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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!
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Walking Trails Basketball Court Beach Volleyball Pickelball Tennis
There’s somagazine much to enjoy and experience in Gardendale that you will need to experience it for yourself to believe it! [ 2 ] Gardendale
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was actually through her leg.
Children’s of Alabama.
/ Table of Contents /
17/
10/
Food Truck Queens: A spotlight on a few dynamic female entrepreneurs.
18/
Farmers Market Vendors: Roundup of faces you might see on your next trip.
Recipe of the Month: Kathleen gives quick tips for a Southern favorite.
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26/
Cover Feature: Red Mountain Campers is changing the outdoor game.
/ Editor’s Note / I know you have all been struggling with the inflation costs that have swept through virtually every item we purchase, as well as the shortages that make it impossible to get products we want or need. It is also hitting us hard. Paper shortages and delays are an obstacle for many in our industry, us included. Unfortunately that, along with illness, has been a major factor in delaying these issues. Hopefully, we will be back on track and these issues will continue to be as well received by our readers as the previous ones have been. Please continue letting us know what you want to see in future issues, and we appreciate your patience. One of my favorite things in Gardendale every year is the Farmers Market. One of my favorite things about the market is that there is so much more to see than just the fresh fruits and vegetables (although those are wonderful). There is also fresh, locally- and organically grown beef, local honey, health and beauty items, plants, coffee and so much more. I hope you will all be able to visit the market on Thursdays this summer at the Gardendale Civic Center from 1-5 pm. I also love the food truck events each month at the Civic Center, and I truly enjoyed meeting and learning about the three ladies running our local food trucks. While Tamale Queen is one of the food truck veterans in our area and everybody knows her, the other two are newcomers to the food truck game. I met Debbie Alice Goldsmith by accident while on my way to meet with the other two ladies. I swung by and was instantly taken with her, her story and her food. I encourage you to find her truck, Lil Bougie Foodie, and try it for yourself. Also, the Red Mountain Teardrop camper garnered a lot of attention at the Magnolia Festival earlier this year, and I was surprised to find out that they are being built by two Gardendale natives. The neat little campers are small and easy to haul with just about any vehicle. The story and pictures found their way into this issue, and I bet even those who don’t fancy themselves as campers will be intrigued by the teardrop. We’ve missed you during these delays and hope to hear from you all soon. Keep the ideas coming!
Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director
Gardendale magazine [ 5 ]
/ 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 nearly 90 locations throughout Gardendale, free of charge, and is supported by the advertisers within the pages of this magazine. Gardendale Magazine is 100% local; the stories and photos are all about the city of Gardendale, its residents, its businesses, its schools, and its cultural institutions. It’s our promise to you that we will always keep it this way, so that the content and stories are relevant to everyone who calls Gardendale home.
About the Cover Teardrop campers from Red Mountain Teardrop are the perfect compact option for campers who want to upgrade from a tent without the hassle of a full-size camper. Courtesy of Red Mountain Teardrops/ GearBox Adventure Rentals
Love
THE SKIN YOU’RE IN Local, licensed estheticians offering a full lineup of services: • • • • • • •
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[ 6 ] Gardendale magazine
facials, oncology facials waxing full body, and permanent hair removal Hydra facial VI peel Procell aging service Medical grade services iS Clinical and Elta MD products available
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/ About Us / On The Cover / Our Advertisers
Staff
It’s never easy asking businesses to invest in advertising, so we want to give a VERY special thank you to these businesses. Please, support them! Children’s of Alabama
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609, matthew@jbmcmedia.com
S cott Cantrell, State Farm Insurance
City of Gardendale
Skinology
Deo Gloria Wood Works
The Little Brown Hero Dog
Healing Touch Caregivers
Village Dermatology
Kemp’s Kitchen
Vulcan Termite & Pest Control
Norwood Clinic
Lori Kinney Marketing Consultant (205) 447-1164, lkinney1215@gmail.com Anthony Bratina, Shweta Gamble Graphic Design
Contact Us/Follow Us @GardendaleMagazine
Rachel Davis Karr Content Director (205) 613-7850, rachel@jbmcmedia.com
@GardendaleMag
(205) 617-9609 // P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham, AL 35260
Great home & auto rates for any budget. Scott Cantrell, Agent 313 Fieldstown Road Gardendale, AL 35071 Bus: 205-631-6201 www.insuredbyscott.com
Surprisingly great rates await when you have options like bundling your home and auto insurance. Call me for a quote today.
