Hoover Sun August 2023

School days return

Hoover students to see new faces, capital improvements, academic focus for 2023-24 school year

By JON ANDERSON

As the summer break comes to a close and students head back to Hoover public schools on Aug. 10, they’ll see some new faces in leadership positions and find some changes to their physical surroundings.

One of the most visible changes in leadership is at Hoover High School, which has a new principal. Jennifer Hogan has taken the helm of the Buccaneer ship, following the retirement of John Montgomery.

Hogan is a familiar face to many in the Hoover community, having worked at Hoover High for 12 years, including 10 as assistant principal, before “retiring” in 2021. She is the first person to take the principal job who has a history as a Buccaneer student.

Church at Ross Bridge ready to break ground for relocation

By JON ANDERSON

The Church at Ross Bridge has been meeting in the Ross Bridge community for 11 years since relocating from Lakeshore Drive and changing its name from Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Now the congregation is preparing for another move.

Only this time, the church isn’t going far — just down the street by the Sawyer Trail sector of Ross Bridge.

In 2012, the Church at Ross Bridge started

renting space in the Ross Bridge Welcome Center in the commercial section of the community. Shortly after former Lead Pastor John Mount retired from his role in 2017, the church decided to buy the welcome center and renovated the roughly 8,800-square-foot space to better suit the church’s needs, current Pastor Nathan Carden said.

That facility functions very well, but they’re running out of space, Carden said.

Library Theatre Football

Jennifer Hogan, the newly appointed principal at Hoover High School, stands in the school’s courtyard.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

at Ross Bridge will be built.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Welcoming Dr. Jeremy Dornier Family Medicine

HOOVER HEALTH CENTER

Medical West is proud to welcome Jeremy Dornier, MD to our team of medical professionals.

Dr. Dornier is a board-certified family medicine physician. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Louisiana State University, where he also completed his family medicine residency program and received his Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Dornier is thrilled to be caring for patients in the Hoover community alongside Dr. Harveen Sodhi at the Medical West Hoover Health Center. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dornier, call the Hoover Health Center today at (205) 820-8440. Same day appointments available!

Harveen Sodhi, MD Family Medicine

Jeremy Dornier, MD Family Medicine

Riverchase Country Club Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Renovations and Introduces Game-Changing Prizm Zoysia Greens

Heritage Golf Group acquired Riverchase Country Club in spring of 2023. Since launching in 2020, Heritage has acquired a total of 32 private country clubs, high-end daily-fee and resort courses in the eastern, central, and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States.

Heritage Golf Group purchased Riverchase Country Club this past March and immediately set plans in place to invest in the future of the Club. Riverchase Country Club has been a local favorite place for Members and the Riverchase Community to enjoy year-round and our goal as new owners is to enhance all the Clubs amenities.

The first project, which started in May, is the par 72, 18-hole championship golf course. An extensive capital improvement program was set in motion, including a golf course greens renovation project, irrigation system upgrade, and new course and practice range amenities. Since 1976, the course has hosted several high-profile events, including the SEC Women’s Golf Championship, the Alabama State Four-Ball Championship, and the Alabama State Amateur Championship and with this investment we will be ready host major tournaments again.

Riverchase Director of Agronomy, Todd Daniel, is tremendously excited about the course and irrigation renovations currently underway.

While citing the incredible benefits of a state-ofthe-art irrigation pump, cart path improvements and completion of bunker and tee renovations, Daniel is most excited about the installation of Prizm Zoysia greens.

Daniel explains that “Prizm Zoysia has incredible heat, shade and drought tolerance and affords reduced water and fertilizer consumption. This is a true 12-month grass in our growing zone and is quite simply a game changer.”

“Additionally, for the golfer, the grass grows more upright than Bermuda or bent grass which allows a truer roll, less verticutting and a more precise mower cut. This will allow us to deliver a more consistent playing surface year-round,

which I am very sure our members will enjoy.”

The next phase of the mulit-million capital project will be focused on Clubhouse renovations and racquet facilities.

Club Manager, John Cargill, echoes Daniel’s excitement noting that “Heritage Golf Group has a well-documented history of success. We are thrilled to be involved with the Riverchase Reinvention!” It is a great time to be a Member of Riverchase.

About Heritage Golf Group

Since purchasing Heritage Golf Group in January 2020, the current ownership and leadership team has grown the company to include 32 clubs across the US. With its home office in

Northern Virginia, just outside Washington DC, Heritage’s 32 clubs are in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The company continues to grow by acquiring a mix of private country clubs in residential communities, member-owned clubs with growth potential seeking strategic alternatives, and premium daily-fee and resort golf properties in major resort destinations and metropolitan markets. Guided by the principle of evolving the golf experience to the highest level, each individual club’s amenities and operational systems are tailored to augment its unique assets. For more information, please visit www.heritagegolfgroup.com

Editor’s Note By Jon Anderson

The 2023-24 school year starts very soon, and there seems to be quite a bit of change in the air.

The Hoover Board of Education has started looking for a new superintendent, with current Superintendent Dee Fowler on July 11 announcing his second retirement, which will be effective Sept. 30. Stay up to date with the superintendent search on hooversun. com.

Our cover story for this month talks about another big leadership change, with Jennifer Hogan being picked to replace John Montgomery as principal at Hoover High School, the largest high school in the state. Hogan appears to be a popular choice; the story about her hiring had more than 700 likes on the Hoover Sun Facebook page.

There also are a lot of changes among assistant principals in the school system

this school year, noted in the story. The cover story also addresses academic initiatives, enrollment changes, capital projects, technology upgrades and new websites for each Hoover public school. Change isn’t just in public schools.

Two of the biggest private high schools in the area — Briarwood Christian and John Carroll Catholic (both of which draw a lot of students from Hoover) — also have new principals this year. See page 23 for a story on John Carroll’s principal. We’ll have more on Briarwood’s principal in another edition. You can also learn about the Hoover Library Theatre’s lineup for the 202324 season on pages 16-17 and get Sports Editor Kyle Parmley’s preview of the Hoover and Spain Park football seasons on pages 24 and 26. Happy reading!

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Chad Hall, 6, and his younger brother Josh, 4, play a game of cornhole as their parents, Monique and Doug, watch in lawn chairs in the parking lot at the Hoover Met Stadium during Hoover ’s annual Independence Day fireworks show on July 2. Photo by Erin Nelson.

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Library adds assistant director job back

By JON ANDERSON

The Hoover Public Library hasn’t had an assistant director for about five years, but that recently changed.

The assistant director position was eliminated in 2018 after Assistant Director Patricia Guarino retired. Due to budget constraints, those duties were divided up among library managers, Director Amanda Borden said.

But this spring, with the departure of another full-time employee and several part-time employees, Borden did some rearranging of job duties among multiple staff and was able to bring back the assistant director position without paying out any more money.

She said she has a great team of managers, but she felt it was time to designate someone as a clear No. 2 on the organizational chart and groom a potential successor for herself, she said.

She’s not planning to retire in the “near future,” but it’s not necessarily in the “distant future” either, she said. She could see it happening sometime in the next five to 10 years, she said.

“You don’t know what life holds,” Borden said. “Anything could happen to me at any time. If I were in a car accident today, I would want to clearly have somebody in charge.”

Borden chose Technology Manager Carrie Steinmehl as her righthand woman.

The staff already was looking to Steinmehl as a leader when Borden was away, she said. “She’s kind of a natural leader.”

Plus, the pair complement one another well, Borden said. Borden said she gets a lot of ideas for new services, but Steinmehl is good at getting it done. She’s very detailed and good at technical things, Borden said. “I knew she would be a great fit for that job.”

When Borden was an assistant director, she was chairwoman for the library’s Southern Voices Festival, and Steinmehl was co-chairwoman. The pair worked well together, Borden said. When Borden was promoted to library director, Steinmehl took over as chairwoman of the festival.

“She’s an excellent project manager. She is devoted to the library,” Borden said. “She accepts responsibility. … I can’t express how passionate she is about the library and books and helping people and being of service to the community.”

Steinmehl started working at the library as an intern 24 years ago, in 1999. She then was hired for a fulltime temporary job in July 1999 and in 2000 was made an information systems support specialist. By 2002, she was named head of the technology department and has held that role until now.

As head of technology, Steinmehl not only ran the library’s technology hub, where people go to get

assistance with things like sending and receiving documents — or even faxing. She and her team also were responsible for the 40 or so computers throughout the building and maintaining the wireless network used by so many library patrons.

Steinmehl over the years has

helped the library get numerous grants from the Alabama Public Library Service, bringing in almost $380,000 in outside money to help advance the library’s technology.

She and her team implemented the radio frequency ID tags that are now on all items in the library’s col-

lection, the self-checkout machines, the sorters that sort books and other items when they are returned, the print management system and — most recently — the remote library kiosk that lets people check out library materials from the East 59 Café in The Village at Lee Branch. She also leads a true crime book club that meets the last Tuesday of each month.

Steinmehl said she’s excited about her new role as assistant director. It had been her goal for several years to move up in terms of responsibility and leadership, she said. In 2020 and 2021, she went through the Leadership Hoover process.

The library has been conducting a space and staffing study to try to increase efficiency, so Borden and Steinmehl still are trying to sort out exactly who will do what going forward. But most likely, Borden will concentrate on new library services, and Steinmehl will focus on building operations, support services and technology, Borden said.

However, another member of the technology staff, Mike Benson, was promoted as the new technology manager.

“I’m excited to do something different,” Steinmehl said.

Steinmehl, 46, has been married to Eric Steinmehl for 23 years. They have two children who attend Hoover High School and have lived in Hoover 13 years.

Carrie Steinmehl is the new assistant library director for the Hoover Public Library. Photo courtesy of Carrie Steinmehl.

Mayor’s Minute

By Frank V. Brocato

It’s one of the best kept secrets in our city, but I don’t want it to be. I’m talking about all the activity that takes place at our Hoover Met Complex. Lots of folks from other states are learning about the great space this is. But I want to make sure you, our residents, know about it, too.

The Met Complex

Frank V. Brocato

is comprised of the Hoover Met Stadium, the Finley Center — an 83,000-square-foot multipurpose facility — the RV park, the EXPLORE Playground and Splash Pad, five baseball/softball fields, five multipurpose fields and 16 tennis courts. Most folks know about the SEC Baseball Tournament that we’ve hosted here for more than 25 years, but there’s so much more.

For example, we hold a summer camp for youth on the grounds. This year, roughly 600 children attended during our seven-week session.

We continue to host The Perfect Game, which touts itself as the largest amateur baseball scouting service in the world. We’ve partnered with them since 2019, and this year, they’ll bring in more than 600 baseball teams from across the country. That will result in an economic impact of nearly $17 million. We’re excited to

announce they’ve also extended their contract with the city for another three years.

In 2019, we opened the EXPLORE Playground — a universally designed playground that allows children of all abilities to come and have fun. Just a few feet away is the Splash Pad, and both locations are free for families to enjoy. Both the playground and Splash Pad opened in mid-May, and within two months’ time, nearly 18,000 visitors had stopped by.

That location is a great recreational option for families who are renting a space at the Hoover RV Park. With 170 spaces for rent, it’s proving to be a great revenue generator for the city. In the first six months of this year, we’ve already collected over $540,000.

I really believe the Met Complex offers something for all our residents to enjoy, regardless of age, ability or interest. I hope you’ll take some time and check out the various opportunities that are available. You’ll be glad you did!

Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

locations in 25 states and 14 countries, plus 90 more locations in development. 205-882-7776, aqua-tots.com/hoover

Base. He entered private practice and founded Alabama Dermatology Associates in Tuscaloosa and later was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and served as governor from 2010 to 2017. He resigned after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor campaign finance violations.

205-759-1519, dermcarealabama.com

Realty Partners. kyuramen.com

Fuku Ramen is planning to open at The Village at Lee Branch this month. Their menu features rice bowls, ramen, bubble tea and a variety of other dishes. fukuramenal.com

The Huntsville-based Stone Age Korean BBQ & Hot Pot plans to open another location in the former spot of On Tap Sports Cafe, at 3340 Galleria Circle in Hoover. 256-489-3157, stoneagebbq.com

Hero Doughnuts & Buns has opened its fourth location in the Birmingham-Hoover area in the Stadium Trace Village development, at 1013 Marble Terrace. It is a breakfast and brunch restaurant that serves doughnuts, coffee, sandwiches, burgers and salads. This is the company's eighth location overall, with other locations in Nashville, Atlanta and Charleston. herodoughnutsandbuns.com

COMING SOON

Aqua-Tots Swim School plans to open its first location in Alabama at 1694 Montgomery Highway, in The Centre at Riverchase shopping center, in September. The 6,000-square-foot swim school, to be owned and operated by Dave Dunlap, plans to offer swim lessons to children 4 months to age 12. Pre-enrollment is now open. Aqua-Tots Swim School, headquartered in Phoenix, has more than 130

Andrews Sports Medicine has leased space at the Lake Crest Center, at 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, for a new office that is expected to open at the earliest by mid-to-late September, spokesman Ron Rickel said. The practice is finalizing contract details with two new doctors, one of whom will be an orthopedic surgeon and the other will be a non-surgical physician, Rickel said. 205-939-3699, andrewssportsmedicine.com

Dermatology Care of Alabama, founded in 2017 by former Alabama Gov. Dr. Robert Bentley, has leased space at the Lake Crest Center at 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 201, for a satellite office. Bentley graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1968 and served as a general medical officer and captain in the U.S. Air Force, as well as a hospital commander at Pope Air Force

KYURAMEN is set to open in early 2024 in the former Newk’s location at 950 Inverness Corners. This will be the restaurant’s first location in Alabama. The menu features a variety of ramen, appetizers, omurice, rice and ramen burgers, desserts and more. The restaurant will cover 4,635 square feet, said Jessica Demarino, the commercial real estate marketing manager for First National

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

Nordstrom Rack has relocated from River Ridge off U.S. 280 to The Summit at 339 Summit Blvd. 205-578-3100

The Fish Market Restaurant at 1681 Montgomery Highway in Hoover was closed for at least a week in late June and early July for a remodeling project. The kitchen had to be shut down for the addition of new kitchen equipment and a new floor. The project also included painting of the dining room and installation of ceiling fans in the dining room, said Robin Drakos, a family member in the family-run business. Some work was still being done in mid-July.

205-823-3474, fishmarket restaurant.com

The UAB Medicine Lee Branch Primary & Specialty Care, 220 Doug Baker Blvd., plans to open in early 2024. The new location will replace the current 1250 Inverness Corners location. uabmedicine.org

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

the ambassador team. 205-903-8154, burnbootcamp.com/ locations/meadowbrook-al

Dr. Jeremy Dornier has joined the staff at the Medical West Hoover Health Center at 5310 Medford Drive. Dornier is a board-certified family medicine physician. He has a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and doctorate in medicine from Louisiana State University, and he completed his family medicine residency there.

205-820-8440, medicalwest hospital.org

Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors

Phil Boozer, the senior vice president and chief sales officer for America's First Federal Credit Union, which has an office 3312 Old Columbiana Road, was selected by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions as Alabama's Credit Union Professional of the Year.

205-823-3985, amfirst.org

Karen Bruce, the annual gift officer for Faulkner University, which has a campus at 4524 Southlake Parkway in Hoover, recently was named to the Top 50 Over 50 by Positive Maturity.

205-879-5588, faulkner.edu

The Maxam Insurance Group has changed its name to Moss Rock Insurance Group and is located at 3229 Lorna Road.

205-874-9030, mossrockinsurance group.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

Lindsey Byrd has joined Burn Boot Camp Hoover 1021 Brocks Gap Parkway #121, as the co-lead trainer alongside Olivia Stringer, as Stringer begins her graduate studies at Samford University.

205-335-1884, burnbootcamp.com/ locations/hoover-al

Mary Margaret Chapman has joined the Burn Boot Camp Meadow Brook location at 1801 Doug Baker Blvd. as a member of

2500 Acton Road #200, recently announced promotions in the Birmingham office. Annie McCarter was promoted to principal and serves as director of payroll; Scott Pruitt was promoted to principal in the firm’s security, risk & controls group; Alex Ezelle was promoted to senior manager in the firm’s audit division; and Chris Branch, Harry Waugh and Scott Wiseman were promoted to senior manager in the firm’s tax division.

205-979-4100, warrenaverett.com

Sharp Wellness, 3109 Blue Lake Drive, Suite 205, has welcomed Drew Richard Richard specializes in working with individuals and couples dealing with caregiver guilt, self-esteem, postpartum-related mental health issues (anxiety, depression, obsessive-compul sive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder), parenting/co-parenting issues and couples’ issues, including lack of inti macy and connection. Richard meets with clients both in person and virtually. 205-383-6650, sharpwellness andcounseling.com

ANNIVERSARIES

The Strauss Financial Group vice financial advisory firm at 2201 Cahaba Valley Drive #200, is celebrating its 35th year in business. John and Heidi Strauss opened the firm in 1988 and sold the business to their son, Arthur, upon their retirement in 2020. 205-967-9595, straussfinancial.com

M&M Jewelers recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. 205-991-0593, mmjewelers birmingham.com

Business News to Share?

Do you have news to share with the community about a business in Hoover or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/ business-happenings

According to the Alabama Administrative Code

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 2018, will be destroyed after October 2, 2023, 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 - Director of Instructional Support Services Hoover City Schools 2810 Metropolitan Way Hoover, Alabama 35243 205-439-1070

Deborah Sema, DMD, MS · Andrew Havron, DMD, MS

Card and gaming store opens in Greystone

By LOYD MCINTOSH

On a Saturday at the end of April, Jeff Lentz was busy getting things in order at his new shop, Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming.

Boxes of sports, Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards were scattered about on the floor, while autographed and framed athletic jerseys leaned against the wall waiting to be hung and a vintage NFL Blitz video game stood ready for a player to press “play.”

The official opening of the store was still a week away, and the bright Yellowhammer sign was already attracting attention. On that Saturday, a young girl and her mother peered in the window to see if the store was open. Lentz allowed them in and spent 10 minutes or so talking about Yu-Gi-Oh and what they can expect once the shop opens, before sending them off with some free merchandise and huge smiles.

Clearly, Lentz was having the time of his life and couldn’t wait until his store was ready to meet the public.

“We have a lot of people already walking in, and we’re not even open yet,” Lentz said in April. “The sign has only been up for two weeks, and there’s been a lot of activity.”

A native of Marietta, Georgia, Lentz grew up playing football in the area and was once coached by professional wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes. Lentz moved to Wilsonville with his parents before moving to Chelsea with his family, where he coaches youth basketball and his son plays football.

Lentz spent a dozen years in the automobile business, selling cars for Benton Nissan, until the

coronavirus-related shutdowns in 2020. An avid sports card collector and trader since childhood, Lentz’s hobby turned into a side hustle and, before long, he decided the time was right to turn his passion into a business.

“I’ve been doing it as a hobby just having fun,” Lentz said. “Once COVID hit, I thought, ‘I do this anyway; I may as well not work anymore.’ Once they shut down our work, I didn’t go back and hopefully will not.”

Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming, situated on U.S. 280 between Hunan Cuisine and A’more Ristorante Italiano, takes up two units in the twostory strip mall on the edge of Double Oak Mountain.

Lentz’s vision has become reality.

For instance, a large, sectional sofa is already in place facing a big-screen

television for showing important sporting events. Lentz wants the shop to be a place for dads and sons, mothers and daughters to spend some time browsing, playing Pokemon games and watching a ball game.

“I wanted it to be more of like a hangout instead of the typical shop, where you walk in and there’s stuff everywhere and you have one little alley to walk and feel bad if you don’t buy anything,” Lentz said.

At its core, Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming is a shop for sports card enthusiasts of all ages. Around the store, Lentz has boxes upon boxes of cards featuring star and upcoming athletes representing every sport imaginable, from the more familiar leagues like the NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL, to leagues and organizations rising in popularity like Formula 1, Ultimate Fighting

Championship and the English Premier League.

But it’s not just sports cards that are popular right now. In 2023, cards featuring Disney characters are hot, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the entertainment giant.

Lentz is also ensuring that every level of enthusiast can find something within their budget, from dollar packs for kids looking to spend their allowance money to the serious collector who may drop several thousand bucks on a single card and considers the hobby an investment.

“If you invested in Pokemon when it first came out or the Michael Jordan Fleer 1987 card, it outpaces the stock market,” Lentz said. For example,

YouTube star Logan Paul paid more than $5 million for a Pokemon Pikachu Illustrator card in 2022.

While this is an extreme example, part of the allure of collecting cards is the chance that you may just possess a diamond in the rough. Lentz said one of the services Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming will provide is appraising cards and memorabilia and, if an item has significant value, either buy it or put it up for sale.

“There are probably 100 people within a mile from here that have a fortune sitting in their attic and don’t even know it,” Lentz said. “Bring it in.”

Yellowhammer Cards & Gaming opened at 5510 U.S. 280 in May.

Above: Yellowhammer Cards and Gaming is a new trading cards and game store at the Greystone Centre on U.S. 280. Right: Asher Walsh, 13, looks through a box of trading cards with his dad, Chris. Photos by Erin Nelson.

Chelsea couple takes over ownership of Clean Juice

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

After her mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor called glioblastoma, Chelsea resident Shirley Hall began looking for ways to help her get healthier by eating organic and following a non-GMO diet.

Hall found it difficult to find those healthy options at most restaurants in the area, so when she found out that the Tattersall Park location of Clean Juice was for sale, she was immediately interested.

“We were at lunch with our friends on Easter, talking about how hard it is to find in Birmingham, and Clean Juice is the only USDA-certified organic food place around here,” Hall said. “My friend told me it was for sale, and I was on the phone the next day with the owner.”

The restaurant originally opened in spring 2020 and held a re-grand opening in July of this year. Clean Juice began in 2015 and now has 130 locations across the country, and this is the second in Alabama, along with one in Mountain Brook that opened last year.

Hall and her husband, Brett, spent several weeks in May at Clean Juice headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, learning about how to make the juices and menu items and the supervisory and operations side of the business.

Brett will manage the location, and Shirley said she will be in as her schedule allows. She has worked as a real estate agent for the past eight years and will continue that.

“This will mainly be Brett’s gig,” she said. “Everything we do, we do together. I will be supporting him as best I can.”

Clean Juice offers fresh pressed juices and the ingredients are placed into juicers for each order.

“We literally put the produce into the juicer one by one,” Shirley Hall said. “Our customers can watch us make their drink.”

Other drink options include smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Cleanse packets and wellness shots are also available. Instead of sugar,

Clean Juice uses all-natural sweeteners including honey, date paste and maple syrup.

