Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder Christopher H. Garrett, MD
Sports Medicine Surgeon Elbow, Hip Preservation, Knee, Shoulder Alabama Crimson TideTeam Physician
The Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader is a bi-monthly magazine published by JBMC Media, a Bluff Park-based, family-owned publisher of magazines in the Birmingham metro area. The magazine is mailed to more than 4,300 homes and businesses in the Bluff Park area.
Subscriptions are available to anyone outside our immediate mailing area for $30 per year. Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription. Does your business want to connect with Bluff Park residents? Email us: advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk!
All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.
Supporting local businesses is something I am truly passionate about. For me, it goes beyond just shopping or purchasing items; it’s about helping these businesses gain visibility and attract customers. I’ve used many of my platforms to share their stories, drive traffic, and support enterprises in Bluff Park, particularly those owned by local residents.
One of my goals for BPNR in 2025 is to highlight our Bluff Park business owners and give them the opportunity to share a bit about themselves. This series, called “Business Chat: Meet the Owners,” will feature Q&As with the owners, similar to our 2024 series, “Church Chat.” First up, we have the mother-daughter team of Shaheen (Shyne) Virani and Laila Virani, owners of Total Looks, along with Greg Milam, the owner of Camp Bow Wow.
Brooke Premo shares life on the bluff in our feature article by June Mathews. Brooke, a teacher-turned-therapist, uses play and art therapy to meet the needs of children in Shelby County schools.
We welcome back columnist Kyle Foshee, as his “Bluff Stuff” column is now a recurring feature in our magazine. Look for “Bluff Stuff with Kyle” in this issue and more. Additionally, Rebecca has prepared a Mother’s Day Gift Guide for you, and George Elliott sits down with Kathy and Ed Whitfield to discuss dahlias.
Enjoy!
Heather Skaggs, Content Director Instagram: @bpal_heathers_corner
Church on the Bluff Card Ministry
The guys at Church on the Bluff got a head start on Valentine’s with handmade cards for their sweethearts. The ladies also made cards at their monthly card-making class. Find out more at churchonthebluff.org and @churchonthebluff
We believe that birth and death are sacred moments of transition that nobody should have to go through alone.
BIRTH DOULA
We comfort and support you physically, emotionally, and educationally through labor and birth.
POSTPARTUM DOULA
We support your and baby’s transition at home with recovery, feeding, sleep guidance, light home care and more.
END OF LIFE DOULA
We ease and elevate the end of life for all involved, and hold the directives of the one who is departing.
Rachel Bailey Birth & Postpartum Doula
Nicholas Bailey End of Life Doula
PHOTOS COURTESY CHURCH ON THE BLUFF
Life on the Bluff Teacher Therapist TURNED
BY JUNE MATHEWS
Thirteen years ago, Brooke Premo’s husband started a new job in downtown Birmingham. They were living near Tuscaloosa at the time, so to shorten the commute, they decided to move.
“We didn’t know anything about Birmingham, but we chose Bluff Park due to its proximity to downtown,” Premo said.
But the family quickly discovered several other attractions to living life on the Bluff.
Brooke Premo Loves
“We love that we can have backyard chickens and a garden due to the larger yards,” Premo said. “I grew up basically roaming the woods every day, and I still have that feeling in my backyard with all the beautiful trees. We also love all the fun events like the Christmas Parade, the Bluff Park Art Show, and Bash on the Bluff, and we have our favorite restaurants close by.”
It was the neighborliness of the close-knit community, however, that ultimately drew them in.
Continued on Page 12
Brooke Premo and her family have lived in Bluff Park for more than a decade.
COURTESY PREMO FAMILY
From Page 10
“I remember my daughter needing a chemist costume for school one week,” Premo said. “So I posted on the Bluff Park moms Facebook page and, I kid you not, there was a white chemist jacket, safety goggles, and some chemistry beakers on my front stoop within an hour. This is a small example, but I have seen my neighbors be there for others with many different needs.”
Meeting needs is also a professional calling for Premo. A former middle school Language Arts teacher, she currently works as a school-based mental health therapist in Shelby County Schools through Integrative Health Services, a local clinic. The clinic partners with
ShelbyCares, which provides services, including mental health support, to Shelby County students.
Though Premo sees patients at the clinic’s office, she also works in the schools, using play therapy or art therapy tools, depending on the child’s interest.
“I try to tailor the activity to the student so they look forward to it,” she said. “When kids are in the relaxed environment of a play-based setting, we can make a lot of progress towards their goals.”
Premo often uses role-play or storytelling in her sessions with students, especially when it comes to building social skills or distress tolerance skills. These techniques often help identify underlying issues.
“I’m thankful I can now put together my love for teaching and my love for emotional and relational wellness.”
“Sometimes all it takes is understanding what is going on for the student to feel more aware and empowered to make intentional choices,” Premo said.
One of the practical aspects of school-based therapy is meeting with the child in an environment to which they are already accustomed, she said. For parents, the in-school availability is more convenient in terms of access and affordability.
Premo admits she’s not as seasoned a counselor as many of her contemporaries in the field; she earned a master’s degree in counseling just last year and is now working on her Registered Play Therapist certification. But that’s discounting the years of informal education she spent as a middle school teacher, a preschool music teacher, and as the Children’s Ministry director at her church.
In fact, it was her desire to chat with certain students about what might be keeping them from grasping the Language Arts concepts she was teaching that led her to pursue her
counseling degree.
“I’m thankful I can now put together my love for teaching and my love for emotional and relational wellness,” she said.
But if Premo, who has several other interests, weren’t a therapist, what would she be doing now?
“Something fun and creative,” she said. “I love art, music, and reading and always loved my teachers in these subjects and the school environment. I often dreamed of owning a coffee shop, but only because I love talking to people, not because I have the business sense for that dream.
“I also dream of becoming a homesteader and growing and making all our food. My husband says I am idealizing farm life and underestimating the amount of mucking animal messes, and I think he’s right.
“For now, though, I’ll just take my little flock of hens in Bluff Park. I feel very blessed and content in my current role with my family and in my community.”
Through the Lens with George Elliott
George Elliott is a Bluff Park-based photographer whose other careers have included being a public relations executive with BellSouth and the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama. An accomplished photographer, you can find his work at art shows around central Alabama. Contact him at gbjt68@att.net
Whitfield Dahlias
Kathy Whitfield’s love of dahlias began in 1997 when she and her Mother went to a Dahlia Show at Brookwood Mall. The flowers were beautiful, with their rainbow of colors and fragile petals. She was captivated by their beauty, and she knew she had to learn to grow them. She had always been drawn to vibrant colors ever since she first twirled a flaming, multi-colored baton as a majorette during her high school years at Colbert County High School.
