Hoover's Magazine, August/September 2018

SUMMER MEALS FOR STUDENTS • BLUFF PARK’S DESIGN BURROW • FROZEN STEAMER SANGRIA

BURGERS AND BREWS AT THE CLUBHOUSE

COLOR INFUSION A MODERN HOME’S BOLD INTERIORS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 7 Issue 4 $4.95

THE BROOK and

THE BLUFF ROCKS THE NATION

The best memories are made at

The Ridge.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of forest set among Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. The largest premier neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is The Ridge—where ownership comes with an array of extras – The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex, miles of hiking and walking trails as well as nature and waterfront parks, and a state-of-the-art Ridge Marina -- all designed to connect you with family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

RUSSELLLANDSONLAKEMARTIN.COM

HOMES & HOMESITES AVAILABLE

256.215.7011

LAKE MARTIN, ALABAMA HooversMagazine.com 1

FEATURES

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BLUFF PARK’S BURROW At her interior design firm, Leigh Ann Harris helps people find a balance between timeless and trendy at home.

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GROWING HOME Moving back to Birmingham gave Brooke McMinn the chance to land her dream job at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

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SWEET + LOCAL Adam Hickman is passionate about beekeeping and the honey his hives produce at Foxhound Bee Company.

SAME HERE, SISTERFRIEND The local women behind this new novel are tossing life rafts made of self-deprecating humor and sweet sincerity to fellow mamas.

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PHOTO BY NOELLE PETTY

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23 PHOTO BY KEITH MCCOY

arts

& culture

in every issue

13 The Brook and the Bluff: Taking Their Sound Nationwide 19 Book Nook: Library Resources Throughout the School Year

food & drink

5 From the Editor 6 #HooversMag

23 The Clubhouse: Contemporary American Fare and Cocktails 29 Five Questions For: Little Donkey Owner Joshua Gentry 30 Cocktail Recipe: Cajun Steamer’s Frozen Steamer Sangria

school & sports

4 Contributors

7 The Guide 20 Aldridge Gardens Newsletter 75 Out & About 86 Marketplace

HM

31 Meals in Motion: Summer Feeding Program in Hoover

88 Why I Love Hoover

36 Five Questions For: Hoover City Schools’ Dr. Autumm Jeter

home

& style

37 Color Infusion: A Modern Cottage Meets Bold Accents

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contributors EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Caroline Carmichael Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

CONTRIBUTORS

Angela Hager Dawn Harrison Jenna Hoseman Jeffrey Rease Ryan Scott Heather Jones Skaggs Lauren Winter

DESIGN

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

MARKETING

Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Nick McKnight Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Dawn Harrison, Photographer Dawn Harrison is a freelance photographer out of Birmingham. She grew up and put down roots off of 280, where she lives with her wonderful husband, 5 kids, 1 son-in-law, 2 grandkids, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 8 cows and 2 ducks. When she isn’t taking pictures, you can find her burning up 280 getting to various school and sporting events, or hanging out in carpool lines. She feels extremely blessed to be a part of the publication and to continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

Jeffrey Rease, Photographer Jeffrey Rease is a full-time commercial, landscape, portrait and wedding photographer. His work has been featured in B-Metro, Outdoor Alabama and other local publications. Born and raised in Birmingham, he loves the South, but enjoys mixing in some photographic travel opportunities in the Colorado Rockies and wherever his dreams and camera can take him.

His awesome talented wife Lesa often assists on his photo shoots. And he has three amazing kids.

Heather Jones Skaggs, Writer Heather is an author, freelance writer and native of Hoover where she lives with her husband, Greg, and fur-baby Carrie. National publisher, Arcadia Publishing and The History Press found Heather in 2012 and together they have published three books covering Hoover’s history.

When she is not researching her latest book, Heather digs for the untold stories in Hoover and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers – including this publication.

Lauren Winter, Photographer Southern to the core, Lauren Winter grew up in Birmingham and now lives in Bluff Park. She is mama to two little girls, and owner of Fresh Grace Photography, which specializes in lifestyle family photography and weddings. In addition to her girls, Lauren’s favorites include sweet tea, camping, football, bluebirds, thunderstorms and puppy breath.

Hoover’s Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Hoover’s Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Hoover’s Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Hoover’s Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Hoover, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit HooversMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting HooversMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

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from the editor

I

ON THE COVER

The Brook and the Bluff

Bluff Park native Joseph Settine, Mountain Brook native Alec Bolton, John Canada and Fred Lankford make up the band The Brook and the Bluff.

Photo by Mary Fehr Design by Kate Sullivan

In the process of interviewing Leigh Ann Harris about her interior design firm and gift shop in Bluff Park, I realized how applicable the business’s name, Burrow, is to all of us. A burrow is a rabbit’s dwelling, a place the animal creates as a refuge. It’s the sort of place we all yearn for and need at the end of a long day in the world. It’s what Leigh Ann helps people create for themselves through design. And, in a more general sense, it’s what many of us look for in our community.

We want to live in a city where we’re confident the roots we plant deep in the soil will take hold and thrive. We want to raise our families in a place where we feel safe and comfortable. We want to live somewhere we miss when we’re away, somewhere we brag about to strangers, somewhere we know more about our neighbors than just their house numbers.

In fewer words, these are the things Leigh Ann told me she wanted, and that she knew the Bluff Park community has, when she and her husband decided to move back to the area several years ago. Not only did they want to live here, but Leigh Ann wanted to open her business here. In a cozy storefront next to Mr. P’s Butcher Shop and Deli, she hung her sign for Burrow and got to work. As far as dwellings go, she feels she couldn’t have chosen anything better.

Other people highlighted in the following pages are vocal about their pride in Hoover, too. Cathie Groover, who graciously opened her home to us in this month’s Home & Style feature, has lived here for 36 years. She could have moved away many times in three decades, but she didn’t.

And look at Adam and Stephanie Hickman, the husband-andwife team behind Foxhound Bee Company. They could have established their beekeeping business anywhere, but they chose Hoover as their home base. In addition to maintaining hives and selling honey, the couple gives back through community education and regular donations to a Christ-based non-profit organization.

Attachment to a place is a reflection of its value. My team and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of Hoover and to have the chance, month after month, to tell the stories that matter to you.

Thank you for granting us this privilege, and as always, thank you for reading!

emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com

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#HooversMag

Tag us in your Hoover photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@bpal_heathers_corner Thanks to Barry with Shades Cliff Pool for playing Taps over pool loudspeakers, and for having children and adults there join in on the minute of silence today with this group that gathered at the park to remember!! #memorialday photo vis @clsparkslaw

@alabamasportscouncil 14,126 fans. 2nd largest crowd in SEC Baseball Tournament history. We love our fans! #roadtohoover#secbaseball @lsubaseball @olemissbsb

@chick4acause In February, I spoke to the Simmons Middle School Art club and challenged them to use all of my “goodies” to create chicks with positive messages on the back for Hope Lodge rooms, UAB and other areas where patients are fighting cancer so they know an army of all ages is standing behind them. I am so impressed with the compassion and creativity these 6th-8th graders made...I hope it will bring joy to the patients.

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@liveloveshopbluffpark Big name coming to Bluff Park next Sunday.

Sawyer Fredericks @sawyerfrdrx is the winner of The Voice season 8 and he will be live at @bhammoonlight Sunday, June 24.

THE GUIDE

CORNHOLE & CORNDOGS CHARITY TOURNAMENT AUG. 4 2-7 P.M. RIVERCHASE COUNTRY CLUB The inaugural Cornhole & CornDOGS Charity Tournament benefitting the Shelby Humane Society will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, satellite bar, cash prize to the winner and more.

Fees are: $50 for adults and $15 for juniors per team the day of the tournament. To register or for more information, visit Riverchasecc.com/ corndog.

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THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER AUG. 2 First Thursday Fiction Book Group Hoover Public Library 10-11 a.m.

AUG. 6 Karaoke Nights with Rickey Smiley StarDome Comedy Club 7 p.m.

AUG. 12 Homeschool Artist Reception Hoover Public Library 3-4 p.m.

AUG. 14 August Glue Gun Gang: Pineapple Luminaries Hoover Public Library 6:30-8:30 p.m.

AUG. 7

National Night Out SUPER TARGET PARKING LOT – THE GROVE 6 P.M.

Where else can you meet local police officers and firefighters, have an up-close look at each department’s equipment, eat delicious food from various food trucks and win giveaways? National Night Out is

designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and encourage participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and policecommunity partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are fighting back.

AUG. 2

Enchanting Ethiopian Eating ALDRIDGE GARDENS 6-8 P.M.

Taste and learn how to make Injera (Ethiopian flatbread), as well as an appetizer, an entrée, a side, a dessert … and even tea. This will be led by Gini Mohammad from Red Sea Ethiopian and Mediterranean Restaurant in the Aldridge Gardens house. The cost is $30 for Aldridge Gardens members and $35 for nonmembers. Space is limited.

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AUG. 16 Junior from The Steve Harvey Morning Show StarDome Comedy Club 7:30 p.m.

AUG. 16 The Wonderful World of Disney Trivia Night Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

AUG. 23 Sally Barris & the Birmingham Boys Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

AUG. 24 Spain Park vs. Hillcrest Football Game Spain Park High School 7 p.m.

AUG. 25 Hoover vs. Pinson Valley Football Game Hoover Met 11 a.m.

AUG. 26 Pen & Paper RPG Society Hoover Public Library

THE GUIDE 1:30-5:30 p.m.

AUG. 31 Hoover vs. St. John’s Football Game Hoover High School 7 p.m.

SEPT. 1-2 Jess Hilarious StarDome Comedy Club 6:30 p.m.

SEPT. 7 Spain Park vs. Vestavia Hills Football Game Spain Park High School 7 p.m.

SEPT. 7 Hoover vs. Thompson Football Game Hoover Met 7 p.m.

SEPT. 8 The Brisket Belt Tour StarDome Comedy Club 7 p.m.

SEPT. 9 Sofia Talvik Hoover Public Library 2:30-3:45 p.m.

SEPT. 12 Jammin’ on the Plaza Hoover Public Library 7-8:30 p.m.

SEPT. 21 Spain Park vs. Hewitt-Trussville Football Game Spain Park High School 7 p.m.

AUG. 27

23rd Annual Golf Classic RIVERCHASE COUNTRY CLUB 7 A.M.

This annual golf tournament helps support the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship program and provides operational money for the chamber.

More details are available by calling (205) 988-5672.

SEPT. 22

Head Over Teal 5K THE PRESERVE 7 A.M.

The ninth annual Head Over Teal Race Day and Fall Festival is set for 2018. The 5K and 10K courses wind through the Preserve and are open to people and pets who want to walk or run their way to the finish line. Onsite registration begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. sharp.

Everyone – even those who choose not to participate in the 5K and 10K events – is invited to attend the free fall festival after the race. Festivities include food, live music, vendors, a fun photo booth, inflatables, face painting, pumpkin decorating and more on the lawn at the Preserve Town Hall from 9 a.m. to noon.

Online registration is available by visiting ThinkOfLaura.org/HeadOverTeal.

SEPT. 29 Write Club Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

SEPT. 30 Pen & Paper RPG Society Hoover Public Library 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Share your news! Email submissions to Emily.Sparacino@Hooversmagazine.com to be considered for our next issue.

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AROUND TOWN

EDUCATION

ART SCHOLARSHIP WINNER Hoover High School senior Grace Varner won the 2018 Bluff Park Art Association Art Scholarship, a $2,500 scholarship given annually to a graduating Spain Park or Hoover High School student who intends to pursue a career in the visual arts. Grace begins her studies at the University of Montevallo this fall. In addition to the scholarship, BPAA awards the recipient’s teacher $250 for classroom supplies. Grace is a student of Hoover High School art teacher Marla Kenney.

AUG. 2-6 Birmingham Barons vs. Mobile BayBears Regions Field AUG. 3-4 Secret Stages Music Discovery Festival Avondale AUG. 3+10 Animal House (3rd) Rebel Without a Cause (10th) Alabama Theatre AUG. 9 Live at the Lyric: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Lyric Theatre AUG. 10-19 Birmingham Restaurant Week AUG. 14-18 Birmingham Barons vs.

Tennessee Smokies Regions Field AUG. 20-26 Sidewalk Film Festival Downtown Birmingham AUG. 24-26 Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC Exhibition Halls AUG. 24-28 Birmingham Barons vs. Jackson Generals Regions Field

SWIM

SWIMMING FOR EVERYONE The Hoover Hurricanes Swim Team was established in 2015. It started as a recreation team, and this past spring, it became an official USA Swim Team. This year-round team is designed for those ages 5-18 who want to improve their 10 HooversMagazine.com

technique and endurance. In addition to the youth swim team, the Hoover Recreation Center offers an adult swim class, group and private swim lessons, lifeguard certification courses and water aerobics.

