Hoover Sun October 2023

HOOVER’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE HOOVERSUN.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM

PRESERVING THE PRESERVE?

Community split over development plans for The Preserve

By JON ANDERSON

USS Real Estate has wanted to develop a commercial center in The Preserve community for about 25 years, but the effort has had many starts and stops over the last three decades and has frequently been the center of much controversy.

It’s no different this time, as plans surfaced in August to change the development plan for the mixed-use part of The Preserve to allow 295 residential rental units, 38 townhomes, a 40-room boutique hotel, 49,200 square feet of retail space and 943

parking spaces.

A large portion of The Preserve Town Center already is zoned for commercial use, with 69,000 square feet of office and retail space approved, but Capstone Communities sought to rezone part of the property, redesign the development and add residential rental uses that had not been previously approved.

A public hearing initially was set with the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission for Sept. 11, but developers asked for a continuance until Oct. 9.

Capstone Communities wanted time to evaluate comments it had received at

Residents ask for more trails, greenways

three town hall meetings that were held at The Preserve Town Hall in the two weeks leading up to the public hearing, according to an email sent out by the Preserve Owners Association. Their proposal, while welcomed by some, caused quite a stir with other residents in and around The Preserve.

Prior to the original public hearing date, the city received at least 75 emails regarding the plan, and the majority of emails were against the proposed changes, a city staff member said.

See PRESERVE | page A18

By JON ANDERSON

Expanding trails and greenways should be the top priority for Hoover parks and recreation officials, according to public feedback given for a parks and public spaces plan the city is creating.

That was consistently ranked as the biggest need for city parks and recreation offerings, said Mindy Wyatt, a strategic analyst with the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development who is serving as project manager for the plan.

Improving the maintenance and condition of existing parks, updating amenities at existing parks and creating new opportunities for recreation also were seen as important, Wyatt said.

See TRAILS | page A16

Jared Calhoun, with Nequette Architecture and Design, speaks with Stephen Porterfield, center, and his wife, Donna, about the development plans for the Preserve Town Center townhomes during an open meeting at the Preserve Town Hall on Sept. 5. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Trees line a section of the disc golf course at Inverness Nature Park and Trails in May 2019.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Editor’s Note

One of the reasons many people move to Hoover is the quality of life they get to experience in the city.

The public schools are a big draw for many, but others cite the array of amenities they get to enjoy, including city sports fields, parks, walking trails, mountain bike trails, sidewalks, the public library, Senior Center, the Hoover Recreation Center, recreation programs and festivals.

Yet at the same time, some people lament the lack of things to do and yearn for more activities. As noted in one of this month’s cover stories, a recent parks and public spaces survey found people would love to see more trails, greenways and blueways, a skate park, more pickleball courts, historic preservation areas, concerts, festivals, arts programs and movie nights.

The city is now conducting a regional

By Jon Anderson

too late to share your desires with your elected and appointed public officials, including the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board, mayor and Hoover City Council. If you want to see more of something, let them know.

Also in this month’s issue, we’re bringing back some real estate data to help keep you informed about real estate trends. We’re planning to do this on a regular basis, as space allows, but I’d like to know if you find it interesting or helpful. Drop me a line at janderson@ starnesmedia.com and let me know.

trail feasibility study, in conjunction with developing an overall parks and public spaces comprehensive plan to guide decisions over the next 15-20 years. Lots of public input was taken, and now it’s time to assess the data and make recommendations.

Even though the formal public input phase of the plan has ended, it’s never

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Happy reading, and I hope you have a great fall!

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Ben Akins, of the Charleston (Illinois) Fire Department, left, makes the handoff to Steve Kotch, of the Camp Robinson (Arkansas) Fire Department, as they compete in the U.S. National Firefighter Challenge Championship at the Hoover Met Stadium on Sept. 7.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Trail work on the track New cross-country course opens at Veterans Park

By JON ANDERSON

The city of Hoover and Shelby County officially opened a new cross-country course at Veterans Park in August.

The part of the course that goes through the woods on the west side of Jaguar Drive was redesigned to combine old and new trails for a new experience for runners.

The trail work was handled by a crew from Shelby County, and the course they built adds new challenges and maintains Veterans Park as a tough place to run, said Michael Zelwak, the head cross country and track coach at Spain Park High School, which is immediately next to the park.

“This course was never fast,” Zelwak said. “The goal was to keep it that way, keep it true cross-country.”

However, the old course had developed numerous drainage problems over the years due to erosion, and this new design is a vast improvement, Zelwak said. The city of Hoover has constantly taken care of the course, but in recent years, runners could be knee deep in water when it rained, he said.

The new course also eliminates some of the soft, mushy ground that had made running difficult and provides more stable, safer footing for runners, Zelwak said.

That said, there are some new, sharper turns and elevation changes that could throw runners for a loop, he said. “If you’re not careful, it will really break your stride,” he said.

The old course was known for a monster hill right before runners came out of the woods, he said, but the new one is designed to more

“slowly grind you down.”

It’s a more technical course that will keep runners on their toes and requires a different approach, Zelwak said. Some of his former

Spain Park runners have tested it and love it, he said.

There are faster cross-country courses with a lot of relatively flat, open running spaces in

the state, but this one is designed to be tough, he said. “It’s going to be a lot more fun from a cross-country perspective.”

Also, the direction of the course has been reversed, and the woods portion of the 3.1-mile course is now in the first 1.5 miles, Zelwak said.

Zelwak thanked Erin Colbaugh and the Hoover Parks and Recreation Department for making some changes to plans for new pickleball courts to be built at Veterans Park, since the original plans would have negatively affected the cross-country course. The location of the courts was adjusted as much as possible to have less of an impact on the runners’ course, he said.

Shelby County crews didn’t start on the new course until July 5, and Zelwak said he was concerned they might not finish in time for this cross-country season, but they got the job done with time to spare.

The first big group of races for the new course, Spain Park High School’s Cross-Country Twilight races, were held at the end of August, with lights strung up in the woods for a unique atmosphere.

Spain Park High School cross-country runners practice on the new cross-country course at Veterans Park in Hoover. From left are MD Moniruddin, Stephen Schneider and Allen Padgham. Photo courtesy of Spain Park High School.

It’s going to be a lot more fun from a crosscountry perspective.

MICHAEL ZELWAK

Mayor’s Minute

By Frank V. Brocato

Welcome to fall and cooler temperatures ahead. We had a sweltering summer, but that only makes us appreciate the beauty of autumn even more, right?

The city had a very busy summer hosting several national events.

In July, we were the host city for The Hartford Nationals, conducted by Move United. More than 400 athletes with disabilities from across the country came to Hoover to compete in a wide range of sports from powerlifting to adaptive shooting. It was such an exciting time, and I am thrilled they’ll be returning next year.

Frank V. Brocato

In September, we hosted the U.S. National Firefighter Challenge. What a sight to behold! To see these amazing athletes compete in such rigorous competitions makes you greatly admire the men and women who serve in our fire service across the country.

Despite scorching temperatures, you — our residents — came out to support by volunteering and being spectators. I want to say a sincere thank you for that.

As mayor, I am honored that national events choose Hoover to host their events. But I am just as proud of the support our community and businesses consistently show to our visitors.

I’d like to briefly remind you that this year, we’ll celebrate our second Hay Hoover! event. You may remember it as the Hoover Hayride. But last year, we changed the name and times in hopes that more families could attend.

This year, Hay Hoover will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park. Kids are encouraged to dress up in their costumes. And there will be fun activities for everyone to enjoy, such as the hayrides, petting zoo, face painting and more!

I hope you’ll come out and join us. I’ll be there and can’t wait to see you there, too!

Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

Spirit Halloween once again has opened a temporary location at 4371 Creekside Ave. in the Patton Creek shopping center for the Halloween season. 855-704-2669, spirithalloween.com

Renew Dermatology’s Greystone location is now open for business. The office is located at 2827 Greystone Commercial Blvd. in Hoover, next to Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ. This is Renew Dermatology’s second location. The first location is at 1651 Independence Court, Suite 211, in Homewood. 205-580-1500, renewdermatology.net

opening a joint location in the former Joyful Food Co. spot at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza. 205-286-2359, daysolcoffeelab.co, goodneighbor baking.com

Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center plans to open a new 4,098-square-foot clinic at 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 113, in Hoover on Oct. 2. The business recently welcomed Dr. Matthew Beidleman, a non-surgical sports medicine physician, and Dr. Daniel Kim, an orthopedic spine surgeon, to its staff. The two doctors are now accepting new patients and seeing them at the Birmingham clinic but will begin seeing patients at the Hoover clinic when it opens. Beidleman treats patients of all ages and activity levels, including sports-related injuries and non-sports-related musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis. Kim treats patients with cervical, thoracic and lumbar issues. 205-939-3699, andrewssportsmedicine.com

First Bank plans to open a new branch in the new Cahaba Pointe commercial area in the 5300 block of U.S. 280, across from the Walmart Supercenter, according to Brian Harris, who was representing the Terra Equities development company at the September Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. firstbankonline.com

soft goods, finishes and some electrical and plumbing upgrades. The hotel, owned by the Kana Hotel Group, offers suites with a furnished full kitchen, work desk and living area. The pet-friendly hotel offers a free breakfast buffet, laundry, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and a patio with a grill.

205-733-1655, marriott.com

Tameron Hyundai, 1595 Montgomery Highway, has completed an $11 million project involving the demolition of its former 12,238-square-foot main sales and service building and the construction of a 38,372-square-foot building in its place, general manager Blake Braden said. The new service center has new racks and equipment. The other 3,440-square-foot building, which had been used for sales of used vehicles, has been remodeled and will be used for administrative offices, Braden said. Tameron Hyundai also has expanded its staff, adding 15 new employees in its sales department, nine new technicians and two new service advisors, he said. This brings total staffing to about 90 employees, Braden said. 855-427-7414, tameronhyundai.com

Baskin Robbins opened a new location in the Hoover Crossings shopping center at 1539 Montgomery Highway on Sept. 9, between Smoothie King and Wing Zone. baskinrobbins.com

COMING SOON

Daysol Coffee Lab and Good Neighbor Baking are

Chipotle plans to open a new location in the new Cahaba Pointe commercial area in the 5300 block of U.S. 280, across from the Walmart Supercenter. chipotle.com

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

The Residence Inn Hoover, 2725 John Hawkins Parkway, recently completed more than $4 million worth of renovations, including all-new vinyl, carpet, case goods,

The Chick-fil-A at 3020 John Hawkins Parkway has completed a major renovation and reopened on Sept. 14. The restaurant removed its indoor playground, expanded its seating area, added more parking and redesigned its drive-through lanes, tripling the capacity of the drivethrough to 110 vehicles, said Trevor Gospodareck, the location’s information technology and human resources director.

205-987-7568, chick-fil-a.com

The Walmart Neighborhood Market at 3320 Lorna Road has completed a $4.5 million renovation project, manager Jeffrey Post said. The company removed the conveyor belt checkout stations; added four additional self-checkout stations, for a total of 13; replaced most of

its shelving, fixtures and signs; expanded its pickup and delivery area, to double its capacity to about 180-250 orders per day; added a second drive-through lane at the pharmacy; added a private health services rooms for shots; expanded its Hispanic grocery section to a full aisle; and expanded its pet section, Post said. 205-909-4306, walmart.com

NEW OWNERSHIP

The Winn-Dixie store at 500 Inverness Corners is being purchased by Aldi as part of a deal in which Aldi is buying about 400 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Aldi said it plans to convert some stores to its own brand but intends to continue operating the rest under their current brands. Winn-Dixie has eight locations in the Birmingham-Hoover area, including stores in Inverness, Bessemer, Chelsea, Clay, Fultondale, Pinson, Trussville and Vestavia Hills. 205-991-0230, winndixie.com, aldi.us

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Six companies in Hoover made the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., which tracks companies’ growth rates over the previous three years. Transportation & Logistical Services at 1855 Data Drive, Suite 170, which provides freight services, was No. 2,826 on the list with a 189% growth rate over the previous three years. Renfroe at 1800 International Park Drive, Suite 250, which provides staffing solutions for the insurance industry, was No. 3,041, with a 171% growth rate. Wildsparq at 19 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 300, which provides leadership skills development for companies, was No. 3,699 with a 130% growth rate. American Family Care, which is based at 3700 Cahaba Beach Road and has clinics at 1680 Montgomery Highway, 5569 Grove Blvd. Suite 121 and 5410 U.S. 280, was No. 4,281 with a 102% growth rate. Lake Homes Realty at 500 Corporate Parkway, Suite 400, was No. 4,625 with an 88% growth rate. Mountain High Outfitters, which has a location at 2000 Galleria Circle, was No. 4,690 with an 86% growth rate.

The Federal Reserve Board recently fined Regions Bank about $2.95 million, citing unsafe and unsound practices in its flood insurance compliance program and for flood insurance regulatory violations. The board said Regions failed to effectively monitor a portfolio of home equity loans for compliance with flood insurance regulations

due to changes in loan servicing platforms and thirdparty service providers. The board also fined Regions for a pattern or practice of individual violations.

800-734-4667, regions.com

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, based at 450 Riverchase Parkway, has been named to the Forbes list of America’s Best-in-State Employers 2023. Companies were identified based on 2.1 million employer recommendations from employees working for companies with more than 500 employees in the U.S. The evaluation was made on a state-by-state basis and is based on three distinct criteria: in-state indirect recommendations, national in-industry indirect recommendations and direct recommendations. Employees were asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding work-related topics, such as working conditions, diversity, salary, potential for development and company image.

888-267-2955, bcbsal.org

PERSONNEL MOVES

Ann Snoddy and Wesley Rodgers have joined the RealtySouth office at 2409 Acton Road, Suite 137. 205-978-9000, realtysouthotmacton.com

Chandler Fullman, a 2014 graduate of Hoover High School and 2018 graduate of Auburn University, has joined the Northwestern Mutual office at 1849 Data Drive as a financial representative. He spent the past four years as a teacher and coach in the Chambers County and Lee County school systems. 205-837-4043, northwesternmutual.com

American Family Care, which has clinics in Hoover at 1680 Montgomery Highway, 5410 U.S. 280 and 5569 Grove Blvd. Suite 121, has hired Dr. LouAnne Giangreco as its new chief medical officer. 205-403-8902, afcurgentcare.com

Dr. Blake Perry has joined the OS1 Sports Injury Clinic in The Village at Brock’s Gap at 1031 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 185. 205-352-2911, bettersooner.com

ANNIVERSARIES

Tortugas Pizza in September started its 25th year in business. The restaurant has locations at 2801 John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover and 1304 Second Ave. S. in Birmingham. 205-403-9800, tortugaspizza.com

Family owned and operated Family Medical Supply, located at 2409 Acton Road, Suite 117, celebrates four years in business in October. 205-502-4416, familymedicalsupply.store

Itty Bitty Bakers, a company that offers hands-on culinary opportunities for children ages 3-14, is celebrating its fifth anniversary Oct. 1 with a birthday party bakeoff at the Riverchase Galleria from 2 to 4 p.m. Kids ages 5-14 are invited to bring their best baked celebration cupcake for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card and the Wooden Spoon Trophy Award.

205-606-5136, ittybittybakers.com

CLOSINGS

Komeh Davis, the owner of the CakEffect custom cake and baking business at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 109, in The Village at Brock’s Gap, has permanently closed her shop. Davis started the business from her home in 2009, then opened a commercial space in Homewood in 2011 and moved to The Village at Brock’s Gap in March 2019. Davis said she is retiring from the business.

The Joyful Food Co. has decided to close its location at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza in Bluff Park after nearly nine years of business there. The company is consolidating to one location at 4500 Montevallo Road, Suite E-104 in Birmingham. 205-538-5868, thejoyfulfoodco.com

The Cool Shots Selfie Museum at 4421 Creekside Ave., Suite 157, in the Patton Creek shopping center has closed.

Quik Pawn Shop is closing its location at 1543 Montgomery Highway in Hoover and consolidating its merchandise into another location at 2444 Green Springs Highway in Birmingham. Quik Pawn Shop is supposed to be out of the Hoover location by Oct. 15, a manager said. 205-942-3399, firstcash.com

SAVE UP TO 20% AT OVER 250 RETAILERS

Bluff Park-based group trains facility dogs

By JON ANDERSON

Many people know about service dogs, which are trained to help disabled people in a variety of ways, but not as many people are familiar with facility dogs.