When she got home Kathy shared her experience with her husband, Ed , and told him she wanted them to grow dahlias. Ed readily agreed because he, too, had always admired the dahlias his grandmother, who lived next door to him in Mississippi, had grown during his childhood days.
So that’s how it all started. Kathy, a physical therapist and Ed, a pharmacist, became the team behind what is today Whitfield Dahlias. The first year, 1998, they grew 15 plants. Today, they are growing 500-600 plants each year, with over 100 different varieties.
Kathy and Ed’s own personal traits have helped them become the largest grower of dahlias for competition in the Birmingham area. Kathy is strongwilled, decisive, competitive and loves to share her knowledge of growing flowers. Ed is organized, a detail-oriented planner and a kind, friendly, loyal person who can get along with anybody. Both are committed Christians.
“Growing dahlias is a year-long job,” Kathy said. “It starts in January and ends in December, and it takes both of us to do all the hard work necessary to grow beautiful dahlias.” Ed and Kathy complement each other in the work they do growing dahlias. Ed does most of the preparation work of raised Dahlia beds. Kathy does the planting. Then they raise them together.
Between Thanksgiving and the end of December, Ed removes all the stakes, and Kathy digs and divides the tubers. After dividing them, the tubers are placed in vermiculite and stored under the house with a temperature of 45-55 degrees.
In late Fall, Ed gathers leaves in the neighborhood and chops them in a leaf chopper, storing them in 40 gallon yard bags. Then in January and February, after the tubers are dug, he starts “amending” the
soil, adding the chopped leaves, soil conditioner, pelletized lime and a general fertilizer like 14-14-14 to the soil. He turns the soil with a shovel to mix the amendments.
In mid-March, the tubers are brought from under their house to their basement, where it is 60-70 degrees, so that the tubers can start waking up. In two-three weeks the tubers will start forming eyes
and hair roots. If a tuber does not form an eye, it will not grow.
In April, Ed starts placing the stakes in the raised beds, getting ready for planting. Kathy decides which tubers to plant and plants them mid-April to the end of May. The tubers are not watered until
Continued on Page 16
Owner of Hunter Home Builders, LLC
Hunter DeFalco, his wife Olivia, and daughter Reagan
Through the Lens with George Elliott
sprouts appear above the ground
By mid-June toJuly, a watering program should be implemented. When a plant has two-three sets of leaves, the center shoot is pinched out to promote sturdier, bushier plants with better stems.
“Once the plants start to grow,” Kathy said, “they are checked daily.” The plants are tied to the stakes as needed, with jute twine, and they are disbudded. Dahlias send out three buds at the flowering terminal. By removing the two side buds when they are pea size, the center bud will grow stronger and larger.
“We put in a lot of hard work that pays off in midJune to July., The peak time for blooms is mid-August-mid October”, Kathy said. During that time, we’re blessed with an ocean of endless colors in our backyard. It’s all worth it when we sit on our back porch and see the early morning sunlight touch all our new blooms, lighting each one up in all its beauty,” both Ed and Kathy agree.
Dahlias have a variety of names, some named after family members like My Cindy, Miss Amora, and Beverly Too. Other names include Peaches N Cream, Bo-Bay, Barbershop Platinum Blonde, Totally Tangerine, Hilltop St. Charles, Brookside Cheri, Show N Tell, Cherokee Beauty, Woodlands Wildthing and many more.
The Whitfields aren’t the only ones who savor and enjoy their dahlias’ beauty. Kathy and Ed share them with their friends, sell many of the blooms to a limited number of florists and designers and provide them to their home church, Vestavia Hills Baptist.,
“Also,” said Kathy, “several years ago I helped Kate Graham plant a Dahlia Garden at Bluff Park’s
The Whitfields are members of the American Dahlia Society and the local Dahlia Society of Alabama, which is part of the southern states including Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee . Each state has an annual Dahlia Show in September which Ed and Kathy help judge. They are the only senior dahlia judges in Alabama., and they have won many competitions. The Alabama show is held at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. They are also hosts to many of the local Society’s meetings in their own back yard. They are active proponents of teaching young people and couples how to grow dahlias, spreading the wisdom of their own experiences to the next generation. .Kathy has given programs to garden clubs in Bluff Park, too.
Kathy told a story. “Competitions are rewarding events for us, but sometimes we run into trouble. Once we packed all our dahlias in tall buckets and headed to an Atlanta show. Unfortunately, on the Atlanta expressway we had to stop suddenly, and all our buckets full of water and dahlias spilled out all over our car, soaking everything. You live, you learn. From then on, we have packed our buckets together as tight as we can.”
Kathy and Ed Whitfield are fine folks. They are humble, talented gardeners who grace our community and the Birmingham Area with their magnificent dahlias, and that feat has not gone unnoticed. Stories about their work and photos of their dahlias have appeared in Southern Living, Victoria, Birmingham Homes and Gardens and The Grumpy Gardener.
But dahlias aren’t the only flowers they grow. On their property, one can also find zinnias, hydran-
geas, peonies, poppies and other flowers. It’s sort of like Bluff Park’s own little “botanical garden”.
Ed has lived in Bluff Park since 1976, and Kathy moved to the community when they got married in 1988. They both are sold on the “small community” atmosphere that Bluff Park provides.
“Both of the Whitfields agree, “Everything is so convenient here. Our children were able to walk to their elementary schools. We have our own special hardware store where Don helps us fix things, and we order tools and other supplies. The schools are good here, and we have our own Farmers’ Market just up the street at the Methodist Church.”
“Plus, because of the altitude of our community, it’s a wonderful place to raise dahlias. It’s often 4-5 degrees cooler than down in the valley. And, when we were making the beds for our dahlias, all the rocks we needed to line the beds were dug up from our own soil.”
“We’re also encouraged by the numbers of young people with families that are moving to Bluff Park…mommas strolling babies, children riding bicycles, all the holiday decorations they put up…,” Kathy said.
What does the community need? The Whitfields, like many others, mentioned more restaurants, but they also said that a fully functioning “community center”, where residents could meet regularly for community events, would be a real asset.
When not growing dahlias, Kathy is an ardent golfer, and Ed’s a pretty good fisherman. They will tell you, though, that gardening is their passion, and making the world a more beautiful place with their flowers is really what makes them the happiest! I know we’re all glad about that!
Children’s Fresh Air Farm on Park Avenue. With another friend, Don Ehrett, they planted another garden at the Hoover-Randle House on Tyler Road
From Page 14
Park Facelift City Shares Preliminary Plans to Renovate Community Playground
Decades
of Trusted Auto Care!
Family-owned and operated, John’s Auto has proudly served our community for years.
Experience friendly and reliable expertise today! Free diagnosis for new customers when you mention this ad.
At an informational meeting on February 6, community stakeholders listened as city officials presented preliminary plans for renovations to the playground in the Bluff Park neighborhood park.
