoonstudios.net), Bella’s Bridal (bellasalabama.com), Aldridge Gardens (aldridgegardens.com) and Renaissance Consignment and Marketplace (renaissanceconsignment.com) for contributing to this article.

Janet I. Hoyle and Kenneth A. Hoyle of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelley Marie Hoyle, to Robert Thomas Parker, son of Chet Parker and Mary Rowley Parker of Orlando and Meg de Blank of South Brent, England.

The bride-elect is granddaughter of Arthur and Peg Hoyle of Ruffsdale, Pa. and the late Floyd and Dorothy Iseman. She is a 1996 Hoover High School graduate. In 2000 she received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Alabama, where she served as president of Zeta Tau Alpha. She is currently employed with Katz Media Group in Los Angeles.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Cap Parker and Jean Parker, and Bill and Helen Berry. He is a graduate of The University of Alabama, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and served in the United States Army from 19962001. He is now an actor in Los Angeles.

The couple will wed July 13 at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, Calif.

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Ms. Susan Boxx of Hoover and Mr. Perry Boxx of Columbus, Ga., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Cain Anne Boxx, to Christopher Ryan Beachum, son of Bobby and Kay Beachum of Hoover.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Dorothy Cain Miller and the late Mr. Morgan “Bud” Miller of Campbell, Mo., and Mrs. Madge Louise Fast of Paragould, Ark. She is a 2005 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2009 honor graduate of Jacksonville State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry. In May 2013, she received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy. Miss Boxx will begin a pharmacy residency specializing in ambulatory care at the Jefferson County Department of Health in July.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Sam and Alene Branch of Hoover; Wyndol and Mary Shaw of Alpine, Ala.; and the late Mr. Robert Franklin Beachum and Mrs. Martha Stansill Beachum of Hoover. He is a 2006 graduate of Hoover High School and a 2011 graduate of Auburn University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in wireless electrical engineering. Mr. Beachum is currently a network engineer at AT&T in Birmingham.

The couple will exchange vows on Aug. 17 at the Virginia Samford Theatre in Birmingham. Following the wedding, the couple will reside in Hoover.

16 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

School House Bluff Park Elementary adds Bluebird Trail

Fourth graders create Live wax museum

Gerry Kimble

Kimble named Secondary Teacher of the Year

Fourth grade enrichment students at Bluff Park have installed three nest boxes as the beginnings of a Bluebird Trail. Students are working on an environmental project with biodiversity of habitats as one of the factors. Helena Uber-Wamble, education manager of the Birmingham Audubon Society, instructed students on methods of collecting data and managing sites as they develop in their role of citizen scientists.

Hoover High educator Gerry Kimble was recently honored by the Alabama Business Education Association as Secondary Teacher of the Year. Kimble also will serve as the Association’s secretary for the 2013 year.

At the Conference, Hoover High teacher Judy Kehr was elected to serve as president-elect of ABEA.

South Shades Crest fourth graders recently created their own live wax museum.

The students joined together in portraying famous individuals who played a monumental role in American history. Students dressed up as individuals such as Thomas Jefferson, Sacagawea, George Washington and Molly Pitcher. Parents, neighbors and friends were invited to listen to speeches and enjoy the research projects, as well as experience a new technological app called Aurasma.

After the event was complete, the fourth graders served as tour guides to younger SSC friends to lead them on a virtual American history tour throughout the school halls.

Mrs. Betsy Crowley with student Connor Grassi.

South Shades Crest performs ‘Wonders of the Earth’

Gwin wins Green Ribbon School award Gwin Elementary School has been selected as one of four schools in the state of Alabama to be named a Green Ribbon School. Gwin was awarded this title by the Alabama State Department of Education for promoting heath, impacting the environment and ensuring high-quality environmental and outdoor education.

In May, Gwin Elementary was honored and awarded a Green Ribbon Flag to fly to designate the school as a Green Ribbon School.

The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) launched the Green Ribbon Schools Program in 2011, and in April the USDE announced the national winners from the pool

of state winners and nominees.

