Hoover's Magazine February 2014

Comfort Cuisine Ashley Mac’s serves up southern favorites

To the Skies Helicopter pilot offers picturesque flights

Gridiron Grit

Bucs clinch second consecutive football title

Lover’s Leap

Couples leave mark on Bluff Park site

Whimsical World February 2014 Hooversmagazine.com $4.95

Frank Fleming works dot Aldridge Gardens February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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Hooray for Hoover!

They’ve done it again.

The Hoover Buccaneers Dec. 6 clinched their second consecutive Class 6A state football title with a 20-3 victory over the Tigers of Auburn High School at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Bucs have now won 10 state championships, including eight since 2000. Hoover also has the longest active win streak in the Alabama High School Athletic Association win streak at 30 games.

I couldn’t be more proud of my alma mater — and not just because of its success on the gridiron. The discipline, tenacity and teamwork displayed by five-star senior cornerback Marlon Humphrey, junior defensive back Micah Bagley, junior quarterback Jack Hutcheson, as well as coach Josh Niblett and his staff, to name a few, translates off the field, too.

As many would tell you in Alabama, football is more than just

February 2014 Issue Copyright 2014 Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Questions or comments?

Call 669-3131 or email info@hooversmagazine.com

a game. It’s a brotherhood; a passion; a cultural phenomenon that transcends our petty differences.

In this edition of Hoover’s Magazine, sports writer Drew Granthum and photographer Jon Goering capture the final moments of the Bucs’ undefeated 2013 season, from the fans in the stands to the post-win celebration in Tuscaloosa.

We’ve dedicated 12 pages to the drive and determination that defines Hoover football and the people who love it.

While reading Drew’s story and looking through Jon’s stills, my mind trailed to the Bucs’ 2000 state championship win over Daphne High School at Birmingham’s Legion Field.

It was my senior year, and I still remember the flurry of orange and black shakers as the marching band struck up our fight song “Hooray for Hoover.” I also remember the pride

felt by the entire community, a pride that still exists today.

We congratulate the 2013 Bucs squad on another undefeated season and state championship. We also can’t wait to see what next year holds for the nation’s “winningest” and most watched high school. GO BUCS! n

Cassandra Mickens cassandra.mickens@hooversmagazine. com Twitter: @CassMickens

EDITORIAL

ADMINISTRATIVE

DESIGN

MARKETING

Katie McDowell

Tim Prince

Amy Baldis

Jody Ellis

Cassandra Mickens

Jan Griffey

Jamie Dawkins

Jill Harvell

Neal Wagner

Mary Jo Eskridge

Amanda Porter

Daniel Holmes

Drew Granthum

Jennifer Arias

Nicole Loggins

Jon Goering

Kristy Brown

Kim McCulla

Hailey Dolbare

Rhett McCreight

Christine Roberts

Meagan Mims Mary Strehle Kari Yoder

Hoover’s Magazine is published monthly 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 $21.40 for one year by emailing subscribe@hooversmagazine.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 10. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 22.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

FEATURES 10

Set In Stone Couples leave mark on Bluff Park’s Lover’s Leap

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To The Skies Helicopter pilot offers picturesque flights

20

Gridiron Grit Bucs clinch second consecutive football title

inside

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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inside

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32 HEALTH & BEAUTY 8 V-Day Finds:

Gifts for your main squeeze this Valentine’s Day

FEATURES 10 Set In Stone:

Couples leave mark on Bluff Park’s Lover’s Leap

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20

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ARTS & CULTURE 32 Whimsical World:

Frank Fleming works dot Aldridge Gardens

EDUCATION 36 Snippets: What’s

To The Skies: Helicopter pilot offers picturesque flights Gridiron Grit: Bucs clinch second consecutive football title

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

happening in Hoover education and beyond

AT HOME 40 Decor Space: Lake Cyrus homes have designer touch

FOOD & DRINK 48 Comfort Cuisine:

Ashley Mac’s serves up southern favorites

40 48 IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Editor’s Note 14

Aldridge Gardens newsletter

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The Book Nook

55

Hoover Area Chamber Connection

61

Spotted

77

Calendar

80

Classifieds

82

Why I Love Hoover

The Lincoln MKX.

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With the best-in-class city fuel economy* and standard 305-horsepower engine, the Lincoln MKX is truly the best of both worlds. Add convenient EasyFoldÂŽ rear seats that fold flat, and you now have an impressive 68.6 cubic feet of space behind the first row. Get to know the Lincoln MKX at Long-LewisLincoln.com.

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what’s in store

DIY confections

Surprise your sweetie with Cupid- or heart-shaped homemade cookies, made with love, of course.

Cookie cutters, $7.95 each, Birmingham Bake & Cook.

Fabulous fragrance

Let your lady know she’s fabulous by giving her this Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi perfume set, a bright fragrance with notes of citrus, peony and musk. Also, take note of the vintage-style perfume bottle.

Fabulous perfume, $80, Belk.

V-Day finds Shower your Valentine this year with hugs, kisses and gifts that’ll make his or her heart a-flutter. Score points in the romance department by moving beyond sappy cards to thoughtful gifts that match your beloved’s personality.

WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA MICKENS PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

Breakfast in bed

Impress the one you love with an unforgettable breakfast in bed presentation, complete with a red tea kettle and mugs. Le Creuset tea kettle, $115; mugs, $16 each. Birmingham Bake & Cook, 5291 Valleydale Road, (205) 980-3661, bakeandcookco.com.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Lover’s clutch

Go-to cologne

Ahem, gentlemen.

Ladies can make use of this fashionable red Fossil wallet year-round while dashing around town. It’s the perfect accessory.

Clutch wallet, $50, Belk.

The best-selling Polo Black men’s cologne by Ralph Lauren, an alluring, woodsy fragrance, is a mainstay among men’s Valentine’s Day gifts.

Cologne, $61, Belk.

Handsome in pink

Ladies, if your guy is an adventurous dresser, why not add a little pink to his closet? He’d love a new shirt or tie that he can dress up or dress down. Ralph Lauren dress shirt, $89.50; Geoffrey Beene ties, $45 each. Belk, 2100 Riverchase Galleria, (205) 987-4200, belk.com.

Love to infinity

This women’s infinity scarf, which boasts the Valentine’s Day colors of red and pink, is great for warm or cold weather wear. Scarf, $38, Belk.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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features

Set in stone

A historic man leaves his mark on Bluff Park’s Lover’s Leap WRITTEN BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

O

verlooking Bluff Park, limestone boulders adorned with inscriptions invite friends and lovers to leave their mark on this

historic site.

Lover’s Leap, off of Shades Crest Road near Tip Top Grill, has sparked interest with many because of its beauty and folklore — both tragic and symbolic.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

As an Old Creek Indian legend has it, an Indian brave, tired of the love of a tribal princess, stabbed her on the rock. Out of regret for killing her, he jumped with her in his arms to his death.

But it’s a much happier couple’s story that has attracted many residents to this naturalistic site.

On the way to their home in Elyton (now part of Greater Birmingham) from their New Orleans wedding, Thomas W. Farrar and his new bride camped at the site, which he dubbed Sunset Rock. One of Alabama’s first legislators,

ABOVE: Lover’s Leap, located off Shades Crest Road, draws in visitors with its beauty and folklore. RIGHT: A historic marker designates the site.

Farrar carved four lines from Lord Byron’s poem, “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” into a rock on Aug. 20, 1827: “To sit on the rocks, to muse o’er flood and fell, to slowly trace the forest’s shady scene where things that own not man’s dominion dwell, and mortal foot hath ne’er or rarely been.”

A hundred years later, this inscribed rock was removed from the Bluff Park site and taken to the Masonic Lodge in Elyton, which is named after Farrar because he founded and served as Grand Master of the first Masonic Lodge in Alabama. But that was not the rock’s final resting place — and one resident made it his mission to find out where it went.

Ronnie Whitworth, who has lived in Bluff Park since 1962, wondered where the historical rock was now.

Originally resting on a ledge next to Tip Top Grill, which Whitworth previously owned, Farrar’s rock had been replaced with a replica by residents Thomas W. Martin and George B. Ward.

“I have a bit of a detective in me,” Whitworth says with a chuckle.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Lover’s Leap offers one of the most spectacular views in metro Birmingham. Visitors are interested to see early dates carved into the rocks.

A replica of the rock in which state legislator Thomas W. Farrar carved a poem in 1827 can be found on site. Lover’s Leap provides a natural retreat from today’s hustle and bustle.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Whitworth began his journey to find the rock by visiting Elyton, where he discovered the Masonic Lodge had closed. So, he talked with community members and masons, who pointed him in the direction of the McCartyFarrar Lodge in Mt. Olive.

When Whitworth visited the site in 2002, he came face to face with the original rock sitting in front of the lodge, which has been there since 1982. It was about 4-feet high, 5-feet wide and weighed 3,000 pounds, he estimates.

Whitworth asked if the rock could be returned to Bluff Park but was told it was safer at the lodge.

“It was pretty neat just trying to find it,” Whitworth says. “The rock was in better shape than the replica at Bluff Park.”

To improve the replica stone site back at home, Whitworth cleared out the overgrown area, added a fence around the site and applied a sealer to the rock. “I wanted to fix up the area so people could enjoy it,” Whitworth says.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic or leisurely walk on the historical grounds or carve their names into histories, like many others before them.

“People are interested to see the early dates etched into the rocks,” says Bluff Park resident Heather Skaggs. “The spot has historic significance in the community, and the view there is — Heather Skaggs absolutely fantastic.”

Although, she says she wouldn’t recommend bringing small children to the site because of its steepness.

Skaggs has immersed herself in Bluff Park’s history with help from Susan Kelley, who is part of the Hale family that founded the community, and shares her findings on Bluff Park’s website (bluffparkal.com) — including the history of Lover’s Leap.

“When I started writing history pieces, I wanted people to be able to know the history of their neighborhood,” Skaggs says. She has also written a pictorial book, “Bluff Park,” and will be releasing a second historical book by the end of this year (2014).

Even without knowing the significance of the rock or the legend behind its name, Lover’s Leap provides a natural retreat that remembers the names of those who pass by its monument.

“It’s one of those places that if you live here, you need to go see it,” Skaggs says. n

“The spot

has historic significance in the community, and the view there is absolutely fantastic.”

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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February’s weather may sometimes be gloomy, but don’t let that get you down!

Camellias are blooming in the Coleman Camellia Garden, and cheery daffodils and other bulbs are beginning to push up and bloom. Come to the Gardens and watch for early signs of spring! And don’t forget:

We need you!

Did you know that during the spring and fall Aldridge Gardens offers curriculum based field trips to children? These fun programs offer hands-on, outdoor learning experiences to cultivate children’s natural curiosity and to empower them with understanding and decision making to preserve the delicate balance of nature.

You can be a part of this exciting program by becoming a volunteer education docent. Come, have fun and work with other volunteers!

Workshops to train new docents will be Tuesday Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions are identical; choose whichever day is convenient. You will receive a field trip manual and learn all you need to become a volunteer docent. Consider now if this is something you can do.

Prerequisites: Ability to donate two mornings a month, enthusiasm, energy, a love of children, an appreciation for nature, a desire to make a difference in a child’s life, and you must not be afraid of worms!

Contact Peggy McVay, Volunteer Coordinator, at 682-8019, ext. 3, or pmcvay@aldridgegardens.com Another way you can help the Gardens is to become a member or to make a donation. Would you like to leave a legacy that would benefit the community? Then consider including a planned gift to Aldridge Gardens in your estate planning.

Or participate in the “Walk of Life” Project by purchasing a paver for our new entrance plaza. Each paver may tell a story, leave a message, or pass along a thought for future generations.

Pavers may also be purchased in honor or memory of someone special. The “Walk of Life” pavers will begin at the entrance and run throughout the plaza of Aldridge gardens.

