Gardendale Magazine ~ October 2022

reflects

Business Spotlight: The Day Place provides safe, fun place for adults

Miss North Jefferson Area and Miss Gardendale Magnolia winners

Homecoming: Gardendale wins over JacksonOlin in front of Homecoming crowd

Sometimes, I think it’s easy to take for granted what an incredible community this is. A city that has, in many ways, maintained its small-town charm, while constantly growing and trying to improve. And a city that works hard to balance the business growth, with growth that will benefit the community and the lives of the people who live here.

I recently had a wonderful conversation with someone about Gardendale and the people who live here. We were at a party in another city, but she works here and she complimented the magazine. As I started talking about the magazine and the reason we started it, I realized how animated I was as I talked about the people here. I finally shrugged and said, “Sorry, I just love the people there.” She replied, “I can tell,” with a laugh.

But it’s true. My previous job was covering people and places I had known my entire life, and stepping out of that comfort zone and coming to Gardendale in 2015 was terrifying. But the people here embraced me and helped me grow so much over the last 7 years. Having the opportunity to tell stories that show what an incredible place this is has been incredibly rewarding for me.

As we begin our second year, we’re excited to tell even more of the stories of Gardendale and the interesting, kind and inspirational people who call the city home. This issue has the stories of some of them and we have many more in the upcoming issues. As always, if you have a story that you think people would like to hear, please let us know. Maybe you know someone with an interesting hobby or talent or who makes the community better by being in it. We want to hear about them!

I hope to continue to hear from you guys about the magazine and what you want to see in these pages, so we can keep delivering stories you want to read each and every month.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

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. 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

Cover photo by Vickie Unlap (fodaction.com)

The Gardendale Rockets celebrated Homecoming with a big win over Jackson-Olin.

Staff

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

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

Lori Kinney Marketing Consultant (205) 447-1164, lori@jbmcmedia.com

Anthony and Shweta Bratina Graphic Design

The Day Place offers a safe, engaging environment for those with memory disorders.

The Day Place

Program offers safe and caring place for loved ones

Story by Anna Wilt

The Day Place recently opened in the Gardendale Exchange shopping center. The only of its kind in Gardendale, The Day Place provides a safe, engaging, and enriching day respite program for individuals with memory disorders.

ABOUT ANGELA HAMMOND, OWNER AND DIRECTOR

After growing up in Mobile, AL, Angela Hammond earned her BA in Elementary Education at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then moved to Denver, CO, serving as a big sister to troubled teens. Here, she discovered her love of social work and eventually earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DAY PLACE

Hammond found her work as a Hospice Social Worker extremely rewarding, and her idea for The Day Place was born. She saw firsthand the toll memory disorders have on the diagnosed individuals, their caregivers, and loved ones. Hammond struggled to find resources to help those she served, so she created one— The Day Place, a safe and caring place for those you love.

THE DAY PLACE PROVIDES STRUCTURE AND STIMULATION

A typical morning at The Day Place starts off with coffee and word games. From there, Friends and staff will often move to chair exercises and movements. A few of their favorite games include puzzles and cornhole. The benefits of these activities hit their top two goals—cognitive stimulation and socialization—as the group participates together.

Friends at The Day Place also participate in “Craft Project Collaborations” to give back to their community. They create no-sew, tie blankets that the Friends donate to hospice patients in an effort to bring them some comfort. Additionally, Friends will create special messages for local Kindergarten classes.

In addition to these activities, Friends at The Day Place also welcome musicians, artists, and visitors to share their talents.

HOW THE DAY PLACE IMPACTS INDIVIDUALS WITH MEMORY DISORDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

During her time in Hospice care, Hammond saw the demands that memory disorders can have on individuals and their caregivers. She reflects, “They want to keep them home, but the demands of the disease can make this difficult and exhausting. The negative health effects for Caregivers are widely documented in the literature, and include higher levels of depression, compromised physical health, and decreased quality of life.”

