aggie Bain has spent the past three years at Hoover High School, heavily involved in the arts programs there — band, choir and theater.
Now it’s her senior year, and she’s looking forward to taking advantage of every opportunity she can and hoping to play a leadership role.
Senior activities for Bain, a Hoover High Ambassador, actually kicked off during the summer with a choir trip to France to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, singing on the beach at Normandy and taking part in an international choir festival in Paris.
And as school starts back on Aug. 8, Bain said she’s really looking forward to reconnecting with more friends.
The new school year brings a number of new or improved facilities for students in Hoover City Schools, as well as some new faces in key leadership positions and a few changes with buses and the code of conduct.
Maggie Bain, a rising senior at Hoover High School, throws her hands up outside the school.
Photo by Steven Stiefel.
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson
The start of school is an exciting time for a lot of people.
There are the brighteyed kindergartners walking through the doors of the schoolhouse for the first time, not knowing what to expect. There are students who moved into the community over the summer and will be meeting a whole lot of new faces.
There are returning students, some excited to begin a new year with a fresh start and others who, let’s say, loved being out for the summer and are in no way eager to return.
But it is indeed a time for a fresh start, a new beginning and a chance to
learn in all sorts of ways.
This edition of the Hoover Sun is our backto-school edition, and we hope it helps get everyone in the mood for a successful year and tells you something you didn’t know.
We also have more new features sprinkled throughout that we hope you enjoy!
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Starnes Media announces new manager, editorial staff changes
By STAFF
Starnes Media, publisher of the Hoover Sun and five other hyperlocal media publications in the Birmingham metro area, has announced key new hires.
Tim Stephens, a veteran journalist, has been named general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media. Stephens will oversee operations and the editorial vision for the company’s publications, including 280 Living, Hoover Sun, The Homewood Star, Vestavia Voice, Village Living and Cahaba Sun.
“Tim Stephens is a dynamic newsroom leader with a proven track record of helping teams achieve excellence across print, digital and social media platforms,” said founder and CEO Dan Starnes.
Stephens previously held newsroom leadership positions at the Birmingham Post-Herald, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun-Sentinel and CBSSports.com.
Jon Anderson, currently the community editor of the Hoover Sun, will add duties as community editor of Vestavia Voice.
Cady Inabinett has been appointed digital manager for Starnes Media. A 2024 graduate of the University of Montevallo, Inabinett has experience as a data insights reporter at Open Secrets in Washington, D.C.
Other new additions include:
► Taylor Bright as the community editor for 280 Living and Cahaba Sun. Bright, an award-winning journalist, has previously worked at the Birmingham Post-Herald, the Huntsville Times and the Charlotte Observer.
► Sarah Owens as the community editor for The Homewood Star and Village Living. Owens, an Alabaster native, is a 2022 graduate of Milligan University and has worked as a multimedia journalist in Sarasota, Florida.
ARTPLAY HALLOWEEN FAMILY DAY
Hoover Sun editor Jon Anderson captures APA ‘Story
BY STAFF
The Hoover Sun earned eight first-place awards at the Alabama Press Association’s 2024 Media Awards, including Story of the Year across all media markets.
Community editor Jon Anderson won “Story of the Year” for a feature on the Food for our Journey nonprofit, which collects leftover food and distributes it to homeless people in Birmingham. The Hoover Sun also won first place for best layout and design, led by Melanie Viering and Ted Perry, and first place for best economic news coverage.
Anderson won first place in the Freedom of Information/First Amendment category for his April 2023 story about Bluff Park resident Robin Schultz’s efforts to hold public officials accountable. Schultz made videos of Hoover City Council meetings permanently available to the public when city officials stopped recording public comments and started deleting videos after 60 days. He created The Hoover Channel on YouTube and Facebook to ensure ongoing access.
Anderson also won first place for best use of a video shorter than two minutes with a video of a graduation cap toss at Spain Park High School’s ceremony. Photo editor Erin Nelson Sweeney won first place for best sports photo with an image of Spain Park
High School softball player Katie Flannery and first place for best use of social media with a reel on Hero Doughnuts & Buns’ opening at Stadium Trace Village.
Sports editor Kyle Parmley and contributing writer Gary Lloyd won best podcast series for their Under the Lights weekly sports podcast during football season. The Hoover Sun also had 10 second-place finishes and two third-place awards in the 2024 competition, which involved work published in 2023.
Starnes Media publications — Hoover Sun, 280 Living, Vestavia Voice, Homewood Star, Village Living and Cahaba Sun — won a total of 57 awards in this year’s APA competition. For a full list of awards, visit hooversun.com.
Cady Inabinett
Tim Stephens
Taylor Bright Sarah Owens
The Hoover Sun won “Story of the Year” for Jon Anderson’s piece on Food for our Journey in the May 2023 issue. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Council enacts 6-month moratorium for CBD, vape shops
By JON ANDERSON
New CBD and vape shops wanting to open in the city of Hoover will have to wait.
The Hoover City Council on July 1 passed a six-month moratorium on issuing new business licenses for CBD and vape shops, while city officials try to figure out appropriate regulations for those businesses.
Hoover City Planner Mac Martin said there has been a proliferation of CBD and vape shops in certain commercial districts, to the point that it is having a negative effect on the overall business community.
The city has been getting complaints about illegal products being sold in some of these businesses and some legal products being sold illegally to minors, Martin said. Additionally, CBD and vape shops frequently are found to be in violation of various city and state regulations on a recurring basis, including sign regulations and the types of products being sold in stores, he said.
“They’ll clean up for a time, then they’ll be back in violation,” Martin said.
One issue is that the City Council in 2019 passed particular rules about where vape shops can and cannot be, but similar rules are not in place for CBD stores, Martin said.
The regulations passed in 2019 prohibit new vape stores, tobacco stores, pawn shops and short-term loan shops from opening within 500 feet of a residential area and within
1,000 feet of a K-12 school, child care facility, church, public library, public playground, public park, youth center or other space primarily used for youth-oriented activities. Also, any such stores are only allowed in C-2, C-3 or C-4 commercial zones and have to get special permission from the city to operate in such zones as a “conditional use.” Further, any such stores cannot be within 1,000 feet of another store in any of those categories.
of THC, but Hoover officials have acquired some of those products and sent them to an out-of-state lab for testing and found that the labels are inaccurate and that the THC level is illegal in Alabama, he said.
The nature of the products also makes it difficult to enforce because some products sit on the shelves in a form that is legal, but when someone buys it and manipulates the product (such as adding water or setting it on fire), it changes form and becomes an illegal substance, Martin said.
“We’re at a point in time where it’s not well-regulated at the state or local level,” he said.
City officials want time to research the issue and come up with better regulations, but they want to keep these businesses from proliferating in the meantime, Martin said.
Police Chief Nick Derzis said police and other city officials need to make sure they understand what’s happening and find ways to help ensure businesses operate within the law. “But that law seems to change quite a bit,” he said.
The moratorium does not affect existing CBD and vape shops, just anyone applying for a new business license or seeking to change ownership of such a shop, Martin said.
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In other cases, there are questions about the legality of products being sold, Martin said. Some products are labeled in such a way that they meet state guidelines for the level
But those same rules are not in place for CBD shops, Martin said. As a result, some shops get their business license as a CBD store but later begin offering a variety of vape products, putting them in violation of city regulations but not necessarily in a way that’s easy to detect because of their business classification, he said.
In their review, city officials also will look at businesses that sell CBD or vape products as secondary products, such as more general merchandise stores, gas stations or pharmacies.
Diana S. Knight, CPA, CVA
Jeff W. Maze, CPA, MA Jason Lybrand, CPA, MBA
A sign at the H.H. Smoke Shop at The Village at Lee Branch. The Hoover City Council passed a six-month moratorium on new CBD and vape shops to give the city time to figure out how to address repeated violations occurring at these types of stores. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Mayor’s Minute
By Frank V. Brocato
The older I get, the shorter and shorter summers seem to become.
I wonder if it feels that way for our school children. Well, ready or not, it’s time for them to return to class, and one of the things I love to brag about most is the excellent education we offer in Hoover.
I am proud to say that education isn’t just for our children, but our teachers and administrators as well. This summer, several of them took part in what was a first for our city — a joint tabletop exercise that included staff from the city, the Hoover Police Department, the Hoover Fire Department, the Hoover E-911 Center and leaders within the Hoover City Schools system. This included the superintendent, other central office staff and several principals and nurses.
One of the exercises involved an active shooter scenario at two of our schools; the other involved a major weather event that impacted several schools. The goal was to bring all of these organizations together to participate in and get training on these hypothetical scenarios so that we are prepared to work together in case anything like this were to happen in our city. It was
CITY
a very successful training exercise.
We pray nothing like either of the two scenarios mentioned ever happens in our city — or anywhere else, for that matter. But unfortunately, we see more and more of it every day. It is imperative that we be ready, and I feel like we are. I commend our leaders for being proactive in providing such training, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
Also, please keep in mind that a number of our students will return to class leaving behind tough situations at home. For some, that means not having enough food to eat on a daily basis. Being hungry can make it extremely difficult to learn throughout the day. Fortunately, we have a wonderful organization in our city that works directly with the schools to provide food and other items to children in need. It’s called Hoover Helps, and it operates off of donations and contributions from the community. I’m sure they’d love some assistance from you this year. To learn more, go to hooverhelps.org. I hope this is a successful, fun, safe school year for all our students. I look forward to seeing you all at various games and events throughout the year.
