Hoovers Magazine February 2017 by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

Better with time

Hooks family remodels longtime home instead of moving

Right direction School bus drivers strive to make difference in kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives February 2017 Hooversmagazine.com $4.95

Living proof Christian Cooper reflects on recovery after car fire

Time to tangle

Artist leaves corporate job to teach Zentangle classes

Barbecue with Cajun kick Swamp Monster BBQ brings Louisiana flavors to Hoover

MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S FITNESS RESOLUTIONS A REALITY

NO ENROLLMENT FEE NO CONTRACT Ben Tamburello, Member since 2005

NO KIDDING

408-6544 • onenineteen.com 7191 Cahaba Valley Road

This offer ends February 28, 2017.

Turning bad into good Hoover resident Christian Cooper has had to be brave many times over the last year. Many people in the area – and many more beyond the Hoover city limits – already know Cooper’s story. At just 24 years old, Cooper, the son of Hoover City Board of Education member Earl Cooper and his wife, Kay, had to fight for his life after sustaining severe burns to the majority of his body in a car fire Feb. 27, 2016. Based on his condition, doctors gave Cooper only a 5-percent chance of survival his first night in the hospital, adding if he did survive, he likely wouldn’t walk out. Now, one year later, Cooper is walking, talking and celebrating milestones in his recovery that have inspired his family, friends and thousands of others who have followed his journey – a journey he has chosen to share with the community as a way to give back and to give thanks for the support he has received from neighbors and strangers alike. What struck me perhaps as much as Cooper’s persistence through all

of the pain, procedures and uncertainties in his recovery was his attitude. He said maintaining a positive attitude helped him and the medical professionals working with him. It also boosted his family members, who have been by Cooper’s side during every setback and every victory in his recovery. This young man’s willingness to publicly share his story in an effort to help others is inspiring. I have no doubt the good he continues to do will extend beyond Hoover. Before you put down this month’s issue, be sure to check out our other features highlighting local arts and culture, homes and businesses. Feel free to reach out to me at Emily.Sparacino@ HooversMagazine.com with any story ideas you have. Thank you for making Hoover’s Magazine a part of your new year! n

Emily Sparacino emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine. com Twitter: @HooversMag Facebook.com/HooversMagazine Instagram: HooversMag

ADMINISTRATIVE

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

MARKETING

Tim Prince

Graham Brooks

Connor Bucy

Meagan Barton

Katie McDowell

Steven Calhoun

Jamie Dawkins

Ashley Duckett

Mary Jo Eskridge

Baker Ellis

Clarke Stackhouse

Ellie Frederick

Kristy Brown

Alec Etheredge

Kari George

Hailey Dolbare

Briana Harris

Daniel Holmes

Stacey Meadows

Amalia Kortright

Kim McCulla

Keith McCoy

Rhett McCreight

Emily Sparacino

April Spivey

Neal Wagner

Jessica Spradlin Kerrie Thompson

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 $20.41 for one year by emailing subscribe@hooversmagazine.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

FEATURES 28

Back to the start Urban Barn Clothing Co. returns to U.S. 280

Proof miracles happen Burn victim Christian Cooper shares details of recovery one year after car fire

Steering students toward success Hoover school bus drivers serve as positive role models for kids February 2017 | Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine â&#x20AC;˘

inside

ARTS & CULTURE 5 Whole new world

Bluff Park artist helps others tap into creativity through Zentangle

AT HOME 14 Still a perfect fit

FEATURES 28 Back to the start

Urban Barn Clothing Co. returns to U.S. 280

Hooks family remodels longtime Riverchase home to meet changing needs

Organize your world Designer explains how to transform your home with organizational systems

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Proof miracles happen Burn victim Christian Cooper shares details of recovery one year after car fire Crazy good Swamp Monster BBQ serves up classics with New Orleans flavors Steering students toward success Hoover school bus drivers serve as positive role models for kids

HEALTH & BEAUTY 54 Don’t skip a beat

Survivors advocate for increased heart health awareness

Is it cold or allergies? An ENT at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen answers your seasonal questions

IN EVERY ISSUE 2 Editor’s Note 11

The Book Nook

Aldridge Gardens newsletter

Snippets

Hoover Area Chamber Connection

Spotted

Marketplace

Calendar

arts & culture

WHOLE NEW WORLD Bluff Park artist helps others tap into creativity through Zentangle

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

PAGE 5: This is a page showing mixed media techniques artist Darla Williamson uses and teaches in her art journaling classes – acrylic paint, stencils and gel pens. Art journaling is a journal or diary containing images or words and frequently uses mixed media techniques.

medium,” she said. “I’d always dabbled in stuff, but never had the time commitment or desire to do any one thing.” Prior to opening Tangled Stones Studio ich colors, interesting textures in Bluff Park’s Artists on the Bluff building and appealing patterns dance in August 2012, Williamson was a corporate their way across the surfaces banker. of pottery, canvas, silk scarves “Banking kind of fell into my lap,” she and other mixed media pieces in artist Darla said. “I was a corporate banker for about 14 Williamson’s studio at Artists on the Bluff. One would never guess Williamson, 50, of years.” The stress of her job got to be too much, Bluff Park was, at one point, unsure of her and Williamson decided a career change was artistic identity––and didn’t have much time in order. to figure it out. But she didn’t know exactly what the “I was having a hard time finding my

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

change would entail. As a child, Williamson was surrounded by people with varying creative talents. Her mother is a portrait and sculpture artist, and her father is an engineer who “can build anything.” She also has cousins who are musicians and a great aunt who is a songwriter. “I was always raised around a creative family,” Williamson said. She had taken a pottery class 25 years ago and loved it, but she didn’t have time to continue amid her responsibilities in the corporate world.

A year before Williamson quit her job, she decided to take a pottery class at Artists on the Bluff. Around the same time, her mother-in-law sent her a Zentangle starter kit to try. Created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts nearly a decade ago, Zentangle is a method of creating images by drawing structured patterns, and achieving relaxation through the process. “Zentangle is very relaxing,” Williamson said. “You can get lost in time doing it. Once you get into the groove, it’s almost meditative.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Pictured is one of Williamson’s Zentangle drawings. Williamson holds a silk scarf she felted by hand. Williamson teaches classes on Zentangle, a method created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts of creating images by drawing structured patterns. Williamson uses a watercolor pencil on canvas to create a gemstone. This Zentangle piece, done with oilbased paint pens contains different patterns. This cross, featuring a design from Williamson pressed into the clay, is one of many pieces of pottery she has made.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

She soon realized she wanted to do more than a kit could offer. “I woke up one morning, and it was like, ‘You need to teach Zentangle,’” Williamson said. In order to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher, or CZT, a person has to complete a training seminar taught by Thomas and Roberts, the method’s creators. The seminars fill up quickly, Williamson said, and she ended up on a waiting list. But she was persistent. Williamson kept calling to check if her name had moved up on the list. Eventually, she received the go-ahead to attend a seminar in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2011. “It was a four-day course, and it’s very intensive,” she said. “Rick and Maria, they are awesome. It was a great experience to hear their story and their dream. They are very approachable.” Williamson said there are about 2,500 certified Zentangle teachers in — Darla Williamson 27 countries around the world. She has been teaching Zentangle for four-and-a-half years now and has taught more than 2,000 students. Williamson offers beginner classes and sometimes holds sessions at local libraries and churches. “We all have creativity. I like to help people discover theirs,” Williamson said. “For me, I was constantly busy. It really helps open up a whole new world. I always had very creative ideas, but had no idea how to implement them.” She makes and sells pottery, mostly functional pieces like plates and bowls, but also decorative items, like crosses and hearts. “I love texture and try to find different ways to incorporate it into my pottery,” Williamson’s website reads. “I use a lot of old fabrics pressed into the clay, I add three dimensional flowers, hearts and borders, and I also carve into the clay. Every day offers a new opportunity to try something.” And, sometimes, Zentangle designs appear in her pottery. Her pieces are available for purchase at the Artists on the Bluff Resident Gallery, White Flowers in

“We all

have creativity. I like to help people discover theirs.”

best best OF THE

2016

HOOVER

LEFT: Williamson worked in corporate banking for many years prior to changing career paths and opening her Tangled Stones studio at Artists on the Bluff in 2012. February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

ABOVE: Williamson’s “Gratitude” piece was done with a watercolor background and ink.

Homewood and her studio. Williamson doesn’t teach pottery classes, admitting pottery is a personal outlet for her. “That’s all for me,” she said, “To feed my creativity. I have to keep mine flowing.” She also does felting and dying on silk scarves. “I love making the scarves,” she said, adding Maria Robinson, an artist formerly located next door to Williamson at Artists on the Bluff, taught her about felting and dying the scarves. “Silk and felt meld together with lots of agitation.” Williamson also worked with scarves at a workshop led by Doug Baulos, assistant professor of drawing and bookmaking at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The name of Williamson’s studio, Tangled Stones, reflects her interest in Zentangle and pottery. “I came up with Tangled Stones because I love to Zentangle and I love to do pottery, which is stoneware,” she said. Williamson’s students range in age, ability and background. She has taught people

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

recovering from a stroke, people grieving the loss of a family member, children with autism and adults who just found time to take an art class. “I’ve had some wonderful students,” she said, noting some have become certified Zentangle teachers themselves. She said the greatest reward for her, as a teacher, is to see people do things they thought they couldn’t do. She and her husband, Derek, a professor at the University of Alabama, married six years ago and decided to move to Bluff Park. “We fell in love with Bluff Park,” she said. “It’s a real community type feel. You know your neighbors.” Darla started teaching after-school Zentangle classes in January. To view her class schedule, visit Tangledstones.com. She provides all of the supplies needed for her classes. “I like to help people find their creativity,” she said. “I have students that have been with me since the beginning, so they challenge me. It’s awesome.” n

the book nook

BrainHQ boosts your mind Staying healthy is important. Millions of people go to the gym to give their bodies a workout, but it’s just as important to keep your mind healthy. Have you ever thought of giving your brain a workout? The Hoover Public Library has a new resource that allows residents to do just that. BrainHQ is an online system Jason Brown designed to give your mind a Nonfiction Librarian boost through more than two dozen exercises in areas such as attention, brain speed, memory, intelligence, people skills and navigation. As you get the hang of each exercise, the difficulty increases, allowing you to hone and master your newfound skills. BrainHQ works on your schedule. The exercises are fast, each taking only about five minutes, and easy to complete on your PC or Apple devices. Play your favorite exercises whenever you want, for as long as you want. BrainHQ can also create a customized training regimen for you. In just 20 minutes a day, work through targeted exercises to reach weekly goals. Posit Science, a company founded by a team of neuroscientists, created BrainHQ to be the culmination of 30 years of research in the science of neuroplasticity. While it was once believed that brain development ended in early childhood, science has since proven that our brains are much more adaptable and, with the proper training, we can continue to improve brain function even into old age. According to their website, the benefits of BrainHQ have been proven through hundreds of clinical studies. In one major study, their exclusive speed training exercise was shown to lower dementia risk by up to 48 percent. Another study found that brain exercises helped cancer survivors reduce the symptoms of stress, fatigue and anxiety that often result from chemotherapy. Other possible benefits of brain training include more self-confidence, better mood and better hearing in noisy places. Visit www.hooverlibrary.org and click on the BrainHQ button to set up an account, then you can download the BrainHQ app from the Apple app store. Call (205) 4447840 for more information. Jason Brown is the nonfiction librarian at the Hoover Public Library and can be reached at 444-7840. n February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

New Fountain

Have you seen our new Majestic fountain yet? Come check it out! We are deeply grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation for providing funding for this beautiful accent to our lake. Turtle Fountains, LLC, manufactured the fountain. The spray can rise about 26 feet above the surface of the water with a diameter of 45 feet.

In the Gallery: Linda Vance

Would you like to make a real contribution to the community this year? Join us as a volunteer! Volunteers enable Aldridge Gardens to offer many exciting events and activities through the year. Volunteers assist us in many ways, and you may find your talents are perfectly suited to helping us make our Gardens great. You could find your calling as an Education Docent, Gallery Docent, Gift Shop Attendant, Greeter, Horticulture Helper, Special Events Assistant, or as a Tour Guide. You will gain personal satisfaction and make new friends. For more information, contact Phyllis Giles at 205-681-8019 or go to volunteer@ aldridgegardens.com.

Meet the Artist Reception: Thursday, February 9, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Propagators’ private reception with the artist: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Linda Vance is a professional artist and art instructor. Her art studio is located in Hoover. Her inspirational works will be on view and available for sale in the gallery through March. Also, be sure to see our special Frank Fleming sculpture collection inside the gallery. The Eddie and Kay Aldridge Art and Historical Collections Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except when there is a private event inside the house.