Traci Ingleright, enrichment teacher at Gwin, and her young team of environmentalists, the Eco Brains, began the quest to achieve this honor and gained support from faculty and staff at the school and district as well as from environmental agencies around the state.

This award honors the entire Gwin community for its everyday action: walking on the school nature trail, collecting pop-tabs, teaching the WAY program, understanding and promoting the flag program, planting gardens, promoting healthy eating and teaching hands-on science lessons.

South Shades Crest second graders

Second graders at South Shades Crest Elementary recently performed “Wonders of the Earth,” a musical about islands, oceans, mountains and

continents. During the learning segment and in preparation for the musical, students used iPads, computers and an atlas to locate landforms on maps.

June 2013 • 17

HooverSun.com

Gwin Elementary Ambassadors support Make-A-Wish Foundation

Time to get tacky

Green Valley Elementary teachers dressed for Tacky Day to celebrate the school reaching its fundraising goal in the coin drop.

A PhUN Week at Riverchase

Front row: Abigail Ford, Holly Prince, Addie Knight, Emily Scarborough, Anna Kate Lyda.

Second row: Mason Berg, Kaitlyn Hayes, Chloe Arnold. Back row: Sean Huffman, Sarah Corinne Holditch, Greyson Wilkins, Ramey Medders, Emma Burch.

The Gwin Elementary Ambassadors raise money every year on Valentine’s Day with the Valentines Grams. This year was the first time the Ambassadors voted to sell grams to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which enriches the lives of children with lifethreatening medical conditions through its wishgranting work.

During the week of Valentine’s Day, students could buy Valentine grams for 50 cents and have

them sent to friends, family members or school staff. Many parents and teachers purchased grams for their children and classmates. Grams were delivered to the students’ classes on Valentine’s Day. Ambassadors used their recess time to fill out orders and sort the grams by classroom teacher.

Ambassadors raised $696 for the Make-AWish Foundation.

Students learn about anatomy during PhUN week at Riverchase Elementary.

Riverchase Elementary first, third and fifth graders recently engaged with scientists from UAB’s Department of Physiology and Biophysics for PhUN Week. The popular

program, which has also taken place at Deer Valley Elementary, brings science to life through hands-on experiments that engage, inform and entertain.

18 • June 2013

Sports Spain Park honors spring signees

Hoover Sun

Hoover students impress at state track meet; Buc girls take championship

Hoover’s Marlon Humphrey won the 400-meter dash and set new state records in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles during the AHSAA Track and Field State Championship in May.

By JEFF THOMPSON

SPHS spring signees for 2013 are Jordan Ames, Amanda Ballew, Haven Eddy, Trey Hawker, Jalon Hollie, Hannah Hudson, Thomas Laney, Will McDonald, Ben Olinger and Grant Veteto.

Photo by Jeff Thompson.

In May, 10 Spain Park High School student athletes signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. SPHS recognized the students with a Spring Signing ceremony at the school.

Signees ff Jordan Ames – (swimming) BirminghamSouthern College ff Amanda Ballew – (softball) BirminghamSouthern College ff Haven Eddy – (track and field) Belmont University ff Trey Hawker – (baseball) Huntingdon College

ff Jalon Hollie – (football) BirminghamSouthern College ff Hannah Hudson – (lacrosse) BirminghamSouthern College ff Thomas Laney – (golf) Limestone College ff Will McDonald – (baseball) Florida Gulf Coast University ff Ben Olinger – (football) Jacksonville State University ff Grant Veteto – (baseball) Huntingdon College

At the ceremony, Spain Park Athletic Director Patrick Kellogg encouraged signing seniors to thank their families for support, often return to their alma mater and always remember they were Jaguars first.

Behind siblings Marlon and Brittley Humphrey, the Hoover Buccaneers had strong showings at the 2013 State Outdoor Track and Field competition. While Marlon broke state records and led the Boys Team to a second-place finish, Brittley and the Girls took the title.

Earning 120 points at the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s state meet in Gulf Shores on May 3-4, the Girls Outdoor Track Team placed first in four of 18 events and took home the 2013 State Championship.

Brittley finished atop the board in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles, posting times of 14.49 and 44.19 seconds respectively.

