COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS • A CHAT WITH TWO FOSTER FAMILIES • REDISCOVER GATLINBURG
A CANCER PATIENT’S LETTER OF LOVE WHY PICKLEBALL IS HOT RIGHT NOW
at the
ROOT
TAPROOT CAFÉ’S LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
FALL 2021 HooversMagazine.com Volume 10 | Issue 4 $4.95
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2 Fall 2021
HooversMagazine.com 1
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GIVE IN TO SOMETHING UNEXPECTED. Uncover the unexpected at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook with experiences that will awaken your inspiration. Satisfy your good taste at Habitat Feed & Social, with fresh flavors handpicked by the season. Or explore a different side of dining with our Cooking School and Wine Blending experiences, where you can sample something new and dare to experiment, guided by our expert chefs and sommeliers. Just let temptation lead the way. Reserve your experience now by calling 205.414.0505. Grandbohemianmountainbrook.com | @GrandBohemianMountainBrook
HooversMagazine.com 3
FEATURES
50
AN OPEN DOOR Two families who foster children and teens share their journeys of love, support and grief.
56 HIT THE ROAD
REDISCOVER GATLINBURG This Sevier County town nestles up against the Great Smoky Mountains in a way that invites guests to leave the screens behind so they can relax, unwind and reconnect to the outdoors. Here’s our guide to what to see, where to stay and where to eat
64 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
It’s the people who make Hoover the community that it is. Here we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.
4 Fall 2021
PHOTO BY MORGAN HUNT
COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS 2021
31
41
PHOTO BY LINDSEY DRENNAN
arts & culture
13 When I Hold You: A Cancer Patient’s Love Letter to Her Daughters 21 Book Nook: Books and Coffee Belong Together 24 Read This Book: Books to Escape from Reality
schools & sports
25 Pickling Pace: A New Sport Catching on with More than Seniors
food
& drink
31 Locally Sourced: Taproot Café Food Speaks for Itself 39 Five Questions For: Brock’s Gap Brewing Company
in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 The Question 9 The Guide 22 Aldridge Gardens 70 Chamber Connection 76 Out & About 79 Marketplace 80 My Hoover
40 Five Questions For: Clean Eatz Hoover
home
& style
41 Eclectic Chic: A Lake Cyrus Home Full of Color
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contributors EDITORIAL
Alec Etheredge Nathan Howell Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino
CONTRIBUTORS
Gabby Bass-Butler James Culver Lauren Dowdle Lindsey Drennan Morgan Hunt Christiana Roussel Heather Jones Skaggs Lauren Winter
DESIGN
Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom
MARKETING
Darniqua Bowen Evann Campbell Jessica Caudill Kari George Zoe Hall Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Tori Montjoy Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson
ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Daniel Holmes Kinley Johnson Stacey Meadows Tim Prince Brittany Schofield Savana Tarwater
Gabby Bass-Butler, Intern
Gabby is currently studying journalism and mass communications at Samford University. Gabby has always had a passion for writing and telling stories, and she can often be found scrolling on Pinterest or sharing her love of books on her Bookstagram, @theliteraryvogue.
Lindsey Drennan, Photographer
Lindsey is a lifestyle and wedding photographer as well as a graphic designer. She has been in the wedding industry for over six years with Lindsey Ann Photography and has a passion for design as well. When she’s not working, you’ll find her renovating her house or playing with her golden, Aiden. You can follow her photography at @liindsey and her renovations @themodernrenovator on Instagram.
Christiana Roussel, Writer
Where should we have dinner? Where should we go on our next family vacation or couple’s getaway? What kind of shotgun should I buy? These are all queries writer Christiana Roussel has answered in recent months. While food writing is her original passion, she has really enjoyed expanding her repertoire to include travel and sporting activities that might involve an upland adventure. And no, it is not just because there might be a need for new clothes for the expedition.
Heather Jones Skaggs, Writer
Heather is an author, freelance writer and native of Hoover, where she lives with her husband, Greg; daughter, Charlotte; 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 and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers— including this publication. Heather showcases her home community of Bluff Park in her blog Heather’s Corner at heatherscorner.org.
Hoover’s Magazine is published quarterly 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 $14.95 plus tax 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.
6 Fall 2021
from the editor
I
ON THE COVER
At the Root
Michelle and Reggie Torbor are serving up locally sourced smoothies, sandwiches, salads and more from John Hawkins Parkway in their new restaurant Taproot Café. Photo by Morgan Hunt Design by Kimberly Myers
I grew up making frequent visits to The Galleria and Veterans Park, the original Zoe’s Kitchen and a kids’ play place whose name I can’t recall that at one point was located in the shopping center across Highway 31 from the Hoover Library. While many places and traditions in Hoover have remained over those nearly 30 years, this magazine is always reminding me that our community is ever-changing, and we’re always on the lookout for new stories to tell to reflect that. Take, for example, pickleball. Not too long ago, the term might have been foreign to you, but this summer The Finley Center at the Hoover Met hosted a national indoor tournament for the sport. In this issue we’ve got photos from that event and what you need to know about how the sport is growing in popularity in Hoover for everyone from middle schoolers to seniors. There’s also a new children’s book out written by a Bluff Park mom who has cancer in what is essentially a love letter to her daughters, beautiful illustrations and all. We’ve got the story behind it in this issue, along with a book-related update from the Hoover Public Library on a new satellite location of sorts in a coffee shop on Highway 280. Speaking of new things, you can also learn all about Taproot Café’s locally sourced food and the former NFL player who started it with his wife in this issue, and just as colorful but in a different sort of way, be sure to take a tour of Janice Dance’s Lake Cyrus home a few pages later. And that’s not even getting to our interviews with two foster families who call Hoover home about their journeys with that. We’ve got new things to introduce to you in this issue too. Hoover’s Magazine is now coming out in print quarterly, or once every season: fall, winter, spring and summer. If you are a subscriber, you will still get the number of issues left in your subscription, and if you aren’t a subscriber, you can change that at hooversmagazine.com any time. And as always you can find us sharing more timely updates on local happenings @hooversmag on social media, and you can sign up for our monthly emails at hooversmagazine.com. Also in this issue we are starting a new travel feature, Hit the Road, where writer Christiana Roussel spotlights destinations within driving distance or a direct flight from Hoover/BHM. You’ll find it in each issue going forward. Be sure to also check out our new annual advertorial section of Community Influencers that features local business leaders and others making a difference in our area. Thanks for reading, and here’s to hoping fall weather arrives before this issue is too old!
madoline.markham@HooversMagazine.com
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“ ” THE QUESTION
What should top a list of the best restaurant dishes in Hoover? The Freebird at Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli—the honey mustard is amazing. Benito’s Hummus served at Taproot Cafe—the best hummus I’ve ever had. -Carolyn Bunch
Eggplant parmigiana at Costas! -Wanda Brown Rutledge
Eugene’s Hot Chicken’s chicken fingers and banana pudding. Simple but seriously one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. -Leigh McDowell Davis
Oxtails from Jake’s Soul Food Cafe -Cherinita Ladd-Reese
8 Fall 2021
Debate is not permitted. There is nothing better than a Tortugas deep dish pizza. -Joshua Rutsky
Spicy Basil Chicken at Blue Pacific and Fish Filet in Black Bean Sauce at Mr. Chen’s. -Summer Cuppett Donnelly
The Buccaneer Bowl at La Brisa! -Stacie Prince
Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib at Tre Luna -Holly Peterson Mishkin
THE GUIDE
MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL NOV. 6-7 The Preserve This one-of-a-kind outdoor, eco-creative festival is open to anyone who wants to explore Nature, Art+Design and SmartLIVING themes. The event will feature exhibitors, live music and a beer garden with craft brews from Alabama breweries and beyond. Find more details at mossrockfestival.com. HooversMagazine.com 9
THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SEPT. 11 Fall Plant Sale Birmingham Botanical Gardens SEPT. 18 Paws for the Cause 5K Veterans Park, Hoover SEPT. 23-25 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church
OCT. 2
Bluff Park Art Show 9 A.M.-5 P.M. The Park at Shades Cliff 517 Cloudland Drive
Artists and art enthusiasts, prepare: The
annual Bluff Park Art Show is back. The art on display is supplemented with food vendors and hands-on activities for children. Find more information at bluffparkartassociation.org.
OCT. 29
Hoover Hayride & Family Night 5-8 P.M. Veterans Park
Put on your costumes and join on the fun at this free annual event. You can take hayrides around the park and explore a large exhibitor area where Hoover Chamber members distribute candy and giveaways to children.
SEPT. 30-OCT. 2
Vintage Market Days of Birmingham The Finley Center Come out for a fun weekend of shopping at this vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor 10 Fall 2021
market features dozens of vendors specializing in vintage, antique, repurposed and handmade items. vintagemarketdays. com/market/birmingham for more details.
SEPT. 25 Fiesta Linn Park SEPT. 30-OCT. 3 Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens OCT. 2 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale OCT. 7 Taste of Hoover Aldridge Gardens 5-8 p.m. OCT. 8-10 Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival Barber Motorsports Festival OCT. 9 Jimmie Hale Mission Rescue Run 5K, 10K & Fun Run Downtown Homewood OCT. 10 Handmade Art Show + Pickin’ in the Park Homewood Central Park 10 a.m.-5 p.m. OCT. 14-16 Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral
THE GUIDE OCT. 15-17 Waitress Presented by Broadway In Birmingham BJCC Concert Hall OCT. 20-31 Shop Save Share Benefitting Junior League of Birmingham Community Projects NOV. 1-2 Dia de los Muertos Pepper Place NOV. 6 Virtual Walk to End Epilepsy Railroad Park NOV. 7 Out of the Darkness Walk Veterans Park NOV. 11 National Veterans Day Parade Downtown Birmingham
SEPT. 25
Head Over Teal 5K/10K Hoover Preserve
Come out for a 5K race, 10K race, familyfriendly games, face painting, food and live music to benefit Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. The foundation helps fund early detection research, GYN cancer awareness campaigns, and financial support services for patients and their families. Social distancing guidelines will be observed during packet pick-up, hand sanitizer
stations will be available on race day, and participants are encouraged to remain vigilant to the potential spread of germs. Find more information and register at thinkoflaura.org/headoverteal.
