Hoover's Magazine, August/September 2019

EXPLORING COMMON (PLAY)GROUND • SCULPTING WITH DEB PARADISE • SIPPING FREELY AT WILD ROAST

Nick Mullens’

ROAD TO THE NFL

CLEAN SLATE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 8 | Issue 4 $4.95

INSIDE THE DAVISES’ HOME RENOVATION

It’s a great place to live.

Whatever your species may be.

The renowned biologist E.O. Wilson has called it “an aquatic treasure house.” The World Wildlife Fund and Nature Conservancy included it as one of just eight “Hotspots of Diversity” in the entire world.

It’s the Cahaba—the longest free-flowing river in Alabama, with more fish species per kilometer than any other river in North America, including 18 species that exist nowhere else.

But, to us, it’s an unparalleled place to reconnect with nature by canoeing, kayaking, hiking, birding, botanizing, or merely floating in its waters.

In the clean water we return to the river, and through our efforts with Adopt-A-Stream, SouthWest Water Company is doing our part to ensure the Cahaba is there for future generations to enjoy—whatever their species may be. Join with us by visiting bit.ly/AdoptCahaba.

To learn more, visit CleanerCahaba.info

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FEATURES

54

THE FOUR PILLARS Loved ones remember Bart Starr, a champion on and off the football field.

60

CLIMBING EVERY MOUNTAIN Hoover’s new park offers miles and miles of adventure to local mountain bikers.

FREEDOM TO PLAY Explore Playground is transforming the way children of different ability levels interact.

6 August/September 2019

PHOTO BY DAWN HARRISON

66

66

35

PHOTO BY SARAH FINNEGAN

arts & culture

in every issue

17 Forming Joy: Deb Paradise’s Creative Expressions in Clay 23 Book Nook: Taking the Stage

7 From the Editor

schools & sports

8 HooversMagazine.com

27 Nick Mullens: The Road From Spain Park to San Francisco 34 Five Questions For: Hoover High School’s Drum Majors

food

& drink

42 Five Questions For: The Whole Scoop’s David Cohen

& style

9 #HooversMag 10 The Question 11 The Guide 24 Aldridge Gardens

HM

35 Brewing Fellowship: Wild Roast’s Coffee Community

home

6 Contributors

72 Hoover Area Chamber 76 Out & About 86 Marketplace

88 Why I Love Hoover

43 Massive Makeover: The Davises’ Reimagined Home

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contributors EDITORIAL

Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana H. Wilson Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino

CONTRIBUTORS Carmen Brown Sarah Finnegan Dawn Harrison Anne Riley Layken Rubin Heather Skaggs

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Kate Green Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

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

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

Alec Etheredge, Writer Alec Etheredge is the sports editor for the Shelby County Reporter and has been in that role since November 2016. He is originally from the Shelby County area, growing up in Leeds and then moving to Hoover to graduate from Spain Park High School. He then went on to graduate from the University of Alabama. When he isn’t covering sports, you can find him on the golf course or playing sports.

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, five kids, one son-in-law, two grandkids, three dogs, two cats, eight cows and two ducks. When she isn’t taking pictures, you can find her burning up 280 getting to various school and sporting events, or hanging out in carpool lines.

She feels extremely blessed to be a part of the publication and to continue to meet such inspiring members of our community.

Anne Riley, Writer Anne Riley lives in north Shelby County with her husband, Rob, and their three daughters, Maggie, Jenna and Kellan. Anne is the Content Team 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 multiple online outlets.

Heather Jones Skaggs, Writer Heather is an author, freelance writer and native of Hoover, where she lives with her husband, Greg; daughter, Charlotte; and fur-baby Carrie. National publisher Arcadia Publishing and The History Press found Heather in 2012, and together they have published three books covering Hoover’s history. Heather digs for the untold stories in Hoover and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers. Heather showcases her home community of Bluff Park in her blog Heather’s Corner on BluffParkAL.org

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

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

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

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

536.

8 August/September 2019

T

from the editor

ON THE COVER

Time seemed to slow down in the summer when I was younger. The two-month break from school felt like an eternity, in a good way.

