Hoover's Magazine, August 2017

THE ART OF APRIL LEVI • CHESS EXTRAORDINAIRE ROCHELLE WU • TOUR AN ITALIAN-STYLE HOME

PLAYING GUITAR WITH

BRETT YOUNG

TACOS AND TEQUILA AT THE PRESERVE

FINDING A AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 HooversMagazine.com $4.95

CURE

CLARA BRAGG’S STORY

M O D E R N N E W B O R N + C H I L D + FA M I LY P O R T R A I T U R E INFOAPEPPERMINTPHOTO.COM | 205.807.6431 H E I R LO O M A L B U M S | A R C H I VA L Q UA L I T Y P O R T R A I T S

W W W . A P E P P E R M I N T P H O T O . C O M HooversMagazine.com 3

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FEATURES

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LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR CHRIST TO WORK Riverchase church builds relationships in Jamaica.

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BETTER WITH AGE Seven years since opening The Humidor Room, owner Saeid Morshedi is still having the time of his life.

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PLAYING TO HIS STRENGTHS After years of music lessons, gigs and college classes, Hoover’s Sam Davis lands himself on stage with country music star Brett Young.

CURE FOR CLARA How a gene therapy trial could save a child with a terminal diagnosis.

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PHOTO BY CHASE LAUER

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15 arts & culture

15 Artist April Levi: Multiple Themes With a Common Thread 24 Read This Book: 5 Book Picks for Children

schools & sports

25 Rochelle Wu: Young Chess Whiz

food

& drink

31 Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila: New Restaurant in The Preserve

PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 HooversMagazine.com 9 The Guide 77 Out & About 85 Marketplace 88 My Hoover

36 Cocktail: Moss Rock TNT Watermelon Margarita

home

& style

37 Franklin Home: Mediterranean Style Meets Ross Bridge

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contributors EDITORIAL

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

CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Dowdle Dawn Harrison Anne Riley Layken Rubin Heather Skaggs

DESIGN

Lauren Dowdle, Writer The former editor of Hoover’s Magazine and Shelby Living, Lauren now lives in Nashville, Tenn., with her husband and four spoiled pets — but you’ll still spot her around Hoover visiting friends and family. She writes for a variety of local and national magazines, along with a few international publications. But when she isn’t staring down a deadline, you’ll find her obsessing over her dogs and cats (or really any animal), decorating a cake or adding more freckles by the pool.

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

Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Clarke Stackhouse Kate Sullivan

lines. She feels extremely blessed to be a part of the publication and to

MARKETING

Anne Riley lives in north Shelby County with her husband, Rob, and their

Ann Aycock Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Katie Krouse Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Ashley Murphy Viridiana Romero April Spivey Bayleigh Thompson Kerrie Thompson

continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

Anne Riley, Writer three daughters, Maggie, Jenna, and Kellan. Anne is the Content Team Director at Uptick Marketing by day, morphing into a freelance writer and editor after the kids go to bed. She is the author of two young adult novels (Shadows of the Hidden and Pull) and one children’s picture book (Voyage to the Star Kingdom), and her freelance writing has appeared in Fresh Style magazine, Shelby Living, Hoover’s Magazine, and online.

Heather Jones Skaggs, Writer Heather is an author, freelance writer, and native of Hoover where she lives with her husband, Greg, and fur-baby Carrie. National publisher, Arcadia Publishing and The History Press found Heather in 2012 and together they have published three books covering Hoover’s history.

When she is not researching her latest book, Heather digs for the untold

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie McDowell Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

stories in Hoover and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers – including this publication.

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

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

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

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

536.

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from the editor

ON THE COVER

The Bragg family

Hoover’s Ryan and Jenny Bragg created A Cure for Clara, a fundraising and awareness campaign for GM1 gangliosidosis research in honor of their 3-year-old daughter, Clara, who was diagnosed with the disease. Also pictured is the Braggs’ son, Tanner.

Photo by Magen Davis Photography Design by Jamie Dawkins

The milestones Ryan and Jenny Bragg celebrate in the life of their 3-year-old daughter, Clara, are different than what other parents with a child close to Clara’s age celebrate.

Clara’s life hasn’t followed the same pattern as her peers; it hasn’t traveled the usual route of development for which parents of babies turning into toddlers eagerly prepare themselves.

Last year, Clara was diagnosed with a terminal disease called late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis, a long name for an inherited disorder known for shortening patients’ life expectancies as it ravages their brain and spinal cord nerve cells.

The disease is slowly but steadily stripping Clara of skills she had mastered previously, and is stunting her overall development. The Braggs don’t know if they will ever see Clara walk. They also don’t know how quickly the disease will continue to progress or what that means for the rest of her life. But one thing late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis has not and will not take from the Bragg family is their hope in a cure being found.

Shortly after Clara was diagnosed, the family started A Cure for Clara, a campaign to raise money and support for a human gene therapy trial – a potentially life-saving solution for people with the disease.

Late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis (type 2), the type Clara has, is one of three types of the disease. Infantile (type 1) is the most severe type and normally appears in patients shortly after they’re born. Adult onset or chronic (type 3) is the rarest form of the disease and normally affects people between ages 3 and 30.

The Braggs have raised more than $1 million for GM1 research so far, and they’re not quitting. The sooner they can help raise enough money for researchers to transition from animal testing to a human trial for GM1, the sooner all families coping with the disease could receive much-needed news of a viable cure for it.

My heart is with the Braggs as they wait, albeit not idly. I can’t imagine how hard it is to have to watch your child struggle with the effects of a terminal disease and not be able to fix it. My hope is they will soon have a new milestone to celebrate in Clara’s life – a milestone so monumental that it makes national news. May this community continue to rally around the Braggs as they face the unknown, armed with hope for a cure for their precious little girl. A cure for Clara, and for many others, could be closer than we think.

I welcome your feedback on this and other stories in this issue, which happens to be the first of its kind. Starting this month, Hoover’s Magazine will publish every other month as an expanded version featuring a new design. While we’re excited about these changes, our focus on Hoover – its people, businesses, schools and everything else that makes it such a wonderful place to call home – remains the same. Thank you for reading!

emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com HooversMagazine.com 9

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THE QUESTION

What’s your favorite memory from grade school?

My favorite memory was walking from Bluff Park Elementary School three days a week after school to Glenda’s Dance Studio located on the bluff in the now Moonlight Café location.

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My child’s time best memory was the last time I got a voice mail saying “your child _____ _____ account is a negative $2 & 75 cents.

- Peggy Jackson Lucas

THE GUIDE

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AUG. 1 6-8 P.M. PARKING LOT OF SUPER TARGET IN THE GROVE SHOPPING CENTER Meet the people behind the uniforms who work tirelessly to protect Hoover every day. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and encourage participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and policecommunity partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are fighting back. The event is free and will feature Hoover Police Department displays, Hoover Fire Department displays, local business exhibits, complimentary food and beverages, car show, inflatables and giveaways.

Photo by Dawn Harrison HooversMagazine.com 11

THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER AUG. 1 Faun and a Pan Flute Hoover Public Library Plaza 7-8:30 p.m.

AUG. 3 Birthday Bash Hoover Senior Center 12:30 p.m.

AUG. 6 Sunday NovelTea Book Group Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

AUG. 12 Purl @ the Plaza Meeting Hoover Public Library 1 p.m.

Buccaneers Varsity Football Show your Hoover spirit at the games this season.

AUG. 24: at Grayson, 8:30 p.m.

OCT. 13: at Huffman, TBA SEPT. 1: vs. Meridian, 7 p.m.

OCT. 20: at Vestavia, TBA SEPT. 8: at Mountain Brook, TBA OCT. 27: vs. Thompson, TBA SEPT. 22: vs. Tuscaloosa County, TBA NOV. 3: vs. IMG, TBA OCT. 6: vs. Oak Mountain, TBA

Young Artist Reception

AUG. 22 Horizons Dinner Hoover Senior Center 6 p.m.

3-4:30 P.M. Hoover Public Library

AUG. 5 + SEPT. 2

Coffee & Espresso 101

CLASSES ARE 10 A.M., 12 P.M. AND 2 P.M. Hoover Public Library Plaza Is java your jam? Learn about coffee, espresso, different methods of brewing, coffee sustainability practices and more at the Library Plaza for $10. Reserve a spot at 518-6264.

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AUG. 18 Library Bingo Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

AUG. 19 Bird Walk Aldridge Gardens 8-10 a.m.

AUG. 13

Celebrate the artistic talents of today’s youth at this month’s reception featuring current children’s gallery artists. Admission is free; the experience is priceless.

Refreshments will be served.

AUG. 15 Lunch & Learn Hoover Senior Center 12 p.m.

AUG. 24 Nighttime Nonfiction Book Group Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

SATURDAYS THROUGH AUG. 26 The MarketPlace at Lee Branch The Village at Lee Branch parking lot 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

AUG. 27 Timber Duo Hoover Public Library 2:30 p.m.

THE GUIDE SEPT. 3 Sunday NovelTea Fiction Book group Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

SEPT. 5 Books to You Hoover Senior Center 12:15 p.m.

SEPT. 7 Birthday Bash Hoover Senior Center 12:30 p.m.

SEPT. 10 Young Artist Reception Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

SEPT. 11 Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony Hoover Fire Station No. 2 8:30 a.m.

AUG. 19

Ladies Day Out 10 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. Hoover Public Library SATURDAYS

Valleydale Farmers Market 8 A.M. TO 12 P.M. 4601 Valleydale Road

Fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables abound at this farmers’ market, run and operated by a non-profit company called Community Markets, Inc.

Win door prizes and take a picture in the photo booth during the Hoover Public Library’s Ladies Day Out, a free event featuring a Hoop for Fitness demonstration, along with essential oils, a declutter expert, women’s self-defense class with Detective Juan Rodriguez at 11 a.m., a Riverchase Pure Barre beginner’s barre class at 4 p.m. and the latest in fashion trends. No reservations are required.

SEPT. 16 Spain Park High School Cross Country Invitational Veterans Park 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

SEPT. 23 Head Over Teal The Preserve Town Hall 8-11 a.m.

SEPT. 24 Ray Reach Performance Hoover Public Library 2:30 p.m.

SEPT. 26 Horizons Luncheon Hoover Senior Center 11 a.m.

SEPT. 28 Stephen McCullough Band Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

SEPT. 30 Write Club with Guest Speaker Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.

Jaguars Varsity Football

Show your Spain Park spirit at the games this season. All games start at 7 p.m.

AUG. 25: vs. Gadsden City OCT. 6: at Huffman SEPT. 1: at Muscle Shoals OCT. 13: vs. Thompson SEPT. 8: at Vestavia OCT. 20: at Tuscaloosa County SEPT. 15: vs. Hoover OCT. 27: vs. Oak Mountain SEPT. 22: at Mountain Brook NOV. 2: vs. Minor Share your news! Email submissions to Emily.Sparacino@Hooversmagazine.com to be considered for our next issue.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN AUG. 4-5 Secret Stages Music Discovery Festival Downtown Birmingham AUG. 9 Counting Crows & Matchbox 20 Oak Mountain Amphitheater AUG. 10 Jason Aldean, Chris Young & Kane Brown Oak Mountain Amphitheater

SIMMONS MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCHOOL LIAISONS The Simmons Middle School Student Advisory Council serves as a liaison between the students and the faculty and administration. This year, SAC participated in Magic Moments fundraising during the fall and spring semesters. The school raised more than $8,000 to send two chronically ill children to Lego Land and Disney World in Florida. In late winter, the group organized a coat and blanket drive, collecting hundreds of each for a homeless center in downtown Birmingham.

AUG. 10-14 Birmingham Barons vs.

Chattanooga AUG. 11 The Princess Bride The Alabama Theatre 7 p.m.

AUG. 11-20 Birmingham Restaurant Week AUG. 12 Tig Notaro The Lyric Theatre 8 p.m.

AUG. 12 Babypalooza Baby & Maternity Expo BJCC Exhibition Halls 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

JSCC

GOT THE GOLD On June 24, Jefferson State Community College culinary student Brian Duffett showcased his skills against 26 other state champions and won the gold medal as the top culinary student in the nation during the SkillsUSA Culinary Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.

“When you’re competing at the state and national level, you are going against the top culinary students,” Duffett said. “It’s fun, it’s exciting and it really gets your adrenaline pumping.” By winning the national competition, he was awarded a gold medal and a full scholarship to attend The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York (valued at $50,000).

“One day, I would really like to own my own restaurant,” Duffett said. We’re sure he will!

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AUG. 13 Gone With The Wind The Alabama Theatre 2 p.m.

AUG. 16-20 Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery AUG. 20 The Southern Bridal Show BJCC Exhibition Halls AUG. 20 Lyle Lovett The Alabama Theatre 7:30 p.m.

AUG. 22-27

THE GUIDE Sidewalk Film Festival Downtown Birmingham

BETTY DAIGLE

AUG. 25-27 Rick and Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC Exhibition Halls AUG. 26-30 Birmingham Barons vs.

Chattanooga SEPT. 7 Lady Antebellum, Kelsey Ballerini & Brett Young Oak Mountain Amphitheater 7:30 p.m.

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

SEPT. 15 Tedeschi Trucks Band The Alabama Theatre 8 p.m.

SEPT. 26 Young and the Giant BJCC Concert Hall 7 p.m.

SEPT. 14-16 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church SEPT. 21-23 Greek Food Festival Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral SEPT. 21-OCT. 1 A Chorus Line Virginia Samford Theatre SEPT. 22 Ballet Hispánico Alys Stephens Center 8 p.m.

SEPT. 24 Breakin’ Bread Sloss Furnaces SEPT. 30 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale SEPT. 30 Fiesta Linn Park

SOPHIA LIU AND RACHEL DEES

HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

HOOVER SERVICE CLUB

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION u This year’s winner of the Flora Mae Pike Hoover Community Service Award is Betty Daigle. Daigle has served on the scholarship and hospitality committees, is a past president and was a gala/ways and means chair. u This year’s Margaret Alford Memorial Community Service Scholarship recipients are Sophia Liu (Hoover High School) and Rachel Dees (Spain Park High School). Each will receive $500. u Spain Park High School’s scholarship winners are Rachel Cargill, Houston Hollis, Ashley Oakman, Anna Shunnarah, Victoria Stark and Parker Wade Wilson. Pictured with the students are SPHS principal Larry Giangrosso and Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy. u Simmons Middle School award winners are Corinne Crawford Scholarship Award, and Cheyanne Chadwell Citizenship Award.