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SCHOOLHOUSE
BACK TO SCHOOL
CONTINUED from page 1
WHAT’S NEW?
One of the most visible new additions is a $15.4 million performing arts center at Hoover High. While a ribbon cutting and grand opening was held in April, this will be the first full year the various arts groups will get to use it.
“That’ll be super exciting,” Bain said. “All the fine arts are planning on using that space. So it’ll be used for band concerts, choir concerts, as well as major theater performances.”
The 36,000-square-foot facility includes a 940-seat auditorium, an orchestra pit, a full theatrical lighting and sound system, a full-fly curtain loft, an on-site scene construction workshop directly behind the stage and an automated theatrical rigging system.
The building is at the southern end of the high school, connected to the band room via a hallway.
Superintendent Kevin Maddox said the school board’s investment in the performing arts center underscores the district’s commitment to providing students with the best resources.
“It symbolizes our commitment to providing students with unparalleled opportunities for artistic expression,” Maddox said. “As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we look forward to witnessing the countless performances and experiences that will enrich the lives of our students and community members alike.”
Hoover High Principal Jennifer Hogan said everyone is excited about the new performing arts center.
“Our students win national and state competitions and now have a first-class facility to perform for the community,” Hogan said. “I am confident that the opportunities afforded by this remarkable facility will inspire creativity, foster collaboration and elevate the artistic achievements of our students for years to come.”
About 26% of students at Hoover High are involved in the arts programs, school officials said.
Across town at Spain Park High School, the Spain Park theater is undergoing a renovation that is due to be complete by the end of September, said Matt Wilson, the school system’s operations director. That $1.2 million project includes sound and lighting upgrades, new flooring, new curtains and curtain-rigging system, fresh paint and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
There have been improvements made with athletic facilities as well. New restrooms have been built at the baseball and softball fields at both Hoover and Spain Park high schools, and that work was expected to be wrapped up at the end of July, Wilson said.
A new athletic restroom and storage building at Bumpus Middle School is expected to be completed by mid-August, he said.
Three schools — Deer Valley, Green Valley and Shades Mountain elementary schools — all were having new playgrounds installed in July, and the playground surface at Rocky Ridge Elementary was being redone.
Three schools — Rocky Ridge Elementary, Simmons Middle and Spain Park High — had partial roof replacements done this summer, with the remaining roofs at those schools scheduled for replacement next summer, Wilson said. Rocky Ridge and Green Valley also had new air conditioning systems installed, and Gwin Elementary and Simmons Middle School had new ventilation hoods installed in their cafeteria kitchens, he said.
There also were various painting and flooring projects throughout the school system.
There are three changes to the code of conduct this year. First, school officials tried to make the dress code more gender neutral, taking out specific wording regarding things such as bras, panties and halter tops, Chief Administrative Officer Terry Lamar said. The dress code now states that “clothing should not reveal the body (sides, chest, midriff, back, bottom, etc.) or undergarments while standing or sitting, or be too tight or excessively large or baggy.”
Second, they removed the penalty for being late to a bus stop because there are natural
consequences for that, such as a parent having to take the child to school, he said. Third, the code of conduct now specifies that if a student has excessive absences, parents may be subject to prosecution and jail time, he said.
WHO’S NEW?
On the personnel front, Hoover has three new principals this year.
► Chelsea Bayko, who has been an assistant principal at Simmons Middle this past year and at Bluff Park Elementary before that, was named the new principal for Rocky Ridge Elementary, replacing Dil Uswatte, who left to become the new chief academic officer for the i3 Academy public charter school in Birmingham.
► Carl Berryhill, an assistant principal at Green Valley this past year and at Gwin Elementary four years before that, was named the new principal at Trace Crossings Elementary. He replaces Quincy Collins, who is taking a oneyear leave of absence.
► Riverchase Elementary Principal Alice Turney also left to become the elementary principal at i3 Academy. She was replaced by Taylar Posey, who was principal at Brookwood Elementary in Tuscaloosa County this past year.
See more about the three new principals on page 10.
The school district also has a host of new assistant principals:
► Jason Deason, the principal at Alexandria High School in Calhoun County for the past four years, will be an assistant principal at Hoover High.
► Amy England is moving from an assistant principal job at Vestavia Hills High School to become an assistant principal at Hoover High.
► Jennifer Lowe is moving from an assistant principal job at Hoover High to an assistant
more counselors at Hoover High, three more English as a Second Language teachers, two speech language pathologists, another nurse, an exceptional education coordinator and a new math coach. Every elementary school now has a math coach and a reading coach, he said.
The school board also agreed to pay special education teachers an extra $2,500 supplement (in addition to the $1,100 supplement offered by the state) this year due to the difficulty in finding enough special education teachers, he said.
OK, YOU’RE NEW?
For families that are new to Hoover City Schools, here are a few key points about the district.
The system last fall had 13,322 students spread across 10 elementary schools, one intermediate school, three middle schools, two high schools and the Riverchase Career Connection Center, which serves students from both high schools for part of the school day. There were about 1,800 employees last year, and that number is growing this year.
Hoover High School was the largest school in the state, with 2,884 students last fall — 463 more students than any other school. Spain Park High had 1,502 students.
Last fall, niche.com ranked Hoover City Schools as the fifth best school district in the state based on state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality and public school district ratings, falling behind only Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Trussville.
State test scores for this past spring had not yet been released as of press time, but scores from spring 2023 showed 73% of Hoover students were proficient in English, while 59% were proficient in math and 61% were proficient in science.
School bus routes were still being drawn for this year at press time, as enrollment numbers were being reviewed and additional drivers were being hired and trained. Last year, the school district had 109 drivers driving 191 routes and traveling 6,711 miles each day, Transportation Director Brad Hayn said.
The number of bus stops will drop this year because the final three schools — Shades Mountain Elementary, Berry Middle and Spain Park High — that had used front-door pickup are converting to the community bus stop model to maximize resources and safety, Hayn said.
principal job at Spain Park High.
► Alli Phelps, who was an English language teacher/case manager at Brock’s Gap Intermediate and Deer Valley Elementary, is now an assistant principal at Riverchase Elementary.
► Matthew Stephens, who has been an assistant principal at Riverchase, is transferring to an assistant principal job at Berry Middle.
► Mariah Alfano has moved from a teaching job at Trace Crossings Elementary to become an assistant principal at Green Valley.
► Shelley Bailey, previously a regional instructional coach with the Alabama Department of Education, is the new sixth grade assistant principal at Simmons.
► Dedrick Agee, previously an assistant principal with Alabaster City Schools, is the new ninth and 11th grade assistant principal at Spain Park High.
Maddox said that Desiree Smith, the new chief talent officer for the Hoover school system, and her team did an amazing job of filling vacancies and getting other personnel hired this school year. They got started about three months earlier than in the past, which helped ensure quality applicants, he said.
The school district doesn’t have any big new academic initiatives this year, other than hiring more people to help struggling learners, Maddox said.
The school board this past spring agreed to hire 25 more academic interventionists to help struggling students make academic gains, bringing the total number of interventionists to 60. That’s a significant investment, he said.
The Hoover district also has added 14 more special education teachers to help with the growing special education population and ease the workload on other teachers, Maddox said. Other new additions this year include two
Elementary and intermediate students who buy meals at schools will pay $1.75 for breakfast and $2.50 for lunch, while middle and high school students will pay $2 for breakfast and $3 for lunch. Last fall, about 33% of Hoover students qualified for free or reducedpriced meals due to family incomes.
Parents can find out more information about the district at hoovercityschools.net.
WHAT’S NEXT?
One change coming soon is the addition of an auto repair shop at the Riverchase Career Connection Center as part of a new Automotive Academy. The 4,000-square-foot addition will include a four-bay garage, an alignment center and two lifts, Wilson said.
This will be the Riverchase Career Connection Center’s seventh academy. Others already operational are the Culinary and Hospitality Academy, Cyber Innovation Academy, Fire Science Academy, Health Science Academy, Skilled Trades Academy and Cosmetology and Barbering Academy.
Construction of the new auto repair shop should be complete by February 2025, in plenty of time to begin the new academy in August 2025, Wilson said.
Work also is expected to begin sometime this school year on athletic locker room renovations at Spain Park High School, though exact plans have yet to be determined, Maddox said.
“I’m really excited about seeing the kids return and staff members,” he said. “I know everyone will be excited for the new year, looking for good things from the school district. We want to be the best at everything we do. We’re not perfect, but we try to do the best job that we can in an effort to help our students achieve.”
Steve Stiefel contributed to this article.
Maggie Bain, a rising senior at Hoover High School, holds up a Hoover Bucs T-shirt outside the school. Photo by Steven Stiefel.
The new performing arts center at Hoover High School has a 940-seat auditorium. Photos courtesy of Sherea Harris-Turner/Hoover City Schools.
SCHOOLHOUSE
Class of 2025 faces big decisions as they enter senior year
By SARAH OWENS
As the class of 2025 prepares for the first day of school, many are already thinking about the big decisions they’ll be making before graduation.
