Gardendale Magazine - February 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

56

UP

IN BUSINESS

PAGE 19

YEARS Craft reflects on a lifetime in business PAGE 14

OPENING

MENTAL HEALTH COMES INTO FOCUS

FROM OUR

NEIGHBORS WHAT’S HAPPENING OUTSIDE GARDENDALE

PAGE 30

Bill Noble is built on community IT’S MORE THAN JUST SPORTS...

[ 2 ] Gardendale Magazine

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February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 3 ]

/ Table of Contents /

44/ 41/

22/

30/ 36/

Photos: Students celebrate 100 and 101 days in school

Recipe of the Month: Shortcut Chocolate Truffle Tart

9/ 19/

Calendar: Don’t miss these events

Small Business: Elizabeth James brings creative, unique clothing to the city

Health: Focus on mental health

News from our Neighbors: What’s happening in communities nearby 36 Happenings: Local people, places and events

[ 4 ] Gardendale Magazine

14/

Cover: Craft reflects on 56 years of customer service

/ Editor’s Note / For many people, February represents love and beauty, so it seems appropriate that we feature a woman who has dedicated more than five decades to making women look and feel beautiful. Marguerite Craft has seen a lot of changes in Gardendale since she first went into business here 56 years ago. With her business still booming and serving a fourth generation of women, Craft remains dedicated to the business she still loves.

We also talk to Integrative Health about what they offer to residents and the importance of mental health. The therapists and counselors who work there offer a variety of services to help every family member and their various needs.

And, as always, we highlight the fun, important and interesting things going on in the city and in the surrounding areas.

Moving forward, we would love to hear from you what you want to read and see in these pages, so please send any story ideas to rachel@jbmcmedia.com. Some of our very best stories have been items that were suggested by our readers.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

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February 2024 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 Marguerite Craft looks back as she celebrates 56 years in business in Gardendale. Photo is courtesy of Deborah Givens.

Our Advertisers 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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Staff Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609, matthew@jbmcmedia.com Rachel Davis Karr Content Director (205) 613-7850, rachel@jbmcmedia.com Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311, michelle@jbmcmedia.com Anthony and Shweta Bratina Graphic Designers Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager Graphic Designer

Magnolia Dental

Contact Us/Follow Us @GardendaleMagazine

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P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham, AL 35260 [ 6 ] Gardendale Magazine

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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.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 7 ]

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/ Small Business/

A spirit that can’t be denied

Boutique owner sees her entrepreneurial dreams come true

By JAN GRIFFEY Despite her degree in pharmacy from Samford, Elizabeth James’ could not deny her entrepreneurial spirit.

The Warrior native, who now calls Gardendale home, is the owner of Blush & Bashful Boutique, an online retail store specializing in children’s clothing.

Blush & Bashful Boutique is filling a need in her family, as well as her soul.

James and her husband, Darrell James, moved to north Alabama. He grew up in Tennessee and has family there. The two met on an online dating site.

“We lived there for the first seven years of our marriage. We moved back her to be closer to my family,” she said. “I worked as a full-time pharmacist when we lived in north Alabama, but when we moved back to this area, I wanted to take a step back and stay at home with my kids. I still work as a pharmacists a couple of days a week and on an as-needed basis.” // Continued on Page 11 // February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 9 ]

Helping Gardendale families

[ 10 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Small Business/

// Continued from Page 9// The Jameses have a son, 5, and a daughter, 2. They have been married for eight years. She began her business almost a year ago, in late February 2023.

James offers custom work, like embroidery, but she outsources that, rather than doing the work herself.

Her store does not carry a lot of inventory. She works mainly with wholesalers who will allow her to order one item in one size.

“When I had my daughter, it was hard to find matching boy and girl sets in stores. I started doing research and found some suppliers I liked. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” James said.

“They don’t have a minimum order or a certain dollar amount I have to buy,” she said. “The store is doing well. I’m not planning to buy a vacation home with the money I make from it, but it’s worth it.”