Instead of spending our daytime hours inside a cold school building, my friends and I were suddenly free to swim at our neighborhood pool, bike back and forth between each other’s houses until dusk and compare notes from our families’ respective beach trips. Like a lazy river, those summers seemed to just flow, carrying us kids unhurriedly through the hot, sunny days toward a new school year.

My summers aren’t as “lazy” now, but I still see them as a good time to pause and reflect on the life that has happened in the confines of what my planner calls the “academic year,” starting last August. And, as you’ll see in the following pages, reflection is an underlying theme linking the stories in this issue together. Writer Alec Etheredge’s touching tribute to the late Bart Starr is grounded in reflection—in the memories of this great man from the people who knew him best. What I love about this story are the anecdotes that people took time to share about him as so many near and far celebrated his life – 85 years defined more by his selflessness and compassion than by the sports accolades next to his name.

You’ll also see reflection in the story about Deb Paradise, a clay artist for whom sculpting requires introspection before outward expression.

Her pieces start with a vision she has in her mind, slowly taking shape as the work of her hands reveals more to her about where a specific piece is going. And Deb sometimes steps away from her art to meditate, a silent but necessary exercise for her as she moves from one project to the next, eager to see how the next piece will form. “Clay has a mystery about it,” Deb tells us. “It knows what it wants to be, and if you listen, you will hear it.”

Reflection also lives in the back story of how Bart and Shannon Styes dreamed up their coffee shop, Wild Roast Café, with memories from the many visits they logged at a coffee shop in Minnesota after they met and in Nick Mullens’ steady climb from solid football performances in high school to his stunning start for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. And if you have any reflections of your own as you read, or any story ideas that you’d like to share, you know where to find me!

Leslie and Freddie Davis

Leslie and her sidekick, Freddie, relax on the sofa of the home she and husband Richard renovated mostly themselves.

Photo by Keith McCoy Design by Layken Rubin

emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com

HooversMagazine.com 9

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

PHOTO BY KEITH MCCOY

Want to see more home photos?

Go to Hooversmagazine.com for even more photos of the stunning home featured in this issue, plus past homes we’ve featured throughout the city!

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10 August/September 2019

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

@alabamasportscouncil Just chillin’ with my homies #SECTourney #SECBSB

@hoovercityschools Going, going, gone! Initial test of a @hooverfiredepartment ladder truck in the new #RC3 bay!

@popcatholichoover This is the day the Lord has made! Today Prince of Peace Parish had the privilege of celebrating Father Fallon’s 50th Jubilee.

What an honor it was to celebrate with him.

POP is blessed with his love and excitement of Catholic Education.

@churchatrossbridge Just one of a million smiles this week as our children learn how Jesus’ love rescues us! #shipwreckedvbs

HooversMagazine.com 11

“ �

THE QUESTION

Who was your favorite teacher or coach in school in Hoover?

For me, Mrs. Greene at Berry High and Mrs. Hulsey at Green Valley!

They are both amazing!

-Kate Rast Priborsky

I graduated from Berry High in 1981 and I had some really amazing teachers that truly did prepare me for college and beyond. One standout for me was a young math teacher, Bonnie Campbell.

Bonnie was my geometry teacher. I REALLY struggled with math and she worked with me to help me get the best grade that was possible for me.

-Connie Foster Goodwin

VISIT US TO FIND THAT UNIQUE PIECE

TO MAKE A ROOM COMPLETE!

12 August/September 2019

Diana Mayhall at HHS. Best choir director ever.

-Marie Coleman Caine

I graduated in 2017, my favorite teacher was my junior year English teacher Kristy Louden. She helped me grow not only in my writing, but in my confidence in the things I do! She has inspired me to make English my minor!

Truly amazing teacher that helped to further my horizons in the novels I enjoy. She is also a true friend of mine now that I cherish dearly.

-Sidney Radford

THE GUIDE

HEAD OVER TEAL 5K/10K AND FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL SEPT. 21 8 A.M. THE PRESERVE Lace up your tennis shoes—or just load up the kids—for a fun morning at the 10th annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K race and festival hosted by the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation.

Runners and walkers can enjoy beautiful scenery on the race route through the Preserve neighborhood.

After the race, everyone is invited to hang out and browse vendor booths set up outside of the town hall lawn.

