Gardendale Magazine - October 2023

Mrs. HOMETOWN YOUR

Sanders brings home a top 6 finish from national pageant PAGE 16

70+ year resident shares why he loves his city PAGE 20

Marketplace on Main brings local artisans to consumers PAGE 8

All You Need To Know About Gardendale Municipal Court

Gardendale Municipal Court has jurisdiction over traffic and parking violations, municipal ordinance violations, and misdemeanor offenses. The municipal Court provides administrative support, sentence monitoring, court fines collection and case load reporting. The Gardendale Municipal Court Judge, Prosecutor, and staff strive to ensure citizens and users of the Gardendale Municipal Court fair, impartial, and efficient service in as comfortable of an environment as possible. The Court is responsible for answering only procedural type questions that are court related and does not give any legal advice.

Most Common Questions: How Much Is My Ticket And How Do I Pay?

You may or may not have a court appearance with your citation. If you do not know if your citation requires a court appearance, you may contact the Gardendale Municipal Court or you may check the fine schedule online. If you do not see your citation listed on the fine schedule, please contact the court office at 205-631-7155

If you are NOT required to appear in court and would like to take care of your citation without coming to court, you may do so by coming in-person to the office 24 hours prior to the court date on citation. You may also pay your citation online by going to cityofgardendale.com or mail in your signed citation and payment. We must receive all payments and guilty pleas at least 24 hours before the court date or you must appear in court.

You may mail your payment to:

Gardendale Municipal Court

1309 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, Alabama 35071

If your citation does not appear on the fine schedule, you MUST appear in court. You will appear before the municipal judge (Honorable Kenneth J. Gomany) at your scheduled date and time and enter a plea on the charge. If you plead guilty, your fine amount will be determined at that time. Fines are due on the day of court. If you are not able to pay your fines in full, the judge may set you up on a payment plan. If you plead not guilty, your case will be continued to a trial court date.

Some may be eligible for Defensive Driving School, which may allow you to keep a clean driving record. You must appear before the judge to see if you are eligible, and he may allow it at that time.

Chiropractic Manipulation

Dry Needling

DOT Physicals

Physio-Therapeutics

Originally from Sumiton, Alabama, Dr. Kent Glover earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Samford University in 2012. Dr. Glover went on to complete his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta in 2016, graduating with honors. After practicing in Gardendale for six years within a group setting, he decided to branch out on his own. In spring of 2023 Dr. Glover purchased his practice from Dr. Scott Wood, who served the north Jefferson community for more than twenty years.

Dr. Glover has certifications in physiotherapeutics, activator technique, and dry needling. He is also a certified medical examiner for the Department

of Transportation. Using a problemcentered approach, Dr. Glover ensures he is addressing the current needs of his patients in the most ethical and moral way possible. Providing quality, evidencebased care and education to his patients is his top priority.

In his free time, he loves to spend his days with his wife, Kayla, his son, Samuel, and their ten year old golden retriever, George. In addition to being a jazz musician and disc golfer, he and his wife are self-proclaimed “foodies” and love to travel the world. He hopes to continue to serve the Gardendale and north Jefferson areas and is excited to be a part of the growth Gardendale continues to see.

Dr. Kent Glover with his wife Kayla and son Samuel.

8/ 20/ 12/

My Gardendale: Kate Sides on why she loves the city

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Recipe of the Month: Kathleen’s recipe for Pan Seared Pork Chops with Fried Cinnamon Apples

Where the Makers Go: Marketplace on Main

Citizen Profile: Robert “Gene” Cox reflects on his time in Gardendale

Cover: Keri Sanders brings Mrs. America glam to Gardendale

October is my favorite month, there’s football, cooler weather and the beginning of all the fall activities. This issue was a lot of fun for me and the rest of our staff, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

This issue includes a story on Robert “Gene” Cox, who was nominated by his neighbors. I enjoyed talking with Mr. Cox about how he had seen Gardendale change in the last 68 years and what he enjoys doing these days.

I also stopped my Marketplace on Main and enjoyed checking out the work of various artisans featured in the store. Look forward to seeing more in-depth stories on several of those creators in upcoming issues.

Our wonderful writer, Kristi and photographer, Brittany, paid a visit to Keri Sanders to bring us the story of a local business owner who recently competed (and placed) in a national pageant.

I hope you’ll enjoy this issue and that you’ll keep the suggestions for future story ideas coming as we get ready to head into the holiday season.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

Dr. Jim Fox and Team Chiropractic Oasis of Gardendale

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

On our cover is Mrs. America competitor and Gardendale business owner, Keri Sanders. She recently finished in the Top 6 at the national Mrs. America contest and opened her salon in the city. She talked to us about the experience and the motivation behind her platform.

