Hoover Sun April 2015

Sun Neighborly news & entertainment for Hoover

Claiming the title

Volume 3 | Issue 7 | April 2015

Hope for a cure

The HHS boys basketball team defeated the Mountain Brook Spartans 50-43 in the Class 7A final of the AHSAA State Finals. Read our recap inside.

See page B16

Home Guide

Local foundation’s event to benefit families of children fighting cancer Find tips for your home this spring from area business owners in our guide to all things home and garden.

See page B1

INSIDE

In 2006, a group of friends gathered for a backyard crawfish boil in Ross Bridge. Local resident Travis Diggs organized the event to raise money for his best friend’s daughter, Autumn, who was battling cancer.

Following the event, he realized he had

begun something special.

“It was going so well we decided to continue to do it,” said Diggs, president and founder of the Hope for Autumn Foundation. “It started out as just a couple hundred people, and now it’s grown to about 2,000 people.”

The 2015 Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil will be held at the end of this month in

Ross Bridge. The Hope for Autumn Foundation, which evolved from the annual event, benefits the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder’s Developmental Therapeutics Program and provides financial assistance to families with children battling cancer.

See CRAWFISH BOIL | page A23

School House ....A18 Sports .................B13 Calendar .............B22

See REZONING | page A23

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Residents of an area adjacent to South Shades Crest Road and Interstate 459 could soon see a Walmart Neighborhood Market built in a proposed retail development. But some homeowners of the surrounding neighborhoods are against the plan, saying traffic is already too crowded and another Walmart is not needed.

The Hoover City Council is

considering a request by landowner USS Real Estate to rezone a 26-acre tract of land currently zoned industrial to commercial. Justin Armstrong, manager of commercial sales and development for USS Real Estate, said rezoning the property to commercial use will help protect the community.

Under the current zoning, the property is restricted for industrial use, primarily because there is a railroad nearby,

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By ROY L. WILLIAMS and SYDNEY CROMWELL

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Land off South Shades Crest Road could be rezoned for shopping center

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City .....................A5 Business ............A8 Community ......A16

By KATIE TURPEN

Hope for Autumn Foundation Executive Director Amanda Knerr is pictured with her daughter, Emily, who was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at age 6. Today, Emily is cancer-free. Photo courtesy of Heather Durham Photography.

The City Council is considering a request by landowner USS Real Estate to rezone this 26-acre tract of land.

A2 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

hooversun.com

April 2015 • A3

A4 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

About Us Meet our new staff members Don Harris

Marketing Consultant Don Harris, a graduate of LSU, has been in the newspaper advertising business since 1981, working in sales and management at Shreveport Times, The Town Talk and most recently 14 years at The Birmingham News-Alabama Media Group. His specialty is working with small to medium businesses and tailoring creative and ad targeting to give them the most for their advertising dollars.

Roy L. Williams

Community Reporter Roy L. Williams spent nearly 23 years as a reporter for The Birmingham News covering personal finance, business, tourism and Birmingham City Hall. Since 2013, he has been the host of Biz Talk With Roy Williams on WAGG Heaven 610 AM, and he is the author of 911, God Help Us: A Journalist’s Tale of Faith, a memoir about his faith walk after his oldest brother was killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.

Clarification: Greg Williams is the president of Chestnut Ridge Owner’s Association and the Chestnut Ridge representative on the Trace Crossings Residential Association. USS Real Estate, the owners of the land experiencing trespassing near Trace Crossings, hired an off-duty police officer to patrol the area.

Meetings on the trespassing issue have been between the Hoover City Council, Hoover Police Department, USS, TCRA and CROA. An article on page A18 of our March issue stated these facts inaccurately.

Editor’s Note By Rebecca Walden Two weeks ago, from the to you!” orchestra section vantage At 37 and 42, respecpoint of the BJCC Concert tively, we can really hear Hall, My husaband Rett and and appreciate the lyrical I shared one of those kindred wisdom of simpler times married moments, when your and generations past that spouse turns to you and says permeates so much of his out the loud the very same music. thing you were just thinking.

In my college years, somewhere between the “This music means more to me now,” he said, squeezing demise of compact disc my hand as we sat there soakretail stores and the dawn Walden ing up the earnest heartland of Napster, I wandered rock of one John Mellencamp. into the Tuscaloosa CocoIndeed. nuts and paid 15 hard earned dollars That night he closed out the show with from my student-work gig at Gorgas “Cherry Bomb,” and I couldn’t help but Library to purchase Mellencamp’s “The laugh when the audience enthusiastically Best That I Could Do” album. joined him in the third verse: One of the best features of the 1998 “Got a few kids of my own, Corolla I drove at the time was the stereo’s And some days I still don’t know what CD repeat button, which I immediately set to do. for Track 4 – Jack and Diane – and left I hope that they’re not laughing too alone most of the summer of ‘99. loud, It’s cute and catchy and clever, but When they hear me talking like this beyond that, I never gave the song or the

Sun Publisher : Creative Director : Graphic Designer: Editor: Managing Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers:

News Editor: Community Reporter: Editorial Assistant: Advertising Manager : Sales and Distribution :

Copy Editor: Contributing Photographer: Published by :

Dan Starnes Keith McCoy Emily VanderMey Rebecca Walden Madoline Markham David Knox Katie Turpen Oliver Morrison Sydney Cromwell Roy L. Williams Madison Miller Matthew Allen Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Rhonda Smith Louisa Jeffries Karim Shamsi-Basha Hoover Sun LLC

rest of the album much thought.

But now, nearly two decades later, this music endures. I can still listen to these songs and find something new and compelling and relatable.

Not that I don’t love me some Mother Monster, Pitbull and that entire cadre of highly manufactured “music” that has its rightful (workout play list) place on my iPod. Here in Vestavia Hills, we’re hardly the “Small Town” of Mellencamp’s imagination. But we are blessed with countless venues in and around our city to take in the thought provoking, toe tapping, and good old-fashioned fun experience of hearing live music.

From the edgy and upcoming artists out there to those we know and love, musical artistry surrounds us.

In the words of Mellencamp himself, Check It Out.

Contact Information: Hoover Sun #3 Office Park Circle, Suite 316 Birmingham, AL 35223 313-1780 dan@hooversun.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: rebecca@hooversun.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

For advertising contact: dan@hooversun.com Legals: The Hoover Sun is published monthly.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. The Hoover Sun is designed to inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in the Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of the Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/ photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Please Support our Community Partners Alabama Acura Dealers/Birmingham (R.P.A) (A1, A10) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (A19) Alabama Gaslight & Grill (B22) Alabama Outdoors (A18) Alabama Power (B12) Aldridge Gardens (A18) ARC Realty (B1) At Home Furnishings B9) Avenir Realty-Amanda Hardin (A7) Baptist Health Center Hoover (B23) Batts’ Chimney Services (B2) Bedzzz Express (B24) Birmingham Museum of Art (A3) Breakaway Books - Red Dirt (B22) Cabinet Cures of Birmingham (B3) Cajun Cleaver (A16) California Closets (A7) City of Hoover A21) Classic Gardens (B3) Construx (B6) Danberry at Inverness (A12) Decorating Dens Interiors (B5) Diamond Golf Cars (B4) DSLD Land Management (B10) Encore Rehabilitation (A13) Fi-Plan Partners A6) Gardner Landscaping (B2) Geico Insurance (A21) Granite Transformations (A20) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (B18) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (A8) Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall (B16) Hollywood Feed (A1) Hoover Athletic Association (B16) Hoover Florist (A14) Hoover Public Library (B21) Hoover Title Mart (A14) Hunter Street Baptist Church (B21) Issis & Sons / O Advertising (B7) Jesse’s Steak and Seafood (B18) Junior League of Birmingham (A23) Kasey Davis Dentistry (A23) Kelli Gunnells Realtor (B22) LAH Real Estate - Hoover Office (A8) Lorna Road Chiropractic Wellness Center (A22) Mainstreet Monograms and More (B23) mc2 realty (A11) MedCenter Hoover (B14 Morningside at Riverchase (A17) Mountain Brook Art Association (B20) Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese (A9) Outdoor Living Areas (B11) Planet Fitness (B15) Preston L. Reynolds DMD (A11) Pro Forma Title (B11) RealtySouth - James Harwell A20) RealtySouth Marketing (A5) Red Mountain Theatre Company (A19) Remax Southern Homes - Becky Hicks (B14) Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (B13) St. Peter’s Anglican Church (A9) Susette Clark-Walker / RealtySouth (B19) Taylor Burton Company (B8) The Maids (B19) The Neighborhood Plumber (A16) The Retirement Center (B17) The Surgeon’s Group (B4) UAB Division of Geriatrics and Gerentology (B17) UAB Medical West (A2) Urban Home Market (A24) Vitalogy Wellness Center (A16) Vitalogy Wellness Center (B20) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A15) Walton and Tower Real Estate (A22) Water Drainage Solutions (A9) Weigh To Wellness (B12) Wrapsody (A15)

hooversun.com

April 2015 • A5

City Mayor’s Minute

By Gary Ivey

Springtime is here and we know you are enjoying it, especially after the extremely cold and rainy winter we had. Everywhere you look, trees and flowers are blooming!

event is held at Veterans Park on Valleydale. A great day to bring your entire family to the park. }} 33 nd Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast: May 5 at 7:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Hotel (former Wynfrey Hotel).

Tickets go on sale April 1 so please visit our website for details.

We have many family fun events being held in Hoover in April and May. Please be sure and save the following dates.

}} Household Hazardous We are here to serve you so Gary Ivey Waste Day: April 25 from please don’t hesitate to contact 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. held at the our office. We want to exceed Hoover Met. Please be prepared to show your expectations in every way with all we do. your driver’s license to confirm you are a Hoover resident prior to dropping off items.

Sincerely, A complete list of items we will be collecting that day is listed on our website at hooveralabama.gov. }} Celebrate Hoover Day: May 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This is one of our premier events of the year. This family friendly and free

Gary Ivey Mayor

Chief Derzis honored as crime stopper of the year

By ROY WILLIAMS During a March meeting, City Council President Jack Wright congratulated Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis on being honored by the Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama organization as its “Crime Stopper of The Year.”

“I always knew that we had the best crime stopper here in Hoover and now the world knows that,” Wright said, pointing at Derzis who stood in the back of the council chambers.

Derzis then waved as he received a round of claps from the mayor, council members and attendees at the council meeting.

“I was pleased to be able to represent the great officers of the City of Hoover for all of the work they do fighting crime,” Chief Derzis said in an interview after the meeting.

In other news: }} The Hoover City Council unanimously approved public road improvements in the Trace Crossings community’s 26th Sector to accommodate a developer’s plans. }} The council approved a request of Bethany Bertovic of The Shopping Center Group LLC allowing the operation of a children’s indoor play center, to be named Let’s Play, at 5025 Highway 280 South, Suite 102. }} The council approved an ABC application for The Spot No. 1 LLC to allow off-premise sale of beer and wine at The Spot No. 1, 1537 Montgomery Highway. }} Mayor Ivey presented a proclamation to The ARC recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Hoover.

Council received two applications for school board vacancy as of March 19 The Hoover Board of Education received its first two applications for a pending vacancy on the Hoover Board of Education March 19.

The two applicants are Hoover residents Curtis Posey and Jill Ganus Veitch.

Posey is currently a supervisor and audio visual engineer at Children’s of Alabama. He has a 7-year-old daughter who attends Bluff Park Elementary School. Veitch is currently a deputy district attorney in Tuscaloosa County. She has a 13-year-old son who attends Bumpus Middle School.

The opening is for the seat currently held by Hoover Board of Education President Donna

Frazier, who is stepping down effective June 1.

Hoover City Council plans to start reviewing school board applications by the first week of April. The council has set a goal to select Frazier’s replacement by late April. The new school board member won’t take office until June 1.

City Clerk Margie Handley said Hoover Board of Education applications can be downloaded off hooveralabama.org. Completed applications must be submitted to the city clerk’s office in person with an individual photo ID, she said.

The application deadline for the position is March 26. Check hooversun.com for updates on candidates.

Hoover BOE to interview five superintendent finalists at April meeting

By ROY L. WILLIAMS The Hoover Board of Education on April 14 will host a special meeting at Spain Park High School in which the panel will for the first time get to meet the five finalists for its superintendent vacancy, During the March meeting, Board President Donna Frazier said the search

by the Alabama Association of School Boards on behalf of the board is going well as it seeks a replacement for previous superintendent Andy Craig. “We continue to receive inquiries from interested candidates,” she said.

Information on finalists will be posted after their names are released on the Hoover Board of Education website, hoovercityschools.net.

A6 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Hoover Chambers honors police and fire departments

By KATIE TURPEN At the Feb.19 luncheon, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce recognized the city’s fire and police officers of the year for 2014.

The department chiefs had each department head or fire station make recommendations and nominations for the awards. Supervisors nominating members of their departments were asked to answer basic questions regarding the nominee.

Hoover Fire Chief John Wingate introduced the fire department awards.

“We didn’t select these people for one single act of bravery but rather for their honor, character and reputation,” Wingate said. “It is the integrity of the person that is most important.”

Wanda Durrett- Paramedic of the Year Michael Thorin- Firefighter of the Year Police Chief Nick Derzis introduced the police departments awards and credited the decrease in burglaries in 2014

At the Feb.19 luncheon, the Hoover Chamber of Commerce recognized the fire and police officers of the year for 2014. Photo by Katie Turpen.

for making it a great year for the department.

Police Officer of the Year- James Bullock (Other nominees were Wayne Weems, Mike Lucas and Kim Quattlebaum)

Detention Officer of the Year- Joseph Ritchey 911 Operator of the Year-Kim Jones TurnerBatson Architects sponsored the Firefighter of the Year, Paramedic of the

Year, and the 911 Operator of the Year awards.

Hendrick Automotive sponsored Police Officer of the Year Award and the Detention Officer of the Year awards.