Save the Date for These Upcoming Events! Arbor Day Celebration with the City of Hoover: Saturday, March 4 Guided Bird Walks for Members Only: Saturdays, March 25, April 15, May 20, June 17

Propagation Workshop: Saturday, April 22 Spring Plant Sale: Thursday, April 27 Saturday, April 29

Summer Camps: Monday, June 5 - Friday, June 30 Hydrangeas Under the Stars: Saturday, June 10

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

Pruning for Form and How to Avoid “Crape Murder”

Sunday, February 12 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm $12 members/$15 non-members Class limited to 20 participants Learn the correct guidelines for pruning trees and shrubs, how to eliminate “crape murder,” and the best ways to remove unwanted limbs and stems to bring new vigor to your landscape. Aldridge Gardens’ Executive Director Rip Weaver will teach participants how to correctly prune crape myrtles and other ornamentals. Using branches from the grounds, he’ll demonstrate and show you how to correctly prune some of our favorite shrubs and specific landscape plants. Bring hand pruners to get a feel for how it should be done. Register at aldridgegardens.com. With a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, Aldridge Gardens offers a unique setting for corporate meetings and team building events, for a retreat, a wedding, or a special family party. Our professional event planners can help make your day perfect. For information, contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales & Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com. February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

at home

Terry and Ken Hooks, Riverchase residents for more than 30 years, have completed two major remodeling projects on their home over the years.

â&#x20AC;˘ Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine | February 2017

Still a perfect fit Hooks family remodels longtime Riverchase home to meet needs WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

erry and Ken Hooks have called Riverchase home for more than 30 years and say it is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. “The community, schools and location were a perfect fit for us then and still are today,” Terry shares. “It’s safe, secure and a naturally beautiful place to call home.”

After outgrowing their first Riverchase home, the Hooks moved to their second home in Riverchase, this one in the Country Club sector in 1988. With four sons and two dogs, the family’s need for space changed over the years, but leaving Riverchase was not an option for them. Their home grew and changed as their family did. The Hooks have completed two February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The dining room, like the rest of the house, features an eclectic blend of contemporary art and antiques the couple has collected. Collectible items line the shelves of this rustic piece. Roses in the center of the table add a soft element to the room.

major remodeling projects, one in 1995 and most recently in 2015. Both projects involved the exterior and interior of their home. In that first major renovation in 1995, the Hooks focused on changing the style of the exterior of the house and adding more living space and a carriage house.

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

“We changed the exterior of our house by enhancing the roof line, exchanging wood siding and brick with dryvit and expanding the master bedroom suite on the main level, the family room, and workout room below,” Terry explains. “We also built a two-story carriage house connected to the main house by a catwalk.”

To tie it all together, a circular drive was added to the existing driveway and finished with stamped concrete. For the Hooks’ four boys (Caton, Auston, Delaney and Alex), a basketball and half tennis court was constructed in the back yard surrounded by natural woods. The main level of the house was all

gutted and updated. In 2015, the Hooks took on a similar project. This time they changed the dryvit façade to painted brick and stucco, finished out the garage level and work and hobby room of the carriage house and took the catwalk down. The driveway was changed from concrete

ABOVE: The couple’s master suite received a facelift during the second renovation.

Mending kids’ hearts It’s what we do best. Our team of more than 250 pediatric professionals is recognized for its excellence by U.S. News & World Report. From tiny babies to teens, we care for Tucker and Mei Mei and every child as if that child were our own. b 22 Board-certified physicians and surgeons b 425 cardiac surgeries annually b 31 heart transplants over the past four years, with a greater than 90%one-year survival rate b 99% survival rate for all surgical patients in 2016 b 20 private CVICU rooms, 16 private CCU rooms, 2 CV operating rooms and 2 cath labs

Pediatric & Congenital

HEART Center of

Alabama

PEDIATRIC CARDIOVASCULAR SERVICES

Learn how you can help. Visit www.ChildrensAL.org/heart For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

“During the second

renovation, we decided to update the look of the house overall both inside and out.” — Terry Hooks 18

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

LEFT: The exterior of the home received updates during both sets of renovations in 1995 and 2015. TOP: Each room of the house is full of furniture and artwork Terry and Ken have handpicked over the years. MIDDLE: In the kitchen, they installed new English inset cabinetry and Subzero/Wolf appliances. ABOVE: Flowers and greenery fill a wooden container.

to asphalt with blue stone curbing, giving the exterior a bit of a French look. In the back yard the Hooks decided to replace the half court with a swimming pool. After clearing some trees, they also added a nice grassy area for a clear view of the golf course. “During the second renovation we decided to update the look of the house overall both inside and out,” Terry says. The second time around, the carriage house was not finished upstairs because they no longer needed the extra living space. To update the interior of their home, Terry and Ken decided to start with refinishing the February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A piece of glass art hangs in one of the rooms. The Hooks enjoy their porch as a living area, particularly in the spring and fall. The main level of the home has many windows that let in natural light. In 2015, they replaced the half court with a swimming pool. This metal horse and wagon piece is one of many in the couple’s eclectic collection.

hardwood floors, dressed walls with fresh coats of paint and replaced light fixtures. Their master suite also got a facelift. “We also extended the kitchen and breakfast room to make it more spacious,” she says. In the kitchen, new English inset cabinetry replaced the older style and to complete the look and Subzero/Wolf appliances were installed. Making the house a home is an eclectic

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

blend of contemporary art and antiques that is comfortable and livable. “For me,” Terry says, “this house is home because I am surrounded with furniture and artwork Ken and I have handpicked over the years. Many pieces were collected during great adventures we have had. “I don’t really have a favorite room in the house, but I do feel I like I enjoy the main level the best and each room on it for different reasons,” she continues. “The main

Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

2016

level has lots of windows with wonderful natural light. In the spring and fall, the porch becomes a cozy living area to spend time.” The precious times spent with immediate family (that has grown by three daughters-in-laws and eight grandchildren), extended family and good friends make the renovations worth the time, money and effort. “Here I feel a positive sense of peace and contentment, which is a wonderful place to be,” Terry says. n February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

Wall to Wall

Organize your world Learn how to transform home with organizational systems

ow that the Christmas decorations are put away and the new year is here, now might be a good time to think about organization. As you are gearing up to spend more time inside your home, take a look around and see what areas might need a little straightening. “Getting organized” is said to be the second most popular resolution made when the year turns to a new one. Here’s a list of some of the benefits you will gain from tackling that chore: uYou will be able to relax more. uOrganization can help you find things faster. uYou’ll feel better about your home. uYou’ll be healthier by reducing stress. uYou’ll be a better role model for others. uYou’ll save money because many purchases actually never get used because they can’t be found once they’re brought home. Start with your bedroom. Shouldn’t you have a closet that makes you feel better at the start and end of every day? Today, there are closet, shelving and storage systems that will fit anywhere in the home or office. You don’t need a room-sized closet to be organized, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. And organizational systems are not just limited to closets. We use systems that provide us the ability to adapt to every need. The endless configuration options achieve multiple uses such as room dividers, a display system, shelving, storage or a fabulous walk-in closet. Tight on space? Systems like these can help you transform any space into one that is not only functional, but looks great too. Once you have finished with the master 22

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

bedroom, look at your entry way—the one you use most often. How does that make you feel every time you use it? Then move on to your pantry, laundry, each bedroom, Laura Purvis the garage, etc. Owner of Decorating View them Den Interiors, each as an decdens.com/laurap opportunity to laurap@decoratingden.com make you feel 205.918.8743 better. Before that decision, however, you’ll need to give some thought to such factors as: Are there seasonal changes in the contents to be stored? Are there bulky items? For closets, do you want shoes on the floor or on shelves? Are you aiming to store smaller items like jewelry? Then there are the measurements: Measure how much space your clothes take up now. Measure both the front and back dimensions of a closet. Be sure to account for the baseboard and any inside trim. While there are web sites that can help you and there are some systems that can be designed and installed by the more accomplished do-it-yourselfers, you might find it advantageous to use a professional. Decorating Den Interiors has people that can provide those services as well as the systems. It may seem daunting, but remember those benefits, and you won’t have to make getting organized one of your resolutions for the New Year. n

happening in hoover

Student selected for Youth Leadership Forum

Honor band to perform at concert festival The Simmons Middle School Honor Band has been accepted to perform at the 2017 Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga. Selection was based on performance recordings submitted from the previous school year. Only eight middle school and eight high school bands from throughout the Southeast will present concerts at this distinguished event in March 2017. The SMS Honor Band is made up of seventh and eighth grade students including: Samir Abouhaidar, Isaiah Amos, Georgia Anderson, Duncan Bates, Blake Brewer, Will Briscoe, Todd Brownbridge, Faith Chang, Christopher Cheng, Luke Clark, Abigail Collins, Wesley Crenshaw, Christian Davis, Benjamin Depew, Stephen Deuel, Jackson Doyle, Christopher Dutton,

Kalyn Epperson, Daniel Eudy, Parker Evans, Will Flint, Kaleb Freeman, Sarah Fu, Jeremy Glass, Amaan Haque, Lauren HardingSmith, Kaitlyn Harrington, Isaac Hwangpo, Devin Johnson, Jerusha Kinyanjui, Sergey Klochkov, Wyatt Lamb, Keyvon Lavender, Ryan Lee, Erin Lutomski, Tabitha McCord, Brooks McKnight, Adrees Mohammed, Lily Morgan, Bobby Mosely, Billy Neal, DJ Oakman, Jackson Parker, Savannah ParkerRoss, Phedra Peter, Cooper Pitts, JD Rich, Jaime Schnader, JT Self, Tykie Sfkianos, Juniper Sosa, Mary Caroline Stephens, Madelyn Stocks, Kennedy Thomas, Harry Tidwell, Luke Tidwell, Anton Timares, Maya Touchstone, Alia Truss, Anna Tucker, Sade Watkins, Reagan Watts, Sam Wenning, Blake White, Lauren White and Sarah Xin. The band is under the direction of Band Director Valerie Morgan.

John Lewis Barber was recently selected for the Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham. Barber is a junior at Shades Mountain Christian School in Hoover. He is an Honors and Advanced Placement student with a 4.1 GPA. He is vice president of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Student Government Association, a member of the Nesbians Theatre group, runs varsity cross country and plays varsity baseball. He is also an active member of the MountainTop Community Church. He is the son of Joel and Mindy Barber and lives in Birmingham. The Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham is a communitywide leadership program for high school sophomores John Lewis Barber and juniors designed to expose young leaders to the various elements that interact to form a strong and dynamic metropolitan area. Students in the Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham program will be exposed to a variety of issues that affect the community. The students will gain insight into the complex process of addressing those issues. February 2017 | Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine â&#x20AC;˘

happening in hoover

R&S Flooring opens in Patton Creek A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the new R&S Flooring location at 4421 Creekside Avenue, in the Patton Creek Shopping Center in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is General Manager Rachael Turman, as her husband Andrew holds the bow. They are joined by Assistant Manager Mark Dryer (next to Andrew), other company associates and Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. Rachel can be reached at (205) 881-3800 or Rachael@ RandWoodFlooring.com. Their location is next to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Patton Creek.

1st Heritage Credit opens in Alabaster A ribbon cutting event was held Nov. 16, at the new Alabaster location of 1st Heritage Credit, 8919 Alabama 119 in Alabaster. District Manager Kristian Solet, Regional Vice President Kim Brewer and Manager Forrest Little were present for the event. They were joined by COO Benji Hemphill and Claire Grice, and ambassadors from the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. 24

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Riverchase Women’s Club holds Tablescapes event The Riverchase Women’s Club held its annual Tablescapes event Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Riverchase Country Club. Beautifully designed and decorated tables set for all occasions were on display. In addition, a holiday boutique featuring vendors offered attendees a chance to

purchase early Christmas gifts. Vendors included B Cross Creations, Gameday Girl Stuff, LillyBella Jewelry, Majestees, Piknik, Von Maur and Riverchase Country Club Sweets. Refreshments were provided by Riverchase Country Club’s new chef, Johnny Scroggins.

Perfect Note opens with ribbon cutting A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday, Sept. 22 at the new Perfect Note event center, featuring live music, entertainment and dining. Shown cutting the ribbon are the owners, Tremayne Thompson and his wife Karen, who held the bow. They are joined by several staff members and a large turnout of Chamber ambassadors. All guests were treated to a demonstration of live jazz music and a meal. Perfect Note can be

reached at (205) 986-7280 or tkproductionsandevents@gmail. com. For more information, visit Perfectnotelive.com.

happening in hoover

Green named Wendy’s High School Heisman school winner

Crappie University to start at Jeff State in February Jefferson State Community College is offering a continuing education course called Crappie University. Taught by a team of expert crappie-fishing instructors, the eight-hour course encompasses four two-hour night classes and costs $89 per person, which covers all course materials, including samples of crappie lures and jigheads. The course begins Feb. 15 and continues Feb. 22, Feb. 27 and March 1. Class times are 7:30-9:30 p.m., and all four classes will be held on the Jefferson State Shelby-Hoover Campus on Valleydale Road. “Crappie fishing is no longer just a cane pole and bobber sport, and the pursuit of this sport fish has never been more popular,” Crappie University’s founder Gary White said. “Across the country, the crappie is gaining on bass as the No. 1 sport

fish.” The instructional staff includes Barry Morrow, “the crappie coach.” Another instructor is Alabama resident and crappie tournament pro Dan Dannenmueller, who is also publisher of the popular online crappie magazine, “Crappie Now.” Also instructing are Lee Pitts and Sam Heaton. Pitts is a full-time guide who specializes in trips on Alabama’s famous crappie spot, Lake Weiss, but he also guides on Neely Henry and Guntersville. Heaton has a long-time reputation as a crappie guide in the Southeast, and is the former pro team manager for well-known fishing brands Spiderwire, Johnson Outdoors and B’n’M Poles. To enroll in Crappie University at Jefferson State, call (205) 8567710. For more information, visit CrappieUniversity.com.