Mayor Frank Brocato, Councilman John Lyda, and Hoover Park and Recreation representative Hunter Bridwell addressed the audience before landscape architect Rip Weaver presented preliminary designs that emphasize accessibility and updated playground equipment.
While plans are not finalized, key highlights of the proposal include transitioning to a single large playground structure, depicted in blue in the plans on page 41. The current two-structure setup will be removed, and that area will be covered with sod. The single structure will be similar in size to the two combined, featuring a larger fall zone. Details about what that play structure will include will be provided later. New swings will also be added in the upgrade.
Additionally, two standard parking spaces will be converted to handicapped parking, and a zero-entry ramp will be added for improved access. One hickory tree will be removed, and three new trees will be planted to preserve the park’s natural beauty.
Accessibility was a primary concern for many residents and city officials. Mary Allison Cook, a disabled mom from Bluff Park, spoke extensively with officials. “Due to a lack of accessibility, my family and I, along with many in the community, have struggled to attend events or use the playground,” she said. It’s crucial to include children and adults with disabilities in the discussion. Cook emphasizes the need to focus on the park’s overall
PHOTOS COURTESY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
Kaki Gilbert, 9, shares her thoughts on proposed upgrades to the park playground with Hoover city officials during a community meeting.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Putting emotion into every sheet
BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
In her home studio in Bluff Park, Pat Campbell has turned her passion for paper and design into a thriving business that resonates with many in the community and beyond. As the owner and consultant behind Fine Paperwork, she creates not only exquisite invitations and stationery but also builds deep, personal connections with her clients, ensuring that every detail reflects their unique stories and visions on paper.
Pat’s journey began in the late 1990s when she realized that the traditional workforce wasn’t where her heart belonged. Driven by a desire for independence, she started working as a virtual assistant. While picking up a lot of work from her listing in her church directory at Bluff Park United Methodist Church, “I did all sorts of work from that contact, including typing and editing college papers and documents needed for school counselors and teachers.”
It wasn’t long before a conversation with a church member and neighbor ignited a passion she never knew she had. Tasked with creating a tea invitation for her neighbor’s niece, Pat ventured into the world of invitation design, leading her to the Paper Works Outlet in Brookhighland. Three hours later, she recalls with a laugh, “I was in awe of all the beautiful papers and designs,” remembering how she spent hours exploring the store. This moment wasn’t just a spark; it marked the beginning of a passion for paper. “I loved it! Being creative and getting to put my ideas on paper was so much fun and so fulfilling.”
From that first invitation, Pat knew she had found a passion for the business. Networking with local printers and working on personal projects, she
transitioned from a virtual assistant to a full-fledged invitation designer. She took a leap of faith, ultimately choosing to embrace her passion by resigning from a part-time job at Samford University to focus solely on Fine Paperwork.
“I worked there for several years while still running my Fine Paperwork business. I was busy all the time! I needed a full-time job, but I didn’t want to give up Fine Paperwork. I loved my job at Samford, yet I knew something had to change.” When a fulltime position at Samford opened up, Pat applied somewhat reluctantly. “At that point, I prayed for ‘pink skywriting’ to know exactly what God wanted me to do. I came in second in the job interview, and I took that as my ‘pink skywriting,’ so to speak, wrote my resignation letter, and never looked back. I was doing what I was meant to do!”
What distinguishes Fine Paperwork in a competitive market is Pat’s unwavering commitment to personalization. Every bride and each event receives the utmost care. She doesn’t merely sell invitations; she crafts experiences. When collaborating with clients, Pat engages them in a process that guides them through the many choices available—from paper types to printing styles. “I usually show my portfolio to the bride first to inspire her with styles and types of papers,” Pat explains. “We examine types of paper, fonts, and so on. She can choose from letterpress, thermography, flat printing, and digital printing styles. Once that’s decided, we spend up to two hours designing. I have three computer screens in my office so that as I design, the bride can watch the process and approve of fonts, styles, and wording. Then we’ll look at monograms and/or wreaths and crests and work on that design if that’s the direction she wants to take. Once we agree on the aesthetics, we delve into the finer details.
One of the hallmarks of Pat’s work is her attention to detail. She takes pride in ensuring that every aspect of a project reflects the client’s vision. “I don’t have daughters, so I live vicariously through my brides,” she explains. “I give them the attention that every bride and her family deserve during this special time.”
In a world where online ordering can sometimes diminish the personalized touch, Pat offers something truly unique: her expertise in etiquette, graphic design, and paper knowledge. Her clients value this depth of understanding, confident that their special moments are in capable hands. “It’s about building trust and making sure my clients are delighted with their choices.”
Pat’s dedication extends beyond just invitations; it permeates every design she creates, be it wedding stationery, monogramming, or custom projects.
Pat’s love for paper infuses every project with passion and creativity. Her journey from virtual assistant to a master of paper and design celebrates following one’s heart, stepping out on faith, and honing a craft that brings her joy. As she carefully curates each piece, Pat Campbell doesn’t just create stationery; she crafts memories that her clients will cherish for a lifetime.
PHOTOS COURTESY PAT CAMPBELL
Business Chat: Camp Bow Wow Hoover
Meet the Owner - Greg Milam
What inspired you to open Camp Bow Wow in Bluff Park?
CAMP BOW WOW HOOVER
We initially looked at the space when it was still Hoover Fitness but passed on it, believing Bluff Park wasn’t quite ready for a doggy daycare. As a side note, I worked in the building in 1992 and 1993 during high school when it was a Big B drug store. We then considered a space on 280 and were meeting with the Hoover Planning and Zoning team. After the meeting, I spoke with Greg Knighten about the potential need for a new high school near 150/Ross Bridge Parkway, and he mentioned that their greatest need was in Bluff Park due to an increasing number of kids compared to available space. That’s when we realized Bluff Park had the numbers to support the business.
How did you get started in this industry?
Address: 2153 Clearbrook Road, Suite 105, Hoover, 35226
Phone: 205.848.2236
Facebook - CBWHoover
Instagram: campbowwowhoover
I got started somewhat randomly. I had spent over 23 years in large corporate America and was looking for a change. Then Covid hit, adding
a lot of ambiguity about what I wanted to do professionally. We have always been big dog people and had close friends who live in New Orleans and used Camp Bow Wow there, and they asked if I had looked into it. At the time, I had never heard of Camp Bow Wow, but after doing a little research, I thought it sounded fun and that they were the right franchisor to partner with.
What unique services or features set your facility apart from other doggie daycare centers?