Hoover Board of Education votes to seek attorney general opinion on release of employee pay request

By ROY WILLIAMS In March, the Hoover Board of Education voted to seek an opinion from Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange on whether it has to release payroll records including salaries of school system employees.

The resolution motion by Board President Donna Frazier, seconded by Earl Cooper, was approved 3-0 to officially seek an attorney general’s opinion in response to a public records request by Trisha Crain, executive director of the Alabama School Connection, a nonprofit that

according to its website is dedicated to “providing consistent, high-quality media content of K-12 education in Alabama.”

The Hoover school board’s attorney, Donald Sweeney, sought the attorney general’s opinion under guidance of interim Superintendent Jim Reese after several employees rejected to the release of their pay. Sweeney was told the request required official action by the board of education, board member Cooper said in an interview after the meeting this morning.

Cooper said the public records request for school system payroll records for 2012 and 2013

by Hoover resident Crain for her education news website has caused friction in the school system among hundreds of employees who don’t want their pay made public.

Crain is seeking payroll records on how much each employee in the Hoover school system makes, arguing that the School Fiscal Accountability Act of 2006 makes such financial documents open to the public. Cooper said the payroll request has some of Hoover’s veteran teachers and staff members threatening to leave or retire, and added that the school system could face potential lawsuits from employees regarding

the release of their pay.

He said school officials understand pay release of top school system administrators, but questions the need for the release of salaries of individual teachers and staff who aren’t involved in key decisions on issues like finances.

“Based on employees’ response, this could cause a significant disruption in the classroom if payroll records are released,” Cooper said.

“We understand and respect the open records law, but it is our intent to balance the needs of our stakeholders and employees.”

hooversun.com

April 2015 • A7

Hoover boasts state’s highest percentage of National Board-certified teachers

By ROY L. WILLIAMS Hoover City Schools doesn’t just boast of Alabama’s highest percentage of National Board Certified Teachers.

It shatters the nationally average.

About 15 percent of Hoover’s 950 teachers have voluntarily sought national certification, which is administered through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. National Board Certification represents the pinnacle of professional development for teachers. Hoover City Schools’ percentage is five times the national average of 3 percent of teachers who seek National-Board Certification.

To laud this achievement, the Hoover Board of Education recognized Hoover’s 149 National Board-Certified Teachers at its March meeting held at Spain Park High School. The recognition was in conjunction with Alabama’s National Board Certified Teacher Week, held March 9-13.

Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said Hoover’s high number of nationally certified teachers is a major reason draw for the city in terms of recruiting businesses and residents.

“This just further confirms that we have one of the greatest school systems in the country and adds to the quality of life for our residents to live and raise their families,” Ivey said.

“This is one of the many reasons that Hoover was just recognized as one of the top 30 cities in the country to live.”

Hoover Board of Education recognized the system’s 149 National Board-Certified Teachers at its March meeting at Spain Park High School. Photo courtesy of Hoover City Schools.

Getting national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is a rigorous journey. According to Hoover schools spokesman Jason Gaston, it is a months-long, performance-based, peer review process centered on five core propositions. Hoover’s National Board Certified Teachers are at all levels: elementary, intermediate,

middle and high school.

Berry Middle School’s Dianna Minor said she encourages colleagues who have not gone through the process to explore the opportunity.

Ultimately, she says, students benefit from teachers becoming national board certified.

“I think by becoming a NBCT I learned the power and impact of

collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders,” Minor said. “As a NBCT, I learned to become more reflective in my teaching practices.

You want to find the best way to implement a lesson and touch all the students in your classroom. So I’m constantly asking myself is this lesson relevant, rigorous, challenging?”

The Hoover Board of Education

website, hoovercityschools.net, has a listing of all of the certified teachers and nominees as well as of Hoover teacher of year and JSU Teacher Hall of Fame. For more information on becoming National Board Certified, visit nbpts.org.

A8 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

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hooversun.com

Now Open TechLoft, a smartphone and tablet repair service company, is now open at 5192 Caldwell Mill Road, Suite 104. The company offers in-store and mobile repair services for a variety of phones, tablets, and other devices.

475-4142, techloftbirmingham.com

1

James Godfrey has opened his Farmers Insurance office at 2674 Valleydale Road, Suite 2.

443-3480, farmersagent.com/jgodfrey

2

3

Little Pumpkins Preschool, 1533 Montgomery Highway, is now

open.

502-7379

Pie Five Pizza is now open at 4741 Chace Circle, Suite 114.

This is the fast-casual chain’s first location in Alabama.

989-4964, piefivepizza.com

4

Do*It*Yourself Crafts is now open in the Riverchase Promenade shopping center at 1713 Montgomery Highway, Suite 139, where Painted By U was formerly located.

This is the company’s second location, following their Homewood location on Oxmoor Road.

868-4346, doityourselfcrafts.com

5

Jacobs, MD, has opened 6 Tracy a medical practice at 201 Doug Baker Blvd., in the location formerly occupied by MedSouth Urgent Care. Dr. Jacobs most recently practiced at Trinity Medical Center’s clinic in Chelsea.

Pedros Mexican Grill is now 7 Los open at 3305 Lorna Road, Suite 7, in the outparcel in front of Bargain Hunt.

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors has opened a second office at 2011 Riverchase Center, Suite 426, for its controls-automation division. The company designs and programs computers for manufacturing plants in the area, including the automotive industry.

484-0227, web.hargrove-epc.com

8

Perpetual Lifestyle Planning, a financial planning firm, is now open at 1800 International Park Drive, Suite 200. The firm is owned by local financial planning veteran Matthew Wilson.

9

MVP Training, 5406 U.S. 280 East, Suite D-106, is now open at the Crossroads at Greystone shopping center at the intersection of Highways 119 and 280. The facility offers strength training and conditioning for a variety of ages.

538-2687, mvptraining.net

10

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Bancorpsouth has opened its new branch at 475 Southland Drive.

Coming Soon Jake’s Café will be opening soon at 3075 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite D. This is the second location for the restaurant, following their first location in Pelham.

624-3315, jakescafepelham.com

12

Five Below, a national discount retail chain, has signed a lease to open a new store at 1725 Montgomery Highway, Suite 125, in the Riverchase Promenade shopping center. It will take the space formerly occupied by Kirkland’s Home. fivebelow.com

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April 2015 • A9

Relocations and Renovations Plato’s Closet has moved to 1725 14 Montgomery Highway, Suite 101, within the same shopping center where it was previously located. The new location has more than twice the square footage as their former location.

444-1516, platosclosethoover.com

“When it rains, we drain!”

Greystone Golf & Country Club has opened their new Golf Operations Center at 4100 Greystone Drive. The 9,500-square-foot facility was constructed as the club prepares to host the Champions Tour’s Regions Tradition tournament in 2016-18.

980-5200, greystonecc.com

15

Greystone Golf & Country Club has opened their new stateof-the-art Golf Performance Center at 330 Legacy Way. The center is the home of Blackburn Golf; Mark Blackburn is one of the top 100 Teachers in America.

The building will have HD live streaming video, 3D motion capture and a golf gym.

980-5200, greystonecc.com

16

News and Accomplishments AlphaGraphics, a full-service printing company located at 2159 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 107, has changed their hours to Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

979-2373, alphagraphics.com

17

Dr. Rob Pate of Hoover EyeCare Associates, 1809 Data Drive, was named “Young Optometrist of the South” at the SECO International convention in Atlanta in March. This award recognizes excellence in patient care, community service and contribution to the profession of optometry by someone from one of the 12 states in the Southern Council of Optometry.

982-5000, webeca.com

18

244-1114 » French Drains » Surface Drains » Downspout Systems » Dry Creek Bed Designs WaterDrainageSolutions.com

Embassy Suites BirminghamHoover, 2960 John Hawkins Parkway, now has Premium Suites available to guests. These rooms include in-suite Wi-Fi, in-suite Keurig coffeemakers and 24-hour access to that floor’s refreshment center.

985-9994, embassysuites.com

19

Hirings and Promotions Amanda Klein has been hired in the role as office manager and community relations at LakeCrest Chiropractic & Wellness, 2341 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 125. She is the wife of clinic owner Dr. Andrew Klein.

988-9898, lakecrestchiropractic.com

20

Anniversaries Fi-Plan Partners, 5825 Feldspar Way, celebrated its 10th anniversary on February 18. The independent investment firm specializes in financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The firm is owned by Greg Powell.

989-3498, fiplanpartners.com

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Closings Kirkland’s Home, 1725 Montgomery Highway, Suite 125, has closed.

22

Businesses with this symbol beside them are not indicated on the map.

Offer Expires 04/30/15

A10 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

For the love of

noodles Local resident finds niche in specialty pasta market

By KATIE TURPEN In 2011, Linda Croley and her husband went on a cruise to Alaska where they found a booth offering multiple flavors of pasta. The innovative choices included everything from black bean to chocolate.

Croley, financial advisor and longtime foodie, was inspired and ordered multiple flavors to try. Several years later, Pappardelle’s Pasta asked her to represent them in Birmingham.

Her clients enjoyed the traditional Italian-style pastas, but Croley sensed they wanted something more.

“My goal was to sell at the Pepper Place farmers market,” said Croley.

“But they have a rule that what you sell has to be made in Alabama.”

In 2013, she began making her own sauces to go with the pastas, and they become an instant hit. Bare Naked Noodles was born. Today, the company provides seasonal varieties of ravioli, pastas, lasagna, and tomato and basil sauce.

Her signature line of pasta is ravioli. The dough features semolina and durum wheat flours, as well as local chicken and duck eggs. Other local ingredients include cheese from Stone Hollow Farmstead and Amelia’s Spicing Pecans, which she puts into the butternut squash ravioli for a special kick. Unique raviolis include collards and spicy sausage, the butternut squash pecan, “buttons” and bacon, and golden beet, goat cheese and pecans.

Croley’s pastas and sauce are

Linda Croley of Bare Naked Noodles crafts her specialty raviolis and lasagnas at Chef’s Workshop, a culinary incubator in Hoover. Photo courtesy of Linda Croley.

available in local stores such as Piggy Wiggly, Western Supermarket, The Pantry, Williams-Sonoma in addition to local farmers. She is also available for catering.

Croley and her team work out of Chef’s Workshop in Hoover. Bob Lepley opened the unique food incubator in April 2013. The facility gives caterers, bakers, mobile food vendors and specialty food product makers a location in which they can comply with health regulations and obtain proper permits to conduct their food business. The 5,000-square-foot facility houses four private, professionally

equipped commercial kitchens available for rent on an hourly, daily or monthly basis.

Croley moved to Hoover in the early 1990s and has enjoyed seeing the community grow over the years.

She hopes to eventually open a storefront of her own and has looked in places in Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills.

The chef also enjoys traveling, having been to a variety of food festivals across the country. She plans to travel to Italy this spring where she will participate in several pasta-making classes and bring her ideas back

to the U.S. “I’m just following my dream of making great pasta in Birmingham,” Croley said.

For more information, visit barenakednoodles.net.

Bare Naked Noodles Chef’s Workshop 3439 Lorna Lane 305-2715 barenakednoodles.net

Alabama Acura Dealers

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per month for 39 months

lease The 2015 TLX 8-Speed $2,899 Total Due At Signing Includes down payment with no security deposit. Excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. For well-qualified lessees

King Acura 1687 Montgomery Hwy Hoover, al 35216 (205) 979-8888

Closed-end lease for 2015 TLX 2.4 8-Speed Dual-Clutch P-AWS vehicles subject to availability through 5/11/15 on approved credit through Acura Financial Services, DBA American Honda Finance Corp. for well-qualified lessees. MSRP $32,365 (includes destination, excludes tax, license, title fees, registration, documentation fees, options, insurance and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $29,557.56. Total monthly payments $11,661.00. Option to purchase at lease end $20,389.95.

Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and 20¢/mile. Dealer sets actual prices. See Acura dealer for complete details.

hooversun.com

April 2015 • A11

Spring events in full swing Krispy Kreme Doughnut Dash April 4, 8 a.m.-noon Veterans Park on Valleydale The Krispy Kreme Doughnut Dash is a nonprofit event presented by Brown Mackie College to benefit Children’s of Alabama. Participants will complete a 4-mile run and eat a dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in one hour or less. Runners will start at Veterans Park, run 2 miles, eat a dozen doughnuts and run back along the same route and finish back at Veterans Park.

Runners who aren’t interested in eating a dozen doughnuts may register in the Casual Runner division and eat one or some (or no) doughnuts, taking the rest home to enjoy. Participants in the Fun Run will be given a single doughnut at the halfway mark.

For more information, visit k2d2fun.com.

Walk for Autism April 11, 7-11 a.m.

Veterans Park on Valleydale The annual Walk for Autism and 5K Race unifies thousands of participants statewide in support of the mission and projects of the Autism Society. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. and affects over 50,000 people in Alabama alone. There is also a noncompetitive 2-mile awareness walk. Participants are welcome to bring strollers and wagons for youth participants.

The first person to finish the walk will be awarded with a first-place finisher medal. After the walk and race, team members can enjoy food vendors, bounce houses and a kids’ activity corner. The top fundraiser and largest team will be awarded a trophy and recognized at the event, and top female and male in each race age group will also be recognized.

For more information, visit walkforautismal.com.

A12 • April 2015

SpringEvents

Hoover Sun

PurpleStride Birmingham 2015 April 18, 7-11 a.m.

Veterans Park on Valleydale PurpleStride Birmingham unites the community and raises awareness and support for the fight against pancreatic cancer. The timed 5K run and family-friendly walk will take participants through Veterans Park, with children’s activities, entertainment and refreshments to follow.

It is estimated that more than 48,900 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, and more than 40,000 will die from the disease. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer death, with a 5-year relative survival rate of just 7 percent.

For more, visit purplestride.org.

Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris April 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Veterans Park on Valleydale The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a family-friendly walk/run to raise awareness of diabetes, connect the diabetes community and provide an opportunity for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris —Alabama’s only diabetes camp. Participants can register themselves or as a team and invite friends, family and co-workers to join the effort by donating.

Since 1949, Camp Seale Harris has provided a medically supervised, fun camp experience for thousands of youth with diabetes. Camps are provided in 12 sessions in nine locations in Alabama and Northwest Florida.

For more information, visit firstgiving.com/9619/diabetescampwalk-Birmingham.

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SpringEvents

April 2015 • A13

Celebrate Hoover Day May 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Veterans Park on Valleydale Celebrate Hoover Day is an annual citywide celebration that is free to the public. It draws more than 10,000 residents of all ages for a day at the park. Parking is available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles to the park.

Event Features: Veterans Memorial Paver Dedication • Giant apple pie • Blue Bell ice cream • Expansive exhibitor pavilion • Kids Zone with inflatables & games • Petting zoo • Carnival rides • Blood drive • Car show • Live entertainment • Document shredding provided by Cintas • Electronic recycling provided Technical Knock-Out. For more visit hooveralabama.gov.

Hoover Relay for Life April 10, 3:30 p.m.

Spain Park High School This year, a Relay for Life fundraiser will be held at Spain Park High School.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement symbolizes hope and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens lives. Participating in a Relay for Life event is a way to take action and help finish the fight if cancer has touched you or a loved one.

For more, visit relayforlife.org.

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A14 • April 2015

Central Hoover

Neighborhood News Send your text and photos for this section to madison@starnespublishing.com

Green Valley, Monte D’Oro, Rocky Ridge, The Preserve, Birchtree

West Hoover

South Shades Crest, Ross Bridge, Russet Woods, Lake Cyrus, Lake Crest

Hoover Arts Alliance seeks local artists to exhibit work in City Hall

The Hoover Arts Alliance is pleased to exhibit the works of Kay Vinson in City Hall. Photo courtesy of Hoover Arts Alliance.

The Hoover Arts Alliance is pleased to exhibit the works of Kay Vinson. Raised in Birmingham, much of her influence in her art pieces came from her fascination with urban life and artifacts. She weaves together the love of shape, color, texture and movement to create mixed media paintings.

A lover of traveling, she takes photos of graffiti, derelict buildings, crumbling walls, piles of rubble and rusting objects.

The Hoover Arts Alliance is seeking local artists that would like to exhibit their artwork in the lobby of Hoover City Hall. The following guidelines are

Hoover Sun

required from each artist in order to be considered for selection. }} A recent CD containing 10 to 12 examples of the artist’s work }} A written biographical sketch of the artist }} A written artist statement Each show will remain in the gallery for a two month period. Money will be collected at the information desk adjacent to the gallery. Mail all information to Hoover Arts Alliance, 3236 Dundale Road, 35216. Please submit a self-addressed envelope for return of the CD.

Prince of Peace Church celebrates Epiphany

Epiphany Kings Alvie Allison, Mac Mullen and Boyd Mackey along with Prince of Peace’s Fr. Peter distribute holy water, chalk and prayer cards to parishioners after Mass in January. Photo courtesy of John Kremer.

Prince of Peace Church celebrated an ancient Christian custom of blessing the home for the Feast of the Epiphany in January.

Prince of Peace celebrates this custom of blessing homes as part of the Feast of the Epiphany every year. This year’s “kings” were Alvie Allison, Mac Mullen, Boyd Mackey, Ed Covington, Shep Shepherd, Leo Romanick, Nick

Cvetetic, Sam Carnley, Lothar Nafz and Joe Garner.

After Mass, small bottles of holy water, pieces of white chalk and prayer cards were available for parishioners to take home and bless their own homes.

This blessing sets a Christian’s home apart as a place of Christian hospitality to all who visit in the coming year.

Neighborhood News

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Shades Mountain

April 2015 • A15

Send your text and photos for this section to madison@starnespublishing.com

Bluff Park, Shades Mountain

Corey Nolen returns to Moonlight on the Mountain

Bluff Park Art Association holds annual meeting

By KATIE TURPEN Bluff Park resident Corey Nolen harbors two passions in life: photography and songwriting. The self-described family man has spent years performing, writing and recording music, hoping to tell the stories that live inside of all of us.

Now, a year after the release of his first album “Drive Down South,” Nolen returns to Moonlight on the Mountain for a live show on Friday, April 10. Tickets are $12. He will play with a full band as well as an artist from Nashville named Austin Manuel.

Nolen describes his latest album as “a pretty great mixture of classic country sounds with some modern spins.”

Located at 585 Shades Crest Road in Bluff Park, Moonlight on the Mountain was designed to be a comfortable listening venue, presenting a variety of original acoustic performers in an casual concert format. Neither a bar nor a restaurant, Moonlight invites music fans to come hear artists of folk, Americana, roots, country and bluegrass and more in a casual setting.

Inspired by the appeal of house concerts and “unplugged” shows favored by musicians and small audiences nationwide, the venue showcases singers, songwriters and instrumentalists in a mini-theater environment where guests can bring their own snacks and beverages.

Corey Nolen. Photo courtesy of Corey Nolen.

When not presenting music, The Moonlight hosts private events, with room for 85 to 100 people to gather. In addition to the stage, there are spacious restrooms, a kitchenette, 2600 square feet of carpeted floor space, and a mountain crest view overlooking the Oxmoor Valley below.

Visit moonlightonthemtn.com. or call 243-8851 for more information. For more about Nolen, visit coreynolenmusic.com.

Photo courtesy of Robin Horner Shelton.

The Bluff Park Art Association met on Sunday, March 1 at the Park Avenue Café at Artists on the Bluff. During the meeting, the group gave a recap of the previous year, including October’s Bluff Park Art Show. They also introduced two new board members and recognized donors who made financial contributions.

A16 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Celebrations Odom-Dunne

Mr. and Mrs. William Edward Odom of Hoover are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Marie Odom, to Ryan Nelson Dunne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Nelson Dunne of Hoover.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Praxedis Sotelo Zuniga and the late Mr. Zuniga of Hoover and the late Mr. and Mrs. Glen Allen Odom, Sr. of Jasper.

Miss Odom graduated from Hoover High School and the University of Alabama with a degree in human development and family studies and is currently an extended day teacher at Trace Crossings Elementary

School and a preschool teacher at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Hoover.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Edward Dunne of Vestavia Hills and Mrs. William Merritt Burgin and the late Mr. Burgin of Mountain Brook. Dunne graduated from Hoover High School and the University of Alabama, cum laude, with a degree in mechanical engineering and is currently employed at Fluid Engineering in Birmingham.

The wedding will be held on April 25 at Mountain Brook Baptist Church.

Roberts-Platte

­­­­­­Barry and Myra Roberts of Hoover are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Lauren Roberts, to Eric Charles Platte, son of Charlie & Wendy Platte of Saginaw, Michigan.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Kenneth E. and Ruth Spruiel of Detroit, Ala. and Shelby G. and Patricia Roberts of Sulligent, Alabama. Miss Roberts graduated from Hoover High School and the University of Alabama

and is currently employed by Momentum Worldwide in Atlanta.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Eugene and Donna Levi of Saginaw, Mich. and Donald (deceased) and Mary Lou Platte of Detroit, Michigan.

Mr. Platte graduated from Swan Valley High School and Michigan State University. He is currently employed by the Atlanta Hawks.

The wedding will be held June 27 at Canterbury United Methodist Church.

Have an engagement, wedding or anniversary announcement? Email rebecca@hooversun.com to have it included in an upcoming issue!

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April 2015 • A17

Community Weekend garage sale features large selection

Hoover Write Club offers something for everyone Write Club presents Joe Samuel Starnes, Author of Red Dirt April 25, 10:30 a.m. Library Plaza.

Author Joe Samuel Starnes will discuss his latest book, Red Dirt: A Tennis Novel, along with his previous two books, The Calling and Fall Line. Book signing to follow.

Hooverlibrary.org

There will be over 100,000 items for sale at this year’s Junior League of Birmingham Bargain Carousel at 2467 John Hawkins Parkway.

Birmingham’s largest garage sale is Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26.

The Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) Bargain Carousel will be held in the old Princeton-Hoover location at 2467 John Hawkins Parkway (Highway 150).

There will be over 100,000 items for sale including adult clothing, appliances, art, books, music, children’s clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and sporting goods, rugs and toys.

Proceeds support community projects with the Junior League’s partner agencies.

“I am newly married and Bargain Carousel offered me the perfect opportunity to find some great accessories to decorate our new home,” said

Sara Franklin of Inverness. “I found a great lamp and coffee table that were the perfect addition to our living room!”

The weekend kicks off with a Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 23. For $40 a ticket, VIP admission gets you in the door at 6 p.m. for early bird shopping privileges. General admission (7 p.m.-10 p.m.) is $30.

This year tickets will be presold on Friday, April 24 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and shoppers may purchase up to four tickets at $10 each for the Saturday sale.

Bargain Carousel will run Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with $10 tickets for 8 a.m.-10 a.m. or $5 tickets from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On Sunday it will run from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. with free admission and half-price merchandise.

For more information, call 879-9861, visit bargaincarousel.net or “like” the event on Facebook.

During Write Club’s annual Flash Fiction night at Hoover Public Library, writers are invited to share excerpts of their work with an audience. Photo by Katie Turpen.

By KATIE TURPEN Now in its sixth year, the Hoover Public Library Write Club provides a monthly forum for local amateur writers to meet and discuss and their work. The club’s goal is to inspire and encourage literary involvement in the community by providing an environment for authors to share their writing, receive moral support and provide constructive criticism.

Write Club leader Anthony Vacca enjoys leading the club’s discussions and says the monthly meetings attract writers of all talents and ages.

“It’s great to have a support group.

Everyone is in different genres but I think all aspects of writing have similar

elements,” Vacca said, adding that club members write everything from poetry to science fiction.

In addition to hosting authors, one of the club’s special events is the annual Flash Fiction night, where writers are invited to read excerpts of their work in the Library Theatre.

“Reading in front of an audience can be a scary thing but it gives people a chance to really show off their work,” he said.

The Write Club meets one Saturday each month at the Hoover Public Library at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call the Hoover Fiction Department at 4447820 or visit hooverlibrary.org.

A18 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

School House Riverchase Elementary hosts Career Fair FBI agents, orthodontists, farmers, engineers and broadcast journalists walked the halls of Riverchase Elementary School Jan. 29.

The school’s Career Day gave fifth grade students the opportunity to meet with working professionals in small groups to learn more about their careers.

Each group of students spent 15 minutes at each of their selected sessions.

Volunteers presented a typical day in their field, the skills necessary to perform their job and answered many questions from the inquisitive fifth-graders.

Career Day is an annual event held at Riverchase Elementary.

Small groups of students met for 15 minute sessions with the various working professionals. Photo by Jessa Pease.

SPHS senior wins distinction award

Spain Park High School senior Preston Levert Mitchell (second from left) was recently named 2014 Mr. Genteel Beaux: Young Man of Distinction by the Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority. He is the son of Lee and Monica Yates Mitchell. Preston was awarded a scholarship and an original drawing of Martin Luther King, Jr. This was the 33rd annual program by the sorority. Photo courtesy of Monica Mitchell.

HHS graduate selected as TCU Ambassador Audrey Powell, a Hoover High School graduate and now a freshman at Texas Christian University, has been selected as a TCU Ambassador. As the face of the university, the mission of this organization is to help prospective students and families throughout the college search, application, and selection process, as well as get them excited about the university.

Audrey Powell

hooversun.com

April 2015 • A19

Bishop Emeritus David Foley visits Prince of Peace

Bishop David Foley and the Prince of Peace Catholic School’s eighth grade Confirmation candidates in the Church’s Day Chapel after Ash Wednesday service and Mass. Photo courtesy of Jill Spero.

Prince of Peace Catholic School hosted Bishop Emeritus David Foley at its Hoover campus on Ash Wednesday to offer Mass, give ashes and speak to the eighth-grade class about their upcoming confirmation. The school students will be confirmed by Bishop Robert J. Baker and Bishop Emeritus David Foley on April 16 at Prince of Peace.

Bishop Foley said Lent is a time of positive change, not just 40 days of sacrifice. He urged everyone to increase their almsgiving — be friendly, helpful and reach out to others — as well as increase their prayer life with at least a simple morning and evening prayer.

His Ash Wednesday visit to Prince of

Peace’s school Mass has become a much-anticipated tradition to the students for the past seven years.

Later, in the Day Chapel adjacent to the main sanctuary, the eighth-graders spent an hour with Bishop Foley discussing the meaning of confirmation, the historical significance of his bishop’s clothing and unique bishop’s ring, and eternal life. Everyone had a chance to handle and examine his ring and learned that by putting the symbols together, the wearer’s name and diocese could be identified. The ring is actually two rings: Bishop Foley had his mother’s wedding ring incorporated into the design to honor her. He told the students, “Because of her, I am here.”

International Day celebration at Gwin Elementary School Gwin Elementary School in Hoover held its 10th annual International Day celebration in January. This all-day event was sponsored by the school’s English as a Second Language (ESL) department.

The program this year focused on Africa, with guest speaker Nouhou Tabouli speaking of his experiences growing up in Niger and immigrating to the United States. The event opened with a flag parade representing the 42 nationalities of students and staff at Gwin. Nathifa Dance Company and Outreach performed a drum circle and dance while accompanied by the Gwin Ovation choir.

Students then spent the day rotating through different presentations. Each child got to participate in a drum circle led by John Scalici from Get Rhythm.

They also had the chance to learn about Kenya, watch a presentation about African animals, and sample foods from around the world. For more information about the event contact Michelle Berg at 824-5366.

Gwin Elementary School in Hoover held its 10th annual International Day celebration in January. Photo courtesy of Michelle Berg.

