Gardendale Magazine - May 2024

Local 55+ group thrives with activities, travel PAGE 35

1st Line of DEFENSE

First responders shine in Gardendale PAGE 22

8/

State of the City: Mayor Hogeland updates city projects

18/

Maker Profile:

McPeanut Gallery offers unique jewelry

Citizens of the Year: Walt and Sandy Thomas 16/

32/

Recipe of the Month: Green

Onion Bacon

Potato Salad

12/

Photos: Bill Noble hosts first annual Spring Bash

30/

School News: What’s Happening in local classrooms?

35/

Golden Eagles Club offers fun and adventure

News from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby 39/

May marks the beginning of some of my favorite events in the city:The Farmers Market and the Food Truck Nights at the Civic Center. I’m always excited to see my friends at the market and can’t wait to see it grow at the new facility at Bill Noble Park.

For this issue, we wanted to honor all of our local first responders by highlighting a few of them. May is a month devoted to awareness and recognition of first responders, so it seemed appropriate. We have some devoted, compassionate individuals serving the community as police officers, firefighters and EMTs. It was striking to me in talking to them how much they love the city and the people here and how unique their experiences are compared to some other areas.

In this issue, we also highlighted a local maker, a local group for older citizens and our Citizens of the Year, as well as local events and happenings throughout the community.

As always, if you have any story ideas, please reach out to me at rachel@jbmcmedia.com or 205.613.7850.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

Us / On The Cover /

Our Advertisers

Who We Are

Gardendale Magazine is published monthly by JBMC Media, a Birminghambased publishing company. The magazine is available at nearly 90 locations throughout Gardendale, free of charge, and is supported by the advertisers within the pages of this magazine. Subscriptions by mail area also available for $35 per year. Email matthew@jbmcmedia.com for more information.

Gardendale Magazine is 100% local; the stories and photos are all about the city of Gardendale, its residents, its businesses, its schools, and its cultural institutions. It’s our promise to you that we will always keep it this way, so that the content and stories are relevant to everyone who calls Gardendale home.

About the Cover

May is designated as a month to recognize and honor first responders, so we highlighted members of the police and fire departments as well as emergency medical responders. Check out the feature highlighting some of our first responders beginning on page 22.

PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN

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

ACE of the South - Gardendale

Adair Tire Pros

Amore Design & Event Planning

Budget Blinds

Cakes by Elise

Carvy Home Services

Cassidy Glass, Inc.

Cheri W. Cunningham DMD

Children’s of Alabama

City of Gardendale

Closets by Design

Dee’s Kitchen

Deo Gloria Wood Works

Fieldstown Dental Care

Glover Chiropractic

Healthy Kids of Gardendale

Jefferson County Commission

Contact Us/Follow Us

@GardendaleMagazine

Louver Shop of North Alabama

Luma Dentistry - Gardendale

Maggie G. Pond, DMD

Mold & Mildew Solutions

Reliable Septic Service

Singletary Plumbing, Inc. & Contractors Closet

Skinology

Southern Focus Vision Center

Tabernacle Christian School

The Chiropractic Oasis of Gardendale LLC

The Harrison Agency

TherapySouth (all locations)

Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center

Uniquely U Wellness Coaching

Village Dermatology

VSC Fire & Security

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

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P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham, AL 35260

Staff

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

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

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

Anthony and Shweta Bratina Graphic Designers

Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager Graphic Designer

PROUD MEMBER

State of the City

By Rachel Davis Karr

Mayor Stan Hogeland detailed the city’s growth over the last few years, where the city is headed and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the sense of community alive in the city in his annual State of the City address.

“I talked about this sense of community,” Hogeland said. “This sense of community doesn’t end at the Gardendale border. It extends into Mt. Olive, it extends into Morris, Kimberly, all of these outlying areas. We provide a lot of things for a lot of people that don’t necessarily live inside the city limits, but we’re all together. It’s really important to me.”

But, State of the City traditionally focuses on the businesses and community successes. In that respect, Gardendale is thriving.

“Last year was an unbelievable year,” Hogeland said.

That’s an understatement, as Gardendale experienced incredible growth last year, opening the new Bill Noble Park that has already become a revenue producer for the city and is slated to grow in years to come.