Standing with Crawford are Assistant Principal Tonya Rozell and Eighth Grade Counselor Erika Berryhill. u Bumpus Middle School award winners are Marcus William, Citizenship Award; Emily Knerr, Special Award for Valor; and Ria Shah, Scholarship Award.

Pictured with the students are counselor Nita Keith and principal Dr. Tamala R. Maddox. u Berry Middle School award winners were Advaith Vadlakonda, Scholarship Award, and Alison Hanna, Citizenship Award. Also present were Kathryn Hartwiger, eighth grade counselor; Kari Tibbs, assistant principal; and Dr. Kathy Murphy. u Hoover High School scholarship winners are Austin Carter, Hayley Davidson, Mary Kate Manak, Annie Medders, and not pictured, Tyler Collins and Jonathan “Oakley” Prell. Pictured with the students are principal Don Hulin and Dr. Kathy Murphy.

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&CULTURE

ARTS

A WHIMSICAL BRILLIANCE Local artist explores multiple themes with a common thread.

BY ANNE RILEY PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON HooversMagazine.com 17

A

April Levi’s artistic talent manifested at an early age. She remembers beginning to intentionally create art when she was 5 years old, and since then, the paintbrush has practically never left her hand. The great majority of her life has been experienced through a lens of brilliant color and artistic adventure, and although she loves to explore a variety of themes and processes, each piece that she creates has something in common: a sense of whimsy that’s somehow playful and elegant at the same time.

Her love for art may have started in childhood, but it certainly didn’t end there. During her time at Vestavia Hills High School, April’s studies focused on fine arts, and she earned a few awards from the school for her artistic talent. She went on to pursue a degree in Commercial Art and Graphic Design at Bessemer State, and was accepted into a student art show at Birmingham-Southern College.

After graduation, April continued her work as an artist

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by establishing a career in graphic design that has lasted more than 20 years and includes a past position as the resident acrylic/mixed media artist and graphic designer at Forstall Art Center in downtown Birmingham. Although her career has centered around graphic design (she still freelances on the side), she feels a pull toward screen-free work and hopes to focus more along those lines in the future.

“To be able to put paint to canvas and create movement and texture with beautiful colors on a daily basis is magical to me,” she said. “A dream come true, really.”

As any great artist will tell you, experimentation is essential – and April is no exception. She enjoys pushing the limits of what she knows in order to uncover new processes and ideas. With a specialty in contemporary art, April currently finds herself enamored with acrylic painting.

“

To be able to put paint to canvas and create movement and texture with beautiful colors on a daily basis is magical to me.

�

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“I am obsessed with painting abstract florals at the moment,” April said. “I imagine I’m looking up at the sunlight shining through the leaves on the trees — how the light forms a fractal image. It is fascinating to me.”

Although she’s created an incredible number of pieces in her life, April has a special place in her heart for her small landscapes – especially pieces she’s created from personal road trips.

“Something about painting the journey ahead puts a smile on my face,” she said.

When it comes to the actual process of creating art, April loves two things the most: seeing her imagination come to life on the canvas, and making a mess with the paint. “It brings out the kid in me,” she remarked.

These days, you can find April in Studio 16 at Artists on the Bluff, which recognizes itself as “a community of highly qualified creative residents who utilize the facility as working studios and offer daily and/or weekly classes, as well as offer original art items for sale.”

April offers an open studio on Tuesdays from 1-8 p.m. for a fee of $15 per hour (supplies not included). During this time, students may come and work on a painting of their choice in a group setting while April spends time intentionally helping and instructing each painter.

She also teaches a night class on Wednesdays from 5:30-8 p.m. for $45 (supplies included). This is a great

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Call 205.985.4111 for appointment HooversMagazine.com 21

opportunity for students to learn the basics of acrylic painting, experiencing a variety of acrylic mediums and developing proper techniques.

• April Levi has been creating art in some As an art center for all ages, Artists on the Bluff form since she was 5 years old. is a gold mine for anyone looking to learn or • As a high school student, April’s focus improve their artistic technique under the tutelage was in fine arts, and her talent earned her of a professional. The public is invited to come by several awards at school. for a visit Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m.

•April pursued a career in graphic design, with a stint as the resident acrylic and and 2 p.m., browse the artwork, and maybe even mixed media artist and graphic designer at sign up for a class or two. Class options include Birmingham’s Forstall Art Center. kiln-formed glass, expressive paintings, beginner • April operates a studio at Artists on the and intermediate drawing, pottery and more.

Bluff, where she holds weekly open studio Artists on the Bluff will have a sale this September hours and night classes. that will include work from all resident artists.

They also have an open house every December for For more information about April, visit interested art lovers to come and see what all the Artistsonthebluff.com or connect with her on fuss is about.

Facebook at facebook.com/Aprilsmixedmedia.

BEHIND THE CANVAS

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BOOK NOOK

Ladies Day Out @ the Hoover Library Ladies, here is an opportunity to indulge yourselves! On Saturday, Aug. 19 from 1-5 p.m., escape to the Hoover Library for “Ladies Day Out” – an afternoon to pamper yourself and your friends and learn about fashion and healthy lifestyle choices. Events will be stationed throughout the library. All activities and presentations are free to the public. There will even be giveaways and door prizes!

Prior to the kickoff keynote at 1 p.m., Detective Juan Rodriguez will lead a two-hour women’s selfdefense class from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Participants must register for this class by visiting Hooverlibrary.org/ event-age-group/adults or calling 444-7820. This will require active participation and space is limited.

At 1 p.m., in the Library Theatre, Tracy James will present “Chic Made Simple: Stylish at Every Age, Shape and Budget.”

Tracy is an Fiction Department at the Hoover Library accomplished fashion consultant, stylist and blogger who has worked with Project Runway’s Tim Gunn. Subsequently, the offerings will be yours to pick and choose. At 3 p.m., Mary-Berkley Gaines from Beautiful Bodies of Birmingham will inspire us to see ourselves and others in a new, more positive light. At 4 p.m., Riverchase Pure Barre will host a beginner’s barre class. This will be an active, hands-on class for those who preregister at the above website.

On the Library Plaza, the Winonah School of Cosmetology will be offering luxurious hand treatments. Young Living will be showing off their Essential Oils collection. Our very own East 59 Café will present affordable tablescapes you’ll want to recreate.

In addition, the Riverchase Galleria’s Sephora will teach you makeup tips to make you look like a professional.

You’ll learn a variety of clever home, kitchen and beauty hacks – or ways to make ordinary things into useful, helpful and affordable organizational tools. For relaxation, join your friends at our coloring station and “plan your planner” makerspace, along with our selfie stations.

Stroll through our merchants walk and enjoy Mary Kay Cosmetics, Damsels in Defense and Louise’s Cakes and Things, along with LulaRoe Clothing and the mobile women’s clothing boutique WINK, which will be stationed outside the library. For more information, visit Hooverlibrary.org/LDO2017.

Shannon Haddock

WEDDING AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

“I CAME ALIVE WHEN I STARTED LOVING YOU.” - C.S. LEWIS

W W W . M E G A N T S A N G . C O M

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Art in the Gardens If you love art, music, nature and wildlife, or just want a great place to relax or get some pleasant exercise, we have something for you at Aldridge Gardens! The Gardens contain an outdoor pavilion, a six-acre lake and a half-mile walking trail.

Activities include art exhibits and shows, classes and seminars, bird walks, fishing days, and much more.

We offer field trips that follow the state curriculum for elementary-age children, and guided tours of the gardens are available for adult groups. Admission to the Gardens is free. Please visit aldridgegardens.com and check out the event calendar for more information on upcoming events and classes.

Saturday, September 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 per person entry fee supports the arts at Aldridge Gardens.

Visitors under 16 get in free.

Enjoy a day viewing the works of outstanding Alabama artisans while you stroll through beautifully landscaped surroundings. Art in the Gardens is an annual, juried, open-air art show featuring painters, photographers, glass artists, sculptors, woodworkers, metal workers, potters and more, all displaying their works for your admiration and purchase. Buy unique gifts for others and yourself! Food will be available for purchase from vendors at the event. Off-site parking/shuttles will be available at Bed Bath & Beyond parking lot on Lorna Rd. This year’s event is sponsored in part by the Hoover Arts Alliance.

Is a special social or business affair in your future? Looking for the ideal place for your upcoming holiday party? Let our professional event coordinators at Aldridge Gardens help plan your perfect day. We have a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, and we will provide you with all the information and inspiration you need to host the perfect party, wedding, conference or meeting. If your special event is in 2018, contact us now! For information, call Amanda Baker, Director of Sales & Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com.

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

Upcoming Bird Walks Saturday, August 19, 8-10 a.m.

Saturday, September 16, 8-10 a.m.

Join Richard and Patricia Ryel on a guided tour to view the many species of birds in beautiful Aldridge Gardens. Be sure to bring your binoculars! This monthly, members-only event is free, but please RSVP at aldridgegardens.com.

All About Bamboo Didgeridoos With Jay Evans and Jay Burnham Tuesday, August 8, 6 - 8 p.m. $25 Members/ $30 Nonmembers Come to the Aldridge house and join the Two Jays – Jay Evans, head trombonist with the Alabama Symphony and didgeridoo player, and Jay Burnham, timpanist with the Alabama Symphony and maker of didgeridoos – for a fun evening learning about this fascinating wind instrument developed

by Australian Aborigines. We’ll have demonstrations and bamboo available to make either rhythm sticks or mini-didgeridoos. Some will be available for sale. For more information and to register, go to aldridgegardens.com.

Photographer Walt Stricklin in the Gallery Meet the Artist Reception: Monday, August 14, 6-7 p.m.

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

The works of well-known photographer Walt Stricklin will be on display in the gallery and available for purchase during August and September. His works are composite images created from individual photographs, featuring land, city and people.

While in the Gallery, also be sure to see our special Frank Fleming bronze sculpture display, donated by Hoover resident Ken Jackson.

Mark Your Calendars Whispers From the Past: Sunday, October 8 (Rain date October 15) Taste of Hoover: Thursday, October 12 (Rain date October 19) Holiday Greenery Sale: Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 Gifts of Art Holiday Market: Thursday, December 7

2017 Sustaining Sponsors Our Gardens are successful thanks to those whose generous sponsorships enable us to maintain and sustain the grounds and to provide activities and events. Because of this, we would like to sincerely thank the following sponsors: Agricultural Services Alabama Power Foundation Eddie and Kay Aldridge Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Ken Jackson Jim McLane Councilman Gene Smith and Pam Smith

Summertime at the Hoover Public Library is anything but quiet––and everyone likes it that way.

Staff members like Outreach Librarian Katie Jane Morris work hard to make sure the months between the end of one school year and the beginning of a new one are filled with fun educational programs that will keep young minds sharp during the summer break. As schools welcome kids back for a new academic year, Morris shares several of her top picks for books that will build on that excitement and set them up for a productive year of learning.

READ THIS BOOK

5 Book Picks for Children Recommendations from

Katie Jane Morris Outreach Librarian Hoover Public Library

I’m Smart!

by Kate & Jim McMullan | Fiction This wife-husband team have given us many excellent read-alouds about modes of transportation – from garbage trucks to Zamboni machines. Their latest collaboration is perfect for back-to-school. What is smarter than a rocket scientist, more powerful than a monster truck, and able to halt traffic with the flick of a switch? The school bus, that’s who!

What the Dinosaurs Did at School

by Refe & Susan Tuma | Fiction Another husband-wife team has made the list! The Tuma family first caught our attention when they captured the antics of their kids’ plastic dinosaurs in What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night. Now, those mischievous dinosaurs have stowed away in backpacks to school! Will they take this learning opportunity seriously? Or will they get up to serious mischief?!

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Jessica Lanan | Children’s Biography Anna Comstock was a naturalist and artist in a time when women were thought to be incapable of pursuing either passion. She also pioneered the movement for schools to conduct science and nature classes outdoors.

The Unlucky Lottery Winners of Classroom 13

by Honest Lee & Matthew J. Gilbert | Fiction Thirteen is considered an unlucky number. But then Ms. LaCrosse, the teacher for Classroom 13, wins the lottery! And shares her winnings with her students! The class’s luck has clearly turned. Or has it? With great money comes awful allergies, terrible taxes, violent volcanoes, and other pesky problems. This is the first book in a brand new series for kids who like The Adventures of Captain Underpants and Sideways Stories from Wayside School.

Armstrong and Charlie

by Steven B. Frank | Fiction School is starting, but none of Charlie’s friends will be returning to his school. They are all transferring to avoid attending classes with black students. Armstrong is one of the students who has earned a spot in Opportunity Busing. What will the school year have in store for these two boys from different worlds? Set in Los Angeles in the 1970s, this novel is inspired by the author’s own educational experiences.

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SCHOOL

&SPORTS

CHECKMATE!

Child chess whiz Rochelle Wu earns awards in state, national and international tournaments

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

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When 11-year-old Rochelle Wu sits down at a chess board, she takes command of the kings, queens, rooks, bishops, knights and pawns dotting the checkered plane in front of her.

Considering she started playing chess as a 6-year-old, Wu’s mastery of the game is no surprise to her family.

Lizhi Wu, Rochelle’s father, said she started playing at the same time as her older brother, Sijing, who wanted to spend time with his friend that was learning chess.

“So, we think it is not a bad idea to send the siblings to learn something together, especially when very soon we realized both of them were interested in chess and improved fast,” Lizhi said. “At the beginning, they took lessons from local coaches, then started to take online chess lessons from coaches from India and Serbia.”

Rochelle, a former Bluff Park Elementary School student, started competing in local scholastic chess tournaments five years ago “for fun,” Lizhi said.

“Two years later, she started to play more seriously and frequently against adult players in tournaments,” he said.

Lizhi and his wife, Jianmin Xu, have driven Rochelle and her brother to cities all over the United States on

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more than 40 weekends to compete in domestic tournaments.

Rochelle has also competed and placed in international tournaments, including the World Youth Chess Championship in South Africa in 2014 (sixth place), World Youth and Cadets Championship in Greece in 2015 (15th place) and World Cadets Championship in Georgia in 2016.

“I enjoy going to tournaments, making new friends and traveling to different places,” Rochelle said.

Her chess titles include Candidate Master of the United States Chess Federation, Woman Candidate Master of the World Chess Federation and World Youth U10 Girl Champion.

