Hoover's Magazine, April/May 2019

WALKING WITH THE STAR LAKE GANG • REMEMBERING EDDIE ALDRIDGE • A FUTURE WORLD CHANGER

ON THE MOVE WITH THE

WANDERING COFFEE CO.

APRIL/MAY 2019 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 8 | Issue 2 $4.95

Coast Meets Farmhouse TOUR THIS CUSTOM HOME

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We’re doing our small part to give the Cahaba Lily its day in the sun.

Meet Hyumenocallis coronaira, commonly known as the Cahaba lily.

Indigenous to the Cahaba River-one of the most biologically diverse waterways in the nation - its fragrant flowers first open at night, inviting pollination by the nocturnal sphinx moth. Each flower blooms and lasts for a single day before wilting.

Nearby, our North Shelby Wastewater Treatment Plant does its own small part in making the Cahaba so rich in diversity.

The water we return to the Cahaba is actually purer than the river water itself. And our recent $9 million upgrade to reduce the amount of phosphorous in the Cahaba helps cut down on deadly algal blooms that threaten many species.

At SouthWest Water Company, we also sponsor and volunteer with Adopt-A-Stream, cleaning up debris of all kinds that threatens the river’s most fragile ecosystems. Because we want the Cahaba lily, and the river, to have many more sunny days ahead.

To learn more, visit CleanerCahaba.info

2 April/May 2019

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FEATURES 48

GROWING MEMORIES Friends of Eddie Aldridge remember his love for the gardens—and the people who shared his passion for them.

54

THE STAR LAKE GANG Walkers and talkers from all walks of life find an oasis in the middle of Green Valley.

60

GATOS AND BEANS A longtime vet clinic employee is on the cusp of opening Alabama’s first cat adoption café.

65

BUILDERS & BUYERS With spring comes spring cleaning and more. Here’s your guide to home décor, organizing and other resources.

6 April/May 2019

PHOTO BY JEREMY RAINES

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

37

PHOTO BY LAUREN WINTER

ARTS & CULTURE

17 Natural Fit: Lula Woodworks by Craig Skowronek 23 Five Questions For: The Hoover Arts Council 26 State Bicentennial: Hoover Celebrates the Alabama 200

FOOD

& DRINK

27 Wandering Coffee: The Rentas’ Rolling Coffee Business 32 Five Questions For: Tre Luna Bar + Kitchen Owners

SCHOOLS & SPORTS

33 Star Volunteer: Jessica Bradley’s Service Accomplishments

HOME

& STYLE

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 HooversMagazine.com 9 #HooversMag 10 The Question 11 The Guide 24 Aldridge Gardens 72 Hoover Area Chamber 76 Out & About 86 Marketplace 88 Why I Love Hoover

37 Coastal Comfort: A Hoover Home Fit For a Beach Town

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Cathlene Cowart Lauren Dowdle Angela Hager Dawn Harrison Brenda Ladun Jeremy Raines Heather Jones Skaggs Lauren Winter

DESIGN

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Green

MARKETING

Brenda Ladun, Writer Brenda graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa in mass communications. She lives in Hoover and is a news anchor at ABC 3340. In two decades of television work, she has won the Alabama Associated Press Awards for Best Investigative Reporter, Best Specialized Reporter, and, most recently, the Best Anchor award. Her involvement includes Grace House Christian Home and the American Cancer Society, an organization especially meaningful to her as a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Dawn Harrison, Photographer Dawn is a freelance photographer out of Birmingham. She grew up and put down roots off of 280, where she lives with her wonderful husband, five kids, one son-in-law, two grandkids, three dogs, two cats, eight cows and two 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 continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

Heather Jones Skaggs, Writer Heather is an author, freelance writer and native of Hoover where she lives with her husband, Greg; daughter, Charlotte; and fur-baby Carrie. National

Kristy Brown Ali Congdon Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Jordan Price Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson

publisher Arcadia Publishing and The History Press found Heather in

ADMINISTRATION

Bluff Park. She is mama to two little girls, and owner of Fresh Grace

Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

2012, and together they have published three books covering Hoover’s history. Heather digs for the untold stories in Hoover and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers. Heather showcases her home community of Bluff Park in her blog Heather’s Corner on BluffParkAL.

Lauren Winter, Photographer Southern to the core, Lauren grew up in Birmingham and now lives in 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.

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.

8 April/May 2019

I

FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

Custom Comfort

Nicole Allshouse and her children relax on the bed swing on their back porch.

Photo by Lauren Winter Design by Jamie Dawkins

I start my mornings with coffee. As soon as my feet hit the floor, I’m heading for the coffee pot. My husband and I brew a pot to share each morning, and our coffeemaker does well enough with the grounds we buy at the grocery store. But whenever I have a chance to grab a fresh cup of coffee from a local business, it’s such a treat. I love trying different blends brewed by people whose knowledge of, and passion for, the coffee they’re serving comes through in every cup they push across the counter.

And that’s exactly what you’ll get from Zach and Hillarie Renta at The Wandering Coffee Co. As photographer Jeremy Raines and I ironed out plans for photos at the Wandering Coffee truck for this issue, the conversation unsurprisingly turned to their drinks. Let’s just say Jeremy can vouch for both their Latte (espresso and steamed milk) and Affogato (espresso and gelato). Heather, who wrote the Rentas’ story, also gave their coffee an A+ grade. Flip a few more pages to see how the adventurous couple ended up with a coffee trailer, an all-star lineup of caffeinated beverages and a few supplementary snack offerings.

There’s so much more we at Hoover’s Magazine are eager to share with you in the following pages. For starters, you’ll definitely want to take a visual tour of our stellar home feature. Nicole Allshouse took us through her family’s Hoover home that (ahem) she designed mostly herself with many materials and furnishings from local companies. If you’re a fan of the relaxed, farmhouse style with coastal leanings, you’re going to love this home. See it room by room starting on page 37.

Our general feature stories in this issue start with a tribute to the memory of Eddie Aldridge, an intelligent, generous man whose deep love of nature led to the creation of Aldridge Gardens. Mr. Aldridge passed away in November, but his legacy remains at his beloved gardens and in the hearts of those who knew him. If you haven’t visited Aldridge Gardens yet, plan to go soon and see with your own eyes why Mr. Aldridge deemed it too precious a place not to share with everyone.

Once you read these and other stories, feel free to reach out with feedback or story ideas for consideration. Thank you for taking time to learn more about the wonderful people we have been privileged to feature in print.

emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

PHOTO BY EMILY SPARACINO

Who were this year’s Hoover Arbor Day Essay Contest winners?

View the full list of winners and photos from the day at Hooversmagazine.com, and see if you know anyone spotted at the event on pages 84-85 of this issue.

10 April/May 2019

@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.

@cajun_steamer THE COUNTDOWN TO BRUNCH IS ON!!! We are so excited to announce that we are rolling out brunch in our HOOVER location on February 2nd & 3rd!!!!

@ericandjamiephoto Ashlyn & AJ got married amidst a floral wonderland and we are loving seeing their wedding in this season’s issue of @hooversmag! Click the link in our profile to see the article about their big day! @melizabethevents @hothousedesignstudio

@aldridgebotanicalgardens We had a BLAST at the Aldridge Gardens MAD HATTER FAIRY GARDEN TEA PARTY today!

They all took home a key to my heart! XO!

@trelunabarandkitchen Recipe developing and taste testing! We can’t wait to serve you! #trelunabarandkitchen2019

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“ ” THE QUESTION

What’s your favorite place in Hoover to hang out on a sunny spring day?

Moss Rock Preserve!

-Anna King Chatterton

Shades Mountain Ball Park.

Although not sure what the sun looks like right now.

-Gina Brocato Harris

On top of one of the giant rocks at the Preserve.

-Carol Myers Melton

On my deck listening to the birds, roar of creek after a rainy night and enjoying the different sounds of the city. Star Lake is second choice.

-Barbara Williams Lemley-Wheeler

12 April/May 2019

Moss Rock trails and then Vecchia patio with a cold beverage.

-Kristel Karu Wittmeier

Veteran’s Park, perfect for kites, drones and picnics!

-Shelley Mitchell Shaw

Aldridge Gardens.

-Tynette Lynch

Star Lake.

-Ramona Jones

THE GUIDE

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY APRIL 27 11 A.M.-3 P.M. VETERANS PARK ON VALLEYDALE ROAD Consider this your invitation to the city’s annual celebration – a free, four-hour event featuring numerous exhibitors, carnival rides, live entertainment and the customary giant apple pie you can sample with a dab of ice cream. Park at Spain Park High School and take a complimentary shuttle to the festivities.

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THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER

MAY 8-12

APRIL 4 A Toast to You Aldridge Gardens 6 p.m.

APRIL 5-7 Hoover Havoc Soccer Tournament Hoover Met Complex Fields APRIL 6 18th Annual High Country 5K Shades Crest Baptist Church 8 a.m.

APRIL 7 Hoover Historical Society Membership Tea Hale-Joseph House 2 p.m.

Regions Tradition Golf Tournament Greystone Golf and Country Club

Golf greats and celebrities will take to the greens of Greystone for this official major

championship on the PGA Tour Champions. All the details, including ticket and sponsorship information, are available at Regionstradition.com.

MAY 21-26

SEC Baseball Tournament and FanFest Hoover Met Complex

Some of the best baseball in the country will unfold in Hoover as the top 12 teams battle it out on the road to Omaha.

Between games, families can enjoy activities and refreshments at the SEC FanFest in the nearby Finley Center.

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

14 April/May 2019

APRIL 7 Walk to End Lupus Now Veterans Park 1 p.m.

APRIL 9 Hoover Historical Society Meeting Shades Crest Baptist Church 1 p.m.

APRIL 11-12 Theatre Show: Broadway’s Next H!T Musical Hoover Public Library 7:30 p.m.

APRIL 13 Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon Veterans Park 8 a.m.

APRIL 14 Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris Veterans Park 1 p.m.

APRIL 14 Young Artist Reception Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

THE GUIDE APRIL 23 New Horizons Luncheon Hoover Senior Center 11 a.m.

APRIL 20

Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K

MAY 2 Pops in the Park – Spain Park High School Band Spring Concert Veterans Park 6 p.m.

MAY 4 Give Hope 5K and Fun Run Veterans Park 7 a.m.

MAY 7 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel 7:30 a.m.

MAY 9 Hoover Service Club Meeting Hoover Country Club 11 a.m.

MAY 11 Birmingham Great Strides Veterans Park 8 a.m.

MAY 17 Magic in May Hoover Senior Center 12 p.m.

MAY 17 Children’s Summer Reading Kickoff: A Universe of Stories Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

MAY 18 Action Martial Arts 5K Veterans Park 8 a.m.

MAY 28 New Horizons Dinner Hoover Senior Center 6 p.m.

MAY 31 Friday Night Flicks Veterans Park 7 p.m.

APRIL 17

KHSA Tablescapes 10 A.M.-1 P.M. Metropolitan Church of God

Enjoy beautifully decorated tables and quiet shopping at this annual event that helps King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary meet needs of women and children living at the home. Doors open at 10 a.m. for refreshments and the silent auction.

Former First Lady of Alabama Patsy Riley will be honored, and Donna Allen, music evangelist and conference speaker, will be the guest speaker.

This year’s theme is “Jewels in His Crown.”

8 A.M.-12 P.M. Veterans Park on Valleydale Road

The fifth annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K and Family Day Eggstravaganza is free and open to the Jeff State family and the Birmingham community.

