Meet Bluff Park grads and see where they are headed
PAGE 20
Exploring Wild Alabama
Bluff Park resident writes guide to Alabama’s publicly accessible natural areas
PAGE 14 Naturally Inclined &
8 Hale Springs
Preserving more than just a view
12 Church Chat
Meet the Pastor: Steve Williamson, Bluff Park Community Church
Troop 21 Scoutmaster shares flag etiquette
14 Bluff Park Resident Writes Book On Nature Alabama Wild 16 Tadpole Training
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About Us
Who We Are Staff
The Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader is a bi-monthly magazine published by JBMC Media, a Bluff Park-based, family-owned publisher of magazines in the Birmingham metro area. The magazine is mailed to more than 4,300 homes and businesses in the Bluff Park area.
Subscriptions are available to anyone outside our immediate mailing area for $25 per year. Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription.
Does your business want to connect with Bluff Park residents? Email us: advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk!
All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.
Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
On the Cover
Bluff Park’s long history traces its beginnings to the Hale family and natural springs on their property, located on the steep slopes of Shades Mountain. That property today is one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the mountainside, and efforts are underway to preserve it. The cover photo is an aerial view of part of the property, with Shades Crest Road visible at the top of the photo.
Skaggs
(205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
katie@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes
Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311
michelle@jbmcmedia.com
June Mathews Freelance Writer (205) 901-2606
junebugwrites@gmail.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN SCHULTZ / BLUFF PARK DRONE
Summer is here and that means making a big splash! In the pool that is. Shades Cliff Pool has been a central part of many Bluff Park families’ summer life. I remember when my family joined the pool when my brother and I were kids. We learned to swim from lifeguard Ogie, took the pool test to swim in the deep end, and were on the swim team. For this issue, we focused our history feature on the pool that so many love. Lots of memories among the waters of Shades Cliff. My toddler daughter is getting her first taste of learning to swim from Beth Debrecht, retired teacher and swim instructor for over 50 years. Soon we will be ready for the big pool and the summers ahead. Beth shares her top swim safety tips with us.
Also, we are celebrating the graduating class of 2024, upcoming 6th graders who will be starting another chapter in their lives – Middle School, and Kindergarteners who are stepping into elementary school for the first time this fall. Enjoy!
Heather
Skaggs,
Content Director bluffwriter@gmail.com
Protecting Nature, Preserving History
COURTESY HALE FAMILY ARCHIVES, HARVEY HILL COPELAND COLLECTION, BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES
Hale springs, 1910. The Freestone spring lies 100 feet below the bluff under a large outcropping of rock. The chalybeate spring (meaning contains iron) is another 100 feet below that. The free flowing and medicinal waters were said to provide refreshing and healing properties. The cave springs are still here today below the bluff.
Hale Springs property up for consideration by Forever Wild
BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
The Hale Springs steep slope property off Shades Crest Road in Bluff Park is once again making headlines in a positive direction to preserve the springs from future development. The Friends of Shades Mountain (FOSM), a non-profit that’s mission is to preserve and protect the undeveloped sections of Shades Mountain, started working on a plan to protect Hale Springs in 2016 when the property was put on the market by the owner. Larry Rodick, president of the Friends of Shades Mountain and a Bluff Park resident has led the efforts.
“We came up with an idea to combine five pieces of property and turn them into the 20 +- acre Bluff Park Preserve and get it into the Hoover Parks and Open Space Plan this year,” Rodick said. Other parts of the proposed preserve include a parcel northeast of the Hale Springs property already owned by the Friends of Shades Mountain, the former Tip Top Grill property, Lover’s Leap and Sunset Rock which is beside the Tip Top Grill site.
The Hale Springs portion contains two parcels, one 6-acre parcel that runs parallel to Shades Crest Road and a 12-acre parcel that runs down Shades Mountain from the bluff. Rodick says the Hale Springs property is the key to the project. “It is an important part of preserving the mountain. If the owner ever decides to sell it to a developer, we will lose the chance to preserve it.” Currently the property is zoned D-6 planned residential district and is in the city limits of Birmingham. “We want to be sure it is preserved into perpetuity,” Rodick said. “We also want to develop some trails down to the springs, and hopefully connect them later to the trails that are planned for Shades Creek below. And finally, we plan to erect a small replica of the old Crawford fire tower at the top of the Hale Springs property.”
Progress
The property was on the table for the Forever Wild Land Trust to consider purchasing in early May. That meeting, held at Jacksonville State University, was attended by representatives from Friends of Shades Mountain, the Birmingham Historical
Society, and Hoover city officials including City Administrator, Ken Grimes and City Planner Mac Martin.
