October 2026 | Volume 15 | Issue 1
HOOVER’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE HOOVERSUN.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
SERVING HOOVER, HOMEWOOD, MOUNTAIN BROOK, VESTAVIA HILLS, TRUSSVILLE AND THE 280 CORRIDOR
DRIVING IN THE DARK
Jessica Maldonado and her family in front of her new coffee truck before the soft opening of Something Simple Coffee at The Preserve. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Hoover officials aim to fix interstate lighting woes
Hoover woman opens coffee truck By LAUREN H. DOWDLE
By JON ANDERSON If you’re driving on Interstate 459 or Interstate 65 in or around Hoover at night, there’s a good chance you’ll be driving in the dark. Many of the interstate streetlights are not working. Hoover officials said they try to keep an eye on outages and address them as they are reported, but there appear to be gaps in the process. On I-65 in early September, there were 23 interstate streetlights out on the southbound side between Alford Avenue and U.S. 31, three more out between U.S. 31 and I-459, and 10 out between I-459 and Valleydale Road. On the northbound side of I-65, there were eight streetlights out between Valleydale and I-459, five out between I-459 and U.S. 31, and 21 out between U.S. 31 and Alford Avenue. On I-459, there were 24 lights out between I-65 and Galleria Boulevard. And there are no
light poles on I-459 south of Galleria Boulevard, except at the bottom of the exit ramps at John Hawkins Parkway. John Anthony, Hoover’s traffic engineer, and Eddie Pickett, Hoover’s senior traffic signal technician who keeps an eye on streetlights in key corridors, said they try to spot the lights that are out and address problems that are reported and determined to be Hoover’s responsibility. Pickett reports issues to Anthony, and Anthony gets Stone and Sons Electrical to replace bulbs or make other repairs as needed, they said. Pickett said it’s his understanding that Hoover is responsible for lights on I-459 between I-65 and Galleria Boulevard and on I-65 between Valleydale Road and U.S. 31, as well as some at the intersection of I-65 and Alford Avenue. But he didn’t think Hoover was responsible for any between Alford and U.S. 31 on either side of the interstate.
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Monroe, GA Permit #15
INSIDE
Sponsors.................. 4 City............................ 6
Vestavia Hills officials acknowledge that their city is responsible for some of the lights on I-65 between I-459 and Alford but say Hoover is responsible for many as well, particularly on the southbound side between Alford and U.S. 31. Lori Beth Kearley, the public services director for Vestavia Hills, said the city wants to tackle the problem with interstate lighting, but it’s much more complicated than many people realize. “It’s not just a matter of bulbs being out,” Kearley said. Sometimes, poles get knocked down. Other times, it’s a problem with the wiring, a fuse, a ballast or other electrical equipment, or it could be a problem with the power source sending electricity to the light pole. The age of the lighting infrastructure along the interstates is a big factor, Kearley said.
See DARK | page 25
Business..................10 Schoolhouse...........14
Sports......................17 Home & Garden.....19
A new role Brian Cocke has a vision for the Hoover City Schools fine arts program.
See page 14
See SIPS | page 26
Events.....................22 Life..........................24
Scan the QR code to follow us online!
Community Appreciation Special Renew Dermatology HALO® Laser Treatments 20% off 9/23/26 - 10/09/26
Thank you for 8 years of support!
SPONSORED
An unlit stretch of Interstate 65 between Alford Avenue and U.S. 31. Photo by David Leong.
There’s nothing simple about starting a new business, especially for someone who is raising six children and works another job. But for Jessica Maldonado, simple is exactly what she was going for when she opened her mobile coffee and drinks truck in June. Her truck, Something Simple Coffee + Sips, offers a variety of coffee, lemonade and energy refresher drinks at locations across Hoover and neighboring cities. A Hoover native, Maldonado said she wanted to start her business here and continue planting roots in the community with her family, including her children: Reilly, 19; Mayah, 17; Madilyn, 8; Isabelle, 6; Sophia, 3; and Noah, 1. Her husband, Ignacio, is a detective with the Hoover Police Department, and Jessica will serve on the PTO board at Gwin Elementary School this year. She has also formed connections through her time working as a server, shift lead and manager at various restaurants. Now an administrative assistant at J. Alexander’s, she said that job has helped her learn more about the business aspect of running a restaurant, which made her wonder what else she could do with that experience.
2 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 3
4 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley Did you know that this newspaper is just one of the six monthly publications we produce at Starnes Media each month? The Cahaba Sun covers Trussville, Village Living covers Mountain Brook and we also put together the Hoover Sun, Vestavia Voice, Homewood Star and 280 Living papers on a monthly basis. One of my favorite things about overseeing the production of each of these publications is the unique identity each community possesses. Different things are important to different towns and residents are far more interested in certain topics than others. But one thing that is not unique to any of these places is how much the people
care about the place they live, the amount of interesting people all around them. Know of an event we need to highlight? How about that man or woman in town that has such a cool story? We’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at kparmley@ starnesmedia.com with any thoughts and ideas. Thanks for reading!
Sun
Published by:
Hoover Sun LLC P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 hooversun.com
Please Support Our Community Partners Alabama Coin Shop (27) Allsteel Fence (18) Aqua Systems of Birmingham (9) ARC Realty Mt Laurel (6) Birmingham Orthodontics (8) Birmingham Zoo (15) Budget Blinds (28) Children’s of Alabama (10) Closets by Design (1) Dermatology Care of Alabama (23) Door Restore (19) ENT Associates of Alabama (13) Flipsies Furniture (14) Gardner Landscaping (5) Gary Palmer for Congress (1) Grandview Medical (3) HomeRN Hoover Vestavia (16) Issis & Sons (11) Jacob Reach for Sheriff (18)
Publisher: Dan Starnes Managing Editor: Kyle Parmley News Editor: Jon Anderson Staff Writer: Kelli S. Hewett Production Assistant: Jenn Moon Project Manager: Amanda Kreklau For advertising, contact: Client Success Specialist: Warren Caldwell dan@starnesmedia.com Business Development Exec: Don Harris Operations Specialist: Sarah Villar
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (26) Lakeshore Foundation (16) Little Luna Pizza (6) Mike Shaw - House District 47 (4) Monster Tree Service of Birmingham (24) One Man & A Toolbox (20) Proscape (16) Sikes Children’s Shoes (14) Southern Exterior Cleaning Solutions (20) Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (27) Southlake Orthopaedics (17) Sovereign CPA (24) Space Cadets (21) Stanley Steemer (7) Terri Sewell for Congress (2) TherapySouth (12) Trace Crossings Veterinary + Pet Wellness (13) United Way of Central Alabama (15) Vicki’s Amish Furniture (20)
Contributing Writers: April Coffey Lauren H. Dowdle Joshua Gleason Emily Reed Kristi Sellers Karim Shamsi-Basha
Please submit all articles, information and photos to:
janderson@starnesmedia.com
Legals: Hoover Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Hoover Sun is designed to
inform the Hoover community of area school, family and community events. Information in Hoover Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Hoover Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER
Find Us Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/ hooversun) to read the latest news on our website, find where to pick up the latest print issue, follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter.
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 5
6 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
CITY
We believe great pizza starts with great ingredients and the right techniques. Our dough is cold-fermented for extra flavor and a perfectly developed crust. We use California-grown tomatoes, premium Grande mozzarella cheese, high-quality meats, and fresh vegetables. We believe in keeping it simple and honest—no unnecessary additives or ingredients you can’t pronounce. Just quality ingredients, thoughtfully prepared and baked to perfection in our hot stone oven for an authentic artisan finish.
Bluff Park Shopping Center, 2142 Tyler Road # 124 open (205)-407-4619 Tues-Thurs 3-8pm littlelunapizza.com and Fri-Sun 11:30-8p
Nick’s Notes By Nick Derzis
A great city is about more Hoover once had dedicated than incredible shopping, arts space in Bluff Park, but it roads, public safety and excelhas not been available since its lent schools. Those things are closing in 2020. I am commitessential, but a truly vibrant ted to finding a realistic path community should also cultivate to once again provide our arts an environment for creativity, community a place to create, expression and beauty. teach, gather and showcase the That is why the arts matter in talent in Hoover. Hoover. This month, we also have an A strong arts community exciting opportunity to demonenriches our quality of life. It strate that commitment. On SatNick Derzis gives our children opportunities urday, Oct. 17, Stephanie and I to discover their talents, brings invite you to the Wynfrey Hotel people together and gives artists a place to for the inaugural Mayor’s Ball, with 100% of create, teach and inspire. the proceeds benefiting the Hoover Arts FounThe arts also contribute to economic devel- dation, a 501(c)(3) organization supporting the opment. Communities that embrace arts and arts and arts education throughout Hoover. culture become more attractive places to live, Stephanie has taken the lead in bringing visit and invest — supporting restaurants, together a dedicated committee of community retail, tourism and redevelopment while cre- leaders and arts enthusiasts to make this firstating a stronger sense of place. ever event possible, and I could not be prouder When I ran for mayor, I made a commitment of what they have created. to support Hoover’s arts community, and that The evening will feature Nashville’s commitment has not changed. high-energy 12 South Band, along with perFor years, the previous administration dis- formances by Miss Hoover Julia Schumacher, cussed building a performing arts center. After Hoover’s Alabama Dance Academy, led by taking office last November and reviewing the Pam Sayle, and Ryan Gray, the 2026 winner city’s finances and capital needs, it became of Hoover’s Got Talent. clear that Hoover simply does not have the We are investing in creativity, opportunity money today to deliver the type of facility that and the people who make Hoover a more had been promised. vibrant and beautiful place to call home. And I will not make a promise to you unless I am we are taking another meaningful step toward 1,000% confident we can deliver it. But that giving the arts the place they deserve. does not mean we stop moving forward. For more information, visit the Mayor’s Ball In talking with members of our arts commu- page on the city of Hoover website. nity, I have learned one of their greatest immediate needs is something more fundamental: space. Artists need studios to paint, draw and sculpt; classrooms to teach; galleries to exhibit work; and a gathering place where artists and residents can come together.