The 5K starts at 9 a.m., Family Fun Day is from 9-11 a.m. and the Eggstravaganza is at 10 a.m. Visit jeffersonstate. edu/judy-m-merrittmemorial-5k/ for more details or to register.

APRIL 1

Inverness vs. Cancer Golf Tournament 12:30 P.M. Inverness Country Club The inaugural Inverness vs. Cancer golf tournament will be held in honor of longtime golf pro Dave Ragan Jr. Lunch is at 11 a.m., and an awards presentation (with light hors d’oeuvres) will conclude the tournament. The entry fee is $150 per golfer. Hole sponsorships are $250 per hole. There will be special prizes on all Par 3 holes, and Hole 6 will be a Money Hole.

All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society in Ragan’s honor.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN

SERVICE

APRIL 4 The Midtown Men Samford University Wright Center APRIL 4-6 Alabama Auto Show BJCC Exhibition Halls APRIL 5-7 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park APRIL 6-13 Birmingham Children’s Theatre Presents: Charlotte’s Web BJCC Concert Hall

FOOD FOR THE SOUL Prince of Peace Catholic Church’s Women of Worship ministry members met at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama in February for a day of service. They packed a week’s worth of

food into boxes that will be distributed to families in need. This group of women meet weekly at the church to participate in a Bible study and are currently studying Jeff Cavins’ The Bible Timeline.

COMMUNITY

UNLOCKING SECRETS TO LONGEVITY In celebration and honor of Louise Wilks Callen’s 100th birthday, the city of Hoover presented her with a key to the city during a ceremony at Somerby Senior Residence in Hoover on Jan. 16 at her birthday party. Age is just a number to Callen, who leads a full and active lifestyle at Somerby. She serves as an ambassador for new incoming residents, takes weekly classes in tai chi, stretching, balance, range-ofmotion, and does some traveling with her daughter, Lou Anne.

16 April/May 2019

APRIL 10-14 Birmingham Barons vs.

Tennessee Smokies Regions Field APRIL 12-14 Samford & Samford’s Spring Awakening Virginia Samford Theatre APRIL 12-23 13 The Musical Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre APRIL 12-14 Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale Brookwood Village APRIL 14 BHM26.2 Marathon, HalfMarathon, Relay and Fun Run Railroad Park APRIL 16 Anthony Ray Hinton, Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series Samford University Wright Center APRIL 20-24 Birmingham Barons vs.

Jackson Generals Regions Field

THE GUIDE APRIL 26-27 Lebanese Food and Culture Festival St. Elias Maronite Church

SCOUTS

APRIL 26-28 Magic City Art Connection Linn Park APRIL 26-28 Alabama Ballet Presents: Ovation BJCC Concert Hall APRIL 27-28 Junior League Bargain Bash 2567 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover APRIL 27-MAY 12 Decorators’ ShowHouse 2019 Shuttle from Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church MAY 1-5 Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Regions Field MAY 8-12 Regions Tradition Greystone Golf & Country Club MAY 16-20 Birmingham Barons vs. Mississippi Regions Field MAY 18 Live at the Lyric: John Paul White with special guest The Prescriptions Lyric Theatre MAY 17-JUNE 2 Little Shop of Horrors Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre MAY 18-19 Great Southern Gun & Knife Show BJCC MAY 28-30 Birmingham Barons vs. Montgomery Regions Field

TURNING WORK INTO PLAY Over the first weekend in February, four eighth-grade Girl Scouts from Prince of Peace Catholic School worked to complete a project benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Alabama, located in downtown Birmingham. Brooke Johnson, Maura Martin, Rezi Ubogu and Elizabeth Goh repainted and restocked the toddler play area of the charity, which serves as a home-away-from-home to children (and

their families) undergoing local medical treatment. After a ribbon cutting ceremony, the girls were able to see firsthand the joy their project brought to the program’s youngest residents. The hours poured into this cause earned Brooke, Maura and Rezi their Silver Award, the highest-ranking award a Cadette (6th-8th grade) can earn.

Submitted by Angela D. Hager

SCOUTS

RETIRING FLAGS PROPERLY Prince of Peace Fourth Degree Knight Ben Chambless presented Eagle Scout and parishioner Joe Carter with Assembly 2507’s patriotic service award in January.

Joe was honored for the U.S. flag retirement boxes he built and installed at POP and at two other Hoover locations as his Eagle Scout project. Joe is the son of Roger and Georgeann Carter of Hoover and a member of Boy Scout Troop 21. To date, more than 220 flags have been collected and properly retired. The church’s box is located in the parking lot, near the church offices.

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THE GUIDE APRIL 27+28

SCHOOLS

2019 Bargain Carousel 2467 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel is returning, and it’s not your typical garage sale. Shoppers will have the chance to purchase gently used clothes, furniture and even large appliances. The best part is … proceeds support the JLB’s numerous community projects. Take advantage of early-bird shopping at the preview party, Bargain Bash, on Thursday, April 25, or just hit the sale on Saturday, April 27, or Sunday, April 28. Times and more event details are listed at bargaincarousel.net.

YOUNG GEOGRAPHY EXPERT Prince of Peace Catholic School eighth grader Douglas Frederick, center, has proven he is a geography whiz. Douglas won the school’s annual National Geographic Bee, which is conducted every year as a celebration of learning geography. Douglas was among 165 students in grades 5-8 in the preliminary competition at POP. The field was narrowed to 10 finalists,

APRIL 14

who competed for the school title. Douglas will now take a written test to qualify for the state level Bee held at Samford University this spring. The winner there will go on to compete at the National Geography Bee held in Washington, D.C. in May. Douglas is the son of Scott and Lisa Frederick of Hoover.

Runners-up were Sara Sypeck, left, and Laura Granger.

The Blissful Bride Wedding Experience Soiree Event Gallery Attention, all brides-to-be and future grooms: This event is for you! The Blissful Bride Wedding Experience featuring door prizes, food sampling, musical entertainment and more is quickly approaching. Couples will have the chance to meet with wedding professionals one-on-one about their big day.

You can find ticket and vendor information by visiting blissfulbride.net or emailing blissfulbride19@gmail.com.

18 April/May 2019

&CULTURE

ARTS

A NATURAL FIT

For Craig Skowronek, the art of woodworking is a study in creative spontaneity.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANGELA D. HAGER HooversMagazine.com 19

T

The decision to start a new business endeavor is always a challenging process, but for an artist, the risks involved are more personal in nature. If you ask anyone within the creative realm what he or she fears the most, the answer will more than likely be rejection.

This fear can be crippling to a person with a creative flair, but as Craig Skowronek knows, it doesn’t have to win.

Born in Northampton, Massachusetts, Craig has called Hoover his home for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Lula, have raised two children together; the oldest, Walter, is now a freshman in college, and their second-born child, Emily, is a junior in high school. It was during their elementary school years— circa 2010—that the foundation for Craig’s business, Lula Woodworks, was laid.

As a special gift for their kids’ teachers, Craig envisioned and created a piece of art that was both beautiful and practical: an artisan cutting board. The natural beauty and exquisite craftsmanship of these boards became the talk of the school, and with encouragement from friends and family, Craig soon

20 April/May 2019

took his woodworking talents to the next level: the marketplace of public opinion.

Craig first chose to showcase his pieces at Pepper Place Market, located in downtown Birmingham. “It was terrifying, putting myself out there like that,” Craig recalls. Though the fear of rejection was strong, Pepper Place was a great first venue for Lula Woodworks (named after Craig’s wife, as you might have guessed). His work sold well and the Market welcomed him back time and time again.

As his reputation grew, his confidence grew stronger and his exhibition locations broadened. In the eight years since his first official show, Lula Woodworks has had the privilege of being showcased in a variety of well known exhibitions, including the prestigious Kentuck Festival of the Arts, which is held in Northport, Alabama, each fall.

Each piece of art Craig produces is derived from allnatural wood, the majority being locally sourced. He creates from both domestic and exotic varieties, including walnut, cherry, maple, African Rosewood and Purple Heart. Although Craig has developed a

Craig Skowronek works on a cutting board in his studio.

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22 April/May 2019

BUSINESS BASICS OWNER: Craig Skowronek ONLINE: Lulawoodworks.com FACEBOOK: @lulawoodworks INSTAGRAM: @lula_woodworks WHERE TO FIND HIM: The Market at Pepper Place Summer 2019 - April 20, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10; and Magic City Art Connection - April 26-28

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Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist you with one of the most important decisions of your life: choosing your home financing.

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HooversMagazine.com 23

website for Lula Woodworks, he much prefers to display and sell his pieces through art exhibitions.

Mother Nature ensures that each piece is uniquely its own and therefore can never be exactly duplicated. As a result, he cannot guarantee the outcome—or appearance—of any piece.

Craig’s artistic process is simple. When asked, he insists “the process takes me where it wants to go.” He works in his home’s garage studio on a daily basis, but never has any idea what the day will hold for him.

Craig thrives on the creative spontaneity and the fact that everything is created by free-hand. “Mother Nature has done all the work. I just put the pieces together,” he says.

With his need to work on his own and in his own way, he feels he has found his niche in life, and is grateful to have his wife by his side to assist with customer service and perform the business administration aspects of the business. Through Lula Woodworks, Craig has found a way to both honor and preserve the beauty of Mother Nature and that in and of itself is a priceless achievement.

For Lula Woodworks, a typical show season usually runs from April to December, covering wedding and holiday gifting seasons. On any given show day, with

“

Mother Nature has done all the work. I just put the pieces together.

”

— Craig Skowronek

the help of his wife, between 40-50 pieces will be put on display, ranging from the cutting boards and picture frame bases to soap dishes and business card holders. Though each piece has a practical purpose, it is the artistry that should be admired the most.

To learn more about the artistry of Craig Skowronek, visit lulawoodworks.com. Craig’s work can also be found via social media platforms such as Facebook (Lula Woodworks) and Instagram (lula_ woodworks). To contact Craig or Lula directly, send an email to admin@lulawoodworks.com.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Hoover is a well rounded city, but some might say the arts have been in the background. The Hoover Arts Council, established by the Hoover City Council in 2017, has made it their mission to bring the arts to the forefront. But who comprises the Arts Council, and what exactly are they doing? We caught up with some members for an update and a get-to-know-the-council chat about what Hoover can expect from them in 2019, and beyond.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Hoover Arts Council

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS ART CONTRIBUTED

The mayor and City Council selected the six members of the Arts Council, and they serve

What will the Arts Council do for the city?

Linda: The Hoover Arts Council is very important to confirm the support of the city for all art forms. Funding for art projects at the county, state and national level requires evidence of the city’s commitment. The Council can reach a wide audience and, working with the existing art organizations, provide the type of art experience for the city that its citizens desire. We have information about opportunities on the city’s website.

Sandra: If we don’t foster the arts, we lose the opportunity to inspire the next generation of designers, artists, musicians, theater makers and those in technology and creative industries. I also feel that outside businesses and industry are aware of the advantages that cultural opportunities offer to their location.

in staggered terms of two, four and six years. Members are Tricia Simpson, Linda Chastain, Sandra Fuller, Paulette Pearson, Julie Preskitt and Pamela Sayle.

City Councilman Curt Posey is the representative to the Arts Council.

