Gardendale Magazine - June 2025 by JBMC Media

Father and son serve on GPD staff

PAGE 14

Magnolia Festival highlights

PAGE 10 PAGE 18 Harmony Shepherd off to a fast start on the pageantry scene

JUSTICE IN THE HEART OF GARDENDALE: Inside the Gardendale Municipal Court

Tucked within the quiet streets of northern Jefferson County, the Gardendale Municipal Court may not boast towering columns or dramatic trials, but it plays a vital role in shaping the everyday lives of its citizens. Serving as the judicial arm of this close-knit Alabama community, the court embodies the balance of accountability, fairness and local governance.

For many Gardendale residents, the court is the ﬁrst- and sometimes only- encounter with the judicial system. From traffic citations and misdemeanor offenses to code enforcement and city ordinances cases, the court handles matters that are often dismissed as minor but are anything but trivial for those involved.

Judge Kenneth Gomany, a ﬁxture in Gardendale’s legal community, has presided over the court for years with a reputation for even-handedness and compassion.

Our goal is to ensure that justice is not just administered but understood. We want people to leave our courtroom with a sense of fairness, not fear.

The court operates normally on the ﬁrst and third Thursdays. The Courthouse itself is housed within the Public Safety Building, sharing space with the Police Department and various other businesses.

Magistrate Supervisor Kim Moody is often the ﬁrst face people see when entering, along with Magistrate Marci Lewis and Jaida Pena. “People come in nervous, but we’re here to help them understand and with a smiling face.”

Gardendale Municipal Court has also embraced modern tools to access online ticket payment systems, drop box payments, and many other options have helped the court maintain efficient and accessible- an important shift following the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Defensive driving courses and Deferred programs are available, especially for ﬁrst- time offenders. It’s part of what the court sees as a restorative approach- focusing on long- term beneﬁts for the individual and the community.

For a city like Gardendale where community identity runs deep, the municipal court is much more than a place of rulings-it's a symbol of the city's commitment to justice with a human touch.

As the city continues to grow, so does the responsibility of its court. But with a dedicated team, a forward- thinking philosophy, and a true connection to its people, Gardendale Municipal Court is well positioned to serve as a model for what local justice should look like-accessible, equitable and deeply rooted in community values.

/ Table of Contents /

Isn’t She Lovely: Harmony Shepherd collects crowns in her first pageant season

10/ 30/

Ice Cream

14/ 33/

COVER: Family in Blue: Father and son serve the city as officers Business News

18/ 34/ 28/ 40/

Photos: Magnolia Festival in pictures School News

Fundraiser: Strike Out Cancer raises record amount for cancer research News from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby

Recipe: No-Churn Peanut

Since Father’s Day falls in June, we wanted a strong story about a father and son and Police Chief Scott Banks had just the story. Detective Sergeant Brian Odom and his son, Officer Nick Odom are both police officers who love their city and work hard every day for the citizens in the city. They were a lot of fun to work with, and I hope you enjoy reading about them.

We also have photos from the Magnolia Festival in this issue. Although we have always been sponsors of the festival, this was the first year we had a booth. We appreciate everyone who stopped by to tell us how much they enjoy the magazine or give us story ideas and we hope you enjoyed the festival.

I also got to chat with Harmony Shepherd, who recently started competing in pageants and has had incredible success already. As beautiful as Harmony is, the thing that is so striking about her is how composed, intelligent and well-spoken she is. I don’t think this will be the last time I interview Harmony or the last time you hear her name.

We are already reaching out and scheduling stories from some of the tips you gave us, so be looking for those.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

MEDICARE MADE EASY

/ About Us / On The Cover

Who We Are

Gardendale Magazine is published monthly by JBMC Media, a Birmingham-based publishing company. The magazine is available at more than 100 locations throughout Gardendale, free of charge, and is supported by the advertisers within the pages of this magazine. Subscriptions by mail area also available for $40 per year. Visit jbmcmedia.com/magazinesubscriptions to start your subscription.

Gardendale Magazine is 100% local; the stories and photos are all about the city of Gardendale, its residents, its businesses, its schools, and its cultural institutions. It’s our promise to you that we will always keep it this way, so that the content and stories are relevant to everyone who calls Gardendale home.