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 7
CITY
JeffCo picks up cost for South Shades Crest construction By JON ANDERSON The city of Hoover scored a significant financial win with a recently renegotiated agreement with the Jefferson County Commission regarding the widening of South Shades Crest Road. The County Commission has agreed to pick up the entire construction cost for the project, which involves adding a second northbound lane on the 1-mile stretch of road from the Eden Ridge community to Alabama 150, Hoover City Administrator Brian Muenger said. The project also includes the widening of a 130-foot-long bridge over the CSX railroad tracks that cross under South Shades Crest Road. The original agreement between Hoover and Jefferson County, approved in June 2021, called for Hoover and Jefferson County to equally split the construction cost. At the time, the estimated construction cost was $4.3 million, and if costs went higher than that, the county’s contribution was capped at $2.5 million and Hoover was required to pay any excess construction costs. Hoover also was identified as being responsible for all costs borne by CSX Transportation in conjunction with the project. However, due to rising costs in other pending road projects in Hoover, Hoover this year asked the county to reconsider the funding arrangement, and the county agreed. Through May of this year, Hoover already had spent about $1.3 million to complete pre-construction obligations such as design work, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and some of the costs for inspections and review by CSX. The county determined that Hoover had already contributed a considerable amount of money for the project, and the county agreed to
Morning rush-hour traffic backs up as far as the eye can see on South Shades Crest Road. Construction is expected to begin soon on a second northbound lane between the Eden Ridge community and Alabama 150. Photo by Jon Anderson.
pick up the entire construction cost, even though the estimated construction cost ballooned to almost $7.2 million. The county also recognized that Hoover already had paid $823,000 to CSX, so the county agreed to pay any additional costs due to CSX. That was expected to be $454,000, records show. If Hoover were held to the original agreement, the city likely would have to spend another $4.5 million for the road and bridge widening, Muenger said. Following the renegotiation, there could be some additional costs coming Hoover’s way, but the city is saving at least $4.5 million thanks to the cooperation of
county commissioners, Muenger said. The renegotiated agreement puts Hoover’s participation in the project from bearing 70% of the cost to about 15%, Muenger said. “We’re thankful for the partnership of the county,” he said. Also, the Hoover City Council on Sept. 14 agreed to redirect that money saved from the South Shades Crest Road widening project to cover a $4 million tax incentive agreement for the second and third phases of Stadium Trace Village. The county has received bids for the South Shades Crest road widening, but as of
mid-September, a contract had not yet been awarded. Once the contract is awarded and a notice to proceed is issued, the winning contractor will have 300 days to complete the job. The road widening is designed to relieve traffic congestion, especially around the traffic light that leads to South Shades Crest Elementary School. The newly widened stretch of road also is set for major change with a planned connection to the new Exit 9 interchange on Interstate 459 just south of South Shades Crest Road, as well as a new road connecting South Shades Crest Road with Blackridge Parkway.
8 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
CITY
Proposed Riverchase community center hits roadblock By JON ANDERSON A proposal for a new 30,000-square-foot community center in the Riverchase Office Park is running into snags. A group called the Alabama Merchants Association is proposing to put the community center on 7.5 acres at 900 Concourse Parkway, off Riverchase Parkway East, between the ABC 33/40 television station and Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel. However, the city of Hoover staff is not recommending approval of the “conditional use” request because the property is zoned for office use and the city’s comprehensive plan calls for that space to be used for office and light industrial purposes, City Planner Mac Martin said. In the view of city staff, a community center would not be the highest and best use of the property, Martin said. The site is currently owned by Harbert Properties Corp., but the group interested in buying the site is the Alabama Merchants Association. That is a group that represents owners of numerous gasoline stations and convenience stores, but the group also is connected to a religious community, Martin said. The organization has not been completely clear about its intended uses of the property but has indicated it is contemplating multiple uses that include a recreational center, office space and a place of worship, Martin said. The original traffic study submitted by Skipper Consultants based its expected traffic counts on traffic that would be generated for a
recreational community center that is similar to a YMCA facility. A map submitted with the conditional use application shows about 350 parking spaces planned for the community center. The center is expected to generate 865 trips on an average weekday, according to the traffic study. But that traffic study did not contemplate traffic that might accompany all the uses being contemplated, Martin said. So the case was continued by the Planning and Zoning Commission both in August and September to allow time for a more comprehensive traffic study to be conducted. However, Martin noted at the September meeting that the Alabama Merchants Association also continues to look at alternative locations for its community center and could bring forward a new conditional use application at a different site. That is to be determined. In the meantime, the application for the site at 900 Concourse Parkway is scheduled to come back to the zoning board on Oct. 5. In other business in September, the zoning board also postponed a decision on final plans for four lots zoned as “planned industrial” in Trace Crossings at the corner of Stadium Trace Parkway and Flemming Parkway due to a disagreement between city staff and the developer over the timing of needed stormwater improvements. Developer Jonathan Belcher of Signature Homes is proposing to make off-site stormwater improvements downstream to fix a flooding problem at that intersection, but city staff
A 30,000-square-foot community center has been proposed for this 7.5-acre tract on Concourse Parkway, off Riverchase Parkway East in the Riverchase Office Park. Map courtesy of city of Hoover.
members don’t want to approve building permits until that work is completed because of the risk of further flooding problems. Belcher is seeking permission to get building permits before that work is completed, saying he doesn’t want to be working on the fix while school is in session because students walk to and from school in that area. He won’t be able
to complete the stormwater fix over fall break, so it likely would be the winter break before the work could be completed, he said. His potential buyers of land are ready to get started on their development, which will be an economic boost for the city, he said. That case also is scheduled to come back to the zoning board on Oct. 5.
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 9
CITY
ALDOT wraps up 280 widening project Hoover conducting road condition assessment
By STAFF
It took 16 months, but the Alabama Department of Transportation in mid-September completed the widening of U.S. 280 between Shades Creek Parkway and Interstate 459. The project involved adding a fourth lane going each direction on U.S. 280 between those points. The $53 million project increases the capacity of the 3-mile section of U.S. 280 by a third, according to ALDOT. Currently, nearly 100,000 vehicles travel between Homewood and I-459 daily. In addition to the widened travel lanes, ALDOT also resurfaced one mile of U.S. 280 between I-459 and the Cahaba River. Further improvements that are part of the project include: ► A new, widened Pump House Road
bridge ► A third left turn lane from U.S. 280 West to I-459 South ► A third through lane on U.S. 280 West across I-459 ► Resurfacing from Rosedale Drive to Shades Creek Parkway ► New permanent signage Most of the additional upgrades are expected to be completed by early October, followed by the opening of the finished Pump House Road bridge later this fall, ALDOT said. ALDOT officials thanked the cities of Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Birmingham and Mountain Brook for their support during the widening project and said they greatly appreciate the public’s patience as work continues to improve U.S. 280 for the future.
ALDOT has finished adding a fourth lane in each direction on three miles of U.S. 280 between Interstate 459 and Shades Creek Parkway and finished resurfacing parts of the road on either side of that area. Map courtesy of ALDOT.
By JON ANDERSON The city of Hoover is conducting a new assessment of the city’s roads to determine which ones need repaving the most. The project involves having two people drive a van around all 482 miles of city streets and use a laser scanner to evaluate road conditions, City Engineer Scott Promer said. Previously, a city employee drove the roads and subjectively rated them on a scale of 1 to 5. This new process will be more objective Photo by Jon Anderson. because of the laser scanner and will automatically feed into the city’s geographic information system and project in late August. Driving all the roads color-code roads according to their condition, was expected to take less than two weeks, Promer said. and building a computer dashboard regardThe scanner also will help the city keep ing pavement conditions was expected to take an inventory of other city assets along the another month to six weeks, Promer said. roads, including traffic signals, streetlights, Dashboards for other city assets could be sidewalks, curbs, ramps, signs, pavement developed in the future on an as-needed basis, markings, drainage structures and guardrails, he said. he said. The City Council also recently approved The road assessment will cost $150,000, about $230,000 of unexpected costs associbut $120,000 of that is coming from a grant ated with the expansion of the National Comprovided by the Alabama Department of puter Forensics Institute at the Hoover Public Transportation. Safety Center. The total cost of that project is The Hoover City Council approved the more than $21 million.
