THE RACE FOR MAYOR: GET TO KNOW YOUR MAYORAL CANDIDATES PAG E 8 TAX FREEshopping WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO PAGE 16
WHERE TO EAT DURING HOOVER RESTAURANT WEEK PAGE 14
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Friends,
As the school year came to a close, I eagerly anticipated slower days. Unstructured time filled with trips to our local pool, the Hoover Public Library to claim reading challenge prizes, neighborhood Wiffle ball, tending to what we hope will grow into a (very) small summer garden, and hosting a lemonade stand or two.
Now that July is here, and soon to be August, I can say with certainty summer energy has taken hold of Hoover, too. In this issue, you’ll find ways to get your fill of ice cream (page 12), where to find the best local eats during Hoover Restaurant Week (page 14), and how to save big on back-to-school shopping (page 16).
But perhaps the biggest, most notable event of the summer season is the upcoming mayoral election on August 26. I encourage you to learn more about candidates Mayor Frank Brocato and Police Chief Nick Derzis on (page 8). This is an important election for our city, and no matter who you choose to vote for, I do hope that you get out there and vote!
From sweet treats to city-wide events, there are plenty of ways to Enjoy Hoover this summer! We hope you can experience all of them!
Happy Reading,
Kim Cripps Editor
ABOUT THE COVER
The City of Hoover’s annual Independence Day fireworks will be held July 1 at the Hoover Met. For more information, see our calendar of events on page 30.
Cover photo by areeya_ann / Adobe Stock
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, editor kimcripps@gmail.com
DAVID COHEN, co-publisher (205) 213-3617/enjoyhoover@gmail.com
MATTHEW ALLEN, co-publisher (205) 883-1877/matthew@jbmcmedia.com
AS THE SUMMER SEASON HEATS UP, so does Alabama’s 2025 municipal election season. In Hoover, the mayoral race between incumbent Mayor Frank Brocato and Police Chief Nick Derzis is gearing up for the final rundown to Election Day.
Both candidates have strong, long-
term connections to the city and proven records of service to its ever-growing population. While their concerns are similar, their priorities differ. However, the candidates have one big thing in common: They care about Hoover.
So, what’s a voter to do? Inform yourself, weigh the options, and cast your vote on August 26.
Mayoral Candidate Frank Brocato In 2016, after serving for over four decades in the Hoover Fire Department in positions ranging from paramedic to fire marshal, Frank Brocato decided to run for mayor. He was elected to office then and again in 2020.
“I didn’t run to be political,” he said. “I ran because I love Hoover and knew I could make a difference by leading with transparency, collaboration, and a long-term vision for growth. That motivation hasn’t changed.”
Brocato’s top concerns during this election cycle include smart and balanced growth that doesn’t sacrifice quality of life, maintaining elite police and fire departments, and upgrading infrastructure and city services to meet
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, left, with his wife Frances.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK BROCATO FOR MAYOR
demand. Other concerns include strong financial stewardship, preserving a strong city-school relationship, and overall quality of life.
“I want to leave a legacy of thoughtful, sustainable progress,” he said. “That means completing major projects like the new I-459 interchange, building a long-overdue performing arts center, protecting our neighborhoods, and keeping Hoover a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place for the next generation.”
Why does Brocato believe he’s the right person for the job?
“Because I’ve done it, and I’ve done it well,” he said. “I know how this city works, and I’ve led the city through extreme social unrest and COVID. I believe I’ve led with integrity, experience, and transparency. I’m not afraid to make
tough calls when something isn’t right for the city, but I always keep an open door. That combination of accountability and accessibility is what Hoover needs.”
Should Brocato be re-elected, what will be at the top of his to-do list for the first day of the new term?
“Finalizing land and design for Hoover’s performing arts center. We’ve made it a priority because it's not just a building, it’s an economic and cultural driver that will serve schools, residents, and tourism,” he said. “Riverwalk will have a $2.5 billion economic impact that we will continue to work on. At the same time, I’ll continue addressing infrastructure and our older neighborhoods. It’s about laying the
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
foundation literally and figuratively for the future of Hoover.”
