Denise Tesseneer reflects on three generations of her family PAGE 16
Mayor Hogeland reflects in Chamber address PAGE 30
Baking Buddies creates baked goodies for the community PAGE 22
PHOTOS: Opening Day at Bill Noble Park
10/ 29/
COVER: Local women tell stories of being mothers
16/ 30/
State of the City 2025
Farmer’s Market: Baking Buddies and other vendors prepare for new season
22/ 34/ 28/ 40/
School News
Employee Spotlight: Behind the Scenes with a City of Gardendale employee News from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby
Shortcut Recipe: Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
This issue is special to me because our cover models this issue are a family dear to my heart. Danielle Cater is the person who gave me my first job in Gardendale a decade ago, and she and her daughters are in some of my fondest memories. Her relationships with her girls and her mom were often at the center of the column she wrote each week in the paper, so I know I won’t be the only one who enjoys seeing the girls all grown up and learning about the incredible women in this family.
My mom is my biggest supporter, and I appreciate her more each year as I realize the sacrifices she made for me and our family, so Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I also love hearing stories about your moms, so please keep sharing those with us.
May also means the kickoff of the Gardendale Farmers Market, which is opening its second year at Bill Noble Park. While there are traditional farmers markets items, like fresh fruits and vegetables, there are also items like the baked goods and bread made by Baking Buddies, Carol Wilson and Chery Bates. There are also local vendors selling candles, jewelry, cornmeal, as well as a variety of other items.
We have recently had so many people reaching out to suggest stories or ask about purchasing ads in these pages, and we continue to be grateful to all of you for the ongoing support and love you have shown us over the last few years. I know I speak for the entire staff when I tell you how much we appreciate you.
Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most preventable. Daily sunscreen use helps defend against harmful UV rays and keeps your skin healthy. Make SPF a daily habit and make an appointment with Village Dermatology for your annual skin check.
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Providing funeral and cremation services to north Jefferson County, Alabama, since 1976.
RIDOUT’S GARDENDALE CHAPEL & OAKWOOD MEMORIAL GARDENS
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.
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PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Denise Tesseneer, Danielle Cater and Raygan and Anna Pelkey talk about
Play
Ball!
Bill Noble Park celebrates Opening Day
Bill Noble Park opens the season with a parade, games, fun. The kickoff to the 2025 season promises to be the best yet as teams of all ages fill the facility.
PHOTOS BY GARY SCHULTZ
SPRING INTO EXERCISING
The warmer weather is here – It’s time to get outside to enjoy running, hiking, biking, gardening and all the outdoor activities!
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STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Denise Tesseneer always knew she wanted to be a mom, but, like so many mothers, she had doubts about decisions she made with her children.
“It was just a given that being a mother was the thing I wanted to do,” Tesseneer said. “I
probably should have done better in a lot of areas, but I hope I did a good job.”
Her daughter, Danielle Cater, disagrees.
“She’s a saint on earth,” Cater said.
Like her mom, Cater always knew she wanted to be a mom, but her path wasn’t as easy as she had originally hoped.
“I had problems getting pregnant to begin with,” Cater remembers. “I think it made me appreciate it more because it wasn’t just ‘I’m ready to be a mom, now I’m pregnant and having a baby.’ I didn’t realize how much I wanted to be a mother until I had to pray for it–work for it in a way. It made me appreciate it so much more. I’m glad it didn’t come easy. I would pray, ‘Lord, let me have a baby, let me get pregnant, I want to be a mom.
“When I got pregnant the first time, I prayed ‘if this child isn’t going to be saved, isn’t going to live in eternity with you, Lord
do your will because I want to raise children for you,’” Cater said. “We had a miscarriage, and it rocked our world. As soon as I got pregnant with Raygan, I started a prayer every night over my child for early salvation, and that she would live a life that was guarded by God and living in God. And now they are 18 and 16 years old, I call them or text them (if they’re too cool for phone calls if they’re not here) every night. Even if they have friends that spend the night, everybody gathers around and we do ‘night night prayers’ — that’s what we still call them. They will say ‘mom I’m tired, will you hurry up and do night night
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prayers so I can go to bed?’ I don’t think it would have been so important to me if I hadn’t truly appreciated being able to have a baby.”