Wendy’s High School Heisman recently recognized Stephanie Green from Shades Mountain Christian School as a school winner. Green is the daughter of Steve and Deidra Green and lives in Birmingham. “Stephanie is known by her teachers and friends for her commitment to excellence. We are excited and honored that a program like Wendy’s High School Heisman is also recognizing her hard work,” Shades Mountain Christian School Headmaster Brian Willett said. Since 1994, Wendy’s and the Heisman Stephanie Green Trophy Trust have been running the same play to perfection: honoring more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed students. This year, Wendy’s will celebrate the accomplishments of thousands of the best high school seniors, awarding winners in five phases. School winners will receive a school winner certificate and a Wendy’s High School Heisman Patch. State finalists will receive a bronze medal, a Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist patch and a $25 gift card. February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

â&#x201E;˘

(excluding taxes and delivery) divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the financing period shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. The current APR is 27.99%. See store for details.

features

BACK TO THE START Urban Barn Clothing Co. returns to U.S. 280

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

shop from Chace Lake in Hoover to its fourth location – a storefront in Greystone’s Bazaar 280 shopping center with Big Bad olleen Burback is not afraid of Breakfast – in early November. “It’s a good space,” Burback said of the trying new things at her shop, nearly 1,600-square-foot shop, which she Urban Barn Clothing Co. revamped with new flooring, paint and “I’m always changing things up,” she said while unpacking a new outdoor awnings before reopening in late November. “I like it because it’s clean and shipment of women’s clothing on a cold new. This is good.” Friday morning in December. “I always The move also prompted Burback to have to stay one step ahead, and stay up.” re-examine and refresh her shop – its In the last four years, embracing change inventory, its logo and even its overall style. has benefited Burback, 50, who moved her

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Owner Colleen Burback opened the first location of Urban Barn Clothing Co. in the Inverness Corners shopping center in October 2012. February 2017 | Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine â&#x20AC;˘

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Urban Barn offers clothing, handmade jewelry, shoes and other gift items. This outfit includes a zippered dress, longsleeved top underneath and a necklace with coordinating colors. The shop sells locally handmade jewelry, including beaded bracelets and necklaces. Bath Bombs are popular among customers.

“When I first started out, it was more barn, more rustic,” she said of the shop, a destination for women’s clothing, handmade jewelry and gifts, particularly candles and bath products. “Now, I’m going more urban, brighter, sleeker.” Burback shops for her inventory at markets in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and tries to stock her shop with more classics than fashion fads that fizzle out shortly after they attain widespread popularity.

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

“I try to buy things that appeal to everybody,” she said. “I don’t do a lot of wild things. (I find) things you can wear more than a year.” She is also mindful of her customers’ budgets when pricing her inventory. “I don’t do boutique pricing,” she said. “Most of the clothing in here is under $40.” Burback said she doesn’t order the same thing more than once, allowing customers to feel they are purchasing unique items each time they come to Urban Barn.

All jewelry sold at Urban Barn is handmade locally. A sister team that makes jewelry for the shop brings stones from Honduras to make their original pieces, Burback said. “I get new inventory all the time,” she said. Bath and body products and candles made locally by Heavenly Scents are popular items at Urban Barn. “Our Bath Bombs are a hit,” Burback said, adding the products are made with soy and essential oils, meaning people with allergies can use them too. Bath Bombs are $6 each or four for $20. Urban Barn also carries select shoes, including February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The shop offers decorative pillows and other decor. This outfit includes a vest, long-sleeved top, skirt and beaded necklace. The shop also sells High Cotton candles. PAGE 33: This pillow features a team-themed logo.

â&#x20AC;˘ Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine | February 2017

2016

“I try to buy things that

appeal to everybody. I don’t do a lot of wild things. (I find) things you can wear more than a year.” — Colleen Burback various styles of boots. Burback first opened Urban Barn in October 2012 in the Inverness Corners shopping center off U.S. 280. Prior to that, she operated a store in Brook Highland called Serendipity, where local artists and vendors rented space to sell their pieces. Burback’s husband, Jeff, worked for the railroad. “He got a promotion to go to Florida, so I sold that store,” she said of Serendipity. The couple’s plans changed when Jeff found out he had Parkinson’s disease. They decided to stay in Alabama, and Colleen started thinking about opening February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

another shop. “I had to do something,” she said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to try it out.’” She ran Urban Barn in the Inverness Corners location for a year, and then moved to a space next to Taziki’s Mediterranean Café in The Village at Lee Branch shopping center off U.S. 280, where she stayed for the next three years. Knowing she had many customers commuting to Urban Barn from Hoover, Colleen decided to try a space in Chace Lake. Parking became an issue for her shop, and some customers asked her to come back to the 280 area. Eight months after her move to Hoover, she did just that. “I’m happy to be back on 280,” she said. “This is it.” Urban Barn Clothing Co. is located at 5361 U.S. 280 S., Suite 108. Store hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is closed Monday. For more information, call (205) 451-8888, email theurbanbarnbham@gmail.com or visit Urbanbarnclothingco.com. n LEFT: Women’s shirts line one of the walls at the shop.

Hoover’s Magazin e

azin s Mag Hoo ver’ e

Hooversm agazine.

Hangin’ g Buildianm a dwerdes renoa vatet the rk com

Hoo vers mag azin e.co m

Bride Guide

edding les p nual w Our an for local cou section

Janu ary 2017

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

rial s Memo dge Garden at Aldri 017 ine.com z ary 2 Janu ersmaga Hoov 5 $4.9

and ureCon cer tst raises money for Sculpt tud s rareendis ease research ects nn Grice co art Nelson ns through e te with Vapnor Thr ight,ift Store e por Onsup n sion iomis issts oneO m thing c t o b ecl r o 2016 Ho o old v e r s m a g a z i n ss h e.com ts 4 . 9 5 omele Studen ve$fo rh dri

Global impact

October 20 16

terans ing ve Honor arbor unveiled

Hangar

Newly e in Bluff Pa m first ho

Who’s the best? Find out the win ner of our 2016 Best s of the Best contest

Best medicine Folk artist finds hea ling in laughter yoga

Picking up the paintbrush Painter rediscover s love of art

Monday–Friday, 1–9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 7191 Cahaba Valley Road Hoover, AL 35242 (205) 408-2366

stvurgentcare.com

• CHECK IN ONLINE & WAIT AT HOME • • OPEN AFTER HOURS • • 7 DAYS A WEEK •

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

features

Proof miracles happen Burn victim Christian Cooper shares details of recovery one year after car fire WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY AND CONTRIBUTED

everal minutes before speaking to a group of senior adults at South Highland Presbyterian Church on Nov. 15, 2016, Hoover’s Christian Cooper talked about his approach to public speaking, something he has done frequently the last six months. “I always try to start with a joke,” Cooper, 25, said. “I use humor as self-defense, if you will.” With his parents, Earl and Kay Cooper, sitting in the front row of the audience, Christian greeted the Highlanders group with a lighthearted introduction before recounting the trials he has overcome since Feb. 27, 2016, the day his car caught fire as he drove home from work. Nothing could have prepared Christian or his family for the grueling recovery he faced after suffering severe burns to 80 percent of his body. Christian had no idea he, then a 24-year-

old man with a bright future, would have to fight for his life in a hospital bed. TRAGIC EVENT A 2009 graduate of Hoover High School, Christian attended the University of Alabama and was working to finish his degree at Montevallo while working at the Bruno Event Team in early 2016. He was a young man with the world at his feet. On Feb. 27, he was driving home from work on Interstate 65 South near the U.S. 31 exit in Hoover when he noticed something strange happening in his car. “I look down in the passenger floorboard, and a fire has started,” he said. With his attention on the fire instead of the road, Christian missed a curve, veered off the pavement and rolled down the embankment and into a ditch. He tried to open his door, but it was jammed. He tried to punch out the window,

PAGE 36: Christian Cooper, 25, of Hoover survived life-threatening burns after his car caught fire last February.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

ABOVE: Christian stands with some of the burn ICU team just before heading home in July 2016.

but it wouldn’t break. “I realized this thing is indestructible,” Christian said of his car. Then, he thought, someone driving by would see him. It was a Saturday afternoon. Surely, someone would see him. “I started honking the horn, trying to get someone’s attention,” Christian said. “I had tunnel vision. I thought, ‘Nobody’s coming.’” As the seconds slipped by, Christian tried to think of other ways to escape the car, which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames. He said he resorted to kicking out the windshield. By then, two men, John DeBlieux and Edric Williams, had seen his car and pulled over to try to help. Williams, 37, of Birmingham was on his way to visit his girlfriend at the time when he saw the smoke. “I was going to do one of those drive-by prayer deals, but something told me just to go back and pull over and do something,” Williams said. “So, I shot across the interstate. I saw some people standing out there, and saw the car burning.”

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

He started wondering if the car was about to explode as the flames crept nearer to the gas tank. “I heard Christian scream ‘help,’” Williams said, “And I just started praying. I just asked God to help him make it out alive. That’s when I ran down the hill.” Williams said DeBlieux was already trying to get Christian out of the burning car when he arrived. “They said, ‘Alright buddy, we’re going to pull you out of here, but you’re going to have to help us,’” Christian said of the two men. “I didn’t realize I was on fire now.” Williams and DeBlieux led Christian away from the car and up the hill to the interstate shoulder. The men tried pulling Christian up the hill by his wrists, but they let go as they realized the fire had ravaged his skin. “His skin was kind of jelly,” Williams said. “If you pulled too hard or put too much pressure, his skin could have just peeled off.” Fortunately, Christian was wearing a leather belt that day. The belt gave Williams and DeBlieux something to grab onto besides

Christian’s skin. By the time they reached the shoulder, a Homewood resident named Theresa De Leon had arrived at the scene. De Leon, 43, works for Birmingham Fire and Rescue and happened to be off-duty and running errands when she spotted the smoke rising from Christian’s car. “When I was on the highway, I thought it was a grass fire,” De Leon said. “As I get closer, I notice the change of color. (It was) heavy smoke, and it was black. “As firefighters, we study the color of smoke. It tells you what could be burning.” She realized it wasn’t just a grass fire, and her instincts told her to pull over. “As I got closer, I could see trees were on fire,” she said. “I pulled over to just double check. I saw people running. I saw people down in the ditch.”

She carried the fire gear that was in her trunk to the side of the road as Williams and DeBlieux made it up the hill with Christian. De Leon used a fire blanket to smother the flames eating through Christian’s clothing. “He was on fire,” she said. “I just went into that instinct mode and what we are trained to do.” Williams said he couldn’t sleep that night, and kept replaying the scene in his mind. “I kept thinking about him,” he said. “That was the first time I ever experienced something like that, and it kind of shook me up for a while. I kept having images of it, just hearing him scream and seeing the state his body was in.” As Christian sat in the grass, surrounded by the good Samaritans who had come to his aid first, the gravity of his circumstances started to sink in.

ABOVE LEFT: Christian in April 2016, with an encouraging poster hanging above his hospital bed. ABOVE RIGHT: Christian in June 2016, three weeks after grafting skin from his scalp onto the right side of his face and removing his feeding tube.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

ABOVE: Christian with his parents, Kay and Earl Cooper, who have been with him through every step of his ongoing recovery.

“It was the first time I understood the magnitude of the accident,” he said. “I pretty much remember everything very vividly. Everyone was panicking. I was sitting there saying, ‘Am I going to be OK?’ It looked like a scene out of a movie.” Waves of pain radiated from his head through his entire body. Christian said he doesn’t remember answering paramedics’ questions in the ambulance on the way to UAB Hospital, or giving the hospital his dad’s cell phone number to notify the family of the incident. A SCARY PROGNOSIS Once at the hospital, Christian was kept under heavy sedation. Doctors told Christian’s family he had a 5-percent chance of surviving the first night after the incident. If he did make it through the night, they said, he most likely wouldn’t walk out of the hospital. “It was a very trying time for my family,” Christian said. “Hearing that was very difficult for them.” Christian did survive that first night, but doctors delivered some discouraging news to his family the next day. They said the process to repair Christian’s burned skin couldn’t start

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

until Wednesday, about four days after the incident. “You realize your skin is the primary defense against infection and bacteria,” Christian said. With more than three-fourths of his skin damaged, his first line of defense was gone. “I was totally exposed.” His dad knew waiting was not an option, so he reached out to Dr. Fred Mullins at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Earl was able to arrange for Christian to be transported from the BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport to the burn center on Monday, Feb. 29. By Tuesday, Christian had undergone two surgeries, the first of which lasted six hours, as doctors removed dead skin cells from the front side of his body. “On the second day, they flipped me over and did the back side,” Christian said. By Wednesday, Christian had endured five major surgeries. When he fully woke up weeks later, he couldn’t talk because of a tracheotomy, he couldn’t move, and he didn’t know where he was or what was happening. “A little panic ensued,” he said. “That was my first day of, ‘This is the new normal.’”

