Gardendale Magazine - April 2023

Opening GRAND A

Bill Noble complex welcomes athletes, community

PAGE 26

Magnolia Festival

PREVIEW

Big time talent, entertainment on deck for annual event

PAGE 8

BE A

LIGHT

Brooklyn Pickle volunteers at local events, schools

PAGE 24

14/

Magnolia Festival Preview: Food is the main attraction

8/ 24/

Magnolia Festival Preview: Big time talent, entertainment on deck for annual event

Be a Light: Brooklyn Pickle volunteers at local events, schools

12/

Memory Lane: How did the local parks get their name?

A Grand Opening: Bill Noble complex welcomes athletes, community 26/

Recipe of the Month: Walking Banana Pudding 30/

This issue is largely dedicated to the Magnolia Festival. The festival is one of my favorite things every year. I spend too much money, eat too much food and take more pictures than we could put in a year’s worth of magazines. In addition to all the vendors, there are a lot of people working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Kathleen Phillips has organized a wonderful team to ensure nothing is overlooked in any of the aspects of the festival and the volunteers are dedicated to helping create the best outcome year after year. I got to talk to one of the long term volunteers, Brooklyn Pickle, last week and it was the highlight of my week. Her profile is on pages 24 and 25 and you can feel her happiness and light radiating from her words and smile.

Seeing Bill Noble Park open in March was such a special event. We have photos from the opening on pages 26-27, but they are just a small snapshot of the magic of this day and the new facility. If you haven’t seen it yourself, make time to stop by one day and see all it has to offer.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

Who We Are

Gardendale Magazine is published monthly by JBMC Media, a Birmingham-based publishing company. The magazine is available at nearly 90 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. Email matthew@jbmcmedia.com for more information.

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.

About the Cover

Cover photo by Bridget Melton

The opening of Bill Noble park marked a momentous occasion for the City of Gardendale.

Our Advertisers

It’s never easy asking businesses to invest in advertising, so we want to give a VERY special thank you to these businesses. Please, support them!

Ace of the South

Children’s of Alabama

City of Gardendale

Deo Gloria Wood Works

Kemp’s Kitchen

Magnolia Festival

Monita’s Bakery

Norwood Clinic

Smiles Forever of Gardendale

State Farm - Scott Cantrell Agency

Tabernacle Christian School

Total Dermatology

Village Dermatology

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

Staff

Matthew Allen Publisher

(205) 617-9609, matthew@jbmcmedia.com

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

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

Anthony and Shweta Bratina Graphic Design

P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham, AL 35260

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Big names, local stars

Magnolia Festival features variety of entertainment

This year’s Magnolia Festival will feature local talent alongside big names in music. With such a large variety of entertainment options, there should be something for every person.

Hutch Edwards Project is a “rocking ‘entertaining’ band with a soulful/blues edge.” They cover music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Lake & Lyndale bring “a decade of friendship, hundreds of live gigs, and thousands of miles on the road” to each show. The Nashville-based band brings “vibrant energy, a unique chemistry and a genuine sincerity” to each show. “Named after cross streets in Minneapolis where they met, Lake & Lyndale’s sound blends satisfying twang with genuine warmth: part roots-rock, part country-soul,” according to the group’s website.

// Continued on Page 9//

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MAGNOLIA FESTIVAL

Lake & Lyndale bring “a decade of friendship, hundreds of live gigs, and thousands of miles on the road” to each show.

UAB MEDICINE/ASCENSION ST. VINCENT’S STAGE

FRIDAY APRIL 21, 2023

5:30 pm Alec Deason

6:00 pm Benny Bassett.

7:00 pm Gardendale High School Pep Rally

7:30 pm Lake & Lyndale

9:00 pm After Party Music

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10:30 am Andrew Nunnully

11:45 am Payton Williams

1:00 pm Hutch Edwards Project

2:30 pm Alec Deason

3:30 pm Skylar Wallace

5:00 pm Festival Ends

CIVIC CENTER STAGE

SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2023

10:00 am Opening Ceremony

10:30 am Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival/ Miss North Jefferson Area

11:00 am Beverly’s Dance

11:30 am GES Choir

12:00 pm Clog Wild Cloggers

1:00 pm Pooch Parade Judging and Awards

2:00 pm GHS Jazz Band

2:30 pm Hunter Wright & Colton Miller

3:00 pm CHS Jazz Band

3:30 pm Luke Partridge Band

4:30 pm GHS Choir

5:00 pm Festival Ends

// Continued from Page 8 //

Skylar Wallace is a musician who calls herself a “singer/songwriter” who is a “little bit country, little bit rock n’ roll.”