From college or trade school to joining the workforce or military, seniors have a variety of paths to choose from. Counselors at Hoover City Schools are prepared to help students, and their families, talk through their options.
Hoover schools offer many services to help prepare students for their futures. Their curriculums also require career prep courses and offer multiple technical classes that provide students with career skills, but the main focus is on college preparation.
For those who don’t want to attend college, there are vocational and technical programs to consider, as well as the military, said Tracy Prater, Spain Park’s college and career specialist.
And while college is not the best choice for everyone, Prater recommends that students not rule it out too early.
It’s better to apply for admission and give yourself some options than to realize later you want to go but missed the deadlines to apply, he said.
Other resources available to Hoover students include ACT/SAT preparation, visits from college representatives, campus visits, informational sessions and outside partnerships that offer career exploration opportunities. Students can also ask teachers, coaches and counselors for references.
“One of the things I really always recommend students do … is get to know potential recommenders on both an educational background and then professional background, too,” said Andrew Colson, director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“Truly having that person be able to talk about the student as a person, ... that’s typically the type of references that really shine.”
Hoover High School’s online guidance and counseling page, https://hhs.hoovercityschools. net/students/guidance-and-counseling, is full of college and career prep information for students, including timeline guides, scholarship/financial aid resources and instructions for college tours.
Juniors and seniors are allowed two college visits per semester as excused absences, but they must bring a note from the school’s admission office to the attendance office on the day they return to school following the visit in order for the absence to be excused.
“College visits are incredibly important. It’s one of the biggest deciding factors for any student,” Colson said. “Until you do a tour, you don’t actually really see the real life campus. … That’s kind of what the whole point of a college tour is, to really help the student see if this place is going to be the right fit for them not only academically, but just socially.”
Colson also recommends students gain leadership experience to help make their application stand out. This can be anything from sports or leadership in a school organization to work experience in a managerial role or community service.
His final piece of advice to students: get
High school senior to-do list
► Get organized: Stay on top of application deadlines and make sure you have all necessary documents.
► Talk to your school counselors: They offer resources to help apply to schools and are there to talk you through your options.
► Make campus visits: Seeing a college in person can be a deciding factor in choosing your future school.
► Get to know potential references: Having a list of people that can provide good, meaningful recommendations is helpful when applying to colleges or jobs.
organized and stay on top of deadlines. Several colleges in the state open their applications on Aug. 15, so Colson advises seniors to apply early.
Colson has a message for parents watching their kids step into adulthood this year, too.
“This is the time when our students will really start to need to be a little bit more independent,” he said. “This is a really good time for students to get prepped for taking care of affairs, keeping up with deadlines themselves, of course with help from the parents. But, we want to talk to the students just because we want to make sure they are making the right choice for themselves.”
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SCHOOLHOUSE
3 new principals plugging into Hoover schools
By JON ANDERSON
Three Hoover elementary schools have new principals in place for the 2024-25 school year, including two with extensive experience in the Hoover system.
Chelsea Bayko has taken the helm at Rocky Ridge Elementary, following Dil Uswatte, who left to become the chief academic officer at the i3 Academy public charter school in Birmingham.
Carl Berryhill is stepping in at Trace Crossings Elementary, where former Principal Quincy Collins decided to take a one-year leave of absence, and Taylar Posey is now leading Riverchase Elementary instead of Alice Turney, who left to be the elementary principal at i3 Academy.
Superintendent Kevin Maddox said Hoover likes to develop leaders from within its own system, noting that Bayko and Berryhill both have been in Hoover for some time. Bayko spent seven years as an assistant principal at Bluff Park Elementary and this past year as an assistant principal at Simmons Middle, while Berryhill was an assistant principal at Gwin Elementary for four years and Green Valley Elementary for one year.
However, sometimes the best candidate to fill a vacancy comes from outside the district, as was the case with Posey for Riverchase, he said. She has 10 years of administrative experience, including four as an assistant at Meadow View Elementary in Alabaster, five as an assistant at Thompson Middle School in Alabaster and one year as principal at Brookwood Elementary in Tuscaloosa County.
All three of the new principals have worked at multiple schools under several leaders, which has given them diverse experiences and allowed them to see different leadership styles, Maddox said.
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of looking for the right fit for a particular school based on someone’s background, experiences and personality, he said.
“I feel like all three of the principals we selected fit exactly what those schools need right now,” Maddox said. “I have complete confidence in all three of them, as I do in all of our principals. I know they’re going to do a great job.”
Bayko said she’s thrilled to be at Rocky Ridge and carry on the legacy of Uswatte, whom she described as a “go-getter.”
“The parents have been awesome. The teachers have been so welcoming,” Bayko said. “I’ve met a couple of students, and I’m just so excited to see the smiles on their faces.”
Her main goals are to celebrate diversity and build a positive school climate where all students can thrive, she said. She’s also very passionate about developing leadership in students. She was excited to see that Rocky Ridge follows a “house” system similar to what is in place at Bluff Park, dividing the entire student body and faculty into groups that span across
different grade levels, because she believes those connections are important.
She’s also passionate about building teachers into leaders and has a collaborative leadership style, she said.
Berryhill said he’s excited to be at Trace
Crossings and continue the great work that Collins did there. He has dreamed of becoming a principal and looks forward to building relationships with the students, faculty and families there and making it the best possible experience for students, he said.
“I’m a servant leader, and I think relationships are important,” he said. “I love Trace Crossings because of the diversity. I feel like this is the place I’m supposed to be in. It’s like a melting pot.”
He believes he’s there to help make sure kids get all their needs met, whether educational, emotional or social, he said.
Posey, who is entering her 18th year in education, said she, too, is excited about being at Riverchase and has a lot of new and fun ideas she wants to bring to the school.
“I do my best to try to build relationships with the faculty, staff and students, and I feel if you have a good culture and climate, the rest of it tends to fall into place,” she said.
Above left: Chelsea Bayko, the new principal at Rocky Ridge Elementary, seen in her office.
Above right: Taylar Posey, the new principal at Riverchase Elementary School, stands outside the front entrance at the school.
Left: Carl Berryhill, the new principal at Trace Crossings Elementary School, stands in the atrium at the school. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
SCHOOLHOUSE
Schools foundation’s new director steps in
By JON ANDERSON
When Shelley Shaw stepped down as executive director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation in November, the organization didn’t have to go far to find its next director.
Ann Marie Harvey, the vice president of content and communications for Vertical Solutions Media, had been working with the foundation for five years as a public relations contractor.
Harvey agreed to step in as interim executive director while the foundation board conducted its search, and then the board decided it wanted Harvey to fill the role permanently.
“The hiring committee conducted a lengthy search, interviewed some great options, and we are elated with the choice,” foundation President Paul Dangel said. “Ann Marie brings a wealth of institutional knowledge coupled with a love for Hoover City Schools that is almost unmatched. We look forward to continuing our mission of funding grants for Hoover’s teachers and students and are confident Ann Marie is the leader we need.”
Harvey, who took over the position in March, said the move made good sense to her and felt right.
She has a lot of teachers in her family, including her mother, and this is an opportunity to step into education without actually being an educator herself, she said.
Harvey grew up in northern Kentucky and came to Birmingham to attend Samford University, where she had a double major in mass communication and Spanish. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked in corporate communications for State Farm, managing all of its publications, for five years.
She then moved to Southern Progress, serving as a book editor for Oxmoor House
for three years, and followed that with 18 months doing public relations work for Lewis Communications. She shifted into freelance work for more than a decade before joining Vertical Solutions
Media 10½ years ago. She’s still officially with Vertical Solutions Media but spends most of her time with the foundation job, which is a full-time role, she said. Harvey said she was able to learn a lot about
Resort-Style Retirement Living
Danberry
the foundation by working with the previous executive directors, so that gave her a head start when she took over the role. But 25 hours a week as an interim director was not enough time to accomplish all the work that needs to be done, so she is plugging into the role fulltime now, she said.
Her job is much like being a “captain of the ship,” she said. The board of directors makes the decisions about where they want the foundation to go, and she executes their decisions to make it happen, she said. But the foundation could not be a success without all the volunteers and board committee members who pour into it, Harvey said. “You’re only as good as your volunteers.”
One of her biggest tasks is to try to look for new ways to bring in funds to support the work of the foundation, she said.
Harvey said she has experience in grant writing, so she’s putting that to use with the foundation. She already has applied for two grants on behalf of the foundation and plans to seek more.
The foundation also plans to re-emphasize its Commit 36 campaign, asking people to donate $1 for each of the 36 weeks of the school year, she said. If they could find a donor to cover every child in the school district, that would mean almost $500,000 for the foundation.
The foundation also wants to establish a new fall event because the comedy fundraiser at the Stardome Comedy Club didn’t raise as much money in the past two years as had been hoped.
Harvey said she wants people to understand the money the foundation raises goes above and beyond the basics, funding extra initiatives to enrich children’s experiences in school. “It’s making a difference,” she said.
