SEC CHAMPIONSHIP: BASEBALL IS BACK AT THE HOOVER MET PAGE 14
FROM MISS HOOVER TO MISS AMERICA 2025 PAGE 18
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Friends,
As I write this, it's a chilly, wet April morning. But I know the day will come, probably sooner than we’d like, when it’s a balmy 90° in the shade and we’re back to loving to hate the Alabama heat.
As we gear up for hotter days, it’s also time to start planning for summer fun. My recent interview with Miss America (page 18) taught me the importance of having an open mind and trying new things –a mindset that will come in handy in a city like Hoover, where there is always something new to explore.
We’ll have more than our fair share of parks to play in (page 20), farmers' markets to attend and sporting events to cheer at (page 14). And, even though school is out, Hoover students will continue to make their mark on the community— showcasing outstanding character (page 26, 28), getting ready for future careers (page 16), and even creating paths of their own (page 24).
As always, I hope this issue inspires you inspires you to find something you truly love in our city and to get out there and Enjoy Hoover!
Happy Reading,
Kim Cripps Editor
ABOUT THE COVER
Abbie Stockard, representing Alabama, was crowned Miss America 2025 on January 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
Cover photo by Jessie Palumbo Photography
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) 617-9609/matthew@jbmcmedia.com
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Iron Chef is BACK
A local culinary competition turns up the heat at Jeff State
BY ABBY TURNER
THE IRON CHEF competition is set to return to Hoover as part of Hoover Restaurant Week by Enjoy Hoover, bringing together local chefs, culinary students, and food enthusiasts for an
evening of high-stakes cooking and delicious food.
Scheduled for June 24 at Jefferson State Community College, the event will showcase the skills of professional chefs of different Hoover restaurants while providing a unique educational opportunity for high school students from RC3 (Riverchase Career Connection Center) and college students from Jeff State.
David Cohen, creator of Hoover Restaurant Week, along with Matthew Allen from Enjoy Hoover, started the event last year to support the restaurant community directly after the pandemic. Cohen owns The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, which he opened in 2011.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER
Brain Mooney, owner and chef at Tre Luna, celebrates winning Hoover’s Iron Chef along with his sous chefs from RC3 and Jeff State. In addition to winning the overall challenge, the team earned Best Appetizer.
“There are so many great culinary destinations, international and domestic kind of flavors, that we want people to stay in Hoover and spend their money here,” Cohen said.
Cohen and Allen added Iron Chef to Restaurant Week to showcase four special restaurants and their talents. Brian Mooney, the owner and executive chef of Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen, was the winner of last year’s competition.
This year’s competing chefs have not yet been finalized, but the organizers are currently working to pick four worthy culinarians.
A defining feature of the Iron Chef competition is its educational component. Each participating chef is paired with two sous chefs at random—one from RC3 and one from Jeff State—giving these students real-world experience under the mentorship of industry professionals.
The students, selected as top performers by their respective schools, assist with menu creation and food preparation, learning firsthand the challenges of highpressure culinary work. The restaurant industry can be brutal, but learning from experienced chefs in the competition is a great way to learn the ins and outs.
fantastic opportunity for students.”
The competition takes place in the kitchen of Jeff State, with cooking stations for each chef and their assigned sous-chefs. There is room for 35 spectators at the event, who will be sponsors, influencers, and other Hoover restaurant owners and their supporters.
Each culinarian is given time to write their own menu of an appetizer, entree and dessert with their sous chefs, which is then presented to Cohen and Allen. The competition is partially designed so that these CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
“Writing menus and talking about food, that’s a glimpse into a real kitchen,” Cohen said. “That’s a
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
A sous chef from Jeff State, and member of the Bellini’s Ristorante Iron Chef Team, assists with dessert preparations.
PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER
experienced chefs can teach students in a professional and competitive environment.
This year’s panel of judges will include last year’s Iron Chef champion, Brian Mooney from Tre Luna, alongside Claire Huddleston from WBRC and Joseph Mitchell, a retired director of Jeff State’s culinary program.
The event is timed, like all highstakes cooking competitions are. The chefs are granted access to the kitchen at 3 p.m., and the first course is served at 6 p.m. when each team is tasked with preparing three plates for the judges and 35 sample plates for the audience members.
