Gardendale Magazine - December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

Made Local

Stone Cloud Designs Jewelry crafted by Sheri Powers PAGE 9

Convenant Rescue’s mission to rescue trafficking victims PAGE 13

A HOLIDAY TRADITION

Local home features an amazing Christmas village PAGE 40

Inspection Services Department What does the Inspection Services Department do in Gardendale?

The Inspection Services Department is responsible for plan reviews, code enforcement, Issuing building permits and certificates of occupancy, and performing inspections on all building components. These components include structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, alarm/low voltage, natural/propane gas, irrigation, and signs.

Complaints: They also investigate complaints received from the public (i.e. weeds, trash, abandoned vehicles, ect.)

Planning and Zoning: is a division of the Inspection Services Department regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, building and property use, and location of all residential and commercial developments within the city. This department is also responsible for safeguarding property and public welfare through the enforcement of the city's zoning codes. This includes enforcement of the city's zoning ordinance (Ord. No. 2013-02), the Subdivision Regulations, and the Vision 2020 Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Business Licenses: Inspection Services also performs inspections and verifies zoning for the release of business licenses, both for new businesses and for those having a change of location within the city. A New Business Start-Up Guide has been created to assist in this process. Information is also provided for the home occupation business licenses.

Blake Castleberry - Building Inspections Superintendent Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Physical Address: 925 Main Street Gardendale, AL 35071 Mailing Address: PO Box 889 Gardendale, AL 35071 Phone: (205) 631-1708 [ 2 ] Gardendale Magazine

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/ Table of Contents /

13/ 20/

9/ Maker: Stone Cloud Jewelry delivers one-of-a-kind pieces

23/

Cover: Covenant Rescue Group saves trafficking victims Community: Memorial Garden honors late Scout leader

Recipe of the Month: Kathleen’s shortcut for fast peanut brittle

25/ 31/

Photos: Cooking show raises record funds for nonprofit

34/

News from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby

37/ 43/

School News: What’s Happening in local classrooms?

Happenings: Local people, places and events

[ 4 ] Gardendale Magazine

40/ 44/

Business: Dee’s Kitchen serves up home cooking

Christmas Village: Local living room turned into wonderland Calendar: Don’t miss these events

/ Editor’s Note / You’ll notice the issue you are holding is thicker than past issues. That’s because of the support of the advertisers who have invested in this magazine. Please visit these advertisers and let them know how much you appreciate them bringing you these stories.

With the increased page count, we are adding new regular features, such as our “News from Our Neighbors” section that will expand our coverage into the nearby areas when they have something noteworthy going on. We will have more regular features in coming issues, so if there is something you want to see, please let us know.

In this issue is a story that we have been trying to tell for some time. Jared Hudson and the rest of the Covenant Rescue Group are doing incredible work in rescuing victims of human trafficking and child exploitation, while ensuring the offenders are arrested.

More in the holiday spirit, my old friend Randy Coleman opens the doors to his house and shows off his Christmas Village.

We also have the work of two fantastic freelancers featured in the area. Tara Kennedy stopped by Dee’s Kitchen to sample the new restaurant’s Southern fare. And Kristi Sellers spoke to Sheri Powers of Stone Cloud Design about her jewelry and the inspiration behind it.

This issue was a lot of fun and showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of people in this city, and why we do this magazine each month.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

Electronics / TV’s Paper Shredding 9:00 am - 11:30 am

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October 19

Site 1: Camp Bessemer

3295 King Street, Bessemer, AL 35023

Site 2: Camp Ketona

121 County Shop Road, Birmingham, AL 35217 Gardendale Magazine [ 5 ]

/ 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 nearly 90 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 $35 per year. Email matthew@jbmcmedia.com for more information.

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 On our December cover is Jared Hudson, founder of Covenant Rescue Group. The nonprofit assists law enforcement agencies set up operations to save sex trafficking victims and arrest offenders.

Cover photo Courtesy of Covenant Rescue Group

Our Advertisers

Staff

It’s never easy asking businesses to invest in advertising, so we want to give a VERY special thank you to these businesses. Please, support them!

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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 Anthony and Shweta Bratina Graphic Design

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Gardendale Magazine [ 7 ]

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S O C I A L S

/ Makers /

Sheri Powers of Stone Cloud Designs Story by Kristi Sellers Jewelry is unquestionably on many Christmas lists this year.

