Hoover's Magazine, Summer 2024

PLEDGE OF PATRIOTISM 53

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Freedom Award recipient Roy Brook is inspiring a new wave of patriotism throughout Hoover and beyond.

You voted. We tallied. See just who Hoover’s favorite restaurants, retailers, community events and more are.

HIGH ON BUENA VISTA 78

Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off the beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

PHOTO BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

EDITORIAL

Anna Grace Moore

Donald Mottern

Rachel Raiford

Mackenzee Simms

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel Dennis

Lauren Dowdle

Patrick McGough

Blair Ramsey

Christiana Roussel

Kelsea Schafer

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Michaela Bankston

Octavia Campbell

Evann Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Lauren Morris

Viridiana Romero

Tori Montjoy Smith

ADMINISTRATION

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Leslie Reeves

Kayla Reeves

Brittany Schofield

Daniel Dennis, Photographer

Daniel is the co-founder and co-owner of Untold Imagery. He’s been practicing photography for many years, but he started pursuing it professionally in 2020. Daniel enjoys being able to compose an image in his mind and seeing it come to fruition through perfect lighting and composition. His primary focuses with photography are travel, food and branding. To learn more about Untold Imagery, follow the business on Instagram at @untold_imagery or visit untoldimagery.com.

Lauren Dowdle, Writer

An award-winning writer, Lauren lives in Hoover with her husband, daughter and four fur-babies. She writes for a variety of local, national and international publications. A graduate from the University of Alabama, Lauren played the tuba in the Million Dollar Band, which is how she met her husband. When she isn’t writing or chasing around a toddler, she loves to bake for friends and family.

Patrick McGough, Photographer

Born and raised in Mountain Brook, Patrick has had a passion for photography from when he bought his first cardboard box camera in a flea market at the age of 12. That passion has taken him all over the South and abroad on many assignments and projects. Every shoot creates an opportunity to meet new people and to explore ideas and locations. Whether shooting businesses, families or individuals, he strives to capture the most fun, genuine and unique images for his clients.

Kelsea Schafer, Photographer

Kelsea is a student at Hoover High School. She lives in Hoover with her family and two dogs, Fendi and Riley. When not in class, she is behind the camera, shooting sports, events or senior portraits wherever possible while running Kelsea Schafer Photography. During her free time, she is often at Lewis Smith Lake, enjoying all things sun, boating and wake surfing with her family and friends.

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

Hoover’s Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Hoover, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit HooversMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting HooversMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

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

ON THE COVER

Restoring Glory

Mark and Lisa Elliott’s home in The Preserve is a beautiful representation of a community’s fellowship.

Photo by Blair Ramsey

Design by Rowan Futrell

OOn July 20, 2023, the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce presented Roy Brook with the 2023 Freedom Award at the chamber’s July luncheon, which took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Hoover.

The flag man–a moniker Roy boasts as proudly as he does red, white and blue–travels all across the state with his American flag, supporting ideals of liberty, justice and the sacrifices made by our U.S. service members to maintain such freedoms. Roy attends funerals for veterans, city-wide events, fundraisers, chamber luncheons, even dedications of fire stations, too.

After watching other citizens disrespect the American flag on TV, Roy decided to walk up and down the median of the U.S. 280 and Interstate 459 intersection, waving his flag high for cars passing by to see. That was eight years ago. Now, our local “flag man” has become a state icon for his patriotic service.

I first remembered meeting Roy last year at a Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He was standing in the back corner holding a gigantic, gorgeous American flag. At first, I thought he was a part of the program. He wasn’t. Instead, he was simply standing there in the back, holding his flag, quietly paying attention to the keynote speaker.

As I introduced myself, I remembered thinking, “Wow, this guy is brave.” As our country is spiraling into a more politically polarizing society, here is this modern-day patriot who cares not for such negativity and instead chooses to fulfill part of his life’s purpose by serving other people–especially those who gave their lives for the freedoms many of us often take for granted.

I remember Roy’s sweet smile–warm enough to wash away any opposition–as he spoke about why he loves what he does–which isn’t even a paying job. It’s all volunteering. Roy spoke about attending veterans’ funerals of whom he had never met–standing in the distance, holding his flag, making sure the fallens’ loved ones knew he was grateful for their sacrifice.

Roy, whose youngest son served in the military, believes that in order for our country to become more unified socially, we must all give thanks for the men and women who fought for us to have the ability to disagree freely, the freedom to practice our own religious beliefs, the right to vote and more.

As we approach Independence Day, readers, I encourage you all to read Roy’s story (page 53), and remember the brave who have fought and continue to fight to protect the greatest nation on Earth and its values–liberty and justice for all.

Joyfully,

” “THE QUESTION

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Riding my horses with my husband!

-Michelle Lovelady Copeland

My favorite part of summer is spending the day at the pool with my kids on sunny days.

-Mikayla Slotnick

I am looking forward to going to the beach with my boyfriend!

-Jordan Dacus

This summer, I am most looking forward to going on a cruise with my fiance to celebrate our engagement.

-Zach Bass

I am looking forward to going to the beach, feeling sunshine and good vibes.

-Micah Walker

Moving to Texas, seeing my nephews and wedding planning!

-Beth Tucker

To see all the work behind the scenes and the dream coming to light of reopening my business, Aphros Beauty, is an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to share it on opening day!

-Sash Pike

We are looking forward to enjoying our new backyard and having as much family and friends over as possible!

-April Och

@hooversmag

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

@theanvilpub

Don your fascinators and sip on our @oldforester mint julips as we celebrate the 150 anniversary of Run of the Roses!

@hooveryearbook

Reliving the memorable moments to unforgettable friendships made this year @hooverhighschool! The smiles, laughs, and action packed moments are all present within this yearbook!

Stepping into the courtroom of fabulousness as @hoover_theatre proudly presented Legally Blonde: The Musical this past weekend! It was an unforgettable night of laughter, empowerment, and pink!

HYDRANGEAS UNDER THE STARS

JUNE 21

6-9 P.M.

Aldridge Gardens

Hydrangeas under the Stars is Aldridge Gardens’s annual summer shindig. Event attendees can look forward to live entertainment, dinner and both a live and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Aldridge Gardens. The reception and silent auction begins at 6 p.m., and dinner and the live auction will begin at 7 p.m. underneath the pavilion. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit aldridgegardens.com.

THE GUIDE

First Saturday Cruise In

8 A.M.-NOON

Hoover Tactical Firearms

Brought to patrons by the Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club, First Saturday Cruise In features numerous vintage, classic cars in the Hoover Tactical Firearms parking lot. With music

and complimentary coffee, this event is perfect for those with an appreciation for “sweet rides.” According to Dixie Vintage’s website, the club helps to restore and preserve vintage and antique cars, providing a social outlet for car enthusiasts. Learn more about this event at dvcarclub.com.

FRIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Storytime in the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Kids’ Art Camp

Thomas Andrew Art, Home & Faith 2856 18th Street South

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Gross Out Science Camp Camp Fletcher 5150 Fletcher Road

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Summer Art Camp

Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Gross Out Science Camp Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive

JUNE 6

Lew-E’s Comedy Circus Show Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 8

JUNE 11-12

Roger Day

VARIOUS TIMES

Hoover Public Library

Award-winning children’s musician Roger Day will perform live in the library theatre, delighting audience members of all ages. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because seating is limited. For more information, visit events. hooverlibrary.org/events.

Run, Ride & Rumble for PTSD Awareness 4500 5th Avenue South

JUNE 8

The Molly Ringwalds Presented by Avondale Brewing Company

JUNE 9

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council

JUNE 10-14

Around the World Morning Camp Birmingham Botanical Gardens JUNE 1 & JULY 6

JUNE 10-14

Singing Safari Music Camp for Preschoolers

Mason Music – Bluff Park Studio

JUNE 11

21 Savage

Presented by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

JUNE 15

Father-Daughter Tea

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 17-21

Rock Band Camp: Performance Edition

Mason Music – Cahaba Heights Studio

JUNE 20

Ventriloquist Gene Cordova

Presented by the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JUNE 24-28

Backyard Wildlife Morning Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JUNE 27

I Love America Night Wald Park

JUNE 28

Super Smash Bros. Tournament

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

JULY 8-12

Superhero Training Academy Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JULY 8-12

Vocal Performance Camp

Mason Music – Mountain Brook Studio

JULY 9-11

Vestavia Hills High School Youth Boys Soccer Camp

Thompson Reynolds Stadium

26

The Links Fore Scholars Golf Tournament

8:30 A.M.-2 P.M. Riverchase Country Club 2000 Club Road

Brought to patrons by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Links Fore Scholars golf tournament will feature a shot-gun start, signaling four-person teams to begin the tournament at the same time but at different holes on the course. Similar to a scramble format, players will decide the best hit amongst their team members as they navigate the course to finish the quickest. Awards will be given to teams with the straightest drive,

longest drive, ball nearest the pin and best putt, too. There will also be a hole-in-one prize. For information on pricing and to register, visit business. hooverchamber.org/events. For questions, email lori@hooverchamber. org.

STAYED TUNED

Red, White and Boom

Each summer, the city of Hoover hosts its annual fireworks show at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, in which event attendees can sit outside in the parking lot and watch the 15-minute fireworks display. Patrons are advised to bring

their own blankets or lawn chairs, and everyone can tune in to 87.9 FM for a music broadcast paired with the show. Follow @hooversmag on Instagram for more information as event details become available.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Hoover’s Magazine’s 2025 Wedding Issue

Calling all newlyweds! Hoover’s Magazine is featuring newlywed couples in the 2025 spring wedding issue. Those who got married in 2023 or in 2024 may be eligible to be featured. Those interested can email magazine editor Anna Grace Moore at annagrace.moore@hooversmagazine.com for more information on how to be featured.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

The 150th Kentucky Derby

Spain Park High School alumnus Nick Richardson had the privilege to shoot the 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4. While horses Sierra Leone and Forever Young proved worthy competitors, Mystik Dan brought home the gold in a hairpin victory. Pictured on the right (inside) is jockey Brian Hernandez and Mystik Dan.

Market Fresh

Shop local farmers markets near you this summer.

THE MARKET AT BROCK’S GAP

Saturdays | 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company 500 Mineral Trace Suite 100

THE MARKETPLACE AT LEE BRANCH

Saturdays | 8 a.m.-noon

The Lee Branch Shopping Center 611 Doug Baker Boulevard

ROSS BRIDGE FARMERS MARKET

Fridays | 4-8 p.m. 2101 Grand Avenue

JULY 14

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series

Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council

JULY 22-26

Mason Music Camp for Beginners

Mason Music – Bluff Park Studio

JULY 22-26

S.H.E. CAMP

UAB’s Artplay 1006 19th Street South

JULY 23-25

Vestavia Hills High School Youth Boys Soccer Camp Louis Pizitz Middle School

JULY 26

Hootie and The Blowfish Presented by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

JULY 27

Otey’s Fest Crestline Village

JULY 29-AUG. 2

Guitar Camp for Beginners

Mason Music – Cahaba Heights Studio

JULY 30

Zombie Scavenger Hunt XII Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

AUG. 6

Barbie The Movie: In Concert Presented by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 14

Creed Presented by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 16

Train Presented by Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 17

Birmingham Babypalooza Baby Expo

BJCC East Ballroom

Photo by WAVE-photojournalist Nick Richardson

ARTS CULTURE&

VISUAL HUMANITY

Kerry Leasure’s jewelry represents a piece of the puzzle in the diversity of the human experience.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

AA soul’s song is often transparent of the diversity in humanity’s narratives. Such songs are often unsung–yet, they are physically created, symbolizing the heart’s longing to be understood, to be heard, to be appreciated.

Art–the most beautiful motif of visual storytelling–communicates such raw emotion through color, composition–elements capable of eliciting questions and sparking conversations about the human experience. In a way, art expresses what words cannot.

Hoover-based jewelry artist Kerry Leasure believes her life’s work is a tried and true illustration of this message.

Kerry graduated from Hollins University, majoring in English. She later earned her teaching certificate and taught kindergarten for 10 years prior to welcoming her three children into the world.

After moving from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Bluff Park, Alabama, for her husband’s career, Kerry opened an antiques booth at the Hoover Antique Mall and began selling vintage jewelry on her Facebook page. As she began toying with broken and discarded items, she ventured down the rabbit hole of turning other people’s trash into her own treasure troves.

Slowly, Kerry began doing a couple of small, local art shows. She began sourcing materials from estate sales and antique stores–searching for all the “weird” items no one else seemed to want.

Some of Kerry’s first pieces of jewelry were bracelets made from clip-on earrings–motifs of her passion to seek out beauty in the mundane. These simple jewelry pieces, she says, are the intersection between her love of vintage goods and her schooling as an English major.

“When I pick up objects, I search out the meaning of the item and what could be its story in combination with other objects,” Kerry says. “I’m taking their individual stories and putting them together to create a cohesive tale. That’s why I call them storyteller pieces.”

A visual storyteller herself, Kerry believes the best stories are often created with puzzle pieces that when woven together, paint a beautiful picture one

could not see before. Her necklace, “Instant Creation,” was created from a jar of old electrical buttons someone gave to her at the Kentuck Art Festival in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Its sprawling wires create a mane of fascination linked together on a figaro chain. Another unique necklace, “Let’s Burn Down the Patriarchy,” is made of Littelfuse plates, which are circuit protectors and the perfect dose of irony for the social reformer customer with a good sense of humor.

“The things that I made last year and this year are completely different, which is why people keep coming back I think,” Kerry says. “I like to say it’s never the same studio twice. When you come into my booth at an art fair, it’s going to be all new ideas and all new creations.”