HooversMagazine.com 13

THE GUIDE WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER AUG. 1 First Thursday Fiction Book Group: Pachinko Hoover Public Library 10 a.m.

AUG. 4 Sunday NovelTea: All the Single Ladies Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

AUG. 7 Dogwood in Concert Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

AUG. 6

National Night Out 6 P.M. SuperTarget

Families can meet our heroes in uniform – local law enforcement and public safety officers – and see the tools of their trades. In addition, local business exhibits, food trucks, a car show, inflatables and giveaways will add to the fun. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public.

THROUGH SEPT. 1

Everyone knows the freshest, most delicious produce comes from local farmers. Check out these farmers’ markets in Hoover to know where you can snap up all the best fruits and vegetables.

14 August/September 2019

AUG. 14 Hoover Arts Council Meeting Hoover Public Library 5 p.m.

AUG. 15-18 Pickleball Tournament Hoover Met Complex AUG. 17 Insatiable Readers: I’m with the Band!

Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.

Farmers’ Markets

THE MARKETPLACE AT LEE BRANCH Saturdays 8 A.M.-12 P.M. Lee Branch Shopping Center parking lot Themarketplaceatleebranch.com

AUG. 9 BabyPalooza Hoover Met Complex 10 a.m.

AUG. 22 Trivia Night: Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader?

Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

VALLEYDALE FARMERS MARKET Saturdays 8 A.M.-12 P.M. Faith Presbyterian Church Themarketplaceatleebranch.com

AUG. 24 Write Club Hoover Public Library 10:30 a.m.

AUG. 27 New Horizons Dinner Hoover Senior Center 6 p.m.

THE GUIDE AUG. 29-SEPT. 1 CASC Gun Show Hoover Met Complex AUG. 30 Vintage Videos: Dial M for Murder (1954) Hoover Public Library 2 p.m.

SEPT. 8 Young Artist Reception Hoover Public Library 3 p.m.

SEPT. 10 Spanish Conversation Club Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

SEPT. 11 Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremonies Hoover Fire Station 2 8:30 a.m.

SEPT. 12-13 Deana Carter – In Concert Hoover Public Library 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 15 Top Shelf – All Things Rum Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

SEPT. 17 French Conversation Club Hoover Public Library 7 p.m.

SEPT. 19-21 Friends Fall Book Sale Preview Sale Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.

Friends Fall Book Sale Sept. 20+21 All at Hoover Public Library SEPT. 24 True Crime Book Club Hoover Public Library 6:30 p.m.

High School Football It’s time again to watch our hometown boys go to battle on the gridiron.

Show your team spirit at the Hoover and Spain Park varsity football games on Friday nights the next two months.

AUG. 23: at Central Phenix City (Cramton Bowl), 7 p.m.

AUG. 30: at Milton

(Cocoa, Florida), 7:30 p.m.

SEPT. 6: at Thompson, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 13: vs. Hewitt-Trussville, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 20: vs. Oak Mountain, 7 p.m.

More dates available at hooverhighathletics.com.

AUG. 23: at Hillcrest High School,

7 p.m.

AUG. 30: vs. Bessemer City, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 6: at Vestavia Hills, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 13: vs. Mountain Brook, 7 p.m.

SEPT. 20: at Hewitt-Trussville, 7 p.m.

More dates available at spainparkathletics.org.

SEPT. 24

Sparks in the Park 6 P.M. Veterans Park

If you’re not already in the fall spirit by the time the annual SPHS Band Festival arrives, you will be afterward. This marching band showcase will feature performances by multiple area bands.

HooversMagazine.com 15

THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN AUG. 2+3 Secret Stages – Music Discovery Festival 41st Street in Avondale AUG. 2-4 Red Mountain Theatre Company Presents: Getting to Know … Footloose RMTC Cabaret Theatre

ARTS

COMBINING ART WITH AWARENESS Keep your eyes open for new works of art across Hoover. The city has partnered with the Hoover Arts Council, Clean Hoover Initiative, Hoover Beautification Board and local artists Jayne Morgan and Sandra Fuller on a new anti-litter awareness campaign. Twenty honey bear road-side signs painted by Jayne will be mounted with Clean Hoover Initiative signs throughout the city to increase education concerning littering. The city also will be placing five Conserve & Preserve signs painted by Sandra around the Moss Rock Preserve conservation area.

