Gardendale Magazine - March 2025 by JBMC Media

Vietnam veterans group offers support, camaraderie

PAGE 16

IN PICTURES

Students celebrate 100th day of school

Scout uses Christmas trees for aquatic habitats

PAGE 28

PAGE 32 SOMETHING

Public Works: What

You Need

To Know

Every time you back out of your driveway in Gardendale, you touch the Public Works Department. Your driveway tie-in, the pipe under your driveway, stop signs, street markers, these are all done with quiet dedication by the Public Works Department.

What does Public Works do?

• We maintain roadways by patching potholes, driveway tie-ins, shoulders, and around mailboxes.

• Our brush trucks pick up tree trimmings and shrubbery cuttings that are placed near the curb or street. We also pick up leaves and pine straw placed in bags.

• Our leaf vacuum season begins November 1 and ends January 31. We pick up loose leaves our citizens have placed at curbside.

These are JUST A FEW of the ways that Public Works improves OUR CITY!

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 3 :30 PM

Office Address: 325 Main Street Gardendale, AL 35071

Contact Number: (205) 631-3394

10/ 12/

Column: Holy Moly Motherhood

Business News: Skinology Wows Clients

16/ 22/

Cover: Vietnam Veteran Group Provides Support

Junior Ambassadors Reflect on Year of Service

Eagle Scout Creates Fish Habitat from Discarded Trees 28/

Employee Spotlight: Behind the Scenes with a City of Gardendale employee 30/

Photos: Schools Celebrate 100 Days of School 32/

26/ 40/ 44/ 46/

Shortcut Recipe: White Texas Sheet Cake

News from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby

Happenings: Local people, places and events

Calendar: Don’t miss these events

I met Bill Carter years ago when I wrote a story about his hobby of creating stained glass masterpieces. He and his wife were immediately some of my favorite people. Bill told me then about serving with the Navy SeeBees during the Vietnam War. When he called me a couple of months ago to tell me about the new group for Vietnam veterans in Gardendale, I jumped at the chance to talk to them. I was struck by the sense of instant camaraderie between the guys–the ones who knew each other and the newcomers. They were all bonded by their time in the service in a foreign land–discussed when they were deployed and where they traveled within the country. Afterward, as I asked why the group was important, they explained it–they can’t talk to anyone else about what they went through. This outlet is especially important for a generation of military men who didn’t get the support they needed when they first returned home.

We also have stories about a local Eagle Scout, our Junior Ambassadors, local businesses and many photos of people in our local community.

The production of this issue has been plagued by sickness for most of our staff, as well as so many in our community. Hopefully as we move into Spring, the illnesses will slip away and everyone will start feeling better.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

SPRING INTO EXERCISING

We are ready to welcome warmer weather back and get outside to enjoy running, hiking, biking, gardening and all the outdoor activities!

Are you ready?

TherapySouth's movement experts will work with you to develop an individualized exercise program to help you feel stronger, move better and avoid injury. They can also work with you to address imbalanaces, enhance stability, and reduce the risk of strains or overuse injuries.

Visit our team today and begin Spring stronger than ever!

Hands on Care, Close to Home and Work

GARDENDALE

1011 Main Street Gardendale, AL (205) 651-4350

FULTONDALE

3471 Lowery Parkway, Suite 107 Fultondale, AL (205) 849-6566 therapysouth.com

•

Carla Heron, Owner

/ About Us / On The Cover

Who We Are

Gardendale Magazine is published monthly by JBMC Media, a Birmingham-based publishing company. The magazine is available at more than 100 locations throughout Gardendale, free of charge, and is supported by the advertisers within the pages of this magazine. Subscriptions by mail area also available for $35 per year. Visit jbmcmedia.com/magazinesubscriptions to start your subscription.

Gardendale Magazine is 100% local; the stories and photos are all about the city of Gardendale, its residents, its businesses, its schools, and its cultural institutions. It’s our promise to you that we will always keep it this way, so that the content and stories are relevant to everyone who calls Gardendale home.

