Enjoy Hoover - May/June 2024

Celebrating parents in Hoover &POP MOM

Page 12

IT’S ELECTRIC

Bluff Park restaurant has become a staple

Page 14

The Garage Corsage

Jen Batson’s homegrown floral business

Page 24

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Friends,

My children have been counting down the days until summer vacation since the end of spring break. They love school, but they also long for days filled with play, swimming pools, popsicles and the general sense of ease that comes with summertime. And, really, I do, too.

Fortunately, we live in Hoover – a city that offers plenty of opportunities to create the perfect summer day without veering far from home. This is the season to explore clever summer camps and childcare (page 7), eat al fresco in Bluff Park (page 14), and take in a well-known golf champions tournament (page 18).

May and June also bring us special days to celebrate Mom and Dad. We’ve compiled an itinerary for both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (page 12), featuring some of our favorite local spots to help you start planning a day that shows your loved one how much you appreciate all that they do.

From the simple to the significant, we hope this issue inspires you to enjoy everything Hoover has to offer this summer!

Enjoy Hoover is your guide to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Hoover, Alabama’s sixth largest city. From major events like the SEC Baseball Tournament, the World Games, and the Regions Tradition, to local live music, to hidden gems in local shopping, to the world-class lineup of restaurants, Hoover has tons to offer to residents, guests, and visitors alike.

Enjoy Hoover is published six times a year, a joint venture between David Cohen of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Matthew Allen of JBMC Media, and Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media. These three longtime Hoover residents blend a passion for their community with years of experience in communication, publishing, marketing, and hospitality.

Copies of this magazine are available at more than 100 locations throughout Hoover. Connect with us through our social media channels: Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook (@EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com.

We hope you Enjoy Hoover!

Kim Cripps, editor kimcripps@gmail.com

David Cohen, co-publisher (205) 213-3617, enjoyhoover@gmail.com

Happy Reading, Kim Cripps Editor

ABOUT THE COVER

It’s the perfect season for a picnic. Top off your basket of drinks, seasonal produce and local treats with floral bouquets from Jen Batson’s Garage Corsage.

Cover photo by Allison Carpenter.

4 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2024

Matthew Allen, co-publisher (205) 617-9609, matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Mitzi Eaker, co-publisher (205) 862-0629, mitzijanemedia@gmail.com

Michelle Salem Haynes, marketing consultant (205) 381-1311, michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Emily VanderMey Listo, operations & project manager, graphic designer emily@emilylisto.com

Allison Carpenter, staff photographer, allisoncarpenterphotography@gmail.com

Tony Bratina and Brittany R. Kenny, graphic designers

ITALIAN INSPIRED FOOD WITH A TWIST.

SERVED IN OUR WARM, ENCHANTED EATERY.

TRELUNABARANDKITCHEN.COM

1021 BROCK’S GAP PARKWAY

LUNCH: WED-FRI, 11-2

HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI, 4-6

DINNER: MON-THURS, 4-9 & FRI/SAT 4-10

Summer Camps in Hoover

BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN

Summer camp is not like it was in the good ol’ days. It’s much, much better! From music lessons and dancing to basketball and arts and crafts, “camp” is much more than, well, camping. Check out some of Hoover’s most popular summer camps for children and see what makes each one special!

Aldridge Gardens

Aldridge Gardens camps are available for boys and girls entering kindergarten through 3rd grade. Camps take place from June 3–June 28 in four categories: Art in the Gardens, Technology and Design, All Things Creative, and the American Girl Doll camp. Camps

are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Snacks and water will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

“All camps are led by Alabama Certified Teachers in the beautiful outdoor classroom of Aldridge Gardens,” said Megan Jones, education and volunteer coordinator for the City of Hoover.

For more information, call (205) 739-6558 or go to www.aldridgegardens.com.

Hoover YMCA

At the Hoover YMCA, campers get to choose from a variety of games, crafts, or activities.

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Photo courtesy of Aldridge Gardens

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For an extra fee, campers can also take swimming lessons during the camp day. Unlike many other camps, the YMCA camp day runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with before and after care included in the cost for working families who need convenience and flexibility.