Paulette: The Arts Council has partnered with two senior students from Spain Park High School, Pippa Lother and Shehzan Meredia, to support their campaign, the Clean Hoover Initiative. We are designing and distributing metal signs to remind people to not litter. We are also interested in the development of an art center/artist incubator in Bluff Park. I How will the agreement with Children’s would like us also to include art inclusivity creative collaborations between Theater benefit the city, the Galleria and – physically and learning disabled and nonChildren’s Theater?

Curt: The Birmingham Children’s disabled artists.

Sandra: We are also working toward a Theatre agreement is our first attempt at putting performance art into the Galleria, “Hoover Loves Art” Day. which is one of the venues under consideration to house a performing arts How will the Hoover Arts Council be center. The city chose to partner with BCT beneficial to local artists?

Paulette: We are advocates for all local because they are a well-established and well respected performing arts group. The artists. We have recently met with Hoover City Schools Performing Arts Faculty to first show is Father’s Day weekend.

Linda: This partnering with the assure them we are their advocate and to What types of art will the council bring Birmingham Children’s Theater brings to ask how we can assist them.

Curt: Partnerships with artists are key the city one of the types of entertainment attention to?

Sandra: All types of art. Art is not that citizens stated they wanted at the to what we are trying to accomplish. One singular. The culture of art spills over to all meetings last year asking for input from of the projects the council is working on is aspects of everyday living. For example the community on their desires for a “city gallery space within malls and businesses to provide artists with a platform to display visual arts involve not only producing center” location for entertainment. and sell their work. As these spaces present decorative pieces to enjoy and use in themselves, so will the partnerships with What other projects is the group working homes or public spaces or entertainment, local artists. on now? but it also includes modern-day design, innovation and technology.

Tricia: All types of art should get attention, particularly our student artists.

Whether it be a school program or a community group that teaches and trains young performers, I’d like to see the students and the teachers of the arts get attention for all they do.

HooversMagazine.com 25

Nordic Walking Workshop

Saturday, April 13, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Led by Dr. Leroy Hurt from the University of Alabama, this workshop will show you a great way to include upper body exercise and add balance assistance while walking. This class is free, but registration is required. Space is limited.

Japanese Maple Walk and Talk

Saturday, April 6, 8:30 -10 a.m.

(Rain date April 7)

There is no cost for this informative class.

Walk through the Gardens with Japanese maple enthusiast David Doggett and learn about the Japanese maples that are growing here.

In the Gallery: Linda Vance Students Opening Reception: Monday, April 8, 6 – 7 p.m.

Propagators private reception with artists: 5 – 6 p.m.

The Gardens are beautiful, the weather is fine, and there is something for everyone at Aldridge Gardens! If you are not already a member, consider joining now so you can get discounts on our classes and can fully participate in all the activities that are offered. Check out our website, aldridgegardens.com, for full information on everything that is happening and to register for classes.

Hydrangeas Under the Stars

Artist Linda Vance has instructed over a thousand children and adults in oil and acrylic painting. Some of her most successful students will have their works displayed and available for sale in the gallery during April and May. While visiting the gallery, also be sure to see our special collection of Frank Fleming bronze sculptures, donated by Hoover resident Ken Jackson.

Hand Tinting Photographs

Thursday, May 16, 6 – 8 p.m.

Members $20/ Nonmembers $25

Saturday, June 8, 6 – 9 p.m.

Make plans now to be a part of our premier annual fundraiser as we celebrate the memory of our founder, Eddie Aldridge. Enjoy a special evening of great food and entertainment, with both silent and live auctions, all to benefit Aldridge Gardens. See our website for full information.

Join noted photographer Butch Oglesby and learn how to create beautiful hand tinted photos. Participants will need to have Photoshop on their laptops and bring both to class.

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

Introduction to Birding

Tuesday, April 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Members $15/ Nonmembers $20

Spring Plant Sale

Members Only: Thursday, April 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

General public: Friday, April 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. – Noon Shoppers will find many varieties and sizes of plants at our spring plant sale, including our famous “Snowflake” hydrangea, shown in the photo above. Own a “little bit of Aldridge Gardens” by purchasing a pass-along plant that once lived in the Gardens! Members always receive 10% off purchases.

Fairy Furniture Workshop

Friday, April 19, 9 – 11 a.m.

Members $20/ Nonmembers $25 Adult Registration also includes one child (5 – 12 years)

Learn how to make fairy furniture, and take home your creations! Bring your own glue gun/sticks and any “fairy” material you would like to use. Hosted by Tilla Marshall and Debbie McDonald.

Hydrangea Propagation Workshop Saturday, May 25, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Members $20/ Nonmembers $25

This hands-on workshop, led by hydrangea propagators David Doggett and Willie Edmiston, will teach you an easy way to propagate hydrangeas. Each participant will root up to three hydrangea cuttings to take home. Bring a CLEAR, empty 2-liter soda bottle, your pruners, and scissors for trimming leaves.

Join Dr. Richard Ryel for an evening class inside the house to learn what to look for, how to use binoculars, and how to get the most out of bird watching. This class is just in time for the spring bird migration that brings many birds through Aldridge Gardens. Register soon, as space is limited. If you are not already a member, join now so you can take advantage of our monthly members-only bird walks.

UPCOMING BIRD WALKS FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Saturday, April 20, 8 – 10 a.m.

Saturday, May 18, 8 – 10 a.m.

Led by Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel, our free bird walks through the Gardens offer a special birding experience. Don’t forget your binoculars! Be sure to register, as attendance is limited.

Sign Up Now for Summer Camps! We have plenty of camps to choose from for children entering kindergarten through 5th grades. Camps include American dolls, art, science and technology, building and engineering, and myth busting. Each camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – Noon. Camps begin Monday, June 3 and run through Friday, June 28.

All teachers are Alabama Educators.

Go to aldridgegardens.com for more information and to register.

BOOK NOOK

SHE ALWAYS SAYS WHAT EVERYBODY IS THINKING, LIKE THE TIME SHE ASKED THE GATE ATTENDANT, “WHEN WILL I EVER GET ON THIS AIRPLANE?”

Hoover Celebrates the Alabama 200 The Hoover Public Library is set to celebrate the Alabama bicentennial, and we have many engaging events for the community slated for May 2019. We will close The Library Theatre’s 27th season with Alabama Story, May 3 and May 4. Alabama Story is a twoact play based on actual events about a librarian who takes on segregationist state senators in the Jim Crow South when they try to ban a children’s book from Alabama public libraries. This story is woven together through the recollection and experiences of two childhood friends, one black and one white, who were separated by a traumatic incident which only one remembers.

Produced by Red Mountain Theatre Fine Arts Coordinator Company, you’ll be challenged to experience our past while looking toward the future.

In May, we will host the Making Alabama exhibit, coordinated by the Alabama Humanities Foundation with support from the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Alabama Bicentennial Commission in celebration of 200 years of statehood. The exhibit will include interactive components to engage audiences and will travel to all 67 counties through November 2019. We are honored to be chosen as the site for Jefferson County.

Also in May, we will display reproductions of original photographs by Alabama author and artist Frances Osborn Robb in our Friends Gallery. Robb is a historian of photography, especially of Alabama and the Deep South. In 2017, the University of Alabama Press published her book, Shot in Alabama: A History of Photography 1839-1941 and a List of Photographers, and it was selected for the Alabama Bicentennial Bookshelf for those who want to learn more about Alabama during our bicentennial. She has written extensively on Alabama’s photographic, cultural and social history and has taught in universities for 17 years.

We will install reproductions of the original photography from her book in our Friends Gallery that month, as well as host an artist reception honoring this renowned author and scholar on Thursday, May 9. Make plans to join us for these events!

Matina E. Johnson

CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential.

That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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Matina Johnson is the Fine Arts Coordinator in the Hoover Public Library Fine Arts Department.

28 April/May 2019 Saying-Thinking- Alabama Baby 3.5 x 9.875-.indd 1

3/13/18 1:27 PM

&DRINK

FOOD

ROASTS ON A ROLL How a coffee company from Cincinnati found a home in Hoover.

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES HooversMagazine.com 29

Z

Zach and Hillarie Renta love coffee—good coffee.

But with no locally owned venue open near their home in Bluff Park, the couple started looking into the java business themselves. “Neither of us had been in the coffee business before, but were interested. I’m in small business consulting and finance as my main career and thinking of my next venture to try for a while,” Zach says.

The Rentas connected with a couple out of Cincinnati that had their coffee trailer and business listed for sale. “We thought on it for a while after we found it, and really liked what the people that had it were able to do with it up there,” he says. After

30 April/May 2019

careful consideration, Zach and Hillarie drove to Cincinnati one weekend and came back to Hoover with a coffee business.

The aptly named Wandering Coffee Company truck brings coffee roasted in Birmingham to communities in Hoover and surrounding areas.

“We have a main blend that we use for espressos and our batch brew that comes from Non-Fiction Coffee Company,” Zach explains. “We also have some single origin coffees that we serve.” Single origin coffee is grown within a single known geographic location, a single farm or a specific collection of beans from a single country. “We get

our single origin coffee from Revelator Coffee, and have started reaching out to other roasters around the country to bring some other options to the truck.”

Good coffee comes from not only quality coffee beans, but also the roasting process. “Our roaster actually trained us on some of the specifics, and we are both very motivated self-starters. Hours and hours of YouTube got me where I am today as far as coffee knowledge, and I am still learning,” Zach says.

November 10, 2018, marked the first day out for the coffee truck setting up at locations in Bluff Park such as the park, Hoover Fitness, Past and Presents and The Joyful Food Company. Coffee drinkers are already selecting their favorites that the truck

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PICKIER CUSTOMER The Rentas suggest a Wandering Coffee Company latte as the drink of choice for folks who aren’t big on coffee.

There is more milk to tone down the taste of the espresso in it. “Our coffee isn’t a traditional ‘strong’ coffee,” Zach adds. “A lot of people associate dark and bitter with good, strong coffee, and that’s just not the case. A strong light roast coffee can pack as much (or more) of a punch without all the burnt and smoky flavors of a darker roast.

Our beans land somewhere in the middle and provide a well-balanced coffee.”

HooversMagazine.com 31

The Wandering Coffee Company’s Affogato is an Italian dessert where espresso is poured over vanilla ice cream.

32 April/May 2019

lumadentristry.com

ON THE MOVE

McCalla / Hoover / Centerville / Montevallo

The Rentas rolled into 2019 with a new business and a passion to bring good brew to their city and community.

The Wandering Coffee Company hopes to be part of a growing business community on the bluff. Follow the truck @thewanderingcoffeeco on Facebook and Instagram.

serves. “Our most popular is a vanilla latte, or any of our lattes.

Our large size drink is 12 ounces, and we try to keep a strong focus on the coffee as opposed to the flavoring,” Zach says.

Compared to other chain coffee houses, Zach says the coffee at Wandering Coffee Company is a little less sweet, and carries a much richer flavor of coffee.

Zach starts every day with a pour-over – essentially just a regular cup of coffee you can control every aspect of, from grind size to water temperature to water flow. “I like a pour-over because it brings out the full character of the roast and produces the best cup of coffee in my opinion,” he says.

While on the truck, Zach switches to either a double shot or a cortado, which is just a double shot with a couple of ounces of steamed milk. Hillarie goes for a caramel cappuccino. “We are here to get you through your day with a great cup of coffee and a pleasant experience for sure,” Zach says.

