Gardendale Magazine - August 2022

[ 2 ] Gardendale magazine Quality Amenities for Locals to Enjoy SplashParks Pad Civic HikingCenter&Biking Trails Local & UniqueConvenientRestaurantsNational&Shopping There’s so much to enjoy and experience in Gardendale that you will need to experience it for yourself to believe it! www.cityofgardendale.com | Phone: 205-631-8789 | Address: 925 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071 The Medical Mile The Gardendale Medical Mile is an innovative collaboration of healthcare businesses focused on providing exceptional care and wellness services. It’s an accomplishment that reﬂects the success and development of our humble city! The Mayor and Council have worked hard to establish Gardendale as the medical hub of North Jefferson County. Join us!Coming 2022 · The Crossings at Magnolia City Place · · A Premier Development for Restaurants and Retail · Bill Noble Park Coming 2023 9 Synthetic Turf Baseball & Softball Fields 1 Synthetic PlaygroundsFootball/SoccerRegulationField Walking TennisPickelballBeachBasketballTrailsCourtVolleyball

MENDING

MENDING HER The path HEARTto

Olivia Tetralogy of Fallot Patient was actually through her leg.

Gardendale magazine [ 3 ]

Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama. To learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heart was actually through her leg. HER The path HEARTto

MENDING

Olivia Tetralogy of Fallot Patient To learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heart was actually through her leg.

Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama. To learn more visit ChildrensAL.org/heart was actually through her leg. HER The path HEARTto

Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve — but this time they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama.

Olivia was born with a congenital heart defect requiring open heart surgery at 3 months old. She also required a second surgery as a teen to replace her pulmonary valve – but this time they went through a vein in her leg to insert the Harmony Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve in her heart. This less-invasive path to replacement shortened her recovery time, and she went home the next day. Olivia was the first pediatric patient in the southeast to receive the Harmony valve, and it was here at Children’s of Alabama.

MENDING HER The path HEARTto was actually through her leg.

[ 4 ] Gardendale magazine / Table of Contents / For the Love of the Game: Gardendale native oversees America’s oldest ballpark Recipe of the Month: Kathleen gives quick tips for after school favorite26/ 30/ Nonprofit Spotlight: Rotary takes care of those here and abroad Happenings: Photos from events around the city Servant’s Heart: Jeff Holliyan retires after 40 years of service Ready for Blastoff: A look at the 2022 Rockets football team16/10/ 20/13/

Gardendale resident Gerald Watkins is the executive director and president of the board for the Friends of Rickwood group that oversees the preservation and management of the oldest ballpark in America. While the park isn’t in Gardendale, I know many of its residents have visited the ballpark for the throwback Rickwood Classic game. I enjoyed spending an afternoon with Gerald at the park and learning about the stadium, its history and its Stanfuture.was also behind the story on Jeff Holliyan and his retirement from the city after 40 years. While I have worked with Jeff for years professionally, I had no idea that he had such an interesting story. His outlook on life is truly inspiring, despite all the things he has faced. And, of course, the beginning of school means one big thing is coming for all of us—football! Shooting our cover this time was a lot of fun. I think this year will be a great year to be a Rocket fan, but having a group of great kids and a coach that cares about each member of his team as people as well as players means this team has already won where it matters. I fortunately had freelancer Anna Wilt on board to help me with this issue and she added stories about the work Rotary has done in the community and a local teen who is making a big impact. As we approach the one-year mark for this magazine, I hope you will all keep engaging with us and sending your story ideas in so we can make this magazine what you want it to be.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

Gardendale magazine [ 5 ] / Editor’s Note /

In my time as a reporter, I have been privileged to meet a lot of people who their hometown and the people in it, but I don’t think any of them have ever been a more enthusiastic promoter of the people in his city than Stan Hogeland. Stan happens to be the mayor, but, even if he wasn’t, I believe he would be just as enthusiastic, because he truly loves people. Most of the time, mayors tend to want to promote something the city is doing, or something they have done. Stan’s story ideas are pretty much always about the people who make up his city. So, when Stan flagged me down one day at Kemp’s Kitchen and said “I have a cool story for you,” I knew what was coming.

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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 Gardendalemagazine.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.

[ 6 ] Gardendale magazine / About Us / On The Cover / Who We Are

AL 35260 Children’s of Alabama City of Gardendale Deo Gloria Wood Works Healing Touch Caregivers Kemp’s NorwoodKitchenClinic Scott Cantrell, State Farm TheSkinologyInsuranceLittleBrown Hero Dog Village Dermatology Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Matthew Allen

rachel@jbmcmedia.com Lori Kinney Marketing Consultant

Rachel Davis Karr Content Director

About the Cover Cover photo by Ron Harris Ron Harris will go to any length to get his shot. To get this cover’s “inside the huddle” look, he had to get as low as possible. Staff 26432, Birmingham, (205)Publisher617-9609, matthew@jbmcmedia.com (205) 613-7850, (205) 447-1164,

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Gardendale magazine [ 9 ] Ticks Fleas Mites Ants (205) vulcantermite.com663-4200Serving Jefferson & Shelby Counties ANY YARD CAN HARBOR PESTS. LET THE EXPERTS ELIMINATE THOSE THREATS.

Story by Anna Wilt

WHAT IS ROTARY?