“Bill Noble Park has created a $5.5 million dollar economic impact on this town,” Hogeland said. “And that’s just Gardendale, but it has impacted Jefferson County as a whole, and especially North Jefferson County.”

“We had over 68,000 come through the park this last year alone,” Hogeland said, before challenging them to go any day and see if there isn’t a crowd.

But Hogeland also reiterated that the commitment to the park and overall investment in the children in the area is not just about income.

“We made a decision a few years back that we were going to invest heavily in kids–through education and recreation,” Hogeland said.

He touted the numerous investments the city has made in the local schools–approximately $4.6 million since 2019. He also pointed out investments like the new surface for the Miracle League field

In addition to the new park, the city has seen unprecedented new businesses in the last twelve months, with the opening of Chicken

PHOTOS BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR

// Continued from Page 8//

Salad Chick, LongHorn, Olive Garden, Dunkin Donuts, Taziki’s, Shrimp Basket, Taco Mama, Santos and Jersey Mike’s.

“We’re on a retail map now that we didn’t used to be on,” Hogeland said. “People know who we are.”

He pointed to the fact that retail companies now reach out to the city instead of him having to chase after them. He said up front that he didn‘t have a big announcement, but several small ones.

In addition to already announced businesses like Ulta, Guthries, Woods Trading Company, and Sonic, Hogeland said 24-E gym is building a new state-ofthe-art facility, Wing Stop is coming to the shopping center next to Merle Norman and D-Bat, an indoor baseball and softball training facility is coming to the public safety center.

He also anticipates new small businesses opening in the city, because he emphasized that a mix of businesses was needed for a successful, sustainable city.

“Every business is important,” Hogeland said.

In addition to the business, he talked about the city’s commitment to protecting the residents and property in the city.

“We’re embarking on a new commitment to public safety,” Hogeland said.

The city has ordered two new milliondollar fire trucks and added personnel to both the police and fire departments and a third fire station will be constructed on Tarrant Road that will open in 2025.

The city is also facing the need to create an updated comprehensive plan and Hogeland challenged the standing-roomonly crowd to be involved with the process when it begins. Last time, ten years ago, Hogeland said only seven or eight showed up for the meetings, outside of city employees and officials.

“This will be your opportunity to shape our town for the future,” Hogeland said.

Spring Bash

Gardendale’s Bill Noble Park hosted the inaugural Spring Bash. There were a variety of activities and vendors for all ages at the facility. In addition to the park’s activities and playgrounds, there was an egg toss competition, arts and crafts projects, train rides, vendors and food trucks.

Photos by Rachel Davis Karr

Citizens of the Year: Walt and Sandy Thomas

By Rachel Davis Karr

Walt and Sandy Thomas were recently named as the Gardendale Citizens of the Year. For years, they have served in their church and various church ministries as well as on the library board and in other community services. However, the couple is best known for starting the Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail that attracts visitors from all over during the Christmas season.

The idea came to them back after visiting a similar display in a nearby city. They thought it would be the ideal way to honor their dear friend, Dick Lee, who has passed away from a heart attack at just 64. Dick and Walt were best friends and the men, along with their wives often dined out or attended events together.

“To this day, when we go to Full Moon we cannot sit on the right side, we have to sit on the left side, because the left side had more Alabama pictures and the right had more Auburn pictures,” Sandy recounts with a laugh. “It’s funny the things you remember. He’s always with us.”

He had such an impact on their lives, they knew they would never forget him, but wanted to be sure others remembered him and his contributions as well.

The first year, they rushed to organize the event, wondering if the community would get behind it or even understand the idea behind it.

“We didn’t know if people would get tired of it or if we could

PHOTOS BY GARY SCHULTZ

// Continued from Page 16 //

do it again,” Sandy remembers.

Now in its fourth year, it has become a community staple and, in March, many had already contacted the couple to reserve trees for the 2024 event.

“It’s been a blessing and really heartwarming to see how it’s been accepted, and how other people just love it,” Sandy said.

But the most touching story came from Lee’s family.

“His grandson was three when he passed away, and he’s nine now,” Sandy said. “He and his buddy were bragging about their grandparents. He said ‘Well I have a Pop who is in heaven, and we decorate a Christmas tree for him every year.’ That just warmed our hearts, because that’s a way he can remember him. He only remembers him from pictures.”

In fact, many families have joined in to sponsor a tree in memory of a loved one.