She said she was surprised at the amount of help she received from another online store owner, who guided her through the process of setting up her business, getting appropriate licenses and connecting her with wholesalers.

James said the amount of time she spends on her store varies from week to week.

“I am a part of a Facebook group for female pharmacists, where it’s not uncommon for people to post extra curricular ways to earn money. One of my fellow pharmacists started an online store mostly to get the wholesale prices on clothes for her own kids. She helped me with the basics, like what I needed to get from the IRS and the City of Gardendale. I’m sure I bugged the people at the city just a little bit because I wanted to make sure I was doing things correctly.”

Almost a year later, James has a strong customer base.

“I have a fair amount of people who look to me as a primary source for needs like for a child’s birthday party, as the primary source for their child’s clothing for special events. I didn’t expect that, especially with people I didn’t know,” she said.

One of her most satisfying purchases was an in-person sale to a couple who bought from her the first outfit for their unborn child.

Blush & Bashful Boutique is strictly a retail business, meaning

“I’m still working some as a pharmacist, and my kids are still young. If I have a week when both my kids are sick, I put minimal effort into it. Normally, I work on the store a couple of hours a day during nap time and I try to do an hour or two at night after bedtime,” she said.

Because she posts content from wholesalers and orders items when her customers are interested in them, she does not have to carry a lot of inventory. However, she is a vendor at Marketplace on Main in Gardendale and participates in the Magnolia Festival, Merry Market and Cottontails, an event held at the civic center each October.

“I do maintain inventory for my booth on Marketplace on Main and customers can buy items there every day it is open,” she said.

James has already gotten a good feel for what her customers will order, and what they will not.

“That’s been one of the things that has been kind of surprising. // Continued on Page 13 // February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 11 ]

Game On! The Thrill of Sports

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Phone: 205.631.6580 Email: info@billnoblepark.com 5895 Bill Noble Drive, Gardendale AL 35017 [ 12 ] Gardendale Magazine

at Bill Noble Park

/ Small Business/ // Continued from Page 11// Generally, if you post something, if people are going to order me, they will do so in the first one or two days. However, sometimes you do have people who will scroll through and order things that I posted three months ago,” she said.

While Blush & Bashful Boutique specializes in children’s clothing sizes newborn to 7-8 for boys and newborn to 10 for girls, she also orders some women’s clothing and accessories.

“I sold one particular dress to 10 or 12 women who go to my church.

I’m trying to arrange for us to wear it on the same day,” she said.

James and her family attend the Gardendale Church of Christ.

She markets her retail store on Facebook through a public group called Blush & Bashful Boutique. James avoids the expense of creating and maintaining a website that way.

“I try to offer outfits that, if your daughter smears blue icing on it, that’s OK. I post things that are for general, everyday living, something that is appropriate for a day at the park, something that will wash and wear well. I try to keep things at an affordable price that will work for most families,” James said.

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121 County Shop Road, Birmingham, AL 35217 February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 13 ]

/ Business/

Decades of Success Longtime shop rooted in strong customer service

When Marguerite Craft started her business 56 years ago, a lot of business owners laughed at her and said she would never make it. None of those businesses are still around, but Craft’s Merle Norman location is gearing up to celebrate its 56th anniversary after finishing 2023 as the 8th highest-grossing store in the international company.

All those accolades are fun for Craft, but that’s not what keeps her coming to the store. It’s her customers and the fact that she now has four generations of families who have celebrated their milestones with her.

“They’ll say ‘my grandmother brought me here when I first started wearing makeup,’ or ‘my mom brought me here,’” Craft said. “We don’t consider them just a number in the computer. So many of them– we know when their daughter got married and when they had their first grandbaby and all these things connect you. That’s a good thing.

Especially today, when so many are unconcerned with giving good customer service.” // Continued on Page 15//

[ 14 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Business / // Continued from Page 14 // Even calling them “customers” is a stretch for Craft. Because, over the years, they have become family to her.

“We have our customers in our computer and we have comments if there is something they like or don’t like or are allergic to or tried something and like it and want it on their Christmas list,” Craft said.

