Hoover Sun May 2025

A SUCCESS FROM THE START — THOSE THERE FROM THE BEGINNING TELL THE TALE

Regions Tradition

By TAYLOR BRIGHT

ith the Regions Tradition golf tournament at Greystone Golf & Country Club set to tee off this month, the Hoover Sun spoke with three men — David Manners, Gene Hallman and David McElroy — who have been with the tournament from the very beginning and illustrate the strong connection between the tournament and the community.

See REGIONS TRADITION | page A16

New look for SEC Baseball Tournament

All of the blue chairback seating has been replaced with new gray chairback seating, and 12 seating sections that previously had aluminum bleachers have been converted to individual chairback seating.

That leaves eight seating sections that still have aluminum bleachers, but all the aluminum bleachers now have backs on them, said Ken Grimes, Hoover’s city administrator.

Hoover City Administrator Ken Grimes sits in the new chairback seating added at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in advance of the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

Main: Gene Hallman, who has organized the Regions Tradition golf tournament from its inception, takes a practice swing at Greystone Golf & Country Club where the tournament will be held this year. Photo by Taylor Bright.

Insets: Regions Tradition has a star-studded past. Past participants include, clockwise from left: Raymond Floyd, Bart Starr and Joe Namath; Lee Trevino and Michael Jordan; Chi Chi Rodriguez. Photos courtesy of Regions Tradition.

Hoover’s Home Run Legacy

The upcoming Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium is not just a major sporting event. It’s a celebration of the history, growth and transformation of Hoover, Alabama, into a thriving city and regional destination.

Since its opening in 1988, The Hoover Met has been a major part of the community’s increasingly vibrant identity and landscape.

Originally built to accommodate minor league baseball and later high school football, the stadium’s most notable claim to fame has been its role as the home of the SEC Baseball Tournament. The Hoover Met’s relationship with the SEC Baseball Tournament began in 1996 and has endured for nearly three decades, becoming permanent in 1998.

The Hoover Met has been the site of some of the most exciting, historic moments in college baseball, and many great players — including future Major League Baseball stars — have worn their cleats on that field. Each year, these talented competitors know that the Road to Omaha, home of the College World Series, comes through Hoover, Alabama.

Over the years, the stadium has undergone significant upgrades that have elevated the gameday experience for fans and players alike, such as modernized seating, luxury suites, enhanced fan amenities and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.

The growth in Hoover reaches into

the surrounding area developing into a dynamic, prosperous community anchored with neighborhoods, restaurants, medical services and more.

The Hoover Met Complex also boasts such community attractions as The Finley Center (a 155,000-square-foot hub for indoor sports tourism), the Explore Playground, and the RV Park.

Developments such as Hoover High School, Stadium Trace, Knox Square, Blackridge and Lake Wilborn have played an important part in the city’s growth by offering a neighborhood that attracts visitors, new residents and new businesses.

Hoover has also created exciting

The SEC Baseball Tournament

• Where: Hoover Met

• When: May 20-25

• Web: welcometohoover.com, hooveralabama.gov

Tournament stands as an annual extravaganza where visitors, sports fans, residents and businesses can rejoice in the city’s successful transformation.

outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike to enjoy such green and blue spaces as the Black Creek Mountain Bike Park and the canoe launch at Flemming Park on the banks of the Cahaba River.

What once was rural, undeveloped land has transformed over the years into a nexus of business, retail, dining, entertainment, athletic competition, education, residential spaces and outdoor recreation. It’s a beautiful balance of natural beauty, family fun, community development and modern

Whether you watched Michael Jordan take the field in 1994 with the Barons, cheered high school football under the Friday night lights or wore your favorite college team’s colors each May — your presence has been part of Hoover’s increasing cultural and economic impact.

Join us for five days of unforgettable moments, rich baseball culture and spirited competition. Support your community and support your local businesses by being a part of this year’s SEC Baseball Tournament — it just means more for Hoover. Make your plans now for the SEC tournament by going online to welcometohoover.com. Don’t forget the Regions Tradition on May 14-18 at Greystone Golf & Country Club —

ABOUT US

If there’s one thing in Hoover that gets just about everyone excited, it might be the SEC Baseball Tournament.

Yes, high school football ranks high on the list — but with folks split between the Bucs and the Jags, the tournament is something the whole city can rally around. And frequently does.

City leaders have bent over backward to keep the tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, even as other cities across the South have put in bids to take it away. Millions of dollars have gone into upgrades and amenities over the years — including $23 million in the last three alone.

One of our cover stories this month dives into what’s new this year, including a fresh tournament format.

Our second cover story highlights several people who have helped make another of Hoover’s signature events — the Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf and Country Club — a continued success.

I hope you enjoy reading about both!

For advertising, contact: dan@starnesmedia.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: janderson@starnesmedia.com

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Understanding Mohs Surgery

What you need to know about skin cancer treatment

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and navigating a diagnosis can feel overwhelming. In this Q&A, Dr. C. Blake Phillips and Dr. Callie Hill of Total Dermatology share expert insight on everything from what to do after a diagnosis to the differences in treatment options — including Mohs micrographic surgery. Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to stay informed, this guide offers clarity, reassurance, and valuable expertise from two board-certified specialists.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s just been diagnosed with skin cancer and is feeling uncertain about their next steps?

A: “I would first seek the counsel of a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your specific situation. If you are not established with a local dermatologist, asking trusted medical professionals for recommendations or referral is a great place to start. While some dermatology subspecialists tailor their practices toward managing challenging skin cancers, many patients do not require advanced services and can be effectively treated by any reputable dermatologist”, says, Dr. Phillips.

Q: Many people feel overwhelmed after hearing they have skin cancer. How do you help patients understand the type of cancer they have and what it means?

A: As physicians, we have a responsibility to act in the best interest of our patients, both in terms of medical care and communication.

“I find that open dialogue and setting clear expectations are key to helping patients feel more at ease,” says Dr. Hill.

When a skin biopsy confirms a cancer diagnosis, I typically begin by reviewing the pathology report with the patient and any family members who are present. The report provides important information that helps us determine the best course of action. From there, I take time to answer any questions and develop a care plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs and circumstances.

Q: What are the most common types of skin cancer you see, and how do they differ in terms of treatment approach?

A: The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each behaves differently, and even within each type, subtypes can affect how the cancer grows and is treated. Factors like the cancer’s stage, location, and a patient’s overall health help determine the best approach.

• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and usually grows slowly. It rarely spreads but can cause serious local damage if left untreated.

• Squamous cell carcinoma is generally more aggressive and can spread more quickly, especially in high-risk cases.

• Melanoma is the most serious but is highly treatable when caught early.

Dr. Phillips adds, “The key takeaway is that early detection and treatment allow for less invasive procedures and high cure rates. The longer skin cancer goes untreated, the greater the risks and the more complex the treatment becomes.”

Q: Can you explain what Mohs micrographic surgery is and how it differs from a traditional surgical removal (excision)?

A: Wide local excision is a common method for removing skin cancer. It involves removing the visible lesion along with a measured ring of normal tissue around and beneath it. The area is then closed with sutures, and the tissue is sent to a separate pathologist who examines vertical slices (like a loaf of bread) to check for any remaining cancer at

• Birmingham: 1927 1st Avenue North

• Gardendale: 931 Sharit Ave.

• Trussville: 4913 Deerfoot Pkwy.

• Bessemer: 975 9th Ave. SW, Ste. 210

• Call: 205-933-0987

• Web: totalskinandbeauty.com

the edges. Results are shared with the patient later, usually confirming clear margins. This approach has very high cure rates for low-risk cancers and is an excellent option in many cases.

Mohs surgery is a specialized combination of excision and real-time pathology that aims to remove less tissue and achieve higher cure rates than with traditional excision. Tissue edges are more thoroughly examined with the Mohs technique, and clear margins are confirmed prior to repairing the surgical wound. Mohs specialists are trained in both surgical removal and microscopic examination of skin cancers. The surgeon first removes a visible cancerous lesion with a very narrow protective ring. While the patient waits, the tissue is processed and examined to ensure complete removal. If there are roots extending beyond the initial removal, these roots are mapped, and additional corresponding tissue is narrowly re-excised until the entire lesion is confirmed to be clear. Complete cancer removal and wound repair are most often completed during the same visit.

Q: What types of skin cancer are best treated

with Mohs surgery, and how do you determine when it’s the right choice for a patient?

A: Mohs surgery is generally preferred for cancers with high-risk features, large cancers, lesions located in cosmetically or functionally critical body sites (such as the face or hands) or areas with limited tissue laxity (such as the scalp, lower legs, feet, ears). It is also used in cases where traditional excision failed to adequately remove the lesion. The goal is to achieve higher cure rates and spare as much healthy tissue as possible, resulting in smaller repairs.

Q: Once a patient has had skin cancer, what preventive measures do you stress to avoid future skin cancers?

A: “Skin cancer often develops years after the initial sun damage,” says Dr. Hill. “If you’ve had significant sun exposure, used tanning beds, or worked outdoors, regular skin checks with a dermatologist are an important part of early detection and prevention.”

To help protect your skin and lower your risk:

• Wear sunscreen daily

• Use hats and sun-protective clothing

• Avoid tanning beds

• Try to stay out of direct sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Q: How can our readers schedule a skin cancer screening or consultation with Total Dermatology?

A: Total Dermatology has a team of highly trained providers ready to evaluate your skin or guide you through a skin cancer diagnosis. Our board-certified dermatologists, experienced PAs and NPs, and two fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons are here to provide expert care.

To schedule an appointment, call 205-933-0987 or visit totalskinandbeauty.com.

We proudly serve patients at convenient locations in Birmingham, Gardendale, Bessemer, and Trussville.

ABOUT US

Creator Collective students shine in first major project

By STAFF

The students in our Starnes Media Creator Collective made a strong debut this month, helping staff reporter Emily Reed produce our May cover story on the Class of 2025.

Collective members contributed video interviews with seniors from their own high schools, exploring firsthand the unique perspective of students who have grown up as digital natives in a pandemic-impacted, techdriven, and now AI-powered world. The content added depth and authenticity to the cover package, providing a peer-to-peer look at how this graduating class has navigated a rapidly changing landscape on their way to a major life milestone.

“These are the first steps in what will be a year of learning and opportunity to hone their storytelling skills across multiple platforms,” said Tim Stephens, general manager of Starnes Media and executive director of the Creator Collective. “Our students did superb work this month, and we look forward to providing them with a wide array of opportunities over the next year.”

In May, students will continue their work by capturing and producing content from high school proms and graduation ceremonies, as well as contributing to our Under the Lights 2025 football preview magazine. After that, they’ll take a well-earned summer break before returning in the fall for a new slate of hands-on projects and professional development.

This year’s Creator Collective includes a talented group of students from schools across our coverage area:

► Mountain Brook: Kinleigh Freeman, Evelyn Lee, Harper Wilbanks

► Hoover: Cameron Johnson, Willow

Smith

► Spain Park: Daniela Marie Sollano, Leyton McCarn

► Vestavia Hills: Corra Maddox

► Alabama School of Fine Arts: Kaiden Boykin, Allie Rezek

► Chelsea: Luke Miller

► Homewood: Miyelani Mathebula

When the program resumes, students will be mentored not only by Starnes Media’s award-winning editorial and multimedia staff, but also by an accomplished and growing advisory board made up of leading professionals in journalism, broadcasting, content creation, brand strategy and the arts.

