Hoovers Magazine March 2017

‘A true hero’ CNP manager Liz Whidden named a 2017 School Nutrition Hero

Answering the calls Hoover Fire Department captain reflects on decades of service

March 2017 Hooversmagazine.com $4.95

Taste the world Customs Café expands offerings at new location

Living in luxury River Highlands unveils renovated senior living community

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

1

A room worth sharing Do you collect anything? I can’t say that I’m an avid collector of anything specific, but I find it fascinating to learn about special things people collect as a hobby.

For Lynn Kurtts, I don’t know if the word “hobby” captures the extent of her collection of Elton John memorabilia or her knowledge of the man and his iconic music.

Heather Skaggs caught up with Kurtts for a feature this month on her “Elton Room,” a room in her home outfitted in a ’70s motif and packed with thousands of items including scrapbooks, signed posters and photos, magazines, T-shirts, videos and much more.

Kurtts, who has met Elton John multiple times and has attended more concerts than she can count, has spent the last 40 years gathering pieces for her collection.

To create the ultimate experience in the room, she turns on disco balls and lava lamps and burns incense before visitors enter the “ ’70s Chick Pad,” as she calls it.

But her motives are pure in

March Issue Copyright 2017 Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Questions or comments?

Call 669-3131 or email info@hooversmagazine.com Cover Photo By Dawn Harrison Cover Design By Clarke Stackhouse

Elton John fandom.

Kurtts doesn’t purchase memorabilia to try to have the largest collection; she collects what she wants to have and what’s feasible for her to obtain. She also strives to be a respectful fan, which is commendable.

I hope you enjoy reading about and looking at the photographs of the Elton Room as much as I did.

Don’t forget to check out our other features on Customs Café, a new spot for those interested in sampling global cuisine in a restaurant setting; River Highlands of Birmingham, a newly renovated senior living community; and locals making waves in the public service, education, book publishing and dance coaching worlds.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your comments and suggestions at Emily.Sparacino@ Hooversmagazine.com.

Thank you for reading!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.

2

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

FEATURES 20

That’s the spirit UAB dance team coach Abby Southerland’s passion for dance is contagious

28

Call of duty Hoover Fire Department Capt. Charles Banks shares memories from Station 5

34

Caring community River Highlands of Birmingham offers senior living in renovated facility March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

3

inside

5

34

28 46

ARTS & CULTURE 5 Hello Yellow Brick

Road Hoover woman creates ‘70s chick pad with Elton John memorabilia

HEALTH & BEAUTY 17 March health tip

Restoring the spring in your step

52

FEATURES 20 That’s the spirit

UAB dance team coach Abby Southerland’s passion is contagious

28

34

40

4

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Call of duty Hoover Fire Department Capt.

Charles Banks shares memories from Station 5 Caring community River Highlands of Birmingham offers senior living in renovated facility Forming Riverchase Book reveals community’s history and development in images

56

FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT 46 Cultural experience Customs Café broadens global cuisine offerings in new location

EDUCATION 52 Health hero

Greystone Elementary nutrition manager recognized for making a difference in and out of school

AT HOME 56 Cooking up a fresh look A redecorated kitchen can blend comfort and style

IN EVERY ISSUE 2 Editor’s Note 11

The Book Nook

12

Aldridge Gardens newsletter

14

Snippets

57

Hoover Area Chamber Connection

63

Spotted

75

Marketplace

78 80

Calendar Why I Love Hoover

arts & culture

HELLO YELLOW BRICK ROAD Hoover woman creates ’70s chick pad with Elton John memorabilia

ABOVE: Over the years, Hoover resident Lynn Kurtts has collected thousands of pieces of Elton John memorabilia that now fill a room in her home.

WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

I

n 1974 a song called “Pinky” and a scrapbook her mother gave her started Lynn Kurtts’ lifelong appreciation of Elton John.

“My mother is to blame really,” she laughs. “In the ’70s, Elton was in every newspaper, every magazine, every record

store, everywhere! I began to snip clippings from everything I could get my hands on and saved them. My mother said I should put them in a scrapbook. She probably thought I would outgrow the fascination and it might be fun to look back on one day. Eighteen years later, I met Elton and he was amazed by my scrapbook and autographed it for me.”

Kurtts has attended more concerts than March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

5

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Kurtts started saving Elton John-related clippings from newspapers, magazines and other sources in the 1970s.

She keeps the clippings and various photos from concerts and her backstage visits with Elton in a large scrapbook. Her memorabilia includes bobbleheads and sunglasses. Kurtts displays autographed items in her Elton John Room.

6

she can count, picking up a poster here and a hat there or bringing memorabilia for Elton or the band to sign. You can often find her on the front row and with backstage passes. She even appeared on VH1 in the mid-1990s.

Most of the collection was carefully stored in tubs and scrapbooks or framed until 2009 when her daughter moved into her own apartment and Kurtts had an idea.

The Elton Room was born!

“I had collected all the memorabilia for

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

40 years,” she said. “I began to think, kind of sudden like, I could display my posters in the room. So I touched base with my husband, Rob, and ran the idea by him. He told me to go for it. When he got home, it was a little more than he expected, but he loved it.”

The room, and its ’70s motif, contains thousands of items from scrapbooks, to album singles, posters, magazines, T-shirts, videos, DVDs and more.

“I did not have a real plan, I just winged

A piece of artwork, titled “Elton John,” by Kurtts boasts a second place ribbon.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

7

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The black Versace jacket Elton John wore in the music video “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” hangs on the back of Kurtts’ door, under a sign that reads, “My 60th concert.” A record player and miscellaneous memorabilia are arranged on a table in the Elton John Room. A lava lamp sits in front of a signed photo of Elton John.

Longtime Elton John fan Lynn Kurtts stands in her Elton John Room.

8

it placing posters on the wall first and then personal items, autographs, backstage photos and began to pull it together,” she said.

Lynn has added to the room over the years with new items she had added to her collection, most personally signed by Elton.

Each item in the room is a story unto itself. Lynn can point to any item and tell the story behind it, from her first poster she got in 1975 to a prized pair of Elton sunglasses she got at a Sotheby’s auction.

“While in Panama City Beach for our family vacation, my mother went to a store and saw this magazine about Elton that

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

unfolded to a cool poster and bought it for me,” Lynn said. “That was my first poster.

That night was the premiere of his part in the movie Tommy as the Pinball Wizard, and rather than go to the arcade with my family that night, I opted to stay in the motel at the beach to watch Elton and the full musical cast from Tommy on TV. “I took the sunglasses I got at the auction to one of his concerts, and while I was backstage he put them on and took a photo with me,” Lynn says. That photo now hangs on the wall.

The Elton Room – the “’70s Chick Pad” as Lynn likes to call it – is made complete

with bean bag chairs, lava lamps, disco balls and incense.

When guests enter the room, she insists on first prepping and setting the stage for the best viewing experience for her guests. As she opens the door, the disco balls are turning and reflecting off the ceiling, the smell of incense permeates through the room and the lava lamps set that perfect mood.

The room is not just a show for friends and family; it is also a place to relax and enjoy company.

“My husband can come home from work, and if he hears ‘Get Back Honky Cat,’ ‘Bennie and the Jets’ or ‘Rocket Man’ from the basement, he just gets a drink and joins me in the Elton room to listen to music. We listen to other music there, too. Elton is just generally March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

9

To give visitors the full experience, Kurtts turns on disco balls and lava lamps, burns incense and turns on the music before she allows new people to enter her Elton John Room.

“I like to think I am a perfect ‘fan’. I support his

career, love his music, go to his concerts anywhere near me as I can, have met him, know members of the band, yet respect his privacy. I do not cross the line.”

— Lynn Kurtts the numero uno!” she says.

To call Lynn’s collection extensive and her knowledge of Elton John’s career vast is an understatement. But Lynn is also a humble and respectful fan. She doesn’t cross the line and for the many years she has collected, it shows with every signature that Elton John has placed on her memorabilia, every backstage pass and photo with the “piano man.”

She never pushes or takes alternative measures. She simply asks or writes him.

What started out with a scrapbook, now a foot thick with memories from 1974 to 1995, has turned into a comfort zone, a

10

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

place to enjoy her collection.

“I collect the things I enjoy. I do not have the biggest or most complete collection out there. I collected what I could afford and what I actually wanted,” she says. “I like to think I am a perfect ‘fan’. I support his career, love his music, go to his concerts, have met him many times, know members of the band, yet respect his privacy.”

If you wonder where the black Versace jacket Elton John wore in the music video “Don’t let The Sun Go Down On Me” is, the song John recorded with the late George Michael, it is hanging on the back of Lynn’s door. n

the book nook

Pet Parade: Pets Gone Wild Spring Break 2017 Hoover Public Library is going to the dogs … and cats and bunnies and birdies!

While the kids are out of school this spring break, they can bring their best stuffed pet to the library for a week of purrfect fun and a barking good time!

Want to watch a movie? See “The Secret Life of Pets” on the big screen in the Library Theatre Katie Jane Morris on Tuesday, March 28 at 10:30 Outreach Librarian a.m. or 2 p.m.

Admission is free and so are the refreshments.

Want to paw-ty, I mean party? Join your family’s favorite book pets at Party Animals on Wednesday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Larger-than-life Clifford, Pete the Cat and Snoopy will come to play games and make crafts with the kids.

Want to laugh out loud? Fun stories, playful rhymes, an action-packed mini-movie and snacks will help you decide which furry friend is really the best at our Dogs vs. Cats Storytime Showdown on Thursday, March 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Need a creative outlet? Pamper your child’s favorite stuffed animal at our Pet Craft Palooza on Thursday, March 30 at 2 p.m.

Want to see what happens in the library after hours?

Bring your child’s second favorite stuffed animal on Thursday, March 30 for our Stuffed Animal Sleepover.

See what mischief the animal gets into overnight. Will he host an impromptu storytime or play a board game?

Will she draw a picture or have some fun with the copy machine? Will they climb the shelves or take a spin in the swivel chairs? And, most importantly, will the stuffed animals play nicely with the library’s puppets?

Photos will be posted on the library’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to help you keep track of everything that happens.

Your stuffed animals can be picked up on Friday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spring Break 2017 at Hoover Public Library is going to be PAW-some! We hope you’ll come.

Sit. Stay. n

2016

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

at Shelby Ridge

Visit us at www.rehabselect.net

Katie Jane Morris is the Outreach Librarian at the Hoover Public Library.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

11

Eddie Aldridge Inducted into Hall of Honor

Our team at Aldridge Gardens works tirelessly to keep the gardens in great shape for you and to make sure all our events go off without a hitch.

Think we have a staff of hundreds? Nope! Only ten staff members, along with our many volunteers, make it all happen at Aldridge Gardens: Tynette Lynch – CEO, tlynch@aldridgegardens.com Rip Weaver – Executive Director, rweaver@aldridgegardens.com Amanda Baker – Director of Sales and Catering, abaker@ aldridgegardens.com Debbie McDonald – Education Director, dmcdonald@ aldridgegardens.com Ellison Hendrixson – Membership Coordinator, ehendrixson@ aldrigegardens.com Phyllis Giles – Volunteer Coordinator, pgiles@aldridgegardens.com Jennifer Gregory – Administrative Support, jgregory@ aldridgegardens.com Michael Newton – Grounds Superintendent, mnewton@ aldridgegardens.com Robert Wolf - Custodial and Building Maintenance, rwolf@ aldridgegardens.com Alex Brewer – Grounds, abrewer@aldridgegardens.com

The Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association inducted Eddie Aldridge, founder of Aldridge Gardens, into the 2017 Hall of Honor on Feb. 9. Eddie, an avid plant breeder, introduced many new cultivars of plants and shrubs throughout his career. He and his father, the late Loren Aldridge, discovered, propagated, patented, and introduced the now world-famous Snowflake Hydrangea. Loren Aldridge was also honored, along with his son Eddie, for the major impact he had on Alabama agriculture.

