Kicks
GHS boys, girls soccer teams
(MORE THAN) prepare for season
HEADED TO MISS ALABAMA Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Teen moves on
PAGE 20 PAGE 30
Our interview with new GHS football coach Eric Firestone PLUS:
Magnolia
Every story that appears in these pages has a different path to us, some we seek out, some we stumble upon and others come to us. This issue is filled with stories that came to us–Brandi Brunson called about getting Gardendale soccer into the magazine, someone let us know that Brooklyn Cheek, Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Teen, was headed to the state pageant as a competitor for the first time and many of the briefs and smaller news items were sent in by local parents, teachers, businesses and city leaders. The way the city has embraced this magazine as an avenue to tell the positive stories of the people and activities in this community has been amazing to see. I spent my first five years in Gardendale as a news reporter, covering the good and, all too often, the bad things happening in the area, but as I approach the ten-year mark for writing stories here in Gardendale, I’m happy I get to focus on all the positive things happening in the city and the neighbors and friends I’ve made along the way.
Keep those story ideas coming–you can also email any ideas, news items or anything else to me, and I will do my best to find a place for them in our magazine or on our social media. We appreciate you and all the love you have shown us over the years as we have told your stories in these pages.
Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director
/ 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.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
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
the cover of
On
the February issue are some of the stars of the Gardendale soccer varsity teams as they gear up to start their season.
Photo by Heather Warden, Warden Photography
Contentment
Contentment: Being in a state of peaceful happiness and satisfaction.
Man, that sounds wonderful. I’m not sure I’ve quite found that state, but it sounds wonderful nonetheless.
on a street like this, with a yard in the back for you,” I’d tell my Jack Russell. “Then, I’ll be content.”
Today, almost 20 years later, I’m walking a different dog, down a similar street, living out what I pictured back then. But as I walk, I still think of goals I’m chasing and have thoughts of “when we aren’t paying for day care, we will do this…” and “when I have more time, I can do that…and then I’ll be content.”
I think we are all chasing contentment in some way. I know I am. I yearn to be satisfied and at ease. I hope that at some point in my life, after I’ve checked all the boxes and done all the things, that I’ll be parked on a lake pier somewhere, rocking my chair in contentment. I hope the wind is in my face and I’m thinking of how good fortune and hard work have led to a life well lived. I sure hope that’s how it plays out, anyhow.
But, why wouldn’t I be content now, instead of in the future? My kids are healthy. We have food on the table. I have a house to call home. A family. Some good friends. I have transportation to a job that isn’t too bad. I have a good dog that listens to me talk. The American Dream, right?
Yet, I find myself searching for the next thing most of the time. The next project for our house. The next exciting addition to our lot. The next vacation. The next opportunity. The next challenge. I’ll finally reach the peak of something I’ve worked so hard for, and, shortly after, I’ll want to go just a little further, or make something just a little better.
When I was about to start nursing school, I had a little one-bedroom apartment that I could barely make the rent on. It was nice enough and it was safe, but it was lacking so much that I envisioned for my future. When I wanted to take my dog for a walk, I would drive over to a nice, quiet neighborhood, and stroll down the street. I’d pass neat and tidy houses, with trees that I didn’t know the names of. Swings would be on porches, wreaths on doors, and bicycles left in driveways. It was the American Dream.
“When I get married, I am going to have kids in a house like that,
Some days, I’ll sit down on my porch and watch my kids play in the yard, and I’ll get a sweet glimpse of contentment. I really am happy and fulfilled, honestly. But then, I’m right back after whatever thing needs to be done or planned. I guess I just don’t like to be stagnant. And as a mom, we are all just really busy tending to everyone. But even more than that, maybe it’s just human nature—our desire to constantly move forward. To improve. To better our situation for ourselves and the ones who depends on us. I don’t really think that’s a bad thing, when I think of it like that. Maybe I need to focus less on the end goal and more on the journey. Because when I’m finally sitting in the rocking chair on the pier, the journey—with its struggles and its growth—will be all that’s left to think about. And surely then, I will be content.