They will then be scored on appearance, flavor, presentation and originality. “Last year, the winning sous chefs received a $1,000 scholarship, and we’re optimistic
that we can offer the same this year,” said Cohen, while emphasizing that sponsorships are still being finalized.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, this year’s competition will introduce a secret ingredient sponsored by Gordon Food Service, revealed only 24 hours before the event.
With continued sponsorships and community support, the event is poised to become a staple in Hoover’s annual calendar.
“As long as I have the energy and the support of our restaurant community, we’ll keep doing it,” Cohen said.
As excitement builds for this year’s competition, local food lovers and aspiring chefs alike are eager to see who will take home the coveted cleaver trophy made by Matthew Allen and, more importantly, how the event will continue to shape Hoover’s culinary environment in the years to come.
Chef Brian Mooney carefully plates dinner for the event's 35+ special guests and judges.
PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER
J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha, PA-C | Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD
SEC Championship
College Baseball Greats Come to Hoover
BY KYLE FOSHEE
I SUPPOSE that opinions don't matter much, but there is strength in numbers, and half a billion people around the world would prefer baseball over basketball, football or golf.
It may not be an easy pill to swallow for many Americans, especially for those in the South, where football reigns supreme, taking a back seat only to church or family, and even then, it's a toss-up.
The Hoover Met likes to remind us every spring—and will continue to do so at least through 2028—that the Southeast is capable of producing a baseball atmosphere worthy of our attention. Eleven or more teams in the conference have the potential to end the season nationally ranked, with as many as nine flirting with the Top 10.
Oklahoma and Texas joined the SEC last July, increasing the number of
schools in the conference to 16. They aren’t the only two teams looking to knock off the Vanderbilt Commodores or defending champions, Tennessee Volunteers, two teams that have come away from the tournament victorious in four of the last six years, with Arkansas and Covid claiming the others.
And this year? A twist.
With the addition of these two new schools, the old way of things was reconsidered, and the new way has been rolled out. This month, all 16 teams will compete in a single-elimination style bracket. This marks the first time in the tournament that every SEC team will be partaking, as well as the first time that double-elimination will not be utilized.
As if that weren't enough to prioritize surprisingly comfortable aluminum bench seats with back support over high-
PHOTO BY LANCE SHORES
PHOTO BY LANCE SHORES
back leather chairs behind computer screens, the Met is wrapping up renovations that include a club suite along the third base line, providing a more fashionable baseball experience. Revel XP has package bookings available for Champions Club, Patio Club, Private Left Field Cabanas and the Omaha Club, all of which include exclusive restrooms, premium viewpoints, and reserved seating. The Champions Club package also comes with an all-inclusive food and nonalcoholic beverage package. For those like me, though, general admission is just fine. All we need is a little shade, a couple of sausage dogs, a Coca-Cola, and a few young sons to come along and dream a little. We can root for the home
team, give the umps a piece of our minds, wonder at the immaculate craftsmanship of the grounds crew watering the infield dirt, and revel in the ping of the long ball off the bat. Supposing opinions did matter, I may spend more time on the subject of baseball.
I’ll see you at the Met.
SEC TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, MAY 20
Game 1 l 9:30 AM
#16 seed vs. #9 seed
Game 2 l 12:30 PM #13 seed vs. #12 seed
Game 3 l 4:30 PM #15 seed vs. #10 seed
Game 4 l 8:00 PM #14 seed vs. #11 seed
FRIDAY, MAY 23 (QUARTERFINALS)
Game 11 l 3:00 PM Winner of Game 7 vs. #2 seed
Game 12 l 6:00 PM
Winner of Game 8 vs. #3 seed
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
Game 5 l 9:30 AM Winner of Game 1 vs. #8 seed
Game 6 l 12:30 PM Winner of Game 2 vs. #5 seed
Game 7 l 4:30 PM Winner of Game 3 vs. #7 seed
Game 8 l 8:00 PM Winner of Game 4 vs. #6 seed
SATURDAY, MAY 24 (SEMIFINALS)
Game 13 l 12:00 PM Winner of Game 10 vs. Winner of Game 9
Game 14 l 3:00 PM Winner of Game 12 vs. Winner of Game 11
THURSDAY, MAY 22 (QUARTERFINALS)
Game 9 l 3:00 PM Winner of Game 5 vs. #1 seed
Game 10 l 6:00 PM Winner of Game 6 vs. #4 seed
SUNDAY, MAY 25 (CHAMPIONSHIP)
2:00 PM
Winner of Game 14 vs. Winner of Game 13
PHOTO BY LANCE SHORES
PHOTO BY LANCE SHORES
The SEC Baseball Championship will be hosted at the newly renovated Hoover Met, May 20-22.