The Girls also claimed the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 48.01 seconds, and Chloe White topped the javelin throw with a distance of 39.21 meters.

Marlon won the 400-meter and set new state records in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles.

“Marlon and Brittley Humphrey both had an outstanding meet,” Head Track Coach Devon Hind said. “It’s nice as a coach to feel so confident that they will perform at their elite level every time they go to the starting line.”

Hind added that while Marlon and Brittley are “both huge point scorers for our team,” they don’t win the championship by themselves.

“We had great effort on the girls team in almost every event, which helped us overcome Mountain Brook’s outstanding girls team that beat us indoors,” Hind said. “I only expect each of them to keep improving for next year by lowering their times.”

Hoover’s Jordan Jones also took home this year’s title in the high jump, clearing the bar at 1.93 meters.

Also, the city now owns another state record courtesy of Simone Charley, a member of Spain Park High School’s Girls Team.

Charley posted a distance of 12.89 meters in the triple jump at the meet.

June 2013 • 19

HooverSun.com

Runs in the family

Marlon and Brittley Humphrey continue family athletic legacy

By CLAYTON HURDLE Hoover High School junior Marlon Humphrey has a lot to live up to. He’s the middle child of a former Alabama and NFL running back and a UAB track star. The third of five children, he has followed in the footsteps of his two older siblings, while setting the bar high for his younger sister and brother.

Marlon capped off the 20122013 indoor track season with state championships in the 60-meter dash, 400-meter dash, 60-meter hurdles and the men’s 4x400-meter relay. He holds state records in all four events.

During the outdoor championships in May, Marlon claimed a state sweep of the 400-meter and shattered a 23-year-old state record by nearly half a second en route to victory in the 110-meter hurdles.

His third state championship of the weekend was also a state record; his 36.33 time in the 300-meter hurdles was .55 seconds ahead of the old record and nearly two seconds faster than second place.

“It’s pretty special to win,” he said. “To me, it always feels better to

know you ran a better time than you ran previously. If I won with a pretty bad time, I wouldn’t be that excited.”

In addition to running track, Marlon has followed in his father’s footsteps and plays football as a star cornerback for the Buccaneers.

By the start of his 11th grade year, Marlon had drawn massive attention from major college programs. So far he’s received offers from seven Southeastern Conference schools, three Atlantic Coast Conference teams and Michigan State University.

A total of 14 colleges have shown interest in Marlon.

While Marlon has one more year of high school to complete his Hoover legacy and decide on his future, his younger sister, Brittley, has burst onto the scene at Hoover as a freshman.

Already she has started to live up to the Humphrey legacy at Hoover; Brittley and Marlon shared the medal podium several times in her ninth grade season.

This year, Brittley helped the Hoover girls reach their fifth Class 6A state championship in a decade.

She dominated the field in both the 100 and 300-meter hurdles.

“In elementary school, I would see Marlon doing hurdles,” Brittley said.

“I would always want to try it, and I actually started racing in fifth grade summer track.”

Athletics have been programmed into the Humphreys’ life from an early age. Their father, Bobby, was a two-time all-American in the mid1980s before playing in the NFL for five years.

However, Brittley and Marlon learned their track skills from their mother, Barbara. She holds a 25-yearold UAB record in the 400-meter sprint, which has become one of Marlon’s signature events at Hoover.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Barbara Humphrey is one of her children’s biggest supporters, as well as a coach to Marlon and Brittley.

“She always helps us out with whatever we need help with,” Brittley said. “Whenever we need tips or anything track-related, she always has the answers.”

Two other members of the Humphrey family had left their mark on the Hoover track program before Marlon’s career began. Breona followed in her mother’s footsteps

Hoover High School’s Marlon, left, and Brittley Humphrey are living up to their parents’ athletic legacy. Marlon is an AHSAA state record holder in track and field, and Brittley led the Bucs to a track state title in May. Photo courtesy of Hoover City Schools.

and is in the midst of her freshman year at UAB. Maudrecus, the first of the Humphrey children, ended his career at Hoover in 2010.

With all of his success, Marlon still has one more goal in mind before his time at Hoover is done: beating

Maudrecus’ time in the 100-meter.