For both women, that was the most important thing–that their children be raised to prioritize a relationship with God.
“The most rewarding thing for me is the way they love God,” Cater said. “They seek out God. That has always been my biggest thing–I want to point my girls toward God. For me, the fact that they love God, they love church, that’s the most rewarding thing–when I see them living the life I prayed they would always live.”
“I’m very close to my grandchildren,” Tesseneer said.
“Every one is special, every one has something that they bring to the table that’s different. I like to encourage them in things of the Lord, whenever I talk with them, I try to bring it around to the Biblical way to do things–if it’s
a situation or to encourage them with the fact that God loves them and to take refuge in those things.”
Raygan looks at the strong women who have raised her and knows she wants to be a mom someday, while 16-yearold Anna is still undecided, but both girls agree that having a close-knit family has been important to them as they have grown up. Despite challenges related to growing up in a divorced household and then adding stepparents and stepsiblings, they say the traditions and faith kept them all grounded. When it comes to favorite traditions though, the girls were undecided on which was their favorite.
“Whenever the men are out of town, Nanna will usually have a party with all of the girls, and we’ll have dinner and we’ll all spend the night at her house,” Raygan said. “It’s just all the cousins and granddaughters.”
“On Christmas Eve, the whole family gets together and we eat,” Anna said. “Every Monday, the whole family gets
together and eats at Nanna’s house.”
Each Monday evening, Tesseneer and her husband gather their three children, spouses and nine grandchildren at their house for a meal. Even with busy schedules, most of the family makes it each week, an unusual feat for modern families, but Tesseneer said that is a result of the family’s focus on each other and their faith.
“If you build it they will come, if you feed them they will come,” Denise said, laughing. “When Danny and I got married, God was the center–and has been the center– of our lives. If you do what he asks you to do, he will bless that. Has everything always been perfect? No, we’re all human. Just make sure you are intentional. Being
intentional in marriage is one thing, but you have to be intentional in every aspect of your family and their lives. If you’re not plugged in together, I don’t know how you can be a unit like you should be as a family.”
The advice she would give any family struggling to make decisions is simple.
“I would say there is a guideline for everything, and that’s the Bible,” Tesseneer said. “I know that sounds so cliche to say that, but I’m living proof of God’s mercy and his grace. I’m no better than anybody else in this world. I have failed miserably. I can look around and see so many women who
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do it so much better than I do, but somehow God has still seen fit to bless what we’ve done. Keep God number one. Be the same wherever you are. Your children notice that. They know when you’re real and when you’re not.”
“If you’re a person of faith, let them hear you pray over them,” Cater added. “That has been a big game changer for me–my parents prayed over me. And make memories with them. If you’re gonna go do something fun, take them with you and let them be a part of it. There are obviously things you don’t do with your babies, but then if they were allowed to be there I wanted to make the memories with them. To me it was a big deal to carve out time and make memories with my girls. I think sometimes parents feel like they have to lose themselves to become parents, but really, you’re raising some little ‘mini me’s’ and I want them to have all the fun experiences. I want them to remember me as a fun person, not just cooking in the kitchen, cleaning the house or going to work, I want them to remember me being goofy on beach trips, Singo singing, etc.”
“A lot of people are either in mom mode or in themselves mode, and I just think it’s kind of important for every mode to be part of who you are,” Cater concluded.
“I was very close to my mom’s mom, my Mawmaw,” Cater said. “I wanted to cultivate that. They don’t hear everything from me, because I’m ‘mom,’ but they hear it from Nanna, and I got that from her mom. My Mawmaw poured into me so much. And I want, one day, for my granddaughters and grandsons to come hang out with me, and I want my girls to want that. I want that to be the legacy of good, fun Christian women.”