There are multiple levels of membership or ways to make a donation. We appreciate your support at whatever level you choose. Your help enables us to keep the gardens growing, to offer adult and children’s educational classes, and to provide an excellent venue for events such as weddings and art displays. None of this would be possible without your generosity.

Aldridge Gardens is a 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization, and all of your donations are tax deductible.

VALENTINE’S DAY Remember that Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to stroll through the Gardens with your sweetheart! If you are planning a wedding, we have experienced event coordinators to help make your day perfect. We are also a great venue for other parties and corporate events.

For more information contact: Elizabeth Furst efurst@aldridgegardens.com 205.682.8019 ext. 6 efax: 205.776.7833

ART IN THE GALLERY Former students of Soon-Bok Sellers will be exhibiting in her honor in February and March in the Art Gallery. Soon-Bok was art teacher at the old Berry High School, and then became coordinator of art for the Hoover school system. Come to the Meet the Artists opening reception on Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Art Gallery.

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

Amazon: Earth’s Greatest Wilderness Salon Talk with Wine and Cheese Tuesday, Feb. 25. Refreshments 6:30 p.m. Program 7p.m.

Presenter: Richard Ryel, Ph.D., Physiology and Biophysics Founder, International Expeditions, and Past President, International Ecotourism Society $14 Members/$17 Non-Members Class size limited to 40. Pre-registration suggested.

Join us at Aldridge Gardens for a presentation about the Amazon Basin, a 2,720,000 square mile area whose sheer immensity and biodiversity is virtually incomprehensible. The mightiest of rivers, the Amazon, with its 1,100 tributaries from nine countries, flows over 4,000 miles across the South American continent. Dr. Ryel has spent over a year experiencing many of the natural and cultural wonders of this wilderness area, home to an abundant diversity of wildlife unequaled anywhere else on Earth.

Participate with us to gain an understanding of one of the great natural wonders of our Planet, the threats that challenge its survival, and what must be done to conserve this natural treasure.

Register online at aldridgegardens.com or call 6828019.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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features

To The

Skies

Express Helicopters offers tours of city WRITTEN BY CARMEN SHEA BROWN PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

I

t’s time for Friday night high school football, and Brian Coshatt is getting ready to take off on his Robinson Raven 2 for the Friday Night Blitz with ABC 33/40 sportscaster Mike Raita and cameraman Mark Herndon at his side.

“I remember one Friday I was leaving Vestavia Hills High School headed to Fayette. I was looking out the window, the sun was going down, the moon was coming up, the stars were out. I turned to them and I said, ‘Guys, this is just beautiful.’”

Coshatt is the sole pilot for Express Helicopters, the only full service helicopter charter in the state, based at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Coshatt helps everyone from members of the media to couples celebrating an anniversary experience the same beauty he has seen from hundreds of feet in the air for three decades.

“I take people down to the beach and back and forth to Gatlinburg,” Coshatt said. “I also take people to Tuscaloosa for

the games.”

Because the helicopter holds no more than three passengers, Coshatt said the tours are very popular for couples getting engaged or celebrating an anniversary, especially the City Skyline Tour where guests can view the sunset.

“We have roses and champagne for the proposal flights,” he said.

The City Skyline Tour includes the Sloss Furnace tour plus overhead views of Vulcan, the UAB Campus, and BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport.

Coshatt also does the Easter Egg drop in Alabaster with Cultivate Church, as well as the Santa Claus Helicopter arrival for holiday parties. Express Helicopters also participates in community fundraisers such as Dreams on Wings.

“At the ANG Base in Birmingham, the day is devoted to flying children undergoing treatment in local hospitals and their families,” Coshatt said. “It’s a day of fun, away from their worries about health issues.”

LEFT Brian Coshatt is the sole pilot for Express Helicopters, the only full service helicopter charter in the state, based at the BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport.

ABOVE: Coshatt helps everyone from members of the media to couples celebrating an anniversary experience the same beauty he has seen from hundreds of feet in the air.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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The Metro Galleria Deluxe Tour includes features from other tours and includes Hoover and the Birmingham Metro area. Tours typically last about 25 minutes, but this tour takes about 40 minutes.

Guests can choose the I-65 or U.S. 280 route to the Riverchase Galleria.

Coshatt first began flying airplanes at the Birmingham airport when he was a senior at Huffman High School. While pursuing his degree in human resource management at the University of Alabama, he worked at the Tuscaloosa airport, where he began flying with William Carter, who was was the chief pilot for Harco Drugs. When he graduated in 1981, he earned his jet license and began flying corporate jets. Coshatt traveled the world, from Russia, London, Paris, Siberia and even to the pyramids of Egypt. He eventually found himself in Salt Lake City in the mid-1990s, working for a Fortune 500 company that owned three transcontinental jets. It was during this time that he decided to make the switch from planes to helicopters, eventually establishing his own helicopter training business in Birmingham.

“Back in the olden days, the airline industry was more like a luxury.” Coshatt said. “Now airlines are really about mass transit and just packing people in.

In a helicopter, you can see everything. It’s like you feel like you’re on the ocean. You’re not 35,000 feet up in the air just looking at clouds.”

Coshatt has had his share of funny experiences with his guests while flying in the helicopter, especially with people who are uncomfortable flying.

“We had one man drive all the way from Atlanta because he wanted to surprise his wife. When she saw the helicopter, she wouldn’t even get out of the car,” he said.“The Valentine’s Day flights are a lot of fun. I remember when a guy brought his girlfriend, and the girl kept her eyes closed and did not say a word the whole time. Then later when we landed and got out, she said, ‘That was fun.’”

Coshatt said he enjoys what he does now because it enables him to stay close to his family - his wife Veronika and their two daughters, two-year-old Mira Bella and Seraphina Elsa, who was born in late November.

“I’ve been all over the world, and really, there’s not that much of a difference,” he said. “With a helicopter, it’s hard to get too far away from home.”

Tours can typically be scheduled Thursday through Sunday. For more information about the different types of tours available or to schedule a tour, visit the Express Helicopters website at www. expresshelicopters.com or call 591-KILO. n 18

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

the book nook

We love our friends The Hoover Public Library would not exist today if it weren’t for the hard work and dedication of just a few visionary Hoover citizens. In July 1982, Paul and Mary Lou Allen invited a small group of like-minded friends into their home to discuss the possibility of building a library in Hoover.

This group, eventually calling Deni Owens themselves the Friends of the Nonfiction Librarian, Hoover Public Library, began Hoover Public Library circulating petitions which were signed by thousands of people in support of a library. In October 1983, the Hoover Public Library became a reality.

Thirty years later, the Friends of the Hoover Public Library are still going strong, raising funds to support the library and engaging and enriching our community.

They help to fund a variety of our library programs, including our fantastic all-ages Summer Reading program. Friends volunteers run the bookstore on the Library Plaza, offering the community great deals on used books and other items. They’ve also coordinated a huge yearly book sale.

Besides providing these services to our library community, the Friends have fun and free monthly meetings that feature a variety of authors, speakers, entertainers and delicious refreshments. You do not have to be a Friend of the Library to attend these meetings, but they are a great way to learn more about the Friends and meet people passionate about our library. Coming up on Monday, March 3, Susan Swagler, food editor at The Birmingham News, will speak about her work.

Refreshments begin at 9:45 a.m. and the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

The Friends of the Hoover Public Library are a diverse group. We have individuals and families, men and women, young and old. Our current group has over 200 members and new people join each week. Memberships start at just $10. To learn more about the Friends of the Hoover Public Library, please visit www.hooverlibrary. org/friends or stop by the Friends Bookstore. n Visit HooverLibrary.org for more information.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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features

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Mission

ACCOMPLISHED Hoover High takes back-to-back state titles WRITTEN BY DREW GRANTHUM PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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T

hey did it. Again.

The 2013 Hoover Bucs captured their second-straight AHSAA Class 6A football state championship with a 20-3 win over Auburn High School on Dec. 6.

The Buccaneers did it in their traditional style: not a lot of flash, just well-executed, fundamental football.

After making back-to-back trips to the state finals and coming away empty-handed 22

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

in 2010 and 2011, the Bucs made a decision to pursue greatness, and dedicated themselves to working hard to not just make the state championship game, but to win it also.

Hoover set its eyes on the 2012 state championship, and got it with a 15-0 run through the season and a 31-0 demolition of Opelika High.

Headed into the 2013 season, the Bucs applied the same desire, dedication and blue-collar work ethic to repeat as state champions.

PAGE 20: The Hoover Bucs captured their second-straight AHSAA Class 6A football state championship with a 20-3 win over Auburn High School on Dec. 6. LEFT: The Bucs prepare to take on Auburn at the Universitiy of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium. TOP: Armed with their orange and black shakers, Hoover fans cheer on the Bucs.

ABOVE: Hoover used a combination of dominating defense and offense to go undefeated through the regular season.

Game by game, Hoover used a combination of dominating defense, an offense that wore opponents down and lightning-quick special teams to go undefeated through the regular season, and all the way to the AHSAA Class 6A State Championship Game.

When the Bucs took the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium against the Auburn High Tigers, head coach Josh Niblett said there was no deviating from the season-long plan of achieving greatness.

“I’m proud of these kids, proud of this program,” Niblett said. “We came out this year and said our definition of greatness is to do things better than they’ve

Rhonda Evans 205-824-4449

3301 Lorna Rd Suite 2, Birmingham, AL (Corner of Lorna Rd. & Rocky Ridge Rd.) Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2012. © 2012 GEICO.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: The Hoover Bucs defeated Auburn High School 20-3 to clinch their second consecutive football state championship Dec. 6.

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February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ever been done before.”

The going wasn’t easy; not only did the Bucs have to square off with Auburn, they also had to deal with the elements as well.

A cold front swept across Tuscaloosa as the game neared kickoff, bringing with it heavy rain, a saturated field and a sharp drop in the temperature.

The Tigers and Bucs engaged in a defensive standoff for much of the first quarter.

Auburn received the ball to start off the game, and appeared to rattle the Buccaneer defense after a fourth down conversion to give the Tigers a new set of downs at the Hoover 48.

The defense stood strong, however, and forced a punt just four plays later. Hoover’s offense faired no better than its counterpart,

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

and punted as well. The squads swapped possession again, and Hoover’s special teams made the first big play of the night.

Auburn set up to punt from its own 31, when Hoover’s Micah Bagley raced through the line and blocked Justin Farmer’s kick.

The ball spun like a top on the ground until Chris DeMoss scooped it up and scored.

After the Hunter Schmith extra point, Hoover led 7-0 with 13 seconds left to play in the first quarter.

Defense took center stage again in the second quarter, as both teams struggled to mount an offensive charge. With under a minute remaining in the half, Auburn kicker Sage Ledbetter trotted out to attempt a 44yard field goal. The kick came up short, and the Bucs ran out the clock to take a 7-0 lead headed into the half.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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Hoover took the ball to start off the half, but quickly punted. Auburn got on the board on the next drive when Ledbetter connected on a 35-yard field goal to bring the score to 7-3 with 6:56 left in the third quarter.

The defenses stood strong again, as both teams traded punts. Following the Auburn punt, Hoover drove down to the Auburn 22, where the drive stalled out. Schmith attempted a 39-yard field goal, but the kick came up short and Auburn took over at its own 20-yard line.

Two plays later, the Bucs took control of the game on another huge play by Bagley.

Auburn’s Tyus Flakes took a handoff and ran to the left side for nine yards, where he was met by Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey stripped the ball, and Bagley pounced on the loose ball, setting up Hoover’s offense with great field position at the AHS 41.

Just as it appeared the ensuing Hoover drive appeared to stall out following a false start penalty and a timeout, quarterback Jack Hutcheson hit running back Bradrick Shaw on third and long for a 27-yard touchdown pass to take a 14-3 lead. Following the failed extra point, the Bucs led 13-3 with 1:56 left in the third quarter.