The board of trustees did not vote either way that day to purchase the Hale Springs property at that time, but asked the city of Hoover to organize a meeting with Birmingham, Jefferson County, and state officials to further discuss the possibilities of what the purchase of the property and public use for the property would look like. Ken Grimes with the city of Hoover says plans for a meeting are coming. “Alabama State Lands Director Patty McCurdy will be working with the city of Hoover to set a meeting to talk through in more detail possible solutions.”
Forever Wild board members would like more information on several items before making the decision to purchase the property, including how much the Hale Springs property is worth, more details about how proposed trails would be built and maintained, and where parking for visitors would be located. “The most challenging is the parking issue, but I think we can find enough space at the southwest corner of the property, and on our lot at 712 Shades Crest Road (the one with the radio tower), to come up with an executable parking plan,” Rodick said. Trail development and maintenance, Rodick says, has already been discussed with Scout Troop 21 in Bluff Park, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, and the Friends of the Moss Rock Preserve.
Grimes says there are many benefits for the city of Hoover and Bluff Park in this project “Public enjoyment of the site and securing long term preservation and access by the public via parking to trails to the springs area will be a great benefit. Residents can play a huge role in keeping the site alive in historic significance while using the site to educate the public on the development of the industrial base from the western Jefferson County region to the residential development of the era.”
The next Forever Wild meeting is August 1, although a time and place have not been announced.
Mapping It Out
The Hale Springs property is located in the city limits of Birmingham. It was annexed into the Oxmoor property in the 1980s. The property next to it, Lover’s Leap and Sunset Rock are in the Hoover city limits. 472 acres owned by Jefferson County is behind it and the Freshwater Land Trust has 248 acres not far away according to Rodick. On the map below, the green sections indicate
WANT TO WRITE A LETTER TO HELP HALE SPRINGS?
Here are the three central district board members of Forever Wild as follows:
Dr. James B. McClintock
UAB Department of Biology, Campbell Hall 368, Birmingham, AL 35294
Mr. Jack Darnall
4007 Old Leeds Ridge, Bham AL 35223
Mr. Jimmy Parnell
P.O.Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191
Dr. Brian R. Keener
UWA Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Station #7, Livingston, AL 35470
Friends of Shades Mountain
P. O. Box 59651, Birmingham, AL 35259
205-823-7367
friendsofshadesmountain@gmail.com
the Bluff Park Preserve consideration.
How you can help: People can help most by writing to the Forever Wild Board members indicating their support for the nomination of Hale Springs for purchase. They can also help by attending the next meeting on August 1st Information will be on the Friends of Shades Mountain Facebook page.
In the event that Forever Wild does not purchase the property, Friends of Shades Mountain will again attempt to purchase. “The cost of the property is out of our hands, but I think the owner will accept a reasonable offer.” Donations are always welcome to Friends of Shades Mountain and are tax deductible.
More About Forever Wild Land Trust
Forever Wild was established in 1992 and has secured more than 284,000 acres of land in Alabama for public use. The FWLT’s acquisitions have also created more than 363 miles of recreational trails within 23 new recreation areas and nature preserves, while providing additions to 9 State Parks and 20 Wildlife Management Areas. Forever Wild has helped acquire lands for conservation at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Tannehill State Historic Park, and the Cahaba River Park among others.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HALE FAMILY COLLECTION, SUSAN HALE COPELAND KELLEY
The Hale Springs Survey 1885. Enhanced map courtesy Birmingham Historical Society
Church Chat
BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
Growing up in Ocilla, Georgia, as the youngest child of two lifelong educators, Steve Williamson’s life was deeply rooted in the church. Little did he know that his path and studies through secondary education, teaching, and ministry would bring him from his Texas home to Bluff Park. “Having spent nearly 30 years surrounded by the concrete and glass of Dallas, Texas, Bluff Park is stunning to behold.”
Our chat with Pastor Steve, Bluff Park Community Church …
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your call to ministry.
In 1986, I started attending Auburn and serving in student ministries at First Baptist Opelika. Initially not planning on full-time ministry, my perspective changed after a transformative experience at Centrifuge camp in 1987. It was there that I believe the Lord called me to serve him in vocational ministry. This led me to Bryan College in Tennessee to study Christian Education, Bible, and Psychology. At Bryan College, I met Melissa, my life partner, and we will mark 34 years of marriage this July.
After establishing our marriage, we had planned to attend seminary, but a change in direction led me to a fulfilling teaching career. I taught Bible at Westminster Schools of Augusta before spending 27 years at Trinity Christian Academy in Dallas, where I taught Bible and theology, coached sports, and served as assistant principal. Despite taking eight years to complete a seminary degree at Dallas Theological Seminary, I was able to raise two wonderful children and have a successful ministry at TCA.
After 30 years in secondary education, we began to sense God moving us in a different direction, though we weren’t sure what or where he would take us. I should add that I had three “nevers” in my life, which Jesus reversed. First, I never wanted to attend Bryan College. Second, I never wanted to be a teacher, especially not an administrator. And thirdly, I never wanted to enter pastoral ministry. So, we should have seen it coming after Jesus won the first two.