Staff

Matthew Allen, Publisher (205) 617-9609 | matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director (205) 613-7850 | rachel@jbmcmedia.com

Leah Ingram Eagle, Copy Editor leah@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes, Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Amy Phillips, Marketing Consultant (205) 515-2564 | amy@jbmcmedia.com

Anthony Bratina, Cover Designer

Shweta Bratina, Graphic Designer

Emily VanderMey Listo , Operations & Project Manager , Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com

PUBLISHED BY

About the Cover

A new local group seeks to provide support for Vietnam veterans.

Photo by Heather Warden, Warden Photography

Opening Day

Opening Day.

There’s such anticipation that builds for the opening day of baseball. Kids love it. Dads love it. Moms love it. I mean, what’s not to love? Baseball is a lifestyle between the months of March and May, honestly. You know not to schedule any trips because you’ll miss a game, and your team needs you. The start of baseball also signals the beginning of spring, with the dull of winter finally on its way out. The sun will shine down on the bleachers, and the wind will carry with it the smells of hot dogs and concession stand fries.

But it’s not just better weather. It’s the new cleats and hats. It’s a favorite number on a new jersey. It’s the dirt that will cover every child, player or not, each Saturday. It’s a perfectly broken-in glove. It’s the sound of a ball hit to the fence. It’s a full count and down by one. It’s sliding into home plate for the first time. It’s the look from your son as he steps up to bat. It’s the grass stains that you’ll never get out and the messy eye black smears. It’s a double play at third base. It’s a little brother watching in awe. It’s a proud mother. It’s a nostalgic father. It’s your team with a big win. It’s a lifetime of memories, built in a few short years.

This is baseball.

And it is finally here.

Alana Smith is a boy mom (ages 10 and 5), nurse anesthetist, and writer in Birmingham. She shares her writing at Holy Moly Motherhood (on Facebook and Instagram), where she tackles all things motherhood and marriage.

ALANA SMITH

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALANA SMITH

Skinology wants to help clients look amazing

Carla Heron is always looking for the “WOW” factor. That’s what keeps her going and what she looks for when adding services to Skinology.

“This is my mission field,” she said. “I want every person that enters our doors to feel like family and feel beautiful and good about themselves. My favorite time of a treatment is when a client stands up and sees instant results. We look forward to making you part of our family.”

Heron remembers that 2016 was a big year for her, she opened her business and got married. In the years since, the business has grown and moved. The current location, on Mt. Olive Road, has been home since 2020 and the business has grown from just her to eight people with a variety of specialties and talents.

Whether you want to try something new to address a problem area, just feel better about yourself or try something preventive, Skinology probably has a product or service that can help–microdermabrasion, facials, microblading brows, Brazilian and bikini waxing, chemical peels, epidermal leveling, lash and brow tint, lash extensions, LED light therapy, tattoo removal and many others services, including hair services, sonograms, massages and weight loss services.

They also offer specialized services aimed at helping women after radical surgeries and treatments for breast cancer.

“So usually we’re the last process for a breast cancer client, once they have finished everything else,” she said. “So we get the honor of watching them feel whole again

when they stand up and actually say that their process is finished. So that part is pretty amazing.”

There is something for pretty much everyone, she said.

“Anything to cater to women and men both, but anything that you want to do to make yourself feel better, we cover it all,” Heron said. “I like helping women feel better about themselves–so whether it is the first stages of their life when they’re getting married and we’re helping to prepare for the wedding, or whether it’s going into the baby stage and we’re helping with sonars, to probably my oldest client, which I think last year was 102, but right now I’m sitting at 92 as my oldest client–I love it. And whether they’re going through traumatic experiences with breast cancer or whether we’re just those people that they come to relax with and get a facial, it’s so rewarding.”