“This is the Merle family–that’s how we look at it,” Craft’s daughter, Deborah Givens, added. “People come in and they share their personal world. There is a lot that stays in these four walls. We are concerned about these folks.”

When Craft moved to Gardendale in 1959 after marrying her husband, Jerry, she was already a devoted Merle Norman customer, having turned to the company to fix her complexion issues.

After she had her children, she relied on her husband to pick up her makeup when he went to work, but there was no local store.

In 1968, she and her friend Marinox Moore, decided to open a business–eventually deciding that business would be a Merle Norman store so they and their friends and fellow Gardendale residents could more easily get their beloved products. Back then,

Craft remembers there wasn’t even a grocery store or anything in the city. But the two friends soon had a booming business.

In those early days, the two women would take turns working and picking the kids up from school, until the kids were old enough to work there too. Givens remembers that all the kids eventually learned to stock shelves, read color names and learn the differences between the products. Craft’s husband Jerry was also the store’s biggest supporter, often discussing the products to tellers at the bank or other people he met. When a Merle Norman vice president came to visit some years ago, Jerry even made his trademark homemade pecan pies to serve them–a treat that would be discussed at national conventions for years. After 25 years, Moore moved away, so Craft bought Moore’s interest in the business.

Over the years, things have changed in the city and with the customers, but the customer service and personal feel of each visit remains. As the city has grown around them and business has increased.

“I think people had more time then than they do today, and they would sit down and do a whole makeover,” Craft said. “Now they run in and say ‘oh I need a new foundation, this is my summer // Continued on Page 17//

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 15 ]

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[ 16 ] Gardendale Magazine

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/ Business / // Continued from Page 15 // color and it’s too dark.’ You have to do it in a hurry, and we can do that. That’s where I see the biggest change, they are always in a hurry.”

Another changing trend they have seen has been the increasing popularity of social media and influencers giving makeup lessons. While customers can learn techniques from social media, Givens cautions against choosing products blindly from social media.

“We hear a lot of our more mature skin customers say they saw that, at their age, they should not be wearing something at their age,” Givens said. “Anybody can wear anything, it’s about the product and how they apply it. Don’t let social media say you can or can’t do something at a certain age.

That feels so limiting.”

And, while the increased emphasis on skincare can be a good thing, there are also dangers with using the wrong product on young skin.

“We are seeing the positives of complexion and skincare being all the rage with teens and tweens.

But ingredients matter with kids that age, so be careful to avoid things that are damaging to young skin,” Givens said. “While we love to make a sale, we do not want to make a sale off the wrong thing for the wrong person.”

The last year has been a tough one for the “Merle Girls.” Jerry passed away and then Marguerite was diagnosed with cancer. To follow along with Craft’s cancer journey, her daughter has set up a Caring Bridge site to keep her friends and family updated.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 17 ]

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[ 18 ] Gardendale Magazine

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/ Health /

Focus on mental health Mental health concerns have been in the news recently.

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that at least one in every five adults have some level of mental health issues–the most common being anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. In kids 1019, one in seven experience some form of mental illness worldwide. In that age group, depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are the most common diagnoses, according to the World Health Organization. In people

age 15-29, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death– directly tied to mental health issues.

All types of situations can cause someone to consider speaking with an advisor–marital issues, parenting issues, children being bullied, blending families, depression or even holiday or work stress.

“We each have seasons of our lives where we need // Continued on Page 20 //

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 19 ]

/ Health /

// Continued from Page 19 //

In 2023, Knight opened an office in Gardendale

assistance for different things, so it may vary depending on what season that person is in,” Michelle Knight, founder of Integrative Health Services, said.

at 1501 Decatur Highway, Suite 101 (the first

Unfortunately, there is sometimes a societal stigma or at least a perceived stigma associated with getting mental health help, no matter how much it is needed. Knight hopes that having more facilities to choose from and easier access to practitioners will lessen that stigma.

needs so that’s the reason that we decided to

Knight founded Integrative Health Services in 2014, and decided in 2019 to change her business to a group practice model in 2019– having numerous different counselors and therapists under one roof. Thank includes treatment for trauma and addiction, and who specialize in play therapy and couples therapy, among other things.