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
Open to the Public:
Open to the Public:
Thursday, March 10 -- 8am-7pm
Thursday, February 27 -- 8am-7pm
Friday, March 11 -- 8am-5pm
Friday, February 28 -- 8am-6pm
Saturday, March 12 -- 7am-noon (many items discounted 50%)
Saturday, March 1 -- 7am-noon (many items discounted 50%)
Featuring gently-used children’s clothing size ne wborn to “big kid” 18, children’s shoes up to “big kid” 9, baby equipment, bikes, spor ts equipment, toys, games, puzzles, and more!
Featuring gently-used children’s clothing size ne wborn to “big kid” 18, children’s shoes (all sizes), baby equipment, bikes, spor ts equipment, toys, games, puzzles, and more!
805 Crest Drive, Gardendale
805 Crest Drive, Gardendale
Christmas Visions sets records
The annual Christmas Visions Program, sponsored by the Gardendale High School Student Council, set records in fundraising and number of children reached. The efforts at Gardendale Elementary School, Snow Rogers Elementary, Bragg Middle School and Gardendale High School, as well as community members, raised more than $50,000 and provided gifts for 272 students at 27 schools across Jefferson County.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARDENDALE SCHOOLS
More photos on pages 14 and 16
THE SKIN YOU’RE IN
Local, licensed estheticians offering a full lineup of services:
• facials, oncology facials
& NCEA Certified Esthetician, Permanent Makeup & Tattoo Artist
• waxing full body, and permanent hair removal
• Microdermabrasion
• Dermaplane
• Hydra facial
• VI peel
• Oncology, American, & Korean Facials
• Cryo therapy for weight loss or pain management
• Massages
• Permanent Makeup
• Microblading
• Procell aging service
• Weight Loss Inc. Injections
• Medical grade services
• Lash Extensions
• Plasma Lyft
• iS Clinical and Elta MD products available
• Full Body Waxing
• Procell, Vi Peel
(205) 567-8376
• IV Drips
• 4D Baby Sonars
• Sneak Peek Early Gender Reveal
Carla Heron, Owner
Total Dermatology
Welcomes Dr. Stephanie Ives
Total Dermatology is excited to announce that Stephanie Ives, MD, has joined our team of physicians. Dr. Stephanie Ives is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, and is proficient in treating patients of all ages. Originally from Decatur, Alabama, Dr. Ives graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama in 2014. She continued her medical training at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, where she graduated with magna cum laude and Alpha Omega Alpha honors in 2018. Dr. Ives completed her Dermatology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022, where she was selected to serve as Chief Resident during her final year of training. Dr. Ives has been practicing dermatology in Birmingham and Jasper for over two years, and during this time has served as a Board member of the Alabama Dermatology Society and as a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
“It is a privilege and a joy to help patients achieve their healthiest skin, and to work alongside patients to tailor a treatment plan that best fits their goals. I cannot wait to continue serving the community as a new member of the Total Dermatology team!”
Stephanie Ives, M.D.
To schedule an appointment, please visit totalskinandbeauty.com or call 205.933.0987.
D-BAT Opens in Gardendale
D-BAT is scheduled to open on February 3, after a year and half of work. DBAT stands for Developing Beliefs, Attitudes & Traditions.The baseball and softball training academy will be open to the public for memberships or per-visit fees.
“Our facility is going to be geared toward anybody of any team, any age, any type of player,” Derek Hallmark, one of the owners, said. “We don’t just want Cal Ripken Jr in here, we also want little Sally that it’s her first time holding her softball bat. We want everybody to have the option to have elite level training and also have a great facility that’s completely indoors and works as an asset for Bill Noble.”
The 21,000 square foot facility will feature 1-on-1 lessons, small group sessions, camps/clinics, and Rawlings Pro Shop with softball/baseball equipment. It will also offer a multi-purpose room for birthday parties, business team building events or corporate outings and 16 batting cages, including 4 state of the art pitching machine cages.
“It’s long overdue, but well worth the wait,” General Manager Marla Townsend said. “It’s going to make a difference in a lot of lives, but it’s going to make a difference in the level of play that schools are putting out there with the teams.”
The facility is offering special “Founders” memberships. Visit the Facebook page for more information. D-BAT Gardendale is located at 1309 Decatur Highway (in the public safety complex between Gardendale Police Department and RPS).