RC3 Adds New Academy
Equipping More Students for Career Success
BY CARMEN BROWN
THE RIVERCHASE CAREER CONNECTION Center, otherwise known as RC3, opened its doors in August 2019 as a new technical and vocational school for students at Hoover and Spain Park High Schools. At 92,000 square feet, the career training facility was built with the latest technological development
with six academy programs: Culinary and Hospitality, Cyber Innovation, Fire Science, Health Science, Skilled Trades, and Cosmetology & Barbering.
Now, RC3 is getting ready to unveil its seventh program, a new Automotive Academy, in August of this year.
“We’re extremely excited,” said Debra Smith, executive director for career and technical education. ” A lot of technicians are aging out now, as is the case with a lot of other fields as well. We worked with some of our industry partners to fill a need in this area.”
These partners include Toyota,
David Cohen receives the 2025 FLAME Award among culinary students and guests at the Masquerade Ball hosted by RC3.
PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER
Honda and Mercedes, who are providing cars for the students to work on as part of the program. As several scholarships have already been awarded to students in the other programs, Smith said they hope to have them available for the automotive students as well.
“As we grow and develop, that would be the dream,” Smith said.
Four years ago, RC3 began hosting a Masquerade Ball fundraiser to help provide scholarships. Chef Alethea Carter, lead instructor for the Culinary & Hospitality Academy, said the Ball is an in-house semi-formal to formal event with dining and entertainment.
“We give guests an opportunity to participate in a silent auction that is a separate fundraiser that happens during the Masquerade Ball,” Carter said. “These fundraisers go toward scholarships for the students as well.”
Two years ago, they started the FLAME award, an acronym standing for Fearless Leadership Accomplished through Meals and Education. This year’s recipient is David Cohen, owner of The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, who has been heavily invested in the students at Hoover City Schools.
“This award is for people who are active in secondary and postsecondary education who are a valuable asset to RC3, whether it’s coming to speak or helping to set up internships,” Carter said.
RC3 is the site of the former Pelham Middle School, which was renovated in 2017. It serves as a simulated work experience for students in Grades 10-12.
“A lot of people overthink it, but we are a school,” Smith said. “We don’t have bells. The students clock in and out just like they would with a regular job. They either work in the morning or in the afternoon. And if they can’t make it,
they call us—not the parents.”
RC3 gives students a chance to obtain certification in their field of interest before graduation, and if they choose to delay or not attend college, they can be equipped with the skills they need to obtain a job upon graduation. These include the professionalism and people skills that are expected in a real job setting.
“Soft skills are essential skills,” Smith said. “They are just as important, if not more important.”
Riverchase Career Connection Center is located at 853 Willow Oak Drive in Hoover. For more information, call 205-439-1900 or visit hoover10.smartsiteshost.com.
Culinary students gain hands-on experience by taking responsibility for all aspects of the ball, including decorations, menu planning and food preparation.
PHOTO BY
From Miss Hoover
to Miss America
ABBIE STOCKARD’S GOAL is to just be Abbie. At 22 years old, the 2025 Miss America winner from Vestavia aims to always be her authentic self while making the Miss America program something people want to be part of.
Abbie competed in her first pageant just a few years ago, when she was 19, and earned third runner-up in the Miss Auburn University pageant. Motivated by her success and curious about what may lie ahead, she competed in Miss Cahaba Valley the following weekend. What started as a fun way to try something new began to unfold into a series of life-changing events that
Abbie Stockard’s Journey to the Crown
BY KIM CRIPPS
would teach Abbie about the power of perseverance.