Birmingham native, Payton Williams, has been playing live music for over two decades. “My acoustic solo shows feature Americana and classic country songs by artists such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Robert Johnson and many more,” according to his website.

In addition to the bands, there is a Gardendale High School Pep Rally on Friday night and the Civic Center Stage will feature local entertainment all day Saturday. These include appearances by Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival and Miss North Jefferson Area, Pooch parade judging and awards and more.

The Gardendale Elementary School Choir and the Gardendale High School Choir will perform, as well as the Gardendale High School Jazz Band. Local dance studio, Beverly’s Dance, will have a group of dancers perform and the Clog Wild Cloggers will be returning again this year, as well.

Local favorites Hunter Wright and Colton Miller will be featured on Saturday. The Gardendale High School Alums are always fan favorites.

Christian singer Luke Partridge will also be performing on the Civic Center Stage on Saturday.

LOCALLY MADE | LOCALLY SOURCED

cutting boards | Charcuterie trays

bathtub caddies | bed swings

stovetop covers | tables | planters

shelves | bookcases

custom orders accepted

facebook: @deogloriawoodworks

Instagram: @deogloriawoodworks

DEO GLORIA WOOD WORKS

Park history

Gardendale’s four parks, the newly-renovated Bill Noble Park, the Kenneth Clemons Athletic Complex, Luman Harris Park and Beatrice Johnson Park are all named for notable Gardendale leaders.

Judge Bill Noble served six terms as Gardendale’s mayor, from 1972 to 1996. Although the complex underwent a massive renovation over the last 18 months, the name remained. Noble was on hand for the grand opening of the new park and even threw out the first pitch to christen the new fields.

The new complex houses the youth baseball, softball and football teams, as well as a tennis, pickleball and other items. It is located on the northern end of Moncrief Road, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31.

The Kenneth A. Clemons Recreational Complex is home to Gardendale’s soccer programs, as well as Celebration Park Playground and Pavilion, splash pad, dog park and disc golf // Continued on Page 13//

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARDENDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

course and the GUTs hiking trail.

Clemons served on the City Council of Gardendale from 1972 until 1996 when he was elected mayor. He served the city he loved as mayor for three terms before stepping down to accept the position as executive director of the Jefferson County Mayors Association. Kenny served on many boards and organizations in Jefferson County and the State of Alabama, including the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Regional Planning Commission.

The complex is located on the southern end of Fieldstown Road, the address for this complex is 2191 Fieldstown Road, Gardendale, AL 35071.

The Beatrice Johnson Park is located at 3811 New Castle Road. Designed for children ages 5 – 12 and handicapped accessible, the park has a pavilion, picnic tables and grills on site.

It was named in 2016 for resident Beatrice Johnson, a community member who attended council meetings, to stay involved in the city

happenings and advocate for the community she loved. In the dedication, Mayor Stan Hogeland said “If ever one person showed a living example of how one person could truly make a difference, it was Mrs. Johnson…In closing, one person can truly make a difference!”

Luman Harris Park is named for Gardendale native and former Atlanta Braves manager Luman Harris. It is located off Pineywood Road on Park Street, across from Pineywood Baptist Church, about a quarter-mile south of Tarrant Road and one mile north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and Pineywood Road at the city’s southern boundary.

Luman Harris played ball at the park when he was a child, when the park was named Pineywood Park. That led to a 35 year career as a pitcher, coach and then manager of the Atlanta Braves. Now, Luman Harris Park is also the home of Gardendale’s Miracle League field and the Raymond G Doss Playground of Miracles.

This monthly feature is produced in conjunction with the Gardendale Historical Society.

Festival food

Venture into the delicious side of the Magnolia Festival

Food is always a major part of the Magnolia Festival, whether you look forward to perennial favorites like Island Noodles, locals like Pandy’s Sno Shack or try something different every year, there is something for everyone. Although there is a food court area in the parking lot across from the high school, there are also food vendors scattered along the path to the vendor booths.