Since traditional skin grafts were not feasible for Christian with 80 percent of his body burned, doctors used cultured epidermal autografts, which are grafts consisting of skin cells grown in a lab from a small portion of a patient’s healthy skin. “The CEAs were a blessing,” Christian said. He became aware of how important successful CEA surgeries were to his recovery, and expressed some anxiety before one of the surgeries. “They were taking me back to the O.R., and I looked at the anesthesiologist and said, ‘Man, I am so nervous right now.’ He said, ‘Why are you nervous? You’ve had 20 surgeries by now.’” Christian said he was “in shock and awe” hearing how many procedures he had endured since arriving at the burn center. It takes about 10 days for the body to accept the CEAs, he said. In addition, Christian had to remain completely still after surgery. After 10 days, he underwent another surgery for doctors to remove the backings of

the CEAs. “I had a 95-percent or better take on all my CEA surgeries, which is unheard of,” Christian said. “That was another blessing.” Once he got his second set of CEAs, he saw significant improvement and was able to get out of bed and walk with an occupational therapist’s supervision. “Walking a few steps was huge,” he said. “I went from a 24-year-old — Christian Cooper working out every day to getting out of bed, taking a few steps and getting to the door, which was amazing.” He also grappled with unexpected illnesses, including pancreatitis and a blood infection, during his hospital stay. Each surgery took Christian back to a starting point in his physical therapy. For a two-week period, he was having surgery

“I’m here,

and I’m proof that miracles do happen.”

celebrating 34 years

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

ABOVE: Christian speaks to a group of senior adults about his recovery at South Highland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham in November 2016.

he has cleared since the day they were told he might not survive the night. “I’m here, and I’m proof that miracles do happen,” Christian said. “That’s all I needed: for a 5-percent chance and for God to meet me halfway, and he did.” Kay said memories from Christian’s journey bring her tears for different reasons. As painful as it is to look back on certain periods, his journey has become an outlet for blessing his family and other people who hear his NEXT CHAPTER story. To date, Christian has had more than Earl, a member of the Hoover City 60 surgeries, and will have several more to address contracture releases that are currently Board of Education, said he and Kay had restricting his flexibility, and to address to make a conscious decision early on to scarring issues and his nasal breathing passage. compartmentalize the incident in order to He still copes with physical limitations. He move forward instead of dwelling on the lacks sweat glands on the majority of his body unchangeable past. “We all struggled early on,” Earl said. now, so he has to be especially cautious about “We’ve had to be there for him physically the sun exposure and overheating. entire time. From an emotional standpoint, he Christian and his family still don’t know has been a blessing to us. Emotionally, he’s got what caused the fire in his car. his mind where it needs to be.” But they know the extent of his recovery from the beginning – a “night-and-day Lately, Christian has fulfilled various speaking engagements and community difference,” he said – and how many hurdles nearly every other day, he said. But despite his physical challenges, Christian’s mental health was as good as it was before the incident since he hadn’t suffered any brain trauma. “Keeping a good attitude through it all helped me and the people working with me,” Christian said. “Attitude is so big in everything you do in life.”

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

appearances. He was the grand marshal in the first Bluff Park Christmas Parade. He recently presented a donation check to the Hoover Fire Department Foundation in support of Camp Conquest, a weeklong camp held at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin for children who are burn victims. The funds were raised from a music fundraiser hosted by Christian’s uncle at WorkPlay. Christian is featured in the Southeastern Firefighter’s Burn Foundation 2017 fundraising calendar, and he was set to present a check from his fundraiser along with a couple of other organizations in January. This month, Christian will have his first reunion celebration in Augusta with other burn survivors from the JMS Burn Center. He said he chose to share his story in hopes of giving back to the community that has given so much to him in support and prayer. “I don’t feel obligated, but I feel it’s something I need to do,” he said. “Through this whole tragic event, I’ve seen my community come together. Having thousands of people praying for me (is) something I can’t wrap my head around. There has been such an

outpouring of support. It’s really rewarding to come back and share the story.” In the midst of his tragedy, Christian has gained unexpected friendships. He and Williams visited with each other after Christian got home from Georgia. “He told me that he couldn’t remember a whole lot, but he said my face was the only one he could remember,” Williams said of Christian after the incident. “That kind of meant a lot to me. I wish I could have done more and he didn’t have to go through that, but I tried to do as much as I could.” Williams said Christian and his family also attended his wedding in October, adding, “That was pretty neat having them there.” Earl said his son – with his positive mindset, unwavering faith and determination to overcome every obstacle – has been a blessing to many people. That, and getting stronger every day, is Christian’s new focus. “God would never put you in circumstances you could not handle,” Christian said. “I stand here today as living proof.” n

GREYSTONE • INVERNESS • CHELSEA THE NARROWS • CAHABA HEIGHTS

Let our family care for yours. PRIMARY CARE, CLOSE TO HOME ON HWY 280. We’re your neighbors and your friends, and more than just a network of doctors’ offices. Brookwood Baptist Health Primary Care is an extension of our physician family, with five convenient options off Hwy 280. With all the resources of Brookwood Baptist Health, we’re ready to serve you. Book online at bbhcarenetwork.com or call (205) 967-1772.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

features

‘CRAZY GOOD’ Swamp Monster BBQ serves up classics with New Orleans flavors WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

ike O’Connor claims he got into the restaurant industry by accident, but the Louisiana-inspired flavors he brings to the table at Swamp Monster BBQ in Hoover are intentional. While on weekend trips to the lake with family and friends, O’Connor became a grill master of sorts, experimenting with homemade meat rubs for his barbecue. After extensive research and testing, O’Connor arrived at his ultimate rub, a dry rub for his barbecue that “makes it special,” he said. He knew he had a winning recipe when his wife, Michelle, took the rub to work one day and was asked if Mike was selling it. “She said, ‘He is now,’” Mike said, laughing. “That’s how it all began.” The Pelham couple started their Swamp Monster BBQ catering business about five years ago. In August 2016, they opened their restaurant under the same name at 1843 Montgomery Highway S. Mike, who is originally from New Orleans, infuses Cajun flavor into Swamp Monster’s dishes, which feature pork, chicken, ribs and beef. “Everything is good,” Mike said. “We have a hamburger that’s crazy good.” Boudreaux’s Burger is a premium burger made with ground sirloin, brisket and short rib, served on Gambino’s French bread and topped with 44

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

FROM LEFT: Swamp Monster BBQ’s alligator mascot, Boudreaux, came from a vision Mike sketched on a napkin with a pencil. Boudreaux is now part of the restaurant’s logo. Barbecue pork with mac n’ cheese and broccoli salad. February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Mike O’Connor, center, and his wife Michelle, far left, started their Swamp Monster BBQ catering business about five years ago. The Pirogue features a large Kobe beef frankfurter served on Gambino’s French bread and topped with chopped pork, cheese and slaw. Swamp Monster BBQ is located at 1843 Montgomery Highway S. Little customers can find things they like at Swamp Monster, too. The menu board lists plates, family meals, sides and more.

cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles. The BBQ Burger features the Boudreaux sirloin burger topped with smoked barbecue, sauce and slaw. According to the menu, “This burger could change your life.” “It’s a top-notch burger, so it’s got flavor,” Mike said. Headlining the sandwich list is the BBQ Po-Boy, which involves slow-cooked pork or chicken served on French bread. It can

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

be made-to-order Boston style or Memphis style for an additional 75 cents. Other options are the rib sandwich, an open-faced sandwich featuring a portion of Swamp Monster’s smoked ribs, and the Monster, a “massive” New Orleans-style sandwich for two or three people featuring pork or chicken on a muffuletta bun. “With the sandwiches, everything is served with Gambino’s French bread,” Mike

said. “We have their bread brought in.” Plates on the menu include a barbecue plate, salad options (“Gator Greens” with pork or chicken and choice of dressing, to be exact), a stuffed potato, barbecue nachos (Boudreaux’s Nachos with tortilla chips or Nacho Nachos with Cajun pork rinds), red beans and rice and smoked wings. When people ask Mike for advice on what to order, he turns the question back to them. “Everything’s so different, so I tell people whatever you’re in the mood for,” Mike said. “The portions are pretty big. Everybody says they don’t leave hungry.” Most of the sides at Swamp Monster are Michelle’s recipes. The Mardi Gras Slaw features the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and yellow with a mixture of red cabbage (purple), green bell peppers and yellow bell peppers. Red beans and rice, Grandma’s “Nana” pudding and the New Orleans style bread pudding are Mike’s mother’s recipes. The other desserts, listed with #gillisPIES on the menu, are made and brought in by a local man, Mike said. Freshly fried and seasoned pork rinds are a complimentary appetizer at each table. Swamp Monster BBQ’s alligator mascot, Boudreaux, came from a vision Mike — Michelle O’Connor sketched on a napkin with pencil. “I had a vision of an alligator,” he said. And as for the reasoning behind the name “Swamp Monster,” Mike said he wanted something that would stand out in customers’ minds. “It’s memorable,” he said of Swamp Monster. “It has nothing to do with barbecue.” Michelle said the couple is excited to have a building and to be a permanent part of the Hoover community. “It’s been a journey,” she said. “Who knew it would turn into this? We have fun, whatever we’re up to.” Swamp Monster BBQ is open Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant offers dine-in, to-go and catering services. Pete Cooper is the manager. For more information, visit Swampmonsterbbq.com or the Swamp Monster BBQ Facebook page. n

“It’s been a

journey. Who knew it would turn into this? We have fun, whatever we’re up to.”

• a perfect Spring outing • pick-your-own tulips • take family photos • visit our Gift Shop for Festival merchandise

Open March 1- April 15* at the American Village Monday-Friday 10-4, Saturdays 10-4, Sundays 12-4

Mark

your calendar!

For information on group tours, call Jodie Wasyluka at (205) 665-3535 x 1045. www.americanvillage.org • Hwy 119 Montevallo February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

features

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

STEERING STUDENTS T WARD SUCCESS Hoover school bus drivers serve as positive role models for kids WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

efore the school bell rings and books or tablets are opened for class, many students who ride the bus to school are greeted with a friendly smile from their bus driver to get their day started right. “For students who ride the bus to and from

school, their drivers are the first people they encounter in the morning and the last they see in the afternoon as they go home. A smile, a hello and a good morning can make a difference in the student’s day,” says Jeremy Bradford, coordinator of transportation for Hoover City Schools. “Our Hoover City Schools bus drivers take the opportunity to listen, encourage and motivate each student on their bus before they even step into a classroom.”

LEFT: Nancy Jo Heart, a school bus driver for Hoover City Schools, sits on her bus. ABOVE: Hoover City Schools bus drivers include, from left, Britt Patterson, Brian Green, Sheila Nash and Nancy Jo Heart.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

ABOVE: Heart, Nash, Green and Patterson stand in front of one of their school buses at Hoover High School.

Sometimes overlooked as part of the educational system, bus drivers come from all walks of life and have much to offer in the learning process. They are successful and accomplished individuals with experience and knowledge and vary from retirees to stay-athome parents. Some, like Britt Patterson, are even former students from the Hoover School System. Patterson, who was a cheerleader, Hoover Belle and a Junior Olympic diver during her high school years at Berry/Hoover High School, went on to the University of Alabama, where she also cheered and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and a minor in public relations. After college, Britt went on to work in the health care consulting business

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

and started a family. “I wanted to ease my way back into work after staying home for eight years to raise my children,” Britt says. “I have a few friends that drive buses and love it, so I decided to talk to them about their experience.” Patterson found that it was a good opportunity, went through training and started driving for Hoover in fall 2015. On the one hour to an hour and 15 minutes route she drives every day, Patterson talks to her students and asks them about their day all while safely transporting the kids home. “We have a ‘Challenge of the Day’ each day,” Britt explains. “I wanted to steer them towards positive thinking and conversations, and I think that helps with that. We have ‘Make a friend

Monday,’ ‘Talk to someone Tuesday,’ ‘Thank somebody Thursday’ and ‘Fist pump Friday.’” The Challenge of the Day has turned into something the students look forward to participating in, and they even remind Patterson and ask for the challenge. “The challenges vary day to day, but they all focus on helping someone else or becoming part of the good in their school, family and community,” Britt says. “My hope is to encourage them to be good role models for their peers, their friends and their families.” “I love to see my students grow and mature. It is fun to hear their stories of how they have accomplished the ‘Challenge of the Day’. It is amazing to see their excitement when they accomplish a goal, have a good day or help

someone in need,” Britt says. Having her own children in Hoover schools, Britt says she loves the opportunity to be involved with the school system this way. “At times, I have the opportunity to drive one of my own children on a field trip,” she says. “Their excitement and my ability to spend time with them is irreplaceable.” Being that smiling face that greets them in the morning is just part of Britt’s routine matched with several important responsibilities that all drivers devote attention to when driving. “Our number one responsibility is to transport our students safely,” Britt explains. Drivers focus not only inside the bus, ensuring students are behaving, but they are constantly applying defensive driving skills and following all state

TOP: Side view from an HCS school bus mirror. ABOVE: Heart sits at the wheel of the bus she drives for Hoover City Schools.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Nash sits on her school bus. HCS bus drivers like Green, Heart, Patterson and Nash take the opportunity to listen, encourage and motivate students who ride their buses, according to HCS Coordinator of Transportation Jeremy Bradford. Many students start their school days on a bus before stepping foot in a classroom.

and local driving laws. “We are great multi-taskers,” Britt adds. Over her time driving for Hoover, Britt recounts a few funny and heartwarming moments. “My elementary students have written me letters that just melted my heart,” she shares. “One of the funniest things is that I have picked up a few dance moves from my students this year! I had a student that would do a neck rotation/neck dance kind of move and look at me from the side of the seat (he was too short to see over the seat) when I would call his name. “I have learned a ton of new dance moves from my students loading and unloading the bus. They seem to enjoy dancing onto the bus,” she added, laughing. Britt says she works with not only great students but other outstanding drivers and Jeremy Bradford agrees. “In my opinion, we have the best bus drivers in the state,” he says, “But we are always looking for new full-time and substitute bus drivers to keep up with our ever growing system.” Bradford says he would like to see more Hoover parents, like Britt Patterson, apply for bus driver positions. “Bus driving is a great way for our parents to

