Gardendale Magazine - June 2024

WE ALL SCREAM!

Gardendale’s new ice cream shop opens up PAGE 8

IN PICTURES

Snapshots from Magnolia Festival PAGE 12

Voices of Business

The Trio of women lead Gardendale Chamber forward PAGE 26

Find Your Space, Find Your Community

The Gardendale Civic Center’s meeting spaces are available to rent for all types and sizes of events and activities, such as business meetings, workshops, seminars, luncheons, birthday parties, baby showers, class reunions, family reunions, dinners, and banquets.

Combined with our fitness center, group fitness classes, basketball, racquetball, indoor and outdoor walking tracks, monthly blood drives, Chamber of Commerce events, many community events and more, the GCC has something for everyone!

The Gardendale Civic Center is here to SERVE you. Seven days a week!

Address: 857 Main Street, Gardendale, AL, 35071

Phone: +205-631-5679

Email: gccinfo@cityofgardendale.com

Website: www.cityofgardendale.com/civic-center

Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter)

Business

Profile: Sweet Caroline’s brings cool treats for summer

Maker Profile: Itty Bitty Bakers teaches kids to embrace the mess 8/ 20/

Photos: Magnolia Festival continues to draw crowds 12/

Cover: Meet the women behind the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce 30/

Recipe of the Month: Key Lime Popsicles

School News: What’s Happening in local classrooms? 24/ 32/

I cannot believe that we are almost halfway through this year! It seems like the year just started. But this summer will see new growth for the City of Gardendale. In this issue, we talked to the ladies who are running the show at the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce about how they want to support the businesses in the city, as well as other plans for the chamber.

We also talked to the owner of Sweet Caroline’s, a new business in the city selling cool treats that are sure to be a hit as the temperatures rise.

We also talked to a local teacher who is offering a unique experience for local kids who want to learn to cook.

With all the activities this summer, there are plenty of things to keep us all busy, cool and entertained. If you have exciting summer plans, I would love to hear from you about them. Email me at Rachel@jbmcmedia.com or give me a call to let me know what you have planned or are looking forward to this summer.

Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

/ About Us / On The Cover /

About 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.

The three ladies at the helm of the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce want to help local businesses and residents in any way they can. Their love for the city and its people is at the forefront of everything they do.

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!

ACE of the South - Gardendale

Adair Tire Pros

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure

Amore Design & Event Planning

Budget Blinds

Cakes by Elise

Carvy Home Services

Cassidy Glass, Inc.

Cheri W. Cunningham DMD

Children’s of Alabama

City of Gardendale

Closets by Design

Dee’s Kitchen

Deo Gloria Wood Works

Fieldstown Dental Care

Glover Chiropractic

Healthy Kids of Gardendale

Luma Dentistry - Gardendale

Maggie G. Pond, DMD

Mold & Mildew Solutions

Parrot Structural Services

Reliable Septic Service

Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel & Oakwood Memorial Gardens

Singletary Plumbing, Inc.

Skinology

Southern Focus Vision Center

Tabernacle Christian School

The Chiropractic Oasis of Gardendale LLC

The Harrison Agency

TherapySouth

Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center

Uniquely U Wellness Coaching

Village Dermatology

VSC Fire & Security

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

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

PROUD MEMBER

PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN

The Latest Scoop

By June Mathews

When Katie King decided to close her Graze Together charcuterie catering business last year, she was left with a vacant spot on busy Fieldstown Road that needed filling. So she and her husband Colby, both Gardendale natives and entrepreneurs, started brainstorming some ideas.

Whatever business they chose would have to be family-friendly, a fun place where parents could hang out with each other and their kids. But it also needed to be something that could almost run itself, thus affording the Kings more time with their brood of four, soon to be five. (The newest King is due to arrive in mid-June.)

“I had always wanted to open a play area; my husband had always wanted to open an ice cream shop,” said Katie. “For me, the ice cream part was kind of a struggle because I’m a nutritionist, and my passion is serving people healthy options. But there is a balance, and I needed to learn that. It’s okay to enjoy ice cream with family and friends.”

With that point settled, the Kings decided to move forward with both the ice cream shop and the play area, and the name of the dual business would be Sweet Caroline’s.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEET CAROLINE’S

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“My grandmother’s name is Caroline, and my niece’s middle name is Caroline,” Katie said. “I wanted something cute and that stuck in your head when you heard it. In this case, Sweet Caroline not only sticks when you hear it, there’s also a meaning behind it.”