Stephen’s Hotdog Wagon

A favorite is always Stephen’s Hotdog Wagon. The food truck makes regular appearances at local sporting events, food truck nights and, of course, the Magnolia Festival. The hotdogs range from the basics

(try the “Rocket”—a hot dog with coleslaw and hotdog sauce) or the Specials and Premium options. Stephen’s only serves Nathan’s Famous beef hotdogs, as well as pretzels, nachos and an assortment of candy and chips.

Pandy’s Sno Biz

Pandy’s is another local favorite, serving festival favorites like shaved ice and fried Oreos. Very few events in the north Jefferson area occur without Pandy’s food truck rolling up and they are regulars at most school events as well.

// Continued on Page 15 //

PHOTO BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR Island Noodles is a perennial favorite of the Magnolia Festival patrons.

// Continued from Page 14 //

Tamale Queen

Local favorite Tamale Queen will be returning to the festival. These unique hand-made offerings are unlike anything else at the festival or even in nearby restaurants. Proprietor Gina White started cooking and selling food out of her car at construction sites to raise money to support her kids. Eventually she turned that into a food truck and even a restaurant for a while.

Island Noodles

Island Noodles boasts a long line every year, with Gardendale residents waiting for noodles cooked on site in a large wok. The smell of Island Noodles undoubtedly draws in those who have never tried the fare before, but many festival goers look forward to this treat each year.

// Continued on Page 16 //

Southern Coffee and Waffles

Making its first Festival appearance, Southern Coffee and Waffles offers a variety of waffle options, a lot of waffle donuts and even a waffle grilled cheese or waffle pizza. They also have a variety of mixed coffees.

Other Returning Favorites

SonShine Amusements, known for their funnel cakes, will be back again this year. Country Cabin’s frozen lemonade and strawberry shortcake.

New unique vendors will offer roasted street corn, loaded roasted sweet potatoes, bread pudding, donuts, waffles on a stick, chicken Philly sandwich, fried okra, seafood stuffed grilled cheese, Bayou fries, Buffalo chicken egg rolls, red beans and rice, shrimp and grits, fresh squeezed lemonade and more.

PHOTO BY LACE STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

Bragg Problem Solvers

Bragg Future Problem Solvers took 3rd place in the State Competition.The team is: Olivia Phillips, Emma Phillips, Briana Bell, Adeline Perkins and Adeline Waddell.

Grand Slam Baseball Alabama

AJ Brown of DJAA Rays 11U hit two Grand Slams in the first round of the gold bracket. He also hit a home run in the second round and batted .700 for the tournament. He is 11 and attends Bragg Middle School.

FCCLA State Conference

Bragg Middle School brought home state honors from the FCCLA conference. Olivia Moore and Paisley Orazine won third place in Sports Nutrition/Level 1 and Sydney Logan, Kate Gravitt and Lauren Stephens won a Bronze Medal in Repurpose and Redesign/Level 1.

GES Random Acts of Kindness Club

Gardendale Elementary School’s Random Act of Kindness Club provided coffee and snacks for the staff.

GES Future Problem Solvers

Gardendale Elementary School Future Problem

Solvers Team won first in the Action Plan category at Jefferson County FPS Bowl.

GHS Girls Basketball

The Gardendale High School Girls Basketball team celebrated its season with a special night.

GHS Exceptional Education

Bulls Birmingham hockey team hosted Exceptional Education students for two full days of practice! The students cheered, danced and held up signs.

Snow Rogers Attendance Winners

Snow Rogers Elementary had three attendance winners for the month of February.

GES Character Award Winners

Gardendale Elementary School honored its Character Award winners for Respect for the month of February.

GHS Vocal Honors

GHS was well-represented at the Alabama Vocal Association All-State Festival March 9-11 at the BJCC. These students learned 5 songs (some in foreign languages) and were selected by audition from hundreds of students across the state. Brianna Cooley, Sidney Gardner, Triston Allen, Jasmine Moore, Dakota Campos. Brianna also auditioned and was selected to sing with a highlighted small group at the concert. Triston was selected as Outstanding Tenor/Bass Choral Student for District III (all schools in Jefferson County).