ALL

PRIVATE PARTIES

101 Cahaba Valley Pkwy W Pelham, Alabama PumpItUpPartyPelham HooversMagazine.com 33

ARTS & CULTURE

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Brian and Erin Mooney Owners of Tre Luna Bar + Kitchen PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The couple behind Tre Luna Catering in downtown Birmingham is bringing their Italian cuisine to The Village at Brock’s Gap this spring. As a chef, Brian has always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. The name Tre Luna, meaning “three moons” in Italian, is a nod to Erin’s heritage, a play on their last name Mooney and a reference to their three children—the inspiration for them to work hard and dream big.

When is the Hoover location of Tre Luna Bar + Kitchen slated to open?

We hope to open mid- to late spring! We have partnered with foodies and longstanding supports Rick and Christine Botthof to create a long-awaited and muchanticipated date night spot in Hoover. This locally owned hot spot will incorporate Tre Luna’s upstanding reputation for gourmet cuisine, and Christine Botthof’s flair for impeccable design elements to bring forth a trendy take on bar and kitchen elements, including a one-of-a-kind pizza oven and raw bar.

How would you describe Tre Luna to a newcomer?

Fun date night, trendy, upscale, cozy and romantic.

34 April/May 2019

How will your pizza oven create the pizzas your customers have come to crave?

We met a new friend cooking together for the Tum Tum Tree Foundation that was former owner of Strada di Napoli. We immediately connected and found our Acunto Mario wood fire pizza oven. We will offer a selection of traditional and creative pizzas with a special dough recipe Brian has been working on taking elements from a true Neapolitan style and blending it with his New York roots.

What else can patrons order at Tre Luna?

Handmade pastas, locally sourced produce, daily specials, upscale raw bar, Italian-American comfort foods. We are

bringing some of our tried-and-true best sellers from our downtown catering company. One of our favorites is our Slow Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib. Others are our handmade pastas, our famous spinach and artichoke dip and our citrus herb shrimp.

Are you making any changes to the restaurant?

Christine Botthof has gone above and beyond to create the most beautiful restaurant we could ever dream of. Also, we can’t wait to see our guests enjoy our spacious, private patio on a nice day sharing company, appetizers, one of our specialty cocktails or a refreshing glass of rosé.

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

DOING HER PART

HHS senior Jessica Bradley is wasting no time in serving the community in multiple ways.

BY CATHLENE COWART PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

HooversMagazine.com 35

J

Jessica Bradley wants to change the world, and no one will be surprised if she does someday. At a time when some teenagers are pressing the cruise control button on their high school careers, this Hoover High senior is still pushing the gas on her way to graduation, grabbing new achievements as she goes. (Guess who was voted Most Likely to Succeed in her class?) But while her plate is full of academic endeavors, leadership opportunities and business ventures, it’s her service work that shines brightly in the community.

Since middle school, Jessica has worked on multiple projects and even started her own service organization for young girls interested in STEM. She created her own organization, Hoover Girls Code, to encourage primary school girls to be themselves and learn more about STEM opportunities and projects. The monthly workshops helped her win the Prudential Spirit of Community State Honoree Award that is presented to high school students with a passion and dedication to helping others. In May, she will

36 April/May 2019

be honored at a gala event in Washington, D.C., where she is looking forward to collaborating with the other honorees. “I was surprised that she actually won such a prestigious award because keeping up with all that she is involved with is a challenge for me,” her father, Jimmy Bradley, says. “Yet I knew she expends much effort and energy on worthy causes for her school and the community.”

She’s also a member of DECA, an organization that prepares students in high school and college for futures in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, as well as being the previous Alabama State Vice President. With this organization, she helped implement three service projects in collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Her DECA advisor, Shelley Pewitt, has worked with Jessica for three years and speaks highly of her efforts in all aspects of DECA. “In addition to creating and presenting workshops, handling social media for the state, making chapter visits and encouraging students

"NOTHING IS BETTER THAN SEEING THE SMILES ON THE FACES OF PEOPLE WHO YOUR SERVICE HAS AFFECTED."

Jessica Bradley, second from the left, with sister Angie, mom Angela and dad Jimmy.

HooversMagazine.com 37

DESERVED RECOGNITION As the Prudential Spirit of Community State Honoree Award winner, Jessica will be honored at a gala event in Washington, D.C., in May. Her efforts to start Hoover Girls Code, an organization for young girls interested in STEM projects, helped her win the award. She also received the President's Volunteer Service Award and is in the running to be named one of the 10 National Honorees during the gala.

38 April/May 2019

to participate in the more challenging parts of the program, she successfully collaborates with her team members,” Shelley says.

Another achievement bestowed upon her is the President’s Volunteer Service Award based on the amount of time and effort she puts into her volunteer work. She is also in the running to be named one of the 10 National Honorees during the gala ceremony.

However, the trip to the nation’s capital isn’t all play; she will still be volunteering by delivering donated books and reading to elementary school children.

While the amount of achievements and notoriety could get the best of a teenager, Jessica remains humble. She does her work to change lives and impact the world around her, not to win awards and popularity. “Whether it be the girls a part of Hoover Girls Code, students taking advantage of events I have helped plan, or maybe even a family being affected by a Habitat for Humanity construction project, nothing is better than seeing the smiles on the faces of people who your service has affected,” she says.

Beyond her extensive community work, Jessica is heavily involved in school life as well, resulting in scholarships, honors and leadership opportunities to give her a jump start into her future. Her two businesses, Inspired By Jewelry and Tolly Photo (jewelry and photography businesses, respectively), are “side hustles” that fill up her time and résumé but still benefit the Hoover area. “At times, it can be overwhelming, but life is like that; I want to take advantage of every opportunity I have now,” Jessica says.

She finds role models in her parents and teachers, who have become a second family to her. Her mother, Angela, inspires her with her entrepreneurial spirit, and her father sparked her love of computers and technology. From her teachers, she lists leadership, humility and service as traits she will take with her when she leaves Hoover.

With graduation around the corner, Jessica hopes to attend the Georgia Institute for Technology or the University of Texas at Austin to continue her study of business and computer science. She has goals to create a business that does something great for the world, combining her passions with her desire to help those who need it. “I want to work against injustices,” she says. “I want to give back to those who helped me get there. I want females to never doubt themselves. I’m not exactly certain of what or where I’ll end up, but I am excited to accomplish my crazy dreams. Basically, I want to change the world.”

&STYLE

HOME

CUSTOM + COASTAL How a Hoover couple designed a home ямБt for a beach town.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY LAUREN WINTER HooversMagazine.com 39

Daylight Basement Windows create an open feel in the basement, which comprises a man cave/media room, downstairs playroom and a tornado room (an important spot, Nicole says, in the South). Reclaimed wood from Evolutia in Birmingham gives the requisite rugged feel to Craig’s man cave.

E

Every square foot of Nicole Allshouse’s home was thoughtfully designed when she and her husband, Craig, built it three years ago in Hoover. They wanted something that could accommodate their family of four-going-on-five, but also something that would hold value for many years, no matter what type of family called it home.

40 April/May 2019

“We were really mindful of making it not only kid-friendly, but where it would stand the test of time,” Nicole says. “We just put a lot of thought into it.”

At just over 6,000 square feet, the home sits on .6 acres and backs up to a nature preserve, giving the family privacy—and the assurance that no

Back Patio The basement opens onto a patio with an outdoor kitchen that comes in handy when the family has guests over to watch a game or just relax in nice weather.

construction will take away that privacy. “We love it because we’ve literally got a park in front of us, plus privacy in back,” Nicole says.

She made the decision to incorporate custom trim – tongue-and-groove, beadboard and shiplap – on all three levels, partially to protect the lower portions of the walls from tiny fingerprints.

She and her husband, Craig, have built two homes from the ground up together. Each new home is an exciting challenge for them. And Nicole, a host on ABC 3340’s Talk of Alabama, always handles the interiors. “I love home décor, and I love interior design. To me, it’s relaxing and fun.”

HooversMagazine.com 41

Scullery This small but functional space right off the kitchen harbors the farmhouse sink, double dishwashers, custom floating wooden shelves and more cabinet space.

Kitchen Nook The coastal vibe Nicole was aiming for in the home is no more evident than in the breakfast nook, where an accent color and sea scene paintings float above a seat wall and cozy kitchen table.

42 April/May 2019

Kitchen The open concept of the home’s main level—and the 24-foot, whitewashed tongue-and-groove wood ceiling with dark-stained beams—makes the kitchen a prime gathering and entertaining space. It’s also where Nicole embraces her Italian heritage through homemade meals.

“Being Italian, I cook every night,” she says. Custom, soft-close cabinetry hides the stainless steel appliances.

HooversMagazine.com 43

Dining Room Thanks to the open-concept floor plan, the family and their guests can sit down and eat without leaving conversations happening elsewhere. Opposite the dining room is a conversation piece – a more-than-100-year-old door from Southern Accents in Cullman.

44 April/May 2019

Living Room Nicole wanted to create a coastal ambiance in the main living areas through soft neutral wall colors and different textures in the furniture and rugs. But the focal point that ties everything together is the large oyster shell light fixture she found at AmericasMart Atlanta.

HooversMagazine.com 45

Master Bathroom The neutral color palette continues in the bathroom, which also boasts a claw foot tub.

In-Law Suite The coastal theme carries over into the in-law suite, which has its own entrance to allow guests to come and go as they wish.

46 April/May 2019

Master Bedroom Whites and soft grays allow the bold emerald green curtains to take center stage in the master.

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Girl’s Room When she’s not playing with her older brothers, Adalee has plenty of space in her own room to play.

Boys’ Rooms The boys’ bedrooms are plenty large enough for their furniture, plus built-in bookshelves and even a window seat in one of the rooms.

48 April/May 2019

BEHIND THE SCENES Builder: Marty Byrom Cabinetry and Range Hood: Tim Wooten, McCormick Cabinets in Mt. Olive Kitchen Appliances: Thermador Kitchen Countertops: Surface One Repurposed Wood: Evolutia Backsplash and Floors: Issis & Sons

Craft Room Caden, 9, Brix, 6, and Adalee, 3, often retreat to the craft room after school to play and create, while Nicole prepares dinner a few paces away.

Flooring Lighting: Mayer Lighting Accent Door: Southern Accents in Cullman Outdoor Kitchen Appliances: Primo and Weber Grills Windows: Energy Star Lawn Sod: B52

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SHELBY LIVING

Friends of Eddie Aldridge remember his love for the gardens—and the people who shared his passion for them.

By Lauren Dowdle Photos Contributed 50 April/May 2019

T

Tucked away from all of the busyness and noise rests a lush piece of paradise for Hoover residents and beyond to enjoy. The vision and passion for the breathtaking Aldridge Gardens came from its namesake, Eddie Aldridge. Although Aldridge passed away last November at the age of 85, survived by his wife Kay, his legacy and memory remain with the gardens and with those who knew him best.

Nature had always been a large part of Aldridge’s life, and one could say it ran in his blood. Aldridge grew up around plants at his family’s nursery business, and he went to college to study ornamental horticulture. Later in 1966, he was hired to plant trees on a property near the corner of Lorna Road and Rocky Ridge Ranch Road. After Aldridge and his father saw the property, they realized its potential.

When the property was put up for sale more than a decade later, Aldridge purchased the estate, conveying the 30-acre garden to Hoover for the public to enjoy years later. Now, visitors can come to the gardens for events, tours, weddings, art, classes and just to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

But even before the gardens, Aldridge and his father gained attention for their rare find. The pair discovered the ‘Snowflake’ hydrangea, which was a “chance seedling” from an oak leaf. They patented and propagated the flower, helping it garner local and global recognition. The stunning flower was later named Hoover’s official flower, with help from his friend Willie Edmiston.