—Paul Harris, Rotary Founder

“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”

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In 1979, Rotary volunteers began administering the polio vaccine to children in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati, Philippines. From there, Rotary International partnered with the Philippine government to immunize around 6 million children against the effects of polio. Now, over 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio thanks to the efforts of Rotary.

Rotary also provides numerous other humanitarian services in communities around the world. They make sure that millions of You’ve likely seen their signs all over town or even been to one of their events. But who is Rotary and what do they do?

Rotary Club serving Gardendale for 43 years

For over 110 years, Rotary has acted as the world’s largest service organization. From the very beginning, Rotary has been a club centered on the value of community. In 1905, four friends started meeting, rotating the meeting place to a different office each week— giving it the name Rotary as a result. Now, there are over 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries with over 1.4 million members Rotaryworldwide.works to take action on sustainable projects with the help of their passionate Rotarians. The Rotary’s mission is to “provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professionals, and community leaders.” These values have led them to tackle projects like promoting literacy, fighting disease, supporting education, and so much more.

Perhaps the most notable cause of Rotary is the fight against polio.

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH JEFFERSON

THE HISTORICAL IMPACT OF ROTARY

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• Renovated a home for a victim of the 2020 tornado that lost his leg, adding a handicapped shower and wheelchair ramp

• Provided materials and labor to renovate the Scout Hut, located at Kenny Clemons Park

• Provided materials and helped renovate a home for a Gardendale grandmother caring for her grandson with a handicap • Built a pavilion and main stage for the Cornerstone Ranch

• Provided the building, materials, and labor for a storage facility for the Baptist Children’s Home in Gardendale

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ROTARY

• Made and distributed over 13,000 masks to first responders and hospitals for COVID protection • Provided materials and labor to rebuild uninsured homes and trailers damaged by the 2020 tornadoes

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HOW THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH JEFFERSON IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN GARDENDALE

• Cleaned the Cluster Springs Cemetery Provided sneeze shields to elementary schools in North Jefferson County to fight COVID

On this matter, past Rotary International President Holger Knaack had to say, “There is no wrong age to be a Rotarian.” Rotary International has youth programs aimed to inspire the next generation of movers and shakers. At the Rotary Club of North Jefferson, members range in age from their 20s with the oldest active Rotarian at 101 years young. As long as someone is willing and enthusiastic to give back to their community, they’re welcome at Rotary. This diverse group is made up of all ages, genders, incomes, races, and religions.

In addition to their local and global philanthropy work, the Rotary Club of North Jefferson also plays a leadership role within Rotary International. Two members have served as past District Governors.

Over the past 15 years, a few of their projects include:

One of the biggest misconceptions that Rotarians everywhere are trying to correct is that Rotary is meant for certain ages or genders.

Established in 1979, the Rotary Club of North Jefferson is doing its part to make Gardendale a better place.

Gardendale magazine [ Nonprofit / people have access to clean, sanitary water. They enhance education opportunities by rebuilding and refurbishing schools, leading to more productive citizens and less poverty. They assist in farming and conservation education. They help with hospital renovations, meaning better health outcomes. Since 2002, Rotary has trained more than 1,200 peace fellows to promote peace around the world.

• Largest civic club contributor to The Miracle League Field at Luman Harris Park • Provided playground equipment for The Miracle League Playground • Provided signage for The Miracle League facilities

The Rotary Club of North Jefferson’s work doesn’t stop at the Gardendale city limits. They are also a contributor and volunteer provider to North Alabama Rotary District’s only District Project, supporting Children’s of Alabama’s Critical Care Transport team. With the North Jefferson Club’s help, Rotary Clubs of North Alabama have raised over one million dollars to support this team of medical professionals as they transport the most critically ill and injured children from remote medical facilities back to Children’s of Alabama.

THE GLOBAL WORK OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH JEFFERSON

•

The Rotary Club of North Jefferson is always welcoming new members to join their cause. They meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at noon at the Gardendale Civic Center. Call the current president of the Rotary Club of North Jefferson, Carol Rawding Stewart, at (205) 540-5288 to reserve your spot at the next meeting. You’ll meet fantastic people, hear moving ideas and get a delicious lunch!

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Check ups are essential T h e s u n ' s r a y s a r e a t t h e i r s t r o n g e s t b e t w e e n 1 0 A . M t o 4 P . M . A v o i d t h e s e h o u r s !

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These Rotarians lead all the Rotary Clubs in North America during their years as District Governors, meaning Gardendale played a big part in the overall work of Rotary International. During their tenure as District Governors, they helped fund global grants to restore schools, provide polio vaccines, and purchase hospital equipment. Thanks to an ambitious combined effort by the Rotary Club of Birmingham, UAB, the Rotary Club of Colombo (Sri Lanka), and the Sri Lankan government, Rotary aims to eradicate cervical cancer caused by HPV from the country of Sri Lanka.

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A few of their other global accomplishments include: Dug a well and provided water filtration systems to a Miskito Indian village in Nicaragua Provided first aid materials to a village in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake Provided water filtration systems to villages and a school in Haiti Furnished a sewing lab and conducted training in Haiti to create economic growth in the area Built a bathhouse with toilet facilities near a school in Haiti

[ 12 ] Gardendale magazine / Nonprofit / Fun in the Sun W I T H O U T T H E D A M A G E S u n g l a s s e s p r o t e c t y o u r e y e s f r o m d a m a g i n g U V r a y s t h a t c a n c a u s e c a t a r a c t s . Love your eyes by wearing sunglasses Y o u r s k i n i s y o u r l a r g e s t o r g a n , s o t a k e c a r e o f i t G e t r e g u l a r c h e c k u p s w i t h y o u r d e r m a t o l o g y p r o v i d e r !