AUG. 31 Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

SEPT. 6 Three Dog Night Alabama Theatre

SEPT. 7 Steven Curtis Chapman SCC Solo The Lyric Theatre

SEPT. 13 Portugal The Man

BJCC Concert Hall

SEPT. 13 Bobby Horton Presents Songs and Stories of the Civil War Samford Wright Center

SEPT. 13 ASO Unwined: Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony Alys Stephens Center

SEPT. 13-30 Hello, Dolly!

Virginia Samford Theatre

SEPT. 14 k.d. lang Alys Stephens Center

SEPT. 21 Birmingham Does Broadway Alabama Symphony Orchestra Samford Wright Center SEPT. 21-22+28-29 At Home Presented by Alabama Ballet Alabama Ballet Center for Dance

SEPT. 27-29 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church

SEPT. 28 The Land of Yangalele Alys Stephens Center

SEPT. 28 Tim Hawkins Live with Dustin Nickerson Samford Wright Center

SEPT. 29 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale

SEPT. 29 Fiesta Linn Park

SEPT. 30 Rickie Lee Jones with Special Guest Anders Osborne Alys Stephens Center

SENIORS

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED

POP

FAITH IN ACTION AWARD Prince of Peace Catholic Church presented parishioner and Helena High School senior Adam Jusino with the 2018 Caitlin Sweeney-McDaniel Award for Faith in Action. This award honors a graduating high school senior within the parish who exemplifies his or her Catholic faith in action, serves their community and is a well-rounded student. Margaret Knighton and Meleah Montgomery were chosen as runners-up. The award was established 14 years ago in memory of Prince of Peace Catholic School student Caitlin Sweeney by her parents, Joe and Cindy Sweeney. Adam received a cross statue and $500. Margaret and Meleah received $250 and a globe shaped award and cross, respectively.

In June, the city of Hoover announced the Hoover Senior Center received accreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers, a partner of the National Council on the Aging. NISC offers the nation’s only National Senior Center Accreditation program. Out of an estimated 11,00 senior centers in the United States, only 115 are accredited. Hoover Senior Center is the first in Alabama to be accredited. “Hoover strives to offer a model of excellence at its facility, offering approximately 40 activities per week,” says Mary Ann Ostrye, division head with the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

PHILANTHROPY

KHSA CHECK The King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary presented a check for $50,000 to King’s Home after the Tablescapes fundraiser.

Pictured, from left, are Susie Sanders, Patti Stalhut, Bee Little, Gwen Solomon (site director), Pam Bradford, Lew Burdette (King’s Home director), Linda Glasscock, Ranea Breen, Martha Thompson and Allison Oswald.

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THE GUIDE ARTS

SAWYER SINGS IN HOOVER

POP

PATIO PAINTING PROJECT Prince of Peace Catholic Parish’s fourth grade Scout Troop 30658 revamped a patio at the First Light Women’s Shelter in Birmingham and earned their Bronze Award in the process. This group of 15 young ladies, led by parishioners Kristina Theall, Cindy Crook and Stacie Rohn, spent many hours at the women’s shelter in an effort to make a difference in their community. They created an angel wing mural complete with inspirational quotes and phrases; painted a hopscotch and a bean bag game on the patio; spruced up the patio garden; and added a patio table with an umbrella. In addition, the scouts removed an old, peeling wall mural by hand with metal scrapers, and a sister scout troop from Vestavia Hills will paint a new one as an art outreach to the shelter.

PHILANTHROPY

CARING FOR HAIR More than six stylists at T. Fox Salon in Hoover dedicated their time one Saturday to raising money for HairToStay, a national nonprofit that provides subsidies to cancer patients for scalp cooling, a revolutionary treatment that allows patients to retain hair during chemotherapy.

HairToStay provides subsidies up to $1,000 and has awarded more than 800 subsidies since founding in 2016. To keep up with the growing demand, HairToStay partners with salons like T. Fox to help raise awareness and funds twice a year. T. Fox was able to meet its fundraising goal of $1,000.

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The Voice star and Season 8 winner Sawyer Fredericks performed for a sold-out crowd at Hoover’s listening room, Moonlight On The Mountain, in Bluff Park. The show opened with James Pyne and Olivia Millerschin, followed by Fredericks and his band: Chris Thomas, Jerome Goosman and Art Fredericks. After a selection of songs from his new album “Hide Your Ghost,” Sawyer closed the show with “Man of Constant Sorrow,” the song he auditioned with for The Voice.

&CULTURE

ARTS

FROM AL TO LA

The Brook and the Bluff takes a taste of Birmingham nationwide—on stage and on Spotify.

BY RYAN SCOTT PHOTOS BY MARY FEHR & CONTRIBUTED HooversMagazine.com 13

PHOTO ON PAGE 13 BY MACK MCCOLLUM PHOTO ON THIS PAGE BY NOELLE PETTY

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In some ways, it all started in Birmingham.

It was December of 2016, and a then fledgling The Brook and the Bluff had spent all year trying to figure out how to be an original band and book gigs, all of that.

And then came their first all-original show, and, in drummer John Canada’s words, “the response was awesome.”

If the band spent 2016 finding their footing, they hit the ground running in 2017. They played more than 40 shows from Auburn to New York City, including the National Association of Music Merchants’ Nashville summer festival, and added a new bassist to their ranks. And 2018 is shaping up to be even busier. They’ve already toured across the Southwest and played in Los Angeles, are in the process of moving to Nashville, and are now putting the finishing touches on their first album.

Lead singer Joseph Settine and guitarist Alec Bolton came together as The Brook and the Bluff while attending Auburn University in 2014. They named the band after their respective hometowns—Joseph hails from Bluff Park, while Alec is from Mountain Brook. Although they spent their initial year performing acoustic covers at local venues, they were already writing their own pieces with a full four-member rock band in mind.

What you might not guess is that every member of the band has a background in

choir music, which you can hear in their songs’ vocal harmonies and arrangements.

Joseph and Alec say they wrote their tracks with the intention that every member of the band would be able to sing—a relatively rare trait among rock groups.

“We approach a lot of things vocally first. If we’re doing something, we want to make sure that we leave a good amount of space so that we can put voices into it,” Joseph explains.

“It’s always really important that there is a good bit of vocal in everything that you do, whether that be stacking harmonies or three melodies going on at the same time, everybody getting a chance to sing.”

After graduating from Auburn in 2015, Joseph and Alec moved back to Birmingham and continued to play cover shows as well as record a three-track demo of their original tracks titled “The Rough Cuts.” In the fall of that year, John attended one of the duo’s performances in Auburn and volunteered his skills as a drummer and vocalist.

Shortly after joining the band, however, John was offered an accounting job in Nashville. While he initially considered making the move, John, along with Alec and HooversMagazine.com 15

PHOTO BY LEAH GRACE ENGLEHART

HOW TO MAKE IT AS A BAND ON AND OFFLINE You’re releasing your first album soon, but you have already released most of the songs over the last two years as singles. Why did you choose to release the music in that way?

Alec: We recorded the full eight tracks, and then decided to release them individually rather than release them all at one time because in today’s musical world, if you’re a relatively unknown band, there’s a good chance they’ll never be heard.

Fred: No one has the attention span to listen to a full album.

John: Strategically it’s much more advantageous for you to try to put a lot of attention on just one song at a time because there is so much content out there. There is no shortage.

Alec: And most people don’t listen to a full album, especially if they don’t know your band already. They’re not going to listen to the whole album multiple times through.

John: The big thing is playlists, streaming services, Spotify.

You’ve been featured on Noisetrade and in Spotify’s viral playlist. How do you best leverage those kinds of platforms?

John: It’s been hugely beneficial, just because it gives you a kind of instant credibility. When you’re booking shows or trying to get features in certain things, you can say, “Hey, our song went number 22 on the US Viral hits charts from Spotify, which is the largest streaming platform in the world.” It’s really about trying to capitalize on those opportunities that you have, so we’ve used that stat for a lot of things that we’ve applied for and gotten some awesome things.

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The band has been selling an early version of its Joseph, instead decided to fully commit to The Brook new 2018 album at concerts since last summer. The and the Bluff.

“Starting in May 2016, we took another dive into it CD features eight tracks Alec and Joseph wrote when they first came together in because we all said we want Auburn. to do this full-time,” John PHOTO BY KEELI FAITH BERMAN “These songs specifically recalls. “We planned for more were written acoustically but full band/trio cover gigs as always with a full band in well, kept doing that all mind,” Joseph says of the summer, and ended up going songwriting process. “They’re into the studio and recording not necessarily my influences our first song ‘Masks’ in Bates now, but my influences at the Brothers [Recording Studio]. time were Alabama Shakes That was awesome.” and the [other] bands I saw The band headed into 2017 that were getting big from with the goal of playing 52 Alabama. I tried to do that live performances, and ended with my own spin on it.” up playing 44 all-original “It came pretty naturally, shows all across the South just us two sitting in a room and East Coast. The trio tried bouncing ideas off of each out two different bassists other,” Alec adds. before Fred Lankford “A lot of times, when you officially joined the band in the fall. Fred grew up on the same street in Crestline hear it in your head, you hear everything. You may as Alec, and as adolescents, they had jammed only be able to sit there and play it with an acoustic guitar, but when we were writing these things it was together in Alec’s basement.

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PHOTO BY MARY FEHR

always with a bigger sound in mind, because I never wanted to be just an acoustic player,” Joseph says.

When asked about what non-Alabama musicians had influenced his songwriting, Joseph cites John Mayer “and always the Beatles. Everything I’ve ever done—it’s like a backdrop . . . The Beatles have always been the foundation of wanting to create.”

Among those who appreciated the band’s style were members of the National Association of Music Merchants, who invited The Brook and the Bluff to play at their summer 2017 showcase in Nashville and then again at the Association’s January show in Los Angeles. The band took the 18 HooversMagazine.com

opportunity of their excursion to California to put together “a DIY tour,” says John, who as the band’s designated booking agent and manager got them shows in Jackson, Baton Rouge, Austin, Malibu and Phoenix on the way to and from the NAMM showcase.

After the tour ended, the band headed back to Nashville – this time for the long haul. The band is hoping that living in the self-proclaimed “Songwriting Capital of the World” will allow them to make vital connections with music industry insiders. Nonetheless, their name and their music will always reflect their roots.

“We’re pretty proud to be from Birmingham, that’s for damn sure,” Fred says.

BOOK NOOK

All-Access Pass Back-to-school shopping is in full swing. The excitement of new notebooks, book bags, pens and pencils brings the promise of a new school year. I remember every year looking at all my new gear, knowing that THIS would be the year that I stayed organized and on top of everything. I was going to use that daily planner and never misplace a single assignment.

Without fail by the end of the first month, that dream had begun to unravel. To be honest, some things I purchased scarcely got used at all, but there was one thing I obtained that I used from grade school all the way through my postgraduate degree. When you organize your book bags, I implore you to remember to include the most crucial resource you could possibly ever have: your library card.

At the Hoover Public Library, your library card is the all-access pass to 39 libraries throughout Jefferson County. Online resources will be just a few key strokes away to help when your child asks a question or two that you may or may not remember from your formative educational years. Music and movies will provide study breaks and possible inspiration for Circulation Department creative writing assignments.

Downloadable audiobooks and eBooks are available for the tech savvy kid who likes to stay on the cutting edge. Lastminute, late-night research projects (that I’m sure only happened to me) will be less panic-inducing with the knowledge that all of the library’s resources are at your disposal in a variety of ways. I would be remiss if I did not mention the ever-popular copies of required reading assignments we all look forward to so much. Budgeting resources is always hard, and it gets no easier at this time of year. Keep calm and library on, because despite what you might suspect, your library card and all that it entails is free.

It is a high priority for us here at the library for every child in Hoover to have a library card. We are dedicated to promoting this to ensure that every child gets to take full advantage of the resources they are entitled to. As a parent, I am in constant pursuit of a way to connect with my child.

Generational differences can make this difficult, but the library is a place of wonder and knowledge that can provide a platform for discussion about books, movies, games and so much more. When making sure your child is ready to go back to school, get them a library card and let the journey of discovery begin.

Steve Knutson

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Welcome to Aldridge Gardens! If you have not yet discovered Hoover’s hidden gem, a 30 acre wooded retreat with a lake and wonderful walking trails through lush gardens, now is the time to do so! We are tucked away just off Lorna Road, only minutes from busy shopping malls, but miles away from it all in spirit. Come to relax and to renew your energy and to enjoy wildlife and the sounds of nature. Walk out on our floating dock to take it all in. Bring a picnic lunch! Don’t forget to check out Roots, our petite gift shop with many handcrafted items, and come inside the house to view art exhibits inside the gallery. We offer many activities, including field trips that follow state curriculum for elementary-age children, as well as guided tours for adult groups.