RE/MAX Northern Properties Hosts Grand Reopening
For Matt and Kayla Muncher, working side by side has been a defining part of their journey together. The Birmingham natives met in 2011 while working in sales at a local retailer, sparking not only a love story but also a shared passion for serving others. Now, as the new owners of RE/MAX Northern Properties in Gardendale, they’re blending their strengths to build on a 20-year legacy and lead the brokerage into an exciting new chapter. Matt began his real estate journey in December 2020 and quickly established himself as a top agent, closing over $25 million in real estate sales within three years. His wife, Kayla, joined him officially in May 2023, earning her license and stepping into the role of Licensed Transaction Coordinator. Together, they bring a unique blend of strengths to their business—Matt excelling in negotiations and sales, while Kayla shines in systems and operations.
“Just like in marriage, working together in business isn’t always easy,” Kayla admits. “But, at the end of every day, we’re stronger together. Our shared love for guiding people through both exciting and challenging seasons keeps us motivated to grow and serve.”
The Munchers purchased RE/MAX Northern Properties, which was founded in 2004, from former broker Cindy Mars in August 2024. Cindy’s leadership from 2019 to 2024 continued to establish the brokerage as a long-trusted name in the North Jefferson area, and Matt and Kayla are proud to inherit that legacy. “We’re so grateful to guide RE/MAX Northern Properties into the next 20 years,” Matt says. “It’s an honor to build on the legacy of service and connection that’s been built over the past two decades.”
The brokerage currently boasts 14 agents who each averaged 12 homes sold last year. But for Matt and Kayla, the success of RE/MAX Northern Properties isn’t just about numbers. “It’s about relationships, trust, and making an impact in our community,” Matt explains. “Ultimately, we want to make buying or selling a home less overwhelming and more rewarding, treating every client the way we’d want to be treated. More than that, we want to be an anchor in this community, living out the Kingdom values that guide us.” RE/MAX Northern Properties hosted a grand reopening on January 29.
Just for Kicks
Gardendale Soccer looks forward to season
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR, PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Coaches for both boys and girls varsity soccer teams at Gardendale High School are optimistic about the upcoming season, despite the fact that the teams are both very young.
“As far as this year goes, I’m expecting our varsity team to be very competitive,” girls coach, James Leeman, said. “We had a very young team last year–we had a lot of seventh, eighth and ninth graders on the varsity, so I’m expecting us to be more competitive this year as long as we can figure out how to score goals.”
“I believe one of our biggest strengths this season is our team chemistry,” boys coach, Miller Wood, said. “These guys love being around each other. We view ourselves as a family–we have our good days, we have our bad days, but at the end of the day we have each other’s back. We have team dinners, we have Christmas parties, we have guys playing FIFA almost every night with each other. We also have our Annual FIFA Tournament that is played every year in April (which gets quite competitive). Mario has won the past
// Continued on Page 22 //
FEBRUARY SAVINGS
BUY A CRAFTSMAN BATTERY AND CHARGER STARTER KIT ON SALE FOR $99 AND GET A SELECT CRAFTSMAN POWER TOOL FREE!
REWARDS MEMBERS SAVE $50 ON SELECT MILWAUKEE POWER TOOLS
REWARDS MEMBERS SAVE $50 ON SELECT DEWALT POWER TOOLS
SAVE $30 ON THE STIHL FS 56 RC-E AND FS 91 R
BUY A STIHL GTA 26 OR SEA 20 AND GET AN AS 2 BATTERY FREE
SAVE $40 ON THE ELECTRIC SOLAR SMART CAMERA BIRD FEEDER
FEBRUARY EVENT CALENDER
TUESDAYS: WASABI JUAN’S 11-3
THURSDAYS: GREEN TOP BBQ 11-3
FRIDAYS: D’S CRAZY DOGS 11-3
FEB 8TH: KICKIN COWBOY HOT DOGS 11-3
FEB 14TH: DIMPLES FLOWER TRUCK BOUQUETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
FEB 15TH: MERGED METALS POP UP SHOP 10-2 & PASTELES LA MORELIANA DESSERT TRUCK 11-3
FEB 22ND: HOMETOWN BOWLS 11-3
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS FOR UPDATES ON SALES AND EVENTS
*EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
// Continued from Page 20 //
three FIFA tournaments and looks to make it a perfect four for four this year.
