Cheer squad, Rockettes have eye on national prize
PAGE 10
Local group celebrates 15 years of clogging
PAGE 20 PAGE 16
Kennedy remembers her roots, discusses what’s next
Gardendale Fire and Rescue
The Gardendale Fire and Rescue Service is a full-time career fire department operating in the North Jefferson County area. It employs 34 full-time fire/medics. Gardendale Fire and Rescue Service covers approximately 23 square miles and averages over 250 alarms monthly with 70% assigned to medical-related alarms. The staff is trained and certified in various levels of service, ranging from paramedic, high angle/rope rescue, confined space, trench rescue, HAZ-MAT and other individual certifications.
Services
Through the dedication, knowledge, and experience within our department staff, we can provide the citizens and patrons of Gardendale with the finest protection and best services possible in:
• Medical Emergencies
• Structure Fires
• Wildland Fires
• Technical Rescues
• Fire Prevention Training
• Blood Pressure Checks
• Fire Safety Education
• Business Inspections
Contacts
Chief Joe Thomas firechief@cityofgardendale.com
Asst. Chief Brody Cooper bcooper@cityofgardendale.com
Gardendale Fire and Rescue Office: (205) 631-6660 Fax: (205)631-1725
Station 1 (Est. 2004)
Fire Station #1, 1811 Decatur Highway, operates as the main fire station, also houses Administration Offices
Station 2 (Est. 2014)
Fire Station #2, 1648 Fieldstown Rd. operates as a satellite station that serves the western side of the city.
Station 3 (Est. 2025)
Fire Station #3, 531 Tarrant Rd. serves the eastern side of the city.
/ Table of Contents /
Cover: Cheerleaders and Rockettes team up for competition Photos: National Night Out Recipe:Easy Apple Pecan Cake
Hometown star Tiera Kennedy talks about roots, what’s next
Clog Wild celebrates anniversary Business News: What’s happening in local businesses
20/ 16/ 24/ 42/
from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby
/ 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.
Matthew Allen, Publisher (205) 883-1877 | 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
Anthony Bratina, Cover Designer
Shweta Bratina, Graphic Designer
Emily VanderMey Listo , Operations & Project Manager , Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
About the Cover
The Gardendale High School Cheerleaders and Rockettes have teamed up to enter a new competition at nationals this year.
@GardendaleMagazine @GardendaleMag Contact Us/Follow Us P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham, AL 35260 (205) 883-1877
PROUD MEMBER
PUBLISHED BY
PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Fall is such a special time each year, with football, fall festivals and many other traditions. The ladies on our cover are a big part of those Friday night ballgame experiences and we look forward to seeing how they fare in the new competition category.
Additionally, we celebrated 15 years with Clog Wild Cloggers, which draws members from all over the area. The group, led by Kay Hyde and Gardendale native, Jan Hogan, can often be seen dancing at events all around the area.
Probably the most fun story was getting to catch up with Tiera Kennedy. When I first came to Gardendale a decade ago, she was the go-to person for singing the Star Spangled Banner or any other tune at events. From those early days to hearing her on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album, it has been a wild ride for the starlet. Now, as she returns to her hometown to play a Birmingham festival, she is looking forward to seeing familiar faces.
As we move into the late fall and winter months, please keep sending us story ideas so that we can keep these pages lined with the stories you want to read.
Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director
They’ve got Spirit!
Rockettes and Cheerleaders team up to give competition a ‘gameday experience’
DAVIS KARR
High school football season in the South is unlike anything else, but the electric atmosphere isn’t just from what happens in the game–it’s about the band, the cheerleaders and the fans working together. That atmosphere is what the cheerleaders and Rockettes hope to bring the national competition stage next year. They have spent the summer creating and fine tuning a routine for the new “Spirit Program” division at Nationals.