[ 20 ] Gardendale Magazine

floor of the old McAnnally Tax building.

“We noticed a lot of people were having to go long distances to get a provider that met their move to Gardendale,” Knight explained. “With Gardendale having the initiative to expand their medical care providers, we wanted to be in with that movement. We’re trying to help fill that need, as they grow the medical community in Gardendale.”

Knight said if they are not the best option for a certain client, and, if that’s the case, they are committed to helping them find a better match.

“We’re big on helping people, even if we aren’t the provider for them,” she explained.

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/ Recipe of the Month /

SHORTCUT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE TART Chocolate is the typical dessert served for Valentine’s Day, right?

But who has time to make a 3 layer chocolate cake?

This Shortcut Chocolate Truffle Tart is only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes prep before chilling. No baking and you can use the microwave to melt the chocolate!

Ready for the fridge in 5 minutes. Two hours until firm and you are ready to serve this rich, decadent chocolate dessert with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a special occasion. It is an intensely rich chocolate dessert.

Perfect for your Valentine, a Galentines party, or a party of one! Treat yourself and someone special to this decadent ganache dessert.

1 12-oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups) 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream (Do not use regular whipping cream. It will not firm up enough.)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 6-oz chocolate cookie or graham cracker pie crust (Homemade Oreo cookie crust recipe below)

[ 22 ] Gardendale Magazine

GARNISHES: Sweetened Whipped Cream (or Cool Whip) Strawberries, blueberries or raspberries Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and pour the whipping cream over the chips. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute and 30 seconds. I have an 1100 watt microwave.

Let it stand 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. It might look like it will never get smooth but it will. If lumps persist, microwave an additional 20 seconds and stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Pour truffle filling into pie crust, spreading to the edges with the back of a spoon. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.

If you are making this the day before, cover it after the filling firms up with aluminum foil. “Tent” it so it doesn’t touch the filling and leave marks.

Serve with sweetened whipped cream, raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.

To gild the lily, drizzle with chocolate syrup!

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.

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205-631-2433 1080 Main St, Gardendale February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 23 ]

/ School News / SRES Attendance Winner Stella McKinney is the Snow Rogers Elementary attendance winner for December.

Bragg Students Volunteer and Animal Rescue Students from Bragg Middle School collected money and took supplies to the animals at Missing Link Rescue.

Bragg County Tournament Win The Bragg MIddle School Wrestling Team won 1st place in the JEFCOED Tournament.

Bragg Wrestling Bragg MIddle School wrestling came in 2nd place at the Berserker Battle. [ 24 ] Gardendale Magazine

SRES CNP Received Perfect Score The child nutrition program staff at Snow Rogers Elementary made a 100 on their review.

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to call

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PAGE 28

Local families’ stories of adoption PAGE 22

Remembering James David

THE PETRUZELLA FAMILY KEEPS THEIR SON’S MEMORY ALIVE PAGE 16

Developing good dental health habits (including routine dental visits)

gives you a jump start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Roots

Remembering HIS

Grammy-winning artist never forgets where he is from PAGE 18

Serving SOUL

UP

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New complex will serve local youth, attract visitors

Home cooking is always on the menu

JANUARY 2022

THE

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KERMIT DOOLEY AND HIS DEDICATION TO PRESERVING OUR PAST

RUNNERS A RUN THROUGH THE GRAND CANYON

PAGE 18

PAGE 10

a TASTE

of Home CHILEAN FAMILY SHARES THEIR HERITAGE THROUGH FOOD

PAGE 12

Looking for an extra copy? Pick one up at these locations for FREE! Ace of the South Baja California Gardendale City Hall Gardendale Civic Center Gardendale Public Library Hamburger Heaven Jeff Dennis Jewelers Jim n Nick’s Kemp’s Restaurant Monita’s Bakery Mordecai Sporting Goods Roo’s Place Garden Center Shrimp Basket Southern Market State Farm/Scott Cantrell Village Pharmacy

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LEARNING

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CALLED to

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Local school students certified as EMTs. PAGE 18

F RO M

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Local tornado victim helps spearhead disaster relief team.

