Enjoy Hoover - January/February 2026

JAN/FEB 2026

GET INSPIRED AT

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS PAGE 8

Mayor Derzis HIS NEW ROLE IN THE NEW YEAR PAGE 28

PLUS, NEW BUSINESSES TO EXPLORE!

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EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Friends, Happy New Year! I hope your 2026 is off to a great start and that you haven’t given up on your New Year’s Resolution just yet, because this issue is jam-packed with stories to help you stay on track.

Studies show that some of the most popular resolutions include improving physical and mental health and personal growth, such as learning a new skill or connecting with friends and family.

In these pages, you’ll find interviews and articles written with your resolution in mind. Get inspired to try new things with Vintage Market Days’ Kim Denard (page 8), work on your mental health (page 12), take up a new fitness routine, and even get the kids involved (pages 16), and share your heart with the community (page 20) and loved ones this Valentine’s Day (page 24).

Don’t forget to check out our interview with Mayor Nick Derzis (page 28) as he begins a New Year in his new role.

No matter what your resolution is this year, our city has so much to offer that can help you follow through…and you’ll enjoy Hoover while doing it!

Happy Reading!

Kim Cripps Editor

ABOUT THE COVER Vintage Market Days features 125 vendors at a one-of-a-kind shopping event at The Finley Center on Feb. 12-14.

Cover photo by Allison Carpenter

Enjoy Hoover is your guide to dining, entertainment, and shopping in Hoover, Alabama’s sixth largest city.

From major events like the SEC Baseball Tournament, the World Games, and the Regions Tradition, to local live music, to hidden gems in local shopping, to the world-class lineup of restaurants, Hoover has tons to offer to residents, guests, and visitors alike.

Enjoy Hoover is published six times a year, a joint venture between David Cohen of the Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Matthew Allen of JBMC Media, and Mitzi Eaker of Mitzi Jane Media. These three longtime Hoover residents blend a passion for their community with years of experience in communication, publishing, marketing, and hospitality.

Copies of this magazine are available at more than 100 locations throughout Hoover. Connect with us through our social media channels: Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and Facebook (@EnjoyHoover). Visit us online at EnjoyHoover.com.

We hope you Enjoy Hoover!

KIM CRIPPS, CRIPPS, editor kimcripps@gmail.com MATTHEW ALLEN, co-publisher (205) 883-1877/matthew@jbmcmedia.com DAVID COHEN, co-publisher (205) 213-3617/enjoyhoover@gmail.com MITZI EAKER, co-publisher (205) 862- 0629/mitzijanemedia@gmail.com MICHELLE SALEM HAYNES, marketing consultant (205) 381-1311/michelle@jbmcmedia.com EMILY VANDERMEY LISTO, operations & project manager, graphic designer emily@emilylisto.com ALLISON CARPENTER, staff photographer allisoncarpenterphotography@gmail.com BRITTANY R. KENNY, graphic designer

4 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

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116 Brooklane Drive Hueytown, Al 35023 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 5

8

FEATURE

Dreams come true at Vintage Market Days

12 HEALTH + WELLNESS Restore your mind with a Sound Bath

16 FITNESS

A kids’ race to the finish line

18 BUSINESS

8

Now Open in Hoover

20 COMMUNITY

Hoover Service Club Hosts Hearts in Harmony Gala

24 EAT

Share the love — and these sweet treats

28 HOOVER VOICES

Mayor Derzis on his new role in the New Year

30 AROUND HOOVER

The City of Hoover Christmas tree lighting

18 6 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

30 CALENDAR

Upcoming local events for January and February

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Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 7

FEATURE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VINTAGE MARKET DAYS

Vintage Market Days hosts 125 vendors, hand-selected from more than 400 applications, to bring shoppers the best of the best.

A Vintage Lover’s

Dream Come True

BY KIM CRIPPS LIFE certainly has a way of preparing us

for what’s to come, and like Kim Denard’s experience, we may not even realize it at the time.