Limit sun exposure A n y t a n o r b u r n m e a n s s u n d a m a ge , a n d s u n d a m a g e c a n l e a d t o s k i n c a n c e r !

Always wear SPF 2 0 5 . 8 7 7 . 9 7 7 3 | v i l l a g e d e r m a t o l o g y . n e t M o u n t a i n B r o o k | O n e o n t a | G a r d e n d a l e

•

There's no such thing as a "safe" tan E v e n w h e n i t l o o k s o v e r c a s t o u t s i d e , u p t o 8 0 % o f t h e s u n ' s r a y s s t i l l g e t a b s o r b e d b y y o u r s k i n .

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Gardendale magazine [ 13 ]

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

CITY OF GARDENDALE

“They told me it was rare to get cancer in a transplanted kidney, but if there was any good to come out of this, you may have saved your brother’s life,” Jeff said. “This tumor manifesting and getting it out, there is a good chance that if it had stayed in his body it could have spread to other organs and kept going.” That optimistic outlook on life isn’t by chance. It’s a decision he makes everyday to be grateful for what he has been given and take nothing for granted. He is also quick to thank God for all the opportunities he has had. “You notice I talk about God?” Jeff asked. “It’s because he’s been so good to me. God’s a waymaker. He’s made a way for me where there didn’t seem to be a way. I’ve been able to work and continue my lifestyle, attend church and my activities through it all. So I’m very passionate about the grace of God and how good he is. And, like I said, he’s a waymaker,

Jeff Holliyan has served the City of Gardendale for the last four decades as a public works employee and eventually, as head of the entire department.

A Servant’s Heart

Story by Rachel Davis Karr Who would say they are grateful they were diagnosed with kidney cancer and having to do dialysis three times a week? A man who has spent his entire life serving those around him, apparently.

// Continued on Page 14//

Several years ago, Holliyan was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder that had destroyed his kidneys. That meant he needed a kidney transplant to continue to live a normal life. Jeff’s brother, Jason, stepped up in 2008 and gave his brother one of his kidneys. All went well until January of this year, when Jeff went to the doctor and they found a tumor on his transplanted kidney.

While Jeff had to give up his dream of playing professional sports, he turned that drive to his work.

[ 14 ] Gardendale magazine / Feature / he’s going to send somebody who is willing to be a kidney donor, and I’m going to get another kidney.” Growing up in Mt. Olive and Gardendale, Jeff never thought he would be a city employee. In fact, he had his sights set on the Major Leagues, but eventually real life set in and he landed a job in his hometown. In 1982, Jeff was hired as a general laborer in the city’s public works department. At the time, the services provided looked very different than they do today.

“One big change is our growth in the city and our areas of responsibility and areas we were not used to maintaining, like we started leaf vacuum service back several years ago, and that’s become a standard. Back years ago, the city didn’t do that, Jeff explained.

“I’m very competitive. I think I find myself competitive in my job too, to do the best. It’s like I tell my guys, ‘there’s a lot of eyes and ears out there when you work for the public, but what I want you guys to do is, if someone wants to report something about this department, all they can do is report how well you’re doing, not how bad you are or how you slipped up or how you should have done this or that. Strive to be the best. Strive to make the grounds of this city and your work environment to look just like you would like your house to look.’”

“Back years ago, when I started, and the winter weather was bad, we would get our dump trucks and load them with what we call “ice rock” in those trucks. We would stand up in the back of the trucks with a shovel and spread it out going down the road while someone else was driving us. Which is so dangerous.

“Of course now, we have sand trucks. Back years ago, we used to patch holes with just a shovel and a tam and we don’t have that anymore. We do all that with our trucks that carry the material and have all the mechanized equipment. So technology has been a big change for public works over the years.”

// Continued

“When I started there were no cell phones, it was just two-way radio communication and, if I had something I needed to say to you, everybody in the department heard it,” he explained. “It was not one-on-one communication and a lot of times it was hit and miss whether we were able to communicate at all, but we found a way.”

Another big change has been the advent of cell phones

In 2004, Jeff was named the head of the department when his former supervisor retired to run for city council. By then, the other city employees had become family to him. During his tenure, he has worked for four administrations, Bill Noble, Kenny Clemmons, Othell Phillips and now Stan Hogeland. from Page 13

// // Continued on Page 15//

“I’ve been fortunate enough to help people rejoin their keepsakes and valuables,” he said.

Butsaid.this administration has been extra special for him. He and Mayor Stan Hogeland have worked together for the entire four decades.

Over the years, he looked for items that people lost like wedding rings, baby rings or an earring that was sentimental.

As for hobbies, Jeff says his favorite is boring to some, but has kept him interested over the years.

“Everybody has different personalities, but I always tried my very best to be the best servant I could to that administration,” Holliyan

“I enjoy treasure hunting with a metal detector,” Jeff said. “I’ve been involved in that hobby for about 30 years. I’ll take my machine that’s got all the bells and whistles on it and I’ll go to an old area to search. I’ll look for old coins and relics and jewelry. I’ve been fortunate over the years.”