Kerry enjoys using play on words, titling each deserving piece creatively as a nod to its own story of which she hopes customers will relate. “Cabinet of Cure-iosities” is a healthinspired necklace composed of an Anusol Hemorrhoidal Suppositories tin, a Penslar Laxative Cold Breakers tin and a St. Joseph Aspirin tin on a chain with wooden beads.

Other necklaces in Kerry’s collection are humorous political statements–such as “Not Drinking the Kool-Aid.” It features poison labels and a “winking” Kool-Aid pitcher connected together, symbolizing how not all people are as innocent as they seem—don’t drink what the politicians serve.

“Protection from Pricks,” which is one of Kerry’s favorite jewelry lines, features iterations of the guardian theme–thimbles sutured together as extra “protection” from one’s everyday annoyances. No matter the collection, no one piece is ever the same.

“I get some adverse reactions, but that’s totally fine because that’s the point of art,” Kerry says. “It’s to evoke a reaction–be it positive or negative.”

Art is the physical manifestation of the heart’s emotions–

Check out Kerry’s full list of happenings this season.

June 7-9

Webster Arts Fair Webster Groves, Missouri

June 19

“So You Want to be an Art Fair Artist” Birmingham, Alabama Workshop in conjunction with Jayne Morgan

June 28-30

Des Moines Arts Festival

Des Moines, Iowa

Find more details on each of these events by visiting hereachickthereachick.com. Patrons can also follow Kerry on Instagram @hereachickthereachick

one’s story that needs to be told. Kerry’s burning drive–art shows–are the perfect culmination of imagination from hundreds of unique storytellers.

Kerry says she has had customers stroll into her booth unassumingly and leave crying happy tears because they found a piece that not only resonates with them, but also reminds them of their purpose. On the flip side, she has also had customers worriedly ask her, “Do you see a therapist?”

Kerry, who now does nearly 15 art shows each year, always laughs and replies, “Welcome to my therapy,” showing off her life’s creations proudly. While each show presents its own challenges, Kerry enjoys the mental stimulation, garnering inspiration for her next jewelry pieces.

One of Kerry’s most esteemed moments at an art show was at one of the largest in the country–the Des Moines Arts Festival, at which out of 1,200 applicants and 190 selected artists, Kerry won the Award of Excellence for Best Booth in 2023. Kerry also earned respect from national art curators, winning the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Curatorial Award for Excellence last year at the Bayou City Art Festival in Houston, Texas.

Although being recognized is always nice, Kerry says she hopes her art serves more purpose than just being “wearable jewelry” or worthy of “blue ribbons.”

“Art is just intuitive, and of course, it makes me feel energized and alive, especially when I’m getting to share it

with other people and hear their stories and how they’re connecting to my work,” Kerry says.

Creating art is important because it allows one to foster original thought and erect tangible emotions physically for the world to see. As Kerry’s children started becoming schoolage, she decided to pay her talents forward and return to the classroom setting.

For the last five years, she has volunteered to teach art to elementary students through the Kentuck Artists in the Schools program. Returning each year has become a tradition to Kerry, and she says she will always cherish the smiles on those precious students’ faces, happily creating outside the confines of what is acceptable.

“I think everybody is an artist,” Kerry says. “You just have to find what’s inside of you that is uniquely your own.”

Oftentimes, the ability to create is innate; yet, a catalyst needs to be ignited to spark a dream into reality. Kerry hopes that if nothing else, her art can be that fuse for other people–a loving reminder that no matter one’s age or experience, he, too, can create beautiful things.

If art is a medium for self-expression, then let it be known the most powerful artists are not necessarily the most talented but are the bravest visual storytellers, who are cunning enough to transform their narrative transparently as a piece of the world’s shared humanity.

To view or purchase Kerry’s work, visit hereachickthereachick.com.

Hydrangeas

Summer is here, and that means hydrangeas will be in bloom on the shrubs and also under the stars! Yes, Aldridge Gardens’ biggest fundraiser of the year, Hydrangeas Under the Stars (HUTS) returns for the 21st year on Friday, June 21. Guests enter Aldridge Gardens under the stars that evening, strolling past incredible hydrangea displays on their way to the Aldridge House, where they are greeted with a glass of chilled bubbly before joining the fun at the silent auction, complete with a

Under the Stars

wine and beer open bar. A catered dinner with fabulous paired wines in the pavilion will follow. The real fun begins following dessert—the live auction will feature prizes such as golf trips, jewelry, beach vacation home rentals and incredible goodies up for bidding. The live auction is always a spirited way to end a wonderful evening at the social event of the year in Hoover! Purchase tickets at aldridgegardens.com or by calling 205-739-6553. Reserve your table now— this event is always a hard sell-out!

Hoover Movement

Hoover Movement will be coming online and gaining momentum this summer. Registration for this program begins on Saturday, April 27 at Celebrate Hoover Day. New challenges, activities and events will pop up throughout the summer, inviting participants to explore all of the areas in the parks and recreation network. Aldridge Gardens is a prime destination for Hoover

Dirr Hydrangea Garden

Beautiful flowering plants grace the grounds of Aldridge Gardens. Some of our most significant bloom-producers are the different varieties of hydrangeas, including the bigleaf hydrangeas, “macrophylla.” Right now, and likely due in part to a relatively mild winter, practically all the bigleaf hydrangeas growing in Aldridge Gardens’ Dirr Hydrangea Garden are beginning to produce unusually heavy crops of blooms. In fact, our macrophylla are producing so many blooms that we’re anticipating an epic bloom season for this year! There is no better collection of bigleaf hydrangeas than the Dirr Hydrangea Garden, so please make plans to visit us from mid-May to late June to experience Aldridge Gardens’ flower display.

Movement challenges such as “spot a tiny turtle,” “find a flower in full bloom” and “hike a trail around a lake.” In the future, there will also be challenges that are only available at Aldridge Gardens such as “find big tall silly” or “attend a beekeeping class.” Hoover Movement participants will keep photo records of their achievements and share their experience on social media.

Weddings at Aldridge Gardens

From baby showers, graduation parties, birthday parties, corporate meetings and more, Aldridge Gardens is the perfect spot for your next event. Summertime weddings at Aldridge Gardens are especially lovely as many flowers are in bloom. We understand how important it is to secure the right venue. That’s why our experienced event coordinators are here to help. We want to provide you with all the information, inspiration and guidance you need to make your wedding and reception everything you’ve dreamed of. We have a full calendar for 2024, and we are rapidly booking weddings for 2025. Don’t wait–reach out today, and let’s start planning your perfect event. For more information, contact kristen. valentine@hooveralabama.gov.

SPLASH INTO SUMMER

The Hoover Public Library is offering children and adult summer reading programs and events families will love this upcoming season.

Children Summer Reading Programs

Start your summer adventure with the Hoover Public Library! Kick off this summer at our summer reading carnival, which takes place on Friday, May 24. This is a great time to sign up for our summer reading program, where kids and teens can earn prizes and even a free book. Registration will continue throughout June and July. New this year, “reading buddies” will be offered on Monday afternoons. Elementary kids can read with teen volunteers and might even get a surprise visit from our facility dog, Libby.

Look no further for summertime activities than the Hoover Public Library events calendar, which is packed with storytimes, performers and programs. Start each week with storytime adventure on Monday, and join us on Thursday for movement and music storytime, featuring interactive songs to get kids moving and grooving.

Each Tuesday and Wednesday, we will have free theater shows for the whole family. Performers include Koo Koo, singer Roger Day, acrobat Li Liu, Doug Burkey, magician Arthur Atsma and Dinosaurs–an educational dinosaur show by Dinoman. On Thursday afternoons, elementary students can participate in programs about spies, camping, close-up magic, archeology, surviving

Pompeii and the jungle! At the end of the summer, rising kindergarteners will celebrate entering elementary school at kick-off kindergarten.

On select Saturdays, build your own adventure through open-ended building activities, participate in the “pirate olympics” or harness your inner demigod at a Percy Jackson-themed KidCon–in conjunction with the library’s sci-fi fantasy fest! Teens can join us on Tuesday evenings for summer crafts, an introduction to stage combat from Red Mountain Theater Company; pickleball and pizza; a Polaroid scavenger hunt; a Great British Bake-Off “Teen Edition;” and an outdoor games finale.

Adult Summer Reading Programs

Don’t let the kids have all the fun–summer reading is for grown-ups, too! You can read books and earn prizes as well. Start reading and listening on Friday, May 24, and record your titles. Earn an entry for gift card prizes for every five books you read. You can enter online at hooverlibrary.org or by visiting the library in-person.

We also have fun activities! Play “stump the librarian” in the nonfiction department throughout July, where you can play once a day and test the knowledge of our librarians. If you can stump us, you earn another entry into a drawing for gift cards. If you need book ideas for your summer reading, be sure to attend “insatiable readers.” This book recommendation group meets one Saturday each month and has lots of great reading suggestions.

The annual summer reading edition will be Saturday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. in-person or 3 p.m. online. Check out our website for even more fun events this summer, and we look forward to seeing you at the library! Remember, there are so many ways to read, watch, learn and explore your literary interests this summer with the Hoover Public Library.

BY LINDSAY CRAWFORD AND PAM BAINTER PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Lindsay Crawford Pam Bainter

READ THIS BOOK

Summer Reads Adults will Love

Recommendations from Stephanie Beaver

Librarian at the Hoover Public Library

The Wager

By David Grann | Nonfiction

Stephanie Beaver is a librarian who has worked in the fiction department at the Hoover Public Library for the past 10 years. While her specific collection responsibilities have earned her the title of “romance librarian” from her colleagues, she has a wide range of reading interests from historical fiction, mystery, fantasy, memoirs and narrative nonfiction. Here, she recommends her top five summer reading selections adults will love this season.

If you enjoy compulsively readable, thrilling nonfiction, David Grann is definitely the author for you. His latest book tells the story of a British warship–the HMS Wager–which became separated from its fleet and wrecked off the coast of Patagonia in 1741. Injured, starving and divided into factions, two groups eventually set sail in an effort to survive, and each later accuse the other of mutiny. The ensuing trial captivated an empire, and thanks to David Grann, we too can live the adventure, albeit far more comfortably.

Killers of a Certain Age

By Deanna Raybourn | Thriller

Race around the world with four retired female assassins who discover their luxury retirement cruise was meant to be their last adventure. Unwilling to go quietly, Billie, Mary Alice, Helen and Natalie band together to find out why they’ve been targeted by their former employers in this witty, original thriller that could only come from the mind of Deanna Raybourn. Nothing sums it up better than a “Booklist” reviewer, who invites you to “imagine if the Golden Girls were trained as elite assassins.” Thrilling, but a little bit bananas, this novel is truly one of a kind.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

By SA Chakraborty | Historical Fantasy

Does anything promise adventure more reliably than pirates? Threatened by the mother of a crewman whose death she feels responsible for, legendary pirate Amina al-Sirafi returns to the high seas to rescue the woman’s kidnapped granddaughter. Leaving her own daughter behind, Amina assembles her old crew only to discover their mission is not as straightforward as it seems. Set in a fantastical version of the Middle East filled with magic and monsters, this historical fantasy is the first in a trilogy that promises to be just as enthralling as SA Chakraborty’s beloved “Daevabad” series.

Raiders of the Lost Heart

By Jo Segura | Romance/Action and Adventure

Rivals since their days in graduate school, two expert archeologists find themselves on the same dig, searching for the remains of a renowned Aztec warrior in the jungles of Mexico. When a thief begins stealing artifacts from their site, the two must band together to save the project. Danger ensues, as does an undeniable attraction. If adventure in the vein of cinematic favorites “Indiana Jones,” “The Mummy” and “Tomb Raider” paired with a good, old-fashioned, enemies-to-lovers romance sounds like just the ticket, this steamy romance is definitely for you.

The River

By Peter Heller | Thriller

Two Dartmouth students on a canoe trip in rural Canada get more adventure than they bargained for as they face the many horrors of both nature and man. Trying to out-paddle a wildfire and save a woman—and themselves—from her murderous husband, the two put their wilderness skills and their friendship to the test. Intense, vivid and difficult to put down, this captivating thriller will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

SCHOOL SPORTS&

EN POINTE

Dance is a love shared between generations and is one facet powerful enough to create positive change.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

TThe most powerful force on Earth is love. Neither hate nor fear could ever hold a light to the impact love has, especially in the upbringing of a child.

Birmingham Dance Theatre (BDT), which was founded in 1962 by Nora Nash, began as the Nora Nash Dance Studio in Midfield, Alabama. Nora, whose granddaughters Ally Packard and McCall Scofield describe as a pioneer of dance, was far beyond her time.

Nora was known for her exceptional talent and drive to foster a community of self-expression–a place where dancers of all walks of life are welcome. She ran the dance school and a costume shop down the road from the studio for 23 years.

In 1984, Nora’s daughter Joni Nash Scofield took over the school and relocated it to Vestavia Hills, where it stayed until 2001 before relocating across the street to a bigger space. Finally in 2017, BDT moved yet again to Hoover to its biggest location.

“We have really loved being in Hoover,” McCall says. “We feel like our location is great. We’ve had so many new students, who are so hungry to dance. There’s so many kids in Hoover.”

Boasting a roster of more than 500 students, BDT has seven on-site dance studios, 23 employees and

even an in-house costume shop–a nod to Nora’s entrepreneurial endeavors. In its 62 years, BDT has won more than 10 national dance competitions, including hundreds of group and individual awards, too.

Ally, who was named “Little Miss Dance,” “Petite Miss Dance” and “Teen Miss Dance” of Dance Masters of America Chapter 33, is a third-generation dance instructor with 32 years of dance experience. A graduate of the University of Alabama (UA), Ally always knew she wanted to be a dance teacher–it was in her blood, she says.