“You’d think it would be sad, but it’s just something they can hold onto to remember their family that’s gone,” Sandy said.

The money raised from the Christmas tree trail goes to fund a scholarship in memory of Lee that is awarded to a Gardendale student who will attend The University of Alabama.

McPeanut GALLERY

Local jewelry featured at unique gift shop

By Kristi Sellers

Stop by Marketplace on Main anytime, Tuesday-Saturday and you just might find your next piece of jewelry or gift for a loved one. McPeanut Gallery features unique, handmade jewelry for anyone on your list.

For Katie McCreless, McPeanut Gallery is a labor of love and a testament to her family. Both of Katie’s children are heavily involved in competitive sports and travel is a must. With a knack for arts and crafts, Katie created the gallery to earn extra cash for her children’s extracurricular activities and frequent travel.

Katie’s daughter is the “key” to the McPeanut Gallery’s name. Her nickname has always been “Peanut” and the rest is history.

// Continued on Page 19 //

Katie McCreless is pictured here with her daughter and namesake of her business, “Peanut.”

// Continued from Page 18 //

The McPeanut Gallery provides unique pieces for its customers and has been for the last year. Katie McCreless finds inspiration for her pieces in many ways. She keeps her eyes and ears open for the latest trends and she takes suggestions from friends and family.

Be sure to explore the McPeanut Gallery’s Facebook page. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is exquisite. Handcrafted earrings that mirror Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and sports-themed pieces are just a few of the things that have been offered.

The next time you are in Marketplace on Main, take a peek at what McPeanut Gallery has to offer. You are sure to find a new pair of earrings or a bracelet that longs to go home with you. You can also reach the McPeanut Gallery through their facebook page.

POTATO SALAD WITH SOUR CREAM AND BACON

I could eat an entire bag of sour cream and onion potato chips if left to my own devices! I developed this potato salad with the flavors of my favorite potato chip in mind. I don’t peel the potatoes for two reasons: saves time and adds color and fiber.

Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cook Time: 20 minutes / Cooling and chilling: 1 hour, 30 minutes /Course: Salad Servings: 12 servings / Calories: 190 kcal

8 medium size red potatoes unpeeled (about 2 1/2 pounds)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Wash the potatoes and cut off any blemishes. I do not peel the potatoes but it is an option.

Cut potatoes in about 1/2 –inch cubes and place in an 8 cup saucepan or pot. Cover potatoes with water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 20 minutes or just until tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander. Let the potatoes cool to room temperature.

Stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl and add to the potatoes. Add bacon and green onions. Stir gently until the potatoes are coated. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.

MAKE AHEAD PLAN:

Cook potatoes one day and bacon one day. Toss it all together another day. Serve it on the third day. The flavors meld together best if made the day before serving.

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, YouTube and Pinterest.

-BUY

-UP TO

First Line DEFENSE of

Stories by Rachel Karr and Photos by Heather Warden

In his recent State of the City speech, Mayor Stan Hogeland said, “No matter what we do, no matter what we provide, the community has got to be safe,” Hogeland said.

Keeping the community safe is of the utmost importance to the first responders who serve in the various branches of emergency services in the city.

Hogeland also praised the leaders of both city departments

“We’ve got a great police and fire department,” Hogeland said. “The leadership in Joe [Thomas] and Scott [Banks], I

couldn’t be prouder of them and all the guys under them. We hope to really do some good things.”

Doing good things is exactly what motivates most first responders. The men and women who run toward danger, risking great bodily harm to save someone else, are a special group. As a way of honoring these heroes, we asked members of the police department, fire department and Regional Paramedical Services’ Gardendale base about the job, what motivates them and what they do when they aren’t serving the community.

// Continued on Pages 24-28

Drew Holsomback

LT. STATION 1, GARDENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Drew Holsomback grew up watching his dad serve as a volunteer firefighter, so when he was in college and found out that Auburn University had a student firefighter program that would teach him how to be a firefighter and pay for college, he signed up.

After three years in that program, Holsomback applied for a job in Jefferson County and got a call to interview at Gardendale. On the drive back to Auburn after the interview, he was offered the job in Gardendale, and soon found himself enrolled in classes to be a paramedic.