STORY BY RACHEL
PHOTOS BY HEATHER WARDEN, WARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY AND RACHEL DAVIS KARR
Christen Landrum and Olivia Smith, the cheerleader sponsors, and Angela Morgan, the Rockettes sponsor, are hopeful that the new competition category will give Gardendale a chance to shine.
Morgan, who is entering her fourth year with the Rockettes, said this class is special. The Rockettes have 17 members, almost half of which are seniors.
“They have been with me since they were freshmen,” Morgan said. “They are the first group I have had all the way through, so they are my babies. They really are so precious. They are the sweetest girls. They don’t give me any trouble, and they work so hard.”
The Rockettes’ grueling schedule means the team
is more bonded than many other teams, but it also means they are focused on the same goal.
“We go year round,” Morgan said. “We really have no down time whatsoever. In the summer, we go to UDA camp, then we still practice every week getting ready for pep rallies, then we have band camp, football season, we do band competitions with the band and then we go straight into UDA competitions. We do two or three regional competitions, and then last year, we went to nationals for the first time.”
Their first showing at nationals resulted in a fourth place finish for their kick competition, so Morgan is hoping they will find success there again, in addition to the Spirit competition with the cheerleaders.
Morgan credits the dedication and hard work of the Rockettes and their parents for the team’s success, both in competition and in the fundraisers required to keep the team operating and competing.
Each year, the team does a “kick camp” for the youth around Christmas and an “Egg My Yard” fundraiser at Easter to offset the costs, in addition to practicing roughly three hours after school, three or four days a week once school starts.
On the cheer side, the sponsors are familiar faces who are settling into new roles this year. Landrum moved from JV coach to varsity this year, while Bragg cheer sponsor and former GHS cheerleader, Smith, stepped into the junior varsity sponsor role.
“I had always prayed that if I was supposed to come back, I would, and those doors
opened,” Smith said. “There’s not a lot that has changed.”
Although they are assigned to different teams, the two work as a unit.
“We are rarely separated,” Landrum said. “The only time we’re separated is the games. We compete together, we do everything together, except the games.”
As the cheerleaders head into their third year going to Nationals, Landrum is excited for the new competition category, especially after the team improved last year in their sophomore appearance in Orlando.
“We did a lot better than we did the year before,” Landrum said. “We’re hoping this new category will give us a better shot.”
For the first time this year, the team
“We had some really tough competition. It was a really good start to this season. This group of girls is something special. There is no disconnect whatsoever, our leaders are amazing. They are very driven, and they have their eye on the goal.”
traveled to Auburn for a camp and swept in every category.
“We had some really tough competition,” Landrum said. “It was a really good start to this season. This group of girls is something special. There is no disconnect whatsoever, our leaders are amazing. They are very driven, and they have their eye on the goal.”
“Which then carries over to the other girls,” Smith added.
Both teams will be highlighted every Friday night this season, but will also host a sendoff in January before Nationals to let the community see their new routines.
“We hope that by doing these fun things, it will make people want to cheer for Gardendale,” Landrum said. “I honestly think it has helped.”
The cheerleaders and Rockettes are both looking for sponsorships for their trips to Nationals. Any individuals, companies or organizations that wish to help are asked to contact the school or the sponsors.
Clog Wild celebrates 15 years
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
Kay Hyde fell in love with clogging before she even took her first class. She had been doing line dancing, but those venues and its popularity faded away, so she needed something else.
“I was looking for something to do,” Hyde said. “My late husband was in a wheelchair, so I was looking for dance that didn’t require a partner. I ran across a lady in Gardendale who taught clogging. I was immediately hooked. I knew one day I wanted to have my own group. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to teach and have my own team, when the time was right. And that was before I had even started lessons.”
Then, after a few years, the group they were with folded, and Hyde, along with her friend and co-director Jan Hogan, decided to start their own group. Now, 15 years later, they still love clogging and have shared that love with numerous people through their group, Clog Wild Cloggers.