He’s found coins, one gold coin, some jewelry and other oddities.

Check ups are essential T h e s u n ' s r a y s a r e a t t h e i r s t r o n g e s t b e t w e e n 1 0 A . M t o 4 P . M . A v o i d t h e s e h o u r s ! Limit sun exposure A n y t a n o r b u r n m e a n s s u n d a m a ge , a n d s u n d a m a g e c a n l e a d t o s k i n c a n c e r !

And once he gets his new kidney transplant, he also may look at ways to reenter the workforce. “I’m not closing the door on employment,” Jeff said. “I’m dealing with some health issues right now, but when I get all that straightened out, I just still feel I’m too young to hang it completely up. So if God opens another window of opportunity, I’ll certainly be looking at it.”

W I T H O U T T H E D A M A G E

/ Feature / // Continued from Page 14 //

There's no such thing as a "safe" tan E v e n w h e n i t l o o k s o v e r c a s t o u t s i d e , u p t o 8 0 % o f t h e s u n ' s r a y s s t i l l g e t a b s o r b e d b y y o u r s k i n . Always wear SPF 2 0 5 . 8 7 7 . 9 7 7 3 | v i l l a g e d e r m a t o l o g y . n e t M o u n t a i n B r o o k | O n e o n t a | G a r d e n d a l e

Hogeland was director of the park and recreation department for years before running for council and, eventually, mayor. “Stan and I have literally known each other most of our lives,” Jeff said. ”So I look at him today and think about when he was park director and we were working with each other on different projects–maybe it was a public works or park project, but we were working together and filling in the gaps. It’s gonna be tough not seeing Stan on a regular basic, because for 40+ years, I have seen him on a regular basis. That’s one person that, through the years, I’ve developed that relationship with, and he’ll be a friend for life.”

Fun Sun S u n g l a s s e s p r o t e c t y o u r e y e s f r o m d a m a g i n g U V r a y s t h a t c a n c a u s e c a t a r a c t s . Love your eyes by wearing sunglasses Y o u r s k i n i s y o u r l a r g e s t o r g a n , s o t a k e c a r e o f i t G e t r e g u l a r c h e c k u p s w i t h y o u r d e r m a t o l o g y p r o v i d e r !

in the

After four decades of public service, Holliyan isn’t sure what he will do with his free time, but he has a few ideas.

“I was telling someone this morning, when you do something for 40 years, it becomes a habit. I am so happy that God chose me to be a public servant, to serve people,” he said. “It’s going to be tough, because I love my job and I love the people I work with so changing and getting away from that and beginning a new chapter in my life is gonna be a challenge. I have hobbies and things that I enjoy doing so I’m going to think about Jeff a little bit and kind of relax for a while.”

[ 16 ] Gardendale magazine

Basketball Camps

Skinology Ribbon Cutting Skinology hosted its official ribbon cutting in June. The business is located at 2722 Mt. Olive Road. For more information, see their ad on page 29.

James Spann

Dynamic Discs Iron City hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce their official opening in the community.

The Gardendale Civic Center hosted week-long camps for local boys and girls who wanted to learn the sport of basketball, sharpen their skills or just have fun and be active.

The wizard of weather. The clairvoyant of climate. The predictor of precipitation. The legend himself, James Spann, was at the Civic Center today for a library program and the kids dressed the part, complete with ties and suspenders!

Dynamic Discs Ribbon Cutting

/ Happenings /

The World Games brought people from all over the world to the area. Locally several teams were spotted around town and the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce and Dynamic Discs Iron City hosted a meal for the USA Ultimate Frisbee Team at the Gardendale Soccer Club.

Volunteers Stuffed

World Games Visitors

Gardendale magazine [ 17 ] / Happenings /

More Than 1,000 bags

Volunteers helped the Chamber of Commerce pack more than 1,000 bags with convenience items for the visitors of the World Games.

As his proudest accomplishment in his career so far, Brennen recently performed as //

Continued on Page 19 // / Feature /

Brennen plays an active role in Red Mountain Theatre and Corner Theatre Academy. His first ever role was a bat in Snow White, but as his skills have increased, so have his roles. He recently played Daddy Warbucks in Red Mountain Theatre’s performance of Annie Jr.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Gardendale teen taking the stage by storm

Story by Anna Wilt

At just 16 years old, Brennen Foy already has a list of accomplishments on his resume.

As a violist, pianist, vocalist and actor—there’s not much in the art world that he isn’t willing to try.

[ 18 ] Gardendale magazine

Open to the Public:

Friedrich in The Sound of Music at the Virginia Samford Theatre in a sold-out show. This has been his dream ever since he watched the movie as a child. After auditioning for the position, he got a callback and his first professional job! Brennen named his mother as one of his most influential role models, “I always go to my mom for advice—and a ride.” He also named Kristen Campbell, a Trussville native, as one of his greatest inspirations. Her background includes touring with Broadway as a teenager, and she performed in The Sound of Music along with Brennen. She has been a great resource, providing guidance and advice about the industry. Last, but certainly not least, Brennen thanks his voice teacher, Dewin Tibbs, for his help and influence.