In the Gallery Come inside the Aldridge House to view and to purchase works of artist Linda Vance this month. Also see the amazing bronze sculptures of Frank Fleming displayed inside the gallery.

The City of Hoover’s Arbor Day celebration will be held at Aldridge Gardens Saturday, March 4, 9:30– 11:30 a.m. Come learn all about trees. Event includes free trees for Hoover residents. No charge for admission.

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

Captain Compost and Feeding Your Vegetable Garden Tuesday, March 14, 6-8 p.m.

Instructor: William Cureton, AKA Captain Compost $12 Members/$15 Non-Members The Captain’s book and samples of his compost may be purchased after class.

Class limited to 20.

Do you have the itch to get your spring garden going? Discover how, with good compost and gardening techniques, your garden will be the envy of the neighborhood! Captain Compost offers a wealth of gardening information from natural pest management techniques to creative vegetable garden design for beginners! Please register at aldridgegardens.com.

Bird Walk for Members-Only

DAILY OPERATING HOURS MON.-SUN. 6:30AM - 3:30AM (CHILD CARE FOR LATE SHIFT WORKERS)

• Ages- six weeks- 12 years old • We have Daily Devotion and Spanish Classes Available • All Employees are CPR LPN on Staff "THE GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR CHILD IS OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE"

Saturday, March 18, 8-10 a.m.

Monthly bird walks for our members resume this month! Join Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel for a guided tour to see the many species of birds in the Gardens.

Aldridge Gardens offers a variety of unique venues for corporate meetings, retreats, weddings, and special parties. Let us help make your day perfect.

For information, contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales & Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

13

happening in hoover

SMS reveals Magic Moment for student From Oct. 11-Nov. 10, Simmons Middle School in Hoover raised $4,000 through donations, concessions at school dances and the opportunity to wear sweatpants and hats to school in order to grant a magic moment to a chronically ill Alabama child through the Magic Moments organization.

The month-long fundraising effort allowed the school to surprise a Hoover City Schools student with a trip to Legoland and Disney World.

This is the second year SMS has granted a wish through the school’s fundraising efforts.

At a recent gathering of SMS faculty and students, it looked like any other pep rally day, but this one was extra special. The SMS band played and students, dressed in red, white and black, were cheering as three judges entered the gym.

Two of the judges, teachers Carrie McGrann and Dan Cater, were in on the surprise, but guest judge and student Andrew thought he was at SMS to judge a grade-level Lego competition at the pep rally.

Clipboards in hand, the three judges made their way first to the Gotham City creation by the sixth graders, then to a Medieval Times castle by the seventh graders, and finally to the eighth graders’ creation of Sanford Stadium, home of the Georgia Bulldogs, a favorite team of Andrew’s.

A few eighth grade football players ran a play and presented Andrew with a football signed by the Bulldogs’ head coach and all the Georgia players.

14

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

SMS Fine Arts wraps up ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ The Simmons Middle School Theatre Outreach Program (TOP) recently performed their fall musical “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” for 1,400 local students from Bluff Park, Green Valley and Gwin Elementary Schools, as well as for 850 members of the Simmons student body.

In addition to the four school performances, 1,900 additional patrons attended the two evening performances that were open to the public. This was a momentous event for the Simmons Middle School Theatre, as it marked the largest audience to date.

The cast of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” included sixth to eighth grade onstage performers with an

additional group of students who participated in the backstage pit chorus.

The musical was directed and choreographed by Theatre Director Delle Kincaid, with music directed

by Choir Director Dan Cater and scenic design by Art Teacher Carrie McGrann.

TOP, established by Kincaid, is founded on the belief that performing arts are an essential component to a rich and excellent education and that passion for theatre ignites at an early age.

Therefore, it is the mission of TOP to provide young, area school children with high-quality, live theatrical experiences at low or no cost to audiences.

happening in hoover

Bluff Park Elementary School PTO holds Iron Bowl party

Prince of Peace School robotics wins three awards The popularity of robotics engineering in education continues to grow, as does the size of the highly successful robotics team at Prince of Peace Catholic Middle School.

The team recently added three trophies to its collection from the Shelton State BEST Robotics Competition in October.

The team took second place in the engineering notebook category; third place for T-shirt design; and third place in the “BEST Award” category.

By placing third in the BEST category, the POP team advances to the five-state regional competition at Auburn University in December.

POP ranked highest of all competing middle schools and outperformed 11 high schools.

The team was also invited to be part of the Shelton’s BEST Engineering Day event in the spring.

POP’s robotics team has been competing in the BEST Robotics program for the past seven years.

Prince of Peace is beginning to incorporate a model of BEST Robotics into its middle school curriculum to advance its “STREAM” initiative (science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts, and mathematics).

The school has added coding to its technology curriculum and has partnered with CTS, a Hooverbased technology provider, to use game-based programming to introduce critical thinking and coding principles that go hand-inhand with robotics.

On Nov. 18, teachers and staff enjoyed a vast spread of tailgate food and fellowship with one another at the PTO-sponsored Iron Bowl Tailgate Party at Bluff Park Elementary School.

The tailgate was all about Auburn and the University of Alabama, even Gus Malzahn and Nick Saban were in attendance, in cardboard cutout form; nonetheless, the teachers and staff of BPES enjoyed their presence.

Parents served the teachers by taking 30-minute shifts in their classrooms to allow them to enjoy the hour-and-a-half of traditional tailgate fun: Food, dessert, music and cornhole, all under the canopy of Auburn and Alabama tents.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

15

happening in hoover

Brock’s Gap students lead successful toy drive Brock’s Gap Intermediate School’s BUCS Club and SCA held a toy drive in December. Students donated more than 500 toys to the YWCA. On Saturday, Dec. 10, students from the club volunteered at the YWCA. As parents worked with personal shoppers, gift baggers and had each gift wrapped, BUCs Club students were craft buddies.

Students were assigned a child and did arts and crafts with them so they could take home a goodie bag.

They also helped the children get their pictures made with Santa.

The event was a joint coordinated effort between BGIS BUCS Club sponsored by counselors Coley Robichaux and Terri Coleman and SCA sponsors Ashley Sparks and Stephanie Watson.

Prince of Peace students win contest The Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus sponsored a “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest at Prince of Peace Catholic School in December. Coryn Gonzalez won first place in the age 5-7 category, with Suemin Lee and Anna Fisher receiving honorable mention. First place for age 8-10 category went to Elizabeth “Lulu” Bateh, and second place to Abby Guillory.

16

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Hoover Library staff presents Christmas Musical The Hoover Public Library staff performed “The New Present: A Christmas Musical” for guests in December.

In this musical comedy for children of all ages, Santa’s presents were eagerly waiting to be delivered on Christmas Eve when an unidentified present was thrown into the bag. The presents had to alert Santa and figure out who the present

belonged to before the sleigh ride was over.

This musical was written, performed and produced by the Hoover Library staff. There were two performances on Dec. 14 and 15.

Over 600 patrons attended the free event. Children met Santa and made gingerbread cookies following the Thursday evening performance.

Henig Furs opens new location A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the new location of Henig Furs, Leather & Outerwear, at 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 100 in The Centre at Riverchase Shopping Center in Hoover (next to the Hoover Chamber office). Shown cutting the ribbon is manager Joe

Rutledge, as the bow is held by his assistant, Natalie Rockett, and Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. They were joined by other associates, customers and several Hoover Chamber ambassadors. Henig Furs can be reached at 822-3877 or Joe. Rutledge@att.net.

health & beauty

Restoring the spring in your step WRITTEN BY DR. JOHN ROBERSON

F

or many of my patients, March represents a turning point. As the weather warms, some are eager to get back outdoors, to the golf course, hiking trails or track, but find foot pain a hindrance. Others long to put on flip-flops, but hesitate to bare their feet because of a deformity. They may need help to correct bunions, hammer toes or other painful problems.

Some of the patients I see this time of year have never had a foot problem before, but experience a fracture, sprain or strain on the tennis court or softball field.

Although many of those patients can be treated with nonsurgical methods, others will require a surgical solution. Some will decide to pursue surgery after putting it off for months or years. The following common questions from my patients – followed by my answers – might help area residents wondering whether they should talk to a podiatrist about surgical methods to relieve foot pain: Which foot problems can be addressed through surgery?

Bunions are our most common podiatric surgery. However, we also surgically address hammer toes, plantar fasciitis and soft tissue masses.

I also repair foot fractures and tendon injuries.

What’s involved in this type of surgery?

Podiatrists now perform each of those procedures on an outpatient basis. The vast majority take under an hour to complete. Some are done within 15 minutes. We use IV sedation, not general anesthesia, so patients don’t remember anything, awaken quickly, and can return home promptly.

How long are patients off their feet?

Podiatric surgical techniques have progressed to the point where we can send patients home without crutches or casts. Most will be in a weight-bearing boot for about six weeks. That allows them to make an easier transition to regular shoes and activities.

Where is this surgery performed?

Years ago, podiatric procedures – like all other surgeries – were performed in hospital settings.

However, today’s advanced techniques allow us to work in outpatient centers.

That helps us minimize infection risks and maximize patient convenience.

The St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Outpatient Surgery Center is a new, state-of-the-art facility that not only provides everything I need to take care of my patients, but easy parking access for them and their families. And, easy access is a big deal when your feet hurt.

The public should know that the vast majority of podiatry patients don’t need surgery. We can even typically treat many foot injuries, including tendonitis, with more conservative methods, including shoe inserts or custom orthotics.

But some painful conditions are best treated through surgical methods. For those patients, March can be a great time to restore the spring in their step. n Dr. John Roberson is a podiatrist at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

17

features

Abby Southerland’s extensive dance background has led her to her current position as the coach of the UAB Golden Girls dance team.

20

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

That’s the spirit UAB dance team coach Abby Southerland’s passion for dance is contagious WRITTEN BY GRACE THORNTON PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON AND CONTRIBUTED

A

bby Southerland’s mom didn’t know a lot about dance when she let her daughter try it out as a 3-year-old — but she could certainly tell you a lot about it now, Southerland said.

Because once Southerland started dancing, she never stopped. Her life has circled around dance ever since.

“I was always a different person when I was on stage in front of an audience, and my mom could see that. She just encouraged me to keep going,” she said. “It was kind of my go-to and it just grew from there. I didn’t do sports — I just stuck with dance.”

These days, Southerland is the coach of the UAB Golden Girls dance team — the perfect place

for her passion for dance to keep getting passed on, she said. “I’m getting to teach what I love to do to other people.”

She loves all dancing, but dance teams have had a special place in her heart since she joined the team in middle school, Southerland said.

She kept on through her years at Spain Park High School, then went on to be captain of the University of Alabama’s dance team, the Crimson Cabaret.

“It was awesome,” she said of her years at UA, during which time she got to perform at Madison Square Garden and appear twice on ESPN College GameDay. “Alabama (football) won two national championships while I was there, and getting to be around that March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

21

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Southerland and her team pause for a photo at practice. The Golden Girls form a line during rehearsals.

Southerland was the captain of the University of Alabama’s dance team, the Crimson Cabaret.

22

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

was amazing. It was like a dream come true getting to dance there. I loved every minute of it.”

Southerland said she’s a huge sports fan and has been an Alabama fan “since I was born,” so getting to be around athletics is one of her favorite parts of team dancing.