PAGE 10

A strong and vibrant city

Mayor gives his annual address to the Chamber.

PAGE 26

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 25 ]

/ School News / GES Perfect Attendance Gardendale Elementary School honored students who earned Perfect Attendance certificates for the first semester.

GES Learns about NASA Third grade students at Gardendale Elementary School enjoyed learning first-hand what it takes to be a NASA engineer.

SRES Paws-tive Office Referral Snow Rogers Elementary student Karsyn Grant received a Paws-tive Office referral.

SRES Music Class Snow Rogers Elementary School first graders learned ice skating to Skaters Waltz and fourth grade fun with ukuleles. [ 26 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ School News / GES Positive Office Referral Congratulations to these Gardendale Elementary students for receiving a Positive Office Referral.

GES Students Honored for Artwork Four Gardendale Elementary School students were selected to represent JEFCOED at the State Superintendent’s Art Show in Montgomery. Congratulations Ariana Veronese, Raylen Pimentel, Loralei Cannon and Annie Pickle.

GHS Artist Honored Gardendale High School senior Cara Gant is one of only 10 students whose artworks was chosen to represent the district in the secondary division of the 2024 State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit. The Secondary Division Exhibit is scheduled to take place from March 1-22, 2024, at the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol.

SRES Students of the Month Congratulations to the SNow Rogers Elementary December Students of the Month.

GHS Rockettes Win Big at Regionals The Gardendale High School Rockettes finished in first place in Varsity High Kick at the NDA Bama Dance Regionals.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 27 ]

/ School News /

SRES PreK had Fun in the“Snow” Snow Rogers Elementary’s PreK had“snow” much fun.

SRES Bulldog Buck Snow Rogers Elementary School’s Bulldog Buck Celebration had a great time learning about science from Dynamic Education Adventures.

GES Students get New Furniture The City of Gardendale purchased new furniture for students and staff at Gardendale Elementary School. Over the holiday break, they were outfitted with all new student tables, student desks and student chairs. [ 28 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ School News /

Over 200 VENDORs! Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex

march 1-3

The first opportunity to purchase tickets to Christmas Village in November is in the show office at Cottontails!

Bragg Students of the Month Bragg Middle School honored January 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.

6th Grade Maroon- Arilyn Bush 6th Grade Gray - Mason Monroe

Party dresses for your princess Creative gifts Personalized Easter baskets Home decor + Garden accessories | arts | crafts | gifts | food

TICKETS:

Adults-Advance: $10, At Door: $11 Children 6-12 Advance: FREE, At Door: $5 Children under 6: FREE! ALL CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

WWW.COTTONTAILSFESTIVAL.COM $10 ADULTS

205-836-7173

Fri/Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: Noon-5pm

All credit cards accepted

Advance Ticket holders get in an hour early!

7th Grade Maroon - Landon Taylor 7th Grade Gray - Ethan Argo 8th Grade Maroon - Charla Grace Attaway 8th Grade Gray - Brynlee Harrison

Bragg Math Tournament Bragg Middle School’s math team did a great job competing in the Alabama School of Fine Art’s math tournament.

Vivian Powell-6th grade individual 10th place 6th grade team- 3rd place America Diaz-7th grade individual 8th place Jacob Fields- 8th grade individual 4th place 8th grade team- 3rd place

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 29 ]

/ News From Our Neighbors /

Mt. Olive December Students of the Month Congratulations to Mt. Olive Elementary’s Students of the Month for the month of December: Pre-K: Lathan Bennett

North Jefferson Middle School 8th Grade Girls Basketball North Jefferson Middle School 8th grade girls won the SOCON Championship against Briarwood 32-19. They finished with an undefeated season.