According to Katie, both namesakes think having an ice cream shop named after them is one of the grandest things ever, especially considering the sweet benefit that comes with it: free ice cream for life.

“My grandmother has already been in, like, three times now,” she said. “She loves ice cream.”

While the play area side of the building is still a work in progress,

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the ice cream shop opened in early April to rave reviews.

“It’s been awesome seeing people from all over the community come in with their families and friends,” Katie said. “The support we’ve been getting has been amazing. Gardendale does a wonderful job of supporting small businesses.”

The interior of the shop is freshly painted in bright shades of purple and yellow. A wall decorated with oversized adhesive sprinkles adds a festive touch to the décor and serves as a whimsical backdrop for photos. Katie said the design aspect, choosing colors and accessories to reflect the fun atmosphere she was aiming for, was her favorite part of getting the business up and running.

Another fun aspect was developing the menu. With 20 flavors of ice cream to choose from at any given time and a variety of dirty sodas named after old pop songs, just reading through Sweet Caroline’s menu is a treat.

“We don’t want anybody to get bored with our ice cream,” Katie said. “We’ll always have the staples, but we love to carry things

you can’t get anywhere else around here. We also rotate flavors to keep things exciting, and we make our own waffle cones— chocolate and vanilla—every day.”

But the Dirty Soda side of the menu is creating a fanbase all its own.

Dirty sodas, for the benefit of the uninitiated, are soda-based drinks mixed with a choice of flavored syrup and a choice of something creamy, like whipped cream, vanilla cream, coconut cream, or half & half.

Popular drinks include Dancing Queen (Pibb Extra, coconut, fresh lime), Love Shack (Sprite, strawberry, cream), and naturally, Sweet Caroline (root beer, coconut, raspberry, cream). Except for a limited selection of monster-size concoctions, the drinks come in small, medium and large.

“If you don’t see a drink you like, you can create your own,” Katie said. “Everybody should try at least one dirty soda.”

Sweet Caroline’s is located at 243 Fieldstown Road. Hours are noon to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Check for weekly promos on the shop’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Magnolia Festival

Photos by Emily Allred Photography

The annual Magnolia Festival continues to draw record crowds to the City of Gardendale every year. Entertainment, vendors, rides and, of course, food continue to draw people from all over the area to the festival.

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THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

Local, licensed estheticians offering a full lineup of services:

• facials, oncology facials

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• Hydra facial

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• Lash Extensions

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• VI peel

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• Full Body Waxing

• Medical grade services

• Procell, Vi Peel

• iS Clinical and Elta MD

FOOD TRUCKS NIGHT

Starting in May through October

2nd Thursday of each month | 5-8PM

SUMMER YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMPS

Info: +205-675-4897

July 8-10

SOUTHERN TRADE DAYS

Vendors - Food Trucks Farmers Market - Music

July 13

SOUTH’S LARGEST RECORD SHOW

August 16-18

THE FLIP TRADE SHOW

August 10

ALABAMA GAMES BATON TWIRLING Registration closes June 5

June 8 | Check in: 8AM

SUMMER YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Starting in July ends in August

Helping Gardendale families

Itty Bitty Bakers

Teaching children to cook and embracing the mess

By Jan Griffey

The best thing about Itty Bitty Bakers for Gardendale children is getting to make a mess without being in trouble.

Katie McCreless, a third-grade teacher at Snow Rogers in Gardendale, was looking for activities for her two children—Kelvy, 10, and Knox, a first grader. At the time, no cooking classes were available in Gardendale, but she had heard of Itty Bitty Bakers, which was organizing cooking activities for children elsewhere in Alabama.

Long story short, McCreless contacted Itty Bitty Bakers and is now an independent contractor working for that company and providing in-person cooking classes for Gardendale children.

“I am a school teacher. My daughter had attended several of their classes, so I decided to check them out. I wanted to know what it would take to get on board and test the waters,” McCreless said.

“It has been great. I’ve had decent success so far and it’s bringing a new experience to kids in our area,” she said.

McCreless decides what cooking classes to offer, which are set up in her home. Some are multi-day classes, like summer camps, and others are just one-day classes.

“Itty Bitty Bakers then helps promote the classes on their website,” she said.

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PHOTOS

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The classes are a win-win for parents and children.