Snow Rogers February Students of the Month

Snow Rogers Elementary recognized these students for outstanding work, character and attitude by naming them as the Students of the Month for February.

Snow Rogers Elementary hosted a Spirit Day in March.

Snow Rogers Spirit Day

5 Things to See or Do at Magnolia Festival

KIDS ZONE

Gardendale First Baptist has one of the most visible roles in the festival as they donate the use of their parking lot for the festival and also provide the Magnolia Express golf carts to ferry visitors from the parking lot to the festival, as well as the volunteers to drive the carts.

GFBC also sponsors the free Kids Zone, which grows every year. There are some perennial favorites, such as inflatables, shooting galleries built by Ed Moody (using foam “bullets”) and other offerings to allow the kids to play for free.

The group used to offer archery as well, but Cronin said that it was difficult to maintain throughout the day.

// Continued on Page 21 //

// Continued from Page 20

//

GFBC also provides volunteers who help the festival staff by filling in by manning the ticket booth or information tent. Cronin said they have 45 or more volunteers to assist at the festival each year.

CAR SHOW

There is an expansive car show that is a can’t miss for the festival. Cars of all types, from all eras will be featured.

CHILDREN ‘N’ ART

Decatur Highway Church of Christ also offers a free children’s area inside the Gardendale Civic Center. In 2019, the church agreed to take over the Children ‘N’ Art craft activities for kids. Since COVID canceled the 2020 festival, the church put the first craft activities together in 2021. Last year, the church offered five different activities: string art, foam mosaic, cupcake decorating, canvas needle art and watercolor pens.

“We try to keep everything generic age-wise so everyone has a good time,” Karen Hogeland, of DHCC, said.

The church provides all the materials for the activities and staffs the entire project with church volunteers.

“That was a huge help for us,” Magnolia Festival organizer Kathleen Phillips said. “It used to be very difficult to plan the activities and make sure we had the materials and volunteers to man the crafts. It has been such a relief for them to take that part over.”

On Saturday, there will be Sand Art from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Watercolor Pen Art from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm, String Art from 1 to 2 pm and Kite Making from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

MAKERS

There are a variety of craftspeople available, from woodworkers to birdhouse builders, soap makers and even a hand-made knife artisan. There is really something for everyone.

ANIMAL ADOPTIONS FROM GBHS

EVENTS ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS

2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - MOVIE NIGHT

‘Be a Light’

Gardendale native radiates positivity as volunteer

Brooklyn Pickle is a familiar face in the halls of Gardendale Elementary School. She went to school there as a young child, and now she volunteers to help the young kids read and learn math basics, and is an encouraging force in the classrooms. She listens to children read and helps them gain confidence and skills, among other things. She loves working with the first graders and seeing them get excited about learning.

She also volunteers each year to help with the Magnolia Festival’s publicity. Like many young people, Pickle spends a lot of time on social media, hoping her posts uplift and encourage someone. Each year, as the organizational team begins working to promote the festival, Pickle uses her platform to promote the sponsors, vendors, entertainers and others who will come together for the Magnolia Festival. Organizer Kathleen Phillips calls her the festival’s “social media manager.”

Regardless of what she is doing, Pickle just wants to encourage others and brighten their day when she can. // Continued on Page 25

“I want people to know if they need an encouraging word, I’m here for them,” Pickle said. “I hope to be able to impact as many lives as I can–be a light for them and bring people to God.”

The effect Pickle has on the kids and the teachers she helps is undeniable. Her unique mix of encouragement, cheerfulness and positivity, particularly in the face of adversity, seems to resonate with the students and teachers.

“Brooklyn has helped so many students over the years,” first grade teacher Jennifer Bensko said. “Brooklyn volunteers 2-3 days a week in all of the first grade classes. She listens to students read one on one and helps them with math. Brooklyn is such a positive person and brings a ray of sunshine to our classrooms. She encourages the students to do their best, even when life gets tough. God’s love radiates through Brooklyn. She wears a smile every day that she comes and is a joy to have in our school.”

Pickle loves working with the kids, particularly when she shares a special moment with them.

“I love seeing the smile on the kid’s faces when they see me or when they figure something out,” Pickle said. “I just love being around kids.”