Kindergarten: Carson Bice and Nolan Pointer 1st Grade: Hudson Castleberry, Eli Courington and Presley DiSalvo 2nd Grade: Scarlett Tidwell and Braeley Sanchez 3rd Grade: Rylee Whitworth and MJ Haars 4th Grade: Viviann Green and Braeden Ashworth 5th Grade: Ezra Johnson and Braylee Ashworth

North Jefferson Middle School 7th Grade Girls Basketball North Jefferson Middle School 7th grade girls won their championship game vs John Carroll in the 7th grade SOCON tournament. They finished with an undefeated season. [ 30 ] Gardendale Magazine

Fultondale Boys Win Basketball Championship Fultondale’s 7th grade boys won second place in the JEFCOED Middle School Basketball Championships.

Cosmetic Clinics Now Available at our Gardendale Location

931 Sharit Avenue, Suite 202, Gardendale, AL 35071

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Mia Thompson 256-501-0514 cell 256-203-8599 office mthompson@vscfire.com February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 31 ]

/ News From Our Neighbors /

North Jefferson Science Olympiad The North Jefferson Middle School Science Olympiad team placed third in the JEFCOED Invitational.

Fultondale Police Promotions Fultondale Police Department announced the promotions of Officer Chris Washington and Officer Matthew Voss to the rank of Sergeant.

Warrior Fire Celebrates Colvin’s Success The Warrior Fire Department recently celebrated Cody Colvin for successfully passing his National EMT certification.

[ 32 ] Gardendale Magazine

Mt. Olive Elementary Students Learn to Roller Skate Mt. Olive Elementary School students learned how to roller skate during PE class. This skating unit aims to engage students in getting fit, while having fun and learning a lifelong skill. Roller skating isn’t just fun—it’s a fantastic way to enhance balance, coordination and motor skills?

Spelling Bee Winner Hayden Hock, of North Jefferson Middle School won first place in the Jefferson County Schools Spelling Bee winners.Good luck to Hayden Hock as he moves on to regional competition. The winning word this year? “Havens”-places that provide favorable opportunities or conditions.

/ News From Our Neighbors / Kimberly Mardi Gras The First Annual Mardi Gras in Kimberly Celebration will be February 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Park.There will be food, vendors, king cake, music, inflatables, train rides and more! Stephen’s Hotdog Wagon, Pandy’s Sno Biz & Treats, Nawlins Style Po’boys LLC, Hey Bebe Gumbo to Geaux, North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, City Government of Kimberly are sponsors. Vendors include Magic City Spin (Train), Toni’s Lousiana Spices, Luckie Pair, Ember Collection, Mary Kay, Kinsey’s Grace Toys, Hays Creative and Face Painting.

Morris Donates to Youth The Town of Morris presented a check for $4,000 to the Morris Youth Association. This money was raised by our amazing community and sponsors who supported the Morris Blue Spoon Chili Fest held in November.

Show your septic tank

some love!

Call 205-608-8181 reliablesepticllc@gmail.com

Licensed and Insured

Scan to learn more

We offer Mortgage Inspections, Septic Repairs & Installs February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 33 ]

LOCALLY MADE | LOCALLY SOURCED cutting boards | Charcuterie trays bathtub caddies | bed swings stovetop covers | tables | planters shelves | bookcases

custom orders accepted facebook: @deogloriawoodworks Instagram: @deogloriawoodworks [ 34 ] Gardendale Magazine

DEO GLORIA W

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Enjoying this magazine?

So are thousands of other people in Gardendale.

Support the city’s premier local publication by advertising your business.

Contact us today, and let’s work together.

Michelle Salem Haynes michelle@jbmcmedia.com / (205) 381-1311

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 35 ]

/ Happenings / 2024 Chamber Board of Directors Announced The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce announced its 2024 Board of Directors: President: Holly Fryar Vice President: Andrew Beard Secretary: Blake Smith Jeremy Adams Traci Bausch Tony Betts Jeff Drummonds Amee Donald Karen Harpole

New Chamber Director and Assistant Director The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce announced a new executive director and assistant director this month. Acting Director Rossalynn (Roz) Jackson was named to the position permanently.