NOV. 17-20
Market Noel The Finley Center
This annual event will once again give guests a chance to purchase holiday gifts
and other items from more than 100 merchants, while also helping the Junior League’s charitable projects. Find more information at marketnoel.net.
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[Newbor n + Child + Family Por traiture] info@apeppermintphoto.com + 205.807.6431 w w w . a p e p p e r m i n t p h o t o . c o m 12 Fall 2021
&CULTURE
ARTS
WHEN I HOLD YOU
Amidst her battle with brain cancer, a mom has written a love letter to her daughters in a children’s book. BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY LOVEBE PHOTOGRAPHY & BE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK PAGES COURTESY OF B&H PUBLISHING GROUP
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14 Fall 2021
A
Ashley Huffstutler
As Ashley Huffstutler and her two daughters turn the pages of her crisp new book, she is reminded of the journey that brought her words to these pages, not only for her children but for other mothers as well. The Hoover mom has been battling terminal brain cancer for over three years, and following her diagnosis, treatment and initial surgery it became clear that her prognosis was likely not a good one. The location of the tumor also presented a real possibility that reading, writing and the ability to speak could be gone in an instant—a terrifying thought for both Ashley and her husband, David. Like any parent, Ashley wanted their girls, ages 3 and 5, to know how much she loved them. Since they were so young and not able to comprehend the gravity of cancer or what it will likely mean in the years to come, Ashley put her words into the
form of a book that was published on May 4. When I Hold You is a reminder for her daughters that being their mother is one of the greatest gifts in the world. “I knew I wanted to put the feelings and thoughts I was having into words,” Ashley explains. “The deeper into the writing I got, the more I saw God connect the blessing of being their mom to the joy of being his child.” At times she struggled with the words and her thoughts and even questioned if she could even finish. “Yet, God called me to step ‘out of the boat’ (Matthew 14:28) and pursue him all the more— trusting, with faith, in his plan and in words He allowed me to find,” Ashley says. “There were moments when I knew what I wanted to say and phrases to use, but I could not physically write the words. Some of the struggles were physical or even mental because of my cancer. HooversMagazine.com 15
There were also times where emotionally I couldn’t land on exactly what to write, but through many hours of prayer and reading through scripture, God used those moments of patience to help build the words together.” Ashley describes her book as a gentle, joyful, celebratory poem that draws the comparison between a mother’s bond with her child and the nurturing love God has for us. The book is now available through B&H Publishing. “At the end of the process, When I Hold You became more about being encouraged with God’s word in motherhood and wanting to share that, not only with my girls but with others as well,” Ashley says. “I want moms to know that regardless of circumstances, emotions, or situations, God is right beside them and has ordained every moment with their children.” For any moms who are interested in Christian scriptures, Ashley recommends setting aside time to be consistent in reading and study but is aware that there are seasons where it’s not easy to set aside that time for everyone. “I’ve found that note cards with verses that are special to me and scripture written around my home are ways that push me to meditate on his word when times are challenging,” she says. “Consistency is way more
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16 Fall 2021
Ashley wrote When I Hold You for her two young daughters.
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important than quantity. My suggestion is to start small, really dive in and do it frequently, even if for a few minutes a day. His word never returns void.” One verse she says brings peace is Job 33:4,“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Although the Huffstutler girls are young, Ashley and David treasure the time they spend with their daughters, settling down, reading and looking at the visual artistry of the illustration in their mom’s new book. “It is those sweet moments that we share, looking through the different pages and connecting them to how God provides and relates to us through his word,” Ashley says. And that is what they hope others will find as well. Inside the book, illustrator Airin O’Callaghan brought the words to life with each turn of a page. “Airin’s illustrations are perfect for this book,” Ashley says. “It is such a blessing that God connected us on this project. The spread of the red-head mom tucking in her oldest while holding the baby (also a redhead) is near to my heart because it is a nod to me with my girls. When my family reads through this book together, we will forever point to that page as ‘our page.’” When asked about the legacy she wants to leave for her family and everyone who reads When I Hold You, Ashley simply says, “There is no greater way to be remembered than to be called a child of God whose faith is the first thing that others see.” 18 Fall 2021
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MEET ASHLEY Hear author Ashley Huffstutler tell the story of her book and her journey herself on video. Search YouTube for “The Story Behind When I Hold You” from B&H Publishing Group.
20 Fall 2021
You can purchase When I Hold You at these online retailers: Lifeway, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, ChristianBook, Cokesbury and IndieBound. Find updates on hooversmagazine.com on any local retailers who are selling the book.
BOOK NOOK W E L C O M E O U R N E W E S T P E D I A T R I C I A N
Books and Coffee Belong Together The current café inside the library, East 59, has recently opened a new branch in Hoover, and now in partnership with café owner Amber Tolbert, we are excited to announce our newest project inside their new location. We call it “Library in a Café.” Beginning this fall, the Hoover Library will offer remote pickup and programming at East 59 Cafe’s new location in the Village at Lee Branch on Highway 280. The pickup service is a self-service locker system.* Using this new system is simple. Put materials on hold by visiting our website, using our app or calling the library, and then just select “Remote Locker” as your pickup location. You will receive a notification when the Library Director materials arrive at the lockers. Once inside the café, our lockers are located to the left of the main counter. Swipe your library card, and your specific locker will pop open. You may also return materials at this location. Just follow the online instructions and use the door marked “Returns.” Locker access will be available during café hours: Monday- Friday 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Remote programming will also feature weekly programs held in the café’s event space. Starting in September, we have children’s storytime (all ages) planned for every Tuesday with one of our talented storytellers. We are also planning special events for adults, teens and families, which will include book clubs, crafts, game nights and more. Coming in December, we will host a special storytime with Santa! For more information, please download our app or visit our newly updated website at hooverlibrary.org. Building an additional branch in East Hoover has been atop our wish list for many years, but until then our remote lockers and programming will provide convenience to our eastern residents and serve as our next step toward a new full branch in that area. Oh, and if I haven’t mentioned it already, East 59 offers sandwiches, soups and one of the best cups of coffee in the city. Yes, books and coffee really do belong together, and we are very excited about our café and library pairing. *The remote locker system was purchased with funds from a Library Services and Technology Act grant, administered by the Alabama Public Library Service, along with a 20-percent match from the City of Hoover.
Sarah Spencer, MD
Amanda Borden
G R E E N VA L E P E D I AT R I C S – H O O V E R 5 2 9 5 P R E S E R V E PA R K W AY, S U I T E 1 0 0 HOOVER, AL 35244 2 0 5 - 9 8 7- 4 4 4 4 C h i l d re n s A L . o rg / g re e n v a l e - p e d i a t r i c s
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Upcoming Events Summer is winding down here at Aldridge Gardens, and what a summer it has been. Our hydrangea collection bloomed heavier and more beautiful than it has in many years. We had very successful summer camps, an amazing Hydrangeas Under the Stars event and even with the frequent morning rain, increased visitor counts.
Taste of Hoover Now our full attention turns to the last two events of the year at the Gardens, starting with the event of the year, Taste of Hoover! Last year’s Taste was a wonderful event, with the over 35 participating restaurants, caterers and beverage suppliers bringing out samples of their tastiest items for the sell-out crowd to enjoy. The weather was incredible, the live music was perfect and the crowd just amazing. If you left hungry, well… This year’s Taste will be Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m., in the circle and under the stars at Aldridge Gardens. Check our website for details and ticket info starting next month, and plan to get yours early. This event is a sellout every year!
3530 Lorna Road • Hoover, Alabama 35216 • 205-682-8019 • www.aldridgegardens.com • info@aldridgegardens.com
From our CEO
Gifts of Art Our last event of the year is quickly growing to be one of our most popular. Gifts of Art in December returns after a COVID break in 2020. This year promises things you have enjoyed the past five years plus some new items from new artists. Gifts of Art is not a craft fair, but a one-stop Christmas shopping event with unique, one-of-a-kind art items from 13 local artists. Items are reasonably priced, averaging around $50-75, and our artists are chosen
for their truly unique items—items not found at regular retail stores. From textiles to glass to pottery to jewelry to metal works, there is literally something for everyone on your Christmas gift list. Gifts of Art starts at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2 and closes at 6 p.m., giving you a wide range of times to drop in and shop, and meet the artists. This event has grown more popular every year, and we are so excited about its return in 2021. Mark your calendars today!
Welcome fall to beautiful Aldridge Gardens. Seasons are special at the Gardens, and with the changing from summer to fall, we start anticipating the beautiful foliage colors we will witness soon. The ginkgo tree will become the most photographed spot in the Gardens as we start preparing to welcome guests to our annual Taste of Hoover. The Taste of Hoover is Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Tickets are available on our website at aldridgegardens.com. We had a very busy summer filled with weddings, baby showers, celebrations of life and of course our annual fundraiser Hydrangeas Under the Stars. We made the decision this year to hold a smaller, more intimate event. We hosted around 150 guests and supporters at a fantastic dinner provided by Savoie catering. A reception and silent auction were held in the Aldridge home with dinner and our live auction under the Pavilion in the Gardens. We would like to thank the City of Hoover, our Board of Directors and all our supporters for everything you do to help us grow and maintain beautiful Aldridge Gardens. When you walk through the Gardens this fall, you will witness a lot of new projects taking place throughout the grounds. An expansion to the bonsai display area is in the works, along with the replacement of our patio tent as well as a few other small projects. We hope you enjoy the continued growth of the City of Hoover’s beautiful Aldridge Gardens. Holidays are fast approaching, and what better venue to hold your holiday corporate luncheon, Christmas party or family Christmas party then at Aldridge Gardens. To book an event contact Amanda Baker, our director of sales and events, at amanda.baker@ hooveralabama.gov or 205-739-6554.
ARTS & CULTURE
READ THIS BOOK
Books to Escape from Reality Recommendations from
Madison Blair @bookswithmeblair Bookstagrammer
As an English major at Birmingham-Southern College, I spend a lot of my time reading the classics and writing papers, so when I read for pleasure, I read to escape. I love that this allows you to explore new places while teaching empathy for others. This past year, the desire to escape has been stronger than ever. I started reading faster than I ever had, and I even started an Instagram account dedicated to sharing my love of reading. Here are some of my favorite reads from this past year!