Admission is free, except for some special events. Become a member to take fullest advantage of all that we offer, including discounts and special times for fishing or walking your dog. Visit aldridgegardens. com for more information about Aldridge Gardens and to discover all the great things happening here each month.

In the Gallery: Artist Paul Looney Meet the Artist Reception: Monday, August 13, 6-7p.m.

Aldridge Gardens Propagators private reception with artist: 5-6p.m.

Artist Paul Looney’s paintings are inspired by the many land and cityscapes he has experienced traveling over the world. Come see his beautiful works displayed and available for sale inside the gallery during the months of August and September.

Also, see our exhibit of sculptures by the late Frank Fleming, on permanent display inside the gallery. Hoover resident Ken Jackson donated this very special collection.

For Members Only: Upcoming Bird Walks Saturday, August 18, 8-10a.m.

Saturday, September 15, 8-10a.m.

Members are invited to attend our monthly bird walks with Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and view birds in a beautiful setting. Be sure to bring your binoculars!

Meet in the parking lot. Our bird walks are free, but please register at aldridgegardens.com, as attendance is limited.

Let our professional event coordinator help you plan your special social or business affair at Aldridge Gardens! We have a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, and we can provide you with all the information and inspiration you need to host the perfect party, wedding, conference or meeting. Contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales and Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com.

3530 Lorna Road | Hoover, Alabama 35216 • 205-682-8019 • www.aldridgegardens.com • info@aldridgegardens.com

Taste of Hoover Thursday, October 11, 5 - 8p.m.

(Rain date Thursday, October 18) $40 Members/ $ 45 Non-members Mark your calendars now for this very popular event! Stroll through the Gardens and enjoy an evening sampling delicious food from some of Hoover’s best restaurants and Aldridge Gardens’ preferred caterers. Visit aldridgegardens.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Whispers From the Past: A Native American Experience Sunday, October 7, 10a.m. – 5:30p.m. (Rain date Sunday, October 14) Immerse yourself for the day in Native American culture. There is something for everyone, including many hands-on activities and crafts for children. Enjoy Native American dancing, hand-made jewelry, gourd crafting, clay pots, flint knapping (arrowhead making), loom weaving, pine needle baskets, corn grinding, leaf pounding, cane-pole fishing (catch and release), story-telling, and various sport and dance demonstrations. Feast on Native American foods and view collections from Moundville and UAB. We will even have Native American face painting and tattoos! Off-site parking and shuttle service will be available at the Bed, Bath, & Beyond shopping center on Lorna Road. Last year’s Whispers was FABULOUS, and we always try to better our best! Visit aldridgegardens.com for additional information and to purchase tickets, and mark your calendars NOW!

Aldridge Gardens is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization, and we could not continue to offer our many services to the community and to keep our Gardens growing without help from our members and sponsors. Aldridge Gardens would like to thank the following Corporate Level members for their generosity and support: uEdmonds Engineering, Inc. uNewks Catering, Hwy 280 and Hoover

A Mystery class is coming in September!

Keep your eyes on our website to discover what this is! It is sure to be educational and fun!

Please Join the BBVA Compass Bank local team as we host our monthly socials, drinks and Hors d’oeuvres provided.

Join your fellow business owners, expand your network, and grow your business!

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Bromberg's Ricky Bromberg

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&DRINK

FOOD

THE CLUBHOUSE

Scratch-made burgers and cocktails headline the menu at this popular Ross Bridge restaurant.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY HooversMagazine.com 23

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Put away all notions of The Clubhouse at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa being a members-only restaurant, and consider this your primer for a lunch or dinner visit. No membership cards, reservations or VIP credentials are required to explore The Clubhouse’s myriad food and drink options.

“We’re not a private club,” Director of Food & Beverage Wade Combs says. “Every restaurant is open to the public as well. The Clubhouse, I would say, is more contemporary American fare with local influences. We do a lot of local craft beers and a lot of scratch cooking.”

As one of four independently run eateries at the resort, The Clubhouse offers burgers, steaks, chicken wings, tacos, sandwiches and a variety of appetizers, salads and desserts that appeal to a broad audience, including those coming straight from the golf course.

“It’s located near the golf course, at the back of the resort. It’s there for any golfers who are hungry after finishing a round. This is a very come-as-you-are place, very family friendly,” Wade says.

The Clubhouse’s Burger of the Month is a popular

Restaurant chef Crystal Rogers

special that allows patrons to try different flavor combinations every few weeks. The August Burger of the Month is the Chipotle Burger, a mouth-watering blend of Havarti cheese, chipotle aioli, avocado, bacon, cilantro, tomato and a hint of lime. September’s Burger of the Month, The Iberian, will feature garlic spread, mayonnaise, chorizo, roasted red peppers, red onion, arugula and provolone cheese.

The tacos from the “Taco Truck” section of the menu are also especially popular among patrons, Wade says. The Street Taco includes fried chicken fingers with shredded cabbage, sriracha and boom boom sauce; the Shrimp Taco includes shredded cabbage and jalapeno sauce; the Al Pastor Taco combines pulled pork, pineapple pico de gallo and chipotle sauce; and the Taco Trio is the mix-andmatch option for those who want more than just one taco.

An item Wade says sometimes gets overlooked is the Southern, a fried bologna panini with egg, Swiss cheese, red onion and a pickle on sourdough bread. Or you can go the Gourmet Grilled Cheese route: your choice of grilled cheese or panino—pimento cheese on HooversMagazine.com 25

26 HooversMagazine.com

whole wheat, ham and Gruyère on sourdough, and bacon, avocado and Havarti on whole wheat—served with a cup of tomato soup and house fries. Under “All Day Supper,” the Mac-N-Cheese Veggie Plate comes with mac-n-cheese, smoked corn, collard greens, fried okra and Alabama Caviar, a chilled black-eyed pea dish. And the wings are smoked, roasted and tossed in homemade wing sauce. “They’re huge,” Wade says.

Even though the menu changes periodically, many of the more popular items remain on as staples. Past items can often be made upon request, as long as all of the necessary ingredients are onhand. “We try to be very accommodating with any special requests,” Wade says. “We change the menu about once a year there. The menu’s probably been changed a dozen times. We like to mix it up.”

The salads are a balanced mixture of greens and toppings.

“What we’ve tried to make sure we do on all our salads is 50-50 with the lettuce and toppings,” Wade says. “It’s a more robust salad and more flavorful, frankly. The ratio is better. It’s very balanced.”

In addition, all of the restaurant’s bread is made in-house, along with the french fries, salad dressings and desserts. The banana pudding is real pudding, not a mix. All pies are made from scratch, and with local fruits when they’re in season. “No component of these desserts is purchased,” Wade says. “All are made from scratch.”

“Adult” desserts include Key Lime Martini, Brandy Alexander,

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Chocolate Martini and Coke Float + Jack Daniel’s. The Clubhouse features an extensive wine menu, and uses local spirits in its cocktails as much as possible. Fun names like Magic City Martini (a dirty martini made with pickled okra brine and Birmingham’s own Redmont Vodka) fill the cocktail menu. At any given time, about a dozen local beers are on tap. “Those are always changing,” he says.

The Clubhouse offers indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a call-ahead take-out option. Restaurant Chef Crystal Rogers and Executive Chef Robert Kamm lead the restaurant’s staff. The Clubhouse is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner service. Grab-and-go breakfast items are available each morning at 6 a.m.

Wade recommends sitting on the terrace, which overlooks the golf course, and having a burger and cocktail. The invitation is open to everyone. “We like to be part of the community,” he says. “Often, people don’t think of hotel restaurants that way. We want to break free from the concept of the resort restaurant.”

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FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Joshua Gentry

Little Donkey Owner and Chef PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Nearly a year after opening a Little Donkey location off U.S. 280 near Big Bad Breakfast, owner and chef Joshua Gentry shares the taqueria-style restaurant chain’s rebranding plans involving a new menu and weekend brunch.

Can you tell us a little about Little Donkey’s background?

First opened in Birmingham’s historic Homewood neighborhood in 2012, Little Donkey has since expanded to now include a second Birmingham location in Hoover, as well as one in Montgomery, Alabama, and one in Nashville, Tennessee.

What are your thoughts on this expansion?

We’re thrilled about the growth and success Little Donkey has seen over the past six years. As such, we felt it was time to offer a refreshed menu and branding, and we are excited to share it with our guests.

What will the revamped menu at Little Donkey include?

The newly expanded menu, now offered

at all locations, mixes both authentic Mexican food and Southern soul, presenting a vibrant yet approachable offering to all palates. New dishes include Grilled Gulf Fish Tacos with sliced avocado, pico de gallo, lime and cilantro; and Chicken, Steak and Shrimp Enchilada Mole, which features smoked pork, corn tortillas, Mole rojo and crema.

What parts will remain the same?

The food offerings are complemented with a robust drink menu of house-made margaritas, Agua Frescas, local craft beers and wine. Select items, such as Little Donkey’s Famous Fried Chicken, will transition over from the former menu. The restaurant will continue to grind its own masa as well as offer handmade flour tortillas in the newly added comal griddles. The full menu can

be viewed here.

What can patrons expect at the weekend brunch?

In addition to the expanded lunch and dinner menu, weekend brunch will now be offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch menu will feature dishes such as Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Tacos, and Gulf Shrimp and Grits. As brunch continues to grow in popularity across our markets, we saw this as an opportunity to better serve our guests.

Little Donkey restaurants are open seven days a week: SundayThursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit Thelittledonkey.com.

HooversMagazine.com 29

FOOD & DRINK

frozen steamer

SANGRIA WHAT’S IN IT uIce u 1 cup Cuvee Jean Paul Rouge Red Wine u 2 ½ cups vodka (any regular/ uunflavored vodka will work) u1 ½ Peach Schnapps u1 ½ simple syrup u 5 ounces pineapple juice u 5 ounces orange juice u2 ½ ounces Sprite

HOW TO MAKE IT Fill blender up to the top with ice.

Add all ingredients and blend on medium until you reach the consistency of your liking. Garnish with your fruit of choice and enjoy.

CAJUN STEAMER BAR & GRILL

BY JENNA HOSEMAN | PHOTO BY JEFF REASE

Fun, fruity and frozen – that’s the Steamer Sangria. Take your taste buds on a cold ride, giving yourself a break from this crazy Alabama heat. Sangria is known to be a mixture of something sweet, something boozy and a little something spicy, which is the perfect way to describe this drink and Cajun Steamer. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

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SCHOOL

&SPORTS

MEALS IN MOTION

The success of Hoover City Schools’ first summer feeding program bodes well for future years.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

HooversMagazine.com 31

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A

A free lunch: It’s something many people would appreciate even if they had no trouble paying for it. It’s also something the Hoover City Schools Child Nutrition Program is now able to offer during the summer, when children are out of school and families might face challenges in affording enough food for everyone at home.

“This is the first time that Hoover has ever participated in the summer feeding program,” CNP Director Melinda Bonner says. “I’m sure we’ll continue doing this every summer.”

Schools at which 50 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced-price meals during the school year are allowed to participate in the summer feeding program. None of Hoover’s schools fall into this category, but there are still pockets of food insecurity, Melinda says.

The school system found another way to gain access to the program: by agreeing to be a sponsor and serving summer meals in an area where there’s a higher concentration of students that would qualify for free or reduced-price lunches during the regular school year.

The Hoover Public Library is in the middle of the city’s area of eligibility. When Melinda and her team approached the library staff about a partnership that would allow HCS to serve summer lunches at the library, they received a resounding “yes” in response.

“We didn’t have to convince them,” CNP Assistant Director Tricia Neura says. “I can’t rave enough about the partnership with them. There is such a team mechanism here.”

And children’s librarian Jeremy Davis, who has spearheaded the library’s involvement, calls it a “natural partnership” that has benefited both entities and the community they serve.

“We’ve already got a dedicated crowd,” Jeremy says of the families and local groups who pack the library’s summer programs. The free lunches for children and teens are just another layer of a productive setup.

“People love it. People are appreciative.”

Each weekday in June and July, a colorful bus emblazoned with “Meals in Motion” parked in the library’s upper parking lot at 11:30 a.m. For the next hour, CNP workers handed out individually bagged lunches to children who came to their table outside and in the downstairs area of the library, where they could pick up a lunch as soon as they exited a program in the theatre. Like lunches served in school cafeterias, the

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summer lunches met nutritional standards and featured a variety of hot and cold offerings, from pizza wedges to chicken sandwiches to veggie-and-dip combos. The paper bags included educational activities for kids. And they were free for everyone 18 years old and younger, even if they weren’t Hoover residents or students at any of the city’s schools.