Baking Buddies ready for another Farmers Market season
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BAKING BUDDIES
Chery Bates and Carol Wilson met years ago after attending the same churches and seeing each other at social events, but it wasn’t until Bates’ mom died in 2021 that the two connected over their shared love of baking.
“It was four years ago in January, my mother died and the ladies from church brought food,” Bates remembers. “One of my cousins was sitting there, and he said, ‘this cinnamon raisin bread is good, Cheryl.’ I said, ‘I didn’t make it.’ He said, ‘well, it tastes like your bread.’ That’s when it started.”
Theory found they had both been making sourdough individually at home for decades with very similar recipes. They started making sourdough in their kitchens together soon after, and Baking Buddies was born. Now, the women have a bevy of loyal customers, sell out events in hours and have their products for sale in local stores.
Bates had been attending craft shows with her embroidery for years and decided to start selling the bread at the shows as well, but the bread ended up being the main attraction.
“It was just a hobby that turned into a job,” Bates laughed.
There are two types of sourdough, the hard crusty type and the softer, “sandwich bread” type that Bates and Wilson make. The starters used for each batch of sourdough are approximately 32 years old, which is the secret to the success of the bread, if you ask the bakers.
“The older it is, the better it is,” Bates said.
The Baking Buddies have truly become the closest of friends, but they are an unlikely pair and they often laugh about their differences. Bates keeps up with the calendars and orders with military precision, but her actual baking process is less organized.
“These are my scales,” Wilson explained. “I weigh my bread. She does not. She’s like ‘eh, that’s good.’ She doesn’t set the timer on her oven, either.”
Their styles at shows and events are different too.
“Our first show, she would get that bag out and say ‘got a bag here what’cha want in it?’” Bates remembers. “She was just so forward with everybody, and I would just sit back and wait. They’d say ‘well, I can’t make up my mind.’” She’d say, ‘you don’t need to make up your mind, just get one of all of it.’ And they would walk away with more than one thing.”
“We have a lot of fun with it,” Bates said. “We tell everybody we’re just two old women and two ovens. We love the farmers market. We had the best time last year. We have made so many friends there, and it’s so fun to meet everybody. We get tickled at these young mothers that
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come up and have like three kids and say ‘I’ve been wanting to learn how to do this.’ Tell her what you tell them.”
“I say, ‘Noooo, we’re here for YOU, you have enough to do–you’ve got those sweet little children,’” Wilson laughs.
Although the ladies love making the bread and sharing it with others, they admit that they aren’t looking to grow the business that much because of how much work goes into the bread making.
“It’s a two day process, and it’s hard,” Bates said. “Used to, I would come home from a show on Friday night and start baking again or pan it and get up at 4 o’clock in the morning.
In addition to regular sourdough, there are flavored breads, banana nut bread, zucchini bread and seasonal favorites like lemon blueberry, strawberry and peach and many more varieties.
The bread is available in Little Giant Market in Sumiton and Gina’s Market in Gardendale, as well as at the Gardendale Farmers Market each Thursday through the summer. The regular sourdough is $6 a loaf and the other items are a maximum of $7each.
“We’re very happy how it turned out,” Wilson said. “It has turned out better than I ever thought it would.”