The Wife Upstairs
by Rachel Hawkins This Birmingham-based thriller explores the unsolved murder of Thornfield Estates’ resident, Bea, and the mysterious past of new-to-Birmingham Jane. With a twist ending you won’t see coming, The Wife Upstairs is a relatively quick read that will leave you questioning who to trust. Fans of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre will appreciate this Southern Gothic take on a beloved classic.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid Lovers of glitz and glam will devour this book about a Hollywood starlet from the ‘60s and her scandalizing life. Reid’s unique, interview-styled writing makes this book easy to read, and the writing is absolutely beautiful. Evelyn Hugo is the morally gray, anti-protagonist we all hate to love, and her life story will leave you in tears. It’s perfect for fans of historical romance looking for something different!
Happy & You Know It
by Laura Hankin Hankin’s incredibly witty debut novel follows a group of wealthy Upper East Side mothers and the young musician who is hired to sing to their play group. This page-turner has twists and turns for fans of mysteries, and heartfelt moments for contemporary lovers. Happy & You Know It celebrates the bond formed between an unlikely group of women, while also commenting on the way society passes judgement on motherhood.
Beach Read
by Emily Henry Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes blockbuster romances. When both authors find themselves living next door to each other for the summer and in creative ruts, they decide to switch genres and give each other lessons in their respective fields. This is the perfect book for those looking to get away and fans of enemies-to-lovers romances. Book lovers of all ages will adore the banter between January and Gus!
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue
by V.E. Schwab Victoria Schwab is without a doubt the queen of fantasy, and she has done it again in her most recent release! This book follows a woman who sold her soul in a moment of weakness, and in return, she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she crosses paths with. Following Addie’s life over 300 years, the story of a woman no one remembers is a story you will never forget.
24 Fall 2021
SCHOOL
&SPORTS
PICKLING PACE
This cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis is catching on with more than just seniors. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY HooversMagazine.com 25
Nick Beaupre played table tennis competitively before learning pickleball at Berry Middle School. He and his partner Michael Johnson won gold in two events at the US Pickleball National Indoor Championship this summer.
26 Fall 2021
W
What comes to mind when you hear the word pickleball? If your answer is senior communities, you were statistically correct, at some point. Case in point: you will find more than 200 courts for the cross between tennis, badminton and table tennis at The Villages, a retirement community in Florida with a population around 80,000. “The reason it’s really growing is because the older generation could play tennis at a high level, but when you get older, your movement is hindered,” Berry Middle School PE teacher Shane Shelnut explains. “With a court less than a half the size of a tennis court, there is less to cover and less movement. The older generation has made it explode.” But now, Shane is in part to credit for the sport growing in popularity with younger people as he’s
The Heart Knows There Is Only One Right Choice
Paid for by John & Melody Greene
Berry Middle School student Karter Long plays in the US Pickleball National Indoor Championship at The Finley Center this summer.
marked off courts at Berry and taught his students. “Five to 10 years ago a 61-year-old was the best in the world, and now the younger generation is catching on,” he says. “The more athletic you are, the better, but you don’t have to have the movement. The handeye coordination can help you a lot.” With his encouragement, several Berry students competed in the USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships at the Hoover Met this summer. Two of them, Nick Beaupre and Michael Johnson, took home gold in the junior mixed doubles and silver for junior boys doubles—and almost beat a high school team for yet another victory. Nick, who has played table tennis competitively at Bumper Nets and though USA Table Tennis for two years, admits he’s part of the growing movement
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toward pickleball for all ages. “Table tennis has been trying to become a popular US sport, and I think pickleball is getting close to surpassing it,” he says. “Pickleball has gone straight up.” Jonathan Lewis, who learned to play at Berry as well, says the tournament was a “crazy experience” because there were people from all over the country who had come to compete. He draws a comparison between the new sport and his experience with tennis. “It’s about the same thing, but tennis is more athletic,” he says. “For pickleball you have to have fast reflexes. There’s less movement.” Jonathan and his partner Karter Long both attend Berry and played tennis together, so they decided to try their hand at partnering up for pickleball too. “He has faster reflexes and can slam the ball, and I can dink (or bump) (the ball) to the third shot,” Jonathan says of their dynamic. Shane sees part of pickleball’s popularity stemming from how the sport incorporates aspects of so many other games. Its paddle is similar to a racquet ball racquet size but has a tennis grip, and the head— which is solid, with no strings—is two to three times as big as table tennis racquet. “The ball is almost like a whiffle ball but doesn’t curve as easy,” Shane goes on to explain, noting the ball moves slower than a
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28 Fall 2021
Hoover Country Club Tennis Pro Josh Goff
tennis ball. “It won’t bounce high like a tennis ball, and it tends to skip.” But perhaps the biggest appeal of the sport is how easy it is to pick up. “I think (my students) like it because most of them can hit the pickleball,” he says. “With tennis it can take a while for them to hit a ball back and forth, but on the first day they are hitting the pickleball ball back and forth. It’s an easier game to learn, and if they can learn faster they are having fun.” Speaking of fun, Shane has found that in all of the places he’s played—from the Mississippi Senior
Michael Johnson
WHERE TO PLAY PICKLEBALL (FOR FREE)
Here’s a list of pickleball courts Shane Shelnut recommended around town. uHeardmont Park
North Shelby County uSicard Hollow Athletic Complex Liberty Park
uTrussville Mall Trussville
uCrestwood Park Birmingham
HooversMagazine.com 29
the friendliness of the pickleball culture. “It’s like a pickleball family,” he says. “Everyone is open to playing with anyone where sometimes in other sports people can be more standoff-ish. You can strike up a conversation with anybody at those places. The competition can be intense, but there’s a laid back feel to the game. I think that’s why people like it.” Josh and some other tennis pros got into pickleball for the social aspect, but they have also seen it played at higher levels, where you can be competitive but laid back at the same time, he says. When you get to a higher level of playing the Games in Biloxi to a cruise ship in Alaska—the strategy between the game differs as well. “Tennis is community around it is more than inviting. “I can go pretty much anywhere in the country and find a more of a shot maker game, but pickleball you have to pickleball game,” he says. “I can’t just go show up at a be more patient,” Josh notes. “In pickleball you have a tennis facility and join a game. Pickleball is a very line you can’t cross, and in tennis you can stand on social game, and you are really close together. You’re top of the net if you wanted to. You can finish a point always talking to each other and the points go quicker in tennis.” Groups now play at Hoover Country Club multiple quickly.” Don’t know how to play? No problem. Shane times of the week, where they set up four pickleball recommends just showing up to a court and asking courts on two tennis courts, and the club hosts events someone to teach you to play. Chances are, they’ll to introduce members to the game. But they certainly aren’t the only place to play the have an extra paddle for you. Josh Goff, a tennis pro at Hoover Country Club game. Just about anywhere with tennis courts has who competed at the USA Pickleball National Indoor lines for pickleball now, Josh says. So no matter your Championships at the Hoover Met as well, also notes age, maybe it’s time to give it a try?
30 Fall 2021
&CULTURE
ARTS
LOCALLY SOURCED At Taproot Café, the food speaks for itself and the local farmers who grow it. BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUNT HooversMagazine.com 31
A
A taproot grows vertically downward in the soil, making space for other roots to grow and access the nutrients they need. And now that idea has come above ground on John Hawkins Parkway next to Jubilee Joe’s. This past April, Reggie and Michelle Torbor started watering, if you will, Taproot Café as a place for people to not only find tasty, healthy meals, but also to support local farmers and small businesses. “Part of what I love about Taproot is, yes, you’re getting to enjoy a meal, but you’re also getting to help and touch a lot of lives,” Michelle says. The couple lives and is raising their family in Hoover, so opening the café there made perfect sense to them. Originally, they planned to open a SmoothiesN-Things franchise, but five days before it opened, they changed their minds. “We opted to go in a direction where we could use locally sourced, healthier ingredients,” Reggie says. “It was a tough decision, but we felt it was the right one.” The “Local Today” sign that greets customers when they walk in highlights where the ingredients come from—Hamm Farms, Smitherman Farms, Ireland Farms, Birmingham Breadworks, Eastaboga Bee Company, Benito’s and Magic City Mushrooms. They also carry Secret Bake Shop’s cookies and plan to continually grow that list of businesses. “It’s our hope that if people have locally sourced products, we will come to their mind when they want to get their product out,” Reggie says. A menu on the smaller side allows them to focus on making each salad, sandwich, hummus, toast and smoothie as fresh and flavorful as possible. For example, their smoothies have either almond or oak milk, fruit and honey—unless the customer adds protein. “You know you’re getting what the fruit has to offer,” Michelle says. “That was important for us to maintain that in our menu items. We strive to keep everything as simple as possible and let the food speak for itself.” Case in point: Their chicken pesto sandwich— which comes with a chicken breast, house-made basil pesto, roasted red peppers, spinach, mayonnaise and smoked provolone — is especially popular, along with the pineapple carrot ginger and avocado lime smoothies. For those with dietary restrictions, the
32 Fall 2021
HooversMagazine.com 33
34 Fall 2021
Taproot Cafe is located next to Jubilee Joe’s on John Hawkins Parkway.
veggie sandwich with mushrooms, onions, basil pesto, mayonnaise, roasted red peppers, goat cheese and balsamic vinegar has been a hit too. The Taproot menu will continue to evolve as ingredients come in and out of season too. When strawberries went out of season, for example, they replaced them with blueberries, offering a blueberry and green apple salad with Smitherman Farms blueberries, green apples, Hamm Farms green onions, feta cheese, almonds and a blueberry vinaigrette. The couple came up with all of the menu items themselves and put their ideas on sticky notes around their house when they were in the early stages. Though neither of them has restaurant experience, they do have a passion for what they do. “Reggie is the best cook in the house,” Michelle says. “He likes to try new things and has fun doing it.” A former NFL player, Reggie especially knows the importance of focusing on physical health too. (Read more about his career on page 37.) “If you take care of your body, it will take care of you,” he says.