According to the Alabama Administrative Code
NOTICE
r.290-080-090-10(2)(g), an education agency must retain a copy of education records for five (5) years after a student with disabilities graduates with a diploma, reaches age 21, or exits high school. At the end on the five (5) year retention period, the education agency shall provide written notice to parents to inform them that the special education records are no longer needed and will be destroyed. This serves as notice that special education records for students who graduated with a diploma, reached age 21, or exited high school on or before May 2019, will be destroyed after October 2, 2024, unless the parents pick up the records or notify the Director of Instructional Support Services at the following address prior to that date to arrange a time to receive the records: Claire Jones-Moore - Executive Director of Exceptional Education Hoover City Schools 2810 Metropolitan Way Hoover, Alabama 35243 205-439-1070
Ann Marie Harvey, executive director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation. Photo by Jon Anderson.
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW ACCOLADES
Fire Science Academy student honored for
By JON ANDERSON
Francisco Rojas-Carillo, a student in the Fire Science Academy at the Riverchase Career Connection Center, recently was honored by the Hoover Fire Department with the Citizen of Merit Award for his heroic actions to help rescue a person from a burning car.
Rojas-Carrillo was delivering for DoorDash last October when he came across a vehicle accident on U.S. 31. He noticed the car was on fire, with flames coming up above the vehicle, said fire Lt. Jeff Otwell, one of Rojas-Carrillo’s instructors in the Fire Science Academy.
heroism
“He noticed the driver was not getting out. On his own accord, he reached in with the help of several other men and pulled the passenger out of the passenger side of the vehicle,” Otwell said. “They couldn’t get him out from the driver side, so they had to do it from the other side. … His willingness to jump into action and help his fellow man without a second thought shows a selfless attitude, and we’re very proud and believe he has a very bright future.”
Hoover High School teacher Susan Norris
Susan Norris is a peer helping teacher at Hoover High School. Peer helpers are students trained to tutor and mentor other students and help resolve student disputes.
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: It’s not really a “what” that inspired me to become a teacher. It was a “who” that inspired me to become a teacher. My high school chemistry teacher — her name was Linda Carper. She loved me well, she taught me well and she prepared me for my next step.
Q: How long have you been a teacher?
A: I graduated from Auburn University in 1994 so I’ve been teaching in some fashion on and off since then. My degree is in chemistry and math. I have a master’s in both of those, but right now I actually teach an amazing class at Hoover High School called peer helping.
Q: Tell us about your favorite teacher when you were in school.
Rojas-Carrillo moved to Alabama from Venezuela with his mother in February 2023, and they now live with his aunt in Hoover, Otwell said.
Rojas-Carrillo always shows up for class with a smile, said Lt. Landon Johnson, another instructor. “He’s happy to be there. He’s full of energy,” Johnson said. “He’s a silent leader, encouraging all of his classmates to be better. … He’s just always eager to learn, and it’s an honor to be his teacher.”
A: Linda Carper and Walt Rogers were my two favorite teachers in high school. Mrs. Carper taught me math and chemistry, and Mr. Rogers taught me physics. Physics was actually the hardest class that I took. I worked really hard, and I never made an A, which is crazy because I was always a student who made an A in everything. But both of those teachers loved me well and pushed me hard.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher for you?
A: The most rewarding part of being a teacher for me is when I am somewhere in a community and I see a student that I once taught, and they come over and they talk to me, and they want to tell me about their life and their family and where they are. I know that’s the most rewarding part for me is just seeing students grow into mature adults and to see where they are now.
Susan Norris is a peer helping teacher at Hoover High School. Photo courtesy of Susan Norris.
Francisco Rojas-Carrillo, a student at the Fire Science Academy at the Riverchase Career Connection Center, third from left, is honored for helping pull a person from a burning vehicle in a vehicle crash on U.S. 31 in October during a Hoover school board meeting on June 11. Standing with him, from left, are fire Lt. Jeff Otwell, English Language Learner teacher Mollie Applegate and fire Lt. Landon Johnson. Photo by Jon Anderson.
BUSINESS
New chamber CEO ready to engage the community
By JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY
Nanette “Nan” Baldwin, the newly appointed CEO of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, said she’s bringing a commitment to community engagement into her new role.
With over 21 years of experience from the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Metropolitan Development Board, Baldwin said she wants to help drive economic growth and foster a thriving business environment in Hoover. She wants to enhance Hoover’s business landscape through strategic initiatives, collaboration and inclusivity.
“My vision is to elevate the chamber by providing programming for small businesses, networking opportunities and advocating for all businesses through public policy initiatives,” Baldwin said. “The chamber’s role is to support the city in attracting, recruiting and retaining businesses in Hoover and work in concert with the city’s economic development division.”
Baldwin said she’s on board with the chamber’s three-pronged, five-year joint strategic plan with the city of Hoover, titled “Elevate Hoover.”
The first goal aims to increase public awareness and marketing to showcase Hoover as a community and municipality within the Birmingham region, as well as promoting entrepreneurs and small and mid-size businesses and encouraging people to live, work and play in Hoover.
The second goal is to “be the voice of business” in Hoover and includes creating a legislative agenda with Hoover-centric priorities for the 2025 legislative session.
The third goal is to cultivate relationships with organizations to create a viable workforce. Baldwin plans to leverage advocacy, exposure and strategic partnerships.
“We envision partnering with organizations like the Small Business Administration to offer educational opportunities about various
programs, services and funding opportunities,” she said. “By advocating for businesses, we can address issues that hinder their growth.”
The Birmingham native holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in public and private management from Birmingham-Southern College. She is also a 2017 graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management.
“IOM teaches you all the elements of running a chamber. … I believe it adequately prepared me for this role,” Baldwin said. “My primary leadership principle is one of teamwork and partnership. The chamber will work as a team with other organizations to provide services for businesses in Hoover to make us stronger.”
Baldwin discussed the chamber’s role in workforce development. “We want to create pipelines with two-year colleges and stronger connections with Hoover City Schools to bridge the gap between businesses and educational institutions.
This alignment will address the skills needed by many of the businesses,” she said.
Baldwin also strives to ensure the Hoover chamber reflects the city’s diverse demographics. “Hoover is a melting pot, and I want the chamber to mirror that,” she said.
She wants the chamber to understand all the various communities in Hoover, engage with their leaders and invite them to the table, she said.
Inclusivity also is very important, Baldwin said. “We want to ensure all communities have access to programming and opportunities,” she said.
For example, if the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama is hosting a seminar, she wants the Hoover chamber to be involved so that it can inform its Hispanic counterparts and other businesses of valuable resources, she said.
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Connect with new friends in a chapter near you – we have locations in Hoover, Vestavia Hills, North Shelby, Tuscaloosa and Gadsden
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We are excited to welcome you. Join OLLI today and register for any of our 300+ yearround programs by calling 205-348-6482 or visiting olli.ua.edu
Nan Baldwin, Hoover Chamber of Commerce’s new CEO, at the Riverchase Galleria.
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
Boston Fish Supreme has opened in the former location of the Falafel Cafe, at 1837 Montgomery Highway, Suite 103 in The Plaza at Riverchase shopping center. The restaurant serves a variety of fish sandwiches and entrees, shrimp, oysters, wings, chicken, burgers, potatoes, nachos, salads, desserts and more.