“He’s a fast guy, and looking back on last year, I never thought I’d run anywhere as close as him in the 100,” Marlon said. “Now I’m about .2 (seconds) off, so I think if I work hard I can get pretty close to his record.”

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20 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Faith Bluff Park UMC pastor to retire this month

By NATHAN KELLY After serving as senior pastor for Bluff Park United Methodist Church since 1991, Reid Crotty is retiring. The 63-year-old pastor said the decision was made more than four years ago when he and his wife, Martha, aimed to retire together in 2013.

Crotty’s plans are simple – to travel.

“When you’ve been working on weekends for 22 years, you don’t get to do a lot of sightseeing,” he said. “My wife and I plan to go many places in our retirement and see what turns up.”

In his tenure at Bluff Park United Methodist, Crotty said the church has grown, a new sanctuary has been built and his congregation has taken advantage of participating in many mission endeavors.

He said he’ll miss his interactions with people the most.

“Being a senior pastor means you never know whom you’re going to meet on a given day,” he said. “In the morning you may be visiting a hospital to see a newborn baby, and that afternoon, you’re conducting a funeral.”

Mike Holly will assume the role as senior pastor at the church on June 12.

Crotty called Holly one of the most outstanding young ministers in the area.

Holly is 34 years old, making him an excellent addition for the younger families attending Bluff Park United Methodist, he said.

Holly will move to Bluff Park

Reid Crotty is retiring from his position as senior pastor at Bluff Park United Methodist Church after 22 years of service.

United Methodist after serving as the associate pastor for contemporary worship at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook for more than two years.

Holly said he is aware the shoes left for him to fill at Bluff Park are big.

“Very rarely do you get to stay with a church for 22 years this day and age,” he said. “I definitely feel the pressure to succeed for my first

Mike Holly, pictured with his family, will begin serving as the senior pastor at Bluff Park United Methodist this month.

head pastor position.”

The main difference between his position at Canterbury and his new role as head pastor is he will be taking the majority of responsibilities when his new church makes decisions, he said. He knows the job will come with more meetings and accountability, but he’s prepared.

Holly’s wife, Julie, has been the head pastor at Discovery United

Methodist Church for the past five years. As Mike Holly takes on his new role at Bluff Park, his wife will be taking the position he formerly had at Canterbury.

“It’s nice to be married to someone who knows the importance of this role in a church from personal experience,” Holly said.

“Julie leaned on me whenever she needed help. Now I’ll need her to

coach me, and I can only see myself benefitting from a wife that’s had the job before.”

Holly looks to thrive at his new position at Bluff Park by learning from Crotty’s success and building relationships with the community in his new church home.

The experience is brand new to him, and he hopes it leads to something unexpected.

June 2013 • 21

HooverSun.com

Pastor’s Corner Father’s Day is every day

By RICHARD BROOKS Oakmont Presbyterian Church Once a year we pause to celebrate our fathers. It is a time to remember the character and virtues that formed our fathers’ lives and the example they set for us to emulate.

Although our celebration is a one–day-a-year event, the people we celebrate spent a lifetime of commitment and courage to make these accolades authentic. My father’s life of hard work and honest devotion to family led him to offer this advice: There is a long list of things to do, and that should be done for every life. In fact, most people will at times grow weary of the list. Especially burdensome are those lists imposed upon us by others. But there is really only one principle that must be remembered.

As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet: “Above all else, to thine own self be true.” Above both immediate and strategic goals in life, be true to yourself. This is a simple yet complex principle to maintain. The reward for allegiance to this motto will be a fulfilling and meaningful life.

This begins with understanding who you are. A good life begins with self-examination.

What has God given you? In time, talents, and opportunities, what does God offer the world through your existence?

It is equally important to know your own limitations. Assess realistically your characteristics that might be negative and offensive. These are areas where you will want to improve. You should not necessarily avoid these. Rather, know your limitations

when working in these areas of life.

Self-examination naturally evolves into the question of what kind of person you want to become, and which values will take you there. Think about the characteristics you admire in others and the traits you want to emulate. Take time to list these characteristics and prioritize them by importance.