“Another big strength of this team is our experience,” he continued. “We have nine returning starters this season and several other players who had supportive roles last season. We have a lot of experience, but we are still a young team. We have several players who played as freshmen and sophomores last season and hopefully, that year of experience will help them continue to grow and develop this season.”
The girls team will rely heavily on leaders like last year’s captain Carson Harper, who Leeman praised for her leadership qualities, as well as her athletic ability. He also said they will rely on veterans Kaydyn Wilson and Keondra Busbee. Leeman also had high praises for his
young players who are returning this year.
“Last year our two leading goal scorers were a seventh and an eighth grader [Kendyll Wilson and Tindel Holsomback], and my starting varsity keeper [Lainey Calloway] was a seventh grader,” Leeman said. “I’m just looking for continued growth in the program. We started on the right path last year, and now they’re all a year older, so I’m expecting to see that growth continue and hopefully that translates into more wins.”
After making it to the second round of the playoffs last year, Leeman is hopeful they will be successful again this year.
“I think our strength may be our weakness as well,” Leeman said. “We are a young team. We’ll only have three
// Continued on Page 24 //
// Continued from Page 22 //
seniors on the team this year. That could be a strength and a weakness. A lot of these girls have played for me in middle school so they know what I expect and what I want them to do, but the youth can also be a weakness, especially when you’re playing teams that are very juniorand senior-heavy. Overall, we should be in line to do well on the varsity this year.”
Wood looks to the four young men on the cover to lead the boys varsity: Mario Castro (senior), Jonathan Price (senior), Wyatt Chandler (junior) and Logan Stewart (sophomore).
“I consider all four of these athletes to be leaders on our team,” Wood said. “Mario and Jon have both been part of the program for four years. They have played a lot of
games and have been in the program for a long time so they do a great job transitioning in all the new players. Logan may only be a sophomore but he really stepped up as a leader last season (his freshmen year). We lost our captain the previous year to a season-ending knee injury and Logan really stepped up in a leadership role. Logan was at every practice, worked hard everyday, was the voice of encouragement, and was the loudest on the field during the games operating as our field general. Logan displayed all of the leadership qualities and characteristics throughout his high school soccer career so far and we are excited to see him continue growing as a player, leader on the field, and as a young man.
“We have several players I am excited to see perform this year: Mario Castro and Wyatt Chandler are two that standout. Mario and Wyatt are phenomenal players.
// Continued on Page 26 //
Mario provides an anchor for us on defense. He is talented on the ball and rarely, if ever, gets beaten by an opponent. I love Mario because he allows us to play out of the back with his superb passing ability.
“Wyatt is a blessing because of his goal scoring ability. We have had talented teams in the past but have always struggled to put balls in the back of the net. That changed when Wyatt got to GHS. Wyatt scored 23 goals his freshman year and 38 goals his sophomore year. Wyatt’s 38 goals last season broke the single season record for most goals scored in a season at Gardendale High School. Wyatt has incredible technical skills that make him difficult to defend and has great vision on the field to not only score goals but also set his teammates up for success.
“Mario and Wyatt stand out but we have so many other great and important players on our team. Jon Price has developed as a leader on our team throughout the course of his high school career. Jon is a versatile player that can play in several positions on the field. Jon started in the midfield last season and provided excellent passing range and hustle: doing a lot of the dirty work in the midfield.
“Logan Stewart is an important player for us. Logan is a talented player with a lot of skill and great leadership. After we wrapped up tryouts last season, it was obvious we needed to find a place on the field for Logan, even as a freshman. We had two veteran players that played in Logan’s natural position but we knew he needed to be on the field. We decided to put him in a new position in the midfield, and to me personally, the most important position/role on the field. Logan excelled at this new position. He became an important player for us. He helped us find balance with his superb ability to stop a counter attack and also facilitate an attack with his range of passing.