This year’s Creator Collective Advisory Board includes:

► Joey Kennedy: A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and one of Alabama’s most accomplished political reporters, Kennedy currently teaches at UAB and brings decades of experience in editorial writing and public affairs.

► Kevin Corke: FOX News White House

correspondent and former NBC News reporter, Corke has covered the presidency, global summits, and major breaking news events. He’s also a former anchor for ESPN’s SportsCenter and a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

► Steve Skipper: A Homewood native and one of the most acclaimed sports and cultural artists in the world, Skipper has had work commissioned by NASCAR, the University of Alabama, and even for Queen Elizabeth II. His art has been featured in the College Football Hall of Fame and the U.S. Capitol.

► Danielle Tate: A national leader in athlete branding and the director of athlete membership at Athletes.org, Tate has worked with INFLCR and Campus Ink. She’s also a Birmingham Business Journal “Woman to Watch” and brings deep expertise in NIL and personal brand-building.

► Lynn Andrews: Photographer, marketer and community leader involved with the Junior League of Birmingham.

► Lynden Blake: Former WBRC sports anchor and current ESPN+ sideline reporter

with expertise in sports media and digital storytelling.

► Tommy Deas: Former president of the Associated Press Sports Editors and director of content for Gannett’s Center for Community Journalism.

► Michele Forman: Award-winning documentary filmmaker and director of UAB’s Media Studies program.

► Jaclyn M. Langan: Member services and events coordinator at the Alabama Press Association.

► Gail Sideman: Founder of GPublicity and a veteran of sports public relations and media strategy.

► Stacie Shain: Director of communication programs at Bellarmine University with experience in both academic and newsroom settings.

► Deon J. Hampton: NBC News’ top national field reporter and a two-time national award-winning journalist.

The Creator Collective runs year-round and is designed to provide high school students with real-world experience in journalism, content creation and digital storytelling.

Smith

Johnson McCarn

Sollano

City shuffles money, but performing arts center still not built

By JON ANDERSON

The Hoover City Council in April redirected $6.1 million originally allocated for a performing arts center to fund urgent repairs to the city’s sewer system, casting doubt on how the long-delayed project will move forward.

The council had voted in March 2023 to borrow $93 million and spend $17 million of that on a performing arts center.

At the time, the city was negotiating with the owner of the Patton Creek shopping center about putting the center in renovated space there, but that deal fell apart. A subsequent proposal to place the center in the second phase of Stadium Trace Village also failed when negotiations between the developer and the city broke down over the size of an incentive package.

In April, the city’s chief financial officer, Jennifer Cornett, informed the council that, under Internal Revenue Service rules, the city had only one year left to spend the borrowed funds or the warrants sold to raise the money would no longer be tax-free.

Cornett presented a plan to reallocate the $17 million previously set aside for the performing arts center to other long-term capital projects — either already completed in the past two years or nearing launch.

Those projects had already been funded, so the shift would leave $17 million from other city funds still available for the performing arts center.

However, Mayor Frank Brocato on April 7 recommended the council divert $6.1 million of that remaining money to cover critical and urgent needs in the city’s sewer system, which serves Riverchase, Inverness and Southlake.

Hoover officials have known for several years that about $25 million in sewer system improvements are needed, but the situation has

A touring production of “The HIp Hop Nutcracker” that came to the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at the

at Birmingham in 2019. This is an example of the type of performances some would like to see take place in

Stephens Performing Arts Center.

become more urgent, Brocato said.

Jason Welch, the city’s engineering manager for the sewer system, said the work is becoming increasingly pressing due to aging infrastructure.

“Our system that was constructed many decades ago is slowly deteriorating. This deterioration has led to a rise in blockages, leaks, breaks and repair issues that pose a significant risk to public health and the environment,” Welch said. “These investments are essential for assuring continued protection of public

health, safeguarding the environment and fostering the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure.”

Supporters of the performing arts center expressed frustration that money was being pulled from their project, but several council members who voted in favor of the diversion on April 7 said they would move quickly to reallocate other funds and restore the full $17 million for the performing arts center.

Several council members said they favored using money from the city’s reserves, even if

doing so required amending a self-imposed policy that mandates keeping six months’ worth of expenses in reserve.

As this story went to press, Cornett was preparing a policy change for the council to consider at its April 21 meeting.

Councilwoman Khristi Driver said restoring the $17 million isn’t enough. City officials now estimate that building a performing arts center could cost at least $45 million, and the city needs to develop a strategy to actually make that happen, she said.

Affordable luxury kitchen and

University of Alabama

Hoover. Photo courtesy of Alys

This

Minute

By Frank V. Brocato

was held in Birmingham, but this year it’s making its debut at the Hoover Met on Saturday, May 3, from 6-9 p.m.

I’m especially excited about the 42nd annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, taking place Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 a.m. We’re looking forward to a packed house at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel. We’re particularly honored to welcome Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer as our guest speaker. I know he’ll share words that will motivate and encourage us all.

The following week, the Regions Tradition returns to Greystone Golf and Country Club, May 14-18. Part of the PGA Tour Champions circuit, the event offers an intimate chance to see some of the best senior golfers in the sport — along with a few celebrities — during the Pro-Am competition on opening day. With great restaurants, vendors and live entertainment, it’s

an outing so many look forward to every year, and we’re proud that the Tradition continues here in Hoover.

We’ll end the month with the crown jewel of our community: the SEC Baseball Tournament, held May 20-25. This marks the first year teams will play under our new, extended contract, approved last August. In addition to world-class baseball, fans will experience the latest round of upgrades we’ve made to the Hoover Met.

We’ve invested $23 million to modernize and enhance the fan and player experience. That includes updated locker rooms, a new media room, repaved parking lots, upgraded lighting and a redesigned main entrance. We’ve also replaced all chairback seating and added backs to our benches. The concourse has received a full refresh, including new paint, floor coatings, signage, lighting and concessions improvements — giving the area a cleaner, more modern feel.

We believe these changes will make this year’s tournament even more enjoyable for both fans and athletes.

Please come out and join us for one — or all — of these events as we welcome so many visitors to our city.

CITY

By JON ANDERSON

The developer working to bring a 200,000-square-foot retail shopping center with a big-box grocery retailer to Inverness has made changes to the development plan in an attempt to address neighborhood concerns — and now has received approval for the project.

Two years ago, Alumni Properties and Investments sought approval from the Hoover zoning board for a 103,000-square-foot big-box wholesale store with a tire center, 16 gasoline pumping stations and at least eight other retail buildings on 20 acres of wooded land at the corner of Valleydale Road and Inverness Center Drive.

The property is across from Inverness Corners and next to Inverness Plaza. Significant neighborhood opposition led the zoning board to reject the plan in April 2023.

Since then, developers have made numerous adjustments to the plan that no longer require a zoning change — and that they hope will address residents’ concerns.

First, Alumni Properties removed the gasoline station and liquor store originally proposed, both of which required special zoning approval.

They also redesigned the site to move truck traffic off Inverness Center Drive, which leads to residential neighborhoods. The delivery truck entrance and exit on Inverness Center Drive was eliminated, and a turnaround was created to direct truck traffic to either Valleydale Road or U.S. 280 via a route behind Inverness Plaza. There is still a vehicle entrance on Inverness Center Drive, but it now allows only right-in, rightout, and left-in turn movements. Vehicles exiting the development will not be able to turn left onto

Inverness Center Drive, said Gary Owens, managing partner of Alumni

development from Inverness Center Drive and the Danberry at Inverness senior living community, Owens said. More brick was also added to the primary building.

The red brick is expected to nearly match the material used at Inverness Corners, and the building’s architecture was modeled after some in the adjacent Beaumont community, he said.

Owens said non-disclosure agreements won’t allow him to share the name of the big-box wholesaler or other potential tenants yet. Thus far, he has referred to it as a “bigbox membership grocery concept.”

Several residents who met with the developer identified it as a BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Owens did not dispute that identification.

The development — to be called 280 Valleydale at Inverness — includes space for 20 to 25 smaller shops, which are expected to include a full-service restaurant, cafes, boutiques, a shoe store, collegiate apparel store, and a bookstore with a café, Owens said.

Department of Transportation for changes to the intersection of Valleydale Road and U.S. 280, including converting the eastbound U.S. 280 right-turn lane onto Valleydale into two lanes instead of one, Owens

Additional landscaping buffers were added to screen the

The city of Hoover has approved the site plan, and the city, Shelby County and ALDOT have approved traffic plans, Owens said. Clearing should begin between July 4 and Labor Day, and earth work should start in the late third or early fourth quarter, he said. Building pads and buildings should start going up in the spring, and store openings are anticipated by late 2026, he said.

Valleydale Road next to Inverness Plaza and across from Inverness Corners. Map courtesy

and Investments.

Burke signing off as principal at Bumpus

By JON ANDERSON

After 37 years in education, Bumpus Middle School Principal Donna Burke is hanging up her principal’s hat at the end of this school year.

The 58-year-old educator said the demands of the job have become so great that it takes away time from family and friends — and from taking care of herself. She no longer has the energy to do the job the way she wants to do it, so it’s time to pass the torch, she said.

She plans to take on some part-time jobs, but nothing more than two days a week.

Burke began her career teaching physical education in 1988. She spent a year at Highlands School in Birmingham and a year at The Donoho School in Anniston before she was hired as a physical education teacher at Simmons Middle School during former Hoover Superintendent Robert Bumpus’ first year, she said.

She worked nine years at Simmons and 10 years at Hoover High School. She also served as a volleyball coach at Hoover High for 20 years, including 17 years with the varsity team. In 2010, she spent about six months as an assistant principal at Deer Valley Elementary School before coming to Bumpus as an assistant principal in 2011.

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals named Burke the Assistant Principal of the Year in 2018, and in 2021, she was promoted to principal, replacing Tamala Maddox.

Burke said she’s had the chance to experience a wide range of roles in education — elementary, middle and high school, public and private school — and she enjoyed them all. But she found her true passion in middle school, where students are at such a key age developmentally.

“They are unique. They are fun. They are complicated,” she said. “In middle school, you make more of an impact than ever.”

Students are trying new things and making decisions about their interests, and “our job is just to encourage them and give them those opportunities,” she said.

Burke said students learn more than just academics. They’re learning to listen, ask questions, take notes and say thank you.

One of the first pieces of advice she received as an administrator was to greet students every day and tell them good morning. The first semester, she usually gets only a few grunts in return, she

She believes strongly in building relationships with both teachers and students — and that meaningful learning grows out of those relationships.

Her biggest joy, she said, is seeing students grow and develop into successful adults. The hardest part is seeing a former student in the news for committing a terrible crime and wondering what she and others could have done differently.

current

how far they’ve

parents were

Burke said she and her colleagues have worked hard to build a strong climate and culture at Bumpus — one where people take a genuine interest in each other and work together toward shared goals.