In 2009, Holsomback was joining a fire department that had only been full time for a few years and had relatively low call volume from their single fire station. Over the last 15 years, he has seen the number of calls double, and Gardendale now has plans for a third fire station to be built.

But, the things that attracted him to the job haven’t changed.

“If you get into this profession, you’re called to serve,” Holsomback said. “Serving others at their worst times and just being a helping hand is what’s most important.”

He also loves the camaraderie of the guys in the station and working with them every day and enjoys being in a leadership role in the department. He hopes to retire as a battalion chief one day and leave the city a little better than he found it.

“I want to leave a legacy and keep Gardendale growing in the right direction,” Holsomback said.

That’s especially important to him because he, his wife and three daughters call Gardendale home. Work and family obligations don’t leave a lot of time for hobbies, but when he does have time, he likes to be outside–hunting, playing golf or watching his daughters play soccer.

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Kenny Barrett MANAGER OF BASIC LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES, REGIONAL PARAMEDICAL SERVICE

After spending several years in management at a steel company, Kenny Barrett found himself looking for a career change when the company closed. He decided to pursue a career in healthcare, enrolling in nursing school. After one semester, he decided to switch to EMT and found his niche. He went to work for RPS soon after and eventually moved up to supervisor and then manager over the Basic Life Support operations for the company.

The BLS services include things like hospital transfers and dialysis transportation, services that can be performed by EMTs, freeing up the company’s Advanced EMTs and Paramedics to care for more critical patients.

So, after all these years, what does he look forward to the most when he comes to work each day?

“I know most people are going to say ‘helping people,’ and helping people is a big part of it. But, for me, it’s the challenge. I love figuring out the challenge. I have 20 people, who are new to the industry that I’m having to get where they need to go on a daily basis,” Barrett said.

Working with these new EMTs can be demanding, but it is also rewarding as he sees them grow in their abilities and education.

“I’m getting the new ones,” Barret said. “They don’t have a lot of experience but it’s a pride thing to see them grow. I’ve been doing this for a few years now, so a lot of the medics we have worked for me when they first started here. It’s nice to see them continue on and get to that level.”

When he isn’t guiding the future EMS workers, he and his wife are remodeling a house they bought recently. But, when he does have free time, he is on his motorcycle, often riding with a few of the other managers in the company.

“It’s a nice way to relax when we have time to do it,” Barrett said.

Miyah Worsley

ADVANCED EMT, REGIONAL PARAMEDICAL SERVICE

Miyah Worsley knew early in life that she wanted to help people. Several of her family members had jobs in the healthcare field, but she wanted to be of service out in the community. As she got into the emergency medical field, she realized that many more providers were needed.

Five years ago, she attained her EMT license and began working for RPS. Then, last year, she decided to continue her education and attained her Advanced EMT license.

She still loves helping people, as well as meeting the different people who need her during a shift.

“The best part is being able to be there for somebody when they need help,” Miyah explained. “But I also like meeting new people every day and meeting people with different personalities.”

When she isn’t working, she loves to paint, draw or craft, or take her dog out for a hike.

For anyone considering EMT, Miyah encourages them to explore it, even if it doesn’t end up being their career.

“This job opens up more opportunities in the health fields, even med school,” she explained. “It’s always a start, you can always advance to anywhere.”

Tyler Smith

CORPORAL, GARDENDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT

For most of his life, Tyler Smith wanted to join the military. His grandfather had been a Marine in Vietnam, so he was raised to believe that service to others was important.

“Everybody in my family did something service oriented,” Smith said.

Then, in college, he took a criminal justice class and his plans for the type of service changed.

“I love criminal justice and love helping people,” Smith said. “This was a way I could serve people here at home instead of overseas.”

He applied for a job as a police officer and was hired at Gardendale 5.5 years ago. Gardendale wasn’t his home, but he realized quickly that it was where

he was supposed to be. In talking to officers in other departments about how they are treated, Smith knows he’s blessed to serve the people of Gardendale.

“It is one of the few places, I feel like, in America still when they interact with you, and they are thankful for your service or that you’re there,” Smith said. “It’s one of the few places you can still go to work and know that the people you’re helping appreciate you. Even when you give them a ticket, most of the time, the last thing they say to you is ‘thank you.’”

When he isn’t in uniform, Smith and his wife love to garden and visit Disney World whenever they can. They are looking forward to sharing both of those things with their infant son, when he’s old enough.