Ally, who along with McCall is one of the Company Assistant Directors at BDT, has been teaching dance since she was 16 years old in her mother’s studio. Her choreography has won multiple awards at national competitions such as DMA, 24seven, Hollywood Vibe, Radix, West Coast Dance Explosion, Hollywood Dance Jamz, NRG and more.

Now married to her high school sweetheart, Adam Packard, Ally’s daughters Nora Leigh and Betts are following in her footsteps, taking company dance at BDT.

“I feel very blessed that I get to share my passion for dance with my girls and continue the legacy my

grandmother created more than 60 years ago,” Ally says.

McCall, on the other hand, grew up dancing in her mother’s studio and did not foresee dance influencing the trajectory of her life’s course. After graduating from UA, McCall went on to become the executive producer and lifestyle reporter for Talk of Alabama, where she worked for six and a half years before returning to teach full-time at BDT.

McCall returned to her stomping grounds in August 2012. For the past 12 years, she has traveled across the country teaching choreography, earning numerous awards including the 2022 Hollywood Invitational Best Choreography Award for her cochoreographed team dance, “The California Dream.”

Both BDT instructor Chandler Brown and McCall’s co-choreography earned them a nomination for the 2024 Industry Dance Award–the highest dance honor in the country. The winners will be announced this summer and will have their names placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Although winning is always nice, both Ally and McCall say their number-one priority is fostering a love of dance in each of their students, enabling them to both believe in themselves and share their

talents with the world. To Ally and McCall, dancing is exercising artistic liberty–projecting one’s passions as a creative outlet.

“It’s a form of expression,” McCall says. “It makes your soul happy. There’s something about dance that makes you feel so alive.”

Julianne Abenoja, who is one of Ally and McCall’s proteges, took dance at BDT for 13 years before moving away for college. Julianne studied under Angela Tower Walker–BDT’s ballet instructor and also one of the most esteemed choreographers in the Southeast.

Angela introduced Julianne to the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) scholarship organization, which each year hosts pageant competitions designed to honor talented young women with bright futures. Although reluctant at first, Julianne performed a ballet number Angela choreographed, and to Julianne’s surprise, she was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County and won $4,400 in scholarship money just from that one competition.

Julianne went on to compete in several levels of competition, wowing audiences with her dance routines–compliments of Angela. In June 2022, Julianne–then the Distinguished Young Woman of

Awards and Accolades

Below are a few of Birmingham Dance Theatre’s recent accomplishments.

2024

Hollywood Dance Jamz Top Scoring Routine and Industry Dance Awards Nominee

2024

VIP Dance Competition’s Best Rockstar Studio

2022

Hollywood Invitational National Champion

2021 VIP Dance Competition Winner

2018

West Coast Dance Explosion National Genre Cup Winner

2011-2024

Dance Masters of America Chapter 33 Grand Champion Winner

Alabama–competed against 49 other contestants in the national DYW competition. She was named first runner-up and won $20,000 in scholarship money.

“We focus on each individual kid,” McCall says. “Being the family business that we are, we do care about families and them getting everything out of this experience. We come from a place of compassion and love.”

The following year, Carrington Hodge–another BDT alum–was named the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of America, earning more than $50,000 in scholarship money. Notably, Carrington, who danced at BDT for 10 years, won an award in the talent category of each level of the DYW competition.

At the national competition, Carrington performed a jazz en pointe solo to “Bye, Bye, Blackbird,” which was choreographed by Scarlet Walker, Angela’s daughter. Scarlet was in New York at the time of rehearsals, so Carrington learned her entire routine on Zoom.

Although it was difficult, Carrington still won and attributes a lot of her success to Scarlet and her other dance instructors at BDT.

“I like seeing their growth every year,” Ally says of her dance students. “A lot of times I teach these girls from the time they’re 5. Last year, I got a note from one of the seniors, thanking me for being her biggest cheerleader. Sometimes, all it takes is one encouraging teacher to help that person become the best dancer that they can be.”

Dance teaches numerous life lessons of which both Ally and McCall say translate into other areas of their students’ lives. BDT competition dancers take multiple hours of dance classes every week, forcing them to learn time management skills and how to adapt under pressure.

Skill sets such as these are how BDT dancers are able to excel in other facets of their careers. Abbie Stockard, who danced competitively at BDT, was named Miss Hoover 2024 last summer and has since worked to raise money and awareness for her

every child takes center stage.

At Children’s of Alabama, kids are the center of our world and our mission is to provide the very best care available to every child. It’s why we are here.

social campaign, “Be The Change – Find a Cure: Cystic Fibrosis Awareness.”

Abbie has gone on to work with Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, to establish May 26 as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day. On Saturday, April 6, Abbie hosted the Roast of Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis at the Soiree Event Gallery in Hoover. The event raised more than $190,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Ally and McCall say they don’t take credit for Abbie’s success, but they do hope Abbie’s time dancing at BDT helped influence her drive to make a difference in the world around her. Dancers such as Julianne, Carrington and Abbie have all gone on to positively shape the lives of so many around them–and Ally and McCall feel blessed they played a small role in each of their students’ journeys from within the walls of BDT.

Dance is more than just creative expression or a recreational activity. It has the power to change lives–to build confidence in a young dancer, to dare her to dream big and above all, to communicate such a love that can be passed down through generations.

While Nora may never have known what her little dance studio in Midfield would have grown to today, she did know how impactful a little love and encouragement would be to young, aspiring dancers.

If all it takes to raise the next perennial powerhouse is being loving and encouraging, then Ally and McCall may just be responsible for raising the next generation of leaders who will one day change the world.

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233

To learn more information about Birmingham Dance Theatre, visit bdtdance.com. Stay up to date on all things dance by following Birmingham Dance Theatre on Instagram @bdt_ dance and Facebook @Birmingham Dance Theatre.

Birmingham Dance Theatre Alums

ABIGAIL BARLOW

Recipient of the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album

ROBERT HOFFMAN

Mister Dance of America

Actor in movies such as “Step Up 2: The Streets,” “Aliens in the Attic” and “She’s the Man”

MORGAN HARTLEY REVELIER

Radio City Rockette

Owner of Next Step Broadway

VASHTY MOMPOINT

Broadway Dancer

CARRINGTON HODGE

2023 Distinguished Young Woman of America

JULIANNE ABENOJA

First Runner-Up in 2022 Distinguished Young Women of America Competition

2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama

2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County

ABBIE STOCKARD

2024 Miss Hoover

ELAINA BURT

2024 Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen

CALLIE WALKER

2018 Miss Alabama

CARRIE COLVIN ALLING

2001 America’s Junior Miss

Cory Stephens PT, DPT, TPI, Cert. DN

Why open a new clinic when there are other choices?

There is a growing need for Physical Therapy. As our population ages, that need will only increase. Also, as we have all noticed the Hoover Metro area is growing rapidly which will ultimately create more demand for access to high-quality physical therapy care.

What is the inspiration behind the name “Tradition”?

We felt the name Tradition encompassed our purpose. Yes, we are a new company/brand, but we are not new to the field of Physical Therapy. We want to provide a “Tradition” of highly skilled, individualized care with a local community flare.

Why Hoover?

I have lived in Hoover for a while now, my wife grew up in Hoover and this is where we have decided to put down roots for our family. There is no better community to support and help make a positive impact on the lives of those who live here than Hoover.

What made you choose a career as a Physical Therapist?

I have always been fascinated with the body. From early on in my life I knew I

wanted to be in healthcare to some degree. Once I was in high school playing sports, I started to have a few injuries. One of those injuries led to shoulder surgery which led to months of PT. I was deeply impacted by the empathy and pursuit of excellence of the PT that provided my care. After I completed my own PT, I did a few internships/ observations and decided this was the field for me.

I have been a PT for 7 years now. Most of my experience is in an outpatient with a couple of part-time jobs in the hospital

setting and home health physical therapy.

What type of injuries/diagnosis do you treat at Tradition Physical Therapy?

I do not like to look at my patients as just a diagnosis or an injury. Those injuries and ailments do not define who they are; they strictly define an instance in time. Most of my experience is in the orthopedic and sports medicine world, but I have also treated balance dysfunctions, vestibular conditions, and people dealing with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and strokes. I also have

experience treating pediatric and adolescent conditions.

How long does a typical term of physical therapy last?

Episodes of care for Physical Therapy can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. This is based on the injury severity, timeline, the prior activity level of the patient, etc.

Each episode of PT is guided by a plan of care that the Physical Therapist sets in conjunction with the patient and is ultimately approved by the referring provider.

Is Physical Therapy only for people who have had surgery?

Physical Therapy is not only for people who have had surgery. Physical Therapy can be for anyone who is dealing with something that has slowed them down or impacted their mobility.

Is Physical Therapy covered by insurance? Are you required to have insurance?

Physical Therapy is covered by most insurance. When someone comes to us with a referral, we verify their benefits and those benefits are discussed with the PT when the patient comes in for their initial evaluation.

We also offer a self-pay option as well which can be discussed via phone call to the clinic or stop by for a visit.

If someone has a question about physical therapy or to find out if they are a candidate for physical therapy, what should they do?

Call us and schedule a 15-minute complimentary screen or come to one of our workshops that we will be rolling out in the near future.

Be sure to follow us on all social media outlets to keep up with any relevant news or events that we will be providing or participating in.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Phanuelle Manuel 2024 Finley Character Award Winner

PHOTO BY KELSEA SCHAFER

Hoover High School senior Phanuelle Manuel is the school’s 2024 Finley Character Award winner for the class of 2024. Phanuelle was nominated along with 38 other seniors from a pool of 646 students in her grade. Phanuelle won for her honest, loving character and her striving to positively impact the community around her. A 2022 graduate of the Youth Leadership Forum of Birmingham, Phanuelle is the president of the Youth Philanthropy Council, which donates thousands of dollars to local nonprofits. Here, Phanuelle describes her gratitude for being nominated and winning such a prestigious award.

How did it feel realizing you’d won the Finley Character Award?

I hadn’t gone in with any anticipation to win because I knew most of the other nominees, and they’re the best people. Some of them are even my best friends and are the pride of Hoover High School. They have such high quality character, and they’re so kind, intelligent and hardworking. I felt honored to even be nominated, and winning was such a pleasant surprise.

How do you juggle your extracurricular activities, maintain your grades and still prioritize time with your family and friends?

It’s all time management. I honed my skills to learn how to manage my time. As an IB and AP student, figuring out what my method was early on for managing school work was important to me in succeeding in high school.

What clubs or activities have you participated in that helped define your high school experience?

During my freshman year, I was

completely virtual. Even then, I participated in clubs. Currently, I am the president of our Society of Women Engineers chapter. I help lead the Hoover Outstanding Women Leaders in STEM program with my friend Christina. This past year I’ve been serving as the president of Youth Serve Philanthropy Council, and it all has been a 12 out of 10 experience. My favorite thing about high school has been the philanthropy council. I love it so much. We get $20,000 to delegate to various nonprofits in the Birmingham area that serve youth or have youth volunteers. It has been such an enjoyable experience for me.

What piqued your interest in studying computer science in college?

My interest in computer science began the summer before my sophomore year. I participated in the “girls who code” summer immersion program, and because of COVID-19, it was online. That was the first program I did where I was like, “Wow, I really love this field, and I’ve got to learn how to code.” I got to create my own

website tailored to mental health awareness. I also participated in the legacy program, which is a partner program with the University of Alabama for African American girls who plan on taking computer science principles the following school year. It increased my love for computer science, and since then, it’s been one of my favorite things to talk about and participate in.

What advice would you give high school students, in order to help them succeed in high school and stay competitive in higher education or the job market once they graduate?

Keep working hard. I would not have been able to get into college (and get a fullride scholarship) if I had not worked hard. I do not have any regrets. I am so very grateful that I worked hard and persevered through the tedious years of high school to become accepted into this program–the Randall Research Scholars Program at the University of Alabama.

FOOD DRINK&

APPETIZING CUISINE

Phil Sandoval’s is diversifying the cuisine in Brock’s Gap.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

AAuthenticity has no rival at the Brock’s Gap-based restaurant, Phil Sandoval’s–one of Hoover’s newest “hot spots” for great service and even better Mexican food.

Hailing from Honduras, John Morice, who is the owner of the Hoover location, immigrated to the United States in 2014 and spent time living in Chicago before finding his “home” in the South. He ventured to the Yellowhammer State on a scholarship to study business at Jefferson State Community College.

After finishing his credit courses, John transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he majored in economics and minored in finance. Having been in the hospitality industry almost all of his life, he grew up knowing the value of hard work and the benefits of working for oneself.

However, John jokes that “entrepreneurship” didn’t just happen overnight. In fact, his first job upon arriving in Alabama was washing cars at a car

dealership.

It was not until John graduated and afterwards began working at a Mexican restaurant for nearly eight years that he got his big break. One of his customers–Phil Sandoval, who is one of the masterminds behind his namesake restaurant–frequented the restaurant John worked at and began requesting John’s service each time he came to dine.

“It is said that service is black and white,” John says. “You take the drink order, the food order and you deliver, but hospitality is about colors. Hospitality is how you go above and beyond to make your customers feel comfortable. That has always been my mantra.”

After more than 20 different meals, Phil and his business partner, Zeel Zaveri, approached John about opening a location of their restaurant–Phil Sandoval’s. This was a dream come true for John, who after six months of training at the Huntsville location and two years trying to find the right spot,

Chef’s Picks

Appetizer

Fajita Nachos

The fajita nachos come with either beef or chicken and are served with refried beans, melted Chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, shredded lettuce and jalapenos.