“Kay started a beginner class in that little fellowship hall, and we have grown from three people figuring things out, to around 25 regular cloggers,” Hogan said. “Our group has all different skill levels, from beginner to advanced and all different ages. Some are brand new cloggers and some clogged when they were younger and found us and decided to take it up again.”
The group is diverse in every way–some have formal dance training or a background in dance, while others are just looking for a fun exercise
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLOG WILD CLOGGERS
Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Prevention Month. The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 8th - 14th) is to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by spreading fire safety awareness through our local schools and day care facilities. Every October Gardendale Fire and Rescue personnel visit local schools and day cares educating our children on fire safety. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU.” Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires and burns by following a few simple safety tips.
Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire. We are dedicated to "Protecting the Moments" and encourage you to gather your family and discuss fire safety. Here are some ways that you can participate in National Fire Prevention Month:
• Discuss cooking and kitchen safety as a family.
• Develop a fire escape plan with everyone in your household and practice at least twice a year.
• Establish a family meeting spot outside.
• Install smoke alarms in your home, on every level, and outside each sleeping area.
• Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year if required.
For more information about fire prevention and fire safety for you and your family, contact the Gardendale Fire Marshal, Captain Adam Crain, at acrain@cityofgardendale.com
routine or a sense of community. The youngest official group member is 20, but has been dancing with them since she was 12.
Erich Reggel, one of the men in the group, saw them dancing and became enchanted by it. “This team was doing the exhibition at a big square dance we have every spring over here,” he said. “I saw them do it, and I said ‘I want to do what you did.’”
So he signed up for lessons, and has been dancing with the group since. He said the people he has met while clogging has been his favorite part of the experience.
Lana Williams and her daughter enjoy clogging as a mother-daughter activity.
“This is something that she and I enjoy doing together and can enjoy just our time,” Williams said.
“Our group has been blessed with good people who have become like family,” Hogan said. “Kay has become more than a friend, she is a partner in crime. She is the instigator, and I go right along–kicking and screaming sometimes–but I go along. I have had the pleasure of watching Kay grow as a clogging instructor for beginners to now writing her own dances and being
asked to teach at workshops in other states. We have become great friends through clogging over the years, and I can’t wait to see what adventures she will come up with next.”
Clog Wild Cloggers teach classes for those interested in learning about clogging. They can be reached on their Facebook, with any questions about learning to clog or having the group perform at an event.
OF A
Reflections Hometown Star
Tiera Kennedy returns to her roots
STORY BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR, PHOTOS BY FORD FAIRCHILD
Tiera Kennedy has long been a household name in Gardendale. Most people remember seeing her perform at Magnolia Festival, singing at the school or belting out the National Anthem at an event. It was no surprise to anyone when she moved to Nashville and even less of a surprise when she made a name for herself on the country music scene. They knew what Gardendale had learned long ago–Tiera Kennedy was born to be a star.
Kennedy credits her teacher, Jenny Thompson, at Gardendale Elementary with igniting her passion for music and the stage.
“I had always loved music and just singing around the house,” Kennedy explained. “But singing in the choir at Gardendale Elementary was my first time singing in front of anyone besides my family. I remember she put on a musical, and I tried out for the part of Ariel. I ended up getting that part and that was my first time singing in front of my friends and singing in front of the whole school. I think it has just always given me this self-conscious confidence in myself–that very first moment of just being able to be put up on a platform at that young age. That’s where my love for music and for performing started.”
That led to Kennedy growing her talent and singing anywhere they would let her in the area. While still in school, Kennedy started penning songs about her life and experiences.
“I had such a love for music,” Kennedy said. “I started writing songs when I was in high school–that’s when I fell in love with country music. I found out about
Nashville, and I just had this fascination of Nashville and moving and making my dreams come true in that way. I really wanted to move straight to Nashville after I graduated high school, but my parents really wanted me to go to college.
“So I went to the University of North Alabama for a year, and that was such a special time getting to spend some time in the Shoals. I didn’t know how much of a music town it was until I moved there. I learned so much and got to do a lot of cowriting and recording at FAME Studios, which is such a legendary studio.