“Eddie took great pride in telling the remarkable story of this “chance seedling” — much has been said and written about it. It’s been sought after and enjoyed worldwide,” Edmiston says. Aldridge’s love for this plant was seen by those around him, and he even referred to these white-blooming plants as his “grandchildren.”

Edmiston and Aldridge were friends for nearly two decades and met at a Friends of Hoover meeting when plans for the gardens were being finalized.

“Those were exciting times, and he drew a big audience,” Edmiston recalls. “I remember how the group loved him and responded. He wanted the gardens to be a healing place.”

HooversMagazine.com 51

52 April/May 2019

Help tell their stories of service and sacrifice.

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Ma is Mility Apprec ary ia Month tion Alabamin a

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Their friendship really began to blossom when Aldridge Gardens opened in 2002. “I was impressed by his calm demeanor and gentle teaching methods.

Of his great knowledge, both scientific and common names, of plants,” Edmiston says. “We talked often, and he became my person to go to for information. He was really knowledgeable, very giving and always eager to make new friends, especially if they were interested in plants.”

Throughout their friendship, they traveled to different gardens, including one where they came across a snowflake hydrangea that had been purchased from Aldridge Gardens. On another trip, they visited a church where the snowflake was planted, and Edmiston says, “The blooms were outstanding.”

Each time Aldridge came across his flower, he was excited to tell his friends all about it, including Rip Weaver, executive director of Aldridge Gardens. “The

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“

He was ‘in residence’ almost every Saturday, greeting people when they came in, telling them about the gardens and the Snowflake and just being Eddie.

”

- Rip Weaver

South Haven Health and Rehabilitation, LLC

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Snowflake continues to be unique, with all that exist today coming from that one plant,” Weaver says.

Whether he was talking about hydrangeas or pointing out an interesting tree, Aldridge shared his love for nature with everyone he met — especially those who visited the gardens.

“He was ‘in residence’ almost every Saturday, greeting people when they came in, telling them about the gardens and the Snowflake and just being

Eddie,” Weaver says.

While many in the city knew Aldridge for his plant discovery and the gardens, there was more to him than his love for nature. He was a man of great faith, Edmiston says, and he loved those around him.

“Eddie and Kay became like family to me. I miss him now like a brother,” Edmiston says. “He will always be in my memory.”

That memory continues for his friends, family and even those who simply enjoy his inviting gardens.

Even though he’s gone, his vision lives on and grows throughout the gardens that caught his eye half a century ago.

“We all miss his enthusiasm for the gardens and his dedication toward making Aldridge Gardens a unique place,” Weaver says. “It is already unique in so many ways, but we are striving to not only be unique, but to stand out as a premier garden that offers outstanding educational programs, wonderful sculpture and art displays and incredible plantings all in a safe environment that is insulated from the hustle and bustle of the world — right here in Hoover.”

People can read more about Aldridge and the history of the gardens in his book, A Garden of Destiny, which is available at Aldridge Gardens.

HooversMagazine.com 55

56 April/May 2019

GANG

THE STAR LAKE Walkers and talkers from all walks of life find an oasis in the middle of Green Valley.

O

By Brenda Ladun Photos by Dawn Harrison

On most weekday mornings with good weather, a group of walkers and talkers – the self-proclaimed Star Lake Gang – meets at Star Lake in the heart of the Green Valley neighborhood to, in one member’s words, “solve the world’s problems in a lap or two.”

They might seem to have little in common beyond a love of walking. Wes Smith, for example, is in his 70s and is a retired BellSouth employee who worked on lines and even climbed poles to help keep the lines of communication open for his customers.

Ninety-year-old Polly Gilmore is a mother,

grandmother and great-grandmother who is a dynamo of sorts, still working vigorously in her yard. Jessie Lien is a busy mom and cake decorator.

And Leslie Stamps is a retired pharmaceutical rep and microbiologist who is now active in her church and a professional shopper. Their common ground?

The path around the scenic lake, where exercise is just a byproduct of the laughter-filled walks they share.

Wes laments about wrangling with a piece of lawn equipment. Polly chimes in with her love of HooversMagazine.com 57

58 April/May 2019

working in her yard, reflecting on what life was like before most modern conveniences came along. For kicks, she brought an old wash board to show the group, saying, “This is how we washed our clothes before the washing machines came along.” When Polly was turning 88 a few years ago, the group surprised her with balloons, cupcakes, flowers and a gift card. Since then, they have celebrated each group member’s birthday with a celebration, which often culminates in a breakfast at the nearby Chickfil-A. Member Janet Richardson was instrumental in procuring the English swans, named Gordon and Gertie, for the lake. Each year, the group watches for one of Gordon and Gertie’s eggs to hatch. Some mornings, the swans swim alongside the group members as they walk. In the spring, the group watches ducklings skim along the lake’s surface with their mothers. Geese, starlings, turtles and an occasional crane round out the wildlife that’s become as much a part of the Star Lake Gang as the group members themselves.

As for me, my time at the lake started years before I joined the gang. When my boys were small, they fished, biked, walked and played there. One year, the lake was drained for cleaning. It was dry and cracked, and we joked it looked like the surface of the moon. The boys had a blast exploring it. They are now young men living in other places, but I continue to gravitate to Star Lake, where precious memories from years ago have given way to new ones—and new friendships with other Hoover residents who find refuge along its banks.

The Star Lake we know today exists because of the man who donated it to the community so long ago. William Hoover, who owned Employers Insurance, bought 680 acres near Montgomery Highway to develop a community primarily for his employees in the late 1950s. In addition to donating the land where Star Lake formed, he donated the land to the Jefferson County School System on which Green Valley Elementary stands. He also donated the land where the Hoover Country Club golf course sits. While the club is private, Star Lake – so named because of the star-shaped island at its center – is a public park, open to all who want to visit and enjoy the serenity and the beauty of the lake. In the spring flowering trees adorn the rim of the water. In the fall the lake is surrounded with colors bursting from the fall leaves. It’s a place to exercise, clear your head and connect with others.

Star Lake Gang members range from 40-90 years old, but no true limits exist. The only requirement for membership is a friendly attitude. They share HooversMagazine.com 59

60 April/May 2019

The Star Lake Gang’s honorary member, Krissy.

their stories—of thriving through the Depression, of coping with family illnesses, of healing from the loss of loved ones. They share their prayer needs, their worries, their heartaches. And they share a sense of community they never expected to find by a small neighborhood lake. “Imagine, it’s taken me into my 80s and 90s to meet some of the best friends of my life,” Polly says. These friends from different walks of life are now walking through life—and around Star Lake—together.

Brenda Ladun is a news anchor at ABC 3340 and a published author.

VOTE TODAY! HOOVER’S

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Purr-fect PAIRING A longtime vet clinic employee is on the cusp of opening Alabama’s first cat adoption café.

K

By Heather Jones Skaggs | Photos by Jeremy Raines

Kelli Steward’s spunky style and spiky hair may be what catches people’s eyes when they first see her behind the desk at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital in Hoover, but her compassion and care for the animals that come in is what captures the hearts of clients who know her. She has been the clinic’s receptionist for more than 20 years, almost as long as she has lived in Hoover.

“I always wanted to work at a veterinarian office in some capacity,” she says. Even as a little girl her passion for animals was evident and only grew. “I saw a box of puppies for sale outside a Walmart at one point. I wanted them all.”

Every day is different at Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital.

With three veterinarians on staff, Kelli manages s c h e d u l e s , products and clients like a pro.

Some days are calm, and others bring one emergency after another. There are

62 April/May 2019

Kelli Steward with Marc Blumenthal, barista and front of the house manager for Gatos and Beans.

times of sadness and times of joy; that’s veterinary medicine. But amid the daily grind of making sure the clinic is operating as it should, Kelli also has had the opportunity to help many animals abandoned or neglected by owners to find forever homes.

In her 20 years, it’s not unusual for her to arrive at work early one morning to find a crate of cats or a dog left on the front steps. No veterinary clinic is set up to be a surrender site for unwanted pets, but it does happen at times. “I have rescued so many cats and dogs over the years,” Kelli says. “I can remember them all so well. Many of them lived at the clinic while I tried to find them their forever homes. Some longer than others. It is a catch-22 when you put an animal in a cage for an extended period of time knowing it’s better off than it was before you found it, but at the same time seeing that sad face day after day until finally, you find the right home. It’s such a wonderful feeling.”

Her work to find homes—the right homes—for abandoned animals has brought Kelli to her next journey in life. “My husband Stephen and I have been talking about a café for over a year now,” she says. Not just any café; a cat café. “I guess I saw something about a cat café on social media in another state, and I felt like that was something I would enjoy. It’s not something we planned and saved for. We just ran with it and it felt right.”

WHAT’S A CAT CAFÉ?

No, they’re not serving cats. “A cat café is a coffee shop/wine bar with an adoption center inside,” Kelli explains. “This is a place to come enjoy a beverage of your choice and spend time with adoptable cats. One half of the building serves as the coffee shop, and the other houses the rescue.

The admission fee covers your drip coffee (Red Bike Coffee) or loose leaf tea, or you can upgrade to a latte or glass of wine. Then, you get to go hang out and relax with cats who need a home. It is a win-win for both people and cats.”

The cats get to socialize in a cage-free environment while waiting to find their forever person. The café, named Gatos and Beans and located on 3rd Court South in Avondale, is the first of its kind to open in Alabama.

Unlike adoptions in the past, Kelli says the cagefree environment they are creating at Gatos and Beans will aid in finding the right connection between a person and cat. Over the years, she has worked with and made contacts with several rescues including Save Our Strays, Have A Heart and Kitty Kat Haven. Her expertise in cat rescue and rehoming is unmatched.

Gatos and Beans has partnered with Kitty Kat Haven to provide the adoption area of the café with HooversMagazine.com 63

$10K

After moving forward with their cat cafe idea, Kelli and Stephen Steward participated in REV Birmingham’s The Big Pitch, a competition for new and upcoming small businesses, last November. They took second place in the contest and won $10,000 in startup money.

64 April/May 2019

cats who are in need of a forever home. The rescue will also oversee the vet care and supplies like food, litter and other needs of the cats. “All the feedback we have received from this idea is so positive. There are a large number of cat lovers in this community,” she says.

Gatos and Beans will not only serve as a platform for adoptions, but will also help provide education (spay/neuter), philanthropy through showcasing local artists on display monthly in the café area and adoption days with other rescues. “There are so many ways we can reach out to other communities in the surrounding areas,” Kelli says.

“Other ideas we have are cat yoga, cat paint nights … all those fun, crazy things to incorporate and engage the social life of Gatos and Beans.”

On their cat café journey, the Stewards participated in REV Birmingham’s The Big Pitch, a competition for new and upcoming small businesses. “A friend of ours mentioned the competition to us, and Stephen immediately entered. I had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into, but it was fun and scary at the same time.” The Stewards took second place last November in the contest and won $10,000 in startup money.

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KELLI’S CREW The Stewards have six cats at home, including: Dannon, a Torti who is 11 years old; Monkey, charcoal gray and also 11 years old; Thomas, a 7-year-old who came to them with a broken leg and tail and is now tailless; Frank, a 6-year-old, blue-eyed Siamese mix; Bette, their 3-year-old Tortoise Shell; and Lanie, a three-legged cat. Kelli also is never seen without her faithful pup companion, Jada, a 12 ½-year-old black and white mix. Jada goes to work at the clinic with Kelli every day and has become part of the Alford Avenue family.