Her chess awards in Alabama are: first place in the 2015 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, Primary section (K-3); first place in the 2016 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, Elementary section (K6); and first place in the 2017 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, Open section (K-12).

On the national chess scene, Rochelle represented Alabama in the 2016 U.S. Chess Nationals Girls

“I LEARNED THAT EVEN IF YOU LOSE A BUNCH OF GAMES, YOU HAVE TO KEEP FIGHTING.”

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Rochelle Wu, center, holds her first place trophy from the FIDE World Cadets Championship 2016. She is with her brother, Sijing, and her father, Lizhi.

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GET TO KNOW THE PLAYER NAME: Rochelle Wu AGE: 11 AGE AT WHICH SHE STARTED PLAYING CHESS: 6 TITLES SHE HOLDS: Candidate Master of the United States Chess Federation, Woman Candidate Master of the World Chess Federation and World Youth U10 Girl Champion STATE CHESS AWARDS SHE’S WON: First place, 2015 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, Primary section (K-3); first place, 2016 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, Elementary section (K-6); and first place, 2017 Alabama State Scholastic Chess Championship, Open section (K-12) NATIONAL RECOGNITION: Represented Alabama in the 2016 U.S. Chess Nationals Girls Tournament of Champions and won the Ursula Foster Award as the best girl player under 13

Tournament of Champions and won the Ursula Foster Award as the best girl player under 13 years old.

On Nov. 21, 2016, Sen. Jabo Waggoner issued a resolution to Rochelle commending her chess achievements. In March, the Hoover City Board of Education issued a certificate of appreciation to her.

Lizhi said Rochelle has been a member of ChessKidsNation, a local club, and has taken private chess classes from local coaches Charles Smith and Caesar Lawrence.

“Currently, she is taking online lessons from variant resources,” he said. “Rochelle has received invitation from Kasparov Chess Foundation (Kasparov was former World Chess Champion) and will join the Young Stars – Team USA Program this summer.

Only a few top junior players have been offered this opportunity.”

Also, she is one of the candidate players from the U.S. team to play the Match of the Millennials – USA vs. the World this summer. If she is not chosen for the match, she will play in the 2017 U.S. Chess National Girls Tournament of Champions as the representative of Alabama again, according to Lizhi.

Rochelle said she has learned life lessons and fostered many long-distance friendships through chess.

“I learned that even if you lose a bunch of games, you have to keep fighting,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of new friends through chess. They are all over the country.”

To anyone that doubts her dedication to the game, she said: “I will always continue to play chess, for my whole life.”

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Wait At Home.

Need to see a doctor after-hours or on the weekend?

St. Vincent’s Urgent Care on the One Nineteen campus has you covered!

Now offering online check-in, so you can wait at home. Reserve your spot now and see a physician today.

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7191 Cahaba Valley Road • 205-408-2366 • Mon.-Fri., 1–9 p.m. • Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

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We are now accepting patients. To book an appointment, call 205-995-9909.

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stvprimarycare.com

&DRINK

FOOD

TACO OF THE TOWN Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila spices up The Preserve’s dining scene

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON HooversMagazine.com 33

Brianna and Benard Tamburello, owners of Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila at The Preserve, wanted the restaurant to offer people a chance to customize their dining experience from start to finish.

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When people finish their hikes through Hoover’s 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve, Benard and Brianna Tamburello are hoping they’ll find more than just refreshment at the newest eatery in the community.

At Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, the Tamburellos are aiming to offer a dining experience people can make all their own, from the moment they step past the restaurant’s quirky mascots, Taco Doodle Doo and Moss Hogg, perched outside the front door.

“We’re trying to make it a destination,” Brianna Tamburello, 37, said. “It’s very important that our guests get to create their dining experience.”

Beyond the freshly blended spices and sauces and organic ingredients that flavor the dishes at Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, the Meadowbrook couple also want people’s overall experiences to complement their enjoyment of the food.

The concept of mealtime as an event bringing people together has been cemented in Benard’s mind since he was a child.

His family’s home served as a common gathering place for many of their friends on a regular basis.

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“Our house was a neighborhood house,” Benard, 51, said.

“We treat a meal as an event. We’re always happy, we always bring livelihood to the table and we always look to put a smile onto somebody’s face. What better way than good food?”

As a third-generation Italian, Benard grew up in Homewood, in a “classic Italian house,” as Brianna described it, where he learned how to handle different types of food, and cultivated a love of pizza, steak and pork.

“My dad was the private label food buyer for Bruno’s, and with that came samples,” Benard said. “I loved anything on the grill. I loved breakfast, too. Breakfast was awesome.”

He experimented with pastas and various sauces. His mastery of different techniques, ingredients and flavors didn’t come from formal training, but from hours of reading, learning and making adjustments in the kitchen.

He didn’t know he wanted to work in the restaurant industry until he landed a job running the cash register at his cousin’s restaurant, Gus’s Hot Dogs, in Inverness.

In 1992, when he was about 24 years old, Benard bought the restaurant, where he and a couple employees fed large crowds of people.

“We had lines out the door every day for lunch,” he said. “It was huge.”

The space beside the former Lloyd’s Restaurant location in Chelsea became available, and Benard bought it and, in 1996, opened Bernie’s Grill, a meat-and-three-style eatery during the day, with burgers and salads, and a cross between Cajun and Italian cuisine at night.

Bernie’s Grill was open until 2001, and in 2002, Benard opened Bernie’s on Main in the former Western Auto building on Columbiana’s Main Street in 2002.

His other ventures over the years include La Dolce Vita in Riverchase in 2005, Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar in Greystone in 2008 and Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato in The Preserve in 2013.

He currently owns Bernie’s on Main, Vecchia and Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila.

Vecchia was a departure from Bernie’s on Main’s fare – gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta, steaks, catfish, liver and crab cakes – and Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila is a departure from both. And it’s not run-of-the-mill Mexican food reminiscent of something from a box or bottle in a grocery store; it’s real, fresh fare carefully prepared and presented every time it’s ordered.

“I’m the visionary of where everything needs to be,” Benard

said. “I wanted to do something different. There are similarities between Italian and Hispanic (cuisine); just different spices.”

Benard said he particularly enjoys making the adobo sauce, a richly spiced red sauce made from dried ancho and guajillo chilies and a medley of ground spices.

The chilies alone require much time and care. Each chili must be de-seeded by hand, soaked for several hours and then blended with other spices.

“There’s a lot of love that goes into these spices,” he said.

“There are no shortcuts. It’s definitely a labor of love.”

The flavor profile of the adobo sauce is mildly spicy, smoky and deeply rich and full of layers.

The sauce is used as a marinade and a topping for several of the tacos at Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila.

“Everything we’re trying to do is locally sourced as close as possible,” he said.

Before opening Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, the couple started hosting parties at their house to try new recipes.

Crafting the ideal menu was one part of opening Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila.

Creating a festive, visually interesting atmosphere was another part of the project. Inside, repurposed furniture and wood elements blend with retro tile and bright colors on the HooversMagazine.com 35

At Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, diners can enjoy fresh, madefrom-scratch food including various tacos.

walls and ceiling, creating a vibrant, comfortable dining space.

The Tamburellos obtained the tables from U.S. Steel’s Flintridge building in Fairfield.

“We rescued them from a pristine 1920s cafeteria,” Benard said.

The wall behind the bar is covered in tiles left over from the construction of Carraway Hospital. The cypress and heart pine wood bar top was made by Randy Hillman using an old staircase post and railing from a wood salvage yard in Montgomery.

Brianna said they aren’t sure of the exact origin of the staircase, but it was possibly from an antebellum mansion or hotel.

Old metal fire extinguishers and bed springs are among the more interesting pieces of décor. Much of the art and antique items the couple bought for the restaurant came from Chattanooga.

Hoover High School graduate Madeline Dukes painted murals on the inside wall of the restaurant and in the women’s bathroom.

Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila is located in the space formerly occupied by The Boot, a restaurant that closed last summer.

For the couple, including “Moss Rock” in the name of their restaurant in the Preserve Village was as natural as the scenic trails that weave their way through the Preserve itself.

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“You’re trying to bring people to the neighborhood,” Benard said.

“We really wanted to brand Moss Rock and put it on the map,” Brianna added. “We’re a taco and tequila shop. It all flowed together perfectly.”

Like the community they serve, the restaurant is not an average Mexican-American or Tex-Mex restaurant, Brianna said.

“It’s much more creative than rice and beans and burrito,” she said. “We wanted to put our creative flair on the tacos, sauces and toppings. They’re all a little bit different.”

Even the ordering process is slightly different than other restaurants. At Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, diners fill out sushi-style menus, allowing them to customize their meals from start to finish.

“It’s educating the public on something new,” Brianna said. “It’s a truly unique experience.”

The tacos – chicken, carnitas, barbacoa, carne asada, chorizo and shrimp – are made with fresh cilantro, chopped onion and lime.

They can be washed down with one or more of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, beer and wine.

The Moss Rockarita is a blend of fresh-squeezed limes and agave nectar served frozen or on the rocks.

The Rock Sangria features tequila, red wine and fresh fruit juice.

The Moss Rock Sunrise is the couple’s take on a tequila classic.

Benard said house drinks contain Jose Cuervo Tradicional, and Altos Tequila is the base of the frozen margaritas. Customers can even try a flight of different tequilas to find their favorites.

The Bloody Maria, Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila’s take on a Bloody Mary drink, pairs nicely with the oysters on the half shell.

Different seasonal drinks will be offered throughout the year.

“A lot of cool things (are) happening behind the bar,” Benard said.

Taco and margarita specials are held each week, along with live music every Monday and Thursday. Children aren’t left out of the fun, either. They can choose from a full line of specialty Mexican sodas, Jarritos, and they eat free on Monday nights.

The restaurant is preparing to serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and to launch full-service catering on the weekends. The fun isn’t limited to humans: Pets are welcome on the outdoor patio.

Benard and Brianna have three children, Raquel (14), Matthew (16) and Nathan (18).

They are fans of their parents’ latest restaurant venture.

“You definitely get my vote,” Raquel told them while devouring a helping of Churro Bread Pudding at the restaurant one afternoon.

Brianna said seeing regular customers at Vecchia supporting Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila is encouraging; plus, they have seen a high number of new customers, too.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “It’s exposed us to a whole new demographic we never knew existed. People are excited to have us here.”

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FOOD & DRINK

MOSS ROCK TNT

Watermelon Margarita

WHAT’S IN IT • 1 ½ ounce Tequila • ¾ ounce Triple Sec • 1 ounce Simple Syrup • 3 ounce Fresh Sweet & Sour

DIRECTIONS • Mix ingredients together and muddle with six 1-inch cubes of watermelon.

• Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with watermelon wedge dipped in tajin seasoning.

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&STYLE

HOME

BRINGING ITALY HOME Family builds Mediterranean-style beauty in Ross Bridge

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY BHAM TOURS HooversMagazine.com 39

HOME & STYLE

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When Iris and Jeff Franklin were looking at home lots in Ross Bridge more than a year ago, they knew exactly what they wanted in the surroundings of their custom-built Mediterranean-style home.

“We wanted a lot that either had water, golf course or view,” Iris Franklin said. “We got it all – water, golf course and a view.”

And, Jeff added, a “really good bonus” is the view won’t change.

After 11 years of living in other states, the couple and their three children were moving back to the Birmingham area from Mississippi for Jeff’s job.

They knew what they wanted––and didn’t want––in a home and a community.

“We did not want to be down (U.S.) 280 because of the traffic,” Iris said.

The Hoover City School System was another major factor in their choosing Hoover’s Ross Bridge.

Several of the family’s friends that already lived in Ross Bridge had told them about one of its newest

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neighborhoods, Glasscott, and suggested the Franklins consider settling there.

They followed the advice and found a lot that fit their vision.

Iris spearheaded the task of designing a house to build on the lot.

She drew inspiration from interior and exterior photographs of homes she found online, and incorporated elements the family wanted as she compiled notes and hand-drawn layouts of each room and space.

“My wife gets all the credit,” Jeff said. “She did a good job designing all that. It’s a pleasure to be back home in Birmingham. The house turned out almost exactly the way we planned.”

With its unique clay tile roof (only one other home the family knows of in Ross Bridge has this type of roof, too), the nearly 7,000-square-foot home is a tribute to the family’s affinity for Italy and other travels abroad.

“We travel a lot in Mediterranean, and that’s really where the concept of the house came from,” Jeff said.

Sitting Room Right off the foyer is a sitting room that, with its floor-to-ceiling stained wood walls and leather sofa, resembles an old-fashioned men’s smoking room. The conversation piece in the room is a large stained glass piece depicting a Greek soldier mounted on the back wall. During their first stint in Birmingham, the Franklins purchased the piece, which formerly hung in a Greek restaurant in the city. “He’s been in three different houses,” Iris said of the soldier. “It’s something different.”

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HOME & STYLE

Outdoor Living Space The Franklins’ outdoor living space is as inviting as the interior of their home. When they step out of their back doors, they have multiple options: They can stay in the shade of one of the main-level sitting porches; they can take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub; or they can walk a few paces to the fire pit area, a nice spot even without a fire.

“We really enjoy the back patio with the fireplace,” Jeff said. “Right outside the door of the kitchen, we have heaters. We can use that space all year. I spend a lot of time out there.”

Jeff said they are planning to incorporate a private courtyard in the backyard. It will have the same look as the house,” he said, adding the courtyard will feature red ceramic tiles similar to those on the home’s roof, along with an arched, heavy European door, arbors and possibly grapevines.

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Pool Bathroom A bathroom on the main level close to the pool was a must. The basin sink, crafted by a local artist, seems to float on the glass counter above stones. “It has an Italian beachy feel,” Iris said. “This was the fun room to get creative and kind of be different.”

Kitchen

Wine Cellar Tucked away down the stairs leading to the basement is the wine cellar.

The Franklins’ builder found the wood lining the cellar’s ceiling at a place in north Birmingham that sells reclaimed wood. “According to them, it came from an old distillery in the Louisville (Kentucky) area,” Jeff said.

They ordered customized red wood wine racks online and left the wood untreated for a natural look.