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Gardendale magazine [ 7 ]
Celebrations SHARE YOUR
IN GARDENDALE MAGAZINE
Engagements
Weddings
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Share your moments with all of Gardendale. Engaged? Recently married? Celebrating a special birthday or anniversary? Share it with us so we can let everybody in town know about it! Here’s what to do: • Email a high-resolution photo, 50-75 word description, and the name(s) of the people in the announcement to celebrations@jbmcmedia.com. • Choose from one of two sizes to share your celebration: a 1/4 page space ($95) or a 1/2 page ($190). Payment can be made with debit or credit card, or through PayPal or Venmo. • Your announcement will also be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages. • Deadline is the 5th of the month prior to the issue you wish the celebration to appear in.
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Fun in the Sun WITHOUT THE DAMAGE
Always wear SPF Even when it looks overcast outside, up to 80% of the sun's rays still get absorbed by your skin. Love your eyes by wearing sunglasses Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging UV rays that can cause cataracts. Limit sun exposure The sun's rays are at their strongest between 10 A.M to 4 P.M. Avoid these hours! Check ups are essential Your skin is your largest organ, so take care of it. Get regular check ups with your dermatology provider! There's no such thing as a "safe" tan Any tan or burn means sun damage, and sun damage can lead to skin cancer! 205.877.9773 | villagedermatology.net Mountain Brook | Oneonta | Gardendale
ON SALE NOW! Written by Fultondale resident James Jernigan Proceeds benefit Veterans organizations and Veterans in need Buy online through
Gardendale magazine [ 9 ]
/ Feature /
FOOD TRUCK Here’s a look at some of the city’s unique and tasty meals on wheels Stories By Rachel Davis Karr Although food trucks aren’t a new idea, they have been having a major moment in the Gardendale area over the last few years. Monthly food truck events at the Civic Center bring food trucks from all over the Birmingham area to the city, but there are several trucks who call the city home. Lil Bougie Foodie is the most visible truck, setting up in the city most weekdays. Debbie Alice Goldsmith brought some of her native Jamaican spices and flavors to Gardendale. Her wings, burgers and fries bring something new to the city’s lunch offerings. Kelli Sellers is new to the food truck game, but her cute truck and Instagram-ready charcuterie boxes made a splash at the Magnolia Festival this year. Gina White is a veteran in the food truck game. Her truck, The Tamale Queen, is a staple at every event in the area and she often helps newcomers to the food truck business get started.
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PHOTOS BY KATHY CAUFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY
/ Feature /
GARDENDALE GRAZE Gardendale’s newest food truck is also its smallest and least traditional truck, but it makes one of the biggest splashes. It was one of the most popular food offerings at the annual Magnolia Festival, and its owner, Kelli Sellers, says people have even come up to talk to her about it at a gas station. “I had stopped to put gas in the generator at the Shell Station and this older couple, (I want to say they were from Michigan) pulled up. My granddaughters were like ‘what are they going to say to us?’ When I rolled down my window, they said, ‘we have traveled 5,000 miles, and we’ve not seen anything as cute as that!’ It was so sweet.” She started out googling “refrigerated food trailers” because she didn’t want a full truck. She was ready to travel to find exactly what she wanted, but it ended up being located in Huntsville. When she went to see it, the trailer was her favorite color and was the only one they had in stock. She decided it was meant to be. When she reached out to a local company to get the signs and lettering done, she decided on the name “Gardendale Graze” to honor her adopted hometown and the type of food she planned to serve in a simpler way. “‘Charcuterie’ was just too hard for most people to say,” Kelli said with a laugh. Kelli was a Delaware native who moved to Gardendale 42 years ago with her husband They raised their two daughters in the community and are now raising four of the grandchildren in Gardendale. She works full-time currently, but enjoys the creative outlet that Gardendale Graze gives her. Like so many small restaurant owners, Kelli started cooking for her family, rather than in cooking school. For some time, Kelli has provided charcuterie boards for events and people she knew, and a local realtor often
