Hoover's Magazine, April/May 2018

REGIONS TRADITION CONTINUES • THE FAIRYTALE PROJECT’S MAGIC • PALETTE KNIFE PAINTINGS

HORNES ON HOUSE HUNTERS THE CRAFT BURGER’S SPECIAL SAUCE

APRIL/MAY 2018 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 7 Issue 2 $4.95

COOL KIDS MEETING THE BAND MRYGLD

HooversMagazine.com 1

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The best memories are made at

The Ridge.

Russell Lands On Lake Martin is a breathtaking lake community with 25,000 acres of forest set among Lake Martin’s 40,000 plus acres of pristine water and nearly 900 miles of shoreline. The largest premier neighborhood at Russell Lands On Lake Martin is The Ridge—where ownership comes with an array of extras – The Ridge Club, a 10-acre recreation complex, miles of hiking and walking trails as well as nature and waterfront parks, and a state-of-the-art Ridge Marina -- all designed to connect you with family, friends, nature, and always, the lake.

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REGIONS TRADITION MAY 16-20 | GREYSTONE HOOVER, ALABAMA REGIONSTRADITION.COM

ARTS & CULTURE 15

A BAND CALLED MRYGLD After an exciting first year, the members of this spunky indie rock group are ready to release more music, play more shows and see what else the future holds for them.

20

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR: ALISA KOCH This landscape painter is the featured artist at Aldridge Gardens in April and May.

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BOOK NOOK

24

BOOK PICKS Amy Jones’s recommendations for soon-to-be summer.

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PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

National Library Week is April 8-14, and the Hoover Public Library is celebrating once again with a Library Peeps Show.

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25 PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

FOOD

& DRINK

25 The Craft Burger: Burgers and Dogs with A Special Sauce

SCHOOLS & SPORTS

33 Together Through It All: A Couple’s Faith in Health Trials 38 Five Questions For: Fresh Air Farm Director Catherine Goudreau 39 Golfers Unite: 2018 Regions Tradition at Greystone

HOME

& STYLE

43 House Hunting with the Hornes: A Family’s TV Show Appearance 52 In Style: Diving Into Spring and Summer Fashion

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 HooversMagazine.com #HooversMag 9 The Guide 22 Aldridge Gardens Newsletter 75 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 Why I Love Hoover

FEATURES 54 Meeting Princesses: The Fairytale Project’s Mission for Kids 60 The Mothering Tree: A Network to Support Other Moms

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Caroline Carmichael Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

CONTRIBUTORS Dawn Harrison Amy Jones Anne Riley Heather Skaggs Lauren Winter

DESIGN

Lauren Winter, Photographer Southern to the core, Lauren Winter grew up in Birmingham and now lives in Bluff Park. She is mama to two little girls, and owner of Fresh Grace Photography, which specializes in lifestyle family photography and weddings. In addition to her girls, Lauren’s favorites include sweet tea, camping, football, bluebirds, thunderstorms and puppy breath.

Dawn Harrison, Photographer Dawn Harrison is a freelance photographer out of Birmingham. She grew up and put down roots off of 280, where she lives with her wonderful husband, 5 kids, 1 son-in-law, 2 grandkids, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 8 cows and 2 ducks. When she isn’t taking pictures, you can find her burning up 280 getting to various school and sporting events, or hanging out in carpool lines. She feels extremely blessed to be a part of the publication and to

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

MARKETING

Heather is an author, freelance writer and native of Hoover where she

Heather Jones Skaggs, Writer

Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Katie Krouse Kathy Leonard Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Petrus Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson

lives with her husband, Greg, and fur-baby Carrie. National publisher,

ADMINISTRATION

Director at Uptick Marketing by day, morphing into a freelance writer

Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Arcadia Publishing and The History Press found Heather in 2012 and together they have published three books covering Hoover’s history.

When she is not researching her latest book, Heather digs for the untold stories in Hoover and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers – including this publication.

Anne Riley, Writer Anne Riley lives in north Shelby County with her husband, Rob, and their three daughters, Maggie, Jenna and Kellan. Anne is the Content Team and editor after the kids go to bed. She is the author of two young adult novels (Shadows of the Hidden and Pull) and a children’s picture book (Voyage to the Star Kingdom). Her freelance writing has appeared in Fresh Style magazine, Shelby Living and multiple online outlets.

Hoover’s Magazine is published bimonthly by Shelby County Newspapers Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Hoover’s Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Hoover’s Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Hoover’s Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Hoover, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit HooversMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $16.30 for one year by visiting HooversMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

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F

FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

Families come in different forms. We all have biological families, of course, but many of us also belong to families not bound by blood or marriage.

I consider my colleagues to be my work family. We spend 30-40 hours per week in the same building, producing our publications, meeting as a staff and eating lunch in the breakroom together. We spend nearly as much time with each other as we do with our blood relatives.

I also consider my small group at church to be a family. We study the Bible together, and we share each other’s joys and burdens in heart and in prayer.

And my closest girlfriends and I are more like sisters than simply friends. Regardless of the reasons, we’re all designed to want to fit in somewhere, to align ourselves with other people who share our interests, our experiences, our backgrounds.

In this issue I see multiple types of families. There’s the Horne family – parents Natalie and Brad and their children, Kemp and Daisy – that was featured on HGTV’s hit show House Hunters last summer. Filming the episode and reliving the humorous moments as they watched it on New Year’s Day brought this family of four even closer.

The Thompson family, another biological family, is closer now, too.

Nicole Thompson, a teacher, a wife and a mother of three girls, has leaned on her husband, Ryan, for support through multiple health scares, the first of which happened when they were teenagers.

Another group that’s more like a family—two of the members are married to boot—is the indie rock band MRYGLD. Now in its second year, this five-person group is poised to play a host of shows and events together in the coming months.

Another family in the general sense of the word is The Mothering Tree, an online maternal support system Jessica Naccari formed to help women navigate motherhood. Through this system, new moms grappling with issues such as postpartum depression can connect with each other for guidance and encouragement. You can’t get much more family-oriented than that.

From the Hoover’s Magazine family to yours, happy spring reading!

MRYGLD

Brandon Snipes and Alyssa Jewell (pictured here) along with Shane Jewell, Kyle Blair and James McCauley are the dynamic members of the band MRYGLD. Photo by Darling & Dear Design by Jamie Dawkins

emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com

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HooversMagazine.com Bar-B-Q&A with Restaurant Owner Van Sykes Van Sykes of Hoover has cooked a lot of barbecue at his family’s longtime restaurant, Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q. We caught up with Van for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his early-morning barbecue cooking and to get the details on the upcoming

Subscribe to our newsletter Get the latest on Hoover events and happenings—plus our favorite pieces of local inspiration— delivered to your inbox biweekly.

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Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival, an event he says is designed to bring

facebook.com/hooversmagazine

people together for good food and music.

HooversMagazine.com/Van-SykesBBQ

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

@hooversmag

@hooversmag

#HooversMag

Tag us in your Hoover photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@hoovermayor Great retirement party last night for @ hooverchamberofcommerce Executive Director, Bill Powell. Bill has meant so much to our City and the Chamber for the last 23 years! His work ethic, dedication and the friendships he has built have forever changed our city for the good! He will be missed by all!

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@mbbfreeman

@happycateringco

This girl makes Tuesday mornings the best! Even if she does wake us up at 5am!

Rise and SHINE.

We’re so excited to be in all these lovely publications! Thanks for having us!!

THE GUIDE

2018 REGIONS TRADITION MAY 16-20 GREYSTONE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Professional golfers and spectators alike will converge on Greystone Golf & Country Club the week of May 16-20 for the 2018 Regions Tradition, Alabama’s annual PGA TOUR Champions tournament that was held at Greystone for the first time in 2015. The NCR Celebrity Pro-Am will be held May 16 at 6:50 a.m. Bernhard Langer, last year’s champion, will return, along with John Daly, Miguel Angel Jiménez and David Toms. Want to relax during the tournament? Go to the Watering Hole at the 10th hole, where a variety of adult beverages and prime golf course views await.

More details about tickets, sponsorship and more are available at Regionstradition.com.

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THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER APRIL 7 Funky Fun Run – Walk for Autism Veterans Park 7 a.m.

APRIL 7 17th Annual High Country 5K & Fun Run Shades Crest Baptist Church 8 a.m.

APRIL 8 Walk to End Lupus Now Veterans Park 1 p.m.

APRIL 9 Artist Reception: Alisa Koch Aldridge Gardens 5 p.m.

APRIL 14 Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon Veterans Park 8 a.m.

MAY 22-27

2018 SEC Baseball Tourney HOOVER MET COMPLEX

Want to see some good college baseball without leaving Hoover? The SEC Baseball Tournament will take place at the

MAY 11

Pool Social 11:30 A.M.

RIVERCHASE COUNTRY CLUB Cool down and fellowship with members of the Riverchase Women’s Club at the group’s pool social. The club is open to all current and former residents of Riverchase. Annual dues are $30. Those interested in getting involved should visit Liveinriverchase.com/residents/ riverchasewomensclub.

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Hoover Metropolitan Stadium once again.

Ticket prices and options vary, so visit Hoovermetcomplex.com/event/2018-secbaseball-tournament for all the details.

Take yourself out to the ballgame!

APRIL 16 Leadership Shelby County Golf Tournament Riverchase Country Club 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

APRIL 20 Financial and Estate Planning for Women - Riverchase Women’s Club Riverchase Country Club 11:30 a.m.

APRIL 21 PurpleStride Birmingham 2018 Veterans Park 8 a.m.

APRIL 21 Japanese Maple Walk and Talk with David Doggett Aldridge Gardens 9 a.m.

APRIL 21+22 Hoopseen Bama Jam The Finley Center at the Hoover Met Complex

THE GUIDE APRIL 22 Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris Veterans Park 1 p.m.

APRIL 24 New Horizons Luncheon Hoover Senior Center 11 a.m.

APRIL 26 Pops in the Park Veterans Park 6 p.m.

APRIL 27+28 Annual Spring Plant Sale Aldridge Gardens 9 a.m.

APRIL 3

Beginning Embroidery 10 A.M.

ALDRIDGE GARDENS If you’ve ever wanted to learn some beginning embroidery stitches from Karen Taylor, VP of the Birmingham Embroidery Guild, you can attend this class and create a flower sachet to take home. The workshop is limited to 15 participants. The cost is $15 for Aldridge Gardens members and $20 for nonmembers. Contact Debbie McDonald at dmcdonald@aldridgegardens.com or (205) 682-8019.

APRIL 28 Celebrate Hoover Day Veterans Park 11 a.m.

APRIL 18

MAY 1 How to Start a Business in Hoover Hoover Public Library 9:15 a.m.

MAY 3+4 The Sweet Remains – Three-Part Harmony Super-Group Hoover Public Library 7:30 p.m.

MAY 9 Introduction to American Sign Language Hoover Public Library 6:30 p.m.

MAY 13 Young Artist Reception Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

MAY 20 Philos Moore Hoover Public Library 2:30 p.m.

MAY 26 Write Club Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.

APRIL 1

Easter Sunday Brunch 10:30 A.M.

HOOVER COUNTRY CLUB Hoover Country Club members are invited to an Easter Sunday Brunch.

Seating will take place on the half hour from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids ages 3-12. Visit Hoovercc.com for more details.

King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary Tablescapes 10 A.M.

METRO CHURCH OF GOD IN HOOVER Think you’ve seen beautifully decorated tables? Think again. The annual King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary Tablescapes event will provide a feast for the eyes, all for a good cause.

Doors open at 10 a.m. for a sip-n-see and silent auction. Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m., and Jenna Forehand with Living Deeper Ministries will share a message.

Tickets are $40 and are available by contacting Barbara Brickner at bricknermbb@charter.net or (205) 837-8175 or Kingshomeshelbyaux.org.

Share your news! Email submissions to Emily.Sparacino@Hooversmagazine.com to be considered for our next issue.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN APRIL 3 Chrissy Metz: This Is Me Tour Lyric Theatre APRIL 6 Taylor Hicks – Night Moves – Playing the Hits of Bob Seger Lyric Theatre APRIL 6-8 Alabama Ballet Presents: La Fille Mal Gardée BJCC Concert Hall APRIL 7 Mt Laurel Spring Festival Town of Mt Laurel

POP

CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT Prince of Peace Catholic School received the prestigious Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence Award at the Blue Ribbon organization’s annual conference.

School Assistant Principal Andy Rothery accepted the award on behalf of Prince of Peace. This presentation marks the second consecutive Blue Ribbon award for Prince of Peace Catholic School. Only seven other southeastern United States schools have received back-to-back Blue Ribbon awards.

SCHOOLS

SPELLING VICTORY Berry Middle School eighthgrader Joshua Jacob emerged as the 2018 Hoover City Schools Spelling Bee Champion following 42 rounds of competition. The 2018 Bee, held at Spain Park High School, included 14 students from across the school system. This year, the spirited competition extended through 42 rounds of words. The final championship word this year was “confinement.”