Auburn’s next drive saw Tigers start at their own 34 and drive to their own 45 before penalties sent the Tigers all the way back to the 29. Auburn punted, and Humphrey returned the ball to the Auburn 38. A personal foul penalty moved the Bucs up to the Auburn 23.

The excellent field position swung momentum fully in Hoover’s favor, and the Bucs capitalized on fourth and goal from the 1-yard line. Shaw plunged in with 9:29 left in the contest, and Schmith’s extra point put Hoover up 20-3.

Hoover’s defense took over from there.

Auburn drove from their own 27 all the way to the Hoover 8-yard line before Jason McCay sacked Auburn quarterback Bradley Northcutt. In the process, Northcutt fumbled PAGE 26: After making back-to-back trips to the state finals and coming away empty-handed in 2010 and 2011, the Bucs made a decision to pursue greatness, and dedicated themselves to working hard to not just making the state championship game, but winning it.

RIGHT: Not only did the Bucs have to square off with Auburn, they also had to deal with a cold front that swept across Tuscaloosa as the game neared kickoff.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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the ball, which found its way into the hands of Dylan Ackerson, who took it 38 yards to the Auburn 35 with 4:22 left in the game.

Hoover’s offense drained 3:26 off the clock, punting to the Tigers with just 56 seconds left. The Tigers could only muster three plays, as Hoover took the 20-3 win and its second-straight state title.

Niblett said the senior leadership helped carry the team to the title.

“I think when this group came in, I think there were high expectations,” he said. “We had to make sure we compartmentalized what we were thinking when we came to work every day. I think these seniors did a really good job of leading. When you’re a senior, you’ve got to take on that responsibility. If you’ll take ownership in it like these kids did, I think that makes a 30

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

difference when you get to an opportunity to play in a game like this.”

Niblett was also quick to praise Bagley’s ability to step up when his team needed him the most.

“We call it ‘We-fense;’ we don’t call it special teams,” he said. “He’s a we-fense guy.

He’s a guy you can trust and a great athlete and a physical football player. This isn’t the first time he’s made a big play for us. I’m really proud of him (and) glad to see him get that opportunity to make a play like that after he’s worked so hard.”

Bagley deflected the direct praise, instead passing it on to his teammates and coaches.

“Every week, our coaches tell us, ‘Hey, somebody’s gonna be free, and if you don’t go hard enough, you just missed an opportunity,’” he said. “(On the blocked

punt), everybody went hard, I ended up making a play, and the whole team just picked up and ran with it.”

The highly-touted recruit Humphrey, who, as of press time, had yet to decide where he will play collegiate ball, said the chance to play in a venue like Bryant-Denny Stadium was one he cherished.

“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I don’t think you can go wrong playing in an SEC stadium.”

Humphrey went on to say he felt honored to have played at Hoover.

“It’s been a great privilege,” he said. “I’ve got the best teammates. I think I’ve got the best team in America. Coach keeps us levelheaded, and doesn’t treat anybody higher than anybody else. I’ve really loved playing for Hoover these past four years.” n

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Bucs won their second straight title in their traditional style: not a lot of flash, just well-executed, fundamental football. The Bucs celebrate after their 20-3 win over Auburn High School. The Bucs defense took center stage throughout the championship game.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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arts & culture

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Natural Art Fanciful sculptures that will grow on you

WRITTEN BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

S

trolling along the foliage-lined paths of Aldridge Gardens, visitors can escape into a whimsical world where bronze turtles pull rabbits in carts and a top-hatclad frog prepares for a rainy day.

These magical pieces are the works of Frank Fleming, an Alabama native with a close connection to nature – which is evident through his array of creations.

While his artwork can be seen around the world, Aldridge Gardens has the largest publicly available collection of Fleming’s bronze sculptures - thanks to art and garden enthusiast Ken Jackson.

Jackson decided to share his Fleming sculptures, which he had been collecting for 20 years, with Aldridge Gardens in 2011 by giving them 21 art pieces – bringing the gardens’ total to 24 Fleming sculptures.

Four of the sculptures are thoughtfully nestled throughout key locations in the garden, including one from Jackson, while

LEFT Frank Fleming’s sculptures at Aldridge Gardens range from fanciful to realistic.

ABOVE: The sculpture Ram Man has a human body with the head of a ram.

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the other 20 he donated are housed in the Eddie & Kay Aldridge Art & Historical Collections Museum to protect their intricate designs from the elements.

“We wanted to complement the ones we already had on the grounds,” says Rip Weaver, executive director of Aldridge Gardens. “No one could see the pieces when they were in Ken’s home, so he decided the time was right to donate them.”

The sculptures only enhance the natural beauty that can be found on the 30-acre woodland gardens.

Jackson’s donated pieces include a chair with a frog resting on the arm, a dog head, an owl in a fig tree and Ram Man, a sculpture that has a human body with the head of a ram. “The pieces range from fanciful — Frank’s forte — to realistic,” Weaver says.

Unlike the surrounding trees and flowers, these Fleming sculptures do not turn dormant for part of the year — they are always in their peak season.

“Having sculptures in the garden is important because plants bloom at a certain time each year, and for a lot of people, the interest is over after that,” Weaver explains.

“As people view — Rip Weaver the sculptures, they get more from it than just the plants. The backdrop of plant materials is continuously changing.”

While not the ideal weather, one of Weaver’s favorite times to view the sculptures is after it rains.

He says it makes water reflect off of the pieces, giving them a different look.

“There’s an organic nature to his work,” Weaver says. “They fit in so comfortably here — the forms are very literal, not so abstract. They beg you to walk up and touch them.”

The staff members at the gardens are dedicated to art and hope to continue adding more pieces to their collection in the future, Weaver says. It’s this passion for integrating art with the natural beauty of the outdoors that sets the gardens apart from the hustle

“You can get

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

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away from the world and contemplate things: watch ducks on the lake, stroll through the flowers and get away from it all. It’s probably the best-kept secret in Hoover.”

www.therosegate.com

Visitors to Aldridge Gardens can escape into Frank Fleming’s whimsical world where bronze turtles pull rabbits in carts.

and bustle of the surrounding city.

“It’s a unique gem within a congested area of Hoover,” Weaver says. “When you’re here, you’re isolated from everything around it. You can get away from the world and contemplate things: watch ducks on the lake, stroll through the flowers and get away from it all. It’s probably the best-kept secret in Hoover.”

So whether visitors come to the gardens to gaze on the bronze works of art or just to unwind after a long day’s work, Aldridge Gardens remains a natural oasis for art and nature lovers alike.

About 85,000 people come from the community and around the world to visit the gardens each year.

Aldridge Gardens, located at 3530 Lorna Road, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and after 4 p.m. for members only. For more information or to view a calendar of upcoming events at the gardens, visit Aldridgegardens.com. n February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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happening in hoover

Greystone PPK winners travel to Chattanooga

Bluff Park students go pink On Oct. 11, 2013, students, teachers and staff members at Bluff Park Elementary School wore pink for breast cancer

awareness.

The photo was posted to Facebook and garnered 165 “likes” and several comments.

Baker finishes second in tourney In mid-October, the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour held the Montgomery Junior Shootout at Montgomery Country Club in Montgomery.

More than 45 junior golfers competed across four age divisions and performed exceptionally well.

Julie Baker of Hoover finished second in the Girls 11-14 division.

Pig Iron BBQ Challenge a success The Children’s Harbor Pig Iron BBQ Challenge is a fun yearly event held to raise money and awareness for Children’s Harbor. The 17th annual event was held in Hoover on Oct. 18, 2013.

Birmingham’s ExpoDisplays, Doster Construction Company, Giattina Aycock Architecture Studios, Inc., and Children’s Hospital 36

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

partnered to create a spectacular booth with a CaddyShack theme.

The booth was a collaborative effort built by Doster Construction with extensive graphics by ExpoDisplays. The booth included a Bushwood Country Club putting course that was very popular during the event and attracted many families.

The four winners from Greystone Elementary’s Punt, Pass and Kick Competition traveled to Chattanooga, Tenn. on Oct. 27, 2013 to compete in the sectional competition.

The sectional competition featured participants from all over Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky.

The participants from Greystone performed very well at the competition and brought home one first place finish and three fourth place finishes. Nicholas Dunlap finished first in the 10-11-year-old boys class (this is Nick’s second first place finish in as many years at the sectional competition), while Kaleigh Rice, Josh Harrington, and Kenna Burdett all finished in fourth place in their classes in the competition. All of these participants missed third place by very narrow margins.

Spain Park celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated at Spain Park High School from Sept.15-Oct. 15, 2013. Replicas of Pablo Picasso’s work were on display in the school library as part of a student-led exhibit on the artist’s contribution to Hispanic culture and art in general.

Spain Park High School’s art department devised Picasso-inspired chalk drawings. Students in advanced-level Spanish courses were in charge of creating audio tours, which were recorded both in English and in Spanish.

Smart-phone/tablet QR (quickresponse) codes were created and placed near exhibits in order for visitors to learn more about art pieces on display as they toured. The month-long celebration culminated with a Spanish luncheon at the school.

Weʼre here for the few they canʼt.

Giving hope to parents and providing care to children is what we’ve done for over 100 years.

Our nationally ranked healthcare team treated children from 42 states and 4 foreign countries just last year. Children’s of Alabama is recognized locally and around the world as providing a level of care that presents children with a much brighter future.

1600 7T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 35233 (205) 638-9100

ChildrensAL.org

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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happening in hoover

Students help stock shelves for charity These fabulous Berry Middle School and Greystone Elementary School students recently gave up part of a Saturday to stock the shelves at Oak Mountain Missions.

Oak Mountain Missions needs food supplies and clothing year round.

Pictured are Mary Bradley Williams, Ben Mattox, Lauren Solomons, Matthew and Michael Robbins, Samantha Gagliano, Bree Solomons, Kaitlyn Lopes and Katie Mattox. Nick Gagliano also participated.

SMS VB wraps up stellar season The Simmons Middle School seventh grade girls volleyball team recently wrapped up a stellar season, going undefeated in all metro games.

The team beat Mountain Brook and played in the metro tournament at Pizitz, beating the host team.

Team members pictured include:

Bottom row, Reece Vaughan, Evalynn Ngamau, Olivia Rand, Gracie Alspach, Ashlee Frier, Brooke Hoven and Maggie Ethridge. Top row, Audrey Colabrese, Mackenzie Martin, Savanna Akins, Hannah Sanders, Anne Stewart, Mattie Test and Mikhaila Hampton.

Hoover resident receives fellowship award Judson College Senior Katie Hamner recently received a fellowship award from Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society recognizing and promoting achievement in business, management and administration.

She is the third Judson student in as many years to receive the honor.

Hamner is majoring in business with minors in biology and accounting. She hopes to 38

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

go to graduate school as a member of Social Committee. immediately after getting her bachelor’s degree in Hamner plans to use December 2014. the $1,000 scholarship to help pay for graduate She is a member of Tri Beta, the biology school, where she plans to pursue a master of honor society; SBD; and the Business Club. business administration, She was an officer in the a master of accountancy, Katie Hamner Science Club and serves and sit for the CPA exams as a Student Government before possibly going on Association representative and to law school.

Bumpus wins championship During the fall season, R.F. Bumpus Middle School claimed the seventh grade Metro championship.

The Bucs, led by Head Coach David Brizendine, won the league by recording an 8-0 record on the season,

including a 20-18 win over Clay in the championship game, which was played at Hoover High School.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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at home

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Community building New Lake Cyrus homes foster neighborly spirit WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA MICKENS PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

O

n Park Side Circle, nestled inside Hoover’s Lake Cyrus community, sits Colleen, one of six single-family home floor plans by Birminghambased developer Signature Homes.