A fairly new nonprofit based in Bluff Park is hoping to change that.

While service dogs are trained to do specific tasks for a specific person who is disabled, in order to help mitigate that person’s disability, a facility dog is trained to console and love anyone and everyone who visits a particular place.

Across the country, facility dogs are becoming more and more popular in places such as health care facilities and schools. Sometimes, they assist people as they go through physical therapy, providing companionship and motivation. They also often are used by counselors to help ease the tension for children or other people to help them open up and share about the issues they’re facing.

The Hoover Public Library recently welcomed a facility dog named Libby, who is there to help children become better at reading by sitting with the children and letting them read to her.

Library Director Amanda Borden said she also hopes Libby will help make the library a more inviting place for everyone because dogs help reduce stress and anxiety in many people, whether employees or visitors.

Libby was trained by a new

nonprofit called FIDOS Facility Dogs, which is based in Bluff Park. The group was formed in late 2021 by three Hoover residents.

Tracy Anderson and Kelley Schaeffer were working to help raise puppies to become service dogs at the Roverchase organization in Pelham when they met Judith Thomason, another Hoover resident who had two dogs getting trained to become facility dogs.

After Thomason’s two dogs — Shelby and Foster — were placed to work with Thomason at the Children’s of Alabama clinic off Acton Road, Anderson and Schaeffer began

volunteering to work with them there.

The three women developed a passion for facility dogs and — during a beach trip in 2021 — decided to form their own organization that focuses solely on facility dogs, said Schaeffer, who serves as the group’s executive director and board president.

“We have a passion for the dogs, and we have a passion for serving people,” Schaeffer said. “We decided the best way was to pull those two passions together. We were just women on a mission.”

They got their state nonprofit status in November 2021 and federal tax-exempt status in January 2022,

Schaeffer said.

Kelly

Schaeffer, owner of

FIDOS

Facility Dogs in Hoover, sits in a wheelchair as she works on different commands with Indie, an 11-monthold standard poodle, and CJ, a 10-monthold standard poodle, as part of their training to become facility dogs within the community.

The first part of the group’s name — FIDOS — obviously is tied to the age-old dog name Fido, which means “faithful” and comes from the Latin word “fidelitas.” But it also is an acronym for Friends Invested and Dedicated to Outreach and Service.

FIDOS Facility Dogs is based out of Schaeffer’s Bluff Park home, where she has a dedicated space used as a training room that includes medical equipment such as a wheelchair and walker. Her backyard is like a “Dog Disney World,” with playground equipment, a dog walk, sandbox and other enrichment activities.

Schaeffer, Anderson, Thomason and two other board members work with the dogs and provide custom training to prepare the dogs for whatever jobs are needed at the facilities to which they are headed.

They also train future handlers who will be working with the dogs at the facilities and prepare the dogs to go live with one of the handlers. In turn, the facilities give a $12,000 donation to help cover costs, Schaeffer said.

Libby was the first dog trained by FIDOS, but there were three more dogs being trained at Schaeffer’s house in September, one destined for a nonprofit and another for an education system, Schaeffer said. Training takes 18-24 months before the dog is turned over fully to the facility and handler, she said. However, FIDOS starts taking the dogs into their facility about a year into the training to provide a gradual transition.

While many facilities have Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers or “doodle” mixes as facility dogs, FIDOS for now exclusively works with standard poodles, Schaeffer said. “They’re smart. They love to work and they love people,” she said.

Eventually, FIDOS would like to have a stand-alone training facility away from Schaeffer’s house, but her house is working for now, she said. “We took a vision and a passion, and we’re living it.”

For more information, go to fidosfacilitydogs.org.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Berna brings Madison Avenue expertise to Grand Bohemian Gallery

By GRACE THORNTON

When Greystone resident Michael Berna was 18 years old, he got introduced to a world that left him “spoiled and jaded” — and he never wanted to leave.

That world was New York’s Madison Avenue back in its golden era, when it was “the world avenue,” he said, noting that with what it had to offer, you “could’ve been in Paris, London, Milan or Geneva.”

“It’s an unbelievable place to be,” Berna said. “I miss those days because I miss the oldworld charm, when you could walk down the avenue and see these fabulous shops, people with extraordinary charm and beautiful things. These places just don’t exist anymore.”

But they marked him.

His first introduction to Madison Avenue was through his high school girlfriend, whose father, Simon Lieberman, was a major art dealer and ran a gallery at the Hotel Carlyle.

“It was one of the most prestigious hotels in the world — a very old-world, extremely charming hotel,” Berna said. “After JFK used to stay there, it really put it on the map.”

And it put art on the map for Berna.

Lieberman introduced him “to a world beyond explanation,” Berna said. “I met characters from all walks of life.”

Over the next 35 years, he worked with fine antique jewelry, 20th-century design, decorative arts and lighting and sculpture. He worked in Lieberman’s gallery as well as galleries like Primavera and Leonard Trent.

And now Berna has brought that expertise to Mountain Brook’s own Grand Bohemian Gallery.

The gallery, a freestanding building next to the Grand Bohemian Hotel, is a “fabulous” space, said Berna, who serves as its

new director.

“It has unbelievable light and lots of windows,” he said. “The space lights itself for someone like me to create something and make it look fabulous, and that’s what I did.”

Since arriving in April, he has implemented a more modernist, abstract appeal to the art and design, he said. He’s incorporated the work of renowned sculptor Ted Metz and painter Scott Vaughn Owen, both Alabama artists, and he’s displayed the “luminous artwork” of Birmingham artist Timothy Poe, who uses verre

NATALIE HAYNES ART

églomisé, a process of reverse glass gilding.

Berna has also displayed the “expressionistcolorist” paintings of internationally renowned French artist Jean Claude Roy and the contemporary work of Iranian artist Hessam Abrishami.

And that’s just the beginning. It’s an experience to visit the gallery, Berna said. “Come visit and see for yourself.”

Jorg Wesche, general manager at Grand Bohemian Hotel, said on behalf of The Kessler Collection of luxury resorts and hotels that

they are “thrilled” to welcome Berna to the team and are excited about his contributions to the gallery.

“We are confident that his experience, skills and expertise, coupled with his passion and dedication, will allow him to take our gallery to the next level and make meaningful contributions within our company, community and the industry as a whole,” Wesche said.

For more information, follow Grand Bohemian Gallery on Instagram @grandbohemiangallery.gbmb.

Michael Berna stands in front of a collection of pieces from various local artists at the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery in Lane Parke. Berna is the new director for the gallery. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Bluff Park women expand into pickleball

By JON ANDERSON

First came the Bluff Park Women’s Wiffleball League, then came kickball. Now the women of Bluff Park have started a pickleball league.

And with the expansion, the women have officially changed the name of their organization from the Bluff Park Women’s Wiffleball League to the Bluff Park Women’s Rec League.

The group has grown from 75 women when the Wiffleball League formed in 2019 to about 200 women now, and there are more on waiting lists, said Sherrie Roberts, the founder and executive director of the group.

She never imagined the effort would get this big, but “I’m not one to do things on a small scale,” Roberts said. “I have a tendency to think big. It just keeps growing and growing and growing.”

Roberts and the group’s board announced the expansion into pickleball this past spring, and the first season officially began Sept. 19.

Tammy Prell, the pickleball commissioner, said she suggested the expansion after she and Roberts started learning to play pickleball earlier this year.

“It was a unanimous vote to give it a try. We just want to expand our offerings,” Prell said.

The group did an informal survey of the community and got a fabulous response, she said. “We knew it was going to be successful because we had so much interest.”

Initially, 150 women indicated an interest, but when it came time to actually form the league, the group decided to limit participation to 64 women for the first season because they had limited availability of pickleball courts, Prell said.

Shades Crest Baptist Church has agreed to let the group use its two indoor pickleball courts in its gym, she said. The plan is to have open play on Tuesday and Thursday nights and competitive play from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sundays, with three two-hour sessions of different groups of

women, Prell said.

The matches are two vs. two, with pairs picked randomly by a computer, she said. Women are never partnered with the same partner and never play the same two partners twice, she said. That way, they have an opportunity to meet and play with everybody in the league, she said.