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SERVICE

APRIL 11-15 Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits Regions Field APRIL 12-15 2018 Alabama Auto Show BJCC Exhibition Halls APRIL 13 Focus on Recovery Golf Tournament Timberline Golf Club APRIL 13-15 Day Out with Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum APRIL 13-22 13 The Musical Red Mountain Cabaret Theatre

2018 HEARTS & HARMONY GALA The Hoover Service Club’s sixth annual Hearts & Harmony Gala was held Feb. 24 at Hoover Country Club. All proceeds from the event are distributed as scholarships to Hoover students and as donations to local organizations. Photo by Carrie Platt, Simply Blue Studios

APRIL 13-14 Lebanese Food and Culture Festival St. Elias Maronite Church APRIL 19 Taste of Pelham Pelham Civic Complex APRIL 20 Cooking For One or Two Class St. Vincent’s One Nineteen APRIL 20-22 Motown The Musical BJCC Concert Hall

THE GUIDE APRIL 21 PurpleStride Birmingham Veterans Park

SCHOOLS

TEACHERS IN THE TRENCHES

APRIL 22 Hollywood Home Tour 1-4 p.m.

APRIL 19-29 Ain’t Misbehavin’ Virginia Samford Theatre APRIL 20-22 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park APRIL 25 Rockin’ Road to Dublin Lyric Theatre APRIL 27-29 Magic City Art Connection Linn Park APRIL 26 Shelby County Senior Picnic Shelby County Exhibition Center APRIL 26 Cuisine at One Nineteen St. Vincent’s One Nineteen APRIL 26-30 Birmingham Barons vs. Biloxi Shuckers Regions Field APRIL 28 Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer APRIL 28 Superhero Saturday Albert L. Scott Library APRIL 28-MAY 13 2018 Decorators’ ShowHouse Shuttle from Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church MAY 3-6 Grand Boutique BJCC Exhibition Halls MAY 4 Live at the Lyric: Brian Culbertson Lyric Theatre

POP

OUTDOOR LEARNING Prince of Peace Catholic Church parishioner and school graduate Jeff Murai recently built an outdoor classroom on the school campus as his Eagle Scout service project. The multipurpose wood benches and table can be used for instruction, to celebrate Mass and as outdoor seating for sports spectators. The Hoover High School senior raised the money to purchase the wood and building supplies through GoFundMe, a social fundraising platform. He also received financial support from the Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus. The outdoor classroom took Jeff three days to construct with the help of his Boy Scout Troop #23 members, family and friends. He’s earned 34 merit badges and is also active in church, school and community groups. He’s an altar server and a member of the youth group.

The Finley Committee selected three teachers in Hoover — one from elementary, middle, and high school — to receive the 2018 Teachers in the Trenches award, which honors individuals whose kindness and dedication reach far beyond the classroom: Blake Gilchrist, physical education teacher at Riverchase Elementary School; Rebecca Bueche, eighth grade Language Arts teacher at Simmons Middle School; and Lisa Gibson, 11th grade English teacher at Hoover High School.

SERVICE

WRAPPING FOR GRACE HOUSE Hoover Service Club members wrapped gifts at the Grace House Ministries Gift Wrap Booth at the Riverchase Galleria again this past holiday season. For 25 years, Grace House has provided stable, Christian homes for Alabama girls who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN MAY 5 Give Hope 5K and Fun Run Veterans Park, Hoover MAY 5 Derby Party Windwood Equestrian MAY 7-11 Birmingham Barons vs. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Regions Field MAY 11 An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt Alabama Theatre

POP

POP CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVES BIRMINGHAM’S HUNGRY HOMELESS Prince of Peace Catholic Church parishioners served a hot lunch to the homeless at the Church of the Reconciler in Birmingham in January as part of the church’s “Lunch for the Homeless” ministry. Others who volunteered for this monthly ministry to feed the hungry donated food, paper products, beverages or helped transport the food.

This church ministry, formerly known as “Bread and Roses,” has been serving the hungry homeless of Birmingham for over 20 years. It was recently rebranded as “Lunch for the Homeless” to more clearly describe its mission: To follow the teachings of Jesus to feed the hungry, one of the seven Corporal Acts of Mercy.

SCHOOLS

BUS FLEET’S PERFECT SCORE The Hoover City Schools Transportation Department earned a perfect score for its annual review of school bus safety, conducted in late 2017. The 2017 School Bus Inspection Exit Report, conducted by the Alabama Department of Education/ Pupil Transportation Section, found zero deficiencies among Hoover City Schools’ 163 school buses. The department has had excellent ratings (less than 10 percent deficiencies) for the past 20 years; however, this 2017 score serves as the department’s first-ever “perfect” rating.

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MAY 11-27 Smokey Joe’s Café Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre MAY 12 Live at the Lyric: Steve Earle & The Dukes Copperhead Road 30th Anniversary Lyric Theatre MAY 16-20 Regions Tradition Greystone Golf & Country Club MAY 17-21 Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits Regions Field MAY 19 Do Dah Day Caldwell and Rhodes Parks MAY 19 Willie Nelson & Family And Alison Krauss Oak Mountain Amphitheatre MAY 19-21 Great Southern Gun & Knife Show BJCC Exhibition Halls MAY 29-JUNE 2 Birmingham Barons vs.

Chattanooga Lookouts Regions Field

&CULTURE

ARTS

A BAND CALLED MRYGLD After an exciting ďŹ rst year, the members of this spunky indie rock group are ready to release more music, play more shows and see what else the future holds for them.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DARLING & DEAR AND BEAR PRAYTOR HooversMagazine.com 17

H

Husband and wife Shane and Alyssa Jewell were hanging out at the Southbound Music Festival at Avondale Brewing Company in Birmingham when a chance meeting with an artist named Brandon Snipes turned into a serious conversation about forming a band.

“We just stumbled upon Brandon playing on one of the stages, and we were just totally into it,” Alyssa says. “We were wowed by it. It was one of the best, if not our favorite, act we’d seen. I remember Shane saying, ‘Wow, if we had a record label, we would sign this person right now.’”

Following their conversation at the festival, Shane and Brandon – who goes by “B. Snipes” as a solo artist – started playing music together, sharing sound ideas and comparing their personal tastes in other musicians. They started recording songs in Shane’s home studio, gradually solidifying

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their unique sound and musical identity. Joining Brandon and Shane were Alyssa, Kyle Blair and James McCauley. Brandon, 28, and Alyssa, 31, share lead vocals; Shane, 34, plays lead guitar and some keyboard; James, 40, plays bass; and Kyle, 20, plays the drums.

In early 2017, they decided to make their collaboration in music a more permanent, public project. The band MRYGLD, pronounced “marigold,” was born.

“I came up with the name,” Brandon says, laughing. “The spelling of it in all caps and without the vowels … I think it makes us stand out, especially if you’re looking through a lineup. It makes people think on it a little bit more.”

“Broadly speaking, indie rock is the appropriate genre,” Brandon says of the band’s music.

Well-known bands like Florence and the

LISTEN UP • MRYGLD music is available on Spotify and iTunes.

• Follow updates and announcements from MRYGLD on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ART ON A PLATE Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham Tickets: corksandchefs.com or 205-595-6306 April 28 & 29, 2018 12:00pm - 3:00pm Linn Park

Art by Lisa Krannichfeld

www.magiccityart.com

HooversMagazine.com 19

“We just had a ton of material,” Alyssa says. “We picked the six songs on the EP that we felt like went together the best, fleshed them out and perfected them.”

They filmed a music video for one of the songs, “Cool Kids,” at different spots in Hoover. Some people from the Hoover Public Library, where Alyssa works, appeared in the video.

“It’s very Hoover-centric,” she says.

MRYGLD’s live shows are as dynamic and engaging as their upbeat songs. It helps that Alyssa and Brandon both have a theatre background.

They make sure their shows feature visual components and wardrobe changes that keep the audience interested.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” Alyssa says. “It’s kind of rambunctious, but it seems like it Machine, Metric, Broken Social Scene, Blondie, reaches a bunch of different people, including The Strokes, The Killers and even Susan Boyle children.”

When Brandon pulls out his werewolf mask inspire the members of MRYGLD. Shane, affectionately dubbed “the man behind during shows, Alyssa has to look away from him so the curtain,” does the bulk of the band’s recording she doesn’t start laughing. But that’s the fun of it; in his home studio. Brandon has also acquired when one member has what Brandon calls a enough equipment to record and edit at home, too. “wacky” idea, everyone else is willing to go along The band members didn’t realize how much with it.

“It’s light and friendly, but flashy. It’s definitely music they had produced until they needed to cull a good dynamic,” she says. “It’s like every day is songs for their EP.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

A LOOK AT THE MEMBERS OF MRYGLD

BRANDON SNIPES

SHANE JEWELL

ALYSSA JEWELL

KYLE BLAIR

•Teaches Bible and

KEYBOARD

•Lives in Hoover

Florence

northern religions

•Lives in Hoover, works

•Works at the Hoover

at Briarwood

in Bessemer

Public Library

•Lives in downtown

•Age 34

•Age 31

VOCALS, GUITAR

•Age 28 20 HooversMagazine.com

LEAD GUITAR, SOME

VOCALS, KEYBOARD

DRUMS

•Goes to school in •Nicknamed “Steak” by other members •Age 20

JAMES MCCAULEY BASS

•Lives in Jasper •Known for his consistency as a bassist •Age 40

Halloween. We have so much fun.”

The flashiness seems to cut their nerves on stage. “I don’t feel anxious anytime we play shows in MRYGLD as I did in the past. For this, I just feel like there’s so much talent, it’s just going to work out,” Shane says.

And each member brings his or her own flair to the group. “I think all the people in the band are highly creative,” Brandon says. “Everyone brings great technical skill. Shane especially brings a great amount of technical skill. Everyone has such good ideas.”

According to Alyssa, Brandon is a good showman. “That’s not something you can be taught; you have it or you don’t have it.”

James is so solid as a bassist that he’s “like a robot,” she says, and Kyle is “beyond his years” as a younger musician with a great work ethic.

They have played numerous shows at various venues, including Saturn, Birmingham Art Walk, The Atomic Lounge, along with private events like weddings, graduation parties and charity events.

When they’re not working or playing a show, they’re practicing. It’s not uncommon for Brandon to write songs while he’s driving and share them with the group at practice.

“Brandon comes up with an absurd amount of music,” Alyssa says. “We all have input (with the lyrics), and we make adjustments going along. It’s a very symbiotic process.”

“We can’t practice enough to keep up with the amount of material we come up with,” Shane adds.

They are planning to release a new EP this summer. Based on the support and positive feedback they received for their first album, they’re optimistic about what the future holds for MRYGLD. “We’ve met so many people that we would not have met otherwise,” Alyssa says. And because it’s a side project for all of the members, they have the flexibility to do as little or as much as they want with MRYGLD. “It’s kind of freeing in a certain aspect. There’s no pressure whatsoever. You can make what feels good to perform.”

HooversMagazine.com 21

ARTS & CULTURE

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Alisa Koch

April/May Featured Artist at Aldridge Gardens PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Alisa Koch’s approach to painting landscapes changed when she discovered the palette knife. She had been introduced to many methods of painting over the years, but none of them satisfied her and the application of paint.

The palette knife was recommended to her as a tool to create a loose style and to be able to sculpt the paint. When she started using the palette knife, she realized it made her simplify the shapes and left her mark more defined. She was intrigued by the tool and set forth in putting into practice – daily – learning how to master it.

How did you get into minimalist landscape painting?

I have always admired the landscape and had a strong desire to replicate the emotions it evoked on me through the language of paint. In order to do so, I had to first learn the rules to painting an image that represented the landscape. I had been painting for many years, but had decided to put into practice painting regularly and seeking out the knowledge of others. That journey led me to the style of the Tonalists.

Mentors and teachers tell you to seek out an artist’s style that you like so you can learn everything from them, but there was no one that painted the way I wanted to paint – the abstract landscape.

I wanted a representation that relied on the tools and medium to tell the story and create the image.

I have been working with encaustics the past couple of years. My mentor and friend Nancy Mims Hartsfield had an injury a couple of years ago and needed some help in her outdoor studio as she was preparing for a gallery show. She taught me about the medium which is a bees-wax based paint What do you hope to accomplish during that you apply to a surface such as wood or hard panels. It allows me to retain this your workshop at Aldridge Gardens?

As with all of my workshops I hope to sculptural aspect to my work with a much inspire others to continue in their endeavors more organic feel to it. I also paint abstracts, to create. I want to teach them a method florals and animals in oils. I am currently that will give them confidence to paint and studying figure drawing with Elana Hagler. to do it in a way that is uniquely their own. I I am constantly learning new things and feel like to provide a great deal of knowledge to very fortunate to have friends that are the artist but also give them the flexibility to wonderful artists as well. In fact, I think the best part about being an artist is the seek out their voice in painting. exposure to the world of artistic friends, their work and the gallery openings.

What inspires you as an artist?

Inspiration can come in many different A portfolio of Alisa’s work can be viewed forms, so I try to keep an open mind. It can How is a palette knife different from a be a conversation with someone, something at http://oilandturp.com/. She has small brush in terms of color use and landscape I read, a color combination I see in a pieces for sale at B Barganier Interiors and magazine standing in the checkout aisle of larger works at Stonehenge Gallery in composition?