What sets us apart from our competitors are two main factors: our commitment to our top three goals: (1) getting clients in and out as quickly as possible. We are more than happy if clients want to come in and chat or even see the place, but having used doggy daycares for over 20 years, people have places to be and things to do, and they want their dogs in and out quickly. (2) Taking care of the dog by keeping it as happy and safe as possible, and (3) maintaining a clean environment. The other factor is our people. Everyone claims their team makes the difference, but ours truly
PHOTOS COURTESY GREG MILAM
Business Chat: Camp Bow Wow Hoover
does. Our team genuinely cares about the dogs and our clients. We aim to greet every dog by name and understand all the nuances of each dog—how they play, who they play with, where they like to play. Our team is 100% engaged in that mission and executes it as close to perfection as possible.
What do you find most rewarding about having your business in Bluff Park and by extension, the city of Hoover?
My wife and I are parents to two amazing young boys—4 and 2 years old—so raising them and having a close family is the most important aspect of our lives. This is reflected in our ownership of a business in Bluff Park. It’s a very tight-knit community filled with families—one that looks out for each other and offers help whenever needed. Just look at how the community responded after a few severe storms in recent years. Building relationships with these wonderful families through their dogs has been the most rewarding part of our work.
What does a day at Camp Bow Wow look like?
Day for the team and the dogs: 6:30 a.m., open the building and let the boarding dogs out to stretch their legs and potty while the team tidies up the cabins if needed and prepares their food. 7:00 a.m., boarding dogs are fed, the front door is open, and day camp dogs start arriving. 8:30 a.m., boarding dogs can play with the rest of the pups after eating, allowing their food to settle—we let them rest for at least an hour after feeding to help prevent bloat and keep them safe. 11:30 a.m., lunch dogs go up for a rest. 1:00 PM, all the dogs are back out playing for the rest of the day. 5:00 p.m., boarding dogs have dinner while day camp dogs continue to check out and head home to their families. 6:30 p.m., boarding dogs go out one more time to stretch their legs and potty, and they are back in by 7:00 p.m.. The team cleans the facility from back to front and goes home for the evening while the dogs rest overnight.
Comprehensive Dental Care and Luxury Aesthetics in the Heart of Bluff Park
by Ashley Rogers
Kasey Davis Dentistry and Aesthetics is known for offering exceptional dental care to patients in and around the Bluff Park community. With a multitude of dental services available to patients, many don’t realize that the practice is also a hidden gem for aesthetic services. Dr. Davis hopes to help patients gain more than just a brighter smile.
Along with top-notch cosmetic dentistry, adult orthodontics, general dental care, and implant restoration, the staff at Kasey Davis Dentistry offers patients treatments to boost their confidence, give them clearer skin, and so much more. The practice offers Botox and Hyaluronic Acid treatments for balanced skin enhancements, the Aerolase Neo Elite Laser to address acne, rosacea, targeted hair removal, and
skin rejuvenation, as well as ZO Skin Health products for radiant skin.
Whatever services you need, Dr. Davis said, “Our goal is to enhance your natural beauty while delivering a serene, elevated experience.” Her desire is that each patient feels like family and can trust the staff’s expertise to help them achieve their oral health and aesthetic goals.
To find out more about Kasey Davis Dentistry, you can visit kaseydavisdentistry.com. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram to learn about special deals and promotions. You can also call or text (205) 822-7277 to schedule an appointment. The office is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and open every other Friday.
SPONSORED
Meet the Owners, Mother & Daughter Team Shaheen (Shyne) Virani & Laila Virani
Please tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I come from a close-knit family that includes my mom, dad, and older sister. Both my sister and I are married and have kids. Growing up, I watched my mom build a successful beauty career, and I’m now honored to join her in running our salon, learning from her expertise and experience.
TOTAL LOOKS
2146 Tyler Road suite 202 Hoover, Alabama,35226
Facebook: totallooks.WaxThreadLashes
Instagram: totallookswtl
Website: totallookswtl.com
Can you share your journey and experiences that led you to open a lashes and threading salon? How many years have you been in this beauty business type, and what are some key milestones?
My mom’s 20+ years of experience and my decade in the industry have
led us to open our dream salon in Bluff Park. My journey started with Texas state and moved to Georgia and then Alabama. Key milestones include building a loyal client base, establishing a unique lash and threading service, and creating a welcoming beauty space.
How would you describe the culture at your salon? What values and atmosphere do you aim to cultivate for your staff and clients?
Our salon’s culture is built on warmth, inclusivity, and expertise. We prioritize staff training and education to ensure exceptional service. For our clients, we strive to create a relaxing, judgment-free environment where they feel valued and beautiful.
PHOTO COURTESY SHYNE VIRANI
Could you give us an overview of your salon’s services?
Our salon specializes in lash and threading services, offering a variety of options to meet each client’s needs. We provide waxing, tinting, and other beauty treatments, all delivered with exceptional care and attention to detail. Additionally, we offer traditional Indian henna tattoos, temporary and beautiful, bringing a piece of our heritage to the U.S.
In what ways does your salon engage with and serve the local community? Are there any specific initiatives or partnerships you’re particularly proud of?
We engage with the local community through events, sponsorships, and partnerships. We also provide discounts for locals and participate in neighborhood initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to Bluff Park. Our local discounts and involvement in initiatives help foster connections and enhance beauty in our community. We engage with the community through gift cards for donations, sponsoring Bluff Park events, and offering free services for teachers and community members. Additionally, we provide special deals like Mother’s Day discounts for teachers, further strengthening our connections and giving back. We truly appreciate our community heroes—teachers, military personnel, and others who serve the community—by offering them special discounts at our salon as a small thank-you for everything they do.
For clients who have never experienced lash or eyebrow threading treatments before, how does your salon make them feel welcome and comfortable? What can they expect during their first visit?
We welcome newcomers with warm consultations, where we explain our processes and address any concerns. During their first visit, they can expect a gentle and relaxing experience with our expert technicians, who prioritize their comfort and safety.
Owner - Joseph Cummings Bluff Park Native
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th,
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible moms in our lives with thoughtful gifts that show our appreciation and love. Whether you’re shopping for a new mom or honoring a seasoned pro, finding that special something can be a delightful challenge. To help you navigate the world of gifting, we’ve curated a list of the top Mother’s Day gifts from social influencers and local businesses to give you some ideas. Get ready to make her day extra special.
If she loves flowers, consider a subscription! Heirbloom Flower Farm offers flowers and subscriptions available before Mother’s Day. They are local in Calera. heirbloomflowerfarm.com
Photo Fun
Schedule a “Mom and Me” Mini Session with Votive Studios. Mom can take photos with her kids at Moss Rock. votive.co
Pair a new portrait with the gift of a digital photo frame. We like this one from Aura.
on Eventbrite coming soon www.lumibham.com
Build your own personalized bouquet with Wild Honey Flower Truck right here in Bluff Park - 599 Shades Crest Rd. wildhoneyflowertruck.com Look for our gift guide for fathers in the June/July issue. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th.
