Enjoy Hoover - January/February 2023

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JANUARY 2023 IN HOOVER HEALTHIER International Restaurant Week is back with world fares. Page 8 Page 8 Parks and Rec keeps the city moving. Hoover Library renews its premier event. PAGE 18 Taste World VOICES OF THE SOUTH
Hoover Randle Home & Gardens For any event, for any season, we have the place for you. Aldridge Gardens 3530 Lorna Road | 205.682.8019 aldridgegardens.com 2255 Tyler Road | 205.739.6554 hooverrandlehome.com

Compassionate, Experienced Advocates with Integrity

AshLeigh Meyer Dunham & April Hare DeLuca are more than just family law attorneys. They are wholeheartedly devoted to helping families through tough, emotional times. They believe the clients are more than a case file. At Magic City Law, they take the time to get to know their clients, their families, their goals, and to counsel clients in order to ensure the best possible outcome. Magic City Law, LLC is a boutique all female family law firm.

With a focus on families, AshLeigh and April are truly able to devote all their energy and effort to client-centered legal solutions. Their practice is focused on adoption, ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) representation, divorce, family law, and child custody. AshLeigh and April have a love for families. Learning from their experiences as Guardians Ad Litem, where they came to the realization that the needs of minor children are often overlooked in family law disputes, AshLeigh & April craft legal responses to family law matters with the children in mind. In developing a legal strategy that protects the best interests of children, they strive to ensure a solution reached benefits the entire family.

Research is not simply routine at Magic City, it is continuous. Family Law, especially in the area of ART, is quickly and constantly evolving. These attorneys stay on top of the newest trends and case law in their field. Through continuing education and research, AshLeigh and April cultivate and perfect new and inventive ways to represent their clients and help them to achieve their end goal. As both attorneys live in Ross Bridge and are actively raising their families in Hoover, Hoover families are always at the forefront of their minds. At Magic City Law, their mission is to help Hoover families move forward.

(p) 205-582-2832 www.MagicCityFamilyLaw.com

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

January/February 2023 3
Enjoy Hoover

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy New Year! I hope 2023 is a good year for you and your family.

What does it mean to be “Healthier in Hoover?”

We asked several Hoover residents and one thing is certain: the definition of “health” is unique to each individual. The new year brings with it goals, and many goals revolve around losing weight and exercising, but what would it mean to you if the goal was just to get healthier and take better care of your body?

In this issue, we offer some ideas to think about from restaurants in Hoover that strive to serve healthier food options. We also feature Hoover’s parks and recreation options for getting your muscles and organs healthier.

Along with getting healthier, there are two big events in Hoover happening in February. First, the Southern Voices Author Conference takes place at the Hoover Public Library February 21-25. The wildly popular event brings nationally and internationally renowned writers and authors to Hoover for a can’t-miss festival. Before that, Hoover International Restaurant Week is February 17-26. The sister culinary event of Hoover Restaurant Week, it brings international fare to the spotlight throughout the city. Those are two events you will not want to miss.

Tell us how you plan to get healthier in 2023, and vote for your favorite Hoover gym and physical therapist. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@EnjoyHoover) and look for information on how you can vote.

Happy New Year!

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!

Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023

David Cohen (205) 213-3617 enjoyhoover@gmail.com

Matthew Allen (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Mitzi Eaker (205) 862-0629 mitzijanemedia@gmail.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Michelle Salem Haynes (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com

ABOUT THE COVER

2023 brings renewal, and that includes healthier life choices! This issue is all about living healthier in Hoover.

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Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023 5 Stadium Trace Village | 205.882.8226 Helping clients get from their real estate experience! More Rick Mosier Realtor® (205) 529-5699 RickMosier@kw.com www.RickMosier.com Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated
6 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023 500 Mineral Trace Next to the Hoover Met brocksgapbrewing.com Weekly food trucks Live music Hoover’s hometown brewery Stadium Trace Village (205) 538-5217
Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023 7 ITALIAN INSPIRED FOOD WITH A TWIST. TRELUNABARANDKITCHEN.COM 1021 BROCK’S GAP PARKWAY LUNCH: WED-FRI, 11-2 HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI, 4-6 DINNER: MON-THURS, 4-9 & FRI/SAT 4-10 SERVED IN OUR WARM, ENCHANTED EATERY.

A World of Eats on Hoover’s Streets

International Restaurant Week is Feb 17-26

If Birmingham is a foodie destination, Hoover deserves to be a stop along the way. Our Magic City suburb boasts great locallyowned restaurants, some of which will be highlighted during International Restaurant Week, February 17-26, 2023.

Two years ago, restaurant owner David Cohen launched Hoover Restaurant Week - with a curbside edition - to help restaurants stay in business during the pandemic.

Now, the initiative has grown to support two Hoover Restaurant Weeks: one in the summer

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months and one in February focused on the city’s international culinary scene. These efforts are supported by a committee of community volunteers, Hoover businesses, Hoover Restaurant Alliance, Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Hoover Hospitality and Tourism.

Residents and visitors can experience a collection of the most diverse and delicious cuisine in Hoover during International Restaurant week, such as:

• Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants and grocery stores.

• Mexican restaurants, bakeries and ice cream shops.

• Asian foods from China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.

• And Cuban-infused Burrito restaurants (think nachos from Wasabi Jaun’s).

Mark Jamroz of Content Logistix, who assists with marketing Hoover International Restaurant Week, says, “This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the talented chefs and delicious foods throughout Hoover.” Mark’s team creates the week’s witty

promotional slogans like, “A World of Eats on Hoover’s Streets” and “Keep Calm and Curry On.”

In 2022, many participating restaurants offered delicious sample plates such as:

The Pita Cafe’s Mediterranean Special featuring stuffed squash, stuffed grape leaves, baked kibbeh, meat pies, yogurt, tabouli and pita bread.

Unagi Bento and Sushi’s Chicken Katsu Bento Box that includes a California roll, gyoza dumplings, fried rice and salad.

Wasabi Juan’s Iginitions Burrito made with in-house spicy tuna, diced jalapenos, Doritos, spicy mayo, and sriracha with homemade salsa and tortilla chips.

Silver Coin Indian Grill’s Dinner for Two with onion methi, spinach pakora and naan bread for starters, followed by a choice of three entrees, a bottle of wine or two bottles of beer.

To see the special 2023 menus for the week, as well as check out all participating restaurants, go to HooverResturantWeek. com. Mark your calendar and make plans with family and friends to dine on a world of eats in Hoover’s streets during International Restaurant Week 2023!

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Ice cream is a good choice, no matter the temperature! We can’t wait to celebrate 2023 with you! 1021 Brock’s Gap Pkwy, Ste 105 (205) 444-8000
Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023 11 SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HOOVER! R e s t a u r a n t s | A c t i v i t i e s | S h o p p i n g E v e n t s | P a r k s | H o t e l s www.WelcometoHooverAlabama.com

One-Stop Shop For Family, Food, Fun

Enjoy Hoover brings your friends and family the ultimate multipurpose event space and restaurant experience right from the heart of Hoover—Dave & Buster’s!

Dave and Buster’s offers something for everyone, regardless of party size, special occasion or activity preference.

Activities for Everyone

During the cold winter months, we are all looking for creative ways to enjoy the season while staying warm. In Hoover, many weekly events and seasonal activities are held regardless of the weather conditions.

Luckily for your crew, Dave & Buster’s offers a large assortment of

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high-energy indoor sports activities and arcadestyle options. It’s like experiencing a climatecontrolled county fair anytime you like! You can enjoy:

• More than 180 game options.

• Special event spaces featuring special menu options.

• Team building activities and events.

• Virtual reality experiences.

• First responders and military discounts.

• TV sports.

• AND so much more!

Crowd favorites include a specialty dodgeball game for four players, Virtual Reality games—like Top Gun Maverick and Skee-Ball - innovative coin-pusher games featuring rapid-fire options and tons of other Dave & Buster’s games. Snap a photo in the on-site photo booth to make a lasting memory with friends or significant other.

Hosting Events and Activities

If you are looking for a fun, out-of-theordinary way to build unity while growing team communication, Dave & Buster’s can help! The crew at D&B will facilitate their favorite teambuilding activities, complete with object lessons

tailored to your team’s needs.

Have a special company event approaching?

Book a special event for a Dave & Buster’s dinner in a unique event space. The fine-dining options are sure to impress your event attendees as well. Their qualified staff can offer specific recommendations to make your special event fun-filled and memorable.

HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS

Faithful guests know D&B for tasty fried chicken and mouth-watering burgers. Although you can find your favorite fried fish, chicken tenders, fries and smokehouse ribs—there are healthier choices for customers looking to enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities while staying true to their health and fitness goals.

One of the crowd favorites is the famous Chimichurri Bowl. This gluten-free, vegan dish features grilled asparagus, roasted cauliflower, avocado, sweet peppers, lemon mint yogurt sauce, tomatoes, pickled red cabbage and chimichurri rice. Various salads and grilled options are available for those seeking health-minded meals.

Come and see why Dave & Buster’s has become a Hoover staple for all ages, appetites and party plans!

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7 Craveable Foods to Try

It’s easy to eat healthy in Hoover

It’s 5:00 p.m. on a weeknight.

Time to clock out of work, battle I-65 or Highway 280 commuter traffic, pick up kids from after-school care and begin the second shift: homework, sports, dance class. And yet somehow, dinner must be served.

I’ve been there – and it seems like an impossible feat. Of course, drive-thru is always

an option. But maybe it’s time for a healthier choice – one we can feel good about now without having “diner’s remorse” later.

Dr. Joseph Mitchell, director of hospitality and culinary management at Jefferson State Community College (Jeff State), validated that it can be really challenging to make healthy choices when dining out. He advises us to

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City Bowls at Brock’s Gap
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“seek plant-based foods, foods with minimum refinement that are not highly processed, and foods that have little or no added sugars, salts or fats. When choosing proteins that are not in the plant category, choose lean and chose fish when possible.”

He is sharing his wisdom by teaching a new generation of chefs how healthy food choices and food preparations impact society. Culinary Institute students at Jeff State are practicing healthy cooking techniques, developing healthy menus and learning to prepare foods that “combat diabetes, inflammation, obesity, heart disease and cancer,” said Mitchell.

Upon program completion, students will be able to apply what they learned to better serve a community seeking healthier foods.

Fortunately, our community boasts several healthier eats right here in Hoover:

The Joyful Food Co. in Bluff Park: Features gluten-free, naturally sweetened meals, baked goods and more that are free from artificial flavors and colors. Customer favorites include chicken pot pies, egg roll in-a-bowl meals, plus Swiss cake rolls, protein-packed monster cookies and muffins. Located at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza. Open Mon. – Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sun. from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Order online at thejoyfulfoodco.com

Clean Juice in Greystone: A certified, USDA organic juice and smoothie bar providing quick access to healthy eating. Customers love fresh juices, smoothies, protein smoothies, açaí bowls, avocado toast, organic, cold-pressed juice and juice cleanses. Located at 6215 Tattersall Boulevard. Open Mon. – Fri. from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sat. from 8 a.m. until

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Top left: Clean Juice in Greystone; Bottom left: Fit Five Meals in Riverchase and Multiple Locations; Top right: Hometown Fare in Ross Bridge; Bottom right: Ashley Mac’s in Inverness and Riverchase
16 Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023 LOCALLY MADE | LOCALLY SOURCED cutting boards | Charcuterie trays bathtub caddies | bed swings stovetop covers | tables | planters shelves | bookcases custom orders accepted facebook: @deogloriawoodworks Instagram: @deogloriawoodworks DEO GLORIA WOOD WORKS

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5 p.m. and Sun. from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Order online at cleanjuice.com.

CleanEatz at Brock’s Gap: Offers affordable clean menu options prepared without oil, butter or salt. Every ingredient is measured to the ounce, creating perfectly portioned, balanced and flavorful meals. Customers rave about the Build Your Own Bowls and the customizable meal planning service that does not require a subscription. Located at 1021 Brocks Gap Parkway. Open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Order online at cleaneatz.com.

City Bowls at Brock’s Gap: A food truck turned storefront serving up superfood smoothie bowls made with açaí berries, pitaya fruit or a spinach + fruit blend and topped with fresh fruit, granola, coconut flakes, chia seeds, honey drizzle, peanut butter and other nutrition-packed toppings. Customers keep coming back for the Powerhouse Bowl with added protein and the UAB-inspired Blazer Bowl. Located at 1031 Brocks Gap Parkway. Open Mon. – Sat. from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sun. from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. Order online at thecitybowls.com.

Fit Five Meals in Riverchase and Multiple Locations: A non-subscription meal service cooking up balanced, properly portioned meals using seasonal, minimally processed ingredients. Favorites like totchos (tater tot nachos), chicken burgers, protein pancakes and a healthier take on Grandma’s Meatloaf help customers stay on track with

calories, macros and more. Pre-order from weekly menus at fitfivemeals.com on Wed. for Mon. pick-up at multiple locations. Grab ‘N Go options are available from Elite Nutrition at 1841 Montgomery Highway.

Hometown Fare in Ross Bridge: Providing chef-inspired takeaway gourmet meals, a casual dine-in atmosphere, space for private gatherings and catering. The menu features fresh vegetables and nearly housemade everything, from stocks and soups to sauces and more – like the best-selling Autumn Grain Salad with farro, quinoa, roasted apples and sweet potatoes, arugula, goat cheese, spiced pecans and a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. Located on Main Street in Ross Bridge. Follow @HometownFareRB for current menus and operating hours.

Ashley Mac’s in Inverness and Riverchase: Fresh salads, sandwiches and homestyle meals that are “just a little bit better than your mom’s.” The café menu offers multiple gluten-free and vegetarian options, including customer favorites like the spinach and feta tart (v) and lemon rosemary chicken (gf). Open Mon. – Sat. from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Order online at ashleymacs.com.

And what does Dr. Mitchell recommend when dining out? “ Wild-caught Salmon with couscous, spinach, mushrooms and vegetables… and a good red wine which is healthy in moderation.”

To learn more about the Culinary Institute at Jefferson State Community College, go to jeffersonstate.edu/ programs/culinary-and-hospitality.

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Left: CleanEatz at Brock’s Gap; Right: The Joyful Food Co. in Bluff Park.

Get Healthy

in Hoover

The New Year is a time for new resolutions. A common resolution is to work out more or get into better shape. Whether you want to swim, walk, run or hike, there are many ways to do that right here in Hoover.

According to Director of Hoover Parks and Recreation Erin Colbaugh, Hoover has “a wide variety of programs throughout our city facilities.” She says there are 27 parks and public facilities that the city maintains.

The Hoover Rec Center is the city’s primary facility. Colbaugh says the facility “celebrated its 30th anniversary this past summer

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and has never raised its prices.” It has a 25-yard indoor pool and walking track. It has weight and cardio equipment, racquetball courts, a gymnasium and full locker rooms. There are a variety of classes, including yoga, cycling and aerobics. There is a nursery for ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. Hoover Rec also has a game room which includes a pool table, table tennis, board and video games.

Family and individual monthly or annual memberships are available to Hoover residents. There are senior and military discounts available, as well as discounts for Hoover city and school employees. Proof of residence is required. For more information about the Hoover

Rec Center, memberships and class schedules call 205-444-7703 or visit the website at hooveralabama.gov, click Parks and Rec and then click Rec Center.

To focus on fitness while keeping your finances in check, consider the free options Hoover has to offer. The Finley Center has a large indoor track available for city residents. Georgetown Park, Star Lake, Loch Haven Park and Riverchase’s Wildflower Park are just a few of the city’s parks with trails available for public use. Additionally, Chase Lake Park has fitness stations alongside its paved trail.

Located on Valleydale Road, Veterans Park has trails, volleyball courts and a one-acre fishing pond. Colbaugh says that

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Helping Hoover families enjoy pest-free outdoors since 1965. (205) 663-4200 vulcantermite.com Serving Jefferson & Shelby Counties

Hoover is “in the process of building an (outdoor) fitness court at Veterans Park” that should be available sometime after the first of the year. It will be free to use. The city received a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield and is splitting the rest of the project’s cost with Shelby County. She says the fitness court will have “a variety of stations – push, pull, lunge, squat – all the things needed for a total body workout.”

In addition to trails, Inverness Nature Park and Trails also has an 18-hole disc golf

course. Sertoma Park has four lighted tennis courts. Black Creek Park has five miles of natural terrain for mountain biking.

For nature lovers, Moss Rock Preserve offers nearly 350 acres of forest, rock formations, streams and waterfalls –including several rare species of plants. It has nearly 12 miles of hiking trails. And Moss Rock Preserve’s Boulder Field is available for rock climbing.

To learn more about the various parks in Hoover, visit the website at hooveralabama.gov and click Parks and Rec and then in the Menu, click Community and Neighborhood Parks.

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Hampton Inn boasts a modern new look

“Wow, this is so different.”

That’s the response Hina Patel often hears about the new look at the Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Hoover location. Patel, director of sales and marketing, said the hotel recently underwent a renovation that took it from classic New Orleans décor to a more modern style.

Patel said the hotel was a recipient of the City of Hoover’s Commercial Beautification Award three years in a row for its appealing exterior and outstanding landscaping. The hotel, conveniently located near restaurants like Jason’s Deli and Starbucks, has 102 guestrooms, 40 of which are studio suites. All guestrooms come with a microwave and a MicroFridge. This location also features a state-of-the-art fitness room, an indoor heated pool, free shuttle service and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet with specialty items for each season.

“One thing that is different about the Hampton Inn is there are no upcharges or resort fees for these features, which a lot of hotels charge,” Patel said. “We’re also one of the only hotels that allow catering from other places for meetings. The hotel does provide full-service catering for all meals, snacks and receptions, but it is optional so guests can either use our catering or bring in their own.”

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PHOTO PROVIDED BYHAMPTON INN & SUITES BIRMINGHAM-HOOVER-GALLERIA
Enjoy Hoover January/February 2023 23 Enjoying this magazine? So are thousands of other people in Hoover. Advertise in a publication owned and operated by Hoover residents. Contact us today, and let’s work together. Matthew Allen matthew@jbmcmedia.com (205) 617-9609 Michelle Haynes michelle@jbmcmedia.com (205) 381-1311

As part of the renovation, the hotel also has a newly redesigned and expanded 24-hour Suite Shop, and a small market that offers an array of delicious sweet treats and desserts.

“The great thing about the Suite Shop is we have a lot of teen travel here for sports, and when they come in late after a game, they want to be able to go grab a snack or something to drink,” Patel said.

Patel, who serves on the Hoover Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Committee, said she thinks 2023 will see more sports travel, especially for teenagers, as well as more weddings and social gatherings as people are becoming more comfortable with travel compared to the last couple of years and the beginning of Covid.

“January is important because holidays are a big time for proposals, so that’s when people start getting ready for engagement parties,” Patel said.

Patel said the complimentary shuttle service plays

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a huge role in events like these, providing guests with easy travel to wedding venues and the Riverchase Galleria.

Patel said the Hampton Inn & Suites is also a great place to stay for work. With 1,200 square feet of meeting space and a small meeting room, Patel said the location sees many repeat guests for corporate events and conferences.

“I think we will also see corporate travel become strong for 2023, with more companies having mandates to come back to the office,” Patel said.

Patel said the Hampton Inn & Suites stays very

busy, often with as many as 14 events in one week.

“The guests are always pleasantly surprised at what Hoover has to offer—the Finley Center, the Galleria, being near the interstate. It’s so convenient.”

With a staff of about 35 employees, Patel said everyone there is known for their friendliness, hospitality and making customers’ stay stress-free.

“Customers who stay here from other areas will often tell me that this is what people mean by Southern hospitality,” Patel said.

The Hampton Inn & Suites is located at 4520 Galleria Boulevard on Highway 150 in Hoover. For more information or to make reservations, call 205380-3300.

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Fun Way to Fitness

Anatole’s Bike Skate Surf Shop, on Highway 280, is a cross between BMX bike museum meets California surf shop. Here, you’ll find surfboards, skateboards, roller skates, snowboards, BMX bikes and one of the best selections of electric bikes in Alabama.

Greystone residents Daniel and Tami Manofsky opened this family-owned and operated store in 2021 to provide locals with fun options for getting outside and being active, from biking to boarding.

They enjoy providing BMX bikes for riders of all levels, from

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kids in the neighborhood to serious racers who frequent Oak Mountain State Park’s BMX racecourse.

Anatole’s electric bikes, also called e-bikes, are great for older leisure riders. The bikes have a small motor to give the rider the boost they need to make it up hills without stopping and offer rest when a rider needs a break from pedaling. Many riders enjoy using their e-bike to navigate the new bike paths found throughout Hoover.

For the newest riders, Anatole’s offers balance bikes. These are bikes without pedals to help young children learn to ride and gain a sense of independence.

Skateboarders will enjoy the wide variety of complete skateboards,

individual decks, longboards and roller skates. “We also carry skate trucks, wheels, bearings, risers, screws, rails, grip tape and anything else needed to repair or upgrade your board,” said Daniel.

Along with the bikes and boards, Anatole’s offers safety equipment, apparel and bike components. They provide full-service tuning and repair work. Daniel is the go-to person when it comes to fixing bikes, refurbishing vintage bikes, assembling bikes purchased at other retailers, and even servicing bikes at local races.

Anatole’s makes fun adventures and outings possible for the whole family, with something for every age. Shop in person at 5413 US Highway 280 in Hoover or online at anatolesbikeskatesurf.com.

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SOUTHERN VOICES

New York Times bestselling authors Kristin Harmel, Elin Hildebrand and Sarah Penner, along with several other renowned journalists and writers, will be the guests at this year’s annual Southern Voices conference.

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Southern Voices brings writers, musicians, artists and other creative performers to

the Hoover area and encourages dialogue regarding the relationship between Southern history and today’s Southern art and culture.

Southern Voices Chairperson Carrie Steinmehl said Southern Voices was started in 1993 by Linda Andrews, who was the Hoover Library director at the time, and the first guest was former First

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Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Steinmehl said past guests have included “Sean of the South” columnist Sean Dietrich, Pat Conroy, Ann Patchett, poet Billy Collins and Just Mercy author Bryan Stevenson.

“Southern Voices has a reputation for treating authors very well and showing Southern hospitality. We had a first-time author who said he couldn’t believe he got invited to Southern Voices. He was just glowing.”

The three-day conference will kick off on Friday, February 24 with keynote speaker Elin Hildebrand, author of 28 novels, including her latest, The Hotel Nantucket. The Authors Conference will take place Saturday, February 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with book sales and signings following.

Authors who will be presenting include:

Kristin Harmel: The author of more than a dozen bestselling novels including The Forest of Vanishing Stars and the cofounder and cohost of the popular web series Friends & Fiction.

Will Leitch: Contributing editor at New York Magazine and the founder of the late sports website Deadspin. He is the author of six books, including How Lucky, and his latest The Time Has Come.

Robin Peguero: Author of With Prejudice, Peguero is an attorney and a U.S. House investigative counsel working on domestic terrorism.

Sarah Penner: New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary, planned to be a drama series on Fox.

Ben Raines: Environmental journalist who discovered the Clotilda, the last ship carrying enslaved Africans to arrive in the United States.

Vanessa Riley: Award-winning author known for her powerful depictions of multicultural communities.

Ashley Winstead: A novelist with a doctorate in American literature who writes thrillers, romantic comedies and “upmarket fiction centering on strong women.”

Davis said the audience, partly made up of aspiring writers and authors, really likes to hear from authors about how they got their ideas, how they found a publisher and how they dealt with rejection. Davis said the program often opens people up to reading new authors and genres they might not have otherwise considered.

“I’ve read many authors I would not have read if I had not heard them speak,” Davis said.

Steinmehl said this year’s presentation feels extra special because more people are expressing interest in coming to public events compared to the last two years.

“In 2021 we didn’t have a show because of Covid. Last year we didn’t sell out but we had a pretty good crowd, so this year we’re very hopeful that it will be sold out,” Steinmehl said.

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COMMUNITY-WIDE EVENTS

January 21, 2-6 pm: Alabama Tamil Sangam Pongal celebration, held at Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, 1730 Lake Cyrus Club Drive. This annual event is a celebration of traditional Indian Tamal customs and traditions. The ATS is a community of 90 families with a common love for Tamil culture, language, food, and heritage! With beginnings in the 90’s the community grew to be registered as a non profit organization in 2011.

January 22, noon-4 pm: Community Mental Health Day, the Finley Center, 100 Ben Chapman Drive. The city hosts its first-ever community health day, with information and services including (but not limited to) free mental health consults, free health screenings, nutrition, social work, mental health therapy, exercise, and more. For more information, call (205) 739-7448.

February 12, 9 am-5 pm, and February 13, 10 am-4 pm: CASC Gun Show, Finley Center, 100 Ben Chapman Drive. One of the state’s largest gun shows, hosted by the Collectors and Shooters Company. $10 Adults/ Kids under 12-Free. Tickets Purchased at Door each day. Call (334) 322-8818 or email cascgunshows@ gmail.com for more information.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ALABAMA TAMIL SANGAM

February 16, 3-8 pm, February 17, 9 am-5 pm, and February 18, 9 am-4 pm: Vintage Market Days, Finley Center, 100 Ben Chapman Drive. Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. The Market is a three day event and is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in different venues. Buy tickets online at vintagemarketdays.com. VIP shopping is February 16, 3-8pm.

February 17-26: Hoover International Restaurant Week. International restaurants all across Hoover join in this annual event to highlight the diversity of our city’s restaurant scene. Visit hooverrestaurantweek.com for more information on participating restaurants.

February 22, 2-7 pm: American Cross blood drive, Finley Center, 100 Ben Chapman Drive.

February 21-25: Southern Voices literary festival, Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Drive. One of the South’s premier literary festivals is back with a lineup of writers including Elin Hilderbrand, Kristin Harmel, Will Leitch, and many more. Visit hooverlibrary.org/sv for more information including how to buy tickets.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF VINTAGE MARKET DAYS PHOTO COURTESY OF HOOVER INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT WEEK

health story

L et’ s learn about yourstogethe

Your DNA tells a story. It can show where your ancestors came from, why your hair is curly or straight, and even whether you like the taste of cilantro. Did you know it also contains clues to why cer tain health conditions might run in your family? There’s a lot that your DNA can tell you, but there’s so much more to learn. Take part in the All of Us Research Program to help researchers answer impor tant health questions. You can also choose to learn more about your own DNA .

(833) JOIN-UAB allofus.uabmedicine.org allofus@uabmc.edu Be a par t of health research that includes you.
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