2. How Did Bluff Park Community Church get its start?
Bluff Park Community Church (BPCC) began as a dream and a vision for a body of committed disciples of Jesus Christ to gather locally near where they
PHOTO COURTESY OF VOTIVE STUDIOS Pastor Steve helps serve popcorn at the October Bash on the Bluff.
lived. In the spring of 2013, eight families from Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church gathered in a small group for prayer, study, and planning in the home of Jason and Susie Tucker. Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church and Acts29 commissioned Jason to plant Bluff Park Community Church, and in January 2016, held its first public worship service. In May 2019, I was invited by the elders to become BPCC’s second pastor, and in August 2019, Melissa and I moved from Texas to Bluff Park to live and serve here.
3. What makes Bluff Park Community Church unique?
Time: Gathering for worship at 5 in the afternoon is a little different and, we think, different in a good way. For some of our families, evening worship has allowed Sunday mornings to be a time of relaxed pace and rest that no other morning (particularly during the school year) of the week allows. We find ourselves in the unique position of worshipping and meeting in another church’s space BPCC currently meets at 2269 Chapel Road in the Fellowship Hall of Birmingham Community Church. Yet, we’ve been able to celebrate Easter at the Fresh Air Farm on Park Avenue, twice at Hare Farm (now Oris and Oak), and have held worship services in a couple of neighborhoods in the past.
At the same time, I think about what Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher, once said: “There may be better preachers than I am, but no one has a better gospel.” And really, being unique isn’t as significant as the distinctive message and life offered through the gospel.
Culture: Practically everyone I encounter and talk to, they’re tired. There are people who are over-scheduled and stretched thin, but it is a different kind of tiredness. There is a kind of deep soul tiredness. I think part of that is because we all feel it necessary to be always impressive. There’s a relentless internal and external pressure to put our strengths, wisdom, and the look of “I’ve got it all together” on display. It relates to people both active in church life and not. And I keep thinking, where do folks get to exhale, open up, and unburden their hearts without fear of embarrassment, accusation, or shame? Where do folks get to be honest? Where is weakness, failing, sin, and shame met with good news of grace, love, and real power to change because Jesus has risen and sent His Spirit into our lives?
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
We desire to be a church that makes coming to Jesus for rest the norm, not the exception. We want to be people pursuing spiritual formation through being with Jesus, learning from Jesus, and doing the things Jesus did, and we desire to be a church that is faithful
to the truth of the gospel AND to becoming a church culture that is formed by those very truths.
4. When are services and what can people expect when they come for a visit?
We gather for worship every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Birmingham Community Church. We are a theologically driven, gospel-centered church. We worship through corporate singing, hearing the Scriptures preached, pray and confession, and celebrating the Lord’s Supper every week. Come as you are from the ballfield, from the mountain bike race, or from working in the yard.
5. What programs and ministry areas does BPCC have for children and youth?
We have dedicated times of discipleship and teaching for our children under the wonderful care and wisdom of Matt and Bethany Redmond. We offer a nursery and a separate teaching time for the children during the worship service.
Our ministry to students is fantastic and under the care and wisdom of Lauren Byars. Our high school students gather after church for a meal, an activity, and a teaching time. Recently, our youth volunteered with Grace Klein, and throughout the summer, they
host Summer Sweat on Thursday mornings. Summer Sweat is just pure fun through various outdoor activities and is open to the community. This summer, the Olympic-themed games will be held in honor of France 2024.
6. In what ways do you hope the church impacts the community?
We seek to be salt and light in the lives of those in our immediate circles of influence. Namely, our hearts and homes open in hospitality and our hands open to serve. As we gather to experience God’s love together in worship, we scatter to share it with others first as individuals and families through hospitality, acts of charity and mercy, and witness. Collectively, we are pursuing opportunities to serve together and express our love for others in tangible ways. We are currently in the investigation stage of seeking real tangible needs that we might be able to address in our community and beyond.
8. Can you share a specific story or example from your time with the church?
Honestly, ya’ know, we came in August 2019, and then Covid and all things 2020 happened to the world and to us. That was such an incredibly difficult and trying season for everyone. Yet, Easter 2020 is one of my fondest memories of our church. We pre-recorded a service and posted it to YouTube and then we gathered in a circle in our cars in the parking lot adjacent to Pioneer Playschool and all pressed play at the same time and ‘together’ we worshipped the Risen King who conquered sin and death and who’s return will mean the full and complete restoration and renewal of all things. It was just a lovely, lovely moment of brilliant beauty in the midst of ugliness, sadness, fear and death.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLUFF PARK COMMUNITY CHURCH
Above: Bluff Park Community Church youth gather during a mission trip.
