‘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.