About the Cover

Staff

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

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director (205) 613-7850 | rachel@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Salem Haynes, Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Amy Phillips, Marketing Consultant (205) 515-2564 | amy@jbmcmedia.com

Anthony Bratina, Cover Designer

Shweta Bratina, Graphic Designer

Emily VanderMey Listo , Operations & Project Manager , Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com

PROUD MEMBER

PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY Brian and Nick Odom are a father and son who both serve the City of Gardendale as officers.

• Microblading

• Lash Extensions

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Carla Heron, Owner

QUEEN on the rise

Harmony Shepherd burst onto the pageant scene

STORY AND

BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR

Just this past year, Harmony Shepherd decided to try her hand at pageants and her friends and mom encouraged her. She already had a platform she was passionate about and was an accomplished dancer, so it was no surprise to those around her when she immediately generated attention.

In fact, in her first season, she captured three titles already, being crowned Ms. Reflections 2025 at Bragg Middle School, Junior Miss North Jefferson Area and Queen of Hearts for the American Heart Association.

“I’ve always loved competition,” Shepherd explained. And I love getting dressed up–makeup, hair, heels.”

Although, she confesses that sometimes it can be frustrating to deal with all the time it takes to get glam. Sitting still does come naturally to her, as she excels in classes, dances competitively at Beverly’s in Gardendale, volunteers at the Gardendale First Baptist nursery and recently made the high school dance team for next year.

As expected, Shepherd showcases her dance skills on the pageant stages as well, although the style can vary.

“I really love contemporary, because I can really express my feelings and show that in my movements,” Shepherd explained. “And I really love tap because of the different ways and moves there are.”

Her community platform is also something she’s passionate about–awareness and early detection of cancer. Shepherd explained she had seen first-hand the consequences of finding out someone has cancer too late. Just weeks before the interview, she lost her beloved uncle to cancer.

// Continued on Page 12 //

PHOTOS

// Continued from Page 11 //

“We were really close and once they found it, he was already stage 4 and there was nothing they could do,” Shepherd said.

In addition to all her extra-curricular activities, Shepherd is also a good student, and while it may seem foreign to many kids her age, she likes school and even has a surprising favorite subject.

“I like school,” Shepherd laughed. “My favorite subject would be math. A lot of people say it’s not their favorite, but I think I like it because there are a lot of equations and problem solving.”

She hopes her passion for school and dance will lead to a scholarship to The University of Alabama for their dance team in a few years. She hopes to major in criminal justice and go on to law school, after she watched someone close to her struggle to get effective representation.

“I just feel bad for people who haven’t done anything, but are accused and they can’t get out of that,” Shepherd explained.

SUMMER EVENTS IN THE CITY

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

May 2 – July 25

FARMERS MARKET

May 15 – September 25

KIDS DRAMA CAMP

June 2 – 7

BNP SUMMER CAMP

June 9 – 13, 16 – 20, 23 – 27

July 7 – 11, 14 – 18, 21 – 25

June 26

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

August 5

A family that serves (and protects)

BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR

Growing up in Gardendale, Detective Sergeant Brian Odom always knew he wanted to be a police officer.

“I just never wanted to be anything else,” he explained. “There was nothing else I ever wanted to do.”

So, in 1997, he started at Brookside, then spent three years in Bessemer before returning to Gardendale. Over the last 25 years, he said he’s done a little of everything in the

department, from every shift of patrol to K9 handler and now supervisor of the investigations division.

“I’m happy where I’m at,” Brian said. “I’m over investigations now and have five detectives that work with me. We work everything from dog complaints to homicides.”

Even though he loves his job and his city, when it came to his son, he was not in favor of Nick carrying on the police tradition.

PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

// Continued from Page 14 //

“When he was in high school, it was a really bad time for law enforcement, with a lot of riots and a lot of protests and things like that,” Brian said. “So I tried to shut it down but it didn’t work.”

“Growing up with it, seeing what he did on a day-to-day basis, got my foot in the door and kinda sparked my interest about the profession,” Nick said. “He says he didn’t discourage it, but back in high school, we talked about it a little bit and he was like ‘no, we’re not doing this. We’re not doing this at all.’ When I got a little bit older and started coming into my own a little bit, he did encourage me a little bit, so he switched sides.”