The food menu includes an assortment of different toast options, such as the peanut butter toast topped with organic items: bananas, coconut chips, chia seeds, goji berries and honey.

Nine acai bowls are available, each with their own signature toppings. Wraps and sandwiches are both warmed on a panini press. The three salad options are all between 370420 calories. The kids menu features a cheesy wrap, peanut butter apple wrap and kid-size smoothies.

“It’s not fast food but it’s not slow food,” Hall said. “It’s a good menu and everything is

really delicious. You feel good about eating it and feeding it to your kids because it’s healthy.”

Hall mentioned that Clean Juice is having a summer promotion called $6 summer, with featured items for $6.

“We will have all kinds of specials and standing promotions, such as a free kids smoothie with purchase of adult smoothie or item on Mondays,” she said.

Clean Juice is a faith-based company, and the Halls welcome those who want to meet for bible studies, women’s nights and more. They also want to give back to the community and plan to host spirit nights for schools, among other events.

No renovations are planned for the store, but the Halls do plan to utilize the limited outdoor space with tables and chairs. Hours will be extended in the evenings, and the location will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Catering is also available.

For those who haven’t tried Clean Juice yet, Hall urges them to give it a try as a “yummy way to get fruits and veggies.” She and Brett are open to the possibility of more stores in the future, but for now they want to get on their feet with the first one.

Clean Juice is located at 6215 Tattersall Blvd., Suite 101. For information, visit cleanjuice.com/locations/greystone.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Baba Java coffee shop expands to Meadow Brook

By JON ANDERSON

Four years ago, Hoover residents Nathan and Wendi Parvin started a new coffee shop in Riverchase called Baba Java Roaster & Café, and now they’re ready to expand.

The Parvins hope by late August or early September to open their second location of Baba Java in the new Village at Meadow Brook strip center, at the corner of Alabama 119 and Doug Baker Boulevard.

The 2,200-square-foot shop is in the same shopping center where Burn Boot Camp opened in December. It will be a little larger than the 1,650-square-foot shop in Riverchase, said Brad Haynes, Baja Java’s vice president over operations.

The new shop will offer the same coffees and teas the Riverchase location has, but it also will have a new element. The Meadow Brook Baba Java will be combined with a Popbar shop, which sells gelato popsicles.

Popbar has about 15 locations in the United States, including one in Atlanta, but this will be the first Popbar in Alabama.

Haynes said Baba Java has always wanted to be on the U.S. 280 corridor because that’s where he and his family live, as well as a lot of their employees and customers. Developer Jim Mitchell made them an inviting offer to come to his shopping center, and they really liked the location, Haynes said.

“We feel it’s a great way to be near 280 but not right on 280,” he said. “There are a lot of great customers around here, and we feel like we’ll get some good business there.”

Baba Java takes pride in the type of coffee it offers. It’s all specialty coffee instead of typical commercial-grade coffee, which means it must receive a grade of 80 or higher, with the grade hinging on how the coffee seed is grown, harvested, processed, shipped and stored, Haynes said. Most of Baba Java’s coffee has a grade of 85 or higher, he said.

The shop’s flagship coffee comes from Yemen,

but other coffee beans come from China, Ethiopia, Columbia, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala and Honduras, he said.

Initially, Baba Java was roasting its coffee beans in the shop, but now most of the roasting takes place in a warehouse in Pelham, Haynes said. The shop got so busy that they decided to do most of the roasting off-site, he said.

Baba Java also is committed to ethical sourcing of its coffee beans, meaning that the farmers who produce the coffee beans are well paid, Haynes said.

“It takes a lot of work to grow coffee,” he said.

“We’re very intentional who we buy from. … The people we buy from do a lot of community projects to help locals in the community, such as building schools and wells and doing various

things for the community.”

Baba Java’s specialty drinks are sold in traditional Italian sizes. Its cappuccinos are 6-8 ounces, lattes are 12-16 ounces and macchiatos are 3 ounces with a touch of milk.

Baba Java’s tea comes from Sachai Tea Co, which imports from India, and Piper & Leaf in Huntsville, which uses tea leaves grown in Alabama, Haynes said.

The shop also sells some food, getting sweet scones from Highland Gourmet Scones and savory scones, cinnamon & crepe rolls, sweet rolls and breakfast croissant sandwiches from Copper Train in Alabaster. Michelle’s Chocolate Laboratory in Hoover supplies coffee cake, breakfast bars, puff pastries and chocolate-covered Oreos. Haynes said he wasn’t yet sure exactly how

Sydney Hazlewood, store manager at Baba Java Roaster & Cafe, makes a latte for a customer at the Hoover store on July 6. Baba Java is opening a third location on Alabama 119.

many seats the Meadow Brook location will have, but it should be similar to the Riverchase location, which seats 48 people. The Riverchase location employs 12 people, some of whom are part-time, he said.

Baba Java actually has already signed a deal for a third location in downtown Birmingham, at the development taking place at the former Powell Steam Plant, Hayne said. That location will be almost 3,000 square feet — nearly twice the size of the Riverchase location — but it probably won’t be ready to open until the summer of 2024, he said. It also will be combined with a Popbar store, he said.

For more information, go to babajava coffee.com or check out the company’s CoffeeU podcast.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Team members from T. Fox SalonSpa, center, receive the 2023 Shelby County Small Business of the Year award for businesses with 6-10 employees.

Photo courtesy of The Shelby County Chamber.

Hoover salon named Shelby County Small Business of Year

By JON ANDERSON

A Hoover salon recently was one of five win

ners in the Shelby County Small Business of the Year competition.

T. Fox SalonSpa at 2080 Valleydale Road won in the category for businesses with 6-10 employees.

The salon, owned by Traci Fox, has seven employees (including Fox) and has been in business on Valleydale Road for 14 years. Fox also owned another salon in Sumiton called Tangles from 2000 to 2015.

The Small Business of the Year awards were given out collaboratively by Calera Main Street, the Chelsea Business Alliance, Columbiana Main Street, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street and The Shelby County Chamber.

Businesses were judged based on their activ

ities over the past three years, including staying power, growth in employees, increase in sales, response to adversity and evidence of helping community-oriented projects.

“I feel super-excited, blessed, honored, favored,” Fox said. “We couldn’t do it without our loyal employees and support of the community.”

Last year, T. Fox SalonSpa was named one of 10 finalists for Alabama Small Business of the Year for businesses with 10 or fewer employees by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and Business Council of Alabama.

In 2020, her salon was named in the top 200 salons in the nation by Salon Today, and the salon also won a Shelby County Small Business of the Year award in 2016. With assistance from her staff, she founded the Hoover Small Business Alliance in September 2021.

Fox said she is honored to represent small businesses in Shelby County and said her business’s success wouldn’t have been possible without her team, which includes Brooke Qualls, Emily Cozzone, Mary Kathryn Stanford, Maddie Wilson, Payton Harbin and Fox’s husband, Greg.

Other Small Business of the Year award winners were:

► Yak Shak in Pelham (1-5 employees)

► Freedom Therapies in Pelham (11-20 employees)

► Specification Rubber Products in Alabaster (21+ employees)

► Christy Hayes Counseling in Eagle Point area (open less than a year with fewer than 25 employees)

Health care development planned for Riverchase

By JON ANDERSON

The city of Hoover has joined with the Healthcare Resources real estate development company and Regions Bank to announce a planned mixed-use development in Riverchase, designed to include health care services, walking trails, green spaces, housing and retail areas.

The new Riverwalk Village development is planned for a 90-acre tract near Riverchase Parkway that includes two buildings with 450,000 square feet of existing offices, owned by Regions Bank in the Riverchase Office Park.

Regions Bank has a North Building and South Building on the property, each about the same size, the company said. Healthcare Resources has a contract to buy the 90 acres from Regions, which plans to lease the North Building and consolidate employees from both buildings there, spokeswoman Veleka Finch said.

Regions Bank will continue to own and manage its Riverchase Operations Center, located a short distance away from the Riverwalk Village site. Regions has about 2,500 employees in the Riverchase area in total, and this consolidation will not have any impact on the number of jobs or employees based there, Finch said.

The new Riverwalk Village will include the Riverwalk Health & Wellness Center, which will be designed to offer a wide range of health care services for all stages of life, from pediatrics to geriatrics, according to a press release from the city of Hoover.

The development is being facilitated by the Hoover Health Care Authority, which has been putting together an application to the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency for a “certificate of need” for a new health care facility in Hoover, said Alan Paquette, chairman of the Hoover Health Care Authority.

Paquette said the authority is still trying to determine exactly what type of facility and services for which it will seek approval.

It won’t be a traditional hospital offering

critical care services, he said. Instead, it more likely will be a “non-traditional hospital” or “boutique hospital,” potentially with outpatient surgery and other forms of ambulatory care that don’t require long-term hospital admission, Paquette said.

The city expects to have more announcements soon about major initiatives to complement the Riverwalk Village project, he said.

The authority’s vision is to create, develop and promote a forward-looking, innovative medical district within the city, in which health care providers, health research companies and clinical educators can thrive with knowledgeable and motivated partnerships, according to the city’s press release. Expanding high-quality clinical opportunities for area residents is a high priority within that vision, the release said.

“Hoover needs enhanced health care opportunities to keep pace with our continued growth,” Paquette said. “The Hoover Health Care Authority is excited to have great partners as we expand the availability of innovative wellness, diagnostic, treatment and restorative services for our residents and visitors. … This unique campus will elevate the quality of life across our city and neighboring communities.”

The Health Care Authority doesn’t yet have a medical or hospital partner, Paquette said.

However, the site is ideal because it’s already in a business district and has good access to U.S. 31 and Interstate 65, he said. It’s a good location to serve not just Hoover, but other parts of Shelby County, too, he said.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said in a press release that the city is excited to unveil this project.

“It will be a significant development for the metro area,” Brocato said. “Riverchase is a beautiful, Class A office park, which has been an important part of our city’s development. As the global economy changes, it is smart planning to reimagine what these areas can become. Riverwalk Village’s combination of wellness, business, residential and clinical care will help propel Hoover into our next chapter.”

Hoover Council President John Lyda said in the press release that providing high-quality access to health care is a defining metric in a city’s mission to build and sustain a high quality of life for its residents and visitors.

“Riverwalk Village will be a transformative project for the Riverchase area of Hoover that will offer additional, state-of-the-art access to

care and serve as a catalyst for commercial and residential investment,” Lyda said.

Brett Couch, head of corporate real estate and procurement for Regions, said in a press release that Regions is proud to build on its long-term commitment to Hoover while helping strengthen the community by supporting these additional services and public green spaces.

“Regions Bank and our associates will continue to have a major presence throughout Hoover, both in Riverchase and our nearby branch locations,” Couch said. “And we’re pleased our associates will be among the beneficiaries of the new wellness development and other amenities in Riverchase.”

While health and wellness will be a prime focus at Riverwalk Village, the development also will include a central green space with a variety of other amenities in a park-like setting, the city said. The plans also call for community spaces and miles of trails to improve walkability and connectivity, linking the northern and southern parts of Hoover.

“We are excited about Riverwalk Village, what it will offer to current Hoover residents and the potential for what it can become,” said Christy Roddy of Healthcare Resources, in a press release. “The future of health care is focused on integrating prevention and wellness as part of overall patient care. This site is uniquely positioned to be able to bring those aspects to the community. We feel honored to be a part of this incredible opportunity.”