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Michelle, who also owns Cardinal Wellness in Hoover, says science shows that someone’s diet impacts their mood and thinking capacity too. “Being our best selves is important to Reggie and me,” she says. “We choose to put things in our body that are good for us. The pieces that went into this project with Taproot came naturally to us. It’s in everything we do.”
708 Montgomery Highway; Suite 116 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
36 Fall 2021
For Reggie, his favorite parts about Taproot have been meeting people from across the community and spending more time with Michelle’s brother, Eric Myers, who runs the café. Michelle says she enjoys providing a place where people can come to find an inviting space and menu options for a variety of dietary restrictions. Each visit supports not only local farmers and businesses but
REGGIE’S NFL BACK STORY The restaurant industry might not be in Reggie or Michelle Torbor’s background, but they still put their experiences and skills to good use with Taproot Café. Reggie played football at Auburn University, later heading to the NFL as a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, where he won a Super Bowl in 2008. It was during his time with the Giants that he first mentioned an idea for one day owning a café. While eating at a deli in New Jersey, Reggie began talking about what he’d like to do one day after finishing his football career. “I remember him saying he wanted to open a small café or deli and have like five sandwiches on the menu—and do those really well,” Michelle says. “That idea has always been appealing to him.” Reggie achieved that dream when they opened Taproot. He might not be taking the field anymore, but the lessons he learned playing football have stuck with him and affected who he is and how he approaches the café. “It taught me that it’s the little things that matter, the details people overlook,” Reggie says. “We can understand we do a few things well and be grateful for those things and find ways to improve.” HooversMagazine.com 37
Taproot Owners Michelle and Reggie Torbor
also the young people who work there too. And they haven’t been short on visitors, with customers continually asking when they are going to open more locations. The couple says they currently don’t have plans to add more cafes and instead are focusing on doing the best they can at the single location. For them, that means being known as a place that supports farmers and other local
businesses. “If you’re growing a small business or creating something, we hope Taproot comes to your mind as a place to have your product featured,” Reggie says. “That would be a dream come true for us.” Taproot Café is located at 5190 Medford Drive in Hoover. For more information, visit taproot-cafe.com.
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FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Jamie Cato
Brock’s Gap Brewing Company Co-Owner RENDERINGS CONTRIBUTED
Hoover will soon have its very own brewery right next to the Hoover Met, and excitement for it has been building since its renderings were first released last October. Now Brock’s Gap is on schedule to open this fall. To get the scoop on what’s in store and how it all came to be, we chatted with the man who dreamed up the idea just one year ago. Where did the idea for a brewery in this part of Hoover come from? I was teaching my son to ride his bike and realized there was some land next to the Hoover Met for sale. I kept thinking, “What could we do with the land?” I called my business partner and said, “Let’s buy this land and build a brewery.” I made an offer, and all of that happened in about 20 minutes.
city of Birmingham because of the terrain, and they had to blow a hole through Shades Mountain to get through there. The year Brock’s Gap officially opened as a pass through of Shades Mountain for the railroad is the same year Birmingham became a city. Everything that is here is owed to that gap.
What will the building be like? We had this sloping land, and we sat down with Black Design Architecture and How did you come up with the name came up with a cool idea. There are three for the brewery? The concept is historic for us. When you stories with a mezzanine level. We have an are looking at what to name a brewery, event space downstairs, and the mezzanine there are million options. In my research level can be turned into an event space. of the area, I wanted to know more about We have a stage too. Overall we have built Brock’s Gap, and I started to dig in. It had it to be a venue for community events and a tremendous history, and we might not be the heartbeat of the area outside of be where we are today without it because Hoover High School. We have a pad for it allowed the city to become what it is. two food trucks, so you can stop by and get There had been no way to get coal into the food. You don’t have to drink beer. Our outdoor courtyard is about 1,800 square
feet, and we will have games and picnic tables. Tell us about the beer. Most of our beer is still on process, but we will have a nice selection for everybody. Our brewmaster Brian Watson has over 100 international beer awards and is developing our recipes. He lives in New Zealand. Who do you see coming to the brewery? We see it as a nice place for people to go who are here for travel ball and the SEC Baseball Tournament. I have a 5-year-old, and my business partner has a 1- and 3-year-old, so we wanted it to be conducive for families to come. We are super looking forward to it, and the feedback from the community has been great. We were at my son’s soccer game, and someone came up to me to say, “I just spent $2,700 to fix my golf cart so I can come see you.” HooversMagazine.com 39
FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Katie Lee
Clean Eatz Hoover Owner PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Katie Swann Lee experienced the hardest moments of her life in early 2019 when her dad underwent emergency triple by-pass heart surgery. His widow-maker artery was 99 percent blocked, and a massive heart attack could have killed him at any time. Looking back, though, Katie and her husband, Steven, came to think that that scare might have been avoided if her dad had eaten differently. “We are so passionate about the clean eating because of the lack of access and a lack of knowledge about what we are putting in our bodies,” she says. And that is the drive behind the new clean eating café the couple opened at Village at Brock’s Gap (1021 Brocks Gap Parkway, Suite 141) in August. Read on to learn more about it. How did you get connected with Clean Eatz concept and decide to open one in Hoover? Steven runs Burn Boot Camp here in Hoover. We went up to Charlotte for a Burn Boot Camp competition, and there was a Clean Eatz across from their headquarters. Steven stocked up with the grab-and-go items and took them home, and we fell in love with the concept. When quarantine happened, it gave us time to think about our purpose in life, and we wanted this concept for us and for our families. We live in Trace Crossings and love this area, and we saw the spot between Tre Luna and Sherwin Williams and decided to move forward with that location.
not boring—they are not chicken and rice and broccoli. They fuel your body. For the meal plans you are going to see things like Buffalo Mac and Cheese and Popper Wraps, so it’s a fun and exciting menu. We want it to be an easy entry point for people who are eating food that isn’t the best food for them. They can choose food that excites them and that they will not get tired of. We will have gluten-free options and we can make it for any dietary restrictions.
How do the meal plans work? Clean Eatz is a meal planning company disguised as a café. You can order lunch or dinner, but the biggest thing we do are the weekly meal plans. Every Thursday morning everyone on our email database receives our What’s unique about the concept behind menu for the week, and you put your order in on Sunday night. It’s not subscriptionClean Eatz? We are focused on clean meals, so we are based, so you can order one meal or 51 meals. not adding salts or oils. When we cook the We make everything in the café, and meals veggies, we steam it with water. My ultimate are fresh for pickup that Sunday or Monday test is if my father likes it, then anyone will and you have your meals for the week. Email like it. He thinks they are delicious. They are lee@cleaneatz.com to get on the email list. 40 Fall 2021
What about those grab-and-go items that sold you on it at first? When you walk in on the right, you will see four large freezers filled with individual and family-sized grab-and-go items, and you can stock your freezer with them. They will rotate out so they will look similar to our weekly meal plans. One of my favorites is the Arnold Bowl. It’s shredded beef on top of rice with mushrooms and green peppers. We also will have meatballs with basil penne pasta, fiesta fit chicken, Teriyaki chicken bowls, barbecue cheeseburger bowls and a Philly bowl. We will have breakfast options like steak and cheese omelets and bacon, egg and cheese wraps too. What are your prices like? Our mission is making clean eating accessible to everyone, so we want clean eating to become a habit in everyone’s lives, not just a luxury for those who can afford it. With our meal plans they will be as low as $6.10 a meal.
&STYLE
HOME
ECLECTIC CHIC
The Dances’ Lake Cyrus home is both full of color and full of black and white. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY LINDSEY DRENNAN HooversMagazine.com 41
F
For 22 years Janice Dance’s world was in black and white—or at least her working world was. She and her business partner Melinda Lawry filled their store Mustard Seeds, first in Homewood and then in Patton Creek, with gifts and apparel in those two hues. By the time Janice transitioned into real estate three years ago, though, her home life too was in black and white—MacKenzie Childs black and white, to be specific. The collection of ceramics and other home furnishings is known for its signature black and white checkered pattern, and Janice bought her first piece from Christine’s in Mountain Brook as a gift for her business partner because it reminded her of Mustard Seeds. From there, she says they became “MacKenzie Childs crazies.” For Melinda’s 50th birthday she and Janice flew up to Aurora, New York, for a barn sale the company holds where items are placed half off. There Janice saw a farmhouse with MacKenzie Childs décor everywhere that would go on to inspire her own home décor, both with pieces she bought and others she DIYed with the pattern. Today she’s been collecting MacKenzie Childs for more than 20 years, and its designs came to fill seemingly every surface in her Lake Cyrus home. “And I’m still not tired of it,” she says. The home took on more significance than just its décor too. Around 20 years ago, Janice’s husband’s father had just passed away when they saw a forsale by owner sign up in the yard of a home his father had looked at a while back. His father had really liked it, but someone else beat him to making an offer at the time. The Dances weren’t necessarily looking to move when they saw the sign, but they looked at it anyway. Before long, it was theirs. “My husband always felt so good about it because he knew he had his dad’s approval,” Janice says. Between the family significance, the MacKenzie Childs theme and all the decorating (and redecorating) Janice has done over the years, it’s certainly a space no one who has entered it will forget.
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Living Room The Dances had a sectional in a plaid fabric—Janice’s favorite color—for years before she bought the green velvet sofa she’d long envisioned for the space. But with all that solid color, she decided to jazz up the room with a gallery wall full of personality. Originally she was just going to frame black and white photos, but she decided that was boring and went looking for old art in the attic—like the hunt scene she painted skeleton designs on inspired by the work of artist Jason Archer.
HooversMagazine.com 43
The Green Room Janice had always wanted a green room, so one day she decided to paint their white study Privilege Green by Sherwin Williams. She hung animal heads she bought from an antique store above the bookshelves that span the width of the back wall and above the fireplace, and then she added a leopard print sofa to add a more feminine vibe.