“I was nervous,” Brian said. “Very nervous. Because I know what I’ve had to put up with over the past 28 years. I really didn’t want him to go this way, but once you want to do it, that’s all you want to do. So I thought instead of discouraging it, I thought I would encourage it and get him into a great department where I could keep an eye on him, and where all my friends could keep an eye on him. He’s doing a really great job.”

The two men work opposite shifts most of the time, with each insisting their shift is superior in some way.

“Night shift is great,” Nick said. “He keeps saying that days are better, but I don’t think so.”

“But I’m old so staying up all night is not fun for me anymore,” Brian laughed.

The one thing they do agree on is that the city–the people they work with and the people they serve–are the best.

“We have a great city,” Brian said. “We have a great police department. We have a great mayor and city council, and they back us up. It’s a great place to be. I grew up here, and I can’t say enough nice things about Gardendale.

“The people I work with on my shift are the best, we’re all very close knit,” Nick said. “We spend more time with each other than we do with our family sometimes. We’re here for a very long time, so you have to build a good relationship. Having that really makes everything a whole lot better. Having good people working on the shift and the department as a whole is really big.”

Although Brian has served enough time to secure a retirement, he says that isn’t in his immediate future.

“I love my job,” Brian said. “I have no reason to leave. Now that he’s here, I’ll probably stick around a while longer.”

“I make a lot of short-term goals,” Nick explained. “The first goal was to get a year in and now it’s to get two years because after two years, everything kind of opens up a little bit in the department and you have more opportunities where you can do other things. So currently, I’m just doing the best job that I can and get two years in.”

Nick says he looks forward to having kids one day, but, like his dad years ago, he hopes they won’t feel called into police work.

“I do hope to have kids, but I hope they don’t decide to come this route but at the end of the day it will probably be just like me and him,” Nick said. “You can’t really discourage it once they want to do it but hopefully not. It’s dangerous.”

MAGNOLIA SUCCESS

The 24th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival was a success, despite inclement weather and rescheduling due to the timing of the Easter holiday. Crowds visited annual favorites, as well as trying new food items, rode the carnival rides and shopped various vendors, all while listening to local bands and other entertainment. Next year’s festival will be April 16-17, 2026, with special events planned to commemorate the 25th festival.

Photos by Gary Schultz and Emily Allred, courtesy of Gardendale Magnolia Festival

INTO SUMMER

STRONGER STEP

Summer is a time for movement—whether that means morning exercise, weekend hikes, trips to the beach, or simply chasing the kids around the yard. But with higher temps and more activity comes an increased need to take care of your body. We can help you navigate:

Staying hydrated and recognizing signs of heat exhaustion

Preventing common warm-weather injuries

Stretching and strengthening for outdoor fun— whether it’s hiking, biking, gardening, or pickleball!

We’re here to support you every step of the way!

GARDENDALE

1011 Main Street

Gardendale, AL (205) 651-4350

FULTONDALE

3471 Lowery Parkway, Suite 107

Fultondale, AL (205) 849-6566

therapysouth.com

Strike Out Cancer Raises $35K+

The 11th annual Strike Out Cancer Tournament raised $35,700 for the American Cancer Society. Since 2014, this community event has raised over $327,000. The event is sponsored by local businesses and is supported by Bill Noble Park, families, volunteers, coaches and players.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL NOBLE PARK

No-Churn Peanut Butter Ice Cream

In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips

Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com

TIP

Come summertime in the South, we’re all about keeping things sweet and simpleemphasis on sweet! This shortcut version of Peanut Butter Ice Cream is smooth, creamy, and needs no machine, messy rock salt and ice, and no stress. That’s why it’s called “no-churn.” Real whipped cream is the secret ingredient to make the magic happen effortlessly. A handful of honeyroasted peanuts brings the crunch and salty-sweet flavor that makes each bite downright irresistible.

If you love the idea of no-churn ice creams, I also have Dulce de Leche NoChurn Ice Cream recipe on my website at gritsandgouda.com.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

16-ounces (1 14-ounce can) sweetened condensed milk

½ cup creamy peanut butter

¾ cup honey roasted peanuts, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

By whipping the heavy whipping cream first, this substitutes the machine’s paddle churning air into the ice cream with similar texture results.