contacted her to have something put together for her open houses, but she just decided to try a food truck earlier this year. The truck was an instant hit in the area, serving customers at Magnolia Festival, Decorator’s Showcase and the Magic City Wine Fest. She has also used the trailer to serve treats at the Gardendale soccer fields, where her grandson has played for the last few years, and provided boxes for a ribbon cutting at a local business. As for what you can expect from a board or box from Gardendale Graze, “They’re all a little bit different,” according to Kelli. “The boxes will generally have two kinds of meats, cheeses, fruit, nuts, crackers–that’s kind of standard. As far as the trays go, it depends– like Valentine’s Day had chocolate-covered strawberries on it–which were a little bit different.” For the events, Kelli’s daughter, Brand and her granddaughters all help out in the trailer, but the majority of work is done prior to events. Kelli said she spends hours sourcing her materials from local stores, specialty stores and farmer’s markets, then uses her commissary space to package the boxes or boards and place them in the truck’s refrigeration. The hardest thing for Kelli has been predicting how many boxes she needs to make for events.For her first events, she made too many boxes and, since they can’t sit around for the next event, she sent her grandchildren through her neighborhood handing out boxes. “Oh the neighbors loved it,” Kelli laughed. She hopes to expand her offerings later this year and maybe do something a little heartier for Fall festivals. To contact Gardendale Graze, visit them on Facebook. Gardendale magazine [ 11 ]
/ Feature /
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/ Feature /
TAMALE QUEEN After traveling the world as a missionary, Gina White found herself back home in Alabama as a single mom with five kids. One day, while taking a shortcut to her job as a waitress, White saw a lady on the side of the road, selling homemade food out of her trunk. White thought “I could do that!” so she started using what she had learned during her travels. She went home and started making tamales, burritos, anything she had learned to make during her travels to Mexico. Within a month, White had enough to buy her first food truck and provide for her family. She and the kids helped prep the food and cook and even worked the truck when they weren’t in school. It wasn’t a quick process and she refused to cut corners, spending 2 days on the tamales to ensure they were top notch. White knew she was on to something as customers flocked to her van, but that attention quickly turned to confusion for local officials who didn’t know how to deal with her business model. In 1999, food trucks weren’t yet a thing in the greater Birmingham area, but White had seen them in larger cities and knew they would work. While she waited for the local government to catch up to her, White started visiting construction sites, where they were welcoming, even if she didn’t have the proper permits. It wasn’t long before the largely Hispanic workforce was not only looking for White, but even gave her a nickname: The Italian Tamale Queen.
When she needed a business name, she decided to use that nickname, but was concerned people wouldn’t buy tamales from an Italian, so she decided to just label her new truck “Tamale Queen.” In the last 23 years, White has gone from the only food truck in the game to the veteran who helps shepherd newbie food trucks into business. “There’s plenty of room for all of us,” White said. She is always eager to offer advice or help where she can. She has also been in the game long enough to learn what works. For instance, she prefers a trailer she can pull to a truck that she drives, because if the truck experiences mechanical issues, you have to wait for repairs. A trailer can always be pulled by another vehicle, even a rented moving truck with a hitch, White explains. These days, there is rarely an event or festival that doesn’t feature the Tamale Queen’s red food truck. And people flock to the truck because White and the staff love to have fun, often singing and laughing as they work. “We like to have fun,” White explains. “We try to do right by people and we expect people to do right by us. I want you to be happy when you walk away.” In addition to the truck, White also sells food, shaved ice, iced coffee and more at her stationary location inside 100 Oaks Mobile Home Park, just off Highway 31. For hours and days of operation, please visit her Facebook. Gardendale magazine [ 13 ]
/ Feature /
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/ Feature /
LIL BOUGIE FOODIE Growing up as a child in Jamaica, Debbie Alice Goldsmith loved to cook. She said she started cooking at 8 years old. When the family moved to New York, Debbie continued to cook.
loaded chicken fries, but Debie says her personal favorite are the
She came to Alabama years later to visit her grandfather. Her grandfather, John Gelpin Brown, was something of a Birmingham celebrity, a preacher who was often seen preaching the gospel on the side of Lakeshore Drive, next to his signs that proclaimed God’s love. Many people knew him only as “The Jesus Man.” He has since passed away, but she fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home.