“The goal is to reach the students that may have food insecurities in Hoover, but we want to provide this for any child,” Melinda says. “We’ve had kids come by here after VBS and grab a lunch. Moms have come up crying, saying, ‘This is such a blessing.

Without this, I really didn’t know how I was going to have enough food to feed my kids this summer.’ We’re making sure they’re getting fed.”

The only requirements were that recipients ate their lunches before they left the library campus, and that an indoor area was designated as a rainy-day eating

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area. Library staff set up tents and blankets for anyone who wanted to eat picnic-style outside. People were allowed to eat inside the building every day, regardless of the weather.

“We’ve developed a really good system, and only through support of the library has it been so successful,” Melinda says. “It’s bringing people to the library, and it also gave us a captive audience (of people) coming to the library anyway. The library has been so great to us.”

The Hoover City Schools Child Nutrition Program is federally funded under the National School Lunch Program, which allows schools to provide free or lowcost lunches to students who qualify. “The Child Nutrition Program is a non-profit, self-sustaining program for the school system,” she says, adding the program is monitored and regulated by the USDA. “Funding is assisted by the USDA all throughout the

Helping parents Character in kids CULTIVATE

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year. That’s how we operate.” www.ccslion.com/character As such, the school system’s summer meals are also funded by the USDA through the Alabama’s Summer Food Service Program, “Break for a Plate.” Reimbursement is provided to Greystone • Trace Crossings • Valleydale programs that meet the nutritional requirements and serve free, ® healthy meals to kids and teens during the summer. covenant classical ® Donations from local nonprofit Hoover Helps and Aho schools & daycare Architects covered the cost of retrofitting a retired school bus to serve as a lunch transport vehicle for Meals in Motion.

“The school system in essence let us use it because it’s not in the fleet anymore,” Melinda says. “Because we knew we would Cultivate Character 3.5x4.75 BHM.indd 1 6/25/2018 be going out into the community, we needed some type of vehicle to deliver these meals. It’s been a great way to get the word out.”

In addition to the eye-catching bus, the library displayed signs about Meals in Motion to let people know when and where the lunches were available. The daily menus and allergy information were also posted at the library. And parents can rest assured the program meets all food safety and sanitation guidelines.

“We’ve been inspected by the health department,” Melinda says, for sanitation and food safety practices. The Alabama State Department sent operational auditors as well. “They told us at the end of the inspection, ‘Do not change a thing.’”

In mid-July, Melinda projected her team would have served close to 10,000 lunches by the end of the eight-week program.

City officials on various days joined the library in supporting Meals in Motion. Mayor Frank Brocato and several Hoover police officers visited with children as they ate their lunches.

Melinda and her team are expecting the program to grow in the numbers of lunches distributed and distribution sites in the coming years.

Birmingham Locations

9:04:16 AM

Brought to you by

Anyone interested in volunteering with the program next summer may contact Melinda Bonner at mbonner@hoover. k12.al.us. For more information about the Hoover City Schools Child Nutrition Program, visit hoovercityschools.net/ domain/22.

www.sidewalkfest.com HooversMagazine.com 35

SCHOOL & SPORTS

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Dr. Autumm M. Jeter

Hoover City Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

This Fairfield native has been in education for 17 years, 12 of which she has worked administratively at the school level as an assistant principal (high school), principal (elementary) and a middle and high school teacher. Her numerous honors include CLAS Leadership Award 2017 State Winner/Recipient, CLAS Leadership Award (representing AAESA) nominee and National Distinguished Principal of the Year Top Three.

She and her husband, Judge Reginald Jeter, have two boys.

What were you doing before you were named Director of Curriculum and Instruction?

Prior to coming to Hoover to serve in this role, I was the principal of Magnolia Elementary School in Trussville City Schools.

What will your responsibilities be in this new position?

My new position allows me the opportunity to work with all schools in the district. My focus will be on curriculum and instruction which is the foundation for all things. I will collaborate with the curriculum and instruction department, principals and instructional coaches in order to ensure that the most rigorous and targeted instruction is being provided for all students K-12.

Do you have any specific goals? uMaintain the Curriculum and Instruction Department’s pyramid of focus for all schools: “Learn, Teach, Inspire: College and Career Ready.” uBuild effective and trustworthy relationships with all of our school’s 36 HooversMagazine.com

administrators, academic coaches and teachers. uBe the best instructional leader possible. Give it my all each day because I know that what my role provides has a lasting effect on student learning and growth. uBe the lead learner. Study, read, research and reciprocate that for our teachers.

gives me the chance to serve as a model and provide those best practices for the schools in our district.

Who are your mentors?

There are three individuals who wholeheartedly served as role models for me in one way or another. Dr. Yvette Richardson (State Board of Education) was a teacher at the elementary school I attended, then became my school What’s something from your own principal at that same school at a very education that you’ve applied to your young age. Mrs. Barbara McCambry (former Director of Curriculum and work in the education field?

We study and learn strategies on what Instruction for Fairfield City Schools) has it takes to be an effective leader, and I’ve been there to guide me, offer advice and found success over the years in the area of encourage me to “stay the course.”

Dr. Pattie Neill (Superintendent of relationship building for effective school leadership. I applied for this job because I Trussville City Schools) saw potential in want to be able to impact a greater me years ago. When the opportunity number of students, teachers and presented itself to work with her as a administrators. As a leader in education I school leader, she trusted me to lead my recognize one has to be able to build school, and I never let her down. My mom professional relationships with all, have is my No. 1 role model in life, but I am knowledge of the core content and be very thankful for these three ladies for intentional and efficient in leading believing in me, giving me guidance and successful schools. Serving in this role opportunities and most of all being an (Director of Curriculum and Instruction) inspiration for me.

&STYLE

HOME

COLOR INFUSION Cathie Groover’s modern cottage reveals a mastery of bold accents and color combinations.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY HooversMagazine.com 37

Cathie Groover, left, and Theresa Thornton.

C

Cathie Groover is not afraid of color.

Her home is proof positive of her fearlessness in experimenting with bright and bold shades in her living spaces.

“I do have a color sickness,” Cathie says, with no trace of remorse in her voice. When it came time for Cathie to decorate her home in Hoover’s Chace Lake community several years ago, she enlisted the help of fellow color fanatic and designer Theresa Thornton at Scandinavian Design and Leather Gallery.

“I think the key in here is the color,” Theresa says.

“It’s happy. It’s vibrant.”

As the second owner of this particular house, Cathie – a Hoover resident for 36 years and a real estate agent for 33 – wanted to put her own touch

38 HooversMagazine.com

on the 2,700-square-foot brick home she describes as a modern Tudor cottage that backs up to Chace Lake Park.

“When I first saw it, it reminded me of a cottage,” she says. “I liked it because it has two bedrooms on the main level. The layout of the house works for a lot of different people.”

The home gave her the floorplan she wanted and the space she needed to flex her creative muscle and incorporate color and texture in each room. Theresa says Cathie’s furniture is mostly contemporary, and her accents reflect a conglomeration of different styles.

“I’m not traditional by any means,” she says of her style. “I like a little modern and eclectic. It’s just a fun little house.”

Living Room Cathie started with neutral-toned sofas and walls in the living room, and then she had some fun. She chose a rug with bright pink and coral colors set against a beige background – a functional “art piece” in its own right – and then she selected a glass coffee table that allows the rug to be seen through it. “The rug and coffee table were starting points,” Cathie says. The wall art, decorative vases, lamps and throw pillows came later. And Cathie had bought the large mirror that hangs on the wall in the entryway from Theresa 20 years ago.

HooversMagazine.com 39

Guest Bedroom This downstairs room surprised Cathie with the way its diverse mix of dÊcor came together so seamlessly in the end. The bed features a luxurious blend of cream and steel gray linens, with two fuzzy, light pink throw pillows Theresa suggested she try. A large circular flower rug bears bold pinks, purples and golds. Cathie was unsure how the chain light fixture would look in this room, but as soon as she hung it, she knew it wasn’t coming down.

Upstairs Bedroom This bedroom and its bathroom complete what Cathie refers to as the guest suite upstairs.

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Upstairs Sitting Area Although minimally furnished for now, this space could be used for more than just a sitting area, depending on Cathie’s or her guests’ needs. “I just made it a little den,” she says.

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Pinks, greens and splashes of red seem to dominate the downstairs level of Cathie’s home until you step into the powder room, where blue is the showstopper. “Theresa was behind the blue,” Cathie says. A bright blue basin sink coordinates with turquoise-toned wall sconces and a piece of wall art. A multi-faceted mirror reflects the blues, giving the room a bit of an ocean-water ambience.

HooversMagazine.com 41

Back Patio Bright oranges, pinks and greens highlight the stone-laden back patio, where Cathie has her choice of cushioned seating in the shade with a TV, or table seating that’s closer to the peaceful backyard overlooking the park.

42 HooversMagazine.com

Exterior Cathie describes her brick home as a modern Tudor cottage.

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Two-Way Fireplace Cathie’s living and dining rooms are separated by a two-way fireplace. This attractive partition of sorts gives the rooms an intimate feel without closing off either space. “I like things to be open and airy,” Cathie says.

Kitchen Cream-colored granite countertops with brown streaks complement the tumbled stone, glass and stainless steel backsplash Cathie chose. Her stainless steel soaking sink matches the appliances and hardware with silver finishes. The brushed silver and white cushion barstools came from Scandinavian Design Gallery.

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Dining Room Cream and black chairs balance a chartreuse rug underneath the glass table. Track lighting shines down and out, spotlighting artwork over the fireplace and the sideboard, a piece Theresa says she and Cathie spent much time picking out. “We picked every piece very discerningly,� she says.

HooversMagazine.com 45

Master Bedroom As in the other rooms of the house, Cathie wanted to choose one bold color to accent her master bedroom. “I said, ‘I want orange,’” she recalls. She kept her bedspread neutral to allow for the deep orange in the pillows and artwork to stand out. Metallic touches dance across the floor on acid-washed, gold-flecked animal hides.

BEHIND THE SCENES Furnishings, Fixtures and Décor: Scandinavian Design Gallery Interior Design: Theresa Thornton and Cathie Groover

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BLUFF PARK’S

BURROW AT HER INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM, LEIGH ANN HARRIS HELPS PEOPLE FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN TIMELESS AND TRENDY AT HOME.

BY EMILY SPARACINO | PHOTOS BY LAUREN WINTER

HooversMagazine.com 47

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Leigh Ann Harris at her shop in Bluff Park.

L

Leigh Ann Harris wasted no time in deciding what she wanted to be when she grew up. As a firstgrader, she watched her best friend’s family’s interior designer bring different furniture and décor into their home. With every new piece, Leigh Ann’s interest in interior design increased. She pictured herself in the position of the designer – the person whose job it was to create beautiful living spaces for this family, one carefully chosen piece at a time.

“I just thought it looked like so much fun,” she says. She was poised to find out first-hand how enjoyable it was once she became an adult. The Birmingham native earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from Auburn University. She went

on to work as a senior designer for Urban Grace Interiors in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. In 2014, she launched Burrow Interior Design, a firm offering residential and commercial design services.

She and her husband, Brent, eventually relocated to Birmingham. The move marked a new chapter for the couple and Leigh Ann’s business. Hoover— specifically, Bluff Park—was on her radar as she considered where to base her design firm.

“I love the community among neighbors that Bluff Park fosters, which is why upon moving back to Birmingham, my husband and I knew we wanted to live here,” she says. “I opened my interior design studio in Bluff Park in 2016, and after a year of HooversMagazine.com 49

Not surprisingly, Leigh Ann has experimented with her design ideas at her own home.

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BUSINESS BASICS

BURROW INTERIOR DESIGN Address: 807 Shades Crest Road in Bluff Park Owner: Leigh Ann Harris Phone: (205) 874-9886 Email: leighann@burrowid.com Website: burrowid.com

being in the space, I decided I wasn’t utilizing it to its fullest potential.”

She wanted to meld her interior design services with a retail experience for people, meeting multiple needs in one space. “I knew that if I did, I’d have their support, and hopefully their patronage.”

On the retail side of Burrow, Leigh Ann hopes the shop continues to be somewhere residents know they can find trinkets, clothing and other special gifts or treats for themselves.

On the interiors side, her vision is to continue to provide the same valuable services to her clients nationwide, helping them feel more at home in their spaces through space planning, furniture selection and procurement. Although she’s based in Bluff Park, Leigh Ann has completed projects as far away as Oregon.

“I would say my proudest moments are when I can help my clients realize the full potential of their homes,” she says. “I love working on beach houses, and have completed several.

Second homes are always fun projects, as the clients usually like to have a little more fun with design.”