GET PEACE OF MIND ABOUT YOUR FAMILY’S WATER QUALITY Filter Out Microplastics, Minerals, & "Forever Chemicals" Enjoy Softer Skin & Hair For The Whole Family Longer Lifespans For Appliances, Dishes, & Laundry Never Worry About Ordering Bottled Water Again
FREE Water Test (no expiration date)
$250 OFF Any Whole Home System Offer expires 11/30/26 Promo Code: AQUA250DS
(205) 578-6090 aquasystemsbirmingham.com
Ask About Our Whole Home Solutions
10 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
BUSINESS
Business Happenings NOW OPEN A spray tanning studio franchise, goGLOW Hoover, had its grand opening Aug. 15 at 4745 Chace Circle, Suite 109, in the Chace Lake area. Every airbrush tan is hand applied by a certified technician using their proprietary technique and custom-blended formula. The formula is goGLOW Hoover custom blended for the customer’s skin tone and depth without UV damage or harsh ingredients. Owned by Kristen Adaraloye, the Hoover location is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-600-2103, goglow.co/hoover The Painted Purple Turtle DIY craft workshop opened Aug. 29 at 3704 Lorna Road in Hoover’s River Oaks Village shopping center. The studio offers creative, handson crafts for social events, private parties, team-building events, subscription boxes and DIY kits. From their open studio to pick-a-project sessions, people can create projects using wood, resin, paint, sea glass and more. They are only open during scheduled social events, and people are invited to stop by for walk-ins, shopping or project pick-ups during those workshop times. 256-870-9115, thepaintedpurpleturtle.com Fifth Third Bank opened a new branch at 6602 Tattersall Lane in Hoover near Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux off of U.S. 280. The 168-year-old company is based out of Cincinnati and entered the Alabama market in 2024, and there are also locations in Liberty Park and Vestavia Hills. The bank offers financial services for individuals, families, businesses and communities. The branch is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. 205-986-0189, 53.com Diggin’ Depot Play Café opened at 2057 Old Montgomery Highway in the Legacy Park of Riverchase shopping center as an indoor play café for children ages 1 to 7. From construction vehicles and interactive play zones to its 40 tons of sand, Diggin’ Depot offers a place for children to dig, pour, build, scoop, and play with sand and toys. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 3 p.m. Diggin’ Depot is also open for private parties after 3 p.m. on Sunday. 205-276-5524, diggindepot.com Donna K Rheumatology and Infusion Services recently opened at 5190 Medford Drive, Suite 100, in The Shops at 150 near Jubilee Joe’s. They provide rheumatology consultations and ongoing care for autoimmune, inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. The clinic offers infusion services including biologic therapies for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus, as well as wellness infusions. Dr. Donna K. Maneice has more than 30 years of medical experience with patients
with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, and she previously worked at a practice in Tuscaloosa. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon. 205-800-8887, donnak.care
RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS Whiskey Foxtrot relocated its Hoover location to 2801 John Hawkins Parkway near Tortugas Homemade Pizza. Previously located at 2341 John Hawkins Parkway in Lake Crest Plaza, Whiskey Foxtrot is known for its Wagyu beef burgers, craft beers, hot dogs and house-made sauces. Owned by brothers Ben and Zac Williams, the restaurant first opened in Hoover in 2021 and also has a location in Homewood. Whiskey Foxtrot is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 205-536-6172, whiskeyfoxtrotbham.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Birmingham Orthodontics is distributing more than 7,000 oral hygiene kits to schools and community organizations across Birmingham through a back-to-school initiative. The program is designed to improve children’s oral health and ensure they have access to basic hygiene supplies. Each kit includes a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and a reusable carrying case that can also be used as a pencil pouch. School nurses will distribute the kits to students who need access to basic oral hygiene supplies. The initiative is part of a large investment in oral hygiene supplies supporting schools and families across multiple states. Schools, PTOs, school nurses and youth-serving community organizations can request kits. Their Hoover location is at 5391 Magnolia Trace and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 205-584-4030, bhamorthodontics.com
PERSONNEL MOVES Matthew C. Anderson, a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon and Birmingham native, joined OrthoAlabama Spine and Sports in September. He will see patients in Hoover at 118 Mars Hill Road, as well as in Trussville. Dr. Anderson specializes in comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical care of conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow, including arthritis, sports injuries, fracture care, overuse injuries, nerve repair, compressive neuropathies and other conditions. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, completed his residency at Prisma Health Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, and did his fellowship training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and American Sports Medicine Institute. 205-228-7600, orthoalabama.com Ryan T. Cordry, D.O., has joined Southlake Orthopaedics Sports Medicine and Spine Center, a division of SOA. Cordry specializes in orthopedic surgery and joint reconstruction, and his expertise is in conditions of the hip, knee and shoulder. Southlake Orthopaedics offers testing, surgery and rehabilitation services like onsite MRIs and physical therapy. The practice has locations at 4517 Southlake Parkway in Hoover and 3686 Grandview
Do you have business news to share? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/ business-happenings
Parkway, Suite 430, in Birmingham. 205-985-4111, southlakeorthopaedics.com
ANNIVERSARIES The Casual Pint is celebrating seven years of serving craft beer, weekend brunch and other savory dishes at 5541 Grove Boulevard, Suite 111, in Hoover. Located in The Grove, they offer dishes including cheese curds, pretzels and beer cheese, wings, flatbreads, brats, sidewinders, beer mac and cheese, wraps, salads, burgers, sandwiches and more. The Casual Pint is open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 205-783-1108, thegrove.thecasualpint.com Located at 5363 U.S. 280 West, Suite 105-B, in Hoover, Champion Cleaners is celebrating its 20th anniversary at its Greystone store. They offer dry cleaning services that include hand-pressing the clothes, on-site cleaning, executive shirt service with add-ins, complete repair, alteration services and other add-on services. Owners David and Sherry Whitehurst opened the first location on Rocky Ridge Road 24 years ago, and their son, Mark, became the general manager in 2017. Champion Cleaners in Greystone is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. They also have locations in Vestavia Hills, Crestline and Calera. 205-408-2797, championcleaners.com Moss Rock Pharmacy is celebrating its fourth anniversary in The Preserve at 610 Preserve Parkway, Suite 160, next to Vecchia. The independently owned community pharmacy offers prescription refills, medication therapy management, home delivery, health screenings, immunizations, travel vaccinations, over-the-counter products and gifts. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 205-332-3888, mossrockpharmacy.com Heritage Preschool is celebrating its sixth anniversary in Hoover at 2700 Ross Bridge Parkway. They teach children from infants through kindergarten, focusing on developmental milestones in four specific areas: spiritual, physical, social and academic. Heritage Preschool offers activities including dance, martial arts and sports programs, as well as an outdoor playground and splash pad. They also have locations in Homewood, Pelham, Huntsville, Trussville and Liberty Park. The Ross Bridge location is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-547-2313, heritagepreschool.com/ross-bridge
CLOSINGS Desi Twist, an Indian/Pakistani restaurant and bar, closed Sept. 1 at 1031 Brocks Gap Parkway in Hoover until further notice. The team shared that they appreciate their customers’ support and understanding and will keep them posted. Desi Twist was open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 205-593-4034
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 11
BUSINESS
Business Spotlight: Sticks N’ Stones A YEAR IN, THE KNOX SQUARE COCKTAIL BAR BUILT BY TWO HOOVER NATIVES WHO HAD NEVER WORKED IN A RESTAURANT By KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA This summer, Trice Green and his wife, Lynnie Harrison-Green, mark the first anniversary for their cocktail bar, Sticks N’ Stones, across from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The idea surfaced roughly five years back. Both are Hoover people. He graduated from Hoover High in 2007 and went on to play college ball at Virginia Union University. She has built a career as a physician assistant. Neither had spent a shift behind a bar. That, Green said, is the whole premise. “Most people do this for years, work their way up organically and then open their own place,” he said. “We came at it from the patron side. We’re grassroots. We built it as the people who were going to be sitting in it.” What they wanted was a room that solved
The smoked old-fashioned is popular at Sticks N’ Stones in Hoover.
a problem they kept running into: a place to celebrate something without choosing between a serious meal and a night out. The result is a cocktail bar with a short kitchen menu, a bar program built with real help and a floor where people end up dancing a little. The help came from Jesus Mendez, the Birmingham restaurateur behind Salud Taqueria, Adiós, Unos Tacos and The Louis Bar, who collaborated with the Greens on the drink program. Green is direct about leaning on mentors rather than pretending to expertise he hadn’t earned. “We have great mentors,” he said. “You build, you learn, you educate yourself. We worked through the things we didn’t know.” The menu is deliberately short and cooked well rather than long and hedged. The anchor is a 14-ounce ribeye. A red wine–braised short rib rotates in seasonally. Wings come roasted rather than fried, in three flavors — a nod to a health-conscious streak that runs through the kitchen. The cocktail list leans on house creations with local names: the Grayson pecan old fashioned, the Knox Square margarita, the Leech’s martini and a gin drink called the Ginnie Hendrix. The hardest part has been the part nobody sees. Staffing a hospitality business after the pandemic has been challenging, and Green has been selective on purpose. “We want people who care about the culture of hospitality,” he said. “We have career people here who want to stay in the hospitality industry. That matters more than experience on paper.” Sticks N’ Stones 5852 Elsie Road, Hoover sticksnstoneshvr.com | @sticksnstoneshvr Open Tuesday–Sunday; hours vary by day. Walk-in only, no reservations.
Trice Green with Lynnie Harrison-Green at Sticks N’ Stones in Hoover. Photos by Karim Shamsi-Basha.