My artist friend Larry Stewart told me the grocery store, a beat to a song. Most of Montgomery.

Email to sign up for workshop once that painting with a palette knife is like my influences are the things that heighten announcements to oilandturp@gmail.com my senses and call my attention. painting with a shovel. You scoop up paint Facebook facebook.com/alisa.koch1 and put it in place with a definitiveness. It Instagram - alisa_koch_art allows the mark of its maker to come What else do you do besides landscapes?

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through to the viewer. The tool allows you to sculpt your paint. You can create a movement in your work giving it touch ability to the viewer. The colors are more pure and do not become mud as with other applications of oil paint.

BOOK NOOK

Celebrate with ‘Peeps’ Everyone is familiar with Peeps© – the colorful, gooey, sugardusted chicks and bunnies that are now considered to be spring candy classics – but did you know that Peeps© absolutely love to help re-create favorite scenes from literature and the library?

No? Then you must have missed our inaugural National Library Week Peeps© Show last year.

Individual contestants in three age groups created dioramas featuring Peeps© which reflected the breadth of the library experience. Themes included “The Secret Life of Peeps©,” a miniature East 59 Café filled with Peeps© patrons, Peeps© coloring at Game Nite, “Peepemon” (instead of Pokémon) and many other scenes from literature and favorite library activities.

This year, National Library Week is April 8-14, and we will once again Nonfiction Librarian celebrate with a Library Peeps© Show. Create a diorama featuring Peeps© in a scene from your favorite book or participating in your favorite thing to do at the Hoover Public Library. Visit Hooverlibrary.org/Peeps to find inspirational photos of last year’s entries, as well as the entry form for this year’s contest.

Visit our online photo galleries to get an even bigger perspective on all that the Hoover Public Library offers.

Adults who need help kick-starting their creative process can register to attend the Glue Gun Gang’s Peeps© Diorama Workshops. Bring a shoebox and we’ll have tools and craft materials available to help you realize your vision. Sign-up begins on April 1. The dates for the open workshops are Sunday, April 8 from 3-5 p.m., Tuesday, April 10 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration is required. You can register online at Hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7840. We also have a group/family category.

Bring your completed masterpiece to the Nonfiction Department for display. We will begin accepting entries on April 2. On April 15, we’ll host the National Library Week Reception and Peeps© Show Award Ceremony. Winners of this year’s contest will receive gift cards to our library café, East 59. Prizes are graciously provided by the Friends of Hoover Public Library.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

Deni Owens

F RIENDS

OF

BIRMINGHA M

BOTANICAL GARDENS

SPRING

PL A N T SA LE AT BROOKWOOD VILLAGE

2018 SPONSORS

P RE VI EW PAR TY: THURSDAY, APRIL 12•5-6:30 P.M.•$45 PER PERSON

M EMBER S - ON LY S AL E: THURSDAY, APRIL 12•6:30-8:30 P.M.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 • 9-7 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 14 • 9-5 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 15 • 11-3 P.M.

bb g a r de n s .or g / s p r in g p l a n t s a l e

Deni Owens is a Nonfiction Librarian and facilitator of the Glue Gun Gang, an ongoing program for adults who love arts and crafts.

HooversMagazine.com 23

Sign up now for Summer Camps! Weekly day camps will run from 9 a.m. – noon, Monday through Friday from June 4 through June 29. Go to aldridgegardens. com for information and to register.

Spring Plant Sale

Hydrangeas Under the Stars: Join us for Hoover’s social event of the year! Be a part of our premier annual fundraiser. Enjoy a special evening of great food, entertainment, with both silent and live auctions to benefit Aldridge Gardens.

Saturday June 9, Rain date June 10 Reception and silent auction begin at 6 p.m.

Dinner and live auction begin at 7:30 p.m.

Go to aldridgegardens.com for complete information and to purchase tickets.

Bird Walks for Members Only Saturday, April 21, 8-10 a.m.

Saturday, May 19, 8-10 a.m.

Led by Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel, our 2-hour guided walks will help you discover the birds of Aldridge Gardens. Bring binoculars so you don’t miss a thing! These free bird walks are for members only. Not a member? Join now to enjoy bird walks and many other advantages available to members. To become a member or to pre-register for bird walks, go to aldridgegardens.com.

Thursday, April 26, 4-7 p.m. plant sale for members only Friday, April 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. plant sale open to public Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m. – 12 Noon, plant sale open to public A great selection of hydrangeas, natives, butterfly plants, and perennials will be available. Many of these plants have been propagated from the Gardens, so this is your chance to own a “little bit of Aldridge Gardens.” Volunteers will be available to assist you and to offer advice on care and maintenance of your selections. Members always receive 10% off purchases.

Hydrangea Propagation Workshop

Saturday, May 12, 8:30 -10:30 a.m. $20 members/ $$25 nonmembers, limit 20 participants Experts David Doggett and Willie Edmiston will show you how to propagate hydrangeas from seeds and cuttings. Everyone will go home with at least 3 hydrangea cuttings. Please bring a clear 2 liter plastic bottle and hand pruners for making cuttings. Register at aldridgegardens.com.

Let our professional event coordinators help you plan your special social or business affair at Aldridge Gardens! We have a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, and we can provide you with all the information and inspiration you need to host the perfect party, wedding, conference or meeting. Contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales and Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com.

3530 Lorna Road | Hoover, Alabama 35216 • 205-682-8019 • www.aldridgegardens.com • info@aldridgegardens.com

In the Gallery: Artist Alisa Koch

Meet the Artist Reception: Monday, April 9, 6-7 p.m.

Aldridge Gardens Propagators private reception: 5-6 p.m.

Moody, evocative landscapes by artist Alisa Koch will be displayed and available for purchase in the gallery during April and May. While in the gallery, also note our special Frank Fleming bronze sculpture display, donated by Hoover resident Ken Jackson.

Japanese Maple Walk and Talk with David Doggett Saturday, April 21, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join David Doggett for a walk through the Gardens to see and learn about the various Japanese maples featured on our grounds. A few Japanese maples will be available for sale. This event is free. Please register at aldridgegardens.com.

Learn Nordic Walking!

Sunday, April 15, 1- 3 p.m.

Members $15/nonmembers $20 Limit 15 guests.

Walk off some stress with Dr. Leroy Hunt, PMP, Associate Dean, Community Engagement at UA. Join us for an invigorating walking experience! Using Nordic walking poles, learn how you can increase your cardio workout while walking, however fast or slow you go.

Just as you swing your arms to walk, this technique engages your arms and chest muscles and subtly increases your workout. Nordic poles will be available for use, as well as some for sale. Register at aldridgegardens.com.

Beginning Embroidery with Karen Taylor: Creating a Flower Sachet Tuesday, April 3, 10 a.m. – 12 noon $15 members/ $20 nonmembers Limited to 20 participants

The vice-president of the Birmingham Embroidery Guild will teach us some beginning embroidery stitches. Participants will stuff and sew a take-home sachet.

Register at aldridgegardens.com

Landscape Painting with Alisa Koch Monday, April 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ages 18 and up/ ages 14 – 17 may attend if pursuing art and currently taking art classes $100/ Members will receive 10% reimbursement (bring ticket to class) Class limit 20 participants

Create a minimalist landscape with just a few strokes of color. Artist Alisa Koch will show you how to mix oil colors from a limited palette and how to manipulate paint with a palette knife to shape the landscape form. All painting supplies are provided. Bring a roll of paper towels and your lunch. Go to aldridgegardens.com for full details and to register.

READ THIS BOOK

5 Book Picks for Soon-to-be Summer Recommendations from

Amy Jones

Although Amy Jones rarely gets a quiet moment during her days as a stay-at-home mom of two kids, she makes sure to find time daily to escape into a book. Life just doesn’t feel right without a stack of library books waiting to be read, and her friends know they can always count on her for a literary recommendation.

Camino Island

by John Grisham A breeze of a book rather unlike the courtroom legal thrillers that made Grisham’s name, “Camino Island” is nevertheless his most compelling, fun book in years. The novel’s focus is the shady, little-known world of rare and stolen books, which offers a compelling backdrop against which Grisham introduces us to a variety of well-drawn characters. A lovely book to enjoy with a glass of sweet tea and some warm sunshine.

The Names They Gave Us

by Emery Lord

Lucy’s life seems like a charmed one, until her mom’s cancer comes roaring back. Reeling, Lucy decides to make several big changes in her life — not least of which is giving up her longtime job at a church summer camp. Instead, she takes a job as a counselor at a camp for kids going through tough times. Unsure and uncomfortable, Lucy nevertheless finds a place — and finds out more about herself and her family than she realized possible. A well-written, thoughtful read that will leave an impression on readers’ minds and hearts.

Best. State. Ever.: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland

by Dave Barry

Balmy weather. Beautiful beaches. Random gunfire and insects the size of NBA basketball players.

Sounds like a warm-weather paradise, right? That’s Dave Barry’s Florida, and he’s happy to introduce you to the real Sunshine State. This hilarious take on our nation’s most newsworthy state will have you laughing and, most likely, rethinking your vacation plans.

Summer Days and Summer Nights

by various authors

A collection of 12 warm-weather love stories by some of young adult’s most well-loved authors, including Lev Grossman, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare and Veronica Roth. Perfect for the beach (or imagining you’re at the beach), readers will root for the teenage protagonists of these short stories as they navigate the pitfalls and perfect moments of summertime romance.

Penguin on Vacation

by Salina Yoon

A wonderful story for Hoover’s youngest readers. Penguin loves his icy home, but he’s ready to get away for a little while. The tropical locale he finds doesn’t provide the dream vacation he hopes for at first, but finding an unexpected friendship makes it a wonderful experience. The bright illustrations and charming prose will make this a favorite for both parents and children.

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&DRINK

FOOD

WHAT’S YOUR CRAFT? Barry O’Hare’s craft is building burgers. His mission is to serve up good burgers without the pressure of gourmet.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON HooversMagazine.com 27

W

What makes a burger a Craft Burger? The Craft Sauce, for one. This homemade sauce is basically what gave Barry O’Hare the idea of transforming his Hoover restaurant Brava Rotisserie Grill into a burger joint.

“It started with a customer coming in and asking me if I could put my sauce on a burger, and I did,” O’Hare says. Although they weren’t listed on the regular menu, burgers were an item on Brava’s “side board.” After he started serving them with his sauce, they became one of the restaurant’s bestsellers. “So, I said, ‘You know, let’s change this place.’”

28 HooversMagazine.com

For the next nine months, O’Hare and his son conducted burger reconnaissance, traveling to different cities to try burgers and take notes on what they liked about each one. They taste-tested burgers at the Shake Shack in Atlanta, The Company Burger in New Orleans and other eateries in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and the Carolinas.

“We basically tried to see what the burger of the world was like, and take a little from each one and create our own,” O’Hare says. “That’s what we did.”

About four years after it first opened, Brava

Rotisserie Grill officially re-opened as The Craft Burger in June 2017. In the rebranded restaurant, burgers are made with high-quality ground chuck and come with Martin’s Potato Rolls buns and fresh toppings like Roma tomatoes.

The Craft Burger, the signature burger bearing the restaurant’s name, is composed of two patties, American cheese, red onion, pickle and Craft Sauce.

“It reminds some people of an old-fashioned burger,” O’Hare says. “We don’t use frozen patties.

You definitely can tell the difference. If you start with good ingredients, you’re going to end up with a good product. We use the best products we can find and put them together. We assemble them, and hopefully, people like it.”

And what about this special sauce, the Craft

Sauce, O’Hare claims was the key to his restaurant’s rebranding? He describes it as a “tangy mayo” that goes on the Craft Burger, on the Craft Dog and in a ramekin dish for French-fry dipping.

Speaking of the Craft Dog … this Hebrew National hot dog inside a potato bun is topped with pimento cheese, red onion and Craft Sauce.

“For all the pimento cheese lovers, it’s a winner.”

With the tagline “An Honest Burger for an Honest Buck,” O’Hare is adamant people understand The Craft Burger is not a frou-frou, gourmet burger place. “We’re not a fancy burger place,” he says. “My meaning and my vision of ‘craft’ was making it with your hands … like, ‘What is your craft?’ Your craft may be saving lives. My craft is building burgers.”

In keeping with its name, The Craft Burger

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE: The Craft Burger consists of two patties, American cheese, red onion, pickle and Craft Sauce, served with a side of pork rinds.

Owner Barry O’Hare is adamant he offers people “an honest burger for an honest buck.” In addition to burgers, the restaurant also makes hot dogs, like the Chili Cheese Dog and the Slaw Dog, served with tater tots.

HooversMagazine.com 29

30 HooversMagazine.com

BUSINESS BASICS NAME: The Craft Burger HOOVER LOCATION: 5184 Caldwell Mill Road FACEBOOK: @thecraftburger INSTAGRAM: @thecraftburger

FAST. FAMILY. FUN. HONDA INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA

TWITTER: @thecraftburger HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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HooversMagazine.com 31

The Turkey Burger with seasoned fries and Craft Sauce for dipping.

serves craft beer and wine. Breweries including Good People Brewing Company, Fairhope Brewing Company and Red Hill Brewing Company have held tap takeovers at the restaurant.