Mayoral Candidate
Nick Derzis
The backdrop for Nick Derzis’s announcement that he was entering the mayor’s race was the Patton Creek Shopping Center, what he called “an underperforming blight” in the city. He also cited The Galleria’s need to evolve. Derzis believes fresh new leadership is the key to dealing with these and other challenges the city faces.
“Hoover is a wonderful place to live, to work, to raise a family, and for children to receive an education,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my life to serving Hoover, a city I love. However, we face real challenges that cannot be ignored. Hoover deserves transparent leadership with a clear plan for progress. That’s why I’m running.”
Derzis’s top priority is “restoring trust through transparent and accountable governance.” Other top concerns include public safety, fiscal responsibility, education, revitalizing underperforming properties, and promoting responsible, strategic growth to support existing and new businesses.
“I aim to rebuild trust with the community through transparency and restore calm,” he said. “I’ll focus on maintaining excellence in public safety, education, and parks and recreational areas while fostering strategic growth
initiatives and revitalizing neglected areas. I’ll work to diversify Hoover’s economy, bringing in new businesses, restaurants, and other amenities that will fuel the city’s growth and support sports tourism.”
Why does Derzis believe he’s the right man for the job?
“My motto as Police Chief is, ‘If you fail to plan, your plan will fail,’” he said. “I anticipate threats to community safety and develop response plans, hoping we’ll never need them. I’ve led the largest department in the city with focus and dedication. I have a proven track record of working collaboratively, solving problems, and getting things done. I’m committed to putting people first, bringing that same leadership to the mayor’s office.”
Nick Derzis, police chief and mayoral candidate, with his wife, Stephanie.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DERZIS FOR MAYOR
Should Derzis be elected, what will be at the top of his to-do list for the first day of the new term?
“On day one, we’ll start immediately with the groundwork laid during the transition,” he said. “I’ll meet with all city councilors, department heads,
and first responders to set the tone for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. I’ll emphasize that the voices of Hoover residents matter, and we’re committed to serving them with integrity from the very beginning.”
IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION
Hoover’s Municipal Election will take place on August 26, 2025. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
If you are unsure of your polling place, you can confirm your voter information on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, sos.alabama.gov. You may also contact the Board of Registrars' office in the county where you live to request voter information. If you are eligible to vote but have not yet registered, you may register online at the Alabama Secretary of State website, sos.alabama.gov. You may also request that a voter registration form be mailed to you by calling the Board of Registrars' office in the county where you live.
PLEASE NOTE: For any election, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day before the election.
The 8th Annual Ice Cream Eating Challenge
Benefitting Hoover Helps
BY KYLE FOSHEE
THE VILLAGE AT BROCK’S GAP has a sweet tooth. Luckily, Sue and David Cohen satisfy it regularly with their forty-four tubs of hand-dipped ice cream flavors at The Whole Scoop. But every year, the Cohens aim to satisfy an even larger craving as they host the Ice Cream Eating Challenge.
Now in its eighth year running, the challenge’s proceeds flow directly to Hoover Helps, a local charity founded by Greg and Donna Bishop in 2015. Hoover Helps creates and supports programs that help meet the basic needs of children in Hoover, in particular, the surprisingly prevalent issue of food insecurity. The Bishops are aware of over 73,000 children in central Alabama involuntarily skipping
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WHOLE SCOOP
Hoover Police Department challengers with David Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop, and Hoover Fire Department challengers.
THE SCOOP ON THE CHALLENGE
Main Competition Winner
2023 and 2024: Coach Nick Smith
Red, White, & Blues
Division Winner 2024: Hoover Fire Department
UPCOMING CHALLENGE:
Where: The Whole Scoop
When: Sunday, July 20
Why: To support Hoover Helps and have a chance to win free ice cream for a year, plus a really neat trophy!