The Day Place serves as a safe, consistent, reliable, and economical resource for individuals with memory disorders and their caregivers. With a staffing ratio of 1:5, each Friend that walks through the door gets the attention they need to have an engaging and enriching day. Every day, Friends and their Families can count on the same smiling faces to greet them Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Day Place is currently accepting more Friends and offers monthly packages ranging from 2 to 5 days a week.

“I can’t even express how helpful The Day Place has been to me. Knowing my spouse is in a safe place where he is cared for gives me peace of mind.”

Family of a The Day Place Friend

Here Am I Haiti

Icy Mae Fredrick began the nonprofit in 1988, when she helped found a school and church in the area, along with Elise Cadet. The school currently has more than 900 students.

Groups from Fultondale and Gardendale make regular trips to the village to help with needs of the community.

Doctor Doug Alford, Dentist Cheri Cunningham and business owner Richard Bradley, as well as other members of the North Jefferson Rotary many others in the community also help support services and work in the small rural town. Gardendale First Baptist also regularly sends groups to help with the needs of the residents.

For children at the school, the programs provided by Here Am I Haiti offer them the only

Volunteers from Gardendale regularly travel to this impoverished area of Haiti to help the people there with medical needs, educational opportunities and much more.

Here Am I Haiti serves a small village in an especially impoverished part of Haiti.

chance at getting an education and learning about the Bible in a country torn apart by poverty, disease, famine and other challenges.

While most of the teachers’ salaries and school needs come from donors, the charity hopes to raise the additional amounts through fundraisers, like its upcoming charity golf tournament. They are also hoping to raise enough money to help build new classrooms and expand the school. Currently, the school has to split the school day up in order to get all the students in each day. The younger students take classes from 7 a.m. to midday and older students go in to classes at midday and finish at 6 p.m.

The 6th Annual Here Am I Haiti Inc., Golf Scramble will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Horse Creek Golf Club in Dora. They are also hosting a 50/50 raffle drawing. Half of the proceeds from the drawing will be donated to HAIH, and the other half will be given to the drawing winner. The 50/50 drawing will take place at Horse Creek at 1 p.m. You do not have to be in attendance to win.

For more information, visit hereamihaiti.org or find them on Facebook.

// Continued from Page 10 //

Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival and Miss North Jefferson Area Scholarship Pageants

The Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival and Miss North Jefferson Area competitions joined with Miss Walker County last month to crown winners all together. The winner of Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival 2023 is Mikella Anderson. The winner of Miss North Jefferson Area 2023 is Aleya Grace Giley.

The scholarship pageants are are official preliminary pageants to Miss Alabama. Anderson and Giley will compete in Miss Alabama in July.

As part of the competition, they also named a new Outstanding Teens. The new Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival’s Outstanding Teen 2023 is Charlee Reid and Christina Norman is the new Miss North Jefferson Area’s Outstanding Teen 2023.

Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival and Miss North Jefferson Area Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageants

The Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Outstanding Teen and Miss North Jefferson Area Outstanding Teen competitions joined with Miss Walker County last month to crown winners all together.

The new Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival’s Outstanding Teen 2023 is Charlee Reid and Christina Norman is the new Miss North Jefferson Area’s Outstanding Teen 2023.

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Tabernacle football

A last-minute interception led to a win for Tabernacle’s junior team against Tuscaloosa Academy at Corner. Brock Cooper caught the game-winning pass, despite having broken his finger in the first quarter.

Gardendale pecial Olympics Unified Volleyball

Gardendale High School Rockets finished third in the Jefferson County Special Olympics Unified Volleyball Tournament.

Miss Alabama Volunteer

Madison Neal, a graduate of Troy University, anchor woman at WHNT 19 in Huntsville, and reigning Miss Alabama Volunteer, spoke to 8th-grade students at Bragg Middle School about the dangers of drug use.

Bragg Students of the Month

Bragg Middle School’s September Students of the Month were chosen by their teachers (one student from each team) for their hard work, 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.