thought fit her. Debbie’s friends all said she was “bougie” because she
A couple of years ago, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and things looked grim for the young mother, but she sought experts, and fought her way through surgery to remove a portion of the tumor. “At that point, I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” Debbie said. “But I had lots of prayer–lots, LOTS of prayer.” After fighting for her life, Debbie decided there was no more time to waste. She had always wanted to own a restaurant, and, while that was financially out of reach, she poured her savings into a food truck. She found and bought the food truck while still recovering from surgery and outfitted it the way she wanted. Then she started developing her recipes that were a melding of Jamaican flavor and American cuisines. The most popular menu items are the bacon cheeseburger and the
chicken wings. When it came time to name the truck, she chose something that she tended to go all out with themes and food for her gatherings, because she said that’s how they do things in Jamaica. “And I’m a foodie,” Debbie said with a laugh. “I love to eat, and I love to be creative with my food.” So “Lil Bougie Foodie” was born. So far, customers have had nothing but rave reviews for the truck and it has garnered a following very quickly with Gardendale residents. She’s excited about her own success here in her adopted hometown, but also all the other exciting things she has seen coming to the city recently. “I love Gardendale,” Debbie said. “Gardendale is emerging, and it’s emerging for the good.” Most days Debbie is set up for lunch at the Advance Auto Parts in Gardendale on Fieldstown Road, but she also visits some local festivals and other locations around Birmingham. For a list of where she will be, visit Lil Bougie Foodie Inc on Facebook or Instagram. She has also been attending the Food Truck Nights at the Gardendale Civic Center recently and hopes to connect with new customers there. Gardendale magazine [ 15 ]
/ Nonprofit /
Veterans Information Booth One of the booths at the farmers market every week for the last several years is the Veteran’s Information Booth. The group of local veterans, headed up by Vietnam veteran Joe Stahlkuppe, provides information and support for veterans of all branches of the military and any timeframe.
works to help other veterans connect with those who
Stahlkuppe has spent the last few years working to educate other veterans and lend them support for issues they face related to their service.
and respect veterans. Each year, the market hosts a
Each week, Stahlkuppe and Zach Burton are joined by other veterans and sometimes staff members from the Veterans Administration. They hand out information on veteran’s services and resources, as well as Bibles. Burton is a part of the VA’s Vet-To-Vet program and [ 16 ] Gardendale magazine
understand them best–fellow veterans. Veterans face specific challenges that are sometimes difficult to understand for those who haven’t served. The man behind the market, Jim Parola, is also a veteran, so the market has always worked to support special tribute to the country and its veterans on the last market prior to the Fourth of July. For more information about veteran resources in the area or the Vet-to-Vet program, contact the Veterans Administration in Birmingham or visit the Veteran Information Table at the Gardendale Farmers Market at the Gardendale Civic Center each Thursday through September from 1-5 pm.
/ Recipe of the Month /
SOUTHERN FRIED YELLOW SQUASH Fried yellow squash, or summer squash as I’ve always called it, is a must on my table every summer. It can’t get much easier than slicing and pressing the squash into cornmeal and frying in a little bit of oil for a minute. Prep Time: 7 mins / Cook Time: 6 mins /Total Time: 13 mins Side Dish Servings: 4 servings Calories: 150kcal Equipment: Digital laser thermometer (optional)
2 cups vegetable oil This varies with pan size 6 small yellow squash straight or crookneck 1/3 cup cornmeal I prefer yellow 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional) Optional: Many people like to add flour
Pour enough oil in a high-side skillet (not nonstick) or large saucepan to reach a depth of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Bring temperature up to 375 degrees over medium high heat. I use a digital thermal thermometer you can buy online and at hardware stores for a quick and easy way to measure the heat. Meanwhile, combine the cornmeal and salt on a paper plate. Cut the squash into 1/4-inch-thick slices and immediately press the cut sides
into the cornmeal. If you choose to add the flour, simply stir the two together on a paper plate for easy clean up. I find that the flour prevents some of the cornmeal from sticking to the squash. When the oil is at 375 degrees and all the squash is coated, gently drop them into the oil one by one. Be sure they are not touching each other. If there are too many slices in the pan, the temperature may drop too quickly and take too long to come back up to 375 degrees. Cook the squash about 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned. Turn the slices over with tongs and cook a little less than 1 minute on the second side. Drain on paper towels.