Against the wall facing the front of the house sits a piano Janice painted with both black and white, and yellow and green patterns inspired by MacKenzie Childs furniture. On other walls in the room she also took her black and white checked pattern to posters of her husband’s three favorite people— Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt and Martin Luther—giving them a new set of MacKenzie Childs-style clothing.
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Girl’s Bedroom A Janice’s daughter Molly’s room still has the floral comforter from her freshman dorm (“the cutest freshman dorm there ever,” Janice says) at Mississippi State. She also found the monogrammed headboard on the Hoover Trading Facebook group.
Girl’s Bedroom B
Art by Yvonne Miller & Stefan Hochhuber
The art above this salmon desks reminds Janice of her daughter Emily, who works for designer Lele Sadoughi in New York City. To complete the look, she added a blue velvet chair from At Home in Hoover.
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Bar Cart Janice’s daughters gave her and her husband this black cane bar cart for Christmas one year, and Janice had a print she found on eBay framed to go with the vibe of the room.
Dining Room Janice and Melinda’s two favorite permanent pieces in their Mustard Seeds store were this buffet and a chandelier, so when the store closed, Melinda got the chandelier and Janice the buffet. The buffet was white at the time, but Janice gave it a fresh coat of black paint for her dining room. “It’s special because it was in our store,” Janice says. More colorful pieces from MacKenzie Childs’ enamelware line sit atop it.
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Breakfast Nook The oak kitchen table Janice and her husband bought as a young married couple in 1988 took on new MacKenzie Childs-style life with a coat of checked paint on its base and a set of tassels. To bring the look up to the chandelier and the walls, Janice decoupaged paper mache deer she found at Michael’s and the candlesticks with MacKenzie Childs wrapping paper.
Chest One of Janice’s daughters asked her for a Hermes scarf as a gift so she could frame it, and Janice borrowed the idea with a pink and green scarf she found on Etsy and had Thompson Frame Factory frame it in floating glass. It hangs above a chest whose top Janice painted with the signature MacKenzie Childs checkered pattern.
48 Fall 2021
Laundry Room Janice has always loved toile, so when she saw it coming back into style, she decided to put the wallpaper skills that she inherited to use to spice up her laundry room. Janice’s grandfather wallpapered for a living and taught her mom, who in turn taught her.
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An Open Door Two families who foster children and teens share their journeys of love, support and grief.
E
Ed and Sallie Lawrence and Paul and Jen Batson have lived two different stories of foster parenting, but the need they both fill is great, with more than 6,000 children in the foster care system in Alabama. Here’s what they had to say about it all in their own words.
Meet the Batsons
Paul and Jen Batson’s journey into being a foster family started out by just coming alongside foster families that they knew to help them. Seven years later, the Batsons, who live in Hoover, have welcomed 12 foster children through their own home at different times from an overnight stay to a year. Tell us a little bit about your family. We have a big family! We have two daughters, Halle and Katie, who are grown. Marignima and Joshua are siblings from West Africa who came here as teenagers whom we sponsored and became their guardians. Our youngest is Jacob, who we adopted, and he is 6. 50 Fall 2021
By Heather Jones Skaggs Photos by Lauren Winter
When and why did you consider fostering? We are designed to be in a community with each other. Every child deserves a home and a community. I feel like most people would do that. As human beings, we are supposed to take care of other human beings. We are also Biblically called to care for orphans. That is going to look different to each individual person, but it is a calling for all of us in some way. Someone can sponsor a child in a different country, give to charities, provide meals, or even help a foster family with diapers, clothes, etc. How did we do it? We first came alongside foster parents to help. Our daughter Katie was the first one to come up to us and say, “Can we foster?” We really locked in during the beginning of our journey that foster care is about the reunification of the children with their biological parent(s) or family, providing it is a safe situation to return. This is not always possible but it is the goal. We have always been an open-door house. We have always had an extra room for those who needed it. To open our home to a child that needs a place where they are safe, loved and cared for even for a short time is the best thing that we can do.
WHAT IS FOSTER CARE? Foster care is the broad term used to define a service for children who, for a variety of reasons, have been identified as a child in need of a safe and stable environment and have been placed in a statelicensed temporary home, according to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes website. In Alabama, the overseeing agency of child welfare is The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). When DHR does not have enough foster homes for children in need, placement can be sought within other licensed Paul and Jen Batson with their 6-year-old son, Jacob, who is adopted
We started out as respite help for other foster families and then became one ourselves. Our first placement, a baby, was here until just after his first birthday. He is doing wonderful, and we went to his 5th birthday last year. Tell us about the impact of fostering not only for your family but children in the foster care system in Alabama. The impact on our family has been immeasurable. It is not just our family but our extended family and friends. It is far-reaching not only for us but also for the kids. We have the opportunity to love unconditionally a stranger (at first), and to see our kids and friends follow that example and love is very impactful. It is a full circle because you do experience grief and sadness when a foster leaves, but it is so
agencies such as Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes.
worth it to give that child the love, respect and worth that all people should have. What is the biggest challenge that foster children face? It can depend on the age and situation. For younger kids, it is often not knowing or understanding why they are going to another family. Those are big emotions for kids to work through and process. Foster care is tough but it is necessary and needed. What do you think is the biggest fear or reservation people have to not get involved in foster care? I think some feel foster care is too hard. There are a lot of questions that go through their minds like how it will affect their kids. “Will I be bringing HooversMagazine.com 51
someone into our home that makes my kids feel unsafe or not feel ‘first?’” you might think. There is also a mix of not understanding that you are going to get a lot of support from the foster care community. What would be your advice and first steps for anyone interested in becoming a foster family? First, make sure what your motives are. If your goal is reunification, you have the understanding that you are providing a temporary place for a child to be loved and loved well, then that is the best place to start. I would give warning to anyone who is entering just to adopt kids or find a child to adopt. We were told many stories about families who could not have children, and they entered into foster care for the option of adopting and that can just be very painful. There are beautiful stories of adoption; ours is one of them. But I also know that it is not what foster care is designed to do. Secondly, make sure they have a community and a support system: grandparents, friends, neighbors, etc. There are lots of places you can go and volunteer like the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Ministries. Our small group at church goes and helps families with meals,
change tires and brakes, etc. Some churches have foster care support groups as well and they are great to work with.
Meet the Lawrences
Just a few years ago, Ed and Sallie Lawrence and their two children Hunter, 21, and Brantley, 19, had no idea the overwhelming need for families to provide love and support for teenagers. Since November 2019, though, they have been foster parents to four teenage girls and learned a lot about opening their hearts and home to this demographic along the way. Tell us a little bit about your family. Ed is originally from Tallassee, Alabama, and I (Sallie) am originally from Milton, Florida. We both attended Troy University and marched in the Sound of the South Marching Band, which is where we met. We have been married 25 years and have lived in Hoover our entire married life. When and why did you consider fostering? Our family has many friends who have adopted and fostered children over the years. It has been a
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52 Fall 2021
HOW YOU CAN HELP Volunteers are a vital part of the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes. Individuals, churches, small groups, schools, business groups and others, who are interested in partnering with them in their mission to help children and families across Alabama can visit alabamachild.org/ Sallie and Ed Lawrence
part of our life through our family friendships. For years, our daughter Brantley had been asking if we would consider fostering, but as parents, we kept making excuses. One night we were walking through Riverchase Galleria and walked past a Heart Gallery Alabama display that highlighted foster children in Alabama. We prayed about it and sought out wisdom from friends and family who were either involved in fostering or had adopted and a friend that worked with Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. After a few months of thinking and praying about it, we shared what we had learned about fostering and asked the kids if they were in favor of us pursuing this as a family. They instantly said yes, and that began our family’s journey into foster care. We started the
volunteer to see how they can serve. There are a variety of specific needs at locations all across the state like those listed below. For a full list of items, visit alabamachild.org/needslist. Foster Care List: Wipes
Sizes 4 and 5 diapers New clothing: newborn to size 8 for boys and girls Children’s water bottles Bottles Pacifiers Convertible car seats Children’s shampoo and body wash
HooversMagazine.com 53
classes with Alabama Baptist Children’s Home in August 2019. Brantley said she wanted her family to foster because there are so many kids abandoned and not given love, and she knew that our family could show love and give a child a place to call home. Tell us about the impact of fostering not only for your family but children in the foster care system in Alabama. Fostering impacted our family in a way that is difficult to put into words. It opened our eyes and hearts to the needs of children that our family didn’t
54 Fall 2021
know existed. In each situation, the young ladies challenged our family to show them a love they had never experienced. One of the things that resonated with us was that in all of the cases, the girls had never been in a home where there was a husband and a wife present. Over and over, they would comment about our family structure and how they had never experienced that. Our family was deeply impacted. We watched them walk into our home with literally a single bag– sometimes just a garbage bag–that contained their life. Everything they owned was in that bag.
We knew the one thing we could offer them was love and stability. We could offer them life lessons, like cooking, setting up banking accounts, getting established in school and establishing short-term goals. The hardships were many, but the reward of knowing that for a period we were able to show them unconditional love far outweighs the challenges. Do you still have contact with any of your foster placements? One of our foster girls, “J” still keeps in contact with our family. She checks in with us on a regular basis so that we know she is safe and okay. She still faces so many challenges in her life. She recently shared via a text that she is thankful for our relationship because it is a secure feeling she has never had before. She is thankful that we are still here and a safe place for her to come when she needs it. What have you learned about the need for foster parents in our area? The need for foster homes open to teenagers is overwhelming. We were certified to be a licensed foster home by 5 p.m. one day and got a call the next morning at 10 a.m. asking if we would accept a placement. As soon as each child left, we would get a call within 24 hours for the next placement.
What else has been an important part of your journey in fostering? We had many of our friends and family come alongside us providing gift cards, meals, items our girls needed such as school supplies and clothing, as well as the emotional support and prayers we needed to navigate this journey. These opportunities allowed our friends and family to join in being a part of loving on these girls. We are thankful for all of the resources and support that Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes offered us. From the physical items needed including clothing and supplies to the counseling for our foster kiddos as well as for our family, they met each and every need we had.