In a large bowl or stand mixing bowl, add whipping cream. (I use a hand mixer but a stand mixer will work fine). Start out on medium-low speed for 1 minute to help prevent the cream from splashing. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, then increase to high speed. Beat it just until peaks are firm enough that they donʼt slump back in the bowl. This is called firm peaks but donʼt go too long or youʼll have cottage-cheese-looking cream.

In a medium bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter. Carefully fold the whipped cream

into the peanut butter mixture with a rubber or silicone spatula. Fold just until combined. Don’t over mix.

Gently stir in 1/2 cup of the peanuts, if using them. Pour the ice cream mixture into a 9x5 inch loaf pan or 8x8 inch square pan.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup peanuts.

Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil and freeze at least 3 hours or until firm enough to scoop.

Store in the freezer up to one month.

City Employee Spotlight

MARCI LEWIS MAGISTRATE, CITY COURT DEPARTMENT

For the last two years, Marci Lewis has served the City of Gardendale as a magistrate in the court department.

“I take people’s payment information, their traffic tickets, if anyone has a complaint I do a warrant screening,” Lewis said. “I do speak to any attorneys that have a client that’s here. We get to be one-on-one with them and have conversations with them about what they do and what they are trying to do with their clients. We just try to give them all the information they need and provide that for them.”

Prior to working for the city, Lewis primarily worked in retail, giving her a customer service-focused approach to her current role.

“This is still helping a lot of people in a different situation. I was just willing to step out of my comfort zone and be in this type of public service.”

Lewis finds helping people rewarding, especially when she is able to put them at ease. Many of the people who cross the doors have never had any interaction with the court system or law enforcement and it causes anxiety.

“ A lot of people are very nervous when they come in here so we try to talk to them and calm them down.”

Lewis tries to ensure that people know she and her colleagues are trying to help, not make life harder by getting to know the person instead of treating them like a criminal case file.

“Whatever situation they are in, we just want to make it easier,” Lewis said. “We just try to get to know them a little bit, and just make them feel comfortable. That’s been really good to see and just try to be that helping hand.”

Lewis grew up in Fort Payne and moved to the Gardendale area in 2011. After work, she goes home to her second job caring for her husband and family.

“I don’t ever have a break, but I always remember people saying ‘it’s going to go by too quickly and you’re going to be missing those little things when they were little, so enjoy the chaos,’ so that’s what I do,” Lewis said.

Crazy Chicken Opens

Crazy Chicken, located at 617 Decatur Highway, is officially open and serving authentic chicken and seafood dishes.

Magnolia Real Estate Group

Magnolia Real Estate Group hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce and the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the website at magnoliarealestategroupllc.com.

24e Opens New Facility

The new 24e gym facility on Main Street opened to the public, offering increased space as well as more offerings to clients. For more information, visit the facility at 960 Main Street.

Tabernacle students compete in AACS Nationals

Two Tabernacle Christian students compete at AACS Nationals competition. Three students won first place in state competition to compete at nationals: Austin Batson (Landscape and Architecture Photography), Christina McPherson (Still Life and Macro Photography) and Jackson Hillis (Academic Testing).

Bragg Track won county track day

Bragg 6th Grade Track dominated the recent Jefferson County Board of Education Track Day. Both Girls’ and Boys’ Teams won first place.

SRES Track team brings home honors

The Snow Rogers Track Team brought home honors from a recent meet. The boys came in third place and the girls came in second place. There were also several individual awards.

SRES Egg Drop

Snow Rogers Elementary’s 5th Grade hosted an Egg Drop. The City of Gardendale provided the bucket truck.

GHS celebrated 9th graders with

a 4.0

Gardendale High School recently celebrated its 9th graders that have earned a 4.0 this school year with an Ice Cream Party.

SRES Principal’s Club

Snow Rogers Elementary School students earned the last nine weeks’ Principal’s Club. Not pictured: Ella Grace Petruzella, Denver Garson, Logan Lankford, Kaidyn Jenkins, A’Milliana Fleming, Jadarius Lewis, and Rylee Hartley.