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

be actively involved in the overall success of our great school system,” he says. “We have three in-house state certified trainers ready to assist applicants regardless of his or her experience level.” Drivers for Hoover City Schools go through state training, local training and are then tested before they can transport students. Initial training and testing is roughly a month-long process and each year drivers who are hired attend training and are retested. Many drivers are also CPR certified. “I work with amazing people and extremely knowledgeable mechanics that I know will help me keep my bus in perfect operational shape,” Britt says. “There are opportunities available to join our team and substitute drivers are always needed!” In general, Bradford says they are looking for someone who loves children and wants to be a positive role model in students’ lives, and at the same time, dedicated to the safety and success of the students and the school system. For more information on driving for Hoover City Schools, contact Jeremy Bradford, jebradford@hoover.k12.al.us or (205) 492-5073. n

health & beauty

Don’t skip a beat

Survivors advocate for increased heart health awareness

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

eart health might not be at the forefront of a person’s mind unless he or she has already experienced issues directly related to the heart. But, as survivors will tell you, heart problems can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Heart disease and congenital heart defects can cause major problems for men, women and children alike. Leading up to CHD Awareness Week

on Feb. 5-12 and the American Heart Association’s 30th Anniversary of the Birmingham Heart Ball Campaign, local survivors shared their stories and talked about why more people need to be aware of the risks and symptoms of heart health issues. SURVIVOR: CASI FERGUSON Casi Ferguson of Hoover was an avid walker who could tackle 15 or more city blocks in downtown Birmingham with ease. “I would walk at least two or three times a

ABOVE: Casi Ferguson, far right, dons a white suit at a Go Red for Women luncheon to denote she is a survivor. Ferguson underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2014.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

Heart disease in America By the numbers

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in Alabama.

48k

48,000 women die of heart disease each year across the nation.

90% 285

90 percent of women have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

285 fewer women are dying of heart disease each year.

30% 3.3

billion

Cardiovascular deaths in women are down 30 percent.

About $3.3 billion is spent on heart disease and stroke research across the nation.

Information provided by the American Heart Association

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

week,” Ferguson said, adding she was far from a “couch potato.” She also was no stranger to walking on a track or finding other places to get in her daily steps. Not too long ago, however, Ferguson started having trouble with her walks. “It just became increasingly difficult for me to make that straight walk I had made for so long,” she said. “It got to the point where I couldn’t walk from Sixth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. It was such a struggle, and so weird for me. At one point, I could do that walk in heels.” She thought maybe the temperature outside had something to do with her energy, but it still struck her as strange she so suddenly couldn’t physically do what she had done for years with no problem. She went to the doctor and underwent her first stress test. The Fourth of July was coming up, and Ferguson had plans to go out-of-town for the holiday. But her plans changed when she started to feel ill. “I just felt sick,” she said. “I felt nauseated.” After the holiday, Ferguson received calls to come back to the hospital for more tests. “They decided to do an arteriogram, and immediately, they had to stop it to get me into heart surgery,” she said. “I had an enormous amount of blockage. The next 24 hours was critical to get me into surgery.” In 2014, she underwent open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass. She takes medication and goes to therapy now. “It just all changed that quickly,” Ferguson said of her life. “To have that happen was incredibly scary. It is so silent.” Advice Ferguson had for

others going through similar circumstances is to be patient. “It’s scary, but just take it slow,” she said. “My new tagline is ‘Turn right and go straight.’” Ferguson said her family, including her daughter LeNà, has been supportive since her diagnosis. “They’ve been trying to hang in there with me,” she said. “I think we, as women, we just don’t like to say something might be wrong. Find something that makes you turn right and go straight.” GOING RED FOR GOOD This years’s Go Red for Women luncheon, which volunteers like Ferguson work with, will be held April 28. For more information, visit Birminghamgored.heart.org. The American Heart Association’s 30th Anniversary Birmingham Heart Ball will be held Saturday, March 4 at Barber Motorsports Museum. The ball is an annual fundraising event that has raised more than $16 million for local research, advocacy and community education efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke, according to a press release. The 2017 Birmingham Heart Ball campaign has a $1.6 million fundraising goal. For more information, visit Birminghamheartball.ahaevents. org. SURVIVOR: TIFFANY BELL Tiffany Bell, 30, is a busy mother of two. She and her husband, Chris, and their children, Payton, 5, and Grayson, 1, are settling into their new home in the Oak Mountain area after moving from Pelham over the holidays. Last year, Tiffany was

diagnosed with a congenital heart defect after experiencing debilitating symptoms nearly seven months after giving birth to her second child in a C-section in November 2015. “My whole diaphragm was pushed up into my chest,” she said. “I was having trouble breathing after they got him out.” Tiffany’s doctors administered morphine to help her relax, and things seemed to return to normal. In March, she started getting sick, first with pneumonia and then with a stomach virus. “I kept going back to the doctor, thinking, ‘I can’t kick this pneumonia. I can’t breathe.’” Then, on Mother’s Day weekend, Tiffany said she became dizzy every time she stood up. Her legs were so weak she fell repeatedly, which concerned her. She scheduled an appointment with her primary doctor and was told she could be experiencing postpartum effects since she had recently given birth. Tiffany noticed other odd signs, though. As someone who was young and who exercised regularly, even when she was pregnant, she was puzzled when she started to tire more easily.

“I was having a lot of acid reflux, too. I was losing a lot of weight as well,” she said. Her symptoms continued to worsen. But, with nothing serious showing up on doctors’ tests, she was at a loss for what to do. Then, while at her parents’ house one night, she collapsed. She couldn’t drive home, so she spent the night there. The next morning, Tiffany woke up feeling so weak that she couldn’t get out of bed. Later, she collapsed again. She was taken to the hospital, where she underwent various tests. She saw a cardiologist, and found out she had a heart murmur and her aortic valve was leaking due to a hole in her heart, a congenital heart defect she never knew she had. Tiffany is on anxiety medication, no longer drinks caffeine and has added more salt to her diet. Doctors will continue to monitor her heart for any changes. Tiffany is involved with the Go Red Movement to help educate women about heart disease and to raise awareness of CHD. “I want to be the healthiest I can be because I have my kids to live for,” she said. “More women need to listen to their bodies.” n

Don’t let pain hold you back this year! It’s a new year—time to stop letting pain or injury hold you back. BenchMark Physical Therapy can help. Let our team focus on your full recovery so you can focus on what matters to you.

ALTADENA SQUARE • (205) 298-8711 CHELSEA (THE NARROWS) • (205) 981-4534 CRESTLINE • (205) 957-0870 HELENA • (205) 621-8822 HOOVER • (205) 403-8701 MOODY • (205) 640-0257

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

health & beauty

Is it a cold or allergies? An ENT at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen answers your seasonal questions WRITTEN BY DR. KRISTOPHER LAY

How can I know whether I have a cold or an allergy? As a physician specializing in otolaryngology (Ear-Nose-Throat/ENT), I can usually determine when people are infectious and when they have allergy symptoms. But, it’s often hard for patients to differentiate. Both will give you a sore throat, congestion, runny nose and even body aches, since both are inflammatory responses. Some patients report itchy throats and eyes with colds or allergies. Since colds often don’t include fever, the best differentiator may be the time frame. Most colds last seven to 10 days. If symptoms last two weeks or more, you’re probably dealing with more than a cold.

Most primary care doctors are really good at differentiating and treating colds and allergies. It’s appropriate to see your primary care doctor within the first two weeks of symptoms. An ENT typically comes into play later, if things aren’t getting better after that treatment. People who have sinus infections several times a year might want to see an ENT to check for anatomical problems.

When should I see a doctor? Since chronic congestion from colds or allergies can lead to sinus infections, you should probably see a doctor if you’ve had symptoms for more than two weeks. ENTs got into treating allergies because patients were developing chronic or acute sinus infections. Doctors needed to learn to treat the underlying allergies to get them over the infections. Another reason for a child to see a doctor is if they develop a hacking, dry cough.

Can I treat myself with over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications? Many people treat their allergies with OTC medications. Almost all antihistamines and intranasal steroids are now available that way, and are very safe, even when taken year-round. Some patients develop medication intolerance, or find their medications becoming less effective or inconvenient. That’s when many seek allergy testing, opting for shots or sublingual drops for better symptom control.

Believe it or not, we’re already entering Alabama’s allergy season. Since many Birmingham-area plants start pollinating this month, when colds are common, my patients often ask the questions below in February. Perhaps my answers might help others dealing with similar symptoms.

What type of doctor should I see? 56

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Dr. Kristopher Lay is an otolaryngologist (ENT) at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. n

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

At Hoover Country Club Public Safety Awards Luncheon Feb.16, 2017 Because of scheduling conflicts, we have had to move the Feb. 16 Chamber Luncheon to the Hoover Country Club, and we will present the Public Safety Awards for 2016, recognizing and awarding the Hoover Firefighter of the Year and the Hoover Police Officer of the Year. In addition, we will recognize the 911 Operator of the Year as well as the 2016 Detention Officer ( Jailer) of the Year. For the 22nd year, the Hoover Area Chamber will recognize these most outstanding community servants for their on-the-job performance. TurnerBatson Architects will sponsor of the Firefighter of the Year Award, Paramedic of the Year, 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

information they feel will be helpful in determining which individual will be best qualified 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 At the February 17, 2016 Chamber Public Safety Awards for the 911 Operator of the Year Luncheon, The Police Officer of the Year was recognized, sponsored by Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, with Officer and the Jailer of the Year. Only the Cyle Cutcliff recognized as the 2015 Police Officer of the committee members will know the Year. Sergeant James Thornton and Officer Kyle Brohl were both recognized as finalists for their outstanding winners prior to the meeting. Don’t work during the year by Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. Shown is Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis (left) with miss this important meeting to see Officer Cyle Cutcliff and then Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey. “Hoover’s Finest” representatives Award winners will be selected recognized. by committees within their own To attend this Feb. 16 Chamber departments, and the winners will Luncheon, please make your not be made public until the February reservations no later than Monday, Chamber Luncheon. Feb. 13, by calling 988-5672, or Supervisors nominating members emailing the Chamber office at lisa@ of their departments were asked to hooverchamber.org. Networking answer basic questions regarding the nominee and provide any additional See SAFETY on page 5

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 57 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Everyday Wellness Program at Hoover Library On Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., herbalist Antonia Viteri will discuss ways to make more sustainable choices in your daily life. Viteri will cover topics such as seeking out locally produced goods, incorporating Bryce Thornton, more unprocessed Hoover Public Library foods in your diet Business Department and the medicinal properties foods provide which can help minimize health issues. “I am excited to share my expertise and knowledge of medicinal plants as means to connect us to the natural world and to each other.” - Antonia Viteri For more information on Everyday Wellness: Making Sustainable Choices in Your Daily Life, please call 444-7840. Bryce Thornton is the Business Librarian at Hoover Library. You can reach him at 4447816 or brycet@bham.lib.al.us.

Coffee & Contacts Schedule Normally Held the 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. January 12, 2017 - Penn MutualAlabama Agency

July 13, 2017 - CB&S Bank

February 9, 2017 - SpectrumReach

August 10, 2017 - Available

March 9, 2017 - Gold’s Gym Pelham

September 14, 2017 - Southeastern Bible College

April 13, 2017 - Grade Power Learning

October 12, 2017 - Brook Highland Place

May 11, 2017 - Homewood Suites Riverchase

November 9, 2017 - Brookdale University Park

June 8, 2017 - Ridge Crossing Apartments

December 14, 2017 - Available

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel February 16, 2017 - Hendrick Auto Mall & TurnerBatson - AT Hoover Country Club!

March 16, 2017 - The Birmingham Barons April 20, 2017 - Avadian Credit Union

Business After Hours Schedule Held the 4th Thursday of each month, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. January 26, 2017 — America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses February 23, 2017 — Benchmark Physical Therapy March 23, 2017 — Painting With a Twist

June 22, 2017 — Available July 27, 2017 — Galleria Woods Retirement Community August 24, 2017 — Expedia CruiseShipCenters September 28, 2017 — Available

April 27, 2017 — Brookwood Baptist Freestanding Emergency Department

October 26, 2017 — Available

May 25, 2017 — Inverness Country Club

November & December — None Held

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the new Childrens Lighthouse Learning Centers at 4731 Chace Circle in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Owner Kent Rogers, as his wife, Kim, holds the bow. To the left of Kent is Center Director LaShun Turner, and Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. Also shown is Assistant Center Director Erin Pearson, along with other staff, and dozens of Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. They can be reached at infohoover@childrenslighthouse.com or by calling (205) 224-5437. This is a brand new and beautiful facility with incredible features for child care and learning!

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the new Camellia Women’s Imaging, located at 2068 Valleydale Road in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Dr. Monika Tataria, Owner of the clinic, as Technologist Michele Langford holds the bow. Helping Dr. Tataria with the scissors is Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. They are joined by several other staff members, assistants and guests, as well as dozens of Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. Camellia Women’s Imaging can be reached at (205) 544-2828 or monika@camelliaimaging.com. www.almammogram.com is the website. They have the absolute latest technology in imaging for women!