Caroline Smith-Pernell was named as the assistant director of the Chamber.

[ 36 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Happenings /

GLOVER CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic Care with a Problem-Centered Approach

Meet Kent Glover, D.C. Chiropractic Manipulation Dry Needling | DOT Physicals Physio-Therapeutics Dr. Kent Glover with his wife Kayla and son Samuel.

Glover Chiropractic 1016 Mulberry Ln, Gardendale, AL gloverchiro.net

Gardendale Fire Trained With Rookie

Call to Schedule 205-631-9899

CRACKED WINDSHIELDS CAN’T WAIT – NEITHER DO WE!

Gardendale Fire Department’s B-Shift trained the newest rookie on the ladder before he goes to rookie school.

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

CALL OR TEXT FOR YOUR QUOTE 205-542-7866 February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 37 ]

/ Happenings /

Husdon speaks to Alabama District Attorneys Association Peterson Hired at Gardendale Police Department Johnathon Peterson was hired as a police officer in the Gardendale Police Department. He is pictured with Chief Scott Banks.

Jared Hudson, of Covenant Rescue Group, spoke to the Alabama District Attorneys Association at its Winter Conference alongside Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker. Hudson spoke on the topic of conducting child exploitation/human trafficking operations. CRG worked with Cullman PD and DA Champ Crocker in a successful sting operation in Cullman County in 2023.

Mordecai Supplies New Beanies for Police Department Gardendale Police Department thanked Mordecai Sporting Goods for supplying the patrol with new beanies to stay warm during the cold weather.

[ 38 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Happenings /

GET READY FOR WINTER WITH Alabama Produced Honey, Beeswax Products, Essential Oils, & Immune Support Supplements

Here to Support Your Healthy Lifestyle Health Supplements | Honey Products | Essential Oils | & More

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

(205) 631-0006

Hoff Hired at Gardendale Library Beverly Hoff was hired as a part-time Library Clerk at the Gardendale Library. She is pictured with librarian Connie Smith.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 39 ]

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.

Call me for help navigating the Medicare Maze 205-514-9568

pam@theharrisonagencyllc.com www. theharrisonagencyllc.com

@pamela-harrison-ioa

@theharrisonagencyllc

Electrical Service When You Need It Superior Work & Customer Service

Our highest priority is our customers

(205) 433-4022

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“Call Us Today and We are On the Way!”

Residential • • • • • [ 40 ] Gardendale Magazine

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Call 205-433-4022 to Schedule Your Superior Service REVIEWS at SuperiorService247.com

/ 100 and 101 Days of School /

Celebrating 100 and 101 Days of School Gardendale Elementary School celebrated the 100th day of school and Snow Rogers Elementary switched things up and celebrated the 101st day of school with a 101 Dalmations theme.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 41 ]

/ 100 and 101 Days of School /

[ 42 ] Gardendale Magazine

NOVEMBER 2021

70s

Affair

A Place

GHS CLASS OF ’71 REUNION, IN PHOTOS

to call

Home

PAGE 28

Local families’ stories of adoption PAGE 22

Remembering James David

THE PETRUZELLA FAMILY KEEPS THEIR SON’S MEMORY ALIVE PAGE 16

Gardendale’s Choice for Family Dentistry

SEPTEMBER 2021

Roots

Remembering HIS

Grammy-winning artist never forgets where he is from PAGE 18

Serving SOUL

UP

Dr. Elizabeth Lucas

Dr. Jenn Reaves

Field of Dreams New complex will serve local youth, attract visitors

Home cooking is always on the menu

JANUARY 2022

THE

HISTORY

MAN

RIM

KERMIT DOOLEY AND HIS DEDICATION TO PRESERVING OUR PAST

RUNNERS A RUN THROUGH THE GRAND CANYON

PAGE 18

PAGE 10

a TASTE

of Home CHILEAN FAMILY SHARES THEIR HERITAGE THROUGH FOOD

PAGE 12

Schedule Your Appointment (205) 285-8298 1603 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale | lumadentistry.com