Husbands will be shopping for wives and boyfriends will be shopping for fiances.

If you are in the market for something unique and not your everyday “cookie-cutter” pieces from the big-box jewelers, give Stone Cloud Designs a visit.

Owned and operated by Sheri Powers, Stone Cloud Designs offers pieces that will suit many tastes and preferences.

Powers operates a website with an array of beautiful pieces. Be sure to visit www.stoneclouddesigns.com . You can also find Stone Cloud Designs at Marketplace on Main in Gardendale.

Stone Cloud Designs opened its doors in 2010 in Birmingham, Alabama. Powers has always considered herself an Artist and a Maker. She is a selftaught silversmith and has been practicing the art since 2014. // Continued on Page 10 //

Gardendale Magazine [ 9 ]

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/ Makers / // Continued from Page 8 // Powers’ creations truly are unique and one-of-a-kind. She crafts each piece completely on her own. She designs each piece from scratch, curates the materials, and meticulously creates each piece from start to finish.

Each of Powers’ pieces are a labor of love. She takes inspiration from the landscapes of Alabama and Colorado.

The stones she chooses to use are also an inspiration for her final piece. You will frequently see turquoise in her designs, as this stone is a favorite of hers.

Custom pieces are possible at Stone Cloud Designs, but that is left to Ms. Powers’ discretion. Powers prefers to create pieces directly from the heart and her ready-made pieces reflect that.

You will undoubtedly find something that will catch your eye at Stone Cloud Designs. The intricate sterling silver pieces will capture your heart and your loved ones will cherish them for a lifetime.

Gardendale Magazine [ 11 ]

WISHES YOU A

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[ 12 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Feature /

Voice for the Voiceless Covenant Rescue’s mission to rescue trafficking victims Everyone agrees human trafficking and child exploitation are problems in this country, but few people realize it is often in their own backyard.

“This kind of evil is everywhere,” Covenant Rescue Group’s President of the Board and COO Josh Moody said.

The group was founded in 2019

by CEO Jared Hudson. Hudson, who retired from the military after serving with the Navy Seals, initially founded a company to help law enforcement train.

Hudson realized law enforcement agencies were struggling with human trafficking and how to handle those cases in their cities. There were a number of nonprofits in the space that offered support and other services for victims, but few that helped effectively take traffickers off the streets. // Continued on Page 14 //

x Gardendale Magazine [ 13 ]

/ Feature /

// Continued from Page 13 //

“A lot of agencies want to work in human trafficking child sexploitation, but they many not have the bandwidth or the training, so that was something the lord laid on Jared and his wife’s hearts,” Moody explained.

So Hudson decided to found a nonprofit to train law enforcement and assist them on operations like this, using the tactical skills he learned in the military. As a sworn state and federal law enforcement officer, Hudson and Director of Operations Mike Reebals, physically go to these locations and help law enforcement arrest the perpetrators in these cases. // Continued on Page 17 //

[ 14 ] Gardendale Magazine

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/ Feature /

// Continued from Page 14 //

“We do a lot of things, but our bread and butter is partnering with and training law enforcement in child exploitation stings, in anti-human trafficking operations, things like that,” Moody explained. “We typically work alongside local sheriff ’s departments or local police, whatever the case may be in helping them organize these sting operations and then, on the operations, we act as what they call in the military ‘combat advisors.’ We are on scene and we act as advisors to walk them through operations to show them how to set them up on their own.” // Continued on Page 18 //

Gardendale Magazine [ 17 ]

/ Feature / // Continued from Page 17 //

And their success has been incredible, even in a short time. More than 62 perpetrators have been arrested through their operations. A neighboring North Jefferson police department recently arrested 13 on site and acquired warrants for even more.

“When we’re finished and the operation is over, the ultimate goal is for these law enforcement agencies to be able to replicate this and continue to do it after Covenant Rescue Group is gone,” Moody explained. “The goal with our sting operations is to gift wrap a slam dunk case and give it to the prosecutor. “If we do all this and arrest these guys and it isn’t a prosecutable case, we haven’t really done anything.”

[ 18 ] Gardendale Magazine

Dr. Faye Marie Chambers DMD General Practitioner

Enjoying this magazine?