Built of brick of various shades of brown, Colleen is a well-balanced mix of traditional and contemporary

design, its red front door adding a pop of color, curb appeal and a note of nostalgia.

Signature Homes, founded in 1999

by Dwight Sandlin and Jonathan Belcher, also is the builder behind The Hamptons at Ross Bridge, as well as neighborhoods in Huntsville and Nashville. “Our passion is to create a place where people enjoy their lives, grow their families and build long-lasting relationships within their community,” said Signature February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

41

Homes community realtor Tracy Murphy. “We spend a lot of time thinking about how people live, what they want and we provide for their lifestyles.”

Signature Homes also gives back to its communities by donating land for city parks, leaving green spaces within its communities and matching donations to the local YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign.

“This is our way to jumpstart a feeling of community for each of our homeowners,” Murphy said.

In addition to Colleen, a four bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home, Signature Homes includes house plans ranging from 2,200 square feet to 2,800 square feet. Several homes have been sold or reserved on Park Side Circle, with each homeowner choosing a floor plan that best suits their needs and wants. Homeowners also are paired with a personal architect, builder and designer throughout construction. Signatures Homes likens the process to “choosing an interior designer even before we hand over the keys.”

Stepping inside Colleen, the dark hardwood floors enhance the beauty of the home with its rich and dramatic look leading to the relax room, or family room, illuminated with natural light during the day from windows placed high up in the wall. High 9-foot ceilings provide a hanging solution for a drop down ceiling fan, both decorative and functional. A ventless fireplace adds to the room’s appeal and warmth to the space, both literally and figuratively.

Just off the relax room, the kitchen and breakfast nook features maple staggered height upper cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, a built-in dishwasher and a stainless steel undermount Kohler sink, all considered standard amenities. The Kohler sink, a Sensate Touchless with a pull-down spout, uses Response technology. The simple wave of a hand — or an object such as a pan or kitchen utensil PAGE 40: Colleen’s dark hardwood floors enhance the beauty with its rich and dramatic look leading to the relax room, or family room, illuminated with natural light during the day. PAGE 41: A built-in fire pit on the backyard patio is a glorified campfire.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Colleen is a well-balanced mix of traditional and contemporary design. Upstairs, a second relax room, known as the kids’ retreat, immediately catches the eye. The breakfast nook’s most unique feature is the use of reclaimed barnwood paneling on the walls, giving the space a rustic, yet fresh look.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Send us your Hoover events for our Hoover’s Magazine calendar!

Email cassandra.mickens@hooversmagazine.com

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: Colleen’s spacious master bedroom features soft taupe walls and carpeting. TOP RIGHT: Bold furniture pieces give the master bedroom personality.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Deep crimson flowers add a pop of color to the master bedroom.

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The kitchen features maple staggered height upper cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, a built-in dishwasher and a Kohler touchless sink, all standard amenities.

— turns the sink on or off.

“Signature Homes is the only builder in the Birmingham area that includes Kohler products as standard amenities,” Murphy said.

Murphy points out the breakfast nook, which is bathed in natural light from the large window that overlooks the backyard. The nook’s most unique feature is the use of reclaimed barnwood paneling on the walls, giving the space a rustic, yet fresh look, Murphy said. Yellow and white chevron curtains also add a playful touch. The formal dining room also plays up the reclaimed barnwood paneling on one wall, complimented by a simple, sturdy wooden table with black upholstered chairs, a black and white striped rug and a crystal chandelier. A well thought-out mix of soft and hard decorative elements strikes again.

From the nook, one can take in the breathtaking views of the backyard and the neighborhood’s mountainesque charm.

“That’s why we call it ‘The View,’” Murphy said.

On crisp evenings, a built-in fire pit on the backyard patio is a glorified campfire, with sturdy walls of stone that help contain the flames and heat.

The master bedroom, located downstairs, features soft taupe walls and carpet that make for an especially inviting environment. The bedroom hallway leads to his and her walk-in closets and the spacious master bathroom with a double vanity, maple cabinets, granite countertops and dropin sinks with chrome faucets. A white freestanding bathtub sits atop the bathroom’s tan ceramic floor.

A closer look reveals the bathtub has no knobs. Murphy 46

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

© 2014 Alabama Power Company

What is it that makes us different here?

turns on the water at the push of a button on a control panel on the wall. The control panel also controls water temperature for both the bathtub and adjacent tile shower, featuring a Flipside showerhead with four different spray types. One can enjoy the flipside showerhead while also being environmentally conscious, as it uses up to 20 percent less water than a standard showerhead.

Moving upstairs, a second relax room, known as the kids’ retreat, immediately catches the eye. Outfitted with a vintage-style gym locker, an eclectic seating area, flat screen television, decorative mirrors, and last but not least, a framed mugshot of Elvis Presley, the retreat is a chic unwind space for upstairs residents.

Down the hallway, a full bathroom includes a maple cabinet vanity with a granite countertops and a drop-in sink with a chrome faucet. The combination shower and bathtub features an innovative added amenity — Kohler’s Moxie showerhead.

The Moxie showerhead holds a portable wireless speaker that pairs wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled devices to deliver high-quality audio to your shower. The speaker docks directly into the showerhead, and with that, singing in the shower is brought to a whole new level.

Three bedrooms round out the upstairs space, each featuring soft taupe walls and carpeting, and windows that draw in natural light.

For more information about Signature Homes and The View at Lake Cyrus, call (205) 966-9072 or visit www.esignaturehomes.com. n

Maybe it’s just knowing when to help. Here in Alabama, some people are having trouble paying their bills. You can help us help them.

Just make a small donation to Project SHARE on your next Alabama Power bill. Or give online at AlabamaPower.com/ProjectSHARE. Together with the American Red Cross we can show everyone what makes us different here.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine • POWI-3355_ProjectShare_3.5x9.75.indd 1

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11/21/13 4:25 PM

food & drink

Gourmet To Go

Ashley Mac’s serves up homestyle favorites WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA MICKENS PHOTOS BY JON GOERING

celebrated the two-year anniversary of Ashley Mac’s Inverness cafe off Valleydale Road.

Ashley Mac’s also has locations in Bluff t was Valentine’s Day, and Ashley Park and Cahaba Heights. In January, the Deaton McMakin decided to prepare McMakins decided to extend the hours at a home-cooked meal for two special their Inverness cafe to accommodate working people in her life — her parents. But — and hungry — families. New hours of if you know McMakin, you also know that operation are Monday through Saturday such a gesture is the norm. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“It was their anniversary,” said McMakin, “We’ve had so many of our customers 34, owner of Ashley Mac’s Cafe, Catering tell us, ‘I wish y’all stayed open for dinner,’” and Gourmet To Go. “Cooking is definitely said Ashley McMakin, who added that the a natural passion I’ve always had. I even Inverness cafe now offers a hot casserole cooked for my friends in high school and special nightly. “We’re hoping that will give college.” people a chance to try something they haven’t McMakin and her husband, Andy, recently before.”

I

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ABOVE: Ashley Mac’s in Inverness extended its hours in January to accommodate working — and hungry — families. New hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. RIGHT: Ashley Mac’s popular Baby Bleu Salad includes fresh strawberries, mandarin oranges, blue cheese crumbles and sugared almonds with homemade poppyseed vinaigrette.

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Ashley Mac’s success is something McMakin never imagined. Growing up in Birmingham, she attended Briarwood High School and the University of Alabama, where she graduated with a degree in marketing.

“I found myself longing to go to culinary school, but settling for a desk job,” McMakin wrote in a brief autobiography on Ashley Mac’s website. “Always craving an outlet to develop my love of cooking, I started a little ‘hobby’ with one of my co-workers. We each put up $250 in a joint checking account and started calling our friends to see if they needed any catering.”

Within three months, McMakin and her co-worker were catering five to six events and eventually were forced to quit their full-time jobs. McMakin later bought her partner out due to her partner’s pregnancy, and continued the catering business on her own in her tiny Homewood kitchen.

And that’s how Ashley Mac’s came to be.

Andy McMakin, an accountant by trade, also quit his full-time job to help his wife grow the business — something Ashley McMakin admits she was initially hesitant about. “[Andy] was definitely more of the dreamer,” McMakin said. “He knew it could be successful and a lot bigger. I was a bit more skeptical.”

But as word of mouth spread about Ashley Mac’s and its traditional lunch and dinner entrees, the skepticism melted away and McMakins opened their first Ashley Mac’s location in a vacant tearoom in Bluff Park in 2007. The couple opened their Cahaba Heights location the following year.

“Our staff grew has grown from seven people to 62 people. We have awesome employees, and a business is only as great as the people who work there,” McMakin said.

“We feel very blessed and thankful that we are able to run a business during a difficult economic time. It’s a big dream and a blessing.”

Influenced by the cooking know-how of her mother and grandmother, McMakin said CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Ashley Mac’s recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of its Inverness cafe. The Ceasar salad with fresh shaved Parmesan cheese, homemade crouton and grilled chicken is among customers’ favorites. Ashley Mac’s strawberry cupcakes are a top dessert seller.

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Ashley Mac’s fare is “homestyle gourmet, better than my mama, but not a five-star restaurant.” The menu has changed little since 2007, with Ashley’s Mac signature Chicken Salad and Poppyseed Chicken, white meat chicken mixed in a rich sour cream sauce, topped with buttery cracker crumbs, baked until golden and served with rice, still ranking among the most popular dishes.

Lunch options at the Inverness cafe include the Apple Havarti — a ham or turkey sandwich topped with Havarti cheese and crisp apple slices drizzled in Ashley Mac’s homemade balsamic vinaigrette, fresh greens and homemade honey mustard spread, available on white or wheat bread — and the salad trio — a choice of one or two salad favorite served with a sour cream biscuit and crackers.

“We use fresh, quality ingredients, but we’re not over the top,” McMakin said.

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“We cook seasonally and offer specials for the season. For example, we prepare a lot of soups in the winter and tarts in the spring.”

And you can’t mention Ashley Mac’s without mentioning dessert. Strawberry Cake and Triple Chocolate Brownies are by far the most popular sweet treats, McMakin said. Ashley Mac’s also serves Almond Shortbread, Poppyseed Bread, and Carrot, Chocolate Velvet and Coconut Cake.

Frozen entrees are available for pickup on busy weekday nights, ranging from original casseroles of Baked Beef Stroganoff, Baked Spaghetti, Chicken Enchiladas and Chicken Pot Pie to signature casseroles of Classic Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Spinach Lasagna and Chicken, Spinach & Artichoke.

Ashley Mac’s has locations in Bluff Park, 759 Shades Mountain Plaza, and Inverness, 5299 Valleydale Road, in Hoover. For more information and menu options, visit www. ashleymacs.com. n

ABOVE LEFT: Ashley Mac’s Inverness cafe gives off a comfortable yet hip atmosphere. ABOVE RIGHT: Ashley McMakin and her husband, Andy, opened their first Ashley Mac’s location in Bluff Park in 2007.

Apple Havarti Sandwich Ingredients: 3 slices Pink Lady or Gala apple 1 tbsp Balsamic dressing 1 slice Havarti cheese 3 ounces deli sliced ham or turkey Small handful of spring mix greens 1 tbsp honey mustard 2 slices good white or wheat sandwich bread

Directions: 1. Slice apple and toss three slices with the balsamic dressing.

2. Meanwhile, place turkey or ham on one slice of bread and top with Havarti cheese.

3. Place in broiler and heat until melted.

4. Top with apples and spring mix. 5.

Spread honey mustard on other slice of bread and place on top to complete the sandwich.