That’s a perfect blend with the original intent of the Wiffleball League, which was to provide a way for women in the community to get to know one another while enjoying a recreational activity, Prell said. “Everybody’s having

a great time.”

And the women are so excited to get to know more of their neighbors, Roberts said.

“I’ve had women tell me it’s changed their life — how lonely they were,” she said. “They’ve been able to make new friends and develop close friends.”

When a big storm hit Bluff Park in August, knocking many trees down across the community (including onto homes) and knocking power out to many, the Wiffleball League postponed play, and the women got busy helping one another and their neighbors, Roberts said.

Some pulled out chainsaws and clippers to cut up and remove debris, while others delivered water and snacks to Alabama Power Co. workers and others doing cleanup work, she said.

The pickleball league is set to play through November, and the kickball league soon will enter its second season, which earlier this year ran from January through March with eight teams, involving 96 women. The Wiffleball League recently finished its fifth season, with 150 women on 10 teams.

Of the 64 women playing pickleball, about half were in either the Wiffleball League or the kickball league, and about 80% are beginners in pickleball, Prell said. To help them get started, Stan Brown of the Magic City Pickleball Club led four days of Pickleball 101 training.

The pickleball league has expanded the age range of women participating. The Wiffleball League and kickball participants mostly have been in their early 20s to mid 50s, but the pickleball league is mostly early 30s to late 70s, Prell said.

There is some discussion of doing a spring pickleball league or starting a fourth sport, but those decisions have not been made, Roberts and Prell said. The league, which is a nonprofit, also plans to raise money to help more young girls be able to afford to play in youth sports.

Anna O’Connell works on different techniques as she and other new members of the Bluff Park Women’s Rec League participate in a Pickleball 101 class with Stan Brown, a certified pickleball instructor and local game official, at the Family Life Center at Shades Crest Baptist Church. Photo by Erin Nelson.

I’ve had women tell me it’s changed their life — how lonely they were. They’ve been able to make new friends and develop close friends.

SHERRIE ROBERTS

School board approves $231 million budget for 2024

By JON ANDERSON

The Hoover Board of Education on Sept. 12 approved a $231 million budget for fiscal 2024, which represents a 3% decline from the 2023 budget of $238 million approved a year ago.

Most of that is due to less money going to capital projects in fiscal 2024, with the capital fund budget decreasing from $34.2 million in fiscal 2023 to an anticipated $13.6 million in fiscal 2024.

Capital projects anticipated in 2024 include $2.7 million to remove a hill at the Hoover High baseball field and add parking, a $1.6 million addition to the transportation building, $1.5 million for new buses, $1.5 million for a theater upgrade at Spain Park High School, $1.4 million for roofing projects at three schools, $1.3 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades at three schools and a $1.2 million athletic field upgrade at Bumpus Middle School.

The school system plans to spend $177 million out of its general fund in fiscal 2024, which is $13.9 million (or 8 percent) more than the original 2023 budget. Most of the $13.9 million increase (about $9.4 million) can be attributed to the increased cost of salaries and benefits, Chief Financial Officer Michele McCay said.

A lot of that increase is due to a 2% pay increase mandated by the Alabama Legislature, changes in the state minimum salary schedule for teachers and nurses, a new requirement to pay support personnel at least $15 an hour and an additional year of experience for all returning personnel, McCay said.

The Hoover school board also in June approved additional pay increases for teachers

and custodians to make Hoover’s salary schedule more competitive with nearby school districts.

The Hoover school system as of Sept. 3 employed 1,861 people, which is down by about 23 employees from the previous year, McCay said. The workforce includes about 1,120 certified personnel (such as teachers, administrators, counselors and librarians) and 741 support personnel.

Because the Hoover system values having a low student-teacher ratio, the district provides 100% of the funding ($28.8 million) for 203 teachers and 31 administrators, which account for 27% of the certified workforce, with local tax revenues, McCay said. Local funds also pay for 183 support staff, she said.

SPECIAL EDUCATION COSTS

McCay and school board members expressed

“Quality Built Fences Since 1964”

concern about the rising costs of providing special education services and other services for students with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit life activities.

The number of Hoover students requiring special education services has grown from 1,079 in 2014 to 1,560 in fiscal 2024, McCay said. The cost for those services has grown to $27.5 million — 12% of the district’s total budget.

The district has had to add a fifth psychometrist, two additional speech language pathologists and three more behavioral aides, McCay said.

The federal government 46 years ago promised to pay 40% of excess costs to provide special education services, but the closest the federal government has come to doing that was 18% of funding in 2005, McCay said. Today, the federal government provides just 12% of

the cost, she said.

Also, the number of students qualifying for special accommodations due to physical or mental impairments that substantially limit life activities has grown from 350 in fiscal 2019 to 602 in fiscal 2024, McCay said. There is no federal or state funding to provide those accommodations, she said.

School board President Kermit Kendrick said parents who have children with special needs are intentionally moving to Hoover because Hoover does such a good job of providing services.

Superintendent Dee Fowler said the district is glad to serve the children. However, he believes the state should take into account the number of special needs children, children from low-income families and English language learners when calculating how much money each school system receives from the state.

McKay expects a 10% increase in the cost of food and processing supplies, an 8.1% increase in water costs, 5.3% increase in sewer rates and 18% increase in custodial and maintenance supplies. The cost of diesel fuel is expected to drop by 13%, she said.

Hoover’s annual debt payments should stay the same at $12.7 million but are expected to drop to $10.3 million in fiscal 2027, McCay said.

On the revenue side, the Hoover school district expects to receive $222 million in fiscal 2024, which is slightly more than the $220 million that was expected in the original 2023 budget. That includes $194 million in revenues for the 2024 general fund.

Michele McCay, the chief financial officer for Hoover City Schools, presents the school district’s proposed fiscal 2024 budget Sept. 7. Photo by Jon Anderson.

What is TMS?

TRAILS

CONTINUED from page A1

Some recurring suggestions for new amenities and projects included a skate park, more pickleball courts and taking steps to preserve historical sites in places like Bluff Park and the Brock’s Gap area, she said.

The city recently wrapped up the public engagement phase for the parks and public spaces plan, after holding several town hall and focus group meetings and conducting an online survey. More than 770 people attended and gave feedback at the town hall meetings, and 3,542 people took part in the survey, including 2,874 residents and 540 people who live outside Hoover, Wyatt said. The response rate was considered strong for public surveys, she said.

“It speaks to the level of interest from the community for a project like this and the importance of parks and recreation as a whole,” she said.

Survey participants — both residents and visitors — indicated their favorite existing parks in Hoover to visit are the 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve nature park, Aldridge Gardens and Veterans Park. Sixty percent of resident respondents said they had visited the Moss Rock Preserve in the past year, while 57% had visited Aldridge Gardens, 45% had visited Veterans Park, 35% had visited the Hoover Recreation Center, 34% had visited Star Lake, 30% had visited the Explore Splash Pad and Playground and 26% had visited the Bluff Park Community Park.

The Hoover Metropolitan Complex and Finley Center were the top-visited sports facilities, with 78% of residents having been to the Hoover Met Complex in the past year and 63% having been to the Finley Center.

Survey participants said their top existing park amenities were trails, gardens, scenery, playgrounds and community events, and the amenities they would most like to see added or expanded are paved walking loops, play equipment, hiking and unpaved trails, blueway access and fishing.

Their top existing park and recreation

programs were rock climbing, running and walking events, playground events, soccer programs and weightlifting, while programs or events they would most like to see added or expanded were markets and festivals, hiking and outdoor clubs, concerts and performances, arts programs and outdoor movie nights.

TRAILS, GREENWAYS AND BLUEWAYS

With a $10,000 contribution from Signature Homes, the city is now conducting a regional trail feasibility study, said Jeremy Vice, a member of the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board. The goal is to create more opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking and biking and to create connections to Hoover’s various

communities, other points of interest and trail networks in adjacent communities, Vice said.

The goal is to have the regional trail study done by Thanksgiving and incorporate it into the overall city park and public spaces plan, he said.

Wyatt said Hoover, split between Jefferson and Shelby counties, is uniquely positioned to link other trail networks in the two counties. Plus, having the Cahaba River flow right through the middle of the city adds to the opportunity for blueway and greenway connections, she said.