Hoover’s new mayor, Frank Brocato, gave his first State of the City Address at the December 15 Chamber luncheon at the Hyatt Regency-Wynfrey Hotel. Mayor Brocato spoke to over 200 people in attendance, and called out and recognized a number of volunteers and city employees that had done an outstanding job in the past year for the City of Hoover.

Sr. Corporal Tyrone McCall, center, was recognized at the February 17 Public Safety Awards Luncheon by Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis and then Mayor Gary Ivey for his outstanding work as the Detention Officer of the Year for 2015 at the Hoover City Jail. This award is sponsored by Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall.

David Sibley (center) was recognized by Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis and Hoover then Mayor Gary Ivey as the 2015 Telecommunicator of the Year for his outstanding work in helping the Police Department and Fire Department in his duties, and in specific instances outlined by Chief Derzis. This award was sponsored by TurnerBatson Architects.

Firefighter-Paramedic Captain Timothy Lawson (left) was recognized at the February Chamber Public Safety Awards Luncheon as the Outstanding Firefighter of the Year by Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate (center). Firefighter-Paramedic Richard (Ricky) Linn was recognized at the Outstanding Firefighter of the Year for 2015 at the luncheon. These two awards were sponsored by TurnerBatson Architects. TurnerBatson has sponsored these awards for some seventeen consecutive years.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 59 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Thank You, Board of Trustees

Antonio Sankey, CLU, ChFC, CASL Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC www.AntonioSankey.com

Rick Smith Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa www.rossbridgeresort.com

Jimese Harkley America’s First Federal Credit Union www.amfirst.org

The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union* Lisa Worley, Anchor Insurance Agency* Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama* Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* Gregg Maercker (Ret), First Commercial Bank Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel

The Board of Trustees Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television American Cheerleading Centers, Britten Blackburn Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Kelvin Johnson, Alabama Gas Corporation/Alagasco Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Lesley Searcy, Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union Jimese Harkley, America’s First Federal Credit Union Randy Johansen, American Family Care Nate Wood, BB&T Bank Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* Bingham LLP Henry King, King Acura Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Systems, Inc. Insurance* Doug Hovanec, Bellini’s Ristorante & Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* Bar/Revolve Kitchen & Brew Chris Leech, Regions Financial Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Society Conditioning & Plumbing Patty Barron, P.E., Birmingham Water Tim Prince, Hoover’s Magazine, Shelby Works County Reporter Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place Kathleen Spencer, Morningside of University Park Vestavia* Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies Dan Ellis, TASC* Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank *Designates a Past President of the Kathleen Spencer, Morningside of Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Vestavia Retirement Community

David Jackson, Chick-Fil-A Jenny Brown, ChickenSaladChick Mike Warren, Children’s of Alabama Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Tamara Harrelson, Covenant Classic Schools Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/Tire Engineers Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Molisa Moss, Galleria Woods Retirement Community Terry Turner, Esq., Gentle, Turner & Sexton Alicia Strange, Gold’s Gym Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Jinni Lacey, RN, HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn - Hoover Corey Raley, Homewood Suites Riverchase Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms David Arnott, Hyatt Place - Hoover Dawn Simmons, Jake’s Soul Food Cafe Amy Strayer, Jason’s Deli Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Dwight Burrell, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s Jeff McDowell, McDowell Security Services, LLC

Keith Pennington, Medical West Stan Minner, Momentum Telecom David Brown, Office Depot Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Café Carol Adkins, OnTime Service José Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse Horace Moss, Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Andy Davis, St. Vincent’s Health System Kyle Hogan, Sam’s Club Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Sarah Turner, Signature Homes Clarence “Brother” Moss, Steak ‘N Shake Alain Gallet, Terracon Monique Holiness, The Home DepotInverness Mark Hamilton, The Home DepotRiverchase Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News Darin Boykin, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 Jason Sutherland, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 280 Greg Livingston, Walmart Market, Lorna Road Charles Waldrep, Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC Devin Errett, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. 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.

New Members — December 2016 ACC Ink, Inc. Bama Knocker Ball Britten Blackburn, Owner - 985- Britten Blackburn, Owner 1330 540-7118 American Cheerleading Centers Barnes Paper Company Britten Blackburn, Owner - 985- Matt Barnes, Sales 1330 Representative - 324-6262

Edward Jones Timothy J. Dolan - 988-4435 Hoover Metropolitan Complex Monty Jones, Jr., General Manager - 739-7364

Joe’s Crab Shack American Ninja Training Brook Highland Place Nate McGinnis - 981-2999 Centers Sean Landsberg, VP Operations Britten Blackburn, Owner - 203- - 991-8811 Kenwood Advanced Cable & 7321 Communications Ken Leatherwood - 253-0820

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

Levy’s Fine Jewelry Jennifer Hunter, Marketing Director - 251-3381 Life Vantage - Bama All Starz Britten Blackburn, Owner - 9851330 Minuteman Press of Hoover Tanya Brasher, Owner - 9791000

See MEMBERS on page 6

Upcoming Events

February and March 2017 FEBRUARY February 2: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting. Visitors Welcome! February 9: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at SpectrumReach, 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite 444, Birmingham 35243. Contact Klaudia Thomas at (205) 298-1688 or klaudia. Thomas@spectrum.com. www. SpectrumReach.com

February 15: 4:30 p.m. Chamber Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome! February 16: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hyatt RegencyThe Wynfrey Hotel. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, February 13. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations. Lisa@hooverchamber.org

February 21: 7:30-9:00 a.m. Eggs & Issues Breakfast with Congressman Gary Palmer at Hyatt-Regency-Wynfrey Hotel, Hoover. $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Hosted by Greater Shelby County Chamber, and Hoover, Montevallo, Mountain Brook and South Shelby chambers of commerce. Reservations required in advance through Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (205) 9933442 or info@helbychamber.org. February 23: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Benchmark Physical Therapy, 1713 Montgomery Highway South, Suite 131, Hoover 35244. Contact Annette McCrory at (205) 403-8701 or amccrory@benchmarkpt. com. www.bmrp.com

MARCH March 2: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting. Visitors Welcome!

March 9: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Goldís Gym in Pelham, 2244-A Pelham Parkway, Pelham 35124 (where Highway 119 meets Highway 31 (Pelham Parkway). Contact Alicia Strange at astrange@ goldsgym.com or (205) 820-8158.

March 15 : 4:30 p.m. Chamber Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome! March 16: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hyatt RegencyThe Wynfrey Hotel. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, March 13. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations. Lisa@ hooverchamber.org

March 23: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Painting With a Twist, 701 Doug Baker Boulevard, #106, Hoover 35242 (The Village at Lee Branch Shopping Center). Contact Hemen Patel at studio173@paintingwithatwist. com or (205) 637-7777 for information.

Safety: continued from page 1 begins at 11:30 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The Luncheon is $20, payable at the door, or $25 for non-members, or 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 simple do not show will be invoiced for the luncheon, as the chamber makes guarantees to the Hoover Country Club based on the number

of reservations. Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 Club Drive in Hoover. There is plenty of free parking in their open parking lot. Call (205) 822-0647 or go to www. hoovercountryclub.org for additional information.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 61 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 2017 President

Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union

Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation, 2016 President

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel

Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, 1st Vice President

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Terry Turner Gentle, Turner & Sexton 2nd Vice President

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Megan Randolph, CPA, Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, Treasurer

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

Kathleen Spencer, Morningside of Vestavia, Secretary

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Terry Shea, Wrapsody

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.

Members: continued from page 4 Nothing Bundt Cakes Dedra Miele, Owner 538-7602

Robinson Window Cleaning Nolen Robinson, Owner 936-0045

Silverton Mortgage Specialists The Church at Ross Bridge Lynne Mosley, Sr. Branch John Mount, Lead Pastor Manager - 979-9006 623-2929

Panda Express Max Morisset - 403-2879

Rutledge & Yaghmai Henry Rutledge, Attorney 985-2411

Southern Light The Lollar Group Bo Bowen, Account Manager - Holly Lollar, Owner 354-7113 807-3759

Sam Compton Farmers Insurance Agency Sam Compton, Owner 623-4505

The Axia Group Meredith Stevens 302-319-2504

Pinot’s Palette Barbara Nesi, Owner 558-5969

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

Woodforest National Bank (inside Walmart on Hwy 150) James Manning - 444-0046

SPOTTED Bluff Park Christmas Parade

Hanna Baskin and Riley Brophy

Katherine Jackson, Emma Hill and Senna House

Mason Comer, Nick Berg, Duncan Bates, Alexis Aspito and Billy Neal

The Bluff Park community hosted its first Christmas Parade Dec. 3. The parade started at the Bluff Park Community Center/Shades Cliff Pool area and ended at Bluff Park Village. (Photos by Heather Jones Skaggs)

Jason and Fran Cooper

Patrick Williamson, Jackie Foot, Ellie Blanchard, Karla Anosoo, Iam Chatterton, Riley Jones and Stanley Davidson

Lindsey Westhavon, Addi Mitchell, Mary El Neal, Haley Westhoven, Christian Congleton and Maddi Silva

Jaime Thursby

Paul Young

Santa with Maddi and Katrina York with Aiden and Mackenzie Dockery February 2017 | Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine â&#x20AC;˘

SPOTTED

Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting The city of Hoover held its Christmas tree lighting at Hoover City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 1. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Julia and Betty Daigle with Frances Brocato

Krista and Navy Hill with Destiny and Park Turner

Elaine Ake and Kathaleen Rogers

Reagan Handley, Kinsley King, Bailey Kennon and Kaden King

Darnesha Benson and Cameron Miller

â&#x20AC;˘ Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine | February 2017

Lyn Campbell and Yu-Ing Hargett

Lynda Daniel and Anna Lynn Pendergrass

Deborah Biggs and Denise Roberson

Nikki, Caroline and Reese Barnett

Jeff, Tammy and Lisa Parker

Georgette, Jorja, Aurora and Fiona Lester with Alex, Ethan and Angela Lindsey

Luis and Alba Duran with Alani and Sol Diaz

Tera Simmons and Dana Depew

Robert and Heather Morin

Pam Thompson with Paul and Katherine Baker

Samantha, Mackenzie and Taylor Parker

Lindsay, Spencer, Sawyer and Harrison Roden

February 2017 | Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine â&#x20AC;˘

Green Valley Food Truck Thursdays The Green Valley neighborhood in Hoover held its first Food Truck Thursdays event at Star Lake on Nov. 10. November’s food trucks were Snapper Grabber Coastal Kitchen and the Heavenly Donut Co. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Ben Saunders and Mary Romano

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

SPOTTED Hadley and Caroline Ramsey

Corey Livingston, Bruce Berry, Adam Wright and Lee Kilgore

Elizabeth Anne Richards and Sarah Pressley

Grayson Murphy

GLC After Hours The Greystone Ladies Club held an After Hours event Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Greystone Antiques and Marketplace. Members enjoyed a holiday open house, refreshments and a holiday tabletop demonstration. (Photos contributed) Linda Ford and Wilma Thompson

Therese Haselden, Wendy Howell and Ranea Breen

Beth Yoder, Carolyn Ramey, Therese Haselden and Rebecca Cammack

Carolyn Ramey, Susie Gaston, Beth Yoder and Therese Haselden

February 2017 | Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine â&#x20AC;˘

SPOTTED

Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon The Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon was held Dec. 6 at the home of Alicia Cuevas. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Hiltrud Hollibaugh with Barbara and Breanna Brickner

Carolyn Ramey, Gwen Solomon, Janie Dollar and Tameka Askew

Linda Glasscock, Patti Stahlhut and Hendree Moore

Adam King, Wes Hampton and Pam Bradford

â&#x20AC;˘ Hooverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine | February 2017

Laurie Day and Val Stiffler

Nita Yarbrough and Judy Arnold

Tricia Schencker and Denise Obert

Debbie Asay and Theresa Hensley

Want to return to your normal life faster after surgery or medical complication? Therapy with Rehab Select can speed your recovery and help you regain your strength. Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge is more than a typical rehab inpatient facility. We feature a physician-led, adaptive program that keeps patients with us only as long as they need, and treats every person like an individual, not a diagnosis or a length of stay. You’ll receive personalized one-onone therapy.