As the owner and promoter of Vintage Market Days’ Birmingham market, Kim first experienced the one-of-a-kind shopping event in Lebanon, Tenn., and 8 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

was instantly hooked. “I fell in love with the event because everything had a story,” she said, recalling the vast number of vintage and antique wares being sold by an array of vendors. It sparked a desire in her to go deeper with Vintage Market Days. But what did that look like? And how would she do it?

FEATURE Professionally, Kim’s resume includes years of experience in marketing, business management, finance and logistics for multiple state-wide and nationally recognized brands. But, personally, she enjoys shopping for vintage and antique goods and supporting small businesses – especially those owned by women.

Years of attending Vintage Market Days throughout the Southeast allowed Kim to hear many of the vendors’ stories, many of whom are mothers like her, and get to know them on a personal level.

“The more I listened to their stories, the more I realized we had a lot in common,” she shared. “Many had once balanced corporate jobs and family life, just like me. I knew then this could be more than a dream.”

In 2018, with their children in college, she and her husband, Taylor, applied to become vendors at Vintage Market Days.

Shortly thereafter, an opportunity arose to purchase the Birmingham market. And they took it. In her first order of business, she relocated the event from Talladega to The Finley Center in Hoover, where they now host spring and fall shopping events each year.

SHOP WITH US! VINTAGE MARKET DAYS: BE LOVELY What: A spring-themed market featuring antique and vintage goods, plus treats, clothing, handmade items and more.

When: February 12-14, 2026 Where: The Finley Center Cost: Admission prices start at $10+

Today, Kim is working in her dream job as the owner and promoter of four Vintage Marker Days markets, including North Alabama, Chattanooga, SE Louisiana, and of course, Birmingham; a role that requires the perfect combination of her professional skills and personal interests.

Her next big event – themed “Be Lovely” – is scheduled here, in Hoover, on February 12-14. “I was born and raised in Birmingham,” she added. “When the events are in my hometown, it just means so much more.”

Kim and her team work hard to make Vintage Market Days a memorable shopping experience for each event’s 6,000 expected guests. Inside The Finley Center, shoppers will find 125 curated vendors hailing from Alabama to California, and everywhere in between. The vendors are carefully selected from more than 400 applications to ensure a comfortable variety of goods and products in each category, which includes mostly vintage and antiques, but also clothing, home décor, treats and other creative finds. For some vendors, Vintage Market Days is the only place shoppers can touch and feel their products. Kim shared that there is one vendor in particular who sources all her items directly from Paris but only sells

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 9

FEATURE

thing shoppers can do to ensure a very memorable experience. “Talk to the vendors,” she encouraged. “A lot of them have amazing stories of how they came to realize their dreams.”

They just may inspire you to realize your dream, too.

For more information on Vintage Market Days, event tickets, and to register for specialty workshops, visit vintagemarketdays.com and Vintage Market Days of Birmingham Metro on Facebook. them via Instagram Live. Vintage Market Days is a rare chance to see and purchase her products in person.

Selfie walls for photographs, free buttons proclaiming a “First Visit” or “Happy Birthday,” and surprises like live music and line dancing create a community celebration that’s more than a day of shopping. Kim said the February event will have a cooking workshop and a make-it, take-it project with Hammer & Stain, a local DIY business in Hoover.

But more than the delightful surprises and unique finds, Kim said there’s one

SHARING THE LOVE Vintage Market Days contributes a percentage of its proceeds to The Dannon Project. The Dannon Project is an Alabama-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers jobs and job training to high-risk youth. According to their website, The Dannon Project “envisions a community where at-risk youth have the tools and support needed to become law-abiding, productive citizens who participate in building healthy and safe communities.”

Their supportive services include short-term training, certifications, job placement based on each person’s interests and skills, and re-entry case management services to repair, restore, and renew participants' lives. With 96% of program graduates retaining jobs at 2 years post-graduation, The Dannon Project is helping to give a second chance at success.