“Our camp offers special clubs and workshops for older campers, allowing them to explore their passions, try something new and gain independence in choosing how to spend portions of their camp day,” said Kayla Buckner, marketing and communications director for the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. “Younger campers enjoy the same group counselor and group each week, giving them confidence and allowing them to build friendships.”

Buckner said The YMCA takes pride in being a quality, affordable and accessible summer camp for families of all circumstances.

“Financial assistance is available, and all levels of need are considered.”

For more information, call 205-829-1399 or go to www.ymcabham.org/summerday-camp.

Hoover’s BEST

“We are all about providing the best experiences for our summer campers,” said owner Cameron White. “Our goal is to help them become the best versions of themselves both mentally and physically.” In addition to traditional activities like outdoor sports (including flag football and soccer,) educational lessons, and arts and crafts, Hoover’s Best offers martial arts, 3D modeling, science and dance and tumbling classes.

For more information, call (205) 988-4200 or go to www.hooversummercamp.com.

Mason Music

At Mason Music, campers play real instruments while learning fundamental music concepts.

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Campers at Mason Music play real instruments while learning about fundamental music concepts.

Photo courtesy of Mason Music

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Camps include Singing Safari for preschoolers, Guitar Camp for Beginners (ages 10–15), and Vocal Performance Camp, where your child can learn about voice, diction, how to prepare for auditions and record themselves singing! The Rock Band Camps are for children ages 10–18 who already play an instrument; they’re paced with other kids to form a “band” and learn to play their favorite songs!

For more information, call (205) 582-2238 or go to masonmusic.com.

J Smith Hoops

J Smith International provides superior instruction dedicated to improving and developing the basketball – and social skills –of players of all ages.

Founded by a family with a passion for basketball (all five Smith siblings received full

basketball scholarships!), J Smith Hoops has been home to thousands of young campers from all over the world!

The camp offers a 4-day program with options for all ages and experience levels. J Smith Hoops Basketball Camp, which offers full and half-day camps, is June 24–27, and the Smokin’ Joe’s Basketball Camp is July 29–August 1. All camps are at the Finley Center at the Hoover Met Complex.

“We have a unique way of engaging campers in learning the fundamentals, how to play the game, and how to compete. No matter the skill level, we find ways to make sure campers are challenged in all camp activities,” said director Jason Smith. “Our goal is to light that fire inside to make the player want to go home and practice more. With JSH camps, campers will have so much fun that they forget they are learning.”

For more information, go to www.jsmithhoops.com.

J Smith Hoops encourages basketball players of all ages and experience levels to improve their basketball and social skills.

Photo courtesy of J Smith Hoops

Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 12

BY KIM CRIPPS

“There’s nothing like a mother’s love.” I never understood the true meaning of this phrase until I had children of my own. It’s this love that gets us out of bed once again on sleepless nights, gives us (almost) never-ending patience with our tweens and teens, and oohs and ahhs over gifts of freshly picked dandelion bouquets.

Say “Happy Mother’s Day” to the mothers and mother figures who love you fiercely with a day full of their favorite things. Let our itinerary inspire you to plan a day around town that is as special as she is.

Morning

Start the day off with Mom at her favorite house of worship. On Mother’s Day, many places enjoy reflecting on the special role of mothers in their children’s lives and in the community.

Then, treat mom to brunch at Biscuit Belly in Brock’s Gap, Farrelly’s Southern Bar & Kitchen at The Grove or First Watch in Chace Lake.

Afternoon

Surprise Mom with her favorite flowers from our friends at Garage Corsage (see page 16) and a gift– or two! – from popular local women-owned shops like Alabama Goods, Blackbird by Dear Prudence, Hoover Shipping and Wrapsody.

After showering her with gifts, whisk Mom off for a mini spa day with a mani and pedi from one of Hoover’s top-rated nail salons like the Nail Boutique at Stadium Trace, Organic Nail Lounge or Riviera Nails & Spa.

Evening

Complete Mom’s perfect Mother’s Day with a surprise picnic in the park featuring her favorites. Personally, I think a custom charcuterie from Hoover-based creators Bri Mine Bham or Petal & Platter would be a perfect addition to dining al fresco in the green space at Veterans Park, The Preserve or Ross Bridge.

We hope we’ve encouraged you to plan the Best Mother’s Day Ever! And while Mom won’t come out and say it, we’ll both know you’re her favorite child.