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N C T ON

EC ON I Hooverchamber.org

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

Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year to be recognized At our Feb.20 Chamber Luncheon, we will recognize and award the Hoover Firefighter of the Year and the Hoover Police Officer of the Year awards for the calendar year 2013. For the nineteenth year, the Hoover Area Chamber will recognize these most outstanding community servants for their on-the-job performance. TurnerBatson Architects will sponsor the Firefighter of the Year Award and the 911 Operator of the Year. Hendrick Automotive will sponsor the Police Officer of the Year Award and the Jailer of the Year award. The 911 Operator and the Jailer of the Year awards will be predetermined by the Fire and Police Departments, respectively.

The Fire and Police Award winners will be selected by committees within their own departments, and will not be made public until the February Chamber Luncheon.

Supervisors nominating members of their departments were asked to answer basic questions regarding the nominee and provide any additional information they feel will be helpful in determining which individual will be best qualified

Two Hoover Police Officers were recognized as the 2012 Police Officers of the Year at the February 2013 Hoover Chamber Luncheon for outstanding leadership, performance and service in the line of duty during 2012 while working together to solve a series of burglaries and robberies. Shown left to right are Officer Brandon Massey, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, and Officer Ryan Smith. These awards were sponsored by Hendrick Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram.

as the most outstanding department member for the year.

The department chiefs have taken these nominations very seriously every year and have had each department head or fire station make recommendations and nominations for the award. Police Chief Nick Derzis will also present

the award for the 911 Operator of the Year and the Jailer of the Year. Only the committee members will know the winners prior to the meeting. Don’t miss this important meeting to see ‘Hoover’s Finest’ representatives recognized.

To attend this Feb. 20 Chamber

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine • 55 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

MakingCents: Money Smarts for Seniors “I am genuinely excited about expanding our ongoing partnership with the Hoover Library.

The ‘MakingCents’ programs add a practical educational component to the mix of what we strive to provide our members,” said Dana H. Stewart, Hoover Senior Center Operations Supervisor.

MakingCents is a collection of resources and financial programs offered at public Bryce Thornton, libraries in Jefferson and Hoover Public Library Shelby counties. It was Business Department made possible through Smartinvesting@ yourlibrary, which is a partnership between the American Library Association and FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

The Hoover Public Library has partnered with the Hoover Senior Center to offer two MakingCents programs for seniors in a series called, ‘Money Smarts for Seniors.’

“Whether you’ve got a lot or a little, money management comes down to spending and saving. Spending and saving is a result of attitude about money. No change can come about without a change of attitude. That’s why I work with attitudes about money first,” said Octavia Kuransky, MSP, Psychology for the Real World.

“Money Smarts for Seniors” will be offered at the Hoover Senior Center on Wednesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 19 at 12:15 p.m. For more information, please call 4447816.

Bryce Thornton is the Business Librarian at the Hoover Public Library. You can reach him at 4447816 or brycet@bham.lib.al.us.

Coffee & Contacts Schedule Second Thursday of each month Feb. 13, 2014 - Easter Seals

March 13, 2014 - South Hall Self Storage Sept. 11, 2014 - National Bank of Commerce-Inverness April 10, 2014 - Wrapsody Oct. 9, 2014 - Dale Carnegie May 8, 2014 - Focus MD Training June 12, 2014 - COMFORCE Global Staffing Solutions July 10, 2014 - Holy Apostles Episcopal Church

Nov. 13, 2014 - Charter Media Dec. 11, 2014 - Homewood Suites-Riverchase Jan. 8, 2015 - Available

Luncheon Sponsorships Third Thursday of each month Feb. 20, 2014 - Hendrick Auto & April 17, 2014 - Alabama Telco TurnerBatson Architects Credit Union March 20, 2014 - Birmingham Barons

May 15, 2014 - Office Depot

Business After Hours Schedule Fourth Thursday of each month Jan. 23, 2014 - Joe’s Crab Shack Feb. 27, 2014 - Brookdale Place/ Town Village March 27, 2014 - Chateau Vestavia April 24, 2014 - Mattress KingHwy 280

June 26, 2014 - Holiday InnHoover July 24, 2014 - Outback Steakhouse Aug. 28, 2014 - Schaeffer Eye Center-Hoover Sept. 25, 2014 - Homewood Suites-Riverchase

May 22, 2014 - Bassett Furniture

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

56

Aug. 7, 2014 - Danberry at Inverness

Oct. 23, 2014 - Available

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, December 3 at the new Kai’s Koffee House at 2722 Chandalar Place Drive, Suite B, in Pelham. Shown cutting the ribbon is owner Kai Smith, as her daughter, Attallah, holds the bow. She is joined by her husband, Bruce to the left of her, and several Hoover Area Chamber Ambassadors, who were treated to a great selection of fine coffees and scones.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the new Greystone Shell location at 5408 Highway 280, Hoover 35242. Shown cutting the ribbon is McPherson Oil CEO & Chairman Charles K. “Mac” McPherson, Sr., as General Manager of Alabama Retail Fuel Carol Huskison holds the bow. To the right of her is Retail Division Vice President Rick Cosmer, and they are joined by Hoover City Councilman John Lyda (back row) and several Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Carol Huskison can be reached at chuskison@mcphersonoil.com.

New Officers and Board Members New Officers and Board Members were installed at the Jan. 16 Awards and Installation Luncheon of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon by Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey.

Installed as the 2014 Chamber President was Jason Cobb of Cadence Bank; as First Vice President was Thomas of Capstone Financial Services; and as Second Vice President, Chris Schmidt of Daniel Corporation. Continuing as Secretary to the Board is Debbie Rockwell of Iberia Bank

Mortgage and as Treasurer to the Board is Dennis Cameron of the CPA Firm of Cooke, Cameron and Travis. Kathleen Spencer of Spencer Consulting continues on the board as Immediate Past President.

Lori Schommer continues as City Liaison to the Chamber, representing the Mayor’s Office.

Continuing on the Board for 2012-2014 are Ira Levine of Levine & Associates, Joel Smith of Hendrick Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam, and Phil Holmes of St. Vincent’s

Health System. Continuing on the Board for the 2013-2015 term are Patty Barron, P.E., of the Birmingham Water Works Board, Leanne Graham of Sam’s Club in Hoover, and Jerome Morgan, Jr., owner of Oncort Professional services.

Elected at the December Chamber Luncheon to serve for the 2014-2016 term of office are Khristi Doss Driver of Southern Company, Reginald Jeter of Haskell, Slaughter, Young & Rediker, and Gregg Maercker of First Commercial Bank.

Luncheon: continued from page 1 Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, Feb. 17, by calling 988-5672, or emailing the Chamber office at lisa@hooverchamber. org. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The luncheon is $20, payable at the door, or $22 for anyone who shows up without reservations.

Payment can be made by cash,

check, or major credit cards.

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those who make reservations and simply do not come will be invoiced, since a meal will have been ordered for them at their request.

Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive, Hoover AL 35226.

(205) 822-0647. www. hoovercountryclub.org.

Firefighter Clint Moore was recognized as the first to be awarded this new award, the 2012 Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year for his outstanding performance and service in the line of duty. And Fire Lt. Rodger Cofer was recognized as 2012 Firefighter of the Year at the luncheon. Both awards were sponsored by TurnerBatson architects, as they have been for the past fifteen years. Shown left-to-right, Firefighter/Paramedic Clint Moore, aka C-Moore, Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate, Fire Lt. Rodger Cofer, and Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine • 57 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Thank You, Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees Jerry Cross, Chairman, Jefferson County EIDA Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama Lisa Worley, Anchor Insurance Agency Robert Linthout, Arrell Internet Services Gene Linton, Blue Cross and Blue Shield A. W. Bolt, Bolt Law Office Stephen Preston, Brookwood Medical Center Gary Wright, Cadence Bank Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama Gregg Maercker, First Commercial Bank David Bradley, Health 1 Consulting Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. Joel Smith, Hendrick Automotive Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Dominic Buompastore, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Henry King, King Acura Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance Edward Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance Norman Saia, Papa Saia’s Pizza Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage Chris Leech, Regions Financial Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Tim Prince, Shelby County Reporter Bill Stoeffhaas, Style Advertising Keith Pennington, Medical West Chris Moore, Virginia College at Birmingham

The Board of Trustees Mike Murphy, ABC 33/40 Television Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Systems Carol Adkins, Adkins OnTime Electric Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Philip Richards, Alabama Gas Corporation T. J. Fincher, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate Majority Leader, District Sixteen Jack Williams, Alabama State Representative Linda Cencula, Alabama Telco Credit Union Jimese Harkley, America’s First Federal Credit Union Felicia Fortune, American Family Care Randy Johansen, American Family Care Connie DeRamus, Ashley DeRamus Foundation Eric Efferson, BBVA Compass Bank Rihan Jamil, BB&T Bank Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Ken Crow, Belk Eric Wolf, Big Lots Rich McClennen, The Birmingham News Patty Barron, P.E., Birmingham Water Works Board Ken Leatherwood, Bright House Networks Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park Evelyn Phillips, Bryant Bank Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies Ryan Blackenburg, C B & S Bank Kristine Taylor, Cameron at the Summit Stacey Swinney, Chateau Vestavia Morris Jackson, Chick-Fil-A Mike Warren, Children’s of Alabama Dr. Mark Clark, Clark Holmes Oral & Facial

Surgery Dr. Jon Holmes, Clark Holmes Oral & Facial Surgery Dr. George Matthews, Jr., Clark Holmes Oral & Facial Surgery Dr. Lisa Miller, Clark Holmes Oral & Facial Surgery Suzanne Banks-Russell, Clear Channel Communications Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation David Roberson, Drummond Company Kevin Liles, Edwards Chevrolet-280 Ricky Brooks, Express Oil Robert W. Noah, Fortis Institute Steve Nix, First Educators Credit Union Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Terry Turner, J. D. Gentle, Turner & Sexton Sandy King, Gold’s Gym Tom Kent, Golden Living Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Charles ‘Mac’ McPherson, Greystone Shell Wes Teague, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors Reginald Jeter, J.D., Haskell Slaughter Young & Rediker, LLC Neal Harris, The Home Depot-Inverness Fawn Ozug, The Home Depot-Riverchase David Arnott, Homewood Suites-Inverness Teressa Eades, Homewood Suites-Riverchase Don Tate, Hoover Tactical Firearms Beverly Meadors, IberiaBank Sean Hart, ITT Technical Institute Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission P J Kimball, La Petite Academy Cheryl Thrasher, Lakeview Estates Assisted Living

Dr. Lawrence Lemak, Lemak Sports Medicine Dwight Burrell, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Steven Warren, Lowes Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s Mickie Manning, Office Depot Jose’ Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse Brad Thomas, PNC Bank Valeta Neal, Princeton Hoover Baptist Medical Center Brenda Reid, Publix Super Markets Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Thomas A. Martin, Riverchase Galleria Phil Holmes, St. Vincent’s Health System Leanne Graham, Sam’s Club Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Coreata’ Houser, Servpro of Birmingham Jeff Davis, Signature Homes Manjit Sodhi, Sodhi Insurance Agency Tim Meehan, Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Khristi Doss Driver, Southern Company Danny Braden, Tameron Automotive Alain Gallet, Terracon Alice Johnson, Trinity Medical Center Chris Breeding, The University of Phoenix Dave Wilson, UPS Stan Banks, Virginia College Online Caitlin Harris, Von Maur Dennis Hall, Walter Energy Jamie Lipscomb, Wal-Mart SuperCenter, Highway 150 Glenn Smith, Wal-Mart SuperCenter, Highway 280 Charles Waldrep, Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC Alison Lindsay, WIAT — CBS-42 TV Yvette Weaver, Y Media Works Russell Pate, Zaxby’s

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

Terri Williams AT&T www.att.com

Charles Waldrep Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC www.wskllc.com

Stacey Swinney Chateau Vestavia Retirement Community www.chateauvestavia.com

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

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

New Members December 2013 Any Reason to Plan Tara Vice, President - 368-8827

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry Money Mailer Dr. Rosalynn Crawford-McKendall - 739-7773 Jeff Gilliland, Owner - 540-1910

Birmingham Allergy & Asthma Specialists Drs. Clara Chung & Carol Smith - 943-1197

MedCenter Hoover PC Meredith Allgood or Holly James - 979-3013

Red Mountain Law Group Vaughn McWilliams, Attorney - 918-8808

Business Solutions Consultants Charles Bittick - 440-2459

MetLife Susan Miller 440-4624

Strickland Companies Mary Perry - 798-3000

Cornerstone Media Carol Keith - 443-0322

Miller Air Conditioning Stuart Murray, President - 251-2159

Vestavia Title, LLC Mark Gualano, Owner - 536-6999

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

58

Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC Charles Waldrep, Partner - 254-3216 - Board of Trustees Jenni Westhoven, CPA Jenni Westhoven - 733-9955 Jack Williams-Alabama State Representative Jack Williams - 862-5041 - Board of Trustees

Upcoming Events

February and March 2014 FEBRUARY Feb. 6: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

Feb. 13 7:30 to 9 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Easter Seals, 2717 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, 35233.