This diligence will set you apart and count you among the few who examine life thoroughly and make life worth living.

The Greek philosopher Socrates pointed out, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” It is only when we grapple with the issues of life and struggle to understand it that life’s fullest meaning and definition takes shape.

Lifestyles and life values are inherited from family and culture. They are also taught by social and institutional traditions. You need not be captive to that which is given you by inheritance and tradition. Neither should you reject outright the mores passed down. However, it is incumbent upon you to evaluate those offered and decide which you accept as valid.

After years of thoughtful reflection and correction, my guideposts for worthy living have become to live a life of of health, to live life deliberately, to live a life of truth and to live a life of love.

Keep things in their proper order. You are a human-being, not a human-doing. Therefore, remember that your first priority is to “Know yourself, be yourself, and fear not.”

FREEDOM

CONTINUED from page 1 spread more than 600 feet in diameter.

For reference, imagine 600 feet as about the length of 15 school buses set end-to-end. That, or about six blue whales.

“We will also use shells that are three, four and five inches in diameter,” Hill said. “Initially, we will use pattern shells that break into hearts, smiley faces, stars, squares and spirals.”

Hill added that shells would be fired about every two seconds throughout the 20-minute show, meaning more than 600 shells could explode over the Met during Freedom Fest.

The Freedom Fest fireworks spectacular will be accompanied by patriotic music. Both begin at 9 p.m., but, according to Hoover Events Coordinator Erin Colbaugh, Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey’s plan was to “make an evening out of it.”

Ivey wanted to host an event for Independence Day. Not just any Fourth of July celebration – a safe, family-friendly festival that would draw out crowds

DERAMUS

CONTINUED from page 1 Locally, Ashley is making waves as well, both figuratively and literally. She boasts 43 competitive medals from Special Olympics swimming.

In addition to her Special Olympics activities, she is a devoted volunteer at The Bell Center for Early Intervention, where she handles classroom supplies and light administrative duties. Her service there led to work last summer on the HMS Bounty, on which she traveled from Savannah, Ga., to Nova Scotia.

She stopped in New York, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania to sell her “Ashley by Design” bracelets and other merchandise to raise money and awareness for those with Down syndrome.

Ashley raised $6,000 for four scholarships for The Bell Center for Early Intervention.

“The moms at the Bell Center have hope now that they might not have had otherwise,” said Connie. “They tell me how encouraging it is to see the potential that their jobs as parents have, and that given the right opportunities, their babies

not only for this year, but for years to come.

Gates open at 5 p.m., but the City is inviting local car clubs to arrive at 4:30 p.m. and display near the Met’s front gate.

“If you have a car you want to display – anything from antique cars to muscle cars to hot rods – bring it in,” Colbaugh said. “There’s no charge.”

Beginning at 6 p.m., the City has arranged for performances by local bands Three on a String, Total Assets and Steve Padilla. Throughout the evening, a kids zone with inflatables will be set up on the picnic side of the facility and concessions, including adult beverages, will be available for purchase.

Outside food won’t be allowed in the facility, and Colbaugh said the City would be checking bags at the gate.

“The main point is that Mayor Ivey wants to focus on this event being family-friendly, safe and free,” Colbaugh said about Freedom Fest. “This event bills all that.”

For more, contact the City of Hoover at 444-7500 or visit hooveral.org.

can experience a high quality of life. There is just a certain camaraderie between we mothers that see Ashley and see potential for other Down syndrome children. She’s giving hope.”

This summer, she will travel to Cleveland aboard the ship Lynx as its Special Needs Mate. The ship features opportunities through its Lynx Education Foundation for Ashley to learn in a hands-on fashion environment. En route to Chicago; Duluth, Minn. and Bay City, Mich., Ashley will be the official hostess, give the morning pledge and serve as the special needs ambassador, according to Kannegiesser.

Ashley’s determination, intelligence and growing reputation have made her a force in Down syndrome awareness. Her active advocacy has attracted followers and fans from across the globe.

In May, Ashley spoke by invitation to the United Nations as part of its “Empowerment in Achieving Poverty Eradication, Full Employment and Decent Work for All” theme.