In recent months, Leigh Ann has seen people gravitate toward light and airy design selections, which makes sense given the impact people’s surroundings can have on their mood. “Design affects mood, so having that light and airy home can be a definite mood booster,” she says. “But I always stress to my clients that I want the bones of their design to be timeless, with a few trendier pieces in the mix that can be easily swapped out. And, if there’s something you like, we’ll make it work.”

Leigh Ann stresses the importance of the design of someone’s home having a positive effect. Much of her job is listening to a person’s preferences and figuring out ways to fulfill them in a space. “My main approach with clients is to first discuss how they want their space to work for them — how can we modify it so it becomes functional for their lifestyle and family,” she says.

“After we determine that, the rest of the design is a piece of cake.”

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growing

home moving back to birmingham gave

brooke mcminn the chance to land her dream job at the birmingham botanical gardens. by heather jones skaggs photos by dawn harrison

H

Hoover native Brooke McMinn took many trips to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens when she was growing up, not realizing it would one day be the focus of a career path she loves. After pursuing a business administration degree at UAB and working as vice president of administrative services at a local small business, she realized she loved who she works with more than the work she was actually doing. Brooke decided to head back to school and see where her heart would lead her. “When I really thought about it, I just could not see myself spending my life in an office setting. So I began exploring careers in what had always been my first love, science.”

In 2004, Brooke made her way to Rutgers University in New Jersey. “I was immediately drawn to the biological sciences, specifically genetics, she says.” While pursuing her degree in medicinal and economic botany, Brooke worked as a research assistant on a breeding program with one of the most genetically complicated plants, the strawberry. “That research resulted in a 2015 patent for a berry called the Rutgers Scarlet. And yes, that job was every bit as delicious as it sounds,” Brooke says with a smile.

Along with strawberries and other opportunities working in the field, Brooke also contributed to work and research in breeding native grasses as potential biofuels.

After graduation, Brooke worked as an Agricultural Agent with the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension.

“While there, I coordinated the Master Gardener Program for Burlington County in addition to other programs which provided commercial businesses, governmental agencies, agribusinesses and residents with assistance, information, field research, and consultation on various issues related to agriculture, environmental issues, and natural resources management.”

With a blooming career, Brooke, her husband and their daughter felt it was time to come home to Birmingham in the spring of 2014 to be near family.

“At the time, my mother-in-law had just relocated

back to Birmingham, and two grandmothers in one place for our daughter was just too much to resist, so we came home also,” she explains. But her love for botany was not put aside. “I wanted to put the knowledge and experience I had gained while away to good use in Birmingham in a way that would help our communities.” The Birmingham Botanical Gardens was the perfect place to do that, and her dream job was only an application away.

Today, Brooke serves as the director of education and visitor experience for the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens​. “​My job at the Gardens is pretty simple – to connect people to plants. The great thing about it is that there are so many ways to do that – hands-on programs, classes, exhibits, lectures, etc.,

BROOKE’S FAVORITES -ASIMINA TRILOBA (also known as the Pawpaw or Hillbilly Mango). “This plant has the largest edible tree fruit indigenous to the United States in addition to being delicious.”

-Alabama’s state tree, PINUS PALUSTRIS (the Longleaf Pine). “I have to include this tree because of its towering, statuesque beauty, its historical and cultural significance in the region and the array of both flora and fauna it hosts in its fire-dependent understory.

-SARRACENIA SP. (Pitcher plants). “It is bizarrely beautiful and represents some of the rarest and most ravenous carnivorous plants on earth.”

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“Since I love to tell the stories of plants, naturally I love the plants with great stories.”

-Brooke McMinn

especially in a place with such rich collections as Birmingham Botanical Gardens,” she explains.

Brooke will tell you her favorite thing is to find new and exciting ways to tell the stories of plants in a manner that creates an emotional connection between a person and nature. The maybe-not-sogreat thing about it is also that there are so many ways to do that. “Often I have to make a choice to not pursue some really great ​ideas because we have such an abundance of opportunities but limited staff and financial resources,” Brooke explains. “Since I love to tell the stories of plants, naturally I love the plants 56 HooversMagazine.com

with great stories. I am also inspired by the natural beauty of Alabama and our native plants which contribute to that beauty and to that unique sense of ‘place’ within our state.”

Starting over in a new career takes stepping out and making a change. For Brooke McMinn, that process brought her to a career she loves, and it brought her back home. In her community she hopes to help people to see the value of plants, their roles in our lives, and the importance of public green spaces.

“I hope​​to inspire those people to act to protect ​those things and spread those values to others.”

SWEET +

LOCAL ADAM HICKMAN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT BEEKEEPING AND THE HONEY HIS HIVES PRODUCE AT FOXHOUND BEE COMPANY. STORY BY ANGELA D. HAGER PHOTOS BY ANGELA D. HAGER AND CONTRIBUTED

HooversMagazine.com 57

Adam Hickman, Foxhound Bee Company owner.

PHOTO BY HECTOR SANCHEZ

58 HooversMagazine.com

A

A home-cooked country breakfast is a legendary trademark of southern culture, and the clock has no bearing whatsoever on when it can and cannot be served. In the eyes of a southerner, anytime is the perfect time for a traditional southern breakfast spread. And for people like Adam Hickman, the only way to serve it is with a jar of honey on the table. But not just any honey; his honey, straight from local hives he personally tends. Adam and his wife, Stephanie, own Foxhound Bee Company, a Hoover-based beekeeping and honey production company (named after the breed of their dog, Finn), where they strive to connect outsiders to the sometimes mysterious world of beekeeping through teaching, mentoring and personal tours.

Though limited in manpower, Foxhound Bee Company is a well-rounded operation. In addition to tending his hives, Adam builds top-quality beekeeping equipment and provides a hive removal service upon request. All of his equipment is carefully crafted with thick, smooth cypress boards, which gives his hives both strong durability and increased insulation. The boxes Adam creates are constructed with pride and are utilized by beekeepers all over the state of Alabama and beyond. Adam has now shipped his equipment to 42 states, elevating his business from regional to national status.

Adam credits his beekeeping passion to his late

great-grandfather, a well-seasoned beekeeper in North Carolina. After inheriting his well-loved and well-worn equipment, a flicker of interest soon ignited into a thriving, growing business. As tribute, Adam keeps an unopened bottle of his greatgranddad’s honey close at hand.

When Adam isn’t checking the health of a hive frame-by-frame or engrossed in the production of a new box, he can be found teaching a beekeeping introduction class or helping a new beekeeper through his mentoring service. Educating the public about the many benefits of beekeeping is an important part of his business; he loves nothing more than to share his passion with people of all ages.

Through his popular ‘Host-A-Hive’ program, Adam tends to approximately 20 active hives scattered throughout the Birmingham area, including the Shoal Creek community, located on the eastern edge of Hoover. This program is specifically designed to help a community, business or homeowner reap all of the benefits of beekeeping without having to personally invest in the process.

Through ‘Host-A-Hive,’ all hives are completely managed by Foxhound Bee Co. According to Adam, one of his favorite aspects of his business is what he calls the “sweat equity.”

Beekeeping is a sweaty job, but seeing the fruits of his labor makes it all worthwhile, he says. Adam HooversMagazine.com 59

values and appreciates the hive-to-table process and believes it is something “everyone can relate to in one way or another.”

In addition to beekeeping, the Hickman family is also passionate about giving. Community-wise, they give their time to help educate others on just how important honeybees are to the world around 60 HooversMagazine.com

us. Because they believe so strongly in the power of education, the Hickmans donate a half-hour of community education for every one hour of consultation services provided by Foxhound Bee Co. The Hickmans also donate 10 percent of their annual profits to ‘Compassion International,’ a Christ-centered non-profit organization dedicated

to the physical and spiritual nourishment of children in poverty.

To learn more about the products and services Foxhound Bee Company has to offer, visit foxhoundbeecompany.com. At this time, products are not available for purchase via a bricks-andmortar retail space but can be ordered online

through his website.

Foxhound Bee Company can be followed on multiple social media platforms. Adam says his most recent updates are posted via Instagram, @foxhoundbeeco. He can also be found on Twitter @FoxhoundBeeCo, as well as on Facebook at facebook.com/foxhoundbeeco.

HooversMagazine.com 61

SAME HERE, SISTERFRIEND

BY EMILY SPARACINO | PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON | ART BY GREG JACKSON

Once upon a time, there were 12 women who called each other “Sisterfriends.� They lived in castles with their prince husbands and reclined on chaise lounges as they watched their cherub-like children play with each other quietly. These women, with their perfectly coiffed hair and well-rested eyes, wrote their memoirs on parchment with ornate feather quills, never once spilling a droplet of ink on the silk fabric of their elegant gowns. Everyone lived happily ever after.

The End. Said no Sisterfriend ever.

62 HooversMagazine.com

ABIGAIL

BEKA

CARA

CAROLINE

CARRIE

CATHERINE

EMILY

HOLLY

LAURA

LINDSEY

NICOLE

PAMELA

Maybe there were 12 women in an earlier time who fit this description, but the Sisterfriends of today will tell you they don’t live in castles or spend their days in corseted gowns, idly watching their children entertain themselves. They do write, but they’re not using quills and parchment. And if an inkwell were within arm’s reach of their children … well, a finger-painting-gonewrong situation would surely ensue, and the traumatizing tale would end up in the very place the ink was originally supposed to go: their book, Same Here, Sisterfriend.

The Sisterfriends wrote this compilation of “mostly true tales of misadventures in motherhood,” a humorous catalogue of literal—and figurative—sticky situations in which these mamas have found themselves and their precocious protégés. Hoover resident Holly Mackle assumed the role of curator for the project, which blossomed from a seed of an idea she had from her long-time book club.

“As the members of book club started having babies, the ability to read the book went down, but women still kept coming when they could,” she says. “Then somebody picked a humor book, and everyone read. From the women with the

64 HooversMagazine.com

tiny newborns to the women with older kids—everyone read.

That struck me and made me wonder why, and also wonder why there are so relatively few Christian women writing humor compared to how many women are writing humor for the more general market. I know a ton of funny women in the church who love both their Bibles and a perfectly timed Mary Katherine Gallagher impersonation—maybe they needed a platform for their voice?”

The humor book the club read was a compilation of essays by one author. The book’s overall structure and contents gave Holly the idea to compile her mama friends’ essays into a book. “I consider myself more of a curator than a writer and love lifting up the voices and talents of other women just as much as I enjoy writing myself, so right off the bat the idea was to have a compilation of multiple voices.”

Most of the women are local and know each other well, but a couple are long-distance friends who contributed from afar.

Almost every woman responded to Holly’s request to write for the project with disbelief that she was asking them.

“They are all so humble and self-deprecating, and every

time they turned a piece in to me I could almost hear their knees knocking on the other end of the email,” Holly says.

“Then we went through editing and back-and-forth-ing and finding the specific voice and purpose of each piece, and as we did so it felt like each contributor was owning her voice and her gifting and her story a little more. It’s fun to write pieces myself, but it’s huge for me to feel like I’m helping others step into who God has called them to be.”

The book itself – a collection of multiple voices – is a reflection of its purpose: to remind those who read any or all of it that they’re not alone; that another mama out there has experienced similar surprise, distress, embarrassment, realization, et cetera.

“In spite of what you feel or hear in your head, it’s just not true and it’s highly likely there is someone (closer than you think!) who has felt or is feeling exactly the same way,” Holly says.

Sophie Hudson, author of A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, wrote the book’s foreword. “Her books are hilarious, friendmaking and winsome, and also full of the truth of the Gospel,” Holly says. “She doesn’t shy away from who she is as both a believer in Jesus and a funny woman—and it would be easy to shy away from one or both of those characteristics.”

In the spirit of the book itself, here’s what the local contributors had to say about the project.

LINDSEY MURPHY Lindsay, 32, contributed “a whole lot of drama” to Same Here, Sisterfriend. “Seriously, only my sad, poignant, heartbreaking pieces were able to make it into this book,” she says.

A highlight for Lindsey was “being a part of such a loving, funny group of women.”

“I hope it will feel like a warm arm around the shoulders of

other weary mamas after these long days with little ones. It’s easy to convince ourselves that we’re on our own, and this book is like that outrageous friend that texts you hilarious and inappropriate things to remind you that there’s so much joy to still be had in the chaos.”

CARRIE BROCK Carrie, 42, of Birmingham, wrote the essay titled “The Cat Plan,” a colorful tribute to her middle child’s aspirations to live in a large house and own lots of cats when she grows up.

“I would love for my children to read it,” Carrie says of the book. “My cat-planning daughter has already read her chapter about seven times. She feels famous.”