NOTES Tip: Try frying zucchini if you have more of that in your garden or it is on sale. Hand held mandolins are super cheap and make quick work of slicing squash evenly. 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. Gardendale magazine [ 17 ]
/ Feature /
Farmers Market More than just fruits and vegetables
The Gardendale Farmers Market is held each Thursday afternoon from May through September from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. Booths at the market sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods to live plants and even specialty items like teas, oils and honey products. There are also often events held in conjunction with the market, like a patriotic celebration held on the last market day before July 4th. The sponsors for this year’s market are Ace of the South, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Scott Cantrell - State Farm Agent and Johnson Power Equipment & Rental. The offerings at each market are announced on the Facebook page prior to the weekly market. // Continued on Page 19 //
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PHOTOS BY XXX
/ Feature /
Abney Farms Abney Farms in Trafford is a new addition to the market, but their strawberries have been an early hit with market shoppers. After the strawberries faded, the farm harvested peaches, blackberries and vegetables. Their market offerings may increase in future seasons. The farm also offers customers the opportunity to pick their own strawberries early in the season, at times specified on the Facebook page. The farm also plans to have a U-pick pumpkin patch this Fall with jack-o-lantern pumpkins, pie pumpkins, stackable pumpkins and warty pumpkins.
Barking Bee Coffee When Heather Manning and her husband, Dan, left the United States Air Force behind for civilian life, they were determined to move back home to Alabama. And, after 20 years as an accountant, she was also looking for a new career. She wanted to do something she loved and finally decided on coffee. She had long been a connoisseur of coffee all around the world during their travels discovering both good and bad coffees. “I’ve learned life’s too short for bad coffee, so I started Barking Bee Coffee,” Heather said. “Good coffee, like everything else, depends on a good beginning-green coffee beans roasted to perfection. My promise to my customers is to always offer the best coffee beans available and roast in small batches to bring out the best flavor the coffee has to offer.” Heather said sometimes those bad coffees are masked by creamers and flavors, but the poor quality of coffee still shines through. She always loved to find quality coffee, prepared in the correct way, where its own natural flavors are allowed to shine. “Coffee has so many unique flavors, and most have never been experienced by coffee lovers, Heather said. “We buy our cup of joe, and mask the burnt or bitter taste with flavors, creamers, and whipped cream. “But coffee, properly roasted coffee, has amazing flavors all on its own. Nutty, floral, fruity and chocolate flavors all waiting to be discovered.” With the slogan, “Life is Ruff Without a Buzz!” and it’s distinctive colorings and imagery, the coffee has become a favorite at markets and events in the area. For more information, visit the market or visit www.barkingbeecoffee.com.
Gardendale magazine [ 19 ]
/ Feature /
Dough Boy Pastries Dough Boy Pastries is a home-based bakery that specializes in orange rolls, cinnamon rolls, doublefudge brownies and other baked goods. Doug Gundlach, the Dough Boy himself, mans the booth at the market each week. The company slogan, “Where Butter Is Essential,” might not be diet-friendly, but they are worth the splurge. In addition to the Gardendale market, Dough Boy Pastries also sells its product at markets in Trussville, Vestavia Hills and Pinson, as well as online. Dough Boy Pastries also offers special occasions baked goods available upon request. For more information, or to place an order online, visit their Facebook page.
Gleann Brook Acres Highland Cattle As fuel prices and other costs have skyrocketed, many people have looked for sustainable, healthy food sources close to home. Gleann Brook Acres raises Scottish Highland Cattle in Bremen. The farm is run by Tracey, her husband Stéphane, and their kids Sydnee and Synclair. Each week at the market, they sell their humanely-raised beef products. The family-owned farm started in 2006 and prides itself on raising cattle humanely in open pastures. The cattle are raised on grass in open pastures without antibiotics or hormones, making the cows happier and healthier, which results in healthier, higher-quality meat. Scottish Highland Cattle are the oldest registered breed of cattle, but have gained popularity in recent years. The breed is known for its distinctive looks and gentle temperament. The farm also sells cattle to those interested in raising their own cattle. For more information, find them on Facebook.
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/ Feature /
Green Acres Organic Pharms Green Acres Organic Pharm is not your typical farmers market booth. This Alabamagrown hemp supplier creates a variety of CBD products, including oils, gummies and even dog medications from the hemp. The farm in Florence produces legal hemp, which is processed into usable products that many people use for pain, stress, anxiety and other physical and mental conditions or symptoms. Although a small amount of THC can be contained in some of the products, it is a miniscule, legal amount. For anyone concerned, Green Acres also offers hemp products that are completely THC-free. They are licensed by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and the products are tested by a third-party for consistency and quality. For anyone interested in CBD or with questions, Noah Waters mans the booth and is ready to discuss the benefits of CBD and how it differs from other substances. You can also shop online at www.greenacresorganicpharm.com.