“Christopher Bean (junior) provides us with a lot of pace at wing and has excellent finishing ability (17 goals last season), and his crossing is phenomenal by providing 13 assists last season. Eli Parker (sophomore) led our line as the striker last year and provided 15 goals and 15 assists. Eli provides lots of energy and does a great job with pressing. Connor Thomas (junior) returns to us as the goalkeeper and he really performed well for us last year. Connor showed a lot of sacrifice last season, since he stepped up to become our goalkeeper during the preseason.”
Wood believes the teams’ strengths are its unity and experience.
“I believe one of our biggest strengths this season is our team chemistry. These guys love being around each other. We view ourselves as a family–we have our good days, we have our bad days, but at the end of the day we have each other’s back. We have team dinners, we have Christmas parties, we have guys playing FIFA almost every night with each other. We also have our Annual FIFA Tournament that is played every year in April (which gets quite competitive). Mario has won the past three FIFA tournaments and looks to make it a perfect four for four this year.
“Another big strength of this team is our experience. We have nine returning starters this season and several other players who had supportive roles last season. We have a lot of experience, but we are
still a young team. We have several players who played as freshmen and sophomores last season and hopefully, that year of experience will help them continue to grow and develop this season.”
“I am most excited to see what this team can accomplish this season,” Wood concluded. “We have a talented team with several talented players. We continue to get better each year and have had some successful seasons lately. I am excited to see how the team handles new challenges this season. We have a more difficult schedule for this season but that also makes it exciting because of how many top teams in the state we will get to play. I hope to get the players ready and prepared for the season because I know our kids are talented enough to compete with any team in the state and we have a great opportunity throughout our season to showcase the skill and ability we have.
“We have a talented team with lots of talented players,” Wood said. “This team has been to the quarterfinals of the 6A soccer playoffs the past two seasons and lost both those games to talented Homewood teams. We have a good mix of youth and experience. We have kids who have started many varsity games. We have kids who have made some deep runs into the playoffs. I hope we can continue to work hard at practice, continue to get better each day, and I hope that hard work can push us over the hump to the final four in Huntsville.” // Continued from Page 24 //
Muffuletta Dip
I make this easy Muffuletta Dip with an Alabama twist because my husband makes his own venison salami. Genoa salami or ham is the typical choice for this muffuletta sandwich-inspired dip.
If you love a good Muffuletta (Muffaletta) Sandwich made popular at the Central Grocery & Deli in New Orleans, you will flip over this dip. I simply took all the ingredients inside that sandwicholive salad, deli meats and cheesesand chopped them up!
Perfect for a Mardi Gras party, game day gathering or any party where good food and fellowship are found.
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
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup Italian pickled vegetables (Giardiniera) (Found next to olives)
1/3 cup chopped green olives
2 tablespoons chopped black or kalamata olives
2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini peppers
2 tablespoons chopped roasted bell pepper from a jar (can be omitted if pimiento-stuffed green olives are used)
1 garlic clove, minced (1/2 teaspoon)
1/2 cup chopped hard salami (Genoa or venison)
1/2 cup chopped capocolla, ham, or mortadella
3/4 cup diced provolone or mozzarella cheese (or combination of both)
2 tablespoons finely shredded or crumbled Parmesan cheese (grated tends to make the dip murky)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or the liquid from Giardiniera or green olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Tortilla chips, French bread crostini, or crackers
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours but it tastes even better overnight so the flavors and meld together. Serve with tortilla chips, French bread crostini, or crackers.
Note: If you don’t want to hand chop everything and don’t mind the mixture being a little finely chopped, chop everything in the food processor starting with the garlic clove alone, then add the rest. I’d still chop the meat and cheese with a knife.
Headed to Miss Alabama Teen
Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Teen looks to state competition
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JESSICA CHEEK
Brooklyn Cheek has been dancing since she could walk, and she’s been doing pageants just as long. Now, she’s setting her sights on the state stage as she gets ready to compete in the Miss Alabama Teen pageant as Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Teen.
Although Cheek has competed for a variety of titles across the southeast, she has grown up in the Miss Alabama program, starting as a Rising Star several years ago and now moving into the teen division, where she will be the youngest contestant, thanks to a rule change that makes the ages of eligibility 14-18, instead of 13-17.