“Parents today are in the trenches,” McCreless said. “They either don’t have the time to teach cooking to their children, or they don’t have the time for the mess that comes with that. Let’s face it, cooking takes time and is often messy.

“These classes are a safe place for children to get messy. I don’t get mad about it,” McCreless said. “We also talk about the science behind cooking and baking.

They learn how to use a rolling pin and other cooking and baking tools and they get some basic skills. Parents are always running these days. Here, our entire purpose is to

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teach them to cook and have fun with friends while doing it.”

And, the children get to share what they make with their families.

“They always get to take something home. It may be the pretzels or the cupcakes they make. Or it may be a take-and-bake. In one class we make pasta dishes and the kiddos get to take those home and their parents can bake it and serve it to their family for dinner,” she said. “I really think that’s what the kids love most. They get so much pride from taking what they made home and sharing it with their family and telling them, ‘I made that.’”

The children, she said, love to mix the ingredients and see what happens.

“It brings me joy as a teacher to get to see the process from start to finish. They get the joy of knowing that they made that. The kiddos particularly enjoyed making pretzels and learning about yeast,” McCreless said. “I’ve gotten so many messages from parents telling me that their children had so much fun, and telling me that what they brought home to their families was so yummy. And they want me to give them the recipe!”

McCreless’s classes are a good mix of boys and girls, depending on the subject matter.

“You would be surprised at how many boys sign up. We do have one

class that is specific to girls and that’s the American Girls Baking Camp. The girls bring their dolls with them to that class,” she said. “Some of the parents have told me they sent their sons because they don’t want them to be completely dependent on a wife one day!”

While the supplemental income is nice for McCreless, that’s not her only motivation for working with Itty Bitty Bakers.

“My kids play competitive sports and that’s expensive, so the extra money is nice. Honestly, I fell in love with the idea of it, providing that service to kiddos in our area,” she said. “I am not a baking expert at all. I probably bake at a level of a 10-year-old. But I love teaching this, and I get to choose what I want to teach.”

McCreless’s cooking classes are posted on the website IttyBittyBakers. com.

“We also have a Facebook page where you can find that information,” she said.

“I am definitely going to stick with this. It’s been great.”

The American Girl Cooking Class is her next one, and it’s set for June 4 through 6 from 10 a.m. to noon each day for ages 6 through 9. In July, McCreless will offer an Inside Out Baking Class on July 8-10 from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 through 9.

Both classes can be booked on IttyBittyBakers.com.

KEY LIME PIE POPSICLES

Summer is here! Let’s cool down with Key Lime Pie Popsicles.

These are No Cook so that’s a bonus to not have to heat up the kitchen with the oven!

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice, bottled key lime juice (or you can use regular limes and lime juice)

1 1/2 cups Cool Whip, divided or Sweetened Whipped Cream

9 thin key lime slices (optional)

3 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

9 popsicle sticks

Combine sweetened condensed milk and lime juice in a bowl; stir in 1/2 cup Cool Whip.

Press one lime slice into the inside of each popsicle mold about halfway down. This is optional and is just for garnish.

Spoon mixture into nine popsicle molds. The mixture will be a little thick so tap the molds on the counter slightly to remove any air pockets.

Spoon about one tablespoon remaining whipped cream on top of lime mixture and top with about one teaspoon graham cracker crumbs, pressing crumbs gently into the whipped cream mixture so they won’t fall off when unmolded. Press popsicle sticks down the middle of the mixture.

Freeze at least 3 hours or until completely frozen.

Lower popsicle molds down into a large bowl of very warm but not hot water for about 30 seconds. Gently rock the popsicle sticks back and forth while pulling up to remove the popsicles from the molds. Enjoy immediately! Don’t forget to remove the lime slice before eating.

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.

Heart of the Chamber

Meet the women behind the city’s Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce in Gardendale has been going through a season of change. New staff, new location and new programs might be daunting for some people, but Executive Director Roz Jackson is invigorated by the changes and excited to be able to serve the community in new ways. Her new favorite slogan is “What’s the best that could happen,” and that is guiding her as she leads the Chamber into the next chapter.

Jackson, alongside Assistant Director Caroline Smith-Pernell and Community Engagement Director Haley Jones, are forging a new path for the Chamber, building on the current success, growing the thriving business community in the area and supporting the business owners and managers in any way possible.