CONSIGNMENTSALE

Gardendale magazine [ 19 ]

In his free time, Brennen shares his musical talents as a violinist at Gardendale First Baptist Church. His artistic talents aren’t just limited to performing—he enjoys drawing, painting, and sketching. As a new uncle, Brennen also enjoys spending time with his niece and helps take care of her a few times a week. Brennen is looking to the future like most teenagers. With his many talents, he’s unsure if he wants to pursue a career in musical theatre or strictly voice. He says, “I love dancing and musical theatre, but I think it would be so cool to study the voice and how it works.” He does know that he will continue performing in some capacity.

KingdomKidsConsignment.commore!805CrestDrive,Gardendale ALL PROFITS SUPPORT MISSIONS

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GNIKDOMKIDS

“I just like to entertain people and make them smile… That’s what I’m meant to do.” If you’d like to support Brennen in his upcoming performances, you can catch him as the Baker in Into the Woods Jr. this October at Red Mountain Theatre.

CONSIGNMENTSPRING&SUMMERSALE

SUMMER

Open to the Public:

Thursday, March 10 -- 8am-7pm Friday, March 11 -- 8am-5pm Saturday, March 12 -- 7am-noon (many items discounted 50%)

Featuring gently-used children’s clothing size newborn to “big kid” 18, children’s shoes (all sizes), bikes, toys, games, puzzles, baby equipment, costumes, and so much more! 805KingdomKidsConsignment.comCrestDrive,Gardendale

Featuring gently-used children’s clothing size newborn to “big kid” 18, children’s shoes up to “big kid” 9, baby equipment, bikes, sports equipment, toys, games, puzzles, and

ALL PROFITS SUPPORT MISSIONS // Continued from Page 18 //

/ Feature / A look at the next football Maroonseason&Gray

Chad Eads is excited as he enters his fifth season as Gardendale High School’s head coach. This year’s team is young. Eads said, in fact, of his 90+ players, 65-70 are freshmen or sophomores, but he is optimistic about the young talent and confident in his Lastveterans..year’sfootball season ended in a thrilling overtime loss in the quarterfinals to Clay-Chalkville, the eventual state champions. But, for the coach, it was one of his most exciting games.

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In fact, the players have been hard at work

“I guess it’s strange to admit this as a coach, but my two games that I think were the most thrilling games I’ve ever coached in, where the momentum changed over and over and you’re just proud of the way the boys played, both have been losses in my career,” Eads laughed. “One was at Hoover, and the other was that one last year. It was just a back and forth and I was just really proud how the kids played, and things just didn’t quite go our way. But that was a game that showed our kids they could play with the really good teams in the state.”

“Every year we try to schedule a larger team early in the season,” Eads explained. “I think it kinda helps kids if you play an opponent like that early in the season. When they know they have a really good opponent, they take the summer and August a little more seriously.”

PHOTOS BY RON HARRIS

The game also gave Eads a chance to measure his team’s improvement over the season. An earlyseason loss to Clay-Chalkville in 2021 could have intimidated the team in the postseason, but instead they were able to stay in the game, take them into overtime and come close to beating the eventual state champions. “I was proud of the way they came back to play someone a second time that had beat you pretty bad,” Eads said.

This year, Eads is hoping to open with another exciting game at James Clemens and a home opener with Calhoun, Georgia.

Gardendale magazine [ 21 ] / Feature /

“Our quarterback is probably the best athlete in the school,” Eads said. “I compare him to Will Crowder who was here a couple of years ago and is now at West Virginia. Will is a little better thrower and Tyler is a better runner. If we could combine the two, we’d have an NFL quarterback. Tyler is a great leader and his arm improves everyday. He’s going to help us with his athletic ability. He’s the one that if a play goes bad, he can make it be real good in a hurry.”

Through the summer and early season, Eads said they will still be working on who fits best into linebacker and kicker roles. But, ultimately, Eads thinks one of the biggest strengths for the 2022 season is on the other side of the ball.

// Continued

“I think our strengths of the team will be our defensive line, there are a couple of returning starters,” Eads said.

[ 22 ] Gardendale magazine every morning, starting at 6:30 a.m. The early workouts have helped forge the bond between the newcomers and Eads’ senior leaders.

Eads is excited to have senior Kedrick Storey back after the running back suffered an injury late last season.

// Continued

The offensive line will also be a strength this year, according to Eads, although three of last year’s starters graduated and have been replaced with “Isophomores.thinkitwill take a little time for them to get some experience, but I think they’re talented kids,” Eads said. “They are still a very young group, but I like the way they practice and play.”

Kelby Collins is one of the biggest reasons for the coach’s optimism. Collins is the most decorated player from this year’s squad. He has received offers to numerous schools all over the country and has now narrowed it to his top five. on Page 23// from Page 21//

As quarterback, Tyler Nelson often feels the weight of a game on his shoulders, but Eads said the capable young man wears that responsibility well.

Some of the veteran players that Eads expects to rely on include quarterback Tyler Nelson, linebacker Gilmore, center Lawson Hughes, running back Kedrick Storey and defensive end Kelby Collins.

“I think that’s what I’m most proud of our coaching staff for,” Eads said. “It’s not always just football, when they walk through the office they don’t get jumped on about the mistake they made yesterday. We correct the mistake and the next day, they’re just a kid again. I think that’s a comfortable way for a kid to play sports, if he knows he can come in and the coach might make a joke with him or talk about something serious, but something beside football.”