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Rediscover Gatlinburg By Christiana Roussel | Photos Courtesy of Gatlinburg CVB & by Christiana Roussel
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Fall is the perfect time of year for a family road trip. Kids have settled back into school schedules so Mom feels a little less harried than in December or May-cember (as the frenetic end of the school year has been labeled). The summer heat has abated. so piling into the car for a stretch feels like a good idea. All that is left is to choose your destination. We suggest heading to the East Tennessee hamlet of Gatlinburg to rediscover what makes this part of the country so special. Neighboring towns in the Sevier County area might be better known for their – how shall we say this? – enthusiasm in advertising local attractions with neon signs or giant video screens with flashing messages of hot deals. Gatlinburg’s pride is a tad more subtle, and in recent years, has become even more intentionally so. After all, it nestles up against the Great Smoky Mountains in a way that invites guests to leave the screens behind so they can relax, unwind and reconnect to the outdoors.
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HIT THE ROAD
HOW TO GET THERE The drive from Birmingham to East Tennessee is straight-forward and simple. Avoiding traffic in Chattanooga might be your only real obstacle, so plan accordingly. Exiting I-40 at exit 407 is where the highenergy marketing takes off and can be seriously distracting, so stay focused. Once you pass through Pigeon Forge, the parkway begins to get greener, and you can really feel the pull of the mountains.
Knoxville 40
4 hrs., 57 min. 298 Miles Athens
Tennesseee Cleveland Chattanooga
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Georgia Fort Payne 59
Gadsden
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Trussville
Birmingham
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Gatlinburg
WHERE TO STAY Treehouse Grove
It is interesting to note that 2020 saw more visitors to this area than ever before. But when you learn that two-thirds of the U.S.-population east of the Mississippi River is within a one-day drive of Gatlinburg, you can begin to see why. In the midst of the pandemic, lots of families and groups of friends in self-selected pods, still elected to travel together, albeit in ways that were non-traditional for them. Glamping has been very popular in recent years and continues to be really big in this area.
Safari Tents + More
Locals and high school sweethearts Linzy and Ian Nicely opened their Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Campgrounds (campleconte.com) in 2013, and business has been roaring since day one. Guests can reserve RV parking pads at the campgrounds or choose to stay in one of the fully decked out refurbished campers (“The Ruby Slipper” or “Glamping at Tiffany’s” are both popular choices.) Other options include safari tents and cabins on site. A pool, playground and free wi-fi ensure you are never really roughing it and the free local trolley means you are not far from area attractions.
Camp LeConte
For Putt-Putt + Breakfast The Appy Lodge (theappylodge.com) is a motor lodge in the traditional sense but has been completely updated to be what the modern traveler desires. A pool, fireside conversation pits, a miniature putt-putt style course, ample parking and daily breakfast make hitting the easy button super simple. Minutes from Great Smoky Mountain trailheads, it is perfectly situated to explore all that the area has to offer.
Treehouses on Steroids
Regular HGTV viewers know what a big deal a Pete Nelson-designed treehouse is. Pete
and his Washington state-based design team worked with owners Carole and Joe Ayres to create an arboreal oasis at the Treehouse Grove (treehouse-grove.com) adjacent to Norton Creek. These eight custom homes from the “Treehouse Master” himself are exactly what you might have dreamed of as a kid, setting up lean-tos and forts for hours of creative play. But these are like treehouses on steroids for the amenities and thoughtful design they offer. Each two-bedroom, onebath home comes outfitted with a kitchen, sitting area, soft linens, covered decks and air-conditioning. These treehouses are anything but rustic.
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HIT THE ROAD
WHAT TO DO Visitors come to Gatlinburg for a number of reasons, but exploring the Great Smoky Mountains tops the list. As one of the country’s most-visited national parks, the GSM offers miles of hiking trails— including part of the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls, wildflower walks, and the ever-popular black bear sighting. It is of note that there are species of plants and animal life still being discovered within the park. The Ice Age never made it this far south, which means that wildlife has been thriving here for millennia. Literally. Anakeesta's
Purposeful Art
Mountain
The Gatlinburg arts and crafts community has a rich history, and it is not uncommon to come upon makers who are still creating purposeful art, just as their ancestors did. Stop by the Cliff Dwellers Gallery (cliffdwellersgallery. com) to meet some of those makers, and you may find David Ogle creating brooms just as his family has been doing for close to a century. Fellow artisan Pat Thomas creates marbled papers and scarves. Louise Bales repurposes gourds while Becky Weaver makes baskets.
Coaster
Craft Class
Visitors looking to immerse themselves more fully in the arts and craft life should carve out more time for a visit to the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (arrowmont.org), where adults can make like kids and enroll in workshops that tap into their creative side. Throughout the summer and fall, more than 130 classes are offered at this school that has been in operation for over 100 years. Not feeling personally creative? Stop by the gallery to view modern work by many artists-in-residence and prepare to be moved by the caliber represented.
Treetop Exploration
It is no secret that kids of all ages love Gatlinburg for the variety of activities, chief among them Anakeesta (anakeesta.com). This mountaintop destination deserves to claim an entire afternoon and evening of any visit
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
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to Gatlinburg. Pack your sense of adventure and curiosity to ride the Ridge Rambler to the very top of the mountaintop park. From there, explore via dueling ziplines, treetop skybridges and mountain coasters. Climb to the top of the observation tower for a truly breathtaking view of the mountains and town below. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any black
bears that may be ambling below the tree line, far away from guests. Plan to have dinner atop the mountain at either the Smokehouse or Cliff Top restaurant. Menus feature everything from custom burgers and wings to shrimp-and-grits and bourbon-glazed salmon. Plan to take the chondola (chair/gondola) down the mountain—at sunset if possible—to really savor the experience. The lights below don’t dare glare but merely twinkle in a very hospitable way, welcoming you back to town.
Mountain Adventures
And if one mountaintop visit is not enough, there are two more you should explore: home to the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (gatlinburgskylift.com) is accessible via chair lift and well-worth the ride, anytime of year. Guests wanting to channel their inner ski bum definitely need to check out Ober Gatlinburg (obergatlinburg.com), which offers skiing and snowboarding in the cooler months and ice skating, mountain coasters and an aerial tramway for much of the rest of the year. If you did not know you had taken a car to get here, you might think you had arrived in a Swiss ski village, for all the charm that abounds.
WHERE TO EAT Perhaps it is the mountain air or just all the outdoor activity, but whatever the reason, come hungry to Gatlinburg. The dress is typically “mountain casual,” and most every spot has something for even the pickiest eaters in your group. If you dine atop Anakeesta, allow extra time in between courses for all the oohs and ahs—the vistas are breathtaking.
Davy Crockett's Breakfast Camp
Craft Class Visitors looking to immerse themselves more fully in the arts and craft life should carve out more time for a visit to the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (arrowmont.org), where adults can
Pancakes + More Pancakes
It bears mentioning that Gatlinburg loves pancakes. Lots of pancakes. Lots and lots of pancakes. They love pancakes here so much that there are more than a half dozen restaurants that specialize in the breakfast fare. There are thick pancakes and thin griddle cakes. There are silver-dollar-sized versions and pancakes larger than your head. Stop by Pancake Pantry or Davy Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or Flapjack’s to find your own personal favorite.
make like kids and enroll in workshops that tap into their creative side. Throughout the summer and fall, more than 130 classes are offered at this school that has been in operation for over 100 years. Not feeling personally creative? Stop by the gallery to view modern work by many artists-in-residence and prepare to be moved by the caliber represented.
For Live Music
There are several dinner options in town, but Ole Red (olered.com/gatlinburg/) is a great choice for a variety of folks. This Blake Shelton-inspired venue not only serves good food and great drinks, but you are more than likely to catch some live music here as well. And you never know when Blake might make a video call in to the restaurant and broadcast via livestream on the big screen.
Wow-Worthy Cuisine
If you are looking for a quieter, more sophisticated spot for dinner, look no further (and call ahead for a reservation) than The Greenbrier (greenbrierrestaurant.com). With a world-class chef and trained sommelier in house, diners can expect to be wowed by dishes like seared duck breast, diver scallops, stuffed flounder and New York strip. The craft cocktail program at The Greenbrier is strong. You cannot go wrong with a single selection, but if you like a little fanfare with your bourbon, order the Dylan, which is served in a pecan smoke-washed snifter. Trust us on this one.
The Greenbriar Restaurant
Meet Your Travel Guide Proud to call Birmingham home, Christiana Roussel loves discovering every corner of the Magic City. But the road beckons often. She’s been known to make a wrong turn into the right choice, dig in with the locals and try to talk her way out of a speeding ticket or two. Curiosity drives her and finding connection is her passion.
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HIT THE ROAD
21-SCP-3844_Birmingham_Metro_Area_Magazine_Half_Page_Print_Ad_v1.indd 1
No camera could do this justice. Are you the type that loves adventure? A vista hunter? With a dreamcatcher kinda eye? See what we see. Love what we love.
Be one of us.
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Special Advertising Section
Hoover’s Magazine
COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS
2021 It’s the people who make Hoover the community that it is! Here we recognize some of those making an impact on others around them through their businesses.