SKATE PARK

There were more than 750 comments about the need for a skate park in Hoover, Wyatt

said. A group called Skate Alabama has been pushing for a skate park to be built in Hoover for about three years. The group two years ago announced it wanted to build a 20,000-squarefoot park for skateboarding, inline skating and BMX biking at the Hoover Met Complex, and a year ago the estimated price tag was $800,000 to $1 million.

Former Hoover City Administrator Allan Rice said at the time that if the skateboard community could raise the money to build a new skate park, the city would allow it to be built at the Met Complex and would oversee and maintain it.

However, fundraising has been difficult, especially without a financial commitment from the city of Hoover to help with construction,

The Black Jacket Symphony performs music by Queen during the Concerts from the Car series at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in June 2020. Hoover residents in a survey said they would like to see more concerts in the city. Photos by Erin Nelson.

group founder Johnny Grimes said. Many corporations and foundations that help with projects like this require a contribution from the cities where the parks are, he said.

Grimes said the skate park recently built in downtown Birmingham has been a huge success, but there is strong demand for one in Hoover as well, with close to 1,500 people who live in Hoover visiting the Birmingham skate park regularly.

PICKLEBALL

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said the city almost daily receives calls from people wanting more pickleball courts.

The city in August held a ribbon cutting for six pickleball courts at the tennis courts

next to Simmons Middle School. When city officials were alerted that the tennis courts needed resurfacing, parks and recreation officials decided to convert some of the courts for pickleball use. Because the courts are used by students at Simmons Middle School as well, the school system agreed to cover one-third of the $67,000 cost, city officials said.

Also in August, construction began for eight new pickleball courts and 45-50 new parking spaces near the beach volleyball area at Veterans Park. The city is spending $900,000 for that project, and Shelby County is chipping in $400,000, for a total of $1.3 million.

The city also has had the Goodwyn Mills & Cawood architectural firm drawing up plans for 12 to 24 new pickleball courts at

the Hoover Metropolitan Complex and has received a $500,000 grant through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for that project, but that project is not yet fully funded, Council President John Lyda said.

PRESERVING HISTORICAL SITES

The Hoover Historical Society and Friends of Shades Mountain group are proposing that a park be established along Shades Crest Road, consisting of the historic Hale Springs property, former Tip Top Grill property and the historic Lover’s Leap landmark to preserve the bluff, which is a frequent spot for people seeking sunset views.

The Birmingham Historical Society and SB

Development, a company affiliated with Signature Homes, also have expressed interest in preserving a 150-year-old historic railbed in the Brock’s Gap area. The Brock’s Gap cut runs through Shades Mountain, Pine Mountain and Chestnut Ridge and was completed in November 1871, making way for the final stretch of railroad that led to the incorporation of Birmingham a month later. It allowed trains to get through the mountains and gave easier access to and from the mineral-rich terrain in central Alabama.

Signature Homes President Jonathan Belcher said a couple of years ago he wanted to use the Brock’s Gap cut as a pedestrian pathway to help connect Ross Bridge and the Everlee community to 10 miles of mountain bike trails his company built in Trace Crossings, and eventually to historic coke ovens across the Cahaba River in Helena.

However, the city also wants to build a 4-mile parkway through that area, and some questions remained about the feasibility and potential placement of that road.

MORE SURVEY RESULTS

Survey respondents also indicated the city does a good job of maintaining its parks, running youth sports programs, putting on special events and operating the Hoover Senior Center and therapeutics and athletics programs, Wyatt said. However, respondents said the city could do a better job of marketing existing park amenities, improving accessibility for people with disabilities, improving existing park assets and adding more non-sport outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, walking, mountain biking and kayaking, she said.

The survey results now are being used to help develop a draft long-term and comprehensive parks and public spaces plan, and the goal is to have that plan and the regional trail study completed by Thanksgiving, Wyatt said.

The plan is designed to create a vision to help guide decision making in the city over the next 15 to 20 years regarding recreational programming, parks, public spaces, blueways, greenways and trails.

The full report on public feedback is available at hooveral.org/1036/Future-Hoover.

The Dala Dance Company performs at the Moss Rock Festival at the Hoover Met Complex in November 2022. Participants in the city’s survey about parks and recreation said they would like to see more festivals in the city.

PRESERVE CONTINUED from page A1

DIVIDED COMMUNITY

Some residents say they love the plan and have been looking forward to new commercial options near their home for years, but others say putting apartments, a hotel and nearly a thousand parking spaces, including a 292-space parking deck, in The Preserve community changes the essence of what their community is all about.

Christine Botthof, who has lived in The Preserve for 16 years, started an online petition to oppose the plan that had gained more than 3,300 signatures by Sept. 11, the date originally scheduled for the public hearing.

Botthof said she is in favor of progress, additional retail in The Preserve and beautifying the community but is against apartments, a hotel and a “massive” parking deck.

Residents always knew a commercial town center was planned, including a potential grocery store and restaurants, but these other elements were not part of the plan and don’t fit in The Preserve, Botthof said.

“We were waiting for all this retail to come, but what we were not expecting was to be blindsided by 300-something rentals,” she said.

Botthof said apartments mixed in with retail would fit better in a place like the Patton Creek shopping center, which is closer to major thoroughfares and not in the middle of a single-family neighborhood.

“No one can give us a concrete answer as to why this development is good for this particular intersection in Hoover,” she said. “We are a neighborhood.”

DEVELOPER MINDSET

Louis Nequette of Nequette Architecture and Design, which is handling the design work for this plan, said in a video that his company has been passionate about placemaking for more than 20 years and involved in numerous mixed-use, dynamic town centers.

“Our goal is to simply create places that bring people together and create community,” Nequette said. “We’re excited to be part of this project to do just that.”

USS Real Estate, the master developer of The Preserve, and Capstone Communities, which is proposing to handle development of the Town Center, have numerous goals in mind with this development, Nequette said in the video.

They want to create more places for people to eat and shop, while also maintaining the character, energy and beauty of what The Preserve has been able to create over the last 20 years, he said.

They need to make sure there is enough parking; provide smooth traffic flow; protect the “magic” of the adjacent 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve nature park and its boulder fields; and provide more privacy for the Village Green park in the town center, by shielding it from traffic with the addition of townhomes along Preserve Parkway, he said. Right now, the Village Green is directly adjacent to the parkway.

The developers, in their application to the city, say the mixed-use components of the plan are necessary for the development to thrive.

Nequette in the video said that they want to provide people with a variety of residential options, from two-story townhomes and threestory apartment buildings to two- or threestory mixed-use buildings with retail on the ground level and apartments above.

Adding the rental units draws in different generations of customers, such as young professionals and empty nesters, that will help the retail businesses survive because they tend to visit retail areas at different times of the day than families with children, Nequette said.

The developers also hope to protect the nature park and popular boulder field by increasing the required buffer between the boulder field and any buildings, as well as putting residential property closer to the park than the retail areas, he said.

Currently, the required buffer for the boulder field is just 50 feet, but Capstone Communities is proposing to keep structures at least 200 feet from the builder field, according to the company’s application.

The Friends of Moss Rock Preserve group said on its Facebook page that it for years has

encouraged the city of Hoover to buy 8 acres next to the boulder field from U.S. Steel to serve as a buffer.

That never happened, but the conservation group said it appreciates Capstone Communities agreeing to expand the buffer from 50 to 200 feet.

“While it is not the original 8 acres we had hoped to protect, … we support this buffer as the property is developed,” the group said. “We do not take a position in favor or in opposition to the overall development so long as the 200-foot buffer around the boulder field is maintained and adequate public parking is provided within the development to access the boulder field area as required in the Preserve PUD. In regards to details within the development, we leave that for others to decide those details.”

Nequette also said in the video that his company is proposing to develop a plaza in the middle of the town center — on the north side of Preserve Parkway — that can easily be blocked off for pedestrian traffic only during special events such as festivals or farmers markets.

“The magic happens in the spaces between buildings — energetic and dynamic outdoor spaces,” he said.

Manci Hoesley, who has lived in The Preserve since 2003, said she and her husband are very excited about the proposed plan.

“They always talked about having a town center. I just never thought it would happen,” she said.

LONG HISTORY

When USS Real Estate first sought rezoning for The Preserve in 1999, it was asking for mixed use, with 50,000 square feet of commercial space and 50,000 square feet of offices included. But people in nearby neighborhoods objected to having commercial development in The Preserve at all. The

Planning and Zoning Commission rejected the proposal, and in November 1999, an all-residential plan was approved by the City Council.