Contact Allison Nichols at 942-6277 or anichols@ eastersealsbham.org. www. eastersealsbham.org for information.

Feb. 18: 4:30 p.m. Chamber Board Meeting at Chamber Office.

Feb. 19: 4:30 p.m. Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office.

Visitors Welcome!

Feb. 20: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations

by Monday, Feb. 17. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not come will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20 or $22 without reservations.

Feb. 25: Noon Minority Business Committee Meeting at Chamber Office. Bring your own lunch if you like! Visitors welcome!

Feb. 27: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Business after Hours at Brookdale Place University Park, 400 University Park Drive, Birmingham/ Homewood, 35209. Contact Leanne Messer at kmesser@ brookdaleliving.com or 870-0786 for information.

MARCH

March 6 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting at Chamber Office.

Visitors Welcome!

March 13: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at South Hall Self Storage, 2400 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, 35244. Contact Ronnie Blakney at 981-8705 or ronnie.blakney@alacare.com for information.

March 18: 4:30 p.m. Chamber Board Meeting at Chamber Office.

March 19: 4:30 p.m. Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office.

Visitors Welcome!

March 20 Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club.

11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, March 17. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not come will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20 or $22 without reservations.

March 25: Noon Minority Business Committee Meeting at Chamber Office. Bring your own lunch if you like! Visitors welcome!

March 27: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Business after Hours at Chateau Vestavia Retirement Center, 2401 Columbiana Road, Vestavia 35216.

Contact Stacey Swinney at 82204773 or sswinney@trinitybelieves. com or www.chateauvestavia.com for information.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine • 59 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jason Cobb, Cadence Bank, 2014 President

Patti Barron, Birmingham Water Works Board

Joe Thomas, Capstone Financial Services, First Vice President

Khristi Doss Driver, J.D., Southern Company

Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation, Second Vice President

Leanne Graham, Sam’s Club

Dennis Cameron, C.P.A., Cooke, Cameron, Travis, Treasurer

Phil Holmes, St. Vincent’s Health System

Debbie Rockwell, Iberia Bank Mortgage, Secretary

Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consultants, Immediate Past President

Reginald Jeter, Gregg Maercker, J.D., Haskell, First Slaughter, Young Commercial & Rediker Bank

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Services

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members

Terry Turner, J.D., Gentle, Turner & Sexton, Legal Counsel

Joel Smith, Hendrick Automotive

Shine a spotlight on your business!

Advertise in Contact Nicole Loggins nicole.loggins@hooversmagazine.com (205) 669-3131 ext. 38

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

60

SPOTTED Meadow Brook Runs The 19th annual Meadow Brook Runs was held Dec. 14 at Aliant Bank. (Photos

by Cassandra Mickens) Kaitlyn and Madison Turner

Bryce and Rebecca Hutchinson

Zack and Lynda Howard

Ashleigh and Charlie Cutcliffe

Stacy Pavey and Tracy Hall

LeVar, Reba and Leython-George Williams

Lewis and Laura Boltz

Hannah, Tracey and Jon Langford

Hollie Baker and Kelci McLain

Victoria Hansen and Marty Langford February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

61

SPOTTED

Nutrition Lesson at RDS Riverchase Day School hosted its Nutrition Lesson Nov. 6-7. Students plant, cultivate, harvest and prepare a healthy snack from a garden adjacent to the RDS playground.

(Contibuted photos)

Anna Lilia Thors and Clara Jenkins

Anne Baker Blythe and Xavyer Jordan

Hanna Howell and Andrew Harney

Addison Wood and Walker Causey

62

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Carson Graham and Avery Adair

Cole Conti, Britton Bailey and Pearson McClendon

Griffon Mikos and Thomas Pathak

Ila Kolb and Josie Corgill

Madden Roach and Ava Mudano

Cammy Richardson and Ryleigh Williams

Business After Hours The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business After Hours Oct. 29 at Dixie Fish Company.

(Contributed Photos)

Greg Boggs and Hal Craig

Larry Daughty and Jeff Brown

Dedra Miele and Meredith Hooper

Dianne All and Vicki Everett

Kathleen Spencer and Trisston Wright Burrows February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

63

SPOTTED

Iron Bowl Bash Alabama and Auburn fans squared off Nov. 22 during the Iron Bowl Bash at the Hoover Senior Center. (Photos by Cassandra Mickens)

Tracy Vinzant and Leanne Messer

Dea Green and Lois Avery

64

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Amy Chhabra, Lois Avery, Janet Adams and Bobby Collier

Lori Salter-Schommer and Ron Christman

Joe Bianchi

Jeh Jeh Pruitt, Dea Green, Mayor Gary Ivey and Bobby Humphrey

Shirley Graham, Harry Chhabra and Dave Leibold

Rehabilitation Center of Excellence at Shelby Ridge

Glida Magnani, Bobby Humprey and Dave Leibold

Exceptional, Personal Rehab We see patients as real people ready to get back to everyday life. We’re here to get you there, on your schedule, with the results you deserve.

Leanne Messer, Tracy Vinzant, Dea Green, Gwen Vinzant-Kendrick, Angie Vacarella and Janice Chancey

ShelbyRidgeHealthAndRehab.com

(205) 620-8500

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

65

SPOTTED

GBHS Awards Luncheon The Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary, which boasts a number of members from Hoover, held its 2013 Awards Luncheon Dec. 6 at The Club.

(Photos by Donna O’Brien)

Becky Vance and Suzanne Orange

Kellie Rohm, Liz Holland and Ashley Hardin

66

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Bill Lamb

Donna O’Brien, Karen Swann and Mary Cole

Jennifer and Bob Alden

Allen Montgomery, Leigh Robinson and Cele Montgomery

J.J. Bischoff, George Pierce, Jay Reed and Mayor Alberto Zaragoza

Keith Foster, Karen Wood and Lucy Thompson Marsh

Sheila Portman, Diane Ferguson, Sharon Jackson and Carol Coppock

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

67

SPOTTED

Christmas Tree Lighting The city of Hoover hosted its Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 2 at the Hoover Municipal Complex. (Photos by Cassandra Mickens)

Heather Clarke Thomas and Beth Wood

Brittany Tooly and Alyssa Shepherd

Kristen and Jaxon Carlisle

Santa Claus and Rasahn Wilder

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

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Lauren and Caleb Johnson

Taylor and London Lane, Lindsey Glisson, Lucas, Jill, Kurt and Knox Thomas

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

69

SPOTTED

Spa 119 Open House Spa One Nineteen held its Holiday Open House Dec. 5 from 5-8 pm.

(Photos by Laurel Cousins)

Diana Spencer and Shannon Poole

Julia Garner

Harper Carson and Noelle Norris

Angel and Bettye Callens

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70

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Joanie and Stan Fela

Jolene James and Billie Holleman

Jennifer McConville and Shari Sims

Darlene Murphy, Betty Elam and Kim Kafat

Mondonna with Hossein Movahed with Leila February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

71

SPOTTED

Horizons Luncheon The Hoover New Horizons held its December luncheon Dec. 13 at the Hoover Country Club. (Photos by Cassandra Mickens)

Patricia Taylor and Lois Avery

Beverly Sublette and Frances Fansler

72

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Mary Gray and Sherald King

Carl and Janet Adams

Noble and Gayle Edwards

Suzanne Walker and Winford Hanson

Joyce and Michael Dina

Joe and Marie Bianchi

Ron Christman, Tracy Vinzant and Jim Branch February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

73

SPOTTED

Senior Center Halloween Party The Hoover Senior Center held its Halloween party Oct. 31. (Photos by Amy Jones)

Rose Marie Bunn and Janice Watson

Celesta True, Trudy Martin and Keena Brown

74

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Sandy Wolcott, Linda Colegrove and Sharon Maxwell

Linda Colegrove and Carolyn Thompson

Joe and Marie Bianchi

City Hall Christmas

Lea Pennington and Mary Ross Searcy

Members of the Hoover Beautification Board took part in the annual tradition of decorating Hoover City Hall for Christmas Nov. 25.

(Contributed photos)

Roberta Atkinson, Jennifer Gregory, Diane Ray and Lynne Cooper

Ann McAdams

Gene Powell and Dave Searcy

Lori Salter-Schommer, Jennifer Gregory, Rita Newell, Mable Prescott, Sara Perry, Pat Lawley and Donna Spencer

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

75

SPOTTED

50 Years of Art The Bluff Park Art Association’s “50 Years of Art” show was held Nov. 12 at the Hoover City Hall Gallery. (Contributed photos)

Pat Bendall, Mayor Gary Ivey, Beth Johns and John Lyda

Gene Smith and George and Donna Leigh Jackins

Denise Roberson and Sally Johnson

Alicia Cook and Beth Johns

76

Pat Bendall, John Lyda, Carolyn Kolar, Linda Chastain and Gene Smith

Cathy Wheeler Tate, Jeff Pierson and Keith and Karen Fravert

Janice Roberts, Jeff Pierson, Mayor Gary Ivey and June Bulow

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Sara Perry and Margo Burgess

John Lyda and Karl West

Sally Johnson

CALENDAR

Feb. 1 Younglife Frostbite 5K

a.m. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

•Veteran’s Park•

Feb. 4 A Taste of Chinatown

The Frostbite 5K and Fun Run benefiting Younglife of North Shelby County is Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. at with an 8:30 a.m.

Fun Run at Veteran’s Park on Valleydale. Visit Shelby. younglife.org for more information.

The Chocolate 5K •Veteran’s Park•

NR Road Racing presents a chocolatey good time with sweet treats to keep you going throughout the 5K. Yes there will still be water stations, but for those of you with a sweet tooth, you can also have a little piece of joy.

Enjoy a family friendly three mile course with your friends, family and other chocaholic strangers. Visit Active.com for more information.

Feb. 2 Global Cuisine at the Plaza •Hoover Public Library•

Coffee-ol-ogy Café will host a program about German culture and native foods on Feb. 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hoover Library Plaza. Free samples will be provided.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

•Birmingham Bake and Cook•

Birmingham Bake and Cook presents A Taste of Chinatown cooking class with Susan Green is Feb. 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. for $45 per person. Spicy peanut sesame noodles, chicken and Chinese broccoli stir fry with ginger sauce and spicy chili shrimp. A great menu, stir fry tips and techniques, and we will be making our own Chinese barbecue pork, as well!

Feb. 6 Meet the Artists Reception •Aldridge Gardens•

Former students of teacher Soon-Bok Sellers will be exhibiting in her honor in February and March in the Eddie & Kay Aldridge Art & Historical Collections Museum. Soon-Bok was art teacher at the old Berry High

School, and then became coordinator of art for the Hoover school system. The Meet the Artists Reception will be Feb. 6 from 5-7 p.m.