The proximity of the Riverchase property to existing research, biotechnology and life sciences companies reinforces the chosen location for this health-focused development and has the potential to attract not only specialty medical groups but also additional life sciences and biotech companies to the area, the city said.

The development team for this project also includes Corporate Realty, Home Communities Company, Brasfield & Gorrie, Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Earl Swensson Associates.

A rendering of the proposed Riverwalk Village development in the Riverchase community of Hoover. Rendering courtesy of city of Hoover.

Waite, Glenn Miller Orchestra headline 2023-24 Hoover Library Theatre season

By JON ANDERSON

Tickets go on sale Aug. 28 for the 2023-24 Hoover Library Theatre season, which includes power ballad and rock star John Waite and the famous Glenn Miller Orchestra among the season’s eight acts.

Matina Johnson, fine arts director for the Hoover Public Library, said she is excited about this year’s lineup, which is heavy on musicians.

Some years, the lineup has included plays, aerial performers and magicians, but this year, library officials decided to give a bigger embrace to the musical acts, which tend to sell the most tickets in Hoover.

There is a production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s “Carousel,” but it’s a “concert rendition” that is more like an old radio show than a full musical, Johnson said. The actors will be in costume in front of microphones, but there will be no set changes, she said.

Waite, who is best known for his No. 1 hit single “Missing You” in 1984 and his work as the lead singer for Bad English a few years later, has his performance slated for Feb. 18 and will kick off the 2024 Southern Voices Festival.

“This is probably one of the biggest ones [acts] we’ve ever had,” Johnson said. “We were happy to get him anytime we can get him.”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, which was an American swing dance band led by Glenn Miller from 1938 to 1944, has been led by various conductors over the decades since reconstituting without Miller in 1956.

The orchestra coming to Hoover on Jan. 30-31 is an 18-member ensemble that includes five saxophonists, four trumpeters, four trombonists, three rhythm musicians and two vocalists, Johnson said. The orchestra plays about 300 live shows a year, she said.

“We’re really happy to have them here on our stage,” Johnson said. “I think it’ll be a warm show for a cold time of year.”

The season kicks off Oct. 5-6 with Seth Mulder and Midnight Run, a traditional bluegrass band that had the fourth most-played song on bluegrass radio in 2021. “It will be a high-energy show,” Johnson said.

This season contains two artists with an Alabama connection. The first is Beth Neilsen Chapman on Nov. 2-3. Chapman, whose family moved to Montgomery when she was a teen, recorded her first album in Muscle Shoals and went on to become a Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter and member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The other is Mac McAnally, who was born in Red Bay, Alabama, and later became a studio musician in Muscle Shoals, before going on to record 10 studio albums and eight singles of his own and being chosen as Musician of the Year by the County Music Association 10 times. He also is a guitarist in Jimmy Buffet’s Coral Reefer Band. McAnally will perform in Hoover with Eric Darken on March 21-22.

Rissi Palmer, a country singer and special correspondent for Country Music Television’s “Hot Country Countdown,” closes out the Library Theater season in May. Johnson described her as “very much an up-and-comer” who is “hot on the momentum trajectory.”

There is one Library Theatre show that involves dance this year. A “Celtic Angels Christmas” show is scheduled for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and combines Irish dancing with vocal and instrumental holiday and Irish favorites.

“It’s just a show that captures the magic of the season,” Johnson said. “Every Celtic show we’ve had has had a wonderful reception from the audience and community.”

It’s one that is designed for people of all ages, she said.

Here’s a bit more about each act in the

2023-24 Hoover Library Theatre season, based on information from the Hoover Public Library, the acts’ websites and other bios:

SETH MULDER AND MIDNIGHT RUN

► When: Oct. 5-6, 7 p.m.

► Details: This band started in 2015 at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and is made up of five members who draw from influences that include bluegrass, country and rock and roll.

It is led by Mulder, who sings and plays mandolin, but also includes Colton Powers on banjo and harmony vocals, Ben Watlington on guitar, Max Etling on bass and Max Silverstein on fiddle.

Their first studio album, “In Dreams I Go Back,” debuted on the Billboard charts at No. 7, and their singles “My, My, My,” “The Mountains Are Calling,” “Carolina Line” and “One More Night” spent multiple weeks on the Top 10 charts. “My, My, My” was named 2023 Song of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America.

BETH NEILSEN CHAPMAN

► When: Nov. 2-3, 7 p.m.

► Details: Chapman, a country and adult contemporary singer, has put out 15

albums of her own and has written songs for elite musicians including Tanya Tucker, Michael McDonald, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Kenny Loggins, LeAnn Rimes, Lorrie Morgan, Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Rogers, Michael W. Smith, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Jim Brickman, Elton John, Amy Grant and Alabama.

She also helped write “This Kiss,” which was sung by Faith Hill and went on to become the 1999 Song of the Year and receive a Grammy nomination.

In 2015, she joined Olivia Newton-John and Canadian artist Amy Sky to create an album to aid and comfort people experiencing grief and loss and celebrate the power of music to heal. She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.

CELTIC ANGELS CHRISTMAS

► When: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7 p.m.

► Details: This show includes Irish step dancing by the Celtic Knight Dancers directed by Sarah Costello of Belfast and Dublin native Louise Barry; vocals of traditional and contemporary Irish and holiday tunes by Barry, Searlait Ni Caiside, Olivia Bradley, Michaela Groth and Katie Sweeney; and a live band.

The musical arranger is Peter Sheridan of Cavan and Celtic Thunder.

WORLD-FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

► When: Jan 30-31, 2024, 7 p.m.

► Details: Glenn Miller and his orchestra was the bestselling recording band from 1939 to 1942 with standout songs such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “At Last,” “Tuxedo Junction” and “In the Mood.” In four years, Miller scored 16 No. 1 records and 69 Top 10 hits, more than Elvis Presley and the Beatles in their careers.

Miller, who volunteered to join the military to entertain troops during World War II and ended up in the U.S. Army Air Forces, also was considered the father of modern military bands, but he disappeared during a flight over the English Channel in 1944.

The present World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra was reconstituted in 1956 and has been touring worldwide under different directors and with various musicians ever since.

JOHN WAITE

► When: Feb. 18, 3 and 7 p.m.

► Details: Waite, an English musician, started as the lead singer and bassist of a British rock band called The Babys. The band had two songs, “Isn’t it Time?” and “Every Time I Think of You,” peak at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and disbanded in 1980.

Waite then launched a solo career and in 1984 had a No. 1 hit song, “Missing You,” from his “No Brakes” album.

In 1988, he joined up with former Babys bandmates Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips, along with Neal Schon and drummer Deen Castronovo from Journey, to form a group called Bad English. One of that group’s songs, “When I See You Smile,” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and earned a gold single status.

Bad English disbanded in 1992, and Waite went back out on his own.

MAC McANALLY AND ERIC DARKEN

► When: March 21-22, 7 p.m.

► Details: McAnally was born in Red Bay and grew up playing the piano and singing in

Top: The WorldFamous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Above left: Seth Mulder and Midnight Run. Above right: The Celtic Angels. Photos courtesy of Hoover Library Theatre. Left: Beth Neilsen Chapman.

Photo by Thomas Crabtree.

church in Belmont, Mississippi. He later became a studio musician in Muscle Shoals and launched his career in pop and country music.

He has put out 17 albums of his own and hit No. 14 on U.S. country charts in 1990 with “Back Where I Come From.” But he is perhaps best known for being the guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and for writing songs for others to perform, including co-writing “Old Flame” for Alabama and the No. 1 hits “Down the Road” by Kenny Chesney, “Thank God For You” by Sawyer Brown and “Two Dozen Roses” by

Shenandoah.

McAnally was voted Musician of the Year by the Country Music Association 10 times between 2008 and 2018.

Darken is a percussionist who has recorded with artists such as Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Jewel, James Bay, Maren Morris, Bob Seger, Carrie Underwood, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Carly Pearce and Moon Taxi. He also has performed with artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill and Take 6 and currently tours with Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.

Clockwise from top left: Mac McAnally. Ciaran Sheehan in “Carousel.” Rissi Palmer. John Waite. Photos courtesy of Hoover Library Theatre.

CAROUSEL – IN CONCERT

► When: April 11-12, 7 p.m.

► Details: This Rodgers and Hammerstein touring production stars Ciaran Sheehan and tells the story of Billy Bigelow, a swaggering, carefree carnival barker who falls in love with and marries the sweet but naïve Julie Jordan. It’s a tale of hope, redemption and the power of love set in the 1870s and 1880s.

The actors and singers perform the musical in the style of an old radio show.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets go on sale:

► Aug. 28: Past season ticket holders

► Aug. 31: New season ticket subscribers

► Sept. 1: Single-show tickets

How to purchase tickets:

► Cost: $35 plus a $3 processing fee

► Web: thelibrarytheatre.com

► Phone: 205-444-7888

► Box office hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m to 6 p.m.

RISSI PALMER

► When: May 2-3, 7 p.m.

► Details: Palmer was born in Pittsburgh and spent her adolescent years in St. Louis. She was raised in a musical family that loved both country and R&B and had her first label deal by the age of 19.

She released her debut self-titled album in 2007 with singles such as “Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me” and “No Air,” and she since has independently released a Christmas single, her first children’s album, “Best Day Ever,” and an extended play track titled “Back Porch Sessions.” Her most recent album, “Revival,” was released in 2019.

Palmer has performed at the White House and New York’s Lincoln Center and had multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. She has toured extensively and shared stages with Taylor Swift, The Eagles, Chris Young, Charley Crockett, Miko Marks and many more, as well as had national appearances on “Oprah & Friends,” “CMT Insider,” CNN, “CBS This Morning,” “Good Morning America,” “Entertainment Tonight” and Fox Soul’s “The Book of Sean.”

Palmer launched her own radio show, called “Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer,” on Apple Music Country and is a special correspondent for Country Music Television’s “Hot 20 Countdown.”

Hope lives

Our dedicated doctors, nurses, researchers and sta are committed to finding a cure, so kids like Adrian can live their healthiest life – cancer free. We never give up hope of a world without childhood cancer and blood disorders, and that’s why we are here.

More than music: Birmingham Boys Choir celebrates 50 years

By NEAL EMBRY

For 50 years, the Birmingham Boys Choir has entertained audiences at their spring and Christmas concerts, along with other shows they perform throughout the year.

They’ve traveled far and wide with their historic choral music, with more than 100 boys singing songs in unison, and they’re widely praised.

Still, Music Director and resident composer Ken Berg said it’s not just about the music. The staff at the Birmingham Boys Choir is not only teaching the boys how to sing, but a “right way to live,” Berg said.

“We hear a lot about toxic masculinity,” Berg said. “What is the remedy for that? Biblical masculinity.”

Boys are taught to hold on to “creation truths,” to values such as honesty, goodness, strength, kindness and more, Berg said. And when those who hear their voices have a chance to interact with them off the stage, or when a boy’s parents see what the choir does for their child, they understand it too, Berg said.

“What they really appreciate is the integrity [that is] taught,” he said. “We take representing Birmingham very seriously.”

Berg and his wife, Susan, have been helping lead the choir for 45 years. The choir is run by a board of directors, and the choir includes 140 boys from 40 different schools in the Birmingham area.

Boys in third through fifth grade are junior choristers, while those in fifth through eighth grade can join the senior choristers. Eighth grade boys graduate from the choir but can still participate as graduate choristers from ninth through 12th grade, Berg said. It’s not uncommon for boys to join in third grade and stay until they graduate from high school, with eight doing so this year, he said.