How: Register at The Whole Scoop the week leading up to the challenge. Registration closes at 10:00 pm on Saturday, July 19
$25 entrance fee (must be 15 or older)
4:30pm - Public Competition
5pm - Red, White, & Blues Competition
meals, driving them to help raise money and fill the gaps for other like-minded missions like the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama, United Ways of Alabama, and respective food pantries at Bluff Park United Methodist Church and Green Valley Church. Hoover Helps is celebrating 10 years in service, and they have given more than $1.5 million to Hoover children in need.
Anyone at least 15 years of age with $25 and an appetite can help add to those dollars by joining in the competition at The Whole Scoop in July. Competitors will go scoop to scoop to see who can finish their Six Scoop Sundae the quickest! Contenders may register inside the store for the entire week leading up to the event until Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 pm. The games begin at 4:30 on Sunday at the same place, and the winner gets FREE
ice cream for a year and a sweet trophy! Who can defeat two-time defending champion, Coach Nick Smith? The word on the street is that he covets his free ice cream. Can he be unseated?
After Coach Smith continues his run or is dethroned, the Red, White, and Blues division (sponsored by Blue Bell) will feature the Hoover Fire Fighters facing off against Hoover Police. Hoover Fire won last year, and the cops have not forgotten.
Bragging rights aside and without partiality, David Cohen happily delivers ice cream to every fire station in Hoover and stocks the police department’s freezer full. Because Cohen has been in the business long enough to know that even first responders scream for ice cream.
ABOVE: David Cohen with Red, White, & Blues champions: The Hoover Fire Department BELOW: David Cohen with two-time Ice Cream Eating Challenge champion Nick Smith and Nick’s daughter.
Hoover Restaurant Week
BY TALLY DETTLING
WHEN THE WORLD SHUT DOWN five years ago during the Covid quarantine, Hoover Restaurant Week (HRW) was born. David Cohen, long-time Hoover resident and owner of The Whole Scoop, wanted to help our local restaurants. With the help of Mathew Allen who was working for the Hoover Sun at the time, the two came up with the idea for Hoover Restaurant Week “Curbside Edition,” where residents could pick up a specially selected meal from their favorite local eatery. What began with less than 20 restaurants that first year, has grown into a beloved summer event featuring a plethora of Hoover eateries. From breakfast to dinner, there are plenty of featured menu items and cuisine styles sure to tempt your tastebuds. No longer a need for the curbside
PHOTO COURTESY OF BISCUIT BELLY
Biscuit Belly’s featured Hoover Restaurant menu item: the Brekkie Bowl with smoked brisket and an egg topper!
edition, the event runs from July 18-26, with all specials exclusively inhouse at participating restaurants.
Two of those participating restaurants are Biscuit Belly, in the Stadium Trace area, and Saw’s BBQ in Riverchase.
“We love to participate and support the City of Hoover. We are proud to be a part of Hoover Restaurant Week, and love when the residents get involved, read about our restaurant and concept, visit and experience the hospitality we are known for,” says Jimmy Farhat of Saw’s BBQ. Saw’s BBQ has participated in Hoover Restaurant Week for the last two years and will be featuring a Smoked Chicken Thighs Plate during the event.
If yummy savory brunch is more your taste, be sure to check out Biscuit Belly’s Brekkie Bowl—a bowl of home fries or cheesy grits topped with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, goat cheese and poblano-tomato sauce. Pile on the extras by adding protein, an egg, or avocado! “We love to participate in Hoover Restaurant Week for a couple reasons—it brings exposure to our restaurant and fellow restaurateurs, as well as helps highlight diversity on our menu,” claims Andrew Adams, a co-owner of Biscuit Belly and a third-year participant in HRW.
“HRW shows off everything that is good about Hoover, locally owned businesses run by our neighbors. It is truly ‘Southern Hospitality, Hoover Style,’” says Cohen. And we at Enjoy Hoover can’t help but agree.