6th Grade Maroon - Trenton Stewart

6th Grade Gray - Camille Sanders

7th Grade Maroon - Briana Sanchez

7th Grade Gray - Reece Brown

8th Grade Maroon - Ryan Brown

8th Grade Gray - Stella Whitworth

Mr. Landrum’s Class - Christian Pollard

GES Character Awards

Gardendale Elementary School’s September Character Award winners were honored for displaying trust.

GES Community Helper Day

Students at Gardendale Elementary School enjoyed hands-on learning at Community Helper Day, with help from Hand in Paw, Gardendale Police Department,and Gardendale Fire and Rescue.

Bragg Volleyball

Bragg Volleyball’s 7th grade Volleyball team finished fourth out of 14 teams in the hardest league in the state at the All Metro Tournament. Parker Ann Cotney who was named to the 7th Grade All Metro Tournament Team. The team also had two players who were named to the All Metro Tournament Team for the season: Abbey Crockett and Callie Cunningham. Paisley Orazine was named to the 8th Grade All Metro Tournament Team and Lauren Stephens was named to the 8th Grade All Metro Team.

Horror and Home Improvement

Matthew Weber was just a kid when he first watched the movie Alien with his family. He also remembers that his mom sent him out of the room when the first facesucking alien appeared on screen.

“From that day forward, I was destined to see all the horror movies,” Weber said with a laugh. “I didn’t know what happened, and I loved monsters, so she may have inadvertently triggered my obsession.”

Obsession is probably the right word. From watching every horror movie and reading every horror book to bringing home horror promotional items from movie rental stores, Weber grew his knowledge of the genre at every opportunity. Then he started writing his own stories.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTHERN MARKET

Continued from Page 22

His most recent book is called “Bobcats” and tells a coming-of-age story mixed with a slasher novel.

“I love coming of age stories and I love slasher novels, so I figured I could just jam them together and make myself happy,” Weber said.

The book, like most of Weber’s writings, isset in the fictional town of “Trapper Valley,” which is loosely based on his hometown of Gardendale. Weber said he grew up envious of places that had their own monster lore–stories about Yeti’s and Moth Man and the Jersey Devil fascinated him, but he was sad there weren’t any stories about Gardendale, so he decided to create his own.

His first book wasn’t horror, but instead small-town politics as he discussed a mayoral candidate in a town loosely based on Fultondale. The story is still one Weber is proud of, but it made him realize he really loved the world of horror and that was the focus of his subsequent works.

Most of Weber’s books are published under his own label, Pint Bottle Press, where he also publishes other books by author Vic Kerry and

anthologies that group together the writing of many different horror authors from around the world..

Those books, called “Double Barrel Horror” are unique in that they feature two stories from each author and allow readers to find new favorites and keep up with up-andcoming authors in the horror genre. Weber’s goal was to publish three volumes, and he has accomplished that, but he won’t rule out a fourth edition. The unique, two-story format proved very popular for Weber and the authors.

Weber has also published two children’s books and is working on his third. Those books, “I Want to be a Monster When I Grow Up,” “Attack of the Giant Mutant Worms” and the upcoming “Cupcake Soup” are devoted to Weber’s children.

While “Cupcake Soup” is still in production, Weber is already shopping around a short story collection called “Killed By Death,” that he hopes will get attention soon.

In addition to his horror writing and publishing, Weber also publishes a home improvement magazine, “Home Improvement and Repairs” for DIYers and those hiring pros to complete their renovations. That magazine is about to celebrate its third year. It is circulated across the country, but is largely created in Gardendale. Weber worked full time for years in a larger magazine company that published a similar product. When they decided to stop publishing their magazines, Weber and a friend decided to start their own title. That magazine has entered its third year of production.

Most of Weber’s books and those of other authors published by his company, are available on Amazon or at Birmingham Oddities.

Celebrations

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.

Gardendale Park Progress

The progress on Bill Noble Park is beginning to take shape. The sports complex, when completed, will feature numerous baseball fields, pickleball courts, a football field, new playground, pavilion and even more. The project is expected to be completed by spring of 2023.