12 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
BUSINESS
Recently sold homes in Hoover
► ADDRESS: 300 Woodward Court ► BED/BATH: 5/5.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,423 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Greystone ► LIST PRICE: $1,349,000 ► SALE PRICE: $1,349,000
► ADDRESS: 2131 Butler Road ► BED/BATH: 4/3.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,388 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Bradbury at Blackridge ► LIST PRICE: $805,000 ► SALE PRICE: $967,877
► ADDRESS: 4942 Crystal Circle ► BED/BATH: 6/4.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,676 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Lake Crest ► LIST PRICE: $670,000 ► SALE PRICE: $643,000
► ADDRESS: 6162 Rushing Parc Lane ► BED/BATH: 4/3 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,447 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Rushing Parc ► LIST PRICE: $529,900 ► SALE PRICE: $500,000
► ADDRESS: 204 Monaco Circle ► BED/BATH: 4/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,238 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Bluff Park ► LIST PRICE: $435,000 ► SALE PRICE: $420,000
► ADDRESS: 5281 Cottage Circle ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,624 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Deer Valley ► LIST PRICE: $319,900 ► SALE PRICE: $310,000 SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
FALL INTO
BETTER MOVEMENT Whether youʼre competing in fall sports, staying active in your daily life, traveling for the holidays, or enjoying time with family, TherapySouth can help you move with greater strength, mobility, and confidence. Our team creates personalized treatment plans to support your goals, from injury recovery and prevention to proactive wellness and athletic performance. Make the most of the season and keep moving toward what matters most.
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 13
BUSINESS
Dessert shop brings authentic Brazilian treats to Hoover By LAUREN H. DOWDLE Customers might be sitting in a cozy new spot in Hoover, but the experience, smells and treats at Cake Me Up Dessert Shop will give them a taste of another culture. After about a year of planning, co-founders Viviane Lacerda and Auri DaCruz opened Cake Me Up in July. While the business is new, the treats Lacerda is known for are not. Lacerda first brought her baked goods to the Birmingham area when she opened Sweet Cakes Vi a decade ago, which is how she and DaCruz. DaCruz ordered a custom birthday cake from her, and the two have been friends ever since. Both originally from Brazil, the women decided to pair up to open a business, with Lacerda bringing her baking talents and DaCruz contributing her business and marketing experience. After looking at locations in Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook, DaCruz said they fell in love with the space off of John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover near Jubilee Joe’s. The former Taproot Café location had the layout they wanted, so they only had to paint the space and add their personal touches.
The pao de queijo cheese bread is served traditional, cream cheese filled or bacon filled.
The brigadeiro cake includes chocolate batter with brigadeiro filling and chocolate frosting.
Auri DaCruz (left) and Viviane Lacerda opened Cake Me Up in Hoover in July. Photos courtesy of Leanna Brooke, Deep Blue Iris Photography.
“We say Hoover chose us,” DaCruz said. “God planned this.” The shop offers cake by the slice and whole cakes in flavors like brigadeiro, Oreo, carrot and classic white. Brigadeiro is a Brazilian sweet with a fudgy texture, covered in chocolate sprinkles. While brigadeiro is traditionally served as balls, the shop will offer it in jars to make the treat easier to eat, while still providing the same creamy texture. They will also have cake in cans, with flavors including vanilla cake and tiramisu, strawberry with brigadeiro or pineapple with coco and brigadeiro. For a flavorful gift, people can pick out a mug with either brigadeiro cake or classic white cake inside. Their kids’ menu includes
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH
Experience Matters
The team at ENT Associates includes 15 board-certified physicians, 6 licensed PAs, and 17 clinical audiologists across 11 locations, including a new satellite office in Clanton, 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.
Birmingham • Grandview • Valleydale • Trussville • Gardendale Alabaster • Jasper • Pell City • Bessemer • Cullman • Clanton
entalabama.com | 888-368-5020
a mini chocolate cake with a warm chocolate drip frosting and sprinkles, and there are also cupcakes. With all of their treats, they use high-quality ingredients, DaCruz said. They will also serve pao de queijo, which is Brazilian cheese bread. DaCruz said that’s a traditional Brazilian snack they would enjoy in the morning or with afternoon coffee while sitting with friends and family. She also remembers enjoying Guarana Antarctica, which is a fruity soft drink similar to ginger ale that the shop will also offer. To truly immerse their tastebuds, customers can order the Brazilian table experience, which is served with freshly brewed drip coffee, four traditional cheese breads and a mini-individual
Customers can choose a mug and cake flavor for this tasty gift.
Brazilian carrot cake with a warm chocolate drip. Guests can also watch Lacerda decorating cakes in the kitchen while they enjoy their treats. “We wanted to bring that experience where you sit down and take a little time to enjoy your coffee and a slice of cake,” DaCruz said. “We don’t want to just sell cakes. We want to make your day sweeter.” Cake Me Up Dessert Shop is at 5190 Medford Drive, Suite 124. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit Cakemeupdessertshop.com.
14 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
SCHOOLHOUSE
Hoover’s fine arts specialist makes the case for the arts on their own terms By KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA Gwin Elementary music teacher Erica Russell spoke almost in a whisper, and the room bent toward her. Twenty children on the carpet, sneakers tucked under knees, every pair of eyes on her. Near the door, Brian Cocke watched, grateful, the way you are grateful for something you can no longer do yourself. That is the part of the job Cocke will not give up — standing in the back of somebody’s classroom. The rest of it has no ordinary Tuesday, which is part of why he took it. As Hoover City Schools’ fine arts specialist, a position most school systems do not have at all, Cocke supports music, visual art, theater, band and choir programs across 16 schools, working with more than 65 fine arts teachers. On a given day, he might chase down a grant, untangle a scheduling problem, sit in on an elementary art class, schedule professional development or meet with administrators about what a program needs. “A big part of the job is connecting pieces that otherwise might operate independently,” Cocke said. “I get to look at fine arts across the entire district and ask, ‘What can we do better together?’” The position was not created because something was broken, he said. Hoover’s programs had grown to include band, choir, theater, dance, visual art and a district performing arts center. Someone needed to look at fine arts strategically, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Cocke came to the work sideways. He played piano by ear as a child but never took lessons until he was 16. He entered college set on computer science, got bumped from a course and
Brian Cocke with Gwin Elementary music teacher Erica Russell.
Brian Cocke will always remember his teaching days. Photos by Karim Shamsi-Basha.
landed in Music Appreciation instead. After he performed a piece for a composer report, the professor asked whether he had considered applying for a music scholarship. He got the scholarship, changed his major and spent 23 years teaching elementary
Brian Cocke enjoys a lighter moment at Gwin Elementary School.
music and drama before moving to the district office. “Being in the classroom for 23 years influences almost every decision I make,” he said. “I know what it feels like when someone at the district level creates one more thing for a
teacher to do. So I try to ask, ‘Is this actually going to help teachers and students?’” Teachers say the support is overdue. An arts teacher is often the only one of their kind in a building. “We need an advocate for students, for curriculum, for professional development,” Erica Russell said. “The arts are an outlet for students to understand other people and themselves, and to become better social beings.” Will Hornsby, a drama teacher new to education, said the professional development matters the most. “Making connections is difficult when you’re starting out,” Hornsby said. “Spending time with other arts educators, hearing another perspective on teaching drama, that’s how you develop and become a better teacher.” Cocke is blunt about the argument he refuses to make. Arts programs are usually defended on test scores and behavior. “We don’t teach math because it might make students better musicians. We teach math because mathematics is important,” he said. “The arts deserve the same consideration.” To a parent who considers band and art class extras, he offers an invitation. “Come watch a band rehearsal where 100 students have to listen to one another and make hundreds of individual decisions work toward one result,” he said. “Those aren’t extra experiences. They’re educational experiences.” Back in the music room, the whisper had become sound — twenty voices, ragged at the edges, finding the shape of the same phrase. Cocke stayed by the door until the last note went out of the air. Just children leaning toward a soft voice, learning to make something together.
CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN
SAVINGS ON ALL
Factory-Direct Furniture at Prices You Won’t Find Anywhere Else!
SECTIONALS
CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN.
1,499 Now SAVE BIG ON FURNITURE.
Great Selection to Choose From!
$
Factory-Direct Furniture at Prices You Won’t Find Anywhere Else!
Shop our vast selection in our new
$
OPEN in
OPiEn N
1,299
HOOVER!
HOOVER!
25,667-sq.ft. furniture emporium across from the Riverchase Galleria!
Shop our vast selection HOOVER in1709 our MONTGOMERY new 25,667-sq.ft. HWY. (205) 238-5076 furniture emporium MON-SAT 10A-7P, SUN 11A-6P across from the Riverchase Galleria!
HOOVER
1709 IRONDALE MONTGOMERY HWY. (205) 238-5076
1811 CRESTWOOD BLVD. (205) 957-4001
MON-SAT 10A-7P, SUN 11A-6P
IRONDALE MON-SAT 10A-8P, SUN 11A-7P 1811 CRESTWOOD BLVD. (205) 957-4001 MON-SAT 10A-8P, SUN 11A-7P
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 15
SCHOOLHOUSE
Hoover City Schools ‘dreams big’ and builds momentum for 2026-27 school year By APRIL COFFEY There was no mistaking the excitement inside Hoover City Schools as faculty and staff gathered to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. Music filled the room, smiles were everywhere and Hoover’s elementary educators arrived ready to begin another year of helping students learn, grow and dream big. The energy was especially evident during the district’s Institute Day and New Teacher Orientation, two important opportunities for educators to prepare for the year ahead and build momentum before students return to classrooms. For new teachers, orientation offered a chance to become part of the Hoover City Schools family while learning more about the district, its schools and the work ahead. For returning faculty and staff, Institute Day provided an opportunity to reconnect, refocus and prepare for the arrival of students. This year, Hoover City Schools is embracing a theme centered on dreaming BIG — a message that fits naturally with the district’s focus
Superintendent Kevin Maddox speaks to teachers at new teacher orientation. Photos courtesy of Hoover City Schools.
on helping students discover what they love and imagine what is possible. In Hoover’s elementary schools, that work begins early. Teachers and staff play an important role in helping children explore their interests, build confidence and develop the belief that their goals are within reach.