“The rules actually changed after she won,” her mom, Jessica Cheek, said. “She’ll turn 14 the week before the state competition.”
In addition to the eventing gown, interview, fitness and talent portions of the pageant, each contestant must have a “Community Service Initiative” or platform of importance to them that they hope to promote or further.
“My Community Service Initiative is ‘Dance to Heal,’ healing depression and anxiety through dance expression,” Cheek said. “The summer before my sixth grade year of middle school, my grandmother passed away and I turned to dance to help me express my emotions.”
Although the pageant is still weeks away, Cheek has already enjoyed her time as Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Teen and the activities that go along with it. One of the recent favorite perks was a trip to the state capitol with her fellow contestants.
// Continued on Page 32 //
// Continued from Page 31 //
“We got to sit in a representatives chair and talk about women in politics and we actually got to vote on a bill. Then we headed over to the Governor’s Mansion and got to meet Governor Ivey and tour the mansion.”
Looking toward the Miss Alabama competition, her talent–rhythmic clogging–is the thing that excites Cheek the most about the upcoming pageant.
“I’m looking forward to performing my talent on the state stage,” Cheek said. “I am competing to ‘Cold Hearted’ [a combination of Paula Abdul’s Cold Hearted Snake and Ice Ice Baby, choreographed by Natalie Turner at Beverly’s Dance Studio]. It’s a really fun clogging routine. I’m also looking forward to representing the city of Gardendale. I love this community so much, and I’m so excited that I get to represent it on the state stage.”
Since this is her first year, Cheek hopes to gain experience and maybe even make the top 10 or 15, but she is also focused on her life outside the pageant–auditioning for the Rockettes team and serving as a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. Eventually she hopes to be a Radio City Rockette or Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, but knows that those might be far-fetched, so her backup plan is to work at Disney. Regardless, Cheek’s future is full of her favorite things–dancing, performing and meeting new people.
HOUSEHOLD DROP-OFF 2025 EVENTS
City Employee Spotlight
DONNA LOVE, LIBRARY ASSOCIATE GARDENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
For more than three decades, Donna Love devoted herself to educating children at Gardendale Elementary School. After she retired, she began working at the Gardendale Library–working the front desk and helping out with various programs at the library and Arts in Gardendale. She also leads a book club group at Covenant Place each Thursday.
“I just enjoy being around people,” Love explained.
After growing up in Jasper, Love went to college at Jacksonville State University and got a job teaching at Gardendale Elementary.
“I loved every second of it,” Love remembers. “It’s a calling. And then, after I retired, I went back and did two or three maternity leaves and then I quit that. That kind of led to me coming to work here, and I got to do some things in the children’s department and read stories and it just made me happy.”
She is also an integral part of planning the Social Cafe and adult programs at the library, helping with things like daddy/daughter events and summer reading programs, among other things.
Now that the Arts in Gardendale is based out of the library, she also enjoys helping plan events like the annual art show, dinner theatre and many other things that are in the planning stages as the group works to create more opportunities and exposure for those in the city.
“We plan programs for the community and plays and dinner theaters, and we’re just getting started,” Love said. “We had disbanded for a while, but we’re back to work now.”
Love wishes more people would stop by the library for programs or just to peruse the vast collection of material housed there.
“People don’t know we offer so many activities, but it’s a well known secret that we would like to get out there that we’re open, six days a week,” Love said. “We’re open two nights or three nights a week until 8 o’clock. We have an excellent staff that are always willing to help everybody.”
When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
GHS Senior Luncheon
The Gardendale Class of 2025 hosted its Senior Luncheon at the Gardendale Civic Center recently.
GES Spelling Bee Winners
Gardendale Elementary School honored all participants in this year’s Spelling Bee. The winners are:
1st Place - Emelyn Veronese (5th grade)
Runner-up - Shephard Britton (4th grade)
2nd runner -up - Ryder Ashworth (4th Grade)
Bragg 2024 War of the Wood Champions!
Bragg 8th grade boys beat Helena, North Jefferson and Leeds in the championship game 43-23 at the War of the Wood. The 7th grade boys finished third in the tournament.