“It also teaches you about how to work within a group of people, and that’s a lesson that spills over into other areas of

your life as well,” she said, noting that it’s helped her in everything from dance team competitions to her work at Dominick Feld Hyde, P.C. law firm.

After her time at UA, Southerland served as dance team coach for Spain Park High School for three years, then moved to UAB in 2016.

“Abby has been a wonderful addition to the UAB Spirit Program this year,” said

LEFT: Southerland described her time on the UA dance team as "awesome," as she got to perform at Madison Square Garden and appear twice on ESPN College GameDay. RIGHT: Dancers stay in sync with each other during a routine.

HE ONCE UPDATED HIS DAD’S SMART PHONE, TABLET AND LAPTOP IN LESS THAN AN HOUR. ALL WITHOUT LEAVING THE COMFORT OF HIS FOOTIE PAJAMAS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3 (205) 638-9100

HLifeShelbyLiving_COA_HeadlineAd_pajamas.indd 1

ChildrensAL.org

10/2/15 4:26 March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • PM 23

“Abby has been a wonderful

addition to the UAB Spirit Program this year. I hired her because she truly has a passion for teaching others and for dance.”

— Ryan Martin

The Golden Girls stand in their lines at practice.

24

Ryan Martin, UAB Spirit Coordinator and a cheer colleague of Southerland’s from UA. “I hired her because she truly has a passion for teaching others and for dance.”

The job, she said, takes a lot of time and energy, and if it’s not something you love, it will be hard to stay motivated.

“Abby is always coming to me with new ideas and ways to improve our presence at games and competitions, as well as

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

improving the lives of our student athletes,” Martin said. “We are very lucky to have her here at UAB.” Martin and Southerland are now working together to bring the “big school mentality” they had at UA to the dance team at UAB, Southerland said.

“We hope it will make our program grow and become a competitive team,” she said.

“That’s our goal — to make it an ideal

program that people want to come be a part of, to give it a competitive edge. We are excited about it, and we are super excited about football coming back next year.”

Southerland has been building programs wherever she’s gone, like at Jackie O’Neal School of Dance in Vestavia, where she’s built two hip-hop companies from the ground up.

“We have 50-plus kids in that program now,” she said.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

25

3

Abby Southerland was 3 years old when her mother let her start dancing, and she has danced ever since. Southerland joined the dance team in middle school, continued at Spain Park High School and eventually became captain of the University of Alabama’s dance team, the Crimson Cabaret, when she was in college. Now, Southerland is the coach of the UAB Golden Girls dance team.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Southerland was a member of Spain Park High School’s dance team.

Southerland looks on as the Golden Girls rehearse.

Dance became a permanent part of Southerland’s life when she was 3 years old. Southerland watches her dancers complete a routine. Dancers jump during the routine.

26

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Tammy Towns, owner of that dance school, said Southerland has practically grown up at the studio and that her impact on students today is something powerful.

“It’s been awesome for the studio having her back to teach and work with the hiphop companies,” Towns said. “She’s got so much charisma. She’s a unique individual,

very creative, and she’s a strong role model for the younger people.”

Coaching and teaching has a special place in Southerland’s heart, and though she loves jazz and pom, hip-hop has always been her favorite, she said.

“The energy and fun of it has always been my go-to.” n

LEFT: Southerland demonstrates part of a routine for the team.

RIGHT: A dancer gets vertical with a move at practice.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

27

features

CALL OF DUTY Hoover Fire Department Capt. Charles Banks shares memories from Station 5 ABOVE: Chad Smith, Scott Jackson, Capt.

Charles Banks, Scott Mims and Kelvin Young work for the Hoover Fire Department at Station 5 in Bluff Park. RIGHT: Hoover Fire Department Station 5 is where Banks began his service in Hoover roughly 30 years ago.

28

WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON AND HEATHER JONES SKAGGS

over 30 years.

“Firefighting and EMS got in my blood instantly after going to school to become an EMT while I was working at Hercules Power he Hoover Fire Department dates Plant,” Banks explains. back to a time when many of He continued school on his own at the the communities in the soon-to- University of Alabama and became a licensed be incorporated city of Hoover paramedic in 1983 and was later hired by the only had volunteer fire departments such as Hoover Fire Department in 1986.

Riverchase, Patton Chapel and Bluff Park.

Banks started his service in Hoover at Many firemen within the communities Station 5 in Bluff Park and worked in a also have an extensive background with the number of other Hoover stations. department. Capt. Charles Banks, for instance, “I started riding the tailboard for the first has served the Hoover Fire Department for two years as a plugman and then transferred

T

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

to Station 4 as a nozzleman,” he said. “After several years, I was assigned to Rescue 41 and then promoted to lieutenant. I served at Station 3 and then at Station 4 for eight years. I was then promoted to captain and served at Greystone for three years.”

Banks was transferred again back “home” to Station 5 in Bluff Park where he continues to serve as station captain today.

Over the years, Banks has seen both the good and the bad, not unlike many of the firefighters who serve Hoover.

A prominent memory for the department and the city itself is the 1993 snow and ice storm.

“Me and many others worked at the fire station for five days straight,” Banks says. “Anyone who has lived in Bluff Park for any length of time knows the area is the first to freeze and last to thaw. The weather always seems to be a little more extreme on top of the mountain and that night was no different. We knew snow was coming, but we didn’t know it was going to be as big as it turned out.”

Banks was working out of Station 5 and the Hoover Fire Department had prepared all of their equipment and apparatus for the event as well as securing extra firemen and EMTs to be ready. As night fell, the snow began to fall, and fall and fall.

One of the first calls the fire department was dispatched to was an “unknown medical” call on Shades Crest Road.

“When the bay doors were lifted at the station the snow was over 3 feet deep,” he says. “By the time we reached Park Avenue, snow had pushed completely over the windshield and broke one of the wiper blades.”

Finding the residence on Shades Crest Road was very difficult for the team because the snow was already higher than the mailboxes.

“We could navigate by looking at the telephone poles and trying to stay between them,” he says. “Every now and then we could see a hump in the snow. It would be a mail box that wasn’t completely buried.

“Finally, 30 minutes later, we found the house,” he continues. “Wading through snow that was from 3 to 5 March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

29

Banks, who serves as the Station 5 captain, has responded to a variety of calls as a firefighter.

He remembers working during the 1993 snow and ice storm for five days straight.

30

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

feet deep, we reached the door. An elderly lady opened it and said, ‘It’s good to see you boys.’ Our reply was ‘Are you OK?’ She said she was, and she had no power and what she would really like is a good hot cup of coffee. My partner and I looked at each other. We asked if she had water and a way to keep warm, and she did. We told her we would have to work on the coffee, we were without power also. She was OK, and we were thankful. It took more than an hour to get back to the station.”

As the sun came up that March morning and people began to explore the outside, the calls began to pour in.

Birmingham alone had over 12 inches of snow.

“I have never before or since splinted so many femur fractures,” Banks says. “We ran out of traction splints in the first three hours of daylight and had to resort in makeshift splinting with whatever we could find.

People were trying to sled down steep streets in the neighborhood only to hit brick mailboxes, cars, poles and ditches along the sides of the street. There were a lot of femur fractures and, in a couple of cases, serious internal injuries. There were so many calls that day we were actually finishing up from one call and responding to the next one. Our skills as a paramedic were tested to the max during this event.”

— Charles Banks Being a firefighter or paramedic comes with a great deal of responsibility. They constantly go into situations where there is chaos, anxiety and fear on the part of the occupants or victims. “There are those times when, despite our best efforts, the outcome is sad and you have to learn to cope with it,” Banks says. “There are also times we arrive and bring about a good ending to a medical emergency, or extinguish a ravaging fire, and that feels so good to help people and help our community.”

Being part of the community does not just mean protecting it but also celebrating the holidays as part of a tradition Banks helped revamp.

“I don’t know the exact year we actually started calling it a Santa Run, but we’ve always had something to do with Santa traveling all over Hoover to see the kids on

“There

are also times we arrive and bring about a good ending to a medical emergency, or extinguish a ravaging fire, and that feels so good to help people and help our community.”

Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

31

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Hoover’s first pumper, a 1944 Mack, has been refurbished for use in parades and other community events.

Pictured is the pumper’s hood ornament. Hoover Fire Station No. 5 is located in Bluff Park.

Chief John Wingate commissioned Banks to build sleighs for all of the fire trucks to ensure Santa rides safely during the annual Santa Run.

32

Christmas Eve,” he says.

In years past, Santa would make his annual ride through Hoover sitting on top of the truck, but seatbelts became an issue. No one wants to see Santa topple off the fire truck and not be able to make it down the chimney in a single bound.

Santa then took his seat inside the cab and that continued for several years.

“That was a bummer because the public could not see him very well,” Banks continues.

And what’s the point of Santa making his way to Hoover from the North Pole if the people can’t see his rosy red cheeks in the fire truck? Then came an idea. Chief John Wingate commissioned Banks to build sleighs for all of the trucks.

“Each sleigh had to be fastened to the apparatus in such a way as to withstand a low speed wreck, and they had to have a seat with a

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

seat belt and lights to focus on Santa,” he says.

Station 5 in Bluff Park became a Santa sleigh factory.

“This was quite a feat,” Banks says. “We set up shop in the basement – welders, grinders, saws, metal shop and woodworking shop as well as a paint shop.”

They completed 11 fully rigged, painted and wired Santa sleighs in time for Christmas, and had a lot of fun doing it. Santa got to ride in his new, bright red sleigh for Christmas Eve 2015.

From a logistics standpoint, the sleighs had to have the ability to be removed quickly in the event the engine was diverted to a call and needed to gain access to the hose bed.

During the 2016 Santa Run, the Engine 5 team – consisting of Kyle Robertson, Jon Younge, Mat Burch, Robert Pritchett and Mike Asbury – made two service calls during the unusually warm evening while driving Santa.

Thankfully, everyone was OK on the first call, and the second call was canceled. Also, the 2016 Santa Run went high tech in Bluff Park. Residents were able to follow Santa via Facebook Live thanks to Bluffparkal.org (live from the cab as a ride-along guest) and Bluff Park Drone (live from the air).

The live feed ran for the entirety of the fivehour Santa Run (excepting service calls). Even past residents tuned in to the live feed to watch the tradition they had enjoyed and missed.

Bluff Park viewers were able to see where the truck was and how close Santa was to reaching their street. Many commented during the feed how much they appreciate and love that the Hoover Fire Department continues this tradition each year, not only in Bluff Park but all of Hoover.

Christmas Eve is just as enjoyable for the firemen with Santa as it is for the community.

They laugh, talk and wave to the people, but it is also a work night as all engines across Hoover are on duty.

Returning from one of the calls, Santa had to dismount from his lofty sleigh and ride in the cab to return to the Santa Run schedule.

Once back in Bluff Park, the Christmas music was going on the radio, and Santa may or may not have been dancing a bit in the cab before making his way back to his sleigh, waving and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

The Engine 5 team is in constant communication with Santa via a radio to warn him of low-hanging branches and alerting him to what side of the truck people are on. On one street, a young child had a letter ready to give Santa so the truck slowed down and the delivery was accomplished. This trip brings a smile to everyone.

Banks says that is the life of a fireman.

“I have had highs and lows throughout my career, and I can say the highs outnumber the lows,” he says.

“Each day is a challenge and I’m still excited to come to work. I think one of the things that attracts me to this job, other than having a job where you actually get paid to help people and what a great feeling that is, is that no two days are ever the same. Just when you might say that you have seen it all, something happens that’s so bizarre, that you couldn’t have even dreamed it up.” n

Don’t let pain or injury keep you from doing what you love!

Visit your local BenchMark Physical Therapy.