“Then my whole family moved up to Nashville with me. I kinda did the same thing I did when I was in Gardendale of playing around restaurants and just anywhere I could. So when I first moved to Nashville it was just that all over again, just in a different city.”
Since then, her YouTube videos of covers and her own original songs caught the attention of a record label, who signed her and released her debut album, “Rooted” last year. It also got attention from a big star entering the country music scene–Beyonce, who invited Kennedy to appear on the “Cowboy Carter” album.
“I still don’t know how she found me, but I got a call to be on that project. I got to sing on the cover of ‘Blackbird’ with her and three other artists,” Kennedy said. “That has been really special–getting to work with such a legend as Beyonce. She’s just the kindest human, and to be a small part of what that project has done for so many people, and inspired so many people, has been really cool. And it’s something I get to say I was a part of.”
For the last year, Kennedy has just been traveling and playing, and seeing people all over the country connect with her music has been rewarding.
“That’s been my favorite thing about this year,” Kennedy said. “Getting to be out and play festivals and play shows and get to meet people in person. To see people singing along to songs has been so cool, it just inspires me to continue to share my story in the most authentic way, in hopes that it meets people where they are at. That’s the plan–just more of that.
“For me, with music, it’s about making sure I’m being intentional in the moment and sharing my whole heart. I think when you’re completely yourself, and the most authentic in that way, and the most honest, it’s going to reach whoever it needs to. It is really special. Sometimes when writing, you feel like you’re in a silo, but then getting out into the world. My favorite thing I have realized about life is that a lot of us are going through something and a lot of times it’s the same things. And I think that’s the thing that unites us. That’s the coolest thing about music is getting everybody in one room and just being able to celebrate together, cry together, it’s pretty magical to get to experience that all together.”
After all that success, Kennedy is headed back to town to play in the Iron Hills Country Music Festival.
“It’s always so nice coming back home,” Kennedy said. “I’ve been in Nashville for about seven years now, and it’s nice to come back and just remember where everything started. That’s where I fell in love with music, so it’s always nice to get to come home and play some shows.”
The festival, hosted October 11-12 at Sloss Furnaces, will feature Kennedy, alongside country music legends, like Travis Tritt and Jo Dee Messina, and up-and-coming country music stars.
Tickets are available at ironhillscountry.com
Sweet Caroline’s visits PreK
Sweet Caroline’s visited students at Paine Elementary School to share with the students what it’s like to work in an ice cream shop – from scooping cones, making sundaes and mixing up all the fun toppings.
Mercy welcomes back Dr. Metcalf
Mercy Animal Hospital welcomed back Dr. Nicole Metcalf over the summer.
Chicken Guy restaurant opens in Gardendale
Guy Fieri’s first Alabama restaurant opened recently in Gardendale’s Walmart.
Harrison Agency hosts ribbon cutting
The Harrison Agency recently opened in Gardendale to assist Medicare recipients to choose the best options for their situation. The agency is located at 1108 Main Street. For more information about the agency, visit theharrisonagencyllc.com.
Gardendale Run Club
Wood’s Trading Company hosts the Gardendale Run Club each Tuesday at 6 p.m. (weather permitting). To participate, bring water and wear running attire to the store.
National Night Out
SCHULTZ AND RACHEL DAVIS KARR
Bill Noble Park once again hosted Gardendale Police and Fire, as well as other first responders from around the county, for National Night Out. The event allowed first responders to interact with the public and build stronger community relationships. In addition to food, face painting and giveaways, there was a water balloon fight that was enjoyed by kids and adults (and especially the fire fighters and police officers).
PHOTOS BY GARY
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City Employee Spotlight
SHENDARRIUS PERDUE
LIEUTENANT, GARDENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT
STORY AND PHOTO BY RACHEL DAVIS KARR
After graduating from Gardendale High School, Shendarrius Perdue became a firefighter and, in 2007, he got the chance to return to Gardendale, eventually moving up in rank to lieutenant.