But USS Real Estate came back in 2003, when there was a different mayor and City Council, and was able to get approval for mixed uses, including shops and offices on bottom floors and condos on the top floors, with a 3-2 vote. No single store could be greater than 15,000 square feet.

The first phase of the commercial sector came in 2007 on the south side of Preserve Parkway, and it now includes the Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, Moss Rock Tacos & Tequilas, Moss Rock Pharmacy, Stone Salon and USS Real Estate office, but no more commercial development has taken place since.

The Hoover City Council in November 2018 approved a zoning change that would allow a grocery store occupying up to 29,000 square feet in the Town Center, but the grocery store never materialized.

Hoesley said the commercial part of the development fell off the radar, and she’s glad to see it have some life again. She looks forward to having more restaurant options and potentially a coffee shop, breakfast place and an area that could be closed off to traffic for the community’s annual Mardi Gras parade.

“I don’t know why people are so against it,” she said. “I’m excited.”

OBJECTIONS

Botthof said she’s not against the addition of retail and she has no problem with apartments in general. She lived in apartments in New York City for many years, but The Preserve is not the right place for them, she said.

“The majority of people want to preserve what we have here,” Botthof said. “Apartments change the whole idea I had for the rest of my life. … It’s the integrity of this neighborhood as a suburban neighborhood,

not urban sprawl.”

Sherri Williams, who moved to The Preserve from Vestavia Hills in 2005 after becoming an empty nester, said she loves the nature of the neighborhood and is in her fourth house in the community. She doesn’t think additional retail will survive in The Preserve and doesn’t want it or the additional traffic that more retail and apartments would bring, she said.

“It just makes no sense to me,” Williams said. “What they’re doing is changing the very essence of what The Preserve is supposed to be. It’s just an incredible neighborhood. … We would never have bought here in 2005 if we had been told they would have apartments.”

She’s a Realtor, and one of her clients just built a custom $2 million home next to the Village Green in The Preserve, she said. That client now says she would have made a different decision had she known apartments would be added to the neighborhood, Williams said. “She’s devastated.”

People who live in other neighborhoods near The Preserve also have expressed opposition to having apartments built there, Williams said.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said in early September that the city has had many controversial projects come up over the years, and it’s important for the community to get involved and provide their input. It’s equally important for the developer to have the opportunity to share its project, the mayor said.

“What we’ve seen over the years is that successful development like this that have been controversial can come to fruition if the two work together and try to come up with the best product for the community, and that’s what we hope will take place here,” Brocato said.

The solution is to have all the parties get together and try to work through the issues that are troubling to different parties, he said. Brocato said he’s heard from both a good number of people who oppose the development and a good number of people in favor of it, and “they are equally as passionate about it.”

Everyone will have a right to be heard when the issue comes before the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission and Hoover City Council if the project makes it to the council for consideration, he said.

“This is how the process works. Everybody needs their day in court, so to speak,” Brocato said. “There are going to be lots of opportunities for people on both sides of the fence, including the developer, to share their story.”

As of mid-September, the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission was scheduled to consider the rezoning request on Oct. 9 at Hoover City Hall at 100 Municipal Drive. The commission normally has a work session at 5 p.m. and an action meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Above: A schematic by Nequette Architecture and Design shows the development plans for the Preserve Town Center. Schematic courtesy of city of Hoover. Below: Residents of the Preserve look at display boards of the development plans for the Preserve Town Center townhomes during an open meeting at the Preserve Town Hall on Sept. 5 Photo by Erin Nelson.

Fall is a perfect time to beautify your yard

There’s lots of landscapers in the Birmingham area, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Hoover.

The talented Gardner Landscaping experts, all of whom are licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.

“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner says.

The company also seeks to provide clients with project quotes within 24 hours.

Autumn is a perfect season to have Gardner Landscaping beautify your property.

“Fall is considered the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” Grant says.

However, you need help picking the perfect plants for you.

Many factors come into play, Grant says — sun exposure, soil type, landscape slope and your own preferences.

“We enjoy creating a plan that meets the needs of each customer and landscape,” he says.

The company staff specializes in beautiful landscapes but they’re also “very good at developing outdoor play

and entertainment areas,” Grant says.

The team stays abreast of the latest design trends and can satisfy any client’s taste with either traditional or unusual plant materials.

“More customers are spending more time around their homes,” Grant says.

“We have the best prices locally on large and small trees and shrubs to create privacy screens, shade and curb appeal.”

Gardner Landscaping also does clean ups, drainage projects and landscape borders.

“We can get your property where it’s managed correctly,” Grant says.

Gardner Landscaping works with all types of budgets and projects in Birmingham, Auburn, Dadeville, Alexander City or Lake Martin.

For details, call 205-401-3347 or go to gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

Need some new window coverings this fall? Steve Thackerson is ready to help you have beautiful window blinds, shutters, solar shades and draperies that you can control from anywhere. They’re easy to use and easy to afford, he said.

“Motorization is a big thing now. There are ways you can tie motorized window coverings into your home’s automation system,” said Thackerson, owner of Budget Blinds of Birmingham.

With a touch of your phone — even when you’re not home — you can raise or lower your window coverings, or you can tell Alexa to do it for you. Your Budget Blinds can also open or close at a preselected time of day or night.

“We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Thackerson said. “We take pride in providing style and service for every budget.”

At Budget Blinds — your local window covering expert — they take the time to understand you and your unique needs to deliver the best custom window covering solution designed for the way you live.

They do any kind of custom window covering. As far as blinds go, they offer wood and faux wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite and vertical blinds or vertical blind alternatives. They also offer shades of all kinds: roller, Roman, cellular, bamboo, woven wood, pleated, sheer, graphic and solar.

And they can get your interior plantation shutter needs taken care of with wood or composite.

“Shutters and woven wood shades are our top two sellers,” Thackerson said.

You can see a gallery of recent projects on their website to get a feel for what they can do for your home or office, or

visit their showroom in Vestavia at 2130 Columbiana Road.

“We install them, so anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Thackerson said. “We don’t subcontract that out. We control everything from setting up the appointment to the final installation.”

They also have better warranties than their competitors, he said. “Our manufacturers may also sell to our competitors, but they don’t give them

the same warranties they give us. That sets us apart. We get the same products but better pricing and better warranties because we are the largest retailer of custom window coverings in the world.”

That comes with their national presence and the long relationships he and his wife have built in their more than 30 years in the business. He also has two salesmen with decades of experience.

“They are veteran employees who have been with me a long time,” Thackerson said.

The highly trained design consultants at Budget Blinds put their heart and soul into creating the perfect answer to your window fashion needs. They even bring their entire showroom to you with their free in-home design consultation.

They also really enjoy serving their many wonderful customers in all of Birmingham and surrounding areas.

To learn more, call them at 205-824-3300, go to budgetblinds.com/ birmingham or come visit the showroom today.

Are you a homeowner who is sick and tired of your grass not growing?

Would you like to stop spending thousands of dollars sodding your lawn over and over again?

Are you tired of incurring all of the expenses in mowing, watering and fertilizing your grass?

If so, you should call the skilled professionals at Gardner Astroturf and have Astroturf installed at your home.

You’ll be joining a growing trend, because the popularity of artificial grass has grown tremendously in the past decade.

Artificial turf has even attracted positive attention recently from such trendy media outlets as House Beautiful and Architectural Digest.

Consumers should be aware that artificial grass looks and feels much closer to real grass than it did in the past, thanks to improvements in technology

and manufacturing.

They can save lots of money on maintenance of their lawns if they choose Astroturf.

Astroturf is also very versatile and is often used not just for whole lawns, but for children’s play areas, decks, patios, putting greens and other spaces.

The skilled professionals at Gardner Astroturf deliver top-quality service to homeowners with a friendly, personal touch.

“We give individualized attention to our customers the big companies can’t,” owner Grant Gardner says.

The company’s employees are “some of the best in the business,” Gardner says, with knowledge, experience, attention to detail and a passion for customer service.

“We want our customers to have an enjoyable experience,” he says.

For details, call 205-401-3347 or go to gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.

However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.

Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.

“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss.

Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.

“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.

One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle larger home improvement projects.

Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from Angi or Craigslist. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.

One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.

And the company is here to stay.

The 25th anniversary “shows the good reputation we have to be able to stay in business,” Moss said. Call 205-823-2111 or go to oneman-toolbox.com.

Foo Shunnarah

Shunnarah Flooring offers great selection, top-quality service

Shunnarah Flooring • 205-518-6423 • shunnarahflooring.com

Shunnarah Flooring, formerly Homewood Carpet & Flooring, recently changed its name.

But long-time owner Foo Shunnarah hasn’t changed any of the great things that customers love about the store, including the best selection of flooring in Birmingham.

Located at 813 Green Springs Highway, Shunnarah Flooring is the go-to place for designer carpets, hardwood, tile and luxury vinyl plank. The company also offers custom rugs and runners, as well as wall-to-wall carpet.

Shunnarah Flooring carries numerous top-quality designer brands. Crescent Carpet makes many wool rugs and runners. Stanton Carpet and Anderson Tuftex are preferred by many interior designers and decorators. Anderson Hardwood Flooring offers a beautiful selection and excellent quality.

The store also carries gorgeous tile for your floors, walls, and backsplash, with

brands such as Daltile and Stonepeak, and a wide variety of durable, luxurious countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, including brands like Cambria, Enigma and Valiant.

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Bucs, Jags make final push in October

By KYLE PARMLEY

The month of October does not get any easier for the Hoover and Spain Park high school football teams, as both will finish up Class 7A, Region 3 in a pivotal stretch of games.

Hoover begins the month at home against Oak Mountain, a team that the Bucs have owned over the years. The two programs have met 20 times, with Hoover prevailing in every one of them. The Bucs took a 40-0 win last fall.

The Bucs play road games in back-to-back weeks after that, heading to Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 13 and then to Chelsea on Oct. 20. The Bucs rolled to victory against both opponents last fall, beating Tuscaloosa County 31-13. The Bucs have won 19 of 22 in that series. Hoover shut out Chelsea 38-0 last year in the first meeting between the two programs.

Hoover hosts Thompson on Oct. 27 in its regular season and region finale. These two teams have met twice a year for the last six years, squaring off in the regular season and again in the playoff semifinals each season. Last year, Hoover won 9-0 to claim the Region 3 title. However, the Warriors avenged that loss in the playoffs, blowing out Hoover 40-10.

Hoover holds a 24-8 edge all-time, but Thompson has won seven of the last 10 meetings.

Hoover takes its open date Nov. 3 before a potential playoff push begins the following Friday.

Spain Park takes its open date in the middle of the season, leading into the second half of the year. The Jags begin October with a trip to Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 6. They suffered a 38-28 loss to the Wildcats last year but still hold an 8-3 edge in the series.

Spain Park returns home Oct. 13 to play Chelsea. The teams have faced off three times previously, with the Jags winning all three, including a 35-21 win in 2022.

Spain Park takes to the road after that, playing at Hewitt-Trussville on Oct. 20 and rounding out region play at Oak Mountain on Oct. 27. Hewitt took down the Jags 35-10 last fall

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and has won the last three meetings in convincing fashion. Spain Park has only won two of the total eight showdowns.

The Jags have historically had more success against Oak Mountain, but the Eagles have won the last three meetings. Last fall, Spain Park took a 9-3 loss, but the Jags hold a 14-7 edge. The Jags wrap up the regular season on a

Thursday, as they host Pelham on Nov. 2. A great performance last fall against the Panthers, a 35-14 win, propelled the Jags into an optimistic offseason after the first season under head coach Tim Vakakes.

Spain Park is looking to finish the season strong and make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

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Spain Park wide receiver Bo Jones (0) catches a pass in the end zone to score for the Jags in the annual matchup against Hoover at Spain Park High School’s Jaguar Stadium on Sept. 8. Photo by Todd Lester.

Bucs get past Jags in city rivalry

By KYLE PARMLEY

Special teams can often be an overlooked facet of a football game, but its impact could not be ignored in this game.

Big plays on special teams were the difference in Hoover High School’s 28-20 road win over rival Spain Park in the Class 7A, Region 3 opener for both sides. The annual city rivalry game took place Sept. 8 at Jaguar Stadium.

Hoover’s JJ Moultrie blocked a field goal attempt in the third quarter and blocked an extra point attempt that would have tied the game early in the fourth quarter. His teammate, Caleb Cook, blocked a punt late in the game that allowed the Bucs to put the game away with a late score.

“Special teams were awesome,” Hoover head coach Wade Waldrop said following the game. “Proud of the win, it’s a region win and that’s what it’s all about.”

Moultrie gave Hoover special teams coordinator Cy Ellis plenty of credit for putting him in position to make those two blocks.

“Coach Ellis set it up perfect on the sideline,” said Moultrie, a junior. “On the edge, I bent my shoulder and got there.”

For obvious reasons, Spain Park head coach Tim Vakakes had a different tone when discussing the special teams, as the Jags suffered the three blocks and also muffed a punt.

“I take the blame for the special teams miscues,” he said. “That can’t happen. That’s not what good football teams do. I’m going to swallow all that blame. That’s all on me.”

Hoover trailed for only five minutes in the first quarter, but Waldrop felt as if his team squandered too many opportunities on offense and struggled after some early success. The Bucs scored on their first two drives of the game, but the offense stalled during much of the final three quarters, and penalties piled up.

“We expected to win this game,” Waldrop said. “I don’t think there was ever any doubt

we were going to win this game. We just didn’t play the game the way we needed to play, but we’re still growing and going to continue to grow.”

Hoover’s defense played well much of the game, though, holding Spain Park to 289 total yards, including just 61 rushing yards. Vakakes estimated the Jags played six running backs during the game due to injuries.

“Our kids fought,” Vakakes said.

Spain Park drew first blood in the game, as Jonathan Bibbs caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Brock

Bradley. It was the first of two scoring throws from Bradley, who finished the night 21-of-37 for 218 yards. Bibbs had a big night, catching 8 passes for 123 yards.

Hoover responded with two scores in the opening quarter, with Kamal Amerson powering in from 2 yards out and Jordan Woolen catching a 21-yard score from Noah Schuback. Woolen was Schuback’s top target on the night, catching 7 passes for 112 yards. Amerson rushed for 61 yards on 7 rushes.

Bradley threw his second touchdown late in the second quarter, a 22-yard connection

Hoover running back Kamal Amerson (26) breaks free for a big gain during a game between Hoover and Spain Park on Sept. 8, at Spain Park High School.

with Bo Jones to tie the game 14-14. Jones had 5 catches on the night for 32 yards.

Schuback went 16-of-25 for 172 yards. He led a two-minute drive late in the first half to give the Bucs the lead heading into the break, finishing it off with a swing pass to Jonah Winston, who scored the 14-yard touchdown to make it 21-14.

Kelby Roberson scored on a 3-yard run on the second play of the fourth quarter, but that’s when Moultrie came up with one of his big plays. He blocked the extra point, allowing Hoover to hold the 21-20 lead.

Photo by Barry Stephenson.

Bucs, Jags celebrate Volleyball Day with competitive match

By KYLE PARMLEY

The city of Hoover officially recognized Sept. 12, 2023, as Volleyball Day. Hoover and Spain Park high schools squared off that evening at Spain Park in a highly competitive match. Hoover took the match in five sets, winning 21-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-21, 15-6.

Prior to the match, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato read a proclamation recognizing Hoover coach Amanda Wood and Spain Park coach Kellye Bowen, as they lead two of the top volleyball programs in Alabama. Several other dignitaries from the city were also in attendance.

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Photos by Erin Nelson.

The Bucs celebrate after scoring a point as they face the Jags.

Hoover’s Addison Bentley (3) sets up the ball for Sydnie Broom (15).

UNDER THE LIGHTS

By KYLE PARMLEY

The high school football season has begun, and the true identity of each team is beginning to emerge. For Hoover, the Bucs lost their first two games of the season for the first time since 2014, albeit against two very stout opponents. The last time Hoover lost their first two games, the Bucs went on to win the state title. For Spain Park, the Jags dominated their first two opponents.

Hoover and Spain Park squared off Sept. 8, with the Bucs claiming a narrow 28-20 win.

Here are some highlights from the first few Hoover and Spain Park games.