Our licensed physical therapists are trained to get you moving and feeling better—faster! Let us focus on your full recovery while you 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 March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

33

features

34

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Caring community River Highlands of Birmingham offers senior living in renovated facility WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

Hoover.

“Unfortunately, over time, it became understaffed, and wasn’t thriving any longer,” new senior living community in Scivley said.

Hoover has been bustling with Omega Communities saw potential in activity since it opened in May the facility, and purchased the property in 2016.

November 2015. Renovations started in early As part of the Omega Communities family, 2016.

River Highlands of Birmingham offers assisted About five months later, River Highlands living, memory care and respite care options to welcomed its first wave of new residents, after senior adults. having retained more than a dozen residents “We’re scheduling move-ins like crazy from the previous community. now,” River Highlands Director of Marketing Omega Communities invested about $15 Merilyn Scivley said. “It’s been filling up very million into the River Highlands property, quickly. I think we’re definitely seeing the hired Greenbrier to oversee operations at the need for assisted living and memory care in facility and hired new staff members.

Birmingham.”

About 50 people in administrative and River Highlands is a fully renovated facility resident care positions comprise the River operating in the former location of a different Highlands staff. senior living community off Data Drive in “We have fantastic caregivers,” Scivley said.

A

LEFT: River Highlands of Birmingham, part of the Omega Communities family, is a fully renovated senior living community located off Data Drive in Hoover.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

35

Resident feedback “I really like living here. It’s a nice place and everyone here is very nice. I especially like the service we receive from the RAs (Resident Assistants). They are really extra super! I know it is hard for some people to think of leaving their houses, but a house is just a house; you take your home with you wherever you go.”

–Mrs. D, resident for over two years

“I have been here for 13 years, and I really love the brand new courtyard. I enjoy our scenic drives around town and shopping trips, too. I grew up as an only child, and the people I live with here are my brothers and sisters.”

–Ms. S, resident for 13 years

“The people that live here and the staff are really friendly and upbeat. Everyone is polite, and I am enjoying the beauty of the new community. I also really like our prayer group.”

–Mrs. I, resident for six months

“The staff is just wonderful; they really are. We make lifelong friends with everyone that lives here, even the newest residents. And we have the best activity coordinators.”

–Mrs. J, resident for over three years

“I love the courtyard. I like to spend time outside, and I always take the walking path by the fountain so I can see the waterfall. I also love when the pet therapy group brings my favorite dog to come play with us.”

–Mrs. B, resident for seven months

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Residents at River Highlands of Birmingham can sit by the fireplace in the courtyard bistro. The main lobby offers additional seating.

Coffee and other refreshments are offered daily in the courtyard bistro.

36

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

“We have a very loving group of people on our care staff. It’s a calling first and a job second.”

Assisted living apartments at River Highlands are available in three different floor plans – Magnolia, Poplar and Sycamore.

The Magnolia studio measures about 350 square feet and features a kitchenette, bedroom, walk-in closet and bathroom.

The Poplar studio measures about 450 square feet and

features a kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and closet.

The Sycamore apartment measures nearly 675 square feet and includes a bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet, living room and kitchenette.

Memory care apartments include the Cedar, Cypress and Pine floor plans.

The Cedar suite measures about 250 square feet and includes a bedroom, bathroom

NOW OPEN & ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS!

WARM,

INVITING.

N E W,

INSPIRING.

Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Highlands.

and wardrobe.

The Cypress suite measures about 300 square feet and includes a bedroom, bathroom and wardrobe.

The Pine suite measures about 350 square feet and features a bedroom, bathroom and two closets.

“There are a lot of options,” Scivley said. “The apartments are beautiful. We do still have some apartments available in assisted living and memory care.”

Scivley said River Highlands provides a “wide spectrum of assistance” to residents, including individually tailored service plans; three meals daily prepared under a registered dietitian’s supervision; healthy snacks and refreshments available 24 hours a day; weekly housekeeping; daily

Looking for a quality care option to complement your loved one’s unique lifestyle? Then, it’s time you explore River Highlands — Hoover’s finest assisted living, memory care and short-term respite care community.

Newly renovated floor plans provide gracious comforts and amenities to help residents embrace each day with confidence and ease. Wellness-enriching activities encourage growth, fulfillment and fellowship in a familylike setting. Best of all, around-the-clock personalized, professional care assures loved ones utmost peace of mind for the future.

Call 800-571-4238 or visit RiverHighlands.com for more information.

RIVE HIGHLANDS O F

B I R M I N G H A M

1851 Data Drive | Hoover, AL 35244 | RiverHighlands.com

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Short Term Stays Memory Care Application & License Pending

RH 02'17 HM 3.5x9.75.indd 1

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

37

2/6/17 11:46 AM

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Walkways winding through the outdoor courtyard areas provide residents with a safe place to walk and socialize with each other outside. A statue graces one of the outdoor walkways. The River Highlands sign at the entrance of the community off Data Drive. River Highlands offers a variety of floor plans, some of which include living rooms like this one. The courtyard includes a water feature.

Pictured is a bedroom in one of the River Highlands assisted living apartments.

38

trash removal; personal laundry and linen service; daily bed making; access to trained staff 24 hours a day; assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming, as needed; medication reminders and assistance; paid utilities, except telephone and Internet; scheduled transportation to events, appointments and outings; planned cultural, social, educational, spiritual, recreational and life-enrichment activities and wellness programming.

River Highlands even has a walking club.

Assisted living is designed for people wanting to retain their independence while receiving occasional help with daily activities.

“We have a very independent approach to assisted living,” Scivley said. “Our goal is to keep people active, and we focus on mind, body and spirit every day. We encourage

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

physical activity, engaging with each other and staying sharp.”

Memory care is designed for people who are experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments.

Short-term respite care (a minimum of 14 days) involves services for people needing temporary assistance while their loved ones are away or following an injury or illness.

Features River Highlands residents can enjoy are neighborhood living rooms and lounge areas; a library and computer center; multipurpose room; variety of dining venues, including the Hoover Dining Room, Courtyard Bistro and Omega Private Dining Room; outdoor courtyard and gardens; fitness center; theater; billiards room; card and game room; beauty salon and barber shop; washers

and dryers available for personal use; and more.

In addition, residents have access to It’s Never 2 Late, or iN2L, which is “a state-of-the-art, technology-based network system which combines touch screen computers with intuitive, picture-based software and an extensive, continuously-updated content library.”

Residents can take a virtual bike ride through the Redwood Forest, visit Paris in one sitting, test their knowledge of trivia and connect with family and friends.

River Highlands held a grand reveal party in December 2016, and opened the memory care apartments in January.

Residents at River Highlands range in age from about 65 years old to 90 and above.

River Highlands offers consulting through Aging Options of Georgia to help people obtain veterans benefits.

For more information, contact Merilyn Scivley at (205) 982-7000 or email her at mscivley@riverhighlands.com. n March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

39

features

Forming Riverchase Book reveals community’s history and development in images Author Heather Jones Skaggs signs a poster for her latest book, “Images of Modern America: Riverchase.”

40

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY TETH LEE AND CONTRIBUTED

N

othing tells a story quite like a photograph.

Fortunately, those who read “Images of Modern America: Riverchase” by Bluff Park-based writer Heather Jones Skaggs will have plenty of photos to peruse.

In her third book with Arcadia Publishing and The History Press, “Images of Modern America: Riverchase,” Skaggs presents the history of the Riverchase community through photos, many of which came from the personal archives of people who have been involved in the area’s development since the mid-1970s.

“It was always kind of in the back of my mind that Riverchase would make a good book because it had a good story and it had a passionate community behind it,” Skaggs said. “Since this was my third time doing this, I actually had a good bit of stuff on Riverchase left over from the Hoover book.”

Skaggs was referring to her second book, “Images of America: Hoover,” which published in October 2014. Her first book, “Images of America: Bluff Park,” published in February 2013 and is on its fifth printing.

As with her first two books, Skaggs spent months collecting photographs and compiling information for “Images of Modern America: Riverchase” from a variety of sources – longtime residents, community leaders, civic groups and many others who have played roles in forming Riverchase.

The book was published in November 2016.

Riverchase’s history goes back to when the community was called Acton.

According to the book, the Acton family owned much of the land in what was known as the Acton Basin – the general area where Riverchase is located – and the family was involved in mining coal near the Cahaba River.

The Tennessee Coal, Iron & Railroad Company bought the Acton land from the family and sold it to three brothers, Bryan August, F. Arthur and George W. Chace in 1945.

“The Chace family was active in Acton for around 18 years,” reads an excerpt from the book’s introduction.

“In 1968, they sold their land to Harbert Construction Company, which marked the beginnings of Riverchase, as the Chace land accounts for a large portion of what is now Riverchase.”

Also noted in the introduction is the difference between the spelling of the family name Chace and the spelling of Riverchase.

Skaggs said she worked with Bryan Chace to obtain family photos for the book.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

41

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: This photograph, provided by the Shelby County Museum and Archives for Skaggs’ book, depicts Acton Mine No. 4, Riverchase’s predecessor. Skaggs signs a copy of her book at an event. Bryan A. (left) and F. Arthur Chace are pictured at the Chace Rubber Company in Birmingham in 1930 in this photograph provided

by Bryan Chace.

42

“With all of my books, I always want to be very honoring to families,” Skaggs said.

The Riverchase Women’s Club, Hoover fire and police departments, Riverchase Country Club, Christ the King Lutheran Church and former city building inspector Gerald Smith also contributed to the project.

Smith contributed many of the Riverchase Galleria photos in the book, including images of smoke rising from the building after a fire started on the roof of the mall’s office tower in

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

1985.

“I remember, as a kid, when that happened,” Skaggs said of the fire. “To see what that particular area looked like in that time … looking at that compared to what we are now as a suburb or as a city and how much we’ve grown in that short amount of time is really amazing.”

One of the challenges Skaggs said she encountered while working on the Riverchase book was collecting all color photographs

In this photograph provided by Gerald Smith, the Riverchase Galleria was almost finished when a fire started on the roof of the mall’s office tower on June 5, 1985.

as opposed to black and white images, which filled her previous two books.

She also had to include at least 10 photos from each decade, starting with the 1970s.

Skaggs has been writing for many years. She took journalism in high school, was editor of her school newspaper in college, worked for FOX6 for 11 years and currently writes freelance pieces for Hoover’s Magazine.

Her first book deal, however, didn’t arrive until she started working with Robin Schultz to establish an online community forum for Bluff Park residents, Bluffparkal.org.

“We wanted to have the history of Bluff Park be featured because Bluff Park was having a turnover of young couples and families coming in,” Skaggs said of the website, which contains links to stories she has written about local people and happenings. “History there is so deep, and the extent of it is very wide. We wanted them to be able to know that and have a more modern forum to access it.”

During the process of creating the website, Skaggs said, she was contacted by different publishers regarding a book about Bluff Park, but didn’t commit to anything for a while.

“When Arcadia contacted me, everything lined up,” she said. “The timing lined up.”

Skaggs said she is “still surprised” when someone asks her to sign a copy of her book.

And the moment she first held a copy of the Bluff Park book in her hands is something she won’t forget.

“Actually having it shipped to me and looking at it and holding it in my hand, knowing it was not only a passion project but one to honor a community, it’s hard to explain,” she said. “You see over a year’s worth of work. It’s not about me, it’s about the community I write about.”

Her books are available at Barnes & Noble, Books-AMillion, Costco, Sam’s Club and online via Amazon and Arcadia Publishing. n

2016

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

43

Like No Other Office

Dr. Baxter & family

44

Dr. McFarland & family

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

45

food & entertainment

Cultural experiences Customs Café broadens global cuisine offerings in new location

46

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

“Over the course of two years, we were offered the opportunity to operate Coffeeol-ogy at the Hoover Library,” White said.