Southern Market Returns

Southern Market reopened after being closed for months following a power issue that destroyed all of its freezers and equipment. The store is carrying the favorites it had been known for, new items and an even larger selection of fresh meat. They were also presented with their Business of the Month award from the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce from June, which was delayed by their emergency closing.

Special thanks to Carol Rawding Stewart and the North Jefferson Rotary Club for cabinets in the kitchen area, bathroom and new paint for the floors. They also pressure washed the outside and painted it. There is also a wonderful new sign by the road to make the Hut easier to find! Thanks so much for investing in our youth!

Gardendale Opportunity Day

The first ever Gardendale High School Opportunity Day Event hosted by Team Jones Media, Jeff Drummonds, Academy of Craft Training and Tony May. It offered the students a chance to hone skills and learn about future opportunities.

SHORTCUT WHITE BEAN AND CHICKEN CHILI

Shortcut White Bean Chicken Chili has all the flavor of slow cooked beans and chicken but uses canned beans so you can get dinner on the table quicker!

Prep Time: 15 mins / Cook Time: 15 mins /Baking: 25 mins / Total Time:

30 mins

Soup Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 220kcal

▢ 3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) or 3 to 4 cups shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken

▢ 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil

▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt

▢ 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper optional

▢ 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup

▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil

▢ 1 32 oz carton chicken broth or stock 4 cups

▢ 3 15.5 oz cans Great Northern or Navy beans drained

▢ 1 4.5 oz can chopped green chiles

▢ 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

▢ 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh

▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt

▢ 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese

▢ Lime wedges and cilantro (optional)

▢ Sour Cream (optional)

Skip this step of baking chicken breasts if you are using rotisserie chicken

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy clean up) and place the chicken on the foiled coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt (and pepper),

if desired. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees with an instant read thermometer.

Meanwhile, chop the onion and garlic. Cook the onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil in an 8 quart pot over medium heat, stirring often until onion is almost tender.

Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan then add the green chiles, cumin, oregano, and salt.

When the chicken is done, place the breasts on a cutting board and shred by pulling it apart with two forks. You may have to cut some of the pieces into bite size pieces. Add the chicken to the soup mixture. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer 15 minutes.

If you prefer a more creamy texture, partially mash the beans with a potato masher right in the pot.

Serve in bowls and top with cheese and if desired a squeeze of fresh lime, cilantro and sour cream.

NOTES

Additional shortcut: I often use Rotisserie chicken and chop or shred it.

Slow Cooker Version: Combine raw or frozen chicken breasts with all other ingredients. Cook on HIGH for at least 6 hours, depending on size of chicken breasts, for raw chicken and up to 8 hours for frozen chicken breasts. Shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks. You can also carefully remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them cool to the touch and chop or shred them, then add them back to the soup.

Food Truck Night

The Gardendale Civic Center will host the third Thursday Food Truck Night again this year. Events will be held on October 13. 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.

Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held Thursday, October 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. The cost is $15 per person. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce.

Gardendale Medical Mile Health Expo

The Gardendale Medical Mile Health Expo will be Friday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center.

Every Thursday and Saturday

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

Trick or Treat at the Library

Come to the Gardendale Library the week before Halloween (Oct. 24-31, Except Oct. 30) to get candy and see others dressed up. The themed dress-up days for all ages are:

Oct. 24: Heroes and Villains

Oct. 25: Decades Day Oct. 26: Elves and Hobbits Oct. 27: Witches and Cats

Social Cafe: Donuts and Dead Authors

Oct. 28: Star Wars and Star Trek Oct. 29: Pajama Day Oct. 31: Disney and Pixar

The Gardendale Library will host a Social Cafe called “Donuts and Dead Authors” on Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Mingle as you munch at the donut social and take a stroll through the Dead Authors’ Graveyard. In the graveyard, discover not only the books but the intriguing lives the authors lived outside the pages of their books.

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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

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