“We’re not always perfect with all of that,” she said, “but I feel like this building is based on relationships, and I hope that continues.”

said, but by the end of the year, the kids are saying it before she does.

Many

Bumpus

her former students at Simmons, and she said she loves seeing

come.

Bumpus Middle School Principal Donna Burke welcomes students to school on April 14. Photo by Jon Anderson.

SCHOOLHOUSE

Class of 2025

Born into virtual world, graduating seniors ready to zoom in real life

By EMILY REED

They were born during the iPhone revolution, came of age in a pandemic and now graduate into a world transformed by artificial intelligence. For the Class of 2025, change has never been the exception — it has been the backdrop. As they prepare to leave high school behind, these students reflect a generation shaped by disruption, connection, reinvention and resilience.

The Class of 2025 didn’t just grow up during change — they grew up on screens, set on fast-forward. Born in the late 2006 to mid-2007 window, their lives have coincided with the rise of smartphones, streaming media, social movements and digital identity. Their junior high years were marked by lockdowns and learning loss. Now, they bring not just ambition, but insight into a world they have been watching, questioning and navigating in real time.

Seniors at Hoover and Spain Park High Schools have lived through lockdowns, digital classrooms and a redefined sense of normal on their way to graduation.

DIGITAL LIFE AND DISCONNECTION

HHS senior Madison Bedsole said the idea that Gen Z relies too much on phones and social media is a misrepresentation.

“When we’re online, we’re exposed to other people, and sometimes we compare ourselves to those people from social media,” Bedsole said. “I think sometimes that creates harmful internalizations that can make people wonder if they’re doing something wrong or right.”

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill published a study in 2024 noting that resilience and social support helped protect students from the negative consequences that social media can have. Approximately 1 in 5 college students currently feel isolated on campus, the study noted.

Though the UNC study focused on college students, its findings reflect behavioral patterns that began much earlier — during high school years spent in virtual classrooms and social isolation. For the Class of 2025, those patterns may carry forward into college and beyond.

Economist Jane Fruehwirth found that social media often displaced healthier habits like sleep and exercise — especially among students who already felt disconnected.

Luci Inman, a Hoover resident and senior at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, shared a similar concern. “I have a strong hindrance toward FaceTime,” she said.

“I have to mentally prepare before I talk to people — even though I’m an extrovert. I think my generation has lost touch with genuine connection.”

PANDEMIC AND ACADEMIC IMPACT

While disruptions like COVID-19 did prove to be difficult for many students, this generation has been able to normalize therapy, stress and inclusion.

Dr. Josh Klapow, a Birmingham-based clinical psychologist. “They’ve shown an incredible amount of flexibility and adaptation — tested since birth.”

“COVID made me more anxious talking to people,” said Madison Bedsole. “We didn’t have access to others for so long; it affected me.”

“COVID changed us. Social media and technology became the only way to communicate, and people started relying on that,” said Stella Stewart.

For many students, the disruption wasn’t just social; it had a lasting impact on academics. The Class of 2025 lost key learning years in middle school, and for some, the return to in-person school was a difficult academic adjustment. Students have recovered about a third of pandemic-era learning loss in math and a quarter in reading. Recovery has been slowest for older students — those now entering college — who were in middle school during COVID.

“I feel like when we came back, it was hard for a lot of us to catch up, especially in math and science,” Stewart said. “Like we were expected to just go back to normal — but we missed so much.”

Hoover High School Graduation

► When: Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.

► Where: Bartow Arena, UAB, 617 13th St. S, Birmingham

Spain Park High School Graduation

► When: Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

► Where: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood

Michael Chui.

“I feel like everyone is socially dependent on the internet to just make connections,” said Stella Stewart, a senior at Hoover High. “Like no one has those reallife social skills anymore — people are more bold over the internet and act completely different. I just feel more disconnected even though it’s supposed to bring us together.”

“For me personally, I had a really hard time during COVID, like not being able to see people,” said Nia Brown, a senior at Hoover High. “I’m just a very social person. Humans in general need other humans — we weren’t created not to be together. Getting to come back, I didn’t take for granted the relationships I’m making. I try to take care of those to make sure I have friends for life.”

“This graduating class has already seen so much and lived through a lot of change,” said

FACING THE AI FUTURE

The Class of 2025 faces AI-driven uncertainty.

“I use AI just as a resource, but there are some students that use it as a TA,” said Edwin Aroke, a Hoover High senior.

“They aren’t actually learning the lesson at hand.”

By 2030, activities that account for 30% of U.S. working hours could be automated — up from 21% before generative AI, according to McKinsey researcher

“I think it’s taking away job opportunities for sure,” said Stewart. “In my research field at least, a lot of jobs are being taken away because AI is doing most of it. I think a lot of people are going to have trouble; they’re not going to be able to do that anymore. And I also feel like artists… AI can make digital art in like two seconds. It just kind of ruins all the intensity. People are losing jobs because of that.”

“Everyone uses ChatGPT — I do,” said Spain Park senior Javairia Jehangir. “But it takes away effort, and that shapes how

A photo illustration of a girl looking at her computer during a video call with students from the Class of 2025. Clockwise from top left: Edwin Aroke, Erissa Lusain, Javairia Jehangir, Kacey Green, Luci Inman, Micah Breland, Miria Babi, Nia Brown, Sofia Contreras, Stella Stewart, Traci Li, Madison Bedsole Photos courtesy of the students’ families. Photo illustration by Melanie Viering.

Bedsole

Inman

Brown

Aroke

Jehangir Stewart

Classroom Tech

From AI to VR, the Class of 2025 has experienced technological leaps and bounds in the classroom. Explore some of the advancements in education technology from 2013 to today.

2013-15: RISE OF EDTECH PLATFORMS

► Chromebooks gain popularity in U.S. schools due to low cost and easy integration with Google services.

► Google Classroom launched in 2014, rapidly adopted across K-12 and higher education, streamlining teacher-student workflows.

► MinecraftEdu (later renamed Minecraft: Education Edition) promotes game-based learning and creativity in classrooms

► Virtual reality starts entering education with basic applications like Google Cardboard.

2016-18: PERSONALIZED, ADAPTIVE LEARNING

► Artificial intelligence tools emerge in education (e.g., DreamBox, Knewton), enabling adaptive learning.

► ClassDojo sees major adoption for classroom

hard we try.”

While AI is a growing tool that helps in the education sector, University of Alabama at Birmingham Director of Undergraduate Admissions Andrew Colson said it does not replace a human voice.

“While AI tools are great to help augment your writing and experiences, a student should consider an AI an editor, not an author tool,” Colson said. “Whenever schools require essays or personal statements, we are looking to get to know the students. Making sure their voice comes through the essays is very important to the process of review.”

RESILIENCE AND IDENTITY

“I’d describe the Class of 2025 as mentally

behavior management and parent-teacher communication.

► Flipgrid becomes widely used for student voice and video-based learning.

► Microsoft Teams for Education launches, offering another collaborative platform with learning management system features.

► Augmented reality tools like Merge Cube and HP Reveal enter classrooms for immersive science and history lessons.

► Growing focus on STEM/STEAM curricula, supported by tools like Tynker and Scratch 3.0 (beta in 2018).

2019-21: REMOTE LEARNING, MASSIVE CHANGE

► Increased adoption of AI writing and grading assistants, like Grammarly.

► Schools explore data privacy laws — COPPA and FERPA — amid rising tech use.

► Massive global shift to remote learning in 2020 due to COVID-19.

► Surge in use of platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.

► Equity gaps become a major focus: device access,

strong,” said Kacey Green. “We came out of a pandemic, and at Hoover, we had a couple of suicides. That’s made us stronger; we try to help others through those emotions and dark times.”

“Older generations think Gen Z has an attitude. We’re just setting boundaries,” said Jehangir.

Klapow, the clinical psychologist, said the Class of 2025 is entering adulthood more aware — and more equipped — than many generations

before them.

internet access and digital literacy challenges exposed.

► EdTech investments skyrocket, with companies like Byju’s, Outschool and Coursera growing rapidly.

2022-25: AI INTEGRATION AND FUTURE SKILLS

► Widespread experimentation with AI tutors and writing tools (e.g., ChatGPT, released late 2022).

► Teachers begin using AI for lesson planning, grading and differentiation.

► Generative AI gains momentum: ChatGPT piloted in classrooms.

► Discussions around AI ethics, plagiarism and digital literacy explode in K-12 and higher ed.

► AR/VR adoption grows in high school science, history and arts.

► AI copilots integrated into learning management systems.

► National and state-level policies begin shaping the ethical use of AI in education.

► Game-based learning and immersive simulations become more common with platforms like Roblox Education and CoSpaces.

“They can say, ‘We lived through a global pandemic,’ or, ‘We used to use smartphones for everything,’” Klapow said. “This creates connection. They may all come from different backgrounds, but they share that.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Soon they’ll go out into the world, and Jehangir raises an interesting point: Even for a generation accustomed to big change, what lies ahead is opportunity for growth.

“We’ve followed a set pattern for so long. Now that I’m moving out, I want to see change in myself, and I think I’ll understand me better,” Jehangir said.

Klapow said students graduating this year can

take comfort in the fact that everyone who is graduating alongside them experienced changes and advancements in the world at the same time.

“The challenges this class has faced will be something they look back on, and it will be unique to their generation,” Klapow said. “What connects them is that they experienced the same defining moments at the same time.”

Starnes Media Creator Collective student journalists Willow Smith and Cameron Johnson of Hoover High School, Daniela Maria Sollano and Leyton McCarn of Spain Park High School and Kaiden Boykin of Alabama School of Fine Arts contributed to this report. Check out more of their interviews with members of the Class of 2025 at hooversun.com.

Green

SCHOOLHOUSE

Hoover High jazz band headed to NYC competition

By JON ANDERSON

Hoover High School is sending 24 members of its First Edition Jazz Band to New York City in May to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 30th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival.

Sallie Vines White, the band’s director, has applied for the competition more than 20 times but had never been accepted — until now. Normally, only 15 bands are selected, but this year, in honor of the competition’s 30th anniversary, 30 bands were invited. A record 127 bands from around the world applied, and Hoover’s band made the top 30.

Steve Fidyk, an acclaimed jazz drummer, bandleader and music educator, visited the Hoover band in early April to help the students prepare.

Fidyk spent more than 21 years as the drummer and featured soloist with The U.S. Army Blues band at Arlington National Cemetery. He has appeared on more than 100 recordings and, since 2015, has been a member of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. He also performs with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in Washington, D.C., and serves on the jazz studies faculty at Temple University and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. During his visit, Fidyk worked with the band on three songs it will perform in New York: “Concerto for Cootie,” “Symphony in Riffs” and “Thanks for the Beautiful Land on the Delta.”

“It’s astounding how these kids are preserving the legacy of Duke Ellington’s music,” Fidyk said. “It’s really, really incredible. … It just shows the amount of dedication that these kids have, and it speaks volumes to the instruction they’re getting from their band director and

how the kids are taking that information and running with it.”

Hoover’s band has been working on the music since November, Fidyk said.

“They’ve learned the notes on paper. Now it’s just trying to put more feeling and dynamic contrast and swing into the overall product,” he said.