Teachers participating in New Teacher Orientation activities.
“Every big dream starts somewhere,” the district shared on its Facebook page in a recent message to the community. That starting point can look different for every child. It might be a first spark of interest in reading, science, art, music or athletics. It might be a teacher recognizing a student’s
potential or encouraging a child to try something new. Those moments are part of the momentum Hoover City Schools hopes to build throughout the coming year. The district’s message to its educators was clear: The energy is here, the momentum is building and the final piece is just around the corner. In August, students returned to campuses, bringing with them the curiosity, excitement and possibilities that make the beginning of a new school year special. For the teachers and staff who spent the days leading up to that return preparing their classrooms, collaborating with colleagues and welcoming new members to the district, the anticipation is already high. Hoover City Schools is ready for a new year — and ready to help students take the first steps toward their biggest dreams. As the 2026-2027 school year gets underway, the district is looking ahead with optimism, enthusiasm and a simple belief: Big dreams start somewhere and in Hoover, the journey begins in the classroom.
16 • October 2026
Hoover Sun SPONSORED CONTENT
Losing weight? Learn your body composition with 15-minute scan at Lakeshore’s SSPC Many of us struggle to lose weight or keep it under control, and gimmicks and fad diets don’t help. We must exercise, eat a good diet and maintain the lean muscle mass that supports our strength and mobility and allows us to participate in the activities we enjoy. It’s also critical that we gain an accurate picture of our body composition and make sure that we lose weight in a healthy way. That’s where the Sports Science and Performance Center at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham can help. Get a complete picture of your body composition, including body fat, lean tissue and bone mineral density, by booking a DEXA scan at the SSPC A low-density, whole-body x-ray that takes 15 minutes, the scan gives you a complete picture of your body composition. “A DEXA scan is a highly accurate way to assess lean body mass, body fat mass and the presence of visceral fat in the abdomen,” says Brandon Kane, the SSPC’s Associate Director of Sports Performance. “Understanding these is critical to setting weight-loss goals that are reasonable and good for your overall health.”
LAKESHORE FOUNDATION ► 205-313-7450 ► lakeshore.org
After your scan, an SSPC staff member reviews your results with you. “What makes the DEXA scan valuable is having the expertise to interpret the results and help people make informed decisions about nutrition, training and their goals,” says Lacey Gammon, Nutrition Coordinator. Anyone can benefit from learning their body composition, regardless of age, whether you’re starting a new fitness journey,
raising your game as an athlete or losing weight using GLP-1 medications. For example, GLP-1s have been linked to the loss of lean muscle mass, though recent data suggests this may be caused by a calorie deficit during rapid weight loss and not the drug directly, Kane says. Maintaining muscle mass is important and has been linked closely to longevity and to cardiovascular health.
“We tell our clients, ‘You’re training for life,’” Kane says. “DEXA is a way to track the changes over time so that the weight being lost is the body fat weight you want to lose and less of the lean-tissue functional weight you want to keep.” The SSPC helps direct your health and weight-loss efforts. “We’re a team of experts that help people achieve their performance goals through testing, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and mental performance,” Kane says. “At SSPC, we look at the whole person and their goals,” Lacey Gammon says. Everyone should also discuss their general health and weight management with their healthcare provider, the SSPC says. To learn more, call 205-313-7450 or go to lakeshore.org.
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 17
SPORTS
Surprise executed: Hoover retires Johnson’s jersey By JOSHUA GLEASON When the jersey was unveiled, Krystle Johnson was caught off guard, which is a rare thing for the eight-time state champion as head coach of the Hoover High School women’s basketball team. The former star player for the Lady Bucs had her No. 55 jersey retired Aug. 21 before the Hoover football team’s opening game of the 2026 season. “I am speechless,” Johnson said, tears of joy and gratitude streaming down her face. “It is definitely one of the best moments.” For one of the best moments of Johnson’s decorated career to come at a jersey retirement
ceremony says a lot about what the honor meant to her. The Lady Bucs have won six consecutive state championships, and Johnson has compiled a 421-66 record during her time in charge of the program. Johnson also won two state titles as an assistant coach and one as a player during her senior season in 2001. In that championship game, she hit a pair of free throws with 2.2 seconds remaining to break a tie and give her team the title, an accomplishment she once described as her greatest athletic thrill. She went on to play at UCLA before transferring closer to home to play for the University of Alabama. Her résumé also includes serving
Hoover Coach Krystle Johnson and members of the 2026 Class 7A state champion girls basketball team were recognized prior to a game between Hoover High School and Muscle Shoals on Aug. 21 at the Hoover Met. Photos by Barry Stephenson.
Hoover basketball coach Krystle Johnson reacts as her high school number 55 is presented to her.
as an assistant coach with the U.S. women’s U-17 national team, helping the team win gold medals each of the past two years. Like any coach with the caliber of accolades Johnson has accumulated, she picked up on a few clues that something bigger might be happening. She watched as people from her “journey,” including former teammates, former players, and Lori Elgin, her head coach while playing for Hoover, began arriving en masse to celebrate her. While Johnson’s career can easily be measured in championships, wins and awards, the people gathered to celebrate her Friday offered another reflection as well. Johnson’s impact at Hoover extends beyond the basketball court. In addition to leading
the Lady Bucs, she teaches mathematics at the school, a role that has allowed her to influence students both in the classroom and through athletics. Those who work alongside Johnson spoke highly of her ability to balance the demands of teaching and coaching while maintaining the same level of commitment to both. For someone who has spent much of her career helping others reach their goals, Johnson found herself on the receiving end of that recognition Friday night. “It feels good to be recognized,” Johnson said. “I just like to stay in the background. It is special that all my co-workers were able to put this together. I am still kind of shocked, but it is such a great feeling.”
18 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
SPORTS
City rivalry highlights October schedule for Bucs, Jags By KYLE PARMLEY Hoover High School’s football team opened Class 6A, Region 3 play in September against Hewitt-Trussville, Prattville and Oak Mountain, while Spain Park opened region play against Oak Mountain, Thompson and Vestavia Hills. Both teams now turn to the second half of the region schedule in October.
OCT. 2
Hoover hosts Thompson, a series the Bucs lead 26-9, including a 33-30 win last season. Four of the last six meetings between the two have been decided by single digits and the series has often produced one of the region’s most compelling games. Spain Park travels to
Prattville, a series it leads 2-1, but the teams have not met since 2013.
OCT. 8-9
Spain Park hosts Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 8, a series it leads 9-3, including a 35-14 win in 2023, the last time the teams played. Hoover travels to Vestavia Hills on that Friday. Hoover holds a 39-22 edge in that all-time series, but Vestavia Hills won last year’s meeting 39-30.
OCT. 16
Hoover hosts Spain Park in the city rivalry, a series the Bucs lead 21-4, including a 21-10 win last season. All three of the Jags’ on-field wins in the series have come since 2015. Spain Park won 39-27 in 2024 in a thriller, but Hoover avenged that loss with a 21-10 victory last fall.
Hoover kicker Steele Witschy (39) watches a kick during a game between Hoover High School and Muscle Shoals High School on Aug. 21 at the Hoover Met. Photos by Barry Stephenson.
OCT. 23 Hoover travels to Tuscaloosa County, a series the Bucs lead 22-3, including a 51-7 win last season. Hoover has won 15 straight meetings in the series dating to 2012. Spain Park travels to Hewitt-Trussville, a series the Huskies lead 6-3. The teams have not met since 2023, when Spain Park won 50-29.
OCT. 29-30
Hoover linebacker Khonor Latham (25) celebrates after a tackle during a game between Hoover High School and Muscle Shoals High School on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Hoover Met.
Spain Park closes the regular season at home against James Clemens in a non-region game, a series it leads 3-1, including a 28-7 win last season. The two programs have also met twice in the playoffs, with Spain Park winning a 2015
second-round game and James Clemens winning a 2016 first-round game. Hoover closes the regular season with an open date on Oct. 30.
LOOKING AHEAD
Hoover finished 6-5 last season and reached the first round of the Class 7A playoffs under head coach Chip English. Spain Park finished 9-3 and reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs under fifth-year head coach Tim Vakakes. Both teams’ October schedules will shape their playoff seeding as Class 6A, Region 3 sorts itself out under an amended format that sends the top six of eight teams to the postseason.