10 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

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Strength, cardio, metabolic conditioning, athletic training, and more

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Mon-Thurs: 5am, 6am, 8:30am, 4:15pm Fri: 5am, 6am, 8:30am Sat: 6am, 7am, 8am

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 11

HEALTH

Washed In Sound Waves

BY JUNE MATHEWS

Dr. Lindsey Smith, a UABtrained neuroscientist, makes neuroscience practical and accessible through tools that help promote well-being and self-improvement, like her sound bath program.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUSSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

MAKE GOOD on that New Year’s resolution to improve your health and

maintain wellness with a unique way to relax body and brain at one or more “Sound Bath and Mini Brain Lectures” each Wednesday in January at the Hoover Public Library.

During the hour-long sessions, attendees will learn the relationship between sound and calm through guided, live sound baths paired with CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

12 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

Anders found his match

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

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Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 13

HEALTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

short lectures by Dr. Lindsey Smith, a UAB-trained neuroscientist. On a mission to make neuroscience practical and accessible to the entire community, Smith provides insights and tools that help promote wellbeing and self-improvement.

“I bring cutting-edge neuroscience from lab to living room through engaging, down-to-earth workshops and talks that help people build resilience, restore balance, and make sense of their brains in practical, meaningful and actionable ways,” she said.

New to the Hoover Library’s programming, the presentations are an exciting addition to the library’s wellness lineup, according to librarian Madalyn Ayer.

“Sound bath programs are being held at other libraries in Jefferson County, so we wanted to bring that experience to our community,” she said. “Everyone experiences stress of some kind, and a sound bath provides attendees with a much-needed moment of peaceful reflection.”

Though sounds baths are an ancient practice tracing back thousands of years, it’s only within the last decade or so that their popularity has surged within the wellness community as a tool for promoting relaxation. Studies have shown that sound waves and the nervous system work together and that singing bowls, with their rich, sustained musical tones and vibrations when struck or circled with a mallet, help reduce stress hormones and heart rate.

In Ayer’s experience, the calming benefits of sound baths are real.

“I have attended a few sessions, and I come away feeling refreshed every time,” she said. “I find myself breathing easier and feeling lighter, which gives me a renewed sense of clarity. According to my fitness watch, sound baths even lower my resting heart rate. At first, I was hesitant to participate, but now I know sound baths are very beneficial. I can't wait to share this experience with library patrons.”

Meeting with library patrons and groups of people in other community environments puts Smith in contact with individuals from varying walks of life, many in need of the services she provides. So, bringing her message outside of a professional setting is a critical part of her mission of practicality and access for all.

“My classrooms live far beyond traditional academic walls,” she said.

“You’ll find them in libraries, breweries, and community spaces. These are the beautiful, accessible public stages where real, actionable learning unfolds in real time.​" “Sound Baths and Mini Brain Lectures” will take place January 7, 14, 21, & 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, at the Hoover Public Library. For information and registration, go to www.hooverlibrary.org.

14 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

FITNESS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CARING FOUNDATION

ABOVE: The Kids Marathon’s final mile represents the culmination of a 25.2-mile training journey that encourages children to stay active for months leading up to the event. LEFT: Families, schools, and community partners play a key role in helping young runners reach this moment by supporting them throughout their mileage tracking and training.

Running Toward

Healthy Futures The 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama Kids Marathon

BY HOLLIE BROWN THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA KIDS MARATHON is returning

to Spain Park High School in Hoover on Saturday, February 21, 2026, offering children in kindergarten through fifth grade the chance to complete the final mile of a full marathon after months of training. The innovative program challenges young participants 16 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

to build endurance and stay active — encouraging fitness in a fun, community-focused environment.

Now in its continued evolution beyond the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend, the BCBSAL Kids Marathon is not a typical one-day fun run.

Instead, through a five-month training program, participants work toward the

FITNESS

special patriotic swag and activities as part of the America 250 Alabama celebration.