Fidyk said his ultimate goal was to inspire the students to continue growing musically — not only with this particular music, but throughout

SERVICE + INTEGRITY

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acclaimed jazz drummer, bandleader and music educator Steve Fidyk helps the

their lives. “It’s a lifelong study,” he said. Ellington’s band was full of incredible soloists, and Fidyk said one of the things that stood out about the Hoover band was the number of soloists it has. “That brings so much character and personality to the music they’re doing,” he said.

Aubrey Snow, a freshman bassist in the First Edition Jazz Band, said everyone has put in a lot of hard work and that getting a visit from Fidyk was a huge opportunity.

“It’s just so rewarding to get to play and learn from these good people,” she said. “We’re learning and having fun. It’s great.”

Levi Hansen, a senior trumpet player, said Fidyk gave the band valuable feedback. The group also got a visit in December from Todd Stoll, vice president of education at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

“It really helps us to have a different person come in because it brings a fresh perspective,” Hansen said.

In the Classroom

Spain Park High chemistry teacher Stephen Hobbs

By STAFF

Q: What inspired you to work in education?

A: In high school, my math teacher once told me I had a good way of explaining things, but I dismissed the idea of teaching at the time. However, in my sophomore year of college, I felt a calling to education while working as a lab aide. I changed my minor to secondary education while keeping my chemistry major, and I’ve been teaching ever since.

Q: What’s something great about your school?

A: I’ve been here since the school started, and it has always had a strong academic focus. The science department is particularly close-knit — we have great teachers and great friendships. Many of us have been here for more than 24 years. That collegiality makes the workplace enjoyable. I also get to teach advanced and AP Chemistry, so I have students who are eager to learn.

Q: Tell us about an educator who was important to you.

A: My high school chemistry teacher had a major influence on me. He instilled a love of chemistry in me with his passion for the

subject . . . I took both general and advanced chemistry with him, and his enthusiasm played a significant role in shaping my career.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

A: The most rewarding part is receiving notes from former students who have gone off to college, thanking me for preparing them well. When they say they enjoyed my class and that I had a positive influence on them, it means everything.

By STAFF

Two students from Hoover City Schools received honors in the 2025 State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Competition this spring.

Lily Hawk, a student at Bumpus Middle School, won first place in the seventh- and eighth-grade division for her photography piece titled Reflections in a Jar. Anna Gill, a student at Hoover High School, earned second place in the ninth- and 10th-grade division for her piece titled Star Gazer.

Hawk’s instructor at Bumpus is Bo Doss, and Gill’s instructor at Hoover High is Ben Rigsby.

Both students’ winning artwork was displayed at the Alabama State Capitol while the Legislature was in session.

The State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Competition, organized by the Alabama Department of Education, highlights the artistic achievements of K-12 students across the state. Submissions are judged on originality, technical skill, expression and composition.

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in a Jar” by Lily Hawk

“Star Gazer” by Anna Gill

Stephen Hobbs

REGIONS TRADITION

CONTINUED from page A1

DAVID MANNERS: DREAM COME TRUE

By age 10, David Manners had become a golf nut. Growing up in Laurel, Mississippi, where his dad managed the local Sears, Manners was more into baseball until a neighborhood friend got into golf and needed a partner.

By the next year, Manners was riding his bike three miles across a highway, towing his clubs behind him to the Laurel Country Club.

“It was funny because we lived not real close, but not real far from the Laurel Country Club, and my dad was gracious enough to join the club,” Manners said. “I remember many a day, especially in the summer, riding my bike, carrying my clubs on a pull cart from the house to the golf course. I would stay there all day and play.”

The family later moved to Fort Walton Beach, where Manners played at the same course where Edwin Watts — founder of a national golf retail chain — had worked. Manners stuck with baseball and basketball until college, when he walked on to the golf team at Auburn University.

He moved to Birmingham in 1981 to sell insurance, started a family in Hoover and one day saw a report — though he can’t quite recall where — about a new golf tournament coming to town and looking for volunteers.

“I just couldn’t believe how great that was,” Manners said. “When I first moved to Birmingham, the only place to play, unless you were a member of a country club, was Oak Mountain State Park. We didn’t have the Robert Trent Jones facilities or Bent Brook or Timberline like we do now. To have the PGA Tour — or in this case, the Champions Tour — come to Birmingham was a dream come true.”

GENE HALLMAN: LEAP OF FAITH

Gene Hallman came to Birmingham in 1991 as a 31-year-old with an MBA and five years of corporate experience. After reading a Sports Illustrated article about Mark McCormack — founder of IMG and one of the most powerful figures in sports — Hallman was inspired to pursue a job in the industry.

“I sent out about 500 resumes, and one landed on the desk of Ronnie and Angelo Bruno, who at the time were running Bruno’s Supermarkets and were starting a Senior PGA Tour event,” Hallman said.

“I’d quit my job, moved home with my parents at age 30, and was borrowing money from friends to chase this dream. I’d only been to Birmingham once before, for the 1990 PGA Championship. I didn’t know a soul. But I got the job on the spot.”

He was named director of the inaugural Bruno’s Memorial Classic, which launched in 1992.

“There were just four of us — a sales director, ops director, volunteer coordinator and me — working out of a small office off U.S. 280 in Meadow Brook,” Hallman said. “None of us had much tournament experience, but the community was incredibly supportive. The crowds were enormous that first year, and we knew it was going to be something special.”

Then came a game-changing moment.

On Oct. 6, 1993, NBA superstar Michael Jordan — coming off three consecutive championships — shocked the world by retiring. He

Regions Tradition

► Where: Greystone Golf & Country Club, 4100 Greystone Drive

► When: May 14-18

► Web: For tickets and more information, go to regionstradition.com

soon announced he was going to play baseball for the Birmingham Barons, the AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

Hallman, always looking for big names for the Bruno’s pro-am, now had a golden opportunity.

“The third year, when fate brought Michael Jordan to town, he only did one thing outside his Barons commitments — and that was play in our pro-am, alongside Charles Barkley,” Hallman said. “That took the tournament to a whole new level.”

The tournament had already become meaningful to the Bruno family, even as tragedy struck early on.

At the original press conference in December 1991 at Greystone Golf & Country Club, Hallman stood alongside Angelo and Ronnie Bruno. Less than a week later, Angelo Bruno, vice chairman Lee Bruno and several company leaders died in a plane crash on Lavender Mountain near Rome, Georgia.

“I have a photo from that original press conference, with the logo ‘Bruno’s Classic,’ and six days later we renamed it the Bruno’s Memorial Classic,” Hallman said. “Charity became an even bigger part of the event because the Bruno family was so philanthropic.”

DAVID McELROY: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOLE 1

The charitable side of the tournament is what first drew David McElroy of Hoover to volunteer.

“My mother worked at St. Vincent’s, and they said they needed volunteers. I signed up because one of the main charities was Children’s of Alabama,” he said.

McElroy’s motivation was personal. His daughter, Amy, had been born with VATER syndrome, a complex set of congenital conditions.

“She was born without an esophagus between vertebrae two and seven. She couldn’t digest food normally. She had to have a gastrostomy, a tethered spinal cord, an imperforate anus, a displaced hip — 38 surgeries at Children’s Hospital,” McElroy said. “She was a joy. A miracle baby.”

Amy lived until 2022, and her legacy motivates McElroy to keep volunteering.

“She was an absolute fighter in every way. This tournament is now the largest fundraiser for Children’s Hospital,” he said. “If you ever need it, you’re dang glad it’s here.”

Hallman said the tournament has now raised more than $21 million for charity, with Children’s of Alabama as the primary beneficiary.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Manners, Hallman and McElroy have each played different roles through the years, but the tournament has left an impact on all of them.

For Hallman, it launched a career in sports event management.

“The support from the community was so overwhelming,” Hallman said. “It led to new opportunities and eventually to forming Eventive Sports, which is now owned by Troon — a global company with 35,000 employees. We went from a staff of four in ’91 to 70 or 80 employees worldwide.”

For Manners, it’s about lifelong friendships.

“I’ve built lasting friendships with volunteers I’ve worked with since the beginning,”

he said. “We catch up every year like no time has passed.”

McElroy remembers what Ronnie Bruno told volunteers at their first marshals meeting.

“He thanked us for volunteering and even paying for our uniforms,” McElroy said. “Because of what we’ve done, this whole tournament is for charity. I challenge anyone who’s been out there to say they didn’t have a good time.”

From left: Michael Jordan, Ronnie Bruno, Charles Barkley and Gene Hallman at Greystone Golf & Country Club.

Photos courtesy of Regions Tradition.

Nick Saban poses with patients at Children’s of Alabama. A portion of the tournament’s proceeds go to the hospital.

Above: Randy Owen, Bob Hope and Charley Boswell at the tournament when it was known as the Bruno’s Memorial Classic.

Left: Crowds at the Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek Club.

Below: Gene Hallman, right, and Chi Chi Rodriguez enjoy a refreshment at the Bruno’s Memorial Classic.

Left: An unidentified golfer putts at the at the golf tournament when it was known as the Bruno’s Memorial Classic.

Below: Crowds gather at the Bruno’s Memorial Classic at Greystone Golf & Country Club in the early 2000s.

Vicki’s Amish Traditions brings handcrafted, heirloom-quality furniture to Birmingham

Are you tired of shopping for furniture at chain and big-box stores and being forced to choose from the same cookie-cutter styles? Fortunately, Birmingham buyers have a great alternative for unique, top-quality items at Vicki’s Amish Traditions in Vestavia Hills.

Vicki Stroup, the founder of Vicki’s Amish Traditions, is a Florida native who discovered the beauty and craftsmanship of Amish furniture while living in Indiana for 18 years. Though she had no prior experience in the furniture business, she was exposed to the incredible quality of Amish-made products, sparking a passion that shaped her career.

While working at a large Amish furniture store, Vicki realized how special the furniture was — not only for its durability but also for its beauty and craftsmanship. She became passionate about offering high-quality, handcrafted furniture to others. “God knew what I needed, and I am so blessed to have this business!” she said.

When Vicki moved to Alabama in 2016, she saw an opportunity to introduce Amish furniture to the region. In fall 2018, she opened the state’s first exclusively Amish furniture store. Her vision was to offer beautiful, handcrafted furniture that could be customized to suit individual needs.

In 2024, after seeing growing demand, Vicki opened a second store in Vestavia Hills to better serve Birmingham-area customers. “We actually have

a lot of customers from this area who drive down to Millbrook to shop with us,” she said.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We have been very well received, even better than I thought,” she said. “People have been super kind. A lot of people have stopped by just to welcome us to the city. People seem excited that there is an actual Amish furniture store in the area.”

CUSTOMIZABLE, HIGH-QUALITY FURNITURE

What sets Vicki’s Amish Traditions apart from other furniture stores is the ability for customers to fully customize their pieces.

Peace of Mind

Vicki’s Amish Traditions

• Where: 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, Vestavia Hills

• Call: 334-399-5563

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Web: vickisamishtraditions.com

“You pick the piece you want, and you can also choose the size, the wood species, the color and hardware,” Vicki explained.