“Quality Built Fences Since 1964”
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL WE INSTALL OR YOU INSTALL Chain Link Wood Gates & Operators
Ornamental Vinyl PVC Repairs
Free Estimates Licensed Insured DO-IT-YOURSELF HEADQUARTERS
205.942.8249 www.AllsteelFence.com
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 19
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Home & Garden Fall Guide Discover local businesses that specialize in keeping your home and garden at their best
Bring beauty back to your doorway with Door Restore An attractive entry door can make a great first impression and boost your home’s curb appeal, but sunlight, rain, and frost can damage and leave signs of wear on wood and iron doors. Fortunately, Door Restore in Birmingham restores and maintains doors. “We only work on doors. They’re our specialty,” said owner Van Etheridge. A former art major who loves working with his hands, Van formerly painted murals and did wall finishes while also restoring iron and wooden doors. “When the economy crashed in 2008, I went to work selling pharmaceuticals while restoring iron doors on the weekends,” Van said. “When the pharmaceutical company was sold and laid off its sales team, I officially started Door Restore.” The company is a family affair. Three years ago, Van began working with his son Griffin, who earned his business degree from The University of Alabama. A year later, he hired Griffin’s twin brother, Skyler, who also earned his business degree at UA. “It’s fun watching them take what they learned and apply it to the real world, especially in all the facets of owning your own business,” Van said. Door Restore offers customers
DOOR RESTORE
► 1920 Indian Lake Dr, Birmingham ► 205-492-5866 ► doorrestore.org
a money-saving maintenance program that keeps doors looking their best. “Wood doors weather quickly and need a new top coat every year or two, depending on exposure, sun and rain,” Etheridge said. “We provide maintenance once a year, including a topcoat to save customers money in the future. Iron doors have a special oil-rubbed bronze or other metal hues in them. We’re able to restore your door to the original finish.” Door Restore now also sells and installs custom iron and steel doors. The National Association of REALTORS’ 2025 Remodeling Impact Report estimated that a new iron or steel front door recovers 100% of its cost at resale. For details or a free quote, call 205-492-5866 or visit doorrestore. org.
20 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
One Man & a Toolbox Handyman Services $25 OFF
First Hour for Veterans and Senior Citizens
Because
Doing it Yourself isn’t for everyone. Residential Commercial Special Projects 205-823-2111 • OneMan-Toolbox.com
HOME & GARDEN Fall is the perfect time to start fresh with Southern Exterior Cleaning Solutions Fall is an ideal time to have Southern Exterior Cleaning Solutions, a local, family-owned company, soft wash or pressure wash your house, roof or business facilities. “The cooler weather offers ideal opportunities to entertain guests, and we’ll brighten up your home, your deck, your driveway, whatever you need, just in time for the holidays,” says owner Will Gregory. Pressure washing also protects exterior surfaces by removing months of summer dirt, mold and grime from your house and roof before the freezing winter weather. It enhances the safety and durability of concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and patios. Southern Exterior provides free, in-person estimates, uses topquality, professional equipment and offers commercial services for storefronts, parking lots and industrial areas. “We add value, improve curb appeal, make outdoor spaces welcoming for guests and customers and instill pride for the home or business owner,” Will says. A mature, experienced entrepreneur, Will offers customers consistency, professionalism and attention to detail. “I’m a full-time business owner, not a side-hustle guy,” he says. “I do all the work myself, so customers never have to wonder who’s coming to their home.” And he never cuts corners. “When
SOUTHERN EXTERIOR CLEANING SOLUTIONS ► 205-878-4395 ► southernecs.com
I’m doing your job, it isn’t finished until we agree it’s done,” Will says. “Serving the customer is all I do,” he says. “My goal is to have happy customers who call me again and tell their friends and neighbors about me.” Call 205-878-4395 or go to southernecs.com.
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 21
HOME & GARDEN
The 10-minute test: how well does your home really work? Here’s a question that may reveal more about your home than whether the countertops are clear. Could you find your passport in 10 minutes? Not eventually. Not after texting your spouse. Not after checking the place where you were absolutely certain you put it. Ten minutes. How about the warranty for your refrigerator? The platter you use every Thanksgiving? An extra phone charger? The tiny screwdriver required to change the battery in something important? The good scissors? Every home has good scissors. How quickly you can find these things tells us something important about organization. Because a truly organized home isn’t necessarily one that looks perfect. It’s one that works. We often associate organization with appearance: beautifully aligned shelves, pristine countertops and closets worthy of a photograph. Those things are lovely, but they aren’t the real test. The better measure is retrieval. Can you find what you need, when you need it, without turning the house upside down? If not, the problem may have less to do with tidiness and more to do with the systems behind it.
Sometimes an item has too many possible homes. Batteries might live in the kitchen junk drawer, the garage, the office or wherever someone happened to put the last package. Sometimes we store things where they fit rather than where they make sense. Your Thanksgiving platter may fit beautifully in an upstairs cabinet, but that location becomes considerably less charming when the turkey is resting and 12 people are arriving in 20 minutes. Then there are systems only one person understands. If every member of the household has to ask the same person, “Where do we keep the ...?” that person has inadvertently become the home’s search engine. And she is probably ready to resign. The best organizational systems are intuitive. Frequently used items live near where they are used. Categories make sense to everyone in the household. There is enough room to put things away without rearranging six other things first. Most importantly, the system reflects the way the family lives now. That last part matters because homes and lives rarely evolve at the same pace. Children grow. Hobbies change. Wardrobes expand. People begin working from home. Parents downsize and suddenly family
keepsakes arrive. The closet or cabinet that worked perfectly five years ago may no longer have anything to do with the life happening around it. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed at being organized. It simply means the system needs to catch up. Try the 10-minute test in your own home. Choose five things you don’t use every day but would reasonably expect to find when you need them. Then start the clock. If you find everything easily, congratulations. Your home is probably doing more work for you than you realize. If you spend eight minutes muttering, “I know it’s here somewhere,” pay attention to where the search breaks down. That frustration is useful information. The goal isn’t to create a home where nothing is ever left on the counter or a sweater never lands on a chair. People live here, after all. The goal is a home that reduces unnecessary effort. A home where belongings have logical places, routines feel easier and you spend less time searching for things you already own. Your home doesn’t need to pass the white-glove test. It needs to pass the 10-minute test.
Kim McBrayer-Phinney is the founder and owner of Space Cadets, Birmingham’s premier full-service closet design and professional organizing firm. Learn more at spacecadetsorg.com
SPACE CADETS
► The Hub: 5890 Elise Road Suite C, Hoover ► Brook Highland Plaza: 5287 U.S. Highway 280, Suite 249, Birmingham (Inside the Mercantile) ► 205-326-7025 ► spacecadetsorg.com
22 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
EVENTS
63rd Bluff Park Art Show to be held Oct. 3 By EMILY REED The 63rd annual Bluff Park Art Show will take place Oct. 3 beginning at 9 a.m. at Bluff Park Community Park. The event invites patrons to “see, taste, hear, smell and touch” items on display from artists from all over the South. Attendees can come and go throughout the day to peruse works by various artists. Many of the featured artists will be on-site to greet guests face-to-face. “Let your senses be ignited and support your local community of makers, designers, doers and dreamers,” the event promotes. Bluff Park Art Association President Rachael Jamison said this particular event is unique compared to others because all of the artists are chosen through a blind jury process. “Applicants submit photos of their work, and our jury scores them all without knowing who the artists are,” Jamison said. “This ensures a consistently high standard of quality art at the show.” The BPAA announced Minkyu Lee as the judge for the art show. Lee is a multimedia artist whose practice centers on vessel and furniture making, working primarily with ceramics and wood. Jamison said attendees often enjoy the wide variety of media including paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, photography, jewelry, woodworking, glass and more. There will be more than 120 artists in this year’s show. “This event allows everyone the ability to find something that they like,” Jamison said. Roughly 7,000 patrons are anticipated to attend this year’s event. “We will have our always popular kids’ art area run by the Girl Scouts, where parents can sign in their children for art activities while they
Kristin Canan of Hoover checks out photography by Steve Dunlap at the 2025 Bluff Park Art Show. Photo by Jon Anderson.
go look around the show,” Jamison said. “We also have plenty of food trucks this year.” The food trucks currently slated to attend include G.R.’s Smokehouse, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee, Kona Ice, Nettie B’s Grill, Domi Empanadas, Sweet Claire’s Caboose, Alabama Peanut, Cookie Fix, South Fizz Soda and The Park Nutrition. Dogs are welcome at the event. Hoover Board of Education school buses will
be on a continuous loop to and from Shades Mountain Plaza, Bluff Park United Methodist Church and Shades Mountain Community Church. They are ADA compliant. The city of Hoover shuttles will also be on a continuous loop to and from Shades Crest Baptist Church. Parking is available at Shades Mountain Plaza, 2400 Mountain Drive, Hoover; Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley
St., Hoover; Shades Crest Baptist Church, 452 Park Ave., Hoover; and Shades Mountain Community Church, 2281 Old Tyler Road, Hoover. The event wraps up at 5 p.m. For more information, visit bluffparkartassociation.org.
Taste of Hoover returns Oct. 15 to Aldridge Gardens By KELLI S. HEWETT The 2026 Taste of Hoover will give residents a chance to sample the flavors of the city in one evening at Aldridge Gardens. The annual event is set for Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gardens, located at 3530 Lorna Road. Guests can expect food and drink samplings from local restaurants and preferred caterers, live music and ambient lighting, all in an outdoor setting overlooking the gardens. Kristen Valentine, events coordinator for the City of Hoover, said the evening setting and location are a big part of the appeal. “Taste of Hoover offers a warm, festive atmosphere under beautiful string lights, surrounded by the natural beauty of Aldridge Gardens,” Valentine said. “Guests enjoy delicious local food, refreshing beverages, live music and easygoing conversation in a charming outdoor setting that feels like an elevated Southern garden party.” A limited number of tickets are sold each year, and organizers say the event frequently sells out in advance. One ticket buys access to all participating food and beverage vendors. The event is designed as more than a typical
Taste of Hoover is set for Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Aldridge Gardens. Staff photos.
food festival. “Taste of Hoover offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together in one place to experience the flavors that define our city,” Valentine said. “By showcasing a diverse collection of local restaurants and beverage providers, the event celebrates the people and the businesses that make Hoover special.” Beyond the food and music, organizers say the event is an easy way for residents and visitors to experience a cross-section of the city’s dining scene in a single night. With local restaurants and preferred caterers setting up side by side, guests can move at their own pace, sample small bites, compare flavors and make notes on places they might want to visit later. For many attendees, it serves as both a social outing and a low-pressure way to discover new spots without committing to a full meal at each restaurant.