881 3rd Street, NE, Alabaster, AL 35007 205.620.8500

Billie Holleman and Judy Allred

Christy Larry and Tammy Coefield

Visit us at www.rehabselect.net

at Shelby Ridge

Come as you are. You’ll ﬁt right in. SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

Wanda Ehl and Susie Hammers

Hiltrud Hollibaugh and Pat McCanna February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

SPOTTED

Greystone Ladies Club Christmas Bazaar The Greystone Ladies Club held its third annual Christmas Bazaar at the Founders Clubhouse Nov. 9 with 25 local vendors. (Contributed photos)

Jenice Prather-Kinsey, Carolyn Ramey and Julie Kim

Therese Haselden, Wilma Thompson, LaRue Carter and Breanna Brickner

Leon Loard Portraits

Leigh Ann Priest, St. John and Carole Marks

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Lindsey Kelly Pottery

Carolyn Ramey, Pat Daugherty and Pat Yost

Shay’s Jewelers

Susie Hammers

Princess House

Grace House Gift Wrap Booth

Pam Edwards, Ann Powers and Teresa Reed

Rachel McIntyre and Linda Holloman

Ann Powers, Margaret Alexander, Nicole Swiney and Paula Campbell

Ann Powers Gift Wrap Sign

Pam Edwards and Pam Crider

Hoover Service Club members wrapped gifts at The Grace House Gift Wrap Booth located near Macy’s in the Riverchase Galleria. The Gift Wrap Booth is a tradition. (Contributed photos)

Pam Crider, Pam Edwards and Paula Campbell

Nicole Swiney Gift Wrap Sign

Darla Williamson

Mary Sue Ludwig, Lynda Wasden, Judy McDaniel and Diane Thomas February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

SPOTTED

Monte D’Oro Christmas Party The Monte D’Oro Neighborhood Association held its annual Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the home of Anna Lu Hemphill. (Contributed photos)

Kailin, Evan and Isaac Steed

Lori Salter Schommer and Mayor Frank Brocato

Derrick Murphy

Robin and Mary Ann Schultz

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Mike and Shelley Shaw

Monte D’Oro Ladies

Nate and Eli Harrington

Polly and Dan Ireland

Isabella Hampton, Warren Burns and Niki Burns

YOUR

COMMUNITY.

YOUR

STORIES.

YOUR MAGAZINE.

Subscribe today

James Jones

TO RECEIVE A COPY IN YOUR MAILBOX MONTHLY !

• • • •

A RTS & C ULTURE L OCAL F ASHIONS U NIQUE H OME F EATURES M ONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

$20.41 for one year,12 issues

To subscribe visit hooversmagazine.com or call 669-3131.

Monte D’Oro Men

Walt, Emma and Fulton Meyer

2016

Mayre Parr

Y.J. Ng February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

SPOTTED

Hoover Public Library Holiday Sing-a-long Children and their parents enjoyed a musical morning at the Hoover Public Library’s first Holiday Sing-a-long and storytime event. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Melissa and Sam Parker with Melissa and Sawyer Moore

Eva Kate Yeager and Lateria Smith

Finn, Meg and Ian Williamson

Rachel, Graham and Campbell Anderson

Maggie and Jane Whitaker

Chris Muro, Susan Muro, Peter Muro and Kathryn Filar

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Zander Padurean

Annie, Kristin and Maria Tonner

Penelope and Lindsay Ary

Vivienne, Turner and Emerson Hill with Cameron Spell

Paige, Stephanie and Brooks McConville; Heather, Hadley and Anders Kirk; and Melissa and Isabelle Townson

CLASSIFIEDS

Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

AB Garage Auto Repair

201 Patton Street West Jemison Will compare prices. All car types. We make cars and customers happy. Thank you! (205)688-2055 Acceptance Loan Company, Inc.

Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans! 224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 Piano Tuning & Organ Servicing

Moving, Storage, Refinishing and Repair. Trained by the School for the Blind. 46 years’ experience. BUDDY GRAY 205-822-0482 or 800-593-2462 FIREWOOD OAK - $25 Rack HICKORY - $30 Rack

Pick up yours today at Columbiana Wood Products 21421 Hwy 25, Columbiana (205) 671-5202 Heating Season Assistance

Call Appointment Lines: Chilton_Co - Assistance starts 12/15/16: 205-2870139. Shelby Co - Assistance starts 12/26/16: 205-610-8916. eaaoac.cascheduler.com 11th Area of Alabama O.A.C. Welder Training

Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Tired of high cable prices? NO MONEY DOWN!

50 channels-$39.99 190 channels-$49.99 290 channels $64.99 Alabama Dish 256-438-4039

Montgomery Stockyard

Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where

you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409. Residential and Commercial Moving

37+ years of service. Licenses, bonded and insured. A+ rated member of BBB. ”I would definitely recommend this company to my friends and family. Everyone is extremembly nice and very professional.” Mindy Road Runner Moving 205-945-8339 www.movebirmingham.com CLOCK REPAIR SVS.

* Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 TV NAILS PROFESSIONAL NAILCARE FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN

1062 First NW Childersburg, AL 256-378-5040 Monday-Saturday 9:30am7pm Walk-Ins Welcome In Coosa Plaza Next To Piggly Wiggly Residential Roofing Specialists

Shingles, Copper, & All Metal Roofing. Over 30 years’ experience. Versatile Contractors, Inc VCI@bellsouth.net Earl Simpson 205-965-1500 Paul Jackson 205-369-8278

HooversMagazine.com

Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS!

Please visit our website www. capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started! 1BD Fully Furnished

Weekly Rates Starting at $170 Free Utilities. No Credit Check. Two Budgetel locations at 1902 Highway 31 South, Hoover 205-985-9117 and 5249 Highway 280 East, Birmingham Call 205-991-0100 or www.budgetel.com Warehouse Space for Lease Pelham

10 Monroe Drive 10,000 sq.ft. Fenced. Parking. $5,200/mo. 801 Keystone Court 5,000 sq.ft. loading dock. $2,000/mo. 602 Keystone Court 5640 sq ft. Roll up door. $2,200/mo. (205)936-3055 ONLINE AUCTIONS

www.GTAOnlineAuctions. com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc. Jack F. Granger #873 Dreaming of a Career in Real Estate?

Linda Hankins School of Real Estate 224 1st Street North, Ste 225 Alabaster, AL 35007 For information, call 205-283-0948 School License #104738 Marble Valley Manor

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga 256-245-6500 TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800-548-2546(T/A) Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am4pm Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

100 Corporate Woods Drive

Shelby County Airport 4,000 sq.ft. at $7-$8/ft. 13+ offices. 205-915-5044 RENT SPECIAL!!

Brick 3/2 located next to Meadow View Elementary Easy access to I-65. W/D hook-ups, dishwasher, carport. Rent $1295. (205)433-9811 TARGET AUCTION

Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com Magnolia Mixes Premium Gluten Free Baking Mixes

Locally Made For information on our great tasting line up, check us out at www.magnoliamixes.com and Amazon. CAGLE SOD FARM

419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd. Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd. Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd. DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com HIRING

Production Workers in McCalla IMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Various shifts, temp-to-hire positions! Apply online at: www.adeccousa.com or call our office at 205-497-6400 ext. 2033 Need A Job? Need A Better Job?

AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/ jobs today to view your opportunities! REGIONAL CLASS-A CDL DRIVER

$500 SIGN-ON BONUS! Age 25+ wtih good MVR. 1 year experience w/6+ months flatbed. $0.38-46 cpm (based on experience)

+ $0.20 per deadhead mile. Paid tarp, stopover, layover, detention. Contact: HR 205-642-9186 Application at: www. angelswaytransportation. com Automation Personnel Services

Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002 Pelham (205)444-9774 APPLY NOW!

Baugh Ford in Clanton Hiring Diesel Mechanic Ford certified highly preferred. Email cover letter/resume to autojobsclanton@gmail.com Fax to (205)755-6443 Or apply in person. EXPERIENCED SERVERS, CASHIERS, KITCHEN HELP

Apply in Person before 11am or between 2pm-4pm: Bertolone Italian Cafe 605 2nd Ave N, Clanton Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home

Currently Recruiting For: •Medical Lab Tech Full-time position, requires 2 year associates degree. •Medical Technologist Full-time, 7 on-7 off, blood bank experience required. Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter. com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home

Now Hiring For: RN • Labor & Delivery

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

PM - F/T position AL RN license required. Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter. com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com Bibb Medical Center & Nursing Home

Now Hiring For: Dietary Manager • Full time For Long term care and acute care hospital. Responsible for food service for patient care and non-patient care Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL Email resume: bmchr@bibbmedicalcenter. com Or Apply Online: bibbmedicalcenter.com ORDER PULLERS

Distributor in Alabaster has an immediate need for order pullers. Heavy duty lifting is required. We offer a Monday-Friday work week, competitive pay, and benefits. Call our job line at 205-397-1781. BTC Wholesale Distributors BURGER KING JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant. Benefits: Competive Wages, Health & Life Insurance, Paid Vacations, 401(k). Apply online at: www.jointeamschuster.com. (EOE - DRUG FREE WORKPLACE). JOIN OUR TEAM! MAINTENANCE ENGINEER FOR A BURGER KING FRANCHISE

Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for a person with skills in HVAC and Refrigeration, Light Electrical and Plumbing. •Competitive Wage based on skills and experience, annual reviews. •Health and Life Insurance •401 (k) Profit Sharing Plan •Paid Vacations

•Maintenance Vehicle & Tools furnished FOR INTERVIEW CALL DAVID STEVENS (706)563-3066 (EOE—DRUG FREE WORKPLACE) Cathedral Daycare

Infant/Toddler teacher needed for FT/PT position in church preschool. 19 or older. HS diploma required. Experience preferred Call (205) 716-3083 to apply PAINT CREWS

Nationally branded painting company for subcontractor work in the Birmingham area. Must have own insurance, equipment & vehicle. CertaPro Painters 205-277-9999 DRY CLEANING PLANT MANAGER

Cleaning, Spotting, Finishing and Dry Cleaning Work Flow Experience Required Email interest to DryCleanBham@gmail.com

Plumbing Service & Repair Technician

Requirements: •Journeyman’s plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/ drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: exie@eagleservicecompany. com $3000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS

EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316. THE FISH MARKET

Chilton County Treatment Center 205-755-4300

RESTAURANT CASHIERS & SERVERS NEEDED. NOW HIRING HAPPY People with GREAT Attitudes! Must be Flexible/Hours Vary Apply in Person ONLY Hwy 280 & Hwy 31 Locations

Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World?

PLANT MAINTENANCE POSITION

Full-Time Counselor

• Flexible work schedule • Team environment • Competitive compensation Contact us today for more information: Arnita Barber 770-372-1100 arnita.barber@gentiva.com NEW STORE OPENING SOON IN PELHAM

Now Hiring: •Cooks •Servers •Cashiers •Utility Email resume or work history to: paulgoldenrulebbq@hotmail. com Call 368-4277 for more info. Join our Team! 309 Huntley Parkway NOW HIRING!

Full-Time Assistants Full & Part-Time Teacher Positions Grace Community School and Daycare For more information, visit our website at www.thewhaleschool.com or call us at (205) 769-6209 Hiring Stylists in Calera

Average Pay $12 & Up 205-966-7254 Hardee’s Now Hiring

Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply! Coosa Valley Medical Center OR Nurse Manager

RN (Labor/Delivery): 3-11pm RNs (Surgical Services): dayshift RNs (Med/Surg): all-shifts RNs (Geriatric/Psych): Sign On Bonus Email resume to: Janean. Crawford@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net DCH Health System Caring. For Life.

$5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem.com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com

Desired Skills: •Minimum 10-years experience in plant industrial maintenance environment (mechanical/hydraulics/ electrical/fabrication/ pneumatic) •Strong electrical trouble shooting skills in highvoltage as well as lowvoltage •Ability to work on PLC is required Apply At: Foley Products, Clanton or online: www.foleyproducts. com Foley Products Company is an EOE. Now taking applications for:

•Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton. 205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228

Now Hiring

for new Inverness Location Servers & Kitchen Help D reamland BBQ 150 Inverness Corners Birmingham, AL 35242

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Come be a part of a growing team!

Gentiva Home Health is hiring •PRN Registered Nurse •PRN Speech Therapist for our Clanton location.

•Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s

Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045

Truck Driver / Debris Loader Operator

CDL Required. Full or Part Time. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Tree Climber / Bucket Operator

Top pay guaranteed. 5 yrs exp. CDL required. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring!

• Substitute teachers • Aides • Cafeteria • Clerical • Custodial positions for Shelby County School District and Alabaster City Schools. Please call 205-682-7062 We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round

Anniston, AL www.pull4klb. com 3800 square foot Daycare for Lease. Fully equipped with

commercial kitchen for 65 children. Great location. 5560 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-2022 WE HAVE JOBS!

· Machine Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/Packers- Alabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/careersearch (205)943-4820 Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking

$2,000 Sign On Bonus J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Class-A CDL Local and OTR Drivers. GREAT BENEFITS! Health Insurance $9 Weekly. OTR Drivers Home 2 or More Times Weekly. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin@256-245-3933

for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS

Shake up your career!!!

DRIVERS NEEDED

Managers and Assistant Managers MONTEVALLO KFC 950 N. MAIN STREET MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 To apply send resumes to: Attn: Katie Badgwell 113 25th Ave East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8621 Katie@jmfkfc.com

Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com

280 Location Opening

Class A CDL Drivers Needed

December 19 Now Hiring 3 shift Managers Pay Rate $9-$11 20-25 Employees Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50. Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190

Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355

Class-A CDL DriverDry Bulk/Pneumatic-

Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits. 3yrs fast food experience required. Fax resume: 334-649-1112 Or apply at: www.work4bk.com

Birmingham,AL Must be 25+, have clean driving record, two-years tractor/trailer experience. Will train drivers on tank. Good benefits-almost all drivers home everynight. Contact Keith 205-438-4959 Noland Health Services

Now Hiring RN’s Day & Night Shift Available Noland Hospital Shelby Located in Shelby Baptist Medical Center Alabaster To Apply Visit: www.nolandhealth.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama

Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience. • Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Warehouse Position in Calera

Starting pay $10/hr. Flexible shifts. Requirements: • Recently Lived in Alabama at least 1 year. • High School Diploma or GED. • At least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools.

Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays). Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039. Manufacturing/Assembly positions available in Calera

& McCalla areas. Full time hours, all shifts available. Call today 205-267-3910

Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers

HELP WANTED 40 hours/

week. $10-$12/hour to start Homewood call center has immediate openings. No experience required. For an interview Call (205) 777-5601 Saiia Construction Co.

ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers. Requirements: OTR experience driving lowboy trailers; transporting heavy oversized loads; experience with heavy equipment required; ability to work in outside environments, safetyoriented, and team-player. Overtime available. Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package. Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 Willing to Learn?

We are willing to teach! NOW HIRING All Positions Pelham & Chelsea Great Opportunity Rewarding Career 401K/Health Ins/ Group Benefits Contact: 205-620-4455 cwomack@smithcos.com Order Selectors

Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/ week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM5:00PM Southeastern Food

201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood. com St. Vincent’s Chilton is looking for:

$38-$104/wk •Paid orientation approximately $720/wk Call Brian at 800-507-8848 www.tankstar.com TaylorMade Transportation

• Ultrasonographer (FullTime) • Medical Lab TechnologistFull-time, 7 on/7 off, Evening Shift • Pharmacist (Full-time) • Registered Nurse - Med/ Surg & ICU (PRN) If you are interested, please email: chiltoncountyrecruitment@ stvhs.com and apply online at www.stvhs.com/careers

Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com

Immediate Positions!!!!

Landscape Assisstant

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available! Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337

6:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. Full Time • Monday-Friday Paid health benefits. Looking for a quick learner, with great work ethic! Call Carrie 205-991-4564 or 205-427-5501

Stevens Home Health Care

Currently Hiring: Personal Care Workers Must have experience & clean background. For more info call: 334-215-0084 or 205-942-5996 (EOE)

The Painting Company of Birmingham

Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559

Security Guard

Full-time and Part-time Available Great benefits. Must have pistol permit and pistol. $11/ hour. Call Carrie 991-4654 or 427-5591 or 205-427-5501 Caregivers Needed ASAP!

Competitive hourly pay. Call Visiting Angels at (205)719-1996 to discuss. FLATBED DRIVERS OTR

SUBWAY

South Shelby County Stores Now Hiring • All Positions Looking for Sandwich Artists. Print out the application from the link below and bring by your nearest Subway Location. http:// wpc.4728.edgecastcdn. net/004728/applications/ subway-job-application.pdf Looking for Managers with these same traits. Please send resumes to: scottreneau@gmail.com

Flatbed Trucking Co. now hiring Company Drivers and Leasing Owner Operators with 2 yrs exp. 205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS

w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus. Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140 $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS!

Rogers Cartage Company Recruiting for Dry-Bulk

Lime & Cement Drivers for Alabaster, AL terminal •Local/Regional Business •Increased pay package •Possibly 1-2 nights out/ week due length of hauls •6-Months Class-A Tractor/ Trailer experience •Dry-bulk Lime/Cement experience helpful-not required Salary/benefits include: •Medical benefit plans from

HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www. westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE)

Tree Nursery Worker Needed

Responsible w/mechanical skills. To operate forklift/farm tractors/ equipment/welding/ ground maintenance/service equipment/check fluid levels/ clean after use. Maintainsafe/ clean area. Requires valid-DL/ reliabletransportation. 334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc

$1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS Longevity-Bonus. Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Painters Needed!

Minimum 3 years experience w/new residential painting, dependable transportation, clean appearance. Must be Drug/Alcohol free. References Required. Also Quality Subcontractors w/Own Equipment. 205-621-2627 Dr. Gary Howard is Now in Calera.

401-404 Airport Commons Dr. (205)665-2002 Hope to see you there! 100 Corporate Woods Drive

Shelby County Airport 4,000 sq.ft. at $7-$8/ft. 13+ offices. 205-915-5044 Bad Credit? Need a car?

Langston Motors 205-406-5886 Highway 31 in Alabaster next to Chevron. LangstonMotors.net Ask about our guaranted credit approval! Production Jobs

MPG in Columbiana seeks quality people to work multiple shifts. Willing to train. Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com.

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CALENDAR

Feb. 1 Rockin’ Tots: Circus Time

superheroes. The cost is $15.

Crafty Characters presents Cupid

•Hoover Public Library•

This is a short, actionpacked storytime for children under 4 years old. The event will be held Feb. 1 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

•Hoover Public Library•

Meet Cupid while you make fun Valentine crafts and eat “sweet treats” on Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome.

Feb. 2 ExploraStory: Terrific Teeth

Crafty Characters presents Cupid

•Hoover Public Library•

Weekly exploration includes stories, songs and handson activities for children 3 years old and older. The event will be held Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m.

PJ Storytime: Groundhog Surprise •Hoover Public Library•

Children of all ages can wear their pajamas for stories, songs and a bedtime snack. The event will be held Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Nick Millevoi’s Desertion Trio •Hoover Public Library•

Nick Millevoi is a Philadelphia-based guitarist and composer whose music draws upon the influences of avant garde jazz, modern classical and rock and roll to create a personal sound. A restless sonic explorer, he maximizes the possibilities of the electric guitar through frequent use of feedback, raw noise and nontraditional tunings. As an intrepid composer, Millevoi confronts everything from

maximal electric power trio music to chamber music to large scale improvisationheavy ensemble pieces and everything in between. Millevoi is touring in support of his 2016 album “Desertion,” which has been praised by the likes of NPR. He will perform at the Hoover Public Library on Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and will take place at the Library Plaza.

Feb. 3 Movers and Shakers – Hooray for Heroes! •Hoover Public Library•

Children with their caregivers engage in movement, music and creative story exploration to build school readiness and early literacy Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. Space is limited, must register. The event is for ages 3 and 4.

Tween Scene: Valentines for Children’s Hospital •Hoover Public Library•

Come and make a valentine

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

to share with the kids at Children’s Hospital on Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.

Feb. 4 Riverchase Loves Artists •Riverchase Country Club•

Riverchase Women’s Club is sponsoring its 11th annual art show, Riverchase Loves Artists, on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Riverchase Country Club. Notable artists – about 50 new and past favorites – will be exhibiting and selling their work in a variety of mediums including oil and watercolor, jewelry, metal, wood, pottery and glass. Admission is a $2 donation and open to the public. Proceeds from the sale will benefit local charities.

Super Hero Breakfast •Greystone Golf and Country Club•

The Super Hero Breakfast will be held Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Greystone Golf and Country Club. Come eat and play games with some of your favorite

Feb. 5 Sunday NovelTea •Hoover Public Library•

Sunday NovelTea is a new fiction book group at the Hoover Public Library. The group will meet Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.

Feb. 6 Together with Twos – Down on the Farm •Hoover Public Library•

Stories and crafts for 2-yearolds will be held Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Space is limited, so participants need to register each week.

Friends of the Library •Hoover Public Library•

Better Basics – Kathleen Drake presents an overview of this grade school reading program and associated volunteer opportunities Feb. 6 at 9:45 a.m. Refreshments will be served at 9:45 a.m., and the meeting begins at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 4447840.

Story Lab: Groovy Buttons

Listen, laugh and learn! One story prompts lots of handson activities designed for 3- to 8-year-olds Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.

•Hoover Public Library•

Spanish Conversation Practice for Advanced Speakers

Reader’s Café: Upper Elementary Book Club

Advanced Spanish conversation practice for advanced Spanish speakers will be held Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

•Hoover Public Library•

December’s Menu: Biography. Readers Café serves up books from different genres each month. Pick a book from a chosen genre, read it, then meet and discuss. Space is limited, must register. The event will be held Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 Mother Goose: Bird is the Word •Hoover Public Library•

Stories, songs and fingerplays for 12-23 months will be held Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Space is limited, register each week.

Early Birds: Giddy-Up, Baby •Hoover Public Library•

Stories, songs and fingerplays for birth to 12 months will be held Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. Space is limited, register each week.

Spanish Conversation Club •Hoover Public Library•

Adults are invited to practice their Spanish and celebrate the culture Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. All fluency levels are welcome.

•Hoover Public Library•

Feb. 8 Rockin’ Tots: Let’s Get Silly •Hoover Public Library•

Weekly exploration includes stories, songs and hands-on activities Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 and up.

support local charitable organizations and scholarships to Hoover City Schools students. The cost is $125 per person or reserve a table for 10 for $1,250. Of each reservation, $60 is tax-deductible as allowed by law. For more information, call 903-4987 or visit Hooverserviceclub. com for information and a link to pay with PayPal.

PJ Storytime: Hugs & Kisses

Valentine’s Day Dinner

•Greystone Golf and Country Club•

A Southern Dinner will be held Feb. 9 from 5-9 p.m. at the Founders Main Dining Room.

ExploraStory: My Froggy Valentine •Hoover Public Library•

A short, action-packed storytime for children under 4 will be held Feb. 8 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Wear your pajamas for stories, songs and a bedtime snack Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 Perfect Match: A Valentine Story

Feb. 10 Hearts and Harmony Gala

•Hoover Country Club•

Dolores Hydock will perform “Perfect Match: A Valentine Story” on Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Dr. in Hoover. Lunch, which is optional, is $18. Call Winnie Cooper at 979-5699 for lunch reservations.

Southern Dinner

•Greystone Golf and Country Club•

•Hoover Public Library•

•Park Crest Event Facility•

The Hoover Service Club will hold the 5th Annual Hearts and Harmony Gala on Feb. 10 at Park Crest Event Facility, located at 2030 Little Valley Road in Hoover. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar and silent auction will be followed by a seated dinner and live auction. Auctions’ profits

Reader’s Café: Upper Elementary Book Club

On Feb. 10, in addition to the Chef’s Dinner, Greystone Golf and Country Club will offer a special prix fixe menu for anyone getting an early start to their romantic weekend. On Feb. 14, the club will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with two choices for each course. Reservations for either night are required. The dinner will be held 5-9 p.m. at Legacy. The cost is $55 per person.

Feb. 11 Villain-tines Day •Hoover Public Library•

Share a little love with the villains from your favorite books and movies Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m. Crafts and games for all ages.

Purl @ the Plaza Hoover Public Library

Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. Bring your yarn and knit, crochet or embroider with the group. The event is free. February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

CALENDAR Feb. 12 Lamont Landers •Hoover Public Library•

Up-and-coming singer will blow you away with his powerful vocals and infectious combo of soul, blues and funk Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. The event is free.

Young Artist Reception •Hoover Public Library•

Celebrate the library’s featured children’s gallery artists Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Feb. 13 Helping Hands •Hoover Public Library•

Drop in to make newspaper rolls for a local humane society Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. Adults and teens are welcome. For more information, call 444-7840.

Feb. 14 Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead: Science – Potions •Hoover Public Library•

Create Valentine slime and delicious treats Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. Ages 5-11.

Valentine’s Lip Sync Battle •Hoover Public Library•

Express your feelings and sing your heart out to your favorite songs on Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Ages 14-18.

Feb. 15 Meet James Spann •Hoover Public Library•

Learn about weather from ABC 33/40 meteorologist James Spann on Feb. 15

at 1 p.m. Space is limited, register Feb. 1-14.

Trivia Night: I Love the 00s! •Hoover Public Library•

Though the decade ended just seven years ago, how much do you remember about the 00s? Bring a team and compete for prizes Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free.

Feb. 17 After Hours @ the Plaza: Library Bingo •Hoover Public Library•

Round up family and friends and compete for great prizes while playing a classic game with a library twist Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call the Circulation Department at 444-7800.

Feb. 21 Raging Readers: Middle School Bookclub •Hoover Public Library•

Middle school is tough, but book club is fun. Meet with others to discuss different titles each month. The group will meet Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Originally slated on the 11th season, Speaks is a musical group not forgotten and whose CDs have charmed CD players for more than a decade. At the time of their performance back in 2003, Zoey Raven, daughter of lead singers Mitch Barrett and Carlo Gover, was just a baby. Now, 13 years later, Zoe not only speaks – she sings. With the addition of Owen Reynolds on bass, Zoe Speaks is back to wow audiences with their deep roots and musical synergy. A smooth, mellow instrumental mix lays the background for the close vocal harmonies that are a defining feature of their sound. From traditional ballads to finely crafted, award-winning originals, this trio creates its own style of music, and often accompanies themselves on guitar, claw hammer banjo, upright bass, dulcimers and occasionally clogging feet.

Feb. 23 Southern Dinner •Greystone Golf and Country Club•

A Southern Dinner will be held from 5-9 p.m. at the Founders Main Dining Room of the club.

Feb. 25 Mardi Gras Party •Greystone Golf and Country Club•

4 Barrel Funk will perform as members enjoy Fat Tuesday cocktail specials and a Mardi Gras buffet with an assortment of New Orleans favorites. Masquerade attire is encouraged. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Founders Clubhouse. The cost is $39 per person.

Feb. 26 89th Academy Awards Party •Cellar 91•

Come to Cellar 91 at Greystone Golf and Country Club to watch the Oscars at 7:30 p.m. Red Carpet Happy Hour specials will start at 5 p.m. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged by calling 986-5120 or online at Greystonecc.com.

Feb. 27 Story Lab: Rocks Rock! •Hoover Public Library•

Listen, laugh and learn Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. One story prompts lots of hands-on activities designed for 3- to 8-year-olds.

Feb. 22 Zoe Speaks •The Library Theatre•

Zoe Speaks will perform at the Hoover Public Library’s theatre Feb. 22

• Hoover’s Magazine | February 2017

Mardi Gras Party

2016

February 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •