With new treatments, more ground-breaking technologies and teams of top physicians collaborating on every case, the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center provides the most advanced, compassionate care possible. We treat all cancers and are constantly working to provide the victories today that will help ensure better tomorrows.
SUNDAY, DEC 11 • 4 & 7:30 pm
Ticket information can be found at shades.org.
This hour-long candlelight experience will set our hearts on the true purpose of the Christmas season.
Retired Col. Peyton F. Ligon receives the 2022 Hoover Freedom Award for his life of service to the United States military and his community.
Of all the times to travel to New Orleans – early spring for Mardi Gras, late spring for Jazz Fest –winter might become your new favorite time.
What should you buy for friends and loved ones this season? Look no further than the shops right around you.
Lizzie Bowen
Meg Herndon
Anna Grace Moore
Lauren Sexton
Noah Wortham
Evelyn Adams
James Culver
Rachel Culver
Lauren Dowdle
Noelle Neader
Caroline Newman
Blair Ramsey
Christiana Roussel
Heather Skaggs Mary Tweedy
DESIGN
Jamie Dawkins
Connor Martin-Lively
Briana Sansom
MARKETING
Sydney Allen
Octavia Campbell
Evann Campbell
Jessica Caudill
Kari George Michaela Hancock
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Lauren Morris
Viridiana Romero
Tori Montjoy Smith
Mary Jo Eskridge
Alec Etheredge
Madison King
Stacey Meadows
Tim Prince
Brittany Schofield
Savana Tarwater
Anna Willis
Evelyn Adams is an Alabama-based photographer with a passion for turning even the mundane, everyday into art. Specializing in portraiture and lifestyle photography, she sees beauty in taking a backseat during photoshoots when she can — to watch, to learn, to capture and compose. Evelyn strives to take a documentary approach to her art. Check out her work on her Instagram: @evelynadams.co and her website: evelynadams.co.
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.
Noelle Neader is a junior at Samford University, studying journalism and mass communications with a minor in marketing. She is originally from Tampa, Florida, and is passionate about shedding light on the experiences of others through a lens of storytelling and artistic design. Through her writing, she wishes to cultivate community and invoke positive change wherever the next story leads.
Mary started her photography journey with a film camera in high school. Today, she runs Mary Tweedy Photography, a full-service photography studio, located in the heart of the beautiful town of Helena. The studio specializes in all things portrait: maternity, newborn, baby’s first-year plan, family and high school senior portraits and professional headshots. When she is not taking portraits, Mary helps startups, small businesses and nonprofits build beautiful, responsive websites, stress free and fast. She lives in Pelham with her amazing husband and two boys.
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.
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ON THE COVER
Murphy and Jade Maddox’s artistically beautiful home is also a home for forming friendships.
Photo by Evelyn Adams Design by Connor Martin-Lively
TTo mark an end of an era is to often say goodbye and part ways with tradition and loved ones. Holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas should be joyous occasions, right? Everyone sings Christmas carols and decorates their trees in fluorescent splendor. For some, however, holidays can be a drag to trudge through. I am one of those who dred yuletide cheer.
Now, don’t get me wrong, readers. I enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving Day and watching the Thanksgiving Day parade that only until this year did my uncle inform me was not actually called, “The Macy’s Day Parade.” I look forward to Samford, my alma mater’s “Lighting of the Way,” in which the university celebrates the season’s festivities with live music and the lighting of an enormous tree. Though, festivities, I’d argue, are just the perks that holidays often bring. It is the people we share those holidays with that make such moments worthwhile.
For those that have lost, holidays often leave a void unfulfilled in their hearts. My father passed away from a brainstem stroke on October 10, 2020, completely out of the blue. My mother, my sister and I spent what felt like an eternity in the ICU, waiting for him to wake up. He never did. Finally, after grieving a life cut short, my mother decided to send my father home to Heaven in time for the holidays. Being one of the most remarkable RN’s that Birmingham has to offer, she actually was the one to “pull the plug,” literally. She didn’t want anyone else to send him home because she took “till death do us part” quite seriously, and she wanted to ensure his care.
My mother is the strongest woman I know. I remember that first Christmas without my father, we three sat around the Christmas tree just staring into the emerald abyss, wondering how so much decor could yet feel still so empty.
My message to you, readers, (for those that share my faith) is that as the dreaded “joyful occasions embark,” remember that our loved ones are probably celebrating one of the best festivities holidays have to offer in Heaven. Heaven is a place without pain or sorrow. Oh, to hear the angels sing on Christmas morning, rejoicing our Savior’s birth! Won’t that be a sight to see?
I cannot promise holidays will get any easier for anyone with a void, but I can successfully say that new traditions will be made. When one era ends, another begins. So, I wish you all comfort during your grief, joy at the end of your sorrows and above all, to remember to cling fast to those you call dear.
With all the love in my heart, I wish you each a wonderful holiday season.
and cheer,
annagrace.moore@hooversmagazine.com
Tag us in your Hoover photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@bloomin_blinds_ bham Final touches - it always amazes us just how beautiful the final touches of window treatments can be!!! Schedule your free appointment today -205-649-5746 @gcollinsphotos some of the “whos who” from the pep rally yesterday!!!
Hoover Antique Gallery 3411 Old Columbiana Road Hoover AL. M-Sat 10-5:30pm Sunday 1-5:30pm 205-822-9500.
Some of my favorites from the 1Rebel Classic today! It was a great day to capture and photograph some talented swimmers!
It’s time to decorate your mantles, mailboxes and entryways with fresh greenery for the holidays! Plants include holly, elaeagnus, pine, cedar, juniper, ivy, viburnum and boughs with berries. Find garlands and wreaths, along with bows, mailbox cover frames and wreath frames at this annual sale. Visit aldridgegardens.com for more information.
NOV. 29
5 P.M. Hoover City Hall
Join the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce for this family-friendly event, featuring one of the city’s tallest Christmas trees! Stretching more than 15 feet tall, this gorgeous tree is a staple at Christmastime for the city of Hoover. Bring the kids and enjoy the camaraderie to kick off the holiday season.
DEC. 1
10 A.M.-7 P.M.
Shop the wares of local artists with everything from textiles, jewelry, glass-work, woodworking and painting for everyone on your list. Items are reasonably priced, varying usually between $50-$75. Rain or shine, this event takes place in Aldridge Gardens’ gallery in Hoover. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Learn more at aldridgegardens.com.
THURSDAYS THROUGH THE WINTER
Trivia Night
Brock’s Gap Brewing Company
NOV. 25-DEC. 24
Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm
DEC. 1-18
Holiday Spectacular Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company
DEC. 1
Mountain Brook Holiday Open Houses
English Village and Mountain Brook Village DEC. 2-4 The Nutcracker Presented by the Lyric Theatre Birmingham
DEC. 3
Bluff Park Christmas Parade Bluff Park
DEC. 4
Mountain Brook Holiday Parade Mountain Brook Village
DEC. 4
Deep South - Magic City Christmas Classic
The Hoover Metropolitan Complex DEC. 9-22
2022 Holiday Film Series Presented by the Alabama Theatre
DEC. 9
White Christmas Viewing Presented by the Alabama Theatre
DEC. 13
The Birmingham Boys Choir’s Christmas Concert
The Wright Center at Samford University
DEC. 15
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presented by Legacy Arena
DEC. 15
Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Breakfast Riverchase Galleria Food Court
DEC. 15 Storytime with Santa East 59 Café – Lee Branch
DEC. 16
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party Hoover Public Library
DEC. 17-18
CASC Gun Show
The Hoover Metropolitan Complex
DEC. 18 Sounds of the Season Presented by Opera Birmingham Brock Recital Hall at Samford University
DEC. 20-22
Living Nativity Mountain Brook Baptist Church
DEC. 30-31
2022 Scott Rohrer/Hoover Invitational
The Hoover Metropolitan Complex
DEC. 31
Run Undead, Ultra Trail Party Oak Mountain State Park
JAN. 8
The Manhattan Transfer: A 50th Anniversary Celebration Hoover Public Library
JAN. 15 Young Artist Reception Hoover Public Library
JAN. 27
Live on the Plaza: The Samford String Quartet Hoover Public Library
DEC. 17
9 A.M. - 5K 10 A.M. - 1-MILE FUN RUN 1100 Corporate Parkway
Get in a run to go with the holiday season around the Meadow Brook area—on what organizers argue is “Birmingham’s most beautiful course.” Walkers and pets on leash are welcome, too. The run starts at 1100 Corporate Parkway. Find more info at meadowbrook-runs.org/.
DEC. 3
7:30 A.M. Bluff Park United Methodist Church
The Bluff Park 8K is a fairly new race course with only 250 feet of racing up over the mountain. It was designed for runners to run at one of the highest points in the city. Everyone is welcome to attend, including those with strollers and leashed dogs. All registrants receive a participant T-shirt and post-race breakfast. Register at runsignup.com.
DEC. 11
6 P.M.
Riverchase Baptist Church 2020 Crossvine Road
Everyone is welcome to attend the live enactment of the birth story of Christ at Riverchase Baptist Church’s “Living Nativity.” This event will take place outdoors, so viewers need to dress accordingly. This event is free and open to the public.
Ross Bridge’s Liz Lane opens a new gallery in Bluff Park with a goal to create “art for the modern life.”
BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY
PPacking up an entire art gallery and moving to a new location is hectic. Still, Liz Lane Bryan says she found more than a silver lining in her gallery’s story and a new home in the historic community of Bluff Park in Hoover.
After storm damage to her beloved gallery of five years in Homewood, Liz and her collective of artists had to find a new space somewhat quickly. A location closer to her family’s home in Ross Bridge was ideal. Liz discovered a vacancy in Bluff Park Village for her new studio home, which opened in July.
The carefully curated space is full of pieces the artist would love to hang in her home. Liz compares her new gallery to opening the pages of a crisp book
and being introduced to a new adventure, going into a place where art is created and sold as you experience the story.
“I don’t want the art in my gallery to feel off limits to anyone. I love for people coming in to be interactive and ask questions. I want kids to come in and be curious with their creativity,” she says.
The love of art runs in the Lane family. Liz grew up in her mom’s galleries, The Renaissance Gallery in downtown Northport and the Liz Charles Gallery in downtown Tuscaloosa. According to Liz, constant exposure to a group of professional artists was the best education and fundamental in developing her own voice in art.
You’ll often find Liz front and center, working on
As we reflect on the past year and on those who have helped us to shape our business, Three Sixty is overwhelmed with gratitude for you - our clients, our community, our family and friends. We are so blessed and grateful to be in this lovely community! We wish you a very happy Christmas Season and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity!
a new creation that will adorn the gallery walls. “I’m so extroverted! So painting around people, having an open and interactive studio space adds to the experience,” she explains.