“Kelby is a fourth-year starter,” Eads said. “He is highly-recruited, but he is also a good kid from a good family.”

“I think Gardendale has a chance to be the next great place for high school sports,” Eads said. “I don’t think everybody realizes that. It’s the area of town where young families can afford to live. They can move here, buy a house, have kids and still afford to do the things in life they want to do. There aren’t many places left around Birmingham where you can afford to do that as a young couple. With the new ballpark coming and the community growing at a good, steady pace, I think it’s the next place to be really good at a lot of things.”

Chad GardendaleEads, High School’s head football coach

Eads has four new coaches joining him on the sidelines this year, but his son and offensive coordinator, William Eads, will be one of those returning. The grueling summer training schedule has helped the players bond with each other as well as the coaching staff.

Overall, Eads said he and his family have settled into Gardendale and he is looking forward to this season and future seasons as the city and area continue to blossom.

“Our secondary has been really good for several years at Gardendale,” Eads said. “That’s been a strong point for us and I think will continue to be this year.”

Gardendale magazine [ 23 ]

“It’s not always just football, when they walk through the office they don’t get jumped on about the mistake they made yesterday. We correct the mistake and the next day, they’re just a kid again. I think that’s a comfortable way for a kid to play sports, if he knows he can come in and the coach might make a joke with him or talk about something serious, but something beside football.”

While Eads’ main focus is always his team and what happens on the field, he isn’t blind to the impact the community support has on his program. Through donations and fundraising, Eads said players can work it out to have all their playing needs met. That’s no small task, given that the cost for each player can exceed $1,200 a year. In addition to financial support, Eads said the feeling inside the stadium when the city is there supporting them is unlike anything else.

2022 Schedule 8/19: @ James Clemens 8/26: Calhoun 9/2: Mortimer Jordan 9/17: @ Parker 9/23: @ Austin 9/30: Jackson-Olin 10/7: @ Minor 10/14: Woodlawn 10/21: @ Mountain Brook 10/27: Hueytown

// Continued from Page 22//

“Just being at the games and creating the atmosphere around the game, it’s an exciting environment and each of those things add to the success of it,” Eads said. “If our kids come on the field and there is a big crowd and it’s loud, there’s something neat about that on Friday nights.”

The other defensive end is Caiden Combs, a two-sport athlete who has already committed to Auburn University to play baseball, even though he is only a sophomore. Including Collins and Combs, the defense returns five starters.

Jake Welshans was honored by Snow Rogers Elementary for having perfect attendance for the 2021-2022 school year.

[ 24 ] Gardendale magazine / School News /

Bragg Volleyball spent part of the summer working with UAB coaches and players to improve their game during camps. Rock, Paper, Scissors Champion Elise Hatfield was named Snow Rogers’ Rock, Paper, Scissors Champion.

Bragg Volleyball Camp

The Church of the Highlands had one group that spent Serve Day at Gardendale Elementary School painting, landscaping and getting the school ready for students. The city of Gardendale also stepped in and restriped the parking lot and carline.

Gardendale Elementary

Perfect Attendance

Gardendale magazine [ 25 ] Healing Touch Caregivers (205) 281-7828 | HealingTouchCaregiver Providing non-medical in-home care: - meal preparation - housekeeping - transportation - light exercise assistance - social interactions Call for a consultation and more details! Compassionate care for those who need it most Kemp’ s Kitchen & Bakery (205) 608 8125 608 Odum Rd, Gardendale Teachers say goodbye for the summer Snow Rogers’ teachers had breakfast together before they all set out for summer break. They are all back and ready to start the new school year now. / School News /

Love ofTHE GAME For the

Story and photos by Rachel Davis Karr Gerald Watkins loves baseball. Even as a little boy, growing up in Fultondale and Gardendale, he was obsessed with the sport.

“I started loving baseball as young as I can remember,” Watkins said. “I used to do all my reports on baseball players, and I played baseball all through high school. I played softball and played in some men’s leagues, and went to the New York Yankees fantasy camp.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

When Watkins found himself working in the banking world, his company encouraged him to get involved in the community, and he knew just where he wanted to get involved.

“I enjoy coming out here,” Watkins said. “ I enjoy spending time with the people and the park, and it’s just a dream job, actually. I’ve stayed involved in baseball at a lot of levels all through my adult life and this was kind of a natural thing for me to be involved at Rickwood. So not only do I get to spend time here, I get to spend time with other baseball fans and not only people who are fans now, but helping to create new fans. One of the things I do that’s one of the fun parts of my day, when younger people come out here, I will take an 80-year-old baseball glove out and toss the ball around with them so they can see what it’s like to play

“In the early 90s, there was a group being formed called ‘The Friends of Rickwood Field,’ so I joined that, probably in about ‘96,” Watkins explained. “In 2006, I became chairman of the board of the foundation–Friends of Rickwood.”

At the end of 2020, Watkins retired from his job. At the same time, the executive director who ran Rickwood’s day-to-day left the position. In the middle of the pandemic, Watkins offered to just run the historic stadium’s operations until they found someone to fill the position. Neither he nor the board have looked back.