Left: Melissa and Steve Williamson
Bluff Park resident pens book, draws on lifelong love of nature Naturally Inclined
BY JUNE MATHEWS
Ken Wills was one of those rare kids who chose nature over sports.
“While other kids were in the baseball dugout focused on the game, I was more interested in catching tadpoles in the creek behind the ballpark,” he said.
As Wills grew older, his love of nature became more focused on birds and plants, and he frequently joined like-minded friends on trips to different places around Alabama. He would point out natural features to his fellow travelers wherever they went.
During one of those trips, someone said, “Man, you ought to put all these things in a book.”
Which he eventually did.
A native of Anniston, Wills is a longtime resident of Bluff Park.
“My wife, Mary Ellen, and I were looking to buy a house shortly after we got married and were looking in the Bluff Park area when our real estate agent mentioned a house next to Moss Rock Preserve,” he said. “I had been there a couple of times and thought having a house there would be neat. I could just walk out the back door and go hiking.”
In those days, said Wills, Moss Rock Preserve was mostly undeveloped.
“There were no official trails, just some social trails, old roads, things like that,” he said. “The City of Hoover was developing a trail plan, and there were things about it we liked and things we weren’t crazy about. So we got together with some of the neighbors and formed the Friends of Moss Rock Preserve.”
The group convinced the city to adopt a low-impact plan and volunteered to build the trail system. Under Wills’ leadership, the Friends’ volunteer efforts now include maintenance and marking, trail mapping, general trash collection,
invasive plant removal, graffiti removal, and whatever else they can do to keep the preserve healthy.
In the meantime, Wills held a day job at the Jefferson County Department of Health, and he and Mary Ellen raised two kids: daughter Lucy, about to begin her sophomore year at Auburn University and son Jay, a rising junior at Hoover High School.
But amidst all the busyness of life, Wills decided the book idea had merit. So he set about putting together a written collection of all the publicly accessible natural areas in the state, whether a river or a piece of land, and added details about the ecology of each.
“The book is not a hiking or canoeing guide, it just kind of introduces the general ecology, like the habitats of animals and plants you can find around there,” said Wills. “The information in it was basically drawn from a lifetime of experiences of traveling around Alabama.”
Once he had a rough draft, the University of Alabama Press paired him with L.J. (Larry) Davenport.
“Editing is not a fun activity for me,” said Wills. “But Larry was knowledgeable about the subject matter and an experienced editor and writer, so he turned my rough draft into a real book.”
Titled “Exploring Wild Alabama: A Guide to the State’s Publicly Accessible Natural Areas,” the co-authored work came out in 2016 – a long enough time ago for some closings and additions to have occurred. So an updated version, said Wills, wouldn’t be out of the question as far as he’s concerned.
“A few private areas, like Sequoyah Caverns, have closed. Then there are quite a few lands that the Forever Wild Land Trust, the state land acquisition program, has purchased,” he said. “There are several changes that could be featured, so maybe we can do another edition someday.”
Tadpole Training
Local swimming instructor offers advice for keeping kids safe in the water
BY JUNE MATHEWS
For the past five summers, Bluff Park-area moms looking for a first-rate swimming instructor for their kids have found one in Beth Webb Debrecht.
A physical education teacher for 40 years, Debrecht has taught swimming lessons even longer than that. She began over 50 years ago while in high school, giving lessons each summer at the public pool while working as a lifeguard. She is a Red Cross-certified Water Safety Instructor (WSI).
A resident of Bluff Park since 2019, Debrecht considers her new home a great place to live and teach.
“It’s a great neighborhood, the best-kept secret in Birmingham,” she said. “Teaching swimming here has been a wonderful experience, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful families because of it.”
Ms. Beth’s 10 Tips for Water Safety and Teaching Kids How to Swim
• Don’t use flotation devices such as puddle jumpers or water wings. They instill a false sense of security and keep the child in an upright position (drowning position) with poor posture. This will result in incorrect swimming habits.
• When boating, United States Coast Guard life jackets are the only floatation device parents should use.
• Introduce water early by pouring a small amount over your child’s head during bath time or in the shower. This will get them used to the feeling of water in their face, and they will naturally hold their breath. The sooner they get used to water in their face, the faster they will make progress in the pool.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
Hunter DeFalco, his wife Olivia, and daughter Reagan
• Giving kids swimming lessons early exposes them to the water and helps them adapt to it. Children will learn to hold their breath and begin to learn the beginning mechanics of swimming (like kicking) as early as 9 to12 months old.
• The American Association of Pediatrics says children can safely take swim lessons as early as 1 year old. I have experienced great success with children 6 months to 1 year in my 50 years of teaching swimming. According to the CDC, more children between the ages 1 and 4 die from drowning than any other cause.
• Try not to talk about being “scared” of the water. It will plant a seed, and you don’t want to introduce that level of uncertainty. Instead, say, “There is no need to be worried. The swim instructor will be there to help. You will have so much fun!”