BEKA RICKMAN Beka, 30, contributed several essays to the project and was the unofficial “humor editor,” sprinkling her brand of irreverent humor throughout the book.

“The book is equal parts tears and laughter,” she says.

“Nearly everyone I’ve talked to has mentioned being pulled to both extremes. We all feel overwhelmed a lot of the time.

Overwhelmed by the task of raising small children and overwhelmed by the love we have for them. This book is a chance for (us) to be vulnerable and say, ‘Same here, Sisterfriend. I feel it too.’”

Someday, Beka will use the book to offer her children a glimpse into her life in the early days of their existence. “I’m going to wait until they have children of their own and then I’m going to call them at 3 a.m. and read it out loud to them as payback for all the sleep I’ve lost.”

EMILY DAGOSTIN Emily, 34, wrote a chapter on “the joys of pregnancy (wink), and fighting to rediscover the fires of romance and sass in the HooversMagazine.com 65

midst of early motherhood.”

Emily’s neighbor cried after she gave her a copy of the book.

She had recently had her first child, and told Emily, “All I need right now is to laugh, and now I’m crying because these women understand!”

“Nobody is a super mom until they accept that they don’t have it all together,” Emily says.

NICOLE CONRAD Nicole, 36, wrote three essays for the book, and confirms that anytime the contributors convene, hilarity ensues.

“I hope other mamas will feel a sense of community as they read it and I hope it will give them the courage to make friends they can share their own funny stories with,” Nicole says.

“Friendships aren’t made through phony perfect personas, but by sharing the real truth of our daily lives with others.”

LAURA ROYAL Laura, 48, wrote her essay about an experience she had in the lactation center where she works. “It was one of those moments where I was simultaneously shocked at my lack of filter, yet kind of proud that I didn’t care as much as I probably should have,” she says. “It has been fun to see the responses of women who have read the book and felt connected and understood by it. A complete stranger posted something on her social media account about how my piece affected her 66 HooversMagazine.com

positively, and it was a neat reminder that our need to feel connected is not bound by where we live or socioeconomic statuses.”

HOLLY MACKLE Holly, 38, hopes the book leaves readers feeling empowered to seek out friends for their particular phase of life – that they will feel confident to step out and invite someone on a play date, or get a small group together for drinks.

“I’m so sick of this isolation construct that does nothing but to further women deeper into dark holes of feeling like they’re the only one dealing with loneliness or sadness or fear,” she says. “It’s a self-feeding monster, and there are women who want to be at your back and who need us at their back, and in order to help each other we’ve got to find each other.”

Holly also hopes her girls will read the book one day when they are mothers. “I hope they’ll think, ‘My mom felt this way?

And my mom’s friends felt this way? Well then I must not be crazy to be fearful of ___ or worried about ___. And maybe I should call a few friends and start a book club…’”

A Sisterfriends Part II is already on Holly’s radar. In the meantime, the best way to stay up-to-date is through Instagram @sameheresisterfriend. The book is available at Books-A-Million, and online at Amazon, pcabookstore.com and barnesandnoble.com.

N C T

E ON C ION

Hooverchamber.org

1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108, Hoover, AL 35216 | (205) 988-5672 | (205) 988-8383 FAX www.hooverchamber.org | email: april@hooverchamber.org

Knighton to Present Economic Update for City of Hoover Costco will sponsor the August 16th Luncheon this month and we have invited Greg Knighton, Economic Developer for the City of Hoover, to give us an Economic Update for the City of Hoover.

Knighton is a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery and has completed the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and the Auburn University Intensive Economic Development Training Course.

He serves on the executive committee of the Economic Development Association of Alabama and is a member of the International Economic Development Council.

He also has been a featured guest speaker at numerous conferences, meetings and civic and leadership groups with presentations on a wide range of economic development issues.

to attract such Knighton said companies with he has nothing its wellbut great e d u c a t e d respect for the workforce, he Economic said. He’ll be Development looking for Partnership of ways to help Alabama and bring those will continue to companies to work with that e x i s t i n g private group in buildings and his role with the development city of Hoover.

Greg Knighton sites and In addition to exploring the its strong retail presence, Hoover already has creation of additional sites for a robust economy in other companies to locate, he said.

Costco is located at 3650 sectors, with large employers in Riverchase and Inverness Galleria Circle and they are a office parks, Knighton said. membership warehouse club, He looks forward to helping dedicated to bringing their those employers grow and members the best possible building on that base as the prices on quality, brand-name city seeks to attract more merchandise. With hundreds of employers in the science, locations worldwide, Costco technology, engineering and provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the math fields, he said. of specialty Hoover is in a good position convenience

departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.

To attend the August 16th Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservation no later than Tuesday, August 14th by calling (205) 988-5672 or emailing lisa@hooverchamber. org.

Networking begins at 11:15 am and the meeting will begin at 12:00 pm.

The Luncheon is $20.00 with reservations in advance, or $25.00 for non-members and for walk-ins without reservations.

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those that make reservations and do not attend will be charged.

Our luncheons are held at the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

HooversMagazine.com 67 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Letter from the Executive Director It has been a great summer at the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce!

We’ve been planning for 2019 and we recently conducted a membership survey and we learned some very interesting things!

But, we didn’t hear from everyone.

I’ve included the questions below and we want to hear from you. If you have suggestions about events, programs or even luncheon speakers that you would like to see in 2019-email april@ hooverchamber.org. uAs a Chamber Member, how do you receive information regarding Chamber events/news? uHave you attended a Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon before? uTell Us Your Favorite Luncheon Experience.

How was the Food? the Speaker? the Networking? uHave You Attended a Coffee and Contacts?

(Usually held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at different locations) uHave You Attended a Business After Hours?

(Usually held the 4th Thursday at different locations) uDo you have any suggestions to improve our monthly events? uWhat programs or intiatives would you like to see the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offer? uWould you be interested in attending Professional Development Seminars? What types of topics and speakers would you like to hear? uWhat programs or events add value to your Chamber Membership?

We will also host our 23rd Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, August 27th at Riverchase Country Club. We are currently seeking sponsors and players. And, we are also looking for Raffle items and smaller items for the Golfer Goody Bags! Call (205) 988-5672 or email April Stone at april@hooverchamber.org if you would like to donate an item!

Coffee & Contacts Schedule Normally Held the 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.

August 9, 2018 – Aveda Institute

September 13, 2018 – Skyline Village Retirement

October 11, 2018 – Brook Highland Place

January 10, 2019 – McCorquodale Transfer, Inc.

February 14, 2019 – Brookdale University Park

November 8, 2018 – OFC Workscapes, Inc.

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hoover Country Club August 16, 2018 – Costco – Greg Knighton, Economic Developer, City of Hoover

September 20, 2018 – Sentry Heating & Air - Troy University Chancellor

November 15, 2018 – American Family Care – Dr. Murphy – Education Awards

December 20, 2018 – America’s First – To Be Announced

October 18, 2018 – St. Vincent’s – John Archibald, AL.com

Business After Hours Schedule Held the 4th Thursday of each month, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

August 23 – River Highlands of Birmingham

August 30 – Customs Café

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 68 HooversMagazine.com

December 13, 2018 – Space Cadets

September 27 - My Chiropractor

October 25 – Little Donkey of Highway 280

Business Growth and Development!

Our Members recently celebrated milestones and invited the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce to join them!

Owners Anthony Serio, Jennifer Mobarak, and Chris Lawrence Serio were joined by family, friends, City of Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato; Hoover City Councilman Dr. Casey Middlebrooks; Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens; Hoover Area Chamber Board President Jerome Morgan Jr.; and fellow Hoover Area Chamber members. Anthony’s Car Wash is proud to offer the most complete Hot Wax and Shine system in Birmingham. For over 45 years Anthony has been serving Alabama with the finest State-of-the-art equipment for the safest and cleanest wash experience. Choose from a variety of exterior and interior options to keep your vehicle in top shape. While they make it easy for you to enjoy our free vacuums they keep attendants available to get your car it’s cleanest in the fastest time possible. A Special Thanks to Hoover Florist for their gorgeous Bow for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Broker Barry Logan was joined by Supreme Lending colleagues and fellow members of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce as they celebrated the grand opening of their new offices, located at 2870 Old Rocky Ridge Road Suite 115, Birmingham, AL 35243. Their philosophy states, “We have a strong and genuine belief in the “ building customer for life” principal of doing business. It is what fuels our company. Referrals from previous customers and local real estate professionals have always delivered the majority of the Supreme’s production.”

Call them at (205) 719-1705 and let them help you obtain your next home!

Stop by their location at 2420 Highway 150 Hoover, AL 35244 and find out what they can do for your car!

The membership of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of awarding 4 high school graduates scholarships for furthering their education. A very special “Thank You” to Spectrum for their luncheon sponsorship and Thank You to David Glenn Bobo for speaking!

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly membership luncheon on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Hoover Country Club. Thanks to UAB Medical Center West for their Luncheon Sponsorship and a very special thank you to John Oros, President & CEO at Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau for a comprehensive update from the Birmingham Visitor’s and Convention Bureau.

HooversMagazine.com 69 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

New Members — May-July 2018

Jeong’s YongIn Martial Arts Active 3049 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 106 Hoover AL 35244 (205) 538-7272 3049 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 106 Hoover AL 35244 CPR Cellphone Repair Active 3049 John Hawkins Pkwy Suite 118 Hoover AL 35244 (601) 8182255 repairs@cpr-hoover.com 3049 John Hawkins Pkwy Suite 118 Hoover AL 35244 Complete Comfort Solutions, LLC Active 7549 15th Street Road Hueytown AL 35023 (256) 507-2122 7549 15th Street Road Hueytown AL 35023

This Side Up Moving.com Active 3415 Lorna Lane Birmingham AL 35216 (205) 484-9360 greg@ thissideupmoving.com 3415 Lorna Lane Birmingham AL 35216 Alabama Professional Services, Inc. Active 3340 Richwood Avenue Irondale AL 35210 (205) 951-9717 3340 Richwood Avenue Irondale AL 35210

The Howell Group: KW Active 817 Ballantrae Parkway Pelham AL 35124 (205) 902-6375 paul. howell@kw.com 1 Chase Corporate Drive Suite 150 Hoover AL 35244

The RE/MAX Home Team Active 1147 Cahaba River Estates Hoover AL 35244 (205) 281-1864 hometeamhomes@gmail.com Hoover AL 35244

Terra Nova IT, LLC Active 2095 Highway 211NW 2F #345 Braselton GA 30517 (678) 8318300 2095 Highway 211NW 2F #345 Braselton GA 30517

Asher Riley Active 1853 Buttercup Drive Hoover AL 35226 (205) 565-6688 elleproverbs31@gmail.com

Sylvan Learning Center Active 3421 South Shades Crest Road Suite 109 Hoover AL 35244 (205) 730-5330 3421 South Shades Crest Road Suite 109 Hoover AL 35244 Tri One Active Recovery Active 1581 Montgomery Highway Suite 115 Hoover AL 35216 (205) 7038878 striantos@trionecyro.com 1581 Montgomery Highway Suite 115 Hoover AL 35216 Senior Legacy In-Home Care Active P.O. Box 768 Pelham AL 35124 (205) 380-7418 3363 Pelham Pkwy, Suite B Pelham AL 35124

Pareto Executives Kate Thurston, Andrew Cavanaugh and Dr. Stone were on-hand to celebrate the Grand Opening of Pareto Health, a clinic designed to act as Wellness Centers that are employersponsored primary care centers dedicated to making medical care convenient and comprehensive. They were joined by fellow Hoover Area Chamber members and colleagues from various medical facilities in the area. If a company signs up; employees have no co-pays when they visit Pareto for medical examinations and prescriptions. For more information, call Pareto Health at (205) -547-1850.

Beauty & Beyond of Hoover Active 1615 Montgomery Highway Suite 100 Hoover AL 35216 (205) 8348503 araj.tony@gmail.com 1615 Montgomery Highway Suite 100 Hoover AL 35216 Daikin Applied Active 245 Riverchase Parkway East Suite O Hoover AL 35244 (205) 989-4370 robert.anderson@ daikinapplied.com 245 Riverchase Parkway East Suite O Hoover AL 35244 Northwestern Mutual Active 1849 Data Drive Hoover AL 35244 (205) 566-4721 david. evans@nm.com 1849 Data Drive Hoover AL 35244

The Law Office of W. Christopher Weaver, PC Active P.O. Box 11127 Birmingham AL 35202 (205) 724-9220 6011 Colony Park Drive Birmingham AL 35236 Total Comfort Heating and Air Active PO BOX 739 Gardendale AL 35071 205-944-1166 robby@ onesourceair.com 1 Chase Corporate Dr #400-4019 Birmingham AL 35244 Hamilton-Ryker Active 2 Chase Corporate Drive Suite 55 Hoover AL 35244 205-208-9899 pperry@hamilton-ryker.com 2 Chase Corporate Drive Suite 55 Hoover AL 35244

Owner Steve Wang was joined by staff, friends and fellow Hoover Area Chamber members as he celebrated the Grand Opening of the new J & C Seafood! This brand new restaurant offers any type of seafood that your heart desire! They have shrimp po’ boys, oysters and even Low Country Shrimp Boil! They are open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week and you can dine in or carry out! A special thanks goes to Hoover Florist for the gorgeous arrangements and the Ribbon Cutting Bows! Try them today!