Red Mountain Theatre Company Presents

BAND Geeks Apr. 16–Apr. 19, 2015 at the Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret In the spirit of Glee and High School Musical, comes the hilarious and heartwarming Band Geeks, the triumphant story of high school misfits fighting to save their beloved Marching Beavers.

Purchase tickets at RedMountainTheatre.org or by calling 205-324-2424.

THIS SHOW IS RATED PG

RMTC-143 Band Geeks-Starnes.indd 1

3/13/15 2:05 PM

A20 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

City of Hoover seeking grant for hiking and biking trails

By ROY WILLIAMS Hoover bicyclists, jogging and hiking enthusiasts could soon see a new $500,000 trail built for their enjoyment.

The Hoover City Council passed a resolution March 16 that authorizes Mayor Gary Ivey to submit a $400,000 grant application for the Cahaba-Riverchase Greenway Trailhead Project, a proposed trail just off Old Montgomery Highway (Old Highway 31) in the Riverchase area. If awarded, the grant requires a 20 percent match that would have to be appropriated prior to receiving the grant, making the total investment $500,000 The application is for the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization, and would be administered by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham and/or Alabama Department of Transportation, according to the city resolution.

The Cahaba-Riverchase Grandview Greenway Trailhead project, a part of the FY 2015 Transportation Alternatives Program, consists of construction of an off-road trail for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation. It will also provide access for a future potential Cahaba Blueway canoe launch site.

The proposed project is located in the floodway of the Cahaba River, immediately adjacent to Old Montgomery Highway. It is part of a larger trail system known as the “Cahaba River Corridor” of the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System. The

The Hoover City Council passed a resolution March 16 authorizing Mayor Gary Ivey to submit a $400,000 grant application for the Cahaba-Riverchase Greenway Trailhead Project, a proposed trail just off Old Montgomery Highway (Old Highway 31) in the Riverchase area. Photo by Roy Williams.

trail is bordered by Riverchase Elementary School, Arbor Hills subdivision and the Riverchase Planned Community within the Hoover city limits.

“Since the Cahaba River flows throughout Hoover, a development like this will allow our citizens to take advantage of this great natural resource,” said Council President Jack Wright after the meeting. “This is a

win-win for our city.”

The City of Hoover owns the 34 acres of land where the trail would be built. Construction would consist of clearing land, minimal grading, pouring a 10-foot wide concrete trail, and building a boardwalk in areas of wetland encroachment and a small bridge.

An asphalt parking lot with drainage would also be constructed.

“This would be a biking and hiking

trail that would eventually connect to Railroad Park [in downtown Birmingham],» said Hoover City Councilman John Lyda.

According to the resolution, the Cahaba-Riverchase Greenway Trailhead project will be integral to the overall Red Rock Trail-Cahaba Corridor. “It will open up the natural beauty of the Cahaba River to the casual walker and bike rider, as well

as providing the first step to a multimile greenway along the entire river,” the resolution states.

The project will also have a positive effect on surrounding communities, city officials say.

“We anticipate a much broader impact to the entire central/western area of Hoover with this being a trailhead for the much larger Red Rock Ridge Trail and with the addition of the canoe launch and the open meadow area beside the trail,” the resolution says.

Both the Riverchase community and Arbor Hills community have been deeply involved in and support efforts to construct the trail, according to the resolution. The homeowners’ associations of both areas have had representatives walk, discuss and plan the project and believe the connection to the larger trail system will boost the quality of life in their neighborhoods, the resolution states. The Riverchase Homeowners Association has provided the funding for the preliminary design of the proposed trail project.

The Hoover Parks and Recreation Department would maintain the park daily, with anticipated minor asphalt/ concrete repairs estimated every 10 years at a cost of $40,000. The trail will also need to be cleaned after large rainfalls, and it will require minor bridge and boardwalk maintenance every decade for an estimated $20,000. City officials anticipate the trail project can last a minimum 50 years.

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April 2015 • A21

A22 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Sweet, sweet strawberries

BY ALECIA ROLLINS Each month as I search for a wonderful recipe to share I look for inspiration in fresh ingredients available or try and tie it to an event happening during the month. This month’s inspiration is strawberries!

While there are numerous recipes for strawberries from strawberry pie to strawberry shortcake and even fresh strawberry ice cream, I have decided to share a personal favorite I make every Spring. Strawberry Nut Bread. This recipe was shared with me more than 20 years ago by a good friend, however I am not sure of the original origin of the recipe.

Not only is it a great recipe, every time I prepare it, I remember the good times I shared working with my friend in the church kitchen Wednesday nights.

I make several loaves while strawberries are in season and can be purchased at a great price. I freeze the loaves, so I can enjoy the strawberry bread throughout the year. This bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon tea, or just a snack. Make more than one, as it won’t last long!

A couple of notes: The recipe calls for chopped nuts and is not specific, either walnuts or pecans will work. In addition it calls for unbleached all-purpose flour. Regular all-purpose flour is okay, and also unbleached flour will also work in other recipes that call for all-purpose flour.

RECIPE

Strawberry-Nut Bread

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons cinnamon 2 cups sugar 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 4 eggs 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil 1 cup chopped nuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and well grease 2 to 3 loaf pans (2 if large, 3 if smaller).

Sift dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center. In another bowl, beat together strawberries, eggs and oil and pour into

the well. Stir just enough to dampen all ingredients. Quickly stir in nuts.

Spoon mixture into well-greased loaf pans, filling no more than ½ full. Bake in preheated oven about 60 minutes or until bread is baked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool 20-30 minutes before removing from pans to cooling rack. Do not slice bread until completely cooled.

I like to let the bread set overnight before slicing. The flavor is better after resting for about 24 hours.

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April 2015 • A23

CRAWFISH BOIL

CONTINUED from page A1 One child’s story For Executive Director Amanda Knerr, her connection to the foundation is a deeply personal one. In October of 2009, her 6-year-old daughter Emily was diagnosed with an extremely rare type of ovarian cancer. Emily endured an intense treatment regimen including major surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

Emily received treatment at Children’s of Alabama and completed therapy in January of 2010. By that time, the Knerr family had moved to the Ross Bridge area. Emily was selected as the 2010 Diggs and Friends Crawfish Boil’s honoree.

“The Crawfish Boil was a high point for us after months of watching our daughter suffer,” said Knerr.

“The financial benefit we received also helped us to pay some medical bills during a time that I couldn’t work because I was caring for Emily.”

Today, Emily is cancer-free and currently attends Brock’s Gap Intermediate School. She enjoys spending time with her younger sisters, Anna and Casey, and likes swimming, animals and playing with her friends.

The foundation’s mission Diggs said starting the foundation sprung from a deep-rooted desire to give back.

“I’ve always been big with philanthropy,” Diggs said. “People want to give, they just don’t always know how.”

The foundation is proud to benefit the Developmental Therapeutics Program. The goal of the program is to study new treatments

Emily Knerr

for childhood cancer and to identify and develop therapies that will improve patient survival and decrease side effects.

Most patients of the program have relapsed or treatment-resistant tumors that have failed standard therapies. Other patients may be diagnosed with unusual tumors for which no effective therapies have been established. They have often suffered through aggressive chemotherapy regimens, radiation treatments and multiple surgeries, only to have the cancer recur.

“This is sometimes the only hope these families have to get their kids back in school,” Knerr said.

The organization also raises money for families of children fighting cancer that are struggling with house payments, meals, etc.

Knerr emphasizes that many people may not realize how much people need.

“There are so many out-ofpocket costs you don’t think about,” Knerr said. “Last fall, we paid two years for one family’s rent.”

Finally, the organization works to raise awareness and fund research for doctors to develop new ideas. Knerr said the group is

currently working to create middle school junior boards that will help the foundation create awareness within the younger generation.

“It really is important to get that demographic involved,” Diggs said.

“We are getting older and they will be the ones to take over the effort.”

Knerr says there are several things that people may not realize, such as September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and only two percent of federal funding goes to childhood cancer.

“Eighty percent of children will be cured, but there is the 20 percent that won’t, and we want to focus on them,” she said.

Crawfish for a cure The 2015 Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil will be held on April 25 on the Main Green of Ross Bridge from 3-9 p.m.

Knerr said last year’s event drew more than 2,000 people and they cooked more than 3,000 pounds of crawfish.

There will be live music by Rollin’ in the Hay and Downright, and plenty of activities for children such as bounce houses, face painting and balloon artists. Crawfish will be prepared by Louisiana native John Hein in addition to hamburgers and hot dogs. Soda and water will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own adult beverages and tents.

“We want to focus on it being a kid-friendly event,” Diggs said.

Tickets for the event are $30 online and $35 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. All proceeds go to support the foundation’s mission.

For more about the event or the Hope for Autumn Foundation, visit hopeforautumnfoundation.org.

REZONING

CONTINUED from page A1 there is a railroad nearby, he said.

Today due to major growth of homes and other development nearby, being rezoned for commercial use is a better fit, Armstrong said. The industrial zoning in place now means any property owner could use the land for auto repair shops, animal clinics or sanitary sewage plants that aren’t good for the community, he said.

“We are the developer for Trace Crossings nearby and feel this is best for the neighborhood,” Armstrong said.

The 26-acre site is south of Interstate 459 near South Shades Crest Road and across from Brock’s Gap Parkway. If the council approves the proposed rezoning to commercial, Hoover Executive Director Allen Pate said the city will conduct a study to determine if road work needs to be done to improve traffic flow at the proposed shopping center.

USS Real Estate hasn’t revealed the unnamed developer’s plans, but Pate has said there are strong “rumors that a potential Walmart Neighborhood Market grocery store will be built on the site, but I can’t confirm that.”

Some homeowners who live near the proposed retail development are against the plan, saying it will cause traffic congestion not beneficial to the South Shades Crest Road community.

Vonnie Fancher, a resident of the Shady Woods subdivision nearby, said approving the shopping center plan will disrupt the neighborhood.

“The morning commute and school traffic is horrible as well as the evening commute,” Fancher said. “This would just make things worse.”

Tricia Farris, a resident of Lake Crest, thinks the retail development is unnecessary, adding she doubts the neighborhoods can support a fourth grocery store.

“If this is to include a freestanding Walmart grocery store, it will join Publix, the new Sprouts and the SuperTarget,” Farris said. “There are many vacant stores and outparcels currently in The Grove. Why not actively do something to recruit businesses there, rather than building another shopping center that may also have less than full occupancy?”

Vicki Gandy, who lives in a neighborhood near South Shades Crest Road, said another Walmart “would be a disaster,” adding, “We want our neighborhood to remain a neighborhood.”

“Walmarts have become an eyesore and attract too many thieves and thugs,” she said.

“Also, The Grove shopping center has a lot of empty commercial spaces that need to be filled with good businesses, instead of flooding an already busy residential area that doesn’t want or need commercial businesses.”

Pate, a member of the zoning board, said the Hoover City Council will give the public a chance to give input before voting on the matter.

“I think that the zoning change from industrial to commercial is a great plan that is best for city residents and safer,” Pate said.

Sun

SECTION B Spring Home Guide B1 Sports B13 Calendar B22

Spring

Home Guide Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jump start any project in our guide.

Spring Home Guide

B2 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Special advertising section

One-stop shop for all your landscaping needs

The perfect time for chimney repairs

Gardner Landscaping is a full-service lawn, landscape and hardscape company. While they specialize in landscaping and hardscape, they also offer service maintenance to their customers. They have proudly served the Over the Mountain area since 2006. No matter your budget or landscape, they will give you the personalized attention you deserve.

Gardner Landscaping’s main goal is to provide homeowners and businesses with quality service and landscaping that will increase property value and give you a space you feel proud to call home.

Their nursery is conveniently located by the Riverchase Galleria and allows customers to browse a variety of plants and receive personalized recommendations that best fit their vision. Furthermore, Gardner Landscaping has a sister company called Advanced Turf

Why is it smart to have your chimney checked/serviced come spring?

If the chimney is checked/cleaned/repaired at the close of season: }} The soot is cleaned out, reducing the acrid smell that lingers throughout the humid summer. }} The fireplace will be ready for the first cold spell with no waiting for an appointment. }} If repairs are needed, spring/summer time are the best time to do masonry and chimney repairs as opposed to cold weather and they can be done without the worrying about the impending cold weather needs of the fireplace.

“Time is critical to everyone,” Phillip Batts said. “Do what is necessary when it can be conveniently and with low stress. How unnerving is it when James Spann tells us it

Care that specializes in turf weed control and fertilization as well as ornamental tree and shrub maintenance. They will look at a customer’s lawn and landscape and offer professional suggestions.

Their retail garden center has the feel of a “mom and pop” store yet provides you with the plant and landscape material selection of a large garden center. They stock only the best plants, trees, flowers and other landscaping material available.

Gardner Landscaping wants to be your one-stop source for all of your landscaping, lawn and hardscape needs and looks forward to having an opportunity to be your company of choice.

For more information call 823-3168 or 401-3347 or visit gardnerlandscapingllc. com.

Our Services  Full Service Landscaping  Installation & Design  Irrigation Systems  Outdoor Living Areas  Landscape Lighting  Walkways, Walls, Patios, Stonework  Fences, Decks, Gazebos  Mulch, Pine Straw  Lawn Maintenance  Flowers, Shrubs, Trees, Sod  Lawn Aeration  Landscape Clean-Up  Drainage Systems  Fertilization & Weed Control

Make Your Dreams A Reality CALL

205.823.3168 205-401-3347

Providi n High Q g uality Service an Custom d e r Satisfa ction!

www.garnderlandscapingllc.com

is going to be cold. You call and find that the next appointment is so far off that it makes using your fireplace not so attractive, or to finally get an appointment to find something is structurally wrong and you can’t use it until repairs need to be done next spring?”