“When the Plaza opened, we opened at the he story of Customs Café same time (in 2009).” starts with coffee and a gift As they handled the two coffee shop shop. locations, Coffee-ol-ogy transitioned to a When Teresa White and café-style business. White and Casiday also her son Craig Casiday added a coffee bar started to experiment with a travel-related inside their Florence gift shop, Casiday’s Creations, nearly 15 years ago, they simply theme.

“We’re an international family,” White were trying to please their patrons.

“All our friends and customers said, ‘You said, adding she and Casiday traveled to other states and to Europe, and made a should put in a coffee bar,’” White said, point to dine at local eateries wherever they “And we did.” went. “We had an interest in global cuisine The coffee bar, called “Coffee-ol-ogy,” (and were) studying the origins of coffee.” expanded into the Florence-Lauderdale White had starting holding talks at the Public Library as a coffee shop that also library about coffee and its characteristics. sold baked goods and a small line of “Then, we became interested in food sandwiches. from around the world,” she said. “We felt Then, White and Casiday were that we could serve it.” approached about bringing their business They started studying food preparation to the Hoover Public Library’s Plaza, a new and presentation in cultures around the area including a coffee shop, newsstand, bookstore, reading room, meeting areas and world extensively through research, travel and experimentation in the kitchen. reading garden.

T

LEFT: Pictured is a bitesized sample of Customs Cafe’s tiramisu. ABOVE: Samples of baklava sit on the counter at Customs Cafe’s grand opening celebration.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

47

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: People gather at the new location of Customs Cafe off Montgomery Highway for a grand opening celebration in January.

Customs Cafe co-owner Teresa White, right, with saxophonist Jeff Lopez at the celebration. Pictured is a sample of Bananas Foster bread pudding.

Guests select foods to try at Customs Cafe's grand opening celebration.

Pictured is Lechon Asado Crostini.

48

They also have received information from local residents with ties to different countries.

“The international community here is strong,” White said. “We have the common ground, the food. We’ve learned a lot from people native to those countries.”

White and Casiday developed the model for how they wanted to serve different foods from around the world with the help of Virginia Walker, who joined the staff as a chef in late 2009.

Their goal was to offer global cuisine in experiential form; that is, to broaden it to a cultural experience, Casiday said.

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

In 2010, they selected 24 cuisines to offer in a two-year span. In 2011, they started focusing on one type of cuisine each month to give customers a chance to learn about the cultures behind the foods in greater depth.

Their tagline for Coffee-ol-ogy Café became “sharing the cultural diversity of food,” White said, as they learned the culture, traditions and customs of the people in each region.

In 2012, White and Casiday closed the Florence location of Coffee-ol-ogy. Two years ago, they changed the name of the business to Customs Café.

“It better expressed what we continue to do,” White said.

She and Casiday started to realize another change was necessary. They needed more space to fully explore the potential of the café.

They found what they were looking for in The Plaza at Riverchase off Montgomery Highway in Hoover, and decided to relocate Customs Café to a space next to Perfect Note.

“It felt right for what we do,” White said of the roughly 2,500-square-foot, wood-laden space. “We wanted to have a kind of a European feel to our dining area, and this just lent itself to it.”

Casiday said their goal was not to create a “super fancy” environment, but to offer a dining experience March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

49

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: A tomato basil soup shooter with grilled cheese. Bitesized brownie samples.

Customs Cafe co-owner Craig Casiday carries a tray of shooters at the celebration event.

50

that is “personable” and “approachable.”

Music representing different cultures plays softly in the dining room, and post cards customers have sent to White and Casiday from abroad are displayed on the back wall.

After renovations were complete, Customs Café officially reopened for business Nov. 15, 2016.

With the slogan “Homestyle Foods From Around The World,” Customs Café is classified as a fast casual restaurant serving lunch and dinner.

“We always try to serve what a traditional family might eat in that country,” White

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

said.

And one of her favorite parts of their café’s theme, White said, is it inspires customers to talk about their family’s traditions and varied methods of making traditional dishes.

“Everyone’s family has their own variation,” White said. “There are regional differences in almost every dish our country is known for. There are no barriers when people share their food experiences and family customs. We all have those stories.”

Casiday said he and White reference a James Beard quote often that says, “Food is our common ground, a universal

experience.” wine to pair with our international foods.”

“It’s a beautifully succinct quote because This year’s rotation of foreign cuisine it truly epitomizes that food is used as a the café will spotlight is as follows: Cuban tool in a social way by every culture,” he ( January), German (February), Creole said.

(March), Swedish (April), Mexican (May), White and Casiday describe the changes French ( June), American classics ( July), in their business as a “metamorphosis,” the Polynesian (August), Greek (September), evolution of a small gift shop coffee bar to a Polish (October), Moroccan (November) full-fledged restaurant. and Italian (December).

“It’s moved through the years toward White and Casiday are looking to this point,” Casiday said. “We are still develop two product lines, including entrees developing. The expansion from the that can be served at home and a mobile Hoover Library to this location is a natural food concept. progression of growth.”

Since moving to Along with the new location, they international fare, have expanded their Customs Café offers catering services, which traditional dishes include four different to satisfy customers international hot Their new restaurant space off Montgomery Highway in Hoover looking for familiar catering options and measures about 2,500 square feet. foods. traditional box lunches.

“Not everyone is an “We’re looking for adventurous eater,” people to embrace what White said. “We have the traditional menu we’re doing, and we’re enjoying it,” White for less adventurous eaters. Dining with us said. “It has been an amazing progression.” allows for traditional and experiential at the Customs Café is located at 1845 same table.”

Montgomery Highway Suite 207 in The café’s staff consists of about 10 Hoover. people, with Casiday serving as head chef Business hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 and concept and cuisine developer. a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 The coffee part of the business is smaller a.m. to 9 p.m. now, but White and Casiday hope to For more information, call (205) continue adding new elements to the café.

987-0176 or visit Customscafe.com, @ “We hope to host our own events here,” CustomsCafe on Twitter or Customs Café White said. “We will be adding beer and on Facebook. n

2,500

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

51

Greystone Elementary School Child Nutrition Program Manager Liz Whidden is pictured with a student, Teagan.

52

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

education

HEALTH HERO Greystone Elementary nutrition manager recognized for making a difference in and out of the school WRITTEN BY LAUREN DOWDLE PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

S

he might not wear a cape or fly through the sky, but Liz Whidden is a hero to students, facility and community members throughout

Hoover.

Her passion, hard work and dedication are just a few of the reasons she stands out and why she’s been named a 2017 School Nutrition Hero.

Recognized by the national, non-profit School Nutrition Foundation (SNF), Whidden is one of five school nutrition professionals from across the country to receive this distinction.

She’ll be honored with the others — who live in Arizona, California and two in Michigan — on April 3 in Washington, D.C., during the School Nutrition Association’s 45th Legislative Action Conference.

“While Liz’s main job is ensuring our child nutrition program runs efficiently and effectively, that is not what makes her our hero,” says Stacey Stocks, principal of Greystone Elementary School. “It is the absolute joy that she brings to everyone she encounters. She has so much love to give, and her heart beats for our children and the hurting.”

Whidden began as a child nutrition program associate at Rocky Ridge Elementary School in 2011 and later moved to Riverchase Elementary School as a lunchroom manager. Now, she’s a child nutrition manager at Greystone

Elementary School.

“I love working in child nutrition because I get to be with a great team every day at a great school, under great leadership with a great faculty,” Whidden says, “and the children are my icing on the cake.”

The child nutrition program provides healthy choices for breakfast, lunch and daily snacks. Whidden and her staff periodically highlight a healthy food students might not be as familiar with, like kale, and offer them samples.

“Liz not only prepares nutritious food for our children, teachers and guests, but she teaches the children about healthy choices,” Stocks says. “She encourages children to try new things and wants them to always find happiness when they come to the cafeteria. She will bend over backward to make a child smile by finding just the right granola bar or apple.”

To keep the students excited about eating healthy, Whidden and her team have implemented several fun and unique activities.

For example, they might come out to a song and dance to greet the children. Or, they may take students on a tour of the kitchen as part

“I love working in

child nutrition because I get to be with a great team every day at a great school, under great leadership with a great faculty, and the children are my icing on the cake” — Liz Whidden

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

53

Whidden and her staff talk to a student coming through the lunch line.

54

of “Elves in the Kitchen” with the Naughty Elf Broccoli Bruce.

“They will also dress up for special occasions like World Milk Day or Read Across America Day,” Stocks says.

Whidden and her team take to the web to engage the students, as well. They posted a music video about Crispitos when the dish was added back to the menu, and it had nearly 10,000 hits on Facebook, she says. They also created a video promoting their Thanksgiving dinner.

“Our future are these students, so we want them leading a healthy lifestyle, beginning with a healthy breakfast and lunch with healthy snacks,” says Whidden, who hasn’t missed a day of work in three years.

As for being named a School Nutrition Hero, Whidden says it’s still sinking in.

“I feel there are so many people that are probably more qualified than me, but I receive it as an honor,” she says. “This is not only for me, but also for the great school system that I represent. Being a part of the Hoover school system has taught me so much about striving for excellence.”

Melinda Bonner, director of child nutrition in the Hoover City Schools district, was the one who recommended Whidden for the

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

School Nutrition Hero honor. Bonner says she nominated Whidden “because of her love for her job. That’s shown not only in her work ethic, but also in the heart she has for the children.”

Being recognized on a national level speaks volumes about Whidden and Hoover City Schools, as well.

“It just shows we have great employees,” Bonner says. “She works her job with excellence and passion.”

But her love for helping people isn’t just confined to the lunchroom. Whidden has also owned Massey Mercantile in East Birmingham since 2001 and carries products like livestock food, garden seed, dog supplies and fertilizers.

She says she enjoys sharing what she has with the school and community.

“My biggest joy is supplying seeds for our school gardens,” says Whidden, who also cooks what the students grow for them. “A school garden is really an outside classroom. A child can learn so much from planting a seed, to watering and watching until harvest time.”

She also shares her seeds with others like a doctor who goes on medical mission trips to Kenya. “Helping a country feed its people, there is nothing like it,” she says. “I am happiest when I am giving and sowing into people’s lives.”

Whidden also uses the business to help

the homeless. “We have an abundant amount of backpacks that are supplied with candy, a blanket, flashlight, tooth brush, tooth paste, hand sanitizer, comb, shampoo, deodorant and other essentials,” she says. “You don’t have to come into the store: If we see you walk by, we will go to you.”

There’s also a prayer request sheet in the store, and she says it gets filled up weekly. “I love to pray with people, and sometimes they will come by just for prayer,” Whidden says.

Greystone’s students and parents also help support her efforts by bringing Whidden food and other goods for the backups, Bonner adds.

“At Greystone, we know how wonderful Liz is and how deserving she is of this honor,” Stocks says. “It thrills me that the School Nutrition Foundation also recognizes the extraordinary character of one of our own.

“Our world needs more people like Liz,” Stocks continues. “She exemplifies the selfless attitude of a true hero.” n

LEFT: Whidden and GES bookkeeper Donna Troncale laugh together.

RIGHT: Whidden is one of five school nutrition professionals from across the country to be named a 2017 School Nutrition Hero.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

55

Wall to Wall

Cooking up a fresh look A redecorated kitchen can blend comfort, style

O

ur kitchens have long been the center of our homes.

Many of us have happy memories of the wonderful aromas we remember when our mothers were baking. And, since so much of our time is spent in our kitchens, it’s natural that when considering remodeling or redecorating this space, you would want your décor to be comforting and satisfying – just like a great meal. It’s also very important to be sure that your new redecorated kitchen reflects your likes and your personality.