“Our goal really is to make sure that everyone is seen and heard,” Jackson said. “I think the business world can be tough and scary and it’s hard to admit that sometimes. It really is a lot easier when you know someone is in your corner or that you have someone to contact and be transparent with.”

Certain familiar Chamber events, like the monthly luncheons and annual banquet will continue, as will networking events, although some may look a little different as they look at what is working for the members and what needs attention.

The Chamber of Commerce office has also

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PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN

From left, Community Engagement Director Haley Jones, Executive Director Roz Jackson, and Assistant Director Caroline Smith-Pernell are forging a new path for the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce.

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moved from City Hall to the Civic Center, giving them more flexibility with the hours and a more visible presence in the city. That is one of the things Jackson said that the community should expect from the Chamber going forward–even more connectedness.

“We couldn’t ask for anything better as far as being right where people can see us, find us, and come and just sit,” Jackson said. “That’s what we want our chamber to be–you come, it’s a safe spot, it’s a good spot to be heard, to be seen, to let us know what you’ve got going on.”

“Our goal is to hit a refresh button,” Jones added. “We’re asking, ‘Why are we here? What’s our purpose?’ We want to become the connection

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PHOTO BY GARY SCHULTZ

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hub where people can come to be connected, not just to us or the city, but be connected to other people, because I think there is so much power in collaboration and teaming up.”

Each of the three women came to Gardendale and the Chamber of Commerce in unique ways, and Jackson believes the diversity and differences in the women will be what strengthens the Chamber for its members.

“The sweet thing is that the three of us are able to—because of our different backgrounds—we see the holes and know different things that will fill it,” Jackson said. “We may not always be the answer, but we can help find the answer. And that part, I think, is what we really want to continue with and really amplify.”

Jackson grew up in Decatur, got married to a man from Montgomery and moved to Florida until the couple began having children. Then they decided to move closer to family and settled in Gardendale in 2010.

“We loved it so much that when we needed more space, we just moved up the street,” Jackson said with a laugh.

Jackson immersed herself in the community, getting involved in the schools and finding a special place for herself in the Gardendale Library, where she eventually began working.

“I have interwoven myself here so much so that there is a sweetness

in our community that you start to see if everything–the schools, the library,” Jackson explained. “The library was a good home base when I first got here and was trying to figure out my people and what goes on. I felt like that was a good spot.”

Then, when a job at the Chamber came open, Jackson saw an opportunity to use her graphic design training and background to further help her city grow, but she never lost her love for the library or her passion for cheering on the kids in the community. She believes the community’s strength is in its ability to come together to support and cheer one another on—particularly at the school.

“Not that anybody or anything is perfect, but there is no better feeling than being at a game and hearing us all rally for our team or being at a play or anything where you see everyone come out from different places and support them,” Jackson explained. “When there is a lot of maroon in the crowd, we go wild.”

Smith-Pernell was raised in Mobile but began calling Gardendale home in 2011.

“I really like the hometown feel, but then you get the ‘big’ feel because we have some of the top restaurants, stores and hotels,” Smith-Pernell said. “But I could literally walk from my house to eat, and my son could walk to school.”

She worked for a number of years at a nonprofit, serving victims of

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PHOTO BY GARY SCHULTZ

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

DEO

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domestic violence for 17 years, but with COVID, she found herself reevaluating her priorities and goals, so she wanted something that would allow her to be more involved with her son and their community.

“I got involved with the PTA—served as the assistant membership person— that wasn’t enough, got involved in my HOA—started as secretary and ended up being president,” Smith-Pernell remembers. “That still wasn’t enough love in the community, so someone [Jackson] dragged me into the library. That’s where I really started meeting people. It was just a well-baked cake at that point, but coming to the Chamber was just the icing on it for me.”

Jones is the newest member of the team. She grew up in Pensacola before moving to Europe for several years. When she returned to the United States, her parents had moved to Gardendale, so in 2010, she moved to the city to be closer to them. She immediately loved the familiar and friendly environment.

“My husband always calls it a ‘modern day Mayberry,’” Jones said. “I like that there are things to connect with in the city, but also that you can get out of the city and come home.”

Her background was in teaching, but when she moved to Gardendale, she helped her dad begin marketing his insurance business and decided that business coaching was her future. She got licensed in business and life coaching and began helping businesses and individuals in the area.

“I felt like it took the relational element of teaching that I really liked into a professional environment,” Jones said.

She and her husband also own a small business and that has given her even more insight into the struggles, concerns, needs and triumphs of business owners.