• Practice with your child what they learn in swim lessons; however, don’t be discouraged if they initially don’t want to practice with you. That will change as their confidence improves.
• Don’t introduce goggles or a pool noodle until kids can swim independently. Otherwise, they may become dependent on those things and think they cannot swim without them. I remind parents that if their child should accidentally fall in the water, they will not be able to depend on goggles or noodles.
• Backfloating is an important survival skill and should be taught early. Water in the ears will take a little getting used to, but children adapt quickly. Once they learn to backfloat independently, it’s important that they learn to transition (roll over) from front to back if they need a breath or a rest.
• Always keep your child in sight while in the water, especially if there are others in the water at the same time.
Left: Millie and Catherine love learning to swim with Ms. Beth.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHILDREN’S PARENTS
Above: Sparkles the unicorn is a favorite for the kids to take a ride around the pool.
COLLEGE BOUND
Congratulations Class of 2024
PHOTOS SUBMITTED TO THE BLUFF PARK NEIGHBORHOOD READER BY PARENTS FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM (@BLUFFPARKREADER) AND FACEBOOK (@NEIGHBORHOODREADER.BLUFFPARK) TO SEE REQUESTS FOR PHOTOS IN FUTURE ISSUES
Jakub H. / UAB
Matthew K. / Jeff State
Christopher W. / Jacksonville State
Sophia S. / Alabama
Isaac M. / Grinnell College; Jack M. / Entrepreneur; AL S. / University of Maine
Brady S. / Southern Mississippi
Photo Album
Sally Ann W. / Alabama
Thomas R. / Auburn Brooks G. / Auburn
Amilia D. / Auburn
Mary Austin M. / Auburn
Julia C. / Auburn
Brant S. / Davidson
Bryant L. / Shelton State
Owen F. / Auburn
Kathryn B. / Auburn
Carson G. / Shelton State
Bella D. / Auburn
James M. / Alabama
Caroline M. / Troy
Annie C. / Shelton State
Seed Cylinders Home
or Away, Save the
Day
Seed Cylinders last longer and are the most convenient way to feed the birds
Large Tidy Cylinder Feeder with Large Supreme Seed Cylinder Carolina Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker and House Finch
The Bluff Park Women’s Rec League focusing on community and philanthropy. Several members of the Bluff Park Women’s Rec League Kickball teams played in Kick Up for Down Syndrome in April hosted by Down Syndrome Alabama Inc. with proceeds going to support DSA’s Junior Board.
The league also awarded two $2,500 scholarships to young women to put towards their first year of college and awarded two Hoover Met Summer Camp scholarships to support the further growth and development of some young players.
For more information on the Bluff Park Women’s Rec League Non-profit, visit bpwrl.org.
The Bluff Park Women’s Rec League Focuses on Community Burke Scholarship Celebrates Exceptional Student Athlete
Drew Burke loved baseball, and he played the game with passion. The former Bluff Park resident and Hoover High baseball standout graduated in 2008 after an exceptional career for the Bucs, having been part of championship teams in baseball, football, and swimming and diving. After graduating from the University of Alabama, Drew faced a bright future, but tragedy struck and he passed away in 2019.
Many of Drew’s teammates were inspired by his work ethic, and a scholarship was formed in his memory. Led by former teammates Harold Collins and Tyler Ray, the Drew Burke Memorial Scholarship was created.
A Hoover High baseball senior is chosen by the team’s coaches as the scholarship recipient each year. The player exhibits the characteristics Drew had when playing the game: selfless play, reliability, hard work, sportsmanship, and dedication to his teammates.
This year’s Drew Burke Memorial Scholarship recipient is John Mark Norris, who was recognized at the team’s banquet on May 18. He will attend the University of Alabama.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN BURKE
PHOTO COURTESY BPWRL
Kickball players at Kick Up for Down Syndrome
PHOTOS COURTESY HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
JULIE WHITE, REALTOR® CRS, SRES, ABR
Flag Etiquette
MIKE BINGEL
Scoutmaster, Bluff Park Troop 21 US Army veteran, American Legion
The U.S. Flag code states that, “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Typically, Troop 21 holds a flag retirement ceremony at the end of our overnight trips at least once a month, normally the Saturday evening campfire. The ceremony, led and performed by scouts ranging in age from 12 - 18 years old and adult leaders has become a great way to learn and demonstrate citizenship and patriotism. While they may not yet fully understand the cost of preserving our freedoms, it makes me very proud that they approach all of our flag ceremonies with such dignity and respect. Currently we can only manage to retire 20-30 flags on each campout but are looking for other ways to hold ceremonies.