Milkshakes are another hot—or, should we say, cold—menu item. Malt can be added to the shakes for an additional 50 cents.

For anyone wanting something tasty besides a burger or dog will be satisfied with the Cuban sandwich, the steak sandwich (lemon garlic sauce, anyone?) or the grilled cheese sandwich (like the burgers, you can add bacon 32 HooversMagazine.com

and a fried egg to it). Salads are available, too.

O’Hare plans to add more seating outside in preparation for spring and summer. He’s keeping the catering line for the Brava brand open, but a rebranding of Brava’s downtown brickand-mortar location to another The Craft Burger is in the works.

“As more people figure out who we are and what we’re about, they’ll come back,” he says. “We’re getting busier and busier every month.

Hopefully, we’re dishing out some good food.”

HooversMagazine.com 33

You’re the type of parent who wants your children to spend their summers outdoors, exploring their surrounds, making lifelong friendships, and having a blast.

Unlike other summer day camps, Regional Outdoor Day Camp at Hargis Retreat is real camp situated on more than 200 wooded acres in Chelsea!

There is no place like Y Day Camp. A home away from home where your children laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

Nicole and Ryan Thompson have weathered many storms. Now, they take nothing for granted.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

HooversMagazine.com 35

E

Every couple faces challenges in life. For Nicole and Ryan Thompson, it might be easier to name the challenges they haven’t faced together than the ones they have.

Nicole, 40, a math teacher at Hoover High School, and Ryan, 39, a history teacher and the head wrestling coach at Spain Park High School, started dating each other as teenagers. They both attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery.

When Nicole was 17 and a senior, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. “It took a while to get that diagnosis for me,” she says.

Prior to her diagnosis, she had been sick with

36 HooversMagazine.com

flu-like symptoms and couldn’t seem to get better.

“It was like I had a virus I couldn’t get rid of.

There was no explanation of why I was sick, other than it was God trying to get them to find this cancer.”

Nicole’s dad took her to the emergency room, where an X-ray of her chest revealed a tumor about the size of a softball wrapped around her heart.

“It was a surreal moment for my parents,” she says. “I remember the doctor coming in and telling my mom if it was his daughter, he would send her to Birmingham. So, we came to Kirklin Clinic. They did a biopsy of my tumor.”

The biopsy indicated Nicole’s thymus gland – which is supposed to shrink as a person reaches

puberty – had only grown larger and was filled with cysts. The lining of it was where the Hodgkin lymphoma was found.

To make sure the cancer hadn’t spread, Nicole says doctors performed an exploratory laparotomy, a surgical procedure in which they made an incision into her abdomen to biopsy surrounding tissues and organs. They also performed a bone marrow extraction.

Nicole remembers Ryan coming to visit her in Birmingham after one of her surgeries. He brought her a Christmas bear, which she still displays at home.

Then, Nicole underwent radiation treatments in Montgomery – 36 treatments in a six-week period. “I’d leave school every day and go to the cancer center and do that,” she says. “Certain smells make me sick to this day from smelling it every day.”

Three to six months after her treatments, Nicole entered remission, just in time to graduate high school. Except for regular checkups and scans, Nicole carried on with her life for the next 20 years. She and Ryan went on to college and got married after they graduated. They welcomed three daughters, Kate (15), Macie (13) and Klara (10).

Their education careers brought them to the Birmingham area from Opelika about five years ago. Shortly thereafter, Nicole and Ryan were watching a football game at home when she started experiencing weird sensations with her heart.

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prolapse and prescribed medication.

She also was sent to a heart specialist and underwent a stress test. At 37 years old, she failed the test.

“They were confused,” she says of the medical staff. She underwent more tests, which revealed she had a 70-80 percent blockage in her heart, and that her right coronary artery was 100-percent blocked.

– Ryan Thompson “Ryan says his knees about buckled,” she says of when he heard the news. Doctors put two stints in her heart.

“That was a bigger shock to me than the cancer because we didn’t know what was going on at the time,” Ryan says. “By then, we had three kids and all kinds of responsibilities and obligations.”

Nearly a year later, Nicole realized a pea-sized knot that had surfaced on one side of her face after she had cancer – a knot that started out as small and innocent – had gotten larger and was extremely sore. It was so prominent that one of her coworkers noticed it. After assessing the knot, one of Nicole’s doctors sent her straight to a surgeon, who removed it.

“It was a tumor in my parotid gland,” she says. “They said it’s probably from the radiation.”

Nicole says being hit with her heart issues and the parotid tumor almost back-to-back was hard. She gets emotional when she thinks about it.

“There’s times I think, ‘Am I going to make it?’ I have an 86-year-old grandmother,” she says. “I want to make it. I feel like I keep getting saved for a reason. I’m here because God wants me to be here.”

Nicole’s new version of normalcy includes taking five pills every day “It was really scary,” she says. She called her brother, who had suffered a heart attack when he and having various doctor’s visits frequently. was 26 years old, and compared symptoms. “It Ryan describes the couple’s journey with Nicole’s didn’t sound the same as my brother’s. It kind of health as an “ongoing affair.”

“It was so long ago when it first started. I think went away.” But after Nicole described the incident to one of her school’s nurses, she decided it brought us a little closer early on,” he says.

“Normally, you’re not faced with severe health to go to the doctor.

At first, Nicole was diagnosed with mitral valve issues at that young of an age. I think it brought

Sometimes, we can take for granted health, financial security or whatever it is. It’s brought our family closer.

38 HooversMagazine.com

”

us closer together relationshipwise.”

Nicole agrees, noting the challenges they have faced have not left their marriage or family “broken.”

If anything, the Thompsons are more connected because of the experiences.

“I think that if you already have a strong relationship, any kind of trials and tribulations you go through only make you stronger,” Nicole says. “Our marriage is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ, and then we go from there. I couldn’t imagine doing life with anybody else but him (Ryan). He’s all I know.”

Nicole and Ryan will celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary in August.

“When you go through something like that, it helps you more easily prioritize what’s important,” Ryan says. “Sometimes, we can take for granted health, financial security or whatever it is. It’s brought our family closer.”

,

HooversMagazine.com 39

SCHOOLS & SPORTS programming for our Summer Learning students and families. We now offer a sixweek summer learning program for students which provides academic support, two meals and a healthy snack, fitness, art, music, science, gardening, swimming and other enrichment opportunities.

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Catherine Goudreau Director of the Children’s Fresh Air Farm

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTO BY LAUREN WINTER

When the Independent Presbyterian Church’s Children’s Fresh Air Farm first opened atop Shades Mountain in Bluff Park in 1923, it provided medical treatment, meals and a safe and fun camp environment for children in Birmingham. The camp earned its name “Fresh Air” because children were literally escaping the pollution of smoke stacks in the city to spend their summers in the fresh air. Today, the mission of the farm remains the same: to nurture the children in mind, body and spirit by offering a program of excellence in academics, enrichment, physical education and spiritual development. Over the years, the farm has adapted to fit the growing and changing needs of the children in Birmingham. With a passion for both education and ministry, Catherine Goudreau, the new director of the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, says she fell in love with the mission of the farm and the children who come to the mountain camp.

How did you become the new director of the Fresh Air Farm?

I graduated from Auburn University in 2013 with a degree in elementary education. After graduation, I spent a wonderful year teaching fifth grade in Opelika before my husband’s job moved us to Birmingham. A lifelong Presbyterian with a love for ministry, I first came to IPC in 2014 as Director of Youth Ministries. I have a huge passion for education and ministry. I spent the first five years after college graduation working back and forth between the two and longing for a place where I felt I could best use both. Through my work at IPC, I learned more about the mission of the Children’s Fresh Air Farm and I fell in love.

40 HooversMagazine.com

What does 2018 hold for the Fresh Air Farm?

Already, plans and preparation are underway for the Summer Learning Program which serves about 80 children from Hayes K-8 in Avondale. These children will spend summer at the Farm strengthening their math and reading skills, swimming, dancing, singing, studying God’s word, enjoying creation and traveling on field trips. When summer is over, we have plans to continue yearlong ministry with these students and their families both at CFAF and in the Avondale neighborhood. The major goal is to design year-round ministry at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm. This includes greater use by the community, Independent Presbyterian Church, and increased

How does someone get involved or volunteer with the Children’s Fresh Air Farm?

We are always looking for volunteers.

We have several work days throughout the year to help maintain the beauty of the Farm. In addition, we use many, many volunteers during the Summer Learning Program. These volunteers help facilitate small groups and one-on-one tutoring as well as leading enrichment activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me.

Will the Farm be open to the community of Bluff Park and others to use?

Of course! We hope that families will continue to use the playground at the Farm – especially when the weather is beautiful.

We love sharing our favorite place with you. We also welcome user groups throughout the year. In addition to the summer learning program, we hope to expand the use of the Children’s Fresh Air Farm to the neighborhood of Bluff Park and to church members at Independent Presbyterian Church.

What do you hope the lasting legacy of the Fresh Air Farm will be?

Love. Greater than any academic achievement we could hope for is the hope that summer learning campers will know they are loved, valued and capable. My hope is that the Farm will be a place where students feel safe, empowered and challenged and a place they look back on with fondness. So often we receive letters from former campers about what the Farm meant to them and how it changed their life. They remember with deep gladness the memories shared, lessons learned, love felt and maybe even a thing or two about pulling weeds in their very own garden.

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

KEEPING WITH TRADITION

Golf greats will meet once again at the 2018 Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf & Country Club.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

HooversMagazine.com 41

A

A post on Greystone Golf & Country Club’s Facebook page says all you need to know about the Regions Tradition golf tournament: “You don’t want to miss the par-tee.” For the third consecutive year, Greystone will host Alabama’s annual PGA TOUR Champions tournament that draws thousands of spectators each year.

“In our third year, we feel like we’ve learned a lot of little pieces that will make (the tournament) really good,” Greystone Director of Golf Steve Smith says. “I think it’s going to be pretty special.”

Presented by title sponsor Regions Financial Corporation, the 2018 Regions Tradition will commence May 16 on the Founders Course with the NCR Celebrity Pro-Am at 6:50 a.m. and will

42 HooversMagazine.com

continue with first-round championship play on May 17, second-round championship play on May 18, third-round championship play on May 19 and the final round on May 20.

As of mid-March, 2016 and 2017 Regions Tradition champion Bernhard Langer, John Daly, Miguel Angel Jiménez and David Toms had formally committed to the tournament, and more were expected to commit in the following weeks, according to Bruno Event Team Senior Vice President of Operations George Shaw.

A new attraction at this year’s tournament will be the Watering Hole at the 10th hole. The Watering Hole includes the Cocina

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Superior Cocina Club, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tito’s Terrace, Michelob Ultra Ultra Club and William Hill Estate Wine Lounge.

“It’s just such a great place to watch the tournament and have all that going on,” Smith says. “It’s going to be really cool. We’re really looking forward to that.”

Highlights on the week’s schedule include the Lexus Hole-inOne Shootout on May 17 at 5 p.m., Shipt Yoga on the Green on May 18 at 5:30 p.m., Chuck the Hitman Trick Shot Show on May 19 immediately following play and the Preakness Party on May 19 at 5 p.m.

Greystone Golf & Country Club underwent course renovations in 2015 in preparation for the tournament. The Founders Course was designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp and Alabama native Hubert Green.

Smith, who has served as Greystone’s Director of Golf since 2001, has received positive feedback from numerous golfers about the course. “So many come up to me as they’re leaving and just tell me how fantastic the golf course was and how much they were really looking forward to coming back the next year. That’s the part that makes it so special. Those guys play the greatest courses all over.”

Another facet of the tournament is philanthropy. The Regions

Sports SpineMedicine Center

Testing, Surgery & Rehabilitation all conveniently located in your neighborhood.

“Getting you back to your Active Lifestyle”

Michael F. Blum, M.D. | Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D. | George Robert Booker, M.D. William S. Craig, M.D. | Donald A. Deinlein, M.D. | Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D. Christopher A. Heck, M.D. | John S. Kirchner, M.D. | William D. Krauss, D.O. Michael D. Smith, M.D. | William D. Sudduth, M.D. | C.J. Talbert, M.D.

Medplex Medical Building 4517 Southlake Parkway Hoover, Alabama 35244

Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430 Birmingham, Alabama 35243

For an appointment, call 205-985-4111

On-site MRI and

HooversMagazine.com 43

Tradition benefits more than 80 local charities, including Children’s of Alabama, the primary beneficiary. Nearly 1,000 volunteers help ensure the tournament runs smoothly. In addition, Birdies for Charity, a fundraising program that offers local organizations and schools the opportunity to raise money for their causes. Funds come from one-time donations and pledges based on the number of birdies made by PGA TOUR Champions players at the tournament. Since 2012, Birdies for Charity has raised more than $2.9 million.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHEN: May 16-20 WHERE: Greystone Golf & Country Club, Hoover To purchase Regions Tradition tickets or for more information about sponsorship, charity, volunteers, players and other topics, visit Regionstradition.com.