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Looking for an extra copy? Pick one up at these locations for FREE! Ace of the South Baja California Gardendale City Hall Gardendale Civic Center Gardendale Public Library Hamburger Heaven Jeff Dennis Jewelers Jim n Nick’s Kemp’s Restaurant Monita’s Bakery Mordecai Sporting Goods Roo’s Place Garden Center Shrimp Basket Southern Market State Farm/Scott Cantrell Village Pharmacy

APRIL 2022

Exam & Xrays

LEARNING

CALLED to

Serve

Local school students certified as EMTs. PAGE 18

F ROM

TRAGEDY

Local tornado victim helps spearhead disaster relief team.

PAGE 10

A strong and vibrant city

Mayor gives his annual address to the Chamber.

PAGE 26

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

PHONE 205.877.9773 ACNE | ECZEMA/DRY SKIN | EXCESSIVE SWEATING | PSORIASIS | ROSACEA | SKIN CANCER/MOLES | SKIN EXAMS | WARTS AND MORE February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 43 ]

/ Calendar / Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast The annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Gardendale Civic Center on February 23 from 6:30 to 8 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Pam Huff, of ABC 33/40. “Pam Huff has a story to tell that we all can benefit from,” Mayor Stan Hogeland said in announcing the year’s speaker. Tickets will be $10 and available through the City of Gardendale.

ACT Prep Wondering how to help your high schooler tackle the ACT test?

We’ve got the answers. Join us February 3, at 10 a.m. for a free program designed to inform parents and students about ACT preparation, test tips and strategies, and more.

Questions? Call the library 205.631.6639 and ask to speak to Joanne.

Chamber of Commerce Luncheons The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Luncheons will be February 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14 and December 12. Sponsorships are still available.

Book Club The new book club at Gardendale Library will be February 13 at 10 a.m. and will cover the book “The Mystery Guest” by Nita Prose

Chamber of Commerce Banquet The Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Banquet has been rescheduled for March 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are available.

City-Wide Spring Cleanup Gardendale Public Works will host a city-wide cleanup April 8-12.

During that week, the department will offer curbside pickup of household items. Old appliances will be picked up, but no hazardous materials or building supplies. All items must be placed at the curb, but assistance is available for those who need assistance with getting the items.All pickups must be requested

by April 10 at noon by calling 205.631.3394.

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

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. // Continued on Page 45 // [ 44 ] Gardendale Magazine

/ Calendar /

// Continued from Page 44 //

Dinko De Mayo Gardendale Pickleball Club will host Dinko De Mayo May 3-5, 2024 Singles - Friday evening May 3, 2024 Women and Mens Double - Saturday - May 4, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Mixed Doubles - Sunday - May 5:00, noon - 6 p.m.

(Registration opens January 22, 2024) Round Robin Format

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.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 45 ]

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.

NAME _________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS _____________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP ________________________________________ PHONE ________________________________________________ EMAIL _________________________________________________ Your phone number and email address will only be used to contact you to confirm that your subscription has been started, and to inform you when it is up for renewal. Your contact information will never be shared with anyone else.

[ 46 ] Gardendale Magazine

205- 638-PIRC (7472) Helping navigate the mental health system for teens and children.

Services are FREE and confidential. Services provided by phone are not medical advice and should not be considered as such.

Services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health professionals who recommend the most appropriate mental health resources.

PIRC is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, United Way of Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

February 2024 Gardendale Magazine [ 47 ]

YOUR CRAWLSPACE IS PART OF YOUR BREATHING SPACE

We’re partnered with AprilAire to help fill every home in our community with healthy air.

AprilAire dehumidifiers have a 5-year warranty, made in the usa and are specifically designed for crawlspaces.

Mold & Mildew Solutions Cares Most about Providing Healthy Indoor Air Quality for Your Home, Basement, or Crawlspace Schedule Your Inspection [ 48 ] Gardendale Magazine

(205) 252-9506 ALABAMAMOLD.COM