Gardendale magazine [ 27 ] / Feature /

// Continued on Page 28 //

[ 28 ] Gardendale magazine

// Continued

Rickwood’s storied history winds through the history of the game, the city and even the Civil Rights Movement. In the first half of 2022, the park already hosted visitors from 24 states and seven foreign countries.

And the people are really the thing that make Rickwood so rewarding for Watkins every day.

“My favorite thing about Rickwood is meeting the people that come out here and being able to share the story of America’s Oldest Ballpark, right here in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s a real thrill to be able to meet people from all over the country, and even foreign countries, and talk to them about baseball history, about Birmingham history and talk to them about our ballpark.”

with a glove that was made in the ‘40s. That’s a lot of fun for them, but it’s as much fun for me as it is for them.”

// Continued

“A lot of people come to town and go to the Civil Rights Museum and the 16th Ave. Baptist Church, and they’ll come here too because this ballpark’s history is rich with Negro Leagues, as well as the Birmingham Barons and other people who have played here,” Watkins said. “So many people come here as part of a civil rights tour.”

Rickwood Field was built in 1910 by Rick Woodward, who owned Woodward Iron and the Birmingham Barons. His Barons team played at Rickwood from 1910 to 1961, when they left due to segregation issues. Meanwhile the Birmingham Black Barons played at Rickwood from 1920 until 1962, when the Negro League was dissolved. The Barons returned to Rickwood a on Page 29 // from Page 27 //

few times after that, as the Birmingham A’s from 1964 to 1976 and again as the Barons from 1981 until 1987. During those years, more than 180 Baseball Hall of Famers played in the stadium, including household names like Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Satchel Paige. The park has also hosted three major movie products. The first, “Cobb” was a 1994 movie that starred Tommy Lee Jones. Watkins said the production of that movie saved the park from demolition. In 1996 a film about the Negro Leagues was filmed in the park. That movie is called “Soul of the Game.” The most recent movie to film in the park was “42,” about the life of Jackie Robinson. There have also been numerous documentaries, commercials and online photos and videos shot at the park. The park is also available for rent for corporate events, parties and a wedding is even scheduled for next year. Some high schools play at the field and Miles College plays its home games at Rickwood. The money from these rentals helps supplement the money from grants and private donors, as well as money donated by companies and the City of Birmingham. Friends of Rickwood also sells memorabilia and gift items at the park and online at rickwood.com. Other events give the public a chance to come see the park in all its glory–recently the largest event ever at the ballpark, The Savannah Bananas World Tour, drew almost 10,000 people to Rickwood.

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“We didn’t have time to get them done in order to have The Classic in 2022, so we have the potential to have it come back in 2023.”Watkins explained. “We think we have the funding to do those things. They aren’t major, but they are things that are necessary for fan and player safety, and we are fully in agreement that they need to be done. We will try to have that done in order to schedule it for next year.”

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“The biggest challenge is the age of the park,” Watkins said. “Because it’s 112 years old, things go wrong, things break, things wear out. The biggest challenge is keeping it operable. You can have a little plumbing glitch, electrical problem, all the time, wood rots, steel gets rusted, but the park is structurally sound and we just address the problems as they come up. But our biggest challenge is just keeping the park open and in good shape.”

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// Continued from Page 28 //

Along with the improvements, Watkins, the foundation and the grounds crew all work to ensure the oldest ballpark in America stays up and running for future generations of fans.

Watkins hopes to bring them back. There will also likely be a Home Run Derby in October featuring former major league players.

The namesake event, The Rickwood Classic, was an annual tradition for so many in the area, but had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID. During that time, the Major Leagues took over the Minor Leagues and asked the park to make some improvements to ensure the ballpark met modern safety standards.

Equipment: Cheese grater 1 tablespoon softened butter or whipped butter in a tub 2 slices thick-cut white bread ( I used Sara Lee Artesan) 1 ounce block Cheddar cheese (to shred yourself) or 1/3 cup pre-shredded or a 1-ounce slice of cheese ... or two) 1 (1-ounce) slice Monterey Jack cheese or other cheese

Tip: To soften stick butter quickly, microwave 8 seconds on one side, turn, then microwave 8 seconds and you have perfectly softened butter to spread. It’s fine to refrigerate the remaining stick until ready to use again.

It is best after standing for 30 minutes to an hour, but I haven’t been able to wait that long, yet!

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.

1 cup chicken broth or stock In a blender, process the tomatoes until pureed. Or, in a large saucepan, use an immersion blender to puree the tomatoes. Add the brown sugar, basil, and oil and process until smooth.

Slowly add the chicken broth and simmer the mixture in the large saucepan 10 minutes.

While the first slice of bread is starting to brown, the cheese will just begin to melt on the underside. This should take 2 or 3 minutes. Meanwhile, butter the other slice of bread with the remaining butter.

Prep Time: 3 mins / Cook Time: 4 mins / Total Time: 7 mins

1 slice thick Italian or country-style bread crusts removed (about ½ cup pieces of bread)

Note:Notes

Tear the slice of bread into several pieces and add it to the tomato mixture. If you don’t have thick slices, just use two slices of thin bread. Process until the bread is blended.

Cook it 1 minute or until that side is golden brown.

Place the second slice of bread. Gently lift a corner of the bottom slice of bread with a spatula. When it is golden brown, slip the flat spatula under the sandwich. Flip the sandwich over. It’s ok to use your hand or another spatula to gently hold the top slice of bread down if you are nervous about flipping it.