And it is ever changing. The rage currently is Korean skin care, so Heron has many of those services available to her clients now and she and the staff are constantly expanding their knowledge base and abilities to better serve their clients. They have purchased land nearby and hope to be able to begin construction on the new facility by the end of the year.

For more information on Skinology, visit their website at skinology4you.com or find them on social media.

DBAT Ribbon Cutting

DBAT, located at 1309 Decatur Highway, hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening. The location offers a variety of merchandise and services for baseball and softball players of all ages.

Sonic Opens

The new Sonic location on Fieldstown Road opened recently, joining several other fast food restaurants that are returning to the city after their previous locations closed.

Shippin It Opens

Shippin It opened recently at 809 Main Street. According to its Facebook page, “Whether you need a secure mailbox with a physical address, fast package shipping, promotional products, gifts, printing or notary services Shippin It has you covered.”

City-Wide Spring Cleanup

Monday, April 7th through Friday, April 11th 2025

The City of Gardendale Public Works Department will offer a curbside pickup of household discards.

• Calls for pickup must be received by: 12:00pm on Wednesday, April 10th

• All items must be placed at curbside

• Discards such as used appliances, grills, TVs, old furniture etc. will be accepted

• Hazardous items such as paint, propane cylinders, tires, gas cans, insecticides, or household garbage will not be accepted

• Discarded refrigerators or freezers must be free of food products

• Building supplies such as rooﬁng, lumber, fencing, bricks, etc. will not be accepted

• For your safety, only City of Gardendale workers should be allowed to collect items. No peddlers or junk collectors should be allowed access to your property or items on the right of way

*Special assistance is available for elderly and disabled residents who need help getting items to the roadway - call 205-631-3394 for assistance. This is subject to supervisor approval.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

April 12, 2025 - 8:00AM to 11:30AM or until capacity is met. *Jefferson County Residents Only *Veriﬁcation of Residency Required *No Businesses Allowed to Participate Ammunition, appliances, batteries, electronics, household cooking grease, paint, paper shredding, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, prescription drugs, tires

April 25 - Friday, 5PM-10PM Gardendale First Baptist Church (South Campus - Parking Lot)

• Midway Carnival • 1 stage free live entertainment • Food Vendors April 26-Saturday, 10AM-5PM

Car Show

Pooch Parade

For all who served Vietnam veterans group offers support, camaraderie

STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR

There are jokes, prayers, laughter, teasing and sometimes tears each morning that the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter meets in the Gardendale Civic Center. As the men went around the table, they talked about their service, where they were sent and what they experienced. Many of them talk about it in this group for the first time.

// Continued on Page 18 //

PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

// Continued from Page 16 //

“It’s good for our psychological health,” Bill Carter said. “We don’t talk to our wives about it. We just keep it bottled up. I tell my wife about the good times, but I don’t tell her about the bad. This group is good for us psychologically.”

“They’ll get up here like back there and they were looking at the map and talking,” president Duwain Brundage said. “They’re gonna tell each other stories that maybe their families have never even heard. I found out just a few weeks ago, after War II, troops were sent to Antwerp in Belgium. And once they got to Antwerp, however they could get there, then they gathered them up by unit and loaded them on ships and in groups like that. So they go from Belgium to England. It takes a couple of days. They hang out there until they get more fuel to get to America. It may take them another month to get home, it might have taken another two weeks to get to America from England, where it would take me three days, right? Anyway, so

// Continued on Page 20 //

Helping Gardendale families

// Continued from Page 18 //

they’re on the shift together and they’re talking amongst themselves about all they’ve been through. The World War II vets got to talk about all this stuff as they floated home. Starting with Vietnam, when it was your time, they put you on a plane and in 20 hours, you’re home. No decompression, nothing. There’s like, what, 280 some odd suicides a day, and for Afghanistan and Iraq it is worse.”