Participation in physical activities like this offers a host of health and developmental benefits for children. Regular exercise supports cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones and contributes to a healthier body weight. Beyond physical health, staying active also reinforces positive habits like goalsetting, perseverance, teamwork and confidence. Experts say building these routines early in life can help kids maintain long-term healthy lifestyles and improve focus and academic performance.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon continues to be a signature event that brings together young runners, families, schools and community organizations to celebrate fitness, determination and Smiling through the last stretch, this runner showcases the fun. Whether a child program’s goal: helping kids discover that staying active can be fun, rewarding and great for overall health. is a seasoned young runner or putting on their first pair of running shoes, the marathon encourages healthy habits that extend far beyond race day. full marathon distance of 26.2 miles by logging a total of 25.2 miles in small increments — from 1/4 mile up to 1 mile — at school or with parents before race day. On event day, runners cross the finish line to complete their final mile and earn a finisher’s medal.

Open to children ages 5 through 11, the event emphasizes participation and personal growth rather than competition: there are no official winners, and the focus is on celebrating every child’s effort and progress. Participants track their mileage throughout training and have the chance to see how far they’ve come by timing their raceday performance.

In addition to the run itself, race day promises a festival-like atmosphere with food trucks, beloved sports mascots, and even a superhero or two.

This year’s marathon will also feature

Families interested in participating or learning more can visit the event website, bcbsalkidsmarathon. com, and reach out to organizers with questions as they prepare for an inspiring race day!

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 17

BUSINESS

LEFT: Abbey Thompson, pictured with her family, is the owner of Party Art Studio, which is now open in Bluff Park, and The Traveling Pallette. ABOVE & RIGHT: Customers choose what they want to paint, from platters and front door hangers to canvases, hats and more.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABBEY TURNER

The Arty Way to Party A Creative New Business is Now Open in Hoover

BY JUNE MATHEWS

18 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

WHOEVER FIRST SAID, “Choose a job you

love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” was describing Abbey Thompson to a T. Last summer, Thompson made the choice to follow her heart back to running her own art studio. Now, when she talks about her job, the conversation is heavy on the “I love it” side with “fun” peppered throughout.

Owner for 16 years of the Party Art Studio in Helena, then in Pelham, Thompson closed the studio last summer.

“We live in Bluff Park, and I was working with Homewood City Schools, plus keeping the studio going, and the driving alone just got to be too much,” she said. “My husband was like, ‘You're going to have to make a decision,’ So I decided to close the Pelham studio.”

But that didn’t mean going without a studio at all. Thompson bought a trailer, dubbed it The Traveling Palette, and hit

BUSINESS

the road in an art studio on wheels.

“Over the summer, all I did was travel, and it was great. I loved it, and I still do,” she said.

Then one day, Thompson noticed a post on social media advertising what looked like the perfect rental spot for a studio in Bluff Park, and she was soon back in a brick-and-mortar business.

By that time, she had resigned from her Homewood job to devote more time to the new location.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to have a studio in Bluff Park, and I’ve worked hard to get everything the way I want it,” she said. “I still have more to do, but it’s been so much fun.”

A soft opening from 10:00 am until noon on December 13 was a grand success and served as the first Open Paint session at the new studio.

“This is where customers choose what they want to paint, and we help them,”

Thompson said. “We have the wooden front-door hangers in different shapes, we have canvases, hats, and a lot more.”

Party Art-Bluff Park will also host kids’ painting events, including birthday parties, and kids’ camps. Group painting events for adults are also part of the studio’s offerings, as well as team-building events for companies.

But there’s one aspect of the business that brings Thompson a special kind of joy. “I love art, and I love being creative, but being around people is so nice,” she said. “I love meeting new people, and in this job, I meet a lot, and I love it!”

Party Art Studio-Bluff Park is at 736 Shades Mountain Plaza, Suite C, Hoover, 35226. Hours are by appointment only.