Gardendale Elementary School City Investments

Principal Tinker Rogers and members of the Gardendale Elementary School staff attended a recent city council meeting to let them know how much they appreciated the following projects listed below at their school. The funding that the citizens of Gardendale are providing their school is making a huge difference in in the lives of our students at Gardendale Elementary School.

Gardendale Elementary School –$319,705

• Library Reader Series and Equipment - $14,956.89

• Library Furniture to Display Book Series - $11,000.00

• 3rd Grade Trip to McWane Center - $2,360

• 1st grade Trip to Birmingham Zoo - $3,453.68

• Scholastic News Paper for First Grade - $658.90

• 4th Grade Trip to Montgomery - $12,125

• TAG 5th Grade Trip to Camp McDowell - $3,201.96

• GaGa Pit - $19,553

• Furniture for All Grades in the School - $232,000

• MEGA Conference in Mobile for 14 teachers and staff - $18,654

• Elkay Water Filling Station for 4th Grade - $1,205.98

• 3rd Grade Chairback Pockets with Names - $538.89

Gardendale Elementary School Problem Solvers

Bragg Students of the Month

Bragg Middle School honored its March Students of the Month. These students were chosen by their teachers (one student from each team) for their hard work, a great display of character, and their willingness to go above and beyond. Students of the Month are treated to lunch, courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings in Gardendale.

Students of the Month:

6th Maroon - Ethan Wright

6th Gray - Harleigh Nolen

7th Maroon - Dev Patel

7th Gray - Jordan Jones

8th Maroon - Genna Gómez

8th Gray - Autumn Priest

Bragg Problem Solvers

Bragg Middle School’s Future Problem Solvers are the State Champions.

1st in the State - Community Problem Solving. Issue: Human Trafficking

2nd place. State Bowl Global Issue Problem Solving. Action Plan Presentation

3rd place State Bowl Global Issue Problem Solving. Autonomous Transportation

Gardendale Elementary’s Future Problem Solvers team won second place in the FPS competition.

Snow Rogers Attendance Winner

Roslyn is Snow Rogers Elementary’s student attendance winner for March.

Snow Rogers Statewide Reflections Winner

The Snow Rogers PTA proudly announced that a students placed in the 2023-24 Statewide PTA Reflections. Congratulations to Second Grader, Peyton Keedy, who won 2nd Place in the Primary Choreography Dance category. Peyton choreographed and performed an original dance piece for her submission to Reflections! She is one of only two students in Jefferson County to place in the statewide competition, and the only Snow Rogers student to ever place on the state level of this competition.

SRES Represented at Worldwide Soccer Competition

Snow Rogers Elementary’s Nolan Farleyrepresented the USA at the 2024 Real Madrid Foundation World Challenge in Madrid, Spain. In just 3rd grade, Nolan is already a rising star in the world of soccer, showcasing his talent on the international stage among U10-U14 players from around the globe.

SRES March Students of the Month

Snow Rogers Elementary School honored its March Students of the Month.

SRES Peter Pan

The Snow Rogers Elementary School students presented Peter Pan recently.

Gardendale High School Tennis Winners

The Gardendale High School Girl’s Tennis team won the Jefferson County Tennis Tournament! Huge and the Boy’s team was second in their division.

Gardendale Elementary School PTA Honors Students

Thank You Gardendale Elementary School PTA for honoring students for their academic achievements .

Gardendale Elementary School Character Education Students

Gardendale Elementary School honored its Character Education Students for March.

Helping Gardendale families

Golden Eagles offers fun and travel

By Jan Griffey

Linda Fryer lost her husband in 2018 after 52 years of marriage. The Fryers had only one child, a son, who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She was lost. Her life changed drastically when her husband died, and she yearned for something more.

“It was very difficult. We had a family of ones—one son, one granddaughter,” Fryer said. “In 2019, I saw an ad that read, ‘If you don’t have a Valentine, come to the library and celebrate with us.’ And that’s what I did.”

Fryer headed to the Gardendale Library and joined a group of seniors there at its Social Cafe.

“I heard about a travel club that met there, the Golden Eagles, for

people over 55. I used to operate a travel company, Tours by Linda, and I love travel,” she said.