Pick up some coffee and pastries from BP’s local coffee shop Daysol Coffee Lab and Good Neighbor Baking –Bluff Park Coffee Collective. 759 Shades Mountain Plaza
Pair that with what Southern Living calls the best tumbler for coffee – the Hydroflask All Around Stainless Steel Tumbler. We found this one on Amazon.
Photo
Parker, Burns and Ann H.
Riggs H and Sawyer M Thomas, Shep and Luke J.
Amelia V.
Anne Evans R.
Bradford boys
Carter S.
Avelyn and Aubrey M.
James M.
Everette C.
Jacob G.
Photo Album: Snow Day
Aaron, Nathan, and Connor D.
Abigail G.
Abi and Josiah S.
Carson N., Clayton N., Nova M. and Avery N.
Callan R.
Nora, Anna, and Lola M.
Boone H.
Cade, Sam, and Ruthie W.
Adalyn M.
Brasher B. and William G.
Photo Album: Snow Day
CoCo and Ella Ru S.
Drew G.
Eden, Evie, and Elle R.
Photo Album: Snow Day
Eleanor V.
Eloise S. and Moose S.
Evan S., Max G., and Andrew C.
Hannah and Maggie C.
Jane and Ann P.
Gibson C.
Graham, Emmaline, and Mary Mae N.
Landon K.
Ethan H.
Jillianne B.
The Mature Move is a real estate practice that’s designed to serve the unique needs of those of us who’re 55 and older. (yep – that’s me too!)
If 2025 is THE year you’ve decided to simplify, hence “better-fy” your life, then I can help you!
I’ll be hosting several fun & informative seminars on downsizing, tips on moving from a long-time family home, resources available to seniors, working with family – both parents AND adult children, and other related topics.
These are educational in nature and there’s no obligation required.
Photo Album: 100th and 101st Days of School
Rushing T.
Aiden W.
David P.
Elias B.
Ellie B.
Declan C.
Eleanor S.
Ellison M.
Daniel D.
Emilia B.
Mrs. Battle’s class
Millie P
Rhian B
Photo Album: 100th and 101st Days of School
Emory and Noah G.
Fulton M.
Evie R.
Liam E.
Lottie R.
Vivi B.
James S.
Joshua and Benjamin B.
Kate C.
Georgia L.
Mari S.
Sarah and Harper L.
Hello neighbors,
My name is Ryan Hoerl, and I’m the proud founder of HHM Roofing & Construction. As a certified home exteriors expert, I’m thrilled to introduce myself and share my passion for helping homeowners like you. With over 30 years in home construction, I hold a license with the Home Builders Association of Alabama and am an active member of the Greater Birmingham Home Builders Association (GBHBA), and a member of the Better Business Bureau. My journey began in the cold streets of Milwaukee, WI, but for the past two decades, I’ve embraced the long, hot summers of Alabama; trust me, nothing puts the heat into perspective like roof inspections in July!
Before launching HHM, I dedicated 18 years to help build my wife Employer Benefits Agency. While she focused on growing her business, I spent much of my time helping families with their homes—a passion that has always been close to my heart. In early 2023, I decided to fully return to my roots in construction and commit wholeheartedly to the roofing and home exteriors industry.
At HHM Roofing & Construction, we’re built on four core values:
• Help First – Your needs come first, always.
• Educate Second – We empower you to make informed decisions.
• Constant Communication – You’ll never feel out of the loop.
• Efficiency – We respect your time and resources.
As your home exteriors expert, I’m here to help with roofing issues, rotten fascia and soffits, window trim, siding repairs, and even exterior painting for a fresh new look. When you work with HHM, you’ll receive detailed information to make the best choices for your home.
HHM Customer Service Tip #1: Protecting Your Soffits and Fascia
The soffits (the underside of your roof’s overhang) and fascia (the flat board where gutters are attached) are particularly vulnerable to rot. Here’s why this happens:
• Missing Drip Edge
Drip edge is a metal flashing installed at the edge of your roof to prevent water from sneaking under shingles and soaking into the wooden fascia. Without it, moisture builds up, leading to rot.
• Undersized or Poorly Installed Gutters
Many homes come with builder-grade 5” gutters that can’t handle heavy rain from large roof surfaces. Overflowing water can damage the fascia and soffits.
• Inferior Materials
Some builders use materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for fascia and soffits. Unfortunately, MDF isn’t designed for exterior use and deteriorates quickly when exposed to moisture.
Annual Home Inspections: A Proactive Approach
Early detection of these issues can save you from costly repairs. That’s why we offer complimentary 22-point home inspections conducted by our highly trained technicians. At HHM, our mission is to educate homeowners—because a wellinformed homeowner is a well-prepared homeowner. If you’re ready to ensure your home is protected, give us a call today to schedule your inspection. Together, we can preserve the beauty and integrity of your home for years to come.
Ryan Hoerl
HHM Roofing & Construction
205-396-7077
ryanhoerl@hoerlhomes.com www.hhmroofs.com
A Sweet Journey
This baker’s special ingredient is creativity
BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS
In a world where homemade treats often carry a special kind of magic, one woman’s passion for baking has transformed her kitchen into a haven of sweet delights.
Meet Anna Chatterton, a long-time Bluff Park resident and mom whose journey into cake decorating began in her adult years. Her story is one of creativity and commitment to her community.
Watching baking shows like “Cake Boss” sparked her imagination; Anna often envisioned creating cakes herself. Her husband’s thoughtful gesture—a gift certificate to a cake decorating school for her birthday—propelled her into the world of cake artistry. “That helped me learn the basics, and I went from there,” she smiles.
As any good baker knows, flavor is essential. Anna’s go-to flavors include the classics: vanilla and chocolate. However, it’s the creativity behind her creations that truly sets her apart. “I enjoy making all kinds of cakes, but my favorites are galaxy cakes and flower-covered cakes,” she says. Whether it’s a whimsical, galaxy-inspired delight or a delicate floral masterpiece, Anna’s cakes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
PHOTOS BY MOLLY SMITH
Flower cakes are one of Anna’s favorite creations.
Among her many delightful experiences, one request stands out vividly. “I was asked to make a blue velvet cake,” she recalls. “That was a unique request I’ve only made once.” However, the unusual request for a cake shaped like the actor Tom Selleck truly tested her creativity. “That was quite the experience!” she laughs.
Every cake has a story, and for Anna, the joy of fulfilling a child’s dream makes her work especially rewarding. “I think all cakes are special, especially when it’s a kid’s desire to have something they love or are excited about. I’m happy to do it for them!”
But her contributions don’t end with baking delicious cakes. Anna is actively involved in her community, both as a player and a sponsor of Wiffleball and as a vendor at local events like Bash on the Bluff. Anna also dedicates her time to Icing Smiles, an organization that provides free birthday cakes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. “I’ve made cakes for six children over the years through Icing Smiles.”