Submitted by Heather Jones Skaggs

CHURCHES

SECURING A SCHOLARSHIP The Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 11537 awarded the Patrick Francis Werszner Memorial Scholarship to Stanley Stoutamire, Jr. Stanley is a 2019 graduate of Prince of Peace Catholic School and will be a freshman at John Carroll Catholic High School this fall. Veronica and John Werszner, siblings of the late Patrick Francis Werszner, participated in the award ceremony held after the school’s graduation Mass in May. At Prince of Peace, Stanley was president of the student council, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, school choir and band, on the honor roll for seven years and a Duke Talent Identification Program member. He was also a member of the North Shelby Library’s teen leadership council and volunteered in their summer reading program.

16 August/September 2019

AUG. 3 Ensley High School Class of 1969 50-Year Reunion The Club in Birmingham 6:30 p.m.

AUG. 3 Shelby County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet Rolling Hills Campground in Calera 6:30 p.m.

AUG. 7-11 Birmingham Barons vs.

Montgomery Biscuits Regions Field AUG. 10 Water Lantern Festival Railroad Park in Birmingham 4 p.m.

AUG. 11 The Pink Bride Wedding Show BJCC 11 a.m.

AUG. 19-25 Sidewalk Film Festival Downtown Birmingham AUG. 24 Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival Fourth Avenue Historic District in Birmingham 2 p.m.

THE GUIDE AUG. 29 Improv Jam The Dance Foundation 6:30 p.m.

SEPT. 4 Backstreet Boys BJCC Legacy Arena SEPT. 10 Harvest of Hope Luncheon Benefitting Oak Mountain Mission Ministries The Club in Birmingham 10 a.m.

SEPT. 12 The Magic of David Garrard Samford University Wright Center

SEPT. 13-15 PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure BJCC Concert Hall

SEPT. 14 The Brook and the Bluff Alys Stephens Center

SEPT. 19 Rhiannon Giddens with Franceso Turri Alys Stephens Center

SEPT. 19-21 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival St. George Greek-Catholic Milkite Church

SEPT. 27-29 Homestead Hollow Arts & Crafts Festival Springville

SEPT. 28 Irondale Whistle Stop Festival Historic Downtown Irondale

SEPT. 28 Fiesta Linn Park

SCHOOLS

INSIDE THE KITCHEN Jefferson State’s Culinary Institute and Horizons School co-hosted a second Immersion Day for young adults with special needs in June. Prospective students, teachers and parents were given a chance to explore the program at Jefferson State’s Shelby-Hoover Campus. The agenda included a welcome by culinary faculty, refreshments by Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe and a facility tour. Participants practiced hands-on skills, such as hand washing, preparing and cleaning work areas, knife cuts, sorting utensils and sequencing foods for a complete meal.

COMMUNITY

POLICE SRO WINS AWARD Hoover Police School Resource Officer Chris Bryant was recently awarded the Regional Exceptional Service Award at the National Association of School Resource Officers national conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Bryant’s “continuous and sustained service to the school community above and beyond that normally expected of an SRO” earned him the award. When Bryant talks about the students at Hoover High School, he usually refers to them as “my kids,” and goes out of his way to build relationships with all of them.

HooversMagazine.com 17

THE GUIDE COMMUNITY

ROOTS OF HONOR Aldridge Gardens and Destination Hoover International hosted a Japanese cherry tree dedication ceremony in May in honor of the people of Japan and Japanese heritage in the city.

Guests were invited to scoop a handful of dirt into the tree container to be planted later that day. Pictured, from left, are: Steve McClinton, Councilman Gene Smith, Shelley Shaw, Councilman Mike Shaw, Consul General of Japan Takashi Shinozuka, Sofia Markovich, Mayor Frank Brocato, Carolyn Turner and Jolie Thevenot.

Submitted by Heather Jones Skaggs

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&CULTURE

ARTS

FORMING JOY

Clay artist Deb Paradise loves to lose herself in the creative clutches of sculpting.