Over the next couple of years, she placed in the Top 5 in other local pageants and competed in Miss Alabama in 2022 and 2023. Looking back, she says she wasn’t ready to win, but didn’t know it at the time. “I needed to continue growing,” she said.
Girls today have so many gifts and talents from the Lord that need to be shared. With hard work, discipline and consistency, they can achieve anything.”
— ABBIE STOCKARD
PHOTOS BY HOUSTON M PHOTOGRAPHY
In 2024, Abbie was named Miss Hoover. It was this title that propelled her to become Miss Alabama in 2024, her third time in the state-wide competition.
“I could not have asked for a better local title before going to Miss Alabama,” she said. “It was the first title that I felt the community respected and really cared about setting me up for success. The best part was that everyone was willing to help.”
And did they ever. Abbie collaborated with Hoover’s community leaders to host a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis, a platform that is close to her heart because her best friend was diagnosed with CF when the girls were 9 years old.
ABBIE'S HOOVER FAVORITES
Place to Shop: Von Maur and the Riverchase Galleria “The Galleria has always seemed magical to me,” Abbie said.
Dance Studio: Birmingham Dance Theatre
Restaurant: Moss Rock Tacos and Tequila, specifically chicken and cheese quesadillas
“I made a promise to her that I would do everything possible to fight for her,” Abbie shared.
The fundraiser—a hilarious event featuring a good-natured roast of Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis—raised $190,000 in one night. The event became the largest cystic fibrosis fundraiser in the state of Alabama, with proceeds going directly to support cystic fibrosis research therapies at UAB.
During her time as Miss Hoover, Abbie said Miss Hoover Foundation Director Julie Bently poured into her, ensuring she had many opportunities to practice and improve her public speaking while engaging and truly connecting with people. This included appearances at Aldridge Gardens, Hoover Met, The Finley Center, Veterans Park, the Chamber of Commerce, Celebrate Hoover Day, the US National Firefighter Challenge, Ho Ho Hoover at the Randle Home and Gardens, and more.
“I truly believe that’s what launched me to Miss America,” she said.
Through all of this, including serving as Miss Hoover while a full-time, straight-A nursing student at Auburn University and a member of the Tiger Paws dance team, Abbie has learned the power of making little sacrifices to accomplish your goals, time management, identifying what’s important, being comfortable with failing, and perhaps most importantly, the power of never giving up.
“The Lord was working on every detail of my life. He knew exactly what he was doing even though I didn’t understand why.”
Now, as Miss America, Abbie remains grateful for the Hoover community that showed her such an immense amount of support. She is representing Alabama very well on a national stage while spreading the message that you win by being yourself.
Schools Out Summer
for
5 Ways to Have Fun Close to Home
BY KYLE FOSHEE
I'VE BEEN IN HOOVER for nine years, and I still discover new things to do around here every day. If you ask me, summer is the perfect season to take advantage of the many activities and amenities our city has to offer. And, what makes it even better, is that most of them are free. Here are five fun activities to try this summer:
HOOVER HEIGHTS
You may know it as the climbing wall at The Finley Center. Hours are limited, but this is a prime location for birthday parties or rainy afternoons. There are few experiences that better
PHOTOS BY KYLE FOSHEE
Explore Playground & Splashpad Canoe Launch at Flemming Park
afford the opportunity to push our kids to face their fears while being certain that the safety features will hold up better than any homemade, "Dad said it was fine" contraption. My favorite part was the speed wall: How fast can you get to the top?
hoovermetcomplex.com/finley-center/ adventure
EXPLORE PLAYGROUND & SPLASH PAD
If you forgot to reserve a spot at The Finley Center, drive just a short way behind it to visit the Explore Playground & Splash Pad. It is fully fenced in with enough spinny things and climbing towers to satisfy the kids that are just below the "I'm too cool for this" threshold. There are a few tables that fill up quickly under minimal shade, so expect the water to be your break from the relentless Alabama humidity. My favorite part: The splash pad - the water. is. fine.
hoovermetcomplex.com/explore-play
HOOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Listen closely. I'm from a very small town. Libraries were not exactly the
place to be. Well, this one IS. Of course, I want the books and the quiet, but I also have four kids who want the fun and the loud. HPL has an extensive list of events for kids that includes live, on-stage performances, movie days, and a summer reading program that gets lots of attention. Adults can join book clubs and attend visual arts exhibits, to name a few. I mean, really, why don't I go more?