Our Advertisers

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

Brad Drake Heating & Air

Chambers Family Dentistry

Children’s of Alabama

City of Gardendale

El Patron

Glover Chiropractic

Jade Ivy Fashions

Luma Dentistry

Maggie G. Pond, DMD

Magnolia Dental

Merged Metal Permanent Jewelry

Mold & Mildew Solutions

Monita’s Bakery

Norwood Clinic

Parrot Structural Services

Singletary Plumbing

Skinology

Southern Focus Vision Center

Superior Service Electric

The Harrison Agency

Total Skin and Beauty

Village Dermatology

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control

Wildflower

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 Design

Cover photo by Brittany Fields

Where the Makers Go

Looking for a high-end, handmade gift while supporting a local artist? Think you have to travel out of the community to find something like that? Anna Firestone wanted to bring some of that high-end, specialized artwork to Gardendale in an accessible way.

“I want people to feel like they can shop here in Gardendale and not make that drive,” Firestone explains.

The shop, which opened just last month on Main Street is something of a collective of artists intermingling their creations to showcase the beauty of each piece.

When Firestone and her husband moved to Gardendale six years ago because he was hired as a coach at the high school, she already had an idea for a business like this in her hear.

“God laid it on my heart a long time ago that this would be a path for me at some point in my life,” she said.

Then, she began to notice a house on Main Street that she passed every day. She thought the house would be perfect for what she had

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in mind, so when the house went up for sale earlier this year, she called her realtor immediately.

She sat down with her husband and the bank and created a business plan and the dream became a reality. She and her husband spent the summer renovating the house to create exactly what Firestone had envisioned.

Then she needed other artists to help fill the store, so she reached out to friends who were makers or artisans and they reached out to other friends. As that network grew, Firestone’s dream came to fruition. She currently has approximately 24 vendors of all types from furniture to home decor, signs, children’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and candles.

The current hours for the store are Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturdays 10 a.m - 2 p.m. The store is located at 741 Main Street.

A Lifetime in Gardendale

How much has Gardendale changed in the last 70 years?

Robert “Gene” Cox would say it has changed, but so much has stayed the same. Cox celebrated his 94th birthday recently and he has seen the city grow throughout his almost seven decades as a resident, but says the heart of the city–the people have remained the same.

“Gardendale has always had good people,” Cox said. “I’ve always had a lot of friends here.”

Cox said he moved here from Shelby County when he married Irene. He built the house he currently lives in a few years later and began to immerse himself in the community. He joined the volunteer fire department, before the city had an official department. He also helped build Driver Stadium

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The Gardendale volunteer firefighters (including Robert “Gene” Cox) answered the call to protect citizens before the city department was established.

Connecting Gardendale, Empowering Community

Stay informed, stay connected with MyGardendale—your source for all things community, schools, and parks in Gardendale, Alabama. We empower residents by keeping them in the know and fostering unity within our vibrant city.

Community

Education

Dive into Gardendale's education landscape with our dedicated schools section. Here, you'll find essential information on a broad spectrum of schools, from elementary to high school, showcasing our commitment to fostering knowledge, creativity, and the lifelong learning spirit in our community.

Elementary Schools

High Schools

Recreation

Middle Schools

Step into the green oasis of Gardendale with our extensive parks guide. Get to know our diverse collection of parks, their unique features, locations, and activities, helping you to reconnect with nature and make the most of outdoor recreation opportunities in our beautiful city.

Bill Noble Park

Luman Harris Park

Kenny Clemons Park

Beatrice Johnson Park

Scan QR code or visit MyGardendale.com to stay in the know about everything happening in our thriving community!

Gardendale City Hall

long before he and Irene had their two sons, because he said that’s just how the community worked–everyone pitching in. Knowing that students still play football on the field he worked to build decades ago makes Cox smile even now.

During those years when he was helping the city grow, Cox worked for US Steel at various locations until he retired in 1980. He found another job, performing odd jobs for a realty company, before he retired again. After Irene retired from the phone company, the couple enjoyed their life together in Gardendale, until her death in 2019, after more than 65 years of marriage.

By any measure of success, Cox has lived a full and rewarding life. But he isn’t done. Despite his age, he still keeps his lawn cut, cooks breakfast every morning and stays active with his neighbors and friends. He loves to go out to eat, go to church and watch his beloved Auburn football team from his recliner with his best friend, Hounddog (affectionately named, not for her actual breed, but as a reference to John Wayne’s dog who was named simply “Dog.”)

When asked what he attributes his long, healthy life to, Cox said it was because he tried to live right and live his life the way God intended. But, he joked, the breakfast bacon may have helped.