SRES March Student of the Month

Snow Rogers Elementary honored its March Students of the Month.

SRES April Students of the Month

Snow Rogers honored the April Students of the Month. Not pictured: Cheyenne McFarling and Copeland Houpt.

Bragg April Students of the Month

Bragg Middle School’s April Students of the Month were recently honored. These students were chosen by their teachers for their hard work, a great display of character, and their willingness to go above and beyond. Students of the Month are treated to lunch, courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings and gift cards courtesy of Sonic in Gardendale

Tabernacle Archery brings home awards

Tabernacle Christian’s Archery Archery team competed recently. Numerous students brought home individual awards: Lauren Lacey (2nd in Jr. Compound), Austin Batson (3rd in Sr. Compound), Colin Nix (1st in Sr Compound) and the Senior Compound competitors for winning 1st in the team awards!

Tabernacle students win big at state track competition

Tabernacle Christian has 2 new state record holders: Kobe Sharpe in the junior high boys long jump and Adeline Barber in the Varsity girls long jump.

pm Sat-Sun: 11-am-9:30pm

Snow Rogers Future Problem Solvers take state title

SRES Honor Roll

Snow Rogers Elementary honored students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade who made the Honor Roll.

The Snow Rogers Elementary Future Problem Solvers team was invited to compete at the State FPS competition at Troy University in Montgomery. The Snow Rogers Team placed first in the Global Issues Problem Solving event and the Action Plan presentation, winning the state competition for the junior division. Also, some of the Snow Rogers FPS team competed in the MAGIC competition and placed second and third with their teams. The Global Issues Problem Solvers have been invited to compete in the Future Problem Solvers International Competition at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. The Global Issues members are as follows: Henry Peek, Laura Bailey, Keegan Stovall and Vera Tucker. MAGIC team members are: Bayley Elliott, Elise Haffield and Melani Tapia. The team sponsor is Lesli Skipper - gifted specialist at Snow Rogers Elementary School.

North Jefferson Middle School Band Students Enjoy Exciting Trip to Atlanta

North Jefferson Middle School’s 6th grade Beginning Band students recently took a memorable trip to Atlanta. The day was packed with fun and educational experiences, starting with lunch at the iconic Varsity restaurant. Students then toured the World of Coca-Cola and explored the wonders of the Georgia Aquarium. The trip concluded with a thrilling visit to the Medieval Times dinner show, where students enjoyed dinner and live entertainment. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories for the young musicians.

Bench Placed in Memory of Terry Hale on Five Mile Creek Greenway

The friends and family of Terry Hale are thankful to the Rotary Club of North Jefferson and the City of Fultondale for the opportunity to purchase and place a memorial bench on the Five Mile Creek Greenway. The city did a wonderful job in preparing the site and installing the bench. If anyone is interested in purchasing a bench you can contact the Rotary Club of North Jefferson

FATHER’S DAY SAVINGS 6/4 TO 6/16

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WEEKLY SALES

WE PRICE MATCH IN FISHING*

AETREX FOOT MACHINE FINDS YOUR PERFECT SHOE FIT

*PRICE MATCHING NOT VALID ON USED PRODUCTS OR 3 PARTY SITES RD

Fultondale Recently Welcomed National Media to Showcase Rails to Trail

Fultondale recently welcomed news reporters from across the country to the Fultondale Children’s Park for a special bike tour highlighting Jefferson County’s longest Rails to Trails pathway. Led by Red Rock Trail Director Carolyn Buck, the tour offered a firsthand look at the scenic route that spans more than eight miles through Fultondale, Gardendale, and Brookside. Joining the ride were Fultondale Fire & Rescue Chief McKenzie, Lieutenant Studyvin, and Brookside Mayor Mike Bryan, all showing strong support for the expanding trail network. The project, originally spearheaded by former Fultondale Mayor Jim Lowery and now supported by current Mayor Larry Holcomb, continues to thrive with the partnership of Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland and Mayor Bryan. Reporters left impressed, and the community is now anticipating national media coverage highlighting this exceptional local asset.