GES Teacher of the Year
Gardendale Elementary School announced Laura Powell as Teacher of the Year. She was honored for her passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to her students
Tabernacle Sword Drills
The elementary students at Tabernacle Christian School hosted a competition for ACEA Fine Arts with 4th-6th graders competing in the Sword Drill. Congrats to winners: Kate, Hannah and Kylie.
Tabernacle Spelling Bee
The upper elementary at Tabernacle Christian School held their final round of spelling competition to send off reps to our state competition. Congratulations to all the 4th, 5th and 6th graders who made it this far, and especially to our Spelling Bee winners: Lorelei, Greyson and Laila.
GES Tinsel Trail
Gardendale Elementary School had a magical time at the second annual GES Tinsel Trail. Our community came together to create a stunning display of holiday cheer with beautifully decorated trees that truly captured the spirit of the season.
Snow Rogers basketball demonstration
Snow Rogers Elementary School hosted Gardendale High School Varsity Basketball Teams for doing an interactive demonstration in PE.
SRES Teacher of the Year
Snow Rogers Elementary honored Angela Parrish as Teacher of the Year.
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
Firestone to lead Gardendale sideline
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Eric Firestone enters his eighth year at Gardendale High School with a new title–head coach.
When Coach Chad Eads stepped down after the 2024 season, there was a lot of uncertainty.
“It was a little bit nerve racking, I guess,” Firestone said. “It was really not expected that Chad was gonna step down. I expected him to be here for a long time. Mr. Dukes brought me into his office and asked me what my plans were. I told him that I needed 24 hours to
make sure, and I’d let him know the next morning. The next morning I told him I was all in, and I gave him a plan of what I wanted to do.”
Several weeks later, Firestone was among several candidates interviewed by Jefferson County Board of Education and within days he was announced as the new head coach.
As for what to expect, there will be changes, but Firestone was quick to point out that his predecessor left the program in good shape.
“Coach Eads has built a very successful program that is established and well-recognized,” Firestone said. “I
have a couple of things I want to do differently. My vision is to make sure that everybody is the best version of themselves and so I want to make sure that I can create value for everybody associated with the program–whether it be a player, a parent, a coach, a manager–I want to create value and let them be the best version of themselves.”
He also wants to address issues he has seen arise over his tenure.
“We want to make sure that we put a fence around Gardendale,” Firestone said. “We’ve had a big exodus the last couple of years of players leaving. We want to stop that, and we want to keep the kids that are supposed to be going to Gardendale in Gardendale.”
One change will mean that fans will have to wait a little longer to see the changes to the team because he plans to forgo the spring game and look toward a fall debut.
“Right now we’re probably not gonna have a spring game,” Firestone explained. “In Alabama, you can have a spring training and have a spring game or you can do spring practice within school–you just can’t wear pads. But if you do that, then you could get an extra week in the fall. We’ll possibly do a jamboree in the fall. We can get almost the same amount of stuff done in the in-school practices, and then we can really ramp up. The team changes a whole lot from spring training to that fall training camp, so it’s hard to put a whole lot of emphasis on where you are at the end of May.”
More than anything, Firestone says he and his family are glad to be staying in Gardendale, which they consider home. His oldest son will graduate from Gardendale High School in May, while the two younger kids will be at Bragg Middle School and Gardendale Elementary School, and his wife, Anna has her business, Marketplace on Main.
“We weren’t sure when we moved here if this was going to be home, but very soon after we moved here, we knew this was it,” Firestone explained. “This has been the best community we’ve ever lived in.”
Rosalyn Parker Named Mortimer Jordan High School Teacher of the Year
Rosalyn Parker was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year at Mortimer Jordan High School. Parker is the Exceptional Ed Lead Teacher and serves as sponsor for Color Guard, Winter Guard, First Priority and Diamond Dolls. Her dedication to the school is apparent in all of her efforts.
Mount Olive Elementary Students Participate in Robotics Competitions
Mount Olive Elementary School students recently competed in their first round of robotics competition. The students strategized with other teams to find the best way to improve their robot. The team scored three total points with their robot and are looking forward to the next competition.