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Call to Schedule 205-631-9899 Gardendale Magazine [ 19 ]

/ Community /

SCOUTS MEMORIAL GARDEN Butterfly Garden and Troop Walkway honor longtime leader The North Jefferson Rotary Club recently announced they are working on a Butterfly Garden and Eagle Walkway Brick Plaza at the Boy Scout Troop 100 headquarters on Fieldstown Road.

The project will be completed with the assistance of Gardendale Garden Club, City of Gardendale, Botanical Gardens, Alabama Brick and the Boy Scouts. // Continued on Page 21 //

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[ 20 ] Gardendale Magazine

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/ Community /

// Continued from Page 20 //

The project will be in honor of Mechell Ballard, the longtime scout leader for the troop. Ballard passed away earlier this year, after leading the troop for more than 17 years and assisting 22 young men to complete the Eagle Scout ranking.

“She was like a second mom to me growing up. Pretty much every weekend, we were doing something. She’s actually the reason I stayed in Scouts when I wanted to quit,” one of those Eagle Scouts, Grayson Phillips said earlier this year.

The area will have a walk with engraved bricks honoring the Eagle Scouts and a butterfly-shaped garden. The irrigation system has already been installed, as have the borders. The bricks and sidewalks were the next step and the garden will continue to grow and come to life as the project progresses.

Gardendale Magazine [ 21 ]

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/ Recipe of the Month / BEST MICROWAVE PEANUT BRITTLE Who doesn’t love peanut brittle during the holidays? But making it from scratch can be intimidating. Making it in the microwave eliminates the need for a candy thermometer and cuts the time to at least half!

I make batches and batches of it or change it up to make Pecan Brittle for Christmas gift giving. rep Time: 5 minutes / Cook Time: 8 P minutes / Total Time: 13 minutes EQUIPMENT cookie sheet 3 quart microwave safe bowl INGREDIENTS 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 cup cocktail or roasted Spanish peanuts (see notes for using raw peanuts) 1 tablespoon salted or unsalted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder) Lightly butter a baking sheet and place on a cutting board, folded towel or cooling rack. Have two forks or a spoon ready to spread the hot mixture.

Stir together sugar and light corn syrup in a large microwave-safe glass bowl. It will look like a sugar scrub paste. I use a Pyrex bowl I’ve had for 20+ years. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

This step replaces step in traditional method of washing down the sugar crystals.

Covering with plastic wrap can be optional but I’ve found it to be helpful to reduce crystalization and produce smooth textured brittle.

Microwave (1100 watts) the sugar mixture in the bowl on HIGH for 3 minutes to wash down any crystals from sides of the bowl.

While the sugar and corn syrup mixture is cooking in the microwave, take this time to measure your peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda.

Microwave another 1 minute or until the mixture is almost all bubbly on top.

WATCH CAREFULLY through the microwave window.

Removethe bowl from microwave with pot holders or oven mitts.

It’s hot! Place the bowl on a folded towel or cutting board or stovetop grate. Then, uncover bowl, removing plastic wrap away from you to avoid steam.

Have baking soda and vanilla already measured out.

Most critical step: Microwave, uncovered, 4 minutes or until the mixture begins to turn golden on the bottom. If it’s amber color at this point, it’s gone too long.

Immediately pour hot candy mixture onto the buttered baking sheet, then spreading it out with two forks or a spoon. Let cool completely and break into pieces.

This can happen fast! Once it starts to turn golden, it will continue turning darker, even as you are removing it from the microwave.

Remember, it’s HOT!

Store in an airtight container.

Carefully remove the bowl with pot holders and stir in the cocktail peanuts and butter until the butter melts. It will be sticky.

Carefully, remove the bowl from microwave with potholders. Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla. It will bubble up.

Kathleen 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.

Gardendale Magazine [ 23 ]

Dr. Jim Fox and Team

Chiropractic Oasis of Gardendale [ 24 ] Gardendale Magazine

205-631-2433 1080 Main St, Gardendale

/ Business /

Dee’s Kitchen Restaurant offers Southern comfort food

By Tara Kennedy Are you a picky eater? Do you love comfort food? Is a traditional “Meat & 2” your jam? Or is good ole southern cooking your thing? If you said yes to any or all those questions, you’ll enjoy a visit to Dee’s Kitchen for a fine meal.