North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Earns State Accreditation

The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) has announced that the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce has officially earned the prestigious Alabama Accredited Chamber of Commerce (AACC) designation. The recognition was made during the recent Alabama Chambers Night of Champions event in Auburn, celebrating excellence among chambers across the state. Established in 2016, the AACC program sets high standards for chamber operations, evaluating organizations on six key areas including mission focus, financial management, and advocacy. The North Jefferson Chamber joins 30 other chambers statewide with this elite accreditation. This year, four chambers earned the designation for the first time, while six others renewed their status. Anna Hovey, Chairwoman of Alabama Chambers, praised the accreditation process as a mark of professional excellence, reinforcing the trust and investment of community members. The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, in partnership with the Business Council of Alabama, continues to support over one million working Alabamians through its commitment to strong local business advocacy.

Impact Arts Council to Host Inaugural IMPACT Book Festival

The literary scene in North Jefferson County is about to get a major boost with the launch of the first-ever IMPACT Book Festival, set to take place on June 14 at the Fultondale Event Center. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises a vibrant celebration of books, community, and creativity. Organized by the Impact Arts Council of North Jefferson County—a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering the arts in the region—this free, public event aims to bring together readers and writers of all ages. Attendees can expect a day full of engaging literary activities, a wide range of books to explore, and local food trucks serving up tasty fare. One of the highlights of the event is the appearance of renowned Alabama author Charles Ghigna, known to many as “Father Goose.” Ghigna has penned close to 100 books, including numerous titles for Disney, and his participation adds star power to an already exciting lineup. With something for everyone, from children’s books to literary fiction and beyond, the IMPACT Book Festival is poised to become a new annual tradition for book lovers across Gardendale and the surrounding communities.

Police Department welcomes new graduate

graduated in the 194th Session of the Northeast

Law Enforcement Academy.

Snow Rogers visits City Council

Snow Rogers Elementary School Administrators, Teachers and Students attended a recent City Council to express their appreciation for the funding of the projects at their school, provided by the citizens of Gardendale through the property tax. They explained what a difference the funding of these projects is making at their school. They are pictured with the Mayor and the City Council. The total amount spent on the projects at Snow Rogers Elementary School is $79,022.00.

Rotary Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of North Jefferson recently hosted a shooting competition fundraiser.

Officer Colby Quinn

Alabama

Firefighters promoted

Gardendale Fire Department promoted Brett Stewart to lieutenant in Fire Prevention and Drew Holsomback to the position of captain. Adam Lucas, Jamie Williams, Caleb Anderson were promoted to lieutenant. Tucker Jinwright, Steve Blackmon, Chris Edwards, James Calvert, Charles Coburn and Jonathon Haney were promoted to apparatus operator.

Police Department hires Dispatcher

Leah Hudson was recently hired as public safety dispatcher in the Gardendale Police Department.

Find cinnamon rolls and other treats, as well as fresh fruits and veggies each week at the

Charlie G Band

The Arts in Gardendale present the Charlie G Band at the Gardendale Library on Friday, July 25, 7-9 p.m. There is no door charge for the event. There will be an open dance floor, refreshments and the event is family friendly.

Golden Eagles

The Gardendale Golden Eagles meet on the second Friday of the month at the Gardendale Senior Center beginning at 12:15 pm and ending at 1:30 pm. The group is open to anyone 55 or older and features lunch speakers and fun day trips.

Farmers Market

The Gardendale Farmers Market will once again be at Bill Noble Park each Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stock Little Free Library

Help us stock our Little Free Library! We are in need of children’s and young adult books in good to perfect condition to stock our Little Free Library (LFL) located by the soccer fields off of Fieldstown Road. Donations can be placed directly in the LFL or you can bring them to the front desk at the library and we will take them to the LFL when we visit weekly.

Library Food Pantry

Our library food pantry always need the following items: hearty soups/stews/chili, varieties of canned chicken/tuna/ ham, single-sized and normal cereal, granola type bars, fruit cups, peanut butter, jelly, oatmeal/grits packets, pasta and Alfredo and other sauces and any toiletries. We take food only if it is not outdated and not opened.

Historical Museum Hours

The Kermit E. Dooley Gardendale Historical Museum (170 Bell Street) will be open to the public every Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum is maintained and operated by the Gardendale Historical Society.