Above all else, I suggest you consider making your decorating scheme reflect your personality. Are you a gourmet cook? Then, why not consider incorporating some unique utensils and gadgets in your new décor – wooden spoons, spice graters, whisks, copper molds, etc., are all great kitchen accessories. And, because many of these accessories can be hung on the walls, your new kitchen makeover will actually provide you with a two-fold purpose – redecorating your space and making these vital items more accessible as you cook.

Picking a great color plan is also important. Often, color choices are dictated by the “givens” in your room – flooring, appliances, cabinets, countertops – so let your good judgment prevail. If you really want a drastic change and your color choices don’t blend with your “givens” consider changing what you can now, and replace other items over time. What’s most important is that your colors be of the same intensity and tone.

56

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Window treatments for the kitchen are wide and varied in style.

In fact, more and more homeowners are opting for uniquely designed fabric top treatments, Laura Purvis usually placed Owner of Decorating over a privacy Den Interiors, treatment decdens.com/laurap like wood laurap@decoratingden.com blinds, cellular 205.918.8743 shades or pleated shades.

Kitchen window treatments don’t have to be 100 percent utilitarian. Swags and jabot treatments do have their place in the kitchen. Sometimes a simple scalloped valance in a patterned fabric, edged in a contrasting cording is just enough to add pizzazz to a ho-hum room. Stagecoach valances, mock throw swags, tabbed valances; all displayed on unique decorative rods can really fit the bill too.

And don’t forget those little special accents that give any room a total decorative look. You’ll need to consider repeating your fabric selection in other areas of your kitchen for a truly coordinated look. How about adding some upholstered seat cushions, pillows on chairs, lining on the insides of cabinets, shelves and hutches.

Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and coordinating napkins are also a must.

So have fun with your kitchen! Just remember, be sure to let your cooking personality and color preferences shine through. 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

The Birmingham Barons to Sponsor March 16 Luncheon Bobby Humphrey to Speak The Birmingham Barons Baseball Club is our sponsor for the March 16 Luncheon, and has invited former Alabama and NFL star running back Bobby Humphrey to speak. Born in Birmingham, Bobby Humphrey spent many fall Saturdays working as a concession vendor during University of Alabama football games at Legion Field, while dreaming of playing for the Tide. After piling up 7,000 total career yards at Glenn High School, he received a scholarship to UA, and became one of the top collegiate running backs.

The 6-foot-2 190 pound halfback set many University of Alabama Football career records during his tenure there. Some included: Most 100-yard and 200-yard games, most kicks returned, most yards returned, and all-purpose yards. He earned All-American honors during his sophomore and junior years in

addition to being named to the All SEC teams those years. He was later named to the Alabama All-Century and Team of the Decade (1980s) teams as well.

In 1989 he was chosen by the Denver Broncos during the first round of the supplement draft. In his rookie year, Bobby became the first Bronco rookie running back in franchise history to rush for more than 1,000 yards. He was rewarded for his

tremendous efforts during the 19891990 season with a trip to the Super Bowl and an AFL Conference Rookie of the Year. The following year he was selected to the All Pro-Team and a trip to Hawaii for The Pro Bowl. In 1992, he signed with the Miami Dolphins and in his first year with the Dolphins Bobby was the team’s leading receiver.

He played two seasons of a five year NFL playing career with the Dolphins.

Bobby’s life after football has been just as stellar. After retirement he went back to the University of Alabama and finished his bachelor’s degree in social science. In 2000, he was hired as the first head coach of the Birmingham Steeldogs Arena Football 2 team.

In 2004, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Bobby is very engaged and involved

See BARONS on page 6

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

New Scholarship Program Announced The Hoover Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program has been revised, and scholarship applications are now available at the chamber website at www.hooverchamber. org or at the chamber office.

With over $200,000 awarded by the Hoover Chamber in scholarships over the past several years, we hope to have additional scholarship funds available in an everincreasing amount for the next several years.

Students may apply through the chamber website or pick up an application at the chamber office. The Chamber set up a 501(c) (3) Foundation for scholarships in 2016, and tax-deductible contributions can be made at any time. Scholarships can be awarded in the name of an individual, a family, or a business for a contribution of $2,500 or more.

Plans are to award scholarships at levels of up to $4,000 in the future. This will be a larger amount than we have ever awarded in the past, but a lower number of scholarships is expected to be awarded for the next year or two. There is a deadline of Friday, March 10, 2017 for the applications to be completed and turned in to the Chamber office. Recipients of the Hoover Chamber Scholarships will be notified by April 28, 2017 and should attend the May 18, 2017 chamber luncheon as our guests.

For more information, contact Bill Powell at the Hoover Chamber office at (205) 9885672 or by email at bill@hooverchamber.org.

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

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

October 31, 2017 - T. Fox Salon Halloween Treat!

June 8, 2017 - Ridge Crossing Apartments

November 9, 2017 - Brookdale University Park

July 13, 2017 - CB&S Bank

December 14, 2017 - Available

August 10, 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 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.

March 23, 2017 — Painting With a Twist

July 27, 2017 — Galleria Woods Retirement Community

April 27, 2017 — Brookwood Baptist Freestanding Emergency Department

August 24, 2017 — Expedia CruiseShipCenters

May 25, 2017 — Inverness Country Club

September 28, 2017 — 100 Inverness Apartments

June 22, 2017 — River Highlands of Birmingham

October 26, 2017 — Available November & December — None Held

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

58

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, January 10 at the new Customs Café, located at 1845 Montgomery Highway, Hoover 35244. Shown cutting the ribbon is Craig Casiday, as his mother, Teresa White holds the bow. They were joined by Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, to the left of Craig, and dozens of friends, supporters and Hoover Chamber ambassadors. Customs Café can be reached at (205) 223-3849 or teresa@ customscafe.com www.customscafe.com

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Wednesday, January 11 at the new Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, 3049 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, in the Sam’s Club Plaza. Shown cutting the ribbon is Multi-Unit Supervisor Mark Cline, as Yolanda Gayle Brown helps hold the scissors. District Manager Toni Shrader holds the bow as they are joined by other associates, friends, and Hoover Chamber ambassadors. This office can be reached at (205) 936-6381 or toni.shrader@jtax.com. www.jacksonhewitt.com

A Ribbon Cutting Event and Grand Re-Opening was held Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the newly remodeled Brook Highland Place Apartment Homes, at 1 Meadow Drive, Birmingham 35242. Shown cutting the ribbon is Community Manager Vickie McLaughlin, as Assistant Manager Ricky Connor holds the bow. They are joined by several other staff members and Hoover Chamber ambassadors. Brook Highland Place can be reached at (205) 991-8811 or bhpmanager@dasmenresidential.com.

A Ribbon Cutting Event was held Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the new Mason Music Greystone Studio, at 5406 Highway 280 East, Suite B 103 in the Crossroads at Greystone Shopping Center. Shown cutting the ribbon is Owner Will Mason while his wife, Sarah, holds the bow. They are joined by their leadership team and several Hoover Chamber ambassadors. This Mason Music location can be reached at (205) 874-9800 or greystone@masonmusicstudios.com. www.masonmusicstudios.com

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the new Nothing Bundt Cakes, located at 3780 Riverchase Village in Hoover, in the Riverchase Village Shopping Center. Shown cutting the ribbon are owners Carrie McFerran and Dedra Miele, as Kingal Soni (partner Rajesh Patel is near them) holds the bow. They are joined by other associates and owners, as well as dozens of chamber ambassadors from both the Hoover and Vestavia Hills Chambers of Commerce, including Vestavia Chamber President Karen Odle, and Hoover City Councilman John Lyda. Nothing Bundt cakes can be reached at (205) 5387602 or Dedra.miele@nothingbundtcakes.com. www.nothingbundtcakes.com

The new 2017 Chamber President Jerome Morgan, Jr. was installed by Hoover City Council President Pro-Tem John Greene at the January 19 Chamber Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel. Jerome has been active with the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce for several years, and has served on the Board of Directors for the last five years. He is president and owner of Oncort Professional Services. Here he is presenting the President’s Plaque to outgoing Chamber President Chris Schmidt.

The 2016 Ambassador of the Year was Lynn Ray, owner of Business Telephones, Inc. She has been active in the chamber since 2007, and been a chamber ambassador since 2013.

In addition, she has been Ambassador of the Year three consecutive years in the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. She out-distanced the closest ambassador by some 150 points in activities for the year, earning over 1,000 points in 2016.

The Ambassador of the Fourth Quarter for 2016 was Benji Sawyer of Sawyer Solutions.

Benji has been a chamber member since 2014, and has been a very active member of the chamber ambassador program. For the last quarter of the year, he attended and participated in more ambassador activities than almost anyone else.

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

The 2016 Board Member of the Year was Ira Levine, owner of Levine & Associates, a commercial real estate brokerage. His company has been a member of the Hoover Chamber for some 25 years, and he has consistently been one of the most active of all chamber members for this time, attending a majority of all chamber functions during this time. He has also chaired the Economic Development Committee for three years, and served on the board of directors for some 10 years.

The 2016 Chamber Member of the Year was Andy Graffeo, president of Graffeo Financial Services. Andy has been a member of the Hoover Chamber since 2008, and has been an integral part of the chamber golf committee every year since joining, collecting and providing the bulk of the raffle prizes for the golf tournament - the biggest fundraiser of the chamber - every year. His enthusiasm has been contagious, and he helps to motivate all the other committee members.

New Members — January 2017 Abacus IT Solutions Claire Geno - 443-8925

CRB Construction Chase Beard - 862-8370

Advantage Sport & Fitness, Inc. Adam Johnson - 266-7500

DR Horton, Inc. - America’s Home Builder Linea Hendon - 824-4063

ACC Ink, Inc. 985-1330

First Bank Mortgage Kathy Hollis - 538-2424

Alabama Cheerleading Centers Britten Blackburn, Owner 985-1330

Grace Klein Community Scott Elliott, Director 390-2211

Alabama STEM Education Juanita Graham, Executive Director - 910-7274

Hoover New Horizons Ray Dugas - 383-8050

American Ninja Training Centers Britten Blackburn, Owner 203-7321 Bama Knocker Ball Britten Blackburn, Owner 540-7118

Hoover Metropolitan Complex (SFM) Monty Jones, Jr. General Manager - 739-7364 Jefferson Credit Union - Board of Trustees Charlie Faulkner, CEO 444-4376

KW Commercial Phyllis Bolena - 605-1000 Level (3) Communications Brandy Gwinn - 263-2272 Life Vantage - Bama All Starz Britten Blackburn, Owner 985-1330 Madden Plumbing Services Christina Jolley, Office Manager - 425-6774 O’Reilly Auto Parts Brett Gleason, Manager 978-9003 Point at Oak Mountain Apartments Kat Wilkes, Community Manager - 981-3005

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

60

RE/MAX Over the Mountain Tony Fiore, Broker - 427-1080 Riverside Parc Apartment Homes Jason Lamb, Manager 991-9884 The Schoen Firm, LLC W. Kayla Schoen, Principal/ Owner - 317-3685 Ultimate Edge Sports Medicine, LLC Kimberly Becker, PT, ATC 874-6765 Vivant, Inc Cody Pike, Digital Marketing 877-873-9773 Webology Blake Akers, Owner - 636-8612

Upcoming Events

March and April 2017 MARCH March 2: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting.

Visitors Welcome!

March 7: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

March 9: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Gold’s 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.

March 30: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Open House at The Cajun Cleaver, 2341 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 101, Hoover 35244. Contact Sonja Hall at Sonja@ thecajuncleaver.com or (214) 767-7766. www.thecajuncleaver.com

April 19: 4:30 p.m. Chamber Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

April 20: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations

by Monday, April 17. 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

APRIL April 4: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

April 6: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting.