“Working at Alford has been so meaningful in so many ways,” Kelli says. “I have made many friends and connected with people who I now consider family; people who make my life so much better just hearing their voices on the phone. I am going to miss that part so much,” Kelli says. “After 23 years of being a part of that community, I hope they will all come to visit me regularly in my new

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“

My husband Stephen and I have been talking about a café for over a year now. It’s not something we planned and saved for. We just ran with it and it felt right.

— Kelli Steward

space.”

The big change in life is something both Kelli and Stephen are looking forward to. “To bring something new that I am passionate about to our state and locally to the Birmingham area is exciting,” she adds. “I am confident that we will find so many ways to give back to the community.”

Find Gatos and Beans on social media and online at gatosandbeans.com.

66 April/May 2019

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING

2019 BUILDERS AND BUYERS GUIDE

Real Estate • Interior Design • Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Outdoor Living • Organization HooversMagazine.com 67

BUILDERS AND BUYERS

Russell Building Supply 110 Wheat Street • Harpersville, 35078 205-672-2224 • RussellDoitCenter.com At Russell Do it Center and Russell Building Supply stores, you’ll find a complete assortment of lumber, building materials, hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies, paint, tools, and lawn and garden merchandise.

Russell Do it Center stores deliver first-class service, top-rate products and competitive Do-it-Best pricing. Russell Do it Center has a proud history of service to customers across Central Alabama.

They currently have nine convenient locations to serve you, comprised of six Russell Do it Centers and three Russell Building Supply locations. All locations carry a complete assortment of lumber, building materials, doors, windows, specialty millwork, hardware, tools, plumbing, electrical, paint, lawn and garden, and more for contractors and homeowners.

Regardless of which location you may utilize, all of our locations are deeply embedded into the communities that we serve. No matter the job size, Russell Building Supply has you covered.

Fixtures & Finishes 2500 2nd Ave S • Birmingham, AL 35233 205.323.5616 • halley@fixturesandfinishes.com • www.fixturesandfinishes.com Established in 2015, Fixtures & Finishes offers an exclusive collection of well edited plumbing, tile and lighting products for the kitchen and bath. Fixtures & Finishes is locally owned by Mary Louise Choate. It is Alabama’s only Waterworks boutique with a two-story showroom on 2nd Avenue South. Homeowners and designers alike, are able to explore the many vignettes displaying a wide array of plumbing, tile, decorative lighting and hardware. The trained and experienced consultants help clients uncover their style and create a design to match their vision and specifications.

Fixtures & Finishes can easily help you with any project large or small. Whether you are remodeling or building a new home we have everything for the kitchen and bath.

We welcome you to come browse our inspirational showroom and consider making an appointment to receive individual assistance in your selections. We are open Monday through Friday from 8-5.

PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP

68 April/May 2019

BUILDERS AND BUYERS

A Better Closet 1031 14th Street • Calera, 35040 205-621-1638 • Abettercloset.net • Sales@abettercloset.net A professional design and installation service, A Better Closet delivers custom storage solutions to help organize every room of your home.

A Better Closet is a locally owned, family-operated business, and we have been building custom storage for over 30 years. Our designers and craftsmen will transform every area of your home (floor to ceiling) to the custom storage of your dreams – with beautiful, lasting results that are guaranteed over the life of your home. At A Better Closet, exceptional service is built in to the equation. When you schedule a free in-home consultation, we focus on finding the plan that is best for you, because we know your home, family, preferences and needs are unique. A Better Closet wants to maximize every inch of space to increase your home’s storage potential and value. Whether you want to make the most of a walk in closet, custom storage, kitchen pantry or home office, A Better Closet can help.

SouthFirst Mortgage Making Dreams Come True…

6930 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 202 • Hoover, AL 35242 205-991-5911 • www.southfirst.com SouthFirst Mortgage was established in 1994 as a residential construction lending office as a division of SouthFirst Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SouthFirst Bank with offices in Sylacauga, Talladega, Clanton, Birmingham and our newest office, Alexander City. SouthFirst Mortgage offers a wide range of loan products to the needs of various buyers. We have the flexibility of a portfolio lender for a “common sense” loan file to fit your unique needs. We offer a variety of product options and excellent rates to our borrowers through our in-house products and the many investors we have correspondent relationships with.

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BUILDERS AND BUYERS

Urban Home Market 1001 Doug Baker Blvd #101 • Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 980-4663 • urbanhomemarket.com At Urban Home Market, we offer unique home furnishings that will inspire you to express your personality within your home. Our range of styles include everything from rustic flare to classic elegance.

While shopping, check out our Market Place where you can find specialty boutique items such as clothing and accessories.

Our degreed interior designers are accomplished and dedicated; each having over twenty years of experience in residential and commercial design. The designers work with clients to achieve a shared vision that fosters creativity and delivers results that exceed our client’s expectations. We are a locally family owned business that takes pride in offering programs that support new home owners as well as other local designers and realtors.

Shop Urban Home Market and let us help you make your house a home!

MCJ Company Interiors 2717 2nd Ave S • Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 458-2700 Margaret Jones’ upscale design shop, MCJ Company Interiors, on 2nd Ave S provides both clients and designers with a place to explore unique products that are not available just anywhere. Her industry relationships provide the total experience. Her relationship with TCS Furniture makes it possible for people to sit on the actual furniture rather than ordering from a picture. Loyal designers like Mark Kennamer Designs have contributed to the success of MCJ Company Interiors.

Margaret has worked as a buyer and as a designer so she can see and understand the needs of the designer and client as she has insight into both. She still works as a designer and loves being able to communicate with people that do and do not have a designer, helping to design a space the clients will truly love.

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BUILDERS AND BUYERS

Cahaba Glass 160 Chandalar Place Drive • Pelham, 35124 205-621-7355 • Cahabaglassco.com • Cahabaglass@hotmail.com Cahaba Glass is your ultimate resource for any automotive, residential and small commercial glass needs.

For the home, we specialize in the installation of custom shower enclosures, mirrors, glass shelving, furniture top glass, cabinet door glass and specialty glass. Our glazier will replace unsightly window units and patio door glass to give your home that “like new” look. If your small commercial building needs updating, we offer a full range of glass and architectural products to meet your needs.

Our experienced staff will assist you with your automobile insurance claims to make the necessary repairs or replacements due to breakage.

When you choose Cahaba Glass Company, you are choosing a proven leader in the glass business.

Let us help you make your project shine!

DSLD Land Management Design Build Landscape 1178 Dunnavant Valley Rd • Birmingham, AL 35242 205-437-1012 • www.dsldland.com • dsldsocialmedia@gmail.com DSLD Land Management is a family owned and operated full service design/build landscape contractor serving the Birmingham area for over 30 years. DSLD welcomes projects of any scope and size, and stands ready to serve our clients with one of Alabama’s most credentialed professional staffs. We also employ a dedicated and experienced field service team with all requisite trades on board.

Full Service Landscaping: We take care of everything – landscape design, installation and construction. We strive to exceed your expectations. We achieve that through careful planning, setting clear expectations, and providing excellent all-inclusive service.

We Always Listen to You: We listen to you from initial consultation through build out. We understand that every customer has a unique area and ideas for creating an amazing outdoor space.

HooversMagazine.com 71

BUILDERS AND BUYERS

Vulcan Pest Control 115 Commerce Drive • Pelham Alabama 35124 205.663.4200 • www.vulcantermite.com Protect your most valuable assets! Don’t let termites cause destruction on your property – get them gone quickly with professional termite pest control.

If you’re looking for the best termite company in Central Alabama you’ve found it. Vulcan’s Termite Division has over 120 years of combined experience providing commercial and home termite treatment.

Our staff works diligently to provide inspections and necessary reports in a timely manner so the stress of buying or selling your home is minimized.

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Holcombe Doors and Windows 120 Atchison Dr • Chelsea, AL 35043 205-991-3667 In 1993, Holcombe Doors and Windows opened our showroom to respond to the need for efficient and effective doors and windows. We offer assistance with the selection and proper installation of our products for residential and commercial renovations, additions and new construction projects. We install our products so we can take care of your project from start to finish.

Our main window and door lines are Sierra Pacific, Loewen and Kolbe. Windows are available in a wide variety of colors, configurations and materials. We also sell a high-end Poplar interior door and moulding line manufactured by Koetter Woodworking. Interior and exterior doors are available in a multitude of styles, sizes and finishes. Whether you are seeking products that are historically accurate, conventional, or contemporary, Holcombe is proud to be a part of your projects and to help you add to the value, comfort and security of your new or renovated home or business.

72 April/May 2019

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APES

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S

April/May 2019 Events Tuesday, April 2, 2019 The Entrepreneurial Council Meeting 8:30 am-9:30 am Hoover Chamber Office

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Professional Development Seminar Series 11:30 am 1:00 pm Hoover Chamber Office

Thursday, April 11, 2019 Coffee & Contacts 7:30 am -9:00 am T. Fox Salon

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Eggs & Issues Breakfast with Congressman Gary Palmer 7:30 am - 9:00 am Birmingham Marriott

Save the Date!

We welcome Commssioner Jefferson County Department Jimmie Stephens, President of Health Board, Birmingham of the Jefferson County ComBusiness Alliance Board, and mission as our April Luncheon the Rotary Club of BirmingSpeaker.

Growing up just ham. south of Bessemer, he attendAs Commission President, ed Samford University, and Stephens is Primary Liaison graduated with both a B.S. in to the Jefferson County SherBusiness Administration, then iff‘s Office, Regional Planning with an MBA in 1975.

Commission, and the MetroCommissioner Stephens politan Planning Commission. has a great deal of business Commissioner He is married to Mona, and experience, including running Jimmie Stephens they enjoy their three children his own business of Jimmie’s and one grandson.

Food Center, as well as president of To attend the April 18th Chamber LunFood Centers, Inc. He also served as a cheon, please make your reservations no board member for Associated Grocers of later than Monday, April 15th, by calling Alabama.

988-5672, or emailing admin@hooverHe is a former Bessemer City Council- chamber.org. Or, you can always make or, Past Chairman of the Bessemer Board reservations AND pay online at www. of Zoning Adjustments; of the Bessemer hooverchamber.org! Networking begins Airport Authority; and of the Bessemer at 11:15 a.m. The Luncheon is $20.00 Commercial Development Authority. He per person. Our luncheons are held at is also on the Birmingham Jefferson Civ- the Hoover Country Club, 3140 Club Dr, ic Center Authority Board of Directors; Birmingham, AL 35226.

Ribbon Cuttings

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Speaker: Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens 11:15 am -1:00 pm Hoover Country Club

Thursday, April 25, 2019

5:30 pm-7:00 pm Riverchase Car Wash & Detail

Thursday, May 2, 2019 5:30 pm-7:00 pm BumperNets

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Entreprenual Council 8:30 am - 9:30 am The Entrepreneurial Council Meeting Hoover Chamber Office

Cool Box Equisha Adkins and G.V. Mueller were joined by their leadership team, friends and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Members as they celebrated the Grand Opening of their newest facility at the corner of Valleydale Road and Caldwell Mill Road.

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 74 April/May 2019

Acton Road Dental-Hoover Dr. Jing Li, DMD and Dr. Adam B Graham, DMD were joined by their staff, patients, and fellow member of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce as they celebrated the Grand Opening of their new location at 2151 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 110 in Hoover.