Brundage said the fact that many of the Vietnam veterans returned to a world where they had no one to talk to about what they had been through led to many issues for the veterans–from untreated PTSD to a lack of clarity about common health problems that arose after the war. Gathering these veterans has led to better diagnosis of conditions, as well as increased bargaining power as they fight to get what they deserve from the country they served. It’s decades later than it should have been, but at least they are getting some help through these groups, Brundage explained. His case with the chapter’s documents and information bears a sticker that says, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” That sticker means a lot to Carter and Brundage, as they both work to make things better for the veterans that have come after them.

The group was set to receive their official charter in late February, but have been meeting since last Spring. For more information, call Brundage at 205.919.9390 or email duwain@a1armorer.net.

Junior Ambassadors look back on their year of service

The Junior Ambassadors from the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce have become staples around town as they serve at various events and show up as student leaders. Now in its second year, the program is composed of students from area high schools who want new opportunities to invest in their community, learn how to be community leaders and see various aspects of local businesses and nonprofits.

“I wanted to be a junior ambassador because of the varying volunteer opportunities the organization provided me with,” Ambassador Ella Ragsdale said. “I love to be hands-on in helping my community, and being a Junior Ambassador was the best way to do that. Through the program, I’ve been able to help

COMPILED BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR AND ROZ JACKSON

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GARDENDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

many people in their own attempts to better this community, and that has always been what I strive to do.”

“I wanted to become a Junior Ambassador because I love helping and staying involved in our community,” Catherine Swallows said. “I started as an ambassador for Bragg and my high school, and as soon as I saw this opportunity two years ago, I applied. I knew this program was something I was passionate about, as it allows me to be even more involved with the city through this incredible club.”

“I wanted to be a junior ambassador because I saw how involved they were with the community, and it made me realize that I can make a change too,” Surrelle Jackson added.

For other students, the reason was much simpler.

“Because I love to see people smile,” Jayden Jordan said.

“I wanted to give back to the community I grew up in through volunteering,” Bryson Logan said.

Over the last year, the ambassadors have gotten opportunities to be a part of many things, but each ambassador is taking a different favorite experience away from the year.

“My favorite part of being a junior ambassador was attending a city council meeting,” Brier Hight said. “It was fascinating to see how local government operates and the decision-making process up close. I got to witness firsthand how community issues are discussed and resolved, which gave me a deeper appreciation for community engagement. Being part of the meeting allowed me to understand the importance of active participation in our community. It was inspiring to see how different voices and perspectives were considered, and how collaboration between council members and citizens led to meaningful outcomes. This experience not only broadened my knowledge of local government but also reinforced the value of being involved and making a difference in my community.”

That was a favorite for Owen McCloy too, “We got to go to a Gardendale City Council meeting about how the town is going to grow and develop over the next 5-10 years. It was a really cool experience to see how my local government works!”

// Continued on Page 24 //

// Continued from Page 23 //

“One of my favorite things I have gotten to do with this program is help young children paint pumpkins at the Bill Noble Pumpkin Fest,” Sydney Logan said. “I loved doing this because I love getting to be creative and I love helping with young children.”

“I enjoyed the team bonding day that we had, I felt I learned a lot about everyone’s personality, and how we can use our differences to work together,” Kyla Lemons remembered.

“My favorite thing I’ve gotten to do was go to Activate,” Jaden Bivens said.

The students are also looking forward to using the skills they have learned as they move into their futures.

“I think this experience will help me in the future by giving me the opportunity to learn how to network and be helpful in various ways without being concerned about pay,” Joshua Malone said.

“I think this will help me with getting myself out there more with companies and help me with networking,” Zion Allen said.

“It is helping my communication skills and it is teaching me more about how businesses operate,” Randale Williams added.

“This experience will help me in the future by improving my skills to help grow the community, and eventually move into roles of greater responsibility,” Zion Holmes said.

// Continued from Page 23 //

“It will help me be more responsible and more dependent,” Charlee Ragsdale added.