The soft hues of grays, pinks, greens and yellows bring life to the abstract creations that seem to move across the studio’s walls. “Sometimes I don’t know what a painting will look like before it’s done, because the moment I’m working in influences everything. I’m pulling in the emotions of the moment. There is a story, but it is not linear. There is no defined beginning or end, but perhaps that’s the most honest approach to understanding life,” Liz says.
Along with Liz, the gallery hosts a group of contemporary female artists with a collection that includes paintings, ceramics and jewelry, including Liz’s mom, Lorrie Lane, a painter. “Much of our art is abstract, but if you ask, I have a narrative behind each piece,” Liz says. “I always ask our artists what inspired their work, so I try to be like a librarian in that regard.”
Represented in the gallery you will also find the works of Joan Curtis of Vestavia Hills; Kellie Newsome from Columbus, Georgia; Anne Corhern of Mountain Brook; Jennifer Chaney of Birmingham and Karen Davis from Nashville, Tennessee.
Liz says that “these women are wonderful. Some have been painting their entire lives, which is truly a passion. I always ask myself, ‘Why do I care?’ When choosing art, these painters make me and our customers care. It isn’t just art to fill a wall; it’s the art that makes a wall.”
With a full gallery, Liz says she hopes customers find that unique piece for their homes. “I always advise people first and foremost to buy art that they love. Art can make you feel things you don’t know and teach you about yourself. So, find a piece that moves you.”
Another recommendation Liz gives is to try art on approval first, especially with large pieces. That means bringing the selection home and ensuring it works for you and your family in your space before purchasing it. “Often, it’s good to try it out first. We offer a lot of smaller pieces that are super easy to place, but for our larger works, it can help to try it for a few days first.”
For the aspiring artists, Liz says she likes to encourage people who want to start to ‘just start.’ “Make art; it’s the only way to learn. If you can’t figure out where to start, think back to your childhood, where you were less likely to think about how things should be and were more likely to imagine. Get your head in that space. Open yourself up to play. That looks completely different for everyone, but there you have it; that’s where you invent and create things that are unique to you.”
Liz hopes her business will attract other small businesses to the area and add more cultural awareness to the city. “Several people and families in the Hoover area are now proud owners of paintings from our group of artists after attending our open house,” she explains. “I love wandering around areas full of local businesses. I especially want girls to know that they can run and manage their own business and all kids to know they can make a good living as artists. Lead by example, and I hope this is an example of what can happen when you listen to your instincts and play, dream and build community.”
With the long, hot summer of 2022 fully behind us, we are enjoying the beautiful fall colors of late autumn and early winter here at Aldridge Gardens. The Doggett Japanese Maple Trail is sure to fascinate all of Aldridge Gardens’ visitors, who enjoy the rich colors of this time of year. The more than 60 unique varieties of maples strategically located about the grounds afford some breathtaking views. Going into their third autumn, the maples should be “strutting-their-stuff” this
year along with the other plants on our beautiful grounds. Watch our social media feeds for the “Ginkgo Update”-a near daily report on the incredible golden display of our ginkgo tree. Remember: ginkgo trees usually drop their leaves all at once!
As the Christmas holiday season nears, don’t forget the events and opportunities at Aldridge Gardens. This year, our annual Greenery Sale coincides with Gifts of Art. Gifts of Art, which is a one-day-only event, begins
on Thursday, Dec. 1, and the Greenery Sale starts on that same day and ends at noon on Saturday, Dec. 3.
Gifts of Art has quickly become a Birmingham and Hoover holiday tradition. Our 7th Gifts of Art will have some of the artists you have come to enjoy along with new ones, offering gift ideas to meet even the most discerning shoppers. Give a truly unique gift this year, a gift of art!
The Greenery Sale will be a 3-day-long affair this year, starting on the Thursday of Gifts and running until noon on Saturday,
Dec. 3. This year, we will have our usual assortment of beautiful greenery, but we will also have wreath frames and mailbox covers. Some “starter” wreaths—partially made to be customized and finished by you will also be available! We will also have ribbon and bows. Plan to come to the Gardens on Thursday, Dec. 1 and enjoy Gifts of Art, shop for your fresh greenery and kick December off in style this year!
The city of Hoover is blessed with two outstanding venues to hold holiday gatherings—Aldridge Gardens and the
Hoover-Randle Home. Both offer incredible opportunities for holiday parties, each unique, each fully decorated and each flexible enough to handle parties of all sizes.
Contact Amanda Baker at 205-759-6554 or by email at amanda.baker@ hooveralabama.gov today and book your events—dates are filling up rapidly. Don’t wait!
On behalf of the staffs at both Aldridge Gardens and the Hoover-Randle Home, we wish you all a happy holiday season!
Over the past few months, we have been very busy, painting the Aldridge House and the Gatehouse inside and out. We hope you enjoy the new colors and touches we have added!
For a very active venue like Aldridge Gardens, it is quite interesting to see how the painters get in and out during our ongoing events. But, they did it with such an expertise that we hardly knew they were here, and the results are just beautiful.
In addition to our winter weddings that are planned, we get to host many holiday parties for families, as well as corporations, too. The festivities seem to never end!
Our visitor numbers continue to increase during winter months as local residents entertain their holiday visitors by bringing them to Hoover’s Aldridge Gardens. As a reminder, we are open daily with no admission charge and encourage everyone to stop by for a visit.
We will host our 7th annual Gifts of Art on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., featuring one-of-a-kind gift items from local artists. Along with Gifts of Art, we will have our annual winter greenery sale. The greenery sale has fresh cut greenery for the holidays available as well.
From our Aldridge Gardens’ team, we hope that you and your families have wonderful holidays and find time to visit Aldridge Gardens during this special season.
Tynette Lynch
Spain Park High School’s show choir, Rhapsody in Blue, is proving second-to-none in choral talent.
BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY
WWhether they are performing for their peers or on the grandest of stages, Spain Park High School’s Rhapsody in Blue show choir pours their hearts and talents into each show.
They are one of the five choral groups open to ninth through 12th graders at Spain Park, which also offers concert choir, treble ensemble, chamber choir and Silver Lining a cappella group, says Jim Schaeffer, director of choirs since 2015.
“What I love about the choral department at Spain Park is how it’s well-rounded and offers something for anyone who wants to sing,” Jim says.
All of the choir members from Spain Park were invited by Choirs of America Nationals for Top Choirs to perform at Carnegie Hall in spring 2022. The about 65 students who went worked with world-renowned conductors and composer, Elaine Hagenberg, to perform the world premiere of her piece, “Measure Me, Sky!”
While this was Jim’s third time taking a choir to Carnegie Hall, that year was different because of the COVID precautions still in place and also being able to perform with other groups.
“We’ve been singing for the past two years, but we
haven’t been able to experience people singing with us during that time,” he explains. “It was a fantastic coming-out party for the singers. Not only to perform for the first time in a long time, but also to be part of something that’s so much greater than ourselves or anything we could put on stage at Spain Park.”
One of the choral students who performed at Carnegie Hall was Maria Ritchey, senior choir member and co-choir president with Ella Jayne Hyde. Music and performing have always been a big part of her life, she says.
“I was surrounded by show choir growing up because five of my eight older siblings were in show
choir before I was,” Maria says. “I knew from around age 7 that I wanted to be a part of Rhapsody in Blue.”
She says it was an honor for them to be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Getting to share that experience and sing along with high school choirs from across the country made the trip even more meaningful, she adds.
“It was quite surreal for me, personally, to sing on that stage and be in New York because I am such a huge Broadway fanatic,” Maria explains. “It was a dream to sing on a stage, where I’ve watched some of my biggest inspirations sing.”
To reach such a high level requires practice and dedication. During the first half of the school year,
What I love about the choral department at Spain Park is how it’s well-rounded and offers something for anyone who wants to sing.
-Jim Schaeffer
the show choir focuses on the choral aspect and performs in school concerts and holiday showcases—meeting during school and one day a week after school.
They then concentrate on competition season during the spring and move to two afternoons a week of practice to spend time on the choreography, which they learned from choreographer Nick Quamme.
“Rehearsing together is crucial, but the personal practice we do outside of rehearsal is important also,” Maria says. “Each show choir member has to spend time practicing on their own, just like any performer or athlete has to do. Individual preparation helps us practice better together.”
Each year, the show choir has a theme for their competition show. Last year, it was “The Color Revolution: Television in the 60s.” The show took audiences through U.S. historical events in chronological order as told through the television, representing how many Americans saw and experienced these events.
With 36 students in the show choir, they compete in the middle-mixed division. Awards from last year included first place (Tier II), best vocals, best choreography and best soloist (Jaylon Newton) at the Tallassee Capital City Classic. The group also took home first place in their division at the Homewood South Central Classic, second place at the Albertville Diamond Classic and third place at the Jasper Foothills Show Choir Classic.
The Albertville Diamond Classic competition was especially
The Rhapsody in Blue show choir will compete and perform across the state and beyond in 2023: uJan. 13: Contempo Choral Festival at Vestavia Hills High School uJan. 21: Hoover City Schools Show Choir Showcase uJan. 28: Tallassee Capital City Classic in Montgomery, Alabama
Feb. 4: Albertville Diamond Classic at Albertville High School uFeb. 18: Homewood South Central Classic at Homewood High School uMarch 4: Tift County Peach Invitational in Tifton, Georgia
monumental for them because a middle-mixed division group very rarely is selected as a Top 5 group of the day—and they made it all of the way to first runner-up in the whole competition.
“That was not the expectation,” Jim says. “The only group above us was one of the best in the nation. Getting second place was pretty much like getting first.”
This year’s show theme focuses on letters. Songs will include “The Letter” by The Box Tops; “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes; “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder; “Message in a Bottle” by The Police and “Letters from War” by Mark Shultz. The group performed at the National Peanut Festival Choral Competition Nov. 6-7 in Dothan, Alabama.
Jim often asks his students what they enjoy about competition day, and they frequently mention enjoying seeing the other shows. Jim says he also enjoys seeing the creativity of his teacher peers at the events. But no matter if their choir wins or not, they always watch a recording of their performance on the way home.
“We can celebrate what we looked and sounded like,” he explains. “Show choir is something that’s so subjective, and the groups are so different. We perform one time on that day for
specific judges, and their opinions can vary greatly. We keep that in mind and do the best we can. It’s an art that we’re sharing.”
The students are what make the show choir so special from year to year, especially the group’s leaders—whether that’s the students who see themselves as leaders or when their peers see them that way, Jim says.
“Being a leader, a lot of times, is not a position but when students are willing to rise to the occasion,” he adds.
As one of those leaders, Maria’s favorite part about being a member of the show choir at Spain Park is how the group is a big family. She says she’s made so many friends—and her younger brother is also in the choir with her this year.
“Rhapsody is made up of people from so many different backgrounds, and we all have different interests,” she says. “But, we come together over a love of music and performance.”
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For Hoover City Schools, a positive community has always been at the core of the foundation on which their success stands. Others are now able to look at and learn from this success with Forbes listing the Hoover City Schools District as the fourth best place to work in Alabama. In Forbes’ “2022 America’s Best Employers By State,” 45 other employers were listed, making Hoover City Schools’ ranking an admirable recognition. Dr. Dee O. Fowler, superintendent of Hoover City Schools, comments on what aspects led to such an achievement and how the schools value intentionality as a community.
What about Hoover City Schools’ past set them up for the success they see now?
“The district’s first superintendent, Dr. Robert Mitchell, told new employees that he wanted the new school system to be a learning laboratory,” Dee says. “That spirit of innovation and creativity is still an important part of our working culture, and that kind of culture is attractive to people who want to make a difference in the lives of children. The motto of the district since its inception has been ‘Learning for Life,’ and we believe that motto applies to our employees as well as our students.”
What type of community does the school system foster?
For Dee, who has had a hands-on connection with the schools’ growth, two words come to mind. “Collaboration and cooperation. Despite the fact that education is a very people-centered profession, teaching can be a very isolating profession,” he explains. “Having structured and protected time in the school schedule for teachers to work together in professional learning communities is essential to creating and cultivating the
kind of working culture that we believe is needed to achieve our goals.”
How does leadership play a role in receiving this recognition?
“Schools are places where a lot of people of different ages, experiences and interests come together and do common things on a regular basis. Those people bring their hopes, fears, joys and disappointments with them every day,” Dee explains. “Good leaders know how to keep the work focused on learning despite the human messiness that adults and kids bring into the schools every day. Educators choose this profession because they want to make a difference in the lives of children, and they want to work in a place where leaders make it possible for them to do so.”
After this accomplishment, what do you think Hoover City Schools should continue doing well, and what goals do you see for the next year?
“We got here by not resting on our laurels. We have to continue to be a place that takes risks and supports innovation and creativity,” Dee says with a notion of pride. “We are finally moving past the pandemic, but we still have a lot of ground
to make up, and some people are carrying a lot of anxiety and bad memories from that experience. We are ready to put that experience behind us and move forward to get things back to the normal everyday routines of school life.”
Which day-to-day practices define the schools’ accomplishments, and how does it feel to have these recognized by Forbes?
“Just taking care of each other,” Dee shares. “Those needs change from day to day. Some days, I need to lean on others to help me accomplish my goals, and other days, I am the one whom someone else is leaning on. We have to trust the people around us when we need help, and we need to be attentive to the needs of everyone around us. It is an honor to be recognized, but we already know that Hoover is a great place to live. Hoover City Schools is a wonderful place to work. It feels good when someone from the outside recognizes how special this community is, but it is an even greater honor for us to come to work every day and to share this work with others who love children and want to help them grow in knowledge and skills.”
Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive was born out of a lifelong dream with a little push from necessity.
BY CAROLINE NEWMAN PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER
BBen Williams, one half of the Williams-brother duo behind the year-old restaurant on John Hawkins Parkway, had spent most of his career in restaurant management helping the fast-casual chain Jason’s Deli open new locations around the country.
In 2017, Ben, who graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in hotel and restaurant management, had a chance to return to Birmingham and manage two deli locations here, with the prospect of opening a third. He jumped on the opportunity, eager to be back home and near his brother, Zac, and his family. The brothers grew up together in Hueytown and had remained close.
A few years later, though, Ben’s career with Jason’s Deli hit an unexpected snag – the global COVID-19 pandemic. Like many restaurants around the world, the chain had to quickly cut back on operations and decided to close the locations Ben was overseeing. That is when the Williams brothers decided to go out on their own.
“The pandemic forced our hand, but Zac and I had already been talking about opening a casual place in Birmingham,” Ben says.
“Ben has always been really passionate about opening his own place, and we decided to go in on it together, with me providing some investment and
helping out wherever I was needed,” says Zac Williams, who also works as an engineer for a local software company.
With the decision made, the brothers set about making their restaurant a reality and quickly settled on a casual burgers-and-hot-dogs joint, set apart by high-quality ingredients and preparation.
“I know my way around a kitchen, but my background is not necessarily culinary-focused, so I wanted to do something that we could do well and keep simple,” Ben says. “Zac has always been a burger connoisseur, so the idea came up really early on. We knew that if we kept it simple, used high-
quality ingredients, cut our own fries and kept everything fresh, we could make something people would enjoy.”
Now, Whiskey Foxtrot serves a curated, creative menu of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries and sides, as well as local craft beers and a selection of bourbon and whiskeys. The burgers range from the classic Blueprint – two patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup and mustard – to the Queso Blanco, topped with queso dip, jalapeños and chipotle aioli; while the all-beef hotdogs include the “Say Cheese” – topped with house-made mac n’cheese – and the Gotti, topped with hot pastrami.
100 Colonial Parkway, Suite 100 Alabaster, AL 35007
100 Colonial Parkway, Suite 100 Alabaster, AL 35007
The Cowgirl burger with American Wagyu patties, bacon, white American cheese, horseradish aioli and garlic sauce.
“It is great if you like horseradish and are looking for something a little different,” he says.
The Foxtrot burger with caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles and Foxtrot sauce.
“In our early discussions about what a burger should be, that was my vision for what I wanted our burger to be,” Zac says.
All of the beef is American Wagyu beef from cattle raised on a farm in Augusta, Georgia. Wagyu beef, Ben says, is known for its tenderness and buttery taste.
“I try to stay in touch with food trends and noticed Wagyu was something that was up-and-coming,” he says. “Wagyu is known for its quality. It has really good marbling with a higher fat content and lots of flavor. We wanted to use the best, so that is what we went with.”
As they tested burger and hot dog recipes, the brothers also tested out names. They had a long list of ideas, but they ultimately agreed on one – Whiskey Foxtrot. It comes from the phonetic alphabet widely used in the military, where “whiskey” signals W and “foxtrot” signals F. Though typically used more colorfully in the armed forces, the Williams brothers have a personal interpretation: Williams Family.
“It’s a bit of a code name for us,” Zac says.
Menu and name sorted, the brothers also needed a location. They scoured locations in Hoover, Homewood, Mountain Brook and downtown. Ultimately, they chose the Hoover location, off Interstate 459 on John Hawkins Parkway near Shades Crest
For those looking for a classic burger, the brothers suggest the Blueprint, which is dressed like a traditional cheeseburger, or the Foxtrot. Anyone looking to branch out a bit could try the Cowgirl, with Ben’s favorite horseradish aioli, or the Burger of the Week, which rotates weekly and typically features adventurous combinations. “Don’t sleep on the hotdogs,” Zac says. “These are not your average hotdogs. They are all Wagyu beef, served on a Hawaiian roll, which has a nice, sweet taste to it. They are definitely unique.” And, the brothers agreed, order the fries.
“All of our sides hold their own,” Zac says, “but our fries are second to none.”
Road, formerly home to Jubilee Joe’s Cajun and Seafood Restaurant. It has plenty of parking and has supported several other local restaurants.
“A friend of mine pointed us to this location, mentioning that the previous restaurant had been here for 15 years before moving to a bigger location. That told us that the space had potential,” Ben says. “We have really loved the neighborhood, it has a great vibe and the people here have really embraced us and supported us.”
Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Dive opened its doors last summer, and both brothers said those early months feel like a bit of a blur.
“It was a whirlwind,” Ben says. “We had a lot of family members and friends helping us out, and we still had spikes of COVID to deal with as well as all the uncertainties of a new restaurant.”
Staffing shortages were an issue, but the Williamses began to pull together a team, from industry pros who had worked with Ben at Jason’s Deli or introduced him to others to teenagers who lived in Zac’s Meadowbrook neighborhood. The brothers
themselves, of course, were filling every role they could.
“I have done everything from working the fryer to being a bartender,” Zac says, laughing. “I still come in on the evenings and weekends, to fill in where I am needed.”
It was stressful at times, Zac acknowledges, to balance restaurant ownership with his day job and his family, including three teen and pre-teen kids. But his wife, Natalie, helped out at the restaurant as well, working alongside Zac and Ben in the early days and filling all sorts of roles. Zac’s daughter works there now and his son, who will be 15 soon, is already eager to work there next summer. Zac and Ben’s parents helped out in the early days as well; their mother filling in for staff during weekday lunch, and their father helping out in the kitchen on Saturday mornings.
“That has been a great experience, having everyone be a part of this family restaurant,” he says.
One year in, patrons walking into Whiskey Foxtrot will find a casual spot where they can grab a stool at the bar, order a burger or hot dog from the counter and even cap off their meal with a scoop of ice cream from the freezer near the cash register. Vintage automobile décor festoons the wall, a pinball machine sits in the front corner, drawing kids and adults alike, and tables are filled with the food that the Williams brothers envisioned a year ago.
Both brothers are thrilled with how far they have come.
“We are still so excited, one year in, and we are so happy to be here in Hoover,” Zac says. “We hope anyone who hasn’t stopped by will give us a shot. I think they will be pleasantly surprised.”
We are still so excited, one year in, and we are so happy to be here in Hoover.
-Zac Williams
BY HEATHER SKAGGS PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY DAYSOL COFFEE LAB, LLC
If you hear the “ching ching” of the Daysol Coffee Trike, you know caffeinated goodness is on the way. Bert Davis, who is a Hoover resident and also the owner of Daysol Coffee, started learning the art of roasting coffee beans to share a fresh cup with family and friends. After moving to Hoover in 2019, Bert and his family expanded to a micro-roasting business.
I lived in Denver, Colorado, for about 11 years. There was a little coffee roastery right across the street from our kid’s elementary school we loved to visit. I enjoyed their fresh roasted coffee and noticed that they had green coffee beans by the pound on their menu. After inquiring and finding out they also sold little countertop roasters for home, my mother-in-law bought both for my birthday. When we moved to Hoover in 2019, we decided to start Daysol Coffee Lab as a local, micro-roasting project. And here we are today, continuing to grow and learn every day!
Our focus is putting excellent coffee in homes, offices, churches and places people explore daily. Going beyond what folks consider everyday coffee. We want to be your go-to coffee. We have a passion for making the best product possible with a coffee experience that takes you beyond your everyday cup of coffee. We make
coffee worth remembering, so you can make a day worth remembering. We do what we love to do. We put passion and hard work into it. We are truly thankful for the journey that coffee has taken us down, and we want that to come through in the product we craft.
My favorite origin of coffee to drink would definitely be an Ethiopian Natural Processed coffee. Ethiopians have distinct fruity and floral notes to them that I enjoy! Also, we roast a seasonal coffee from October to March called our Barrel Reserve that I can’t get enough. We age coffee beans in bourbon barrels before roasting them, and the flavor is out of this world! Our Wanderlust Blend is perfect for [those who aren’t coffee drinkers]. It’s a blend of Brazilian and Guatemalan coffees that is excellent just about any way you brew it. We have folks who tell us they never drink black coffee until they try our Wanderlust. It’s a medium-bodied, rich coffee that is so smooth all by itself. We also use the Wanderlust in our Nitro Express cold brew recipe.
You have a coffee cart! Very cool. How has your cart expanded your business and opened your brand to the community?
Yes! The Cold Brew Coffee Trike! First off, it looks so cool. Then you throw nitro cold brew on tap that we can take anywhere and set up and serve, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a good party. We have been able to take it to farmers’ markets, church events, weddings, birthday parties, etc. It gives us a unique element of our brand and gets us out in front of the entire community. People can’t help but notice it.
Where can people find Daysol Coffee in local stores and your coffee shop?
We are sold in six Piggly Wiggly stores throughout the Birmingham area, including Hoover. Vecchia Pizzeria and Mercato in The Preserve sells our cold brew cans. If you visit our website, we have a “Where To Buy” tab that lists an expanding list of vendors selling Daysol. We also offer a subscription option on our website to put local fresh roasted coffee on your doorstep every month!
Hoover
4330 CREEKSIDE AVE • HOOVER, AL 35244
TWINPEAKSRESTAURANT.COM • (205) 203-9461
Twin Peaks Twin Peaks never stops short when it comes to the menu. Holiday season is here! Book your holiday gathering with us. Whether you are in the mood for comfort food or something on the lighter side, we offer made-from-scratch meals that satisfy everyone. Be sure to try our 14 oz. New York Strip Steak.
Half Shell Oyster House
Half Shell Oyster House is here to serve original New Orleans-inspired dishes with Southern hospitality in a distinct and vibrant French Quarter atmosphere. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Try out the Smoky Bacon Shrimp & Grits, which are cheddar cheese grits smothered in a smoky bacon cream sauce with shrimp and topped with shredded Parmesan, chopped bacon and green onions. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday!
Pizza Chili and soup have arrived at family-owned Troup’s Pizza for the fall and winter. Smoked brisket chili is a regular staple for the period while the soup rotates weekly. As always, they are also proud to offer fresh, delicious and unpretentious pizza, sandwiches and salads the whole family will enjoy right in your backyard. Chef Terrill Brazelton and his wife, Ashley, have brought their passion and commitment to locallysourced foods by supporting local farmers. Troup’s Pizza is open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday and open for dinner every night.
Local Roots
Local Roots is deeply rooted in the belief that a good meal has the power to bring people together, and breaking bread with others is an experience that feeds our souls as much as it feeds our bodies. Much of our inspiration comes from our generational roots, which lead to our scratch kitchen full of locallysourced ingredients. Whether you want a hearty burger, Southernstaple chicken sandwich or a lighter salad, we’d love to feed you. So grab a friend to share a table, and don’t forget the granddaddy fries!
Mama Coco Mama Coco Cantina in Vestavia is now open! Try the flavorful Salmon served with white rice and cooked with corn and Mango Pico de Gallo. Any dish pairs perfectly with one of the signature margaritas! Mama Coco Cantina has been a Shelby County favorite, and they are ready to serve the Vestavia community! They’re open every day throughout the week for lunch and dinner. They cater, too!
TACO MAMA Stay hungry and be thirsty. At Taco Mama, we believe in supporting our local businesses and serving our guests the freshest ingredients possible. We believe any time is a good time for a margarita. We believe in ice cold cerveza. We believe in people helping people.
Sushi is a staple rice dish of Japanese cuisine. At Rock N Roll Sushi we guarantee an amplified dining experience that will have you coming back again and again for more! Whether you stop in for lunch for a quick opening act, or bring your family to dinner for the back stage hibachi, Rock N Roll Sushi’s diverse menu has a little something for everyone. Online catering available.
Rock N Roll Sushi
The real beauty within this house is the love that the Maddoxes share for fostering fellowship.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE PHOTOS BY EVELYN ADAMS
WWalking into Murphy and Jade Maddox’s stunning lakefront abode, one pauses to admire the cool hues of the statement abstract pieces adorning the open concept’s walls. Even the Christmas tree, decked in fluorescent splendor, exudes a merry, joyful calling that welcomes each person into a home that’s second to none.
While everything in the home is simply splendid, what’s even more lovely is the passion this precious pair shares for furthering God’s kingdom, using the house they’ve curated into a pleasing paradise.
“We wanted it to be like a lakeside retreat,” Murphy says. “We wrote scripture all over the boards when we were building the house.” Reflecting on the house’s purpose, Murphy is quick to share that his and Jade’s identities are not found in their careers or the splendor of their home, but in their Savior, Jesus.
“This house has been a combination of the two of us. What you see is a balance of his art and design. We really put it together slowly,” Jade adds.
One way the couple lives out their purpose is by “breaking bread” at the table; the metaphor they share about furthering the kingdom by being open and inviting.
“You learn so much about people around the table, especially in the context of one’s home.
Hospitality is a lost art. We try to do that in spite of being so busy,” Murphy explains.
Murphy and Jade have curated a home filled with art and meaningful pieces, but Murphy spoke on the challenge of “marrying that with Christ’s kingdom and serving others.” The duo’s solution, they say, is to center their home’s values on fostering fellowship.
Jade works as “in house counsel” for a local insurance company. She also feels privileged to use her career in law to help children find their forever families through adoption.
“Being able to finalize adoption has been really neat,” Jade says. “This is one thing I can do…to show believers and nonbelievers alike that adoption is an earthly picture of the gospel. I believe that many of us are called to adoption and foster care.”
While the couple plans to foster one day, they’re focusing on bringing their second-born, a baby boy, into the world in February 2023. For now, they are taking things one step at a time, crafting their home as a place for the love of Jesus to flourish in the hearts of every person who walks through their door.
Thank you, Murphy and Jade, for creating not just a home worthy of artistic praise, but also of love for each one of God’s children, too.
Murphy built the house before he and Jade tied the knot. He jokes that she “feminized” everything, creating a beautiful melody of color and design. The house was originally navy, but Jade opted to paint the house white, creating a more “soft and subtle” mood.
One common theme throughout the home is beautiful art. This abstract pictured is an original by Murphy himself.
Funny enough, this room is the only room in the entire house with warm hues. The piano pictured is actually passed down from Jade’s aunt. The couple utilized a candle-lit chandelier to complement the “musically-pleasing” atmosphere.
One unique change is the couple raised the ceilings up to 10 feet tall, so the home could have a more “elevated” presence.
This herringbone backsplash adds a pop of texture, which dignifies the cooking space.
The couple opted for an open China cabinet, utilizing a circularshelving design
The couple utilized light colors with pops of blue and gray for a “cool” mood.
Both Murphy and Jade play the piano. Murphy actually started out as a vocal performance major at Samford University, but he later changed career paths to become a dentist. Aside from his dental career, Murphy has served as the Worship Pastor at Riverchase Baptist Church for the past 13 years and loves it. Everyone is welcome to attend and become a part of the family, he says.
The couple added pine cones to their garland, which paired with blue and silver ornaments makes for a festive, elegant design.
Murphy is an artist by passion. Pictured here are two of his favorite abstracts that he painted. Those interested in viewing or purchasing his art can visit @murphymaddoxart on Instagram.
Art, Murphy explains, is still in his everyday life even as a dentist because “dentistry is so artistic. It’s a chance to serve others.” Murphy’s practice, Southern Dental, is located in Inverness and can be reached at southerndentalbirmingham. com.
Murphy and Jade’s adorable daughter, Genevieve, has a nursery that’s “fit for a princess.” The draping canopy over her Victorianbronze crib creates a stately aesthetic.
The couple’s outdoor lounge, framed by motorized screens, is perfect for family gatherings by the water. With the lake being less than a stone’s throw away, it’s perfect to take in one of God’s most beautiful masterpieces, nature.
The home has one of the longest waterfront views of the lake in Brock Point.
The couple’s monogram is a cute touch to their bedroom decor.
This spacious walk-in shower pairs two different tiles with a drop-down shower head for both elegance and convenience.
Evangel Classical Christian School (ECCS), a ministry of Evangel Presbyterian Church (PCA) and located in Alabaster, Alabama, provides a unique approach to education that seeks to develop leaders who are equipped to transform the culture for Christ. All ECCS classes are taught through the lens of Scripture to support an integrated Christian worldview and to shape students’ minds as well as hearts. Students are not expected only to memorize facts for tests, but they are also encouraged and taught to think critically and logically about the world around them and to apply what they are learning to benefit themselves and others.
Evangel seeks to partner with parents to prepare students for their lives through a unique, three-
phased approach to their education that includes the schools of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Designed with a child’s developmental stages in mind, Grammar School is grades K3 through 5th, Logic is 6th through 8th, and Rhetoric is 9th through 12th. Subjects are not approached as individual disciplines, but rather as a holistic way to look for God, His work, His purpose, and His glory in all creation and through all that they are studying. The classical approach to learning helps build the foundation for students to express themselves thoughtfully to reflect truth with precision, conviction, and clarity.
Parents who are looking for an educational option where their children are nurtured spiritually
and intellectually can find a perfect fit at ECCS. “Classical education is, I think, the only educational system that really gives kids something beautiful to want,” Julie McGuffey, a Rhetoric school faculty member said, “because I want them to love the God who created them and who created all of these subjects.” The “something beautiful” that Mrs. McGuffey speaks about is a love of learning that is fostered by a sincere love of God, His creation, and His will for their lives, for “in Christ, all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
Students are not only prepared to have a successful career in college and in the workforce, but they are also guided as a whole person, educated to pursue a life glorifying to God. The school aims for each child to flourish in wisdom, courage,
justice, self-control, faith, hope, and love. Bible classes at every grade level and chapel services further promote spiritual maturity. Student life is also an integral part of ECCS. With clubs like drama and scholar’s bowl, athletics, and a unique house system, students have many options to be involved in various activities.
Ultimately, ECCS seeks to glorify God by shaping the hearts and minds of covenant children through a distinctively classical and unapologetically Christian education with the goal of raising up ambassadors for Christ. If you value a partnership with a school that provides a classical Christian education, then you should consider Evangel Classical Christian School. For more information, please visit the school’s website at evangelclassical.com.
“Classical education is, I think, the only educational system that really gives kids something beautiful to want.”
-Julie McGuffey, faculty
One of my favorite ways to spend the holidays is by decorating the tree with my family. We all do an ornament exchange, and we put them on the tree!
-Kelsea Schafer
The Church of the Highlands Christmas program and seeing all the decorated homes in our neighborhood are some of our favorite ways to spend Christmas.
-Donovan Harris
We love the “Living Nativity” program at our church, Riverchase Baptist. There are lots of live animals that children can pet, live music and hot chocolate, too!
-Murphy Maddox
The tree lighting ceremony at the Hoover Public Library and the Walk Through Nativity at Briarwood Presbyterian Church are wonderful!
-Melinda Wells
I love the Bluff Park Christmas Parade because I participate in it with “Elf Corps.” A few of us “old timers” dress like elves and play a few Christmas tunes each year!
-Chris Moore
My family loves the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Hoover Public Library!
-Stacy Cole
My wife and I love watching the Hallmark Channel!
-Jeff Huemmer
We love driving through Bluff Park, looking at Christmas lights! Last year, we got dinner at Bluff Park Diner then drove around looking at lights. It was so familiar and cozy!
-Rachael Milner
Retirement hasn’t stopped Col. Peyton F. Ligon from supporting veterans and his community.
By Lauren H. Dowdle | Photos by Mary Tweedy
He received the 2022 Hoover Freedom Award and was recognized during a Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon this past summer for his military service, promoting the ideas of freedom and his work as a veteran’s service officer. This award meant so much to him because it came from the community he calls home, Peyton says.
“It also means that I have to continue representing my community in a fashion that continues to bring honor to them,” he adds.
Even from a young age, Peyton aspired to serve his country. He had a great uncle who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and Peyton says he attributes that to him wanting to one day attend the academy.
His family later moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where his father knew a congressman who offered him an alternate appointment to West Point. He just needed to attend North Carolina State College (now N.C. State University) for a year before
Having received several awards and distinctions during a military career that took him around the world, the one that brought Retired Col. Peyton F. Ligon the greatest honor came from here in Hoover.
becoming the primary Congressional appointee the following year.
“This was very fortunate for me in that I was able to enroll in the reserve officer training course (ROTC) at N.C. State College and be exposed to the basics of military life such as drilling, marksmanship training and wearing of military uniforms,” he says.
That experience served him well when he reported to West Point on July 2, 1962. He graduated four years later and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in infantry and attended airborne and ranger school—before being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. There, he gained the training needed to deploy to South Vietnam for his first tour.
“Like all my classmates that went to Vietnam right away, we continued to gain firsthand
experience every day, which helped us survive the rigors of combat,” Peyton explains. “Since I volunteered for Vietnam, we were given our first choice of assignment, which for me was the 173rd Airborne Brigade.”
His brigade was the first unit to be deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and earned the reputation of being one of the best units there. He joined the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment as a rifle platoon leader and soon entered into combat engagement in the jungle terrain.
“It was during my first combat experience that I found myself in the position of having to assume command of the company when my company commander was seriously wounded and evacuated,” Peyton recalls. “As a result, I was surprised to learn that I had been recommended for award of the
Both those who have served and their loved ones can get involved with and help local veterans through Ryan Winslow American Legion Post 911. While veterans are at the heart of this organization, the American Legion also expands beyond them to include the entire family. It encompasses the Sons of the American Legions (sons and grandsons of veterans), American Legion Auxiliary (spouses, daughters and granddaughters) and the American Legion Riders. The Riders group includes veterans who ride motorcycles to support Memorial Day, Veterans Day, military funerals and other patriotic events in the Hoover area.
“We encourage all family members that have a veteran who is a member of the American Legion to consider joining one of the family groups, which supports the overall efforts of Post 911,” Peyton says.
For more information on how to support or join Post 911, visit their Facebook page @CombatMilitaryVets.
Silver Star.”
Like most soldiers, Peyton doesn’t like to discuss his awards and says there are many soldiers who should have been recommended for awards but, for a variety of reasons, were not.
By October 1967, he was assigned to the battalion staff as the air operations officer and was responsible for planning and conducting all battalion air assault operations.
“This was one of the most enjoyable opportunities I had during my first tour in Vietnam, since I was able to ride in the command and control helicopter during all these air assault operations,” he says, reflecting.
After that deployment, he went on to serve as an instructor in
the mountain ranger camp in Georgia, general’s aide in Maryland and then went for his second tour in Vietnam.
His career also included positions such as company commander, battalion operations officer, cadet company tactical officer and regimental executive officer at West Point, war plans officer and secretary of the combined staff in the Republic of Korea.
“You learn to trust your subordinates when you are in a leadership position,” Peyton says. “Give them guidance and then give them room to make a few mistakes, but keep them focused as necessary.”
His last assignment was to the Second Army as the deputy chief of staff for training before retiring after 27 years of active duty.
“This was an easy decision since we were ready to settle down,” Peyton says of him and his wife, Jan. “This is what brought us to the Birmingham area, as my next job was working in a sales position in a manufacturing company in Alabama.”
Even in retirement, his decades of experience in the military helped teach him numerous lessons that he tries to apply daily— including having a plan for what needs to be done each day or during a specific timeframe.
“When possible, you may also need a backup plan to stay flexible, since nothing always goes according to plan,” he says. “If something can go wrong, it will.”
While his active duty might be over, Peyton continues to support and meet with local veterans as a member of Ryan
Winslow American Legion Post 911. The primary goal of this organization is to continue recruiting and supporting veterans in the Hoover area.
Missions they’ve accomplished include providing financial assistance to veterans in the Hoover community, conducting annual fundraisers for veterans in need, participating in the annual Veterans Day Parade, sponsoring the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, supporting the Hoover High School Air Force JROTC and much more.
Post 911 is one of about 12,000 posts worldwide— including Paris, France, where the first American Legion Post was founded at the end of WWI. (Read
how people can get involved on page 73).
“This makes it the nation’s largest and most influential service organization,” Peyton says.
His service in the Army not only helped shape him into the man he is today, but the people who he worked with and met also left a lasting impression.
“I was extremely fortunate to have served with and for some of the army’s finest soldiers and top leaders who helped me learn how to best apply the principles of leadership and therefore successfully command those units that I had been instructed to lead,” Peyton says. “I also was able to establish very close relationships with other officers and their families, which we stay in contact with today.”
Of all the times to travel to New Orleans – early spring for Mardi Gras, late spring for Jazz Fest – winter might become your new favorite time. As with every season, the Crescent City loves a celebration and a party. Winter holidays are no different, so plan your getaway now to enjoy all the city has to offer, without breaking a sweat.
Photo by Jeff Anding.
Songwriters for generations have tried to distill the essence of New Orleans into their lyrics. From Fats Domino’s “I’m Walking to New Orleans” where he croons, “And I’ve got no time for talkin’ I’ve got to keep on walkin’ ‘Cause New Orleans is my home That’s the reason why I’m goin’ Yes, I’m walkin’ to New Orleans,” this is a city that gets down into your soul.
5 hrs., 4 min. 344 Miles
While there are myriad hotel options in New Orleans, we offer these three which are, quite honestly, destinations in and of themselves. Each offers more than a place to lay your head at night. Just as any host here would do, they want to provide more than a cozy bed and a hot shower. They want to embrace and engage you, they want you to experience their version of New Orleans, they want you to fall head-over-heels in love with the city the way they have. Also, traveling at the holidays will ensure each is gussied up for your visual delight.
The epitome of old-world style and grace, the Windsor Court Hotel sets the standard for European-level travel in New Orleans. The stately downtown hotel has undergone extensive renovations and upgrades in recent years, which only adds to her charm. From the moment you enter the cloistered walls of the motor court, you will feel wellcared for. Rooms are large and sumptuous. Make time for high tea on the club level; it might become your new favorite tradition. windsorcourthotel.com
New Orleans is a city which revels in rebirth, at every turn. You will find that here in this former school, church and convent that has been given new life as an intimate hotel in the heart of the Marigny. Within a 10-minute walk of the hotel’s front doors, you can explore the entire neighborhood. Bring your camera: the zippy, brightly-painted Creole cottages deserve to have their pictures taken. hotelpeterandpaul.com
Located in the Lower Garden District, Hotel Saint Vincent is as funky as it is elegant. The building itself dates back to 1861 but was renovated and completely updated in 2021. Save time for a pre-prandial nibble at the hotel’s all-day restaurant, San Lorenzo, which is named for the patron saint of cooks. Set aside some of your travel budget for a little pop in to By George, the hotel’s lifestyle boutique, which has the most covetable curated selection of things you never knew you needed but somehow cannot live without. saintvincentnola.com
There’s simply no way to do all you’ll want to do in New Orleans in one visit. Then again, that is kind of the beauty of travel – we get to come back again and again to the places we love.
Start your visit with a visit to Vue New Orleans. From 34-stories up, you’ll get a fantastic 360-degree overview of the city, literally and historically. Whether this is your first or 50th visit to the Crescent City, you will come away, learning something new about the city. vueorleans.com
No holiday visit to New Orleans is complete without visiting the show-stopping display at the Roosevelt Hotel. This year’s display will be revealed on Tuesday, Nov. 29 and promises to feature more than 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland and 4,000 glass ornaments. The hotel lobby spans an entire city block and is truly breath-taking. While the little ones take in the Roosevelt Teddy Bear Tea, perhaps the grown-ups can pop in to the Sazerac Bar for a libation. therooseveltneworleans.com
New Orleans City Park
New Orleans does so many things well and an abundance of public green spaces is certainly one of those. City Park offers more than 1,400 acres of space to picnic, walk or bike. At the holidays, the largest grove of live oaks in the world get dolled up in thousands of lights for the Celebration in the Oaks. This annual tradition has been going strong since the 1980s with holiday-themed displays, which are practically guaranteed to inspire more than a few sugarplum-filled dreams.
neworleanscitypark.com
Tour the city by bike Winter months are ideal for being outside and New Orleans’s flat terrain makes bike riding a breeze. There are scads of itineraries on-line, so be sure to pick one or two before you go and make a day of it.
neworleanscitypark.com
To meet Alexa Pulitzer, acclaimed paper and leather-goods designer, is to meet New Orleans. The woman is clearly besotted with her hometown, and her daily work girds that passion. From her ceaseless support of Preservation Hall, to the custom goods she’s created for the National World War II Museum, to the whimsical royal alligator that is synonymous with her affection for this place, Alexa is a New Orleanian through-andthrough.
As Hurricane Katrina bore down on her beloved city, a very pregnant Alexa and her husband fled to Birmingham to literally ride out the storm. Friends housed them, found her an OB/GYN and a printer, so that she could continue to operate her business. Alexa adds, “To this day, I am forever grateful to the incredible people of Birmingham, who opened their arms and hearts to me. They left a magical impression on me and showed me the true meaning of generosity, hospitality and ‘Bless Your Heart!’”
So, before you hit I-59 South, you simply MUST visit Alexa’s eponymous website, alexapulitzer.com, and read what is basically her love letter to New Orleans entitled “Guide to NOLA” at the bottom of the homepage. She updates the listings quarterly to reflect new additions and closings. Learn more about Alexa and check out her work at alexapulitzer.com
For many, New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras. To be sure, the annual celebration between Kings’ Day and the start of Lent is a sight to behold and experience. Perhaps responsible for more than $1 billion in revenue for the city, Mardi Gras is serious business. Go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World to learn the history of Mardi Gras, see how floats are made and maybe take more than a few Instagram-worthy photos. mardigrasworld.com
In a city that is renowned for its multitude of represented cuisines, why not take a cooking class and bring the flavors home with you? Explore more at the New Orleans School of Cooking neworleansschoolofcooking.com or do a deeper dive at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum southernfood.org/events-1 or book a private class at New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute nochi.org
uAlex Beard Studio – Equal parts work space and studio, travel gallery and wanderlust zone, Alex Beard’s studio is a must-visit. His work is inspired by a love of animals and travels to Africa and is teeming with what he calls “abstract naturalism.” Kids will marvel at the intricacies, and adults will feel a yearning to own a piece. Do it. You’ll never regret buying the art you love. alexbeardstudio.com
uHome Malone – New Orleans gets down in your soul, and you’ll find yourself wanting to bring that bonhomie and joie de vivre back to Birmingham with you. Pop into locally-owned Home Malone for fun door décor or yard art that will remind you of this holiday trip, anytime of year. homemalonenola.com
Spend an afternoon bouncing between the fantastic retail emporiums that line this beloved street. You are bound to knock out your entire holiday shopping list in an afternoon – that is, if you don’t get distracted by all the pretty things you want for yourself. Not to be missed:
uDunn & Sonnier – More than a florist, more than an antiques shop, more than you can imagine on every surface and wall. These are the folks responsible for the famed rose display in the lobby of the Windsor Court Hotel – go see them in person and bring home a treasure for your own home. dunnandsonnier.com
uPerlis – Located way uptown, Perlis is the go-to clothing shop here, carrying such brands as Barbour, Peter Millar and local brand TASC. But what you might also know them for is their signature crawfish logo, which will put you in a New Orleans state of mind wherever you are. perlis.com.
You could close your eyes and throw a Mardi Gras doubloon and hit some place great to eat in New Orleans. Be it tables clothed in white linen or weathered wooden high-tops flanked by worn barstools, the same love and pride goes into all the food this town serves up. Make reservations where you can, pack extra patience when you must wait in line. This is by no means an exhaustive list but just a great place to start.
This sexy and sophisticated spot atop the Four Seasons in downtown New Orleans offers a beautiful river view, with a menu featuring so much of what chef Donald Link and his team do best: take the freshest local ingredients and simply elevate them. Think blue crab boulettes, duck confit, oysters. cheminalamer.com/neworleans.
This uptown neighborhood joint bears the patina of decades of pitchers of local beer, discarded oyster shells and more than a few tall-tales told. Grab a seat and order a couple dozen chargrilled oysters to start – you can look at the rest of the menu later. frankieandjohnnys.net.
Seafood is one thing New Orleans gets right everytime.
There are as many iterations of poboys in New Orleans as there are Mardi Gras krewes. You just have to find the kind you like. But the basics must include the freshest bread (usually from Leidenheimer’s bakery) and something good stuffed in between – it could be fried shrimp or oysters but might also be alligator sausage or roast beef. Grab a stack of po-boys at Domilise’s Po-Boy and Bar and head to Audubon Park for a makeshift picnic. domilisespoboys.com.
During Mardi Gras season, La Boulangerie turns out some of the most fantastic King Cakes you’ve ever seen (ask them about The Elvis). But this Magazine Street bakery and sandwich shop is renowned year round for the caliber of their fare, which includes croissants, turnovers, bread pudding, savory biscuits, quiche, sandwiches with Butcher ham and Comté cheese, tarts, pies and really great coffee. laboulangerienola.com
Founded to celebrate the bounty of the seafaring community that surrounds the Crescent City, the Mosquito Supper Club menu mirrors those waters, with an ebb and flow of what the fishermen haul in. Go hungry and curious; you won’t be disappointed. Reservations through Tock and via email only. mosquitosupperclub.com
Even if you can’t get to New Orleans for the holidays, you can still have a bit of that Big Easy feeling at home, with this boozy egg nog from Cochon Butcher. Go ahead and double (or triple) the recipe. Jars of this holiday treat will be exactly what your friends and neighbors hope you’ll gift them when you come a-calling.
Cochon Butcher’s Boozy Butcher Eggnog
Ingredients: u 12 eggs u 2 cups sugar u 2 cups milk u 2 cups half-and-half u 2 cups heavy whipping cream u 2 ½ cups spiced rum u ½ cup bourbon u 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
1) Separate the egg whites and yolks into two clean mixing bowls. There can be no yolks in the white mixture, or they won’t mix correctly.
2) Whip the yolks until light, then add sugar and salt and whip until thick and white and form soft peaks.
3) Fold the whites into the yolks.
4) Add all the dairy and alcohol. Mix thoroughly. Pour into mason jars and seal; label and share, share, share!
While the sugar-white sand is certainly a signature of Walton County, unlimited sights and activities add true depth to its personality. These unique neighborhoods are intertwined by the colorful local culture, as well as the surrounding waters – from the Gulf to the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Antique shops and stylish boutiques. Worldwide cuisine and Gulf-to-table fare. Championship golf courses and a thriving arts scene. The wide variety ensures that every day offers a completely new experience.
steeped in rich history and pristine natural beauty.
Surrounding
Drive was once home to the vibrant local Chautauqua Assembly. Visitors can tour the classic architecture of nearly 200 homes and buildings, about 40 of which are noted in the National Register of Historic Places.
Morrison Springs is a 161-acre park highlighted by a crystal-clear, spring-fed pool 250 feet in diameter. Dive enthusiasts flock here to explore the deep underwater cavities, but it is equally attractive to casual swimmers and ecotourists as well.
Nestled within the expansive Nokuse Plantation preserve, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is a great home base for exploring the longleaf pine ecosystem. This hidden gem welcomes budding naturalists of all ages to learn more about the power of biodiversity.
Head north of the Bay to discover Freeport, DeFuniak Springs and Paxton – equally
Lake DeFuniak, Circle
When settling into the wide-open space along our 26 miles of stunning beaches, you can check out a good book or simply check out. Find your perfect beach at VisitSouthWalton.com.
These handmade, hand-painted stoneware trees will add to any holiday decor throughout the holiday season and into the new year! Available individually or as a pair. $40-$72. Crestline Pharmacy. 60 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. (205) 871-0317. facebook.com/ crestlinepharmacy
2. Hale Bob Perfume
Wildflowers Touched Softly by Freshness and Warmth, a Truly Sweet Escape. Floral/ Fruity/Powdery. $50. ShoeFly. 2823 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
3. 14k Yellow Gold 2 Stone Oval and Pear
Shape Ruby w/ Diamond Halo Ring
Dazziling Holiday Eye Candy. This beautiful 2 stone oval and pear shape ruby with diamond halo ring is sure to make this holiday one of a kind. Tis the season to sparkle, shine and shop local. Follow us @southeasternjewelers. $1,265. Southeastern Jewelers. 5299 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 980-9030. southeasternjewelers.net
This brand’s name comes from the French words “belle,” meaning beautiful, and “monde,” meaning world, which is where you can go with these faux suede bags. Whether traveling across town or an ocean, these durable, stain resistant bags will go with you. $20-$32. Rocky Ridge Drug Co. 3346 Morgan Dr, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. (205) 259-7100. rockyridgedrugco.com
With their multi-purpose shape, Fritsy drinking glasses by Saban Glass effortlessly transition from a good-looking durable workhorse to dinner party conversation piece. Best of all, they are available in a jewel box of colors to complement your style. Whether you’re serving up a G&T or water with citrus, our Fritsy drinking glass makes everything look artful. $58. Table Matters. 2402 Montevallo Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 879-0125. table-matters.com
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Our necklace features glittering marquise-cut stones and delicate freshwater pearls set in a lovely cluster design and suspended from a 17” adjustable rope chain. $135. Bromberg’s. 2800 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 871-3276. brombergs.com
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Step 1 add BuDhaGirl Bracelets to any outfit $35.00- $135.00. Step 2 Pick out a Velvet Blazer $109 with inspired necklace $139. Step 3 Complete your outfit a beautiful Gold satchel to carry all your essentials. $35-$139.00. Hami Boutique. 300 Carlow Ln Suite 101, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 834-8833. shophamiboutique.com
Our detangling spray creates shine without weight. This revolutionary leave-in conditioner strengthens, smooths and detangles. Daily restoring shampoo heals damage caused by daily stresses and styling. Smoothing balm will make the most curly hair soft and straight. All made in the USA, cruelty-free, paraben-free and color-safe. $15.50-$25. Oak Street Hair Group. 125 Oak St, Birmingham, AL 35213. (205) 879-3222. oakstreethairgroup.com
Delightfully scented plant-based soaps and skincare products that are handmade daily in our local shops/makeries make wonderful gifts! Our artisan soap bars, bath bombs, shower oils, body butters, body scrubs, laundry soaps & scent boosters all SMELL WONDERFUL! $5 to $59. Buff City Soaps. 3 location stores. See ad for details. buffcitysoap.com
We have many stackable diamond bracelet styles in stock now, so shop early for the holidays! Diamond stack bracelet prices start around ~$1,300.00, before sales tax. Start around $1,300.00. Shay’s Jewelry. 1678 Montgomery Hwy 103C, Hoover Al 35216. (205) 978-5880. shaysjewelers.com
Fringe is in! This quilted crossbody has a suede feel texture with accent fringe on the front magnetic flap. The bag is separated into two compartments by a center zippered section. The chain crossbody strap is removable and pairs perfectly for any occasion! $60. High Cotton Boutique. 415 Chelsea Crossroads, Chelsea, AL 35043. (205) 677-2200. highcottonboutique.com
Crafted with vegan leather, this SHUG miniskirt with a bias cut fringe detail and a concealed black zipper closure is the fashion statement of this season. $330. Dukes Clothier. 53 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. (205) 739-2244. dukesclothier.com
Wrap yourself in the irresistable softness of Barefoot Dreams. This fabulous throw is a celebrity favorite and a conversation piece to add to any home decor. Pair with a spa gift card for ultimate luxury and relaxation! $180. La Bella Skin & Wellness. 8000 Liberty Pkwy Suite 120, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242. (205) 994-8906. labellabirmingham.com
The Pooley vase is a fully glazed ceramic bud vase and it takes all the work and thought out of flower arranging. Simply pop a stem in all or a few of the tubes and voila! Each tube is attached to the base and is individually separated so you can fill just one or fill them all. $33.95. Sweet Pea Garden.
They are 100% wool and handmade. Extremely durable and easily cleaned. Perfect for bathrooms, doorways, laundry room or mudrooms. Hazel House. 1816 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 908-7755. hazel-house.com
The perfect statement necklace for the Holidays is this vegan leather fringe necklace that is made in Italy by Lelya Gans. $175. Effie’s
Give your eyes a boost this season with this limited-edition eye essentials kit featuring Obagi’s Elastiderm Eye Cream, Nu-Cil Eyelash Serum and Nu-Cil Eyebrow Serum. Your eye area will experience a firmer, more resilient look while your lashes and brows become more luscious, thicker and more defined. $300 for $450 value.
Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery. 2700 US Hwy 280 Suite No- 300 W, Birmingham, AL 35223. (205) 930-9595. drrousso.com
Cookie Fix tins make great gifts for friends, neighbors, and clients. Prices start at $27 for a tin of eight cookies to $128 for a triple stack of 40 cookies. $27- $128. Cookie Fix. 2854 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 582-2623. cookiefix.com
While you’re shopping for Christmas decor, grab a few gifts too! These 17 oz. cermaic cups with a decorative box will be the perfect little something for someone on your list this year! $19.99. Home Accents. 2750 Pelham Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124. (205) 621-2039. homeaccentsonline.com
Claude Dozorme bottle openers, pizza knives and cheese knife sets make the perfect holiday gift. They are handcrafted in France and made of stainless steel with an acrylic handle. $25-$100. A’Mano. 281 Rele St, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 871-9093. amanogifts.com
Customize a gift basket for your friends and family from your favorite Columbiana Shops! Your favorite bottle of wine from Just a Tish paired with special gift items from The Farm Company will make the sweetest gift this Holiday Season. Give us a call for more details! Just a Tish & The Farm Company. 113 West College St. Suite B Columbiana, AL - 105 A S Main Street #132, Columbiana, AL. (205) 6715267 and (205) 671-5477. justatishwine.com and thefarmcompany.net
Give the gift of glowing skin with Melatonik. It repairs, restores and brightens the skin. This non-irritating retinol-alternative stimulates natural antioxidant defenses and restores elasticity. Melatonik is a great pick for all skin types, even sensitive skin. $165. Gunn Dermatology. (205) 4157536. gunndermatology.com
The dos and don’ts for whisky-food pairings. How to discern complex flavor pattersn to get the most ouf of your glass. How to conduct a tasting. $25. Antique Market on Linden. 2828 Linden Ave, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 490-1162
These gorgeous earrings are available from one carat up to...the sky is the limit! They come with patented Core Lock to keep the earrings safely on your ear. Pick one out today for any of the beautiful women in your life! Starting at $2,750. Cummings Jewelry Design. Heights Village, 3166, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 298-9144. cummingsjewelrydesign.com
These round, wooden trays make great gifts for the holidays, weddings or any other occasion! The 18-inch circle with handles creates endless possibilities for its use. Personalization is included and can say anything you want. Available in 2-3 days. $69. Fun Stuff. 3370 Morgan Dr, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. (205) 823-3688. funstuffgifts.com
Our Best Of DOCTOR BABOR Set was curated by experts to promote healthy, glowing skin. Everything you need to lift, firm, even skin tone & texture. Cost is $179 with a $412 value. $179. Woodhouse Spa. 125 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 905-7676. birmingham. woodhousespas.com
This cami/boxer sleep set features luxurious and soft lace fro Cosabella’s Allure collection. Color shown is Odisha Gray. $140. The Lingerie Shoppe. 2403 Montevallo Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 871-8994. thelingerieshoppemtb.com
All of Baobab Collection’s raw materials come from Europe: Each glass is mouthblown in Poland, a country renowned worldwide for its glass artisans. It is a mineral wax (paraffin) selected for its burning quality. The wicks, made of Egyptian cotton, also come from Germany, and the precious leathers of the limited editions come from the best Italian tanneries. Each olfactory creation is an invitation to an exotic journey. The packaging is designed and manufactured in Belgium. $65 and up. Heezie’s. 81 Church Street, Suite 101, Mountain Brook, Alabama 35213. 205-874-6278. heezies.com
These lightweight, trending, seed bead earrings are perfect for any holiday gathering. We offer a huge variety of jewlery for all styles and personalities including formal, bridal and everyday wear. $16. Consigned Design. 72 Fulton Springs Rd, Alabaster, AL 3500. (205) 664-7540. consigned.design
This woven cassrole holder with included Pyrex is great for very recipe in your file. It is a 9x13, 3qt dish. $110. The Cook Store. 2841 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. (205) 879-5277. thecookstoremtnbrook.com
The box features Pearl of my Heart, Rome and wide inner beauty bracelets in Gold Angelina from faith-based jewelry designer, Ronaldo. The box also includes an all-natural olive oil, Italian dip seasoning, a Whitco Bar Mixer and Prosecco bubble bath. Perfect for girls’ night or solo relaxation session! Prices vary depending on bracelet & size of oil. The Mountain Brook Olive Co. 261 Rele St, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 703-9003. mountainbrookolive.com
Mantooth Interiors is your home for all Nest collections and fragrances. Our large selection of holiday scents make the perfect gift for friends and family! $49. Mantooth. 2813 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 879-5474.
Viking Toys has made award-winning, high quality toys for kids to explore their world with all their senses. With timeless Scandinavian design where form reflects function in a minimalist and stylish way, these are toys that engage, entice, excite and entertain. And there are no batteries required, it’s kid-powered play. $28. Homewood Toy and Hobby. 2830 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209. (205) 879-3986. homewoodtoy-hobby.com
This 32 squishy inches of human-sized hamburger might look good enough to eat but is much better at cuddles! Not into meat? We offer many Squishable products in a variety of shapes and sizes. $250. Swoop. 251 Rele St, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 803-0886. swoopisfun.com
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GiGi’s carries fun printed soft fleece pajama shorts that all girls adore! Each style of shorts have different vibrant patterns and are the perfect gift for any occasion. Starting at $23. Gigi’s. 3140 Heights Village, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 593-4586. gigisbham.com
36. Beaded Purses
Help them take their outfit to the next level this holiday season with our selection of beaded coin purses and crossbody bags! $20-$70. Village Dermatology. 2900 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 877-9773. villagedermatology.net
37.
These western-inspired boots were made for the holidays! With padded insoles and embellished rhinestones, these boots will make any outfit shine this season. $159.98. Shoe Station. 664 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Text STATION to 67464* to receive the best coupons + offers. *Message & data rates may apply. Terms & Conditions: ShoeStation.com/FAQ.
Bogg® Brrr and a Half - Fills 1/2 of the Original Bogg® Bag (leaving room for towels, dry snacks and anything else you’d like to bring along). Has a shoulder strap for use with our without the Original Bogg® Bag. Also, has one exterior pocket for keys, a cell phone or other small goods. $35. Village Drug. 300 Carlow Ln #116, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 713-8393. villagedrugco.com
“America’s Largest Outdoor Kitchen
Manufacturer.” Luxury Grill Islands and Bar Islands Your Way. Delivered in 5-10 business days with same day assembly. Visit our showroom for more details. Paradise Grills. 5413 US-280 Suite 104, Hoover, AL 35242. (205) 885-8161. paradisegrillsdirect.com/ showroom/hoover-outdoor-kitchens
December 2022 Member Appreciation Breakfast
Thursday, Dec. 15 7:30 a.m.
Riverchase Galleria Food Court 2000 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244
The 2023 Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly membership luncheons are tentatively scheduled for the third Thursday of every month.
2023 Coffee and Contacts
Tentatively scheduled for the second Thursday of each month, except for December.
Business After Hours
Tentatively scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month, except for holidays in December.
The first Tuesday of the month except for December and holidays.
Woven Together Series, which is a collaboration with the Community Foundation, will take place in February 2023. Location is to be determined.
Employment Law Update and Talent Recruitment Conference will take place in the first quarter of 2023.
For more information on the aforementioned events, visit hooverchamber.org.
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Meet Knox Thomas, a 7th grader at Simmons Middle School (SMS). He’s a humble, soft-spoken student with a big heart, who wants to be a positive influence and make a difference in someone’s life.
Knox is an A-honor roll student and is involved in peer helpers and the Student Advisory Council. He’s also a Junior Ambassador; the ambassadors program is a leadership program in which students serve as the official student representatives for the school to give tours, greet guests and help host events.
Knox runs cross country at SMS and is a member of the Over the Mountain Track Club. He takes guitar lessons at Mason Music and is a member of Church of the Highlands. His mother, Jillian Thomas, says Knox is lovingly referred to as the “team caretaker” of all the younger sib-
lings of teammates at his brother’s baseball practices and tournaments. Jillian says the parents can’t live without him because he is great at babysitting the kids, so parents can watch their little players on the field.
Knox says it takes a great deal of balance to sustain his grades and be involved in so many activities. But, he stays focused and tries his very best. He says his loving parents and school environment are a big part of his success.
“Simmons is a great place! I have great friends and teachers,” Knox says of his school’s atmosphere. “The learning environment is fun. The teachers are especially kind and supportive. I’ve grown so much since being a 6th grader, thanks to my teachers being there for me and making me feel comfortable and loved.”
HOOVER, AL 35244
Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television
Ms. Brooke Wood, Alabama Credit UnionHoover
Dr. Timothy Lee, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Kimberly Jackson, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner
Zeke Eldridge, Alabama Vein & Restoration Medspa-Chace Circle
Raven Bell, AlaTrust Credit Union
Craig Reeves, Ambit Solutions, LLC Jylon Jones, American Family Care - Cahaba Beach Road
Jody Mattson, AmFirst Derrick E. Ragland, APCO Employees Credit Union
John Santamour, Aprio, LLP
Kim Starling, Ascension St. Vincent’s
Terri Williams, AT&T - Alabama
Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union - Corporate Jarrod Edwards, BancorpSouth - Hoover
David Riddle, Bedzzz Express
Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc.
Matthew Rodgers, Benton Nissan of Hoover Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society
Tara Bailey, Brookdale University Park Will Hawkins, CB&S Bank
Lori Moler, Children’s of Alabama
Crystal Dixon, Costco Wholesale
Jonathan Wilson, Dave and Buster’s
Jeff Bass, Diversicare of Riverchase
Nicole Self. Express Oil Change/Tire Engineers -Corporate Offices
Anne Smyth, Galleria Woods Retirement Community
Ches Allen, General Informatics
Keith Strickland, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc.
Leisha Harris, Grandview Medical Center
Len Luther, Gresham, Smith and Partners
Ryan Emery, Kamali Creole Kitchen
Gina Cannady, Legacy Community Federal Credit
Union - Corporate Ridge
Mr. Ira Levine, Levine & Associates Commercial Real Estate
Terry Poole, Long-Lewis of Hoover
Jamie Black, McDonald’s
Christina Bunn, Medical West Hospital
Luke Elder, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham
Van Singleton, Office Depot #2293-Hoover
Chelsea Cook, Ortho Alabama Spine and Sports
Rodney Berry, Peoples Bank of AlabamaInternational Park
Chuck Kramer, Progress Bank and Trust
Libby O’Neal, Proveer at Grande View
Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Bob Adams, Revere Control Systems, Inc.