It is a must-visit for locals and those just passing through.

Here in the south, we like our tea and dining experience ‘sweet.’ At Dee’s Kitchen, you’ll get them both! When I arrived, Daneka Bennett greeted me with “Hello! Welcome to Dee’s Kitchen,” and a smile. She was prompt and offered to take my order quickly. She delivered hot hamburger steak (sitting atop a generous bed of homemade mashed potatoes) fried okra, fresh Cole slaw and jalapeno cornbread with just a hint of sweetness in under 10 minutes. I didn’t need a refill on my soft drink, but I did opt for a slice of pecan pie for // Continued on Page 26 //

Gardendale Magazine [ 25 ]

/ Business / // Continued from Page 25 //

dessert. No problem.

The restaurant is situated off the beaten path of our growing city and is located on the East side of Highway 31 North between Southern Market and Standard Furniture. Owners Detrich and Daneka Bennett said they selected the location based on its location and it allows customers to come in and sit down for an enjoyable meal. A benefit to the Bennetts – they have opportunities to get to know the people who visit their establishment.

Dee’s Kitchen is committed to providing friendly customer service. The owner’s ultimate // Continued on Page 27 //

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/ Business / // Continued from Page 26 //

goal is to ensure you are served a wonderful meal and enjoy a great experience during your visit. Some of the customer favorites include cheeseburgers, beef pot roast and smothered pork chops. During my visit to Dee’s Kitchen a repeat customer, Allen Reno, took a moment to share his experience at Dee’s Kitchen and why he enjoys coming back. Allen had already eaten his meal and ordered his favorite cheeseburger to-go.

Allen also shared, “The service and food are really good. I often come in to pick up a ‘To-Go’ lunch. The cheeseburger combo and sweet tea are my favorite.

Dee’s Kitchen is a great location for Ketona employees.”

Detrich has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years with stints at fine steakhouses, while Daneka’s background includes years in the Human Resources and Finance fields. They are looking for dependable help who they describe as self-starters with dependable transportation. They are looking for servers and a cook who have experience, but experience is not required.

They are willing to train if you are willing to work. // Continued on Page 28 //

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Contact Clint Singletary (205) 369-6781 clint@singletaryplumbing.com Gardendale Magazine [ 27 ]

/ Business / // Continued from Page 27 //

If you are looking for a great option for catering your holiday meals, Dee’s Kitchen will offer great options which include 6 different meats (smoked Turkey Deep Fried Turkey, Smoked Ham, Boston Butt Roast, Whole Slab of Ribs, Whole Chicken), 12 sides (Macaroni and Cheese, Dressing, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Green Beans, Broccoli Casserole, Pasta Salad and Potato Salad), and don’t forget dessert: (sweet potato, pumpkin and pecan pie. You can trust the quality of the food they offer. When I asked Detrich and Daneka to describe the food they offer, Detrich was quick to say, “If I wouldn’t eat it, I will not sell it here.”

Dining here does more than satisfy your hunger: it’s an enjoyable experience that gives your taste buds a treat.

With a down-home, welcoming atmosphere, great tasting food, and excellent customer service, this eatery will surely impress. Dee’s Kitchen is easy to find and offers ample space to park – located at 617 Decatur Highway – between Standard Furniture and Southern Market. If you are looking for a great dining experience, make it a point to stop by Dee’s Kitchen, relax, and enjoy your meal. Your stomach and taste buds will thank you.

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[ 28 ] Gardendale Magazine

Melanie L. Appell, MD

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Have a story idea you’d like to see in an upcoming issue?

We want to share what you are excited to read about.

Email rachel@jbmcmedia.com to share your story ideas.

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MEDICARE MADE EASY Do you know all your Medicare options?

Your Local Agent, Pamela Harrison is here to help you navigate Medicare.

Pamela Harrison Licensed Insurance Agent I advise Seniors on all their Medicare options as well as give recommendations, without influencing any one carrier over another or any one plan over another. I am focused on helping Seniors to navigate through all the red tape and figure out what truly benefits them most.

Please note: Some insurance carriers do not contract with independent agents. Therefore, we do not offer every plan in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

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/ Cooking Show /

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRITS AND GOUDA

Cooking for a Cause The annual holiday cooking show, presented by Grits and Gouda and benefiting The Outdoor Ability Foundation. The event raised $10,000 for the nonprofit, the most ever. Through this and other fundraisers and donations, OAF will provide at least eight all-terrain power wheelchairs for kids, as well as a number of other adaptive tools for getting children who need assistance outdoors.