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 70 HooversMagazine.com

Alabama Mentor Active 631 Beacon Parkway West Suite 114 Birmingham AL 35209 (205) 945-7030 631 Beacon Parkway West Suite 114 Birmingham AL 35209

Thank you to our 2018 Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees 1. Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* 2. Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* 3. Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union* 4. Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC 5. John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield 6. Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 7. Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama* 8. Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* 9. Jennifer Strickland, First Commercial Bank 10. Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. 11. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall 12. Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel 13. Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* 14. Henry King, King Acura 15. Dan Mikos, MikosKampakis Insurance* 16. Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 17. Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* 18. Karen Waldrop, Regions Financial 19. Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 20. Tim Prince, Hoover’s Magazine, Shelby County Reporter 21. Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group* 22. Dan Ellis, TASC* 23. Sam Hess, Jet’s Pizza 24. Sam Hess, Tropical Smoothie *Designates a Past President of the Hoover Area Chamber

of Commerce The Board of Trustees 1. Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television 2. Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services 3. Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union 4. Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. 5. Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company 6. Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen 7. Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union 8. Britten Blackburn, American Cheerleading Centers 9. Randy Johansen, American Family Care 10. Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union 11. Nate Wood, BB&T Bank 12. Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP 13. Heather McInnish, BancorpSouth 14. Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. 15. Ken Crow, Belk 16. Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society 17. Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park 18. Jamie White, Brown Heating & Cooling 19. Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies 20. Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank 21. David Jackson, Chick-Fil-A 22. Ashley Daniels, Chick Salad Chick 23. Mike Warren, Children’s of Alabama 24. Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale 25. Randolph Pickell, Diversicare of Riverchase 26. Mike Hawthorne, Edge

Realty Group 27. Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/ Tire Engineers 28. Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC 29. Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care 30. Lisa McClung, Galleria Woods Retirement Community 31. Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center 32. Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners 33. Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn – Hoover 34. Bredella Taylor, Homewood Suites Riverchase 35. Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms 36. Charlie Faulkner, Jefferson Credit Union 37. Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission 38. Sungho Sim, Kobe Japanese Restaurant 39. Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union 40. Dwight Burrell, LongLewis Ford Lincoln 41. Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. 42. Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s 43. Keith Pennington, Medical West 44. David Brown, Office Depot 45. Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Café 46. Jose’ Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse 47. David Yirkovisky, Papa Murphy’s Pizza 48. Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama 49. Charles Kramer, III, Progress Bank 50. Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics 51. Hugh Morrow, Broker, RE/ MAX Preferred

52. Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa 53. Mike White, Riverchase Galleria 54. Andy Davis, St. Vincent’s Health System 55. Kyle Hogan, Sam’s Club 56. Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services 57. Brad Ledbetter, ServPro of Birmingham 58. Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers 59. Sarah Turner, Signature Homes 60. Kelvin Johnson, Spire 61. Alain Gallet, Terracon 62. Monique Holiness, The Home Depot-Inverness 63. Mark Hamilton, The Home Depot-Riverchase 64. Bethany Bell, The Trails at Cahaba River 65. Tara J. Elliott, Troy University 66. Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News 67. Phillip Corley, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC 68. Darin Boykin, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 69. Devin Errett, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. 70. Russell Pate, Zaxby’s 71. Birmingham Airport Authority 72. Lynn Mauldin, Ridge Crossings Apartment Homes

Are you Ready to Take Your Membership to the Next Level? Then Contact our Membership Directors for more information about how the Board of Trustees or the President’s Circle can work for your business!

See Sylinda Daniel or Andy Tatum for all the details!

Membership in the Board of Trustees is offered by invitation to members paying a minimum of $1,000 in dues per year. If you are interested in networking with the area’s top business and community leaders, please contact the Chamber at 988-5672.

HooversMagazine.com 71 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

23rd Annual Golf Classic Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Monday, August 27, 2018 Title Sponsor

Luncheon Sponsor

AlphaGraphics REGISTRATION Registration due by Monday, August 20, 2018 Four-Man Scramble Format --- 7:00-8:30 am Putting Contest --- 8:30 am Shotgun Start Breakfast Sponsorship(SOLD-Hyatt Place Hotels!)

Lunch Sponsor: OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP!!! ($1000) (Includes: Signage; Opportunity to Speak; Exclusive Right to pass out Marketing Materials) Hole-in-One Vehicles: OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP!!! ____ Individual Player $ 200.00 ____ Foursome $ 650.00 ____ Power Pack: (Two Mulligans, Two Raffle Tickets, One Putting Contest Ticket) $ 25.00 ____ Book of Raffle Tickets $20.00 SPONSORSHIP ____ ____

____ ____ ____

Platinum Sponsor - Four Players, Hole Sponsorship, Presidents Circle Membership Gold Sponsorship - Four Players, Hole Sponsorship, Company Personnel Promotional Set-up on Hole and Tee Signage Silver Sponsorship - Four Players, Hole Sponsorship (Tee Signage) Hospitality Tent Set-up on Sponsored Hole (meals included) Hole Sponsorship - Tee Sponsorship (Tee Signage only)

$2,500.00 $750.00 $ 500.00 $ 450.00 $ 300.00

Total Amount $___________ PAYMENT Contact Information - Name, phone & email - ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____

Invoice my company: _________________________________________________________________ (Company must be current on annual dues to be eligible for invoicing.)

_____

Pay by credit card: (circle one)

MasterCard

Visa

Discover American Express

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Card Number Expiration Date CVC Name on Card Player Names & Email addresses: ______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prizes for winning teams. Car(s) given away for hole-in-one on specified hole(s). Continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and water/soda provided.

Send completed form / payment to April Stone at PO Box 36005, Hoover, AL 35236 or april@hooverchamber.org.

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 72 HooversMagazine.com

Upcoming Events

August and September 2018 AUGUST Wednesday, August 1, 2018 New Member Orientation 8:30 am -9:30 am Chamber Offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 35236 Tuesday, August 7, 2018 8:30 am -9:30 am Minority Business Council Chamber Offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 35236 Visitors are Welcome!

Thursday, August 9, 2018 Coffee and Contacts 7:30 am -9:00 am Aveda Institute-Birmingham 3200 Galleria Circle Hoover, AL 35244

Thursday, August 16, 2018 Membership Luncheon 11:15 am -1:00 pm Speaker: Greg Knighton, City of Hoover Economic Developer Sponsor: Costco of Hoover Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 for those with reservations.

Those without reservations for the luncheon will be charged $25.00 (if space permits) payable at the door.

Contact Lisa Rollins Call (205) 9885672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Monday, August 27, 2018 23rd Annual Golf Tournament All the Details on Page 8!

Thursday, August 23, 2018 Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7:00 pm River Highlands of Birmingham 1851 Data Drive Hoover, AL 35244

Thursday, August 30, 2018 Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7:00 pm Customs Cafe 1845 Montgomery Highway, Suite 207 Hoover, AL 35244 SEPTEMBER Tuesday, September 4, 2018 8:30 am- 9:30 am Minority Business Council Chamber Offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 35236

Thursday, September 20, 2018 Membership Luncheon 11:15 am -1:00 pm Speaker: Dr. Jack Hawkins, Troy University Chancellor Sponsor: Sentry Heating & Cooling Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 for those with reservations.

Those without reservations for the luncheon will be charged $25.00 (if space permits) payable at the door.

Contact Lisa Rollins Call (205) 9885672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7:00 pm My Chiropractor 2801 Highway 150, Suite 129-H Hoover, AL 35244

Thursday, September 13, 2018 7:30 am-9:00 am Coffee and Contacts Skyline Village Retirement 260 Goodwin Crest Drive Homewood, AL 35209

HooversMagazine.com 73 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 2018 President

Matthew Allen, Discover Hoover Magazine Starnes Publishing

Terry Turner Gentle, Turner & Sexton 1st Vice President

Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel 2nd Vice President

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Kathleen Spencer, Hyatt PlaceInverness, Secretary

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Adam West, CPA Warren, Averett CPAs and Advisors Treasurer

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Joel Smith, Lynn Ray Hendrick Hoover Business Auto Mall, Telephones, 1st Vice President Inc.

Sentry Heating & Air to Sponsor the September 20th Luncheon To attend the September 20th Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Tuesday, September 18th, by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Rollins at admin@hooverchamber.org.

Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon.

The Luncheon is $20.00 with advance reservations or $25.00 at

the door.

Reservations may be cancelled the morning of the luncheon, but an invoice will be sent for those who make reservations and simply do not attend.

Mission Statement Amended January 1998. The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce promotes economic growth of business through a strong support system which provides business and community partnerships.

Use this logo to place in your advertising for higher name recognition. This logo can be emailed to members for use in advertising, on business cards, and on letterhead or signs.

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 74 HooversMagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT

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TACO MAMA OPENING PHOTOS BY AMALIA KORTRIGHT AND EMILY SPARACINO

Dozens of community members turned out to celebrate the opening of the new Taco Mama location on Cahaba Valley Road during the restaurant’s preview party on Thursday, May 17.

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1. Catherine Partee, Brittani Miesner, Becky Boyd, Lori Yonta and Cheri Gibson 2. Sherron and Steve Scaro 3. Will Haver, Scot Harrison and Robert Rodriguez 4. Joey Sturgeon, Pat Taylor and Kent Taylor 5. Brooke Hoben and Caroline Raybon 6. Joy King, Aquilla Stanback, Josie Ott and Cathy Enders

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OUT & ABOUT

2018 HOOVER BELLES PRESENTATION

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Forty high school sophomores were presented as 2018 Hoover Belles at the organization’s 35th ceremony, held in the Hyatt-Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

1. Eleanor Jo Harwell, Mayor Frank Brocato and Kaitlan Hayes 2. Laurel Burkhardt, Eleanor Jo Harwell and Charleigh Hager (seated)

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3. Abby Scott, Sarah Corinne Holditch and Anna Kate Lyda 4. Isabella Ingle, Emily Scarborough and Kaitlan Hayes (seated) 5. Mya Washington, Emma Grace Hanna and Payton Morgan (seated) 6. Ramey Medders, Lauren Halcomb and Lydia Coltrane 7. 2018 Hoover Belles 8. Ann Michael Evans, Emma Evans and Hannah Bevill

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9. Taylor Wilson, Rianna Looney and Anna Claire Jemison (center) 10. Sarah Bensinger, Katherine Wright and Lauren Thrasher 11. Maria Timberlake, Ansley Graber and Olivia Heywood (seated) 12. Abby Long, Emilia Trueb and Rainey Bemis 13. Abby Norris, Sydney Close and Sophia Mayhew (seated) 14. Katie Simmons, Anna Claire Etheridge and Emily Scarborough 15. Payton Morgan, Mayor Frank Brocato and Mya Washington

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SEC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

More than 14,000 fans converged on the Hoover Met Complex the week of May 22-27 for the 2018 SEC Baseball Tournament. While at the tournament, fans also enjoyed amusements inside the Finley Center as part of the SEC Baseball FanFest.

1. Brian, Katie and Grant Collins with Alicia and Aaron Cook

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2. Tracey Ballard and Heather Kirk-Ballard 3. Samuel Dutton, Andrew Dutton and Samantha Dutton 4. Mia Vera, Mariah Oden and Lilyanne Vera 5. Amy, Andrew and Brian Kutschke 6. Travis, Karson and Kole Carswell 7. Kade Johnson, Sydney Lackey, Lindan Hill, Elijah Lackey and Kole Johnson 8. Emily, Colton and Corbin Scott 9. Ryan and Lindsey Brown 10. 2018 SEC Baseball Tournament 11. Randy and Terri Dean 12. Warren and Kris Findlay 13. Kole Johnson 14. Gia Wade and Laney Roe 15. Thomas and Nathan Price

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OUT & ABOUT

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HOT ROD POWER TOUR

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PHOTOS BY BRADY TALBERT

The 24th annual HOT ROD Power Tour made its way to the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium on Monday, June 11. The traveling car show, rolling more than 1,300 miles across different cities, featured classic cars and exuberant automotives.