“When I came here, it was like, ‘yeah, this is it, I’m done,’” Perdue remembered. “It’s a great department.”
What’s his favorite thing about his job?
“I could say something cheesy, like helping people, but that’s kind of that’s what you sign up for,” Perdue said. “I love that part, but my favorite part is my coworkers and the relationships with the people I work with. We’re like a family when we get together, when we have big meals together. So yeah, the camaraderie with coworkers.is my favorite thing.”
He loves his job, but when asked what he thinks might surprise people about it, he says it’s that it isn’t at all like television portrays it.
“We are not constantly doing the things you see on TV,” Perdue laughed. “We’re not constantly going to exploding buildings or hanging off ropes and, you know, pulling babies out of burning cars. It’s not constantly chaos. There’s a lot of calm in this job. And I think what may surprise people more than anything is the amount of medical calls we run versus fires. It is very lopsided. I would say 90 to 95 percent of our calls are medical in nature. And when I say medical, I mean, you can mix in car wrecks, lift assists, public assist calls, etc. I think that’s probably true of almost every department.”
When he isn’t at the fire department, Perdue is often saving lives in a local emergency room as a registered nurse, traveling to new destinations around the country, playing guitar or running.
Once Perdue can retire, he plans to take travel nursing assignments to see more of the country.
“That’s kind of what I want to do,” he said. “Just travel to different cities, work three month contracts and maybe stay, maybe go. I don’t really want to have roots. I have roots all my life.”
Easy Apple Pecan Cake
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
Apple spice may not have its own latte down at the coffee shop, but I think it deserves its share of the spotlight in the fall. My Easy Apple Pecan Cake with a brown sugar Caramel Glaze is loaded with fresh apple and crunchy pecans. You can choose to drizzle it with my homemade caramel glaze or simply dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
It’s a no-stress, bundt cake recipe with big flavor without a mile-long ingredient list. For more Southern shortcut fall baking ideas and the recipe for my Caramel Glaze, visit GritsAndGouda.com
INGREDIENTS
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 medium or 2 large baking apples such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Gala
Caramel Glaze* or sprinkle with powdered sugar
Garnish: 1/4 cup pecan halves (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan with shortening or butter. Pam’s baking spray with flour works well, too.
Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Add the pecans to the flour mixture and stir well to coat the pecans.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs or beat with an electric mixer until light and foamy. Add the vegetable oil and beat just until combined. Add the brown sugar and vanilla and beat just until combined.
Shred or finely chop the apples.
No need to peel them! You’ll need 2 1/2 cups of shredded apple. I use a stand cheese
grater or food processor with shredding blade attachment.
Stir the shredded apple into the brown sugar mixture.
Stir the flour mixture into the brown sugar mixture until all ingredients are combined.
Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan. Bake on the center rack for 45 to 50 minutes or just until a toothpick comes out “almost” clean when inserted in the center of the cake. You want just a few crumbs on it but no wet batter.
Let cool in pan 10 minutes. Set a timer!
*You’ll find the recipe for my brown sugar Caramel Glaze at GritsAndGouda.com
UAB visits SRES
UAB Blazers visited Snow Rogers Elementary School to talk about goals and being thankful for others.
Bragg Students of the Month
Bragg Middle School honored the August Students of the Month. 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 in Gardendale and given gift certificates, courtesy of Sonic.
GHS Volleyball wins South of Town Showdown
Gardendale High School volleyball team won the South of Town Showdown Silver Bracket.
Students of the Month
6th Grade - Henry Mars & Harmony Robinson
7th Grade - Noah Frederick & Bryan Pearson
8th Grade - Avery Anderson & Charlie DeArman
SRES honors Level 4 ACAP scores
Snow Rogers Elementary School honored it’s third, fourth and fifth grade students who scored a level four on the ACAP tests in the Spring. Not pictured are Cheyenne Powers and Aoife McAnnally.