She’s looking forward to the Magnolia Festival because she always gets to see people she doesn’t see often and has a chance to “fellowship” with them. She’s also a fan of visiting all the vendors and seeing the variety of things available each year. She’s also looking forward to the food, especially the fried Oreos.

Noble Park opens

Gardendale got its first look at the renovated Bill Noble Athletic Complex in March as the park opened in grand fashion. Mayor Stan Hogeland, along with the council, other officials and the park’s namesake, former Mayor Bill Noble, welcomed the public to the new facility on March 11. The new complex features nine baseball/ softball fields with turf, eight tennis courts, 11 pickleball courts, a football field, outdoor basketball courts, a beach volleyball court, putting green and inclusive playground. There is also an events center, named in honor of Hogeland by the city council members. Although weather prevented the park from completing some of the finishing touches, the fields were playable and, for the first time, Gardendale was able to open its park season with all the teams, girls and boys, at one location.

Gardendale Chamber

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce hosted its “State of the Chamber” at its March luncheon. Chamber Director Heather Lebischak updated those in attendance on the Chamber’s projects and goals.

Gardendale Chamber

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce hosted its “State of the Chamber” at its March luncheon. Chamber Director Heather Lebischak updated those in attendance on the Chamber’s projects and goals.

North Arts Council Spring Arts and Crafts Show

The North Arts Council hosted its annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show at the Gardendale Civic Center. The event drew exhibitors and visitors from all over the Southeast.

WALKING BANANA PUDDING

The dessert version of the popular Walking Tacos

1 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups 2% or whole milk

12 1-ounce packs or bags mini vanilla wafer cookies

3 medium-size bananas

Reddi Wip or Cool Whip

Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package directions using the milk. Cover and let chill 15 minutes to set up.

Cut the cookie bags open on the side with a pair of scissors.

Arrange cookies in the bottom of the bag. Slice the bananas and evenly distribute bananas on top of cookies.

Spoon pudding evenly on top of the bananas. For softer cookies, spoon pudding directly on cookies first.

“Spray” Reddi Wip or dollop Cool Whip on top of pudding.

Arrange the bags of Walking Banana Pudding in a plastic container, baking pan or baking sheet, overlapping them so they are slightly propped up and will not spill out. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The longer they chill, the softer the cookies will be.

Kathleen 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 and Pinterest.

Keep Gardendale Beautiful

Community Cleanup Day in Gardendale will be April 1, 8-11 a.m. Anyone interested in volunteering to help clean up the city should call the Public Works Department at 205.631.3394.

City-Wide Spring Cleanup

There will be a city-wide cleanup April 10-14. The city will pickup unwanted household items at the curb. Call 205.631.3394 by noon on Wednesday, April 12 to schedule your pickup or for more details. Hazardous waste and chemicals will not be accepted for curbside pickup.

Magnolia Festival

The annual Magnolia Festival is set for April 21-22. Applications for sponsors, vendors and scholarships will be available beginning January 2. For more information, find them on Facebook or visit MagnoliaFestival.org.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Day

April 29, from 8 to 11:30 a.m., at the Gardendale First Baptist South Campus (940 Main Street). There are also sites in Irondale and Bessemer. Items such as batteries, appliances, prescription drugs and other items can be disposed of at the event. For more information, visit the city’s Facebook page. The event is open to all Jefferson County residents, and requires proof of residency.

Farmers Market Opening Day

The Gardendale Farmers Market will be reopening on May 18 with a new market time. This year, the market will be each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center (857 Main Street).

Historical Museum Hours

The Kermit E. Dooley Gardendale Historical Museum (170 Bell Street) will be open to the public every Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Kickball Game

A community kickball game is starting every Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Gardendale soccer fields (2191 Fieldstown Road). Anyone who is interested is welcome.

To have an item added to our calendar, please send information to rachel@ jbmcmedia.com.

The journey to mend his heart led

Qua was born with tricuspid atresia that required a series of open heart surgeries as an infant. But as a teen, his health took a dramatic turn. Qua’s pediatrician and cardiologist recognized something wasn’t right with his heart and sent him to Children’s of Alabama. Our team was standing by when he arrived by helicopter, and within two weeks he received a new heart. He rebounded quickly and was back at home a few weeks later, thanks to the expert heart team here at Children’s of Alabama.