Bluff Park Troop 21 has partnered with several other scout troops and the American Legion Post 911 to collect flags from several locations including:
• The Scout Hut - 2212 Savoy Street, Hoover, AL 35226
• Alabama Veterans Memorial Park - 100 Overton Access Road (I-459 Exit 23), Birmingham, AL 35243
• Prince of Peace Catholic Church - 4600 Preserve Parkway, Hoover, AL 35226
• Hoover Tactical - 1561 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35216
• Charles Clayton Scout Service Center516 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242
• Bluff Park Hardware - 597 Shades Crest Road, Birmingham, AL 35226
• Hoover Fire Department Station 5 - 588 Park Avenue, Hoover AL 35226
• City of Hoover Household Hazardous Waste Day (last held on April 6, 2024)
The flag can be flown every day, but it is often flown to show patriotism on these observances:
New Year’s Day
Inauguration Day
Lincoln’s Birthday
Washington’s Birthday
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Patriot Day
Constitution Day
Columbus Day
Navy Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
When displaying the flag…
• From your porch, place the union (blue section) at the peak of the staff.
• Against a wall or on a window, place the union (blue section) at the top left corner.
• On your vehicle, clamp the staff to the right front fender.
• With another flag, place the U.S. flag to your left when crossed.
• The flag shouldn’t be flown in inclement weather unless it’s an all-weather flag.
• Flags displayed at night should be properly illuminated.
• In a time of national mourning, hang the flag at half-mast.
• Keep your flag completely dry and folded properly – into a triangle, with the union (blue section) visible – before storing it in a well-ventilated area. If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be disposed of with dignity. The flag should not touch anything below it or rest on the ground.
SOURCE: UNITED STATES FLAG CODE AND SCOUTS GUIDE
PHOTO BY DEBBY HUDSWON ON UNSPLASH
5th-Grade Parade
BPES 5th-graders are moving on up to middle school! Simmons, here they come.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED TO THE BLUFF PARK NEIGHBORHOOD READER BY PARENTS
Front row: Zoe R., Evie T., Molly A., Anna James Y., Lillian T., Fiona M., Merritt G.
Back row: Ella G., Ansley, Elise J., Hannah C., Raegan G., Hannah T., and Locklyn S.
Hunter S.
Robert
Lilly S. and Sanvi K.
Photo Album
Sam W., Phoebe M., Lucy Jude W., Maks J., and Rowan I.
Burns M., Jett M., Caleb M., Oliver S., John Hunter A., and Sam W.
Nolan S., Charlie C., Bo B. and Owen H.
Photo Album
5th-grade teachers and guidance counselor cheering on the kiddos
Jack M., Ethan C., Brett P., Rohan D. and Sam S.
BPAA Selects Scholarship Winner
In May the Bluff Park Art Association awarded Indiana Gannett, a Spain Park Senior with the Bluff Park Art Association Visual Arts Scholarship. This fall Indiana will be taking her talents to Winthrop University, where she plans to major in visual arts. Indiana’s talents extend beyond the classroom. She is a leader in the high school Art Club and in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, she plays lacrosse, flag football, and went to state for javelin.
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families –helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
Childrens AL •org
PHOTO COURTESY BLUFF PARK ART ASSOCIATION
Pictured from the left are BPAA Scholarship Chair Ashley Lemley, Indiana Gannett, and BPAA President Susan Groves.
Community Briefs
Celebrating 70 Years
Shades Crest Baptist Church celebrated their 70th anniversary on Sunday, May 19th. The church began in May 1954 with 45 charter members. To celebrate, the church assembled a large choir of their members to perform during and enjoyed a multi-generational lunch together in the Fellowship Hall after the service. A display of pictures in the History Room and a video presentation were also shared to commemorate the church’s seven decades of operation.
Bluff Park Coffee Collective Opens
Bluff Park Coffee Collective opened on Saturday, April 6th in Hoover’s Shades Mountain Plaza in Bluff Park. The Bluff Park Coffee Collective represents a partnership between two esteemed local small businesses: Daysol Coffee Lab and Good Neighbor Baking. The coffee and bake shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m, and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. They are closed on Sunday and Monday.
PHOTOS COURTESY BPCC
Community Briefs
Pictured at the open house are Edna McWilliams, Carolyn Kolar, Becky Swindall, Paula Watts, Ginny Peterson, Pam Thompson, Mayor Frank Brocato, Mark Swindall, Jim Langley, Linda Joseph.