Entree

Tamales

The tamales are one of the most authentic dishes on the menu. They feature hand-shredded chicken and green chiles that are rolled in corn masa, topped with queso blanco and lightly covered in melted Chihuahua cheese.

Dessert

Sopapillas

The sopapillas are “light pastries” that are dusted with cinnamon and sugar and are served with honey.

Beverage

Strawberry Margarita

As one of Phil’s most popular margaritas, this drink is recommended “frozen” and features strawberries and is rimmed in sugar.

opened the Hoover location of Phil Sandoval’s on Sunday, March 24.

“The welcoming that Hoover has given us has been amazing,” John says. “Hoover patrons are extremely nice people. I hope to deliver a good experience for them.”

Strolling through Phil Sandoval’s, one is first greeted with cheerful salutations by the hosts as he is kindly escorted to his seat. Glancing around, he’ll appreciate the bright, colorful scenery, including festive flags and lights dangling from the ceilings and even a sombrero wall that has no decorative rival.

On the other side of the table, the employees, too, all enjoy the environment that John, Phil and Zeel have helped create at the Hoover location.

“Since the beginning, they have made me feel like family,” Angel Lopez, Phil Sandoval’s Hoover location’s general manager, says. “Here with them, there are chances to grow. I see myself in the future being an owner and operator.”

Between the friendly nature of the staff and beautiful decor, it’s no wonder how this niche restaurant has customers swooning. The real feat, though, are all the scratch-made meals, which are made fresh every day, inhouse–yes, even the tortillas, too.

John’s favorite appetizer–the Acapulco chicken nachos–features grilled chicken and refried beans topped with raspberry chipotle sauce, Chihuahua cheese and even pineapple–which he says at first didn’t sound good but is actually delicious. These nachos are also served with pico de gallo, sour cream, shredded lettuce and jalapenos.

Meat lovers will also enjoy the triple tostada which comes with either spicy beef or chicken along with refried black beans and Chihuahua cheese wedged between corn tortillas and Mexican rice. They’re topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and queso blanco for a flavor-packed punch.

Those swinging by for a quick bite to eat on their lunch breaks should order the big fish taco, which is made up of fresh, lightly breaded tilapia filet that’s been fried golden brown and is served in a warm flour tortilla. This menu item is served alongside spicy coleslaw and marinated

onions with green rice and refried black beans.

“The chicken fajitas, which come with the house-made tortillas, and the street tacos are great,” Angel says.

No matter one’s taste palate, he is sure to find something he loves on the

menu. Vegetarians will appreciate an ethnic variety tailoring to their taste buds, including the vegetable quesadilla and enchiladas. The vegetable enchiladas are two enchiladas filled with sauteed broccoli, red potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, mild peppers and

onions all topped with creamy spinach sauce and melted Chihuahua cheese.

One aspect of Phil Sandoval’s is the menu’s eclectic authenticity. If there’s one thing the chefs do well, it’s making mouth-watering meals with all the colors of the rainbow.

One would be remiss not to try any of Phil Sandoval’s signature drinks, too. Known for their gold margaritas on the rocks, bartenders blend these liquid luxuries with Sauza Gold, fresh lime juice and Triple Sec in a delicious harmony. The Mambo Taxi, too, is another drink customers can’t go wrong ordering–it is Phil’s signature frozen margarita “swirled” with Yago Sangria wine.

The best-kept secret off the menu is actually John’s own specialty–the Mexican Mule, which is a tequila-based twist on the original Moscow Mule.

“[The Mexican Mule] has a kick to it, but it’s also refreshing,” John says. “It has ginger beer, fresh lime juice and tequila with a splash of pineapple juice. It’s extremely good.”

For a taste of authenticity from the friendliest servers, one need only to dine at Phil Sandoval’s–where harmony is both a shared experience between the staff and customers and a fusion of flavor in every bite.

Visit Phil Sandoval’s in Hoover at 1031 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 165. It is open Monday-Thursday from 10:45 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday from 10:45 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit philsandovals.com/locations/hoover.

DINING GUIDE

Davenport’s Pizza Palace Visit us in the Vestavia City Center or at our original Mountain Brook location for award-winning pizza, a fresh garden salad and the coldest beer in town! Our dough and sauce are made from scratch, using the same family recipes for 60 years. Our party room is available for birthday parties, family celebrations, sports team events and more. Our Vestavia Hills location features a bar (try our cocktails), TVs to watch your favorite sports and outdoor seating. We are proud to be family-owned and operated since 1964.

Casual Pint The Casual Pint at the Grove is your one-stop shop for beer, wine and your favorite American foods with a bit of a cultural twist. With 35 craft beers on tap, numerous wines from across the globe and a plethora of cold drinks, we’re sure to find you a drink that you love. Come in for drinks, but stay for our giant pretzel wurst platter and classic cheeseburger. Visit our website for more.

Biscuit Belly Nestled into the heart of The Village at Brock’s Gap and located just minutes down the road from the Met and the Finley Center, Biscuit Belly will get your taste buds watering and your bellies ready for the ultimate brunch experience with scratch-made biscuits baked fresh every day. Join the Biscuit Belly loyalty program and earn rewards every time you order online or in-person. Plus, enjoy free “bonuts” just for signing up.

Hoover + Vestavia Hills

Saw’s BBQ At Saw’s we understand that you can’t rush greatness. Bar-B-Q is a slow craft. Low temperatures and delicate smoke render swine sublime. Come by our Riverchase Village location and see for yourself why we were voted Hoover’s Best Barbecue! Visit our website to find out about catering for your next event.

The Craft Burger

The Craft Burger was founded in 2017 with a simple idea – an honest burger for an honest buck. We use simple, fresh ingredients cooked with care just the way you like it. We offer more than just burgers to tempt even the pickiest of eaters: turkey burgers, hot dogs and more! Catering, delivery and private party hosting is also available. Visit us today in Valleydale Village or our location coming soon to HWY 280!

Mudtown Here at Mudtown, we’re as local as it gets. Join us for lunch and dinner seven days a week, plus brunch on the weekends from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Our menu is fantastic, fresh and fun. Enjoy the laid back, inviting atmosphere, and grab a cold drink. We can’t wait to see you!

Whiskey

Foxtrot Burger Dive Whiskey Foxtrot

Burger Dive is a locally-owned burger joint, specializing in gourmet hamburgers and hot dogs made from American Wagyu Beef. We serve several local craft beers and a selection of top-shelf bourbons and whiskeys. Whiskey Foxtrot offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience and aims to be your go-to when you’re craving a burger, hotdog and/or a cold beverage. Visit our Hoover or Homewood locations and see why we were voted Hoover’s Best Burger!

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Bert Davis and Ramsey Nuss Co-Owners of Bluff Park Coffee Collective

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Bluff Park Coffee Collective–a collaboration from Bluff Park residents Bert Davis (Daysol Coffee Lab) and Ramsey Nuss (Good Neighbor Baking)—opened on Saturday, April 6 in Shades Mountain Plaza. The dynamic duo met over social media in 2020 and decided to go into business together later on because of their shared love for Bluff Park. Here, the co-owners detail what Bluff Park Coffee Collective will offer for the local community.

When partnering together, how did y’all decide what would be on the menu?

Both companies take pride in the quality of their products. Good Neighbor Baking’s passion for both creativity and consistency in the kitchen is evident in any of the delicious pastries or custom-ordered cookie cakes. Daysol Coffee Lab’s freshly roasted coffee beans and carefully cultivated blends form the basis of all the menu’s coffee drinks. Our menu consists of several coffee and pastry classics that establish a standard of elevated and balanced flavors. Our rotating pastry menu has allowed the bakers to explore new takes on traditional baked goods, while our seasonal coffee menu provides the baristas with the chance to showcase unique flavors and pairings.

What beverages pair best with some of Good Neighbor Baking’s pastries?

Daysol Coffee Lab’s rosemary lavender latte is made from our wanderlust blend espresso and our rosemary and lavender simple syrup. This syrup is made in-house

from rosemary and lavender that was harvested directly from a garden in Bluff Park. This drink is the perfect partner for Good Neighbor Baking’s Conecuh drop biscuit. This biscuit screams “Alabama” with cheddar cheese, chives and everybody’s favorite Conecuh sausage. The light floral notes of the rosemary and lavender paired with the rich, savory herbal essence of the drop biscuit provide a balanced flavor profile with deep Southern roots.

Which menu items are a hallmark of Good Neighbor Baking?

We always recommend the signature cinnamon roll. This pastry highlights all the best parts of the classic cinnamon roll. So far, it’s our largest baked quantity and is packed full of a cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a rich, maple buttercream frosting that keeps you coming back for more.

What are some signature Daysol Coffee Lab drinks?

For those trying out Daysol Coffee Lab for the first time, we would definitely

recommend ordering a cortado. A cortado is equal parts espresso and steamed milk. This four-ounce beverage really gives patrons the opportunity to experience both the smoothness and intensity of our wanderlust blend espresso, while tasting the carefully roasted beans that make our coffees so special.

How do you hope Bluff Park Coffee Collective serves the Hoover community moving forward?

Overall, we want to be the place where community flourishes. We have been filled with gratitude as we’ve experienced the overwhelming love and support of Bluff Park and the city of Hoover, and we hope that we have created and continue to foster a place that residents are proud to call their local Hoover coffee shop.

Bluff Park Coffee Collective is located at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza in Hoover. It is open Tuesday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit bp-coffee-collective.square.site for more information.

HOME STYLE&

RESTORING GLORY

Mark and Lisa Elliott’s home in The Preserve is a testament to the ties of fellowship in their community.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

EEnjoying 40 years of joyful union, Mark and Lisa Elliott have weathered many highs and lows in their journey together. The Preserve residents experienced one of the most heart-wrenching moments of their lives on July 9, 2022–the day lightning struck their chimney, engulfing their home in flames.

Lisa, who was recovering from overseas travel, was sitting only a few feet away from the fireplace when lightning struck, jolting her out of a dead sleep. She says no noise ever thundered through her soul the way that bolt of electricity did that day.

After it struck, Lisa went to find her quite frightened cat, Harvey, and tried to go outside to see what happened. At the time, she did not realize the second floor of her home was going up in flames. By the time she realized what happened, she only had time to grab Harvey, her phone and her purse, making it out safely.

Luckily, some neighbors who spotted chimney bricks in their backyard and having seen smoke billowing from the roof called the fire department, who were on scene in under two minutes. Four firetrucks poured hundreds of gallons of water onto the second floor, putting out the fire after several hours.

Unfortunately, the fire caused the entire house to be renovated. As Mark and Lisa tried to pick up some of the pieces in their home, several of their neighbors gathered their clothes together and washed them all. At one point, Lisa jokes that her

and Mark’s clothes were divided up between four of their neighbors’ homes.

If tragedy wasn’t enough, Lisa ended up having to have emergency sinus surgery two days after the fire. Yet, helping hands were abundant. One of the Elliotts’ neighbors, Jeanne Darby, cooked for Lisa, bringing her meals to her hotel room nearly every day during her recovery. Two other neighbors, Lucinda and Dave Hauer, packed up all of Lisa’s expansive book collection and Bible study materials–ensuring they stay safe and dry–in the days following the fire.

One of the Elliotts’ biggest blessings, they say, was none other than Elliott Pike of ELM Construction, who completed the home’s renovation. After a rough start waiting for dry periods between rainstorms, ELM Construction finally completed the Elliotts’ home renovation on July 19, 2023–one year and 10 days after fire.

Working with Elliott was an answer to prayers, Lisa says. Elliott’s empathy and attention to detail helped restore Mark and Lisa’s home to its former glory and even earned him the National Association of Homebuilders’ 2023 Remodeler of the Year award.

Thanks to such a wonderful community, Mark and Lisa believe their home is now better than it was before, and they intend to repay such fellowship with open doors.

To view more of Elliott Pike’s work or inquire about a consultation, visit elmbuilds.com.

The Wet Bar

Mark’s wet bar features his own little tribute to his alma mater, Auburn University.

The Dining Room

The mahogany dining room table and chairs were some of the first pieces of furniture that Mark and Lisa bought as newlyweds. Amazingly, the set survived the fire. The chandelier is from Inline Lighting, and the impressionistic landscape is from High Point Furniture.

The Kitchen

Not only does Lisa love to cook, but she and Mark also use their newfound space to host a 20-person small group through their church, Trinity United Methodist Church, at their home every Tuesday night.

AllSouth Appliances

The kitchen’s appliances are from AllSouth Appliance Group. Double ovens were installed, so Lisa can cook large quantities.

Open Spaces

Lisa requested white cabinetry and black granite to create a strong contrast and added in pops of color for a subtle aesthetic.

The Island

During the renovation, ELM Construction enlarged the island to 3-by-5-feet, allowing Lisa more room to cook and host company. The barstools are from Pottery Barn.

Art by Grace Elliott

Mark and Lisa’s niece, Grace Elliott, painted the still-life of some lemons.

The Living Room

Lisa was sitting just a few feet away from the fireplace when lightning struck the chimney. Luckily, she was safe and got out before the second floor was engulfed in flames.

Haint Blue

One unique architectural aspect of some of the homes in The Preserve is that many porch ceilings are painted “haint blue,” which is a nod to Charleston architectural design and Gullah folklore. Legend has it that early settlers in the Charleston area believed these shades of blue and green mimicked water which was thought to not be crossable for evil spirits. Today, The Preserve is known for its coastal architectural beauty and to residents, the culture it preserves.