Continued on Page 36
PHOTO COURTESY CAKES ON THE BLUFF Galaxy cake with planets.
Continued from Page 35
Like many creative pursuits, baking comes with its challenges. Anna has learned to navigate the demands of her business while balancing family life. “I’ve had to learn not to take on too many cakes in one weekend and to avoid overwhelming myself!” Working part-time provides her with the flexibility she needs; the time between her job and when her kids return from school becomes her prime baking and decorating period.
As she looks to the future, Anna is filled with excitement for what lies ahead. “I love experimenting with new flower tips on cakes; it’s always fun for me!” she says. More importantly, she hopes to see her cake business grow, which will allow her to assist more families in Bluff Park with their birthday celebrations. “I want to help as many Bluff Park families as I can with their birthday cakes. It truly brings me joy,” she says.
Anna’s passion and journey in baking are testaments to the magic that can happen when creativity meets community. Through her cakes, she satisfies a sweet tooth and spreads joy and happiness.
Facebook: cakesonthebluff
Family Owned and Operated Since 1985 Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical has been serving Bluff Park and the surrounding communities for 39 years. Sentry is a ten-time Carrier President’s award winner earning top honors nationwide for customer satisfaction, product knowledge and overall performance. Join our winning tradition and take comfort in knowing that Sentry is here for you. From large commercial facilities to residential, call Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical.
Photograph by Jamison Skinner
Event Recap: Tour of Homes
Bluff Park Tour of Homes
BY KIM CRIPPS
The inaugural Bluff Park Tour of Homes was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The event, organized by JBMC Media (parent company of The Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader), featured four area homes, including a historic landmark, a mid-century modern, a restored craftsman, and breathtaking views of the bluff. The event was organized by a committee including Geni Bomar, Kimberly Fain, Ginny Fowler, and Matthew Allen, owner of JBMC Media.
Allen said events like this add to the close ties between people who live in the community. “Bluff Park has a very tight community feel, and on the heels of successful community events like the Christmas parade, Whiffle on the Bluff, Bluff Park 8K, High Country 5K, Bluff Park Art Show and Bash on the Bluff, it felt like a natural fit among those.”
Proceeds from the Bluff Park Tour of Homes benefited Neverthirst, a Birmingham-based nonprofit with ties to several Bluff Park residents. Neverthirst works to bring clean water and the Gospel to people in places like Cambodia, India, Nepal, Chad, Niger, and Ethiopia.
Allen wants this event to turn into an annual tradition. “We’ll start planning for the 2025 event in the spring, and people can be looking for announcements in Enjoy Hoover and the Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader for more on how to help,” he added.
Built in 1910, the historic Hale-Joseph home has been on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage since 1994. Carlo and Dianne Joseph currently own the house.
Event Recap: Bluff Park Community Worship
Bluff Park Community Gathers for Worship Event
On Thursday night, January 30, around 100 residents and friends of Bluff Park gathered in the barn at Oris & Oak for a community worship event designed to start the new year with prayer and scripture. The gathering featured worship leaders Matt Cole from Shades Mountain Baptist and Kevin Kilpatrick from Homewood Church of Christ, who offered a blend of contemporary songs and traditional hymns, creating a dynamic worship experience.
Emphasizing unity among various denominations, the non-church-affiliated gathering centered on three key themes: wisdom, peace, and unity/love for the new year. The event aimed to highlight the significance of collective worship, with the focus firmly on God.
Justin Peach, one of the organizers and the youth minister at Homewood Church of Christ, said he thought of the idea while driving past Oris & Oak during its restoration. “I would drive by the barn and think about how awesome it would be for our community to gather in worship there. I love our Bluff Park community. Our kids go to school together, play sports together, parents are on the PTA together, and families swim at the Shades Cliff Pool together; we do almost everything as a community, but we don’t always have the chance to have a large worship gathering together,” he said. “That’s what this event is about: a simple gathering of neighbors worshiping.”
Guest speakers for each theme included:
• Wisdom: Jasmine Kirwa, a senior at Hoover High School, read Proverbs 2:6-8. Hal Craig (BP Resident) prayed for Wisdom.
• Peace: Luke Collins, a seventh grader at Simmons Middle School, read Romans 5:1-2. Amelia Breeze (BP Resident) prayed for Peace.
• Unity/Love: Fiona Parker, a third grader at Bluff Park Elementary, read 1 John 4:7-9. Michael Assoue prayed for Unity/Love
PHOTOS BY ALELI SANCHEZ
The Rainwater family owns this restored Craftsman home with an incredible view westward off Shades Mountain.
PHOTO COURTESY JUSTIN PEACH
Church on the Bluff Honors Sharron Atkinson
Sharron and Randy Atkinson pose with COTB Pastor Tony Barber and his wife, Angie Barber.
Church on the Bluff recently celebrated Sharron Atkinson’s retirement after 18.5 years of dedicated service. Her passion and commitment have greatly impacted both church members and the community. A framed photo of the church with signatures from staff and members was presented to Sharron during her retirement reception.
Guest Runners with the GOATS
Olympic track and field athlete Jenny Simpson and her husband, marathoner Jason Simpson, joined Bluff Park Run Club Goats on a morning run as part of their 50-week, 50-state adventure with RunUSA. This journey celebrates their passion for running, travel, and community engagement as they connect with local runners nationwide. Truman and Barkley, the Simpsons’ dogs, also joined in.
Jamison Named President of the Bluff Park Art Association
The Bluff Park Art Show has been a fixture of Rachael Jamison’s entire life, starting with her childhood growing up in Bluff Park just a block away from the park. She grew up not only attending the show, but also helping out behind the scenes; her parents, Liz and Larry Hicks, have both been members of the BPAA since the 70s, each serving as president, show chair, and in numerous other roles over the years. Even as a young child, after hearing her parents field phone calls from artists, it wasn’t long before she was answering most of their questions herself.
Though she left Alabama for over a decade, her family moved back to the area in 2015, at which point she jumped straight back into the BPAA. Over the years, she’s served as volunteer coordinator, been a juror for the Show, helped with designing and decorating the Association’s tree for Ho Ho Hoover, and, most importantly, been a long-time member of the Permanent Collection Committee, helping to get art into local
schools, libraries, and other public spaces. The seeds of this were planted when, as a student at Bluff Park Elementary, she sat in the school library and looked up at the art on the walls, knowing that those raccoons and cabbages and the bright, bursting strips of paper had all been placed there by the BPAA.