This level of personalization ensures that each piece fits perfectly in the customer's home and reflects their unique style. Whether it’s a bedroom set, dining table, living room furniture or office furnishings, Vicki’s Amish Traditions offers handcrafted, made-to-order pieces that bring each customer’s vision to life.

SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR FURNITURE

In addition to traditional indoor furniture, Vicki’s Amish Traditions offers eco-friendly outdoor furniture made from recycled milk jugs. This material is recycled by a company called Tangent, then crafted into furniture by the Amish.

The material comes with a 20-year warranty against chipping, cracking or peeling and is UV-protected to resist fading. It withstands harsh weather conditions, making it a durable and

sustainable outdoor furniture option.

“The Amish commitment to sustainability aligns with my own values,” Vicki said. “I want to offer products that stand the test of time while also supporting environmental responsibility.”

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Vicki’s dedication to offering high-quality Amish furniture reflects her belief in supporting American craftsmanship and sustainability.

“I love being able to sell Amish furniture because I know it’s great quality and is made in the U.S., and I know that the builders stand behind their products,” she said.

This integrity and pride in her products have earned Vicki’s Amish Traditions the trust and loyalty of customers.

For Vicki, selling Amish furniture isn’t just about business — it’s about providing heirloom-quality pieces that families can enjoy for generations.

At Vicki’s Amish Traditions, customers not only find durable and beautiful furniture but also experience the satisfaction of knowing their purchases support skilled Amish craftsmen.

Vicki’s passion for Amish furniture and her commitment to quality have made her store a standout in Alabama’s furniture market.

Come visit Vicki’s Amish Traditions at 1401 Montgomery Highway, Suite 121, Vestavia Hills, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach the store at 334-399-5563.

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HOOVER MET

CONTINUED from page A1

The changes mean that 4,888 more people can have individual chairback seating, each with their own cupholder, Grimes said. At full capacity, the number of people with aluminum bleachers would drop from 7,840 to 2,064, he said. Total seating capacity in the stadium dropped by 848 seats, from 8,696 to 7,848, “but the goal was more comfort for the experience of spectators,” Grimes said.

Total official capacity of the stadium, with suites, is now about 10,000, but with standing areas and grassy areas along the outfield, more people can fit. Last year’s championship game drew 15,686 people, and the record attendance for an SEC Baseball Tournament game was 16,165 in 1999.

In the concourse area where the concession stands are, the old tile flooring was ripped out, leaving a concrete surface, and new lighting was installed, Grimes said. The concourse also got a new paint job with a blue and gray color scheme and new signage directing people to their seating areas.

The goal was to give the concourse and seating areas a more modern appearance, Grimes said. “I think it looks really clean and more modern with this neutral tone,” he said.

Along the third-base side of the field, a new 4,250-square-foot club suite was built just beyond the pre-existing suites and banquet room. Glass panels allow for air-conditioned viewing of the games, and the suite area opens up to outdoor chairback seating for suite guests.

The stadium entrance from the lower parking lot beyond left field has been enhanced with a small permanent shade structure where the ticket takers and metal detectors will be.

Another part of this year’s $10.6 million renovation is a new fan deck beyond right field that will hold about 120 spectators between the scoreboard and one of the bullpens, but that area is not guaranteed to be completed in time for this year’s tournament, Grimes said.

It’s not the fault of the contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie, he said. There were some delays in decision-making by the city and SEC regarding the design of the structure and the type of construction materials desired, he said.

Brasfield & Gorrie has made a lot of progress on the new outfield fan deck, but it may not be ready in time for this year’s tournament, Grimes said. Alternative outfield fan areas have been popular on some SEC campuses, and the goal is to replicate that experience at the SEC Baseball Tournament, he said.

The first phase of the most recent improvements at the Hoover Met involved a $2.4 million renovation of the locker rooms that was completed in time for the 2023 tournament.

The second phase included a redesign of half of the front parking lot, including new islands, lighting, paving and striping, a new front entrance to the stadium, and a new media room for postgame interviews with coaches. The total cost for the second phase was $10.1 million, and all three phases together amount to $23.2 million worth of improvements at the stadium.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said the improvements helped the city of Hoover keep the SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover amid growing competition.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said the SEC has had interest from high-quality minor league stadiums and some Major League

$23 million worth of

Changes for 2025

► Chairback seating replaced

► 12 sections converted to chairback seating

► Backs put on all remaining aluminum bleachers

► Concourse renovations

► New 4,250-square-foot club suite

► Renovated left field entrance

► Right field fan deck in progress

► 16-team single-elimination format

SEC Baseball Tournament

► When: May 20-25

► Where: Hoover Met Stadium

► Format: 16-team single elimination

Baseball stadiums about hosting the SEC tournament.

“But through the conversations with our athletic directors, our baseball coaches and the city of Hoover, this continues to be the right place for us,” Sankey said. “Even with our expansion westward the last few times, the geographic center of our league is just north of Birmingham, so this is an accessible city.”

Second, Hoover has a lot of options for nearby hotels. Third, Hoover has made a continuous effort to upgrade not only the Hoover Met stadium, but also the Finley Center, the Hoover RV Park, the practice fields around the stadium, and the dining and shopping amenities nearby, Sankey said.

“All of those things, I think, are representations of the commitment that this locale has to provide a great experience and a great event for both the teams and our fans,” he said.

The Hoover Met has been home to the SEC Baseball Tournament 28 times, including the last 26 consecutive tournaments, and has done a great job with it, Sankey said. Last year’s tournament drew a record 180,004 over six days.

City and SEC officials in August announced a contract extension that will keep the tournament in Hoover through at least 2028, and the SEC has the option to extend the tournament through 2030.

The format for the tournament will change this year from a 12-team tournament to include

► Tickets: secsports.com/ ticketoffice

all 16 teams in the SEC and switch to a single-elimination format.

Four games will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday to open the tournament, and two games will be played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The championship game will remain on Sunday afternoon.

Full tournament ticket books and six-session ticket packs went on sale April 14. Tickets can be purchased at secsports.com/ticketoffice.

Hoover City Administrator Ken Grimes stands in the outfield at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, which has undergone

improvement in the past three years. To the far right is the new 4,250-square-foot club suite.

The concourse at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in the final stages of renovation on April 10, prior to the 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament. The old tile floor has been removed, and the concourse got a new paint job and color scheme and new lighting. New signage was to be installed as well.

Left: This is the new 4,250-square-foot club suite on the third base side of Hoover Metropoltian Stadium. Above: Workers build a new fan deck behind right field between the scoreboard and bullpen on April 10. Photos by Jon Anderson.

Couple’s Dual Dream Businesses

Young Hoover entrepreneurs build a life — and 2 small businesses — together

Braiden and Lindsey Ward, a young Hoover couple, will celebrate their first wedding anniversary in August. They’re also entrepreneurs who are each running their own small businesses.

Braiden is a personal trainer and founder of Peak Fitness & Health. A lifelong baker, Lindsey founded Something Sweet Baking Co.

“We love the opportunity to start our own businesses together at the same time,” Braiden says. “We have talents in different areas and are able to help each other improve our businesses.”

“While it comes with its challenges, the journey is incredibly rewarding, especially when we can support each other along the way,” Lindsey says. “We encourage each other, share advice and collaborate on ideas.”

“It’s lots of work, but we know we have each other for support through trials and difficulties,” Braiden said.

“We find strength in our shared commitment to growing our businesses together,” Lindsey says.

An Alabaster native, Braiden has lived in Hoover for 16 years. Lindsey, from Tyrone, Georgia, graduated from Samford University in 2022 with majors in marketing and entrepreneurship.

PEAK FITNESS & HEALTH

Braiden offers true one-on-one workouts and programs customized for each client, and takes a comprehensive approach to training that goes beyond the gym.

“It’s about building habits that support long-term health,” Braiden says. “We don’t just train bodies —

Peak Fitness & Health

• For more information or to schedule a free consultation with Braiden, call 205-260-4973 or go to peakfitnessandhealth.org.

• Refer a friend to Peak Fitness & Health and you both get $100 off your next purchase.

Something Sweet Baking Co.

• Ordering a batch of cookies for pick-up is simple and sweet. For more information, go to somethingsweetbakingco.com.

we develop individuals who are stronger, healthier and more capable.”

Braiden is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Sports Nutrition Coach and — as of May — Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and draws on his “deep understanding” of muscle science, biomechanics and exercise physiology.

”My expertise extends beyond designing workout routines,” Braiden says. “I educate clients on how muscles function at a physiological level, ensuring they not only build strength but prevent injury and optimize recovery.”

SOMETHING SWEET BAKING CO.

It makes sense that Lindsey started Something Sweet Baking Co., because baking is her lifelong passion.

“I grew up baking and testing new recipes and learning techniques,” she says. ”During college, I developed my own cookie recipes, testing and perfecting them until they became favorites among my family and friends.”

The texture of Lindsey’s cookies makes them

different. “They have the most delicious chewy and slightly gooey centers,” she says.

Not only that, but “every batch is baked with love and a lot of care,” Lindsey says.

Something Sweet Baking Co. has six flavors available at its website — Lemon White Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Double Chocolate M&M, Chocolate Chip Reese's Cup and Chocolate Chip. Customers can request a list of additional flavors for large catering orders.

Lindsey also caters events, such as parties and weddings, and Something Sweet will be at the farmers markets in Brock’s Gap and Ross Bridge this season.

Weighall, Thomas leading Bucs’ outdoor dominance

By KYLE PARMLEY

The winning doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon for the Hoover High School track and field programs.

Fresh off a fourth straight boys and girls sweep of the Class 7A state indoor championships, the Bucs have their sights set on a fourth consecutive outdoor sweep as well.

Following the Section 3 meet the last weekend of April, the Bucs will set sail for the state meet May 2-3 in Gulf Shores.

The Hoover track and field roster is filled with student-athletes who have won individual state titles, are likely to win them in the future, and are soon to embark on successful college careers.

In mid-March, the Bucs sent 12 athletes to the New Balance Indoor Nationals in Boston. Gideon Newton finished third in the boys 400-meter freshman race. Christian August placed fourth in the boys long jump freshman competition. The girls 4xMile relay team also placed second.

“We’re blessed here, to have the opportunity to have the athletes of this caliber,” Hoover track and field coach Chris Schmidt said.

If you were to name the athletes on the Hoover track and field team that stand out among the best in the state, you would essentially be listing the entire team. There are athletes who would easily place at the state meet but don’t even qualify for certain events because of limitations on the number of athletes from each school.

“It’s a great problem to have,” Schmidt said.

The indoor season was another banner campaign for Hoover. The team broke several program records and is aiming to do more of the same during the outdoor season. Schmidt also praised several freshmen and noted the contributions from the middle school athletes at Bumpus and Simmons.

It takes a full team effort to display the dominance the

Bucs have shown in recent years. But two athletes in particular have begun to make their names known nationally. Senior Grant Weighall is one of the nation’s top javelin throwers, while sophomore Nigel Thomas is among the best discus and shot put athletes in his class.

Weighall is the defending Alabama high school state champion in javelin and discus and has also excelled on the USA Track and Field circuit. He is currently the third-ranked javelin thrower in the country. He moved to Hoover last year ahead of his junior year and has thrived under the tutelage of Hoover throws coach Joey Longoria.