Today, Fryer is the president of the Gardendale Golden Eagles, who meet monthly and host speakers on various issues of benefit to senior citizens. In addition, the group takes a monthly trip. In March, they traveled to Guntersville and toured the Guntersville Museum and Lodge.

The best thing is, all the Golden Eagles had to pay for was their lunch, thanks to the shuttle buses available for travel, which is a service of Gardendale.

“We didn’t even have to pay for our gas. And the admission to the Guntersville Museum is free,” she said.

The Golden Eagles host monthly meetings and trips to attractions around Alabama. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA FRYER

And dues to join the Gardendale Golden Eagles? A whopping $5 a year.

The group uses that money on a different project each year that benefits the community.

“As we get older, it seems like I am made out of cellophane. People look right through me as if I’m not of importance anymore,” Fryer said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. These ladies on our board are so independent. Their minds are so sharp and they have an opinion on anything and everything, and that’s a good thing. Those opinions give you food for thought.”

Programs are selected to educate and bring joy to seniors.

“Being around older ladies has given me inspiration to keep on keeping on,” she said. “You can learn something from everyone, whether it’s a recipe or something to motivate you, or learning about the best insurance agent or best bank or best church, or even how to fully use a cell phone or to text,” Fryer said.

The Gardendale Golden Eagles meet on the second Friday of each month, at the Gardendale Senior Center, for a speaker and program, and they go on their monthly trip on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Ruth Miller has been involved with Gardendale Golden Eagles since the group began.

“I went to the first meeting they ever had and have been in and out through the years,” she said. “I enjoy the speakers that come and talk to us.”

Fryer and Miller urged other seniors in the Gardendale community to join the group.

“I looked up the City of Gardendale Statistics and Gardendale has 3,152 senior adults. Gardendale Golden Eagles should be bursting at the seams,” Fryer said.

“Seniors need to socialize with new people and learn new things. And we can go on trips with other people and not have to do the driving,” Miller said.

Mortimer Jordan High School Tennis Winners

The Mortimer Jordan High School Boy’s Tennis Team won first place in the Jefferson County Tennis Tournament. The Girl’s Team won second in their division.

North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted Othell Phillips, of the Jefferson County EIDA, as the speaker for its April luncheon.

Fultondale Fire Chief goes to Day on the Hill

Members of the Alabama Joint Fire Council, including the Fultondale Fire Chief, joined the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy for a “Day on the Hill.”

Mt. Olive Elementary Honors March Students of the Month

Mt. Olive honors March Students of the Month:

Pre-K: Amelia Oden

Kindergarten: Ryleigh Estes & Lily Echols

1st Grade: Rylee Bolton, AJ Mitchell, & Ava Valladares

2nd Grade: Violet Mahieu & Leaha Pennington

3rd Grade: Tate Stewart & Finley Patterson

4th Grade: Caroline Arrant & Evie Crain

5th Grade: Carter Allen & Ava Banks

Royal Flush Ribbon Cutting

The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting last month for Royal Flush Rental Co.

Kimberly Truck Stop Food Truck Event

Kimberly Truck Stop hosts Third Thursday Food Truck Events each month since January.

Mt. Olive Elementary honors top fundraisers

The top fundraisers for Kids Heart Challenge are Zachary Miller and Jackson Miller.

Mt. Olive Fun Run

The Mt. Olive Elementary School Fun run garnered the school $6,637.24 pledged for the run from 217 donors and 65 percent of the donors were not parents.

Fultondale High School March Students of the Month

Fultondale High School honored its student of the month.

7th - Jarrod Underwood

8th - Angel Cornelio Garcia

9th - Melisa Juarez Mateo

10th - Andre Garvey (Not pictured)

11th - Markeith Sutton (Not pictured)

12th - Jarred Pennington

North Jefferson Middle School attended E-Day

NJMS TSA students attended University of Alabama’s E-Day hosted by the College of Engineering. They were able to tour the facilities and learn about all the opportunities available.

Warrior Elementary publishes student books

Warrior Elementary already has two groups of published authors. Mrs Herring and Mrs Ross’ first grade classes just received their copies of the book they collectively published.

Fultondale Elementary Dinosaur Eggs

Mrs. Mason’s 1st grade student’s recently hatched their dinosaur eggs

Gardendale Chamber March Meeting

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce hosted special guest speaker Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, superintendent of JefCoEd schools at the Gardendale Civic Center.