Lady Love Treasures Lady Love Treasures is a unique booth at the market. Janice Orum started the company making handcrafted herbal tea blends because she loved seeing the physical and mental benefits of the different tea blends. While she sells some teas to target a specific issue like immune health, gut health, focus, breathing, etc., she also creates custom blends for customers who tell her about their concerns or ailments. The herbal teas are handcrafted with all natural and sustainable ingredients. According to Janice, herbs have been used for their healing, preventive and restorative properties for centuries and can be used for short-term or long-term relief. She also notes that the teas can be enjoyed hot or cold without losing their health benefits. For more information, visit www.ladylovetreasures.com or stop by her booth at the market on Thursdays.
Wallace Homestead Karen Wallace has been popular at the Gardendale Farmers Market for several years. She sells a number of honey products, including fresh honey, hot honey, honey straws and other honey-related goods. She also sells plants, herbs and succulents from her booth each week. Karen was originally at the market under the banner of Miss Emily’’s Tomatoes after she and her husband purchased a business and property that already existed. But, after several years, they decided the tomato business wasn’t for them and decided to rename the business to better fit their current situation. Karen and her husband, Vince, also sell various homemade products like sauces and canned products, as well as bees and some basic beekeeping items. For more information, find them on Facebook. Gardendale magazine [ 21 ]
/ Feature /
Love Life Naturals Love Life Natural offers self care products each week from their booth at the market. These include facial care, hair care, body care and men’s self care items. The business, founded by Krystle Williams, was inspired by a passion for spreading love and joy with special products. According to Krystle, “Each product is handmade with love and specially crafted with plant-based ingredients, to help you develop the perfect self-care regimen that is right for you!” The products are aimed at making people feel happy and healthy using quality ingredients. “The best way to love life is by loving the skin you’re in,” Krystle said. “ Let us help you in your journey of loving yourself more by using good skin-loving products. Our self-care products are handmade, and created with love to help rejuvenate and restore your skin’s natural essence.” For more information on the products, visit their Facebook or website at www.lovelifenaturals.com.
Mama Suz Fried Pies Over the last few years, Mama Suz’s Fried Pies have become a favorite of the market. The small-batch fried pies are marketed as being “like Grandma used to make.” The mother and son duo behind Mama Suz’s started making the popular fried pies in their kitchen at home and selling them locally at farmers markets and other venues. This year, they decided to open a store in Pelham and begin selling more than just dessert fruit pies. They now have breakfast and lunch pies, in addition to their sweet pies. They also use local fruits and vegetables to ensure their pies are the freshest and most flavorful. At the market, the pair usually sells the traditional apple and peach fried pies, alongside some special offerings like banana pudding fried pies and chocolate pies, as well as the occasional sugar-free option. Each pie carries Mama Suz’s trademark heart fried right on the top of the pie.
Whited Farms Whited Farms is one of the few market vendors that sells the traditional fruits and vegetables people think of when they think of “farmers markets.” Whited Farms began back in 1930, owned by Ward and Lottie Whited. In 1982, their son, Wade Whited, took over the family farm in Oneonta. When he married Melanie in 1988, she also began working the family farm and helped expand the farm. Whited Farms grows a wide-variety of fruits and vegetables each year. Throughout the summer, Whited Farms brings a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits to the market each week. They also operate a stand at the farm location selling the items they grow on the farm. For more information on what they have each week, follow them on Facebook. You can also place orders online at www.whitedfarm.com.
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/ Feature /
Pop’s Plants Steve of Pop’s Plants loves growing different plants and teaching people about each one. The plants at his booth vary wildly week to week depending on what plants look best. Steve said people often call him about plants they think he might like or he finds something he wants to grow, propagate and sell. The plants are healthy and vary from small varieties all the way up to trees. They aren’t grown in fancy commercial operations, often in older or mismatched pots, but they are grown with love and care and a constant eye for what will do best in each situation. Regardless of what kind of plants he has for sale, Steve can tell you how to care for each one and maybe even recommend a plant if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for.
Spinks Farm This Blount County Farm has been a staple of the Gardendale Farmers Market for years, but each year they have a variety of beautiful produce available for sale at their booth. The farm also sells at a roadside stand in Hayden and at various other markets around the area. They have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, plants and their famous Squash Chow Chow, created by Nancy Spinks each year. For more information on what products are in season and available at each location, follow them on Facebook.