My favorite part: Live performances for kiddos. Mine love it, even when they act like they don't want to go. hooverlibrary.org
VETERANS PARK
There is way more to do here than I knew about. There's a big field, a big walking track, a big play area and a big, shaded pavilion. But there are also courts for pickleball, beach volleyball, and even lifting weights! I admit, they're all out in the open for the sun to beam down without remorse, which is why I'd spend most of my time in the little creek that runs behind Spain Park High School or the pond where the kids like to wade and net minnows.
My favorite part: The Butterfly Garden (call me old fashioned).
hooveralabama.gov/379/Veterans-Parkon-Valleydale
FLEMMING PARK
There are actually two spots for this park: The small pavilion with restrooms and walking trail and the kayak and canoe launch down river, both of which require leaving the pavement to reach. The trails lead riverside, and the launch is on the other side of Lake Wilborn's subdivision, right underneath a railroad bridge. I'm telling you, there aren't many places more peaceful.
My favorite part: I mean, come on... hooveralabama.gov/1503/Flemming-Park
Veterans Park
The New Summer Job
himself—he said that’s why he’s in charge of the music instead.
Local Teens Creating Work They Love
BY ABBY TURNER
MEET THREE 14-YEAR-OLD local entrepreneurs who are passionate and dedicated to their crafts.
Alan Suyasa, DJ Pande-Pande
Alan Suyasa, a 14-year-old boy residing in Oak Mountain, has been teaching himself how to mix music like a DJ since he was six years old. He started learning on a miniature set and put it down for a few years, but when his family moved to Alabama in 2024, they found it in a moving box.
The skills never left his fingers. He practiced, and for his latest birthday, he was given a professional DJ set.
Alan is completely blind and has always loved music. He loves to listen to, produce and mix songs. He doesn’t like to dance
“I like making people dance,” Alan said. “And making people sing along with the music.”
Since Alan discovered his talent, he’s played music at multiple gigs, including the grand opening of both his dad's and uncle’s restaurants and two school dances.
Alan’s dad, Agus Suyasa, is the owner of Nori Hibachi in Hoover. The family moved from Pennsylvania so Agus could open his restaurant in Hoover, adding even more to the city’s vibrant food scene.
Alan wants to be a DJ for as long as possible but wants to do it on the side of a career. He has already acquired the skills necessary to gauge a crowd’s rowdiness by taking off his headphones and listening for the sound of voices.
If they’re singing along to his music, he knows they’re having fun. If not, he knows exactly what songs to play to get them to dance.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAURA SUYASA
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KRISTIN MATHIS
Alan Suyasa
Lillie Mathis
Lillie Mathis, Lillie’s Little Bakes
Lillie Mathis, a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Hoover High School, already has her own small business. It is called Lillie’s Little Bakes, and it all started with some macarons.
“During COVID, I learned how to make French macarons with my mom, and we have been making them ever since,” Lillie said. “I decided that other people might love our macarons, and we should share them.”
Lillie’s Little Bakes also sells cookies, cakes and other baked goods upon request. One day, when she is older, she wants to open her own bakery in Bluff Park to serve both locals and visitors.
Mathis said it can be challenging being young and having a business because people typically would rather buy from adults. However, she hasn’t let this hinder her.
“I’m beneficial to the city of Hoover because it is always fun to see kids and teens creating and sharing their passions with other people to enjoy, and that is what I am trying to do with my treats,” Lillie said.
Bryce Mentzer, Mentzer’s Mailbox Renovations
Bryce Mentzer, also a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Hoover High School, has been restoring and renovating mailboxes since he was nine years old. Bryce of Mentzer’s Mailbox Renovations just wants to pay it forward.
“The mailbox renovations business was passed to me by the Rohrer family when their son left for college,” Bryce said.
“Being able to pick up where he left off was such a huge help in my success, and
I want to do the same for the next young entrepreneur.”
Bryce said the biggest challenges in running his business are mother nature and time management. Mailbox painting is an art that may only be accomplished in the perfect weather conditions, and the wind and humidity determine his start times.