Ashley’s speech revolved around employment equality for those with Down syndrome, expounding upon her motto, “Don’t let people tell you what you can’t do, show them what you can do.”

22 • June 2013

Hoover Sun

Community Calendar Comedy Club Stardome stardome.com 444-0008

June 1: Josh Wolf June 2: Lucas Bohn June 4-6: Justin Leon June 4: Tickle Me Tuesday with Funnymaine June 7-9: TK Kirkland June 11-16: Greg Morton June 18-20: Chris Barnes June 21-23: The Amazing Johnathan June 28-29: Luenelle

Moonlight on the Mountain moonlightonthemtn.com June 1: Shades Mountain Air June 2: Steff Mahan and Jennifer Knapp (6 p.m.)

June 3: Open Mic Night June 5: Some Dark Holler and Bonnie Whitmore June 6: John Fullbright; Ruston Kelley opens June 7: Jimmy Robinson and Floatstone June 8: The Waymores ($15) June 13: Susan Gibson and Sarah Peacock June 14: The Herb Trotman Band June 15: Kenny Roby and Shannon LaBrie June 17: Open Mic Night June 21: Runaway Home June 22: Ellis Paul ($15) June 26: Will Hawley and Julliard Jazz ($10) June 28: Grace Pettis June 29: Delta Reign July 5: Jessica Campbell and Sara Beth Go All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and cost $12 unless otherwise noted. Open Mic Night is $5.

Hoover Events June 1: Giving Hands 5K Starfish Strut. Veterans Park, 8 a.m. Onemile run to support Giving Hands. Visit givinghandsandhope.org.

June 1: Ross Bridge Spring Market. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. One day shopping with some of your favorite vendors, including music, moonwalks, Lego land, dog stuff, produce, jams and jellies, jewelry, arts and crafts, and a nursery full of new puppies. Call 443-4809.

June 1-2: 11th Annual Art in the Gardens. Aldridge Gardens, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Artists from all over the state will exhibit their work. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

June 2: 7th Annual Preserve Jazz Festival. The Preserve. Spyro Gyra is the headliner. $40 general admission. 3 p.m. Visit preservejazz.com.

June 8: Hydrangea Propagation Workshop. Aldridge Gardens Pavilion, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $20 fee for members. $27 for non-members. Pre-registration requested.

Visit aldridgegardens.com June 14: “Escape from Planet Earth” at Veterans Park. Follow @ BYMovieParties on Twitter.

June 15: Steel Strides 5K. Benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Veterans Park. $25 registration. Visit active.com.

June 19: Garden-to-Garden Tour.

Aldridge Gardens. Trip to Nashville to visit the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

June 21: “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” at Veterans Park. Follow @ BYMovieParties on Twitter.

June 5: Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, noon-7 p.m. Thousands of show cars and traveling exhibits. Admission is free. Visit hotrod.com.

June 25: Hoover Senior Center Concert. Dinner and entertainment. $8 tickets; must buy by Friday, June 22. Call 444-7791.

June 6-9: Men’s State Amateur Golf Championship. Hoover Country Club. Visit hoovercountryclub.com or call 922-0647.

June 27: Live in the Gardens Blues Series: Mr. Gip Gibson & Earl Williams & The Juke. 5-7 p.m. Aldridge Gardens. Visit aldridgegardens.com for advanced tickets.

June 7: “Ice Age Continental Drift” at Veterans Park. Follow @ BYMovieParties on Twitter.

June 7: Rappel the Galleria Tower.

Benefits Baptist Health Systems. Visit conquerthetower.com.

June 8: Big Green Egg “Egg Fest.”

Ross Bridge, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Food samples, music and more. Admission is $10/adult, free for children.

Visit biggreenegg.com/events/eggfests.

June 28: “Hotel Transylvania” at Veterans Park. Follow @BYMovieParties on Twitter.

June 28: Volunteer Vacation: Buffet Beach Bash. Hoover Senior Center. 12:30 p.m. Seniors willenter into a “No Work Zone” and enjoy “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” while listening to a band perform Jimmy Buffet tunes.