MAY SAVINGS 5/1 TO 5/26
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SAVE UP TO $150 ON SELECT GRILLS IN BRANDS LIKE TRAEGER AND BIG GREEN EGG
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MAY WEEKEND EVENT CALENDER
3RD: MERGED METALS PERMANENT JEWELRY 10-2
10TH: BAYLEAF ON WHEELS FOOD TRUCK11-2
17TH: NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 10-2 & THE SCALDED
DAWG HOT DOG CART11-3
24TH: TP’S TO GO FOOD TRUCK11-3
31ST: HEY BEBE FOOD TRUCK 11-2
MAY WEEKDAY EVENT CALENDER
TUESDAYS: WASABI JUAN’S 11-2
WEDNESDAYS: GARNACHITAS 11-3
FRIDAY’S: D’S CRAZY DOGS 11-3
FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS FOR UPDATES ON SALES AND EVENTS
*EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The Gardendale Farmers Market each year features fresh vegetable vendors, as well as informational booths, locally produced foods, items like cornmeal, honey and eggs, as well as items like jewelry and candles. The Farmers Market begins May 15 at Bill Noble Park and will be held every Thursday through September from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
City Employee Spotlight
THOMAS WOODS
TECHNOLOGY LIBRARIAN, GARDENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Thomas Woods is one of the Gardendale Public Library’s newest employees, but he has already jumped into his role as the technology librarian.
“I am in charge of the library’s technological needs, like helping patrons get set up with their email or if they have an issue with something at home, like a computer or ipad, they can bring it in, and I can look at it and try to diagnose their issue or help them learn a new program,” Woods said.
When he first heard about the job, he was immediately interested.
“I wanted a position where I could grow in what I’m passionate about,” Woods explained. “I love to help people, I love working with technology and I love problems. If you have something you can’t figure out, I want to try to figure it out.”
He hasn’t been working long, but he has already had a rewarding interaction that lets him know he is in the right place.
“There was one patron I helped get signed up for an application for a job,” Woods explained. “She got the job, so then I walked her through how to use Microsoft Teams so she could participate in her meetings with her employer.”
When he isn’t at work, Woods enjoys building
his own computers and spending time with his wife and their two dogs and cat.
Woods is also planning to start teaching classes to help with common issues. Anyone
with suggestions on the class topics or who needs help with a device, program or application should reach out to Woods at (205)631-6639.
Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
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
These easy Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any Day-O! I made them with crappie my brother recently caught, but any thin white fish will work! Serve ‘em up with a squeeze of lime and let the fiesta begin!
4 servings
TACO INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (I used Zatarain’s)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon drippings
1 pound small, thin white fish such as crappie, tilapia, or small catfish
12 street-size corn or flour tortillas or 6 soft taco-size flour tortillas
MANGO SALSA INGREDIENTS
2 large mangos, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons chopped green onion or purple onion
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
I recommend making the Mango Salsa first. To make the salsa, combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl. The flavors are best when the salsa is made ahead an hour but not required.
For the tacos, combine flour, cornmeal, seasoning, and salt (if using) in a rimmed plate or shallow bowl.
While dredging the fish, let 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil be heating up in a large skillet over medium heat.
To dredge, press each fish fillet into the cornmeal mixture with your fingertips. Then, turn them over and press the other side into the mixture.
When the oil is hot, arrange enough of the fillets to fill the pan but not too close together so they will all evenly brown. After about 3 minutes they should be lightly brown on one side, turn the fillets over wiith tongs or a spatula. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Tip: The fish should flake easily when tested with a fork.
Divide fried fish among desired size tortillas. Top with Mango Salsa. Other fish taco toppings are listed in the NOTES section below.
One serving is 3 street taco-size tortillas or 2 soft taco-size tortillas.
State of the City 2025
AND
BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
Mayor Stan Hogeland’s annual State of the City Address at the Gardendale Chamber Luncheon was held on April 10. Although Hogeland often uses the address to announce new businesses, this year he looked back over the last decade in Gardendale, explaining that sometimes people get so focused on the future that they lose sight of the progress that has been made already.
He focused on three key components: Economic growth, public safety and quality of life.
In terms of economic growth, Hogeland said that during his first campaign, residents were clear that they wanted Publix and Olive Garden, both of which are currently operating in the city. He also discussed the city’s efforts to make the city more visible from the interstate, and how those efforts helped attract new businesses like Olive Garden and Ulta, as well as encouraging renovations of
STORY
PHOTOS
properties that were not visually appealing just off the Fieldstown Road exit.