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Meet Keri Sanders

Your Hometown Mrs. America

Story by Kristi Sellers

Throughout the week, you are likely to find Keri Sanders at Level 10 Salon in Gardendale. She recently opened this location, after operating for three years in Sumiton, Alabama. Sanders leads a team of stylists in her full-service salon. According to Sanders, “Making young girls and women feel beautiful inside and out is something I really enjoy and it means a lot to me”.

As a young girl, Keri loved to compete in pageants. This was a natural fit for Keri, since she loved having her hair and makeup done. These qualities have easily transferred to her career as a stylist.

In August, Keri competed in the 2023 Mrs. America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. She spent 10 days at the WestGate Las Vegas, competing for the crown. Her days were filled with rehearsals and her nights were spent attending formal dinners. Well-known stylist, Constantine James of Illinois, perfected Keri’s

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Keri Sanders, owner of Level 10 Salon, recently brought home national honors from the Mrs. America pageant.

THE AIR WE BREATHE MATTERS, WHICH IS WHY WE’VE PARTNERED WITH APRILAIRE TO HELP FILL EVERY HOME IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH HEALTHY AIR.

APRILAIRE DEHUMIDIFIERS HAVE A 5-YEAR WARRANTY, MADE IN THE USA AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CRAWLSPACES.

CRAWLSPACE IMPACT

A significant portion of indoor air originates from basements or crawlspaces, making their condition vital for overall air quality.

TAILORED DEHUMIDIFICATION

We use AprilAire dehumidifiers, which are designed for crawlspaces & basements and have optimized performance.

AIRBORNE

Damp

impacting

Serving Birmingham, Alabama for 36 years, we’re dedicated to creating and maintaining healthy home environments.

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ensemble each day, creating a number of looks that “surpassed all of my expectations.”

During the Mrs. America pageant contestants compete in Interview, Swimsuit and Evening Gown competitions. During her interview, Keri was able to highlight her platform, Deaf.Blind.Limitless. According to Keri:

“My time spent at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega, AL has strengthened my belief that everyone deserves to live a life without limitations. As a child of a deaf parent, I understand the struggles of those with sensory loss, and that’s why I’m passionate about inclusion for all. I’ve met some incredible educators and students. It’s clear to me now that with the right resources and support, those with sensory loss can achieve anything. I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of any mental health condition or disability

they may have. My experience at the AIDB has shown me that there are no limits to what one can achieve. I would like to continue to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world. Disability does not mean inability. I am proud to stand behind my slogan Deaf.Blind.Limitless, which celebrates these individuals and the amazing futures they have ahead of them.”

Keri had an amazing experience at the 2023 Mrs. America Pageant. She excelled in the competitions, landing in the Top 6 — a difficult feat. Keri listened as the announcement was made, “And our first semi-finalist into the Top 6… Mrs Alabama.” Wow, in that moment I truly felt like I was dreaming. I had far surpassed the goals I had for myself”.

Keri resides in Corner, Alabama with her husband Ryan and their son, Ryder.

Why Kate Wesson-Sides loves Gardendale

Although Kate Wesson-Sides is not a Gardendale native, she chose the city as the ideal place to raise her son when he was younger. She said she was drawn to the city by the safety of the city, the proximity to Birmingham and the variety of activities and opportunities for her and her son.

“There were so many different things available here and near here that he could figure out what activities were best suited to him,” Wesson-Sides said.

When he was younger, he played soccer and took martial arts. As he’s gotten older, he has also had opportunities to volunteer at the McWane Center and other community organizations that he might not have had in other areas.

“Being so close to the city meant he had access to opportunities and resources, as well as experiences that aren’t available in more rural areas,” Wesson-Sides said.

Being in the city also provided convenience and safety for him to explore and grow up.

“Being a single mom, there were times when he needed to walk to the civic center or library after middle school while I was at work,” Wesson-Sides said. “In this community, he could do that. Once he was old enough to drive, I felt safe letting him run errands around town alone. It’s wonderful to be in a community where you don’t have to worry as much about your child’s safety as they become teenagers and start to be more independent.”

PHOTO BY STANLEY PARRISH JR.

Snow Rogers Elementary circulatory studies

The first grade got a lesson in the circulatory system with Dr. Magnusson and got to listen to their heartbeats.

Bragg Middle School Students of the Month

The Bragg Middle School Students of the Month were chosen by their teachers (one 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. The students are:

• 6th Grade: Gage Armstrong and Dakota Parsons

• 7th Grade: Chloe Mohr and Bryan Escheverria

• 8th Grade: Levi Cooper and Natalie Thornton

Bragg Middle School Special Olympics

The Bragg Middle School Special Olympics team won first and second place in their volleyball games.