Karleigh Lunceford Wins Bryan Elementary Spelling Bee
Bryan Elementary School recently held its annual spelling bee. The top finishers were winner Karleigh Lunceford and runner-up Ellie Seehusen. Lunceford will go on to represent Bryan Elementary at the district spelling bee.
Morris Fire Department Recognizes John Gray
The Morris Fire Department recently recognized John Gray as Firefighter of the Year. Gray serves the department as a volunteer and is always willing to give his time to help the department and community.
City of Fultondale Honors Retirement of Peggy Shadix
The City of Fultondale recently announced the retirement of City Clerk Peggy Shadix and the appointment of the new City Clerk Amy Reid. The city was honored to have Shadix diligently serve the citizens of Fultondale during her tenure, and looks forward to a bright future with Reid as the new city clerk.
Fultondale Target’s Heroes and Helpers Provides Christmas for 25 Students
The Fultondale Target hosted its third annual Heroes and Helpers events in December. The event brought Target employees together with the Fultondale Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office to provide Christmas gifts for 25 students from Fultondale Elementary School.
Michael Franklin Named Fultondale High School Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Michael Franklin for being named Teacher of the Year by Fultondale High School.
Matt Rogers Named Warrior Elementary Teacher of the Year
Coach Matt Rogers was recently named Warrior Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. His dedication to teaching, inspiring and keeping the students active is truly making a difference. He was recognized for being an incredible PE teacher and role model.
Gardendale Fire in the snow
Gardendale Fire Department’s A Shift braved the snow in early January to serve Gardendale residents who needed help.
Daniel hired as firefighter
Gardendale hired Jason Daniel as a firefighter in the Gardendale Fire Department as the City continues to staff Fire Station No. 3 on Tarrant Road. He is pictured with Chief Joe Thomas.
New firefighters hired
Gardendale hired two new firefighters: Seth Williams and Justin Graham and three new fire medics: Charles Cornell, Everett Grayson and Ian Namie on being hired with the Gardendale Fire Department as the city prepares to open Fire Station No. 3 on Tarrant Road. They are pictured with Fire Chief Joe Thomas from left to right Justin Graham, Seth Williams, Chief Thomas, Ian Namie, Everett Grayson and Charles Cornell who is not pictured.
Corley honored by Bill Noble Park
Congratulations to Ty Corley for being awarded the SFC MVP Award.
“Ty has been a valuable staff member for our park. Ty has been an employee since opening and really took the initiative in the spring of 24 to step in and say he wants to be a shift lead. He assumed the responsibilities that come along with that and for me having a young person who wants to learn and know more makes it a blessing to come into work everyday,” General Manager Jesse Newsom wrote.
Chamber Update Breakfast
The monthly chamber meeting for January was a breakfast at the Gardendale Civic Center, sponsored by JBMC Media (Gardendale Magazine). At the breakfast, Director Roz Jackson, updated attendees about the state of the chamber–202 total members, 42 new members in the last year, 17 ribbon cuttings, 21 event decor rentals, 6 other events, 9 luncheons, 484 luncheon attendees, 14 community events, 16 ambassadors and 18 junior ambassadors. The chamber also inducted new board members: Darren Allen, Samantha Allen, Cindie Davis and Jessica Jordan.
Gardendale Chamber Annual Banquet
The annual Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be February 7, at Sunset at Hayden. The theme is Blue Jeans and Bowties and the attire will be jeans and cocktail attire.
Little/Junior Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival/North Jefferson Area
The Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival/North Jefferson Area will present the Little/Junior Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival/North Jefferson Area on February 8 at the Gardendale Civic Center. For more information, call (205)631.4604.
Miss Rendezvous at GHS
The annual Miss Rendezvous at Gardendale High School will be held February 22 at 6 p.m.
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
The keynote speaker for the 2025 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be Chris Stewart, the voice of the Crimson Tide. The date is Friday, February 28 and it will be at the Gardendale Civic Center. Tickets are $10 and will be available soon.
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.
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.
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.
To have an item added to our calendar, please send information to rachel@jbmcmedia.com.
MyGardendale
For a complete list of events and happenings, visit MyGardendale. com to see an interactive calendar.
Helping Gardendale families