How Lightning Works

According to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, lightning is caused when an electrical charge is built up between opposite charges in clouds. When the charge is built up enough, a huge spark is expelled at an oppositely charged object such as a building or the ground. This phenomenon, lightning, balances out the charges in the air until the electrical charges build back up again.

The

Porch

This screened-in porch connects the garage to the main house.

The Master Bedroom

The master bedroom’s pillow box windows allow for natural light to stream into the room, illuminating the traditional beauty of the room’s design.

The Hall Bathroom

The walls and shiplap ceiling’s teal color contrast nicely with the porcelain white vanity and gold fixtures and finishes.

The Master Bathroom

ELM Construction kept the same footprint of the shower but incorporated all new tile and light fixtures to spruce up the bathroom.

The Commons Area

All-Pro Fire and Water oversaw the post-fire cleanup. One of the workers asked Lisa if he could only save one item, what would it be? She told him some of the family heirloom pieces upstairs. Thinking she may only get one or two items back, she was delighted to learn that All-Pro was able to retrieve the majority of their antique furniture and artwork upstairs, and every piece came back looking better than the night of the fire.

Framed Memorabilia

Many of Mark and Lisa’s travels are framed upstairs.

Pledge of Patriotism

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Freedom Award recipient Roy Brook is inspiring a new wave of patriotism throughout Hoover and beyond.

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY, PATRICK MCGOUGH & CONTRIBUTED

AAnyone who has attended a festival, parade or other patriotic event in Hoover or a surrounding city in the past few years has probably spotted Roy Brook and his American flag.

Often referred to as the “flag man,” Roy attends events such as funerals for military members and first responders, benefit runs, celebrations, motorcycle rides and political events in the Birmingham area and beyond.

He stands with his flag through the heat, rain, cold or whatever mother nature throws his way. Depending on what’s going on, Roy attends anywhere from one event a week to several in a day. While he’s met a lot of people through this endeavor, he says he doesn’t want the focus to be on him.

“The reason I do this is not for notoriety,” Roy says. “It’s just something I love to do, and people have been very supportive.”

What he now calls the American flag project started after he retired from more than two decades of driving trucks. On Memorial Day in 2016, Roy and his wife were watching a patriotic show on television, and he says he felt convicted to do something to honor those who serve. So, the couple put on their best patriotic clothes, drove to the intersection of Highway 280 and Highway 459 and walked up and down the median with an American flag on a pool skimming pole.

“Traffic was light because of the holiday, but we got a good response,” Roy says. “It made me think I’d like to continue doing this.”

When he first started going to events with the flag, he says no one knew who he was. Roy recalls attending the 9/11 event at one of the Hoover fire stations and standing in the yard while the first responders were in the bay.

“The man promoting the event forgot to bring the American flag,” Roy says. “No one knew who I was, but they saw me out in the yard. The man said, ‘Get him in here.’ I’ve been friends with him and the fire department ever since.”

Roy hasn’t slowed down, either. He eventually traded in his pole skimmer for a new flag and pole that he received from members of the American

Did you know?

Check out these facts about the American flag.

• Robert “Bob” G. Heft, then 17-years-old, designed the current American flag as a school project in 1958.

• On July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was incorporated as a state, the American flag got its 50th and final star.

• Six American flags have been placed on the moon.

• The American flag should never be dipped for any person or thing.

• The American flag should not touch anything beneath it.

• The red on the flag represents valor and bravery; white represents purity and

Legion Post 205 in Clay-Trussville. He has now traveled around Alabama and to nearby states such as Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida with his flag.

Roy says most people he comes in contact with while he’s out with the flag are appreciative that he’s there and come by and shake his hand or share encouraging words with him. He also never sits down while he’s holding the flag, saying that would be disrespectful.

If he sees anyone else sitting while holding the flag or handling it improperly, he’ll say something to them.

“I’ve stood for nine hours one time,” Roy says. “At the end, I could barely walk, but I don’t feel it while

I’m standing there.”

Though Roy isn’t a veteran, his youngest son retired from the United States Army, and Roy says his family appreciates what he’s doing. In addition to the ones closest to him, he’s also earned recognition in Hoover and beyond.

In 2023, Roy was honored with the annual Freedom Award by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce and Hoover Veterans Committee. This award goes to someone who lives or works in the city; supports the local, state or federal government; and promotes the ideals of freedom.

“When they said they were going to enter me in for the award, I thought that was great but didn’t expect anything,” Roy says. “When I found out I won, it caught me off guard. I really enjoyed it, and it was a really rewarding experience.”

The American Legion Post 555, known as Triple Nickel, also presented Roy with an appreciation award a few years ago. The group invited him to their Thanksgiving dinner in Pelham, but he didn’t know he was going to be recognized.

“I was sitting in the back minding my own business, and the guy on stage was saying nice things about someone,” Roy remembers. “Then, someone came and got me and brought me down to the front and presented me with a very nice award.

While it’s been nice to be recognized, Roy says his focus isn’t on all of that. He simply loves his country and supporting those who serve it.

“I appreciate the awards and recognition but never feel worthy of them,” Roy says. “Anybody could come along and do what I do.”

While he attends a wide variety of events with his flag, Roy says his priority has become going to funerals for miliary service members and first responders—whether he knows the individual and their family or not. He tends to stay toward the back away from the main activity to give family and friends their privacy, unless he’s invited to join them.

“Funerals at all levels have been my main focus the past few years,” Roy says. “Those are special to me.”

In April, he stood outside of the roast of Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. More than $190,000 was raised from this event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“I’ve got to know a lot of people in Hoover and beyond,” Roy says.

When an event is over, he says he leaves and doesn’t draw attention to himself, keeping the focus on those who have served and the freedom they’ve fought to give this country. Roy will continue showing his support and patriotism by standing with his American flag at every funeral, festival, remembrance ceremony and event he’s able to attend.

HOOVER’S BEST WINNERS 2024

You voted. We tallied. See just who Hoover’s favorites are.

Photos by James Culver, Keith McCoy, Anna Grace Moore & Contributed

FOOD & DRINK

BEST BARBECUE

Saw’s BBQ

3780 Riverchase Village Hoover, AL 35244

205-315-4637

Runners Up: Moe’s Original BBQ, Full Moon Bar-B-Que

BEST BEER SELECTION

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

500 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244

205-848-7837

Runners Up: The Casual Pint of The Grove, The Electric

BEST BRUNCH

Biscuit Belly

1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 157 Hoover, AL 35244

205-402-8126

Runners Up: Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, The Casual Pint of The Grove

BEST BURGER

Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive

2341 John Hawkins Pkwy., Suite 119 Hoover, AL 35244

205-536-6172

Runners Up: Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, The Casual Pint of The Grove

BEST CASUAL DINING

Taco Mama

5220 Peridot Pl., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244

205-882-8226

Runners Up: The Casual Pint of The Grove, Biscuit Belly

BEST CATERING

Board in Birmingham

205-261-9853

Runners Up: Taco Mama, Biscuit Belly

BEST CHEF

Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 145 Hoover, Al 35244

205-538-5866

Runners Up: Biscuit Belly, Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen

BEST COFFEE

Biscuit Belly 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy. Suite 157 Hoover, AL 35244

205-402-8126

Runners Up: O.Henry’s Coffee, Santos Coffee

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 145 Hoover, Al 35244

205-538-5866

Runners Up: Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato

BEST DRINKS/COCKTAILS

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company 500 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 205-848-7837

Runners Up: Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, Biscuit Belly

BEST BURGER

Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive

BEST ETHNIC DINING

Jubilee Joe’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant 5190 Medford Dr., Suite 114 Hoover, AL 35244 205-982-7797

Runners Up: Pita Café, Silver Coin Indian Grill

BEST FRIENDLY SERVICE

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company 500 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 205-848-7837

Runners Up: Chick-fil-A Hoover, Biscuit Belly

BEST KID FRIENDLY DINING

Biscuit Belly 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 157 Hoover, AL 35244 205-402-8126

Runners Up: Chick-fil-A Hoover, Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

BEST LUNCH SPOT

Biscuit Belly

1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 157 Hoover, AL 35244

205-402-8126

Runners Up: Taco Mama, Super Chix

BEST ETHNIC DINING

Jubilee Joe’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant

BEST MARGARITA

Taco Mama

5220 Peridot Pl., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244

205-882-8226

Runners Up: Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, Habaneros

BEST MILKSHAKE

Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe 815 Shades Crest Rd. Birmingham, AL 35226

205-423-5055

Runners Up: The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, Chick-fil-A Hoover

BEST PATIO DINING

Brewing Company

500 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244

205-848-7837

Runners Up: Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, Biscuit Belly

BEST PIZZA

Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato

610 Preserve Pkwy., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35226

205-637-3036

Runners Up: Tortugas Pizza, Salvatore’s Pizza & Pasta

BEST SWEET TREATS

The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35244 205-444-8000

Runners Up: Biscuit Belly, Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe

BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT

Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 145 Hoover, AL 35244

205-538-5866

Runners Up: Farrelly’s Southern Bar and Kitchen, Bellinis Ristorante & Bar

HEALTH & BEAUTY

BEST BARBER SHOP

T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda 2080 Valleydale Rd., Suite 7 Hoover, AL 35244 205-403-8369

Runners Up: Jeremy Stephens Salon, Legends Barbershop

BEST HAIR SALON

T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda 2080 Valleydale Rd., Suite 7 Hoover, AL 35244 205-403-8369

Runners Up: The Rook Salon, Jeremy Stephens Salon

BEST BARBER SHOP, BEST HAIR SALON, BEST HAIR STYLIST & BEST SPA

T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda

BEST HAIR STYLIST

Emily Cozzone - T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda

2080 Valleydale Rd., Suite 7 Hoover, AL 35244

205-403-8369

Runners Up: Jeremy StephensJeremy Stephens Salon, Megan Manley - Maven Hair Company

BEST CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Reignite Chiropractic 2717 John Hawkins Pkwy., Suite 107 Hoover, AL 35244

205-855-3305

Runners Up: Hoover Health & Wellness Center, Inc., LakeCrest Chiropractic & Wellness

BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

Brocks Gap Dentistry 1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite C Hoover, AL 35244

205-982-0112

Runners Up: Hoover Family Dentistry, Kasey Davis Dentistry

BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE

Brocks Gap Orthodontics 1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite C Hoover, AL 35244 205-982-0112

Runners Up: Backus Orthodontics, PT Orthodontics

BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE

Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics

5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 205-682-8022

Runners Up: Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center, Inverness Dermatology & Laser

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. Elizabeth S. Martin, MD FAAD - Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics

5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 205-682-8022

Runners Up: Dr. Jody GilstrapMedical West Brocks Gap Health Center, Dr. G Forrest EdwardsHoover Health & Wellness Center Inc.

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Paige Hilton, Licensed Medical Aesthetician - Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics

5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy., Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 205-682-8022

Runners Up: Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center, Rilassante Skin Therapy

BEST EYE CARE PRACTICE

Brocks Gap Eye Care 1001 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 119 Hoover, AL 35244 205-624-5524

Runners Up: UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Clinic, Alabama Family Eye Care

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Burn Boot Camp 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 121 Hoover, AL 35244

205-335-1884

Runners Up: Pivot Fitness, Hoover Fitness LLC

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Lindsey Byrd - Burn Boot Camp 1021 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 121 Hoover, AL 35244

205-335-1884

Runners Up: Abby WilliamsonPivot Fitness, Hoover Fitness LLC

BEST NAIL SALON

Euphoria Nail Bar

1005 Marble Terrace, Suite 109 Hoover, AL 35244

205-593-4733

Runners Up: The Nail Bar, Riviera Nails & Spa

BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite C Hoover, AL 35244

205-982-0112

Runners Up: Greenvale Pediatrics, Ross Bridge Medical Center Pediatrics: Nicolette Marak, MD

BEST PHARMACY

Moss Rock Pharmacy 610 Preserve Pkwy., Suite 160 Hoover, Al 35226

205-332-3888

Runners Up: Mills Pharmacy at Bluff Park, Ross Bridge Pharmacy

BEST SPA

T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda 2080 Valleydale Rd., Suite 7 Hoover, AL 35244

205-403-8369

Runners Up: Spa at Ross Bridge, Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center

BEST FAMILY MEDICINE PRACTICE

Medical West Brocks Gap Health Center

1001 Brocks Gap Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35244

205-421-1032

Runners Up: Hoover Health & Wellness Center Inc., UAB

Medicine Hoover Primary & Specialty Care

SHOPPING

& SERVICES

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPEN ONE YEAR OR LESS)

Euphoria Nail Bar

1005 Marble Terrace, Suite 109 Hoover, AL 35244

205-593-4733

Runners Up: Alabama Goods, Night & Day Dog Training

BEST ANIMAL CLINIC

Lake Crest Animal Clinic

551 Lake Crest Dr. Hoover, AL 35226

205-403-4003

Runners Up: Patton Chapel Animal Clinic, Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital

BEST BOUTIQUE/CLOTHING STORE

Wrapsody of Hoover 1028 Marble Terrace, Suite 116 Hoover, AL 35244 205-989-7277

Runners Up: Alabama Goods, South Boutique

BEST CHILDCARE

Ardent Preschool & Daycare Trace Crossings 5390 Magnolia Trace Hoover, AL 35244

205-733-5437

Runners Up: Prince of Peace Adventure Ark Playschool, Hunter Street Weekday

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

The White House Interiors

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

ARC Realty

5220 Peridot Pl. Hoover, AL 35244

205-969-8912

Runners Up: Medical West Brocks Gap Health Center, T. Fox SalonSpa Aveda

BEST FIREARM/TACTICAL STORE

Hoover Tactical Firearms 1561 Montgomery Hwy. Hoover, AL 35216

205-822-3600

Runners Up: Precision Tactical Arms Company, 5.11 Tactical

BEST GARDEN SHOP/PLANT STORE

Andy’s Farm Market & Garden Center

124 Mars Hill Rd. Hoover, AL 35244

205-402-2639

Runners Up: Hanna’s Garden Shop, Plenty of Vino

BEST GIFT SHOP

Wrapsody of Hoover 1028 Marble Terrace, Suite 116 Hoover, AL 35244

205-989-7277

Runners Up: Alabama Goods, Shay’s Jewelers

BEST HARDWARE STORE

Bluff Park Hardware 597 Shades Crest Rd. Birmingham, AL 35226

205-823-1953

Runners Up: The Home Depot, Lowe’s Home Improvement

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

The White House Interiors 3230 Galleria Circle Hoover, AL 35244

205-438-6025

Runners Up: Scandinavian Design Gallery, Calico

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Shay’s Jewelers 1678 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 103-C Hoover, AL 35216

205-978-5880

Runners Up: Southeastern Jewelers, Inc., Anthony & Company Jewelers

BEST KIDS ACTIVITY

The Pointe Dance Arts 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy., Suite 265 Hoover, AL 35244

205-518-5389

Runners Up: ATA Action Martial Arts, Hammer & Stain

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Adriana Lewis Photography Facebook.com/ adrianalewisphotography adrianalewisphotography@gmail.com

Runners Up: Kelsea Schafer Photography, Maddie Turner Photos

REMODELER

Camp Bow Wow 2153 Clearbrook Rd., Suite 105 Hoover, AL 35226 205-848-2236

Runners Up: Night & Day Dog Training, The Groomery & Co.