Much of Iris’s time was devoted to designing the kitchen. The centerpiece of the kitchen is a large, Brazilian dark granite island with a built-in full dishwasher and half-dishwasher, an appliance Iris said she loves because of its convenience. Jeff helped determine the layout of the kitchen, a haven for him in the evenings after work. “For Jeff, cooking is how he relaxes,” Iris said. The kitchen boasts an electric stove with two burners, along with two ovens. Silver pulls on the cream cabinets and drawers give the room a modern finish, and a stainless steel subway tile backsplash adds a sleek touch to the walls. “This is exactly what we had in the last house,” Iris said of the backsplash. But the showstopper in the kitchen––an element not immediately noticeable to first-time visitors––is what the Franklins call a “hidden pantry,” a spacious room located behind two doors masquerading as cabinets in one corner of the kitchen. The hidden pantry affords ample shelf space for food, as well as a coffee bar.

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Master Bedroom and Bathroom The master bedroom is on the main level and features a set of French doors that open onto a small sitting porch. The master bathroom harbors many elements Iris and Jeff hand-picked, but the centerpiece around which everything else revolves – the element that catches one’s eye as soon as the door opens – is the earth-toned granite slab on the wall in the walk-in shower. “I love my shower,” Jeff said. “When we leave for a trip, that’s the first thing I look for when we get home.”

Behind the shower and bathtub is a walk-through closet. The couple have dual vanities.

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®

Kids’ Rooms The Franklins’ three children each have their own bedroom and bathroom on the second level of the home. The two daughters’ rooms each have a sitting porch overlooking the same serene view of the golf course and water as the main-level porches and pool area.

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Living Room The living room features an airy, rustic atmosphere with high ceilings, a slate fireplace and large windows overlooking the pool and view across the water and golf course.

Jeff is an avid hunter, so having a “trophy room” for his animal heads was a necessity.

The room is also a gathering place for the family and guests, particularly in the fall.

The television in the living room can be seen from the kitchen, too.“We watch a lot of college football,” Jeff said. “Having an open concept was key for that reason.”

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Dining Room and Bar The dining room and living room are separated by a bar that runs the length of what otherwise would be a wall.

The space between the bar’s counter and overhead cabinets and racks for glassware give both rooms an open feel.

BEHIND THE SCENES Builder: Murphy Home Builders Superintendent: Kevin Whitfield Home designs: Iris Franklin Vendors: Davis Design, Counter Dimensions, In Line Electric Pelham, V & W Supply Company Inc, All South Appliance Group, Cutstone Company, ACME Brick Company, Flores Enterprises Inc, JMH, LLC dba Alabama Lawn Sprinklers, Herring Enterprises

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Laying the Groundwork for Christ to Work

I

Riverchase church builds relationships in Jamaica.

By Heather Jones Skaggs Photos by Dawn Harrison and Contributed

In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica causing billions in damage and 45 deaths. The Category 3 hurricane intensified to a Category 5 as it ravaged the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico for nine days. But from loss, there is hope. In 1994, members of Riverchase United Methodist Church began working to rebuild churches in Jamaica that were destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert. The focus was building, but the missionaries soon began to see that the needs extended to more than just the rebuilding effort.

What began as a mission trip to help fix buildings ended up forging relationships between people and countries that had been apart for over two decades.

“We are in the same communities working with Jamaicans – not just helping in recovery and rebuilding efforts,” says Dr. Donnie Cantley, founder of Isaiah 6:8 Jamaica Ministry. “We are developing relationships, understanding needs, giving and ministering to the people of Jamaica.”

For church member Claire Anderson, serving in Jamaica was a life-changing trip she almost missed

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out on. “The summer after our high school graduation (2015), my best friend saw an announcement in the church bulletin about a mission trip to Jamaica, and she encouraged me to sign up with her, so I did. This was not something that I would have done on my own at the time, so I felt a little nervous,” Claire recalls. But after her friend was not able to make the trip, Claire began to have serious reservations about going. “My first thought was ‘I can’t go by myself. Not to a foreign country,’” she says.

After a lot of prayer, and with some trepidation, Claire says she realized this was something God insisted that she do. “Even though I was scared going to a foreign country with people I did not know, I followed God’s call and went to Jamaica with Isaiah 6:8. God knew that going to Jamaica was going to change my life even before I did.”

Many churches in Jamaica that the missionaries serve have minimal to no programs for children.

Part of IS68’s mission is to bring vacation Bible school to the children of Jamaica. The ministry is

“God knew that going to Jamaica was going to change my life before even I did.�

- Claire Anderson

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very mobile with its Bible school program and has the ability to bring the Gospel to many remote locations.

On Claire’s first trip to Jamaica, the team ate at the home of a local woman, Audrey, and her daughter Tamalua, both schoolteachers in one of the poorest areas.

“They welcomed us into their home with open arms, and I quickly became friends with them. Throughout the week, the ladies and a few teens my age helped us with vacation Bible school at different locations. Audrey makes (in American dollars) $120 a month – full time. She goes day in and day out teaching these kids and shining the light of Christ to these kids,” Claire says. “It is amazing to see women like Audrey and Tamalua, who have very little and come from such a broken society, serving God with all their being.”

What Claire says she learned from her first trip was the picture of what service was. “They think I am the one helping them because we are the ones that come down with Bible school supplies, food, money and clothes, but in my experience, God used them to show me what it is like to

live a life truly serving Him.” Claire found her call in Jamaica with Vacation Bible School. “After my first week with the kids, my head hurt from my hair being pulled and braided in every direction possible and my body was exhausted – but my spirit was full,” Claire says. “The kids there so desperately want to be loved. Getting to love on them and tell them how loved they are by their heavenly Father is an experience I cannot even describe.”

On her second trip, Claire, now a college student at Mississippi State University, says she is reminded why we as Americans should not take anything for granted.

“Something that really stood out to me my second summer was when one of the little girls needed a Band-Aid for a cut. You would have thought I had given her an iPad or something. It made me realize how much we take for granted – something as simple as a Band-Aid.” The overall mission of Isaiah 6:8 is the mission common to all Christians – to glorify God. “We do that by demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ by providing HooversMagazine.com 51

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clothing, food and occasionally housing to the extremely poor people of the area,” Cantley says. Along with vacation Bible school, Isaiah 6:8 works in many other capacities.

“We have a breakfast feeding program in a special needs school, we distribute food boxes to the elderly and we help support ministry to an indigent nursing home. We engage communities by building, maintaining and helping support preschools and kindergartens in impoverished neighborhoods as well as help build and maintain churches.”

Claire set out on her third trip to Jamaica in July with a small group that included her mother, Cantley, and Terry Fry. Claire organized the Bible school before the trip and will take it to five different locations. “The past two years 54 HooversMagazine.com

the focus was on the Bible school for the children, but this year I am excited to focus on teens because they are the ones who will lead the younger ones year round when we are not there,” Claire explains. “They all love Jesus and have so much potential to be impactful leaders in their community.”

Isaiah 6:8 continues its work building and nurturing relationships with the Jamaican people. “They need people coming there to teach them the truths of the Bible, as well as being an example of what it looks like to love Jesus and follow Him, Claire says. “They need friendships with people who will encourage them. They need hope; hope that can only come from Jesus.”

The greatest need for the mission teams Claire says is

“

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’

- Isaiah 6:8

”

support, prayers and volunteers. Cantley agrees. “Terry Fry and I are the main leaders of Isaiah 6:8, he says. “We are an extremely lean non-profit with no employees and are volunteer based.”

Although her friend never went to Jamaica, Claire says God worked through her friends to get her on her first trip. “If I never went to Jamaica, I would never have seen the work God needs done there or formed the lifelong friendships centered around Christ with the people there,” she says. “I am able to go now and lead vacation Bible school with no fear, not because I have confidence in myself, but because I have full confidence in God. If you feel God sparking something in you to go to Jamaica, I strongly encourage you to act on it even though it is scary. It could end up changing your life while ultimately changing the lives of others.”

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Better with Age Seven years since opening The Humidor Room, owner Saeid Morshedi is still having the time of his life.

P

By Emily Sparacino Photos by Dawn Harrison

People told Saeid Morshedi he was crazy when he floated the idea of opening a cigar and Scotch business nearly seven years ago.

“People didn’t think it would work,” he said. “It turned out to be one of the best ideas in the world.”

For years, Morshedi, 35, had dabbled in different business ventures, from gas stations to construction to selling cars to computer work.

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He wanted to try something new, something for which he had a passion.

“I had a passion for cigars and Scotch,” Morshedi said.

But he also wanted to create a place reminiscent of an old cigar shop he once visited in Europe as a teenager – an aesthetically pleasing yet comfortable room where someone could relax with a nice cigar

in the company of like-minded friends and strangers alike.

Morshedi opened the first location of The Humidor Room Cigar & Scotch Bar about seven years ago in a 1,400-square-foot space off U.S. 280 in the Greystone area.

In the summer of 2016, its success––and Morshedi’s desire to expand––prompted him to move to the current space, about a mile down the road, near Aqua Systems of Birmingham.

“I outgrew the place in one year,” Morshedi said of the initial location, adding the second location features an outdoor patio and plenty of convenient parking. “Everybody calls it like ‘Cheers.’ Everybody knows everybody. It’s a very diverse crowd – every diversity, every culture, every background.”

Morshedi said he wants patrons to view it as a place to unwind and take part in casual conversation.

“If you don’t know somebody when you come in, you will when you leave,” he said. “Three rules: We don’t watch the news, we don’t talk about religion and we don’t discuss politics. You get that enough out there as it is.”

Creating a friendly atmosphere was high on Morshedi’s list of priorities for his shop, and it seems to have worked.

In customer Aaron Causey’s words, the clientele of The Humidor Room are “just a bunch of cigar enthusiasts.”

“Everyone knows everyone,” Causey said. “This is my place to come out, hang out and de-stress.”

The Humidor Room was the first place Causey took his friend to when he moved to the area from Washington, D.C. “I actually call this place my man cave,” Causey said. “This is where I go to escape everything. It HooversMagazine.com 57

“

Three rules: We don’t watch the news, we don’t talk about religion and we don’t discuss politics.

”

doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from, everyone sits down and hangs out. No strangers here.”

An at-home, friendly atmosphere is exactly what Morshedi wanted to offer to everyone who walks into The Humidor Room.

“These are not customers anymore,” Morshedi said. “These are family.”

Along with the camaraderie, Morshedi strives to offer his customers high-quality cigars from countries such as Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Honduras.

“He’s concerned more about the quality than anything else,” Causey said.

According to Morshedi, certain cigars can take up to 10 years, or more, to be ready for consumers, similar to wine in the aging process.

“Some wrappers on cigars could be 20 years old,” he said.

He was also quick to note the correct way to enjoy a cigar: “You don’t inhale them. You enjoy the aroma and the taste.”

Morshedi sells various types of cigars, including mild, medium and full-bodied, individually and by the box.

58 HooversMagazine.com

Customers can pair cigars with different kinds of Scotch and adult beverages.

And the shop isn’t just for men, Morshedi said.

Women frequent The Humidor Room, too.

It also has been the site of marriage proposals, post-wedding celebrations and other special events.

“It’s fun,” Morshedi said. “You never work if you have fun. If it’s something you love and something you believe in, you never work at all.”

But Morshedi has indeed worked hard to make his dream become more than just smoke and mirrors.

Morshedi is originally from Iran and has lived in Birmingham since he was 12 years old. Over the years, he has developed an appreciation for Birmingham’s history in the metal industry, and has incorporated elements of it into his Humidor Room décor.

“I love the culture of Birmingham, Alabama,” he said. “I brought the culture here. This is my home. I love Alabama.”

Morshedi graduated from Pelham High School in 2000.

He has been working since age 13, had his first business by age 19 and started The Humidor Room on his own in his late 20s.

“It shows you can do things,” he said. “I went

from nothing to where I am now.”

The Humidor Room is open Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, 1-8 p.m.

“As long as people are hanging out, we’re always here,” Morshedi said. “They can all smoke cigars, and we can all hang out together. They’re happy, we’re happy, everybody’s happy. We’re a family here.”

The Humidor Room Cigar & Scotch Bar is located at 5511 U.S. 280 Suite 101. For more information, visit Humidorroom280.com.

HooversMagazine.com 59

60 HooversMagazine.com

PLAYING TO HIS

STRENGTHS After years of music lessons, gigs and college classes, Hoover’s Sam Davis lands himself on stage with country music star Brett Young.

By Emily Sparacino | Photos Contributed

HooversMagazine.com 61

T

Ten years ago, Bluff Park native Sam Davis and four of his teenage friends were the young faces of a band called Blue Moon.

“We fancied ourselves being a band that came around ‘once in a blue moon,’” Davis said, laughing.

“We all just ran with it.”

Davis was just 15 years old and a student at Hoover High School when he joined the band Aaron Marefka, Ben Reed, Jordan Rickerson and James Thompson had formed.

Davis was so young that when Blue Moon started playing gigs at Birmingham-area venues like WorkPlay, Iron Horse Café, Zydeco, Night Moves and Rogue Tavern, at least one of Davis’s parents or ofage siblings had to accompany him to each performance.

“We used to laugh and tell him that one day he would have roadies other than his parents,” Sam’s mother, Kathy Davis, said. “Little did we know what would happen.”

Years after Sam and his friends graduated from high school—and from their days of playing Southern rock, Motown and pop original and cover songs together—Sam, a 25-year-old Nashville transplant with Alabama roots, landed a full-time spot in country

62 HooversMagazine.com

PAGES 58, 60 & 62: PHOTOS BY CHASE LAUER

music star Brett Young’s band.

••• Music became a part of Sam’s life when he was in the second grade. He started taking piano from his grandmother, Kaye Davis, a middle school teacher who taught piano at night.

“He learned to read music with Kaye, so when he began taking guitar lessons in about fourth grade, he could already ready the music,” Kathy Davis said.

When Sam was about 12 years old, he stayed at home by himself during the summer.

“I came home one day, and he was sitting by the pool listening to the radio, and he had one of his guitars,” Kathy said. “I heard the music from the radio, and then I heard the radio stop. Sam started playing what was on the radio, just as it sounded on the radio. I knew then that he had a real talent for music. I just didn’t know how far the music would take him.”

Sam took lessons in piano, clarinet and guitar for one year. He took guitar lessons from Archer Guitar in Hoover, eventually dropping the other instruments to focus on guitar. He stopped those lessons when

Blue Moon started taking off.

The five friends have known each other since they were children. He and Reed played guitar, Marefka was lead singer and played keyboard, Rickerson played bass and Thompson was the drummer.