Gardendale Magazine [ 31 ]

/ Cooking Show /

[ 32 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Cooking Show /

Gardendale Magazine [ 33 ]

/ News From Our Neighbors /

Foundation Fitness Ribbon Cutting Foundation Fitness Of Alabama, located at 400 Rolling Hills Drive, hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening event.

Fultondale Ribbon Cutting The City of Fultondale recently held a ribbon cutting at the new Outdoor Fitness Court at Black Creek Park. This is the 13th fitness court of its type built in the state of Alabama this year.

Grand Opening of Launius Furniture A ribbon cutting was recently held at the new Launius Furniture location. The store is at 9038 Highway 31. [ 34 ] Gardendale Magazine

Mt. Olive Thanksgiving Mt. Olive Elementary celebrated Thanksgiving in a variety of ways.

/ News From Our Neighbors /

Mt. Olive Elementary 5th Grade The Mt. Olive Elementary 5th Grade TAG Hatchet workshop was led by North Alabama Agriplex. They learned about shelter building, water filtration and orienteering.

Mortimer Jordan Basketball The Mortimer Jordan 9th Grade boys basketball team won the Cullman Thanksgiving Tournament.

Fultondale Cheer The Fultondale High School Cheerleading team finished second at the Magic City Regional Competition and received a bid to nationals.

Warrior Elementary Farmer’s Federation winner Max Cathey won third place in the Jefferson County Farmer’s Federation Farm City Poster contest. He won $50 and now moves on in the competition with other districts.

Gardendale Magazine [ 35 ]

JANUARY 2023

Made in

RECIPES:

Stay healthy with Air Fryer Tilapia

PAGE 30

GARDENDALE

Bill Whaley and his beautiful stained glass creations

PAGE 26

GO Time 2023 is the year for health and wellness in Gardendale

PAGE 20

WHAT’S IN THE NAME

How Gardendale got its name PAGE 18

at home each month!

DECEMBER 2022

ROCKET

AROUND THE

CHRISTMAS

TREE

A new tradition is back for its second year

PAGE 10

Real-life

Santa A local holiday legend PAGE 8

A

Season

to Remember

Rockets advance to quarterfinals

SUBSCRIBE and receive

RECIPE:

Cookies and Cream Fudge for the season

PAGE 12

Receive Gardendale Magazine at home each month and never miss an issue! Fill out the form below and mail it in with your check for $35 made out to JBMC Media, LLC, to: JBMC Media, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260.

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[ 36 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ School News /

SRES Thanksgiving Lunch Snow Rogers hosted its annual Thanksgiving Lunch for students and families.

SRES Heart Challenge Winner Congratulations to Lily! She was the Top Earner for Snow Rogers Elementary’s Kids Heart Challenge raising $451.02.

GES Robotics

SRES October Students of the Month

The Gardendale Elementary Rockets Bots placed first in the NJMS Robotics competition.

Snow Rogers Elementary named its students of the month for October.

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Gardendale Magazine [ 37 ]

/ School News /

Bragg Wrestling Bragg wrestling competed at the Sean Still tournament hosted

by Hayden High School and brought home the first place trophy.

Individual medalists include: 77 lb - William Bobo 4th place

Bragg Bowling

113lb - Cullen Hight 3rd place 120lb -Aaron Head - tournament champion 126lb - Michael Collins 2nd place 132lb - Crue Bryson 2nd place

The Bragg Middle School Bowling Teams took a field trip to Oak Mountain Bowling Alley to compete in the Thompson Baker Bash.

Both teams bowled well and the girls finished 4th.

132lb - Austin Haygood 4th place 138lb - Jayden Jordan -tournament champion 138lb - Parker Stanley 4th place 144lb - Liam Peek 4th place 157lb - Josh McWhirter 2nd place 190lb - Luke Pruitt - tournament champion 190lb - Logyn Cossey 2nd place Hwt - Caleb Combs - tournament champion

Bragg All-Metro These young men were named to the 2023 All-Metro Football Team:

Bragg Student of the Month Bragg Middle School announced its November Students of the Month. These students were chosen by their teachers (one student from each team) for their hard work, 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.