Photo of the Cater family courtesy of Allison Carpenter.

Father’s Day

Sunday, June 16

BY KIM CRIPPS

There’s a special photo of me and my dad that still hangs in my parents’ house. My dad is in the hammock, and I’m in his lap. Above the picture is embroidered, “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy.”

Dads play such an important role in the lives of their children, from teacher, mentor, and coach to provider, encourager, and spiritual leader. My son mimics my husband’s actions around the house, asking me about my day and doing his best to take out the trash even though the cans are bigger than he is. Let’s plan a fun Father’s Day that appreciates Dad for who he is and who he inspires us to become.

Morning

Deliver breakfast in bed with the help of O. Henry’s Coffee. Their beans are roasted in Birmingham and are available to use with your own at-home coffee maker. Or pick up a

few specialty drinks and fresh Conecuh cheddar biscuits made with sausage from Conecuh County, Alabama.

Set up the biscuits and coffee on an artisan creation from Deo Gloria Wood Works, such as their hand-crafted cutting board, stovetop cover, or even a brandnew desk or built-ins. Then, take the morning outside with a custom-made cornhole game.

Afternoon

Give Dad the afternoon off with his favorite pastime. Book a tee time at Greystone Golf & Country Club, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge or Riverchase Country Club. Stroll Andy’s Garden Center for new additions to the garden. Visit Hoover Tactical for indoor shooting practice. Or go for a ride at Black Creek Mountain Bike Park.

Evening

A few years ago, I spent all of Father’s Day in the kitchen, preparing what was supposed to be a show-stopping meal from Pinterest. As we forced down a few bites, we vowed to stick to celebratory burgers and steaks moving forward. Treat dad to dinner at locally owned Craft Burger or Saw’s BBQ Hoover, then top it off with a sweet treat from The Whole Scoop or a favorite drink at The Casual Pint.

A day spent with your dad can be a day well spent. We hope you are inspired to create longlasting memories together this Father’s Day.

Photo of the Crossman family courtesy of Allison Carpenter.

The Hedburg 205 is stacked with turkey, bacon, provolone, mustard, lettuce, and tomato on locally made Hinkel’s sourdough bread.

It’s Electric!

Bluff Park’s Watering Hole and Restaurant

BY KRISTI SELLERS

Have you recently been craving a perfectly-crafted sandwich with layers of yummy goodness? If so, you must already be familiar with The Electric.

The Electric is a neighborhood watering hole and restaurant created by husband and wife team Ben and Laura Smith. The Smiths are service industry veterans and knew they wanted to provide the Bluff Park area with a great place to relax, have a great meal, and enjoy a cold beverage.

Roughly seven years ago, Ben and Laura moved to Bluff Park. They love their community, and The Electric was born out of a desire to provide the neighbors with something unique and special.

If you’ve never tried The Electric, schedule a visit for your next evening out. During the spring and summer seasons, you can catch live music by various musicians and grab one of their signature cocktails. You can keep up with current specials and the latest music schedule on Instagram @theelectricbp.

Trivia lovers can find their own home at The Electric. Each Tuesday, trivia is hosted by Will and Reed Lochamy, on a rotating basis.

Does the sound of turkey, bacon, provolone,”205” mustard, lettuce, and tomato on locally-made Hinkel’s sourdough excite you? If so, try The Henkel.

Maybe chicken, cheddar, white BBQ sauce, tomato, and balsamic greens on Hinkel’s sourdough is more your speed? Be sure to order the Camilla.

Italian lovers will be thrilled with the T.G. - ham, pepperoni, family slaw, and garlic mayo on a brioche bun.

Weekly specials are always on the menu at The Electric. Check with the restaurant and follow their social channels for more information. Online ordering is available for pickup and delivery is an option through DoorDash. If you need superb sandwiches for a crowd, consider The Electric for all your catering needs.

The T.G. boasts ham, pepperoni, family slaw and garlic mayo atop a brioche bun.

The PabstCup combines Pabst Blue Ribbon with Pimm’s to create a refreshing beer-meet-citrus summer drink.

The Beauty of Celebration

BY KIM CRIPPS

Owner Jen Batson runs her small floral business out of her family home in the Brock’s Gap area of Hoover.

For small business owner Jen Batson, celebrating alongside those she loves is one of the best things about being part of the Hoover community.

“Clients will send me pictures or post them on social media, and I love knowing I was able to be part of the beauty of celebrating,” she said.

Jen’s customers enjoy her custom-made bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres.

Jen, who is 55, opened her home-based floral business, Garage Corsage, on January 1, 2024, after a conversation with a close friend about how they would spend the second half of their lives.

“We spent a lot of time talking about how people act like life is for those who are young, like those are the best years of your life,” Jen said. “But we fully believe that the best is yet to be, and God will still use us until the very end to bring Him glory!”

From there, Jen’s lifelong love of fresh flowers began to blossom into a way for her to spread joy to friends and neighbors. She recalled a floral arranging workshop she attended a couple of years prior, where she learned new skills and “had an absolute blast.”

Jen enjoyed keeping fresh flowers in her Hoover home and quickly incorporated the

tips and tricks she learned into her own personal bouquets. She began making floral arrangements more often, giving them away to friends and neighbors and creating them for her parties and friend’s celebrations.

Soon, she realized her way of spreading joy, the beauty of the flowers, and the special moments she was able to

be part of were her life’s new calling.

As Garage Corsage grows in popularity, Jen’s business goals are growing, too. She says, “My first goal is to get a refrigerator for my garage so that I have a place this summer to keep my floral arrangements cooler! Every time I have a big order, I have to clean out our refrigerator in the kitchen!”

She would also like to be able to hire a part-time assistant to help with large orders around holidays. Right now, she doesn’t mind the busyness because “friends are lending a hand, which is also fun!”

To order an arrangement for Mother’s Day, dance recitals, birthdays, school dances and other occasions, follow Garage Corsage on Instagram @Garage_Corsage and click the link in the profile to view options and prices and to order.

Par Pitches

Golf and Baseball Take Center Stage in Hoover

BY MITZI EAKER

May brings two significant events to Hoover each year: Regions Tradition Golf Tournament, May 8–12, and the SEC Baseball Tournament, May 21–26. Both events are attended heavily by locals and attract thousands of visitors to Hoover’s hotels, restaurants and shops.

Regions Tradition

Experience professional golf at the beautiful Greystone Country Club. Now in its 35th year, Regions Tradition is a major golf event for the PGA Tour Champions. It has helped Greystone become a major destination for fans and professional golfers, with local coaches and players at Greystone Country Club making headlines: Mark Blackburn founded the Blackburn Golf Academy at Greystone Country Club in 2000. He was named 2023 Golf Digest’s “#1 Teacher in America” and “2020 PGA Teacher of the Year”. Mark is consistently ranked as one of the best coaches in golf.

Greystone Golf Member Nick Dunlap took home the 2023 U.S. Amateur championship, then made history when he became the youngest PGA tour

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Regions Tradition is hosted at Greystone Country Club and has helped the club become a major golf destination.

cutting boards | Charcuterie trays

bathtub caddies | bed swings

stovetop covers | tables | planters

shelves | bookcases

custom orders accepted

facebook: @deogloriawoodworks

Instagram: @deogloriawoodworks

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

member after winning The American Express Gold Tournament on January 21, 2024.

Spain Park High School Junior Chase Kyes, who grew up playing at Greystone, won the 7A State Championship in 2023. He is returning to defend his state title in May. Chase says he was blessed to grow up playing with high-caliber coaches, such as swing coach Chip Thomas of the Blackburn Golf Academy, Blackburn, and Dunlap, who are influential in his life.

As for Regions, Kyes says, “Regions Tradition shines a light on Greystone golf. For my friends and teammates, Regions is a fun event. We often have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the

Chase Kyes, left, is a junior at Spain Park High School and is the current title holder of the 2023 7A State Championship.

golfers. I usually ask them about their transition from amateur to professional.”

Learn more Regions Tradition experience, including how to attend and who’s on this year’s star-studded celebrity and professional golfer lineup, at www. regionstradition.com.

SEC Baseball Tournament

Another wildly wonderful sport swings into action in Hoover in May at the SEC baseball tournament at The Hoover Met.

The SEC Baseball Tournament is so much fun for families, and in 2023, Hoover broke their attendance record.