In addition to their famed — and free — seasonal concerts, the senior and graduate boys participate in ticketed, collaborative concerts

throughout the year, Berg said. They are working this fall with the musical group Three on a String and have previously worked with storytellers Sean of the South and Dolores Hydock, he said.

Leaders oversee the boys during a “huge,

pivotal” time of change, Berg said. It is a responsibility they take very seriously. Their time in the choir is instrumental, not just in teaching them music, but in teaching life lessons.

The choir’s executive director, Jeff Caulk, said it is “just fantastic” to be involved in the

boys’ lives. Caulk said it is a “confluence of values and education for growing boys into men.”

“It’s more than music,” Caulk said. “It’s training for life.”

A former chorister himself, Caulk said he is

Ken Berg, the director of the Birmingham Boys Choir, leads the junior and senior students during a Birmingham Boys Choir rehearsal at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills in May. Photos by Erin Nelson.

a better man because of his time with the boys choir.

Seeing boys join the choir from all walks of life is inspiring, Caulk said.

“It’s the way community should be,” he said. “All the boys love finding friends and we love getting to watch it.”

The boys also might be more athletically or academically-inclined, but it’s all useful, Berg said. Singing involves having the correct physical form, along with understanding languages, pitch, location and more, he said.

“You’ve got to be smart to do this,” Berg said. “They are mutually sustaining.”

The boys rehearse in satellite locations during the week, with lessons on the south, east and western end of Birmingham, along with an inner-city class on Wednesday. Boys go to the closest class to them, Berg said. Those practices last between 13 and 14 weeks before all the students come together for about three weeks.

“When the curtain goes up … it’s an

impressive sight as well as sound,” he said.

The choir is well known, not only for their concerts here in Birmingham, but across the country and world, Berg said. They have traveled to Canada, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Japan, Germany, Florida, Portland, Seattle and more.

“They’re pretty well known,” Berg said.

Bringing all the boys together after weeks spent apart and teaching them challenging music could not be done without a “fantastic” music staff, Berg said.

“I get all the glory and it’s really not fair,” he said.

Music can include portions of Handel’s Messiah, Christmas music and always a certain amount of “sacred literature,” Berg said. Leaders are careful with what they put in front of the boys and also strive to teach Christian virtues through the music that is chosen.

Even as they learn how to hit the right notes, the boys are taught what the words themselves

mean, Berg said.

“Don’t sing that without thinking about what you’re singing,” Berg said he’ll tell the boys. “Music allows for that, especially choral music.”

He said his hope is that the music lifts people up and encourages them.

While they’re talented musically, the boys are also “endlessly entertaining,” Berg said.

In the 45 years since he began, the number of boys has jumped from 13 to more than 100. The group also found a way to keep boys past puberty, Berg said.

One of the highlights of the choir is the camp, where older boys are counselors to younger boys, forging strong bonds that last through the years, he said.

In talking with people about the choir, Berg said others are always surprised at what the boys can do.

“It’s not that our expectations are too high [for children]; it’s that our expectations are too

low,” he said.

The goal is not simply for boys to “have a good time,” but to be challenged and grow.

And the challenge extends to fathers once every other year, Berg said. In odd-numbered years, dads and father figures are allowed to sing with their boys at the Christmas concert. While many come to him admitting they aren’t choir material, Berg said they also are surprised at what they can do.

It’s often the one opportunity outside of church where fathers are able to learn together and create something together with their sons, Berg said.

“To watch that heritage … it’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

The choir auditions boys coming into third grade through eighth grade year-round and is preparing for their July enrollment. Their summer camp is set for July 25-29, Berg said. For more information, visit birmingham boyschoir.org.

Left: Martin McCurry, 11, of Mountain Brook, and Joseph Kaufhold, 11, of Hoover, sing solos during a Birmingham Boys Choir rehearsal. Right: Children in the junior choir, third and fourth graders, sing during a Birmingham Boys Choir rehearsal.

‘Opportunity meeting need’

Cahaba River-inspired art sought for juried art show in Trussville

By GARY LLOYD

Kathy Prince has long looked forward to the Bluff Park Art Show, Moss Rock Festival and Magic City Art Connection.

She has enjoyed day trips to the Kentuck Art Center & Festival in Northport, Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville and the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival.

“It was fun to see the recurring artists, some at a professional level and what they were doing that was new, who were the newcomers, who were the prize winners,” Prince said.

Prince has worked in health care for 40 years, and retirement is on the horizon. She always knew that, upon retirement, she’d want to feed her neglected passions — a second act for her life.

“I always knew that when that time came, I wanted to grow my passion for art and creating art,” said Prince, a longtime Trussville resident. “I wanted to find a way to serve my community as well. It seems that when you open yourself up to possibilities, opportunity has a way of finding you. As it turned out, the opportunities I sought presented themselves, as if on cue. Meeting and getting involved with artists and art organizations was the catalyst, but eventually, the connections I made began to merge with a need.”

Prince has hoped for an art festival in the city she calls home. Now, that time has come.

She attended a Cahaba River Society presentation at the Trussville Public Library last year, and afterward struck up a conversation with the organization’s executive director, Beth Stewart.

“I wondered if there had ever been consideration of opportunities for artists to paint the river and showcase the work to bring awareness to the Cahaba River Society mission,” Prince said. “She told me it was something she had always wanted to do but needed to partner with artists to accomplish this. Here was opportunity meeting need.”

The collaboration was the origin of what is being called Cahaba Inspired, an inaugural juried art exhibition at the Trussville Public

Library scheduled for Nov. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The deadline for entries is Aug. 15, and acceptance notifications will be sent Sept. 20.

The exhibition will remain open Nov. 9 through Nov. 30. Cash awards will be given, including $500 for best in show and a people’s choice award.

The competition is open to all artists. All works created since Jan. 1, 2020, that can be exhibited and hung on a wall will be considered. Both representational and abstract works are welcome. Acceptable work includes but is not limited to drawing, painting, photography, collage, mixed media and printmaking. The maximum size for a finished framed/ready-tohang work is 48 x 48 inches. Accepted works must be delivered and retrieved in person and must be delivered ready to hang.

For questions about the juried competition and show, Prince may be contacted at 205-6550608 or kprince109@gmail.com with the subject line “Cahaba Inspired.” More information can be found at cahabariversociety.org.

Graham Boettcher is director and CEO of the Birmingham Museum of Art and will serve as the art exhibition’s juror. He arrived at the museum in 2006, first serving as The Luce Foundation Curatorial Fellow of American Art, and subsequently as The William Cary Hulsey Curator of American Art, chief curator and deputy director, prior to his appointment as director in 2017.

According to the Cahaba River Society, “This themed show will explore our relation to water and nature, embodied by the Cahaba River. The artistic process and the show will encourage artists and audience to immerse themselves in experiences with nature and in nature. We hope the artwork inspires people to value and protect the Cahaba, an essential resource.”

The Cahaba River, famous for its rare Cahaba lilies, flows through the heart of Alabama, from its headwaters near Trussville until it reaches the Alabama River southwest of Selma, passing through the heart of Hoover

in Jefferson and Shelby counties, as well as through Bibb, Perry, and Dallas counties.

“We are working hard to make it something exciting and special, so that it can become the core building block to create a new annual art event for our growing city,” Prince said. “In support of this effort, we are launching Operation Arts Trussville. This is an evolving organization people will begin to hear more and more about.”

For Prince, the key to this inaugural event is community involvement.

“I believe our community spirit and our relationships will ultimately create the Trussville of the future,” Prince said. “The time is prime to do those things to build something we will be proud of as a community. I hope Trussville will rally around the idea of a new annual art show by attending and volunteering with Operation Arts Trussville. Community involvement will help make Trussville identify with something of its own making. Something special. Something unique.”

Top and above: Alabama Plein Air Artists paint along the Cahaba River during the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation’s inaugural Heritage Days in April. Photos by Gary Lloyd.

Auburn nursing student wins Miss Hoover 2024

By HARPER HARWELL

After a night of talent, evening gown strolls, interviews and cheering, Abbie Stockard, a junior nursing major from Auburn University, was chosen to be Miss Hoover 2024 during a competition at the Hoover Library Theatre on July 14.

Also, Ali Mims, a junior at Chelsea High School whose mother is a former finalist in the Miss Alabama competition, received the award for Miss Hoover’s Teen 2024.

Because this was an open competition, the young women did not have to live in Hoover to participate. They now will represent Hoover at various events throughout the coming year and advance to compete in the Miss Alabama and Miss Alabama's Teen competitions next year.

The girls competed for more than just the titles they received. Stockard was awarded a $5,000 scholarship, and Mims received a $1,000 scholarship. Both young women won gift certificates from several Hoover businesses.

Stockard was among 11 women ages 18-28 who made the stage, and Mims was among eight girls ages 13-18.

The two winners each brought their own motivations to the competition.

“Not only did I get scholarship money, but I was also able to form relationships with likeminded women,” Stockard said. “This organization has given me skillsets that will allow me to be successful, both now and far beyond my years of competing.”

Mims, following in her mother’s footsteps, describes the Miss Alabama organization as a community she has known since she was little.

“Ever since a young age, this organization has been my family, and the women that competed were my role models,” Mims said. “I saw

competing in Miss Hoover’s Teen as an opportunity to give back to the organization that has given so much to me and helped shape me to be the person I am today.”

The competitors were judged in five categories: the on-stage question (10% of their score), health and fitness walk (20%), talent (20%), evening gown walk (20%) and a private interview (30%).

For her talent performance, Stockard showcased her dance experience with a contemporary routine to “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Mims sang a famous operatic Italian aria.

Another crucial aspect of competing in the Miss Hoover and Miss Hoover’s Teen events is the volunteer work that the women dedicate to a cause they are passionate about. The on-stage question is an opportunity for each girl to briefly explain their passion and goals.

Stockard’s service work is centered around advocacy for cystic fibrosis, as someone close to her suffers from the disease.

“My favorite thing about being a part of this organization is the service aspect,” she said. “You get to pick something you’re passionate about, and mine is cystic fibrosis awareness because of my best friend.”

Mims’ service platform is centered around Joyful Noise, which provides local schools with music resources for special needs students.

Though the competition seems to be a fun outlet for the women to express themselves and showcase their talents, it ultimately serves as a foundation upon which they can grow and invest in causes they feel passionately about.

“This organization has given me a voice and a platform that makes me feel like I can be a change agent within my community,” Stockard said.

The Miss Alabama Program website states that its mission is to “help educate the young

women in Alabama by providing scholarships for their college education.”

Jim Jolly, a Miss Alabama field coordinator for nearly 50 years, reaffirmed this mission statement after the competition.

“We want to encourage them and help them get through college, and we want them to be

active, participating members of the society that they live in,” he said.

Jolly embodied his name with a final word of encouragement to the two winners of the 2024 competition, as he explained the responsibilities they will now carry in these roles: “If it’s not fun, then you don’t need to be doing it.”

Left: Miss Hoover 2023, Mary-Coker Green, crowns Miss Hoover 2024, Abbie Stockard, at the Hoover Library Theatre on July 14.

Below: Miss Hoover 2024, Abbie Stockard, left, and Miss Hoover’s Teen 2024, Ali Mims, smile as they congratulate each other following their crownings.

Photos by Harper Harwell.