D.F. Hughes Design | Build 4958 Valleydale Rd., Suite 102 Hoover, AL 35242 205-941-6868

Runners Up: Alabama Decks & Exteriors, Pillar and Pine

• Preventative Care & Wellness

• Surgery • Online Store

• Boarding • Grooming

Join our Healthy Paws Clubanuual wellness plans to save you money while providing your pet the best preventative care!

1665 Montgomery Highway, Hoover. AL 35216 205-822-4779 • PATTONCHAPELAC.COM

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY Galleria Woods Senior Living

3850 Galleria Woods Dr. Birmingham, AL 35244 205-277-6915

Runners Up: The Oaks on Parkwood Boulevard, Danberry at Inverness

BEST SPECIALTY STORE

Wrapsody of Hoover 1028 Marble Terrace, Suite 116 Hoover, AL 35244 205-989-7277

Runners Up: Alabama Goods, Hammer & Stain Birmingham

BEST STORE FOR HOME FURNISHINGS/DECOR

Scandinavian Design Gallery 3075 John Hawkins Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35244 205-985-4507

Runners Up: The White House Interiors, Wrapsody of Hoover

BEST STORE FOR KIDS

Once Upon A Child

3718 Lorna Rd. Hoover, AL 35216 205-277-0313

Runners Up: The Children’s Place, Turquoise

HOME, FINANCE & AUTO

BEST ACCOUNTING COMPANY

Warren Averett 2500 Acton Rd., Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-979-4100

Runners Up: Truitt, Tingle, Paramore & Argent, LLC., Michael R. Williams CPA P.C.

BEST ATTORNEY

McLeod & Associates

1980 Braddock Dr. Hoover, AL 35226 205-930-1774

Runners Up: Meredith Carpenter Law, LLC., The Sears Firm, P.C.

BEST LAW FIRM

McLeod & Associates

1980 Braddock Dr. Hoover, AL 35226 205-930-1774

Runners Up: Meredith Carpenter Law, LLC., The Sears Firm, P.C.

BEST AUTO SERVICE

Hoover Automotive

2040 Old Montgomery Hwy. Hoover, AL 35244 205-587-4888

Runners Up: Christian Brothers Automotive Tattersall Park, Galleria Tire Center

T H A N K Y O U F O R V O T I N G U S

B E S T C H I L D C A R E I N H O O V E R 2 Y E A R S I N A R O W ! S C H E D U L E A T O U R !

BEST BANK

Regions Bank

2668 Valleydale Rd. Hoover, AL 35244

205-766-8280

Runners Up: Central State Bank, Cadence Bank

BEST CREDIT UNION

Avadian Credit Union 4270 Chace Circle Hoover, AL 35244

205-989-5220

Runners Up: AmFirst, AlaTrust Credit Union

BEST ELECTRICIAN

Sentry Heating, Air

Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical

2400 Rocky Ridge Rd. Vestavia Hills, AL 35243

205-979-9864

Runners Up: Mister Sparky of Birmingham, Dunn’s HVAC, Pluming & Electrical

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

TJ Dolan CFP | CRPC 5336 Stadium Trace Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35244

205-988-4435

Runners Up: Baker Camp Arnold Capital Management, ColeFP and Wealth Management, Inc.

BEST HVAC SERVICE

Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing 520 8th St. S Birmingham, AL 35233 205-377-6157

Runners Up: Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, Iron City Heating and Air, Inc.

BEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Vivian Mora State Farm Insurance Agency 3253 Lorna Rd. Hoover, AL 35216 205-822-5023

Runners Up: Kurt Adams State Farm Insurance Agency, Ryan Goolsby State Farm Insurance Agent

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

Vivian Mora State Farm Insurance Agency 3253 Lorna Rd. Hoover, AL 35216

205-822-5023

Runners Up: Kurt Adams State Farm Insurance Agency, Kyle Driver Alfa Insurance

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

Gagliano Mortgage, Inc. 4500 Valleydale Rd., Suite F Hoover, AL 35242 205-979-4412

Runners Up: AmFirst, Regions Mortgage

BEST NEW/USED CAR DEALER

Mercedes Benz of Birmingham 1800 Montgomery Hwy. Hoover, AL 35244

205-848-7000

Runners Up: Hoover Toyota, Hendrick Subaru

BEST OIL CHANGE

Christian Brothers Automotive Tattersall Park 6612 Tattersall Ln. Hoover, AL 35242

205-598-3106

Runners Up: Galleria Tire Center, Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers

BEST TIRE SERVICE

Galleria Tire Center 112 David Green Rd. Hoover, AL 35244

205-988-3433

Runners Up: Christian Brothers Automotive Tattersall Park, Hoover Automotive

BEST PLUMBER

Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing 520 8th St. S Birmingham, AL 35233 205-377-6157

Runners Up: Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, Mr. Drippy Plumbing

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

ARC Realty 5220 Peridot Pl. Hoover, AL 35244

205-969-8912

Runners Up: HBH Realty, Keller Williams of Hoover

At Warren Averett, we know that businesses need a solid advisory partner in order to fully take advantage of their opportunities.

Warren Averett is proud to be named Best Accounting Company in Hoover.

BEST DENTAL PRACTICE Brocks Gap Dentistry

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Donna Gaskins - ARC Realty

4274 Cahaba Heights Ct. Birmingham, AL 35243

205-441-0333

Runners Up: Leighton Harbuck - ARC Realty, Joey Brown - ARC Realty

COMMUNITY

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT

Katztoberfest at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

500 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244

205-848-7837

Runners Up: Bluff Park Art Show, Taste of Hoover

BEST LOCAL CAUSE

Hoover Service Club Hoover, AL 35216 205-706-6086

Runners Up: Grace Klein Community, Hope for Autumn Foundation

BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY

James Spann, Chief Meteorologist ABC 33/40 800 Concourse Pkwy., Suite 200 Hoover, AL 35244

205-403-3340

Runners Up: Jody Gilstrap, MD, Dr. G Forrest Edwards of Hoover Health & Wellness Center Inc.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Bluff Park

Hoover, AL 35226

Runners Up: Ross Bridge, Lake Wilborn

BEST OUTDOOR SPOT

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

500 Mineral Trace, Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244

205-848-7837

Runners Up: Moss Rock Preserve, Aldridge Gardens

BEST PASTOR

Pastor Randy Norris - The Station 6270 Park S Dr. Birmingham, AL 35022 205-760-5545

Runners Up: Father Jon Chalmers - Prince of Peace, Ross Furio - Bluff Park United Methodist Church

BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP

Prince of Peace Catholic Church 4600 Preserve Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35226 205-822-9125

Runners Up: Hunter Street Baptist Church, Bluff Park United Methodist Church

BEST PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL

Prince of Peace Catholic School 4600 Preserve Pkwy. Hoover, AL 35226 205-822-9125

Runners Up: Bluff Park Elementary School, Hoover High School

HIGH ON BUENA VISTA

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed

by

Scott Peterson

Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off-the-beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.

Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to have fun exploring all this area has to offer.

Just a two-plus-hour drive from Denver is the small, charming mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado. You’ll soon learn how picturesque and engaging this town is. First, let’s start by discussing the pronunciation. Locals say, “BEW-na VIS-ta,” “Bewnie” or “BV” for short. Legend has it that the townspeople adopted this moniker because of the “bew” sound in ‘beautiful.’ To be sure, whatever nickname you give the place, we know you’ll have a fantastic Western adventure here.

Photo

Where to Eat & Drink

House Rock Kitchen—This spot boasts some of the best lunches, salads and creative bowls.

houserockkitchen.com

IG: @houserockkitchenbv

Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar (at The Surf Hotel)—Think upscale dinner options that are served Western casual. Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar is open evenings and Sundays for brunch. surfhotel.com/wesley-rose/ IG: @wesleyandrose

Eddyline Taproom & Brewery—Come here to hang with locals and enjoy some amazing area brews. eddylinebrewing.com

IG: @eddylinebrewing

Deerhammer Distillery— Riffing on traditional whiskey distilling, the team at Deerhammer puts their own twist on the process, producing single malts, four-grain bourbons and limited-run single barrel spirits. deerhammer.com

IG: @deerhammer

The Lariat—Refuel here after a morning hike, or come for dinner and stay for the live music. thelariatbv.com

IG: @thelariatbv

Cool River—Start your day here for hearty breakfast options that will fuel you for the day. coolriverbv.com

IG: @coolriverbv

Buena Viking—In their newly revamped brickand-mortar spot, the Viking offers up some of the best burgers in town. buenaviking.com

IG: @thebuenaviking

Where to Stay

The Inn: Railroad + Main—Located in the heart of downtown Buena Vista, the nine-room inn has been lovingly updated with all the modern amenities we appreciate in travel. The well-maintained exposed brick and reclaimed hardwood floors give this place charm on top of charm. High ceilings and fantastic views of the mountains are a total bonus.

theinnbv.com

IG: @theinnbv

The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau—Wraparound balconies line this four-star boutique hotel, which is located in the South Main part of town on the banks of the Arkansas River. surfhotel.com

IG: @surfhotelbv

Mt. Princeton Resort—Just outside of downtown Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton Resort is home to some of the area’s famed hot springs. Guests can stay in resort rooms, suites and private cabins to enjoy full access to the variety of hot springs options on site.

mtprinceton.com

IG: @mtprinceton

Camping—There are plenty of sites available in the Chaffee County area; Cottonwood Lake is closest to town. Check out colorado.com/ articles/your-guide-to-camping-in-buena-vistasalida for the entire list to find your backcountry, RV or camp site.

IG: @visitcolorado

Even Keel Lodge—If you’re keen to stay in the heart of it all, check out one of the three “Hygge-Centric apartments” Buena Viking restaurant owners Evan and Anna Winger have outfitted above their new location. evenkeelbv.com

IG: @evenkeelbv

The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau

Mt. Princeton Resort

Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar

Deerhammer Distillery

What Locals Love about Buena Vista

A quick poll of local residents turned up a long list of their favorite things they’d recommend visitors not miss while in town. Here are just a few:

• Don’t miss Gold Rush Days (Aug. 10-11, 2024) and the annual Gem & Mineral Show.

• Swing by Crooked Cauldron Company for handcrafted teas— we’re partial to the ones with Blue Lotus, which some say helps with relaxation, muscle pain and anxiety.

• Make plans to be a part of the Land Rover National Rally (Aug. 19-23, 2024), when the group traverses mountain passes and visits old mining towns. Last year’s event had vehicles from more than 20 states.

• Pop in to Buena Vista Shell/ Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets & Treats for house-made fudge and popcorn, Blue Bell ice cream and more.

• A favorite easy hike in the Arkansas Valley is Clinton’s Gulch, just past the Climax Mine—hike around the lake for spectacular views.

• Little Engine Eatery—This 501©(3) social enterprise food truck operation provides paid work experience and job training for neurodivergent people.

• Check out the Drone Training Park by the Rodeo Grounds: mountainwestuas.org

• Chocolatte is a must visit—There is a play area for kids, while the adults can relax with a cappuccino. Everyone will want one of their milkshakes or sundaes.

• We love visitors but really want everyone to respect the natural beauty of this area by following the Leave No Trace guidelines posted lnt.org (several residents mentioned this one)!

WHAT TO DO

Hiking/Biking/Rafting—Summer in Colorado is synonymous with being outside.

For a complete list of area trails, stop in to The Trailhead downtown and chat with a local, or check out alltrails.com/us/colorado/buena-vista to plan your trip in advance. thetrailheadco.com

IG: @thetrailheadco

Rent a bike from BV Bikes (bvebikes.com), and hit the trails. Want to off-road even more? Check out BV Jeeps to rent a jeep, ATV or Razor (bvjeeps.com).