Photos by Julia Freeman, David Leong, Todd Lester, Erin Nelson and Barry Stephenson.

JJ Moultrie: Intercepted a pass, blocked a field goal and blocked a potential game-tying extra point in the Spain Park win.

Jonah Winston: Scored both Hoover touchdowns in the Auburn game.

Jordan Woolen: 7 catches for 112 yards, TD vs. Spain Park

Bo Jones: 2 rushing TDs vs. Briarwood

Jonathan Bibbs: Caught 8 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the Hoover game.

FOOTBALL

HOOVER

Oct. 6: vs. Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: @ Tuscaloosa County. 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: @ Chelsea. 7 p.m.

Oct. 27: vs. Thompson. 7 p.m.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 6: @ Tuscaloosa County. 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: vs. Chelsea. 7 p.m.

Oct. 20: @ Hewitt-Trussville. 7 p.m.

Oct. 27: @ Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

HOOVER

Oct. 3: vs. Bob Jones, Sparkman. Bob Jones High School. 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 5: vs. Grissom. 6 p.m.

Oct. 10: @ Oak Mountain. 5 p.m.

Oct. 11: vs. Daphne, St. Paul’s. Daphne High School. 4 p.m.

Oct. 18: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-26: North Regional Tournament. Von Braun Center. TBD.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 3: @ Mountain Brook. 6 p.m.

Oct. 5: @ Chelsea. 6 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. Hazel Green, Bob Jones. Hazel Green High School. 4 p.m.

Oct. 12: vs. Bayside Academy. 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-26: North Regional Tournament. Von Braun Center. TBD.

FLAG FOOTBALL

HOOVER

Oct. 3: vs. Mountain Brook, John Carroll. 4 p.m., 6 p.m.

Oct. 5: @ Lithia Springs (Ga.). 6 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain. 5 p.m.

Oct. 11: @ Helena. 5 p.m.

Oct. 17: vs. Hewitt-Trussville, Helena. 4:30 p.m.,

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Hoover October events guide

Oct. 5: Taste of Hoover. Aldridge Gardens, 5-8 p.m. People can sample food and beverages from at least 41 restaurants, caterers and other food and beverage providers at the 12th annual Taste of Hoover at Aldridge Gardens. Guests also can listen to live entertainment while they eat and mingle under strings of lights in the gardens. Tickets are $45 for Aldridge Gardens members and $50 for non-members. Extra parking and a free shuttle will be available from the former Bed Bath and Beyond parking lot in the Riverchase Crossings shopping center at the southern intersection of U.S. 31 and Lorna Road. Participating food and beverage providers include 1918 Catering, 4TWENTY3 Catering Co., Ann's All Around Town Catering, B&A Warehouse, Baba Java Coffee, Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar, Brock's Gap Brewing Co., Bushwacker Spirits, Chattanooga Whiskey, Classic Catering and Events, Coca-Cola United, Dread River Distilling Co., East 59 Cafe & Cater-

ing, Emily's Heirloom Pound Cakes, Eugene's Hot Chicken, Jambo Grill, Jefferson State Community College Culinary and Hospitality Institute, K & J's Elegant Pastries and Creamery, La Paz Restaurant & Catering, Lemonade Junkeez, Merk’s Tavern, Michelle’s Chocolate Lab, Nothing but Noodles, Pazzo Pizza, Pihakis Restaurant Group (HERO & Little Donkey), Pinoy Home Cooking, R & S Food Service/ Yellow Bicycle Catering, Rock N Roll Sushi, Savoie Catering, Saw’s BBQ Hoover, Superchix, Sweet Claire’s Caboose, Taziki's Mediterranean Café, Temper Coffee, The Casual Pint at The Grove, The Happy Catering Co., The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, Tre Luna Catering/Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen, Twin Peaks Restaurant, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux and Weddings & Events by Gintells. To get tickets, go to aldridgegardens.com.

Oct. 5-6: Seth Mulder and Midnight Run. Hoover Library Theatre, 7 p.m. 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. Tickets cost $35 plus a $3 processing

fee and are available at thelibrarytheatre.com, by phone at 205-444-7888 or at the Library Theatre box office Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 7: Bluff Park Art Show. Bluff Park Community Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 60th annual Bluff Park Art Show, presented by the Bluff Park Art Association, is returning home to the Bluff Park Community Park at 517 Cloudland Drive after temporarily moving to Hoover Metropolitan Stadium last year due to construction of a new pavilion in the park. The free art show will feature 130 artists from around the country, including 35 who will be

exhibiting for the first time. Mediums represented at the show include clay, glass, jewelry, metalworking, painting, photography, printmaking, 2D and 3D mixed media, ceramics, and sculpture. There will also be music and several food trucks. Serving as the judge this year is artist and two-time Best in Show winner Debra Riffe. The Tupelo, Mississippi, native grew up in Washington, D.C., where she earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Howard University College of Fine Arts. Free shuttles or buses will be available on a continuous loop from Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Shades Crest Baptist Church, Shades Mountain Community Church and Shades Mountain Plaza. For more information, go to bluffparkartassociation.org.

Oct. 14: Hay Hoover! Veterans Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free citywide annual fall celebration at Veterans Park will include hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, games, food trucks and treats handed out by businesses and other organizations. Children are encouraged to dress in costume. Parking and shuttles will be provided at Spain Park High School next door. The event is organized by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce.

Oct. 14: Bash on the Bluff. Hare Farm in Bluff Park, 11 a.m. Hare Farm, a 9-acre event venue on a former farm at 613 Sanders Road, is holding a fall

Bash on the Bluff event that will include live music, food trucks, inflatables, local vendors, a pumpkin patch and more. For more information about the farm, visit harefarmbluffpark.com.

Oct. 20: Cirque du Bibliotheque. Hoover Public Library, 7 p.m. The Hoover Public Library invites adults ages 18 and older to celebrate Halloween with luminarts, LED performers, carnival games, a costume contest, photo booth, mocktails and more.

Oct. 24: Comedy 4 Kids. Stardome Comedy Club, 6 p.m. The Hoover City Schools Foundation is holding its second annual Comedy 4 Kids event at the Stardome Comedy Club at 1818 Data Drive. The event, which last year raised $20,000 for the foundation, will feature a catered meal from Ragtime Cafe and comedy show by Brad Upton. Upton and his wife of 35 years live in Seattle, where they raised two children, now 28 and 26. The Hoover City Schools Foundation recently awarded more than $49,000 in classroom grants to teachers in Hoover City Schools, and money raised from this event will help fund future grants. Tickets for the event cost from $75 to $125 and can be purchased at the foundation’s website, hoovercsf.org/events.

Oct. 24: Iron Giant Percussion. Hoover Public Library, 7 p.m. Iron Giant Percussion plays Terry Riley’s composition “In C” at the Hoover Public Library.

Oct. 26: Katztoberfest. Brock’s Gap Brewery, 5-9 p.m. The fifth annual Katztoberfest fundraiser for the Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue will be at Brock’s Gap Brewery and include live music, food and beer. There is no admission fee, but there will be

a raffle, merchandise tables and an event T-shirt for sale. Funds raised help support the feline-only rescue center at 3432 Old Columbiana Road. The rescue center is a cage-free, no-kill shelter for up to 60 cats. The shelter also has about 240 other cats and kittens in foster homes awaiting adoption. Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue has placed more than 800 cats into homes in the past year. Since the nonprofit first opened in 2016, it has saved and found homes for more than 5,500 cats and kittens, founder and Executive Director Rita Bowman said.

Oct. 27: Ross Bridge Barkit Market. Ross Bridge, 4-8 p.m. This free event, hosted by the Ross Bridge Farmers Market at 2101 Grand Ave., will include live music, food trucks, shopping opportunities, face painting for children and a pet parade costume contest. The parade contest winner receives a goodie basket from Ashley’s Pampered Pups. The parade starts at 6 p.m.

Oct. 30: Hoover Public Library 40th Birthday Bash. 6 p.m. The Hoover Public Library is celebrating its 40th birthday with a 1980s-themed Back in Time Birthday Bash that includes music, dancing, arcade games, drinks, food, crafts and more.

Oct. 31: SpookFest. Hoover Met RV Park, 5:30-8 p.m. This free event at the Hoover Met RV Park at 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway will include trick-ortreating, food trucks, inflatables and more.

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