8th Grade Team: Mark Moody, Urijah Casey, Cohen Corbell, and Luke Pruitt. [ 38 ] Gardendale Magazine

7th Grade Team: Evan Storey, Brooks Beasley, Grayson Burdette, Nathaniel McCloy

6th Grade Maroon- Kylynn Templeton

7th Grade Gray - Chris Jackson

7th Grade Maroon - Sophia Tidwell

8th Grade Gray - Abigail Head

8th Grade Maroon - Briana 6th Grade Gray - Zahira Esteban Sanchez

/ School News /

Jefferson County Newcomb Tournament GES visits State Capitol

The Jefferson County Newcomb Basketball Tournament featured a number of local winners.

SMALL SCHOOLS: 4th-5th Grade Girls 1st Place: Warrior Elementary 2nd Place: Snow Rogers Elementary Boys 1st Place: Warrior Elementary

6TH GRADE Girls 1st Place: Corner Middle 2nd Place: Bragg Middle

SRES Teacher of the Year

Boys 1st Place: Bragg Middle 2nd Place: Corner Middle

2nd Place: Mount Olive Elementary

The 4th grade students from Gardendale Elementary School had an amazing time touring the State Capitol building, riding a riverboat and visiting other sites. The day was filled with learning and fun! The City of Gardendale sponsored this trip for the students.

Mrs. Pittman was named the Snow Rogers Elementary Teacher of the Year.

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reliablesepticllc@gmail.com Licensed and Insured Gardendale Magazine [ 39 ]

/ Feature /

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like

Christmas

In 2002, Randy Coleman was living in Wisconsin and decided he needed decorations to make his home feel a little more festive. He walked into a store and purchased a small train set, a few Christmas village houses and a small tree.

When he moved back to his hometown of Gardendale in 2008 to take care of his ailing parents, he continued to grow the village.

“Mom wasn’t really crazy about it at first,” Coleman said. “After a while, she would be the first one down there to help me work on it. She got to a point where she liked it, but she would never admit it.”

Now, in the 22nd year of decorating, the collection has taken over his Gardendale home. The display takes up the entire living room and features over 500 houses, 10,000 lights, people, trees, people and vehicles, as well as three different trains running through the display.

The village is divided into four main groups: Toon Town, Carnival Land, Candy Land and the Downtown area.

In Toon Town, you can find almost every cartoon character represented “from Charlie Brown to Daffy // Continued on Page 41 //

[ 40 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Feature /

// Continued from Page 40 //

Duck,” Coleman said. “You’ll find Snoopy flying around in an airplane towing a ‘Merry Christmas’ banner.”

In Carnival Land, there are rides, a hotair balloon, an ice rink and Santa flying around.

In Candy Land, there are several items related to candy, including a factory that is constantly churning out candy. There is even a road made of jelly beans.

In the more traditional part of town, there is a Christmas parade on Main Street containing vehicles, a band and more, and people line the streets to watch. There is also a more rural area with a covered bridge, a Dutch-style windmill, barns and even a trailer park. There are also nativity scenes and multiple churches.

With such variety, Coleman said he can’t choose a favorite, but there are certain things he looks for in choosing pieces. // Continued from Page 42 // Gardendale Magazine [ 41 ]

/ Feature / // Continued from Page 41 //

“There is much more besides these areas, it is all about lights and moving parts, not just houses with lights in them,” Coleman said. “When you come in, you can’t fixate yourself on one little thing, there are so many different things.”

Because of the size of the village, it would be impossible to put it up and take it down each year, but instead he leaves it up year-round and just rearranges it each year.

Most of the village pieces are electric, but some of the pieces require batteries, which require him to manually turn them on individually.

Coleman allows church groups and individuals to tour the display from just before Thanksgiving until around New Year’s. Although it is a lot of work, he loves showing the village off to visitors and seeing their excitement and enchantment.

“As long as I’m physically able to do it, I plan to continue it,” Coleman said.

Anyone interested in touring the village should call Coleman at 205.306.9890.