HOOVER, AL 35244

April/May 2019 Events Wednesday, May 8, 2019 Owner Barbara Toro was joined by family, friends and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Members as she celebrated the Grand Opening of their newest location at The Battery in downtown Birmingham with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Owner B.J. Autrey was joined by clients, friends and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members to celebrate his new store, The CBD Store. They are located next to Bailey Brothers Music on Highway 280. This store offers alternative pain treatments for common ailments.

Professional Development Seminar Series 11:30 am -1:00 pm Hoover Chamber Office

Thursday, May 9, 2019 Coffee & Contacts 7:30 am -9:00 am Nova Essence Medispa

Thursday, May 16, 2019

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Staff and Board of Directors welcomed members, community friends and Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Councilman Derrick Murphy, Councilman John Greene, Councilman John Lyda, and Representative David Wheeler as they celebrated the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their new offices located at 3000 Riverchase Galleria!

Sharper Image Turf and Hoover Maids owners were joined by fellow Hoover Area Chamber members as they celebrated their new business ventures!

According to their website, “Sharper Image Turf premier choice for lawn maintenance, fertilization and weed control, and pest control. We provide high-quality work and friendly customer service.

Spotlight on the 2019 Hoover Area Chamber Scholarship Winners 11:15 am -1:00 pm Hoover Country Club FOR FURTHER EVENTS CHECK OUT WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG.

New Members

JANUARY 7TH THROUGH MARCH 4TH

The Owners of Walk-Ons were joined by community members and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members as they celebrated the first central Alabama location of their Louisiana-based restaurant.

Broker Kathy Gipson of Keller WilliamsHoover was joined by agents, mortgage lenders and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce as she celebrated the Grand Opening Celebration of the new office for Keller Williams-Hoover located at 1021 Brock’s Gap Parkway, Suite 125 off John Hawkins Parkway in Hoover.

205 - 988 - 5672

Sparkhound, 1/8/2019 Law Office of Yue Li, LLC, 1/11/2019 Alabama Vein & Restoration Medspa, 1/11/2019 Transition Advisors - ARC Realty, 1/11/2019 Kyle Office Supply Company Inc, 1/15/2019 JBMC Media, 1/18/2019 Birmingham Iron - AAF, 1/18/2019 Feel The Beat Entertainment | Cool Shots Photo Booth | Ring Light Photos, 1/18/2019 Wild Roast Cafe, 1/18/2019

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 75

New Members

JANUARY 7TH THROUGH MARCH 4TH Hoover Maids, 1/21/2019 Hampton Inn at Eagle Point, 1/22/2019 Helping Hearts Senior Care, 1/22/2019 Office Pride of Hoover-Birmingham, 1/22/2019 UAB Medicine, 1/22/2019 Burn Boot Camp, 1/23/2019 InterLinc Mortgage, 1/25/2019 Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 1/28/2019 iHeartMedia, 1/28/2019 Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc., 1/29/2019 Sharper Image Turf, 1/29/2019 Valley National Bank, 1/30/2019 Piedmont International University Birmingham, 1/31/2019 Gina H. McDonald & Associates, 2/1/2019 Paul Davis Emergency Services, 2/4/2019 CRB Construction, 2/4/2019 Cox Environmental Solutions, 2/5/2019 CakEffect, 2/6/2019 Office Depot #2293-Hoover, 2/7/2019 La Quinta Inn & Suites, 2/8/2019 Rocky Ridge Hardware, 2/12/2019 Rudeseal Chiropractic & Wellness, 2/13/2019 Sandler Training in Birmingham, 2/14/2019 Alabama MedScreen, 2/15/2019 Ross Bridge Medical Center, 2/18/2019 Wish Upon A Star with Dana Travel Agency, 2/20/2019 Bats & Associates, 2/21/2019 Waffle House , 2/22/2019 CVA - Cardiovascular Associates, 2/25/2019 Full Moon Bar-B-Que Pelham, 2/27/2019 University of Alabama - College of Continuing Studies - College Relations, 2/27/2019 Liberty Mountain Pediatrics, P.C., 2/28/2019 Mark’s Quality Cleaners, 3/1/2019

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, Americaís 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, Mikos-Kampakis 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. Sam Hess, Jet’s Pizza 24. Sam Hess, Tropical Smoothie 25. David Custred, McLeod Software 26. Bill Powell, Honorary Presidents Circle *Designates a Past President of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 76 April/May 2019

Thank you to our 2019 Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen Britten Blackburn, American Cheerleading Centers Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union Nate Wood, BB&T Bank Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Heather McInnish, BancorpSouth Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Ken Crow, Belk

Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park Jamie White, Brown Heating & Cooling Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank Garland Stansell, Childrenís of Alabama Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Randolph Pickell, Diversicare of Riverchase Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/Tire Engineers Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Keegan Jett, Galleria Woods Retirement Community Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn —Hoover Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms Charlie Faulkner, Jefferson Credit Union Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Dwight Burrell, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s Keith Pennington, Medical West Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Café Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics Hugh Morrow, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Andy Davis, St. Vincent’s Health System Kyle Hogan, Sam’s Club Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services Kent O’Rear, ServPro of Birmingham Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Sarah Turner, Signature Homes Alain Gallet, Terracon Monique Holiness, The Home Depot-Inverness Mark Hamilton, The Home Depot-Riverchase Bethany Bell, The Trails at Cahaba River Tara J. Elliott, Troy University Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News Phillip Corley, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC Darin Boykin, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 Sherry Webb, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. Tanja Bell, Birmingham Airport Authority Daniel Heldreth, Jason’s Deli Ira Levine, Levine & Associates Fred Duman, Dave & Buster’s Hayley DeShazo, American Family Care Purvi Shaj, Ross Bridge Medical Center

HOOVER, AL 35244

F i n d U s O n l i ne

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Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Chamber Officers Terry Turner 2019 Board President

Terry D. Turner Jr. Gentle, Turner & Sexton Attorneys 2019 Board President

Paul Dangel The HyattRegency Wynfrey Hotel 1st Vice President

Alison Howell, 2nd Vice President Alabama Power Company

Kathleen Spencer, Hyatt Place of Inverness Secretary

Adam West Warren Averett CPAs Treasurer

Paul Dangel 1st Vice President

Alison Howell Steineker 2nd Vice President

Kathleen Spencer Secretary

Adam West Treasurer Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Servies Immediate Past President

Greg Knighton City of Hoover City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Jerome Morgan Jr. Immediate Past President

Greg Knighton City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Legal Advisor

Matthew Allen, Birmingham Fun and Family Magazine

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

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

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

David Custred McLeod Software

Mike White Riverchase Galleria

205 - 988 - 5672

Board of Directors Matthew Allen Paul Huckeba Ira Levine Tynette Lynch Jeff McDowell Lynn Ray Joel Smith Mike White David Custred

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 77

OUT & ABOUT

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JANUARY NEW HORIZONS LUNCHEON

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato gave a “state of the city” speech at the January New Horizons luncheon at the Hoover Senior Center.

1.

Joyce Carroll, Ellen Wall, Linda Bates and Dot Marron

2.

Darlene Lawrence and Marie Keffer

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Tillie Powers and Leonard Loudermilk

4.

Donna and Bob Wiltsey

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Jan Christman, Inez Said, Darlene Murray, Peggy Sawaya and Ann Holt

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Suzanne Challiss and Beverly Sublette

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Norman and Helene Halpern

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Lois Burns and Joyce Randall

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Joann Lewis and Betty Brown

10. Mary Beveridge, Mayor Frank Brocato and Joyce Patterson 11. Jim and Steve Hatcher

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2019 spring

plant sale

Friday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, April 13 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, April 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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Members-Only Sale Thursday, April 11 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Brookwood Village Upper Macy’s parking lot Free and Open to the Public bbgardens.org/springplantsale

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GREYSTONE LADIES CLUB DECEMBER EVENTS

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Greystone Ladies Club members attended various events in December, including a Christmas brunch and the annual bazaar.

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Julie Kim, Sierra Earle and Johnnetta Jarrett

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Leigh Ann Priest, Denise Tassone, Barbara Brickner and Kathy Granger

3.

Janie Dollar, Tricia Schnecker and Mona Trawick

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Janie Dollar and Cindy Burell

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Carole Marks, Ann Marie James, Myrtis Horton and Carol Duling

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Judy Arnold, Ashley Hiers and Channa McKenna

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RIVERCHASE LOVES ART PHOTOS BY ANGELA D. HAGER

The 2019 Riverchase Loves Art event brought numerous artists—and art fans—from near and far to Riverchase Country Club on Feb. 2.

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Mike and Brigitte McLain

2.

Janis Barnette and Barbara Nelson

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Joann Rome, Audrey Smith and Jamie Smith

4.

Elaine and Isaac Eggers

5.

Melissa and Mae Margaret Carden

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Maddie Harper (artist), Beth Green and Joan Stringfellow

pH Balanced Massage & Fitness massage studio ~ yoga pilates ~ personal training

www.phbalancedfitness.com www.phbalancedmassage.com 3325 Rocky Ridge Plaza , Suite 211 & 213 Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 (205) 533-9421 HooversMagazine.com 81

OUT & ABOUT

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GLC FEBRUARY LUNCH

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The Greystone Ladies Club held its monthly luncheon Feb. 13. Carolyn Potter, executive director of The WellHouse ministry for human trafficking victims, spoke.

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Trudy Vaughan, Allison Oswald and Kathi Wallace

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Jenice Prather-Kinsey and Kim Fike

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Susie Gaston and Ranea Breen

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Susie Gaston, Wilma Thompson, Barbara Brickner and Ranea Breen

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Nita Yarbrough, Judy Arnold and Susie Gaston

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Beth Yoder, Sue Hudson and Sylvia Stagner

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Liz Donnelly, Hiltrud Hollibaugh and Amy Huddleston

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LaRue Carter, Janice Folmar and Carole Marks

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Brenda Arthur and Janice Folmar

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KHSA VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCHEON PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The King’s Home Shelby Auxiliary members and guests attended a Valentine’s Day luncheon Feb. 14.

They donated cleaning supplies for King’s Home Shelby, enjoyed complimentary table settings provided by West Elm, and got a sneak peek at quilts given for auction at the group’s upcoming Tablescapes event in April.

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Carolyn Ramey, Ranea Breen and Linda Glasscock

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Janie Dollar, Bee Little and Pam Bradford

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Kim Fike, Allison Oswald and Susie Gaston

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Cindy Burrell and Martha Thompson

5.

Tricia Schencker, Mona Trawick and Rita Wood

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Bettie Torme, Susie Hammers, Ann Layne, Gloria Roberts and Dr. Anne Bishop

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Ranea Breen and Michelle Matlock

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Linda Glasscock and Patti Stahlhut

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HOOVER SERVICE CLUB FEBRUARY MEETING

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PHOTOS BY PAULA CAMPBELL

The Hoover Service Club held its monthly meeting Feb. 14. Acts of Service benefited Three Hots and a Cot. 1.

Paula Campbell, Karen Bruce, Donna Bishop, Rhonda Boyd, Elaine Thompson, Debbie Rutherford, Melanie Posey and Ardith McMicken

2.

Lori Callahan and Rich Cislak

3.

Elaine Thompson, Diane Phillips, Sherron Simmons and Liesa Pitts

4.

Melanie Posey and Paula Campbell

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Donna Bishop and Lori Callahan

6.