For more information, call (205) 253-2984 or visit Party Art Studio-Bluff Park/The Traveling Palette at partyartstudio.net or on Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 19

COMMUNITY

Hearts in Harmony Give Back with the Hoover Service Club

BY TALLY DETTLING

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOOVER SERVICE CLUB

AS THE HOOVER SERVICE CLUB

Several members of the HSC Ways and Means Committee enjoy the 2025 Hearts in Harmony Gala. L to R: Tynette Lynch, Deborah Weyandt, Susette Clark-Walker (Co-Chair), Barbara Henry, and Bonnie Campbell (Co-Chair).

celebrates 50 years of service, members are preparing for their 14th annual Hearts in Harmony Gala scheduled for February 21. The organization was founded by Flora Mae Pike, Mary Lou Woolley, and eight other women on May 5, 1975, with the sole purpose of helping and serving their neighbors in need in the Hoover Community.

“I joined Hoover Service Club to be a part of a true service organization making a direct, hands-on impact on our community. One of the greatest accomplishments of the club is serving over 50 years, and donating one hundred percent of funds raised. Over the past five decades, we have donated over $1 million to community service grants and Hoover scholarships,” says Heather 20 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

Pierce, Hoover Service Club’s 2025-2026 President. “One of my favorite quotes by founding member, Flora Mae Pike, is ‘If you had two of anything, give one away.’”

That mantra and mission are made possible primarily through their annual fundraiser, Hearts in Harmony. Every winter, members of HSC prepare the flowers and decor for a spectacular gala that includes dinner, a silent auction, and a keynote speaker at the Hoover Country Club. “There is a different theme each year, with this year’s theme being ‘Legacy of Light.’ It is definitely the social event of the year for Hoover,” explains Susette Clark-Walker, co-chair for the HSC Ways and Means Committee.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Scan below to read the inaugural issue of Healthy in Hoover, our new bi-annual special edition

COMMUNITY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

“Not only a fun night out, but the gala is also an opportunity to give back to the community. Even if you can't attend the event, you can still make a donation to our organization.”

“We create several silent auction packages with items that have been donated by members and local businesses. Some of the packages from the past galas have included a ‘dine around’ package containing gift cards from various local restaurants, a ‘tailgate package,’ a ‘bird watchers’ package, and a cooking class donated by ‘Classes by Kessler’ in Mountain Brook at the Grand Bohemian. Other unique items, such as custom artwork by a local artist and an estate planning package donated by a local attorney, have been auctioned as well,” adds Clarke-Walker.

In addition to providing college scholarships and community service grants, the club positively impacts numerous Hoover families and individuals through food aid, initiatives for children and women, health promotion, veteran support, and ongoing monthly service projects. Every year, the HSC also distributes more than 100 Easter baskets via food banks, bringing

joy to Hoover children in need.

The Hoover Service Club meets monthly, September through May, on the second Thursday of each month at the Hoover Country Club. A business meeting begins at 11am, followed by a program with a guest speaker and optional lunch.

Occasionally, they will meet at another location for a tea or other event. If you’d like to join, you can find additional membership details, including meeting dates and locations on their website at hooverserviceclub.com or by sending an email to HooverServiceClub3@gmail. com. Everyone is welcome as they continue in their 50-year tradition of helping others.

2026 HEARTS IN HARMONY GALA When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 6-9pm Where: Hoover Country Club Attire: Cocktail to Formal Tickets: $150 each How: To buy tickets, please visit the Hoover Service Club website at www.hooverserviceclub.com and scroll down to the ticket ordering link at the bottom of the page. If you’d like to donate an item to the 2026 HSC silent auction, you can do so by visiting their Amazon registry under the name “HSC Silent Auction 2026.”

The 2025 Hearts in Harmony Gala’s Mardi Gras theme showcased an elegant display of green, purple and gold balloons and décor created by members of the HSC Ways and Means Committee.

22 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

EAT Sweet E’s offers whole cakes, cupcakes and cake by the slice in a variety of flavors like original pound cake, red velvet, chocolate, strawberry, lemon and key lime.

Sweet E’s for Your Sweetie

BY KIM CRIPPS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEET E'S DELECTABLES AND MITZI EAKER

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, swap the flowers,

chocolate and candy for a nostalgic gift that feels and tastes like home: homemade cake from Sweet E’s Delectables.

As the CEO and owner of Sweet E’s Delectables, located in the Riverchase Galleria, Chef Erica Matthews provides her customers with the quality, oldfashioned cakes they grew up with.

And, since many people aren’t baking at home anymore, she wants to do her 24 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

part to keep beloved family recipes readily available for future generations. “I’ve had so many customers tell me they haven’t had a German chocolate or caramel cake since their grandmother or mother was alive,” she adds.

Erica grew up surrounded by home bakers, and often worked alongside the women in her family making homemade cakes, pies, bread pudding and more, from CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Ice cream is a good choice, no matter the temperature!

We can’t wait to celebrate 2026 with you!

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Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 25

EAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

the time she was a young girl.

But it was only eight years ago that she considered baking as a way to earn a living. “I would volunteer to bring dessert to potlucks at work, but my coworkers and staff didn’t think I could bake,” Erica recalled. “Everyone was so surprised by my cakes. People started asking me to bring them for the next work event, and then began ordering my pound cakes for birthdays, holidays and family reunions.”

What started as a good way to make some extra money turned into an official, full-time business when Erica was displaced from her corporate job following a company merger. After prayerful consideration, she saw the loss of her 24-year banking career as an opportunity to work for herself. But, Erica added, the transition would not have been possible without her family. “I had a huge support system to encourage and support me with events and farmers' markets. I appreciate that because sometimes when you want to do something outside of the norm, it's not always well-received.”

Erica’s menu at Sweet E’s has grown from just her original pound cake to more than 20 flavors, many of which were added in response to special requests. All of the cakes and icings are homemade and baked fresh, using quality ingredients.

While she can bake just about any of them in her sleep, Erica believes in constantly improving and growing. Now, she is perfecting her decorating skills, allowing her to make beautiful wedding and custom cakes, too.

As the sole baker of all of Sweet E’s cakes, including whole cakes, slices, cupcakes, and custom orders, Erica is currently teaching other bakers to duplicate her recipes and doing her part to ensure yesterday’s family favorites live on for years to come.

26 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

ABOVE: Erica Matthews is the owner of Sweet E’s Delectables, located in the Riverchase Galleria.

BELOW: A bouquet of cupcake roses is a perfect gift for your Valentine!

And while Sweet E’s may not be a household name at the moment, Erica invites you to enjoy a Sweet E’s experience and the quality of the old-fashioned homemade cakes that your mother and grandmother used to make. You - and your sweetie - will be glad you did.

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HOOVER VOICES

Meet Mayor Derzis

BY KIM CRIPPS YOU’RE BEGINNING YOUR FIRST YEAR IN YOUR FIRST TERM AS HOOVER’S 11TH MAYOR. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST? In my new role

as Mayor, I am excited to work even more closely with residents, business owners, and civic leaders on the issues that matter most to them—from public safety and economic vitality to neighborhood quality of life and transparency in government.

There are many challenges ahead, but I am especially looking forward to the redevelopment and reimagining of the Riverchase Galleria and Patton Creek.

Both projects are extremely complex, and many obstacles must be overcome, but I look forward to taking those challenges head-on. Nothing hard is ever easy, but revitalizing these two properties is critically important to Hoover for many reasons. Failure is not an option. My goal is to help Hoover reach its full potential by listening to people’s ideas, concerns, and hopes for the future every step of the way.

YOU SERVED HOOVER FOR MANY YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. WHAT MADE YOU FEEL THIS WAS THE RIGHT MOMENT TO STEP INTO THE ROLE OF MAYOR? Serving

more than 40 years in law enforcement provided me a front-row seat to both the strengths and challenges our city faces. Hoover is a remarkable place, but I began to feel that the momentum we once had needed renewed energy and focus. I saw an opportunity to bring the same commitment to excellence in 28 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

Nicholas C. Derzis COURTESY OF CITY OF HOOVER

service, accountability, and community responsiveness that guided my law enforcement career into city leadership.