Dozens of food and beverage vendors are set to participate, including Board in Birmingham, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Tacos de Azul at Brock’s Gap Brewing, Saw’s BBQ, East 59 Cafe, Michelle’s Chocolate Laboratory, Something Simple Coffee + Sips and more. “Guests love Taste of Hoover because it brings the community together in a fun, welcoming atmosphere,” Valentine said. “It’s a chance to connect with local people, discover new restaurants and try foods and drinks they may not have experienced before.” Tickets are now on sale at aldridgegardens. com. General admission tickets are $50 for the public and $45 for Aldridge Gardens members. Parking and shuttle service are available from the Trader Joe’s parking lot in the Riverchase Shopping Center at the intersection of Highway 31 and Lorna Road. Free general admission to the gardens is suspended during event hours.
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 23
EVENTS
Save the Date
SHADES CREST ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
BHM26.2 RACE SERIES
► Where: Shades Crest Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 452 Park Ave., Hoover ► When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ► Details: Shop locally made art and handmade goods at the annual Shades Crest Arts and Crafts Fair. The event brings together artists and crafters for a day of shopping, food and activities at Shades Crest Baptist Church. The fair coincides with the nearby Bluff Park Art Show, making the area a destination for art lovers throughout the day. Proceeds from exhibitor table rentals and food sales will benefit Lift Up the Vulnerable, an organization working to protect and empower vulnerable children and women. ► Contact: 205-822-1360 ► More Info: shadescrest.org
► Where: The Finley Center at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex ► When: Sunday, Oct. 4, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. ► Cost: Varies by race; advance registration required. ► Details: Hit the pavement for a cause at the BHM26.2 Race Series, a full day of running and family fun benefiting Magic Moments. The event includes a marathon, half marathon, 5-person marathon relay, 10K, 5K and kids fun run, with options for runners of a variety of ages and experience levels. More than 2,000 runners participate in the annual event, which has raised more than $1 million to help bring special experiences to Alabama children facing serious medical conditions. Race day also includes a family-friendly after party with food, entertainment and a kids’ zone. ► More Info: bhm262.com
► For more events news, connect with the Hoover Sun online by scanning the QR code. ► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.
ALABAMA WOODWORKERS GUILD ANNUAL MEMBERS EXHIBITION ► Where: Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive, Hoover ► When: Oct. 11-15, during regular library hours ► Cost: Free ► Details: Discover the artistry and craftsmanship of local woodworkers during the Alabama Woodworkers Guild Annual Members Exhibition. Handmade creations from guild members ranging from beginners to master craftsmen will be displayed throughout the Friends Gallery, Shakespeare Room and Southern Voices Gallery. The annual exhibition offers visitors a chance to see a variety of woodworking styles, techniques and projects created by talented artisans from across the area. ► Contact: 205-444-7800 ► More Info: hooverlibrary.org
ÉTOUFFÉE SOIRÉE WITH BYRD & CHASE ► Where: Jubilee Joe’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant, 5190 Medford Drive, Suite 114, Hoover ► When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m. ► Details: Spend a Sunday evening enjoying Cajun cuisine and live music during Étouffée Soirée at Jubilee Joe’s. Byrd & Chase will perform an acoustic mix of country, pop, blues and rock on the patio, with song requests welcome. Grab a plate of your favorite Cajun fare, settle in and enjoy an easygoing evening of food and live local music. ► Contact: 205-982-7797 ► More Info: jubileejoes.com
2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 201 | Hoover DermCareHoover.com | 205-379-8389
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Problem Skin? We’ll have appointment times for you within a week.
Robert Bentley MD, FAAD Board-Certified Dermatologist Paul Espy MD, FAAD Board-Certified Dermatologist
Acne ~ Rosacea ~ Psoriasis ~ Eczema ~ Hair Loss ~ Screenings Literally changed my life with the treatment I’m getting!!!!
From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel comfortable right away.
KAYLA
I would recommend to everyone I know. They are truly amazing. Kristy
Paka
Thankful they could work me in quickly and took good care of me. Rhonda
MedSpa Services
First time here, and I was beyond happy with my results
‘Tox Injections & Fillers Microneedling & Skin Resurfacing
CeeCee
Dr. Bentley and his staff were so friendly, kind and knowledgable! Shannon
WE LOVE OUR PATIENTS!
24 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
LIFE
Hunter Street Baptist starts next chapter with new senior pastor By LAUREN H. DOWDLE Nearly every Sunday for the past four decades, Senior Pastor Buddy Gray has reminded the congregation that Hunter Street Baptist Church is not a building — it’s a people. Nine months after Gray announced his retirement and one week after his last sermon, that group of people voted to affirm a new senior pastor, Chandler Snyder. The church has been praying for their next leader and affirmed a pastor search committee in October. Hunter Street also used a search firm to help narrow down the list of candidates for the position, said Bill Decker, executive pastor at Hunter Street who served on the 11-person search committee. By January, about 1,000 people were interested in the position, and the committee narrowed the list down in April to
three candidates, which included Snyder. “Through a series of asking God to open and close doors, our committee was unanimous the Holy Spirit was leading us to Chandler,” Decker said. “The Holy Spirit authored, directed, led and inspired the entire process going back to October of last year.” Living in Fort Worth, Texas, Snyder said he was familiar with Hunter Street when he first received an email about the position. While he wasn’t looking to leave his job as vice president for institutional relations at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he said he wanted to follow the Lord’s will for him and knew the 119-year-old Hunter Street was unique. “The reputation of Buddy Gray and his teaching of the Bible and how he sheltered the flock for so long is what interested me in the opportunity,” Snyder said. “This is a historic
Chandler Snyder and his wife Kelli have three children: Elodie, 12; Waverly, 16; and Atticus, 10. Photos courtesy of Chandler Snyder.
Diana S. Knight, CPA, CVA Jeff W. Maze, CPA, MA
• Income tax planning and compliance • Audit, compilation and review services
church — not just in Alabama but in the Southern Baptist Convention.” A Lexington, Kentucky, native, Snyder said he felt called into ministry when he was in high school, which is also when he started dating his now-wife Kelli. The couple attended the University of Kentucky and played an active role in a church plant on campus. After graduating, they got married and had three children: Waverly, 16; Elodie, 12; and Atticus, 10. Starting in 2012, the Snyders began serving as missionaries in various countries in Africa, including Madagascar and Kenya, before moving back to the states in 2022 to work at Southwestern. Now the family is excited about this new chapter in their lives, Snyder said. “As we walked through the process and met with the search committee and saw their hearts were formed by the Scripture and beliefs, we realized there was no reason we wouldn’t want to be here,” Snyder said. “The Lord has affirmed this is what He wants us to do. The affection has grown over the past few months.” Decker said that feeling was reciprocated. “The affection was a two-way street,” he said. “There’s been no doubt in the minds of the 11 committee members that Chandler is the man the Lord has set apart to be our next pastor.” Snyder said it’s an honor to continue the ministry of Gray and the rest of the faithful leadership staff, and there won’t be any “fast, flashy changes” as he steps into the role. “We’re going to continue glorifying Christ, believing the Bible and pointing each other to the goodness of Jesus,” Snyder said. “The unity that has been cultivated here must remain.” Throughout this season of change, the
Chandler Snyder was named the new senior pastor of Hunter Street Baptist Church.
committee urges the congregation to continue praying for Gray and his wife Tricia, the Snyders and the entire church family. Members have been following a 40-day prayer guide since Snyder stepped into his new role. “We have relied on God’s word to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path,” Decker said. “We’re confident this is God’s work.” Snyder’s first Sunday as the senior pastor of Hunter Street was Aug. 16, and he said he’s excited to serve Christ with the rest of the congregation. “The best part about me is what Christ has done for me,” Snyder said. “It will be my joyful obligation every Sunday and every opportunity I get to point God’s people to Christ.”
Call Monster for a FREE tree assessment! 205-473-0835
We assess your trees for health and safety, handle removal if needed, and manage every step.
• Estate tax planning and compliance • Business valuations • Tax compliance– non-profit organizations • Trustee and elder care services • Employee benefit plan audits
Count on us Two Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 40 Birmingham, Alabama 35244
sovereigncpa.com
monstertreeservice.com/birmingham Locally Owned & Operated by Dylan & Kristen Digmon Complete Tree Removal • Emergency Services • Stump Grinding Tree Health Care • Tree and Shrub Pruning • Tree Cabling and Bracing
HooverSun.com
October 2026 • 25
DARK
CONTINUED from page 1 But perhaps the biggest challenge is how maintaining the interstate lights is not the responsibility of a single entity, said Jeff Downes, Vestavia Hills’ city manager. Years ago, the Alabama Department of Transportation turned over maintenance of interstate lights to the various jurisdictions where the lights are, Downes said. And that can get complicated quickly with the way municipal boundaries weave around one another and along the interstates. On I-459, between Liberty Park and I-65, the jurisdictions include Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Birmingham, Hoover and unincorporated Jefferson County. On I-65, between I-459 and Alford Avenue, it’s mostly Vestavia Hills or Hoover. Jon Paepcke, ALDOT’s communications coordinator for the east-central region of the state, which includes the Birmingham area, shared a statement from the agency that interstate lighting in the Birmingham metro area is a patchwork system. “Much of it was added decades after the original system was built, often at the request of local governments,” the ALDOT statement said. “In fact, cities accepted long-term maintenance responsibilities when they asked for these improvements — a common, deliberate practice nationwide.”