After his days at Hoover High School taking advanced courses, he plays baseball and wrestles. His busy schedule can be a challenge in the winter months because it’s too dark to work when he returns home, but he always finds the time to help his neighbors.
Despite the challenges of running a business so young, Bryce remains dedicated. He believes in his craft and the importance of a nice-looking mailbox, as it is a home’s first impression. He has learned about time and money management as well as work ethic.
“I am really thankful to all who have supported me as a young entrepreneur,” Bryce said.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MICHELLE MENTZER
Bryce Mentzer
Meet a Finley Winner
Get to know Hoover High School's Nia Brown
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 are Hoover High School’s Nia Brown, and Spain Park High School’s William Russell, who will be featured in our July/ August issue.
ENJOY HOOVER: When did you find out you received the Finley Award for Outstanding Character, and were you surprised?
NAME NIA BROWN SCHOOL
HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION
NIA BROWN: I found out that I received the Finley Award on February 28, during a senior class assembly. I was so surprised! I honestly did not think I was going to win it since I was on the Finley Committee last year, but I am so honored the committee selected me this year!
MAY 21, 2025
EH: Why do you think it’s important to have good character?
NIA: Having good character is so important because it shapes how you interact with others and helps you create healthy relationships. Good character also influences those around you, fostering kindness, empathy and cooperation. This contributes to a more positive and supportive environment, whether at work, in friendships, or in your community.
EH: Who inspires you?
NIA: My parents' hard work and dedication to their community, jobs, faith and relationships inspire me to always give 110% in every aspect of my life.
EH: What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
NIA: Don't overextend yourself! Make sure
you are taking time to prioritize yourself and stress relief! You cannot perform at your best without feeling your best!
EH: How do you want to be remembered by Hoover High School?
NIA: I want to be remembered as someone who championed an inclusive environment for all students at Hoover.
EH: Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
NIA: Five years from now, I hope to be a graduate of Louisiana State University and well into my journey as a student at a prestigious law school.
Nia, center, with her parents, Booker and Khalilah Brown, at the Finley Award Ceremony on March 20 at The Finley Center.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KHALILAH BROWN
Around Hoover
BY KIM CRIPPS
ON MARCH 20, 2025, hundreds of students, teachers, parents, family members, teachers and city leaders gathered at The Finley Center to celebrate the recipients of the prestigious Finley Awards for Outstanding Character.
The Finley Awards, now in their 30th year, encourage the values embraced and taught by the late Bob Finley, a longtime head coach at Hoover’s W.A. Berry High School known for his integrity, generosity, compassion and perseverance in his words and actions. Each year, one senior from each high school and one Hoover City Schools
“No matter what comes my way, the fruit produced in my life come from Jesus Christ…Thank you so much for selecting me as the recipient of the Finley Award; I am incredibly grateful.”
Courtney Beam
First Grade Teacher Riverchase Elementary School
“It makes me feel really great [to receive a Finley Award] because I now know I have great character.”
Khalih H. Rocky Ridge Elementary
employee are recognized as examples of outstanding character. Grade level winners are also chosen from each of Hoover’s 11 elementary, 3 middle and 2 high schools.
“I feel very honored to know the good things that I do are appreciated by people, and that I can make good things happen.
Nosi L. Simmons Middle School
“I was very surprised to receive an award. I’d like to tell everyone who won, ‘Great job!’”
Sara A. Brock's Gap Intermediate
Finely Award Winners from Deer Valley Elementary School include, from left, Reese S., Abigail H., Gray S., Brooks H., Aria P., and Sawyer Grace H.