2 14.5 oz cans fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained 1 teaspoon brown sugar

You might be able to eliminate an ingredient if you can find fireroasted tomatoes with basil already in the tomatoes.

Crispy, buttery slices of toasty bread on the outside, loads of melty cheese goodness on the inside is how I’d describe my Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This is my version of the classic lunchtime cheesy sandwich.

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Get creative with different flavors of canned, diced tomatoes. Some already contain olive oil and herbs, saving you an ingredient or two.

The bread thickens the tomato mixture. It is an Tuscan soup called Pappa al Pomodoro- I’ve just made a shortcut version with canned tomatoes. You can substitute one can of diced tomatoes with herbs for one can of fire roasted and eliminate the dried basil so you don’t have to add an extra ingredient.

1/4 teaspoon dried basil or 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

It will not be perfectly smooth but it will be perfectly yummy.

/ Recipe of the Month /

[ 30 ] Gardendale magazine

GRILLED CHEESE

SHORTCUT TOMATO AND BREAD SOUP

Prep Time: 5 mins / Cook Time: 10 mins / Total Time: 15 mins

AnyNOTEScombination of about 2 ounces shredded, pre-shredded, or slice cheese can be used. Part of the shortcut is using what you have on hand in your pantry.

First, gather the bread, cheese, and butter on the counter. Turn on the stovetop burner on medium-low and let a heavy skillet start to preheat. Shred the cheese onto a paper plate (for easy clean up or serve the sandwich on it later). This will literally take just 30 seconds. Spread half of the soft butter on one side of one slice of bread. By this time, the skillet should be hot enough to toast the bread, but not too hot. Place the slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and slice of cheese, if using, on top of the bread.

Author Spotlight

Gardendale Farmers Market

The Gardendale Public Library will host an Author’s Spotlight on August 12 at 10:30 a.m. for our author Jacquelin Danielle, who wrote “Evolve Healthy.” “Danielle’s platform and her book empower healthy lifestyle practices with food, movement and a mindset that breeds conscious action for change.”

The Gardendale Civic Center will host the third Thursday Food Truck Night again this year. Events will be held on September 8. The food trucks will be set up at the Civic Center by 5 p.m. and the event will run through 8 p.m. There will be live entertainment.

The Gardendale Farmers Market is held every Thursday through September from noon until 4 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center.

Every Thursday and Saturday

Food Truck Night

Chamber of Commerce Meeting

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting will be held August 11 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Gardendale Civic Center. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Birthday Party

The Gardendale Civic Center will host the third Thursday Food Truck Night again this year. The event will be held on August 11. The food trucks will be set up at the Civic Center by 5 p.m. and the event will run through 8 p.m. There will be live entertainment.

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting will be held September 8 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Gardendale Civic Center. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Gardendale magazine [ 31 ] / Calendar /

Food Truck Night

Chamber of Commerce Meeting

The Kermit E. Dooley Gardendale Historical Museum will resume normal hours and will be open to the public every Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 35th Birthday and they want you to come help celebrate from 6-8 p.m. on August 23 at the Civic Center. The attire is casual, but 80s attire is encouraged. There will be networking, games, door prizes and more.

[ 32 ] Gardendale magazine We make people feel better.™ norwoodclinic.com(205)250-6000 AfterFULTONDALEHoursCare Natasha Workman, CRNP (205) 250-6424 339 Walkers Chapel Plz., Ste. 115 Fultondale Internal Medicine Dr. Doug Alford Troy Henderson, CRNP (205) 849-9811 1604 Stouts Rd. Imaging (205) 250-6830 339 Walker Chapel Plz., Ste. 101 Plaza Internal Medicine Dr. Kelli Grinder (205) 250-6400 339 Walker Chapel Plz., Ste. 115 AlabamaBIRMINGHAMNeurological Surgery and Spine Dr. Robert Robinson Dr. Blake Pearson Dr. Walter Haynes Dr. Elizabeth Kuhn Wendy Conner, CRNP Analyn Blair, CRNP (205) 250-6805 3535 Grandview Pkwy., Bldg. 1, Ste. 150 Bariatric and Robotic General Surgery Dr. Andrew DeWitt (205) 502-4400 2660 10th Ave. S., POB I, Ste. 222 Brookwood Clinic Dr. Mark Adams Dr. Walter Dunn Jenna Bosch, CRNP (205) 250-8100 513 Brookwood Blvd., Medical Office D, Ste. 200 General Surgery Dr. Raleigh Kent III (205) 250-6068 513 Brookwood Blvd., Medical Office D, Ste. 200 Ophthalmology Dr. John Owen (205) 250-6042 One Independence Dr., Ste. 700 Pulmonology Dr. Karl Schroeder (205) 250-8910 3570 Grandview Pkwy., Ste. 100 GardendaleGARDENDALEClinic Dr. Fred Patton Dr. Elizabeth Carstensen (205) 631-5671 527 Fieldstown Rd., Ste. C Gardendale Primary Care Dr. Gilbert Douglas IV Emily Snider, CRNP (205) 631-0055 313 Fieldstown Rd., Ste. 103 North Gardendale Primary Care Dr. Alan Hanley (205) 631-2124 2650 Decatur Hwy.

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