Visitors Welcome!

April 27: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Brookwood Baptist Freestanding Emergency Clinic, 7131 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham 35242. For information or directions call (205) 725-6800.

April 9: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Grade Power Learning, 1401 Doug Baker Boulevard, Hoover 35242 in The Village at Lee Branch Shopping Center. Contact Tony Mauro at (205) 980-5745 or tmauro@ gradepowerlearning.com.

March 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

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

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

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel

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.

Barons: continued from page 1 with his community. He serves on many boards, and speaks to youth throughout the Southeast Region. He believes his message of positive goalsetting and making good decisions in life choices is the fundamental basic for success.

Bobby and his wife, Barbara, have 5 children and live in Birmingham, where he is the vice-president of Business Development for

Bryant Bank. He is very active in his church and manages Speed City Track Club. His best advice is “Change is possible through a relationship with Christ.”

To attend this March 16 Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, March 13, by calling 988-5672, or emailing the Chamber office at lisa@hooverchamber.org.

Payment can be made by cash, check or major credit

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

The Luncheon is still $20, payable at the door, or $25 for non-members, or for those without reservations.

Those who make reservations and simply do not show will be invoiced for the luncheon, as the chamber makes guarantees to the Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel based on the number of reservations.

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

62

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon with almost any reason accepted. Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel is located at 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 35244.

The hotel parking deck is available for a fee, or free parking is adjacent to the hotel in the open parking lots. The free North Parking Deck is available for sheltered parking.

SPOTTED Downton Abbey Tea

Nancy Nelson, Kim Milling, Joanna Burleson, Susan Dubose, Elaine Kennedy, Stacey Knouse and Ann Vanderburg

Susie Gaston and Wendy Howell

Alicia Cuevas and Carolyn Ramey

Susan Dubose and Patsy Riley

The “Sipping Away at Domestic Violence” Downton Abbey Tea benefitting Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary was held Nov. 13 at the American Village. The keynote speaker was Patsy Riley. (Contributed photos)

Patsy Riley

Susan Dubose and Janie Dollar

Pam Bradford March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

63

SPOTTED

GLC January luncheon The Greystone Ladies Club held its monthly membership luncheon Jan. 11 at the Founders Clubhouse. Local musician Marc Phillips performed for the group. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Lisa White, Susie Gaston and Cindy Burell

LaRue Carter, Julie Kim and Wilma Thompson

Mary Rankin and Ann Layne

Hiltrud Hollibaugh, Breanna Brickner and Pat McCanna

Marc Phillips and Bruce Andrews

Susie Hammers, Denise Tassone and Wendy Waldman

64

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Ranea Breen

Janie Dollar, Judy Arnold and Myrtis Horton

Myrtis Horton, Bruce Andrews and Judy Arnold

CLEAR EYES FULL HEARTS CAN’T LOSE SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Michelle Matlock, Kim Fike and Carole Marks

OAK MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5080 Cahaba Valley Trace • Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

LaRue Carter and Wilma Thompson

Jackie McAtee, Leigh Anne Priest and Mary Rankin March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

65

High Point grand opening

SPOTTED

High Point Climbing and Fitness celebrated its new location off U.S. 280 with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 18. (Photos

by Stephen Dawkins)

Jameson VerSteeg, Paul Lichlyter, Kelsey Moore and Morgan Bond

Patrick, Brenda and Sonny Ryan

Marco and Dulce Huerta

Tyler DeFalco

66

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Matt Ginley

Al Wood, Jacoby Kindred and Laren Traylor

Steven Keiser and Cassie Mitchell

Sara, Jeff and Lynley Newdome

Tony Levy and Brian Tannler

Chad Cosby and Jason McCombs

Camille Parent, Daniel Klein, Laura Lott, Yvonne Lo, Whitney McCrillis, Shaun Burch, Jamey Taylor and Tait Wayland

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

67

SPOTTED

Greystone Ladies Club Christmas Luncheon The Greystone Ladies Club held its Christmas luncheon Dec. 14 at the home of Pam Yates. (Contributed photos)

Ursula Norcross and Brenda Arthur

Susie Hammers, Susie Gaston and Suzy Sanders

Hendree Moore and Katila Farley

Katila Farley, Alicia Cuevas and Rita Wood

Denise Tassone, Janie Dollar, Tina Douglass, Susie Hammers and Rita Wood

Ranea Breen

Therese Haselden and Jenice Prather-Kinsey

Ranea Breen, Leigh Ann Priest, Barbara Brickner, Hiltrud Hollibaugh, Breanna Brickner and Carole Marks.

68

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Pam Yates

Judy Arnold and Myrtis Horton

Pam Yates and Leigh Ann Priest

2016

Joyce Watts and Wendy Howell

Be Spotted for Hoover’s Magazine!

Let us know about your community events, parties or meetings — we'd love to get photos for our Spotted pages! Email cassandra.mickens@hooversmagazine.com with event details.

2016 GLC Board

Jazz Cat

Ball 2014

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

69

SPOTTED

January Hoover Chamber of Commerce luncheon The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon Jan. 19 at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Morgan Leigh Hoyt, Dr. Karen Vines and Lisa McClung.

Lee Kennedy, Brian Jackson and Claire Geno

Lisa Dunbar and Janice Holiday

Heather McInnish with Jared and Laney Yarchak

Mike and Debbie White

Jeff McPeters, Trisston Wright Burrows and Mary Perry

70

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

DaNella Auten and Dawn Sparks

Monika Tataria and Angela Killingsworth

Steve Hart and John Turner

Ray Dugas and Michael Ray

Lynn Ray and Bill Powell

Howard Taylor and Derwin Brown

Trisston Wright Burrows and Sissy Maske

Andy Tatum and Ira Levine

Chelsea Navarro and Crystal Dixon

Hayden Brown and Jennifer Strickland

Nadia and William Hussey

James Smith and Jay Clyce

Aliska Wallington and Brian Fricks

Rosie Anderson March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

71

SPOTTED

Hoover Public Library ExploraStory Children ages 3-8 enjoyed an hour of storytime and hands-on activities at ExploraStory at the Hoover Public Library. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Terri, Baleigh and Brinlee Emerson

Elijah Jeffers and Elli Coleman

Holden, Anne Marie, Courtney and Kylen Fillebaum

Mackenzie and Stephanie Reyes

Naomi and Jaxson Brown

72

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Amanda and Moncur Amari

Keaton Glover and Micah Penley

Finley and Lindsay Mims

Aquila and Gabe Heron with Meita, Nathan and Lucas Arnold

Hoover Public Library Story Lab The Hoover Public Library held the children’s program “Story Lab: Before Bedtime” on Jan. 23. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Carmen and Cori Royal

Culver and Lucy Gilmore

Riley, Alicia and Lyda Cate Cook

Max and Jessica Vessey

Alma and Max Maric

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

73

SPOTTED

Leadership Shelby County Justice Day Members of the Leadership Shelby County Class of 2017 attended Justice Day on Dec. 13. (Contributed photos)

Bill Bostick, Sonny Conwill, Michael Joiner and Corey Moore

Bobby Joe Seales and Lara Alvis

Becky King

Corey Moore, Kerri Pate and Bobby Joe Seales

74

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Lindsey Allison, Carol Bruser and Kerri Pate

Calvin Gunn

Julius Cook

Bill Bostick and Clay Hammac

Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

Heating Season Assistance Call Appointment Lines: Chilton_Co - Assistance starts 12/15/16: 205-287-0139.

Shelby Co - Assistance starts 12/26/16: 205-610-8916. eaaoac.cascheduler.com 11th Area of Alabama O.A.C. 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 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/hour for labor Parts/supplies additional Quotes based per job. Media blasting available. Powder coating coming soon.

Montevallo area.

(205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Piano Tuning, New & Used Sales & Organ Servicing.

Moving, Storage and Repair.

Trained by the School for the Blind. 46 years’ experience.

BUDDY GRAY 205-822-0482 or 800-593-2462 FOR SALE: Oracal Vinyl and Premium HTV Vinyl by the Foot or by the Yard C&C Trophy & Sign, Inc. 209 6th ST N Clanton FIREWOOD OAK - $25 Rack HICKORY - $30 Rack Pick up yours today at Columbiana Wood Products 21421 Hwy 25, Columbiana (205) 671-5202

Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530.

For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 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 9:30am-7pm Walk-Ins Welcome In Coosa Plaza Next To Piggly Wiggly 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!

Warehouse Space for Lease Pelham 10 Monroe Drive

HooversMagazine.com

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 4BR/2BA Columbiana house for rent Fenced in yard with storage/garage All newly renovated to include new luxury flooring, granite counter tops, and more $1050/month Call 205-410-8785 •3 BR/1BA •1 car garage/separate carport on side •awnings in front&back over patio •New Durante Windows •New Roof •Fenced back-yard •95,000 OBO •205-294-2828 or 205-312-8062 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!

OWNER OPERATORS: BE YOUR OWN BOSS. Have what it takes to run under your own MC authority?

We give you the chance for only 10% + cost of insurance.

Find your own loads, negotiate the rate. Choose when you run and when you’re home.

205-706-4837 Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor,

Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla Walk-in applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002 Pelham (205)444-9774 Bama Concrete Hiring Mixer Drivers Local deliveries. Class-B+ CDL, 2yrs MINIMUM heavyhaul experience/Clean MVR. Competitive Pay/Great Benefits.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 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 PM - F/T position AL RN license required.

Apply at: Hospital Information Desk 208 Pierson Ave., Centreville, AL

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

75

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 Necesita un ama de casa a tiempo parcial de 3 días por semana.

Los deberes incluyen: la limpieza de la casa, compras de supermercado, haciendo recados. Debe tener transporte confiable, debe ser confiable.

Deben hablar español y algo de inglés.

Sírvanse proporcionar experiencia laboral. La compensación depende de la experiencia.

Póngase en contacto con 903-677-0820 para más información o al 903-677-2126 fax Reanudar.

DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers. Delivery/unloading to multiple locations.

Mon-Fri work week.

Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record.

Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement.

Call 205-397-1782.

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).

76

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 CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS FOR DRY CLEANER Must have good customer service skills. 35+ hours per week.

Call Matt: 205-821-2909 Full-Time Counselor Chilton County Treatment Center 205-755-4300 Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World?

Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply!

Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! CNAs: Post Acute Care RNs: Med/Surg, all-shifts 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 Now Hiring for new Inverness Location Servers & Kitchen Help Dreamland BBQ 150 Inverness C orners Birmingham, AL 35242 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

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

IMMEDIATELY HIRING FOR: Warehouse, Production & Automotive Assembly in Calera and Clanton.

Temp-to-Hire positions, great pay rates!

Clanton (205)588-6716 Birmingham (205)822-8234 Apply online: www.elwoodjobs.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.

Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 Come be a part of a growing team!

Kindred at Home is hiring •Full-time Registered Nurse •PRN Speech Therapist for our Clanton location.

• 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 •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 Now accepting applications for experienced caregivers Apply online at www.HC Amatch.com Visit us at www.HomeCareAssistance BirminghamAL.com DRIVERS NEEDED $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 NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS 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 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 Klassy Klean Hiring Cleaning Techs Cleaning homes & businesses.

Requirements: good background, drug-free, good work ethics, trustworthy, able to work with a team, positive attitude. Will train.

Call 205-685-9883 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 for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop.

Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!!

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

Apply online at miloshamburgers.com 280 Location Opening 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 Class-A CDL DriverDry Bulk/PneumaticBirmingham,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 Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits.

3yrs fast food experience required.