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EDGE REALTY GROUP 2100 Southbridge Parkway, Suite 650 • Birmingham, AL 35209 205-414-7559 • edgebham.com As the founder and CEO of Edge Realty Group, Mike Hawthorne leads the company with a mission to transform lives, careers and communities through real estate. Edge Realty Group is a real estate services company focused on strengthening neighborhoods through the strategic development, management and sale of property. Prior to forming Edge Realty Group and Ikechi Management & Development, Mike was a qualifying broker and team leader at Keller Williams Realty and president of Sylacauga Habitat for Humanity. He also served as a licensed sports agent for the NFL. Mike, a graduate of UAB, is married and lives with his family in the Birmingham area. HooversMagazine.com 65
HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION 2810 Metropolitan Way • Hoover, AL 35243 hoovercsf.org • shelley@hoovercsf.org Shelley Shaw remembers what a powerful influence teachers had on her life and still talks to some of them today. That’s part of what drives her mission as the executive director of the Hoover City Schools Foundation, the only organization that supports all 17 schools, 14,000 students and over 900 teachers in Hoover City Schools. HCSF enhances academics by awarding grants to classroom teachers and supports innovative programs for students within Hoover City Schools. Fundraising is key to that work. “As I lead this charge outside the classroom, I believe that together we can help make incredible things happen inside the classroom!” Shelley says. 66 Fall 2021
EXIT REALTY 3421 South Shades Crest Road, Suite 113 • Hoover, AL 35244 205-894-4299 • exitrealty.com Tundra Pippens is the first African American woman to own the EXIT Real Estate franchise in Hoover. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Tundra is also a broker with EXIT and the owner of Tundra Pippens Real Estate School. She is a member of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, and she is an alumna of Samford University and a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tundra is a woman of faith and has built her life around, Psalm 37:1, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” HooversMagazine.com 67
ALDRIDGE GARDENS 3530 Lorna Road • Hoover, AL 35216 205-682-8019 • aldridgegardens.com After managing hotels for over 30 years, Tynette Lynch says it has been a pleasure and honor to call Aldridge Gardens home as its chief executive officer since 2013. As the recently named the Director of Hospitality & Tourism for the City of Hoover, she also gets to invite the world to visit the city and gardens. Aldridge Gardens is a pleasant surprise to everyone who stops by for a visit. It is free to visit and open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Their outdoor pavilion is a perfect spot for weddings and other events, and the Aldridge House, an indoor space, is a must-see too. 68 Fall 2021
ANGEL OF MERCY ELDER CARE, L.L.C 3517 Lorna Road, Suite 201 • Birmingham, AL 35216 205-266-8409 • angelofmercyeldercare@gmail.com Michelle Pruitt is the owner of Angel of Mercy Elder Care, L.L.C. and has more than 30 years of experience in the health care industry, with a background in nursing. She has worked with some of the best geriatric doctors in the surrounding areas and believes in providing quality care to all of her clients. Michelle’s husband, Maurice, works by her side to make the business a success, and the couple resides in Hoover. Their daughter, Ver’Chelle Stevenson, has worked for the company for over 14 years, and their four grandchildren plan to one day join the team. HooversMagazine.com 69
Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S
Meet Our Ambassadors’ Committee Leaders Ambassadors’ Committee Co-Chairs Derrick Ellis and Shannon Driver and board liaison Lynn Ray have dedicated over 30 hours in the past three months to cultivating a premier Ambassadors’ Committee to serve the chamber and all its members. We are grateful for their work and inspired by the passion they carry for our Chamber. Here is a little more about each of them. Shannon Driver, Chief Marketing Officer, Gagliano Mortgage Shannon grew up in Houston, Texas, and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Texas-San Antonio. She then went on to pursue a master’s degree in hospitality management at the University of Houston. Before her time with Gagliano Mortgage, Shannon had a career in Advertising Sales, Private Club Membership Sales, and Hospitality. At Gagliano Mortgage, Shannon is responsible for cultivating and nurturing client and referral partner relationships and all marketing and advertising efforts. Shannon has a deep love for all things marketing and relationships! If you know her, then you know that she has never met a stranger and Shannon Driver she will immediately try to connect you to someone you may not know in the community. She has been a member of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Ambassador Committee for the past three years. Shannon has been married to her husband, Kyle, since March of 2019 and together, they have one cat, Boo. Shannon enjoys relaxing at home, cooking, traveling and time spent with friends and family. Lynn Ray, Business Telephones, Inc. Owner BTI specializes in telecommunications. For over 35 years, BTI has served the Southeast providing excellent service to ensure customer satisfaction. Lynn is passionate about providing solutions to aid in increasing productivity while often lowering costs. She consults on local, long distance, internet and VoIP opportunities as well as working with existing customer-owned systems. Lynn currently sits on the Board of Leadership Hoover,
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The Board of Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, active in Pinnacle BNI, CREW and Small Business Work Group with Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Lynn graduated from Samford University and received her master’s degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary. She has lived in the North Shelby area for over 30 years with her husband Terry. They are both active at First Lynn Ray Baptist Church Pelham. They have a daughter, Jessyca, currently a fourth year medical student studying to be an orthopedic surgeon. Derrick Ellis, Avid Sourcing SharePoint & Office 365 Administrator Derrick is a retired Army veteran and served December 1991 - October 2016, and he has traveled around the world and lived abroad working in supply and logistics. In that field he has coordinated with multiple vendors, warehouses, and transportation companies to acquire supplies, equipment and food for soldiers throughout various countries. He accounted for a $150,000 budget and more than $5 million in equipment and supplies. During his 24-year military career, Derrick has trained, mentored and counseled over 1,000 soldiers and more than 80 percent of those soldiers have received numerous awards and accolades. His own awards include the Joint Service Derrick Ellis Achievement Medal, United Nations Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Medal. Derrick will be participating in the upcoming Leadership Hoover class and enjoys networking with others and serving his peers through mentorship and community involvement. He enjoys sharing his military experience in leadership and team building as well as watching and attending football and basketball game, traveling and meeting new people with different experiences than his own.
HOOVER, AL 35244
Thank you to our incredible event sponsors, partners, champions and community for your support of Hoover Restaurant Week! There is more to come.
205 - 988 - 5672
WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 71
Fall 2021 Events Thursday, September 9 Coffee & Contacts 7:30 a.m. Allstate 508 Mineral Trace Hoover, AL 35244
Celebrating Growth
Birmingham Recovery Center Ribbon Cutting June 29, 2021
Germ Away Pros Ribbon Cutting May 21, 2021
Greystone Chiropractic Ribbon Cutting June 10, 2021
LAH Real Estate Ribbon Cutting June 15, 2021
Millennial Bank Headquarters Ground Breaking June 9, 2021
Plenty of Vino Ribbon Cutting July 8, 2021
TherapySouth Ribbon Cutting June 29, 2021
Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial July 13, 2021
Thursday, September 16
Chamber Membership Luncheon* 11:15 a.m.
Thursday, September 23
Business After Hours 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Medical West Brock’s Gap Health Center 1001 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 101 Hoover, AL 35244
Monday, October 11
Links Fore Scholars Golf* Tournament 8:00 a.m. Riverchase Golf & Country Club 2000 Club Road Hoover, AL 35244
Thursday, October 14
Coffee & Contacts 7:30 a.m. Germ Away Pros 509 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244
Thursday, October 21
Chamber Membership Luncheon* 11:15 a.m. Down Syndrome Alabama Aug. 3, 2021
72 Fall 2021
In 28 Days in July 281 followers and 286 post impressions
416 pageviews 3,776 reach 949 post engagement
1,433 3-sec videos watched
Fall 2021 Events
1,661 followers
32 new page followers
Sponsored by:
October 11, 2021 Riverchase Country Club
Thursday, October 28 Business After Hours 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Oaks on Parkwood 2651 Laurel Oak Drive Bessemer, AL 35022
Thursday, November 4
Coffee & Contacts 7:30 a.m. Fairfield Inn & Suites-Colonnade 3930 Colonnade Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243
Thursday, November 18
Chamber Membership Luncheon* 11:15 a.m.
INFINITE THANKS to our event partners...
Thursday, December 9
Coffee & Contacts 7:30 a.m. Hoover Chamber Office 3000 Riverchase Galleria Hoover, AL 35244
Thursday, December 16
Chamber Membership/Holiday* Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Location TBD * Reservations Required
...for a successful HelloHoover! inaugural talent recruitment & student intern event! www.HelloHooverAL.com
FOR FURTHER EVENTS CHECK OUT WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG.
HooversMagazine.com 73
New Members AS OF JULY 27, 2021
uAlphaONE Operations LLC
uLaura Crandall Brown Foundation
uBattle Law Firm
uLuna Sleep Centers, LLC
ueds America, LLC uBirmingham Recovery Center uBlue Vision Center uBridgeworth Wealth Management ~Crystal Bowles, CFP
Thank you to our 2021 Board of Trustees
Terry Poole, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln
The Board of Trustees
Brooke Wood, Alabama Credit Union - Hoover Dr. Timothy Lee, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Kimberly Jackson, Alabama Power Company
Joel Garcia, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham
Zeke Eldridge, Alabama Vein & Restoration Medspa-Chace Circle
Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Cafe - Galleria
Jody Mattson, America’s First Federal Credit Union Derrick E. Ragland, APCO Employees Credit Union
uNothing Bundt Cakes
John Santamour, Aprio, LLP Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union - Corporate
uPlenty of Vino
Robert Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP
uChen Law, LLC
uPreserve Paints, LLC
Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.