Both arts and education - and especially art education - have always been important to Rachael. Her home is full of a wide array of art, much of which she purchased at the Bluff Park Art Show over the years. She holds a degree in music education, and has worked as a pianist, choir director, and private music teacher. She also has her Montessori Elementary II certification, and previously taught 4th-6th grade at Joseph Bruno Montessori. She has far more hobbies than she does free time, including photography, crochet, opera, reading, and games of all types. You may have seen her perform as a long-time member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
PHOTO COURTESY LYNSEY TIBBS AND @JENNYANDJASONRUNUSA
PHOTO COURTESY BLUFF PARK ART ASSOCIATION
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHURCH ON THE BLUFF
Sunny Days
The dogs who have graced my life with their presence have been clever, pretty, mutt, full-blooded, funny, loyal, and dumb as rocks. But none has ever been as sweet as our Sunny.
Yes, I admit there have been tattles from the gaggle of children who populate Park Terrace’s wilderness.
“Sunny bit me!” they declare.
“First of all,” I reply, “why are you in my house? And, B, you probably deserved it.”
In reality, the kids are sheep, and my Sunny is their shepherd. She knows not what she does, as she reminds me every time I discover a hole I have already covered up three times.
While she looks at me with pride.
Sunny hates only two things. The first is our neighbor, Taylor Cook, who was put on this planet for one reason: to play hockey. His roller blades are Sunny’s nemesis, and if Taylor comes into our yard even hours after the roller blades have been put away, Sunny has not forgotten. The second thing she hates is a metal tricycle that should have been tossed rather than sold at a yard sale for Shana Daniel to snatch up. Shana lives across the street and to the left, and shame on her for buying that tricycle! Really, just about anything that has wheels drives Sunny absolutely mad, particularly if a kid is driving it, and extra particularly if she can’t get to it. But that metal tricycle… that one is the worst.
Otherwise, Sunny is happy and familiar with the passersby carrying dog treats on their daily walks. Most of them now know to cross the out-of-sight fence and prepare to be greeted with a ‘thank you’ right in the face.
Sunny won’t approach anyone on the other side of her hidden barrier. She’ll get right up against that fence so her collar beeps loudly and continuously but doesn’t zap her, often in a state of uncontrollable excitement if there is activity in the street. However, she has learned to know exactly how far she can venture, even to the extent of creating a beautiful dirt trail alongside the northern property line. It’s fine, really. I hated weed-eating under the trees.
Those invisible fence collars come with the recommendation to be charged once a month. We have to charge Sunny’s every other week.
There’s a proverb about clean pastures where there are no oxen, and I am reminded of it every time I scrape the front yard clear of waste. And while I have an enormous difficulty justifying the purchase of some of the dog breeds out there, Sunny has strengthened my understanding of the hatred for shedding hair.
But in her eyes, I have never done anything wrong, and the world is mine to give. Her only true fault is that she loves too much.
She knows more than we do.
Dogs, man. Maybe she’ll outlive me. Bluff
PHOTO COURTESY KYLE FOSHEE
Continued from Page 17
connectivity, not just the playground. “Currently, there are no accessible pathways linking all sides of the park. While an updated playground is necessary, it must connect easily to the rest of the park for everyone to benefit. Improved accessibility enhances use for those with mobility devices, parents with strollers, and fosters stronger community connections.”
Stakeholders also discussed seating options for parents and grandparents, alternatives for older children, and various swings that would accommodate kids from infants to older children, including “mommy and me” double swings. They also suggested holding a kids’ meeting to gather their input on the playground equipment.
Lauren Wade, a Bluff Park mom in attendance, says the community is ready for the renovations. “I was thrilled they invited local residents to give feedback and I hope the ideas shared will be considered as they continue planning.”
Shilo Groover Gilbert and her daughter Kaki were enthusiastic about the upcoming renovations. “I am thrilled that the city has plans to improve our wonderful little community park, and grateful they are considering residents’ thoughts and ideas.”
Bluff Park Pack 321 Hosts Annual Pinewood Derby
Bluff Park’s Cub Scout Pack 321 held its Annual Pinewood Derby, showcasing the creativity and engineering skills of young Scouts as they raced their hand-crafted cars at Bluff Park Methodist Church. This event, a key part of Cub Scouting, emphasizes hard work and perseverance, with Scouts spending weeks perfecting their designs alongside parents and leaders.
“This event is more than just a race,” one leader noted, highlighting the importance of integrity and individual effort. The race day buzzed with excitement and camaraderie, as family and friends cheered on the participants. Trophies were awarded for speed and creativity, but the real rewards were the pride and achievement felt by each Scout.
The Pinewood Derby illustrates how friendly competition fosters growth and confidence—values that Bluff Park Pack 321 cherishes.
Best in Show - Everett Whillock
Judge’s Choice - Henry Callaway
Most Creative - Austin Williams
Mr. Weaver explained that the park’s overall footprint will neither increase nor decrease in square footage; it will be more of a one-to-one swap within the playground area.
Once the plans are complete, Weaver said the renovations would likely take around 60 to 90 days. The budget for the project is $160,000.
The Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader will have more updates in our May/June issue.
PHOTO COURTESY PACK 321
Cub Scouts Pack 321 Pinewood Derby
Mary Allison Cook and Mayor Frank Brocato discuss ideas for improving accessibility at the park and playground.
Preliminary plans shared at the meeting.
Shades Mountain Singers Shine at AMEA Conference
The Shades Mountain Singers from Shades Mountain Elementary School were one of three Hoover City Schools chosen to perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) conference, held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Under the direction of music teacher Meredith DeVore, the fourth and fifth graders comprised the only elementary choir selected to showcase their talents at this year’s event. Their performance showcased the dedication and hard work of these young musicians, allowing them to share their joy of music.
Hoover High School Jazz Band Earns National Recognition
Hoover High School’s First Edition Jazz Band has been honored as one of the top 30 high school jazz bands in the country. Band members, parents, and staff gathered to watch the live announcement when their name was called. This talented ensemble has been selected to compete in the prestigious 30th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. This recognition highlights the band’s hard work and dedication to jazz music, bringing pride to the Hoover High community. at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. This recognition highlights the band’s hard work and dedication to jazz music, bringing pride to the Hoover High community.
PHOTO COURTESY MEREDITH DEVORE
PHOTOS COURTESY JOHN REDMOND AND HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS
History Makers! Lady Bucs Bowling
6A/7A State Runner-Up
In a remarkable season filled with hard work and determination, the Lady Bucs Bowling team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for regionals and advancing to the state finals for the first time. Their impressive journey culminated in earning the title of 6A/7A State Runner-Up.
Back Row: Coach Dakota Daniel, Senior Paige Lunsford, Senior Kaleigh Reamsma, Ava Fuller, Josie Dambrino, Chloe Coffield, Coach Dave Paffumi
Kneeling:Evie McDanal, Ava McWorter,Naomi Chisolm
Each year, The Finley Awards — named after longtime W.A. Berry High football coach Bob Finley — celebrate character education by honoring one senior from each high school and one Hoover City Schools employee as examples of outstanding character.