Rich Cislak

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Diane Phillips, Juanita Williams and Liesa Pitts

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ANGEL WARRIORS FOUNDATION GALA 2019

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The third annual Angel Warriors Foundation Gala was held on the evening of March 2 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover.

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Christine Carr, Jay Carr, Joy Carr, Laurelin Carr and CJ Carr

2.

Victor Williams, Jade Williams, Victoria Williams and Jamia Alexander-Williams

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Dr. Wayne Vickers, Adam Moseley, Dorann Tanner, Jamia Alexander-Williams, Keri Johnson and Derek Henderson

SPONSORS: PLATINUM: City of Birmingham This is Alabama GOLD: Birmingham Magazine Birmingham Mountain Radio 107.3fm Homewood Life Joe Piper Starnes Media SILVER: Bell Media Kinetic Communications

Image: John Lytle Wilson

BRONZE: Publix Super Markets Charities Encompass Health BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau Over the Mountain Journal Royal Cup

April 26-28

STEEL: Alabama State Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency Babypalooza Magazine Bancography Bham Now Birmingham Business Journal B-Metro Event Rentals Unlimited Excursions by CityVision Jefferson County Jemison Investment Company, Inc. LeafFilter North of Alabama Style Blueprint WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm Yarbrough Festival Foodservice

Linn Park, downtown Birmingham, Alabama www.magiccityart.com HooversMagazine.com 85

OUT & ABOUT

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HOOVER ARBOR DAY

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The 21st annual Hoover Arbor Day Celebration took place March 2 at Aldridge Gardens. This year’s fourth grade Arbor Day Essay Contest winners were honored.

1.

Rebecca, Nora Grace and Daniel Hassee

2.

Ansley Graber and Kay Aldridge

3.

Mayor Frank Brocato and Grayben Nolen

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Betty Daigle, Matthew Hollis, Lacey Hollis, Amy Hollis and Dennis Daigle

5.

Wendy Conner, Rosemary Sargent and Sharon Nelson

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Frank Brocato and Harper Yeilding

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Frank Brocato and Ava Caprara

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Samantha Shelton and Journey Moore

9.

Jennifer Gregory, Frank Brocato and councilmen John Greene, Mike Shaw and Derrick Murphy

10. Frank Brocato and Shawn Syed 11. Sona Patel and Neela Mudgal 12. Frank Brocato and Alyssa Hurt 13. Breane, Aiden and Collin Whitley 14. Frank Brocato and Joshua Nelson 15. Blake Lipscomb, Brent McCain, Joey Hamm and Shon Walters 16. Ansley Graber 17. Frank Brocato and Michelle Kigondu 18. Rebecca and Nora Grace Hassee with Sarah Johnson 86 April/May 2019

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HooversMagazine.com 87

MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company.

Personal Loans! Let us pay off your title loan!

224 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham. 205-663-5821 Need appliance or air conditioner parts?

How about a water filter for your refrigerator?

We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts!

Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance.com INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets.

Apply online at AGSOUTH.COM or call Charlie Seagle at (205) 808-4833 Pre-employment drug test required.

Grocery Store Merchandiser Experience required using planograms to set items in retail stores.

Must be physically fit, have reliable transportation & able to travel overnight at least 3 nights per week. $30,000 starting salary. Paid vacation & holidays. Blue Cross health & dental insurance. Matching 401k. Apply online at WWW.AGSOUTH.COM

88 April/May 2019

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)280-0002.

Pelham (205)444-9774.

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

Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13.33/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com

HooversMagazine.com

Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-theroad. Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package.

Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2 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

SEEKING SALESMAN FOR RUBBER & PLASTIC ITEMS. CALL TO APPLY 205-243-6661 $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.

Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits.

Pre-employment drug test required

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com Franklin Iron Works Now Hiring.

Grinders & Laborers.

Must apply in person: 146 Tommie Drive, Thorsby.

Mon-Fri. 10am-3pm.

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 1-800-634-7315 or come

by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Hiring: Homeownership LeasePurchase Facilitator Resident Services Coordinator-ROSS Human Resources Specialist Compliance Data Analysis Application Data Entry

Clerk Assistant Vice President of Housing Operations Director of Public Safety Custodian View complete description and apply at www.habd.org or 1826 3rd Avenue South Birmingham, Al 35233 NOW AVAILABLE LPN’s, RN’s 12 HOUR SHIFTS CNA’s Full-time & part-time. Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Center Drive Clanton, AL 35045 Health Services, Inc. Clanton Family Health 107 Medical Center Dr Clanton,AL 35045 Current Opening: •Patient Account Representative •Medical Assistant •LPN Unit Coordinator Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced -Sandblasters -Industrial Painters - Helpers. Must be able to pass drug test and e-verify check.

Must be willing to travel.

Professional references required. Please send resume to: icgsecretary@ hotmail.com or call (205)688-9004 Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com

MARKETPLACE SHEETMETAL & MANUFACTURING HELP WANTED •Sheetmetal/Layout •Manufacturing Helpers •Sheetmetal Machinery Operators Multiple positions Paid holidays, typical shifts are 6:00am-2:30pm Must be reliable & on-time Call RICK: 205-644-9633 Need FREE help with your Medicare?

Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) today at (800)AGE-LINE (800)-243-5463.

M&M Trucking Company hiring experienced trailer and tractor trailer drivers.

Minimum three years verifiable experience required. Tanker and dump experience a plus. Apply in person w/ MVR at M&M Trucking Company.

980 Lee Road.

Auburn, AL 36830.

Now Hiring!!

•Caregivers-ADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7pm •Activity Director PartTime •Cooks-some 12/hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-620-2905 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: 800-5482547(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

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

Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son’s in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530. For other hauling arrangements, contact Wes in Harpersville 205-965-8657

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

MOUNT HOME BUILDERS, INC. Build on your lot custom homes! Our plans or yours! Visit www.mounthomebuilder. com for price quotes and to see completed homes & homes under construction!

205-299-0114

HELP WANTED Small crown and bridge laboratory hiring experienced dental laboratory technicians.

Full/Part-time positions available: waxing, building model work, porcelain ceramist Contact: Bruce Osborn 205-664-8090

Mundo’s Masonry & More “Quality Guaranteed” •Brickwork•Stonework •Concrete•Fireplaces •Retaining Walls •Patio/Pathways •Driveways•Much More Serving Jefferson, Shelby & Chilton Counties FREE ESTIMATE! Call: 205-434-5783

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 Southeastern Food Merchandisers NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Food Service

Delivery Drivers with 1 year experience!!! Pay & Benefits •Home daily •Schedules allow you to depart and return to same terminal daily •Dispatches are single day routes, nothing runs overnight or multiday! •Paid by weight delivered, miles, and stops •Drivers running single driver routes are earning $75,000$100,000 yearly! •Team and Helper routes are earning $65,000+ yearly What we offer in addition to route pay!

•Attendance/Accuracy bonuses •Wkly-pay w/ direct deposit •401(k) w/ company match, eligible after 6-months with quarterly enrollment •Blue Cross of AL health & dental insurance, company subsidized •Two different medical plans for Blue Cross depending on your needs •Vision Insurance, company subsidized •Basic Life and AD&D 100% employer paid •Company paid Short-Term Disability •Voluntary Life & AD&D also provided on post-tax basis for you, and your family Email resume: ofrye@southeasternfood. com Call:205-685-4534 Stellar Staffing, LLC Customer Service Is Our Passion NOW HIRING!!! Pelham • Calera • Alabaster • Clanton Starting pay: $10hr-$13hr • General Labor • Heavy Equipment Operator • Machine Operator • Crane Operator Please apply on-line: www.stellarstaffingllc. com Questions Call: 205-916-2860

CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham.

Call Stephen (205)663-2822 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.

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 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOE-M/F/D/V

HooversMagazine.com 89

WHY I LOVE HOOVER

Melanie Posey

from on different topics before. I hope to provide a calming, strong presence should storms arise. I hope to be a resource for the administration based on contacts and knowledge I have gathered about various topics and issues over the years that may ultimately affect the city.

City of Hoover Public Information Officer

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

For 22 years, Melanie Posey says she was blessed to live out her dream job in the media field as a reporter, but as the industry changed in various ways and she started a family, she was looking to make a change and find a new challenge. The veteran reporter found that in her own city as the new Public Information Officer.

Melanie’s love of Hoover starts with its diversity.

What do you love about Hoover?

I love the diversity of Hoover. And when I say diversity, I mean that on many different levels. I have been able to make friends with and live beside friends from different ethnicities and nationalities.

Recreationally, my daughter and I have been able to experience everything from fencing to rock climbing to volleyball. I love the diversity in shopping that is right in my backyard. I love that it is peaceful and safe, clean and beautiful, and that there is a priority placed on education here. I love that everything my daughter and I need and want—from grocery stores to grooming and medical services for my dog, to banking and library and postal services, hotel options for visiting friends and family, medical services for my daughter, beauty options for me, entertainment, shopping and dining options for both of us and most important, quality education for my daughter—they’re all less than 15 minutes from our home.

What brought you to the decision to apply for the Hoover city position?

I didn’t want just any job. I wanted to work in a place where I felt my skills and 90 April/May 2019

What is your favorite place to eat in Hoover, and why?

My favorite place is Dale’s Southern Grill because of their wonderful pot roast and incredible carrot soufflé. It has that family feel, courteous and friendly staff members and reasonable prices.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I think a lot of people would be surprised to know I am a big Alfred Hitchcock fan, that I hope to one day be certified in American Sign Language and I am determined to buy my first Corvette once talents could be utilized in various, my daughter graduates high school. (It meaningful ways. I wanted to work in an would be grey with red leather interior, in area I believed in. But I also wanted to be case you’re wondering.) challenged to learn new things and to grow.

And I wanted to be able to spend more What is your earliest memory of Hoover quality time with my daughter. I felt the job after moving here? as PIO of Hoover would allow for all that I do remember feeling—or knowing, and more. rather—I was exactly where I belonged How does your experience in news compliment your new role with Hoover?

Having to work with so many different people from so many backgrounds with so many different personalities is proving beneficial. The pressure of having to remain calm while writing meaningful stories against a deadline has helped. Having covered so many different stories on so many topics across the metro area has given me the background knowledge to apply when certain issues come before the city.

when I first moved here. I felt God blessed me with the apartment I had—the wonderful location and beautiful, kind neighbors.

How can Hoover be a leader and a positive example to communities and cities around us?

I think in many ways, Hoover already is a leader in the metro area when it comes to things like great education and quality of life. Recent situations present the opportunity to show how communities can come together and work together to have even more inclusion and unity. There is a How do you hope to impact the city desire and humility from many residents in administration and citizens of Hoover? the city to listen to their friends and I hope my background in the media helps neighbors and do the work it takes to get the city to do a better job of promoting all better. I think Hoover is already a great city. the services it offers. I hope I bring a new, And I am excited to see how it will continue fresh voice the city may not have heard on the path it’s on to become even greater.

Celebrating over 60 years of serving you.

As a life-long Birmingham resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honest and hard work that my grandfather began over 60 years ago.

Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family.

It would be a privilege to serve you.

Serving the Birmingham Area Since 1958

Air Conditioning • Heating • Plumbers • Generators • Sewers

205-595-4846 • guinservice.com Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.

HooversMagazine.com 91

Come visit our new facility, including the new Spa Cahaba

2279 VALLEYDALE RD. SUITE 100 HOOVER, AL 35244

92 April/May 2019

Holly Gunn MD, FAAD