“He’s at a point where throwing new [personal records] is really hard because he’s already at such a high level,” Longoria said. “With that kind of success comes a lot of pressure, too. He’s handling it well; he stays within himself.”

Weighall is committed to Samford University to continue his track and field career. He also won the overall boys high school javelin competition at the Texas Relays in Austin in early April.

Thomas still has some runway left in his Hoover career. As a sophomore who won’t turn 16 until late summer, he shows a maturity in his approach that surpasses his age.

“He goes in with a purpose,” Longoria said. “In Austin, we flew in and that night he did an hour of yoga with music. He’s very mindful of how he goes about his day-to-day things.”

Last year, Thomas won the New Balance Nationals Outdoor freshman division in shot put and has won multiple other national events. He throws nearly 150 feet in discus as well.

Both athletes will be favored to rack up hardware at the high school state meet in May.

“What separates Grant and Nigel is the attention to being successful with everything that they do,” Longoria said. “It’s not really chasing distances or marks with them. It’s chasing constantly getting better. That’s the common trait with them.”

Hoover's Nigel Thomas throws the shotput during the AHSAA indoor track and field championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Jan. 31

Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

There are so many things that go into making sure the lights turn on when you flip the switch. With their vast experience and training, our team of experts approaches every situation by taking in the information and reading between the lines to find just the right solution. We are always ready to take on new challenges and find innovative ways to strengthen our grid. With over 60 weeks of training under their belts, our lineworkers are out in the field, delivering reliable power, rain or shine. Together, we work to power a better Alabama.

Southern Blood Services: saving lives one donation at a time

Southern Blood Services is a small specialty plasma center in Hoover that gives its donors, most of whom are women, a marvelous chance to help save lives.

Founded in 1999, the center collects high-quality, antibody-enriched plasma from qualified donors that is then used to manufacture life-saving drugs.

This includes Rho(D) Immune Globulin — a critically important drug used to save the lives of babies whose blood types are incompatible with their pregnant mothers.

When a mother has a negative blood type and her baby has a positive blood type, there’s a risk the mother’s antibodies will attack the baby’s blood. This can cause the baby to become sick and even die.

The Mothers Needed Program, or the Rh Incompatibility Program, at Southern Blood Services helps provide women with Rho(D) Immune Globulin.

The primary focus of Southern Blood Services is the collection of needed antibodies from people who’ve developed them through pregnancy, blood transfusions or vaccines. The donors are women, or men who are Rh negative.

Without its many dedicated donors, Southern Blood Services would not be able to help facilitate the production of the life-saving Rho(D) Immune Globulin many

expectant mothers need.

“They donate so this vaccine can be made,” says Martina Sertell, director of the Birmingham location of Southern Blood Services, “These are women who realize how much they are helping other women have children.”

The favorite part of Sertell’s job is the people she meets, including the donors who are helping so many women and families.

“People are amazing,” Sertell said. Southern Blood Services also offers a Rabies Antibody Program and a

more general Red Cell Antibody Program that can help people who’ve been exposed to viruses by boosting their immune systems with those antibodies.

If you have been immunized for these viruses or have another antibody of some kind, your donations could help someone gain immunity to a virus to which he or she has been exposed. These red cell antibodies are rare and each one is unique. In order to see if you qualify, we ask that you come to our centers and have a blood

Southern Blood Services

• Where: 3800 Colonnade Parkway Suite 200, Birmingham

• Call: 205-967-8189

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

• Web: southernbloodservices.com

sample drawn so we can identify and measure your antibody.

In addition to the comfort they find in helping other people, donors at Southern Blood Services can also receive financial compensation of up to $700 per month.

If you qualify as a red-cell antibody donor, your blood will be used in production of blood typing materials, and you will earn compensation for each donation. The Red Cell Antibody Program is a plasma program, and you can safely donate plasma twice a week if your antibody is needed. Each donation takes about 45 minutes.

Southern Blood Services is located at 3800 Colonnade Parkway, Suite. 200. There are also collection facilities in Tuscaloosa and Nashville.

For more information, go online to southernbloodservices.com or call 205-967-8189.

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

Trace Crossings resident Amber Noone opened a new women’s boutique called Bash Boutique at the Trace Crossings Shopping Center at 2539 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 105, between Great Clips and Hoover Shipping on March 28. A ribbon cutting was held April 10. The store sells women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry, including brands such as Liverpool, Joseph Ribkoff and Tribal. Noone, who is from Indiana, has two more Bash Boutiques in Indiana. She moved to Hoover about two years ago. bashboutique.net

Umi Sushi Poke has opened in the Trace Crossings Shopping Center at 2539 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 141, in the former location of Unagi Bento Sushi, between Happy Hounds Pet Spa and Palm Beach Tan. 205-490-6991, umisushipoke.com

ISI Elite Training planned to open a new location at 5866 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings, directly across from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in late April. The business encourages clients to do a 50-minute athletic workout daily, addressing upper body, lower body, core and cardio fitness over the course of the week. 205-659-5686, isielitetraining.com

COMING SOON

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café plans to open a new location at 5880 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings. tazikis.com

Knox Grocery & Deli plans to open at 5886 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings.

The deli plans to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, including kids meals, pizzas, hot and cold submarine sandwiches, teriyaki bowls, espressos and more.

OsteoStrong, a health and wellness center that aims to help people improve their overall health by caring for and strengthening their skeletal system, plans to open a location at 5884 Elsie Road in the Knox Square

shopping center in Trace Crossings. Goals include lessening joint and back pain and improving bone density, posture, balance and athletic performance. osteostrong.me

The Joint Chiropractic plans to open a new location at 5854 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings. There are more than 950 locations of The Joint Chiropractic across the country. 425-475-2041, thejoint.com

Dr. Brittany Rich plans to open Knox Square Dental at 5848 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in Trace Crossings. Rich and her team have experience in multiple facets of dentistry, from routine checkups to advanced treatment, cosmetic enhancements, restorative dentistry, dental implant services, periodontic services, orthodontic services, endodontic services, oral surgery and sedation dentistry. Rich graduated dental school in 2015 and then completed a general practice residency in 2016 where she focused on advanced dental surgery, implant placement, advanced cosmetic procedures and full mouth rehabilitation. 205-202-9445, dentisthoover.com

Hoover resident Mike Frymark plans to open a virtual golf and miniature bowling center called Tap Ins Golf Lounge at 5844 Elsie Road in the Knox Square shopping center in the Trace Crossings community. Frymark said the 4,720-square-foot facility will have six bays, and two of them will be dedicated for duckpin bowling, which involves shorter than usual bowling bins and smaller than usual bowling balls. He also plans to have shuffleboard tables, a putting green and a common area in the middle that includes a bar with seating for 16 people.

OneLife Fitness recently announced it is taking over the AMC movie theater at 801 Doug Baker Blvd. at The Village at Lee Branch. The company said it is investing $14 million to open a “sports club.” The new facility, which will repurpose the theater, will span 68,000 square feet and is expected to be the largest OneLife location developed in recent years. This will be the company’s second Alabama location as part of a broader expansion into the South. The Lee Branch club will feature modern cardio and strength equipment, indoor saltwater pools, turf workout zones and extensive recovery amenities including cold plunges, saunas, red light therapy and hydromassage. The new location is expected to create more than 100 jobs and serve as a community gathering space with features like group fitness classes, boxing and cycling studios, a kids club and spa-inspired locker rooms. onelifefitness.com/gyms/lee-branch

Do you have news to share about a business in Hoover or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

Hoover Sun is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

The Dear Prudence women’s clothing boutique on April 8 opened its new location at 5874 Elsie Road in the Knox Square development in the Trace Crossings community. The store formerly was in the Patton Creek shopping center but now is directly across Stadium Trace Parkway from Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. It was one of the first businesses to open in Knox Square. Dear Prudence features classic and on-trend clothing, jewelry, accessories and more and is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 205-407-7523, dearprudence.com

ANNIVERSARIES

Swimming Pool Services at 400 Doug Baker Blvd. in The Village at Lee Branch shopping center recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Glen Jacobson started the business about a year before he retired from the North Shelby Fire Department. The company specializes in pool construction and maintenance and hot tub sales and maintenance. 205-601-3385, swimmingpoolservices.net

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Hoover City Council on April 7 gave its approval for Trader Joe’s to sell alcoholic beverages at its new store planned to open at 1769 Montgomery Highway in The Crossings at Riverchase shopping center.

The Hoover City Council on April 7 gave its approval for Five Star Concessions to sell alcoholic beverages at the 2025 Regions Tradition golf tournament at the Greystone Golf and Country Club at 4100 Greystone Drive.

The Hoover City Council on April 7 reappointed Christopher Washington, Scott Underwood and Beth Kornegay to the Hoover Commercial Development Authority. A commercial development authority can spend money to acquire, own and/or lease property in order to induce new commercial enterprises and can make improvements on property for the same purpose, said Greg Knighton, the city of Hoover’s economic development manager. A commercial development authority has a defined list of types of projects that it can undertake, including manufacturing, research and development, and shopping center projects, he said.

Brian Von Hagel is asking the city of Hoover for permission to open a wine and beer bar at 3601 Market St., Suite 101, in the former location of K&J’s Elegant

Rich

Pastries and Creamery, which closed its location in the Ross Bridge commercial district in September. Von Hagel also plans to serve artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards. He is proposing live acoustic music one or two Fridays per month from 5 to 8 p.m. Proposed hours of operation are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon-8 p.m. on Sunday. The bar would be just a few doors down from The Church at Ross Bridge and drew opposition from at least one Ross Bridge resident who said a bar would destroy the quiet, family-oriented nature of Ross Bridge. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on April 14. The request now moves to the Hoover City Council for consideration on May 19.

Mason Music, which has music schools in Hoover at 761 Shades Mountain Plaza and 5406 U.S. 280 E., Suite B103, is opening a new location in Madison this fall. The company also has locations in Cahaba Heights, Mountain Brook and Woodlawn. 205-908-7059, masonmusic.com

A company called Iconic Carts is asking the city of Hoover for permission to open a location that sells,

rents and services golf carts at 508 Mineral Trace in the Trace Crossings community, next to Brock’s Gap Brewing Co. and Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The request includes a provision that would allow for temporary outdoor cart displays. The property is zoned as a planned industrial district. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on April 14. The request now moves on to the Hoover City Council on May 19.

The AmFirst community credit union, which has branches in Hoover at 3312 Old Columbiana Road and #2 Inverness Center Parkway, was among 180 credit unions nationwide recently named winners of the Diamond Award, the Marketing, PR & Development Council’s annual competition for marketing excellence. AmFirst received Diamond Awards in the following categories: social media (for its 12 Days of Giveaways campaign); brand awareness (for its KidsFirst campaign); out of home (for a partnership with Jacksonville State University); community partnerships and relations, endorsements, or NIL Efforts (for its partnership with Jacksonville State University); email (for a Rewards Points email); ongoing event (for the credit union’s partnership with Better Basics Birmingham). With more than 1,400 submissions nationwide, the

Diamond Awards celebrate the most impactful marketing initiatives in the credit union industry.This year, winners were selected from 180 organizations across 42 states.