Indian Curry Making 101 •Birmingham Bake and Cook•

Indian Curry Making 101 with curry gurus Mukta Joshi and Himanshu Pant is Feb. 6 from 6:30-9 p.m. for $45 per person. Three curries! One foundational technique! We are so excited to have Mukta and Himanshu back to teach this very important Indian curry class. They will provide an overview of Indian foods, and introduction to India’s spices and herbs, the health benefits of Indian cuisine, and India’s vast and complex culinary diversity.

Curry making techniques are explored through discussion, demonstration and of course, preparation with the following menu: palak paneer (vegetarian spinach purée cooked with paneer, Indian fresh cheese), methi chicken (chicken curry with fenugreek) and tadka daal (curried lentils). All served

Dave Crenshaw Trio •Hoover Public Library•

Drummer Dave Crenshaw has toured with international superstar R&B singer Maxwell and is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.

He will lead a jazz trio for his performance here.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 8 Softball Registration •Hoover Central Park•

Spring 2014 evaluations for the Hoover Softball Association will be held at Hoover Central Park, 3468 Chapel Lane, on Feb. 8.

For more information, email president@hooversoftball. com.

Riverchase Loves Artists •Riverchase Country Club•

The Riverchase Women Club will host its annual Riverchase Loves Artists fundraiser Feb. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Riverchase Country Club.

More than 50 artists will be featured. Admission is free.

Presidential Party •Hoover Public Library•

Feb. 3 Friends of the Library •Hoover Public Library•

Friends monthly meeting featuring Patti Callahan Henry, author of “And Then I Found You.” Refreshments at 9:45 a.m. Program at 10

with fragrant basmati rice.

A Taste of Chinatown

Four score and a few months ago, we decided to celebrate President’s Day with stories, crafts and food fit for future presidential hopefuls in the Children’s Programming Room on Feb. 8 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

77

Feb. 9 Rachel Hebert •Hoover Public Library•

With roots in Louisiana, North Carolina and Alabama, Rachel Hebert’s songs grow up from the swamp and peat and clay of the American Southeast. The music invites you inside, the lyrics ask if you’ll stay and sit a spell. They are the sort of front-porch songs you’ll come to consider old friends. Come see Rachel perform in the Plaza at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 9. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 10 HSC Board Meeting •Hoover Soccer Club•

The HSC Board Meeting will meet on Feb. 10 at 6:45 p.m. and is normally the second Monday of the month. At the HSC Office, 1935 Hoover Court Suite 215. For more information, visit Hooversoccerclub.com.

CALENDAR

Operation HOPE •Hoover Public Library•

Learn how your small business can win and maintain government contracts on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Theatre Level Meeting Rooms. Reservations required. Please call 4447816. For more information, visit Hooveral.org.

Feb. 11 Project Valentines •Hoover Public Library•

Create cards, make crafts and eat cookies at 6:30 p.m. in the Children’s Programming Room on Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Breakfast •Birmingham Bake and Cook•

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Breakfast with Susan Green is Feb. 11 from 6:30–9 p.m.

for $40 per person. Get ready for a sweet start to your Valentine’s Day! Chocolate for breakfast! Chocolate rugalach (perfect with your morning coffee!), sweet cherry and chocolate stuffed French toast with creamy ricotta, griddled chocolate panini “toasts” with raspberry, and what would a Valentine’s Day Chocolate Breakfast be without a Decadent Chocolate Bread Pudding?

Feb. 13 Celebrating Presidents’ Month •Hoover Country Club•

Come and see the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, as interpreted by Johnny Curry of The American Village at the Hoover Country Club Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. Lunch is $18. For reservations or additional information, contact hscinformation-

HSC@yahoo.com.

Love Stinks •Hoover Public Library•

Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to an anti-Valentines Day celebration with lots of chocolate, games and much more. Program will be in the Plaza Reading Room on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Discover Duck!

•Birmingham Bake and Cook•

Discover Duck! with Susan Green is Feb. 13 from 6:309 p.m. for $45 per person.

Don’t be daunted by duck!

This class will not only show the great versatility duck but will answer all of your questions about how to defrost and prepare duck, how to get a nice, crispy skin and more! Our menu of traditional, global and just plain comforting makes this a class to truly quack over!

Classic duck à l�orange, crispy Chinese fried duck served with duck fried rice and pan seared duck breasts stuffed with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes.

Feb. 14 Hearts and Harmony Gala •Embassy Suites•

Celebrating Presidents’ Month

78

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

The Hoover Service Club will host the second annual Hearts and Harmony Gala at Embassy Suites in Hoover Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person, with $50 of that cost being tax-deductible.

For more information, email hscinformation-HSC@yahoo. com.

Feb. 15 Write Club Speaker •Hoover Public Library•

Meet Kerry Madden, the author of numerous children’s books. Kerry will talk about her influences growing up as the daughter of a football coach across the South and Midwest at Write Club on Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Plaza. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 17 Spring Practices Begin •Hoover Central Park•

Spring practices begin for the Hoover Softball Association at Hoover Central Park, 3468 Chapel Lane, on Feb. 17.

For more information, email president@hooversoftball. com.

Neuroscience Cafe: The Reading Brain - Its Function, Dysfunction and Autism •Hoover Public Library•

Psychology Associate Professor Rajesh Kana, Ph.D., Principal Investigator of the Cognition, Brain and Autism Laboratory at the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center will present The Reading Brain in relation to the bestseller, “The Reason I Jump,” on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 18 Southern Voices Festival - Artist Reception

•Hoover Public Library•

Please join the library for an art reception honoring Jerry Seigel all day Feb. 18 at the Friends Art Gallery.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 19 Liz Story •The Library Theatre•

One of the foremost pioneers of contemporary solo piano, Liz Story’s musical style defies traditional description and has inspired countless artists since the release of her debut album, Solid Colors, on the Windham Hill label in 1983. With a dozen albums now to her credit, Story’s works cross many musical genres, including classical piano, jazz, folk, pop and impressionistic music, painting a spectacular musical panorama. Lisa Downing, whose most recent album is currently atop the New Age charts, will open for this renowned and innovative artist. Show is Feb. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 21 Southern Voices Festival: An Evening with Ann Patchett •The Library Theatre•

A celebrated author of nine books including “The Patron Saint of Liars,” “State of Wonder” and the “Orange Prize” and PEN/Faulkner Award Winner Bel Canto, Patchett is a devoted reader and champion of literary

culture is Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Reception Frugalistics: Smart Shopping Using Coupons follows in the Library Plaza. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 22 Southern Voices Festival: Author Conference •The Library Theatre and the Library Plaza•

Featuring Claire Cook, Therese Anne Fowler, Susan Gregg Gilmore, Bill Roorbach, John Searles, Jeffrey Small and Steve Yarbrough. Book sales and signings will follow the afternoon session, Feb. 22 from 9-5 p.m. Lunch on your own. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 24 Monday at the Movies

Just Dance •Hoover Public Library•

•Hoover Public Library•

See “42,” the story about how Jackie Robinson paved the way for minorities by becoming the first AfricanAmerican to play in Major League Baseball, during Monday at the Movies on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. Free admission and refreshments!

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 25 Frugalistics: Smart Shopping Using Coupons •Hoover Public Library•

MakingCents presents

Angela Treadaway, from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, to learn how to save more throughout the year. Monthly coupon swap will follow the program.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Move and groove with your friends as you play Wii Just Dance on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Registration begins Feb. 10. For kids in grades 4-6.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

Feb. 28 The Amazing Race •Hoover Public Library•

Complete challenges at pit stops to reach your final destination on Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. Registration begins Feb. 10. Program for kids in grades 1-3. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org. n

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

79

classifieds Classifieds To place an ad in Hoover’s Magazine, call 205.669.3131 ACCEPTANCE LOANS $300 - $20,000 Home, Auto, Consumer, Refinance, Vacations.

205-663-5821 Drivers: Don’t get hypnotized by the highway, come to a place where there’s a higher standard!

Up to $2K sign on, Avg $65K/yr + bonuses! CDL-A, 1 yr exp. A&R Transport 888-202-0004 $2,500 SIGN - ON LOCAL CDL-A DRIVERS Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. is hiring DRIVERS to haul locally for our Birmingham and Montgomery terminals!

Great Benefits Include: * Home Daily *Health/Dental/Vision * 401K w/co match *Safety Bonuses * Paid Training Applicants Must Have: * Class A CDL * Ability to obtain Hazmat & Tanker endorsements * 2 Yrs T/T exp. Or 1 Yr T/T w/ CDL School Cert. * 25 Yrs or Older Apply Online at www.floridarockand tanklines.com or call 1-866-FLA ROCK Professionally Installed, Energy Efficient Windows for Less than you think! Single Hung Tilt-In from $179 Installed!Air Tight Windows 205-941-1888 AL PICK N’ TRADE 3985 Hwy 25 NEW VENDOR PROMOTION! First 3 months 1/2 off!!!

205-672-2022 (formerly Dixieland) Always There, In-Home Care Seeks CAREGIVERS In the Shelby County - Pelham, Alabaster & Montevallo area. Flexible

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schedules, Benefits & training available. Call for more information.

(205)824-0224 Automation Personnel Services. We are still taking applications @ JCI plant in Clanton for production and assembly positions. Prev. exp a plus.

We are also Looking for Exp Forklift Drivers! Able to pass Drug Test/ Background check. Able to lift up to 50Lbs and stand for 8 hrs. We are paying a $25 referral bonus for qualified Applicants. Please call 205280-0002 Or come and apply 8/2:30 @ 2541 7th Ave S Clanton Al 35045 Beelman Truck Co. Hiring!

EXPERIENCED TERMINAL MANAGER For Calera, AL Terminal. Sales & Operations Exp.Req. Excellent Pay/Benefits.

Call: 618-646-5384 Growing Pharmacy Looking for FT & PT Pharmacy Technicians at Brooklere Pharmacy Call 205.664.1200 or Visit Brooklere Pharmacy to fill out an application.

Piano Tuning / Repair, Refinishing, Moving & Storage Trained by The School for the Blind. Buddy Gray Music. 822-0482 800-593-2462 CDL Skills And Test Training, LLC. Day & Evening Classes Hoover Pelham Area 205-253-5960 Part-time PreschoolWorker 2-6 PM$8/ hour - 5 days/weekGreat for collegestudents!

Pelham, AL. 205-620-1616 Journeyman and 3 year Apprentice Electricians needed for commercial

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

and service work.

Birmingham area. jcason@brifutelectric.com

on experience.

(205)755-3369 Giles Cooling & Heating

$99 MOVE IN SPECIAL Cobblestone Cove is now leasing 1-2-3- bedroom apartments for more info call 205-665-3988 Mon-Fri 8-5

One Stop Shop for home additions and remodeling, retaining walls, concrete work, and masonry.

Gemmill Contracting 965-6300

Cobblestone Creek is now leasing 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments 1000 Cobblestone Ln. Montevallo 205 665-3988

Need Cash??? $25 Bonus for selling $100 of precious metals. $50 for $250 worth.

We buy gift cards!

Gold and Silver Buyers 1934 Hwy 31 S, Pelham 547-6063

PRN LPN 12 Hour Shifts Apply in person to Columbiana Health and Rehab 22969 Hwy 25 Columbiana, AL Contact Lisa Roberson, D.O.N. at 205-669-1712 TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com Brand New Queen Pillow Top Mattress and Box still in plastic, never used, factory warranty, will sacrifice, will go fast $195. 205-200-4523 Flooring Service Hardwood (1.25ft) Ceramic Tile (1.25ft) Laminate (.85ft) Carpet (.45ft) New Carpet Pad (.30) Carpet Cleaning & Repair 383-5958 or 209-9635 Driver Class A CDL, 2 yrs exp, Flatbed/Stepdeck OVER THE ROAD, Health Benefits/Paper Logs/Home Time, Avg 2700 mls wkly, Call 334-864-7456 Experienced HVAC duct installer needed. Good pay with great benefits.