Hogeland also discussed the importance of shopping locally in order to continue the city’s growth, saying that he understands people having complaints about bad experiences in the city, but those who say they will seek out businesses in other cities are working against the interests of their own hometown. For instance, Walmart in Gardendale contributed $1.8 million to the city’s budget in the month of January alone. Those dollars are reinvested in the community in the form of large paving projects, improved infrastructure, emergency responders and their fleet and other city services that benefit residents.
The city has seen a 17 percent population growth in the last
decade, which helps the city attract new businesses, but also leads to an increase of demands on city services.
“You can’t attract without growth,” Hogeland said.
One area that has seen incredible growth in demand is public safety. In 2015, the city’s total budget was $16.5 million and 32 percent of that ($5.14 million) was spent on public safety. In 2025, the city’s total budget is $26 million and 45 percent ($11.8 million) is dedicated to public safety.
“The absolute number one part of my job has to be to keep this community safe,” Hogeland said. “I was born and raised here. I want the same things for this town that you want and I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen.”
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Hogeland also read a Letter to the Editor he wrote back in 2010 about how important he believed it is to keep the sense of community alive, using events and programs in the city to keep the citizens engaged and involved with their neighbors and community. Events like the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, National Night Out, Rocket Around the Christmas Tree, Magnolia Festival and many others help foster that sense of community, according to Hogeland.
During the address, Hogeland also praised each of the city’s nine departments and their efforts and improvements to better serve the city and residents.
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24e Fitness
Ace of the South Adair Tire Pros
Baja California
Becky’s Health Foods
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cheri W. Cunningham, DMD Chick-fil-A
Fieldstown Dental Care
Gardendale City Hall
Gardendale Civic Center
Gardendale Pickers
Gardendale Public Library
Gardendale Senior Center
Gllam Boutique
Glover Chiropractic
Hamburger Heaven
Jim n Nick’s Luma Dentistry
Maggie G. Pond, DMD
Merle Norman
Monita’s Bakery
Mordecai Sporting Goods
North Jefferson Pediatric Dentistry
Roo’s Place Garden Center
Shrimp Basket
Southern Focus Vision Center
Southern Market
The Covenant Place of Gardendale
TherapySouth
Total Skin & Dermatology
Village Dermatology
Village Pharmacy
Woods Trading Co.
GHS student to compete at national fashion competition
Piper Rogers was awarded second place in Fashion Construction, which means she will compete at the National Competition in Orlando, in July.
Bragg Black History Month art winners
Bragg Middle School’s Black History Month Art Contest Winners,a s chosen by judge, Mr. Steve Skipper. He is a wellrenowned artist.
• Honorable Mention: Hazel Kothari
• 3rd Place: Tamia Sandridge
• 2nd Place: Jackson Stovall
• 1st Place: Mary Colvert
Bragg Future Problem Solvers win at state
The Bragg Elementary School Future Problem Solvers did a great job at the State Bowl at Troy University. Adeline Perkins received a second place award, and Robert Gunter brought home a first place award.
GES Future Problem Solvers win at state
The Gardendale Elementary School Future Problem Solvers placed second in the state competition.
SRES Future Problem Solvers head to Nationals
Snow Rogers Elementary School Future Problem Solvers competed in the State Bowl for Global Issues Problem Solving and the MAGIC competition at Troy University.
Elise Hatfield’s MAGIC team won third place, and Melani Tapia’s MAGIC team won second place.
In the Global Issues Problem Solving
competition–the team of Henry Peek, Keegan Stovall, Laura Bailey, and Vera Tucker won first place in the action plan presentation and overall Global Problem Solving Competition.
The Snow Rogers FPS team coached by Mrs. Skipper will advance to the National Competition in June.