205-823-3985 and 205-995-0001; amfirst.org

Apex Roofing and Restoration, based at 4601 Southlake Parkway, is offering five $7,500 scholarships to students who are accepted or enrolled at an Alabama four-year university or junior college. Students interested must apply by May 27. Winners will be announced by June 17. Winners must use the award money toward tuition or educational expenses, such as housing. Applicants must submit a resume and a one-page or two-page essay to scholars@apexroofs. com. For full eligibility requirements, visit apexroofs. com/scholarships or contact Krista Conlin at krista@ kcprojects.net.

CLOSINGS

The JoAnn Fabric and Crafts store at 1709 Montgomery Highway in the Riverchase Promenade shopping center is scheduled to close by the end of May due to a national shutdown of all the company’s operations. The fabric and craft retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January for the second time in a year and auctioned off its remaining assets in February. 205-985-9291, joann.com

Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy and is closing all of its U.S. stores, including stores at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Tanger outlet center in Foley and Parkway Place mall in Huntsville.

The AMC Classic Lee Branch 15 movie theater closed its doors permanently on March 23 after more than 20 years as a theater location. The theater opened in 2004 as a Rave Motion Picture Theatres but became a Carmike Cinemas in 2012. AMC bought Carmike in 2016 and converted the Lee Branch location to the AMC brand in 2017.

Oanh ‘Jenna’ Tran, Tippi Nails & Spa

By JON ANDERSON

Oanh “Jenna” Tran is the owner of Tippi Nails & Spa in Hoover, located at 1550 Montgomery Highway (in the shopping center with Ellis Piano and Organ).

Q: Are you from Vietnam?

A: I’m from Vietnam, but I’ve been here for 15 years.

Q: What brought you to the United States?

A: My husband married me and brought me here. His family did something during the Vietnam War, and after that, the U.S. government paid for any family that helped an American soldier to come to the U.S. His parents came here, and he followed them.

Q: Did you come straight to Alabama?

A: No, I stayed in Mississippi for five years, and then I moved here.

Q: When did you open this salon?

A: One and a half years ago.

Q: Had you been in this business before?

A: I have done nails for people before, but this is the first time I’ve owned a nail salon.

Q: What made you decide to open your own place?

A: I have an autistic child. He’s 5 years old now. When I worked for other people, he went to day care, and every time he was a little bit sick and needed to stay home, I had to stay home with him. Now, since I own my own business, I can bring him here [until my husband gets home], and I can still work. And I love to design nails for women. They like fancy nails, and I do that for them.

The team at ENT Associates includes 17 board-certified physicians, 6 licensed PAs, and 16 clinical audiologists across 10 locations, all dedicated to your care. We prioritize your health, treating every patient with personal attention and compassion.

We offer same-day, early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments. Call 1-888-ENT-5020 (1-888-368-5020), visit entalabama.com, or scan the QR code to connect with us online.

SPOTLIGHT

Dyer

Orthodontics:

Doing good, one smile at a time

By CHRISTIANNA HORNIGOLD

For Dr. Riley Dyer, the journey into orthodontics began with a deeply personal experience.

"I grew up knowing I wanted to help people," he said.

Inspired by his older brother — a physician — and his own experience with jaw surgery to correct an underbite, Dyer found his calling in orthodontics.

After years of commuting to Tuscaloosa, Dyer opened his own practice in Birmingham. Rooted in the motto “Do Good,” Dyer Orthodontics reflects a genuine commitment to patient care and community service. Their logo, “DO,” not only represents their name but serves as a daily reminder of their mission.

Through the “Do Good” movement, Dyer donates $50 to a community fund for each

patient. The fund helps cover a portion of treatment for those in need of financial support.

Additional funds are donated to local charities — selected by patient vote.

“We want everyone to leave a little happier than when they came in,” Dyer said. “You never know what people have going on, so we foster an environment that leaves people feeling joyful.”

Dyer said he values the personal connections built over time, often hearing about his patients’ lives throughout their treatment. His goal is to build lasting trust with families while staying actively involved in the community.

Dyer Orthodontics is currently offering a special for new patients: $600 off treatment during the first three months of opening.

For Dyer, the heart of orthodontics is simple: “I genuinely care about what I do and about helping people.”

Dining at Truewood by Merrill is all about you — your tastes, and your comfort. Which, come to think of it, describes the entire community quite well, too. We invite you to come see, and taste, for yourself. Please call today.

MERRILL SENIOR LIVING

Oanh “Jenna” Tran, owner of Tippi Nails & Spa in Hoover.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

Dr. Riley Dyer. Photo courtesy of Dyer Orthodontics.

► ADDRESS: 705 Kings Mill Terrace

► BED/BATH: 5/5.5

► ADDRESS: 8212 Annika Drive

e-signaturehomes.com

Community calendar

DONOR DASH FOR LIFE 5K

► Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road

► When: Saturday, May 3; race-day registration starts at 8 a.m.; 5K at 9 a.m.

► Web: runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Hoover/DonorDash4Life5K

► Cost: $30

► Details: This 5K raises money for Donate Life Alabama, which aims to increase the number of Alabamians who register for organ, eye and tissue donations. Participants are encouraged to seek donations as an individual or team. Awards will be given to the top male and female 5K finishers, the highest individual fundraiser, the team that raises the most money, the team with the fastest average time, and the team with the best spirit.

STRAWBERRY DAY MARKET

► Where: Ross Bridge Farmers Market, 2101 Grand Ave.

► When: Friday, May 9, 4-8 p.m.

► Call: 205-305-9457

► Web: rossbridgefarmersmarket. squarespace.com

► Cost: Free admission

► Details: Kickoff to the summer market season, which continues every Friday through July 25. Includes live music from 5 to 8 p.m., free face painting for kids from 5 to 7 p.m., and free mini strawberry shortcakes for the first 50 guests. Vendors include Hamm Farms, Pudding Amore, C&J Farms and more. Food trucks include Uncle G’s Pizza, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Dixie Dogs, Corazon Taco Truck, and Heavenly Donut. Email rossbridgefarmersmarket@gmail. com to apply as a vendor.

MAGIC CITY WINE FEST

► Where: Hoover Metropolitan Complex, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway

► When: Saturday, May 3, 6-9 p.m.

► Web: magiccitywinefest.com

► Tickets: General admission tickets cost $55 plus a $5.07 fee and include admission, beverage samples, souvenir wine cup, passport brochure and donation to Railroad Park. VIP tickets cost $85 plus a $6.72 fee and include 30-minute early admission, beverage samples, souvenir tasting cup, access to a designated area with seating and food samples, and a donation to Railroad Park. Designated driver (non-drinking) tickets cost $20.

► Details: Drink wine and beer from regions around the world. Food available for purchase. Includes live music. Rain-or-shine event; no refunds.

KITTY KAT HAVEN 5K MEOW-A-THON & 1-MILE WHISKER WALK

► Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road

► When: Saturday, May 10; check-in starts at 7 a.m.; 5K at 8 a.m.; 1-mile fun run/walk at 9:30 a.m.

► Contact: kittykathaven1@gmail.com

► Web: runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Birmingham/KittyKatHavenAndRescue5KMeowAThon

► Cost: 5K costs $25; $15 for children 10 and younger. 1-mile costs $15; $5 for children 10 and younger. Add $5 for race-day registration.

► Details: Fundraiser for Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, a no-kill, cage-free cat shelter. Event is rain or shine. Packet pickup is Friday, May 9, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, 3432 Old Columbiana Road. Awards for top three male and female 5K finishers and age-group winners.

WALK TO CURE ARTHRITIS

► Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road

► When: Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m.

► Contact: Mary Melton at mmelton@ arthritis.org or 205-859-1305

► Web: walktocurearthritis.org/alabama

► Cost: No cost to participate, but participants are encouraged to raise money

► Details: The Arthritis Foundation is holding its annual Walk to Cure Arthritis for the Birmingham-Hoover area. On-site registration begins at 2 p.m., but teams are encouraged to register in advance. The opening ceremony starts at 2:30 p.m., followed by the walk at 3 p.m. The event includes food, a resource fair and a disc jockey.

STARDOME COMEDY CLUB

May 1: Ellen Skrmetti, 7:30 p.m.

May 4: Yung Vokalz and the Movement, 6:30 p.m.

May 9: Alabama All-Star Comedy Queens, 7:30 p.m.

May 10: CiCi LaFlair, 9:15 p.m

May 10-11: The Christi Show — Ms. Shirleen, 6:30 p.m. Friday; 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday

May 23-25: Affion Crockett, 7 and 9:45 p.m. Thursday; 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. Friday; 6:30 p.m. Saturday

May 29: Betty’s Boots on the Ground Birthday Bash, 6:30 p.m.

HOOVER MET COMPLEX

May 2-4: NXT Hoops Basketball Tournament, Finley Center

May 3-4: Perfect Game Deep South Elite Baseball Tournament

May 9-11: MADE Hoops Basketball Tournament, Finley Center

May 16-18: May Madness BUSA Soccer Tournament, multi-purpose fields

May 16-18: Capital Cool Classic Basketball Tournament, Finley Center

May 17-19: Perfect Game Deep South Ultimate Championship, baseball fields

May 19-23: SEC Baseball Tournament, Hoover Metropolitan Stadium and Finley Center

HOOVER MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

► Where: Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel ballroom, 1000 Galleria Circle

► When: Tuesday, May 6, 7:30-9 a.m.

► Contact: 205-444-7888

► Web: hooveralabama.gov/369/Mayors-Prayer-Breakfast

► Tickets: $50 (sold out but waiting list for returned tickets).

► Details: The 42nd annual Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, organized by the Hoover Beautification Board, brings together community members, business leaders and elected officials for a morning of prayer. Ministers from several area churches participate. This year’s keynote speaker is Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer.

May 30-June 1: Magic City Rumble, Finley Center

May 30-June 2: Perfect Game Hoover Invitational, baseball fields

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

May 1: Hoover City Council work session, 5 p.m., City Hall

May 5: Hoover City Council action meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall

May 12: Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission; work session 5 p.m.; action meeting 5:30 p.m., City Hall

May 13: Hoover Parks and Recreation Board, 5:30 p.m., Hoover Recreation Center

May 13: Hoover Board of Education, 5:30 p.m., Farr Administration Building

May 14: Hoover Arts Council, 5 p.m., City Hall

May 15: Hoover City Council work session, 5 p.m., City Hall

May 19: Hoover Beautification Board, 1 p.m., City Hall

May 19: Hoover City council action meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall

May 20: Hoover Library Board, 5 p.m., Hoover Public Library

May 22: Hoover Board of Zoning Adjustment work session, 5:30 p.m., City Hall

May 27: Hoover Board of Zoning Adjustment action meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall

HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS

LEIGH NASH OF SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER IN CONCERT

► Where: Hoover Library Theatre

► When: Thursday and Friday, May 1-2, 7-9 p.m.

► Call: 205-444-7888

► Web: thelibrarytheatre.com/nash

► Tickets: $38

► Details: Leigh Nash, known best for her triple platinum-certified hit “Kiss Me,” is a fixture in modern pop as frontwoman for Sixpence None the Richer and as a songwriter and solo artist. Her most recent offering, “The Tide, Volume 1,” earned Nash her first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Her fall 2024 release, “The Tide, Volume 2,” is the first new Sixpence recording in over a decade. Nash and the band are releasing new music this year and touring again.