I’ve always believed in listening first, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively to solve problems. Stepping into the mayor’s role felt like the best way to continue serving our community with those values at the forefront.

WHAT DOES HOOVER MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY, BEYOND YOUR CAREER?

Hoover isn’t just where I worked - it’s where my family and I chose to put down roots more than four decades ago. Hoover is my home, and I love it deeply. It’s where we raised our children, built lasting

HOOVER VOICES

friendships, and found a community that embraced and welcomed us. I would like to think I’ve played a part in Hoover’s growth and national reputation by helping ensure it remains one of the safest cities in America. I’ve watched Hoover evolve from a small suburb into one of Alabama’s largest and most dynamic cities, and through every stage of that journey, the spirit and pride of our residents have always stood out. Hoover means family, stability, community, and opportunity. It is a privilege to invest my life in a place that means so much to me and to so many others.

WHICH LOCAL TRADITIONS OR EVENTS DO YOU THINK BEST CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF HOOVER, AND WHY? For such a

relatively young city, Hoover has many traditions that reflect its character and capture its spirit. The Regions Tradition golf tournament and the SEC Baseball Tournament are two events that highlight our community’s passion for athletics and the pride we take in hosting world-class competitions. We also have several community festivals and civic celebrations, such as the Moss Rock Festival, Bluff Park Art Show, Celebrate Hoover Day, and Market Noel, that bring people together and showcase a strong sense of belonging and community pride.

That said, I believe we can do even more.

We should continue to grow the events and traditions we already celebrate while also attracting new events and festivals that expand opportunities and experiences for our citizens.

WHEN YOU’RE OFF THE CLOCK, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND IN HOOVER? IS THERE A LOCAL RESTAURANT OR SMALL BUSINESS YOU FIND YOURSELF

VISITING OFTEN? Well, I can tell you that as

Mayor, much like when I was Police Chief, you are never truly “off the clock!” Since being sworn in, between the demands of the job, transitioning in a new leadership team, and implementing my vision with our employees, I haven’t had a lot of free time. But I am thoroughly enjoying the challenges each day brings. When I do find some time, Stephanie and I enjoy being outdoors, visiting our wonderful city parks, spending time with family, and cheering on Spain Park or Hoover High School sports. We were able to attend several Alabama, Auburn, and even a Clemson football game this fall. Coach Swinney and his family are personal friends. I can also be found working out at the Hoover Rec Center. Maintaining that routine is important, so I make time for it. Stephanie and I enjoy eating out, but I won’t single out one restaurant, as we have so many great options here in Hoover that we enjoy and frequent.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH HOOVER AT THE START OF THIS NEW YEAR AND AS YOU BEGIN THIS NEW ROLE?

As we begin this new year and this new chapter for Hoover, I plan to stay grounded in the reasons I sought this office: restoring trust, ensuring Hoover operates with the highest standards of excellence, addressing underperforming areas, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. The opportunity before us is to build on our strong foundation by strengthening neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, enhancing city services, and preserving the quality of life that drew so many of us here. I’m honored to serve as your Mayor, and I am optimistic about what we can accomplish together in 2026 and beyond.

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 29

AROUND HOOVER/CALENDAR

Around Hoover

BY KIM CRIPPS PHOTOS BY LANCE SHORES

THE CITY OF HOOVER held its Christmas Tree Lighting

at the Hoover Public Library on December 2. The annual event featured a 45-foot tree, plus snow, Christmas carols, refreshments, local school choirs, pictures with Santa, and live nativity, complete with a camel!

JANUARY January 3: Spanish Class by Magic Box Clases de Ingles, 10 - 11am at 3081 Lorna Road. Learn Spanish the fun way — by singing Bad Bunny songs! Free classes every Saturday until the Super Bowl.