For about three years, they played small gigs at night, but highlights of their Blue Moon days were opening for Blind Melon at WorkPlay and performing at Birmingham’s last City Stages in 2009, Sam said.

“When Sam graduated Hoover High, he wanted to be a rock star,” Kathy said. “He had been playing music in bars for years and read all about the many rock stars which seemed glamorous.”

But practicality called, and Sam chose to go to college first. He made his decision two weeks before the fall semester started at the University of Alabama.

He wanted to go to UA’s music school, but auditions had been held in the springtime.

“I told him it was up to him to find a way into the music school since try-outs were months ago,” Kathy said. “Sam called the music school and talked his way into an audition. Never having played anything but rock ‘n’ roll music, Sam went to Alabama’s music school with his Les Paul guitar and played. They admitted him on the spot.”

•••

Sam stayed at UA until an EF-4 tornado ravaged Tuscaloosa in April 2011.

He was visiting several friends in a house on the lake when the weather took a nasty turn.

“We were in a very old house that was all trees all around it,” Sam said. “We just got in a little hallway and hoped for the best.”

The hallway was the only area of the home that wasn’t destroyed.

“God was looking after us for sure,” Sam said.

A few weeks prior to the tornado, Sam had told his parents he wanted to transfer from UA to a music conservatory. He applied to four schools and was accepted to three.

“San Francisco Music Conservatory offered Sam a scholarship,” Kathy said. “Sam turned down San Francisco so he could go to Berklee College of Music in Boston.”

He moved to Boston knowing nobody, and he’d missed all of the school orientations.

“It was an intimidating situation,” he said. “I just dove in and knew it was the best thing for me.”

Sam strengthened his social and musical skills and cultivated an “amazing outlook on life” at Berklee.

In 2013, however, the Boston Marathon bombings happened.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

SAM DAVIS IN BLUE MOON: Guitar

NOW: Lives in Nashville and is a member of

country music artist Brett Young’s band

AARON MAREFKA

BEN REED

Keyboard

NOW: Has a band

IN BLUE MOON:

IN BLUE MOON:

Guitar

and lead singer

called B.L. Reed in

NOW: Solo pianist and songwriter

Nashville

The former members of Blue Moon

JORDAN RICKERSON

JAMES THOMPSON

NOW: Has a band

Drummer

IN BLUE MOON: Bass called The Dizzy

IN BLUE MOON: NOW: Plays with

Ben Reed’s band and produces music

in Nashville HooversMagazine.com 63

“

I knew he was good at 12. Now at 25, he is amazing even if I am his mother saying it.

- Kathy Davis

”

“Sam had just sent me a picture from the start of the race and told me he was going to the finish line,” Kathy said. “A few minutes later, the bombing occurred. I couldn’t contact Sam for a few hearttearing hours, but Sam was fine. He had to stay in his apartment until the bombers were caught – everything was shut down.”

Sam spent the next year studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, and graduated cum laude two years later.

He moved to Nashville and got a job at The Listening Room Café, where another person he knew from Hoover was also on staff.

“My mindset was to meet the most people,” Sam said. “Real connections in Nashville started happening.”

Sam joined a band called Black Diamond Strings, a “bunch of California boys playing Southern rock like I was used to in Alabama,” he said.

A man named John Gurney joined the café staff.

He and Sam became friends, and Gurney introduced him to his friends. In August 2014, Gurney called Sam and told him a new country music artist named Brett Young was looking for a guitar player to perform three or four songs with him at Whiskey Jam. “It went really well, and he (Young) said, ‘If you want to keep playing with me, hopefully we’ll keep having shows for you to play,’” Sam said. “He had no idea what his career was going to be. It kept 64 HooversMagazine.com

snowballing. It’d be a couple shows a month to 15 shows a month. Now, it’s five or six shows a week.”

Brett Young’s first two radio singles, “Sleep Without You” and “In Case You Didn’t Know,” each reached No. 1 on the country music charts.

“We have met Brett and all the band on many occasions since we travel to see Sam often,” Kathy said. “Brett is genuinely a nice guy. The son of a preacher who wants anyone of any age to be able to attend his concerts.”

The band performed on NBC’s Today Show in February. In addition, they have played at The Grand Ole Opry, Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and Camp LeJeune, where they entertained American military personnel on July 4th.

The band started the summer on Luke Bryan’s tour, and played 12 shows with Lee Brice and Justin Moore. Now, they’re touring with Lady Antebellum and Kelsea Ballerini.

They will perform a concert at Pelham’s Oak Mountain Amphitheatre on Sept. 7.

••• Sam bought a house in Nashville in October, officially cementing the city as his new home base when he’s not on tour.

“I kind of like to view it as like collecting food for the winter,” he said of the schedule. “You work hard

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during summer so you can relax in the winter. It’s been great.”

Sam, Marefka, Reed, Rickerson and Thompson reconnected to play at Marefka’s brother’s wedding at WorkPlay a year-and-a-half ago.

“We all got together and practiced a handful of times,” Sam said.

“All the parents were there. It was a fun moment.”

All of them, except Rickerson, live in Nashville now.

“I hang out with them as much as I can,” Sam said. “We still actively talk, too. They are still some of my best friends in the world, and we haven’t lost touch.”

Touring with Brett Young – a down-to-earth, generous person, even as his career is reaching new heights – is an experience for which Sam is grateful.

“It’s nice that he’s taken care of us and really respects us and wants us to be there,” Sam said. “In turn, it helps us when we get overwhelmed with being gone so much. It’s nice that we have an artist that wants to hang out with us and wants to be with us. He’s a good person.”

Sam’s Alabama homecoming and concert at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in September undoubtedly will be a night to remember, not only for him, but for anyone who has followed his journey.

“Every time I see Sam play, he seems better and better,” Kathy said. “I knew he was good at 12. Now at 25, he is amazing even if I am his mother saying it. I do not give Sam advice about what he should do in music. I want Sam to do whatever he wants to do in music. I think he has done pretty good for himself so far.”

EVENT PRESENTED BY THE COMER/COSBY GROUP AT MERRILL LYNCH

SUBSCRIBE NOW! Your Stories.

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For the extended version of this story visit Hooversmagazine.com.

HooversMagazine.com 65

ST. VINCENT’S ONE NINETEEN

BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO BUSY Five tips for fast, healthy August meals

BY DONNA SIBLEY PHOTO CONTRIBUTED For many parents, the back-toschool season means back-to-busy meal times. Rushed mornings, afterschool activities and evening demands can challenge even the most nutritionconscious families.

In real life, all families sometimes resort to drive-through burgers and fries. But with a little planning, fast and healthy food can be served at home or on the go. Here are my best tips for the back-to-school season: Make menus.

This weekend, consult your calendar and kids. Then list, shop and prep next week’s menus. Note what works. Then repeat the process for two weeks, introducing new ideas. By September you’ll have 21 shortcut menus.

Bag breakfast. When time runs short, bag a breakfast sandwich. Microwave whole wheat English muffins, topped with egg and Canadian bacon. Or, spread peanut butter and banana slices on toasted whole grain waffles. On Sunday night, boil eggs or make overnight oatmeal, spooned into individual containers. For a balanced meal-in-a-cup, blend a low-sugar smoothie.

Combine Greek yogurt, a handful of spinach and frozen fruit.

Love lunch. Vary your high-fiber fixings. Fill whole wheat buns, pita pockets or wraps with low-fat cheeses and meats. Tuck 100-calorie packs of nuts and/or prepackaged fruits (from apple slices to mandarin oranges) in insulated lunch boxes. Make raw veggies more appealing by providing individually-packaged dips, like hummus, peanut butter or guacamole cups. If refrigeration is available, include Greek yogurt for dessert.

Stow snacks. After-school snacks can fuel young athletes and help prevent pre-dinner meltdowns. Have kids create their own trail mixes with

1.

2.

3.

4.

66 HooversMagazine.com

nuts, pretzels, whole grain cereal and dried fruit. Keep packets of raisins or dried cranberries in the car. Fresh fruit is the ultimate fast food. Bananas, oranges and apples require no refrigeration, and can be eaten anytime.

Designate dinner. Get supper on the table pronto by precooking meats. A skinned, sliced rotisserie chicken can be served with microwaved sweet potatoes and bagged veggies. Make browned ground turkey the base for tacos one night and spaghetti the next.

When kids need a fast food fix, suggest they make individual pizzas out of pita or flat bread, jarred sauce, raw veggies and turkey pepperoni, topped with low-fat cheese.

Supplement those prepared meats with slow cooker meals. Frozen chicken filets can simmer all day in seasoned broth, then shredded to serve. As cooler weather arrives, add soups to the menu. Freeze individual soups or leftover main dishes for more on-the-go options this fall.

5.

For information on St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s individual nutrition consults or group cooking classes, call (205) 408-6550. For more information on all of St. Vincent’s One Nineteen’s offerings from urgent care to outpatient surgery, visit onenineteen.com.

Clara

Cure for How trial could save a child with terminal diagnosis

PAGES 65, 66 & 68: PHOTOS BY TIFFANY ROACH/TNR CREATIVE

HooversMagazine.com 67

S

By Lauren Dowdle | Photos Contributed

She might never take her first steps, sing a nursery rhyme or learn how to ride a bike. Those missed milestones are just reminders of the cruel progression of Clara’s disease, not that her family could forget.

But from that pain comes a determination and hope that could save this 3-year-old’s life and many others.

All that’s missing are the funds to make that dire prayer a reality. And raising awareness for that need is a daily mission for Ryan and Jenny Bragg.

The Braggs moved to Hoover for Ryan’s job at Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, where they now live with their two children: Tanner, 5, and Clara, 3.

But life as they knew it changed last year when they received news no parent wants to hear: Their youngest had a terminal disease.

The couple first started noticing something wasn’t quite right when Clara was about 14 months old.

They became concerned because she hadn’t started to walk on her own, instead falling when she would try to take steps, Jenny says.

“We then began noticing that her fine motor skills were not where they should be and that she had

68 HooversMagazine.com

plateaued developmentally across all areas,” Jenny explains.

Soon after that, they began realizing Clara was actually regressing and losing skills she had once mastered. So, they began a year-long journey searching for a diagnosis.

It was during a research study in August 2016 with Hudson Alpha and UAB when Clara received her diagnosis: late infantile GM1 gangliosidosis. The results came after they analyzed Ryan and Jenny’s DNA, along with Clara’s DNA, and found both parents carried the recessive GM1 gene — and Clara inherited both.

GM1 gangliosidosis is a terminal, inherited disorder that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Clara’s life expectancy is 10 years, as the disease will slowly take away her skills.

Late infantile GM1 is found in 1 in 200,000 to 250,000, Jenny says.

“Clara’s diagnosis still brings me to tears daily,” Jenny says. “It is a parent’s worst nightmare to hear that your once presumably perfectly healthy child is going to slowly die before your eyes, and there is

nothing you can do about it.”

But one they can do something about is supporting the human gene therapy trial — and they’ve been focusing on that ever since learning about Clara’s disease.

Within three weeks of receiving her diagnosis, the couple started their A Cure for Clara campaign to raise money for the trial that could potentially save Clara’s life and other children with GM1.

“We pour all of our emotions into fundraising, as this cure and other promising research are our only options to potentially saving her life,” Jenny says. “We’re very actionoriented. There’s promising research, and we’re very grateful for that.”

The family has held a variety of fundraisers since receiving the diagnosis last year, raising $1.7 million for GM1 research. All of the money they raise goes straight to the nonprofit Cure GM1 Foundation and is 100-percent tax deductible. And that money could directly save lives in the very near future.

Unlike many other terminal diseases, someone has actually found a cure for GM1. The family has focused specifically on Dr. Doug Martin’s research from Auburn University since he’s cured the disease in cats, allowing

them to live normal lives.

Researchers just need the funds to move from animal testing to a human trial — something that could save Clara’s life.

“It’s the first time in history a terminal disease has been cured with gene therapy,” Jenny says. “They just need the funding to go to trial.”

Jenny says they’re hopeful the trials will begin for humans in the first or second quarter of 2018. Once trials begin, Clara would have to qualify to be a part of them. So, the sooner they start the better, since she’s gradually losing her skills and abilities, which could potentially disqualify her from participating.

While the odds may seem to be stacked against Clara, she definitely doesn’t let her diagnosis hold her back.

“Clara is a very social little girl,” Jenny says. “She loves being around other kids and adults.”

Although Clara gets frustrated when she’s unable to do certain things — like walk or pick up things — she doesn’t know she’s sick or different than other children, Jenny says.

“She is a very happy child and always ready to play,” Jenny says. “She wants to move all of the time. She can crawl and bounce on her knees.”

Clara continues to impress her

WHAT IS GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS? The Bragg family is undoubtedly asked this question on a regular basis.

According to information at the family’s website for their daughter, Acureforclara. com, GM1 gangliosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder that progressively destroys nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain and spinal cord.

CLARA’S CONDITION Late Infantile GM1 gangliosidosis. This, and Juvenile (type 2) GM1 gangliosidosis are considered intermediate forms of the condition and may begin between ages 1 and 5. Features include ataxia (uncoordinated movement), seizures, dementia and difficulties with speech.

This type progresses more slowly than type 1, but still causes decreased life expectancy (around mid-childhood or early adulthood).

CAUSES GM1 gangliosidosis is a genetic disease, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning Ryan and Jenny Bragg carry the recessive GM1 gene, and Clara inherited both genes.

PAGE 67: MAGEN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

CLARA’S PROGNOSIS Her life expectancy is 10 years, as the disease will slowly take away her skills.

No treatments or cures are commercially available now, but a gene therapy trial––the reason A Cure for Clara was founded––could be the answer in the future, pending adequate funding.

HooversMagazine.com 69

“

We pour all of our emotions into fundraising, as this cure and other promising research are our only options to potentially saving her life.

- Jenny Bragg

”

family with everything she does, and they’ve learned not to take any moment for granted.

“Clara is very determined. As difficult as it is for her to move her body in the way she wants to, she is constantly trying and never gives up,” Jenny says.

“She is feisty and opinionated, in spite of her being nonverbal. She has a very strong personality: It’s amazing to see.”

To learn more about Clara’s story or support the GM1 trial, visit Acureforclara.com.