This year, the event will increase to feature nearly 50 local restaurants. All restaurants will be included on the Hoover Restaurant Week website at www.hooverrestaurantweek.com and on their Facebook page. A listing of their featured menu items will be available as well. The event is open to all full and limited service restaurants, but generally does not include fast food restaurants or food trucks. Kickoff for the nine-day event is Friday, July 18th on WBRC, with live segments starting at 7:30 am. “HRW is a labor of love for Enjoy Hoover and myself, and we have a committee of volunteers that assist in making it all happen!” adds Cohen.
PHOTO
HRW 2024 brought us Saw's Brisket Grilled Cheese. This year's Smoked Chicken Thighs Plate promises to be just as impressive!
Alabama’s Tax-Free Weekend
What to Know Before You Go Shopping
BY MORIAH MASON
BESIDES CRAWFISH BOILS, the hot air balloon festival in Decatur, or the Peach Jam Jubilee in Clanton–another annual event that Alabamians look forward to is Back-to-School Tax-Free weekend. This year, it will take place from Friday, July 18, to Sunday, July 20. And, like many other Alabama cities, Hoover will be participating!
SHOPPING BIG BOX
From pencils, pens, binders, erasers, crayons, calculators and even computer supplies, back-to-school shopping quickly adds up. Which is why it’s always nice to be able to participate in the taxfree weekend and buy necessary items at a lower price.
As you’re browsing your child’s school supply list, you’ll be happy to know that binders, calculators, rulers, pens, folders and many other school supplies are included on the tax-free list. While
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALABAMA OUTDOORS
Shop Alabama Outdoors for back-to-school essentials like book bags, lunch boxes and apparel in mens, womens and youth sizes.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
retailers like Office Depot will be your go-to for tax-free computer supplies, school supplies and items for teachers.
KEEPING IT LOCAL
For those who live in Jefferson or Shelby County, different local businesses are participating in this annual event. Keep in mind that most of these businesses will follow the tax-free guidelines on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s website, revenue.alabama.gov.
According to a representative, Pants Store will have different items eligible for the tax-free benefit. At their store, you can find dresses, jewelry, outerwear, jackets, pullovers, shoes and many other accessories. Note that this is the perfect store for teenage girls and young adult women who need a dress for a high school dance like Sadie Hawkins, or a sorority event, including recruitment.
ABOVE: Known as a go-to spot for women’s clothing, Pants Store also has a selection of youth sizes for girls and boys. LEFT: ParentTeacher Store is also for preschoolers! Their Stephen Joseph nap mats are cute, comfortable and quality.
you’re shopping, keep in mind that each school supply item must equal $50 or less to receive the tax-free benefit.
And it keeps getting better because clothing is also eligible for the taxfree benefit. From belts, boots, jeans, sandals, school uniforms, sneakers and coats, you’ll be able to create your child’s fall, winter and spring wardrobe at a convenient price. Similar to the school supplies, each item must equal $100 or less to get it tax-free.
Stores like popular clothing retailer TJ MAXX will feature backpacks, school uniforms and dorm room supplies, said a local sales representative. Whereas
Even Alabama Outdoors, a retailer known for apparel, shoes and sports equipment will be participating. According to Community Manager Natalie Ferguson, men's, women's and youth apparel $100 or less, including belts, hats, and footwear such as sneakers, boots, sandals, and socks, will be available for the tax-free benefit. The list also includes book bags and lunch boxes priced at $50 or less.
For teachers and other school administrators, visit Parent-Teacher Store and purchase class calendars, decor, bulletin board sets and other educational materials. “Pretty much everything in our store is eligible for the tax-free benefit,” a team member shared.
Go ahead and mark your calendars for this annual event and be sure to stop by these businesses and other retailers to save big on school supplies, clothing, books and computer supplies.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARENTTEACHER STORE
PHOTO COURTESY OF PANTS STORE
High School Football is Back
BY KYLE FOSHEE
IN JUST UNDER TWO MONTHS, Alabama High School Football will be back in full swing. The grass will have that distinct football smell to it; the humidity will taper off little by little; band tunes will carry through warm breezes from practice fields to neighborhoods; guards will pull; safeties will blitz; and state championships will dangle above the heads of thousands of high school dreamers. Hoover residents are abnormally fortunate to be in such close proximity to—not one, but two—incredibly talented high school football juggernauts.
The Hoover Buccaneers are coming off a 2024 season that resulted in a semifinals round exit from the 7A State Playoffs. During the regular season, the Bucs
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
PHOTO BY KIM CRIPPS
Teams from Spain Park and Hoover take the field after the Jaguars defeated the Buccaneers 39-37 in their August 30, 2024, game at the Hoover Met.
had losses to Spain Park and Parker, the eventual 6A State Champions, by a combined total of six points. In the postseason, Hoover handled Fairhope in the first round. They then hosted Opelika, emerging victorious in a three-overtime thriller. The following week, Central Phenix City put an end to Hoover’s six-game win streak.
Coach Chip English, who served as interim head coach for all of the 2024 season, has now been named the official head coach of the Buccaneers. English is looking to build on Hoover’s historical success as they open up with IMG Academy at the Met on August 22. IMG is projected to begin the season nationally ranked in the top 10.
Meanwhile, the Spain Park Jaguars aim to prove that their 2024 run was no fluke. Prior to last season, Spain Park was reclassified to 6A, and the Jags answered by boasting an undefeated season with only two games that were won by less than 10 points. They entered the postseason on a high, defeating McGill-Toolen and Russell County by multiple possessions before facing Saraland in the third round. Spain Park was defeated that night, and Saraland faced Parker in the state championship.
Jaguars’ coach Tim Vakakes came over from Jackson-Olin High School to start the 2022 season. Before he came on board, Spain Park
had not had a winning season since 2016. Vakakes has led his Jaguars to two straight winning seasons, including last year’s undefeated bid. Spain Park opens up with Sparkman on the road on August 22.
Hoover and Spain Park meet every year, most recently marked by Spain Park’s two-point victory last season. The two teams match up in just the second game this season on August 29 at Spain Park. There could be no better way to spend a night in Hoover than to witness these crosstown rivals vie for a year’s worth of bragging rights. Bring the young kids. A swarm of fellow youngsters will keep them busy with a game of their own. See everyone you know and catch up on your old, personal football stories. Get a bite at the concession stand, and tell your children, “No, you can’t get candy,” for the hundredth time.
Enjoy a night that those high schoolers on the field will never forget.
Hoover is home to two talented high school football teams.
PHOTO BY BARRY STEPHENSON
Make Events Magical with Inflatable Masterpieces
Created by The Rainbow Balloon Company
BY MORIAH MASON
WHEN PLANNING A PARTY, graduation, or the opening of a business, balloons are an essential item.
They add a personal touch and a splash of color to an event, making it more meaningful. So, when you need a balloon arch, a centerpiece, or another inflatable work of art, contact The Rainbow Balloon Company, located on Lorna Road in Hoover.
Owner and award-winning balloon artist, Jessica Sult, inherited this business from her father, Bob Sult, in
1999. She still runs the business today, and her company has created inflatable masterpieces for corporate events at the Birmingham airport, banks, college campuses, the opening of businesses like the new Trader Joe’s location in Hoover, AL, and many other places.
While these are Jessica’s main clients, she mentioned that she tries to help with birthday parties, graduations and weddings. She added that everyone needs
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RAINBOW BALLOON COMPANY
Jessica Sult, owner of The Rainbow Balloon Company, with her custom balloon creation at the SEC Fan Fest.
J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha,
Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
balloons at some point in their life, so everyone is a potential customer!
Plus, her business also provides grab-and-go garlands and loose helium balloons for purchase.
Sadly, at the time of the convention, DeLorenzo was ill and could not participate.