Hoover Sun wins 7 first-place APA awards

By STAFF

The Hoover Sun captured seven first-place awards at the Alabama Press Association’s 2023 Media Awards competition this year, which culminated with a banquet at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach on June 24.

The paper won first place in the Freedom of Information/First Amendment competition, which recognizes excellence in reporting that highlights the importance of a free press and open government.

Jon Anderson, editor for the Hoover Sun, in November wrote about the removal of videos of Hoover City Council meetings from the city’s YouTube channel after 60 days and a decision to quit recording the public comment portion of the meeting.

Anderson also won first place in the news feature category for a September story about the retirement of Prince of Peace Catholic Church Pastor John Fallon, and Sports Editor Kyle Parmley won first place in the single-event sports story category, for a story about the Hoover Lady Bucs basketball team winning a second consecutive state championship in March 2022.

Photo Editor Erin Nelson won first place in the news photo category, for photos of workers building sidewalks in the city, and first place in sports photos, for a picture of the Lady Bucs celebrating their second consecutive basketball championship.

Nelson and page designer Ted Perry won first place for a photo essay from The World Games softball competition at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in July 2022. Nelson took the photos, and Perry created the design for the photo page.

Perry also won first place in graphics and illustrations for a creative illustration that went with the story about the changes in the City of

Hoover’s YouTube video policies.

In addition to the seven first-place awards, the Hoover Sun also had one second-place finish and six third-place awards in the 2023 competition, which involved work published in 2022. The Hoover Sun competes in the Alabama Press Association’s Division E, which includes associate member newspapers and free circulation products.

Starnes Media publications, which in 2022 included the Hoover Sun, Vestavia Voice, 280 Living, The Homewood Star, Iron City Ink, Village Living and Cahaba Sun, won a total of 69 awards in this year’s APA competition.

The Vestavia Voice won the General Excellence

Award and Advertising Sweepstakes Award (the two top awards) for Division E. Starnes Media papers came home from Orange Beach with another 29 first-place awards, 21 second-place awards and 17 third-place awards.

The Redstone Rocket, a newspaper in Huntsville, won second place in the General Excellence category in Division E, while The Birmingham Times won third place. The Redstone Rocket also won second place in the Advertising Sweepstakes category.

The Alabama Press Association has four other divisions that are divided based on their number of paid subscribers.

Other first-place winners in the General

Excellence category were The Anniston Star, The Outlook (in Alexander City), Shelby County Reporter and The Observer (in Opelika). Other Advertising Sweepstakes winners were The Fort Payne Times-Journal, Shelby County Reporter and The Wetumpka Herald.

Here’s a complete list of awards won by the Hoover Sun this year:

FIRST PLACE

► Freedom of Information/First Amendment: “Hoover council at odds over changes in video recordings” by Jon Anderson

► Best News Feature Story Coverage: “Making all feel welcome: The Rev. John Fallon Retires” by Jon Anderson

► Best Sports Single Event Story: “Lady Bucs repeat as Class 7A state champs” by Kyle Parmley

► Best News Photo: “Sidewalks part of Hoover capital projects” by Erin Nelson

► Best Sports Photo: “Hoover girls basketball win Class 7A state final” by Erin Nelson

► Best Photo Essay: “The World Games Softball” by Erin Nelson and Ted Perry

► Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations: “Transparency” by Ted Perry

2ND PLACE

► Sports Photo: “Doused in beer at The World Games” by Erin Nelson

3RD PLACE

► Sports Coverage: By Kyle Parmley and Erin Nelson

► Layout and Design: By Melanie Viering, Ted Perry

► Feature Photo: “Nicole Stokes takes over at Deer Valley Elementary” by Erin Nelson

► Photo Essay: “A Day of Remembrance” by Erin Nelson and Ted Perry

► Headline: “Hoover painter makes big splash with tiny art” by Jon Anderson

► Use of Social Media: “Hoover’s Most Eligible Bachelor and Bachelorette” by Jon Anderson

The Hoover Sun earned multiple first-, second- and third-place awards for work by the Starnes Media team in 2022 at the Alabama Press Association Media Awards banquet in Orange Beach on June 24. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Familiar faces in new leadership team at John Carroll

By JON ANDERSON

Ronald Steele Jr. walked the halls of John Carroll Catholic High School as a student from 2000 to 2004.

At the time, he could see himself becoming a coach or teacher one day (both of his parents were teachers), but he never imagined he would one day become principal, he said.

That became a reality in June when Steele was selected to replace Anthony Montalto in John Carroll’s principal role. Steele has been the school’s athletic director for the past six years.

The Rev. Jon Chalmers, John Carroll’s president, said in a press release that he’s confident that the school’s leadership team, led by Steele, will steward John Carroll’s proud legacies and ensure that the school remains “boldly Catholic, academically excellent and rooted in truth.”

As athletic director, Steele improved the quality of the athletic program while building out critical initiatives focused on education of the whole person, virtue development and relationships with partner schools, the school said in a statement.

Steele said he plans to use that same framework for guiding the entire school, focusing on developing students holistically and looking for more ways to engage the broader community and partner with the six Catholic schools that feed into John Carroll. That includes expanding his virtue and character development program from athletes to the entire student body and using outreach programs, such as sports camps, to cultivate relationships with the community at large.

Steele said he is excited about the new job and humbled that the community and leadership

of the school believed in him to move John Carroll forward.

“It’s a great school with a great tradition,” he said. “I really look forward to continuing the great traditions that John Carroll has had.”

Other goals include continuing to attract and retain high-quality educators who can prepare

John Carroll’s students for college; growing the school’s robotics, science, technology, engineering and math programs; and teaching students how to use artificial intelligence in a positive way.

While Steele was a student at John Carroll, he was named “Mr. Basketball” for Alabama

in 2003 and 2004. He went on to play for the University of Alabama and was a pre-season All-American in 2007, but an injury forced him to sit out that season. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in financial planning in December 2007 and went on to play professional basketball in Europe for several years.

In 2015, he was hired to coach girls basketball and assist with the boys team at John Carroll. He did that for one year and then took a job as assistant athletic director and boys basketball coach at Cornerstone High School. After a year in that role, he answered the call to come back to John Carroll as athletic director and boys basketball coach. He also has been helping with girls basketball and other sports, he said.

A year ago, Steele completed his master’s degree studies in educational leadership and administration at Marymount University.

Even with his promotion to principal, Steele is going to continue coaching the boys basketball team. He said basketball is a passion for him, and he believes the program has been excelling and he wants to have some continuity there.

To offset his lack of experience in academics, Steele also has hired Katie King as John Carroll’s new director of curriculum and instruction. King was one of his teachers when he was at John Carroll, and she has gone on to be an assistant principal at several schools over the years, including John Carroll, Prince of Peace Catholic School and Bumpus Middle School in Hoover.

This past year, he brought her to John Carroll as a cross-country coach, and he believes she will help round out the leadership team that includes John Carroll Assistant Principal Banyon Allison.

Ronald Steele in the foyer at John Carroll Catholic High School on July 17. Steele was recently named the new principal at the school. Photo by Erin Nelson.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Bucs on right track under Waldrop

By KYLE PARMLEY

Even with a new head coach, the 2022 season ended in the same fashion as the previous four for Hoover High School.

For the fifth straight season, the Bucs’ run ended in the Class 7A semifinals at the hands of Thompson, which has now won four straight state championships.

Wade Waldrop, entering his second year leading the Bucs, chooses not to focus on the specifics of that streak. It’s all about playing to the program’s standard. If and when that happens, the rest will take care of itself.

“It’s obvious there’s an expectation and a standard here that’s always going to be here, no matter who’s here,” Waldrop said. “Our kids understand that and our coaches understand that. I’ve been pleased to see our kids growing together and learning how to pull for one another.”

Hoover did win its second straight region title, but Waldrop emphasizes finding a way to win the last game, which typically means lifting a state championship trophy. The Bucs won 11 in a row last fall after a narrow loss to Auburn (the eventual state runner-up), before falling to Thompson in the semifinals.

“It goes back to how you approach offseason workouts. Teams that start to embrace that and have an appreciation for the things that you have to do to be successful, those are the teams that find a way to play their best football late,” Waldrop said.

OFFENSE

Hoover’s offense was young and inexperienced entering last season. After dealing with that and a string of adverse circumstances throughout the campaign, the Bucs come out on the other side with a now proven and productive unit.

Up front, Toby Richard, Rashad Smith and TJ Fields are all back after starting last season.

Tyson Batchelor is moving to the offensive line after playing tight end last fall. Trot English, Storm Fain and Samson Coler are some others in the mix along the line as well.

Noah Schuback was thrown into the fire as a freshman last year and gained valuable experience down the stretch. He had a solid spring and summer and is confident heading into this year. Andy Howard has moved in from Albertville and Brady Sheppard returns, giving the Bucs depth in the quarterback room.

Jonah Winston started a game at quarterback last year as well and will be relied upon as one of the Bucs’ top receivers in the offense. Jordan Woolen and Fred Dunson come off of strong seasons and are looking to take another step as seniors. DeMarion Gardner, Avery Crawford, Moss Fleming and Hunter Purdue will bolster the receiving corps. At tight end, Chris Warren has impressed and Braydon Gerstenberg moved from receiver to tight end. Payton Morris is another option there.

In the backfield, Kamal Amerson is back for his senior year. Chalmers Peters returns to the program after a year away and is someone the Bucs can use in a variety of ways. Keilan Jefferson and JR Mosley are young players that will be ready to play as well.

DEFENSE

There are not nearly as many familiar names on the defensive side of the ball, as there are just a few starters returning.

Up front, Michael Nixon had a standout season last fall alongside three dominant seniors. He will be counted on to take another step forward this year. Micah Hampton, another senior, played a good bit last year and can be expected to have a big role. Pa Drammeh has potential to be a breakout player on the defensive line as well. Jamar Jones will get a chance to start as well. Henry Smith, Justyn Hartley, Tyson Bacon and Cameron Torbor are some others to watch.

Bradley Shaw should be one of the top linebackers in the state this fall, and Cooper Darty played a good bit as an inside linebacker last year as well. Trey Sanders is another guy that stood out in the preseason.

In the secondary, the Bucs graduated their top three cornerbacks and top three safeties. At corner, JJ Moultrie will step into a big role, with Donell Williams also looking to make an impact. The likes of Tre Darden, Jackson Lassiter and Omari Bryant are among the others in the mix. At safety, Steele Lowery is back with the

program and Jeremy Cook has moved back over there from offense. Kasey Zylstra is also working at safety, along with Cameron Spates, Dylan Bunkley and Caleb Cook also looking to get on the field.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bucs will have to face the reality of replacing yet another Power 5 kicker. Peyton Argent graduated and signed with the University of South Carolina, so the Bucs are looking at the likes of Matthew Daibes and James Bryant to claim the kicking duties.

Garrett Brasher has emerged as the punter for the team, with Lincoln Anderson as the long snapper and Sheppard as the team’s holder.

Peters, Winston and Crawford are just a few of the options Hoover has to return kicks and punts. Waldrop is emphasizing making plays on special teams this season. The Bucs had success in that area in the earlier stages of last season.

Left: Hoover quarterback Noah Schuback (10) passes the ball to running back Ahamari Williams (1) during a Class 7A state semifinal game at the Hoover Met in November 2022. Photo by Erin Nelson. Above: Hoover wide receiver Jordan Woolen (6) hauls in a long touchdown pass during a game between Hoover High School and Hewitt-Trussville High School in November 2022 at the Hoover Met. Photo by Barry Stephenson.