BY ANNE RILEY PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY HooversMagazine.com 19

S

Sculpting isn’t usually considered a thrill-seeking activity, but for Deb Paradise of Creative Expressions in Clay, that’s exactly what it feels like. Her clients consist mostly of designers who are working on hotels or spas, so each project requires balancing the designer’s needs with her own vision—an operation that Deb compares to solving a puzzle while the clock ticks.

“I am often faced with creating new imagery, discovering new techniques, and providing a finished piece of art all within a usually tight timeline,” Deb says. “It can get rather chaotic and invigorating.”

Deb, who was born in Vestavia but now lives in Bluff Park, started her creative career as a photographer. While she loved using her camera, she began to long for something more tactile

20 August/September 2019

and turned to pottery as a way to unwind. Now, she creates wall-mounted works of art full of visual interest and movement, including mandalas, large-scale florals and dynamic, textured geometrics.

“I began making bowls and other functional pieces, but always felt a desire to make more sculptural pieces for the wall,” Deb says. “I finally made the choice to focus on my current work and never looked back!”

Deb comes by her creativity honestly, as the same artistic blood in her veins also ran through her mother and grandmother—both painters. She has always made art in one way or another, and found inspiration early on both at home and in a potter named Beatrice Wood, who was part of the

Deb Paradise first turned to pottery as a way to unwind, but now, she creates wall-mounted works of art for people.

HooversMagazine.com 21

Avant Garde movement.

Now, though, Deb is an inspiration to others in her own right. She indulges in the process of creation, starting in the conceptual phase and moving into the hands-on work of rolling, forming, firing, finishing and re-firing the clay. It’s a labor of love, involving many more steps and much more time than people think.

When asked about the most challenging aspect of her work, Deb says it’s the beginning of a new project. “Making the transition from concept to action is a commitment to the final piece,” she explains. “It is no longer just an idea, and I don’t always know how to solve the puzzle before the picture is revealed.”

22 August/September 2019

But challenges are welcome in the quiet of Deb’s studio, when it’s just Deb and the clay, working together to form something beautiful. “Clay has a mystery about it,” Deb says. “It knows what it wants to be, and if you listen, you will hear it.”

Deb describes sculpting as a “sensuous process that is both tactile and meditative.” She finds great satisfaction in losing herself in her creativity, where the clay transforms beneath her fingers into something that previously only existed in her mind.

Of course, it’s impossible for Deb to choose a favorite project from her portfolio of work, but a recent piece, “Whisper,” stands out in her mind. It was the first piece she had ever made with blue porcelain, and the results were even more stunning

Find acrylic paintings by Cortney Perrine, beautiful oil paintings by Jenny Cash, and other unique gifts when you visit our gallery on Main Street in Montevallo

Deb and her assistant, Cecelia Thompson, work on a large wall installation.

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HooversMagazine.com 23

than she expected.

“I love what I do,” Deb says. “It is so fulfilling to know that my work brings beauty and love to people all over the world.”

But even the most passionate sculptor must step away from her art every now and then, and Deb is no exception. When she isn’t crafting gorgeous pieces out of clay, she meditates, listens to good music, travels to interesting places and spends time with her family and pets.

She has another hobby, too—something she calls “visual feasting.” Beauty can be found everywhere, and Deb loves to refill her creative well by finding that beauty and capturing it in photograph form.

“Early in my life, I was a photographer,” Deb says.

“So I take my camera and soak up inspiration in all kinds of visual environments.”

24 August/September 2019

Deb’s commitment to her art is evident not just in the final product, but in the beginning stages, as well. She believes that surrender, trust and detachment are essential for the sculpting process, and that each piece comes out of the fire either stronger or weaker because of its own hidden properties. It’s those pieces that come out whole that inspire her to follow their example, pushing herself to continue breaking through cultural, spiritual and ethnic differences to the heart of what really matters.

“I try to infuse each and every piece with the beauty and joy of life,” Deb says. “No matter where you see it, I hope you will feel uplifted and inspired by your experience.”

Visit Deb online at paradisecreativeexpressions. com.

BOOK NOOK

Taking the Stage The Library Theatre, Hoover’s world-class performing arts center for 28 years, is sure to bring excitement with this year’s featured Grammy Award Winners, National Tours and performers.