uChorus SmartSecure
uRed Mountain Pediatric Dentistry
uCity Bowls
uSHARPER ASSOCIATES INC
uClean Eatz Hoover uDynamic Business Solutions uFifalmonk LLC uGeneral Informatics uHoover High School Athletics uHoover Soccer Club uKopri Signs & Graphics uKyle Driver- Alfa Insurance
uSteel City Roofers and Remodeling uSunshine Nutrition
David Riddle, Bedzzz Express
Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society Tyler Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Sonny Warbington, Brown Heating & Cooling Will Hawkins, CB&S Bank Lori Moler, Children’s of Alabama
Dr. Mary Gilmer, Ortho Alabama Spine and Sports Rodney Berry, Peoples Bank of Alabama International Park
Crystal Dixon, Costco Wholesale
Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Brandon Kemp, Santek Waste Services/Mount Olive Landfill Dwight Sandlin, Signature Homes Brian Skelton, Skelton’s Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration James Robinson, Spire Energy Dana Meginniss, St. Vincent’s Health System - St. Vincent’s Drive Vivian Mora, State Farm Insurance - Vivian Mora Agency Reggie Torbor, Taproot Café Terry Rippstein, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Nicole Self, Express Oil Change/Tire Engineers -Corporate Offices
Leo Wang, The Seafood King Homewood
April Calloway, Fresenius Medical Care
Peter Gong, The Seafood King-Bessemer
uThe Durban Group, LLC uThrivent Financial uTMTSIF INC - Ace Handyman Services Birmingham NE & Hoover uTTL, Inc. uWeinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial
3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 74 Fall 2021
Benjamin Yim, OMNIWON Digital
Chuck Kramer, Progress Bank and Trust
Terri Williams, AT&T - Alabama
uPleasure is All Wine
Jamie Black, McDonald’s Christina Bunn, Medical West Hospital
Jabo Waggoner, Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner
Raven Bell, AlaTrust Credit Union
uMealfit
Cale McWatters, Loyd Select Staffing
Jason Jiang, The Seafood King Hoover
Josh Hullett, Galleria Woods Retirement Community
Aeriell Lapsley, The Trails at Cahaba River
Ches Allen, General Informatics
Gus McKenzie, Troy University
Keith Strickland, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
Mark Grenier, Topgolf Ida Adnyana, UNAGI Bento & Sushi
Leisha Harris, Grandview Medical Center Len Luther, Gresham, Smith and Partners Monique Holiness, Home Depot - Inverness Joel Garcia, INFINITI of Birmingham Kashif Siddiqi, Jubilee Joe’s Restaurant Gina Cannady, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Ira Levine, Levine & Associates
Phillip Corley, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC Darin Boykin, WalMart - Hoover #1229 Richard Edwards, WalMart SuperCenter - Highway 280 Cody Burns, WBRC Fox 6 Television Paul Sutton, werkplas Kristen Vaughn, Wind Creek Hospitality Tracy Horton, WorkSmart Staffing
HOOVER, AL 35244
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Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors
Paul Dangel The HyattRegency Wynfrey Hotel 2021 Chair of the Board
David Custred McLeod Software 1st Vice-Chair
April DeLuca Magic City Law 2nd Vice-Chair
Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc. Vice-Chair Administration
Presidents Circle Antonio Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC Bill Powell*, Bill Powell Consulting Natalie Fleming, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center Robert Pettigrew, Cigna Joel Smith, Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram / Chevrolet Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel Henry King, King Acura
David A Custred, McLeod Software Corporation Tyler Lipe, Regions Bank - Downtown Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air & Plumbing Bill Inabitt, Synovus Bank - formerly First Commercial Bank of Hoover Stephen Walsh, Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial Scott Peeples, Hoover Toyota *Member Emeritus
Past Presidents & Board Chairs Diana Shaw Knight Sovereign CPA Group LLC Vice-Chair Finance
Terry Turner Terry D. Turner, Jr., J.D., Attorney at Law
Greg Knighton City of Hoover Liaison
Tyler Lipe Regions Bank
Thank you for your service. A.W. Bolt
Bill Stoeffhaas
Burr Weatherly Chris Schmidt Dan Ellis
Dan Mikos
Gene Bromberg Greg Meineke Jason Cobb
Kimberly Jackson Alabama Power Company
Vivian Mora State Farm Ins The Vivian Mora Agenncy
Rohen Porbanderwala Lake Crest Chevron
James Robinson Spire Energy
Jerome Morgan Jerry Cross
Jerry Johnson Joe Thomas
Kathleen Spencer Lori Moler
Lynn Thomas
Richard Head
Richard Rayborn Robert Linthout Susan Webb
Sandy Syx Doozer Software
Reggie Torbor Taproot Café
Tyler Williams BlueCross BlueShield
205 - 988 - 5672
Ben Yim LA Wax Club
Terri Williams Terry Turner Paul Dangel
WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 75
OUT & ABOUT
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ROSS BRIDGE FARMERS MARKET
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PHOTOS BY GABBY BASS-BUTLER
The Ross Bridge Farmers Market took place every Friday from 4-8 p.m. this summer and featured vendors, food trucks, local artists and more. 1. Carla Chandler and Camila Morrow 2. Allana Pinkerton 3. Becky Houghman 4. Caroline Hay 5. Ivory Leshore 6. Jennifer, Patrick and Bailey West 7. Jerolyn Cater 8. Jordan Maxey 9. Natalie Jones 10. Percy Jones 11. Philip Ticu 12. Rebekah Stewart 13. Stella Morrow and Hannah Chandler 14. Synara and Jiona MacDonald 15. Terry Collier
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OUT & ABOUT
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OUT & ABOUT
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FREE FRIDAY FLICKS
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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER
Movies were back on the big screen at Veterans Park on Friday nights at dusk this summer for this annual film series. 1. Mary Chapple Seales and Lorelei Rivera 2. Danna and Camila Rivera with Candy 3. Aaliyah Milsap, DeAsia ChamblinMilsap and Alicia Chamblin 4. The Moncur and Stamps Families 5. Kathy McKinley and Adelynn Batton 6. The Goldsmith Family 7. The Jaskolka and Rives Families 8. The Moss Family 9. The Naik Family
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Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131
GENERAL LAWN CARE •Grass Cutting •Limb Trimming •Storm Cleanup •Debris Removal •Serving Shelby, Chilton, Coosa & many more areas. •Decks •Porches •Stairs •Demolition Call Alex today for details: 1-205-955-3439 Military & Senior Discounts HIRING EXPERIENCED FULL CASE ORDER SELECTORS $19.03 per hour plus production $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Great benefits including Blue Cross health & dental insurance & matching 401k. Pre-employment drug test required. Apply Online: WWW.AGSOUTH.COM Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774. Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Beelman Truck Co Now Hiring Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads. Great pay. Great benefits. More home time. Apply online at beelman.com or call 205-665-5507
Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $14/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com
$80,000+ Yearly Potential Sales positions available at Burton Campers. Please call Mickey Price for phone interview: 205-668-0075
Comfort Keepers NOW HIRING. Job requirements: A caring spirit and passion for helping others. For more information visit: www.comfortkeepers.com or Call 205-338-7909. Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available. Call today for specials!! 205-668-6871. Or visit hpilancasterplace.com WELDER NEEDED MIG & TIG •Light gauge stainless, aluminized, galvanized Manufacturing and Assembly Helpers Needed •Paid Holidays •Typical Shifts 6:00am-2:30pm Call RICK: 205-761-3975 Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-5482546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer 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 inquiries only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www. Oxfordhealthcare.com LAND FOR SALE 180 acres, located on Walnut Creek. Will not divide property. Call for more information: 205-369-5641
MARKETPLACE
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South Haven Health & Rehab NOW HIRING!!! •LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 Signon Bonus for Full-Time shift •CNA’s Apply in person: 3141 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham,AL -35266 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.
Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting. com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started! Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Sign-on Bonuses available at select locations! For more information please contact: Paige Gandolfi Call/text: 724-691-7474 pgandolfi@wexfordhealth. com Earth Angels In-HomeCare LLC. BBB Accredited, licensed, bonded, following CDC guidelines to keep out clients safe. 205-881-4034 or 205-484-1301. earthangelshcare@gmail. com 1365 A Hueytown Rd. Hueytown, AL Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal loans! Let us pay off your title loans! 224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821
Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/ pass background/drug test. Training provided. vInsurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/ month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net Eastern Tree Service • 24Hour Storm Service • www.ETSTree.org • Experienced Professionals • Quick Response • Free Estimates • Call Us Today: 205-856-2078
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers BIRMINGHAM AREA INSULATORS LOCAL 78 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee Accepting applications for 4-year Apprenticeship Program. Applications will be accepted in person at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, Al 35210 Tuesdays 8:30am2pm 205-956-2866 205-956-8101 etx.3 craig@insulators78.org Check us out at www.insulators.org Applicants must be 18+, drug free, have dependable transportation, ID & proof of age, high school diploma/ GED. Applicants will be required to take math test & English comprehension test.The Asbestos Workers Local 78 Apprenticeship Training Trust will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER INDENITIY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENTIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A
DISABLILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. The Asbestos Workers Local 78 Apprenticeship Training Trust will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30. Tru Acupressure Clinic LLC. Licensed Therapist. Services Available: •Deep Tissue •Swedish •Acupressure •Hot Stone. Same-Day Appointments. Walk-Ins Available. *$50 SPECIAL!* 1 Hour Foot/ Back Massage when you bring in this ad! 844 Highway 31 Suite I, Alabaster. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 9:30am-9:30pm 205-624-211 AL License #E-3013 Golden Rule BBQ Pelham and Helena Now Hiring outgoing, reliable, team oriented, energetic Cashiers, Cooks, Servers Apply @ 309 Huntley Parkway, Pelham(Publix Center) Or 4290 Hwy 52 West Helena Or apply on Facebook at Golden Rule BBQ Pelham Or Golden Rule BBQ Helena HunnyBee’s Health Shoppe NOW OPEN Family Owned Business We sell supplements and other general merchandise! Elliotsville Plaza Suite 101 Hwy 119, Alabaster hunnybeestore.com 205-624-3364 High Expectations Cleaning 205-728-8854 highexpertcleaning.com
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MY HOOVER RON DODSON
Hoover City Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
Angry Beaver Vibes
Duluth Trading One of my favorite places to shop is Duluth Trading. My taste in clothes is simple, and this place gets me. The staff is always helpful, and I love the hunting lodge and angry beaver vibe.
Workforce Training Riverchase Career Connection Center I’ve been involved in many things in my 33 years with the Hoover school system, but I am most proud of designing and opening RC3. This school is a jewel in Hoover’s crown, and it will play a key role in our future as the economy and workforce needs continue to evolve and grow.
A Botanic Legacy
Veterans Park Wonderful walks, picnics and parties are just some of my favorite memories that have taken place in this beautiful and much-loved city park. Nearby Spain Park High School was built on the site of the old Birmingham Botanical Garden’s nurseries, and a legacy of that past can still be seen in the nearby greenhouses and the stunning diversity of trees and flowers that thrive in this park.
Chili Cheese Dog Please
Tip Top Grill Tip Top is a classic that never fails to please. The food and the view never get old. I’ll have a chili cheese dog, but hold the onions, please and thank you.
Framing Memories
Hanging Around Hoover This store offers a lot more than your average picture framing shop. I ordered a print of a battlefield painting I had seen while visiting Scotland with my wife 20 years ago, and the finished work takes me back to that special place and time every time I look at it.
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THE
RIDGE
Whether you’re looking to build your own custom designs or would rather choose from our portfolio of popular house plans, The Ridge is the perfect place to start creating lake memories. With The Ridge Marina and The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex with swimming, fitness, and much more, The Ridge is where lake and life truly meet.
Final Waterfront Homesites Just Released
RussellLands.com
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