Hoover running back Kamal Amerson(26) tries to break a tackle during a game between Hoover High School and Spain Park High School in September 2022 at the Hoover Met. Photo by Barry Stephenson.

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Jags looking to break through

By KYLE PARMLEY

Times have been tough in the Spain Park High School football program in recent years.

The Jags have not made the state playoffs since 2017 and have suffered five consecutive losing seasons, including last year’s 3-7 mark in Tim Vakakes’ first year as the head coach.

But there is a feeling within the walls at Spain Park that the tide is turning.

“The pendulum has swung,” said Vakakes, who enters his second season in charge. “You’re starting to see it in how they carry themselves.”

That’s simply one part of the process, though. Class 7A, Region 3 has gotten no easier, and teams will have no desire to roll over and let the Jags reclaim a spot in the upper echelon of the region.

“At some point, rubber has to meet the road and you’ve got to win,” Vakakes said. “Hopefully we can take that next step.”

The Jags were competitive in several of their losses, but fatigue, lack of experience in critical moments and other factors kept them from getting over the hump. But they are trending in a positive direction in the eyes of the head coach.

“We’ll be stronger; we’ll be tougher,” Vakakes said. “It means a lot to them, and they’re tired of losing. All those things together and a really good coaching staff, you’ve got a chance.”

Last year’s team had a few chances to break through, but “we were scared to bust through the door.” Vakakes wants to see a confident team between the lines this fall, one that challenges for plenty of wins and makes a run at the playoffs.

“They’re ready to go, they’re ready to play, they’re ready to win and change this program,” he said. “These kids change programs. That’s what you’re starting to see here. It’s starting to change.”

OFFENSE

Spain Park’s offense averaged short of 18 points per game last fall, and the Jags certainly hope that number is much higher this season.

Brock Bradley and Eli Smallwood have been engaged in a quarterback competition throughout the offseason. Bradley, now a sophomore, got some experience over the final three games last year and played well.

“The best thing about Brock is off the field,” Vakakes said. “As good as he is on the field, off the field is where Brock is different. He raises everybody’s level around him.”

In the backfield, brothers Dakarai and Derick Shanks return after being a productive

tandem last fall.

The Jags have a few strong receivers on the outside. Jonathan Bibbs appears ready for another breakout season as a senior, after catching 50 passes for over 600 yards last fall.

Reggie Jackson has the ability to stretch the field, Bo Jones is back at Spain Park after transferring from Thompson and Andrew Thornton and Logan Brownlee are in the mix as well.

“We’ve got some kids that can make some plays,” Vakakes said.

Connor Langston and Hudson Cahalan are

back to flank the offensive line at tackle, but the Jags will be replacing both guards and the center.

DEFENSE

Spain Park’s defense simply wore down last fall, struggling to keep up while the offense sputtered. The Jags have some key pieces back and should be able to compete more consistently.

“They’re going to be better, be more multiple and have more things they can do,”

Vakakes said.

Left: Spain Park running back Dakarai Shanks (20) runs the football during a game between Spain Park and Briarwood in August 2022 at Lions Pride Stadium in Birmingham.

Below: Spain Park quarterback Brock Bradley (9) during a game between Calera and Spain Park in August 2022 at Jaguar Stadium in Hoover.

Along the defensive line, the conversation starts with junior Jared Smith, a four-star prospect with college offers from Alabama and Auburn. Vakakes said Smith has continued to improve and is excited to see what he can do this season.

“When his productivity ever matches his potential, he’s going to be fun to watch. He’s a hard worker and he’s starting to learn what it is to be a good teammate,” Vakakes said.

Nik Alston will also be a junior and has potential to be a great player. He’s the younger brother of Brian Alston, who graduated and signed with Arkansas State last year.

Senior linebacker Landon Huey is the leader in the middle of the defense.

In the secondary, the Jags have some players with experience that should provide stability on the back end of the defense. Jamari Mosley is a senior cornerback, while Kelby Roberson is a senior safety who is back in good standing with the program and has turned into a leader.

“[Kelby] and Jamar together give us some stability and athletic ability out there,” Vakakes said.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Much like last season, Alex Lloyd and Josh Tulloss will battle it out for the kicking and punting duties.

Spain Park defensive lineman Jared Smith (33) during a game between Calera and Spain Park in August 2022 at Jaguar Stadium in Hoover. Photos by Todd Lester.

It’s that time again

We’re back, aren’t we? With the seeming snap of a finger, the 2023-24 school year has arrived. With that comes fall sports, and everyone’s mind immediately goes to football. Whether it’s your favorite high school or college (or even NFL) football team, many of us in this part of the country eagerly anticipate the gridiron action once more.

As the sports editor at Starnes Media, I am fortunate enough to see the best of the best when it comes to covering high school sports. From Hewitt-Trussville’s run in softball, to Hoover’s historic dominance in football, to Mountain Brook’s basketball success over the last decade, it’s been incredible to be along for the journey.

It seems like the 2023 spring sports season just ended yesterday, but this month, the fall sports programs at our local high schools will begin competition once more. Football always garners the most headlines, but there will be plenty of volleyball, cross-country and flag football to enjoy as well.

One of my favorite things about the beginning of new sports seasons is the unknown. Things never happen exactly as they did the year before. While you can often forecast some of the top teams and some of the bottom teams, there are always plenty of surprises and unexpected turns along the way.

There’s a saying in sports, “They play the games for a reason.”

That’s because you simply never know what’s going to happen on a given Friday night under the lights, or in a given volleyball match.

When it comes to football, will any of our local teams knock Thompson off the Class 7A pedestal? This could be the year someone like Vestavia Hills, Hoover or Hewitt-Trussville takes that next step and breaks through to the state championship.

Spain Park is in its second season under head coach Tim Vakakes, and anyone you ask believes big things are on the horizon for the Jags’ program. But will that manifest itself this year? Chelsea and Oak Mountain are also looking to make some noise in that difficult region. Mountain Brook is fresh off a run to the 6A championship game, so how can the Spartans follow that up? Briarwood is looking to return to the playoffs after its 29-year playoff streak was snapped last fall. Homewood has been a strong team for several years and will look to keep that momentum despite a few key losses. John Carroll is also looking to rebound.

On the volleyball court, Mountain Brook, Hoover and Spain Park have been at the top of the heap the last several years. But don’t sleep on the likes of Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Chelsea, Homewood and John Carroll. They have all been at least close to the state tournament in recent years.

Hewitt-Trussville has been the top flag football program in the area the last two years, winning the state championship in 2021. Will they make a run again, or will a team like Vestavia Hills rise up and break through?

On the trail, Mountain Brook’s boys and girls swept state cross-country titles last fall. Chelsea’s girls and Vestavia Hills’ boys won in 7A to give our area all the 6A and 7A trophies.

The storylines are always plentiful as we get going this school year and this season. It’s going to be fun to follow along and see which players and teams step up and make names for themselves.

I can’t wait.

Kyle Parmley is the sports editor at Starnes Media.

Events

Chamber golf tournament set for Aug. 28

By JON ANDERSON

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is planning its 2023 Links Fore Scholars golf tournament at the Inverness Country Club on Aug. 28.

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, with each player taking a shot and the team choosing the best hit from among the four as the starting point for all players on the next swing.

In addition to the team competition, there will be a putting contest and closest-to-the-pin contest, said Toni Herrera-Bast, the chamber’s CEO and president. There also will be a hole-in-one challenge with a free vehicle lease from Infiniti of Birmingham for anyone who hits a hole in one on a particular hole.

The cost to participate is $200 per person. The

Links Fore Scholars

• WHERE: Inverness Country Club

• WHEN: Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m.

• COST: $200 per person

• WEB: business.hooverchamber. org/events/details/2023-links-forescholars-3152

chamber also was looking for a title sponsor for $15,000 and has other sponsorship opportunities ranging from $200 to $1,500.

All proceeds beyond expenses will go to the chamber’s scholarship fund, Herrera-Bast said. Last year’s tournament drew 88 players and raised $6,000 for scholarships, she said.

To register for the tournament, go to business.hooverchamber.org/events/ details/2023-links-fore-scholars-3152. The deadline to register is Monday, Aug. 21. To become a sponsor, call the chamber at 205-988-5672.

Parmley

Jerry Ingram putts on the tenth green during the Links Fore Scholars golf tournament hosted by the Hoover Chamber of Commerce at the Riverchase Country Club in September 2022. Photo by Erin Nelson.

RELOCATION

So the church recently conducted a capital campaign, seeking to obtain pledges for $3.5 million over the next two years to fund both the church’s ongoing ministries and construction of a new building.

The new facility will be on seven acres just down the street, at 3200 Ross Bridge Parkway. The first phase is slated to be 18,000 square feet and include a sanctuary that seats 414 people, a couple of multi-use meeting rooms, a child care area, children’s worship space, lobby and gathering area, small kitchen, restrooms and outdoor playground, Carden said.

The plan is to break ground and begin construction in September and hopefully have the

new first phase of the church building completed by the end of 2024, he said. The total cost of the first phase of construction is estimated to be $6.5 million, he said.

The church currently has about $500,000 in savings, including about $350,000 that can be used for construction, Carden said. The capital campaign the church just underwent includes a plan to bring in $750,000 a year over the next two years for construction and $1 million a year to fund ongoing ministry work, Carden said.

The congregation has been extremely receptive, already committing by mid-June more than $3.4 million of the $3.5 million goal, he said.

“I have been in pastoral ministry since 2004 and have had the privilege of serving in some wonderful churches,” Carden said. “However, I testify without hesitation that Church at Ross

Bridge is the most loving, healthy and generous church I have had the privilege to serve.”

Warren Austin, a member of the church for the past five years who joined the staff in a part-time role of missions director in February after retiring from his other job, said the congregation has responded unbelievably to the capital campaign.

“I think our people were hungry for that building. They know we need space,” Austin said. “They know we need to stand up and follow God.”

The current sanctuary seats about 175 people at full capacity, and even with two services, sometimes extra chairs have to be brought in to seat everyone, Austin said. The new building will give the church the opportunity to grow so it can reach even more people, he said.

While attendance at many churches has

dropped following the pandemic, the Church at Ross Bridge has continued growing, Carden said. The church has added about 200 new members in the past three years, with membership now at about 365, he said.

Average attendance is about 260 people in person and 120 to 140 online, Carden said.

While the new sanctuary initially will seat 414 people, some temporary classroom space in the back can be converted in future phases to allow the sanctuary to expand and seat 633 people, Carden said.

The church initially plans to keep its current building and use it for midweek youth and children’s activities and office space, but they eventually may sell it when future construction phases are completed at the new campus, Carden said.

This is actually the 120th year for the Church

VENETIAN PRINCESS

The Church at Ross Bridge is currently located at 2101 Grand Ave. in the Ross Bridge Town Center (shown at the blue pin), and its future location is on 7 acres at 3200 Ross Bridge Parkway (shown at the red star). Map courtesy of The Church at Ross Bridge.

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at Ross Bridge, Carden said. The church was founded in 1903 as 11th Avenue Methodist-Episcopal Church, across from the UAB Highlands campus in Birmingham. After eight decades of ministry there, the church relocated to Lakeshore Drive in 1989, with many of its members having moved south, and renamed itself Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Then in 2012 the church moved again to Ross Bridge and rebranded itself once more as a community-based church.