Park and Recreation Director Erin Colbaugh says, “Last year was a historic milestone as we achieved a record attendance of 171,288 passionate fans cheering on their favorite teams and players. The baseball games and FanFest create an unmatched atmosphere that fans look forward to each year.”

As for expectations in 2024, she says, “We are currently gearing up for another fantastic year. The tournament promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.”

Local youth baseball and softball teams and fans of all ages flock to The Met to watch their favorite college team and see the best baseball in the SEC.

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A podcast about Hoover, for Hoover

Aubie and Big Al are favorites at the SEC Fan Fest, a free event held at the Finley Center during the SEC Baseball Tournament.

Connor Greb, Chase Kyes’s cousin and a Nationally ranked freshman at Spain Park, says, “Attending the SEC baseball tournament with my teammates is something I look forward to every year. It is a really fun event with great baseball. It definitely motivates me to keep pushing myself because I hope that will be me one day. ”

This year, Vanderbilt will be back to defend its championship title. Plus, Hoover favorites

Auburn and Alabama will be in the tournament.

SEC FanFest, an indoor game and entertainment event at the Finley Center during the tournament, is free and open to the public.

For more information about the teams, schedule, and ticketing information, go to secticketoffice.com.

NOW OPEN: MAGIC CITY INDOOR GOLF

Hoover has a brand-new golf experience! Magic City Indoor Golf is now open at 1218 Alford Avenue. Locally owned by Hoover resident and golf instructor Neil Thompson, the venue features high-tech golf simulator bays, perfect for serious golfers looking to enhance their game. Casual golf enthusiasts can use the space to host meetings, enjoy a party, or have a great evening of fun. Need to plan a gathering off-site? Magic City Indoor Golf has an inflatable simulator to bring the sport to your home or work.

Check out rates for membership packages, instruction and how to book for events at www.magiccityindoorgolf.com.

Lauren Sisler is Shatterproof

Hoover Resident and ESPN Reporter details battle with grief in new book

Lauren’s unique platform allows her to speak on the dangers of opioids and addiction on the sidelines and in the community.

BY DREW ROBERTS

Look to the sideline of an SEC football game, and you may see ESPN Reporter Lauren Sisler executing her signature “sideline shimmy.” It’s a dance she’s perfected over the years, performing it with athletes, mascots or just by herself. Her moves on the sideline represent the joy Sisler brings to her profession and the strength she’s developed by overcoming tragedy.

Sisler got her start in sports broadcasting while attending Rutgers University. She found that storytelling, which served as an initial spark, has taken a far more prominent role in

her career, saying, “That was something that I didn’t necessarily see early in my career, but it has become more and more visible. It has been really the primary drive for me as I’ve developed in my career as a sports reporter.”

Sisler landed in Alabama in 2011 while working for ESPN. Though she hails originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Alabama has become a second home. She has found a lot to appreciate in the Yellowhammer State saying, “It is very underrated in terms of the outside world’s perception.”

She feels that Birmingham, in particular, flies under people’s radar. Straddling the line between a small city and a metropolis provides

a unique living experience for all residents.

Sisler resides in Hoover with her husband and nine-monthold son. Since neither she nor her husband are from Hoover, the topic of moving arose, but neither of them felt a move would make sense. Hoover had become home, after all.

“It really has been just a beautiful journey of getting to place our roots here and embed ourselves in a community,” Sisler said. “We truly believe that the community is our family, and that’s very special to me. You can’t find that everywhere.”

Connecting with others is of particular importance to Sisler. In her freshman year at Rutgers, she lost both her parents to prescription drug overdoses. Along the path to recovery, she found a passion for telling her story with the hope of helping others in similar situations.

Shatterproof tells Lauren’s story of losing her parents to opioid addiction, and overcoming her grief.

“It is always my hope and goal when I stand in front of them to meet them where they’re at and help them see that their story is important,” Sisler said. “Their story is powerful. They, too, can fall in love with their story. Ultimately that gives them the ability to move forward past some of the things that might be holding them back in their lives and help them to really find their purpose.”

Alongside these public speaking outings, Sisler has spent the past two and a half years working on a book titled “Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (And Found My Sideline Shimmy).