Community Events June 1: Juneteenth Culture Fest. Kelly Ingram Park, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free music, food, games and entrance pass to the Civil Rights Museum. Call 328-9696.

June 2: Vulcan’s 109th Birthday Bash. Vulcan Park, noon-4 p.m. A festive outdoor community celebration for the whole family. $3 admission, free for 4-under and Vulcan members. Visit visitvulcan.com.

June 5-8: Miss Alabama Pageant. Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Call 871-6276.

June 8: Lakeshore’s Amazing Race. Teams race across Lakeshore Foundation’s campus completing challenges.

Proceeds go to the Lakeshore Foundation. Entry fee is $500/ team. Registration at 8 a.m. Call 313-7400.

June 15: Caribbean Festival. Boutwell Auditorium, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization presents a day of fun Caribbean style. Free admission. Call 383-6645.

June 15: Dixie Reptile Show. BJCC, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Adults $4, children $1. Visit dixiereptileshow.com June 21-22: QuiltFest 2013. Oak Mountain Middle School, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Event includes a quilt show, vendors, demonstrations, door prizes, and a silent auction to benefit Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. $7 for 2-day admission, free for 5-under. Visit bhamquilters.com.

June 8: 3rd Annual Black Creek Arts Festival. Art show with local artists’ work, musical entertainment and children’s arts activities. Free admission.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 538-3676.

June 21-22: Rock the South 2013. Heritage Park, 3 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday. Music festival celebrating recovery from the 2011 tornados, featuring Sara Evans, The Band Perry, Scotty McCreery, Hank Williams, Jr. and more. There will also be a meet and greet with SEC football legends, hosted by Jay Barker. Two-day admission $49, one-day admission $30. Visit rockthesouth.com.

June 13: ArtCard: Porch Party and Blind Art Sale. Live music, food, and art sale benefitting Oasis Counseling. $25. 6-9 p.m. Visit oasiscounseling.org/artcard.

June 21-23: State Games XXXI. The largest amateur multi-sporting event in the state, featuring Olympicstyle events for Alabama’s youth. Visit alagames.com.

HooverSun.com Adult Events June 2: Global Cuisine. The Plaza.

2:30 p.m. Tour de France food and coffee.

Complimentary samples provided. 4447821.

June 3: Eight Ways to Promote Your Company for Free! Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 7 p.m. Advice for small businesses concerning the use of social media in marketing their products and/or services. To register call 4447816.

June 6: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 10 a.m. The Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Refreshments provided, as well as books for the following month’s meeting. 444-7820.

June 8: World Wide Knit in Public Day/PURL. The Plaza.

Knitting lessons: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

(Reservations required: 444-7820).

WWKIP Day 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Take part in the third annual celebration by bringing your favorite knitted item, along with pattern, to share with the group or just show off. Door prizes and giveaways.

June 2013 • 23

Hoover Library Events June 9: Documentary Screening of “March of the Penguins.” The Library Theatre. 3 p.m. Enjoy this special screening for free.

444-7840.

June 11: Daytime Nonfiction Book Club. Adult Programming Room.

10:30 a.m. Discussion of In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. 444-7816.

June 13: Second Thursday Fiction Book Club. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 10 a.m. The Dressmaker

by Kate Alcott. Refreshments provided, as well as books for the following month’s meeting. 444-7820.

June 13: Will Yarbrough Band.

The Plaza. 6:30 p.m. Yarbrough and his band perform a unique blend of singersongwriter inspired alternative rock.

June 25: You Can Do It, Planning to Age Gracefully In and With Your Home. The Plaza.

10:30 a.m. Jones-Warren Construction and Home Depot demonstrate things you can do to your home to make it more livable for senior citizens. 444-7821.

June 17: Lotions, Potions and

Artists on the Bluff 571 Park Avenue Drawing and Painting with Model or Photo, taught by Rollina Oglesby.

Charcoal, Pastel, Oil and Acrylic on Wednesdays, June 5-26, 9 a.m.-noon or Thursdays, June 6-27, 5:30-8 p.m. Plein Aire Painting on Tuesdays, June 4-25, 9 a.m.-noon. $120 + supplies (former students $95). Contact Rollina at donrollina@bellsouth.net or 733-8939 for registration and supply list.