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/ School News / Gardendale Elementary School REGISTRATION AND K-CAMP Registration: •
July 1, 9 and 26: 9 am - 1 pm,
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July 21 and 28: 1 pm - 4 pm
KINDERGARTEN CAMP JULY 28
The Bragg cheerleaders won first place in their Camp Routine. They also received all Blue Superior Ribbons, the Spirit Stick and five girls were chosen to be UCA All-Americans.
Bragg Middle names players to 7thand 8th-grade girls’ basketball teams
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Last names A-K 9 am - 10:30 am
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Last names L-Z 11 am - 12:30 pm
2022-23 Bragg Middle softball team players named SOFTBALL TEAM 2022-2023 •
Abbey Crockett
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Eleanor Dunlap
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Alexa Dunagan
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EmmaLee McGruder
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Ally Davis
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Layla Berry
8TH GRADE TEAM
7TH GRADE TEAM
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Annsley Aguirre
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Mattie Higgins
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Annsley Aguirre
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Eleanor Dunlap
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Caylie Vance
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Nakeria Holmes
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Layla Berry
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Jayda Levins
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Cheyenne Talley
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Natalie Thornton
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Paisley Orazine
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Mattie Higgins
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Chloe Sanders
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Paisley Orazine
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Chloe Sanders
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Charlee Ragsdale
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Caylie Vance
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Hadley Bratcher
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Sela Dearman
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Josey Shackleford
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Davonna Everette
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Asia Jones
Gardendale High School students named to sports medicine team SPORTS MEDICINE TEAM
Snow Rogers Graduation Snow Rogers Elementary School celebrated the graduation of its kindergarten students. [ 24 ] Gardendale magazine
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Bailey Whitworth
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Vitoria Siqueira
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Jonathan Labrador
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Kanya White
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Terra Kelley
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Cameron Harris
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Mary Alice Loring
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Abby Spradling
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Maia King
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Dayahna Carson
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Kaley Wright
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Breanna Hodge
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Melissa Powell
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Sadie Wolch
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Shelby Wood
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DJ Robinson
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Anthony Goldsmith
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Logan Ledlow
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Brooklyn O’rear
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Katlyn Simmons
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Cullen Radcliff
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Grace Webb
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Kalei Pickle
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Elle Rojas
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Heather Hipolito
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Savannah McCall
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Hayden Keith
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Fallon Robinson
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Alex Travis
ANY YARD CAN HARBOR PESTS.
LET THE EXPERTS ELIMINATE THOSE THREATS.
Ticks
Fleas
Serving Jefferson & Shelby Counties
Mites
Ants
(205) 663-4200 vulcantermite.com Gardendale magazine [ 25 ]
/ Feature /
Reconnecting
Families &Nature
[ 26 ] Gardendale magazine
/ Feature /
Story By Rachel Davis Karr For the last several years, Gearbox Adventures has worked to expand access to the outdoors for families through its adventure vans. So when owner Craig Hurst became aware that someone in Gardendale was building Teardrop campers, he knew it would be a great option for some of his clients who wanted to spend more time outdoors. In fact, Craig recalled that he met Kevin Webster while dropping his daughter off at a relative’s house in Kevin’s neighborhood. The two started talking and Kevin thought Craig might be interested in seeing the new project he was working on for him and his grandson to enjoy. When he met Kevin and saw the teardrops he was building in his garage, he knew there was potential there for a business. “He just kept improving on his product and making it better and better and better,” Craig said. “It just kinda turned into something that was a really great product. We felt people would benefit from going out and making memories
with their families. It’s so easy to tow, you can tow it with just about anything. It’s super quick and convenient to set up and tear down.” The Teardrop is smaller than an adventure van or a traditional motorhome or pull-behind trailer. It features a small space with a queen-size mattress and some storage. That area can be customized with features like air conditioner, heater or other options. At the back of the teardrop camper, the hatch opens up to reveal a galley-style kitchen, with a sink, hot plate, cooler or refrigerator and other features. There are also options like a showerhead, roof racks and a canopy that buyers can have customized to suit their needs. The teardrop camper features a hitch that rotates all the way around to ensure that it won’t cause issues for the towing vehicle, even on rough or extreme terrain. The small trailer weighs in at about 1,300 pounds so it is easy to tow with almost any SUV, minivan or even many cars, according to Craig. The trailer is just 12 feet long, 75.5 inches wide and 75 inches tall.