Tell us a little bit about Batts’ Chimney We are a small business that will only send out certified technicians. We refuse to send out “flue-jockeys” that only clean and have no knowledge of safety inspection/ remediation. We know our customers want their service when they want it but we cannot compromise prudent practices.

To learn more about Batts’ Chimney Services, visit battschimneyservices.com or call 956-8207. Visit csia.org/Homeowner-Resources/index.aspx for more FAQs on chimney service.

Spring Home Guide

hooversun.com

April 2015 • B3

Special advertising section

Find what to plant this Spring

Your cure for the common cabinet

Spring is bursting forth at Classic Gardens & Landscape. Serving greater Birmingham for over 25 years, Classic Gardens has in fresh shipments of blueberries, fruiting trees, early planting vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and even a few early bedding plants. After a long cold torturous winter I’m sure we are all happy to feel spring in the air.

They have so many plants to choose from that your hardest decisions will be which ones to take home. Still, their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you decide what to plant.

Classic Gardens has plants for sun and plants for shade. Some of their favorite plants require very little care yet give an abundance of color and provide for wildlife like the butterfly bush. Blueberries are a favorite to plant because they are so easy to grow and will

Cabinet Cures of Birmingham owner Wendi Peeks found a career she loves in an unlikely place.

“I never expected to end up in the cabinet business, but two years ago, I stepped out of my own kitchen and into, literally, hundreds of others. After 20 years as a tutor for high school and college math, the business was a natural fit for my two passions: geometry and client relationships.

Refacing, not remodeling or refinishing, is the up and coming go-to option in a kitchen makeover because of its flexibility, affordability, quality, design and convenience. Cabinet Cures provides custom work without hidden costs and without the need to change out counter tops, floors, backsplashes or appliances. Doors and drawer fronts are replaced

make a crop the very first year.

Are you familiar with their tomato program? Their staff can tell you how to grow 300 pounds of tomatoes in a container. The ease of growing in a container means anyone can do it and can have so many tomatoes that you have to give some away.

The biggest secret to growing pretty bedding plants is to mix in Fertilome potting soil. Classic Gardens recommends mixing Fertilome Start-N-Gro fertilizer into the soil.

Come in and they will show you how to have the prettiest yard on the block.

Need a beautiful lawn? Nobody does it better than Classic Gardens. They can treat your lawn for you or tell you how to do it yourself.

For more information on Classic Gardens, visit classicgardens.com.

It’s what we do...

Complete Landscaping Installation

with solid, wood cabinetry and boxes are clad in wood skins of the same species and finish – NO laminates ever. Design choices fill the range from trendy to classic. Detailed measurements, skilled trim carpentry, an eye for design and detail and a relationship, not just a job, are what make Cabinet Cures your cure for the common cabinet. Go from ordinary to extraordinary!

The average kitchen reface cost is about $9,000, takes five days to complete and you get an 83 percent return on your investment.

Come visit my Inverness showroom, bring pictures of your kitchen and ideas and let’s make it happen together.”

To learn more, visit cabinetcures.com or facebook.com/CCBham or call Wendi at 5980331 to set up a design consultation.

Transform your old cabinets to NEW in just 5 days!

REFACE, don’t REPLACE Call 205-598-0331

Retaining Walls • Pathways • Patios Trees and shrubs • Sod • Irrigation Fertilization & Weed Control of Lawns

We’ve got you covered!

• New Solid Wood Doors and Drawer Fronts

• No laminates EVER

• Painted or Stained

• Save $$$$ over remodeling

• Custom colors & styles

• Professionally finished and installed (no subs)

We want a relationship, not just a job!

Owner: Wendi Peeks

(205) 854-8001 • classicgardens.com

Showroom (Inverness Village): 5291 Valleydale Rd., Suite 121

Spring Home Guide

B4 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Special advertising section

Find the right ride

Each spring and summer, warmer weather draws people outdoors to spend time at the lake, beach or in their own neighborhood. At Diamond Golf Cars, the new season brings customers looking for vehicles to fit their activities and each year the staff is happy to provide.

After opening in September 2012, Diamond Golf Cars quickly became a Diamond-level E-Z-Go dealer, which means that it is one of the largest dealers in the Southern region and offers the best selection, pricing and service.

The Diamond Golf Cars showroom is fully stocked with different styles of vehicles and accessories. A factory-trained staff is in-store offering

customizations of vehicles.

Diamond Golf Cars sells, rents and services two, four or six-passenger shuttles, hunting vehicles, utility vehicles, and street-legal vehicles.

Customers can test drive the vehicles and talk directly to factory-trained technicians before buying.

Dealer Bill Ochsenhirt said the staff makes recommendations as to the best style of vehicle, gas or electric, along with seating configuration and other options based on the customer’s intended use.

“Most people don’t know exactly what style of vehicle they need.” Ochsenhirt said “Our wide variety allows them to see all of the choices before

purchasing.”

Diamond Golf Cars features its line-up of vehicles year round to meet all customer needs. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can find vehicles with four-wheel drive and similar vehicles with accessories. Other customers can find golf-car style vehicles for the family to use for fun throughout the year.

As a Diamond-level dealer, Diamond Golf Cars offers low pricing every day. Rebates are also available on selected models, which are passed on to customers. The store is also offering $200 of free accessories on any new or pre-owned vehicle purchase by May 1.

Before purchasing a vehicle, Ochsenhirt said there are several things that customers should consider.

Questions to ask before deciding on a vehicle: 1. How far will you drive the vehicle in a day?

2. How many passengers will it need to carry?

3. How much cargo will it need to carry?

4. What kind of terrain will it be driving on?

5. What kind of safety features does it need?

6. Do you need a vehicle that

can be street-legal in Alabama?

The Diamond Golf Cars staff is on-hand to help customers assess these questions and pick the vehicle that best fits their needs.

“Once these are determined, then the fun starts with choosing the best body color, adding a sound system and customizing the vehicle,” Ochsenhirt said. “I strongly suggest they test drive the different styles of vehicles to ensure they choose one that is most comfortable to drive.”

Diamond Golf Cars is located at 4647 Highway 280. For more information, visit diamondgolfcars.com or call 769-6355.

SUMMER SALES EVENT GET UP TO $500 OFF SELECT E-Z-GO® MODELS AND RECEIVE 1.9% FINANCING FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS. OFFER ENDS SOON!

Installment Promo – 1.9% for 36 Months [2.34% APR*]. $0 Down | 1.9% interest rate | $28.60 per $1,000 Financed. *Example: On a purchase where the Amount Financed is $7,500, your Down Payment is $0 with 36 monthly payments of $215.92 each. Interest Rate is 1.9% [ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE is 2.34% (E)]. For other Amounts Financed, the payment would be approximately $28.60 per $1,000 financed. Note: The above financing programs are offered by Sheffield Financial, a Division of Branch Banking and Trust Company, Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.

Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Other qualifications and restritions may apply.

An orogination fee of $50 will be added to the amount financed in the above example. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer subject to change without notice. [“E” means estimate.].

Offers only available in the 50 U.S. states and District of Columbia. See your authorized E-Z-GO dealer or visit www.ezgo.com for details. Offer not valid with any other offer, discount or promotion. © 2015 E-Z-GO Division of Textron Inc. All rights reserved.

Spring Home Guide

hooversun.com

April 2015 • B5

Special advertising section

Take it outside!

As our patios and porches are becoming more sophisticated and refined, today’s homeowners are driven to find peaceful sanctuaries as a prescription for their stressful lives.

Outdoor spaces can also be an extension of your home, providing you with additional living space.

Creating your perfect outdoor space will be the result of the successful combination of many design elements – landscaping, stonework, carpentry, furnishings, lighting and accessories.

Careful pre-planning will be the key to the creation of your personal sanctuary, so begin with creating your personal “wish list.” You may be amazed at how long this list might become!

Thinking about incorporating your year round needs. Do you frequently

entertain outdoors? Do you spend time outdoors in the evenings simply relaxing? Is outdoor grilling a year round requirement for you? Do you enjoy planning simple family meals outdoors?

Once you’ve accessed your needs, then planning your outdoor space becomes much easier. Think about incorporating these simple ideas: 1. Comfortable furniture. This should be most important element in your design. Today’s outdoor furnishings have been manufactured to withstand all that Mother Nature can bestow. The age of folding, vinyl strapped furniture is definitely over.

Many furniture pieces of today look similar to indoor furniture, but have been constructed and designed to stand up to all the outdoor elements.

A comfortable outdoor sofa or swing can be the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon nap!

2. Fabulous fabrics. The biggest name in outdoor fabrics today is Sunbrella. This collection of fabrics is colorful, design oriented, and totally durable. Sunbrella features gorgeous fabrics manufactured to resist fading from ultraviolet rays, mildewing from damp conditions, and odor absorption.

It is just the ultimate outdoor upholstery or drapery fabric that will be used and enjoyed by your family for years.

And of course, Sunbrella Fabrics are carried by Decorating Den Interiors.

3. Let there be light. Be sure to consider incorporating various types of lighting in your outdoor space design, just as you would inside your home.

Landscape lighting, overhead lighting, ceiling fans, sconces and decorative side table lighting are all great ideas. Develop a creative lighting plan to help you create a space with increased ambiance and functionality.

An outdoor fireplace or a firepit can be another great source for ambient lighting…and heat!

4. Don’t forget the draperies. Beautiful window treatments aren’t just for the indoors anymore. With the outdoor fabrics mentioned above, you can add softness and privacy to your outdoor oasis. From full draperies to pillows to canopies, the sky’s the limit for your outdoor space!

As with your indoor spaces, you want to create an outdoor space that is perfect for you and your family’s

needs. Planning is the most important step in creating your outdoor oasis and this may be a good time to call in a professional to help. A decorator can guide you through the steps and help you select the best products to make your room the perfect place for you to make lasting family memories.

At Decorating Den Interiors, we have access to over a dozen outdoor furnishings, accessory and fabric vendors that can help you make your outdoor space the room of your dreams, with your ideas, your style and your budget.

Call today for your complementary consultation!

For for information, visit laurapurvis.decoratingdens.com or call 620-1945.

Spring Home Guide

B6 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Special advertising section

Trending with the Times Spring is here. Are you thinking about building or remodeling your home? Take the next step, call the experts at Construx to assist you.

Whether it be a specific vison for your home, or just ideas floating around, they can make it happen.

Free consultations are just a phone call away.

The Construx Staff Martha Hunter brings friendly customer service and follow through with your job. From the beginning, she help get your vision onto paper, help with your product selections, and make this experience fun and pleasurable. She has strong interests in energy efficiency and helping people age in place.

Kent Irwin brings many skills to the table as a retired engineer. He is poised to handle all drawings necessary to capture and convey your vision and follow through with project management.

Anthony Munroe – This schedule driven builder has 30 years of building experience in the residential and light commercial field, having built over 300 homes and remodeling projects. Anthony is also a Certified VA builder with expertise in ADA handicap and specifically adaptive housing.

“Many people are choosing to remodel their current home at a time where the economic situation

is working in their favor. Do it now allows you to enjoy those upgrades, while adding to the value of your home,” says owner/partner Kent Irwin.

Bathroom trends }} Get rid of the tub/shower combo – have a separate walk in shower }} Rimless glass shower walls }} Hand held shower heads for tubs and shower }} Free standing bathtub }} Air baths (vs older style jet tubs). }} Big plank tiles for floors and walls.

Kitchen trends “Open floor plans are all the trend now. By opening up your kitchen to an adjoining room it creates a dramatic effect and a great update to your home” said Martha. }} Hardwood flooring in the kitchen

gives it more flow with the rest of the house and feels warm and inviting. }} Kitchen islands are a good break between the kitchen and living space. The trend is to make these look more like furniture. }} Granite and quartz countertops are trendy and beautiful }} New stainless steel appliances give your kitchen an entire new look. }} Copper countertop enhancements Home automation trends }} Key fobs that will unlock your door with just a click }} Did you remember to shut the garage door? Check it from your phone app and close it remotely }} Turn on/off your lights, lock and unlock your doors – all remotely from your phone. }} Smart Thermostats – save while at home and control while you

are away.

Outdoor trends }} Front doors and entry ways make a first impression and increase curb appeal }} Wood decks or screened in porch for extra outdoor living space. }} Outdoor fire pits and cooking

areas.

The Construx showroom is located in the Rocky Ridge Plaza Shopping Center. Call for an appointment and free estimate. 533-2668, email -info@construxhome.com or visit construxhome.com.

Spring for a new look

hooversun.com

Spring Home Guide Special advertising section

Taking care of the customer

Issis started in Pelham, Ala. in only a 2000 square foot showroom offering carpet and rugs.

From the beginning in 1984 to today the philosophy is the same, “always take care of the customer,” as stated firmly by owner Steve Issis.

The foundation of this business is founded on that simple, yet strong principle. With that in the foundation, Issis has grown leaps and bounds to expand the main showroom to 100,000 square feet.

The showroom on Highway 280 was opened in 1999 and is 20,000 square feet. The location is a full service store offering beautiful carpets, rugs, tiles, stone and hardwoods.

A wonderful and exciting addition was added in 2007 to help our customers even more. That addition was Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery in Pelham with a 22,000 square foot showroom.

Managed by Nancy Gowens and a staff of talented professional decorators, the showroom offers all of the above plus a full line of quality fine furniture along with custom bedding & drapery services, accessories and lighting.

This led to the opening of Issis at Greenbrier in 2013 that is managed by Anne Borland and Moeen Chadury, again offering a full line of

quality fine furniture along with customer bedding, drapery services, accessories, lighting, rug, carpet, wood and tile. The ultimate goal of all Issis stores is to make our customers happy by providing excellent service, amazing selections and quality products at affordable prices.

For the spring season, Gowens and her staff have noticed several trends making their way into home décor. Most prominently, bold colors that have not been seen in a long time are coming back. Usually mixed with a gray neutral color, many shades of blue and red are adding interesting elements to spaces. Gowens has seen deep lapis, wineberry and marsala, a deep red, making come backs in pieces. Many customers also choose to mix their décor with a touch of gold or silver for more visual interest.

Along with bold colors, strong patterns have also been used in interesting ways to give a unique look to spaces. Though Issis & Sons is adding new lines and is stocked with the latest trends, the store always keeps traditional spaces in mind. Issis & Sons will work with customers to achieve the look that works best for them.

To learn more about Issis & Sons, visit issisandsons.com.

April 2015 • B7

Spring Home Guide

B8 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Special advertising section

Building quality homes Taylor Burton Company stands by a philosophy to build quality homes, renovations and additions that are designed to meet the demands of today’s markets and those of the foreseeable future. For the last four generations, the Burton family has been building a reputation for quality and excellence in home construction and remodeling in the Birmingham and Over-TheMountain areas. Their individual artistry is what sets them apart from the rest.

“We help create what the customer describes,” Owner Taylor Burton said. “We understand the importance of family needs and function and let customers enjoy creativity.”

The arrival of spring brings the busiest and the best time for remodeling. Customers are often looking for something fresh and new.

One of the most popular redesign requests currently is for kitchen space. Customers want spaces that will accommodate their growing family needs. Though some families are not necessarily growing in size, they still need changes as a family gets older. The living room is another popular common for remodeling to create an appropriate space for families.

“It’s important to create a usable

space in a house,” Burton said.

In the spring and summer months, families are looking to spend more time outdoors. Taylor Burton Company frequently receives requests for outdoor projects and focuses on creating a usable space according to what the customer envisions.

This season, Taylor Burton Company has noticed a trend of reclaimed wood. The company has a shipment of reclaimed wood in stock that will make beautiful flooring or ceiling beams. It could also be used to create a beautiful outdoor space.

If customers are thinking about building or remodeling this season, Burton recommends checking references and getting to know builders personally before deciding.

“Pick your builder like you’re going to be living with him for 20 years because you are,” Burton said. “All of your memories will be made in what you create together.”

After many years in the business, Burton knows that above everything else, customers want a personalized space. Customers want their home, kitchen, bath, outdoor spaces and more to be unique and not a copy of what their neighbors or other family members have.

Taylor Burton, Blake Pittman and

Cris Speegle can not only update your home, but they can also make the process enjoyable.

“At Taylor Burton Company, that is what we pride ourselves in,” Burton said. “Giving each customer out eye to detail and creating a unique and personalized space that they will be proud of.”

Taylor Burton Company is dedicated to being the most responsive and service-oriented home remodeler in this market. Through detailed planning, professional project management and outstanding service to clients, the company is able to accomplish just that. Taylor Burton is known as the home of quality and excellence and it is also its pledge to customers and their homes.

The company has earned membership into the Master Builder and Master Remodeler programs.

Companies that hold this title must have a reputation of providing exceptional quality and service which involves satisfied customers, a reputable history, a state license, worker compensation, liability insurance, professionalism, offering alternative dispute resolutions, providing a warranty agreement and participating in continuing education.

To learn more, visit taylorburton. com or call 822-7936.

Custom Home Builders and Remodelers Taylor Burton, Blake Pittman, and Chris Speegle pride themselves on being “builders of homes, dreams and relationships.”

TAYLOR BURTON COMPANY, INC.

822-7936 www.taylorburton.com

Since 1986

hooversun.com

Spring Home Guide Special advertising section

Your one-stop shop for home décor

At Home Furnishings, located on 18th Street in Homewood, carries everything from candles, rugs and tableware to furniture such as beds and sofas.

Over the past 23 years, owner Babbie Styslinger, who also owns the nearby Three Sheets linen shop, has taken the store from a simple futon retailer to a specialty home goods store that offers items from around the country and around the world. Every year Styslinger travels around the U.S. to Atlanta, Dallas, New York and High Point, N.C., for design markets to find the latest trends. They also have ventured as far as India and China to personally select the best products to bring back to Birmingham.

Store Manager Paige Rouss said that in her more than 15 years with the store, she has seen the trends progress in such a way that she wouldn’t even recognize the store from years past. One reason for this drastic change is the ever-evolving inventory.

Right now she said linen sofas and raw wood furniture is trending, along with gold accents in tables, lamps and accessories.

Around the store, some of Rouss’ favorite items are At Home’s abstract artwork, geodes and crystals on display and the beautiful vases.

“Some people might not be aware that we receive new merchandise every single day,” Rouss said.

This factor alone allows the store to appeal to a wide variety of client tastes and styles.

“I think our favorite part of the business is the

hunt,” Rouss said. “What’s new? What’s trending? What’s exciting?”

Rouss also noted how customers don’t necessarily have to buy all new furniture to give a room a new look.

“Throw pillows and throws are a great way to incorporate a pop of color for little cost,” she said. “Also new artwork is a great way to change the feel of a room.”

Not an inch of space goes unused when it comes to displaying goods at At Home — from light fixtures hanging from the ceiling to the curtains and artwork donning the lofty walls. At the same time, the store feels like a cozy home ripe for a well-set dinner or a nap on the plush couch.

In recent years, more and more clients are also turning to At Home Furnishings’ extensive inventory as a source for wedding registries.

Others who come into the store in search of that perfect piece of furniture are often drawn in by the wide assortment of smaller items, such table toppers and decorative accents. An additional unexpected find in this shop is the selection of jewelry and handbags, which have grown in popularity as the store has grown.

“Our plan for the future is simple — to be the best we can be — to strive to continue to please our customers and be a valuable contributor to the community,” Rouss said.

At Home Furnishings is located at 2921 18th Street South in Downtown Homewood. For more information call 879-3510 or visit athome-furnishings.com.

April 2015 • B9

Spring Home Guide

B10 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Special advertising section

Design your dream landscape DSLD Land Management is a full service design/build landscape contractor firm. We are a family owned and operated company that strives to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. During our initial consultation all on site factors are considered from function to form, with special emphasis given to economy and value added work.

DSLD Land Management, Inc. opened its doors in 1983. Today DSLD has built an excellent reputation in landscape construction as a prominent design/build company that services central Alabama. Over the past 30 years DSLD has been recognized and featured multiple times in publications such as Southern Living Magazine and Builder’s Architect Magazine.

DSLD welcomes projects of any scope and size, and stands ready to serve our clients with a full staff of licensed and degreed designers, a full time administrative assistant, and one of the most experienced field service teams in the business.

The team

David H. Sharp

Pursing his life-long interest in horticulture and business, coupled with a background in drainage and soil erosion, David Sharp was inspired to create the ideal landscape construction company specializing in residential design and installation. This inspiration is now DSLD Land Management, a full service design/build landscape contractor firm founded in 1983.

Soon after graduating from Samford University, David became interested in applying his background in

David H. Sharp

Geotechnical Engineering and Business Administration to a new course of study in Ornamental Horticulture.

After obtaining the requisite education in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design, DSLD Land Management Co. Inc., was launched.

Over the years David has been a speaker at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Public Library’s Lecture Series, and at various garden clubs throughout the Birmingham area. In addition to learning from the environment around him, David has developed a more thorough understanding of various cultural

Megan A. McNair

J. Cole Sharp

landscape design applications from his travels throughout Europe and Asia visiting gardens and landscapes in over 20 countries.

David firmly believes in the value of family. Not only does he enjoy his family, but also works to improve the lives of families with at risk children.

David volunteers on behalf of foster and adopted children across the country.

Megan A. McNair

Megan McNair is DSLD’s newest team member serving as a Landscape Designer. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Landscape

Horticulture with an emphasis in Landscape Design.

While obtaining her degree from Auburn University Megan was able to develop a strong foundation in landscape design. She has advanced training and specializes in software such as Dynascape and ProLandscape.

Megan looks forward to continuing her career with DSLD Land Management and creating spaces that reflect the lifestyle, purpose and attitude of our projects as well as injecting it with her personal flair.

J. Cole Sharp

Growing up alongside his father, Cole Sharp learned the family business from the ground up. Cole attended Jefferson State Community College where he studied Computer Information Systems Technology and Mathematics. In addition to his major courses, he took Horticulture courses to enhance his knowledge of the family business.

Today Cole is fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of DSLD, from sales to installation as well as providing technical support.

To learn more, visit dsld.net.

Beautiful Landscape Solutions

Unique and Functional Call now and put our staff of landscape designers and field service personnel on your team. We specialize in drainage and erosion work, driveways, retaining walls, steep banks and water features! Please visit our website for more information. We have been bringing quality and value to Birmingham’s homes since 1983.

David Sharp, Owner

205-437-1012

www.dsld.net

Spring Home Guide

hooversun.com

April 2015 • B11

Special advertising section

What to know about choosing your title process

Pro Forma Title wants consumers to know they have a choice. Under federal guidelines, consumers have a right to choose what title company they use, together with other settlement services that they can shop for in the closing process, according to Pro Forma Marketing Coordinator Jane Scott. Some consumers do not even fully understand the role of the title industry and therefore need more clarity.

Title insurance protects buyers and homeowners against problems affecting their property. Having the title company involved in the research of the title to property ensures a quick and secure transfer of land. Pro Forma Title identifies matters and liens that need to be cleared in the commitment and then satisfies those matters as a part of the closing process by the in-house attorney. Pro Forma performs all title work in-house from the beginning of an

order to the final stages of closing.

New federal mandates set out by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau will go into effect August 1, 2015. Pro Forma is in the process of becoming certified to meet those guidelines.

One of the main requirements of the CFPB mandate is to protect the consumer’s non-public information. Using encrypted emails, paperless filing systems and storing of information in secure locations are just a few of the ways that Pro Forma is meeting the guidelines established.

The company is located off Valleydale Road at 1900 Indian Lake Drive and offers a 48-hour turn around for orders in Shelby, Jefferson and St. Clair counties. For more information, visit proformatitle.com.

Spring is finally here.

Let us build your backyard paradise! inc.  Patios & Walls  Outdoor Kitchens  Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire pits  Arbors and Pergolas

402-2110

@OLABham

You can see all of our past work on our website:

OutdoorLivingAreas.net

Alabama G C L #43737

B12 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

POWER TO

CONSERVE Charles Yeager Manager and Education Director, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

© 2015 Alabama Power Company

Safe, affordable, reliable electricity is one form of power we provide, but not the only one. For Turkey Creek Wildlife Preserve, it’s helping preserve our state’s natural wonders. With a little help from Alabama Power to create an efficient home for Charles Yeager and education center for the state, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is proving that preservation keeps wonder alive. That’s power to preserve. That’s Power to Alabama.

Watch the Turkey Creek story at AlabamaPowerRealTalk.com.

POWI-3873 P2Conserve 10x7.5.indd 1

2/17/15 5:39 PM

hooversun.com

April 2015 • B13

Sports Hoover’s girls win state indoor title, boys second

Hoover High’s girls won six events en route to the Class 7A state indoor track title at Birmingham CrossPlex. Photo courtesy of Kevin Brooks.

By DAVID KNOX Hoover High’s girls won six events en route to the Class 7A state indoor track title at Birmingham CrossPlex. The Lady Bucs topped second-place Mountain Brook 123.50 to 68.

The boys were impressive, but were topped by a powerhouse Auburn team.

“We had a pretty good weekend,” coach Devon Hind said. “The kids really ran well.

Just about every athlete had their best time or best distance. One or two didn’t. Had two boys that were running a fever. But we did what we could.

“The boys did really well, Auburn’s just awfully good,” Hind said. “We scored enough points to win most state championships.”

Auburn finished with 116 points and Hoover

scored 85.50.

On the girls side, Brittley Humphrey won the 60-meter hurdles, edging sophomore teammate Kaitlyn Little by two-hundredths of a second. Little was also second in the 60 meters by just two-thousandths of a second. “It was heartbreaking for her,” Hind said.

Freshman Sydney Steely won the 400 meters with an impressive 58.63 and Presley Weems won the 800 meters with a 2:15.95.

The girls won all three relays, the 4x200, the 4x400 and 4x800. “Sydney was a big surprise for most of the state, but I knew she had it in her.”

For the boys, Christian Bell, headed to Alabama on a football scholarship, won the shot put and the boys 4x200 relay team took first place for the first time in school history.

Hoover Soccer Club’s Phantoms score big in Florida tournament

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B14 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Arc of a diver

Eighth-grader climbs ladder of top state divers for Spain Park

By DAVID KNOX Zachary El-Fallah always liked being “airborne and flipping,” he said.

Tumbling, trampolining, gymnastics, you name it.

But he’d never considered diving until he watched the Olympic Games.

“I just didn’t have the upper body strength for gymnastics,” El-Fallah said. “So after watching the diving on the Olympics, we [he and his mother, Michelle] went to the Greystone YMCA, but they didn’t have any diving boards. They told us about the Hoover Recreation Center and the Hoover Dive Team.”

El-Fallah figured diving into water was just like the dives he took into the foam pit in tumbling or gymnastics.

It was a rude awakening. “It hurts more when you smack into the water,” he said.

That was a little more than three years ago. In December, El-Fallah – an eight-grader at Berry Middle School – posted a second-place finish in the Alabama High School Athletic Association championships in Auburn, competing for Spain Park High School.

That runner-up finish came on the heels of a 14th-place finish a year ago and is all the more remarkable because the 14-year-old was recovering from a stress fracture that limited his practice.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” said his mother. “To go from 14th last year to second, especially for the amount of practice he got. The doctor really didn’t want him to dive. He didn’t do anything for 10 weeks. He only got four practices in before the meet.”

His coach at Spain Park is Sally

Zachary El-Fallah trains with Hoover Dive Club and dives for Spain Park High although he is still in middle school. Photos by Keith McCoy.

Mathias. But in the world of Alabama high school swimming and diving, for the most part, the athletes do their training with a club that works year around. The Hoover Dive Team coach is Charlie Dunham.