GREENVALE PEDIATRICS — HOOVER welcomes our newest physician

JULIA STEWART, MD Dr. Stewart is now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years She joins these physicians: Toren Anderson, MD Amy McCollum, MD Dan Carter, MD John Petelos, MD John Cortopassi, MD Jeff Stone, MD Brian Dudgeon, MD

Greenvale Pediatrics — Hoover 5295 Preserve Parkway, Suite 100 Hoover, Alabama 35244

205.987.4444 greenvalepediatrics.com 70 HooversMagazine.com

N C T ON

EC ON I

Hooverchamber.org

1694 Montgomery Highway, Suite 108, Hoover, AL 35216 | (205) 988-5672 | (205) 988-8383 FAX www.hooverchamber.org | email: bill@hooverchamber.org

Chick-fil-A to Sponsor Thursday, August 17 Luncheon David Jackson and his Chick-fil-A restaurants in Hoover will sponsor the Thursday, August 17 Chamber Luncheon, and he has invited one of the top corporate executives from the Chick-fil-A home office as our speaker.

Dee Ann Turner is a business leader, best-selling author and speaker. She started her career at Chick-fil-A in 1985 as an administrator in the Human Resources department. During those years, she witnessed significant growth and change.

Selected as Chick-fil-A’s first female officer in 2001, Dee Ann has led various areas of the business including Human Resources, Franchisee Selection, Culture, Learning and Development, Talent Management and Talent Acquisition. She currently serves as the Vice President, Enterprise Social Responsibility.

In 2015, Dee Ann’s first book, It’s My Pleasure, The Impact of Extraordinary Talent and a Compelling Culture was released and became a best-seller. She speaks all over the United States and internationally for both business and non-

grown sons, Trenton, Trevor and Trey and daughter-in-love, Katie. She is an avid sports enthusiast and she and Ashley enjoy traveling and active adventures. Together they serve their local church and Dee Ann has served on the boards of a number of ministries that support initiatives for women and children.

To attend the Thursday, August 17 Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Friday, August 12, by calling 988-5672, or emailing Lisa Dunbar at the Chamber at lisa@ hooverchamber.org. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting profit organizations on the topics of sharply at noon.

Cancellations are leading culture, talent selection and talent accepted until the morning of the luncheon development among others. During her with almost any reason accepted. The tenure at Chick-fil-A, Chick-fil-A has Hoover Country Club is located at 3140 grown from 319 restaurants with Club Drive in Hoover, 35226. $161,500,000 in sales to over 2,100 The luncheon is $20.00, payable at the restaurants in 46 states and the District of door, or $25.00 without reservations, if Columbia with annual sales of over $8 space is available. Payment may be made billion. by cash, check, or major credit card. You Married to her husband, Ashley for over may also make reservations online at 30 years, they are the parents of three www.hooverchamber.org/lunch.html.

HooversMagazine.com 71 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Library’s Premier Screening of Civil Rights Documentary Direct Action “This film is a product of four years work to tell a pivotal story of which many have not heard. In 1963 Birmingham, a group from the white establishment that included idealistic attorneys, prominent business leaders and Bryce Thornton, union labor leaders, cast Hoover Public Library aside historic differences Business Department and worked behind the scenes to force a change of government. The success of their efforts was a turning point in ending segregation. This collaboration for the common good should be an example for all present leaders and the community at large.” - Tommy Wier, Writer/Producer/Director Direct Action will be premiering at the newly renovated Hoover Library Theatre on Sunday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m.

This important and timely documentary is not only a lesson in our shared history but a film that shares a positive message when people of good will stand together for civil rights and human dignity in the face of overwhelming opposition.

Following the screening please join us for a reception and a Q&A with director Tommy Wier.

Bryce Thornton is the Business Librarian at Hoover Library. You can reach him at 444-7816 or brycet@bham.lib.al.us.

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

August 10, 2017 - Nova Essence Medispa (Patton Creek)

February 2018 - Faulkner University

September 14, 2017 -Available October 12, 2017 - Brook Highland Place

March 8, 2018 - Breakout Birmingham April 12, 2018 - Available

October 31, 2017 - T. Fox Salon - Halloween Treat!

November 9, 2017 - Brookdale University Park

May 10, 2018 - Available June 14, 2018 - Available July 12, 2018 - Available

December 14, 2017 - Vestavia Reserve Luxury Apartments

August 9, 2018 - Available

January 11, 2018 - Available

September 13, 2018 - Available

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hoover Country Club August 17, 2017 - Chick-fil-A September 21, 2017 - Available

November 16, 2017 - American Family Care

October 19, 2017 - St. Vincent’s Health System

December 21, 2017 - America’s First Federal Credit Union

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

July 27, 2017 - Galleria Woods Retirement Community

October 26, 2017 - Orange Theory Fitness

August 24, 2017 - Expedia CruiseShipCenters

November & December - None Held

August 31, 2017 - Open House at Customs Café

January 25, 2018 Morningside of Vestavia (formerly Chateau Vestavia)

September 28, 2017 - 100 Inverness Apartments

February 2018 - Perry’s Steakhouse March 22, 2018 - Available

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 72 HooversMagazine.com

New Members — June/July 2017 AAATIX, LLC Natalie Joiner - 822-7082 Chappell Professional Group David Chappell, CPA 978-8888 Charter Communications Taylor Vice - 877-906-9121

Garver Brian Shannon, Vice President - 443-3080 Gateway Mortgage Company Tab Bisignani, Branch Manager - 910-5510

Clear Solutions Lynette Roberts - 618-8324

Hilton Garden Inn & Hometown Suites Birmingham Jason DeLuca- 322-7037

Crocker Moving Services Eric Crocker, Owner 721-3538

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Birmingham East Karen Regula - 957-0555

EnviroSquad Thomas Ryan, CEO 807-3419

Lampshade Consulting Lamar Mayton, Financial Coach - 835-7553

Floor & DĂŠcor Scott Wilson, Store Manager 909-3054

Legal Shield Yolanda Chandler, Director 675-7116

Native Rewards Jordan Doufexis, Partner 638-5061

Pink Petals 2 Wigs Debra Cain - 960-1150

Ambassador Personnel Stephen Raab, Regional Vice President - 640-7480

Residence Inn by Marriott - Sandestin Jessica Cox (850) 499-5620

Birmingham BMW Jeannie Swan - 540-0000

Revive Vitality Neal Kelley - 588-6700

Diversicare of Riverchase Maria Brown Ephraim, NHA, MS - 987-0901

Trade Partner Exchange Nathan Park, Executive Director - 991-7050

FedEx Tina Davis, Senior Center Manager - 987-2636

U.S. Army Recruiting Center Charles Boyd, SFC 334-551-3227

Low Latency Communications, LLC Bil Koepsel, VP Sales & Mktg - 745-3970

The Second Flight Winners of the 21st Annual Chamber Golf Tournament came from the King Acura Team, of Doug Meadows, John Stanton, Henry Donald, Henry King, and with a score of 64. Each was awarded a $100.00 gift certificate to the Golf Shop.

Henry King also won a round of golf for 4 at Bent Brook in the Putting Contest.

HooversMagazine.com 73 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the newly renovated The Point at Oak Mountain Apartment Homes, located at 1 Stonecrest Drive, Birmingham 35242, just across Highway 280 from The Village at Lee Branch Shopping Center. Shown cutting the ribbon is Property Manager Kat Wilkes as Marketing Director Elizabeth Culver of Atlanta holds the bow. They are joined by several friends, residents, and vendors, as well as a few chamber ambassadors. They can be reached at oakmountainmgr@ waypointms.com or (205) 981-3005 for information.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the CIS Home Loans office at 4256 Cahaba Heights Court in Cahaba Heights 35243. Shown cutting the ribbon are Retail Account Executive Matt Taul and Branch Manager Chris Montz as Customer Service Representative Erin Hutchinson holds the bow. Business Development Manager Jason Cooke is between them. They were joined by several chamber ambassadors, who were treated with catering from Newk’s and a cake! CIS Home Loans can be reached at (205) 443-7290 or through their website at www.cishomeloans.com.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the new location of Club Pilates-Riverchase, located at 1839 Montgomery Highway, the Plaza at Riverchase, in Hoover 35244.

Shown cutting the ribbon is owner Lindsay Booker as General Manager Carrie Becker holds the bow. Between them are Lindsay’s husband Paul, and sons William and James, and Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. They were joined by several other friends and a number of Hoover Chamber ambassadors! Club Pilates-Riverchase can be reached at (205) 937-7265 or Riverchase@clubpilates.com. www. clubpilates.com/riverchase

A Ribbon Cutting event was held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the new Cahaba Ridge Resort Lifestyle Community, located at 3090 Healthy Way in Vestavia Hills, 35243. Show cutting the ribbon are Community Relations Managers Donna & Jim Nellius, as Management Team Members JR & Tammie Jimenez hold the bow. A separate photo was taken with the Vestavia Hills Chamber and City representatives, although several are also in this photo. They were joined by several residents of this beautiful facility, other team members and guests, as well as a number of Chamber Ambassadors. Cahaba Ridge can be reached at (205) 201-7364. www.rlcommunities.com.

A Ribbon Cutting for the WAITRApp.com was held Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the Riverchase Galleria location of On Tap Sports Café.

Shown cutting the ribbon is Business Development Manager Mark Killebrew and Whitney Savoie, and Charli Leger held the bow. They were joined by several WAITR representatives and Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. They can reached by downloading the app on the Google Play store or the Apple store on any smart phone. Through the Waitr app, clients can order meals delivered from many local restaurants with a flat delivery charge of only $5.00!

A Ribbon Cutting Event was held at the new Las Trojas Cantina Mexican Restaurant, located at 4287 Highway 280 in the Brook Highland Shopping Center, next to Books-A-Million. Shown cutting the ribbon is Elvia Martinez, as Owner Miguel Martinez helps their son hold the bow. They are joined by several family members and employees, as we as several Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. Miguel was kind enough to provide birthday cakes and sombreros for Lynn Ray and Andy Tatum, as some 24 Chamber Ambassadors were treated to a great lunch from the new restaurant. They can be reached at (205) 991-0091 or cantinalastrojas2005@yahoo.com. www. lastrojascantina.com

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 74 HooversMagazine.com

Thank You, Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union* Lisa Worley, Anchor Insurance Agency* Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama* Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* Jennifer Strickland, First Commercial Bank Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* Henry King, King Acura Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance* Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* Karen Waldrop, Regions Financial Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Tim Prince, Hoover’s Magazine, Shelby County Reporter Kathleen Spencer, Morningside of Vestavia* Dan Ellis, TASC* *Designates a Past President of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce The Board of Trustees Eric Land, ABC 33/40

Television Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Kelvin Johnson, Alabama Gas Corporation/Alagasco Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Lesley Searcy, Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union Jimese Harkley, America’s First Federal Credit Union Britten Blackburn, American Cheerleading Centers Randy Johansen, American Family Care Coreata’ Houser, Appleton Talent Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union Nate Wood, BB&T Bank 16. Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Ken Crow, Belk Doug Hovanec, Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar/Revolve Kitchen & Brew Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society Patty Barron, P.E., Birmingham Water Works Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank David Jackson, Chick-Fil-A Jenny Brown, ChickenSaladChick Mike Warren, Children’s of

Alabama Richard Brown, Constangy, Brooks Smith & Prophete, LLP Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Tamara Harrelson, Covenant Classic Schools Maria Brown Ephraim, NHA, MS, Diversicare of Riverchase Mike Hawthorne, Edge Realty Group Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/ Tire Engineers Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Lisa McClung, Galleria Woods Retirement Community Jenn Pressley, Gold’s Gym Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Jinni Lacey, RN, HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn ñ Hoover Bredella Taylor, Homewood Suites - Riverchase Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms Dawn Simmons, Jake’s Soul Food Café 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 Jeff McDowell, McDowell Security Services, LLC Keith Pennington, Medical West David Brown, Office Depot

Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Café Jose’ Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse David Yirkovisky, Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama Charles Kramer, III, Progress Bank 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 Brad Ledbetter, ServPro of Birmingham Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Sarah Turner, Signature Homes Clarence “Brother” Moss, Steak ’N Shake 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 Jason Sutherland, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 280 Greg Livingston, Walmart Market, Lorna Road Devin Errett, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. Russell Pate, Zaxby’s

Monique Holiness The Home Depot – Inverness www.home depot.com

Bethany Bell The Trails at Cahaba River Apartment Homes www.riverside parc.com

Charlie Faulkner Jefferson Credit Union www.jefferson creditunion.org

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

HooversMagazine.com 75 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Upcoming Events

August and September 2017 AUGUST August 1: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors welcome!

August 3: 4:00-7:00 p.m. Open House at Revive Vitality, ) 3425 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham 35243. (Old Fox & Hound location) Contact Neal Kelley at Revive Vitality at (205) 588-6700 or nkelley@revivevitality.org August 10: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

Coffee & Contacts at Nova Essence Medispa in Patton Creek, 160 Main Street, Suite 200, Hoover 35244 (Patton Creek Shopping Center).

Contact Dr. Nova Law, Owner, at (205) 319-4445 or novaessence160@gmail.com. www.novaessencemedispa.com August 10: 4:00-7:00 p.m. Open House at Birmingham Physicians’ Imaging, (formerly Open MRI of Birmingham) 3425 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham 35243. (Old Fox & Hound location) Contact Mildred Waldrop at (205) 420-2494 or mwaldrop@rwbrad.com. www. southerrediologyspecialists.com August 16: 4:30 p.m. Monthly Ambassadors Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

August 24: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Business after Hours at Expedia CruiseShipCenters, 270 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 500, Hoover 35242.

Contact Jon Harvill at (205) 437-

3354 or jharvill@cruiseshipcenters. com for information.

August 17: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, July 14.

Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations.

Lisa@hooverchamber.org August 22: 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at Brik Realty, 100 Concourse Parkway, Suite 165, Hoover 35244. Contact Richard Danner at richarddannerbh@gmail.com, or (205) 206-4321 for information.

August 24: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Business after Hours at Expedia CruiseShipCenters, 270 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 500, Hoover 35242.

Contact Jon Harvill at (205) 437-3354 or jharvill@cruiseshipcenters.com for information.

August 28: 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start for 22nd Annual Hoover Chamber Golf Classic, Riverchase Country Club. Contact Bill Powell at (205) 988-5672 or bill@hooverchamber. org for information.

August 31: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Open House at Customs Café, 1845 Montgomery Highway, Suite 207, Hoover 35244. Contact Teresa

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 76 HooversMagazine.com

White at (205) 987-0176 or Teresa@Customscafe.com. www.