IG: @BV_jeeps and @biv.bike.co

Go whitewater rafting with one of the local outfitters such as The Adventure Company (theadventurecompany.com) or Noah’s Ark Rafting. IG: @adventurecompany and @noahsarkrafting

Buena Vista Whitewater Park—This phenomenal public park area boasts water features for everyone from beginner to expert. You just need a SUP or small kayak to ride the waves. outdoorproject.com/united-states/colorado/buena-vistawhitewater-park

Other Things to Do

Pack Burro Racing—In 2012, Colorado designated pack burro racing as the official state Summer Heritage Sport. To the uninitiated, these events feature runners competing in races with a donkey on a lead rope. Thousands of runners from across the state participate in these events with the top three races taking place in Leadville, Fair Play and Buena Vista. This year’s 13.1 miles-race takes place on Aug. 11, 2024, but to be sure, there will be people training for the event all summer long. buenavistapackburrorace.itsyourrace.com

Comanche Drive-In—Movies start at dusk at the highest elevation drive-in in the United States, which is one of only 305 drive-in movie theaters left in the country! comanchedrivein.com

Hot springs—Yes, hot springs are a must-do, even in summer as the temps here are cool in mornings and afternoons. The Mt. Princeton Hot Springs were first visited by Native Americans who relished the healing warm waters. Miners chasing gold in the area soon discovered these springs, and in 1879, a group of them built a three-story hotel. The resort thrived until mining operations dried up and the Great Depression hit. However, the allure of these natural springs remains, and the newest iteration of the resort is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon and take in a spa treatment and dinner. mtprinceton.com

Historic St. Elmo—One of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West, this former mining town has stories to tell. Pack a lunch and tack on a hike in the area to make a day of it.

IG: @stelmocolorado

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

travel tips

At almost 8,000 feet in elevation, it is important to remember that your body may react differently to the change in environment. To avoid any discomfort, you are encouraged to follow these few guidelines:

• Drink lots of water —Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you hydrate. Consider adding sports drinks with extra electrolytes to your daily fluid consumption.

• Take your time —If your schedule allows, spend a night in Denver to start

Shop Downtown Buena Vista

Sundog Colorado—Some of the best vintage and new-to-you Western finds (think Native American artifacts, clothes, books, boots and more).

The Mercantile—A bit of everything from home décor to candles, art, frames and inspired gifts.

Little Elk Trading Company—A curated collection of Western furniture, Pendleton blankets, art and more.

Peace Love Dirt—Handcrafted, feel-good gifts imbued with the healing spirits of the area. Jewelry-making classes offered here by River Wilding.

BV Art & Photo—Showcases the work of local artists and photographers and is the perfect place to bring home a memory from your time in Buena Vista.

your acclimation process. This one step can reduce your chances of altitude sickness by 50-percent. Don’t want to wait to get to BV? Spend your first day doing something leisurely, such as taking in the shops downtown and enjoying the stunning vistas.

• Monitor your alcohol intake —It is easy to get tipsy quickly at higher elevations. While you are enjoying local breweries, distilleries and wineries, just be aware of how your body is reacting.

• Sunscreen & Layers —You are closer to the sun at this altitude, and the weather can change in an instant. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply often and pack clothes you can layer easily.

Peace Love Dirt

Little Elk Trading Company

Summer 2024 Events

First Tuesday of Each Month Night Market at Brock’s Gap

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

Second Thursday of Each Month Coffee and Contacts 7:30-9 a.m.

Varying Locations

Second Thursday of Each Month Coffee and Contacts

7:30-9 a.m.

Varying Locations

Third Thursday of Each Month Monthly Membership Luncheons

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hoover Country Club

Fourth Thursday of Each Month Business After Hours

4:30-6 p.m.

Varying Locations

Saturdays throughout the Summer The Market at Brock’s Gap

Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

Follow the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or visit hooverchamber.org to stay up to date on events.

Achieving Success

We are excited to share that last year’s Guinness World Record attempt for the Most Speeches in 24 Hours has been approved by Guinness! Patrick O’Mara, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce member, is now the new world record holder, having been credited with delivering 32 speeches, breaking the old record by two, which was set in India in 2018.

Each presentation had to be at least 10 minutes long, unscripted, spontaneous and unique to all other speeches. Patrick decided to use fortune cookies to provide him with topics. After arriving at a venue, Patrick would break open a fortune cookie then create a unique message out of whatever fortune was inside each cookie.

Special thanks to the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce for serving as a participant and venue, along with 14 other Hoover businesses and organizations!

As Patrick shared, “This is not a ‘me’ victory. This is a ‘we’ victory!”

Patrick now plans to use this experience to deliver presentations to any local organizations that have a need for a keynote speaker to provide an engaging and interactive message during any upcoming live events.

For more information, please contact Patrick O’Mara at patrick@propresenting.com.

Celebrating Growth

Boot Barn January 26, 2024

El Tajano February 7, 2024

Chase Bank February 22, 2024

RAM Hotels February 29, 2024

Concepcion Salon February 14, 2024

Hoover High School, Jim Brown Field February 19, 2024

New Members

u3D Air Services

uTotal Power Electric

uTeam Logic IT

uCharlotte Christian Law, PC

uPretty My Place

uHero Doughnuts

uThompson Commercial Estates

uMutual of Omaha Chantelle Monroe

uThe Window Source of Birmingham

uConcepcion Salon

uCommercial construction and Maintenance Inc.

uEl Tejano Hoover

uPurple Ivy Travel Co, LLC

uABS Business Systems

uSteel City Roofers and Remodeling

uThe Outlook at Greystone apartment Homes

uiFOAM

uBrady Dodge

uLinda Harper Music, LLC

uThe Clothes Bin

uPoseidon Spa Mountain Brook

uNorthwestern Mutual

uDunn’s HVAC Plumbing and Electrical

uSkye Health of Hoover

uCavender’s Boot City

uAffinity Recruiting

uVector Security Inc.

uAmerican Scientific Technical Solutions, LLC

uTurtle Creek Enterprises, LLC

uTradition Physical Therapy

uAir Experts

uFortenberry Marketing

uExp Realty

uBirmingham Bible Church

uMr. Drippy Plumbing

uSta Dry Roofing and Construction

uOperation Hope

uPope, McMeekin, Wood & Swiney, P.C.

uJubilee Joe’s

uLawley Counseling, LLC

uTwo Men and A Woman

uProfessional EOS Implementer – Lee Handley

uSouthPoint Bank

uShelby Printing

uConnectynergy – Ads AI

uEvents by Sherry

uGreater Alabama Council, Boy Scouts of America

uTower Loan

uNetchex

Thank you to our 2024 Board of Trustees

Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television

Brian Skelton, Air Experts

Brooke Wood, Alabama Credit Union

Dr. Timothy Lee, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C.

Kimberly Jackson, Alabama Power Company

Jabo Waggoner, Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner

Raven Bell, AlaTrust Credit Union

Jody Mattson, AmFirst-Downtown Birmingham

Terry Williams, AT&T

Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union

Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.

Amyn Pabani, Birmingham Islamic Society

David Carmichael, Birmingham Obstetrics Gynecology, P.C.

Jeremy Ervin, Birmingham Water Works

Keith Barfield, BMSS Advisors & CPAs, LLC

Brandon Bornstein, Brookdale Senior Living

Cathy King, Brown Heating & Cooling

Mary Resha, Cadence Bank-Hoover Will Hawkins, CB&S Bank

Lori Moler, Children’s of Alabama

Chris Dorris, Chris Dorris State Farm Insurance

Alice Alexander, Cigna Healthspring

Kevin Pence, Commercial Construction and Maintenance, Inc.

Crystal Dixon, Costco Wholesale

Candace Rodgers, Cottages at Greystone

Jonathan Wilson, Dave and Buster’s

Jeff Bass, Diversicare of Riverchase

Nicole Self, Express Oil Change/Tire Engineers-Corporate Offices

Christy Patterson, Fresenius Kidney Care

Ches Allen, General Informatics

Anne Smyth, Galleria Woods Retirement Community

Heather Hove, Millennial Bank

Leisha Harris, Grandview Medical Center

Len Luther, Gresham, Smith and Partners

Joel Garcia, Infiniti

Deanna Adams, Innovative Fertility Specialists

Terry Poole, Long-Lewis of Hoover

Christina Bunn, Medical West Hospital

Luke Elder, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham

Jeff Bass, Oaks on Parkwood

Reggie Torbor, Pylon Building Group

Sherry Emmerke, Ram Hotels

Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

Bob Adams, Revere Control Systems, Inc.

Thomas Richardson, Riverchase Galleria

Carl Rice, Sam’s Club

Jenn Helvie, Shelby Printing

Dwight Sandlin, Signature Homes

Suzanne W. Bland, Sivirt LLC

Tamika Moore, Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

Maegen Estes-Darby, South Haven Health & Rehabilitation Center

Melody Jones, Southlake Orthopaedics

Sports Medicine & Spine Center, P.C.

Vivian Mora, State Farm Insurance-Vivian Mora Agency

Danielle Moore, Truewood by Merrill Gardens at Riverchase

Shane Jordan, Turtle Creek Enterprises

John Collier, United Community Bank

Ken West, Walk-On’s Sports BistreauxTattersall

Jay Clark, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC

Angela Panizzi, WalMart-Hoover #1229

Richard Edwards, WalMart SupercenterHighway 280 #2111

Jeffery Post, WalMart Neighborhood Market - Lorna Road #3184

Meredith Boyd, Wayne’s Environmental Services dba Wayne’s Pest

Cody Burns, WBRC Fox 6 Television

Ellen Chandler, Whataburger

Lisa Autry, Your CBD Store

Find Us Online

Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our member directory

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Rohen Porbanderwala, Lake Crest Chevron, 2024 Board Chair

Kim Starling, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Vice Chair of Administration

Derrick M. Murphy, Hoover City Council, Liaison

Reggie Torbor,

Kimberly Jackson, Alabama Power, 1st Vice Chair

April DeLuca, Magic City Law, Immediate Past Chair

Lynn Ray, Business Telephones, Inc., Director

Tyler Williams, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Director

Tyler Lipe, Regions Bank, 2nd Vice Chair

Aaron Dettling, Fortif Law Partners, Legal Advisor

Vivian Mora, State Farm Insurance The Vivian Mora Agency, Director

Shannon Driver, Gagliano Mortgage, Director

Keith Barfield, BMSS Advisors & CPA, Vice Chair of Finance

Greg Knighton, City of Hoover Economic Development, Liaison

James Robinson, Retired Executive, Director

Doug Ayers PhD, MBA, UAB Collat School of Business, Director

Presidents Circle

Kimberly Starling, Ascension St. Vincent’s

Tyler Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Alan Lincoln, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.

Lori Bussey, Dunn’s HVAC Plumbing and Electrical

Brandi Ashley, Go Green Lawn

Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel

Van Moody, Kale Me Crazy Christy Moore, Kilwins

Henry King, King Acura Tyler Lipe, Regions BankDowntown

Brian Ethridge, River Bank & Trust

Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air & Plumbing

Nancy Batson, Two Men and A Woman

Stephen Walsh, Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial

Brandon Wilson, Wilbron Inc.

Meribeth Gilbert, McLeod Software Corporation

HENDRICK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 CHAIRMAN’S

Pylon Building Group, Director

HOOVER’S IRON CHEF COMPETITION

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Thursday, Feb. 29 at Jefferson State Community College, Hoover Restaurant Week hosted the city’s first Iron Chef competition, featuring the talents of chefs Brian Mooney, Chris Kennedy, Andrew Hatcher, Bobby Beard and both Jeff State and RC3 culinary students.

1. Jonathan Wells and Bobby Beard

2. Fiona Tait

3. George and Eileen McCluney with Jack and Lori Eans alongside Chris Kennedy, Shaniya Reeves and Douglas Griffith

4. Lexi Frederick and Fabian Gutierrez

5. Alethea Carter and Debra WalkerSmith

6. Joseph Mitchell, Clare Huddleston and Frank Brocato

7. Jonathan Wells

8. Juda and Melanie Posey-Joseph with Zane and Jamie Tarence

9. Bobby Beard and Ariana Fernández

10. Fiona Tait, Keegan Weber and Andrew Hatcher

11. Fabian Gutierrez, Brian Mooney and Fiona Tait

12. Shaniya Reeves

13. Keegan Weber, Shaniya Reeves, Debra Walker-Smith, Fabian Gutierrez, Ariana Fernández and Alethea Carter

14. Sue Cohen and Tynette Lynch

PHOTOS

ALDRIDGE GARDENS’ ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

The city of Hoover celebrated its 25th annual Arbor Day with a vendor market, talks from David Doggett on the proper caring of trees and of course, a free tree giveaway at Aldridge Gardens on Saturday, March 2.

1. Jean Ingram, Rachel Rounsaville, Ann McAdams and Pat Lawley

2. Cadence Tatum and Anna Kizzire

3. Brenda Simpson and Kimberly Osborn

4. Kaly Bertella, Erin Colbaugh and Kelly Peoples

5. Scott Roddy and Ethan James

6. Ryan Cavender

7. Daniel Todd and Ken Rosser

8. Trey, Morgan and Joanna Sanders

9. The Miller family

10. The Cramer and Owens families

11. Sara Hensley and Caitlyn Bingel

12. Kelley Davenport and Tracy Hill

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

HEARTS IN HARMONY FUNDRAISING GALA

PHOTOS

BY

KELSEA SCHAFER

On Saturday, March 2 at the Hoover Country Club, the Hoover Service Club hosted the 12th annual Hearts in Harmony Fundraising Gala. ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann was the guest of honor.