205-202-4438, bostonfish-supreme.com
Desi Tadka, an Indian restaurant and bar chain based in Tucker, Georgia, has opened a location in The Plaza at Riverchase at 1843 Montgomery Highway, Suite 105. The restaurant features traditional Indian street food flavors, and its menu includes North Indian cuisine, curries, various Indian breads, regional delicacies and beverages. 205-224-4007, thedesitadka.com
COMING SOON
Hoover Steaks and Wines plans to open in the Knox Square development, across from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The business will offer specialty meats, seafood, fine wines, gourmet sides and desserts. The goal is to be open by late October. 205-910-2953, hooversteaksandwines.com
Space Savers Climate Storage is well underway with construction on a 100,000-square-foot, four-story climate-controlled self-storage facility at 3410 Old Columbiana Road behind the Hoover Square shopping center. The building will have 700 storage units, all dehumidified and with air conditioning, owner Butch Chandler said. Chandler hopes to have the facility completed and open by September or October. Space Savers Climate Storage already has two facilities in Tuscaloosa, two in Prattville, one on Meadowlark Drive off U.S. 280 and one off Acton Road near the intersection of U.S. 280 and Interstate 459. 205-454-6790, spacesaversal.com
RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS
The Courtyard by Marriott hotel at 1824 Montgomery Highway has just completed a renovation project. 205-988-5000, marriott.com
The Wheeles & Garmon Attorneys firm has relocated from The Offices at 3000 Riverchase office tower attached to the Riverchase Galleria to 5000 Southlake Park, Suite 150. The partners are Todd Wheeles, Matt Garmon and Meredith Carpenter. An open house was held June 27. 205-593-4394, wheelesgarmonattorneys.com
NEW OWNERSHIP
UAB Health System has acquired Ascension St. Vincent’s for $450 million. UAB will gain ownership of all St. Vincent’s sites of care, including its primary care clinics on Chace Drive and Hugh Daniel Drive and the hospitals
at Birmingham, Blount, Chilton, East and St. Clair. This also includes St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. 205-934-4681, uabmedicine.org
Sagora Senior Living has acquired the Rocky Ridge Retirement Community at 3517 Lorna Road and rebranded it as Asher Point Independent Living of Hoover. The community includes a range of apartment sizes for people ages 55 and older, from studio to two-bedroom apartments. All apartments have bathrooms, kitchens and balconies or patios, and all apartments are pet-friendly. The community also has a dining area with kitchen staff who provide residents with three meals a day. 659-212-8472, asherpointhoover.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In June, the Walmart Supercenter at 2780 John Hawkins Parkway in the Colonial Promenade Hoover shopping center added a Clockwork robotic manicure service, which uses artificial intelligence and 3D technology to paint people’s nails in under 10 minutes for $15. The robotic manicure service also was added at Walmart Supercenters in Boaz and Scottsboro. 205-733-0303, walmart.com
Capstone Building Corp., a general contractor headquartered at 1200 Corporate Drive, Suite 350, in Meadow Brook Corporate Park, has completed LEO at Flint Crossings, a $54 million resort-style single-family rental development in Meridianville, Alabama, which covers 360,500 square feet with 266 units, and a $19 million phase five of The South City Redevelopment Project in Memphis, which includes 120 senior apartment homes covering 95,364 square feet. The LEO at Flint Crossings project was developed by Advenir Oakley Development, a brand of the Advenir Living real estate and property management company, and features cottage-style and townhome floor plans, a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, pool house, three outdoor pavilions and gazebos, a mail kiosk and a maintenance building. Phase five of the South City Redevelopment Project is being developed by McCormack Baron Salazar, with the Memphis Housing Authority as the project sponsor. 205-803-5226, capstonebuilding.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
Warren Averrett, 2500 Acton Road #200, recently promoted 35 employees at its Birmingham office. Konnor Amis was promoted to senior manager of the Forensic and Valuation Services Group. Sarah Louviere was promoted to senior manager of the Consulting Division. Cory Stanaland was promoted to senior manager of the Estate and Trust Division. Ben Studstill was promoted to senior manager of the Healthcare Division. Dow Umbach and Ethan Guynes were promoted to supervisors in the Audit Division. Allison Thomas, Hannah Kennedy, Jessica Ward, Livie Thomas and Tyler Russel were promoted to senior associates of the Audit Division. Laura Pearson was promoted to manager of the Estate and Trust Division. Kimberly Huerta was promoted to supervisor of the Healthcare Division. Jeremy Peters was promoted to senior technology services administrator of the Information Technology Division. Charleigh Steelman was promoted to communications manager for the Marketing Division. Heather Clark and Trista Cooper were promoted to communications supervisors in the Marketing Division. Jen Wiley was promoted to marketing supervisor of the Marketing Division. Georgina Haladwala was promoted to payroll manager. Amanda Voce was promoted to professional development supervisor. Collins Mills was promoted to supervisor of the Risk Advisory and Assurance Services Division. Christina Baur, Dillon Groves and Heidi Dukes were promoted to managers in the Tax Division. Chaney Benford, Chase Phillips, Jacob Paul, Landon Crowder, Mallie Miller and Rafael Millan-Lopez were promoted to senior associates in the Tax Division. Josh Sloan was promoted to supervisor of Transaction Advisory Services. Chris Kent was promoted to consultant III of the Warren Averett Technology Group. Amy Jackson was promoted to senior associate/client services administrator of Warren Averett Workplace. 205-979-4100, warrenaverett.com
The Baptist Health System, a nonprofit corporation that owns 30% of Brookwood Baptist Health, has announced the appointment of Brandon Wilson, executive chairman of Wilbron Inc., to their board of trustees. Wilson is a graduate of Auburn University and a 2023 inductee into the Public Relations Society of America’s
Do you have news to share about a business in Hoover or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Hoover Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
(PRSA) College of Fellows. Wilson founded Wilbron, Inc., and is the author of “Sabotage: Leadership that Overcomes Betrayal, Theft and Deceit.” In Hoover, Brookwood Baptist Health operates a medical office building at 5295 Preserve Parkway and a freestanding emergency department at 7131 Cahaba Valley Road. 205-682-6077, ebaptisthealthcare.org
ANNIVERSARIES
AAA Alabama, located at 2400 Acton Road, in July celebrated its 100th anniversary. The organization offers emergency roadside services, travel services, identity theft protection, credit card services, auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance and discounts to restaurants, attractions and other services. 205-978-7000, aaa.com
The Your CBD Store at 2341 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 131, celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 19. The store at 4673 U.S. 280 celebrated its sixth anniversary on July 12. 205-739-2200, 205-407-4689; getsunmed.com
BioHorizons, which is based at 2300 Riverchase Center and is one of the largest dental implant companies in the world, celebrated its 30th anniversary in June. The business launched in 1994 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institute for Innovation with just three employees and moved to Hoover about 17 years ago. Since then, BioHorizons has grown within the community and worldwide. Today, BioHorizons has more than 200 employees in Hoover and a total of 700 employees throughout the United States, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal and Italy. In its corporate headquarters, the team occupies more than 100,000 square feet and continues to expand. The company also has a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in southern California. BioHorizons’ first implant was sold in 1997, and in 1998, the company began its first international distribution of dental implants. The company in 2018 was acquired by Henry Schein, the world’s largest provider of health care solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners. Steve Boggan, the president and CEO of BioHorizons, and Todd Strong, the executive vice president and chief operating officer, both have been with the company since its founding. 888-246-8338, biohorizons.com
Expedia Cruises, 270 Doug Baker Blvd., celebrated its 10-year anniversary grand reopening. 205-482-7722, expediacruises.com/GreystoneAL
CLOSINGS
The Falafel Cafe has closed its location in The Plaza at Riverchase at 1837 Montgomery Highway, Suite 103. The restaurant’s location in Birmingham at 401 19th St. S., Suite 100, remains open. falafelcafe.com
The I Heart Mac and Cheese restaurant at 2503 John Hawkins Parkway (across from Stadium Trace Village) has closed. The restaurant opened in late 2022. It served a variety of health-conscious bases including quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, gluten-free pasta, plant-based protein, vegan and dairy-free alternatives, as well as an extensive array of traditional mac & cheese and sandwich options.
The Cinnaholic bakery at 270 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 300, in The Village at Lee Branch has closed.
The Fresh Market is closing its store in Inverness Village at 4700 U.S. 280, Suite 6. No timetable for closing was given as of mid-July. thefreshmarket.com
Realtor Tamara Canty has passion for uplifting potential homebuyers
By STAFF
Tamara Canty is a Realtor with Transform Real Estate.
Q: Tell us briefly about your business.
A: Transform Real Estate is a real estate company that specializes in residential real estate and also property management services. We assist in-state and out-of-state owners and investors with leasing and property management services.
Q: How did you get involved with the business?
A: I got my start in housing in 1989 as a college student at Mississippi State University. After I graduated college, I went into banking and finance, and a manager where I lived asked me if I would be interested in being a part-time leasing agent or leasing consultant. So I have 14 years in property management, and I have 4½ years in real estate.
Q: Give us your 30-second elevator pitch.
A: I am very driven and passionate about helping those people who need hope, people who others have told no, that they can't own a home. So I work very closely with people who have experienced credit challenges, foreclosures, bankruptcy, people that need affordable housing. I'm very driven and passionate to help those people or anyone who wants to own a home.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: I believe the thing that sets me apart
from my competitors is the fact that I'm very patient, very consistent. I love educating people, so I tend to draw or attract the firsttime homebuyers, and I spend a lot of time educating them so that they understand the process, so they can help and teach others.
Q: What would your customers say they like about you?
A: I believe that my clients, customers, colleagues would all say the same thing — that I am generous, that I am kind. I'm patient. I'm very responsive, and I just love and take great joy in seeing other people thrive and do well.
Tradition Physical Therapy
By CHARLES VAUGHAN
Tradition Physical Therapy, located in southwest Hoover on John Hawkins Parkway, is one of the over-the-mountain area’s newest physical therapy clinics. Founded by Roger Gurley, a physical therapist who has been practicing in the Birmingham area since 2006, Tradition opened its doors this past February and has a second location in Cullman.
Tradition offers treatment of a variety of day-to-day ailments, including chronic pain, spine and back pain, soft tissue injuries, muscle inflammation, dizziness and balance issues, headaches and TMJ dysfunction. The clinic also provides services in the wake of major physical injuries, including post-surgery recovery programs,
mobility training for recently replaced joints and consultations for sidelined athletes looking to return to the playing field. In the case of a workers’ compensation claim, Tradition will perform evaluations to assess a patient’s ability to return to work. Tradition therapists employ traditional manual and exercise therapy, muscle manipulation techniques like dry needling, electrical stimulation and ultrasound devices. They’ll also provide taping and bracing to reinforce joints.
Tradition Physical Therapy’s Hoover clinic is at 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 119, in the Lake Crest Center and is open on weekdays. Appointments can be made over the phone or online at traditionpt.com/hoover, but walk-ins also are accepted.
Tamara Canty is the owner, broker and principal partner of Transform Real Estate in Hoover. Photo courtesy of Photo Eye Studio.
Cory Stephens, the clinic director at Tradition Physical Therapy, works with a patient on knee injury rehabilitation.
Photo by Charles Vaughn
TO KNOW
Seth White: Culinary Manager, The Olive Garden at Riverchase Galleria Sips and Bites
By STAFF
Q: What all do you do here?