“I’ve already learned so many great things but the most important to me so far is being able to speak to adults the same way I speak with confidence to my peers,” Baden Morton said.

When asked what else they would like to say about the program, the students didn’t hesitate.

“The people that are put into this program are excellent people that are willing to take time and pour into students like me and be an example of what it is like to be a leader and an impact on someone’s life,” Mia Battle said.

As she nears the end of her year as an ambassador, Makayla Johnson knew exactly what she wanted other people to know about the program, “I’d say that being a junior ambassador has really opened my eyes to the importance of community involvement. It’s cool to see how much effort goes into making events happen and how they bring people together. Plus, it’s super rewarding to know that we’re making a positive impact! Also Roz has been amazing throughout this whole experience. Her guidance and support has made such a difference in everyone, and she really inspires us all to do our best. It’s been great learning from her and seeing how passionate she is about our community.”

White Texas Sheet Cake

In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips

Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com

This is a shortcut version of the traditional chocolate Texas sheet cake that starts with a white cake mix. It’s slathered with homemade, butter pecan icing. Perfect for potlucks, game day, Easter dinner and after school treats.

You’ve probably had the traditional Texas Sheet Cake recipe, a thin chocolate cake topped with a pourable chocolate icing studded with chopped pecans. You can make it with both a white or yellow cake mix. I give you plenty of shortcut in the full recipe post at GritsAndGouda.com

Use what you have, I say! Just follow my directions.

INGREDIENTS

3 egg whites

1 box white cake mix 15.25 oz box (I used Duncan Hines )

½ cup salted butter, melted

¾ cup milk (from skim to whole milk)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing:

½ cup butter

½ cup milk or buttermilk (from skim to whole milk)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup toasted coarsely chopped pecans

1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom only of a 10x15 sheet pan or jelly roll pan.

Ignore directions on the cake mix box. Instead, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer in a large bowl until just frothy or foamy, do not whisk to soft peaks.

Add the cake mix, then the melted butter, milk and vanilla. Beat on medium-low for 30 seconds or just until well combined. Then, set a timer and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.

Dollop the cake batter into the prepared pan, then spread to the edges. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or just until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Do not over bake.

Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire cooking rack. Let it stand for 10 minutes before pouring the icing over the warm cake. Let cool before serving. Makes 15 servings.

Something Fishy Scout uses Christmas trees for aquatic habitats

STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR

Braxton Strickland of Scout Troop 413 has been in scouting since the troop came to his class Snow Rogers Elementary School to recruit new members, his mom, Jessica Strickland, said. When it was time to find a project for his Eagle Scout rank, his love of fishing led him to create a project that would help sustain the fish populations in local waterways.

“For my project I will be building artificial fish habitats and Christmas tree fish habitats,” Braxton’s post on social media began. “The purpose of these fish habitats, also known as fish attractors, is to create a safe environment for fish to thrive. I will also be building fishing line disposal tubes. I will be putting the fish habitat structures in Lewis Smith Lake, and we will be putting GPS coordinates of where we put the habitat structures. I will be putting the fishing line disposal tubes at Smith Lake Dam.”

He then asked the public for Christmas trees after they were used for the season. He also reached out to local businesses. His goal was to collect 100 trees, but then the community stepped up to help him. In addition to individuals donating their trees,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSICA STRICKLAND

Rocket Around the Christmas Tree donated their trees after the event and then Ace of the South and Lowe’s offered him their unsold trees as well. In the end, Braxton collected over 300 trees, dutifully loading and unloading them each time he got a call for more trees.

“We have so many trees,” Jessica said with a laugh. “I don’t know how we’re going to haul them all to Smith Lake!”

The artificial habitats will withstand the test of time, offering protection and safety for fish long after the natural materials break down. Braxton fundraised to get the money for those materials.

The 120 habitats won’t be visible to many people, but Braxton knows he will be able to see them when he hits the lake via his fish finder. And alongside the sense of accomplishment, is the feeling of the community that stepped up to help him achieve his goal.