Wendy Cantrell, DNP, CRNP 430 FIELDSTOWN ROADSUITE #104 GARDENDALE, ALABAMA 35071

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[ 42 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Happenings / New Police Officers Gardendale recently hired three new police officers: Evan Orazine, Conner Bowman and Andrew Kyle. Officer Evan Orazine comes from the Birmingham Police Department. He will go through our field training program, and will be assigned to our patrol division. Conner Bowman and Andrew Kyle, they will be attending Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Police Academy in January of 2024.

Gardendale Soccer Club Bill Noble Park

The U9 Academy team won first place in the Alabama Soccer Showdown.

CrossFit Mephobia won the first ever women’s softball league at Bill Noble Park.

Gardendale Magazine [ 43 ]

CRACKED WINDSHIELDS CAN’T WAIT – NEITHER DO WE!

/ Calendar / Christmas Village at Bill Noble Park Jingle all the way to Christmas Village at Bill Noble Park on December 5. Santa will be there for pictures and there will be a Santa’s Stamp Adventure for children to decorate a Christmas ornament beginning at 5 p.m.

Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Opening

Locally Owned & Operated Mobile Service available, we’ll come to you

CALL OR TEXT FOR YOUR QUOTE 205-542-7866

The annual Rocket Around the Christmas Tree event will begin on Dec, 7 at 4 p.m. with a tree lighting.

The trees will be displayed until December 27.

Magnolia Festival Applications Opening Vendor applications for Gardendale Magnolia Festival will be open online at MagnoliaFestival.org on January 3, 2024. The date for the 2024 festival is April 19-20.

Homeschool Hub The Gardendale Library will host a Homeschool Hub focused on Technology/Computer Science on December 13 and January 17 at 10:30 a.m.

GET READY FOR WINTER

Saturday Youth Programs

Vitamins, Herbs, Detox and Cleanse Products

The Gardendale Library will host Saturday Youth Programs. On December 2, at 10:30 a.m. there will be a Grinch Craft, on December 18, at 10:30 a.m., there will be a Christmas movie. In January, there will be a penguin craft on January 6 at 10:30 and a kids movie on January 20 at 10:30.

After School Programs The Gardendale Library will host after school food crafts:

Here to Support Your Healthy Lifestyle

Becky’s Health Foods 1224 Main Street, Gardendale Monday-Friday 10:30-6 | Saturday 10:30-5 Sundays Closed

(205) 631-0006

Health Supplements | Honey Products | Essential Oils | & More [ 44 ] Gardendale Magazine

Dec 5 - Decorating snow cream Dec 12 - Making a Santa hat with candy Jan 9 - Putting together a polar bear puddling Jan16 - Decorating pretzel sticks

// Continued on Page 45 //

/ Calendar / // Continued from Page 45 //

Toddler Time The Gardendale Library will host Toddler Time activities on December 1, 8, 15, 22 and January 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Story Time The Gardendale Library will host StoryTime activities on December 6, 20 and 27 and January 10, 24 and 31 at 10:30 a.m.

Book Club The new book club at Gardendale Library will be November 14 at 10 a.m. and will cover the book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt.

Kids Movie Night The Gardendale Library will be showing a dinosaur movie on Nov. 17 at 6:30 will free popcorn. No registration is required.

Family Bingo Night The Gardendale Library will be hosting a Family Bingo Night on November 27 at 6 p.m. in the Adult Meeting Room at the Library. For more information, contact the library at (205)631-6639.

YA Book Club The Young Adult Book Club will meet at 3:30 p.m. on December 19, 2023 and January 23, 2024 in the library to discuss the books “The Name Drop” and “Suddenly a Murder” respectively. Snacks will be provided. Contact the library for more details.

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.

To have an item added to our calendar, please send information to rachel@ jbmcmedia.com. // Continued on Page 46 //

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/ Calendar /

// Continued from Page 45 //

Christmas Parade The Gardendale Christmas Parade will be themed Christmas in the Movies. It will be December 7 at 6 p.m.

The route will be the same as previous years (see graphic). For more information, contact the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce.

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Gardendale Magazine [ 47 ]

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Dr. Gilbert Douglas IV Emily Snider, CRNP (205) 631-0055 313 Fieldstown Rd., Ste. 103 North Gardendale Primary Care Dr. Alan Hanley (205) 631-2124 2650 Decatur Hwy.

General Surgery Dr. Raleigh Kent III (205) 250-6068 513 Brookwood Blvd., Medical Office D, Ste. 200

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[ 48 ] Gardendale Magazine

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