// Continued on Page 28 //
Gardendale magazine [ 27 ]
// Continued from Page 27 // He also said they have seen a lot of older customers and couples who want to invest in the Teardrop because they want something simple to tow and set up. The fact that they don’t need a special vehicle to tow the camper. He said many of their customers have military or scouting backgrounds and want an upgrade from a tent, without losing the camping experience. While Gearbox Adventures offers adventure vans that can be customized to feature every creature comfort or to accommodate any lifestyle, it is more like an RV in many ways. It does allow renters or buyers to include more people, while the smaller Teardrop only sleeps two people. But the Teardrop has garnered a lot of attention, even with a purchase price that ranges from approximately $18,500 to $33,000. The Teardrop’s sleek design and efficient use of space, as well as its gadgets and options have made it an attraction at shows and festivals.
[ 28 ] Gardendale magazine
For those who think they would enjoy the experience, but aren’t ready to invest in purchasing one without trying it, Craig does offer a rental option for the Teardrop as well. If the experience makes them decide to purchase, the rental price is put toward the Teardrop’s purchase price. Each camper is built to order with the exact options the buyer wants. “Our goal is to help as many people as possible, especially in the southeast right now, reconnect with their families,” Craig said. “Get away from the phones and computers and television and all the devices, get out in nature and just reconnect. Make memories before the kids go back to school, or you get too old to do it, or whatever.” For more information on the Teardrop campers, visit: www.redmountainteardrops.com. For information on the camper vans, visit: www. gearboxrentals.com.
/ Calendar /
// July 19 Crafting With the Chamber Sponsored by Red Mountain Inspections: Crafting with the Chamber will be hosted in July by Red Mountain Inspections at Celebration Park on July 19 at 10 am.
// July 14 and August 11 Food Truck Night: The Gardendale Civic Center will host the third Thursday Food Truck Night again this year. Events will be held on July 14 and 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.
// July 23 Rock Band Clinic: 9 am - 3 pm, ages 13 and up. Does your teenager love to rock? No experience needed for this clinic. All students will get to try various instruments, learn common rock music techniques, and at the end of the day, play together as a rock band.
// July 25-28 and August 1 Gardendale High School Registration: Gardendale High School will hold on campus registration on the following dates: •
All Seniors: July 25, 2022, 8:30 am-11:30 am (begin at Main Gym entrance)
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9th-, 10th-, 11th-Graders Last Names A-M: July 26, 2022, 8:30 am-11:30 am (begin at Main Gym entrance)
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9th-, 10th-, 11th-Graders Last Names N-Z: July 27, 2022, 8:30 am-11:30 am (begin at Main Gym entrance)
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New Student Registration: July 28, 2022 9 am-1 pm (GHS Library)
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Make-up Registration All Grades: August 1, 2022, 8:30 am-11:30 am (begin at Main Gym entrance)
*Remember to complete the online registration process prior to on campus registration day.
// August 11 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. Gardendale magazine [ 29 ]
/ Happenings /
The annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival attracted people from all areas and of all ages, as well as local pets. The festival is listed as a top festival in the state and features games, food, rides, booths, a car show and more.
The North End Council of Garden Clubs presented its annual show at the Gardendale Civic Center in May. The North End Council is comprised of three local clubs: The Gardendale Garden Club, Blue Star Garden Club and The Magnolia Garden Club. [ 30 ] Gardendale magazine
The Gardendale Civitan Club hosted its annual breakfast for the city’s crossing guards, first responders and city officials at Kemp’s Kitchen in May.
/ Happenings /
The Gardendale City Council and The Jefferson County Board of Education recently broke ground on new playground for Gardendale Elementary and Bragg Middle schools.
Gardendale’s 5U team won the USSSA 5U Gold Bracket State Championship.
The City of Gardendale broke ground on the new expansion and renovation of Bill Noble Park. The demolition and ground preparation stages have been underway for some months. The multi-million dollar expansion and renovation will make the park an attraction for tournaments and travel ball groups, as well as giving local kids a brand-new facility to play in. The park is expected to be complete in 2023.
Gardendale magazine [ 31 ]
We make people feel better.™
FULTONDALE After Hours Care 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
BIRMINGHAM Alabama Neurological 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
[ 32 ] Gardendale magazine
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
GARDENDALE Gardendale Clinic 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.
norwoodclinic.com (205) 250-6000