A: I coach and correct team members on-site, so if something is not being done correctly, I go behind them and tell them, ‘This needs to be the way it’s done.’ I order truck. I take inventory — just all around take care of the restaurant. I’m taking care of the irrigation system now as well. I’m working with the landscapers now as well to get the front of the house looking better.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: I’ve been a manager just now coming up on a year, but I’ve been working for Darden Restaurants for eight years. I started in Tuscaloosa as a busser when I was in high school, and then I kind of just moved my way around the restaurant. I was a busser, a host, server, then on to the kitchen, then I ultimately moved up to be a manager here.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: My favorite thing is whenever I have a guest come up to me on their way out the door and tell me how amazing everything went, like their server just went above and beyond and took great care of them, and they’ll definitely come back and see us again. Probably next week they’re going to become a regular for us. That’s one of my favorite things to hear.
Q: What’s the most challenging part of the job?
A: Probably the guests as well. We have some guests that come in here, and they’re super happy with everything, and every now and then we’ll have an unsatisfied guest we’ll have to take care of. But that’s not an issue. It’s pretty easy to take care of an upset guest because it’s either the service or their food. You can fix either of those issues.
Hoover Sun is spotlighting local restaurants in print and online. Submit your restaurant for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/restaurant-spotlight
SPOTLIGHT
Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar features hand-cut steaks, weekly dessert specials
By STAFF
Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar, an Italian-infused steakhouse, is one of 280’s most established culinary options.
The restaurant’s menu features a wide range of options including handcut steaks cooked over a wood-burning grill, seafood, veal, pasta and weekly dessert specials. Bellini’s boasts that it fields some of the best wine in the Birmingham area; its expansive, rotating selection earned the restaurant a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence each of the last four years.
Guests can dine in or sit at the restaurant’s bar, which opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Bellini’s also offers catering, private dining, wine dinners and a VIP club that gives members complimentary desserts and advance knowledge of specials. Although they’re not
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required, reservations are highly suggested. Bellini’s is at 6801 Cahaba Valley Road and is open Monday from 4 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.; and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information about the restaurant, go to ourbellinis.com.
Seth White. Photo by Jon Anderson.
A filet mignon over garlic mashed potatoes with fire roasted asparagus is one of the many dinner items on the menu at Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar. Staff photo.
Good neighbors turn into good partners
How 2 Bluff Park residents joined forces to create community
By JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY
When you step into the Bluff Park Coffee Collective in Shades Mountain Plaza, you immediately catch the aroma of freshly ground coffee, complemented by the sweet and savory scents of pastries wafting through the air.
Two friends, both artisans in their own right, opened the cafe with the shared goal of cultivating community.
Bert Davis of Daysol Coffee Lab and Ramsey Nuss, owner of Good Neighbor Baking, met on social media in 2019 and discovered they were Bluff Park neighbors. Their friendship quickly blossomed into a business partnership.
“We did some trading, and the rest is history. We connected, became friends and pipe dreamed [the opening of] a collab spot in our neighborhood,” Davis said.
The two decided to create a brand showing mutual respect for each other’s products: Bluff Park Coffee Collective. “Both of our companies take pride in what is represented at the shop, and we enjoy working together,” Nuss said.
The coffee is roasted nearby in a Pelham warehouse, and all pastries are made in-house. “That’s why it smells so good in there all the time,” Davis said.
“A lot of great coffee shops may have excellent coffee, but a lot of the time, the pastries can be an afterthought. And the same
for bakeries — killer baked goods with some pots of coffee in the corner that people barely know exist. We wanted to create a space that took the two and showcased them in the same space,” Davis said.
Patrons can expect a rotating pastry menu, with new takes on traditional baked goods. Daysol’s seasonal coffee menu and homemade syrups create opportunities for unique flavors and pairings. “You won't find another experience like it in Birmingham,” Nuss said.
Bluff Park Coffee Collective aims to be a community hub where neighbors can build relationships and the must-stop coffee shop
Bluff Park residents want to share with friends and family.
Davis, a Myrtle Beach native, discovered his passion for coffee roasting in Colorado around 2015. “It started as a hobby with a countertop roaster,” he said. “I was hooked. I took a hobby and made it a passion. Luckily, I was in the heart of one of the biggest specialty coffee centers in our country and knew a lot of folks in the industry. … I learned everything I could about the coffee world.”
Nuss, a Fayetteville, Ala., native and mother of three, coupled her passion for baking with her desire to meet local moms and neighboring
families in Bluff Park. What started as a “nap-time hustle” flourished. “I want my baked goods to simply be used as a vessel in making meaningful connections with the people around you,” she said.
Daysol’s Wanderlust Blend is the collective's most popular coffee blend. As for the signature pastries, “either our cinnamon roll with maple frosting or the oatmeal cream pie,” Nuss said. “However, people have been losing it over our Conecuh cheddar drop biscuit, so maybe that's the new winner.”
Bluff Park Coffee Collective is located at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza and is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, go online to bp-coffee-collective.square.site.
Above: A blueberry scone and a latte rest on the counter for a customer at Bluff Park Coffee Collective.
Left: Bert Davis, owner of DaySol Coffee, and Ramsey Nuss, owner of Good Neighbor Baking, combined their businesses into the Bluff Park Coffee Collective. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Recently sold homes in Hoover
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3/2.5
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► BED/BATH: 4/2.5
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WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH
If you suffer from allergies or other ear, nose, throat or hearing problems, we don’t want you to treat your healthcare lightly or ignore symptoms that could lead to more serious issues.
For a complete and thorough evaluation make an appointment today to see one of our 15 board certified physicians, 4 highly trained, licensed PA’s, or 16 clinical audiologists – all available to serve your needs at any of our 10 locations.
At our practice, your health comes first; and we strive to treat each patient as a person, not just another case. Our goal is to deliver a positive personal experience along with a positive outcome.
For your convenience, we have same day appointments available, as well as early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Please call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020) for more information, visit us on our website at www.entalabama.com, and scan the QR code below to follow us on social media.
Hoover events guide
Aug. 3: The Three 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Finley Center. Organized by J. Smith Hoops. Male and female divisions that include grade school, middle school, high school, college, adult, 40+ adults and elite divisions. Each team will play at least three games, including two pool-play games before bracket play begins. Each team can consist of up to four players. The winning teams in each division will receive championship T-shirts and rings, and the winning teams in the elite divisions will receive a $1,000 cash prize and T-shirts. The elite divisions will have officials, but all other divisions will have court monitors. Last year, more than 40 teams participated in the tournament, and organizers hope it will be bigger and better this year. The cost per team ranges from $150 to $250. Teams can register at hoover metcomplex.com.
Aug. 8: Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Contacts, Aveda Institute. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Coffee and light breakfast networking event.
Aug. 8: Financial Workshop: Foundations of Investing, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375. By Edward Jones’ Joe Prokop. Free. To reserve
space, contact Phyllis Shepley at 205-573-0228 or Phyllis.shepley@ edwardjones.com.
Aug. 9-11: Perfect Game Deep South Baseball Tournament, Hoover Metropolitan Complex.
Aug. 10-11: Collectors and Shooters Co. Gun Show, Finley Center. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Aug. 22: Financial Workshop: Rules of the Road, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375. By Edward Jones’ Joe Prokop. Free. To reserve space, contact Phyllis Shepley at 205-573-0228 or Phyllis.shepley@ edwardjones.com.
Aug. 11: Salt and Light, Riverchase United Methodist Church. 5-7 p.m. The women's ministry at Riverchase United Methodist Church is having a dinner event called "Salt and Light," featuring speaker Brendt Blanks. Her talk is called "Empowered to give it a go." She plans to share her journey from marriage and family therapist to lifestyle brand founder and to share how faith, conversations with others and a pivotal church message led her to “give it a go” and transform her career. This event is supporting a nonprofit called Embrace Alabama Kids, which serves abused, neglected and abandoned children. The cost to attend the dinner is $25. Register at riverchaseumc.org/event/ salt-light-2024.
Aug. 14: Hoover Small Business Alliance Networking Breakfast, Aldridge Gardens. 8-9 a.m. Free.
Aug. 15: Financial Workshop: Retirement by Design, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375. By Edward Jones’ Joe Prokop. Free. To reserve space, contact Phyllis Shepley at 205-573-0228 or Phyllis.shepley@ edwardjones.com.
Aug. 17-18: Perfect Game 13U/14U Gulf Coast
Aug. 23: Hoover High School Volleyball Tournament, Finley Center.
Aug. 24-26: Liberty Cup Boys Soccer Tournament, Hoover Metropolitan Complex.
Aug. 26: Links Fore Scholars Golf Tournament, Riverchase Country Club. The tournament, which raises money to support college scholarships for employees of Hoover chamber members or the city (as well as their children), is set for an 8:30 a.m. start. It will be a shotgun start, with four-person teams starting all at the same time on different holes. The tournament will be played in a scramble format. Prior to the tournament, at 7:45 a.m., golf pro Gary Christian will conduct a clinic. There also will be a $1 million hole-in-one contest, a “beat the pro” competition, a raffle for $50,000 and competitions for the longest and straightest drives. The cost to participate is $200 per person. Last year’s tournament drew ?? players and raised ???? for scholarships, ??? said. To register, go to hooverchamber.org/2024links-fore-scholars-golf-tournament. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Aug. 20. To become a sponsor, call the chamber at 205-988-5672.