SRES Principal’s Club honored for 3rd nine weeks
Snow Rogers Elementary School honored students who earned Principal’s Club for the third nine weeks. Not pictured: Ciara Horton, Easton Sigler, Bailey Thomerson, Camden Finley, Cora Gault, Brooks Peebles, Foster Ma and Jax Austin.
MEDICARE MADE EASY
GHS Choirs win big at state
Gardendale High School Chamber Choir and Treble Choir both earned Superior with Distinction (all Superior ratings) at State Choral Performance Assessment.
Bragg choirs earn honors
The Bragg Middle School Mixed Choir earned a Superior rating and the Treble Choir earned a Superior with Distinction (superior from all judges) at State Choral Performance Assessment. Both choirs earned a perfect score in sight- reading.
GES TAG students visit Camp McDowell
The Gardendale Elementary School TAG (Talented and Gifted) students at Gardendale Elementary School had a wonderful time at Camp McDowell.
GHS Food and Nutrition Class hears from Publix representative
Kayla Seymour from Publix spoke with Mrs. Martin’s Food and Nutrition students about job opportunities, the application process and the importance of employability skills. Students gained valuable insight into how to prepare for the workforce and take advantage of career opportunities, both now and in the future.
North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce to Host Job Fair
The North Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will host a job fair on May 2 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Fultondale Event Center located at 2980 Hawkins Lane. Attendees are encouraged to have copies of their resume on hand as they will have the opportunity to meet with multiple businesses in need of qualified candidates. Several companies will offer onsite interviews. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your career to the next level.
Outdoor Fitness Court Opens in Kimberly
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the City of Kimberly and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) partnered to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® and digital wellness programming to Kimberly Municipal Park. The court opened on Thursday, February 6, with the goal of providing free access to high-quality workouts and promoting equitable exercise opportunities across the state.
The Fitness Court is designed for people aged 14 and over, with workouts adaptable for all fitness levels. It features seven exercise stations, allowing individuals to use their body weight for a complete workout. The free Fitness Court App enhances the experience by providing guided workouts and fitness tracking. This new space offers Kimberly residents a unique opportunity to pursue their health goals in 2025 and build lasting fitness habits while fostering community engagement.
Mt. Olive Elementary Students Visit Camp McDowell and Alabama Agriplex
Students in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program at Mt. Olive Elementary School recently enjoyed learning outside of the classroom. Fifth grade TAG students visited Camp McDowell Farm School where they had the opportunity to to learn about the importance of sustainable farming. The experience gave the students a deeper understanding for the time, planning, energy and emotion that goes into food production. Third grade TAG students took a field trip to the North Alabama Agriplex for a hands-on adventure, where they learned about sustainable farming and explored the rich history of agriculture in the region.
Senator Linda Coleman-Madison Supports Fultondale Fire and Rescue
Senator Linda Coleman-Madison displayed her support of public safety and the Fultondale Fire & Rescue recently by providing the department with grant funding towards radio upgrades through the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. Additionally, Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight supplied county funding towards the radio upgrades. With both the Senator’s and Commissioner’s help, along with the Fultondale Mayor and City Council, and Jefferson County 911, the department has been able to upgrade outdated radios providing safer and more reliable communications during emergencies.
Fultondale Elementary Fifth Graders Host Black History Wax Museum
Congratulations to Tatyana Ruffin, a senior at Fultondale High School, for receiving Fultondale’s Heart of the City award for March. The City recognized Ruffin for being a shining example of leadership, service and excellence, both in and out of the classroom. Her hard work, kind spirit and dedication to others make her a great representative of the Fultondale community.
Fultondale Elementary Students Shine at Science Olympiad Competition
North Jefferson Middle School’s (NJMS) Science Team made its first appearance at Science Olympiad state competition. The team finished top six in the state, which was the highest standing for Jefferson County in B division. The NJMS team placed in eight events which included two first place finishes, two second place finishes and four third place finishes.