This past year, the Church at Ross Bridge — like more than 2,000 Methodist churches across the country — voted to separate from the United Methodist Church and become an independent Methodist church. While the United Methodist Church denomination has officially upheld bans on same-sex marriage and gay clergy, many U.S. congregations

openly defied those bans, causing dissension in the denomination.

“We cherish the many years of ministry we shared as part of the United Methodist Church,” Carden said. “But over the last two years, our local church leadership became concerned that the complex challenges and uncertainties facing the institutional church could

NATHAN CARDEN

echo into the life of our local church, placing our church’s health and vision at risk.”

After a thorough six-month discernment process, the Church at Ross Bridge voted to separate, Carden said. “We are grateful for God’s faithfulness to us, and there is great enthusiasm in our congregation for what the future holds.”

That enthusiasm is reflected in financial

giving, too, Carden said. Since starting this capital campaign, the average household giving for the congregation has increased 92%, he said.

Carden said he is very grateful to be part of a church that is willing to invest in something it believes is important.

”“It’s simple — we want to be a Christ-centered church that continues his ministry of hope and healing in the world,” Carden said. “We believe, and research indicates, that healthy local churches make communities more healthy. They foster strong interpersonal relationships with neighbors and contribute to the common good, especially those most in need. We want Church at Ross Bridge to have a positive impact beyond our walls in Hoover, serving the spiritual and physical needs of our community for current and future generations.”

Eight years ago, Mary was in a car wreck that caused injury to her neck. As she hoped to avoid surgery and medication, she was referred to physical therapy at TherapySouth in Hoover. Mary worked with Daniel to rehab from her accident and get back to her active lifestyle. Now, whenever Mary experiences acute pain or frequent headaches, she comes directly to see Daniel for treatment. Through manual adjustments, dry needling, stretching and more, Mary is able to not only get relief from her pain, but to improve her mobility, strength and overall wellness.

At first I didn’t know I could just come for wellness— I thought I had to be referred. But now the doors are opened because when I have pain, I can call and get an appointment quickly. I come in sick to my stomach because the pain is so bad, and I leave here singing a song because I feel so good.”

Mary stays active keeping up with her two young kids, riding horses, running and lifting weights.

“When I can’t do those things my quality of life suffers. I am a happier person when I can move, and Daniel makes me be able to move!

Mary Guillory with Daniel Temple, PT, DPT

“ We are grateful for God’s faithfulness to us, and there is great enthusiasm in our congregation for what the future holds.

A rendering showing the planned first phase of new facilities for The Church at Ross Bridge, which will be at 3200 Ross Bridge Parkway next to the Sawyer Trail sector of the neighborhood. Rendering courtesy of The Church at Ross Bridge.

Hogan moved to Alabama in the summer of 1984 and started as a junior at Berry High School, which was the predecessor to Hoover High.

“I thought it was the worst thing that could have ever happened to me,” Hogan said. She was a three-sport athlete and was nervous about moving to a new city, having to make new friends and navigate everything that comes with joining a new school and new sports teams, she said.

But as it turned out, “it was one of the best things I can say happened to me in my life,” Hogan said.

She had a great experience at Berry and had an opportunity to be under the leadership of Bob Finley, who was her girls basketball coach and taught her a lot about the importance of having strong character, she said.

Hogan began her career as a science teacher and coach in 1992 at Pelham High School and stayed there four years. She got out of education and ran a gym with her husband for two years but then decided to give education another try.

She went to Vestavia Hills High School, where she spent six years as a teacher and coach and then three years as an assistant principal. She then was principal at Hewitt-Trussville High School for two years before coming to Hoover.

She spent two years as a teacher at Hoover from 2009 to 2011 and then 10 years as an assistant principal. Now she has Buccaneer orange blood flowing through her veins.

In 2018, Hogan was named Alabama’s Assistant Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and was one of three finalists for National Assistant Principal of the Year.

She’s excited and humbled to be named principal at Hoover High, she said. “I love Hoover and want to be able to serve the community, the students and the teachers and just take us to the next level.”

Hogan said she plans to focus on the culture and climate of the school and looks forward to talking with students and teachers about that.

“I’ve been away for two years,” she said. “I want to listen to them, and we want to build something great together.”

Hogan is just one of many changes among administrators in Hoover City Schools this year. At least 10 Hoover schools have new assistant principals, and both Hoover and Spain Park high schools have new athletic directors.

Harley Lamey, who has been the head wrestling coach at Hoover for the past two years, has replaced Andy Urban as athletic director at Hoover after Urban moved to Mountain Brook High School.

Josh Donaldson, formerly a track and cross-country coach at Homewood High School, is now leading athletics at Spain Park High, taking over from Patrick Kellogg, who retired.

Here are some other administrative changes:

► Hoover High math teacher Mary Johnson was named an assistant principal at Hoover, replacing Donna Smiley, who was promoted

to coordinator of administrative services for the district.

► Eddie Cunningham, formerly an assistant principal at Homewood High School, is now an assistant principal at Spain Park High, replacing Brandon Key.

► Shonteria Culpepper has moved from an assistant principal job at Green Valley Elementary to become an assistant principal at Berry Middle, replacing Dana Ricks.

► Kerry Efurd, an interventionist at Bumpus Middle School, has been named an assistant principal at Bumpus, replacing Pamela Davis.

► Chelsea Bayko has moved from an assistant principal position at Bluff Park Elementary to become an assistant principal at Simmons Middle School, replacing Dominique Prince.

► Alfreda Brown has moved from a counselor role at Hoover High School to become an assistant principal at Simmons, replacing Amanda Giles.

► Emily Dunleavy, formerly an assistant principal in the Shelby County school system, now is an assistant principal at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, replacing Meghan Denson.

► Denson has shifted to become an assistant principal at Bluff Park Elementary, replacing Bayko.

► Carl Berryhill, formerly an assistant principal at Gwin Elementary, has moved to an assistant principal job at Green Valley

Elementary, replacing Culpepper.

► Hunter Nichols, a teacher from Jasper City Schools, is now an assistant principal at Gwin, replacing Berryhill.

► Matthew Stephens, formerly a math teacher at Hoover High, now is an assistant principal at Riverchase Elementary, replacing Dana Junkin.

Later in the school year, Hoover will see a change at the very top of the system, as Superintendent Dee Fowler takes his second retirement. Fowler on July 11 announced his retirement would become effective Sept. 30, though he could possibly leave earlier and serve as a consultant if another superintendent is brought on more quickly.

Stay tuned to hooversun.com for any developments in the superintendent search.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Hoover schools have seen a host of physical improvements to school campuses over the summer, including:

► A $1.4 million upgrade to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in 24 classrooms at Gwin Elementary School.

► A $1.4 million project to replace about two-thirds of the roof at Simmons Middle School. The rest of the roof is scheduled to be replaced next summer, Operations Director Matt Wilson said.

► A $1.2 million job to build a new athletic storage facility and restrooms at Bumpus Middle School.

► A $744,233 job to replace a cooling tower in the air conditioning system at Riverchase Elementary.

► A $707,000 renovation and expansion of the football locker room at Hoover High, adding more shower heads and restroom facilities. The school also is using local school money to replace the lockers, Wilson said.

► A $577,672 job to add a cosmetology and barbering classroom at the Riverchase Career Connection Center, for a new academy in that field.

► New playgrounds at Trace Crossings and Riverchase elementary schools, costing $249,000 each.

► About 290 other projects throughout the district, including painting, floor replacements, sidewalk repairs, glass replacement, gym floor resurfacing, pressure washing, tree removal and lighting upgrades.

Several other big capital projects will continue during the school year, including a $15.4 million new performing arts center at Hoover High. The roughly 35,000-squarefoot facility will include a 940-seat auditorium, Wilson said. In mid-July, workers were about 80% done with steel work and about 50% done with brick work, and internal construction was to follow, Wilson said. The performing arts center is scheduled to be complete by January, he said.

The school district also will be building new restrooms for the baseball, softball and soccer fields at Hoover High and baseball and softball fields at Spain Park High. The job was estimated to cost $1.2 million and should be complete in time for the start of those spring sport seasons, Wilson said.

Over the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, school officials expect to complete installation of new kitchen hoods at Simmons Middle School and Gwin Elementary, for a combined cost of $765,000.

Design work is being done for a theater renovation at Spain Park High School, including a new sound and lighting system,

Work continues on the new Hoover High School arts wing on July 10. Photos by Erin Nelson.

I love Hoover and want to be able to serve the community, the students and the teachers and just take us to the next level. … I want to listen to [students and teachers], and we want to build something great together.

JENNIFER HOGAN

stage modifications and adjustments to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, Wilson said. The budget for that project is $1.5 million, and work should begin in March and be completed by the start of the 2024-25 school year, he said.

ENROLLMENT, ACADEMICS

The Hoover school system expects to have 13,143 students this school year, but that’s a conservative number and could be higher, Fowler said. The school district’s enrollment has been shrinking, falling by 638 students over the past seven years, Fowler said.

He attributes that to a slight population decline, an aging population with fewer school-age children and the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said motivated some parents to shift toward private, virtual or

home schooling options.

As a result of a declining student population, Hoover schools have reduced their teaching workforce the past two years, cutting about 20 teaching positions last year and another 16 this year, he said.

The declining enrollment has made school officials less concerned about school crowding, but home building and growth in the western part of the city likely will lead eventually to a need to rezone more students from Hoover High School to Spain Park High, Fowler said. However, that’s not an immediate concern, he said.

Fowler said student safety is the No. 1 priority for school officials, but academics are the driving focus.

“We’ll build this district on the rock of academics, and everything goes back to

academics,” he said. “We have very high expectations for teaching and learning.”

School officials have been pleased with the academic progress shown since students have returned from the COVID-19 shutdown, Chief Academic Officer Chris Robbins said.

Achievement and growth test scores have been increasing for students as a whole, as well as for students from low-income families, and the percentage of students needing academic intervention has been declining, Robbins said. Hoover educators want to continue to drive those scores in the right direction, using data to drive decision making, he said.

This school year, they’ll focus on continuing to make sure teachers are teaching the state’s new math and English standards

and using the proper resources, Robbins said. There also is a continued focus on professional development, with teachers getting two paid days of professional development the past two summers, he said. The requirement for third graders to be reading on grade level to be promoted to fourth grade goes into effect at the end of this school year, after being delayed previously, Robbins said.

The most recent test scores haven’t been released yet, but the previous year’s test scores showed 90% of Hoover’s third graders reading on grade level, Robbins said.

The past two summers, Hoover has held a summer literacy and math camp to help struggling students catch up, he said. About 150 students in grades 1-3 participated this summer, he said. Any students not at grade level by the end of this school year can retake the test after attending a summer camp, he said. There also are exceptions for some students, such as special needs students or those who speak English as a second language, he said.

The Hoover school district also has started new leadership academies to help assistant principals and teachers grow in their administrative and leadership skills, said Terry Lamar, Hoover’s chief administrative officer.

Another change for this year is all new Chromebooks and classroom projectors at Hoover High School. The computers are changed out every five years, Chief Technology Officer Brian Phillips said. Spain Park students’ Chromebooks were replaced last year, and next year, students in all elementary schools will get new Chromebooks, he said.

The Hoover City Schools website and all individual school websites also will get a new look, with a change to a new website provider that should happen in August, Phillips said.

Work continues on the new playground at Trace Crossings Elementary on July 14.

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