Gardendale Soccer

Gardendale Soccer Girls

U9s got second place in the Hoover Havoc tournament.

Tolbert Promoted in Fire Department

Tyler Tolbert was recently promoted to an Apparatus Operator on the Gardendale Fire Department. He is pictured with Chief Joe Thomas and Assistant Chief Brody Cooper of the Gardendale Fire Department.

Quick Hired as Laborer

Eric Quick was recently hired as a full-time unskilled laborer in the Public Works Department. He is pictured with David Andrews, who is standing in for Paul Tidwell, the Department Head for the Public Works Department.

Magnolia Nail Salon Ribbon Cutting

Magnolia Nail Salon celebrated its new location at 616 Gayle Street with a ribbon cutting. The owners first opened Nail Model in the Publix Shopping Center nine years ago.

Miracle League Opening Night

The Miracle League opened its season with help from UAB’s school of Health Professions, who donated to the program and volunteered as buddies for the game.

Congratulations to Officers

Bowman and Kyle

Congratulations to Officer

Connor Bowman & Officer Andrew Kyle, they graduated the 191st Session of the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy.

Musicality Launches Spring 2024 T-Shirts

Every semester, Musicality designs a brand new shirt to commemorate the incredible moment when each student RELEASES THEIR SOUND at our end-of-the-semester concert. This semester, they held a T-Shirt design contes. This shirt was designed by our winner, Brooklin Wilson!

Gardendale Declared Tree City

Katie Wiswall from the U.S. Forestry Service attended a recent City Council and presented the City of Gardendale with a Tree City flag for their 4 years of participation in the Tree City program. She is pictured with Mayor Stan Hogeland and Bill Casaday.

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Gardendale Farmers Market

The Gardendale Farmers Market will open for the season on May 16, 2024, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This year it will be at Bill Noble Park each Thursday until September 26. Every year, farmers and local vendors come from all over the area to sell their products and produce in Gardendale.

Civic Center Food Truck Nights

May 9 will begin the Food Truck nights at the Gardendale Civic Center for the year. The events will be held each second Thursday of the month, 5-8 p.m. A variety of food trucks from the area gather at the Civic Center and there is music or other entertainment each month. Come sample the food truck offerings and socialize with friends and family. Bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the evening. Visit the Civic Center Facebook the week of the event to see a food truck lineup.

North End Council of Garden Clubs Flower Show

May 2, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and May 3, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. The theme for this year is “At The Hop.”

Chamber of Commerce Luncheons

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Luncheons will be May 9, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14 and December 12. Sponsorships are still available.

Kids Cooking Classes

A new series of Kids Cooking Classes will begin on May 3 at Bill Noble Park. Classes will be on May 3rd, May 17th and May 31.Register at billnoblepark.recdesk.com.

• Each child will get a chef’s apron and hat to wear proudly around Bill Noble Park.

• These classes are not food allergy curated but please contact us at least a week in advance to discuss possible solutions for your child. We do not want anyone to feel left out due to food allergies and we will try everything in our power to accommodate your child’s needs. We can not guarantee accommodations without proper notice so please reach out as soon as possible.

Dinko De Mayo

Gardendale Pickleball Club will host Dinko De Mayo May 3-5, 2024

• Singles - Friday evening May 3, 2024

• Women and Mens Double - Saturday - May 4, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Mixed Doubles - Sunday - May 5:00, noon - 6 p.m.

(Registration opens January 22, 2024)

Round Robin Format

Bragg Band Spring Concert

The Bragg Band Spring Concert will be May 9 at 5 p.m. at Bragg Middle School.

Gardendale Health and Wellness Expo

The Gardendale Health and Wellness Expo will be held on May 18. Check the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce site for details on the event.

Musicality Concerts and Family Day

Musicality will host a day of concerts and family on May 18, 2024, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. It is free and open to the public. There will be performances by students and instructors or Musicality Studio.

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 Events

• Toddler Time: May 3, 10, 17 and 24, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

• Kids Crafts: May 4 and 18 10:30 - 10:45 a.m.

• Craft Snack: May 7, 14, 3-3:15 p.m.

• Story Time: May 8, 22, 29, 10:30-11 a.m.

• Homeschool Hub: May 15, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

• Drawing The Basics: May 20, 3-3:15 p.m.

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.

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