Mortimer Jordan DECA Students Enjoy a Day at Historic Birmingham Business
The Mortimer Jordan High School DECA Chapter recently made a field trip to the historic Alabama Peanut Company on Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham. On this trip, club members learned about the adaptations the company has made throughout its116 years of business. The experience taught DECA students the importance of customer service, longevity of business and upholding a positive reputation in the area. Overall, the DECA chapter grew closer as they enjoyed learning more about local business.
Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation Finalizes Purchase of Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm
The Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation (AECC) recently finalized the purchase of the Hallmark property, approximately 500 acres off of Interstate 65 in Warrior. This will be the future home of the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm.
Jefferson County and Alabama Farmers Federation announced the signing of a real estate contract in September 2023. This was followed by a due diligence phase which included appointment and confirmation of the AECC board. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said these developments are positive steps for the Alabama Farm Center.
“The Federation is proud to have cast a vision for the Alabama Farm Center, and we appreciate Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation investing over $15 million into making it a reality,” Parnell said. “We are excited to see the AECC take the reins as others join in moving the Farm Center forward.”
The Alabama Senate confirmed the AECC board February 20, following the Legislature’s passage of a bill last year establishing the Center’s governance structure. Members are: Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation; Ralph Williams Jr., Alabama Power; John Starnes, DeKalb County farmer; Thomas Ellis, Lowndes County farmer; Dr. Barrett Vaughn, Tuskegee University; Joe Lambrecht, Elmore County farmer; and Brad Fuller, Jefferson County farmer.
Williams said the real estate closing clears the way for additional fundraising and site preparation.
“Many have shared the dream of a premier agricultural education and event center for Alabama’s young people and families to enjoy,” Williams said. “The AECC is committed to bringing this dream to fruition. We are confident the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm will be a regional destination that will benefit Alabama’s economy, students and workforce.”
Ribbon cutting held on recent Eagle Scout project
Sullivan Ralston recently completed his Eagle Scout project, which involved the installation of a Retired Flag Depository at City Hall. Sullivan is pictured with his family, the Mayor, City Council and others as they celebrated his impressive accomplishment. Any old American flags can be placed in the Retired Flag Depository, and Troop 413 will properly dispose of them.
GHS visits City Council
Gardendale High School administrators, teachers and students attended a recent City Council meeting to express their appreciation for the funding of the projects at their school, provided by the citizens of Gardendale through the property tax. They are pictured with the Mayor and the City Council. The total amount spent on the projects at Gardendale High School is $411,222.19.
GES attends City Council meeting
Gardendale Elementary School administrators, teachers and students attended a recent City Council meeting to express their appreciation for the funding of the projects at their school, provided by the citizens of Gardendale through the property tax. They are pictured with the Mayor and the City Council. The total amount spent on the projects at Gardendale Elementary School is $149,794.00.
Torbert hired at Civic Center
Phillip Torbert was recently hired as a part-time laborer in the Civic Center. He is pictured with Keith Mosley, the department head for the Gardendale Civic Center.
Noah promoted to skilled laborer
Logan Noah was promoted to skilled laborer in the Parks and Recreation Department. He is pictured with Dale Hyche, the department head for the Gardendale Parks and Recreation Department.
Fuller and Deck hired for Park and Recreation
Carter Fuller and Ryan Deck were hired as temporary part-time summer laborers in the Parks and Recreation Department. They are pictured with Dale Hyche, the department head for the Gardendale Parks and Recreation Department.
Pena hired to work in city court
Jaida Pena was hired as a full-time employee in the Gardendale Municipal Court Department. She is pictured with Kim Moody, the department head for the Gardendale Municipal Court.
Writing Circle
The Gardendale Public Library is hosting a Writing Circle on May 10 at 10 a.m. at the library. For more information, contact the library or Christi Minton at 205.631.6639.
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, beginning May 15, 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.
MyGardendale
For a complete list of events and happenings, visit MyGardendale.com to see an interactive calendar.
To have an item added to our calendar, please send information to rachel@ jbmcmedia.com.