Mike White, Riverchase Galleria
Dwight Sandlin, Signature Homes
Brian Skelton, Skelton’s Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration
Michelle Suggs, Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
Lynne Butler, South Haven Health & Rehabilitation Center
James Robinson, Spire Energy
Vivian Mora, State Farm Insurance - Vivian Mora Agency
Terry Rippstein, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Aeriell Lapsley, The Trails at Cahaba River Mark Grenier, Topgolf
Gus McKenzie, Troy University
Mary Beth Young, Truist Financial
Matt Roth, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux~ Tattersall Phillip Corley, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC
Darin Boykin, WalMart - Hoover #1229
Richard Edwards, WalMart SuperCenterHighway 280
Cody Burns, WBRC Fox 6 Television Paul Sutton, werkplas
Ellen Chandler, Whataburger
Kyla Carr, Annie’s True Love CDC
Tyler Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Natalie Fleming, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Alan Lincoln, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
Brandi Ashley, Go Green Lawn
Joel Smith, Hendrick
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram / Chevrolet
Scott Peeples, Hoover Toyota
Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel
Van Moody, Kale Me Crazy
Henry King, King Acura
David A. Custred, McLeod Software Corporation
Stephen Gathings, OFCworkscapes, Inc.
Bill Powell, Powell Consulting Group
Tyler Lipe, Regions BankDowntown
Brian Ethridge, River Bank & Trust
Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air & Plumbing
Ms. Lyndsy Yim, SRS Real Estate Partners
Bill Inabet, Synovus Bank -formerly First Commercial Bank of Highway 150
Stephen Walsh, Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial
Brandon Wilson, Wilbron Inc.
Thank you for your service.
A.W. Bolt
Bill Stoeffhaas
Dan Mikos
Gene Bromberg
Greg Meineke
Jason
Lori Moler
Lynn Thomas
Richard Head
Richard Rayborn
Robert Linthout
Susan Webb
Terri Williams
From May 12-15, 2022, the Greystone Golf and Country Club hosted the Regions Tradition, which featured 78 of the PGA Tour Champions players and World Golf Hall of Fame members who competed for the annual title and helped fundraise for Children’s of Alabama.
On Saturday, Sept. 24 the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation held its annual Head over Teal 5K/10K/Fun Run races at The Preserve. The nonprofit fundraises for research to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer, which could save thousands of lives. Hundreds showed up to participate, in efforts to help further this life-saving mission.
PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER
On Saturday, Oct. 1 the Bluff Park Art Association held the 59th annual Bluff Park Art Show for the first time ever at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The show featured 130 artists including 40 artists who exhibited for the first time. The show was previously named “Best Community Event in 2022” by Hoover’s Magazine.
RACHEL CULVER
Thursday, Oct. 6 Aldridge Gardens hosted the 2022 “Taste of Hoover” event, which featured a splendid variety of local culinary styles.
Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131
Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS!
IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.
Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007
$80,000+ Yearly Potential Sales positions available at Burton Campers. Please call Mickey Price for phone interview: 205-668-0075
Chilton and Shelby County Treatment Center Now Hiring Masters in counseling/ social work and related fields. Email resume to: donnajoiner53@gmail.com Or call 205-755-4300 for more information.
Kelly Education • Shelby County Schools • Hiring Substitute Teachers. Limitless opportunities for passionate people! •Free pre-hire training •Paid orientation •Ongoing professional development •Steady, yet flexible, work •Weekly pay •Your preference of schools. Contact Anne Gamble: O: 205.682.7062 M: 205.532.1122 anne.gamble@ kellyservices.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
South Haven Health & Rehab NOW HIRING!!! •LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 Sign-on Bonus for Full-Time shift •CNA’s Apply in person: 3141 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham,AL-35266
Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!
Ubique Technologies is hiring forklift operators and production workers. Starting pay $12.50hr up to $15hr. Apply via Indeed or in person at 1919 7th St S Clanton, AL 35045
O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Maintenance Technicians: 2nd Shift Monday-Thursday 2:30pm-1am Weekend Shift Friday-Sunday 6am-6pm 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
O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Quality Technician Inspects incoming materials, work-inprocess, & finished products. Maintains inspection and test records. Responsible for control of suspect and/or nonconforming materials and respective records including scrap, defect, and returns. Completes tasks required to submit customer PPAPS, CARS, Internal Audits & O-Flex Business System requirements. Utilizes PLEX Database and heavily relies on the use of tablets, laptops, desktops, and barcode scanners. $13.50$16.75/hour 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044
O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Facilities Maintenance Technician: Monday-Thursday 4am-2:30pm Performs routine maintenance tasks in one or more fields (carpentry, electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, etc.). Cleaning & other tasks as assigned. Full-time, nonexempt hourly position, reporting to Facilities Supervisor. Pay $19-$28 BOE 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044
HooversMagazine.com
O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Shipping/Receiving Material Handler Operates “Sit-Down Front Fork” Lift Truck in a Safe and Efficient Manner in close proximity to personnel and equipment. Must be able to move pallets and racks of material & parts to assist the Department Supervisor/Team Leader & Production Associates in the efficient daily process of fabricating, anodizing, and assembling quality parts to meet our customer’s delivery requirements. $13-$16.25/ hour. 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044
O-FLEX METAL FINISHING Rack Mover 1st & 2nd Shift Responsible for the movement of all product & strip racks to and from the anodizing system per the “Cell Flow Process” and “Operational Lay out”. Responsible for 5S of all individual trash cans on the production floor as determined by supervision or other. Starting pay $10.50, $1 shift differential. 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044
Dogwood Plumbing LLC – Master Plumber, Master Gasfitter. Licensed & Insured. Senior Discounts. Plumbing • Drain • Gas 205-864-2369 dogwoodplumbingllc@gmail. com
NOW-HIRING CLASS-A CDL DRIVERS in the Birmingham & Childersburg Area.•Clean driving record and drug test required •Piggyback lift experience a plus •Home Nightly •Benefits offered. Contact: april@blairblock.com 256-378-3345
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.
NOW HIRING!!! BEST WESTERN PELHAM • FRONT DESK• HOUSEKEEPERS• HANDYMAN “RETIREES ARE WELCOME” CALL OR TEXT 205.908.1305
BOOKKEEPING QuickBooks Online. Monthly reports, account reconciliations, sales tax payments, W-2 or 1099 payroll. “Pete” Stewart 205908-7103 pete.keepsbooks@ gmail.com
SHELBY CABINETS INC. IS LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED CABINET INSTALLER/ BUILDER. MONDAY-FRIDAY COMPETETIVE PAY CALL 205.365.3223.
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
MVP Landscape •Mowing •Edging •Weed Eating •Pruning •Pine Straw •Mulch FREE ESTIMATES! 256-2674578
University Baptist CDC Pre-K In Montevallo NOW HIRING Auxiliary teachers for First Class 4-year-old Pre-K programs. School year positions with competitive pay. Auxiliary teachers must have Child Development Associate (CDA) or 9hrs Early Childhood Education/Development. Experience in First Class program & bilingual skills a plus. Also looking for substitute teachers. For questions or resumes, contact Lorrie Ozley: universitybaptistcdc@gmail. com 205-665-4039
COLAFRANCESCO #1 Gelato in the world straight from Italy and a way of life where work is more than just another job. On Hwy 280 by Cowboy
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Full & Part Time *Baristas
*Cashies * Management Offering Competitive Pay Closed on Sundays Call for an Interview: 205-593-4221
NOW HIRING Custodian/ Event Set-up Performs various duties, Including cleaning and maintaining Civic Center
and set-up/breakdown of events. Pay begins at $14.75/ hour, with BCBS insurance, and retirement included in the benefits package.
Applicants must have reliable transportation and drug test required. Please contact: 205.978.0166 for application and additional details.
Rusty’s Pool Tech, LLC
Rusty offer’s swimming pool equipment diagnostics, repairs, replacements, programming, add ons and/or upgrades on the following…
•Filters •Pumps •Heaters
•Lighting •Automation and Variable speed pumps
•Automation systems •Timer systems •PVC plumbing issues
•Chlorinators •Salt systems
•Salt/chlorine conversions
•Filtration systems Rusty also offers Pool School for those who would just like to understand their pool equipment better. www.rustyspooltech.com 205.718.2898 (call or text) info@rustyspooltech.com
Field Maintenance Position Benefits include: BCBS Insurance 401K. PTO. Apply in person Bethel Water System 6485 Hwy 61 Wilsonville, Al. 35186
MACHINIST NEEDED Competitive pay. Benefits. Please call 205-337-2140
WINDER NEEDED
Competitive pay. Benefits. Please call 205-337-2140
ELECTRO-MECHANIC
NEEDED Competitive pay. Benefits. Please call 205-3372140
Call Wolf Furniture today! Great Prices! 205-224-3847
Flooring, Vinyl, & Carpet
Free Consultation Anthony Best Flooring Consultant
We also carry...Samsung, LG, GE and Frigidaire. Furniture Electronics, Tvs, Gaming Systems, Computers, Stoves, Wshers & Dryers, Refrigerators, Exercise Equipment, and Flooring. Tell (205)224-3847 anthonybestms@gmail. com Referral code # 11064 Birmingham, AL 35080
Community is Family Chartwell Road
Chartwell Road is tucked away in Green Valley between Burning Tree and Winchester. Living on Chartwell Road is like living on the set of a 1960s movie, where parents push little ones in strollers every night, friends meet at the mailbox to catch up after work and if there’s a baby or illness, everyone is bringing you a meal!
As a child, I loved a trip to the Hoover Public Library. There’s just something about the smell of a paperback book and the feel of the hardback covers. I cannot count the number of times I met friends in the research rooms to work on group projects. Now, my children love all of the games, shows and activities that the library has to offer. It’s great to relive those memories through my kiddos!
The pizza is delicious, but the daily specials are my favorite. Tre Luna is particularly dear to me and my husband because it’s the location of our second date, and the restaurant catered our wedding reception. We highly recommend the short ribs and the grouper!
As a little girl, I often accompanied my grandmother to the grocery store on Highway 31 that is now a Publix. On the way there, she would always stop at the fire station to check her blood pressure. On each visit, the firemen would take great pride in her medical well-being, but even more in her social life. They took the time to get to know our family and became great friends. To this day, I cannot drive by Fire Station 1 without thinking of my grandmother and that group of young men who provided a service to the community much beyond putting out fires.
I was first introduced to Sensei Keith MacConkey in 2021. The dojo is a haven for students of all backgrounds to come together and receive structure, guidance and affirmation from all of the martial arts leaders. If you’ve never seen a grown man control a group of rowdy little dragons (the youngest introductory class) with just one word - and he doesn’t even have to raise his voice - then you’re missing out!