An unlit light pole at the Alford Ave exit off I-65 on Sept. 7. Photos by David Leong.
Unlit light pole at the Alford Ave exit off I-65 on Mon, Sept. 7.
“Today, while ALDOT is solely responsible for maintaining some of the interstate lighting, primarily in the unincorporated areas, most of the lights were installed inside city limits,” ALDOT said. “We prioritize repairs to stateowned fixtures when we are made aware of issues in those locations. The system overall faces serious challenges: aging infrastructure, vandalism and copper theft.” One of the big challenges that cities face is figuring out and keeping up with who is responsible for which light poles and how to cooperate to tackle problems that involve multiple jurisdictions, Downes and Kearley said. “Without having information about who is responsible for what poles, as poles got knocked down or various things have happened to the infrastructure, no one’s put them back up. No one has gone out and done these repairs, and over time, it’s just become more and more of an issue because of not knowing who is responsible,” Kearley said. “I think clearing that up is obviously the first step.” Vestavia Hills city employees have done their own inventory of the light poles along I-459 and I-65 and determined that fewer than 10 are the responsibility of Vestavia Hills, Downes said. But Alabama Power Co., which has much more expertise with light poles, has agreed to do an independent inventory that can serve as a resource for all the jurisdictions to help each of them identify what poles are their responsibility and collaborate to solve problems, Downes said. Sometimes, poles in one jurisdiction are connected to poles in another jurisdiction, and a break in the wiring or a problem with a power source can kill the entire network, Kearley said. “What happens at a Vestavia pole could
impact what happens in Hoover or Birmingham or vice versa,” Kearley said. “There is overlap in the municipal limits regarding the service centers that are servicing these light poles. One side of the interstate is Hoover, and the other side is Vestavia. You may have two in a row that are Hoover and then Vestavia and then Hoover again. If those are all coming off the same service, that’s where it gets complex. If somebody hits a pole in Vestavia, it can affect the lights in Hoover, too, or vice versa.” It’s going to require collaboration sometimes to get the lights working again, Downes said. Figuring out what the problem is, what the solution should be and who all should pay to fix it can be complex, especially when different jurisdictions have varying financial resources and different priorities, Downes said. “That’s what we’re trying to work through.” Alabama Power in mid-September was still in the process of developing its inventory of the interstate light poles and the problems affecting each one, Kearley said. Anthony and Pickett said they had not heard from Alabama Power yet about the multi-jurisdictional effort but would be happy to work with the power company on that. There has been a little bit of uncertainty about who is responsible for some areas, Anthony said. “As soon as we find out which ones are ours, we’re going to have our contractor get out and replace some of them for us,” he said. Anthony said he was aware some of the highmast interchange lighting was out and would be working with the city’s contractor to replace those lights. Pickett said he knew there were a lot of lights out on I-65 between I-459 and Valleydale, and he has reported that there is no power going to the contactors in the junction
A look down the southbound side of I-65 from the Alford Avenue overpass shows a few lights on where traffic merges onto I-65 from Alford, but many lights between Alford and U.S. 31 were out on Sept. 7.
Unlit light poles on I-459 near the Galleria exit on Mon, Sept. 7.
boxes that supply electricity to the string of poles, he said. The problems with interstate lighting extend far beyond the borders of Hoover. There were at least 34 interstate lights out on I-65 between Alford Avenue and downtown Birmingham in early September and 38 more lights out between Interstate 59/20 and Fultondale. And on I-459, between U.S. 280 and Grants Mill Road, there were 108 light poles without working lights. There were some lights working at the intersection of I-459 and U.S. 280, but only two light poles between U.S. 280 and Liberty Parkway had working lights. ALDOT has consistently offered to partner 50-50 with cities to replace outdated systems, with locally controlled federal funds available
for local shares, the statement from ALDOT said. “That’s a strong and generous commitment of state resources,” the statement said. “Some surrounding states do not follow this practice.” Currently, ALDOT is partnering with Birmingham to replace all the lighting along I-59 from 66th Street North to I-459. The agency expects to approve a contract for the work by the end of the year and begin the project early in 2027. “This is a shared responsibility, and ALDOT remains committed to being a proactive partner,” the statement said. “We’re optimistic about the new momentum and ongoing conversations with local governments to improve lighting in the region.”
26 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
SIPS
CONTINUED from page 1 “I just started thinking, ‘Why can’t I do this for myself and build something that is mine?’” Maldonado said. “I would be able to coordinate and accommodate my schedule and make my own hours, and I wouldn’t have to miss out on the kids’ events and school activities.” That question transformed into an idea to open a coffee shop and later evolved into having a mobile coffee truck. “Coffee was always something that my husband and I enjoyed, and it was something that I could go and do with my friends too,” she said. “It just gives you that sense of comfort, and I wanted to be able to give that back.” Maldonado found a horse trailer that had been converted into a coffee trailer and began making it her own. After two years of planning and overcoming obstacles to start a new business, that dream to build something of her own came true when she opened Something Simple Coffee + Sips. While coffee was at the center of her business, Maldonado said she also wanted to offer other drink options. That idea came after attending an event with her children where one wanted a dirty soda, and another wanted lemonade. Having multiple children, she said she knew she couldn’t stand in line for multiple vendors — and didn’t want other parents to face that same dilemma. “I wanted everything to be easy and to have something for everyone,” Maldonado said. Her menu includes cold brews like caramel, sweet cream, mocha and brown sugar, which is her personal favorite. There are also lemonades with flavors like strawberry, peach, blue raspberry, mango and watermelon. For those needing a bit more energy, she offers refreshers that combine peach/pineapple, strawberry/blue raspberry, mango/orange, pineapple/coconut and cherry/lime using the plant-based Lotus energy drink.
Jessica Maldonado takes orders at her new coffee truck before the soft opening of Something Simple Coffee at The Preserve. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Other favorites are her dirty sodas like orange dream, southern Dr. Pepper, vanilla root beer, berry Sprite and the classic dirty Coke. During the fall, she will also add hot drinks like lattes, macchiatos and hot chocolate. But no matter the drink, she said she’s committed to using high-quality, simple ingredients and providing a personalized experience. That theme of simplicity is also carried over into her sizes and pricing. All of her drinks are 20 ounces and $6, and she said each one is made with one special ingredient: love. “Even though I might not know you, I’m really pouring love into what I’m about to give you,” she said. “You’re going to be welcomed
with a warm smile, a great conversation and a drink that’s easy to order.” Opening her drink truck has been a true family effort, she said, from her mother helping her get set up as an LLC to her husband playing a role in naming the business. “I told him I just wanted the name to be something simple,” Maldonado recalled. “As soon as I said the words, he looked at me and was like, ‘That’s it.’” Her children have also supported her throughout this process. Her older daughters can sometimes be spotted serving customers from the trailer, and the younger ones are her taste testers. She said she’s also received
encouragement and help from friends. “When you have that type of community behind you, it really helps you feel like you have the confidence to do it,” Maldonado said. While she hasn’t walked this journey alone, Maldonado said it was important that she could manage every aspect of the trailer and business on her own. From the trailer’s plumbing to the electrical system, she wanted to know how to handle it all. “I didn’t want to be somewhere and wonder how to fix it. I wanted this to be my journey,” she said. “It’s made me that much more proud of where I came from. I can say I did this for myself.”
HooverSun.com
That knowledge was put to the test the first time she took the trailer to an event. While driving there, she had to swerve to miss a car after it made a hard stop. The trailer swayed, causing several of her items and supplies to fall over, including her espresso machine. While some might have backed out of the event, Maldonado cleaned up the aftermath and made it there — and none of her customers could tell anything had gone wrong. “In that moment, there was so much that I learned. When you’re opening your own business, you’ll have stuff like that happen,” she said. “There’s a learning opportunity in every single event that you participate in.” She also hopes her children will learn from her endeavor and see they can think outside of the box. “I want them to know you don’t have to run with whatever society thinks you should be doing,” Maldonado said. “If you want to open a coffee truck, just do it. You don’t need the
October 2026 • 27
approval of everyone else. You’re the one who is going to determine your happiness.” She’s always looking for new locations to bring the trailer, but she can often be spotted at places like The Preserve, hospitals, school activities and local events. Maldonado will also be at Taste of Hoover in October at Aldridge Gardens. People can also book the mobile coffee trailer for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, festivals, farmer’s markets and school events. One day, she said she’d love to open a brickand-mortar coffee and drinks shop in Hoover. But for now, she’s excited to get to know the community and earn their trust with both her and the products. “My favorite part is when they take a sip and they’re smiling after I handed them a drink I made with love,” she said. She posts her weekly schedule on the Something Simple Coffee + Sips social media pages. To see the full menu or book the trailer for an event, visit somethingsimplecoffee.com.
FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION.
FOUNDATION REPAIR BASEMENT WALL REPAIR FLOOR LEVELING CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY
205-520-9777
foundationsunlimited.com
Family-Owned and Operated Since 1996
28 • October 2026
Hoover Sun
WINDOW COVERINGS DESIGNED FOR YOUR LIFE Custom window treatments for every room, style and budget.
BLINDS • SHADES • SHUTTERS • DRAPES
REQUEST A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION
205-824-3300
BEST WARRANTIES IN THE INDUSTRY
BudgetBlinds.com 2130 Columbiana Road, Vestavia, AL 35216
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED