Enjoy Hoover - May/June 2023

Page 1

Fresh Farm THE BEST America Farmers markets abound in Hoover PAGE 25 MAY/JUNE 2023 COLLEGE BASEBALL IN SEC Tournament Returns PAGE 6 TEE IT UP Regions Tradition brings major golf to Hoover PAGE 10
2 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 Cheesy, Hoover! (205) 438-6011 2503 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover Follow Us! @iheartmacandcheese_hoover Stay Grove Blvd Across from Target (205) 968-1408 farrellyskitchen.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.

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 3
(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.

EDITOR’S NOTE

May is the start of an exciting season around here – and I am thrilled to be part of it! My name is Kim Cripps, and I am the new editor of Enjoy Hoover.

My family and I moved to Hoover from a neighboring city four years ago. We already spent most of our free time here, so putting down permanent roots made sense. The city continues to grow and change a little more each year, but what remains constant is the sense of community that transcends zip codes. Just as schools begin summer break, Regions Tradition (page 8) and the SEC Baseball Tournament (page 6) will usher in thousands of visitors. Our team has compiled an outstanding guide of where to eat, play and shop to make the most of your Hoover vacation or staycation. Need a table for a sports team or family reunion? Mitzi Eaker gives her restaurant recommendations. (page 14). Left your sunhat at home? Carmen Brown has tips on where to find a new one. (page 22).

But perhaps the best advice of all is where and when to find fresh strawberries at your local farmers market. (page 25)

No matter where your summer adventures take you, we hope you find time to enjoy Hoover. You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Reading,

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 worldclass 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

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

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

ABOUT THE COVER

The SEC Baseball Tournament returns to the Hoover Met for the 26th consecutive year in 2023. The photo on the cover, from the 2022 tournament, was taken by Lance Shores with the City of Hoover.

4 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 5 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.

The Best in BASEBALL

From May 23-28, Hoover is home to the top collegiate baseball teams in the country.

Take me out to the ball game has a new meaning when the ball game is a showcase of the best college baseball has to offer.

On May 23, Hoover will welcome players, coaches, media and baseball fans of all ages for the annual SEC Baseball Championship. Held at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex for the

last 23 years, the tournament showcases the top college baseball teams competing for first place in the SEC, the strongest conference in collegiate baseball.

Fourteen teams make up the Southeastern Conference, including the Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

6 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 FEATURE
PHOTOS BY LANCE SHORES/CITY OF HOOVER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Mississippi State Bulldogs, Missouri Tigers, South Caroline Gamecocks, Tennessee Volunteers, Texas A&M Aggies and the Vanderbilt Commodores. The teams play against each other all season, but only the top 12 advance to compete for the championship title.

Throughout the week, the teams play a total

of 17 games. Opening Day features teams ranked 5-12 playing in a single elimination format, followed by double elimination on Wednesday – Friday, and returning to single elimination on Saturday. On Sunday, the tournament’s final day, the top two teams face off in the championship game.

Around 150,000 come to Hoover each year

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 7
FEATURE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

to watch the tournament and be part of sports history in the making – and for a good reason. Iconic, can’t-miss moments are hallmarks of the tournament. Consider when Florida unexpectedly came back to beat LSU in 2014. Or when Arkansas brought home their first SEC tournament title in 2021. In the words of the late Hank Aaron, “You may not think you’re going to make it. You may want to quit. But if you keep your eye on the ball, you can accomplish anything.”

The teams and their fans bring plenty of enthusiasm and spirit, but they also have a significant economic impact on Hoover. According to the Greater Birmingham

Convention and Visitors Bureau, the tournament generated a total economic impact of around $15 million through lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment in 2019.

Baseball fans will also the free SEC FanFest. FanFest is open to the public and boasts many activities kids will enjoy. It is located in the Finley Center, next to the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.

Ready to plan your baseball adventure? SEC Baseball Tournament tickets are available at www.SECticketoffice.com or by calling 1-800732-4849. Single-session tickets go on sale May 21 at 9:00 a.m. CST.

Can’t make it to the stadium? The SEC Tournament and CHamoonship Game will air on ESPN2.

8 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
FEATURE
Helping Hoover families enjoy pest-free outdoors since 1965. (205) 663-4200 vulcantermite.com Serving Jefferson & Shelby Counties

The Derby Days of Golf

Enjoy with family, friends at Regions Traditions, May 10-14

Regions Tradition has quite the legacy in Alabama.

The Bruno Supermarket family of Alabama started the golf tournament as the Bruno’s Classic. The first tournament was held at Greystone in 1992, back before there was a neighborhood and even before Greystone had

an actual clubhouse.

Just days after the first tournament was announced, tragedy struck the Bruno family. Nine people, including several top executives and the Bruno brothers Angelo and Lee, were killed when their corporate jet crashed. The first tournament was renamed to the Bruno’s Memorial Classic to memorialize the people who had lost their lives.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

10 Enjoy Hoover May/June
FEATURE
2023
City of Hoover staff enjoy the Regions Tradition.
Ice cream and springtime just go together. Warm weather is here, and your favorite flavor of ice cream is calling! 1021 Brock’s Gap Pkwy Ste 105 (205) 444-8000

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Both the tournament and Bruno’s businesses have morphed over the years. Still, the core values of the tournament remain to provide the best care for the players, players’ families, sponsors, volunteers, media members and spectators.

Gene Hallman, the original tournament director and owner of Eventive Sports, formerly the Bruno Event Team, built one of the bestattended and longest-standing golf tournaments by creating a culture of taking “good care of the people.”

Regions took over as the title sponsor in 2006. It became a major championship in 2011. The event was played for five years at both Ross

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

12 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
Nick Saban participates in the Regions Tradition.
FEATURE
Local fans meet Charles Barkley at the celebrity pro-am.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

Bridge and Shoal Creek before returning to Greystone in 2016.

Today, the Regions Tradition is still known for supporting local charities and annually gives to Children’s of Alabama and many more Alabama 501-c3s through Birdies for Charity which matches funds dollar for dollar that the non-profits raise. The tournament has provided more than $22,000,000 to various charities in Alabama.

Gene Hallman’s vision behind the ProAm, where celebrity guests play the first day of the tournament with professional golfers, has proved very successful for the golfers and the fans. It is like Derby Day at Greystone when parents and students skip work and school for a day of fun at the course interacting with professional golfers and celebrities.

Tournament Director George Shaw said,

“This year’s tournament which will be May 1014, promises to be one of the best ones yet. As our favorite golfers will be returning along with a star-studded group of celebrities, including Condoleezza Rice, Randy Owens, Riley Green, Trent Dilfer, Hugh Freeze, Kirby Smart, Nate Oats, Charles Barkley, Paul Finebaum, Bo Jackson, Dale Murphy and many more.”

This year promises more diversity in concessions as there will be several local food trucks and with the full return of the Watering Hole on the 10th hole. Also, check out EnjoyHoover.com to see what band will be performing at the Saturday night concert which is included with the regular ticket price.

Shaw shared they just signed a long-term agreement for the Regions Tradition, the PGA TOUR, and Greystone through 2032.

Tickets can be purchased at www. regionstradition.com. Kids 18 and under are free.

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 13 1817 MONTGOMERY HIGHWAY S HOOVER STEAKNSHAKE.COM WE DELIVER WITH OPEN SUN-THURS 10 AM - 11 PM FRI & SAT 10 AM - 2 AM
FEATURE

A table for 10, please?

Where to Eat When the Team Gets Hungry

The Eaker family has spent many a meal with 40-plus players, parents, and siblings that make up our baseball team family. We usually need many tables to sit our group of 40+ people. One baseball team and its entourage can quickly overtake a restaurant and overwhelm its serving and cooking staff.

A few sit-down restaurants in Hoover are better suited than others to feed large groups of teams, families or friends. Here are a few of our

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 X
Hoover High School cheerleaders enjoy a team meal at Walk-Ons.
EAT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

favorite options around Hoover. Remember, it is best to call ahead to ensure the restaurant is prepared to handle your needs.

BROCK’S GAP/ TRACE CROSSINGS

Walk-On’s Restaurant and Sports Bistreaux is a family-friendly sports bar with many TVs. They have two locations, one at Tattersall Park off HWY 280 and the second location at Stadium Trace Village off HWY 150. Both sites are top-rated during lunch and dinner, so call ahead. There are a few larger tables outside for group seating. The food is delicious!

Another restaurant across the street from Walk-On’s at Stadium Trace is Big Whiskey. It is another sports bar restaurant that serves excellent food with space for large groups.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 15
EAT

HIGHWAY 280

If you are hungry for Greek, The Fish Market is a wonderful place to gather for groups of 10 or more. Hoover residents love to celebrate special occasions here with family and friends. The Fish Market on Highway 280 has a private dining area that can be reserved ahead of time for big parties. They have fresh seafood, beef and chicken entrees.

An all-new pizza restaurant called Capellas Pizzeria that opened up at the end of the year in Hoover quickly became a Highway 280 favorite. The atmosphere is super casual, with picnic tables. It truly is an immersive experience in the culture of Italy. The pizza is delicious and the gelato and homemade Italian desserts are excellent. They can seat many people.

HIGHWAY 31/ LORNA ROAD

If you need to feed a large group quickly, Hoover has many fast-food options and two buffet restaurants- Golden Corral Buffet and Grill and Chow Town (Chinese food). In addition, The Riverchase Galleria Food Court is a good choice for one large seating space with many options.

Please share your favorite places to eat in Hoover that can accommodate large groups at www.enjoyhoover.com.

services provided are: 3057 Lorna Rd, Suite 103 Hoover Call us to make your appointment today!

Cryoskin Laser Treatments Cellulite Body Treatments Emsculpt Slimming and Toning Treatments

We are partnered with TriLift which is the first treatment on the market to use Dynamic Muscle Stimulation in combination with radio frequency technology to tone muscles, reduce wrinkles, and smooth the surface of the skin

16 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 EAT
Other
We offer preoperative and postoperative massages using manual lymphatic drainage and other techniques 205-953-2416
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Play Ball

America’s pasttime has deep roots in Hoover

“We’ll be at the ballpark this weekend!” It’s a common refrain for parents in Hoover, Ala. when their sons and daughters are old enough to hit a baseball off a back-yard tee.

I should know. T-ball is quickly coming onto our family’s radar. After all, at four years old, my son has an arm like nothing you’ve ever seen. I should add that, in southern sports, parent embellishment is par for the course.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 17
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HOOVER METROPOLITAN COMPLEX X
PLAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

We’re in the right place because Hoover, the state’s largest suburban city, is also a sports destination. The city is well-equipped to accommodate the demand for local teams and regional and national competitions.

The Hoover Metropolitan Complex (Hoover Met), home of the annual SEC Baseball Tournament, offers six state-of-theart regulation-sized baseball fields that convert into eight synthetic turf softball fields. The city also boasts numerous community ballparks to accommodate the demand of baseball leagues and competitions. One year brings 1,550 youth, high school and collegiate baseball and softball teams to Hoover and the Greater Birmingham area for games and tournaments.

The city also has a multiyear contract with Perfect Game, a nationwide third-party organization that manages baseball tournaments and player showcases. This contract enables the Hoover Met to conduct

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

18 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
PLAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

competitive youth and high school baseball tournaments for 31 weekends each year.

Shannon James Ealy, general manager of the complex, credits the Hoover Met’s environment for attracting baseball and softball enthusiasts year after year. “Baseball and softball at the Hoover Met Complex provide a family-friendly atmosphere that drives individuals into Hoover hotels and restaurants,” says Ealy. “Hosting marquee events such as the SEC Baseball Tournament [May 23-28] enhances our reputation and culture related to baseball and softball.”

Hoover’s southern hospitality has paid off quite literally. The SEC Baseball Tournament, which the city has hosted since 1998, generates an annual economic impact that exceeds $15 million. Additionally, regional and national events at the Hoover Met created $55 million of economic impact during the city’s 2022

fiscal year from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022.

In addition to the economic impact and parental bragging rights, Ealy reminds us of some of the most meaningful aspects of youth sports. “Youth baseball and softball provide opportunities to participate, compete and take away valuable life lessons while bringing families together for quality time,” he says. And these priceless benefits will remain with the players long after the last pitch is thrown.

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 19 PLAY

Spreading JOYful Team Spirit

An interview with JOYful Owner and Founder Chandra Harvey

Chandra Harvey opened her Hoover-owned small business in 2020 to bring joy to local student-athletes and their fans through print-on-demand merchandise. We sat down with Chandra to learn how she has shaken up the spirit wear scene for local schools, sports teams, parks, dance studios, events and small businesses.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

20 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 x
MAKER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Enjoy Hoover: What inspired you to start your business?

Chandra: There were simply not many local options to get spirit wear, and we thought families like ours would be thrilled to have an easy way to get the apparel we all love. And along came JOYful.

EH: What types of spirit gear do you offer?

Chandra: JOYful provides lots of merchandise and apparel options, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, water bottles and so much more. We have access to an endless list of merchandise [that we can customize] to meet our customers’ various needs.

EH: What makes JOYful stand out from the competition?

Chandra: The most innovative part of our business is that each item is printed to order and shipped directly to the customer by our printers. This makes merchandise available 24/7, 365 and allows us to offer lots of options. Because of our innovative model, we host custom online stores for many partners and eliminate costly bulk orders because of our print-on-demand model.

EH: What JOYful products are customer favorites?

Chandra: Our best sellers are custom school spirit tees and cropped sweatshirts for Hoover, trucker hats and hoodies. In March, we became a licensed vendor for Vestavia City Schools and are excited to expand our merchandise for their schools and teams.

EH: What’s next for JOYful?

Chandra: We have officially launched fundraising pages that help teams and schools grow their programs with easy, hassle-free options. Our no-minimum approach continues to be perfect for small businesses, dance studios and events. So, we now have a service dedicated specifically to that. Our website’s custom store and fundraiser pages share all the details.

Ready to showcase your team spirit? JOYful’s most popular products are available at Forte Dance Essentials. The complete collection of ready-made gear can be found online at www. joyfulbyharvey.com. To start designing your custom order for a team, activity, business or event, contact info@joyfulbyharvey.com.

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 21
MAKER

Get Geared Up for Summer Fun

Time to get geared up for getting outside

There are few things more certain than an Alabama summer. We know with certainty it will be hot and humid. It will rain nearly every afternoon. And there will be bugs. Thankfully, two locally owned retailers – Alabama Outdoors and Mountain High Outfitters – can help us get ready to tackle a southern summer head on and create memories of enjoyable outdoor fun.

MOUNTAIN HIGH OUTFITTERS, RIVERCHASE GALLERIA

Mountain High Outfitters is a one-stop shop offering topquality apparel and gear for outdoor summer adventures. You’ll find clothing and supplies for backpacking, camping,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

22 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 SHOP
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE FERGUSON

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

mountain climbing, hiking, biking, yoga, waterskiing, trail running, and lake or beach trips here.

While Mountain High Outfitters currently has 20 locations nationwide, founder and CEO Christopher Groom said the Riverchase Galleria location is unique—one being that it is the oldest of all the stores.

“I was able to acquire the location from a former retailer and eventually change the name and the overall concept in 1999 to what we see today at MHO,” Groom said. “The Galleria location is also special because it caters to the everyday adventurer or if anyone wants to climb a mountain or go on a safari.”

Groom added that MHO is always sourcing new, fun and fresh things for guests to experience.

“With the school year coming to a close and summer fast approaching, MHO has everything one needs for the beach, the lake or the summer excursions in the mountains,” he said. “We have some unique gifts for graduation and especially for Mother’s Day and can be your one-stop giftfinding retailer.”

Community involvement has always been a key part of the brand and Groom said local residents and visitors can look forward to many summer activities. “The future looks bright for events and opportunities at Oak Mountain State Park close to Hoover,” he

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 23
SHOP
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS GROOM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

shared. “We will host trail running, hiking and paddle board demos in June, July and August.”

To stay up-to-date on new arrivals, sales and special events, follow @mhoutfitters on Facebook and Instagram.

ALABAMA OUTDOORS, INVERNESS

The Alabama Outdoors Inverness location is celebrating its eleventh year of business in the Hoover community.

CEO and President Scott McCrory said his team are committed to curating the best in outdoor and lifestyle clothing, shoes and gear. “The brands, styles and quality of our products are unmatched for those living the outdoor life.”

Alabama Outdoors spring and summer selections include special Mother’s Day offers

on Hoka, On (Swiss performance running shoes), Vuori, FP Movement and Free Fly. Shoppers can also find anything they need to make their summer vacation a success. In Alabama, this means swimsuits, raincoats, bug spray, sunscreen and large water bottles for hot days!

Even with their wide selection of apparel and accessories, McCrory said it’s the staff that makes all the difference.

“The level of care and concern they show for our customers and each other is extraordinary,” he said. “ They are deeply committed to creating a wonderful experience for each customer.”

Follow @AlabamaOutdoorsInverness on Facebook for the latest information on their Tuesday Night Trails hiking series, merchandise and special events.

24 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
SHOP
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS GROOM

Brock’s Gap Farmer’s Market features fresh produce, crafts and treats like handmade candy apples.

From Farm to Your Table

THE FARMERS MARKET AT BROCK’S GAP

Chilton County peaches. Sweet tomatoes. Fresh honey. Homemade pepper jelly. Roasted peanuts. These are just a few offerings at the new “little market that could,” The Farmers Market at Brock’s Gap. Having just opened in March, co-founder Regina Evans said the response has been “insane.” Her inspiration? Her mom.

“My mother loved visiting Pepper Place and the quality of what it brings to the community,” Evans said. “I was inspired by it and had been going there for 22 years.”

When she lost her mother to cancer ten years ago, Evans wanted to honor her by starting a market in Hueytown. She did this in 2017, and in March of this year, she branched out to Hoover with co-founder Jena Large.

Hamm Farms, Pierce Farms, Cox Cattle & Produce, Youngblood Ranch and Greathouse Made are just a few of the vendors represented, as well as the creations of local woodworker Matthew Allen. Evans said some of the more unique items include Wagyu, a Japanese breed of beef cattle

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 25
ENTERTAINMENT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

and adaptogenic mushrooms that reportedly have medicinal and healing benefits. Evans said she wants to emphasize that all of their farmers must have an Alabama Growers permit and everything they sell must be made in Alabama.

“We take a lot of pride in our vendors, beekeepers, farmers, everybody. The variety and depth of what we have to offer is extensive.”

The Farmers Market at Brock Gap is open rain or shine every Saturday from 8: 00 am to 1:00 p.m.

ROSS BRIDGE FARMERS MARKET

The Ross Bridge Farmers Market is known for its many themed events, from luaus and fundraisers to Mardi Gras Market and Strawberry Day.

“We like to put on a theme to help our farmers out a little bit,” said Market Manager Ellie Vandyke. “This past year we had a berry day where the kids dressed up like little raspberries and blueberries. When we had the luau, we had a limbo stick and a little water sprinkler for the kids to run through.”

Upcoming themes include the Summer Kick-Off on May 12 and the Flower Market on May 26.

“We’re planning on having a Wild Honey Flower Truck, where the first 150 people that come get a little flower as a thank you for coming,” Vandyke said.

Hamm Farms, C&J Farms and Chaffin Farms are regular vendors, along with four food trucks and a free dessert truck. Live music by local jazz, country or pop performers rounds out the atmosphere.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

26 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
ENTERTAINMENT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

The Ross Bridge Farmers Market is open May 12-July 28 on Fridays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

THE FARMERS MARKET AT LEE BRANCH

The Marketplace at Lee Branch opened in 2016 after founders Mike and Renee Betz started following a more healthconscious diet while she was battling cancer. Today, Market Manager Helen Ryan, naturopath and owner of the Ryan Clinic, strives to bring the latest in organic, farm-fresh food.

“Food is part of the medicinal approach that people need to live healthily,” Ryan said. “We sell microgreens that have a lot of good phytonutrients. They have a little bit of a different taste, but they’re nutrient dense.”

Vendors include Penton Farms, Evans Meats, Sweet Gum Farm and local honey producers. The Lee Branch market features local artisans, craft makers and activities for youth, including the North Shelby 4H. The North Shelby Humane Society will also provide a free clinic where visitors can bring their pets to get vaccinated.

The Marketplace at Lee Branch kicks off May 6 and will be open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., rain or shine.

The path to mending her heart began

Dajialyn was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and at 3 months old was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant. When her foster parents got the call to care for her, they never hesitated – and in July 2021, they received the call with the news she would get her new heart. Within hours she was at Children’s of Alabama in surgery. Her transplant was a success, and Dajialyn is walking, talking and doing all the things that keep parents of any toddler on their toes.

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 27
Learn more at ChildrensAL.org/heart
CV-0009_Heart_Month-Dajialyn_Hoover-JBMC-Media_4.75x3.7-PROD.indd 1 1/16/23 8:00 AM ENTERTAINMENT
Dajialyn Heart Transplant Survivor

Miss Hoover on a Mission

Mary-Coker Green, Miss Hoover 2023, help others heal from trauma

and you can help

We will all experience a moment when everything changes. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, divorce, illness, or an accident, the reality is that almost everyone will experience trauma. It can debilitate us and emotionally drain us. But trauma also has the power to connect us.

With May designated National Trauma Survivors Month, I want to share my personal story and my mission to help others recover from trauma.

THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

My moment happened on October 25, 2020, during my senior year of high school. While driving home from a church event, I topped a hill and was met with the headlights of an oncoming car in my lane. At 17, I was in a traumatic head-on collision with a man I’d never met.

For the next several hours, the evening was an unfolding of sirens and lights, police officers and paramedics. Before I was taken to the ER to be checked for physical injury, I learned the man who hit me had died. This moment dropped a GPS pin in the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

28 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
CULTURE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

navigational system of my existence. My life was never quite the same.

A MISSION IS BORN

Thrown into a world of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I experienced anxiety, depression, survivor’s guilt and many other challenging emotions. I spent time in therapy with a licensed counselor, and over time, my heart filled with a desire to serve those going through similar situations. So I created an organization called Flip the Switch: A Mental Wellness Campaign.

Flip the Switch challenges the stigma surrounding mental health and emotional well-being, educates individuals on healthy mental and emotional habits, engages others in the conversation around mental wellness and cultivates community. In chasing this mission, I published a children’s book, raised $26,500, invested 6,500+ hours, and reached over 10 million people. But I don’t want it to stop there, and here’s where you can.

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP

Throughout May, I am partnering with Hoover businesses for benefit nights. You will see me about town with the Hoover Fire Department, growing awareness and support for those dealing with the after-effects of trauma. Be sure to scan the QR code for my calendar of events. Stop by to learn how you can provide resource kits to local trauma survivors.

The path to a mentally and emotionally healthy is a journey with ups and downs. We can walk alongside others on their journey to help heal the small portion of hurting we can.

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 29
CULTURE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARY-COKER GREEN

Hoover is home to hundreds of events every week! Each month our team selects some of the best to share with you here. Enjoy!

MAY

May 6, 8:00 a.m: Lee Branch Farmer’s Market; Held weekly on Saturdays until noon

May 6, 8:00 a.m: Brock’s Gap Farmers Market; Held weekly on Saturdays until 1:00 p.m. at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

May 6, 8:30 a.m: Nordic Walking Class at Aldridge Gardens (aldridgegardens.com)

May 10-14: Regions Tradition PGA Golf Tournament at Greystone Country Club (regionstradition.com)

May 12, 4:00 p.m: Ross Bridge Farmer’s; Held weekly on Fridays until 8 - 00 p.m.

May 12, 7:00 p.m: Bob Dylan Tribute Show at Wild Roast Café (wildroastcafe.com)

May 14, 2:00 p.m: Mother’s Day Tribute to Frankie Beverly Featuring Dee Bradley at Perfect Note (perfectnotelive.com)

May 15: Splash Pad Opens at the Hoover Met Complex Explore Playground (hoovermetcomplex.com)

May 16, 1:00 p.m: Native Americans of Jefferson County Presented by the Hoover Historical Society and the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission at the Hoover Public Library (hooverhistoricalsociety. org)

May 20, 8:30 a.m: Hydrangea Propagation Workshop at Aldridge Gardens (aldridgegardens.com)

May 20, 10:00 am - Big and Little Chef Cooking Class featuring Ball Park Treats at Publix Aprons Cooking School at Tattersall Park (apronscookingschool.publix.com)

30 Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023
CALENDAR

May 20, 7:00 p.m: Marth Groves Perry at Wild Roast Café (wildroastcafe.com)

May 22-28 - SEC Baseball Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium (hoovermetcomplex.com)

May 26, 1:00–4:00 p.m: Summer Reading Kickoff at Hoover Public Library (hooverlibrary.org)

JUNE

June 2, 4:00 p.m: Ross Bridge Farmer’s; Held weekly on Fridays until 8 - 00 p.m.

June 3, 8:00 a.m: Lee Branch Farmer’s Market; Held weekly on Saturdays until noon

June 3, 8:00 a.m: Brock’s Gap Farmers Market; Held weekly on Saturdays until 1 - 00 p.m. at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company

June 6-8, Multiple Times - Lucky Diaz presents awardwinning indie pop-rock for families at the Hoover Public Library (hooverlibrary.org)

June 11, 2:00 p.m. - Nordica Walking Practice at Aldridge Gardens (aldridgegardens.com)

June 17, 2:00 p.m: Magic City Book Ball at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel (magiccitybookball.wixsite.com)

June 17, 6:30 p.m: Father’s Day Grilling Dinner Demonstration at Publix Aprons Cooking School at Tattersall Park (apronscookingschool.publix.com)

June 21, 7:30 p.m: Alabama Veteran Presents Bobby Henline at the Stardome Comedy Club (stardome.com)

Do you have an upcoming event? Share it with us via email at matthew@ jbmcmedia.com!

Enjoy Hoover May/June 2023 31
CALENDAR
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY TO TREAT YOURSELF OPEN DAILY (205) 402-8126 VIllage at brock’s gap 1031 brock’s gap pkwy hoover
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.