1. Harley Hildebrand, Phoebe Downey, Tristan Hildebrand and Eran Hildebrand

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2. Raymond Skipper 3. Anna Rodriguez, Carrie Rodriguez and Olivia Rodriguez 4. Kaylie Oxendine and Jaxon Oxendine 5. Bob Scelb, Lori Barac and Sony the dog 6. Maury Pettway and Juan GarcĂ­a 7. Mike Long and Kate Long 8. Julian Mccarroll and Joey Mccarroll 9. Abi Roland and Jamie Roland 10. Mary Alice Hagan and Randy Hagan

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IS PROUD TO WELCOME INTO OUR EXPERT TEAM OF PHYSICIANS

Christopher A. Heck, MD 10

ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE SURGEON

Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. George Robert Booker, M.D. | William S. Craig, M.D. Donald A. Deinlein, M.D. | Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. John S. Kirchner, M.D. | William D. Krauss, D.O. Michael D. Smith, M.D. | William D. Sudduth, M.D. C.J. Talbert, M.D. ON-SITE MRI and PHYSICAL THERAPY

Call 205-985-4111 today to schedule your appointment. www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com

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OUT & ABOUT

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ALABAMA HYDRANGEA SOCIETY MEETING

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Members of the Alabama Hydrangea Society gathered at Aldridge Gardens for a meeting on June 27. The theme of the presentation was “Go Wild with Hydrangeas,” and presenter David Doggett brought Annabelle hydrangeas to show members.

1. David Doggett 2. Cathie Long

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3. Susan and Les Wrobel 4. Karen Mitchell, Jennifer Gregory, Ann McAdams and Nora O’Connor 5. Larry Roberts 6. Mitzi Owen 7. Frances Thompson and Phyllis Sutherland

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OUT & ABOUT

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HOOVER SERVICE CLUB HAPPENINGS PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The Hoover Service Club announced its 2018-2019 slate of new officers, and family members of Flora Mae Pike, who organized the club with 10 other women in 1975, visited a recent meeting. Several months ago, Jimmie Stephens presented a check for $2,500 to Club President Paula Campbell to be awarded to Hoover High School scholarship winners.

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1. Paula Campbell and Jimmie Stephens 2. 2018-2019 Club President Elaine Thompson; Carole Vandiver, granddaughter of Flora Mae Pike; Debbie Vandiver Rutherford, great-granddaughter of Flora Mae Pike; and 2017-2018 Club President Paula Campbell.

3. Liesa Pitts, Jan Ingles Sutton, Peggy Dupuy, Elaine Thompson, Debra Taylor, Hope Lawson and Rhonda Boyd

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OUT & ABOUT

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POLO TRACE CELEBRATE AMERICA PARADE

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Polo Trace residents gathered for a Celebrate America Parade and Lawn Party on Sunday, July 1. The event offered opportunities for fellowship among old and new neighbors.

1. Bellalise and Annalise Hollis 2. Alan and Hudson Head

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3. Andrea, Everett, Sydney and Ramy Toma 4. Erin and Marshall Hollis with daughters, Annalise and Bellalise 5. Kaiden Speer, David Witt and Baylor Speer 6. Cameron Head, Laura Cate Head, Miller Casey, Chloe Kay Speer and Payton Casey 7. Front: Cameron Head, Miller Casey, Payton Casey; and rear: Laura Cate Head, Madison Casey and Chloe Kay Speer 8. Stephanie and Jonathan Kolodzieji with Jameson and Anderson 9. William Head, Laura Cate Head, Cameron Head and Hudson Head 10. Sandra and Joel Barnett

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company. Personal Loans!

Let us pay off your title loan! 224 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham. 205-6635821

Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walkin applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002.

Pelham (205)444-9774.

LAWN CARE •Large Properties •Lake Properties •Property Cleanups - Great Rates!

Free Estimates! -Shelby and Chilton Counties- 10% DISCOUNT for Military & Senior Citizens. Call Alex 205-955-3439

B & J Metal Fabricators Offering more than roofing! •Metal roofing •Portable metal buildings •Custom sizes available Customize your own!!

Montevallo (205)665-4687 (205)296-9988

Class-A CDL Driver.

500 Sign-on Bonus.

25+yo w/good MVR. 6+months flatbed experience. $.38-46cpm (based on experience) On actual miles driven +$.20d/h. Paid tarp/ stopover/layover/ detention. 205-642-9186.

Application at: www. angelswaytransportation. com INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives.

Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVER- CLASS A Average $0.53 per mile deliver palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius. Work available 7 days/week. Can lead to full-time employment.

Clean MVR and 2 years minimum tractor-trailer experience required. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required.

Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder,

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Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Bent Creek Apartments.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom. On-site Manager. On-site Maintenance. 3001 7th Street. North Clanton, AL 35045. TDD#s: 800-5482547(V) 800-548-2546(T/A) bentcreek@morrowapts. com Office Hours: MonFri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Maintenance Electrician needed. 10-years experience in motor controls, trouble shooting, programming frequency drives, soft starts, computer skills and electrical installations.

Contact Cahaba Veneer at 205-926-9797

HooversMagazine.com

Prefer long term care exp. $3000 sign-on bonus. Cert Dietary Mgr-FT Day. Reqs Diet.Mgr-cert & 4-yrs of exp. $1000 sign-on-bonus.

Servers and dishwashers Restaurant exp & strong customer service skills.

LPN and Certified Nursing Assistants-All shifts To apply:www.brookdale.com Or visit us at 3850 Galleria Woods Drive Birmingham, AL 35244. For more Info contact Jeff Prince 205.985.7537.

PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed. Drug and Background Check Required. Call 205-6880258 to set up Interview.

Taking applications for waitresses for growing business in Clanton Call Teresa: 334-235-0228 or call the restaurant between 4-10pm: 205280-4949

Certified Welders & Tank Fitters needed for field erected tanks. Work done in Southeast. Good pay and benefits. Call 800728-8265 ext 224 Email resume to c.bradley@ esptank.com

ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions. com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873

Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-theroad. Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package.

Good home time. Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2

$2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

Birmingham, Al based Transportation Company looking for Class-A CDL drivers. Starting .42/45 1 year Average 2,500/ miles-wk Must be at least 23 years of age.

Have 18 months drivingexperience. Please call (205)925-1977 ext.

2309 email:recruiting@ churchtransportation.net City of Clanton is Hiring.

Detailed job descriptions on file at City Hall. EOE. Drug screening/physical required.

Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions.

Starting pay $13/hour.

Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com

Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@ rubic.com or call 866-2733984

Galleria Woods Senior Living JOIN THE GALLERIA WOODS TEAM Are you tired of 12 hour-shifts? Asst Dir Nursing-Reqs RN nursing degree and current AL RN license/2-4 yrs related exp.

DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.

Miller@dchsystem.com.

Apply online at: www. dchsystem.com

MECHANICS NEEDED! Evergreen Transport, LLC has two immediate openings for Class B Mechanics at its terminals in Calera, Al and Leeds, AL. Calera position is for night shift (Call Jason at 205-668-3316). The Leeds position will be the day shift (Call Chuck at 1-800-525-5144).

Job duties include repairing, maintaining and overhauling of heavy duty fleet truck/trailers and other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Franklin Iron Works Now Hiring. Grinders & Laborers. Must apply in person: 146 Tommie Drive, Thorsby. Mon-Fri. 10am3pm.

DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends.

Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-6347315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Road and Parking Lot Striping Company NOW HIRING LABORERS. Must be 18+ and have valid driver’s license.

Monday-Friday. BCBS/ Paid Holidays/Sick days/ Vacation/401k. Apply in person: 1110 Highway 31, Calera. 205-663-1511 Does your loved one need help at home?

Licensed, bonded, insured, affordable homecare offered. Approved Veteran

MARKETPLACE Service Contractor & LTC Insurance accepted. Livein-Care Available. Call us today! 205-453-4285 Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced sandblasters and industrial painters.

Must be able to pass a drug test & E-verify check.

Professional references required. Must be willing to travel. Please send resume to icgsecretary@ hotmail.com or call (205) 612-2064.

Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring!

•Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-8707154 -Equal Opportunity EmployerOwner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Need FREE help with your Medicare? Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) today at (800)AGE-LINE (800)-243-5463.

M&M Trucking Company hiring experienced trailer and tractor trailer drivers.

Minimum three years verifiable experience required. Tanker and dump experience a plus.

Apply in person w/MVR at M&M Trucking Company.

980 Lee Road. Auburn, AL 36830.

Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256245-6500 •TDD#s: 800548-2547(V) •800-5482546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an

exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!!

Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Production Jobs.

Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts. Email resume to dcurtis@grede. com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-438-4959 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/background check Complete your application on line at www. naonsite.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years.

• Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old.

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite. com Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/ or Home Health aides in

the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.

Oxfordhealthcare.com Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage.

Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/ vaulted Ceiling. Calera Schools. Rent $1150. FLAT SCREEN TV!! (205)4339811 Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced.

Free Book & Bible Study.

PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205-339-4837 Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k.

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@ southeasternfood.com

LIQUIDATION AUCTION August 4, 10:00AM 610 7th St, Clanton,AL Liquidating contents of BrenWils Flea Mkt. www. auctionzip.com ID#8507 Ken Yates, Auctioneer Lic. #1782 256-276-8091 256396-5381 Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/ Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham.

Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al. com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days.

To apply call: (334)3662269 or email: s.smith@ taylormadeinc.com

White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOEM/F/D/V

The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters.

Must be able to speak English. Call 205-9955559”

Warehouse Team Member Call (205) 9127365 or visit www.Hibbett. com Great Benefits

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)5618118 and get your career started!

WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience.

Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste. com EOE M/F/D/V WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com NOW HIRING: •Master Plumber •Experienced Plumber’s Helper •Experienced Plumber Call 205-755-8555 Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance.com LARGEST SELECTION OF WHOLESALE VEHICLES IN THE SOUTHEAST Over 350 vehicles available for direct sale daily! Live auction every Thursday 6:30p.m. (205)744-4030 birminghamautoauction. com Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Hiring: Homeownership Lease-Purchase Facilitator Resident Services Coordinator-ROSS Human Resources Specialist Compliance Data Analysis Application Data Entry Clerk Assistant Vice President ofHousing Operations Director of Public Safety Custodian View complete description and apply at www.habd.org or 1826 3rdAvenueSouth Birmingham, Al 35233

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WHY I LOVE HOOVER

Teth Lee

Digital Media Representative for Cars.com

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTO BY LAURA CARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Teth Lee, her husband Casey and their two children, Jossilyn and Grayson, made Hoover their home six years ago. Teth has found many things she loves about Hoover and her neighborhood in Riverchase. For the Lees, Riverchase became their permanent home.

How did you find yourself in Hoover, and specifically, Riverchase?

We moved to Birmingham when Casey got a job here. After a year in Birmingham, we moved to Riverchase. We were originally renting our house when the owners decided to sell. We loved the neighborhood so much, we decided to buy our house and make Riverchase our permanent home.

Why do you like living and working in Hoover?

I have never been part of a community before where the people are so eager to support each other’s businesses and help each other out when someone is in need, especially in Riverchase. I really couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

What is the best thing about Hoover?

The best things about Hoover is how well-maintained our city is, how close-knit our neighborhood communities are, and the convenience of everything we have here. Not to mention our incredible school system.

What

are

some

of

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your

favorite

activities in Hoover or places to visit, shop or eat?

I’m a huge fan of Patton Creek and the Galleria area. One of my favorite restaurants in that area is Firebirds. I love the local shops of Patton Creek; my daughter and I love Lou Lou’s. We enjoy the AMC movie theater in Patton Creek, as well as the convenience and variety that the Galleria Mall has to offer. We also love seeing a movie from time to time at the AMC 10 Dollar Theater.

What is something that the city needs to improve?

I think our police officers and firefighters need a raise. These people are some of the most dedicated people in our community and I feel like they should be appreciated more in that respect. Our community wouldn’t be what it is without any of them.

I know that the “norm” may be whatever it is, but there’s no reason why Hoover couldn’t rise above the “norm” like they do in so many other areas.

What is something that no one knows about you?

Not many people around here know that

when I was in high school, college and even before we moved to Birmingham, I was often involved in some form of community theater. If I had more time, I would love to get involved in theater again.

What makes Hoover special?

The people. It’s as complicated and as simple as that. We have a very diverse group of people who live in Hoover, and despite our differences in cultures, religions, political parties or whatever, we still seem to come together as one community in the most supportive ways, especially when it comes to our schools and local charities.

What makes Hoover different from surrounding cities?

I don’t know that I could properly answer this question because I’ve never lived anywhere else since we moved to Birmingham, so I don’t know what it’s like to live in Homewood, or Vestavia Hills or Trussville, so I couldn’t properly compare them and tell you why Hoover is different.

I can tell you that I love Hoover enough to know that I wouldn’t ever want to leave to find out.

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