Aug. 29: Financial Workshop: Ready or Not? Preparing for the Unexpected, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375. By Edward Jones’ Joe Prokop. Free. To reserve space, contact Phyllis Shepley at 205-5730228 or Phyllis.shepley@edwardjones.com.
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Hoover-Vestavia Soccer Labor Day Invitational, Hoover Metropolitan Complex.
Professional bull riders coming to Hoover Met
By JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY
Hoover Metropolitan Stadium will have its first-ever professional bull-riding event in August.
Rockin’ D Rodeo Productions is putting on “Bulls at the Ballpark” on Friday, Aug. 9, and Saturday, Aug. 10, with each show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Ryan Davis of the production company described the event as a blend of two American traditions — Talladega racing and UFC fighting — and promised an unforgettable weekend.
“If you have never been introduced to Western sports, you will leave a fan,” Davis said.
Shannon Ealy, general manager of the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, expressed the city’s excitement about the uniqueness of this event, which he said Davis proposed.
“We are always looking for out-of-the-box events at our Hoover Met Stadium,” Ealy said. “It was such an intriguing tie-in to our baseball stadium, and we think people will be curious and want to check it out at a facility they are familiar with.”
After baseball season ends in early August, the Hoover Met will be transformed for the bull-riding event. Rockin’ D Rodeo will create an arena on the baseball infield, removing the pitching mound and building corrals on the dirt paths from the bases to home plate, enclosing it with fencing for the competitors to ride the bulls. Bulls at the Ballpark will combine the feel of baseball and Western sports, Davis said.
“We will transform the Hoover Met Stadium into a professional bull-riding arena, with a complete production, including lights, LED walls, laser lights and lots of pyrotechnics. Professional bull-riding athletes will compete against some of the best bucking bulls in the world,” Davis said. “You can bring your entire family and trust that
what they see will represent great values and morals. This is a family-friendly event. You will see professional athletes giving their all, while also showing respect to our great nation and our animal athletes.”
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Each night, the riders will mount a bull in hopes of placing in the top eight. “We will take the top eight guys, and they will get on an additional bull,” Davis said.
“The first round will be Friday night, and the second round Saturday night. Each guy has the possibility of riding four bulls in total. The
Davis has recruited the top professional bull riders in the country, with 35 competitors expected to participate. “The list of guys that I am putting together are professional level [and] will be coming from upwards of 15 different states,” he said.
highest average will win the event.”
The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize. After the bull-riding event, the Hoover Met staff will convert the baseball field to a football field with sod for Hoover High School’s football games in the fall. Tickets are on sale at bullsattheballpark.com. General admission tickets are $30 per day, and “gold buckle seats” are $55 per day.
The Bulls at the Ballpark bull riding event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, and Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.
Photo courtesy of Warren Petty.
SPORTS
UNDER THE LIGHTS: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Gilmer, Bucs ready to win together
By KYLE PARMLEY
The situation seems to be a perfect match.
Drew Gilmer has led a championship program, having taken Clay-Chalkville High School to state championships in 2021 and 2023.
Hoover High School has a long history of winning, having won 11 state titles since 2000.
Gilmer was introduced as the new Bucs’ coach in January and is eager to continue the winning ways both he and his new program have experienced over the years.
“We’re going to put a quality product on the field,” Gilmer said. “We’re going to put our kids in the best possible position to be successful. If you set the bar up here, they’re going to get to it.”
But the uncomfortable reality for Hoover is that it has not advanced to the state championship game since 2017. Thompson beat Hoover in the Class 7A semifinals five years in a row, and the Bucs were knocked out in the second round of the playoffs last fall.
“There’s not a magic pill,” Gilmer said. “You can’t just wave a magic wand and it happens. It just takes man-hours and going to work.”
OFFENSE
Gilmer’s offenses in his time at ClayChalkville were typically among the best in the state. He looks forward to the challenge of adapting the offense to what fits this year’s team best.
“We’ll kind of figure it out; it may take a couple games to figure out what our identity is,” he said.
Mac Beason has transferred in from Gardendale and appears to be the one to take the reins of the Hoover offense. Gilmer does not classify him as a traditional dual-threat quarterback, but he certainly possesses the ability to extend plays in the pocket.
“He’s very accurate with the football and makes good decisions,” Gilmer said.
One of the top playmakers for the Bucs will likely be Jonah Winston, a tremendous athlete who was forced to step in at quarterback for the Bucs at times last fall.
“He can play any position on the field, which is good,” Gilmer said. “But the good thing, too, is we don’t have to play him on every position on the field.”
Winston is capable of playing receiver, running back or quarterback, and the Bucs will look to get him the ball in a variety of ways each game.
The offensive line should be a significant strength for Hoover, as Storm Fain, Toby Richard, Trot English and TJ Fields all return as starters from a year ago.
ArMari Towns, Avery Crawford and Spain Park transfer Reggie Jackson headline the group of outside receivers. Hunter Purdue is a slot receiver and tight end Chris Warren returns. Gilmer said the running back room would be “by committee” until a hot hand emerges.
DEFENSE
Adam Helms made the move to Hoover with Gilmer and will coordinate the defense. Under Helms, Clay-Chalkville’s defense allowed fewer than 12 points per game a season ago.
Pa Drammeh, Tyson Bacon and Branden Rudolph jumped out immediately to their new coaches, anchoring the defensive line.
At linebacker, Cameron Torbor and Trey Sanders fall into the same boat, standing out as players who will make an instant impact in the middle of the Bucs defense. Justyn Hartley and Dylan Bunkley play on the outside and cover receivers or rush the passer.
In the back end, Tre Darden and JJ Moultrie are two ball-hawking corners. Moultrie intercepted four passes and blocked four kicks last season.
“He’s another that stood out to me. He always has a smile on his face,” Gilmer said of Moultrie. “He’s a ballplayer.”
Guys like Jeremiah Robinson, Jackson
Lassiter, Cam Spates and DK Bolden are all set to contribute in the secondary as well.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Some years, Gilmer struggled to find a kicker at Clay-Chalkville, so having several to choose from at Hoover has been a welcome sight.
Matthew Daibes returns, as does James Bryant. Those two got the bulk of the action for the Bucs last year.
SCHEDULE
Hoover plays in one of the toughest regions in the state in Class 7A, Region 3. The Bucs will play their first two region games on the road this season, heading to Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa and Hewitt-Trussville the first two weeks of September.
They also head to Tuscaloosa County and Thompson in region play, while hosting Prattville, Oak Mountain and Vestavia Hills.
“Those are the games that bring out the best in you,” Gilmer said.
In non-region action, Hoover travels to south Florida to take on Western High in the season’s opening game. The following week, the Bucs take on city rival Spain Park, with the Jags now in 6A and no longer in the same region.
Hoover also takes on Parker, one of the preseason favorites in 6A, in the middle of the season.
Cameron Torbor (18)
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
ArMari Towns (17)
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
Jonah Winston (4)
Photo by Barry Stephenson
SPORTS
UNDER
THE LIGHTS:
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Jags ready to ‘move the needle’ again
By KYLE PARMLEY
The tide seemingly turned last year for the Spain Park High School football program.
“We talked last year about moving the needle,” Spain Park head coach Tim Vakakes said. “Everybody felt us getting better. We felt ourselves getting stronger.”
The Jags posted a 7-3 record, their first winning season since 2017. Although they didn’t make the playoffs, being on the short end of a tiebreaker with Hoover, Spain Park made an impression. The team won its final five games, each by 17 points or more.
“At some point, the feel-good story is great, but you’ve got to win. And last year, our kids moved the needle,” Vakakes said.
Spain Park moves down to Class 6A this fall, after being in 7A since its 2014 inception. In many ways, that should offer the Jags relief not having to compete against the likes of Thompson, Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Hewitt-Trussville just to make the playoffs. But there are still plenty of quality teams in 6A and within the new Region 3 that the Jags will play in.
“It doesn’t really matter who we play, we’re going to be us, work our butts off and try to do the right thing,” Vakakes said.
OFFENSE
The strength surrounding the Spain Park offense is centered in the backfield. Quarterback Brock Bradley returns and already has a full year as a starter under his belt entering his junior season.
“He’s special,” Vakakes said. “There’s not a quarterback in this state I’d rather have than Brock Bradley.
“He’s a winner, he’s a competitor, he gets mad when things don’t go right. He’s one of the hardest workers we’ve got, and whenever you’ve got that, you’ve got a chance.”
Alongside Bradley in the backfield, Dakarai Shanks and CJ Cowley should make for a dangerous duo at running back. Shanks is a Troy commit, while Cowley already has several offers even though he’s just a sophomore.
Up front, the Jags will have three seniors along the offensive line returning. Jackson Bell is back at center, with Jovan Taylor and Jayden Craig also expected to start. Hudson Ray is a junior who has caught the attention of college scouts. Vakakes is looking forward to seeing some younger guys emerge to supply depth at the position.
Henry Gregory has stood out at tight end, as the 6-foot-7 senior has some college offers. Ryan Breazeale is another player who can handle some of the fullback and tight end duties.
The receiving unit is a bit unproven at the outset, but seniors Mitchell Frazier, Jack Sellers and Andrew Thornton bring experience on the outside. Jaxon Haygood is another senior who will play in the slot.
DEFENSE
Spain Park boasted its best defense last fall since the 2015 team that finished runner-up in
the state. But the Jags will have to replace a large portion of the production from that unit if they are to repeat that success this fall.