PHOTOS BY ALELI SANCHEZ
•
MAY
Wednesdays in May: Wine Oh Wine Wednesday. 6–8 p.m. Board in Birmingham, 5426 Highway 280, Suite 6. Listen, taste and learn from a variety of wine distributors and makers. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, samples, sales & door prizes. There is a $15 cover at the door. Must be 21 years old or older. boardbham.com
Fridays in May: Ross Bridge Farmers Market 4–8 p.m. Ross Bridge, 2101 Grand Avenue. Kick off the summer with themed events starting on May 9 with Strawberry Day, followed by Flower Day on May 16 and Retro Day on May 23. Each market features local farmers, vendors, face painting and live music. Admission is free; vendor prices vary. rossbridgefarmersmarket.com
May 1–2 : Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer. 7 p.m. The Library Theatre, 200 Municipal Drive. Leigh Nash’s most recent offering, The Tide, Volume 1, earned her a first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, marking another milestone for the musician who recorded the triple platinum-certified hit “Kiss Me,” “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” and “There She Goes.” Tickets are $38. thelibrarytheatre.com/nash
May 2: Derby & Dining. 6–10 p.m. Oris & Oak Farm, 613 Sanders Road. Derby and Dining officially kicks off the Hoover City Schools Foundation Commit to 36 Campaign, which strives to raise $36 per student for a total of $500,000 annually. Wear your Derby best and enjoy a fun evening for a great cause. Tickets are $75 per person, VIP tickets are $125 per person, and tables for eight people are available for $1,000. hoovercsf.org/events
May 2–4: Parade of Homes presented by Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. Times and locations vary. 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. Tickets are not required, and the event is open to the public. birminghamparadeofhomes.com
May 3: 8th Annual Magic City Wine Fest. 6–9 p.m. Hoover Met, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway. Featuring a wine tour across several different regions spanning the globe. Restaurants will also have food available for purchase. Take a break from your travels and enjoy the soothing sounds of live music. Magic City Wine Fest is a rain or shine event and no refunds will be given. Tickets are $55. magiccitywinefest.com
PHOTO BY ALLISON CARPENTER
May 3: Donor Dash for Life 5K Race. Registration at 8 a.m.; Race at 9 a.m. Veterans Park. Celebrate the donors, recipients, living donors, caregivers and all advocates for organ, eye and tissue donation. Proceeds support donation awareness programs throughout Alabama. Registration is $30. runsignup.com/ Race/AL/Hoover/DonorDash4Life5K
May 3: Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue. 5K MeowA-Thon and 1 Mile Whisker Walk. Check-in at 7 a.m.; 5K at 8 a.m.; Whisker Walk at 9:30 a.m. Veteran’s Park, 4800 Valleydale Road. Benefitting Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, a no-kill, cage-free shelter for cats and kittens. Registration starts at $15. runsignup.com/ meowathon
May 4: Walk to Cure Arthritis. Check-in at 2 p.m. Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road. Opening ceremony at 2:30 p.m.; 1 mile walk at 3 p.m. The Arthritis Foundation’s nationwide signature event unites communities across the country to put an end to arthritis. Registration is free. arthritis.org/events/wtca
May 5–8: Scholastic Book Fair. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive. Choose your next favorite read for the whole family from our Scholastic Book Fair! Purchases will help us earn books to benefit Little Free Libraries. Admission is free; book costs vary. hoooverlibrary.org
May 10: Friends Book Sale. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive. Find great deals on used books and media and support Friends of the Hoover Library. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Admission is free; book costs vary. Call 205-444-7840 for more information.
May 20–25: 2025 SEC Baseball Tournament. Game times vary. Hoover Met, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway. Watch an exciting showcase of elite talent as top teams from the Southeastern Conference battle for the title of baseball’s best. Tickets start at $9 for ages 3-13 and $18 for ages 12+. Children under 3 are free. secsports.com/ championships/baseball-championship
JUNE
Fridays in June: Ross Bridge Farmers Market. 4–8 p.m. Ross Bridge, 2101 Grand Avenue. The Ross Bridge Farmers Market will present exciting themes throughout June, including Peach Day on June 13 and Berry Day on June 20. Each market features local farmers, vendors, face painting and live music. Admission is free; vendor costs vary. rossbridgefarmersmarket.com
June 2: Hydrangeas Under the Stars. 6–9 p.m. Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road. Hydrangeas Under the Stars is the premier annual fundraiser and garden gala benefitting Aldridge Gardens. Enjoy a special evening of great food and entertainment with both silent and live auctions. Tickets start at $300. aldridgegardens.com
June 13–14: Cedric the Entertainer. Showtimes vary. Stardome, 1818 Data Drive. Cedric the Entertainer's stand-up performance combines sharp wit and relatable storytelling, keeping the audience laughing from start to finish. Tickets start at $55. For show times go to stardome.com