“The big thing about Zachary is he matured a lot over the last year,” Dunham said. “To be a really good diver, you have to increase the degree of difficulty in your dives. Over the past year, he really worked hard and learned a bunch of more difficult

dives. In every single type of dive, he added at least a half a somersault. Last year he learned what he had to do to get to the next level.”

El-Fallah puts it more bluntly.

“I had a mental block,” he said. “I was a crybaby. I didn’t have the confidence to stay and practice.”

Part of that was after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in his sixth-grade year. It’s a heart condition occurring in about one to three of every 1,000 people. It’s

characterized by abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause a disruption of the heart’s normal rhythm, and it made his heart race. In his case, it required surgery.

He also suffered a concussion diving as a seventh-grader. So it took a little courage to get back on the board.

Dunham explains another part of it.

“When you increase the degree of difficulty, you’re no longer diving straight in,” the coach said. “You’re going in blind in every direction. It’s

not a natural thing to do. The board throws you into the air, and you’re not always in control so you have to adjust.

“Part of diving is busting and landing wrong, and he’s matured and overcome that. There’s a point in each diver where they go, ‘Ooh, I landed wrong. I’m never going to try that again’ … or ‘I’m going to learn how to do that right.’

“Zachary is just a great kid, a hard worker. We are fortunate to have him in our program.”

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April 2015 • B15

Shades Mountain’s Belcher named a Bryant-Jordan regional winner

Spain Park removes Barker as boys basketball coach

By DAVID KNOX

By DAVID KNOX

Shades Mountain Christian’s Brock Belcher has been selected as a Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Regional winner.

Belcher, who has signed to play soccer at Wofford College, is the son of David and Alisa Belcher. He is the first male athlete from SMCS to sign a Division I scholarship. He was awarded the Ben Wofford Academic and Leadership and Soccer Scholarship to Wofford.

During his time at Shades Mountain, he has lettered four years in basketball and soccer and one year in football and also been Student Government Association president. He has a 4.0 grade point average, and is third in his class.

He also plays club soccer for Birmingham United Soccer Association.

The Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program announced its 104 regional winners in March.

A total of 52 seniors, eight each from the AHSAA Classes 1A through 6A and four in Class 7A, were selected as Scholar-Athlete regional winners and 52 were chosen in the Student-Achievement division. Each student selected was nominated by their respective high schools. For the first time since 1988, the total number has expanded from the previous 96 total.

Eight additional student-athletes will be recognized due to the addition of Class 7A, which has 32 total schools, by the AHSAA this school year.

Approximately 60-64 schools comprise each of the other six classifications.

will be awarded by 13 Alabama four-year colleges and 13 Alabama community colleges participating in the program.

The 13 colleges participating include: Auburn University, Auburn-Montgomery, Jacksonville State, Miles College, Samford, Troy University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Montevallo, North Alabama, South Alabama and West Alabama.

The 13 community colleges are: Bevill State, Calhoun, Central Alabama, Chattahoochee Valley, Gadsden State, Jefferson State, Lawson State, Northeast Alabama, Northwest-Shoals, Shades Mountain Christian’s Brock Shelton State, Snead State, WalBelcher has been selected as a lace-Dothan and Wallace-Hanceville.

Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Several special scholarships are also Regional winner. Photo by Katie presented annually including the Dr. Turpen.

Gaylon McCollough Medical Scholarship ($2,500) earmarked for a selected A committee of school principals regional winner who plans to go into the chose the area winners. A committee medical field, and the Herman “Bubba” of school administrators in each region Scott Coach’s Scholarship ($2,500) given then selected the regional winners. The to a selected regional winner who plans to overall winners will be selected by a go into teaching and coaching. statewide committee of school adminThe Auburn Football Lettermen and the istrators and state business leaders. University of Alabama “A” Club Educa All 104 will be recognized at the tional and Charitable Foundation also 2015 Bryant-Jordan Banquet set for present scholarships to selected regional Birmingham’s Sheraton Hotel Ball- winners who plan to attend AU or UA. room on April 13. Each regional winner In addition, each school that has an will receive a $2,500 scholarship with individual classification winner will class winners receiving an additional receive a $2,000 cash award. Approx$3,000 scholarship. The overall Larry imately $1 million in scholarships are D. Striplin Jr. Scholar-Athlete and the awarded annually in the nationally overall Ken and Betty Joy Blanken- acclaimed program named for Paul ship Achievement Award state winners “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan. will receive an additional $3,000 each. The program is now in its 30th year.

Regional winners are also eligible to Belcher was selected from Class 1A, receive several other scholarships that Region 5.

Spain Park boys basketball coach Neal Barker has been relieved of his coaching duties.

The Jaguars posted a 24-6 record this season and were among the ASWA Class 7A top 10 most of the season, rising as high as No. 2. But an upset loss to Vestavia Hills -- on a four-point play at the buzzer -- in the opening round of the area tournament prevented the Jaguars from advancing to the regionals.

“To be honest, I don’t have any answers,” Barker said of the reason for the change. “It was completely unexpected on my side of it. They just told me they were not happy with the leadership of the basketball program and wanted to make a change.”

Spain Park Athletics Director Patrick Kellogg declined comment on the change but did say in an email that he expected to name a new coach in the next few weeks.

“I asked if it was wins and losses, and they just wouldn’t say,’’ Barker said. He said he’d never heard any complaints from administration or from parents.

“Everybody was excited and working for next year.

I hate to speculate, but when you don’t know what’s wrong, that’s what makes it tough.”

Barker said that he had just scheduled a pair of games with powerhouse Madison Academy at lunch.

“And at 2:30, I’m fired.”

The season-ending loss to Vestavia Hills came without one of the top players in the country, 6-10 Austin Wiley, who had a stomach ailment. He also missed another of the Jags’ losses. Another key player was missing for two of their other losses.

During the regular season, Spain Park beat both 7A runner-up Mountain Brook and state champion Hoover.

Barker had just completed his fourth season as head coach, posting a record of 79-48. He previously had been assistant to Brian Moon for five seasons.

“I don’t think I’m through coaching,” said Barker, who is a science teacher at the school and retains that position. “I believe in God and I have faith in me. I believe God will open a door for me.”

B16 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Bucs break through with Class 7A boys basketball title

By DAVID KNOX The Mountain Brook Spartans were looking for a threepeat.

Hoover’s Buccaneers were looking for a breakthrough. Hoover defeated the Spartans 50-43 in the Class 7A final of the AHSAA State Finals at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on Feb. 28.

The Bucs finished their championship season with a 27-9 record.

It’s the first state basketball championship for the school known best as a national football powerhouse. The Bucs won the 7A state title in December.

“Wow!” said Hoover coach Charles Burkett before taking a deep breath. “To win the games the way we have been winning them just further cements our philosophy that defense gives you the opportunity to win the basketball game. You have to put the ball in the bucket, but our defense gave us countless opportunities and eventually it came around.

“It’s a unique bunch,” Burkett said. “I chastise them and will continue to chastise them moving forward, but when the lights are on they come to play.”

“It might not look pretty but you can’t say these guys don’t play hard.”

Cherry didn’t have a great game in the semifinals, but he bounced back with a Most Valuable Player effort.

He said he didn’t care about Thursday night’s game because his team got the win.

“It’s not about me. It’s about the team,” he said. Cherry scored 14 points and had nine rebounds. “I’m pretty speechless right now.”

“It was a great game,” Spartans coach Bucky McMillan said. “Hats off to Hoover. They were a very determined team. And I’m happy for Coach Burkett to get Hoover High its first state championship in basketball.”

Mountain Brook (27-8) had won back-to-back championships in Class 6A. But the shots just didn’t fall on this night.

“We executed defensively but for us to beat a good basketball team, we’ve got to make 30 percent or more of our 3-point shots,” McMillan said. “Tonight we were 1 of 18.”

The Bucs came out blazing from long range.

Cherry hit the game’s first bucket, a 3 from the

Continued on next page

Hoover defeated the Spartans 50-43 in the Class 7A final of the AHSAA State Finals at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on Feb. 28. Photos by John Michael Simpson.

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hooversun.com

April 2015 • B17

The Hoover Buccaneers celebrate their win in the Class 7A final of the AHSAA State Finals. The win marked the school’s first state basketball championship.

corner, and Kevy Eason followed with a trey of his own. Sam Bowman picked a Spartan’s pocket and drove in for a hoop to give the Bucs an early 8-0 lead.

But the Spartans went on an 8-0 run of their own, fueled by Terrell Guy’s 3-pointer and a putback of his own miss on the offensive glass.

But Leonard Wood finished a transition with a layup and the Bucs led 10-8 after a quarter.

Hoover pushed the lead out to 14-9 before Guy knocked down another 3.

Then his steal led to two free throws

by Clay Collins to tie the game. The Spartans took their first lead when Jack Kline twisted in a shot from under the basket with 3:45 left in the half.

The Bucs’ Dylan Smith, however, rang up his first points of the game on a 3-pointer with 2:22 in the half.

Guy answered with a nifty move to the basket to put Mountain Brook back up by one.

With 34 seconds left, Kline was fouled on a move to the basket, and

he made one of two free throws to give Mountain Brook a 19-17 lead.

With 23 seconds left, Smith was fouled. He made the first free throw, but missed the second. Teammate Christian Bell grabbed the offensive rebound and got the ball out to Bowman, who drilled a trey to give the Bucs a 21-19 lead.

Kline drew another foul and made one of two free throws to cut the lead to 21-20, the score at the half.

The teams swapped the lead throughout the early part of the second

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half. The Bucs pushed out to a fivepoint lead after a couple of nice plays

by Wood, but a conventional threepoint play by Guy tied it up at 27.

Mountain Brook had a one-point lead when Cherry responded with a 3 and Shaquille Bracey stole the ball and rammed home a dunk to give the Bucs a 36-32 lead.

Kline hit a pair of free throws to cut the margin to 36-34 after three quarters.

It was tied at 38 when Hoover’s Maurice Brown made a 3-pointer from

the left corner with 4:27 left. Cherry added two free throws a minute later to push Hoover in front 43-39. Mountain Brook answered with Kline scoring off a nice feed to cut it back to two with 2:55 to go and after a turnover, Jared Henderson got inside and drew a foul. He made one of two to slice it to a single point.

But Cherry was fouled on a 3-pointer from the corner, and the senior made two of three to push the lead to 45-42 with 2:18 to go. Cherry made another free throw with 50 seconds for a 46-42 lead.

A bad Spartan pass led to a backbreaking lay-in by Bowman and a six-point lead with 30.9 seconds left.

The Spartans had to foul, and the Bucs’ Brown made two for the final margin with 19.6 seconds left.

Kline led the Spartans with 15 points and seven rebounds and Guy added 15.

Besides Cherry, Smith -- who had 27 points in the semifinals but was held to four points before fouling out in the final -- and Wood were on the all-tourney team. Wood had eight points and five steals. Brown had seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

The Bucs shot 38 percent from the field to 28 percent for the Spartans.

The Bucs won the boards 35-32.

Hoover turned the ball over 19 times to Mountain Brook’s 17.

“Sometimes games are not about the numbers,” Burkett said. “Heart and soul sometimes doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. We have so many of those heart-and-soul kids that don’t show quality numbers in the stat sheet but they are the heartbeat of this basketball program.

“I’m so many excited for these kids,” Burkett said. “There are so many championships in our Hoover family for them to actually be a very part of it is special.”

B18 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Lujano’s story is one of faith, perseverance and success

By DAVID KNOX

Bob Lujano is currently an information specialist through the National Center of Health Promotions Physical Activity and Disability at the Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood.

Photo by Cary Norton.

As you hand the book to the woman at the checkout at Barnes & Noble, a broad smile splits her face.

“I was so excited when he came in this morning to tell him he’s our No. 1 author this week!” she says.

Can you judge a book by its cover? If the book is No Arms, No Legs, No Problem, the answer is the title is ironically apt. If we’re speaking metaphorically about Bob Lujano, the subject and co-author of the book, the answer is no.

At the book signing, Lujano is surrounded by people waiting for an autographed copy and to have a photograph made with him. It’s clear, as he inscribes books with a pen in the crook of his right stub, they are drawn to his charisma and his sheer inspiration. His upbeat attitude and apparent joy of life belies that he is in a wheelchair, with truly no arms and no legs.

And he insists, it’s no problem. No kidding?

“No, I’m not,” Lujano said.

That’s not to say it hasn’t been a challenge.

He suffered belt-whippings from his father.

His mother abandoned him and his sister

when he was 5. His father sent him to live with his grandparents, and there his grandfather was physically abusive. Then, at the age of 9, he contracted a rare form of meningitis, and in order to save his life, his limbs were amputated.

That would be enough for many people to say: Enough, I’m checking out.

If Bob Lujano had decided to pack it in, or curl into a ball, then he would not have inspired others with his story. He would not have earned an undergraduate degree from Texas-Arlington or a masters in sport management from the University of Tennessee.

He would not have won a bronze medal in the 2004 Paralympic Games in wheelchair rugby.

He would not have been featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary about wheelchair rugby, Murderball. He would not been a sought-after motivational speaker. He would not be in his current role at Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood, where he is information specialist through the National Center of Health Promotions Physical Activity and Disability.

He would not be the national advocate he is for athletes with disabilities.

Part of the reason he wrote the book, with

hooversun.com co-author Teri Schiro, was to “shatter stereotypes and myths,” he said.

The Hoover resident lives in his own home, drives and does daily living like anyone else without assistance.

“God’s given me whatever ability I have, and the ability I have is to be as independent as I can be,” Lujano said.

“That’s why I can live on my own and have my own house and do my own laundry and cook my own food and sweep the floor and scrub the toilet and all those fun things you have to do.”

“I feel that I’m what an independent person in Birmingham is supposed to be doing. I have my own job. I’m involved in my community, in my church, with my sports team … it’s about being as active as you can and being a part of your community.”