SRES’ Webb achieved perfect score on ACAP
Snow Rogers Elementary School student Asher Webb made a perfect score on the Math ACAP last spring.
SRES kindergarten counts collections
Snow Rogers Elementary School kindergarten students in Ms. Drummond’s class have been busy counting collections to practice one to one correspondence.
Kimberly Police Highlight Strong Partnerships and Commitment to Community Safety
The Kimberly Police Department (KPD) recently highlighted its strong relationships with surrounding North Jefferson law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of its community. KPD works closely with departments in Fultondale, Gardendale, Morris and Warrior, whose leaders and officers work together to provide mutual aid and assistance when needed.
The department’s operational capabilities are significantly enhanced by a contract with the City of Warrior for both dispatch and jail services. The Warrior Police Department’s dispatch center utilizes a state-of-the-art
CAD system, which enables dispatchers to quickly route calls to Kimberly officers, provide real-time information, and access data on previous calls. Dispatchers also maintain constant communication with officers while they are on calls to ensure their safety.
“The professional partnerships we have with our neighboring departments are crucial to our ability to provide excellent service to the community,” said Chief Sellers. “When a resident calls 911, they are routed to Warrior Police Department Dispatch, where a dispatcher quickly gathers information and
dispatches a Kimberly officer. Our shared digital radio system allows for seamless communication and ensures that if our officers need assistance, a neighboring agency is often already on the way.”
The Kimberly Police Department has a dedicated team of officers who provide 24/7 service to the community, working alongside the Kimberly Fire Department to ensure comprehensive public safety.
For questions or concerns, or to commend an officer, the public can contact Chief Sellers directly at 205-647-5531 or chiefsellers@ kimberlyal.gov.
Fultondale Celebrates Community and History at Annual Founders Day Event
Residents and visitors of the city of Fultondale gathered on August 23 to celebrate Fultondale Founders Day at Black Creek Park. The annual event, a tribute to the city’s heritage and a celebration of its vibrant community, drew a large crowd with a day full of family-friendly activities, live entertainment and local vendors.
The festival, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featured a wide array of attractions. Families enjoyed a free kids’ zone with various games and activities, creating a festive and fun atmosphere for the city’s youngest residents.
One of the main highlights was the popular
Founders Day Car Show, which showcased a collection of classic and unique vehicles. Car enthusiasts admired the well-maintained cars while owners competed for awards in multiple categories.
Attendees also had the chance to browse and shop from a diverse selection of arts and crafts and specialty vendors. The event served as a platform for local artisans and small businesses to connect with the community. A variety of food trucks were also on hand, offering delicious treats.
Throughout the day, live musical entertainment filled the air, adding to the
festive mood and providing a lively backdrop for the festival. The event was sponsored and supported by local businesses and organizations, including the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, further highlighting the strong sense of community in Fultondale.
Fultondale Founders Day serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history, which began in the early 20th century as a mining community known as Fulton Springs. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s growth and its motto, “A Friendly City,” which was on full display throughout the event.
Fultondale High Students Get Hands-On with Lifesaving Skills
Students in the Patient Care Technician class at Fultondale High are training to be future healthcare heroes. They are currently mastering lifesaving skills while working toward their American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certifications.
Kimberly Secures Sewer Service, Paving the Way for Economic Growth
The City of Kimberly recently announced a major milestone in its economic development, confirming that sewer service will soon be available to the community’s commercial corridor. The long-anticipated project will be completed through a new partnership with Living Water Utilities.
After years of planning and investment, city leaders say this foundational project represents a critical step in supporting future economic growth. The addition of sewer service is expected to better position Kimberly’s commercial corridor to welcome new businesses and support existing enterprises, fostering a more vibrant and sustainable local economy.
According to city officials, the availability of this key infrastructure is vital to expanding opportunities for the community. The project is expected to be a win-win for all parties involved, and engineering and planning for the installation are already underway.
The City of Kimberly looks forward to the many positive impacts the project will bring to the community in the years ahead.