• Income tax planning and compliance

• Audit, compilation and review services

• Estate tax planning and compliance

• Business valuations

• Tax compliance–non-profit organizations

• Trustee and elder care services

• Employee benefit plan audits

SUMMER READING KICKOFF

► Where: Hoover Public Library

► When: Friday, May 23, 1-4 p.m.

► Call: 205-444-7830

► Web: hoover.libnet.info/ event/12590433

► Cost: Free

► Details: Kick off the summer reading program with carnival-style games, crafts, an inflatable play area, a Hoover fire truck on display and art-related projects for the “Color Our World” summer reading program theme. There also will be a juggler performing four shows in the Hoover Library Theatre, said Justin Banger, the children’s programming librarian. Other activities will be spread across the children’s department, theater level, Library Plaza and reading room.

Diana S. Knight, CPA, CVA

Jeff W. Maze, CPA, MA

Jason Lybrand, CPA, MBA

May 1: Beyond Words Book Club: “The Glassmaker” by Tracy Chevalier, 10-11:30 a.m.

May 1 and 15: Libby the facility dog meet and greet, 3:30-4 p.m.

May 1: PJ Storytime, 6:30-7 p.m.

May 2-June 30: Visual art exhibition with Elisabeth Pellathy

May 2: Storytime at Lee Branch, 10:30-11 a.m.

May 3: Calligraphy Class: Medieval Script, noon-4 p.m.

May 4: Young artist reception, 3-4 p.m.

May 5-8: Scholastic book fair, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

May 5: Write Club, 6-8 p.m.

May 6: Libby the facility dog meet and greet, 10-10:30 a.m.

May 9-10: Friends Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

May 9: Live on the Plaza: Samford String Quartet, noon-1 p.m.

May 9: Vintage videos: Kitty Foyle, 2-4 p.m.

May 10: Storytime surprise, 10:30-11 a.m.

May 10: Purl on the Plaza, 1-5 p.m.

May 11: Mother’s Day Storytime, 2-2:30 p.m.

May 11: Houseplant Swap, 2-4 p.m.

May 11: NovelTea Book Club: “Isaac’s Storm” by Erik Larson, 3-4 p.m.

May 12: Crafting Kindness, 3-8 p.m.

May 12: Resume workshop, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

May 15: Well Made: Crayon Necklace, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Lee Branch East 59 Café; 6:30-8 p.m. at library

May 19: “Fly Me To The Moon” movie, 2-4:10 p.m. and 6-8:10 p.m.

May 20: Improv on the Plaza, 6-8 p.m.

May 24: Board game meet-up, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 25: Pen & Paper RPG Society, 1-4:30 p.m.

May 27: True Crime Book Club: “Chaos” by Tom O’Neill and Dan Piepenbring

May 30: After hours laser tag, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for tweens; 7-9 p.m. for teens

May 31: Write Club, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Under the Lights

ROBERT STARR NOTCHES 400TH WIN

The Spain Park High School girls soccer team is in the midst of another outstanding season, and the wins have continued to pile up for the Jags. In a 3-2 win over Oak Mountain on April 1, head coach Robert Starr earned his 400th career win in what has been an illustrious career to this point.

The Jags have won five state championships during his tenure, which dates back to 2001. Spain Park will look to keep the momentum going into the Class 6A playoffs. The Jags will need to win three playoff games to return to the state final four in Huntsville on May 8 and 10.

SARAH ASHLEE BARKER CAPS COLLEGE CAREER, ENTERS PRO CAREER

Sarah Ashlee Barker recently concluded an outstanding career with the University of Alabama women’s basketball program. The former Spain Park Jag played two seasons at Georgia before spending the last three years at Alabama. She scored 45 points in her final game for the Crimson Tide, a double-overtime loss in the NCAA Tournament.

The Hoover native was invited to the WNBA Draft, and she was selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks.

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THREE-SPORT STAR NAMED TO AWARD LIST

Zachary Erickson is a three-sport athlete at Spain Park High School, playing football and basketball and competing on the track and field team. In the spring, he won the discus competition at the Spain Park Classic with a throw of 162 feet, among other highlights. He was also named one of eight Class 6A scholar-athlete winners for the AHSAA’s Bryant-Jordan Award. The mission of the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program is to recognize students who, by ability and effort, have achieved excellence in both academics and athletics — and to motivate and encourage all segments of the student population to strive to be the best they can be.

SPRING SPORTS RACING TO FINISH LINE

Several high school spring sports will conclude in May, with Hoover and Spain Park teams capable of strong finishes. Hoover’s baseball team advanced to the playoffs, which began the last week of April and continue through the week of May 12 in Oxford if the Bucs make it to the state finals.

Hoover and Spain Park’s softball teams will look to advance through area, regional and state tournaments in May, while the golf teams will compete in section, sub-state and state tournaments as well. The outdoor track and field state meet is set for May 1-3 in Gulf Shores.

Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics.

By TIM STEPHENS

Let me be clear: I’ve never liked running.

Not even when I was a high school tight end and defensive end logging stadium steps and sprints, or a basketball player doing miles in the Alabama summer heat. I did it. I even got good at it for a while. It was always a drill, never a lifestyle.

This spring, I’m trying to do something I’ve never done before: lose 56 pounds by my 56th birthday on July 12. That’s the heart of 56-for-56, my personal transformation story — and a public one, too.

So when I committed to running a full 5K — start to finish, no walking — for the first time since 2011, I knew I was signing up for something personal. And hard. I’ve done it before. In fact, back in 2011, that 5K was my reward for losing 100 pounds — yes, 100 — between April 1 and Sept. 11 of that year. But I was 41 then. This is a whole different game at 55. This past month reminded me just how different it really is. I hit the wall — mentally, physically, emotionally. Completely spent.I didn’t just lose motivation — I lost momentum. I was drained — physically and mentally. I tried to push through it. I kept saying, “Just one more workout. Just one more day.”

Eventually, I realized I was flirting with burnout or injury. So I stopped.

I gave myself permission to take nearly two full weeks off — just a few light workouts, nothing structured. I made a quiet promise to myself: When April hits, I’ll re-engage. But right now, I need to rest.

That decision may have cost me some progress. But it may also have saved the whole project.

Running headfirst into the wall

On April 12 — three months before the final weigh-in — I showed up for the UAB National Alumni Society 5K. I hadn’t trained for it the way I wanted. HOTWORX workouts in Vestavia Hills, some HIIT at the Shades Valley YMCA, walking in the weighted vest on the Lakeshore Trail — those help, but they’re not the same as putting in road miles. I hydrated the day before with a Prime IV infusion in Homewood. And I gave it all I had.

I crossed the finish line in 47 minutes and 3 seconds. I walked more than I ran and finished more than 11 minutes behind the goal I’d originally set. But I got it done under my revised target of 50 minutes.

Not pretty, but a win.

And it reminded me: this journey isn’t about crushing every milestone. It’s about learning to listen to my body, to protect my mental health

and to show up even when things feel out of sync.

My most recent InBody scan showed I dropped 1.5 pounds — a sign of progress, though not the result I was chasing. My muscle mass percentage dipped slightly, and my body fat percentage ticked up — not ideal, but understandable given the downtime. We’re recalibrating now: more protein, cleaner carbs, and locking back in on meal tracking through MyFitnessPal, strain and recovery monitoring through WHOOP, and weekly recovery support at Prime IV.

I’m still working with my trainer, Mickal Thomas at the Shades Valley YMCA, who has advised me to alter my meal plans to “earn” the calories I eat by burning them off. And my therapist, Dalila Bass, to keep this mission rooted in sustainability — not punishment. As Dalila reminds me, it’s not about outrunning the past. It’s about building something new that lasts.

Next time, maybe I run the whole thing. Maybe I don’t. But the goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. And I’m still here.

Tim Stephens, right, celebrates with fellow UAB alumnus Forte’ after completing the UAB National Alumni Society Scholarship 5K. Photo by Wendi Cambron.

On the Mainstage

SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW

Spain Park’s Autumn Collins

By JON ANDERSON

Autumn Collins, a senior at Spain Park High School, has won the school’s talent show the past two years. She is a member of her school’s Rhapsody in Blue show choir and chamber choir, as well as the worship team at Church of the Highlands.

Q: How long have you been performing as a singer?

A: I've been singing for as long as I can remember, but I think my first real performance was in second grade. We had an endof-year assembly, and I got to sing the second verse of "Write Your Story" by Francesca Battistelli all on my own.

Q: Have you had any recent solos?

A: Last year, our competition show was called Gold Rush — and for our ballad, I sang a solo to "Fields of Gold" by Ellie Goulding. I got to stand alone in this big white dress. … I won best soloist at our Auburn competition during preliminaries.

Q: What type of music do you like best?

A: I love indie music — Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, Tiny Habits. Just anyone with a guitar and a sad-sounding voice, I'll eat it up every time.

Q: What songs did you sing in the talent shows?

A: Sophomore year, I sang "Right Through"

by Small Crush. Junior year, I performed my own song, "Sidelines," which is about my experience with fear of missing out and feeling like an outsider at a new school. This year, I sang "New Obsession" — a fun little song about having a really obsessive, stalker-ish crush.

brings music to life through Events by Sherry

By TIM STEPHENS

For Sherry Emmerke, music has always been more than just background noise — it has been a guiding force throughout her life. Raised in a musical family in Chelsea, she learned to play five instruments and was an active member of her high school band. Though her professional career led her into the hotel industry, her love for live music never faded. That passion ultimately led her to launch Events by Sherry, a business dedicated to booking and promoting local musicians.

A Hoover resident, Emmerke juggles her role as a hotel director of sales with managing Events by Sherry, where she helps solo artists, duos and full bands secure performance opportunities across the Birmingham metro area. She handles everything from booking and contracts to social media promotion, ensuring musicians not only find gigs but also grow their audiences.

“My job is to promote them, get them out there and get them playing,” Emmerke said. “I love helping musicians find opportunities, whether it’s a small acoustic set or a big event.”

Emmerke’s work extends beyond traditional venue bookings. She is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations, using her industry connections to help plan fundraisers and benefit concerts. Two of her upcoming projects include Bikes for Kids and the

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Country Cattery, both set for May 17, where live performances will help raise funds for these causes.

Through Events by Sherry, Emmerke has built a network of talented musicians, many of whom juggle day jobs with their music careers — something she relates to firsthand.

“There are so many talented musicians in this area,” she said. “They just need the right opportunities to be seen and heard.”

For more information on Events by Sherry and upcoming shows, visit eventsbysherry. com.

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Sherry Emmerke. Photo courtesy of Sherry Emmerke.

FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

OPEN 24/7 • IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 911

5300 Medford Drive • Hoover, AL 35244 • Located next to Sprouts off of Highway 150

Our brand new state-of-the-art hospital opened in August 2024 and is located in McCalla right off of I-459. For more information about UAB Medical West, our Freestanding Emergency Department in Hoover, and all of our services, scan the QR code or visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.