1. Beth and John Lyda

2. Bonnie Campbell with Frances and Frank Brocato alongside Karen and James Spann

3. Bonnie Campbell and John Lyda

4. Amanda Daniel, Khristi Driver and Stephanie Amuso

5. Mary Ruth Bryant

6. Emily, Mary Catherine and Brooke

7. Bec Jones, Conner Hornsby and Asel Uswatte

8. Kaitlyn Morgan, Alexandria DiChiara and Bailey Payne

9. Lily Lundeen, Regan Spivey, Sarah Hertz and Mary Ruth Bryant

10. Mona and Jimmy Stephens with Tynette and Pat Lynch alongside Betty Daigle, Cathy Pilcher and Tommy Hudson

11. Regan Spivey and Sarah Hertz

HOOVER PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT OUT

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Tuesday, March 19, the city of Hoover held a public safety awareness event, featuring fire trucks, police cars, motorcycles, a speed boat, military and FBI equipment in the Belk parking lot of the Riverchase Galleria. Firefighters, police officers and more engaged with families, inviting children to learn about the best public safety practices.

1. Mark Thornton, Tony Harper, Sheldon Loden, Austin Finch, Anthony Peters, Tim Ingle, Sigi Duran, Rob Gwin, Seth Stamps, Brodie Watson and Clint Moore

2. Abby, Matt and Jon Heinke

3. Ryan, Allison, Brooks and Caroline Lavender

4. Lee Kilgore and Clint Moore

5. Aajene Robinson

6. Roy Brook

7. Nick Derzis, Linda Moore and Clay Bentley

8. Clay Bentley and Nick Derzis

9. The Parr family and friends

10. Carter Cato

11. The Saucier, Banks, Sapp and Pindzola families

12. Issa Deades with Rawlins and Matt Stockton

13. Issa Deades and Quinn Hill

14. Ali Mims and Bailey Lacy

15. The Rosales family

16. Wesley Tate and Clay Bentley

THE 2024 FINLEY CHARACTER AWARD CEREMONY

SCHAFER

On Thursday, March 21 at The Finley Center, the Finley Committee honored Hoover City Schools’s Finley Character Award nominees and recipients. The award is named after the late coach Bob Finley, whose exemplary character as a teacher and coach impacted so many in the Hoover community.

1. Abigail, Isabelle and Liberty

2. Genna Harney

3. Emily Shirey and Tani Oda

4. Anna Kizzire

5. Benjamin Ballard and Asel Uswatte

6. Brant Simmons and Laura Cooper

7. Isabelle Parker and Kelly Knerr

8. Karis Moore

9. Brooke Dotson, Maggie Whitley, Esther Kinyanjui, Rachel Kuykendall and Addison Bentley

10. Kathryn Baker, Madelyn Roe Hornsby and Tamsyn Gibbs

11. Nick Tran, Kennedi Houston and Elijah Boyd

12. The Jones family

13. The Huffstutler family

14. Frank Brocato

15. Phanuelle Manuel

16. Kevin Maddox

PHOTOS BY KELSEA

BLUFF PARK EASTER EGG HUNT

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Saturday, March 23 at Bluff Park Community Park, hundreds of patrons gathered together for an Easter egg hunt. Although there were more than 10,000 eggs hidden, they were all scooped up within minutes.

1. Julia and Lydia Mitchell

2. The Wilson family

3. The Pogue family

4. Coco and Ella Ru Scruggs

5. Stephen, Ashley and Joseph Donahue

6. Khristan McAdory and Kyndrix Rumley

7. The Calvert family

8. The Sandoval family

9. The Nikishau family

10. The Scott family

11. Mary and Logan McCrary

12. Callie Pike and Rachael Fowler

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Saturday, April 27 at Veterans Park, the city of Hoover held its annual “Celebrate Hoover Day,” featuring hundreds of patrons enjoying live music, a vendor market of local businesses, inflatables, a petting zoo and more.

1. Martlynn Grouby and Heather Willey

2. Kimberly Lyon and Kingston Bullock

3. Eric Thomas, Len Cook, Samantha Renshaw, Charlie Donnelly and Chris Tate

4. Rebecca Ray and Andree Pospisil

5. Sarah Rogoff, Sandra Gonzalez and Riley Lynch

6. The Taylor family

7. Charles Yates and Tricia Naro

8. Jerry Edwards, Lee Love, Hudson Jetton and Matthew Bond

9. Scott Mims and Anthony Peters

10. Grace Point Church

11. The Barnett family

12. Roy Brook

13. The Cuneo and Green families

14. Mark and Michail Brussentsov

PHOTOS

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY CONT.

15. Myles Mullen

16. Aubree Watson

17. The Robinson and Anderson families

18. The Yates family

19. The Chiepalich family

20. Ron Bradstreet, Fred Hughes, Kevin Harkins, Ginger Branson and Donna Butler

21. Steele Klinger

Marketplace

HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT TODAY! (for 3,5, 0r 10 months) Make a lifelong friend from abroad.

Enrich your family with another culture. Select an exchange student from over 70 different countries. All families are welcome to apply. CALL PAMELA AT (205)577-9323 host.asse.com or email info@ asse.com

Automation Personnel Services Hiring

IMMEDIATELY For:

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

B&B FARM/FLEA MARKET

$5 Set Up Fee 7am-3pm 41981 HWY 25 Vincent, AL 35178 FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Animals, baked goods, food trucks, boiled peanuts, and more!! Bring whatever you want to sale and come hang out!!

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

Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay $15.14/ hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

BRIAN’S TREE SERVICE•TREES CUT FROM THE TOP DOWN!•SAFE TREE REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS!•STUMP GRINDING!•GENERAL LIABILITY•WORKERS COMP

WWW.BRIANSTREE.COM 205281-2427

Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-6510077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbamawellness. org

$$$ WANTED $$$ PRIVATE COLLECTOR Buying Watchmaker Items! Buying Parts, Tools, Broken Watches and All Related Items! 30 Yr Member NAWCC Please

Call Dave 314-779-7380

References Available Upon Request

DONAVAN LAKES FISHING CLUB & INN Marion, Perry Co. AL 2131 Eagle Grove Church Rd. Marion, Alabama 36756

•8 Lakes •17 Piers

•Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish. •Camping, Nature Trails, Birding. Membership $1000 for 2024 Contact Thomas Wilson 334-247-2101 wils5789@bellsouth.net www.donavanlakes.org

Outstanding adventure for the entire family!

SENIOR L2/L3

AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsbl for anlzng user needs & sftwr reqs. to dtrmne fsibilty of dsgn w/ in time & cost constraints, dscssng & evltng potential situations that can arise insde the plant & correlating them w/fnctnlts of the MES or flat prdct cntrl app. to produce fnctnl reqs. for each prjct, obtnng & evltng info on factors such as rprting frmts req., costs, or secrity needs to dtrmne hrdwr cnfgrtn. HS diploma w/3 yrs of prior work exp. in the pos. off. or rel. dvlpng, tstng & comsng Lvl 2 Automation Systms & Lvl 3 MES Syst. Send resumes to r.woods@danieli.com

Property Real Estate Manager (live out). Sought by commercial real estate company. Worksite: Birmingham, AL. 36 months exp. req. in same job or, Private Household Management or, any other closely related. Supervise other service workers $28.82 per. hour. 40 hrs. weekly. No walk in’s. Mail resume with cover letter to: The Founder. The Hazelrig Companies. 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite # 315, Birmingham, AL 34243.

AUTOMATION L1 PLC DEVELOPER

Danieli Taranis (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dvlpng sftwr prjct for autmtn sys.; intnl tstng of sftwr app on autmtn sys; drawing up ad prep. of oprtr manuals; field check, assurance that all field elctrcl eqpmnt is cnctd to autmtn sys; motor mvments accrdng to data sheet; mach. automatic

mvmnts according to cycle diagram; monitor plant prdctvt. Bachelor’s in Cmptr Scnce or IT w/5 yrs of progress resp. prior wrk exp in the pstn offrd. or reltd. Mst knw (thru acad training or wrk exp) dvlpng MES autmtn sftwre using DELPHI XE2 & SQL ORACLE PL/SQL for bcknd dvlpmnt; dvlpng autmtn sftwre for steel indstry; SQL dtbse, Vsl Stdio Cde, Delphi 2005, Orcle dtbse, incl. Orcle ADF, Orcle SOA, & Orcle BPM. Resumes to r.woods@danieli. com.

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, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Production Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00/ year 10hr shifts Mon-Thurs Oversees production operations. Sets objectives, organizes workflow, prepares schedules, assigns responsibilities, trains employees, ensures safety, schedules maintenance, submits performance reports. Skills:-Automotive Plant Experience -Experience as Production Supervisor or similar role -Experience with manufacturing machinery and tools -Advanced skills in MS Office -High School Diploma; Degree in a technical, engineering or relevant field will be an advantage Benefits: PTO, 401k w/match, Health/ Dental/Vision insurance, employee assistance, referral program, tuition reimbursement 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

2nd Shift Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00 2nd shift 2:30p.m.1:00a.m. Monday–Thursday Responsibilities: •Be an effective Supervisor in a participative work environment •Ensure all Finishing Dept. goals and improvement objectives are accomplished per our commitments •Ability to optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, material, and space to meet OMF’s daily, monthly

and annual targets. Will be evaluated regularly on ability to continuously improve in all areas of responsibility. 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Maintenance Technicians: Friday–Sunday 12 hour shifts 6:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Responsible for maintenance of O-Flex facilities & equipment across all lines & departments. Oversight of preventative maintenance programs. Coordinates continuous improvement activities with Maintenance Team Leader. Starting pay $19-$28 BOE 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

Quantum Logistics Hiring

Class A Driver. Montgomery, AL. Full or part time. $.48-$.55 per mile. Paid weekly. BCBS Insurance. Home weekend EZ Pass and prepass. Safety & Fuel Bonus. Apply online www.qtmlog.com Call (334)2888106.

Nursing Assistant to help care for an elderly gentleman in Jemison requiring total assistance. PT-FT. To apply, call Ms. Peoples (205)688-1992 or (205)447-3005

Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Tax Advisor, International Tax and Transaction Tax Services (International Corporate Tax Advisory) (Senior) (Multiple Positions), Ernst & Young U.S. LLP, Birmingham, AL. Apply online, go to:ey.com/ en_us/careers and click on “Careers - Job Search”, then “SearchJobs”(Job Number1472113).

Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing seeks a Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham, AL to contribute to the company’s core product platforms, building APIs and systems. Req. MS + 2 yrs exp or BS + 5 yrs exp. Salary range for

position: $170,000.00 - $200,000.00. 100% telecommuting role. Reports to company headquarters in Birmingham, AL. Can work remotely or telecommute. To apply, mail resume to:Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing, Attn: HR, 17 20TH Street North, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35203. Must Reference Job Title: & Code: 000012. EOE.

LEAD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dsgng, dvlpng, & tsting automtn sys for y steel mnfctrng eqpmnt & mchnry, Q-HEAT, Q-DRIVE, & Q-ONE tech, & dvlpng logic & parmetrs; inspctng exstng hrdwre w/in the plnt to prpre for installtn of drives & automtn sftwre; creatng elctrcl diagrms of autmtn sys, motor/ sensr lsts for plnts, autmtn blck diagrms of plnt ntwrks, motor wrkng cycls sensr or transltr data sheets, plnt lyout & dtails of areas in AutoCAD frmt; creatng I/O lst for hrdwre dsgn & dvlpng autmtn sftwre; creatng opertor mnuals. Master’s in Elctrcl Engnrng or rel field w/2 yrs prev wrk exp in pos off or rel. Mst know (thru acdmc trainng or wrk exp) Ethrnet Confgurator & Profibus/Profinet; Codesys; Target Monitor; Q-Drive Configurator parmtrztion; & indction heatng & Q-One tech. Wrks at clients’ manfctrng wrksites acrss contnntl U.S. Resumes to C.Hegarty@ danieli.com

South Pointe Development 203 Shiloh Creek Drive Calera, AL 35040Updating Waiting List:3 BDR 2 Bath Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 Multi-Family No Pets Allowed 205-6681196.

Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in route-service work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/ equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@ charter.net

MY HOOVER TRACI WALTER

Shades Mountain Elementary School Teacher and Realtor with RealtySouth

It’s a Small World

After All

The Shades Mountain Community

I truly believe I live in the best-kept secret area of Hoover. It isn’t one of the new areas. It is an established neighborhood with families that have raised children and welcomed grandchildren. It is an area where everyone knows your name. It is an area that no matter what–you can always count on your neighbors, your precious small school and the wonderful people who quickly become like family.

The Heart of Hoover

Larry Langston and Blue Ridge Park

Not only was Larry Langston a devoted father, but he also became known as the “park dad” to many other SMES kids, too. Because of him, so many kids had a “second dad,” cheering them on throughout their lives. Larry’s “park kids” served as his pallbearers at his funeral earlier this year.

Eat Local

La Fiesta

My family loves La Fiesta in Hoover. You will always find us there celebrating birthdays or meeting up with friends for dinner. I can honestly say I’ve never eaten there without running into more people I know. My favorite thing on the menu (besides the skinny margarita) is the pollo loco with vegetables.

Family First

Raising My Family in Hoover

My boys were very active in the soccer program at Spain Park High School, and this was our last season to sit on the sidelines and watch our middle child and high school senior, Grant, play. We appreciate the time and effort the teachers and coaches have poured into our children.

A Neighborhood School

Shades Mountain Elementary School

I currently teach first grade at Shades Mountain Elementary School (SMES). All three of my children went to SMES. I live within walking distance of the school, and over the years, I have taught many children in my neighborhood. One of the biggest benefits to living in the same neighborhood of the students you teach is getting to know the families really well. I feel as though making connections and forming relationships with our SMES families has been my favorite part of teaching at my little neighborhood school.