Fultondale High Students Get Hands-On with Water Quality Investigation
Students in Coach Franklin’s Senior Environmental Science class at Fultondale High School recently conducted a hands-on investigation into the water quality on campus. The class tested various water sources, including samples from school fountains, outdoor hoses, and bottled water.
Their analysis went beyond a basic check, as they screened for trace elements like iron, copper, and lead. They also measured levels of chlorine, nitrates, sulfates, and fluoride, along with other common additives found in drinking water. In a crucial step for public health awareness, students also screened the fountain and outdoor water samples for the presence of E. coli.
This project provided students with valuable, real-world experience in environmental testing, highlighting the importance of understanding water quality and public health.
Nightmare at 3008: Fultondale’s Top Haunted House Delivers Terrifying Thrills
Nightmare at 3008, Fultondale’s own award-winning haunted house isn’t your average spooky trail. It’s a terrifying adventure known for its chaotic, dark, and grungy style with long, twisted indoor and outdoor trails.
What makes this haunt truly stand out is its commitment to an immersive experience. The actors are highly interactive and dedicated to their roles, often incorporating visitors into the story. It’s a “touch haunt,” but if you’re too chicken, they offer a “chicken stick” as a clear sign for actors to keep their distance.
Known as a “Haunt with a Heart,” the attraction donates a portion of its profits to Children’s of Alabama Childhood Cancer Research and supports the local community through annual events like a Sensory Awareness Day, a “Not So Scary Kids Day” with the lights on, and a November food drive for the Fultondale Food Bank.
Tickets are $25 for general admission. Open 7 pm - midnight Fridays-Sundays through October 26, and open October 29-31 to close out the season.
Burgess promoted to Crossing Guard Supervisor
Dawn Burgess was recently promoted to the Crossing Guard Supervisor’s position, and Melissa Box was promoted to the Crossing Guard Assistant’s position.
Winslett
hired as firefighter
Zachary Winslett was recently hired as a Firefighter in the Gardendale Fire Department.
Civic Center hosts Record Collectors Show
The Civic Center hosted the Birmingham Record Collectors Show.
Cannon restored
The World War I cannon at Gardendale Memorial Park has been restored by the city and the Parks and Recreation crew. The cannon is a 8 inch Model 1905 vintage 1907.
Golden Eagles visit Gadsden
The Golden Eagles went to the Historical part of the City of Gadsden. They visited several different shops...antique shops, Christian Book Store,an oil and vinegar store and a variety store
Tidwell celebrates retirement
Gardendale Crossing Guard, Mary Tidwell celebrated her retirement. The city posted, “After 18 years of dedicated service as a crossing guard, your retirement marks the end of an era. Your warm smile, watchful eye, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our children have left a lasting impact on our community. “Thank you for your service! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of life. You’ve earned it!”
Citywide Fall Cleanup
The City of Gardendale will host its citywide cleanup October 6-10.The Public Works Department will offer a curbside pickup of household discard. Call (205) 631-3394 for more info.
Pumpkin Fest
The annual Pumpkin Fest at Bill Noble Park will be October 28, 5-8 p.m.
Merry Market
Merry Market, benefitting the Arts in Gardendale, will be October 24 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and 25 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) at the Gardendale Civic Center.
Kids Art Classes
The kids art classes at Bill Noble Park will be October 9 (5-7 p.m.), November 14 and December 12 (6-8 p.m.). The cost is $20 per child and registration is at BillNoblePark.com.
Kids Cooking Classes
The kids cooking classes at Bill Noble Park will be October 16 (5-7 p.m.), November 21 and December 19 (6-8 p.m.). The cost is $25 per child and registration is at BillNoblePark.com.
Holiday Cooking Show
The annual Grits and Gouda Holiday Cooking Show, benefitting the Outdoor Abilities will be Nov. 3 at the Gardendale Civic Center. Tickets will be available soon on GritsandGouda.com.
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.
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.