Jessica said DeLorenzo had a list of 50 balloon professionals, some from the U.S. and Canada, who would be involved with the event, and she was one of them.
When you visit her shop, you can purchase hair bands, keychains, tumblers, fans, stuffed animals, pins and many other celebratory items. And—unlike other retailers—her balloons are highquality, last for a long time and have a more professional vibe.
Jessica has also created balloon masterpieces for large-scale events such as the Southeastern Conference Fan Fest event at the Finley Center, and she had an opportunity to showcase her work on a much larger scale at the Democratic National Convention.
Treb Heining, the person in charge of coordinating the balloon drops for the Democratic and Republican Conventions and the confetti drop in Times Square for New Year’s Eve, reached out to a lot of balloon artists to help with the balloon drops for the DNC, including Tommy DeLorenzo—who would have been the go-to for helping with the DNC event.
“Regardless of your political party affiliation, this opportunity was a oncein-a-lifetime experience. And I would totally do it again,” she said.
Along with more than 50 other balloon artists, she helped prepare balloon drop of 100,000 balloons for the event, and to also honor DeLorenzo, who passed away in October 2024, just two months after the convention.
While Jessica enjoyed helping with the DNC event, she desires to one day help with the confetti drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
CHECK US OUT!
The Rainbow Balloon Company 3659 Lorna Road, Unit 151 Hoover, AL 35216 (205) 542-5881 rainbowballooncompany.com
FB: The Rainbow Balloon Company
IG: therainbowballooncompany.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RAINBOW BALLOON COMPANY
Meet a Finley Winner
William Russell, his legacy and future plans
BY KIM CRIPPS
EACH YEAR, the Finley Award for Outstanding Character, named for the late Bob Finley, recognizes students and an employee who exemplify the qualities Coach Finley was known for: integrity, generosity, compassion, and perseverance in words and actions. This year’s key student honorees were seniors William Russell from Spain Park High School and Nia Brown from Hoover High School. Nia was featured in the May/June issue of Enjoy Hoover.
ENJOY HOOVER: When did you find out you received the Finley Award for Outstanding Character, and were you surprised?
NAME WILLIAM RUSSELL SCHOOL
SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL
WILLIAM RUSSELL: I found out that I had received the Finley Award during a senior assembly on Friday, February 28. Dr. Esslinger called all of the senior nominees down to the front of the theater, and then she announced that I was this year’s recipient. Sitting with the other nominees before the announcement was an honor as well, as I have known many of them since kindergarten. They are all such incredible people, and I have nothing but respect for each of them. Dr. Esslinger invited my parents, my siblings, and my grandmother to be there for the announcement, and so that was very special also to see them in the auditorium.
GRADUATION MAY 21, 2025
while upholding his or her own beliefs. Good character allows people to put their differences aside and become inspired by what they have in common. Simply put, good character brings out the best in everyone.
EH: Who inspires you?
WILLIAM: It’s difficult to list every person that I am inspired by, but the two people who have had the greatest impact on my
EH: Why do you think it’s important to have good character?
WILLIAM: To me, having good character is a part of our Southern culture. It’s who we are. Additionally, my character is rooted deeply in my faith as a Christian, and my desire to have a servant’s heart. A person with good character welcomes and respects people and ideas of all origins,
William Russell, Finley Award winner for Outstanding Character
PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM RUSSELL
life have been my parents. I have learned so much about having a compassionate heart and a strong work ethic from them. They lead my siblings and me every day by their unwavering example, and I could not be more thankful for their guidance throughout my life.
EH: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
WILLIAM: My best piece of advice for incoming freshmen would be to get involved and serve. Spain Park offers so many opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, for students to grow their minds and spark their imaginations. Find something that you enjoy and make it your own. Serve your school, your community, and your peers in all things you do. Compassion doesn’t just reward those being served. A compassionate person will always find satisfaction in their actions and be better for it.
EH: How do you want to be remembered by Hoover High School?