Vakakes believes the defensive line will be a strength for the Jags, with guys like Landon Johnson, Aden Walker, Geno Ferguson, Noah Hendrix and Christian Smith set to anchor the line.
Smith can play some outside linebacker as well. Also in the middle, EJ Kerley is a Mike linebacker who will have plenty of responsibility. JD Bonamy will also be a factor at Will linebacker.
Jaylen Mosley is only a sophomore but has a chance to have a great season. He will be surrounded by some experienced players like
Brayden Matherson, Arnold Bush, Riley Harrelson, Joe Cross, Tristan Hill and Hagen Holley.
“Whenever you’ve got kids competing to play, that’s a good thing. They know that there’s somebody right behind them that wants to come in and take that spot,” Vakakes said.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Josh Tulloss returns for his senior year and has proven to be a productive kicker and punter.
Vakakes also mentioned freshman Colt Stabler, the grandson of University of Alabama legend Kenny Stabler. He could help shoulder some of the load with Tulloss in the kicking,
punting or kickoff game.
Special teams is also a unit where the program’s depth shows. Vakakes is pleased with his team’s progress as he enters his third year at the helm.
“We’re going to have kids on special teams that may not be starters on offense or defense, but they might find a niche on special teams and can be impact players for us there,” he said.
SCHEDULE
The schedule looks a little different for Spain Park this season with the move to 6A. The Jags will still play three 7A teams in non-region action to go along with its Region 3 schedule. They open the season Aug. 23 at home against Sparkman before traveling to city rival Hoover the following week. An open week predates the start of region play.
In region play, Spain Park will travel to Helena, Pelham and Chilton County. The Jags will host Benjamin Russell, Chelsea and Calera. They also travel to James Clemens and Gardendale in their other nonregion games.
Looking for more Under the Lights? Check out the podcast to hear weekly breakdowns of local high school football: youtube.com/ @UnderTheLightsPod
Brock Bradley (5)
Photo by Todd Lester
Josh Tulloss (50)
Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney
Dakarai Shanks (20)
Photo by Todd Lester
EJ Kerley (47)
Photo by Todd Lester
yourself in an engaging community infused with Southern hospitality and an appreciation for the City’s historic charm. At The Crossings at Riverchase, everyday life becomes exceptional with meaningful friendships, gourmet dining, wellness-focused programming and much more. You’ll find bright, well-appointed spaces around every corner, including a fitness center, creative arts studio, patio, pub and theater. Just a short drive to The Summit and Hwy 150 with nearby medical facilities, shopping, attractions and eateries that provide abundant choices to your everyday routine, you’ll feel instantly connected, comfortable and carefree at The Crossings.
COMMUNITY
Life in Hoover
BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW
By STAFF
Natalie Fleming lives in Bluff Park. She is a public relations professional and member of the Bluff Park women’s whiffle ball and kickball leagues.
Q: Tell us a bit about you.
A: I live in Bluff Park. … I’m originally from Etowah County, a little town outside of Gadsden called Ball Play, and I love Bluff Park. I have a wonderful time playing on my whiffle ball and kickball teams and enjoying the beauty of living up on Shades Mountain.
Q: What’s the best part about living here?
A: My favorite part of living in Bluff Park would have to be the people. When I moved there about 4½ years ago, I did not know a single soul in Bluff Park. And now I feel like I know almost everyone. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming and friendly and happy to help lend a hand, and you really couldn’t ask for better neighbors than the friends and ones that I have there in Bluff Park.
Q: How did you decide to pursue your career?
A: I chose a career in communications because, well, I love to talk. So why not get paid to enjoy what you do and what you do best? So communications is just a perfect fit for me. I especially enjoy writing and public relations. So it really is a natural fit, and I think it was probably the best choice for me.
Q: What’s something about you that people might be surprised to learn?
A: I think people would probably be surprised to learn that I can play the trombone. I started in beginner band at Hokes Bluff, and I played all through high school. And even today, occasionally, maybe once or twice a year, I will get it out, play “Happy Birthday” and “Jingle Bells” and put it right back up. It’s a fun little surprise talent to have.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
A: I would probably change at least two things about myself. One, I would love to be a morning workout person. Don’t see that happening. And I would also probably work on “Think before you speak” a little better. … But it’s how the Lord made me.
By STAFF
Q: What’s the story behind this photo?
A: This picture was taken the summer before my sophomore year in high school. I had just made varsity cheerleader the spring before, and I was very excited to be on the team. All summer long, we had been practicing just about every day to compete at cheerleader camp and to perform at the football games, which would start that fall. I was very excited about being on the team and being part of the cheerleading squad at Robertsdale High School.
Q: Tell us about you then. What year was this? What was going on in your life then?
A: The year was 1986, and I was 15 years old, and I was a very typical 1980s child. I was listening to Prince and Madonna and Michael Jackson. But the biggest thing that I was trying to do was get my driver’s license. I was learning to drive, and I could not wait to be able to drive myself to practice and school and a part-time job, and be independent and
not dependent on my parents anymore.
Q: If you could go back in time to that day, what would you tell your younger self?
A: If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing, I think it would be to take more risks and not to worry so much about mistakes. I think I was very afraid of failure as a kid and even as a young adult, and now that I’m older, the things that I regret are not the things that I did, but the things that I didn’t do. So I think that would be my advice to my younger self, is not to be afraid of failure, but to take more risks.
Q: What do you think people would be surprised to hear about your younger self?
A: I don’t think people would be surprised to hear that I was also a pretty big nerd and enjoyed school and learning, but they would be surprised probably to hear that I was also a big clown. I was a big goofball. I was always doing something to get a laugh, whether that was making up a skit or a routine or impression or just about anything. If I could get a laugh out of you, I was gonna try to do it.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Fleming.
Amanda Borden, 1986. Photo courtesy of Amanda Borden.
On the Mainstage
SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW
City of Hoover Events Manager Kelly Peoples
By STAFF
Q: What are some of the events that you and your staff manage?
A: We oversee Celebrate Hoover Day, Regions Tradition, SEC Baseball Tournament, the fireworks show, pretty much any city event that comes to Hoover.
Q: What are some of the elements of event planning that you and your team handle?
A: There’s always weather if you’re dealing with an outside event. You always have to worry about contingency plans, things that could happen — always think about worst-case scenarios and best practices on how to make those be the best they can be. We always have to make sure we have police, fire medics on the scene, public works assistance, building services assistance. … As far as Celebrate Hoover Day and things like that that we have at Veterans Park where there are food trucks, it’s really just making sure there is enough food.
Q: Do you work in conjunction with outside groups?
A: All the time — yes. We have 33 parks and open spaces in the city of Hoover, but Veterans Park is the one that is most used by primarily nonprofit organizations who try to do 5Ks for a fundraiser. But we work with nonprofit groups
all the time — Moss Rock Festival, Bluff Park Art Show, just to name a couple.
Q: What’s the largest event you’ve been a part of planning?
A: SEC Baseball by far [180,000 people]. After that’s going to be Regions Tradition. We have about 80,000 out there that week for Regions.
Q: What event has been the most fun for you to be a part of?
A: It’s going to be SEC Baseball 100%. That is the one that is most challenging, but it’s the most rewarding. … You watch 16,000 people come in one day and have the best time of their lives, and you hear the fans cheer all day. To see it all come to fruition and to have so many people there enjoying themselves, it’s very rewarding.
Q: You have to rely on a lot of volunteers, correct?
A: Yes, we had about 300 volunteers for SEC Baseball just for one week and probably could have used more. … We put it out first to our employees. Our employees work their regular 40-hour-a-week jobs, and they come out and work extra shifts. But then we put it out to service clubs like the Hoover Service Club, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, different groups who need service hours. … They make it so successful.
By KATHARINE ARMBRESTER
Bryce Lafferty will be the featured artist in the Hoover Public Library’s Friends and Plaza art galleries July 3 through Aug. 15.
Lafferty is the department head and professor in the Department of Art and Design at Jacksonville State University. A native of New England, he enjoys depicting the landscapes and geologic diversity of the Southeast.
Per his website, Lafferty states that his highly detailed watercolor drawings “emerge
as poetic expressions of my wonderment for the natural world. They provide a surreal, emotional and ineffable response to overwhelming beauty.”
His works are usually inspired by locations that he has visited in his travels, and his drawings are “the result of an internal process that involves meshing together memories with science, philosophy or history.”
His drawings are represented by the Momentum Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina, and you can find out more about his work at brycelafferty.com.
Bryce Lafferty works on a drawing. Lafferty is the featured artist in the Hoover Public Library’s Friends and Plaza art galleries July 3 through Aug. 15. Photo courtesy of Bryce Lafferty.
Peoples
New Hospital Opening in August
UAB Medical West, as a community hospital, knows how important it is to have quality care close to home. That’s why we’re thrilled to open our brand new state-of-the-art facility right off of I-459 at Exit 1 in August. In addition to our current services, the new facility will allow us to offer robotic surgery, additional operating rooms and more beds in our Intensive Care Unit. We are also proud to offer the newest state-of-the-art imaging technology including 3-D mammography. It’s just one more way we can continue to bring the highest quality of care to the communities in West Jefferson County. For more information about our services near you, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.