Must be able to pass drug test. Salary based

Stylists Wanted Busy Salon in Chelsea 205-9667254 Sales Rep WZZN-FM ESPN Prospecting/cold calls 1 yr sales experience Media Sales Preferred See Qualifications on 977thezone.com EOE RECEPTIONIST: #1 TAX OFFICE IN CHELSEA SEEKING RECEPTIONIST. TEMP FT OR PT AVAILABLE. SEND RESUME TOTAXPROCHELSEA@ YAHOO.COM DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is hiring OTR Drivers for our Northport & Fairfield AL Terminals. Minimum weekly pay & benefits. Willing to Train. Prefer Flatbed Exp. Veterans Welcome Contact Dwayne 800-634-7315 E.O.E. CNA’s, LPN’s, RN’s FT and PT positions available for 2nd & 3rd Shift. New pay scale. Please apply in person at Hatley Health Care, Inc 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045

For more LIVE & ONLINE auction info, contact Heritage Realty & Auction DFarmer793.

800.445.4608 www.HeritageSales.com CHILDERSBURG 30+/- acres with 2,000 ft of frontage on Lay Lake slough. Great recreational tract close to town. $99,000 Connor 205-790-4954 www.hpprop.com The HomeCare Connection Leading homecare provider that lets seniors do their favorite activities in the comfort of their own homes. Services include: housekeeping, meal prep, companionship, transportation, massages, computer training, med reminders, online billing, Wii console, hair styling, plus much more!

453-4285 hcneeds.comm In a Wheel Chair?

We can get you out of the house and on the road today! Specializing in transportation of handicapped individuals.

205-436-8216 J&D Transit J.H. Berry & Gilbert Multi-Family, Inc. 205-226-8666 leasing@jhberry. combirminghamapartment.com South / Highland area apartments available.

LAWN CARE For Complete Lawn Care Service.

Call Kevin 296-2037 Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year RoundAnniston, AL www. pull4klb.com

CLASS A CDL OTR DRIVERS $2500 Sign on Bonus1 yr. recent minimum exp Great Benefits! APPLY NOW! 866-759-9204 ext. 176 www.iws-trucking.com

Production Team Members in Vance, AL HS Diploma or GED, 2 yr Manufacturing exp. Mustbe 18+, pass background check, 2 yr AL resident, $14.50 per hour http://naonsite.com/Job/

** Benefits Package ** Machine Operators Must have 2 plus years of experience as a manufacturing Machine Operator. Machine set-up experience is a major plus! Pay DOE. Industrial Maintenance Minimum of 2 yrs. exp.

Must be able to weld.

Apply in person: Smith Companies 100 Pardue Road Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-4455

Premier Basketball Goal Installers!

Premier Basketball Goals and Batting Cageswww. metrogoals.com205-6640002

OXFORD HEALTHCARE LPN’s, RN’s & CNA’s Full Time/Part Time Please apply @helpathome. com205-608-1612

Move Your Business to Calera! (Behind P.O.) 700 & 1400 (+-) sq ft available. Store front/office space, surrounded by est. businesses.

1305/1361 10th Ave Call (205)668-6824

Right at Home Homecare services available in your area. Please call 205460-1062 Immediate Job Openings for Caregiver/ CNAs in Shelby County.

Apply at www.rahbhm. com.

Mont. Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Wesley at 334-850-1608.

For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-9658657

MECHANIC NEEDED: Afternoon Shift SOUTHERN HAULERS, LLC, 2157 Hwy 16 Calera, Alabama 35040 Tractor, Trailer & Welding Repairs. Must have own tools. A clear drivers license is needed.

CDL a plus. 401k, Health, Dental, Rx options. For information,call Carson or Tim @( 800 ) 5374621 x 715, e-mail to: cvick@southernhaulersllc. com or tjohnsonjr@ southernhaulersllc.com

Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Al. Day Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hrs./week 10:00 a.m. until finished (varies). $10.50-$14.00/ hour.

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

Requirements •Lift 60 lbs. repetitively.

•Work in 90+ Temp. & -10 freezers • Walking majority of day.

• Reading & math skills required.

Apply 10:30AM-5:00PM Mo-Fr. Southeastern Food Pelham, Alabama 35124 201 Parker Drive 205-685-4551

APPLIANCE TECHS Put your experience and skills to work! Signing bonus! Excellent pay & benefits + vehicle Call 205-949-1785 or email careers@ servicecare.net

Rag Quilts for Sale All sizes. Made to order.

Matching Pillowcases monogrammed. Quick return. Southern Belle Handmade Gifts bwilliams1581@gmail (205)670-0191

Fire & Water Techs Needed For Restoration Company. Must pass background check and drug test, have reliable transportation and good driving record. F/T & P/T position available, willing to train. Serious Inquiries.

Call 424-4211 btw 9-11.

PLUMBERS NEEDED Call 682-2828, fax resume to 682-2827 or email to resume@sps9.com

Prime Hwy 31 Space Across from Wal-Mart.

1500 sq ft. Office or retail.

205-789-3475 Next to Sharp Carpet.

Spivey Family Dentistry is seeking an ALLSTAR Dental Assistant.

Experience in the office is mandatory. RDH welcome and preferred.

Send resumes to spiveyfamilydentistry@ gmail.com

Class A CDL Drivers Needed immediately.

Local Chilton & Shelby County. Hauling - 3 yrs min. driving history with Dump Trailer Exp. Home nights. APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking. com PERDIDO TRUCKING SERVICE, LLC 251-4700355 Join the team driven

by Excellence! $1750 sign-on bonus! Republic Services has openings for Residential Drivers Apply on line at republicservices. com WE DO IT ALL! Basement to Roof Home Repair 35 yrs experience!

Specializing in masonry and roofing. 205-434-8046 Ridgeview & Clearspring Apartments 100 Egg & Butter Rd Columbiana Open Sat. 10am-4pm Leasing 1,2 & 3 BR WOW! $50 off move-in special! 205-669-7999

Immediate Openings For Full Time Positions ** Comprehensive **

Electricians Needed Birmingham & Tuscaloosa Call 682-2828, fax resume to 682-2827 or email to resume@sps9.com

Immediate Openings!

RN * LPN * CNA Care Managers Apply in person at 4941 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham. AL 35210 St. Martins in the Pines

dump trailer exp. Excellent benefits including Blue Cross & furnished uniforms with a boot allowance.

Contact Carl or Valerie 800-749-5552 or 205-3225552 or apply online at www.walpoleinc.com

Immediate Positions Available! Looking for five motivated people to replace five lazy ones. $150-400 cash daily.

Flexible with the hours.

Hiring immediately. Will train. Call Drew(205)4901003 or (404)723-1322

Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Inc. has many new openings for OTR drivers. 21 years of age, Class A CDL W/haz, 6 mos OTR exp, no more than 2 moving violations or accidents in the past 3 years, competitive pay, Health/Dental/Vision (BCBS), 401k plan, free rider program. Call recruiting at 1-855-777-9785

S & B CLEANING Experienced in Residential & Comm. Cleaning. 205603-1553 Reasonable w Ref. INSURED & BONDED CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/ Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 General Warehouse Forklift Drivers Forklift Mechanic Q.A. Tech Needed Swift Staffing 205-942-6556 Stable Hand Position Shoal Creek in North Shelby County. Experience preferred. Apply at 9919720.

MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit.

3 bdrm., 2 bath. No renters.1-205-289-8899 LandHomesExpress.com Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and your career started!

TANK DRIVERS NEEDED NOW! Min. age 23 and a good MVR required. Most Nights at home We will train for tank if you have 2 yrs. verifiable Tractor/Trailer Exp. Delivery & Return type carrier.

SE States. Dump Trailer Drivers Must have verifiable

Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt equipment operators (Pavers, Rollers,Backhoes, etc.) Must be dependable.

Excellent benefits.

Interested applicants may apply 951 Dow Street, Pelham, AL 35124 8AM to 5PM,M-F. (205) 620-4132.

WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Xpress Concierge Services inc. elderly help, pet help, corporate &personal asst, errands, appt wait services, appt scheduling, organizing & research. (888)660-5504 xpressconcierge.org Zaxby’s of Clanton seeking reliable, motivated, and experienced individuals for Management positions.

To apply email resume, earning expectations and references to ZaxbysCareer@gmail. com. No phone calls, faxes or walk-ins.

Qualified applicants will be contacted directly for interviews. EOE PT Laundry Attendant Weekends a must, customer service skills, dependable trans.

Soap Box Laundry Mat Lorna Rd in Hoover Call 205-401-9084

February 2014 | Hoover’s Magazine •

81

why I love Hoover

‘For a big town, it just seems that Hoover has a small town feeling’

D

avid Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, grew up in Miami and graduated from Florida State University. After more than 20 years in the hotel industry in south Florida, Cohen and his family moved to Hoover in 2006 after he accepted a position at the Wynfrey Hotel. His wife, Sue, is a registered nurse at a local home health agency. His son, Robbie, is a 10th grader at Hoover High School and plays basketball, and his daughter, Katie, a dancer, is a seventh grader at Bumpus Middle School. The Cohens opened The Whole Scoop on Valentine’s Day 2011. Cohen also teaches hospitality at Jefferson State Community College.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a small business owner?

A: It’s great to be able to connect with our community and participate in events and programs that I think are important; such as Taste of Hoover, Bumpus Theater Productions and Ice Cream for A Report Cards to name just a few.

Q: What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

A: Normally I would say play golf, however, lately that has been a bit challenging to carve out the time. Now it’s something as simple as picking Katie up after dance and getting something to eat and talking a little on the way home.

Q: What is your favorite book, and why?

A: Really any good mystery or adventure book that I can dive into on vacation, usually it’s a James Patterson book.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2014

Q: What is your favorite movie, and why?

A: “It’s a Wonderful Life” is definitely my favorite. It’s a great story about how a man has an impact on so many people in his life without even knowing it.

Q: What’s something not many people know about you?

A: I once performed “Swan Lake” in a pink tutu with my food and beverage co-workers in South Florida; and I have pictures to prove it!

assign to the students in my Jeff State Class. It probably is a combination of two or three bosses and my Dad. They guided me to care enough for people to know their name, what’s important to them and always remember that “the most important things in life aren’t things.”

Q: What is the most memorable thing you have ever experienced?

A: Getting married on a rooftop in the Florida Keys overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with Scottish bagpipers playing in the background. It really touched Q: What is it about Hoover that makes me. it special?

Q: What inspired you to open The A: I see the same people at a HHS Whole Scoop? football game, at Publix, church or A: It was something that has been at the ice cream shop, all in the same week. For a big town, it just seems that a thought for a while. Ice cream has Hoover has a small town feeling. There always been a special language in my family. I would answer a question with, is just such a feeling of community.

“That’s why Baskin Robbins has 32 flavors.” It’s comfort food, it reminds us Q: Who inspired you to get to where of our childhood and family members you are today? that have been gone a while. n A: That sounds like a project that I

Empower your passion, begin here.

No one can predict what the market will do in the next five years. But judging by the last five, there’s only one thing we know is certain: change. That’s why we don’t simply prepare you for today’s issues - we teach you to think critically, adapt, create, solve and lead others to do the same.

Graduate programs available: • Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Master of Arts (M.A.) English

• Master of Science (M.S.)

Speech Language Pathology

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) Counseling Elementary Education P-12 Education Secondary Education Instructional Leadership Collaborative Education

• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Instructional Leadership Teacher Leadership Instructional Technology (coming Fall 2014)

For more information, contact: 205.665.6350 or graduate@montevallo.edu

Ruwaldt Viljoen 2012 MBA graduate