When he isn’t building fish habitats for an Eagle Scout rank, Braxton is also in the Gardendale High School Band–serving as drum line captain last year, attended Boys State and is on the tennis team. He already has offers to fish at the college level, so Jessica said they were still evaluating where he will attend college.

City Employee Spotlight

DAVID ANDREWS SUPERVISOR: PUBLIC WORKS

For the last 35 years, David Andrews has served the City of Gardendale in the public works division.

“I started out as a laborer, picking up paper, weeding and cutting grass,” Andrews said.

The basic responsibilities of the department haven’t changed much over the last three decades–cleaning up trash, cutting grass, patching roads, picking up brush and leaves, etc.–but the department has grown along with the city as more residences and businesses have moved into the city. Andrews’ role has changed, as he went from laborer to supervisor, but the things he loves the most haven’t changed.

“It’s different every day, but I just like helping people if I can,” he said. “You could be dealing with citizens all day, or you could be in meetings all day, or just responding to emails.”

That includes residents and other departments that will call with problems ranging from needing something moved to a problem within the city.

He has seen the city’s leadership change, working under several different department heads and mayors, as well as working side-by-side with current mayor, Stan Hogeland when he was the director of the city’s Park and Recreation Department.

When he isn’t working, he likes to go fishing, but lately, family health issues have taken most of his attention. But, being able to be there for his wife and other family members has been rewarding for him too.

“Like I said, I just like helping people out if I can,” he explained.

That simple philosophy has guided his personal life and his work life, as he goes in every day looking for ways to better help the residents of Gardendale.

Celebrating 100 DAYS

Snow Rogers Elementary and Tabernacle Christian Academy celebrated 100 days in school with costumes, activities and more.

Photos Courtesy of Snow Rogers Elementary and Tabernacle Christian School

Snow Rogers A and AB Honor Rolls

Congratulations to the SRES A and A/B Honor Rolls for the second nine weeks.

Gardendale High School Wrestling places third

The Rockets bounced back from a tough loss in the Semifinals to finish 3rd in the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Duals.

Gardendale Elementary places second in Science Olympiad

The GES Science Olympiad Team snagged second place out of 15 schools in the county competition.

Snow Rogers January Students of the Month

Gardendale High celebrates neurodiversity

Ms. Archer & Mrs. Hill’s class recently painted to “celebrate neurodiversity.”

Bragg’s January Students of the Month

Bragg announced its January Students of the Month. These students were chosen by their teachers for their hard work, a great display of character and their willingness to go above and beyond. Students of the Month are treated to lunch, courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings in Gardendale.

Students of the Month

• 6th Grade - Brent Webb and Cooper Peek

• 7th Grade - Baylee Clark and Bernard Key

• 8th Grade - Riley Senn and Akira Weston

Congratulations to the SRES January Students of the month. Not pictured- Cora Gault and Zurri Kenebrew

Tabernacle wins big at state competition

The state competition for academic testing, art, spelling, and Sword Drill saw several Tabernacle Torches place first, second and third. The middle school art students also won the champion’s cup.

Suri Nguyen, Shiloh Kizer and Abigail Wakaimba had their artwork chosen to represent JEFCOED at the State Superintendent’s Art Show in Montgomery.

North Jeff. Chamber to Host Travel Interest Meeting

The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce will host a Travel Interest meeting on March 17 at 6 p.m. at the Fultondale Event Center. They will discuss plans for a trip to London in December 2025 and Tuscany in March 2026. You don’t have to be a member of the Chamber to attend or go on the trips. This is a great opportunity to travel abroad at an affordable price with your friends from the community.

Fultondale High School Baseball Seniors Show Appreciation to Cafeteria Staff

The class of 2025 Fultondale Wildcat Baseball players showed their immense appreciation for the high school’s cafeteria staff by presenting them with their very own Wildcat baseball jerseys.