CustomsCafe.com SEPTEMBER September 5: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors welcome!

September 14: 7:30-9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at R&S Wood Flooring, Patton Creek Shopping Center, 4421 Creekside Avenue, Suite 101, Hoover 35244 (next to Dick’s Sporting Goods).

Contact Rachael Turman at (205) 881-3800 or Rachael@ RandSWoodFlooring.com for information.

September 20: 4:30 p.m. Monthly Ambassadors Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

September 21: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m.

Networking, Noon Luncheon.

Please make reservations

by Monday, September 18.

Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations.

Lisa@hooverchamber.org September 28: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Business after Hours at 100 Inverness Apartment Homes, 100 Inverness

Upcoming Events

October 2017 Lane, Birmingham, 35242. Contact Keyana Manchester at (205) 9916088 or 100inverness@trinity-pm. com. www.100inverness.com for information.

October 18: 4:30 p.m. Monthly Ambassadors Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

October 19: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hoover Country Club. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations by Monday, October 16. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations.

Lisa@hooverchamber.org

OCTOBER October 3: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors welcome!

October 5: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee at Chamber Office. Visitors welcome!

October 12: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

Coffee & Contacts at Brook Highland Place Apartment Homes, 1 Meadow Drive, Birmingham 35242. Contact Vickie McLaughlin at (205) 991-8811 or bhpmanager@ dasmenresidential.com for information.

October 26: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Business after Hours at Orange Theory Fitness, 4441 Creekside Avenue, Hoover 35244 (Patton Creek Shopping Center), Hoover 35244. Contact Tiffany Johanneson at Studio0211@ orangetheoryfitness.com or (205) 8232662 for information.

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

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

Marketing Your Business in Your Community Without customers, you have no business.

W i t h o u t marketing, you have no customers. The good news is, with the advent Bryce Thornton, of social media, Hoover Public Library it’s not as hard Business Department to reach your ideal audience as it was 20 years ago.

“If your target audience is in Hoover or any other specific town, it’s actually easy to reach them,” said Helen Todd, APR, owner of Fluid Communications. “All you need to do is a little online research for specific publications such as Hoover Magazine or Hoover Living, and reach out to the editors about content. Then look at geo-targeting with social media defining the interests of your audience. It can take a little time, but once you develop your audience on social media, then you can really begin to engage with them.”

On Tuesday, September 19 at 9:15 am, the Hoover Library is hosting “Marketing Your Business in Your Community.” The stellar lineup of speakers includes Joseph Primm from the Greater Birmingham Small Business Development Center, Sylinda Daniel from the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce and Helen Todd from Fluid Communications.

For more information, please call 4447840.

Bryce Thornton is the Business Librarian at Hoover Library. You can reach him at 444-7816 or brycet@bham. lib.al.us.

HooversMagazine.com 77 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 2017 President

Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union

Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation, 2016 President

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel

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

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Terry Turner Gentle, Turner & Sexton 2nd Vice President

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group, Secretary

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Jeff Stephen McDowell Preston, McDowell Brookwood Security Baptist Medical Services, LLC Center

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Terry Shea, Wrapsody

September 21 Luncheon

Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams to Speak The September 21 Luncheon Sponsor has invited Michael Williams, Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) of the U. S. Secret Service as our speaker.

Williams has executive oversight for the State of Alabama and the State of Mississippi. His career with the Secret Service has spanned more thirty one (31) years.

In 1985, he began his career as a Secret Service Uniformed Division Officer assigned to the White House. In 1988, while assigned to the Miami Field Office, he received numerous awards for investigative excellence to include the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

In 1996, he was assigned to the Presidential Protective Division where he protected Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

In January 2013, he was promoted into the Senior Executive Service in Washington,

DC where he served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division. In this capacity, he had executive oversight for protective intelligence, threat assessments and the Secret Service behavioral analysis program. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of Deputy Assistant Director in the Secret Service Office of Protective Operations. He ensured that the President, the First Lady (POTUS and FLOTUS) and all protected persons, places and events received the highest level of security based on threats and vulnerabilities.

Michael is a native of Birmingham and graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. In 2004, he received UABís Outstanding Alumni Award.

Donít miss this opportunity to hear Secret

Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter 78 HooversMagazine.com

Service Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams share his information at the September 21 Luncheon, to be held at the Hoover Country Club, Hoover, Alabama, 35244. Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the program starting at noon. Reservations can be made by calling 988-5672, or emailing admin@ hooverchamber.org The luncheon is $20.00, payable at the door, or $25.00 without reservations, if space is available.

Payment may be made by cash, check, or major credit card.

You may also make reservations online at www.hooverchamber.org/lunch.html.

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon. Please notify the Chamber if you need to cancel, otherwise, those with reservations who do not attend will be invoiced.

OUT & ABOUT

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FINLEY CENTER GRAND OPENING PHOTOS BY COLETON PHILLIPS

A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held at the Finley Center on Friday, June 16. The 155,000-squarefoot center, which is part of the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, features more than 83,000 square feet of uninterrupted multi-court space to fit as many as 11 basketball or 17 volleyball courts, a 1/4-mile walking track, a climbing attraction called a Clip N’ Climb, a food court, space for 300-plus trade show booths or smaller gatherings and be decorated and customized for events, parties, gatherings and more.

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1. Jamie Cox and Cameron Moss 2. Abby Jones, Delaney Langston and Georgie Fickling 3. Jarome Morgan, Paul Dangel and Terry Shea

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4. Sara Franklin and BJ Ellis 5. Craig Moss, Michael Pepper, Shea Bourland and Alan Paquette 6. Tony Petelos and JT Nysewander 7. Preston Kirk and Velda Johnson

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OUT & ABOUT

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GALLERIA WOODS SOCK HOP

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Galleria Woods residents enjoyed a Sock Hop social event June 16, complete with ’50s-inspired attire, refreshments and live entertainment.

1. Virginia Moore, Margie Dwyer and Lila Berthon 2. Linda Gail and Brad Burchfield 3. Janice Speights, Shirley Preiss and Samantha Hurst

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4. Undrea Wright and Becky Buchanan 5. Beverly Sublette and Frances Fansler 6. Bill and Mollie Midlik 7. Virginia Chambers and Jim Chambers 8. George Buchanan, Brad Buchanan and Mike Collins 9. Mary Justice and Joyce Shirley 10. B.J. Watts and Mary Cooper 11. Undrea Wright and Saralyn Millwee

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OUT & ABOUT

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P R E S E N T E D

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BBGARDENS.ORG/ANTIQUES OR 205.414.3950 BIRMINGHAMBOTANICALGARDENS

BBGARDENS

BBGARDENS

PROVIDING FREE SCIENCE EDUCATION AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

HooversMagazine.com 81

OUT & ABOUT

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MOVERS AND GROOVERS: GREEN AND EXTREME

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Children enjoyed an interactive storytime with songs during “Movers and Groovers: Green and Extreme” at the Hoover Public Library on July 30.

1. Rashawn Wilson, R’Kia Washington and Ember Croom

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2. Dawn Yearwood and Ellis Yearwood 3. Molly, Lela and Ivey Griffin 4. Hoovia Rehman and Arshafa Rehman 5. Baleigh Emerson, Alyssa Jewel and Brinlee Emerson 6. JCCEO Head Start group 7. Ashley and Owen Hudson with Alma and Max Maric 8. Liana Thelin

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OUT & ABOUT

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MOVERS AND GROOVERS: CONSTRUCTION ZONE PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The Hoover Public Library’s Movers and Groovers: Construction Zone program drew a large crowd June 2.

1. Qiao Lin and Michael and Derrick

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2. Tiffany and Emma Grace Johnson 3. George and Luke Farris 4. Quentin Farris with Beatrice and Addy Cairo 5. Lateria Smith and Eva Kate Yeager 6. Sawyer, Hannah and Lincoln Francis 7. Adelaide, Everett, Oliver and Sara Arner 8. Lauren and DeOisha Davidson

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OUT & ABOUT

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2017 HOOVER BELLES PRESENTATION

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The 2017 Hoover Belles Presentation Ceremony was held recently in the grand ballroom of Hyatt RegencyThe Wynfrey Hotel.

1. 2017 Hoover Belles 2. Alexandra Ann Brocato, Madison Leeann Ellis and Callie Ann Ahearn 3. Caroline Elizabeth Kendrick, Celia Jean Simpson and Allie Westbrook Couch 4. Reagan Nicole Green, Emily Michele Hagood and Kennedy Nicole Jackson 5. Delaney Avery Langston, Kimberly Lauren Jolly and Emma Kathleen King 6. Morgan Grace Vanlandingham, Noel Elizabeth Rengering and Abigail Katherine Vandiver 7. Hoover officials and Hoover Belle Committee, from left, Councilman Derrick Murphy, Cathy Head, Jennie Alley, Cathy Connor-Fuller, Denise Shephard, Mayor Frank Brocato, Chair Kay Witt, Becky Walker, Vickie Griffith, Kim Milling and Jennifer Cotney

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MADCAP PUPPETS: MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Madcap Puppets entertained audiences in performances of “Monkey See, Monkey Do” at the Hoover Public Library in June.

1. Darrius Woody and Tanner Hall 2. Anna, Shelly and Penelope Culp

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Intimate. Honest. Timeless.

3. Elizabeth McRae and Olivia Miller 4. Sarah, Dahlia and Lacey Van Wagenen

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OUT & ABOUT

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AMY R. PETERSON’S OPENING ARTIST RECEPTION

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

The opening reception for artist Amy R. Peterson’s solo exhibit at Aldridge Gardens was held June 12.

1. Julie Fritz, Amy R. Peterson and Jill Hess 2. Frank and Mary Skinner 3. Jan Ingle and Betty Daigle

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4. Jan Harris and Nancy Selman 5. Jennifer Gregory and June Bulow 6. Audrey Ann Wilson and Debbie McDonald 7. Lisa Moose and Lani Powell 8. Phyllis Giles, Ellison Hendrixson and Tynette Lynch

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Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal Loans! Let us Pay Off Your Title Loans!

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 Be part of the next breakthrough Cancer treatment. Donate Today.

Your donation funds lifesaving research, treatment and care. www.cancer.org Affordable Lawn Care Alabaster, Pelham, Helena All types of Lawn Care!

Have the best lawn in the neighborhood! Free Estimates Military & Senior Discounts!

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Great Jobs ARE Out There...

If You Know Where to Look!

AIDT recruits, screens & trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

General Lawncare Weekly/bi-weekly grass cutting, including large properties, acreage, lake properties. Great rates! Free Estimates! Discounts for multiple properties. Serving Shelby and Chilton Counties.

Call Alex: 205-955-3439 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 B&J Metal Fabricators Professional sheet metal replacement and fabrication on classic cars/trucks. $65.00/ hour for labor. Parts/supplies additional. Quotes based per job. Media blasting available.

Powder coating coming soon.

Montevallo area.

(205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 Bama Concrete Hiring Mixer Drivers Local deliveries.

Class-B+ CDL, 2yrs MINIMUM heavyhaul experience/Clean

MVR. Competitive Pay/Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Be Blessed Caregivers (205)381-2391 Need dependable, loving, dedicated care for your loved ones? Call us today for a free consultation. LicensedBonded-Insured. BathingDressing-Meals-Errands-Light House Cleaning-Medication Reminders-Hygiene. John3:16 Beelman Truck Hiring Experienced Mechanics and Drivers. Great pay. Great benefits. Apply online at beelman.com or call 205-665-5507.

Birmingham Hide & Tallow Immediate position for CLASS-B ROUTE DRIVERS FOR LOCAL ROUTE. WELLESTABLISHED 100+ YEAR COMPANY NOW HIRING ROUTE DRIVERS. HOME NIGHTS/WEEKENDS. LOOKING FOR HARD WORKING DRIVERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM. CLEAN MVR/BG CHECK REQUIRED. COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: BCBC, 401K, PAID. HOLIDAYS/ VACATION, COMPANY FURNISHED UNIFORMS. CALL 205-425-1711 OR EMAIL: adria.lupien@bhtonline.com BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing!

Beautiful 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments Mon & Wed 8:30am-4pm 535-A Hicks St, Montevallo 205-665-2257 TDD #’s: (V)1-800-548-2547 (T/A)1-800-548-2546 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers. Delivery/unloading to multiple locations. Mon-Fri work week. Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record. Benefits: Competitive wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement.

Call 205-397-1782.

BTC Wholesale Distributors

HooversMagazine.com

FOR SALE: Oracal Vinyl and Premium HTV Vinyl by the Foot or by the Yard C&C Trophy & Sign, Inc. 209 6th ST N Clanton CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd.

Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd.

Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com

CAMP FIRE It’s a way of life. Camp Fire provides the experience to discover who they are, find their spark and become a leader now. www.campfire-al.org 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 CDL Drivers Needed!

HOME DAILY! •$850-$1250/week •Paid Vacation after 1yr •Medical/Dental/Vision Avail.

•New Equipment 2yrs Exp, Clean MVR, Drug Test Chris 205-446-5400 chrisgilliland01@gmail.com Regina (205)275-2293 rparker7770@gmail.com Danny (205)471-3177 dcgcfi@gmail.com FT Presser for Dry Cleaner.

Salary, vacation, holidays, health & life insurance. Must have reliable transportation.

Call Debbie: 205-588-6521 Hiring part-time salesmen for permanent morning shift Monday-Friday. $10/hour versus commission. Call 256•404•7897 and leave a message to be considered for the position.

Got a Class A or Class B CDL? WE WANT YOU! We can even do OJT in some cases. We offer a NO overnight, NO Weekend 4-day workweek! You need to be able to drive a manual shift or automatic transmission truck.

On some deliveries you will need to be able to lift at least

75 lbs- just letting you know up front (yep–we have hand trucks and dollys though!) We start early-so you need to be able to wake before the roosters–but we don’t work late nights. We are a Birmingham based, family owned Company with a 90 year business history, so yeah– we are here to stay! Call 205-7954533 or send resume to trans@ citywholesale.com

Sign on Bonus Email resume to: Blaine.Green@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net

Library Director Chilton/Clanton Public Library Master of Library Science preferred, with 5 years supervisory library experience.

Applicationsavailable at Clanton Library circulation desk, email darlene@chiltonclantonlibrary. org or by mail to the Chilton/Clanton Public Library 100 First Ave Clanton, AL 35045

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

Nationally known wholesale company needs Assistant Sales Manager •Hourly plus commission & bonuses!