The fruits of the writing process have certainly shown themselves to Sisler. Despite being twenty-one years removed from the tragedy, many aspects of it were hidden, revealed only in the act of putting pen to paper. Just as she does in her speeches, Sisler hopes that “the incredible amount of healing” she got from writing the book extends to her readers and helps them find their sideline shimmy, whatever form it may take.

To purchase the book, visit laurensisler.com.

Lauren lives in Hoover with her husband, John, and their son, Mason.

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Hoover Voices

May marks high school graduation for seniors at Hoover High School and Spain Park. In this month’s edition of Hoover Voices, members of the Class of 2024 share their favorite high school memories and advice for rising freshmen.

Being able to form relationships and journey through life with my friends, teachers, and coaches at Spain Park will be what I miss most about high school. Time will come and go, but the people I’ve crossed paths with are eternal, and they have made the past four years so special. Praise be to Jesus for this, and all He’s done!

— Tatum A., Spain Park High School

My favorite Spain Park memory is when our 2021-22 Spain Park Girls Soccer teamwon State. My advice for incoming freshman is to do all of their assignments on time because those little points add up.

— Auryn T., Spain Park High School

Starting as a timid freshman, the vastness of Hoover High School initially overwhelmed me. Yet, It is within this expansive campus that I have developed an appreciation for the network it offers. Hoover High has allowed me to connect with a diverse array of individuals. And as I am surrounded by thousands of peers who aspire to be physicians, attorneys, engineers, business owners, and much more, I am continually inspired. As I prepare to pursue higher education and step into the professional world, I’m deeply grateful for the expansive network that Hoover High has provided, ensuring that wherever I go, I’ll have a support system cheering me on.

— McKenzie B., Hoover High School

My biggest advice for an incoming freshman would be to get involved! Hoover has provided me with so many opportunities to meet new people through involvement within the school and I could not be more grateful! I have been able to connect with so many peers through various organizations that I never would have met otherwise and these relationships are somethinthat I will always cherish about my time in high school!

— Madelyn R., Hoover High School

Throughout my four years at Hoover High School, the amount of love and support received from my teachers and the administration has been overwhelming. I have had too many teachers to count who have made a significant impact on my life. There is one teacher in particular that comes to mind when I think about this. My sophomore year, my mom was going through some health issues. There was not a single day that went by that year that this teacher did not ask me how my mom was doing. It is little things like this from teachers at Hoover that add up. They have made my four years here some that I will never forget!

— Sutton L., Hoover High School

The four years of high school are the most vital years of anyone’s life. The person that someone is 5, 10, 20, or even 50 years down the road is all dependent on the choices that one makes in high school. High school is the time when many of us gain the most independence: we learn to drive, we have to stand up for ourselves both personally and academically, and we are held responsible for our own actions. We lay the foundation of our personality, work ethic, motivations, and most importantly, character during these years. It is a time of having fun and enjoying life, but also a period of becoming the person that we want to be.

— Jeries L., Hoover High School

To any student entering Hoover High School (or Spain Park High School), my biggest piece of advice is to get involved. Finding a group of people and a community to call your own allows the sometimes scary, overwhelming feelings of entering high school, which is a particularly huge environment in our school system, to be lowered and makes the transition so much easier. There are unparalleled opportunities in our school system for people of numerous interests. Whether you get immersed in fine arts, high-level academics, athletics, service, leadership organizations, or all of the above, there truly is a place for everyone at Hoover!

— Brantly S., Hoover High School

Around Hoover

Birmingham is well-known as a foodie haven, and Hoover is keeping up with her pace. In February, chefs from four local restaurants competed for the title of Hoover Iron Chef, presented by Enjoy Hoover. Vintage Market Days and Easter egg hunts rounded out the season.

Residents and friends of The Preserve participated in the neighborhood’s annual Easter egg hunt, which kicked off at Town Hall.

Vintage Market Days of Birmingham presented “Southern Charm” on February 15-17 at the Finley Center, featuring gifts, clothing, antiques, treats and handmade goods.

Spring and summer fun are in full swing in Hoover. From shopping and singing to running and reading, our city offers many opportunities to take advantage of warmer weather and school holidays. We hope you find an event that you can enjoy!