Fax resume: 334-649-1112 Or apply at: www.work4bk.com

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 Pyles Transport Inc. NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver positions for our Finley-Blvd location.

•Competitive weekly pay(direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more info or visit pylestransport.com to apply.

Regional Drivers are home every weekend and often midweek for rest period.

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, safety-oriented, and teamplayer. Overtime available.

Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 Machinist Local manufacturer has an immediate opening for an experienced manual machinist and CNC programmer operator.

40+ hours per week, good working environment and company benefits.

Competitive salary. EOE Send resume with salary history to: Sealing Equipment Products Co. 123 Airpark Industrial Rd Alabaster, AL 35007 Or email: jeanz@sepcousa.com Willing to Learn?

We are willing to teach!

NOW HIRING All Positions Pelham & Chelsea Great Opportunity Rewarding Career 401K/Health Ins/ Group BenefitsContact: 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 MASTER TECHNICIAN with Tools Top pay based on experience.

Good diagnostic capabilities a must.

Southern Dixie Auto Repair Call 205-312-1047 Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service.

Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals!

Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 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-jobapplication.pdf Looking for Managers with these same traits. Please send resumes to: scottreneau@ gmail.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 Landscape Assisstant 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 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 Accepting Applications EXPERIENCED CLASS-A CDL DRIVERS for HAUL in the Alexander City, Prattville, Thorsby and Opelika Areas *Benefits Package *Sign-On Bonus To Apply or for More Information Call (334)368-4956 Evergreen Forest Products, Inc. HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/ week.

Paid product training-$800/ week.

Full benefits+401K. CDL-A, 2-Years Tractor Trailer Experience, tanker/hazmat endorsements, passport & TWIC required.

Call 888-572-3662! www.trimac.com US HEALTH ADVISORS New Advisors Wanted•Potential $75K-150K 1st Year Industry Leading C ompensation Monthly&Quarterly BONUSES •FREE Company Generated Leads WE Offer an Innovative Approach to Individual Health Coverage 205-259-8026•Alabama.

Division@ushadvisors.com F/T applicants only Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

Call Visiting Angels at (205)719-1996 to discuss.

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! 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) 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 2BR/2.5BA Vestavia Condo for rent Great corner unit in community with open deck, granite counters, and luxury flooring Call 205-410-8785 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 guaranteed credit approval!

Production Jobs MPG in Columbiana seeks quality people to work multiple shifts. Willing to train.

Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com.

FLATBED DRIVERS OTR Flatbed Trucking Co. now hiring Company Drivers and Leasing Owner Operators with 2 yrs exp.

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

77

CALENDAR

March 2 Birthday Bash

at the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Drive in Hoover.

Lunch (optional) is $18.

Call Winnie Cooper at 9795699 for lunch reservations.

•Hoover Senior Center•

The March Birthday Bash at the Hoover Senior Center will be held March 2 at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call 739-6700.

Propagator Reception •Aldridge Gardens•

George Griffin & the Firebirds

A Propagator Reception will be held March 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Aldridge Gardens.

For more information, call 682-8019.

•Hoover Public Library•

This blues and Southern rock band features a mixture of classic covers and original material. The free performance will be held March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library Plaza.

March 3 Psych Friday •Hoover Public Library•

Your brain is the basis for everything you think, feel and do. Sessions and activities March 3 at 9 a.m. at the Hoover Public Library will explore what psychologists have discovered about brain, mind and behavior, from basic research to therapeutic applications.

Presented in conjunction with Samford University. For more information, call 4447840 or visit Hooverlibrary. org.

March 4 Arbor Day Celebration •Aldridge Gardens•

The City of Hoover’s 19th Annual Arbor Day Celebration presented by the Hoover Beautification Board will be held March 4 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Aldridge Gardens. The

78

Arbor Day Celebration

event includes free trees for Hoover residents, a formal Arbor Day ceremony, recognition of Hoover schools’ fourth grade Arbor Day Essay Contest winners and a ceremonial tree planting. For more information, email info@ aldridgegardens.com or call 682-8019.

Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run •Veterans Park•

The Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K Run and OneMile Fun Run and Family Day will be held March 4 from 8 a.m. to noon at Veterans Park next to Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby-Hoover Campus, 4600 Valleydale Road. Packet pickup will take place Friday, March 3, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Shelby-Hoover Campus and starting at 6:45 a.m. on race day at Veteran’s Park.

March 6 Slavery By Another Name – Documentary

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

Screening •Hoover Public Library•

This powerful film challenges one of America’s most cherished assumptions – the belief that slavery in the U.S. ended with Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Free admission and refreshments.

The screening will be held March 6 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 444-7840.

March 7 Books to You •Hoover Senior Center•

Books to You will be held at the Hoover Senior Center on March 7 at 12:15 p.m.

For more information, call 739-6700.

March 9 Easter Basket Community Service •Hoover Country Club•

The annual preparation of Easter baskets for children served by the United Way Food Bank at the Green Valley Baptist Church will be held March 9 at 11 a.m.

God’s House Kindergarten Field Trip •Hoover Public Library•

Storytime for the 4-yearolds will be held March 9 and March 10 at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org.

March 10 Movie Matinee •Hoover Senior Center•

Movie Matinee will be held March 10 at noon at the Hoover Senior Center. For more information, call 7396700.

March 11 Purl @ the Plaza •Hoover Public Library•

Join old friends make new ones at crafty meeting of all enthusiasts March 11 p.m. Bring yarn and crochet or embroider the group. The event is

and this fiber at 1 knit, with free.

Taste of Teal Gala •The Wynfrey Hotel•

The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation (LCBF) will host its “Taste of Teal Gala” on Saturday, March 11 starting

at 6 p.m. in The Wynfrey Hotel. Proceeds benefit GYN cancer research, awareness and patient support. The annual event is one of the organization’s premier fundraisers, featuring a seated dinner and drinks, live and silent auctions, and casino games and music. Advance tickets for the gala are $100 per person through Feb. 17 and $125 per person after Feb. 17.

March 12 Youth Art Month Young Artist Reception •Hoover Public Library•

Enjoy refreshments and celebrate Youth Art Month with Hoover’s featured young artists March 12 at 3 p.m.

March 16 Hoover Chamber Luncheon

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon at HyattRegency-The Wynfrey Hotel on March 16. Networking starts at 11:15 a.m., and the luncheon starts at noon.

Reservations should be made by 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. The cost is $20 or $25 for non-members or for those without reservations.

Email Lisa@hooverchamber. org.

The Celtic Tenors

•Hoover Public Library•

The Celtic Tenors, triple platinum selling artists, will perform at the Library Theatre on March 16 and March 17 at 7:30 p.m. With six albums to their credit, The Celtic Tenors have established themselves as the most successful classical crossover artists ever to emerge from Ireland.

March 18 Bird Walk •Aldridge Gardens•

at 1:30 p.m. at the Hoover Public Library. Jim Langley, an author and OAK Hill Cemetery historian will speak on sayings unique to Alabama in a humorous presentation showing the history and reasons behind lyrical words and phrases people use and misuse.

March 22 Alabama Hydrangea Society •Aldridge Gardens•

The Alabama Hydrangea Society will meet March 22.

The theme is “Hydrangeas 101.”

March 19 Blaine Goodwin

March 23 Business After Hours

•Hoover Public Library•

March 21 Hoover Historical Society March Meeting •Hoover Public Library•

The Hoover Historical Society will meet March 21

March 25 Hoover XtremeAIR 5K Obstacle Race Series The Hoover XtremeAIR 5K Obstacle Race Series will be held March 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover.

March 28 Horizons Luncheon •Hoover Senior Center•

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours on March 23 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Painting with a Twist, 701 Doug Baker Boulevard, No. 106 in The Village at Lee Branch Shopping Center in Hoover.

March 24 OLLI Bonus Course Taste of Teal Gala

•Hoover Senior Center•

The OLLI Bonus Course “Healthy Eating” will be held March 24 from 12:151:15 p.m. at the Hoover Senior Center.

•Veterans Park•

A Bird Walk will be held March 18 from 8-10 a.m. at Aldridge Gardens. For more information, call 6828019.

Come for an afternoon of Celtic and British folk songs March 19 at 2:30 p.m.

“Healthy Eating”

The Horizons Luncheon at the Hoover Senior Center will be held March 28 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 739-6700.

March 31 Xylouris White •Hoover Public Library•

Born into a family of legendary musicians from the island of Crete in Greece, George Xylouris plays the Cretan lute and sings with centuries of musical history coursing through his veins.

He is joined by Australian drummer Jim White, who has plied his trade with everyone from the Dirty Three to PJ Harvey to Bonnie Prince Billy and Cat Power.

Their ancient and modern worlds converge to create a music that is at once otherworldly and instantly familiar. Tickets are $12.50 each. The performance will be March 31 at 8 p.m.

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

79

why I love Hoover

“I have met amazing families and people throughout our city”

M

elody Greene, 35, was named the 20162017 Hoover City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year. Greene, her husband, Ben, and their two daughters, ages 5 and 10, live in Chelsea.

Melody’s daughters attend Greystone Elementary School, where she teaches.

Melody is a presenter with Teachers’ Curriculum Institute and AMSTI. She and her family have been members of Briarwood Presbyterian Church for 15 years.

Q: What are some of your other accomplishments in your career?

A: Greystone Elementary Nomination for Teacher of the Year, 2016-2017; TCI’s Featured Teacher, June 2016 (TCI Blog); Greystone Elementary Nomination for Teacher of the Year, 2014-2015; National Board Certified Teacher, Early Adolescent Social Science, 2010; Berry Middle School Nomination for Teacher of the Year, 2009-2010; Positive Image Award Winner, Hoover City Schools, Fall 2007.

Q: What, or who, inspired you to become a teacher? named the Hoover City Schools A: Mrs. Christie brought the classroom Elementary Teacher of the Year for alive like no other teacher that I 2016-2017? had ever experienced. I will forever A: I was totally surprised when Dr. remember her quoting her version Murphy and staff from the central of Abraham Lincoln’s famous words office showed up the week prior to the saying, “I will prepare myself; for one winter break to present me with this day my time will come.” She constantly Q: What do you love about Hoover? honor. I never thought that I would be applied this to our learning in class.

A: My family and I love doing life the one to be given this honor. I work Whether a student was excelling or in Hoover. My aunt, Diana Mayhall, with amazing educators every day. I was falling short of their potential, she taught at Berry High School and so humbled to represent them in this always pointed out the greatness that Hoover High School for many years. way. we possessed and what she wanted to As a child, I had such fond memories see. The day sixth grade ended, I knew of her choir concerts and wonderful Q: How long have you worked in the that I wanted to be a teacher just like stories of the community and her education field?

Mrs. Christie. school. My teaching career began here A: This is my 14th year in education. almost 14 years ago. Over the years, I I taught sixth grade at Berry Middle Q: What do you enjoy about your job? have enjoyed the amazing opportunities School for 10 years. This is my fourth A: My job is both relational and that our community offers families and year in fourth grade at Greystone academic. I love working with kids to students. I have met amazing families Elementary. I have also worked with help them see their “yet.” Instead of and people throughout our city. I am Teachers Curriculum Institute to train thinking that they can’t do something, I such a fan of my school. The faculty teachers in social studies, science and want students to realize that they “Just and parents are an amazing team who instructional strategies since 2005. Over haven’t gotten it yet.” I love building work so hard to support each other and the last year, I have also begun working relationships with kids and seeing the learning of our kids. with Alabama Math, Science, and them grow. We work all year to build a Q: What was your reaction to being Technology initiative (AMSTI). classroom family. n 80

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017

2016

March 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

81

82

• Hoover’s Magazine | March 2017