Call (205) 223-0284 or email yasmin@ magicboxclub.com for more information.

January 7: Chili Cookoff and Western Night

by Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, 5:30 - 8:00pm at 2401 International Park Place. Grab your cowboy boots and your 30 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026

best chili recipe for an evening filled with bold flavors, lively music, and old-fashioned fun. Tickets are $35 or a team $250 can be purchased online at bit.ly/GBAHBchilicookoff.

January 7, 14, 21, 28: Sound Bath and Mini Brain Lectures, 5:30- 6:30pm at Hoover Public Library, Fitzgerald & Shakespeare Rooms. Dr. Lindsey Smith’s guided sound bath provides a calming experience with simple, science-based tools to help boost resilience and well-being.

Register on the Hoover Library website under

CALENDAR

the events tab. Age group: adults.

January 13: Jackson Family Wine Dinner.

6 - 9pm at The Fish Market US-31 location.

January 15: Jackson Family Wine Dinner.

6 - 9pm at 280 location. Enjoy a special fivecourse dinner with curated pairings featuring a structured tasting and expert insights in an intimate, seated format. Seats are $89 per person with a required deposit, and availability is limited to ensure a memorable evening. Tickets can be purchased online at fishmarketrestaurant.com.

January 22: Lead Yourself Into a Great New Year, 6:30 - 8:30pm at Hoover Public Library. Start the year with inspiration at this motivational workshop focused on personal

growth, goal setting, and fresh perspectives.

Led by George Whitlock III, a pastor, inspirational speaker, executive coach and counselor, this free session is perfect for anyone looking to reset and refocus for 2026.

January 27: Great Expectations: The Acting Company’s National Tour by The Library Theater, 7 - 9pm at Hoover Public Library. An adaptation of Great Expectations follows Pip, a working-class orphan whose ascent to privilege unfolds among escaped convicts, eccentric elites, and decaying estates. Mixing drama, humor, and romance, this classic Dickens tale explores social class, ambition, and personal growth in a way that still resonates today.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at thelibrarytheatre.com.

FEBRUARY February 7: Birmingham Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market by Hometown Vendor Market at Riverchase Galleria, Saturday, 11 am- 8 pm, Sunday, 12- 6pm. A weekend featuring local vendors, sweet treats and gift ideas for your Valentine! This is a free event!

Registration is open to vendors; showcase your unique products to a vibrant audience.

Spots are limited- reserve your spot today at hometownmarket.com.

February 12-14: Vintage Market Days of Birmingham presents "Be Lovely" at The Finley Center, Thursday, 3- 8pm (early shopper ticket only), Friday and Saturday 9am - 4pm.

Features 120 vendors offering vintage goods, décor, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and handmade items, along with indoor shopping, food trucks, live music, and perks like free parking, free bag check, and free admission for children under 12. Tickets available online at events.humanitix.com.

February 17: Quilt of Souls, An Evening with Phyllis Biffle Elmore, 6 - 7:30pm at Hoover Public Library Plaza. In partnership with The

March Quilts, author Phyllis Biffle Elmore and radio host Burgin Mathews will discuss her memoir Quilt of Souls, which explores racism, sexism, colorism, and the resilience and pride woven through her family’s history. This event will launch a three-part community series featuring Elmore and Mathews. Age group: adults.

February 21: Blue Cross Kids' Marathon, Time: TBA, at Spain Park High School. An innovative, endurance-building program for children in kindergarten through 5th grades with a mission to foster and develop active lifestyle habits in Alabama’s kids. For more information or to register, visit bcbsalkidsmarathon.com February 22: Hoover Service Club's Hearts in Harmony Gala, 6pm at Hoover Country Club. The Gala is a key fundraising event that provides a substantial portion of the Hoover Service Club’s annual Ways and Means budget.

Funds raised are distributed at the end of the fiscal year to support both student scholarships and community service projects. To get involved, visit hooverserviceclub.com.

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2026 31

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