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PHOTO BY EMILY ALLRED PHOTOGRAPHY

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Overall, the Chamber is maintaining its services and growing other things that will serve the current businesses and future businesses that will call the city home.

“We’re still really focused on how the city is growing and the things that are coming in with it, and making sure that is integrated in together,” Jackson said. “No string left united thar we bring it all in.”

Jackson also wants to invest in the schools even more. The Chamber piloted a Junior Ambassador program this year that helped connect students with local businesses and events, but Jackson wants to see those relationships grow even more.

“[Our goal is to] Let them know how much business can pour into them and then the schools pour back into the business community,” Jackson said. “I look at our sweet kiddos, and they need to know they have a community that is rallying behind them. If they start seeing it in elementary it really does amplify what can be. They can go and do great things and then bring those great things back. We can help make sure that’s the conversation that’s going on.”

After all, what’s the best that could happen?

Piers

Statewide Residential, Commercial,

PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN

Snow Day Event

Snow Rogers Elementary hosted their annual Snow Day and the students AND teachers had a blast

Rocket Run 2024 Raised $15,000 for GES

The annual Rocket Run, hosted by the PTA, raised $15,000 for Gardendale Elementary School.

• 1st Place fundraiser: Cash Deluca

• 2nd Place fundraiser: Ryker Rowe

• 3rd Place fundraiser: Kevin Jackson

• T-Shirt Design Winner: Grayson Sides

• Class with most money raised: Mrs. Hornsby

• Grade with most money raised: 4th Grade

Bragg Track Teams

Bragg Middle School’s 6th Grade Track Teams both placed 1st at the Jefferson County Schools Track Day.

GES Track Team

Gardendale Elementary School’s 4th and 5th grade boys and girls track teams finished first place out of ten schools in the countywide meet.

GHS Softball

Gardendale High School’s softball team finished 34-13-1 and ends the second in 3rd place in the state in 6A. Congratulation to the girls for an exciting season.

SRES Attendance Winner

Corey Washington is the Snow Rogers Elementary student attendance winner for April.

Gardendale Elementary gets a visit from Chick-Fil-A cow

The Chick-Fil-A Cow visited students at Gardendale Elementary and read books with the students.

SRES Bugz

Snow Rogers Elementary first graders presented their program “Bugz.” They were the cutest insects.

GES

learns about bees

Mr. Kizer visited Gardendale Elementary School and shared with the kids about bee keeping and sharing information about bees.

GHS Debate

Gardendale High School Debate Team placed 3rd in the Birmingham Area Debate League for overall points.

• Gabby Roberson placed 2nd in the individual speaker category.

• Kathryn Brasseal placed 6th in the individual speaker category.

Bragg April Students of the Month

Bragg Middle School honored its April 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: Caroline Raymond

6th Grade Gray: Skyler Thompson

7th Grade Maroon: Hadlee Mason

7th Grade Gray: Martin Matute

8th Grade Maroon: McKenlie Boley

8th Grade Gray: Rian Porter

Gardendale Elementary class builds model of city

Mrs. Helveston’s class built an “Itty Bitty Gardendale City”

Bragg May Students of the Month

Bragg Middle School honored its May 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: Christopher Rodriguez

6th Grade Gray: Bryan Adame

7th Grade Maroon: Kate Lewis

7th Grade Gray: Ja’Nya Hudson

8th Grade Maroon: Haley McAnear

8th Grade Gray: Hannah Walter

Skylar Erwin was awarded the Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Scholarship at Gardendale High school senior awards ceremony.

SRES April Students of the Month

Snow Rogers Elementary honored its April Students of the Month.

SRES May Students of the Month

Snow Rogers Elementary honored its May Students of the Month.

GES April Character Education Students

Gardendale Elementary honored Character Education Students for the month of April.

SRES Club Day

Snow Rogers Elementary hosted its annual Club Day letting students experience everything from kickball to Spanish Club to LEGOs.

Young Voices

Choir members from Bragg Middle School, Rudd Middle School, Gardendale High School and Pinson Valley High School participated in the ACDA Young Voices Festival at The University of Alabama recently. While attending, students were able to perform, and learn from nationally recognized music educators.

SRES Bulldog Run

Snow Rogers Elementary held its annual Bulldog Run with the help of parents and staff.

SRES Drama Club

Snow Rogers Elementary Drama Club won top honors against the other elementary schools in the district.

• Hannah Burke and Tali Glenn: 1st place in Duet Acting Varsity

• Hannah Rouse: 1st place in Solo Acting Novice

• Laura Bailey: 3rd place in Solo Acting Novice

• Braelie Pittman and Zoey Ingram: 3rd place in Duet Acting Novice

SRES Rock and Roll Forever

Snow Rogers Elementary showcased its students’ art talents with our art gallery. And third grade presented “Rock and Roll Forever.”

SRES Bulldog Bucks winners

These Snow Rogers Elementary students earned the most Bulldog Bucks for this year in their grades for meeting SNOW expectations.

Bragg Fishing Day

Mr. Landrum’s class had a great time on their “Gone Fishing” field trip.

Mortimer Jordan Nature Trail

Mortimer Jordan High School hosted a ribbon cutting for its Nature Trail. The trail was part of an Impact Project by the school’s chapter of the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy. These students and faculty have done a fantastic job over the past three years making this trail something that can be enjoyed by the entire community.

Mt. Olive Track Team

Mt.Olive Elementary School’s girls placed 2nd and our boys placed 3rd in the county track meet in the super small school division

Warrior Elementary Track

Warrior Elementary School girls and boys track teams both placed first overall in the small school elementary track competition at Corner High.

Fultondale Council honors retiring educators

The Mayor and Council of Fultondale presented proclamations for Marion LaFonte, Traci Orris, Sylvia Pugh and Patricia Taylor, for their dedication to teaching children for the many years of service they have given.

Fultondale Elementary Track

Fultondale Elementary School’s 6th grade track teams brought home top honors. Boys placed 1st and girls placed 2nd.

Warrior Elementary National Honors Society Warrior Elementary School inducted its 5th graders into the National Honors Society.

Mt. Olive Book

Vending Machine

Mt.Olive Elementary School’s book vending machine in action allowed every student to get a free book to read over the summer break, thanks to the PTA.

Coming Events

Spirit Nights

• Spirit Night at Taco Mama for MJHS Devilettes

• Mortimer Jordan High School’s Devilettes will host a spirit night at Taco Mama in Gardendale on June 3, 4-9 p.m.

Free Football, Basketball, Baseball and Cheer Camp

The Nick Bell Mentoring Memorial Foundation and The City of Fultondale present a free football, basketball, baseball and cheer camp at Fultondale High School for children ages 5-18 on June 22, from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. To register: www.nickbellfoundation.org. Must pre-register.

Warrior Farmers Market

A Farmers Market will be held the first and third Friday from May to October from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first market will be May 3. The location will be 550 North Main Street. For more e information, call city hall at 205.647.0520 or email jtanks@cityofwarrior.com

Kimberly Farmers Market

The Kimberly Farmers Market will be held on Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m. and three Saturdays–June 22, July 27 and August 26 from 8 a.m.noon. The market will be at the Kimberly Truck Stop at 9178 Old Highway 31.

Morris hosts Brandon Elder

American Idol golden ticket holder, Brandon Elder, performed at Morris’ Fourth Friday Food Truck in April.

Morris Fourth Friday Food Truck Nights

The Town of Morris will host Food Truck Nights on the fourth Friday of each month– June 28, July 26, August 23 and September 27. The event will last from 5-8:30 p.m. on those days. The events will be in the Morris Town Park at the intersection of Morris Majestic and Glenwood Road.

Fultondale Founders Day

Fultondale Founders Day will be August 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Black Creek Park, 777 Yarbrough Road. There will be food trucks,. Arts and crafts, live entertainment, a free kid’s zone and a car show. They are accepting vendors and sponsors.

North Jefferson Chamber Costa Rica Trip

The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce is putting together a trip to Costa Rica in March of 2025. A meeting will be held on August 26 at 6 p.m. at the Fultondale Event Center at 2980 Hawkins Lane for anyone interested in learning more.

Kimberly Truck Stop Food Truck Event

Kimberly Truck Stop hosts Third Thursday Food Truck Events each month. The Kimberly Truck Stop is at 9178 Old Highway 31.

Gardendale Firefighters earn special recognition

Captain Hill and Fire Medic Wood graduated today from the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy through the Alabama Fire College. There are only 30 applicants chosen in each year’s class. All of the students are from many different disciplines of public safety, located from all areas of the state. They go through a nine-month process focusing on honing different areas of leadership.

Flower Show

Magnolia Festival Adult Volunteer of the Year

The Magnolia Festival honored Carol Stewart of Gardendale Rotary Club as the 2024 Adult Volunteer of the Year.

Magnolia Festival Student Volunteer of the Year

The Magnolia Festival honored Baylee Atkins as the 2024 Student Volunteer of the Year.

Magnolia Festival Awards Local Charities

Magnolia Festival in Gardendale coordinator, Kathleen Phillips, presented Lee Weinman and Carol Stewart of Rotary Club of North Jefferson with a $1,000 check..

The money will go toward Troop 100’s Butterfly Garden and Eagle Scout Plaza in honor of their late scout master, Mechelle Malone Ballard.

She also awarded Taylor Philpot, founder of Revive Outdoors with a $1,000 check.

For the past 12 years, Magnolia Festival in Gardendale has honored two local/regional charities, nonprofits or civic organizations each year at the festival and awarded them $1,000. They received a complimentary booth space to showcase their organization to increase awareness of their cause/ project.

The 71st annual North End Council of Garden Clubs Flower Show was held at the Civic Center.

Edmunds hired as firefighter

Wynder Edmunds was hired as a Firefighter in the Gardendale Fire Department. He is pictured with Fire Chief Joe Thomas, the Department Head for the Gardendale Fire Department.

Nelson hired in Park and Recreation Department

Carter Nelson was hired as a part-time temporary laborer in the Parks and Recreation Department. He is pictured with Dale Hyche, the Department Head for the Gardendale Parks and Recreation Department.

Quick promoted in Public Works Department

Michael Quick was promoted to a skilled laborer position in the Public Works Department. He is pictured with Paul Tidwell, the Department Head for the Gardendale Public Works Department.

Library Summer Programs

The library will host a series of summer programs at the library and civic center:

• June 5: Intro to Gardening, 10:30 a.m. at the library

• June 6: Chalk Day, 1 p.m. at the library

• June 14: Animal Tales, 10:30 a.m. at the civic center

• June 15: 61 Bee Company, 10 a.m. at the library

• June 20: Board games, 1 p.m. at the library

Alabama State Games

• June 21: Learn Fencing. 10:30 a.m.

• June 26: Learn Fishing, 10:30 a.m. at the civic center

• July 3: Alabama Museum of Natural History, 10:30 a.m. at the library

• July 10: Alabama Museum of Natural History, 10:30 a.m. at the library

• July 11: Chalk Day, 1 p.m. at the library

• July 12: Learn Fencing, 10:30 a.m. at the civic center

• July 17: Mr. Larry Magic Show, 10:30 a.m. at the civic center

• July 19: Magic of Reading, 2 p.m.at the library

• July 25: Board Games, 1 p.m. at the library

The Alabama State Games is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event that welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities. This year, it will be hosted in Gardendale at Bill Noble Park. The games are June 7-9.

Book Club

The Tuesday Book Club will meet at the Gardendale Public Library on June 11 at 10 a.m. The book for the month will be “The Women,” written by Kristin Hannah. Call 205.631.6639 to request a copy of the June book selection.

Civic Center Food Truck Nights

June 13 will be the next Food Truck night at the Gardendale Civic Center for the year. The events will be held each second Thursday of the month, 5-8 p.m. A variety of food trucks from the area gather at the Civic Center and there is music or other entertainment each month. Come sample the food truck offerings and socialize with friends and family. Bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the evening. Visit the Civic Center Facebook the week of the event to see a food truck lineup.

Rotary Trivia Night

The annual Rotary Trivia Night will be held on July 26, 6-8 p.m. at the Gardendale Civic Center. All funds raised will go to community service projects. For more information, contact Mia Thimpson at miatallant@gmail. com or call 903.285.7447.

Gardendale Farmers Market

The Gardendale Farmers Market will be open every Thursday until September 26, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This year it will be at Bill Noble Park. Every year, farmers and local vendors come from all over the area to sell their products and produce in Gardendale.

Chamber of Commerce Luncheons

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

Library Events

• Toddler Zone: June 12, 27 and July 24, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

• Toddler Time: June 7 and 28 and July 19 and 26, 11 a.m.

Stock Little Free Library

• K - 4th Grade Activity: June 3, 10, 17 and 24 and July 1, 8, 15 and 22, 11 a.m.

• 5th - 9th Grade Activity: June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 25, 11 a.m.

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.

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.

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