Deadly Elixers. The Plaza. 12:30 p.m. Catherine Heinzerling presents a fascinating lecture on America’s quirky medical history.

June 20: Lost Antarctica with Jim McClintock. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 7 p.m. Special evening with Jim McClintock, author or Lost Antarctica: Adventures in a Disappearing Land. McClintock is an endowed professor of Polar and Marine Biology at UAB and has been a member of 14 research expeditions to Antarctica. 4447840.

June 24: Monday at the Movies, “Stardust.” The Library Theatre. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Free admission and refreshments.

Plaza. 2:30 p.m. Afternoon of fiddle tunes.

Children’s Events June 4-6: Dinoman. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Take a trip to the Mesozoic Era. All ages.

June 21: Come Back Babies! 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Summer stories, songs and finger plays for babies birth- 12 months. Registration begins June 7.

June 10: Summer Storytime, We Dig Dinosaurs! 10:30 a.m.

Designed for toddlers.

June 22: Monsters U. 10:30 a.m.

Learn the fine art of scaring, sneaking, and hiding. All ages.

June 10: Candyland. 6:30 p.m.

Grades 1-3. Registration begins May 20.

June 24: Summer Storytime, We Dig Gardens! 10:30 a.m.

Designed for toddlers.

June 11-13: Madcap Puppets present Fantastic Fairytales.

10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

All ages

June 27: Nonfiction Book Group. Allen Board Room. 7 p.m.

Discussion of Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. 444-7816.

June 13: Get a Clue! 6:30 p.m.

A rare work of art has been defaced and you must find the character that committed the crime. Grades 4-6.

Registration begins May 23.

June 29: Write Club. Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. 10:30 a.m. Share with fellow amateur writers.

June 17: Summer Storytime, We Get Dirty! 10:30 a.m. Designed for toddlers.

June 30: Instrumentalists, Carters and Joanna Laney. The

June 18-20: That Puppet Guy. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dr.

Painting and Mixed Media, taught

by Rik Lazenby. $120 per month. Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9 a.m.- noon or 5:30-8:30 p.m. for adults. Contact Rik at 281-5273 or visit lazenbystudio.com.

Maison Blanche “La Craie” Furniture Paint Class, taught by Rik Lazenby. $125 classes will last five hours. June 8, 11:00 a.m. in Rik’s studio at Artists on the Bluff. Students may bring their own furniture if they desire, but supplies and sample pieces will be provided. Contact Rik at 2815273 to enroll.

Acrylic Painting, taught by Jayne Morgan. $40 per class including supplies. Mondays, 5:30-7:30

Dinosaur goes on an excited expedition of prehistoric proportions! All ages.

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.

Summer Enrichment Camp for Kids, taught by Cecily Chaney. Ages 9-12. Class times are 9 a.m.-noon, noon-3 p.m., and 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 17-21 and 24-28. Full day is $300/week; half day is $150/week. Contact Cecily at 223-4514 to enroll.

Photography, by Blue Moon Studios.

June 11 and 13: Beginning Photoshop for Adults and Teens; $75; 6-8 p.m. June 18 and 20: Photoshop Extras for Adults and Teens; $75; 6-8 p.m. Contact BlueMoonStudios.net or 995-3791.

June 24: Dirt Don’t Hurt! 6:30 p.m. Get down and dirty with gnomes, worms, and garden games. Grades 1-3.

Registration begins June 3.

June 25-27: Safari Greg presents Amazing Urban Safari. 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. All ages.

June 27: Rats, Bats and Roaches. 6:30 p.m. Journey underground with Gregor the Overlander and escape the enemy to help fulfill the prophecy. Grades 4-6. Registration begins June 6.

Calligraphy – Beginning Copperplate, taught by Deb Warnat. June 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 30, noon-4 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.

Beginning Zentangle, taught by Darla Williamson. $17 per class includes supplies.

Beginner classes: June 14, 6 p.m. Tipsy Tangles; June 22, 9 a.m. Six week series begins June 11. $150 including supplies. Visit TangledStones.com or call 305-2082.

24 • June 2013

Hoover Sun