Historical Society’s Annual Membership Open House Celebrates Scholarships, Community Support
The Hoover Historical Society hosted its annual Membership Open House on Sunday, April 14 at the Preserve Town Hall. The Bumpus Middle School Jazz Band, led by Mr. Josh Lynch and Dr. Benjamin Posey, provided the musical entertainment. Members of the society attending included President Linda Joseph, Vice Presidents Pam Thompson and Carolyn Kolar, Secretary Ginny Peterson, Treasurer Mark Swindall, and others. The Hospitality Chair, Becky Swindall, and her team offered homemade cookies and lemonade to the guests. Various historical society projects were showcased. Debbie Burtnett, the Scholarship Chair, announced the recipients of $1,000 scholarships: McKenzie Blackledge from Hoover High School and Katie Swiney from Spain Park. The 2024-2025 Hoover Historical Society Officers are:
• President Debbie Burtnett
• First Vice President Carolyn Kolar
• Second Vice President Pam Thompson
• Recording Secretary Ginny Peterson
• Corresponding Secretary Caroline Boone
• Treasurer Paula Watts
• Assistant Treasurer Edna McWilliams
For more information visit hooverhistoricalsociety.org
AL Weddings
PHOTOS COURTESY HOOVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Kindergarten Orientation
Beginning their journey at BPES and SMES
Brett, Lauren and Jaxon S.
Tristan J. Hillarie, Zach, and Lottie R.
Chris, DeOisha, and Daniel D.
Georgia I.
Ada L.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED TO THE BLUFF PARK NEIGHBORHOOD READER BY PARENTS
Photo Album
Esihle
Photo Album
Sam, Jessica, and Sydney W.
Liam E.
Noah W.
Poppy C.
Luke J.
Graham W.
Samuel L.
James S.
SHADES CLIFF POOL
BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
The story of Shades Cliff Pool starts with the Shades Cliff Civic Club.
The Shades Cliff Civic Club was established in 1939 and gave the community here on the mountain organized leadership. The civic club is responsible for the volunteer fire department in Bluff Park and fire plug installation, bus service to the area, city water, paved roads, and more. While this is only a short, small look at the civic club, it shows the heart of the community before there was a city of Hoover and infrastructure.
The original Bluff Park Community Center was completed by 1959, and the civic club began focusing on planning for a private swimming pool adjacent to the community center.
The plans called for an L-shaped pool, 75 by 40 feet with an off-set diving well (known to SCP alums as simply The Well). The estimated construction and first year’s operation was 60,000 The pool was a private venture as it still is today and members are owners of the facility. 300 charter memberships were set at $200 each in 1963. Being “member-owned” means that there will always only be 300 memberships according to the board and bylaws.
The vision of the Shades Cliff Civic Club was not without challenges. A group of opposing property owners were in protest of the construction. But ultimately after going to court and a judge upholding the County Board of Zoning and Adjustment’s approval of the project, the pool was built during 1963/64 and opened in the summer of 1964.
FAMILIAR FACES
You may recognize some familiar faces in the photos we asked you to submit to the BPNR illustrating your memories of Shades Cliff Pool.
If you were a member of the pool between the 70s and 90s you were probably on a first-name basis with Barry, Celeste, Dee, Ogie, and many other pool staff.
“For me and many others, Shades Cliff gave us fond memories and lifelong friendships,” Rebecca Ogren Carpri said. “It was and still is the heart of Bluff Park, a second home. And the crew which ran the pool were like family.”
Carpri says she has many memories of Shades Cliff, but her personal favorite is the time Barry Hartley had
her try a reverse dive. “It was the last time he had me attempt it too. My head came an inch from the back wall. The look on his face and the way he came out of his chair is etched in my memory. Good times, great memories, and a childhood well spent. Much love! That was Barry – Pappa Bear
The heart of the pool for nearly 40 years was no doubt, Barry Hartley.
Hartley grew up swimming and diving as a child at Shades Cliff Pool and later became a lifeguard while he was still in high school in the 70s. Hartley was a swim and dive coach and the pool manager. It was
only after a devastating brain cancer diagnosis that Hartley retired in February 2019.
“He was loved by many,” Hartley’s daughter, Caroline Fortner says of her dad. “He taught endless people many aspects of life - how to clean and manage a pool…clean and fix things outside of the work environment as well. He will always be remembered for his kind, generous spirit. He always took care of everyone because that’s just the kind of guy he was.”
Since his passing, Shades Cliff Pool has honored Hartley by having the “Barry Hartley Memorial” dive meet. The meet is always against the Magic City Dive Team because the Head Coach, Charlie Dunham, was one of Hartley’s divers and best friends. “Charlie also coached my brother, Patrick, and me when we wanted to dive year-round. Charlie is family,” Fortner said. “There is no one more perfect to share this memorial with than Charlie Dunham and his team.”
Many have a lifetime of memories from Shades Cliff Pool, from your favorite lifeguard, the clothes relays at the first or last swim meets of the season, swim lessons, courtesy break (and yes, the courtesy break rap), swim and dive team, and summers spent with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the news clippings and photographs from years past.
*This Article Is in Honor and Memory of Barry Hartley
NEWS CLIPPING BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 1963
A design plan for Shades Cliff Pool in 1963 by Banks, Witt, and Ramsay.