MAY

May 1: First Saturday Cruise In at Hoover Tactical Fire Arms from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hosted by the Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club, the cruise in features antique and vintage cars in the Hoover Tactical Fire Arms parking lot on Highway 31. Talk with owners, listen to oldies music and sip complimentary coffee.

May 4: Donor Dash for Life 5K at Veterans Park at 8:00 a.m. Presented by Donate Life Alabama, this 5th annual run benefits organ, eye and tissue donation awareness programs throughout the state. Register at donatelifealabama. org.

May 6-8: Scholastic Book Fair at Hoover Public Library from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A book lover’s dream come true! Families are invited to shop the fair daily to find their new favorite summer read and more.

May 7: Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency at 7:30 a.m. Featuring guest speaker Coach Hugh Freeze, the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast brings elected officials, religious leaders, business leaders and the community together for a faithbased event. Tickets and tables are available at thelibrarytheatre.com.

May 7: Mother’s Day Market at Brock’s Gap Brewery from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Find the perfect gift for mom made by local vendors and artists. Enjoy drinks from the brewery and grab dinner from some of Hoover’s favorite food trucks.

May 8-12: Regions Tradition at Greystone County Club Experience PGA Championship history at Regions Tradition. Now in its 35th year, this premier golf event features legends and up-and-comers. Find details on admission, times and more at regionstradition.com.

May 17: Flower Market Farmer’s Market at Ross Bridge from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ross Bridge’s first farmer’s market of the summer season takes on a floral theme. Shop local vendors, including farm fresh produce, food, and handmade goods. Then, grab dinner from one of several food trucks and listen to live music on the green space.

May 21-26: SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met. The road to Omaha begins in Hoover! The best baseball teams in the SEC will play for the title of SEC Champion at the Hoover Met. For game times and admission, go to secsports.com/championships/baseballchampionship.

AROUND HOOVER | CALENDAR: MAY/JUNE

Chris Kennedy, head chef and general manager at Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, and his student teammates prepare for the entrée portion of the Hoover Iron Chef Competition presented by Enjoy Hoover.

Tre Luna’s head chef and owner, Brian Mooney, and his team of students from Riverchase Career Connections Center and Jefferson State Community College won Best Appetizer and the title of Hoover Iron Chef at the 2024 competition.

May 24: Summer Reading Kickoff at Hoover Public Library from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. The summer reading program offers incentives and prizes for avid young readers. Come to the official kickoff for games, snacks, crafts and mini-concerts with Roger Day every 30 minutes!

JUNE

June 1: First Saturday Cruise In at Hoover Tactical Fire Arms Hosted by the Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club, the cruise in features antique and vintage cars in the Hoover Tactical Fire Arms parking lot on Highway 31. Talk with owners, listen to oldies music and sip complimentary coffee.

June 4-5: Koo Koo at Hoover Public Library Theatre at various times. Experience the dancing, comedy and singing of this popular high-energy duo. For times, go to events.hooverlibrary.org.

June 11-12: Roger Day at Hoover Public Library Theatre at various times. Sing, dance, jump and dream big with awardwinning children’s musician – and local elementary school favorite - Roger Day. For times, go to events.hooverlibrary.org.

June 14: Peach Day Farmer’s Market at Ross Bridge from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a special peach-themed treat at Ross Bridge’s farmer’s market on Peach Day. Shop local vendors, including farm fresh produce, food, and handmade goods. Then, grab dinner from one of several food trucks and listen to live music on the green space.

June 15-16: Summertime Bham Craft & Vendor Fair at Riverchase Galleria. Support local vendors and escape the summer heat at this indoor craft and vendor fair. Shoppers will find handmade crafts, home décor, clothing, art and more. The fair is open during the Galleria’s regular business hours.

June 21: Hydrangeas Under the Starts at Aldrige Gardens at 6:00 p.m. Come to the gardens for a summer evening filled with starlight and gorgeous hydrangeas. An indoor reception and silent auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner under the pavilion at 7:00 p.m. For more information about this premier fundraising event, go to aldridgegardens.com.

June 21: Berry Day at Ross Bridge from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a special berry-themed treat at Ross Bridge’s farmer’s market on Berry Day. Shop local vendors, including farm fresh produce, food, and handmade goods. Then, grab dinner from one of several food trucks and listen to live music on the green space.