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&STYLE

HOME

HORNES ON HGTV Meet the Ross Bridge family that took a chance and applied to be on the hit TV show House Hunters.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON HooversMagazine.com 45

HOME & STYLE

I

It was a long shot, but she filled out the application anyway. Natalie Horne and her family were watching HGTV’s House Hunters, one of their favorite shows, when she had the idea of sharing their personal house search with America. “I looked at Brad and said, ‘We could do this show. How fun would that be?’ So, I went online and filled out an application.”

Natalie, a Hoover native, says she wrote “quirky” responses to the questions in an effort to stand out.

46 HooversMagazine.com

Three days later, she got an email back from a producer, who said the Horne family sounded like a “good fit for the show.” Then, they had to complete a six-month audition process, including video submissions, before they were chosen for the show.

Their episode – dubbed “Chandeliers in Alabama” for Natalie’s love of shiny, sparkly things – was filmed over a five-day period in June 2017.

When the Hornes found out they could choose their

Kitchen Natalie wanted an open-concept home, and the second floor of their new home offers that. The living room, dining room and kitchen flow seamlessly together, with no walls separating the spaces. The Hornes have plans to install a farmhouse sink; otherwise, the kitchen is exactly what they wanted. “I love the subway tiles,” Natalie says of the mirror tiles that add the sparkle and shine she likes.

“

We chose something that we weren’t even in the market for. It had everything I wanted and that Brad wanted.

- Natalie Horne

own realtor for the show, they immediately asked their real-life real estate agent and good friend, Kate Giffin, if she would do it.

“I was like, ‘You’ve got to do this for me,’” Horne says with a laugh. “She said, ‘I’ll do it for you. I don’t think I would do it for anybody else.”

Giffin was game for the project, which was as memorable when the cameras were rolling as when they weren’t.

“I thought the process of filming and what all goes into creating scenes was really interesting,” Giffin says. “The days were actually quite long with the ‘action’ taking up a small portion of the day. Setting up, sound check,

”

working through the upcoming scene and what we needed to express in each one took up most of our time with the actual filming part being quite short.”

As is the protocol for House Hunters episodes, the Hornes toured several prospective homes, discussed the characteristics of each home they liked or disliked, and announced they had chosen a townhome in Ross Bridge’s Village Center at the end of the episode.

“We chose something that we weren’t even in the market for,” Horne says. “It had everything I wanted and that Brad wanted.”

Brad, who works in property management, wanted a home with the potential for long-term improvement projects. Natalie wanted something with pizzazz. They got both.

The Hornes spent the majority of New Year’s Day, the day their House Hunters episode aired, watching and talking about it with family and friends that tuned in.

“There were lots and lots of takes,” Giffin says. “We had fun with it and there were lots of laughs and poking at each other to dramatize it.”

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Natalie says.

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Living Room Right off the second-floor landing, the living room is a comfortable space the Hornes use every day to catch up with each other and watch TV.

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Foyer One of the chandeliers Natalie enhanced with colored crystals and glass hangs in the foyer, where everyone that walks into the house can see it. “I’m pretty girly,” Natalie says. “I love sequins and rhinestones. I wanted chandeliers.” Natalie is a professional singer, so the family’s piano is decorated with vintage microphones.

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Powder Room The most special part of the second-level powder room is the light fixture, which was a gift from the Hornes’ realtor, Kate Giffin.

BEHIND THE SCENES Builder: Signature Homes Realtor: Kate Giffin with Remax Advantage Custom Headboard, Mirrored Backsplash, Chandelier Installation and Other DĂŠcor: Brad and Natalie Horne

Rooftop Patio When the weather is nice, the Hornes sit on their rooftop patio, a space just off the third level of the home that affords them a beautiful view of the neighborhood.

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Master Bedroom Natalie wanted everyone in the family to have his or her own room and bathroom. They also ended up with their own levels. “We have three levels,” she says. “Daisy has the top, Brad and I have the middle and Kemp has the bottom.”

Master Bathroom The master bathroom meets Natalie’s wish for a soaking tub and Brad’s wish for a walk-in shower, for which he had his own name during the House Hunters filming.

“I wanted a soaking tub with a chandelier hanging over it. He wanted a ‘standalone shower,’ not a tub-shower combo,” Natalie says with a laugh. “He kept calling it a ‘standalone shower.’ Even our director hash-tagged a standalone shower.”

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Daughter’s Room The Hornes’ 10-year-old daughter, Daisy, has a spacious bedroom on the third level of the house.

Son’s Room Their 13-year-old son, Kemp, has his own space on the first floor of the house.

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Upstairs Den The upstairs den provides the family with more space to use for relaxing, watching TV or visiting with friends that have come over.

VOTE TODAY! HOOVER’S

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HOOVERSMAGAZINE.COM/BEST-VOTE HooversMagazine.com 53

IN STYLE

DIVE INTO SPRING

The water is (getting) warm, so pack your swimsuit.

By Madison Freeman Photos by Dawn Harrison

3

4

5

1

LOOK 1

6

2

1. FREE PEOPLE CAMISOLE

3. JESSICA SIMPSON FRAYED JACKET

5. INFINITY NECKLACE

This camisole is so fun. The color will pop on you.

Belk / $58

You have to love this chic frayed jacket. It can be worn in so many ways, too.

Belk / $80

This necklace pairs well with other simple necklaces.

Luna by Brio / $36

2. FREE PEOPLE FRAYED SKIRT

4. CHOKER

6. MIA BRAIDED CLUTCH

Jean skirts like this are so in, especially with a frayed hem. Super cute!

Belk / $60

This 2-in-1 choker is my new obsession, and it’s a versatile piece.

Luna by Brio / $38

You can dress up any outfit with the addition of this camel-colored clutch.

Francesca’s / $38

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LOOK 2 1. AERIE BATHING SUIT This bright suit is swimwear perfection.

One-piece suits are popular, and this one is beautiful.

Aerie / $35

2. DAVID AND YOUNG COVER-UP

2

I’m so in love with this neutral-colored cover-up, and you will be too. It goes with any bathing suit.

Von Maur / $25

1 Madison Freeman is a lifestyle blogger and believes that fashion is something that helps people connect with each other. Check out insidemyopendoor.com to get more fashion tips from Madison

ACCESSORIZE 2

1. DAVID AND YOUNG HAT I’m swooning over this wide-brim hat.

It’s so stylish and actually gives good sun protection.

Von Maur / $22

2. STRAW BEACH BAG

1

This hold-all bag is a summertime essential for trips to the pool, the beach or a festival, and it’s such a great size.

Wrapsody / $58

HooversMagazine.com 55

A Whole New World The Fairytale Project founder Chassidy Casey and her team allow children to escape their sicknesses and interact with their favorite Disney princesses.

W

By Anne Riley Photos by Lauren Winter and Contributed

When Anniston native Chassidy Casey moved to Birmingham a few years ago, she expected to settle down, raise a family and help open her husband’s chiropractic clinic. What she didn’t expect was to fill her free time by dressing up as Disney princesses and visiting sick children in the hospital—but today, she couldn’t imagine her life without it.

Of course, it didn’t happen instantly; in fact, Casey’s interest in the whole idea was the result of a local party business who came to Casey’s workplace – WBRC FOX 6 – to talk about advertising. It didn’t take long for them to notice that Casey bore a striking resemblance to Elsa from Frozen. Soon, they had recruited Casey to play Elsa at children’s birthday parties, offering a high hourly pay rate for each party.

At first, Casey doubted her ability to play Elsa to the children’s satisfaction – but the moment she walked into her first party, her uncertainty evaporated.

“I have never been hugged like that by so many children in my entire life,” Casey says, recalling the

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joy of that first birthday party experience. “It was truly magical and so heartwarming to know that I had the ability to bring that much happiness with such a small effort. I continued to book events every other weekend, and every time, the children gave me more confidence to believe in myself as much as they believed in me.”

Casey quickly realized that the children’s joy was worth much more than the hourly pay, and she began to look for an opportunity to bring that same joy to children who needed it most – for free. She reached out to a few friends that she knew would love the idea, and then took it a step further by contacting organizations who might be interested in helping.

The Ronald McDonald House was the first to truly embrace Casey’s idea. Together with another girl who played Anna and with the help of Casey’s husband and father, the first Frozen party came together at The Ronald McDonald House, where families stay while their children are hospitalized.

Princess makeovers, royalty lessons, Frozen

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karaoke, fake snowballs for a snowball fight and a game of freeze tag made up the party’s agenda – and the children could not have been more thrilled. But they weren’t the only ones affected by the party.

“I remember having to fight back tears when I heard the first squeals of laughter and excitement from the kids,” Casey says. “I noticed how much impact it had on the parents, too. Their tired faces would turn into smiles and tears. It allowed their children to escape from their world of sickness and experience a moment of a fairytale come to life.”

A few months later, Casey had a total of eight princesses in her arsenal of joy: Elsa, Anna, Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Snow White and Rapunzel. Each participant provided their own costume, and after partnering with several other organizations, including United Cerebral Palsy, DHR, The ARC, Rainbow Omega and Children’s Hospital, “The Fairytale Project” was officially born.

Children who are visited by one of TFP’s princesses can expect to enjoy a variety of exciting activities, but Casey has a couple of personal favorites.

Her first favorite is the Royal Coronation, in which there is a royal proclamation and the child takes an oath to become a princess or a knight (including vows of kindness, a reminder of their own inner beauty, and the belief that their struggles have made them strong), then signs their oath and are either crowned as a princess or knighted with a sword.

Her second favorite is creating pixie dust or potion necklaces. For this activity, the children get to mix different potion or pixie dust colors that contain “ingredients” like bravery, love, happiness or faith.

Then, when they need a little boost in confidence, they can sprinkle it on themselves to help push through the hard moments.

Many of the people who have joined Casey in The Fairytale Project have firsthand experience with difficult circumstances in childhood, from growing up as a foster child in a group home to losing a child to cancer. Not all of them have experienced traumatic situations, but Casey says they all have “a heart of gold and put forth a lot of time and effort into brightening the days of other people who are less fortunate.”

In fact, quite a bit more effort and cost goes into being a TFP character than most people would expect; the high-quality costumes, wigs and accessories can cost $1,000 or more, and it takes time to learn how to play the characters well.

“We all spend countless hours researching our characters, their stories, mannerisms, autographs, poses, makeup and fun things to say or do that’s in HooversMagazine.com 59

“

I noticed how much impact it had on the parents, too. Their tired faces would turn into smiles and tears. It allowed their children to escape from their world of sickness and experience a moment of a fairytale come to life.

�

- Chassidy Casey

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Chassidy Casey, founder of The Fairytale Project

FINDART

character to make the children’s experience as magical as possible,” Casey says.

Casey and her team are always looking for more support in their mission to delight children. Volunteering as a character is helpful, of course, as long as the volunteer meets the right requirements, but Casey could also use photographers, marketing personnel, event planners, character assistants, fundraising personnel and theatrical costume designers. Anyone who is interested in helping out can email volunteer@ thefairytaleproject.org.

Another way to support TFP is by hiring one of their characters for a birthday party or corporate event, as proceeds from paid events support their non-profit events. Additionally, doing Amazon-based shopping on smile.amazon.com and choosing The Fairytale Project as the organization to support is a great way to donate to TFP. Traditional monetary donations can be made via the Facebook Page (facebook.com/ thefairytaleprojectorg) or Paypal (paypal.me/ thefairytaleproject). As a 501c3 nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible.

For more information about The Fairytale Project, email info@thefairytaleproject.org.

April 27-29, 2018

Linn Park, downtown Birmingham, Alabama Platinum City of Birmingham Kinetic Communications Starnes Media Gold Birmingham Magazine Birmingham Mountain Radio Hoover’s Magazine Joe Piper, Inc. This is Alabama Silver Bell Media Royal Cup Coffee Style Blueprint Bronze Alabama Power BBVA Compass BlueCross and Blue Shield of Alabama HealthSouth Corporation Over the Mountain Journal Publix Super Markets Charities Shelby Living

Steel Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency Babypalooza Magazine Bancography Bham Now BJCC & The Westin Birmingham Business Journal Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company B-Metro Excursions by CityVision Event Rentals Unlimited Gallery Services Homewood Life Jefferson County McDowell Security Miller Communications Mountain Brook Magazine Shelby Living Vestavia Hills Magazine WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm Yarbrough Festival Foodservice

www.magiccityart.com Image: Lisa Krannichfeld, Ravageur

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Mothering The

Tree

J

Inverness resident Jessica Naccari offers support and guidance to other moms.

By Anne Riley | Photos by Dawn Harrison and Contributed

Jessica Naccari believes that trees and mothers have a lot in common: When it comes to their little birds, they provide a home to come back to, roots and values to carry through life, and shelter from life’s storms. It was this concept that inspired her online maternal support system, The Mothering Tree.

Jessica describes her business as heart-centered guidance and mothering support through one-on-one coaching, an online community and group coaching programs.

“I want to reconnect women with the roots of their intuition, values, creativity and spirituality,” Jessica says.

A Foley native, Jessica went to college in Montgomery and

eventually moved to Birmingham with her husband, who was relocated for his career in environmental consulting. These days, she feels comfortable in her role as a stay-at-home mother of three, but things haven’t always been so easy.

Her first experience with motherhood was similar to that of many others: A deluge of gifts and attention during pregnancy, the thrill of baby’s arrival, visitors by the dozens— and then, a couple weeks later, nothing.

Her husband went back to work. Everyone else got back to their lives. And Jessica began to feel very alone.

While her OB had instructed her to call if she began to HooversMagazine.com 63

experience sadness or negative thoughts, Jessica’s situation wasn’t the typical picture of postpartum mental illness. It was the sudden death of a friend that sent her into a tailspin of panic attacks and caused her to have strange thoughts.

“I was terrified of leaving the house,” Jessica says. “I constantly tried to prepare myself for the worst situation.

We’d go to the mall, and I’d think through how to escape if a fire started or what I’d do if someone tried to steal my child. It was really intense, but I thought it was normal.”

Jessica made an appointment with a doctor, but declined the medication he suggested. She felt functional, after all, and from the outside, everything looked fine. She held on to her irrational fears, believing that somehow, they would save her family one day.

After the birth of her second child, depression set in—but again, it was hard to recognize. Instead of feeling sad, Jessica felt on-edge and easily

aggravated. Assuming it was due to the complicated transition from one to two children, Jessica waited for a while before making an appointment with a new doctor.

The diagnosis: postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety.

After accepting the prescribed medication and abiding by the doctor’s guidelines to take the kids for regular walks, Jessica experienced an upturn in her mental state.

“The improvement was immense,” Jessica says. “I felt like I finally had my life back.”

When her third child was born, Jessica was prepared to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety again. She started on medication right away, but she needed something more: A support network. Unfortunately, there weren’t many resources for moms with postpartum illness, and so the support network she needed wasn’t easy to come by.

One day, she picked up a book that

WHAT'S THE MOTHERING TREE? This online maternal support system for mothers offers one-on-one coaching, mini email courses and an open forum where women can connect with each other. Those interested in learning more or getting plugged in can visit Themotheringtree.com.

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had sat on her shelf for years—The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron.

While she expected to learn how to unblock her creative skills, she didn’t anticipate that the book would lead her to the realization that she wanted to help other moms like her.

“Once the dream was born, I felt like the path was already laid before me—but I could only see the next step,” Jessica says. “I started sketching out what I already knew and what I didn’t about starting an o n l i n e business. I took another step and found The Mama Bliss Coaching School, where I was offered a scholarship.

Each time, I’d trust my intuition, and it would lead me to where I needed to go.”

Now that The Mothering

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“

If The Mothering Tree can start a movement of supporting and caring about the needs of mothers, I think we will see a more connected community full of healthy individuals.

-Jessica Naccari

Tree has officially launched, Jessica is working with moms through e-courses, one-on-one coaching, and group coaching.

She’s also hoping to start a support group through local libraries.

“Women need the support of other women during the early days of motherhood,” Jessica says. “If The Mothering Tree can start a movement of supporting and caring about the needs of mothers, I think we will see a more connected community full of healthy individuals.”

For those who are interested in The Mothering Tree’s support coaching, the website is a good place to start: Themotheringtree.com. From there, it’s easy to sign up for one of the free mini email courses; currently, the options are “Find Your Mama Flow” and “Avoid the Sleep-Deprived Mommy Zombie.”

”

After that, subscribers are invited to join the Facebook community (appropriately named “The Mothering Grove”) where they can connect with other moms in an open, honest way. From there, one-on-one coaching sessions are offered through Breakout Intensive Sessions, along with a group coaching option called Deeply Rooted.

The whole point is to help moms get back in touch with themselves and to move forward with life in a healthy, happy, fulfilled way—which ultimately means happier families and a better community.

To connect with The Mothering Tree online, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/themotheringtree or follow them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ themotheringtree. To reach Jessica directly, email Jessica@ themotheringtree.com.

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Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens to Speak Avadian Credit Union will sponsor the April 19th luncheon this month, and has invited Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens to be our speaker.

Mr. Stephens is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, growing up just south of Bessemer. He attended Samford University, and graduated with both a B.S. in Business Administration, then with an MBA in 1975.

Commissioner Stephens has a great deal of business experience, including running his own business of Jimmie’s Food Center, as well as president of Food Centers, Inc. He also served as a board member for Associated Grocers of Alabama.

He is a former Bessemer City Councilor, Past Chairman of the Bessemer Board of Zoning Adjustments; of the Bessemer Airport Authority; and of the Bessemer Commercial Development Authority.

He is also on the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority Board of Directors; Jefferson County Department of Health Board, Birmingham Business

Jimmie Stephens Jefferson County Commission President Alliance Board, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham.

As Commission President, Stephens is Primary Liaison to the Jefferson County Sheriff ‘s Office, Regional Planning Commission, and the Metropolitan

Planning Commission. He is married to Mona, and they enjoy their three children and one grandson.

To attend the April 19th Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, April 16th, by calling 988-5672, or emailing lisa@ hooverchamber.org.

Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon.

The Luncheon is $20.00 with reservations in advance, or $25.00 for non-members and for walk-ins without reservations.

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those that make reservations and do not attend will be charged.

Our luncheons are held at the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

HooversMagazine.com 69 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Letter from the Executive Director I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am April Stone and I am the new Executive Director here at the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce!

First, I’d like to thank everyone that has made me feel so welcome. We have a great chamber and I want to build on the tremendous foundation that my predecessor, Bill Powell, formed during his tenure.

We want to ensure that we are providing the opportunities for you to develop those relationships that will help you grow your business! The easiest way to start is by attending our events! Mark your calendars with our monthly Coffee and Contacts, luncheons and Business After Hours and let your membership work for you.

I look forward to working with you all as we embrace the future of this dynamic Chamber.

Hoover Chamber Awards Scholarships The Hoover Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Applications are now available at the chamber website at www. hooverchamber.org/ scholarships/application or at the chamber office.

Anyone affiliated with the Hoover Chamber of Commerce interested in furthering your education can apply. (Children of Hoover Chamber Members, City of Hoover Employees, or Residents of the City of Hoover are eligible) When choosing a student for this scholarship we will be looking for someone who is looking to better the community in which they live through their future aspirations of higher education and entrepreneurial spirit.

For more information, contact the Hoover Chamber office at 205-988-5672 or by email april@ hooverchamber.org.

Coffee & Contacts Schedule Normally Held the 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.

April 12, 2018 — Penn Mutual — Alabama Agency

September 13, 2018 — Skyline Village Retirement

May 10, 2018 — Plexamedia

October 11, 2018 — Brook Highland Place

June 14, 2018 — Heatherwood Hills Country Club July 12, 2018 — Soiree Event Galleria

December 13, 2018 — Space Cadets

August 9, 2018 — Aveda Institute

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hoover Country Club April 19, 2018 — Avadian Credit Union — State of Jefferson County Address

August 16, 2018 — Costco — Speaker: To Be Announced

May 17, 2018 — SpectrumReach — Scholarship Winners

September 20, 2018 — Sentry Heating & Air - Troy University Chancellor

June 21, 2018 — Medical Center West — John Orros

October 18, 2018 — St. Vincent’s — Zeke Smith

July 19, 2018 — Regions Bank — Freedom Award

November 15, 2018 — American Family Care — Dr. Murphy — Education Awards

Business After Hours Schedule Held the 4th Thursday of each month, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

April 26 — Outback Steakhouse — Hoover

July 26 — Hoover Hometown Pharmacy

May 24 — Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

August 23 — River Highlands of Birmingham

June 28 — Galleria Woods Retirement Community

August 30 — Customs Café

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 70 HooversMagazine.com

November 8, 2018 — OFC Workscapes, Inc.

September 27 — My Chiropractor

A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the new 8 Degree Fahrenheit Ice Cream shop, located at 2772 John Hawkins Parkway, between the Walmart and Buffalo Wild Wings. Shown cutting the ribbon is Manager Vijay Akumar, as Assistant Heather Chunara holds the bow. They were joined by several Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. They can be reached at (205) 848-7400 or eight-fhoover@yahoo.com. Visit their website at www.EAT8F.com for more information. Their ice cream is made fresh daily while you can watch your own order being made! Some of the best ice cream ever!!!

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, January 04, 2018 at The Joyful Food Company ( The Joyful Food Co. ), at 759 Shades Mountain Plaza in Hoover 35236. Shown cutting the ribbon are Co-Owners Rebecca Wanagat and Elizabeth Wood, as Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato holds the bow. Next to the Mayor is Chamber President Jerome Morgan, Jr. They were joined by several friends and chamber ambassadors for what must have been the coldest ribbon cutting on record! They can be reached at 205-538-7967 or elizabeth@ thejoyfulfoodco.com. www.thejoyfulfoodco.com

A Ribbon Cutting Event was held Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the new offices of McCorquodale Transfer, located at 2714 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham. Shown cutting the ribbon is Owner Bart McCorquodale, as Seneca Reid and Chamber President Jerome Morgan, Jr., help with the bow and scissors. They were joined by several friends and Hoover Chamber ambassadors.McCorquodale Transfer can be reached at (205) 969-0113 or contact Seneca Reid at Seneca@mccorquodale.biz for information.

A Ribbon Cutting event was held Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the new location of Corefit ( CoreFit Training & Recovery ), at 4524 Southlake Parkway in the Southlake Village Shopping Center in Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon is Owner Atheena Walters, as Shannon Gaston holds the bow, with Chamber President Jerome Moran, Jr., next to Shannon. Atheena’s father, Don McNair, and her sister Brooklyn Maples are behind her, as well as Ubaldo Martinez.

Corefit is a 24-hour fitness center so members can access the center at any time of the day or night with a cell phone app. They can also be reached at 205-848-8480 or corefitbhm@gmail.com. See their website at www.corefitbhm.com.

A Ribbon Cutting Event was held at Breakout Birmingham ( Breakout Games), located at 2717 19th Place South in Homewood, to celebrate their new “Do Not Disturb” room used in the breakout games they offer. Shown cutting the ribbon is General Manager Jeremy Carter as Will Hargett holds the bow. Also shown are team members Rebecca Lee, Aaron Anderson, James Word, and Hoover Chamber President Jerome Morgan, Jr. They were joined by several Hoover Chamber ambassadors, and treated to a great lunch afterward. Breakout Escape Games can be reached at 205-282-4798 or jcarter@ breakoutgames.com. www.breakoutbham.com.

Walmart Hoover had a ribbon cutting for their Online Grocery Pickup at the HWY 150 location. The scissors were held by Store Manager Darin Boykin and Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato while Assistant Manger Bryan Holmes held the bow. The National Anthem was sung by Department Manager, Brooklyn Matthews. US Army Recruiting Birmingham Company performed the Presentation of Colors. You can order your groceries online by visiting: https://grocery.walmart.com

HooversMagazine.com 71 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

New Members — January-February 2018 Ashley DeRamus Foundation Connie DeRamus, President 205-572-5066 BBVA Compass-The Grove Robert Shanks, Asst. Vice President 205-510-7670 Robert.shanks@bbva.com

Five Star Painting Pietro Magnolia, Owner 205-209-3804 Greystone Tire & Auto Doug Phillips, Owner 205-980-5113 Jason’s Deli TRUSTEE MEMBER Ben Williams, GM 205-995-4933

Bright House Tim Merritt, Broker Manager 678-920-9677

Jason’s Deli Daniel Heldreth, GM 205-987-8740

CPC Office Technologies Damon Lockhart, Acct. Manager 205-639-4230

Market House Boutique Tammy Underwood Holt, Owner 205-901-5015

F45 Training South Hoover Kelcey & Angela Wharton, Owners 205-407-3680

Revolve Kitchen & Brew Robert York, General Manager 205-545-8523

The Co-Host Events Teresa Jones, Event Coordinator 205-862-8065

Jet’s Pizza PRESIDENTS CIRCLE Sam Hess, Owner 205-582-9798

Touching Hearts at Home Tremaine Davis, Owner 205-413-6354

Kindred At Home Jennifer Gonzalez, Executive Director 205-739-7800

Unless U Lindy Cleveland, Executive Director 205-215-5209 Beyond The Rock-The Preserve Neighborhood Newsletter Kyle Driver, Area Director 205-587-8649 Brooks Consulting, LLC Joyce E. Brooks, Owner 205-529-6471 Hoar Program Management, LLC Charles Lewis, Regional PreCon Dir. 205-423-3500

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 72 HooversMagazine.com

Royal Tobacco & Vape Outlet Amran Muthana, Owner 205-407-4098 Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center Jennifer Cork, Practice Administrator 205-933-0987 Trading Places, LLC. Tara Holman, Owner 205-677-3803 Tropical Smoothie Café PRESIDENTS CIRCLE Sam Hess, Owner 205-444-0612

Thank You, Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees 1. Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* 2. Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* 3. Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union* 4. Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC 5. John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield 6. Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 7. Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama* 8. Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* 9. Jennifer Strickland, First Commercial Bank 10. Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. 11. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall 12. Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel 13. Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* 14. Henry King, King Acura 15. Dan Mikos, MikosKampakis Insurance* 16. Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 17. Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* 18. Karen Waldrop, Regions Financial 19. Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 20. Tim Prince, Hoover’s Magazine, Shelby County Reporter 21. Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group* 22. Dan Ellis, TASC* 23. Maribeth Gilbert, McLeod Software *Designates a Past President of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce

The Board of Trustees 1. Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television 2. Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services 3. Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union 4. Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. 5. Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company 6. Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen 7. Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union 8. Britten Blackburn, American Cheerleading Centers 9. Randy Johansen, American Family Care 10. Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union 11. Nate Wood, BB&T Bank 12. Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP 13. Heather McInnish, BancorpSouth 14. Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. 15. Ken Crow, Belk 16. Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society 17. Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park 18. Jamie White, Brown Heating & Cooling 19. Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies 20. Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank 21. David Jackson, Chick-Fil-A 22. Ashley Daniels, Chick Salad Chick 23. Mike Warren, Children’s of Alabama 24. Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale 25. Randolph Pickell, Diversicare of Riverchase 26. Mike Hawthorne, Edge Realty Group 27. Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/

Tire Engineers 28. Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC 29. Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care 30. Lisa McClung, Galleria Woods Retirement Community 31. Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center 32. Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners 33. Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn — Hoover 34. Bredella Taylor, Homewood Suites Riverchase 35. Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms 36. Charlie Faulkner, Jefferson Credit Union 37. Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission 38. Sungho Sim, Kobe Japanese Restaurant 39. Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union 40. Dwight Burrell, LongLewis Ford Lincoln 41. Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. 42. Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s 43. Keith Pennington, Medical West 44. David Brown, Office Depot 45. Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports CafÈ 46. Jose’ Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse 47. David Yirkovisky, Papa Murphy’s Pizza 48. Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama 49. Charles Kramer, III, Progress Bank 50. Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics 51. Hugh Morrow, Broker, RE/ MAX Preferred 52. Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa

53. Mike White, Riverchase Galleria 54. Andy Davis, St. Vincent’s Health System 55. Kyle Hogan, Sam’s Club 56. Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services 57. Brad Ledbetter, ServPro of Birmingham 58. Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers 59. Sarah Turner, Signature Homes 60. Kelvin Johnson, Spire 61. Alain Gallet, Terracon 62. Monique Holiness, The Home Depot-Inverness 63. Mark Hamilton, The Home Depot-Riverchase 64. Bethany Bell, The Trails at Cahaba River 65. Tara J. Elliott, Troy University 66. Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News 67. Phillip Corley, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC 68. Darin Boykin, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 69. Devin Errett, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. 70. Russell Pate, Zaxby’s 71. Birmingham Airport Authority

Are you Ready to Take Your Membership to the Next Level? Then Contact our Membership Directors for more information about how the Board of Trustees or the President’s Circle can work for your business!

See Sylinda Daniel or Andy Tatum for all the details!

Membership in the Board of Trustees is offered by invitation to members paying a minimum of $1,000 in dues per year. If you are interested in networking with the area’s top business and community leaders, please contact the Chamber at 988-5672.

HooversMagazine.com 73 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Preview of the May 2018 Luncheon Spectrum Reach will sponsor the May 18 Chamber Luncheon at the Hoover Country Club. Spectrum Reach (formerly Charter Media) creates custom advertising solutions for the modern media landscape. Spectrum Reach helps businesses reach customers no one else can across every screen and then they deliver the analytics to back it up. It’s not about old or new, it’s about what works.

In addition, we will be recognizing outstanding students with our 2016-17 Chamber Scholarships.

The Hoover Chamber has given out more than $200,000.00 in scholarships through the years, and we plan to increase that amount each year. The Hoover Chamber established a 501 (c ) (3) non-profit charitable foundation in 2016, so anyone can make contributions to the foundation for scholarships, and take the full amount of the contribution off their income taxes - both state and federal income taxes.

Matthew and Dr. Abby Allen have contributed $2,500.00 again this year for a scholarship to be presented in their name. In addition, the chamber will be presenting some $10,000.00 in scholarships.

Each scholarship winner is invited to attend the chamber luncheon, and to invite their parents as guests of the chamber and the luncheon sponsor,

SpectrumReach.

Students applying can be from any of the area schools, including all public and private schools, but must either be a Hoover resident, or at least one parent must be employed by the City of Hoover or a Hoover Chamber member business.

To attend the May 17 Chamber

Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, May 15, by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Rollins at admin@hooverchamber.org.

Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon.

The Luncheon is $20.00 with advance reservations or $25.00 at the door.

Reservations may be cancelled the morning of the luncheon, but an invoice will be sent for those who make reservations and simply do not attend.

Location: The Hoover Country Club.

Area Chambers Host Breakfast with Congressman U. S. Congressman Gary Palmer will join with several chambers of commerce for an “Eggs & Issues” Breakfast event from 7:30AM-9:00AM at the Birmingham Marriott Hotel.

Congressman Palmer — first elected to represent Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of

Representatives in 2014 — will provide attendees with a Washington update.

The breakfast event is co-sponsored by Alabama Power Company and co-hosted by the Greater Shelby County, Homewood, Hoover Area, Montevallo, Mountain Brook, South Shelby and Vestavia chambers of commerce.

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 74 HooversMagazine.com

The investment, which includes a hot breakfast, is $20 per person for Chamber investors and $30 for “Future” investors.

Contact your respective chamber of commerce to receive the “Promo/ Registration Code” to receive the investor rate when using online registration.

Upcoming Events

April-May 2018 APRIL Tuesday, April 2, 2018: Minority Business Council Meeting 8:30 am until 9:30 am Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce office 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Visitors Are Welcome!

Wednesday, April 4, 2018: Eggs & Issues Breakfast to Feature Washington Update with Congressman Gary Palmer 7:30 am -9:00 am Birmingham Marriott 3590 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, 35243 Thursday, April 5, 2018: Economic Development Committee 8:30 am until 9:30 am Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce office 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Visitors Are Welcome!

Thursday, April 12, 2018: Coffee and Contacts 7:30 am -9 am Penn Mutual Alabama Agency 1 Perimeter Park South, Suite 100-S Birmingham, AL 35243 Phone: 205-776-6651 Email: dorman.lori@pennmutual.com Website: www.pennmutual.com Wednesday, April 18, 2018: Ambassadors Meeting 4:30 pm-5:00 pm Hoover Chamber of Commerce Offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 36216 Visitiors are Always Welcome!

Thursday, April 19: Hoover Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon 11:15 am -1 pm Speaker: Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens Sponsor: Avadian Credit Union Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 for those with reservations.

Those without reservations for the luncheon will be charged $25.00 (if space permits) payable at the door.

Contact Lisa Rollins Call (205) 9885672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018: New Member Orientation 8:30 am-9:30 am Hoover of Commerce Chamber offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 36216 Visitiors are Always Welcome!

Thursday, April 26, 2018: Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7 pm Outback Steakhouse-Hoover 3440 Galleria Circle Hoover, AL 35244 Phone: 205-979-7585 MAY Tuesday, May 1, 2018: Minority Business Council Meeting 8:30 am -9:30 am Hoover of Commerce Chamber offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 36216 Visitiors are Always Welcome!

Thursday, May 3, 2018: Economic Development Committee 8:30 am-9:30am Hoover Chamber of Commerce Offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 36216 Visitiors are Always Welcome!

Thursday, May 10, 2018: Coffee and Contacts 7:30 am -9 am PlexaMedia 530 Beacon Parkway West Birmingham, AL 35209 Phone: 877-497-4606 ext 802 Wednesday, May 16, 2018: Ambassador Meeting 4:30 pm-5 pm Hoover of Commerce Chamber offices 1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108 Hoover, AL 36216 Visitiors are Always Welcome!

Thursday, May 17, 2018: Chamber Membership Luncheon 11:15 am -1:00 pm Speaker: Hoover Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Recipients Sponsor: Spectrum Reach Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 for those with reservations.

Those without reservations for the luncheon will be charged $25.00 (if space permits) payable at the door.

Contact Lisa Rollins Call (205) 988-5672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Thursday, May 24, 2018: Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7 pm Somersby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen 200 One Nineteen Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35242

HooversMagazine.com 75 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 2018 President

Matthew Allen, Discover Hoover Magazine Starnes Publishing

Terry Turner Gentle, Turner & Sexton 1st Vice President

Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel 2nd Vice President

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Kathleen Spencer, Hyatt PlaceInverness, Secretary

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 for IronStone Pizza located at 3780 Riverchase Village, Suite 100, Hoover. Shown cutting the ribbon are Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Regional Manager Jimmy Myrick as General Manager Allen Grindle holds the bow. Also in attendance: Owner Bill McPherson, Director of Operations Jim Hunter Walsh, City Councilman Mike Shaw, Former State Representative Paul DeMarco, Board President Jerome Morgan Jr., and City of Hoover employees as well as Hoover Area Chamber ambassadors and staff. You can visit them at the restaurant, visit http://ironstonepizza.com to place an order online, or call (205) 982-4400 for more information.

Adam West, CPA Warren, Averett CPAs and Advisors Treasurer

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, 1st Vice President

Mike White, Riverchase Galleria

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 for Acopia Home Loans located at 1 Chase Corporate Drive, Suite 170, Hoover 35244. Shown cutting the ribbon are Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Branch Manager Jack Richey as Processor Heidi Prine holds the bow. Also in attendance: Loan Officer Jonathan Robert, Loan Officer Jodi Krayer, City of Hoover employees, and Hoover Area Chamber ambassadors and staff. Call Jack Richey at 205-307-9221 or visit http://www.acopiahomeloans.com for more information.

Mission Statement Amended January 1998. The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce promotes economic growth of business through a strong support system which provides business and community partnerships.

Use this logo to place in your advertising for higher name recognition. This logo can be emailed to members for use in advertising, on business cards, and on letterhead or signs.

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 76 HooversMagazine.com

OUT & ABOUT

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TASTE OF MARDI GRAS PARTY PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Residents donned beads, masks and other festive accessories at the Taste of Mardi Gras Party on Friday, Feb. 9 at the Hoover Senior Center.

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Amy and Harry Chhabra

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Margaret Mulholland, Stan Challiss, Susan Gilliland and Mary Beveridge

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Derrick Murphy, Pat Farrell and Larry Enzweiler

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Isabelle Wayner, Virginia Adams and Annie Cheese

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Jerry and Ellen Allen

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Soma and Irvind Patel

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Ramesh and Padma Modi

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Venda Hooks and Pat Farrell

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OUT & ABOUT

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JEFFERSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS

The 25th anniversary of Jefferson State Community College’s Shelby Hoover Campus, which opened in 1993, was celebrated on Feb. 16.

1.

Guin Robinson, Julie Elliott, Lillian Owens, Keith Brown, Damita Hill and Libby Holmes

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Theresa Mays and Lucy Lewis

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Nicole Saia, Phil Holmes, Julie Elliott and Lillian Owens

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Nicholas Kin and Kacie Kilpatrick

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Mike Hobbs, John Samaniego and Mike Vest

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Vanessa LeBlanc, Danielle Coburn and Beth Ray

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Tammi Dahle, Crystal Roskam and Audrey Crawford

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Perianne Wilson, Jeanie Turner, Kathi Wales and Roscelia Burney

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Tala Samour, Anna Shunnarah, Nick Elacqua, Lauren Doyle, Ashton Ayers, Amy Calvert and Sean Bonapart

10. Kay Potter and Richard Cresswell

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OUT & ABOUT

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MARKET NOEL

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PHOTOS BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS

The Junior League of Birmingham hosted its Market Noel shopping event at the Finley Center in Hoover this past holiday season.

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Shelley and Mike Shaw

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Dondee Hicks, Audrey Hicks, Karen Dailey and Brittany Freeman

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Amy Hebson

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Kathryn Kudalis

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Caroline Pearson and Alison Paliescheskey

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Natalie Brazza, Kathy Tate and Dylan Brazza

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Stacey Jordan

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Callie Cichra, Cindy Collier, Mattie Cleveland and Jamie Tolbert

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Nancy Meeks and Lynne Meeks

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10. Rachel and Eric King 11. Grace Varney, Geanna Aarhus and Autumn Jeter 12. Emily and Curt Posey 13. Katelyne Lane 14. Casey, Ebru, Grady and Aiden Middlebrooks 15. Kristin Bailey and Stephanie Lowe 16. Winter Bush and Shonda Johnson

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OUT & ABOUT

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FROSTBITE 5K

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Dozens of people attended the 2018 Frostbite 5K at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road on Jan. 27.

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William Pigg, Sam Trammell, Gabriel Pigg and Jessie the dog

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Catherine Hancock, Rachel Conry, Chip Elmer and Brittany Elmer

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Bennett Phillips and John Phillips

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Mahi Shah and Kajal Shah

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Maryn Kuiper, Kelsey Russell and Jack Key

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Kara Schaffers, Wim Schaffers and Daisy the dog

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John Will Griffith and Abbey Willoughby

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Kimmy Robinson, Courtney Vacker, Glenna Bridges, Emma Bishop and David DeLozier

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Kate Murray and Heather Murray

10. Karen Schaffers and Ginna White 11. Lillie Griffith, Macie Scaini, Mackenzie McManus, Daniel Gush and Yancey Griffith 12. Amanda McCown and Lauren Wilson 13. Suzanne and Gavin Lawson with Lisa Herron 14. Chick-fil-A Cow and Bethany Ivey

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HooversMagazine.com 83

OUT & ABOUT

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STORY LAB

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

After listening to a story, children took part in hands-on activities during the Curious About Cats Story Lab at the Hoover Public Library on Jan. 22.

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Audrey and Sara Adams

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Eliana, Gilia and Jamie Aiken

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Peggy Putnam and Abigail Moran

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Gracie Weaver, Brooke Smith Weaver and Gwen Weaver

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Lily Bryan

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Destiny and Parks Turner

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Amal and Yahya Altayeh

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Christine and Morgan Flink

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Lucy and Culver Gilmore

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OUT & ABOUT

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ALABAMA HYDRANGEA SOCIETY MEETING PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The Alabama Hydrangea Society met at Aldridge Gardens on Jan. 24 for David Doggett’s presentation, “Hydrangea Pruning – Fact and Fiction.”

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Karen Mitchell and Jennifer Gregory

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Jeanette Thompson and Betty Harris

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Dolores Hydock and Kathy Webb

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Betty Shivers

HooversMagazine.com 85

OUT & ABOUT

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KING’S HOME SHELBY AUXILIARY VALENTINE’S LUNCH

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary group held a Valentine’s membership luncheon at the home of Suzy Sanders on Feb. 13 in Hoover.

1.

Gwen Solomon and Charlotte McKinney

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Julie Schweer and Suzy Sanders

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Lisa White and LaVerne Reese

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Judy Arnold, Leigh Anne Priest and Vicki Cawthorne

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Patsy Riley, Rita Wood and Anne Bishop

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Carolyn Ramey and Barbara Brickner

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Pam Bradford, Janice Shows, Bee Little and Wendy Howell

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Susan Lynch, Patti Stahlhut and Allison Oswald

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Allison Oswald and Nita Yarbrough

10. Janice Shows and Bee Little 11. Billie Holleman and Mona Trawick 12. Phyllis Davis, Janie Dollar and Martha Thompson 13. Irene Smith and Faye Hayes

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l

Children’s of Alabama is ... l The

third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

l Licensed l The

for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets

first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama

l One

of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state

l The

pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB

l Home

to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually

l Site

Russell Campus

205.638.9100

of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

l Home

Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

l One

Children’s South

1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South

to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast

of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama

l Provides

care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

205.638.4800

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

Greenvale Pediatrics — Hoover

205.987.4444

5295 Preserve Parkway, #100, Hoover, AL 35244

www.ChildrensAL.org

HooversMagazine.com 87

MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives.

Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets.

PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVERCLASS A Average $0.53 per mile deliver palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius. Work available 7 days/week. Can lead to full-time employment. Clean MVR and 2 years minimum tractor-trailer experience required. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 8084833 Pre-employment drug test required.

Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)2800002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

B & J Metal Fabricators Offering more than roofing!

•Metal roofing •Portable metal buildings •Custom sizes available Customize your own!! Montevallo (205)6654687 (205)296-9988 Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience.

CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Bent Creek Apartments.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom.

On-site Manager. On-site Maintenance. 3001 7th Street.

North Clanton, AL 35045.

TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800548-2546(T/A) bentcreek@ morrowapts.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

88 HooversMagazine.com

BEST CARS, INC in Clanton, AL. Double your Tax Refund • Up to $1,000 on purchase of select vehicles. Offer good through February 28, 2018. 1674 7th Street South, Clanton AL 35045 205-7553737 **Bring in this ad to qualify for Tax Refund offer!**

Class-A CDL Truck Driver needed. Great pay with health benefits, holiday and vacation pay. Home every night. Contact Cahaba Veneer office at 205-926-9797.

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELLESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID HOLIDAYS/VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13/hour. Must be able to pass background screen.

Please apply at www.bc.com BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing! Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments. Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm. 535-A Hicks St. Montevallo • 205665-2257 • TDD #’s: (V)1800-548-2547 • (T/A)1-800548-2546. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Overthe-road positions available.

Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-the-road.

Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2

HooversMagazine.com

Chase Learning Center & Day Care is Pelham is Now Hiring • PT Nursery • PT After-school. $8/hr. 5 days/ week. Great for college students! 205-620-1616

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Seeking two qualified individuals to fill two part time driver vacancies for Chilton County Transit.

Applicants must meet the following qualifications: must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license, a high school diploma, extensive knowledge of Chilton County Roads, clean driving record, and good math skills.

No phone calls, please.

Applications are available at the Transit office at 508 Enterprise Road, Clanton between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Applicants should send application or resume to: Employment Opportunity P. O. Box 1245 Clanton, AL 35046 Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •RN Med/Surg, 7am-7pm •RN Labor & Delivery, 11pm-7am 7-on/7-off •LPN CVMC Nursing Home, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7am •RN ICU, 7am-7pm Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring.

For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.

Miller@dchsystem.com. Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com

Homewood Area Package Store. Day Shift (10am-6pm) Clerk/Stocker. Must be 21, have retail experience, be able to multi-task, able to work any shift. Good pay. Call (205)585-8900

Edgar’s Bakery Interviewing candidates for cake decorators, front counter associates, bakery production workers, packagers, and drivers. Apply online: edgarsbakery.com or at your nearest Edgar’s location.

Job Posting: Human Resource Manager FullTime File Clerk/Data Entry Clerk Part-Time Please email resume: Oacinc5@yahoo.com Or mail to: Post Office Drawer 559 Clanton, Alabama 35045 Certified Welders & Tank Fitters needed for field erected tanks. Work done in Southeast. Good pay and benefits. Call 800-728-8265 ext 224 Email resume to c.bradley@esptank.com ERP Compliant Coke is now accepting applications for experienced BOILER / POWER PLANT OPERATOR $20.56/hr +excellent benefits Apply at local Career Center or email resume to pmay@ erpcoke.com EOE/M/F/VET/ DIS Welder Training. Short Term Licensing . Call for Details .

866-432-0430 ESDschool.com $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

Evergreen Transport, LLC has immediate openings in the Maintenance Department at its Calera Terminal for the following positions: Diesel Mechanics (Both day and night shifts): Repairing, maintaining, overhauling of heavy duty fleet trucks and any other duties as requested.

Tire Technician: Repairing/ replacing flat, leaking, mismatched or damaged tires. Finding and replacing missing lugs and damaged rims and any other duties requested. If interested, please call Jason Bentley @ 205-668-3316 or apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25, Calera, AL 35040.

Taking applications for experienced part-time bartender for growing business in Clanton. Call Teresa: 334-235-0228 or call the restaurant between 4-10pm: 205-280-4949 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year.

100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends.

Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements.

Contact recruiting at 1-800634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE

MARKETPLACE LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments.

Columbiana, AL. Now Preleasing 2&3 Bedrooms. Great Amenities Provided. Call 256-560-0821. 99 Eagle Lane. info@hollyhand.com. Equal Housing Opportunity.

CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service. Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring! •Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity EmployerOwner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com M&D Mechanical Contractors Inc. • Hiring Craft Professionals: •Commercial Plumbers •Sheet Metal Workers •Helpers Hours: MondayThursday (4/10s) Apply Now: mdmechanical.com/careers Location: Birmingham, AL. Competitive Pay, Robust Benefits, Pre-Employment Drug Screen Required.

Questions? Call HR @ 256.350.6568 Service Technician. Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air. 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL. Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career?

Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow.

Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com Move in Special! 3/2 Garden Home w/garage. Dishwasher, Fenced backyard, Great Room w/vaulted Ceiling.

Calera Schools. Rent $1150.

FLAT SCREEN TV!!

(205)433-9811 Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657 Production Jobs. Willing to Train. AAM in Columbiana is HIRING for multiple shifts.

Email resume to dcurtis@ grede.com or apply in person: 130 Industrial Pkwy, Columbiana, AL 35051 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-438-4959 INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr. • Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years. • Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old. Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com

Odyssey Early Schools.

Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time.

BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic.

Serious inquires only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers.

Pay Rate $9-$11. 20-25 Employees. Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50. Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting. talentreef.com/mommagoldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 The Salvation Army, Alabaster, is hiring (Seasonal) Angel Tree Coordinator • Kettle Coordinator • Required Skills: Driver, databases, computer, physical abilities.

Email resumes to: Rufus.

McDowell@uss.salvationarmy. org 205-663-7105 Soon the Mark of the Beast Will Be Enforced. Free Book & Bible Study. PO Box 171 • Samantha, AL 35482 205-339-4837 Order Selectors Food Dist.

Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies). Salary: $16-20/hr after training. Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k. Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood. com

Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service. Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals! Call Andrew 9am7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822

WCA • Roll Off Drivers needed for our Alpine, AL location. Class A or B CDL is required along with one (1) year of verifiable equivalent commercial truck driving experience. Must have a valid and safe driving record. We offer competitive wages & a comprehensive benefits package which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Paid Holidays and PTO. Please apply through our website at www.wcawaste.com EOE M/F/D/V

Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard. Go to: supremeelectric-al.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

WARRIOR MET COAL NOW HIRING Located in Brookwood, AL Immediate need for experienced: •Underground Miners •Electricians •Maintenance Foreman •Supervisors Apply online: www.warriormetcoal.com

TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division! BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com

Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/ mechanical skills, to operate forklift/farm tractors/ equipment/welding/ ground maintenance/service equipment/check fluid levels/ clean after use. Maintain safe/ clean area. Requires valid-DL/ reliable transportation.

334-365-2488

Learn a Skill & Begin your Career! Earn $50,000 & More First Year. Hiring Hard Working Insulation & Afterpaint Installers!

•Immediate Openings •We Train you to Succeed.

Requirements: •Valid DL •Drug Test •MVR •Background Check. www.truteam.com/careers or 205.428.9381

Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ONBONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017!

Longevity-Bonus. Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package.

PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334492-0803

The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable. Excellent benefits. Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street.

Pelham, AL 35124.(205)6204132 or 151 Piper Lane.

Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)6050753. 8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HooversMagazine.com 89

WHY I LOVE HOOVER

Darwin Metcalf

2017 Retailer of the Year

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

In his 50 years working for Western Supermarkets, Darwin Metcalf has been a night manager, produce manager, assistant store manager, store manager, director of operations and executive vice president. The Hoover resident fell in love with the grocery industry as a child playing in his grandfather’s country store. Early in his career with Western, he set a goal for himself to be president. In 2007, that goal was achieved when he was named president and chief operating officer. At a luncheon in November, the Alabama Grocers Association named Metcalf Retailer of the Year 2017.

When did you move to Hoover, and what brought you here?

We moved to Hoover in 1993. We chose Hoover as our long-term residence for the total package, schools, shopping, parks and quality of city leadership that would perpetuate all of these benefits.

hope that we do not forgot what brought us all to Hoover, and that is its natural beauty. I hope that in 50 years we still have ample green spaces to see, feel and enjoy. I feel we have all of the “shopping opportunities” that we need and will preserve all of the open spaces that we What does it mean to you to be named possibly can.

What is the best aspect of living and retailer of the year?

I knew that someone had nominated me What is one thing no one knows about working in Hoover?

Living in Hoover provides great public for the Retailer of the Year for the Alabama you?

People probably do not know that I am a services with a police department that Grocers Association and was honored to big Prince fan and love old muscle cars. be in a group of great retailers that I know ensures a safe community. At the end of and respect.

I was humbled when I found the day the absolute star of Hoover is the friendly, caring neighborhood out that my peers, the Board Of Directors What is your favorite place to eat in communities that really make the for the Association, had voted me Retailer Hoover?

My favorite places to dine in Hoover are of the Year 2017. difference.

Hoover Country Club and Firebirds.

How has Hoover grown and changed What is the best event in Hoover, or the What will make Hoover better for over the years that you have lived here? one you enjoy the most? future generations?

It is difficult to single out any single The number and quality of parks and The future generations of Hoover event as my favorite, but anything at event facilities has grown at an unbelievable pace with more to come. The Moss Rock Aldridge Gardens or Moss Rock is always a residents need to be able to enjoy green, natural spaces. Old shopping centers need Preserve is a true treasure to have in our great event. to be re-purposed as an alternative to city.

Where do you see the city in 50 years? knocking down mountains and deforesting Hoover continues to grow in so many when it is not necessary. I hope future How did you get into the retail ways: schools, parks, event facilities and generations have the opportunity to enjoy business?

Growing up, I would visit my community involvement, and we are the Hoover that we have enjoyed for the grandfather’s country store in Ariton and blessed to participate in this growth. I last 24 years.

90 HooversMagazine.com

loved to play grocery store, straightening his inventory on old wooden shelves. I started working at Winn Dixie at 16. Two years later, I came to Western Supermarkets and fell in love with the grocery industry.