PHOTOS COURTESY CAROLINE FORTNER
Above: Barry Hartley and his daughter Caroline Fortner with dive team members Sydney Raines Davis, Tori Nichols, Madelyn Stocks, Mary Cooper Bearden and Wilson Davis.
Toes gripped to the board, Becky Ogren Carpri prepares for a daring dive. The high dive in the background was later replaced with another lower board. THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS, APRIL 10, 1963. THE
PHOTO COURTESY BECKY OGREN CARPRI/ LYNN NELSON
BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 1966. THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS, OCTOBER 1963.
PHOTO COURTESY LYNN NELSON
PHOTO COURTESY LYNN NELSON
Barry Hartley 1970s with his favorite drink –Mountain Dew
Swim Coach - Johnny Barnacastle Dive Coach - Barry Hartley
DAD AND DAUGHTER
“My dad used to be my dive coach when I was younger. He was the best coach! He was so patient, and encouraging, shared your excitement, and was very supportive in everything I did. My fondest memories with my dad at Shades Cliff Pool are the times we coached together. We did so much together at that pool, but the best experience was coaching together. We both shared the love of diving but more so, shared the love of teaching! He was a great idol for me to look up to. He was so positive and encouraging to all the kids. He would celebrate with them when they conquered their fears on a new dive and he would be so patient when their fear got the best of them. We had play days and donut mornings after dive meets. He would get in the water with the kids and play with them on game days. He was always working with kids on the side of the pool, helping them learn and get better. I copied his energy and his ways of teaching and we had the absolute best time together. We made a great team! I will forever cherish those times we spent together.”
~Caroline Fortner
PHOTO COURTESY LYNN NELSON
Rodney Johnson, Dee Scivley 1976
PHOTO COURTESY BECKY OGREN CARPRI
Pictured from left are Keith Ensley, Ogie Ogren, Anna Britt Kline, Susie Frost Helton in the early 1990s
PHOTO COURTESY CAROLINE FORTNER
Shades Cliff lifeguards left to right: Joy Waldrop, Lesley Reynolds McDonald, Mathew Porter, Kristen Lushington, Chris Lutumski, Caroline Fortner, Corey Fortner, Barry Hartley, Patrick Hartley
PHOTO COURTESY CAROLEE FOLLOWILL
Tommy Barrett and David Thomas 1967
Young Engineers Shine in Electric Car Races
Hoover City Schools hosted a Greenpower USA Electric Goblin Car race in April with fourth graders from across the district. Students raced their cars on the 2nd floor south parking deck of at the Riverchase Galleria. Enrichment students from Gwin Elementary School crossed the finish line to snag 1st place over all and two 2nd place trophies in individual races in the inaugural event. The project required immense dedication, teamwork, and learning. The students had the thrilling opportunity to race in three different events and proudly presented flags they designed. The race was made possible by the Greenpower USA Foundation, HCS, and Leadership Hoover. These young engineers dove into STEM education, showcasing their innovation and collaboration. Kudos to all the students for their hard work and success!
Green Ribbon School
In May, Hoover High School received the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School designation for its commitment to environmental sustainability and education. Hoover High School integrates environmental education across subjects and engages students in various sustainability projects. Initiatives include solar energy stations, environmental sensors, and mental health trails. Students actively participate in sustainability efforts, leading to recognition and success in environmental education and holistic health initiatives. HHS is among 41 schools nationwide honored for its innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education.
PHOTO COURTESY HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
PHOTO COURTESY GWIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ribbon Cutting at Performing Arts Center
The Hoover City Schools District recently celebrated the opening of the $15.4M Performing Arts Center at Hoover High School, providing a dedicated space for performing arts students. The facility features 940 seats, an orchestra pit, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. School and city officials, students, and staff attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
BPES 5th-Grader Wins Winslow Award
Robert Olvey, a 5th grader at Bluff Park Elementary, was the recipient of this year’s Ryan Winslow Award. The award honors the memory of LCpl Ryan Winslow, a Bluff Park native and Hoover High graduate who was killed while conducting combat operations with the 2nd Tank Battalion, Scout Platoon, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, in 2006. Robert and his family met George and Marynell Winslow on May 25 at Aldridge Gardens. The Winslows, who now live in South Carolina, visit their son’s memorial at Aldridge Gardens each year and met and spoke with Robert while in town.
Shades Mountain Elementary School (SMES) has received KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification. Shades Mountain Elementary is recognized as one of the oldest and most historic elementary schools in the Hoover City Schools system. SMES partnered with KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to sensory accessibility and acceptance, to ensure every student is supported. Through comprehensive training provided, the school’s entire staff has been equipped with the tools and knowledge to recognize and support students and visitors with sensory needs. There are sensory rooms, sensory movement pathways, and sensory zones at SMES. In addition, sensory bags are available that are full of handheld objects to assist with sensory needs. For more information visit kulturecity.org.
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