Another part of the reason he wrote the book was to thank God for what he’d been through. And that is a message that is certainly particular to Lujano’s journey but can be adapted to anyone’s life.

“More than anything, it’s to make people realize that no matter what you go through – and some people will hear my story and say, ‘You really got a bad deal from age 5 to 10’ – at the end of the day, I’m still thankful for the struggles, the hard times, because they shape who you are and who you’re going to be.”

Lujano adds, “Without my faith in God and support of family and friends, I probably wouldn’t be here.”

Another reason he wrote the book was simply to chronicle what he’d been through for those family and friends. Reading what his family members said was a revelation to him, as he was young, in a coma for a time, and just not aware of what all was going on around him when he fell ill.

April 2015 • B19

Hoover resident Bob Lujano signs copies of his book No Arms, No Legs, No Problem. Photo by David Knox.

“One of the things that struck me as I read the book was that I didn’t know what my family was going through when the door closed. They would put on the smiles -- ‘We’re behind you, we love you, what do you need’ -- and then as soon as they went out the door they would all fall apart. And I never saw that, never saw my dad break down. Or my sister. As soon as they got to the door they were all smiles.”

“Really a stark revelation once I read it.”

He had been an athlete before he lost his limbs – he wanted to be the next Pete Rose – but when he was in grade school, the PE teacher put him

in a corner playing checkers with others with disabilities.

“One day the guy I was playing checkers with, we just put the checkers away and grabbed a football and started throwing the football back and forth, and then we got this other guy in and said you run a route and this guy can rush the passer and pretty soon we had 7-on-7 touch football going on.”

“That drew the confidence from the teachers to say, ‘OK let’s get them out here.’ At the end of the day I just wanted to be involved with my peers and found a way to make that happen.”

At Texas-Arlington he played

some wheelchair basketball, but it wasn’t until after he graduated from Tennessee and worked at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta that he discovered quad rugby.

That eventually led to five U.S. Quad Rugby National Championships with the Lakeshore Demolition and three medals playing for Team USA – a gold in the 1999 Wheelchair Games, silver in the World Championships and a bronze in the 2004 Paralympics.

The book pulls no punches – it’s honest and insightful. It varies between Bob’s voice, Terri Schiro’s voice, which could easily be ours, but you’ll have to buy the book to see

what I mean – and a narrator.

“People should read my book,” Lujano said, “because it’s a situation that no matter how difficult life might be, it’s those rough areas that define and shape who we are, who were going to be, where were going to go.

Once we decide ‘my back’s against the wall but you know what, I’m not going down.’ If you can have that attitude, that mindset, God wants to provide for you … he’s there just as much for me as anyone else because he loves you that much. … the beauty of it is that it’s through the struggle that you define who you are and what you will become and what your purpose is.”

He’s a man of strong faith, which was developed in his childhood. From the book: I remember vividly that conversation with Jesus, even though I was comatose at the time. He stood at the end of my bed and gave me a choice.

“Do you want to stay and live or would you rather come home with me?”

“I want to live. I have things to do,” I told him.

There was no doubt in my mind, even though it would have been easy to die that day …

Dying in surgery or asleep in the ICU would have been the perfect way to go. Just slip into paradise away from all the tragedy I had experienced in my nine years on earth and not have to deal with a battered body the rest of my life. But somewhere in the comatose state, I do remember making it clear that I wanted to live.

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B20 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Hoover assistant Niblett leaves for head job at Foley, Kervin steps in as OC

By DAVID KNOX Jason Kervin, a seven-year veteran of head coach Josh Niblett’s Hoover High football staff, will assume a new role as offensive coordinator for the defending Class 7A champions.

Kervin replaces Tad Niblett, who left in February to take the position as head football coach at Foley High.

A couple of other coaching assignments have been made with other spots to be filled at a later date, the head coach said.

Josh Miller will step up from the junior varsity staff to coach tight ends. Miller had been on the JV staff for three years. Chris Metcalf, who had been on the JV staff for two years, will now coach the varsity secondary.

Tad Niblett, a key member of his brother’s staff, replaced Todd Watson, who left Foley to become the director of football operations and high school relations at Troy University.

Niblett, 45, spent the last seven years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under his younger brother. In that span, he has helped the Bucs to four state titles, including the 7A title last December, and eight state championship game appearances.

During Tad Niblett’s time as offensive coordinator, Hoover has never averaged less than 28 points per game and has scored 500 points in four of its last five seasons.

“I’m happy for him,” said Josh Niblett. “It’s a great opportunity for him. It’s always an honor to have your coaches go and move up, professionally and financially.”

Before arriving at Hoover, Niblett spent 2006 and 2007 as an assistant coach at Oxford, also serving under his younger brother. The Yellow Jackets went 16-5 on the field in his two seasons

Jason Kervin

as quarterbacks coach.

He also has head coaching experience on the AISA level. His teams went 31-34 in six years at Springwood. His best season was an 8-4 mark in 2001. In 1999, he was 5-7 as head coach at Central Christian. Despite the losing record, that team advanced to the second round of the AISA Class A playoffs.

Niblett will be stepping into a good situation

Tad Niblett

at Class 7A Foley. Watson went 80-36 in 10 seasons at Foley. In 2014, the Lions went 9-4, upsetting rival Fairhope in the second round before losing to eventual runner-up Prattville.

It’s a program that has produced recent NFL stars such as Julio Jones, Robert Lester and D.J. Fluker.

Hoover has won three straight state championships, two in Class 6A before the creation of

Class 7A last year.

Spring practice is set to begin April 30 with a jamboree tentatively set for May 15, but no details have been released.

The Bucs open the 2015 season at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Aug. 22 where they’ll face Oakland High. They’ll open the home schedule Aug. 28 against Manatee (Fla.).

hooversun.com

April 2015 • B21

Hoover

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

624783

35226

4652 Summit Cove

New

$229,000

625301

35244

328 Turnberry Road

New

$474,900

625287

35216

3647 Haven View Circle, Unit 3647

New

$124,900

625216

35226

5564 Colony Lane

New

$245,000

625206

35226

2200 Rockview Lane

New

$219,000

625171

35226

2087 Chalybe Way

New

$315,000

625133

35242

6020 Terrace Hills Drive

New

$213,900

625105

35244

1938 Cahaba Cove

New

$292,500

625002

35226

2405 Chalybe Trail, Unit 108

New

$279,000

624987

35226

204 Monaco Circle

New

$234,900

624917

35216

3399 Brookview Trace

New

$219,000

624901

35226

2055 Chalybe Way

New

$317,500

625172

35244

1771 Southpointe Drive

New

$385,000

624848

35242

3001 River Brook Lane

New

$749,000

624828

35242

3057 Valley Ridge Road

New

$284,900

624780

35242

2433 Oneal Way, Unit 79

New

$392,154

624760

35242

4004 Kings Circle

New

$799,900

624756

35226

2629 Foothills Drive

New

$345,900

624752

35216

345 Heritage Drive, Unit 20

New

$269,900

624716

35242

1221 Boundary Street

New

$379,900

624712

35226

451 Renaissance Drive

New

$788,500

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on March 16.

Agents and agency vary by property. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

A free event featuring authors Lou Anders, Sharon Cameron, Jeff Mack, Lori Nichols and Amber McRee Turner

For more information, visit: hooverlibrary.org/rwd

4652 Summit Cove

1771 Southpointe Drive

B22 • April 2015

Hoover Sun

Calendar Hoover Chamber of Commerce Events 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 988-5672 April 2: Economic Development Forum Meeting. 8:30 a.m. Chamber Office.

April 15: Ambassador Meeting. 4:30 p.m. Chamber Office.

April 9: Coffee & Contacts. 7:30-9 a.m.

Birmingham Allergy and Asthma Specialists, 3125 Independence Drive, Suite 210. Call 943-1197.

April 16: Hoover Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. 11:15 a.m. Hoover Country Club. $20 with reservations, $22 without reservations. Call 988-5672.

April 23: Business After Hours. 5:30-7 p.m. Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, 610 Preserve Parkway, Suite 100. Visit vecchiabirmingham.com.

April 28: Minority Business Council Meeting. Noon. Chamber Office. Brown bag lunch meeting. Email jeterr3@nationwide.com.

Hoover Library Kids April 1: Camp Read S’More: Music Camp. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Stories and music for preschool-kindergarten followed by s’mores. No registration required.

April 2: Camp Read S’More: Science Camp. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Learn the science behind your kids favorite magic tricks followed by s’mores. Grades 1-6.

April 13: This Just In! 6:30 p.m. New books club for grades four to six.

April 14: Hoover Has Talent. 6:30 p.m.

Showcase your talent at the library theater stage.

April 21: Recycled Crafts. 4:30. Celebrate Earth Day by upcycling. Registration begins April 7.

Grades one to three.

Teens April 7: Teen Book Club. 6 p.m. Monthly teen book club. Book TBD.

Adults Tuesdays: Adult English Classes. 6:30

p.m. Basic and intermediate level classes offered.

No registration required. Free.

5519 Grove Blvd. Compete for great prizes at local restaurant Beef O’Brady’s.

April 1: Aron Kallay. 7:30 p.m. Library Theater. Hear Grammy-nominated Aron Kallay perform. Free admission.

April 14: Spanish Conversation Club.

7 p.m. Library Plaza. All Spanish fluency levels welcome to practice the language and learn about the culture with a native speaker.

April 2: First Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Book club discussion on All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

April 9: Second Thursday Fiction Book Group. 10 a.m. Administrative Board Room.

Book club discussion on A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra.

April 11: Purl @ the Plaza. 1 p.m. Yarn, knit, crochet or embroider with other fabric enthusiasts.

April 12: Global Cuisine @ the Plaza: Sweden. 2:30 p.m. Coffee-ol-ogy Café presents a free program on food and coffee in Sweden.

Complimentary samples provided.

April 13: Witness: Tornado Swarm 2011 and Superstorm 2012. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. National Geographic’s look back at 2011’s historic April 26-27 tornado outbreak and 2012’s Hurricane Sandy.

April 13: Trivia Night. 7 p.m. Beef O’Brady’s,

April 16: What Stands in a Storm (April 2011 Tornado Outbreak). 6 p.m. Join author Kim Cross to reflect on this historic 2011 event.

April 19: Gene Fambrough. 2:30 p.m.

Library Plaza. Free. UAB music professor performs works for solo percussion.

April 23: Art Reception - Mohammad Dolatabadi. 5:30 p.m. Reception honoring April’s featured artist, Mohammed Dolatabadi.

April 25: Write Club presents Joe Samuel Starnes: Author of Red Dirt.

10:30 a.m. Library Plaza. Author Joe Samuel Starnes will discuss his latest book, Red Dirt: A Tennis Novel, along with his previous two books, The Calling and Fall Line. Book signing to follow.

April 27: Monday at the Movies: Field of Dreams. 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

“An alternately amusing and inspiring trip from the top of the pro tennis barrel to the bottom—and back again.”

-Peter Bodo of Tennis magazine

By Joe Samuel Starnes

Appearances on Saturday, April 25 Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m., reading and discussion

Little Professor Book Center Homewood, 2-4 p.m., signing

www.breakawaybooks.com

hooversun.com

April 2015 • B23

Calendar Hoover Events April 4: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Dash.

8 a.m.-noon. Veterans Park. Proceeds will benefit Children’s of Alabama. Visit k2d2fun.com.

April 6: Hoover City Council Meeting.

6 p.m. Hoover City Hall, Third Floor. Visit hooveral.org.

April 9: Propagator Member Meet the Artists Reception. Aldridge Gardens.

Propagator level members will enjoy their monthly wine reception while mixing and mingling with Plein Air artists. RSVP requested. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

April 10: Relay For Life. 3:30 p.m.midnight. Spain Park High School Jaguar Stadium.

Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Visit relayforlife.org.

April 10: Hoover High School Prom.

Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Visit hooverhigh. al.hch.schoolinsites.com.

April 11: Walk for Autism. 7:30 a.m.

Veterans Park. There will be a resource fair, snacks provided by Zoe’s Kitchen, Earthfare and Nola-Ice and activities for children. Visit walkforautismal.com.

April 18: PurpleStride Birmingham 2015. 7-11 a.m. Veterans Park. Event will raise awareness and support for pancreatic cancer. Visit purplestride.kintera.org.

April 18: Members Only Guided Bird Walk. 8-10 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. The first bird walk of the 2015 season. Free and for members only. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

April 20: Hoover City Council Meeting.

6 p.m. Hoover City Hall, Third Floor. Visit hooveral.org.

April 25: Fairy Furniture and Gnome Knickknacks. 9-11 a.m. Aldridge Gardens.

Using materials from nature, you will learn to make charming miniature furniture. Members $20, Nonmembers $27. Visit aldridgegardens.com.

April 26: Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Veterans Park.

Family-friendly walk/run to raise awareness of diabetes.

May 2: Celebrate Hoover Day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Veterans Park. Annual citywide event. Free to the public. Visit hooveral.org.

Area Events April 10-11: 17th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church. Free admission. Band, dancing, silent auction and 5K. Visit stelias.org.

April 11: Reading, Writing and Rhythms. 3-9 p.m. Avondale Brewery. Raffles and live music featuring Jeremy Moore, Joel Madison Blount, Jordan Teague and The Heavy Hearts.

April 10-12: Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale. Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11

a.m.-3 p.m. Brookwood Village.

April 18-May 3: 2015 Decorator’s Showhouse. The Upton Estate in Vestavia Hills.

Visit alabamasymphony.org.

April 18: Mountain Brook Art Association Spring Art Show. 9-4 a.m.

Crestline Field. Original paintings from local artists for sale. Live jazz band and food vendors. Visit April 25-26: Bargain Carousel. Friday 3-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday 15 p.m. Prices vary by day. Call 879-9861 or visit bargaincarousel.net.

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