WILLIAM: I believe that the most important part of my legacy at Spain Park is the little things that I did while in high school. I don’t believe that my grades, my awards, my leadership roles, or my name are the most impactful legacy I have left. I hope that it’s the friendly smiles, the casual conversations, or the couple of seconds I took to check in on a friend or a teacher that inspire others. I want these seemingly insignificant acts of kindness to be my legacy. I hope that future students will understand that caring for others is one of the most simple yet significant things any person can do.
EH: Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
WILLIAM: In five years, I hope to be in graduate school. I hope to be working towards my Master's degree in accounting or finance.
Around Hoover
BY KIM CRIPPS PHOTOS BY LANCE SHORES
WHAT BEGAN IN 1992 as the Bruno Memorial Classic at the Greystone Golf & Country Club has become the Regions Tradition: a major championship on the PGA Tour. Held each May in Hoover, the tournament has raised more than $22 million for Birmingham foundations, with Children’s of Alabama being the primary beneficiary.
Local photographer Lance Shores captured these shots from the Drummond Company Celebrity Pro-Am on May 14, which kicked off 5 days of legendary golf.
JULY
July 1: City of Hoover Fireworks Show. Celebrate Independence Day with neighbors at friends at the Hoover Met. Fireworks begin at 9pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and make the show even more enjoyable with an evening tailgate in the Hoover Met parking lot.
July 14-17: Hoover Bartender Challenge. Get ready to raise your glasses—Hoover’s Bartender Challenge is shaking things up this summer with top local mixologists battling it out for cocktail supremacy in a fun-filled showdown of flair, flavor and community spirit!
July 14: West Hoover Bartender Challenge. Location TBD
July 15: East Hoover Bartender Challenge. The Anvil at 611 Doug Baker Blvd., #103
July 17: Hoover Bartender Challenge Championship. Location TBD. Details at hooverrestaurantweek.com.
July 18-26: Hoover Restaurant Week. Multiple Hoover Restaurants. This week-long event showcases the city's diverse dining scene, with participating restaurants offering special menus, promotions and unique dining experiences. The festivities kick off on July 18 with special guest WBRC 6’s Jeh Jeh Pruitt. For participating restaurants, go to hooverrestaurantweek.com.
July 18-20: Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend. Various Hoover Retailers. The Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend gives shoppers a chance to save on school supplies, clothing and electronics without paying the state's 4% sales tax. Eligible items include clothing priced at $100 or less per article; school supplies valued at $50 or less per item; books costing $30 or less; and computers, tablets and printers priced at $750 or less.
July 20: 8th Annual Ice Cream Eating Challenge. The Whole Scoop, located at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 105. The Whole Scoop’s 8th Annual Ice Cream Eating Challenge features 44 flavors and a fast-paced sundae race to benefit Hoover Helps, a charity fighting child food insecurity. The event invites ages 15+ to compete for free ice cream for a year, with proceeds supporting more than $1.5 million in aid to local children and food programs. Register at The Whole Scoop the week of July 14. Learn more at thewholescoop.com.
AUGUST
August 7: First Day of School for Hoover City Schools! hoovercityschools.net
August 26: Election Day. Designated Polling Places across Hoover; Polls open 7am-7pm. Voters will decide on the mayoral race and seven at-large city council seats, with all candidates running citywide. Learn more at hooveralabama.gov.
August 29: Hoover vs. Spain Park Football Game. Hoover Met at 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway; Kickoff at 7 pm. The Hoover Bucs will play their crosstown rivals, the Spain Park Jaguars, in their first home game of the season. Details at hooverhighathletics.com.
August 30: Ross Bridge 8K, 1 Mile Fun Run and Health Expo. 2101 Grand Avenue; Event begins at 8 am. The course includes a scenic route starting in Ross Bridge Village Center and crossing participants through six distinctive neighborhoods of a classic American resort town. The Health Expo will feature prizes, vendors and children’s activities. Register at runsignup.com/Race/ AL/Hoover/RossBridge8KandHealthExpo.