With Coach Finley, it did not matter whether people were stars or standouts. All students – whether athletes or non-athletes - were important to him. He taught hundreds of young people about integrity, generosity, compassion and perseverance, not only in what he said, but in how he lived. Many of those young people are now well beyond high school - and they are still reaping the incredible benefits of Bob Finley’s character.
bobfinleyhistory
PHOTO COURTESY HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL BOWING
Manatee Springs
Bluff Park Scouts Swim with Manatees
COURTESY BSA TROOP 21
Scouts from BSA Troop 21, based in Bluff Park, travelled to Florida in January for a camping trip that included interactions with giant North American manatees.
Troop members traveled by bus to Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida, where they camped for two nights, swam in 72-degree water fed by the park’s spring, canoed the nearby Suwannee River, and hiked. At the park, scouts had the opportunity to see alligators and a host of native birds. They also spotted the first of several manatees they would see on the trip.
Manatees, which are native to Florida, are large aquatic mammals that sometimes weigh up to 3,500 pounds and may grow to more than 13 feet long. The threatened plant-eating animals can be found throughout coastal waters in the southern U.S., the Caribbean Islands, and Central and South America. During the cold winter months, manatees migrate inland to Florida’s warm springs, where they are easily viewed by residents and visitors who flock to the area for a chance to see, and swim, with them. They are classified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species.
Before returning to Alabama, scouts also traveled to nearby Crystal River, Florida, where they took a guided tour and snorkeled with manatees in King’s Bay.
BSA Troop 21 members traveled to Manatee Springs State Park in Florida in January.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLAY CAREY, BSA TROOP 21
Camporee Sharpens Skills, Build Camaraderie
Scouts and adult volunteers from Bluff Park and across the greater Birmingham area gathered in February for the annual Scouts BSA Vulcan District Camporee.
The Vulcan District, which serves troops from Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook, holds is annual Camporee at Tannehill State Park. Troops from other nearby districts also attend the weekend-long event.
Scouts from Troop 21, based in Bluff Park, and other troops took part in several different competitions, including cooking contests, knot-tying relays, and orienteering trail races. Adult volunteers had opportunities to participate in outdoor skills trainings as well. The event culminated with a district campfire and awards ceremony.
Boy Scouts Troop 21
Camporee
“I
Bethany Faucett
Ginny Fowler
PHOTO COURTESY OF VULCAN DISTRICT BSA
Calendar
MARCH
March 1. Arbor Day Celebration. 8-11 a.m. Aldridge Gardens. Learn more at hooveral.org/163/Hoover-Arbor-Day.
March 1. 11:00 a.m. Bluff Park Mardi Gras Parade - Krewe Da Bluff. Join in for the first BLuff Park Mardi Gras Parade. Route: Clearview Road, winding through the heart of Bluff Park. After-Party Location: The Electric
March 8. 5.56 Run/Ruck benefitting Alabama SWAT Foundation. 4 p.m. Brock’s Gap Brewing Company. 500 Mineral Trace. Get ready for the ultimate nighttime challenge! The 5.56K Race offers participants the choice to run solo, with a 35lb. ruck, or as a team. The event will feature live music, raffles and great company. This popular race is limited to 300 runners, so be sure to secure your spot! Register online at runsignup.com/Race/AL/ Hoover/SWAT5KRuck
APRIL
April 10. The Dill Picklers. 7 p.m. The Library Theatre. 200 Municipal Drive. Enjoy an evening of lively music and entertainment with The Dill Pickers, a vocal string band known for their unique mix of instruments and theatrical flair. From bluegrass to unexpected surprises like pianos, clarinets and accordions, this group delivers a performance full of fun and energy. This special event is a fundraiser benefiting the Friends of the Hoover Library. Learn more at thelibrarytheatre.com.
April 25-27. Parade of Homes presented by Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. Times and locations vary. If you are thinking about a new home or if you just love to see new ideas and design trends, then the Birmingham Parade of Homes is where you can explore the newest homes for sale, discover your next floor plan and home design, or just find inspiration in the latest home decor and technology. Learn more at birminghambuilder.com.
April 25-27. Magic City Art Connection. Times Vary. Sloss Furnaces. 20 32nd Street North. Magic City Art Connection is Birmingham’s premier contemporary art festival, featuring a vibrant mix of fine art, live music, dance, food and interactive art experiences. The event also showcases Corks & Chefs, a popular tasting experience where guests can sample dishes from top local restaurants paired with wine, beer and cocktails. Learn more at magiccityart.com.
April 26. Celebrate Hoover Day. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Veteran’s Park. 4800 Valleydale Road. Celebrate Hoover Day is a family-friendly festival filled with fun, entertainment and community spirit. This annual event features a giant apple pie, complimentary food samples and a variety of activities for all ages. Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities and a car show showcasing classic and unique vehicles. Celebrate Hoover Day is free to the public and a perfect way to connect with the community and enjoy a day of festivities with family and friends. Learn more at hooveral.org/366/ Celebrate-Hoover-Day
April 26. Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil. 3-9 p.m. Ross Bridge. The Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil is an annual fundraising event held in Ross Bridge. The event features a delicious crawfish boil, live music, games and activities for all ages. Proceeds from the event go to Hope for Autumn, a local organization focused on providing support and resources to families battling childhood cancer. It’s a day of community, fun and giving back to those in need. Learn more at hopeforautumnfoundation.org/the-boil
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Did you know Hoover has its own app? You can report an issue, put in for leaf pickup and more all in one place through the My Hoover Connect app available in the App Store and Google Play.
BUSINESSES NEWS
CLOSINGS
The Joyful Food Co. After a decade of serving the Birmingham area, the Joyful Food Co. announced in February that they would be closing their business. Started by Elizabeth Wood and Rebecca Wanagat, The business began in Bluff Park and grew to include a second location in Birmingham.
NEW BUSINESSES
We want your business news! Opening a new business? Celebrating a business anniversary? Have a new product or service offering or employee? Share it with us: matthew@jbmcmedia.com
HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS DISTRICT NEWS
Hoover City Schools has appointed Dr. Brian Cocke as the district’s new Fine Arts Specialist, a position designed to enhance fine arts education across all grade levels. With over 23 years of experience, Dr. Cocke has a rich background as a music specialist and drama teacher, currently serving at Trace Crossings and Gwin Elementary. He will work with educators to develop a district-wide fine arts curriculum, provide professional development, and promote arts integration into academic subjects. Dr. Cocke holds multiple degrees from the University of Alabama and a Doctorate in Organizational Development and Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
OTHER NEWS
The City of Hoover and the Hoover Metropolitan Complex were honored with the Safe Sport City and Safe Sport Venue Awards from the ASPIRE Sports Institute and the National Center for Safe Sports (NCSS). Dr. Larry Lemak, NCSS founder, presented the awards during a press conference at the Hoover Met Baseball Fields.