•No nights, weekends, holidays or travel!

We market some of the hottest items out, like finger spinners, etc. $10/hour to start!

Call 205-969-1797 Serious inquiries only!

Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World? Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply!

Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, LLC is currently looking for a few good people for the following positions: •PRN Dietary •PRN Housekeeping/Laundry •Full Time RN/LPN 7P-7A •Full Time CNA Night Shift •Part Time CNAs (Day and evening shifts) Please apply in person to: 22969 Hwy 25 Columbiana, AL 35051 Applications are accepted Monday-Friday 8:30A-4:00P. Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! •LPNs: Post Acute Care •Respiratory Therapist:

Full Time and Part Time RN’s Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties. Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984

EXPERIENCED ASPHALT EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Dunn Construction is now hiring for the following full-time positions: •Backhoe Operator: Must be able to demonstrate use of front and back of equipment.

•CDL HAZMAT Drivers: Must hold current Commercial Driver’s License w/Hazmat endorsement, as well as clean driving record. 2 years experience is a must.

•CDL Driver Class B or A: Must have at least 12 months’ experience operating dump truck.

•Experienced Asphalt Equipment Operators •Asphalt Laborers: Looking to hire in Saginaw & Birmingham areas.

•In search of anyone w/previous asphalt operations experience.

401K, health, vision, dental, life insurance, paid holidays, PTO benefits. E-Verify.

To Apply: Go to dunnconstruction.com Click on “Working at Dunn,” scroll to the bottom of the page & click position to apply. If you have questions you can email careers@dunnconstruction.com EOE/Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans PT/FT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed Drug and Background Check Required.

Apply In Person: 150 Princeton Lane Jemison, AL 35085

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Plumbing Service & Repair Technician Requirements: •Journeyman’s plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: john@jeffcoat.us ASE Auto Technician with Imports (German) experience.

Candidate should have: •strong work ethic •own tools Quality & craftsmanship are important. www.empireautohaus.com Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com ETS Restorations Retaining Walls Concrete Work Demolition Landscaping Construction Tree Removal Tree Trimming Bobcat Work Hardscapes Hauling Residential & Commercial Free Estimates!

(205)209-7787 Eastern Tree Service 24 Hour Storm Service www.ETSTree.org Experienced Professionals 205-856-2078 Quick Response Free Estimates $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 taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228

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PELHAM LOCATION NOW OPEN: Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm Sunday, 11am-2pm Try our ribs!

Ask about our daily specials.

309 Huntley Parkway 624-4461 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions.com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 H&H Waterproofing Now Hiring Experienced Waterproofers. Must be able to pass background check and drug test. 205-670-0090 Hardee’s Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth.net LPN’s, RN’s, CNA’s Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045 Looking for a wonderful place to live? NEW Meadow View Village Apartments.

Columbiana, AL. Now Preleasing 2&3 Bedrooms.

Great Amenities Provided.

Call 256-560-0821 99 Eagle Lane info@hollyhand.com.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Part Time Apartment Manager Immediate opening for part time apartment manager in Clanton, AL. Previous residential property management experience and/ or Rural Development property preferred. Strong organizational, communication & computer skills. Ability to effectively multitask. Position eligible for health insurance and paid time off. For Immediate Consideration Email Resume to: hiringdept0885@gmail.com Include in Subject Line: CLANTON Background checks will be run prior to starting employment.

Clanton Villas 2806 7th Street Clanton, AL 35045 1 Bedroom Units Rental Office 205-755-9377 TDD/TTY 1-800-548-2546 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and Employer.

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Celebrating 100 years of justice, equality and

fairness in the workplace.

BIRMINGHAM AREA INSULATORS LOCAL 78 THE HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 78 will be accepting applications for a four-year Apprenticeship Program.

Applications will be accepted on Tuesdays only between 8:30am and 2:00pm at 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, AL 35210 205-956-2866 or craig@insulators78.org Applicants must be at least 18 years old and furnish proof of age. Applicants will be required to take a simple math test as well as an English comprehension test. The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is registered with the Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and is an equal opportunity employer.

DRIVERS NEEDED $2,000 Sign On Bonus J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Class-A CDL Local and OTR Drivers. GREAT BENEFITS! Health Insurance $9 Weekly.

OTR Drivers Home 2 or More Times Weekly. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @256-245-3933 J & W Professional Painting Interior • Exterior 205-788-2907 31 Years Experience!

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS Managers and Assistant Managers MONTEVALLO KFC 950 N. MAIN STREET MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 To apply send resumes to: Attn: Katie Badgwell 113 25th Ave East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8621 Katie@jmfkfc.com CDL TRUCK DRIVER For Tree Service Also hiring for other full-time and part-time jobs. Drug Test Required. 205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 KEEPING IT REAL Cleaning Service Professional Quality with a Personal Touch and Fair Price. 10% OFF FIRST CLEANING for new clients!

Call 567-5917 Kelly Educational Staffing® We’re hiring!

•Substitute teachers •Aides •Cafeteria •Clerical •Custodial positions Shelby County School District & Alabaster City Schools.

Please call 205-870-7154 -Equal Opportunity Employer-

Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com WE HAVE JOBS! · Machine Operator- Moody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/PackersAlabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/career-search (205)943-4820 Service Technician Top Pay, Benefits & Commission!

Mainline Heating & Air 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster, AL Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating.com (205)664-4751 Marble Valley Manor Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled.

Many on-site services!

2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga 256-245-6500 TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800-548-2546(T/A) Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer Are you a motivated professional?

Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop.

Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430 Hiring CDL-A Drivers Sign-on Bonus Great Benefits Local Domicile Work Apply online at: MerchantsFood Service.com/Careers 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 280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers Pay Rate $9-$11 20-25 Employees Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50.

Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190

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 Certified Crane Operator Position. Must have current crane license for telescoping boom cranes, DOT physical.

Birmingham Area Call 205-672-2403 for more information Ignite Your Career with Mspark!

For current openings, visit: www.mspark.com/our-company/ careers/ or send resume: apollard@mspark.com.

Mspark offers competitive compensation, benefits and a team-oriented work environment. EOE. INDUSTRIAL CLEANING IN VANCE Requirements: •18 Years Old •HS Diploma/GED •Able to work variable shifts/ weekends/holidays •Able to lift up to 50lbs constantly, stand on your feet for 8hrs •Able to pass drug screen/ background check Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr.

• Have 2 years+ Production/ Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years.

• Have A High School Diploma or GED. • Are at least 18 years old.

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Odyssey Early Schools Birmingham’s Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers. 4 Year Degree Preferred. Full-Time.

BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays). Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas.

Must be able to pass complete background check, have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquires only.

Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.Oxfordhealthcare.com

LPNs NEEDED Oxford Healthcare seeking LPNs, RNs, and CNAs to provide patients with in-home care in Pelham, Hoover, Alabaster, Montevallo Call (205)608-1612 or visit us at helpathome.com Popeye’s Operated by PAP of AL, LLC Full-Time Assistant Manager Pelham/Sylacauga Must have at least 6-12 months food management experience.

Apply online at: work4popeyeskitchen.com Cook/Server Needed Breakfast Shift (approx. 3am-1pm) Must be able to work some weekends and holidays.

Apply at: Peach Park Express 2320 7th Street South Class A CDL Drivers Needed Immediately for Dump Trailer Hauling • $2000 Retention Bonus • Local Hauling • Home Nights APPLY ONLINE: www.perdidotrucking.com Perdido Trucking Service, LLC 251-470-0355 AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET Available where you live! Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409 PLUMBERS & PLUMBER HELPERS Call or Text 205-432-9049 NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver Positions For Our Finley Blvd. Location •Competitive weekly pay (direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more information or visit pylestransport.com to apply.

Regional Drivers are home every weekend and often mid-week for rest period.

FREON 12 WANTED: R12 collecting dust in your garage? We pay CA$H for R12 EPA cert. We pick up Call now for April pickup: (312)291-9169 sell@refrigerantfinders.com 3/2 Garden Home Calera Schools Easy access to HWY 31 & I-65 W/D hook-ups, Dishwasher Fenced backyard. No Pets.

Rent $1250 (205)433-9811 PRE-SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY Lead Teachers For 18-24mos AND Lead Teachers For Pre-School Age Morning and Afternoon Opportunities Call: 205-601-9482 or Email: queenmoore1956@gmail. com ROSS NEELY TRUCK LINES •NOW HIRING• TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR If you are a professional CDL A Driver, have two years experience, a good safety recrod, and want to GET HOME ON THE WEEKENDS apply online at www.rossneely.com or apply by email at jeff@rossneely.com Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers.

Requirements: OTR experience driving lowboy trailers; transporting heavy oversized loads; experience with heavy equipment required; ability to work in outside environments, safety-oriented, and teamplayer. Overtime available.

Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 Saiia Construction Company seeks equipment operators in the Alabaster area with the ability to operate various types of equipment including: dozers, excavators, rock trucks, and motor graders. 2+yrs. operating exp. MSHA training a plus. Must have dependable transportation, able to work in outside environments, safety oriented, and team player. We have day and night shift work, overtime is available. Great opportunity.

Competitive compensation and benefit package. If you are interested contact Johnny Pipp 205.943.2214 or email jpipp@saiia.com Innovative Salon and Spa in Helena searching for talented, dependable Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist and Esthetician. Join the Serenity Team. Now accepting applications by email: serenity@serenity-salonandspa. com ServiceMaster is Hiring Parttime Fire Cleaning Techs WILL TRAIN! Must pass background check/drug test, have reliable transportation & good driving record.

Serious Inquiries Call (205)424-4211

We are currently in need of experienced CNC Machinists.

Excellent pay and benefit package. Qualified applicants may apply at: Shelby Machine & Tool 160 Mullins Drive Helena, AL 205-621-6711 Order Selectors Food Dist.

Center in Pelham. Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies).

Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, vacation & 401k.

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeasternfood.com Immediate Positions!!!!

Positions needed: Warehouse • Sales Reps • Assistant Manager • Delivery Drivers • Customer Service.

Laid back atmosphere, good pay, plenty of hours available!

Company vehicles to qualified individuals!

Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother’s clock.

Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 SUNCREST HOME HEALTH CLANTON, AL Is Growing!!

We have immediate, full time and PRN needs for RN, LPN, PT, PTA, OT, and COTA’s.

MUST have one year of clinical experience!

Apply online at: www.almostfamily.com/careers. php For questions, please call the agency at 205-280-4663 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.

TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters. Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/ week.

Paid product training-$800/ week.

Full benefits+401K. CDL-A, 2-Years Tractor Trailer Experience, tanker/hazmat endorsements, passport & TWIC required. Call 888-572-3662! www.trimac.com OTR Drivers Wanted 24 Years or Older Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit Package available.

Pneumatic tank equipment.

Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN ON BONUS Home every other weekend.

Apply online: Vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

Call Visiting Angels at (205)719-1996 to discuss.

FLATBED DRIVERS OTR Flatbed Trucking Co. now hiring Company Drivers and Leasing Owner Operators with 2 yrs exp.

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking.com NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus.

Apply online: www.westernintl. com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140 $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl. com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE)

Experienced Carpenter Needed Please Call 205-755-8555 or send resume to whatleybuilders@ businessmailbox.com Tree Nursery Worker Needed Responsible w/mechanical skills.

To operate forklift/farm tractors/equipment/welding/ ground maintenance/service equipment/check fluid levels/ clean after use.

Maintain safe/clean area.

Requires valid-DL/reliable transportation.

334-365-2488 Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017!

Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package.

PAID Orientation.

NEW Fleet of Trucks.

Call 1-855-777-9785 & ask for Dale or Brandy.

Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 Experienced Automotive Tech Duties: Engine diagnostics brakes/ac work/etc Auto-Lube Tech Duties: oil changes/mount & balance tire/light maintenance work.Competitive pay/benefits (205)995-5520 or (205)688-3333 Wiregrass Construction Company is seeking experienced asphalt CDL TRUCK DRIVERS. Must be dependable. Excellent benefits. Interested applicants may apply: 951 Dow Street Pelham, AL 35124 (205)620-4132 or 151 Piper Lane Alabaster, AL 35007 (205)605-0753.

8AM to 5PM, M-F. WCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

YARD SPOTTER Immediate Opening-F/T or P/T Class-A-CDL required to shuttle trailers from truck-yard to loading area. Benefits available for F/T positions.

Apply In Person: Woodgrain Distribution (EOE) 80 So. Shelby St., Montevallo 205-665-2546 (Ext.207) ksenecal@woodgrain.com

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MY HOOVER

Lizbeth Juarez

University of Montevallo SGA president PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Hoover native Lizbeth Juarez embraces her busy schedule. The more she’s involved with, the more she thrives. Her leadership roles and activities at the University of Montevallo are a testament to her ability to balance multiple things, and to excel. Lizbeth is a trailblazer, too. This year, she became the university’s first Hispanic SGA president, a role in which she’s hoping to make a difference.

What does it mean to you to be a trailblazer, of sorts, in your role as UM’s first Hispanic SGA president?

It is an honor being UM’s first Hispanic SGA president, especially because I feel I have broken a stereotype. I hope I can become a role model for any student, not just of Hispanic heritage, and to prove that anything is possible if one is willing to work hard to achieve their goals.

responsible and take initiatives given that the financial status is crucial for the development of the sorority. Also, prior to this year, I served as the SGA treasurer where some of my duties were to keep up with the expenditures while establishing allocations for the student activity fee.

Through my experience as the SGA treasurer, I collaborated with student organizations and school officials. This position provided me more insight in how What experiences do you think helped SGA works and furthermore prepared me prepare you for this new leadership towards the role of president. role?

I am a member of the sorority Alpha What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will find a job where Gamma Delta, where I have held different offices such as Vice President of Member I can develop my leadership skills in order Development and Vice President of to achieve a job in corporate leadership. I Finance. They both taught me to be also intend to obtain an MBA. 90 HooversMagazine.com

What are your hobbies?

Generally, I don’t have any hobbies because I like to keep myself busy with projects; however, when I have free time I like to spend time with my family, watch movies or go on road trips to new places where I have never been before. I also love to read.

What is your fondest memory of growing up in Hoover?

My fondest memory of growing up in Hoover is the people who I have met throughout the years, especially the teachers at Hoover High School. I was blessed at having teachers who impacted my life; they were always open and willing to help me. I wouldn’t have been able to attend college without their help.