Fultondale High School Launching ACT Prep Initiative

Fultondale High School is launching an ACT Prep Initiative to help students in grades 9-12 achieve academic success. To keep students motivated, the school is rewarding their efforts with daily treats and a grand prize for the class with the most improved ACT scores. Community members can help by sponsoring a “Day of Rewards” (360 treats needed) or the grand prize for the winning class (40 students). Let’s make this initiative a huge success while fostering a stronger Fultondale community! Contact Kristi Jennings to get involved at kjennings@fultondaleal.gov

Area Schools Earn Medals at Jeff. County Wrestling Tournament

Area schools recently competed and won in the Jefferson County Wrestling Tournament. This is the first time in school history that the Fultondale High School Girls Team has won the Championship. In the high school boys division, Corner High School placed second and Mortimer Jordan High School placed third. In the category for high school girls, Fultondale High School won first place, Gardendale High School won second place and Corner High School placed third. In the middle school boys division Bragg Middle School placed first, Fultondale Middle School was awarded second place and North Jefferson Middle School placed third.

North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Promotes Civics Bee on Local News

Heather Lebischak, CEO of the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, recently sat down with the broadcast team from CBS 42 to promote the National Civics Bee. The event is an annual competition that inspires middle school students to become informed, engaged citizens by deepening their knowledge of government and civic engagement. Students start with an essay contest, and finalists compete regionally, showcasing their understanding of civics and solving realworld challenges. The North Jefferson Chamber will host the regional Civics Bee on March 15 at 2 p.m. at the Fultondale Event Center

North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Announces Board of Directors

The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2025 Board of Directors. Officers are as follows: Jeremy Duckworth of CARA, President and Mary Jo Bartlett of Everyday with MJ, Vice President. Members-at-Large include: Steve Hosch of Good Neighbor Pest Services; Nicole Duckworth of Avadian Credit Union; Patricia Bearden of TP’s Bar and Grill; Nick Bryan of Black Creek Tavern; Kayla Duckworth of Musicality Studio; and Jason Gardner of State Farm.

Fultondale Track Team Wins 4x400

The Fultondale High School Girls 4x400 relay team finished 5th overall in the MLK Classic winning the school’s first ever indoor track relay medal. The team consists of Aubree West, Jordyn Hill, Katelyn Curry and Marcelina Jackson.

Fultondale Firefighter Chad Miller Recognized at Hoover State of the City

City of Hoover Mayor Brocato honored Fultondale Firefighter Chad Miller at the City of Hoover State of the City Address. Miller was recognized for his heroic actions last November when he provided life-saving CPR to an umpire during a softball game in Hoover, demonstrating the power of training and quick thinking. Thanks to his invaluable skills and those around, the umpire made a full recovery.

Fultondale High School Announces Jake Hogan as Head Football Coach

Fultondale High School recently named Jake Hogan as the school’s Head Football Coach. Hogan has more than 15 years of coaching experience and previously worked as the Offensive Line Coach and Run Game coordinator at Hoover High School and Offensive Coordinator at Pinson Valley High School.

Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie Recognized

The Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association (CAFCA) recently recognized Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie for his service and dedication as CAFCA President in 2024.

SPRING SAVINGS

REWARDS MEMBERS SAVE $30 ON THE EGO 56V 16"

STRING TRIMMER AND THE 56V 765 HANDHELD BLOWER

REWARDS MEMBERS PAY AS LITTLE AS $20 99 ON SELECT SCOTTS WEED AND FEED

AMERICAN SEED VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS ONLY 50 CENTS