Bragg Volleyball

The Bragg Volleyball teams have had a successful season so far and have enjoyed the support from the rest of the school.

Snow Rogers Grandparents Days

Snow Rogers PTA hosted a chance for grandparents to visit the students at school.

Snow Rogers Perfect Score

Snow Rogers student Henry Peek scored a perfect score on the math ACAP.

GES Positive Bus Referral

positive bus referral.

These Gardendale Elementary Students received a

GES Character Awards

The Gardendale Elementary School Character Winners for September were nominated for their display of creativity.

Snow Rogers Tea Party

Third graders at Snow Rogers Elementary held a tea party recently.

GHS students help elementary students with volleyball

Students from Gardendale High School’s volleyball team visited Gardendale Elementary to help future players out with some pointers.

Bragg Middle School XC Teams

The Bragg XC teams are undefeated in their season so far.

PAN SEARED PORK CHOPS WITH FRIED CINNAMON APPLES

The apples can be peeled and sliced or you can leave the peel on. Gala and Fuji tend to break down more so I would leave the peel on to help hold their shape and the red is so pretty on the slices. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are perfect for cooking so I would peel those.

Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 14 minutes /

Total Time: 34 minutes / Main Course Servings: 4 servings Calories: 550kcal

Equipment: skillet

PORK CHOPS

1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil

1 tablespoon salted butter

3 or 4 4-ounce boneless or bone-in pork chops

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup apple juice or cider

FRIED CINNAMON APPLES

2 large Gala Fuji, or Golden Delicious apples

1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons salted butter

PORK CHOPS

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and oil is hot. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the pork chops and place them in the skillet.

Cook pork chops 3 to 4 minutes on one side or until lightly browned. Don’t turn them until they are browned. Cook 2 minutes on the other side or until done (145 to 150 degrees). Remove the pork chops to a plate. Pour the apple juice into the hot pan. This will release the drippings and little bits on the bottom of the pan and create a sauce. Cook over medium-high heat about 2 minutes or until the mixture has reduced to 1/4 cup. Pour the sauce over the pork chops and wipe the pan out with paper towels.

FRIED CINNAMON APPLES

Peel and slice the apples 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick or you can leave the peel on. Gala and Fuji tend to break down more so I would leave the peel on to help hold their shape. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are perfect for cooking so I would peel those.

Melt the butter in the same skillet and add apples. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a little bowl. This helps evenly distribute the cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, 5 to 8 minutes or until the apples are almost tender. Serve with PanSeared Pork Chops.

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.

Marketplace on Main Ribbon Cutting

Marketplace on Main recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce. The boutique is located at 741 Main Street.

Life Skills Class

Tim Whitworth Plumbing recently spoke to the Chamber’s life skills class about basic plumbing issues, as well as what a career in plumbing looks like. Superior Service Electric also spoke to the class about electrical issues and a career in the electrical field.

Crafting with the Chamber

The Chamber hosted a Crafting with the Chamber event at Bill Noble Park sponsored by Wildflower.

Level 10 Salon Ribbon Cutting

Level 10 Salon recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce. The salon is located at 2325 Decatur Highway.

City-Wide Fall Cleanup

The City of Gardendale Public Works Department will offer curbside pickup of household discards October 2 through October 6. Calls for pickup requests must be received by noon on October 4. Calls must be made to (205) 631.3394.

Fall Festival

The annual Gardendale Elementary School PTA’s Fall Carnival will be October 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. There will be food trucks, bouncy houses and games.

Book Club

The new book club at Gardendale Library will be October 10 at 10 a.m. and will cover the book “An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good” by Helene Tursten.

Fourth Wing Book Talk

Did you love Fourth Wing and want to talk about it and all your fan theories before Iron Flame comes out? Join the conversation at the Gardendale Library on October 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. Themed finger foods will be provided.

Food Truck Night

The monthly Food Truck night will be October 12, 5-8 p.m. at the Civic Center. A variety of food trucks and entertainment are featured each month.

Gardendale Youth Basketball Registration

The Gardendale Youth Basketball Registration will be at the Gardendale Civic Center, October 28 through November 4 for boys ages 5-15 and girls 5-13.

North Arts Council Christmas Arts and Crafts Show

November 10 & 11 - North Arts Council will host its annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Show at the Gardendale Civic Center November 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and November 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free and vendors come from all around to showcase their items.

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.

happened Her cure

Kennedi is cured of sickle cell disease thanks to a life-changing bone marrow transplant she received from her sister here at Children’s of Alabama. The amazing treatments, discoveries and innovations for pediatric blood disorders and cancer happening here are helping change lives for the children of Alabama, across the country and around the world.

ChildrensAL.org