ACE FIBERGLASS HANDLE YARD AND GARDEN TOOLS FOR ONLY $21 99

REWARDS MEMBERS SAVE $60 ON THE DEWALT 20V MAX DRILL & IMPACT DRIVER KIT

BUY THE MILWAUKEE M18 EXTENDED CAPACITY BATTERY AND CHARGER, GET A SELECT MILWAUKEE TOOL VALUED UP TO $149 FOR FREE

MARCH WEEKEND EVENT CALENDER

MAR 1ST: KAYJUN’S 11-3

MAR 8TH: SCALDED DAWG HOT DOGS 11-3

MAR 15TH: TP’S TO GO 11:30-3

MAR 22ND: UNCLE G’S PIZZA 11-3

MAR 29TH: LIL BOUGIE FOODIE 11-3

MARCH WEEKDAY EVENT CALENDER

MONDAY’S: OLD DOWDLE GAS AND PUB 11-3

TUESDAYS: WASABI JUAN’S 11-3

WEDNESDAYS: GARNACHITAS 11-3

THURSDAYS: GREEN TOP BBQ 11-3

FRIDAY’S: D’S CRAZY DOGS 11-3

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*EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Hicks hired as Dispatcher

Paul Hicks was recently hired as a Public Safety Dispatcher in the Gardendale Police Department. He is pictured with Chief Scott Banks.

Sanders hired as Firefighter

Stephen Sanders was recently hired as a Firefighter in the Gardendale Fire Department. He is pictured with Chief Joe Thomas.

Clark hired as Laborer

Austin Clark was recently hired as a Laborer in the Gardendale Public Works Department. He is pictured with Paul Tidwell.

Berendt hired as Firefighter

Carter Berendt was recently hired as a Firefighter in the Gardendale Fire Department. He is pictured with Chief Joe Thomas.

Gardendale Library hires new Employees

The Gardendale Library welcomed Thomas Woods as a Technology Librarian, Christie Minton as a part-time Library Clerk and Kimberly Latham as a part-time Library Clerk. They are pictured with Librarian Connie Smith. Kimberly Latham is not pictured.

Holcombe promoted to Administrative Assistant

Donna Holcombe was recently promoted to Administrative Assistant in the Gardendale Inspections Department. She is pictured with Blake Castleberry.

Bill Noble wins Award

Bill Noble Park was recently named the 2024 Multi-Facility Complex of the Year by the American Sports Builders Association. This is Bill Noble Park’s second consecutive ASBA award. Last year, the complex was honored as the 2023 Outdoor Pickleball Facility of the Year.

North Arts Council Spring Arts and Craft Sale

The North Arts Council Spring Arts and Craft Sale will be held March 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and March 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. There are over 85 booths of arts and crafts featured. The parking and admission is free.

Spring Bash

Bill Noble Park will host the first free community event of 2025 on March 21, 5-8 p.m. The event will feature an Easter egg hunt, egg toss game and train rides. There will also be vendors and food trucks with items for purchase.

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics/ TVs Drop-Off/Paper Shredding Event

The Jefferson County Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics/TVs Drop-Off/Paper Shredding Event will be April 12, 2025, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. First Baptist Church of Gardendale - South Campus at 940 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071.

Magnolia Festival

The annual Magnolia Festival will be April 25 and 26. Sponsorships are available now. Deadlines are earlier this year, so applications opened earlier. All the details are available at MagnoliaFestival.org.

Golden Eagles

The Gardendale Golden Eagles meet on the second Friday of the month at the Gardendale Senior Center beginning at 12:15 pm and ending at 1:30 pm. The group is open to anyone 55 or older and features lunch speakers and fun day trips.

Stock Little Free Library

Help us stock our Little Free Library! We are in need of children’s and young adult books in good to perfect condition to stock our Little Free Library (LFL) located by the soccer fields off of Fieldstown Road. Donations can be placed directly in the LFL or you can bring them to the front desk at the library and we will take them to the LFL when we visit weekly.

Library Food Pantry

Our library food pantry always need the following items: hearty soups/stews/chili, varieties of canned chicken/tuna/ ham, single-sized and normal cereal, granola type bars, fruit cups, peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal/grits packets, pasta and Alfredo and other sauces and any toiletries. We take food only if it is not outdated and not opened.