HEADLINERS September: CMA Award Winner and six-time Grammy Nominee Deana Carter is best known for her mega hits “Strawberry Wine” and “Count Me In.” November: Mandolin master and bluegrass icon Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will perform. Skaggs is a 15-time Grammy Award Winner, a 15-time IBMA Award Winner and a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.

April: Direct from London, The Kingdom Choir is known for their performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

PLAYS October: The National Tour of PUSH Physical Theatre’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula combines speechless artistry with traditional dialogue-driven theatre.

December: Holiday Memories, adapted from two of Truman Capote’s most famous stories and inspired by Fine Arts Coordinator his experiences growing up in Depression-era Alabama, is presented

by Red Mountain Theatre Company in collaboration with Philip Mann and features Suzanne Mann.

February: As part of Southern Voices, two one-acts will include: Graceland, which takes place at the front entrance of the late Elvis Presley’s mansion three days before the estate is to be opened to the public; and Asleep on the Wind, the prequel to Graceland.

Matina Johnson

MUSIC January: The Isaacs are a multi-award winning family band whose unique style blends tight family harmony with the influences of bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, country and southern gospel, earning them two Grammy nominations and eight Dove awards.

March: The Annie Moses Band is a talented ensemble of Julliard-trained siblings combining technical skill and exhilarating showmanship with their eclectic blend of folk and classical.

May: Live from Laurel Canyon is a 90-minute retrospective of music and stories of artists residing in Laurel Canyon from 1965-1976.

HooversMagazine.com 25

News from our Chief Executive Officer

PICTURED ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: ED RANDLE, JABO WAGGONER, AND MAYOR FRANK BROCATO

Aldridge Gardens 17th annual fundraiser “Hydrangeas Under the Stars” was a true celebration in memory of our founder Eddie Aldridge. After a day of scattered thunderstorms throughout Hoover, the clouds disappeared and the weather was perfect.

The evening started with Prosecco being poured as guest arrived and received their bid numbers. The reception and silent auction were held under the Pavilion and the competition began. Promptly at 7 pm bids were pulled as everyone tried to guard their high bids on favorite items. From beautiful one of a kind artwork to handcrafted jewelry to hotel packages, there was something for everyone.

As guests were led down the hydrangea lined path to the mood lit tent, lots of conversations were being shared about Mr. Eddie Aldridge.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato welcomed everyone and spoke of what Aldridge Gardens means to the City of Hoover and its residence. The Mayor recognized all of the elected officials, including State Senator Jabo Waggoner and his lovely wife Marilyn.

Advisory Board Member Mark Davis shared stories of Eddie and Kay and invited everyone to take a minute and watch a video of photos chosen by Kay Aldridge, with Eddie’s favorite music playing in the background.

From the white table cloth covered tables with, of course, Hydrangea center pieces, to the fabulous menu prepared by students of Jefferson State Culinary & Hospitality Institute, the evening was perfect.

The live auction, led by our volunteer auctioneer Hoover City Councilman John Lyda was indeed successful, as guests reached deep into their pockets to support Aldridge Gardens.

I would like to personally thank Eddie Aldridge for his vision and love of the beautiful outdoors, and Kay Aldridge for her continued support, as well as all of our supporters who continue to give to the future of our Gardens.

Add some beauty to your summer and stop by for a visit soon.

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

New Bonsai and Educational Building Under Construction

Summer Camps Aldridge Gardens’ 2019 Summer Camps were a TREMENDOUS success!

Campers enjoyed Science, Art and the ever-popular American Girl Doll camps all around the Gardens. Who knew learning could be so much fun?

A BIG thank you to the campers and their parents for making this a huge success! Also a hearty thank you to Debbie McDonald (Aldridge Gardens’ Education Coordinator), our camp teachers, and the Hoover Belles—you all made this year’s camps the best ever.

Taste of Hoover Thursday, October 10th

Mark your calendars now for Hoover’s social event of the Fall, Taste Of Hoover at Aldridge Gardens! Last year over 40 of Hoover’s top restaurants and caterers, along with local breweries and distilleries, shared their talents with a huge, sell-out crowd. No one left hungry!

October 10th will be here before you know it —mark your calendars now. Tickets go on sale later this summer. Visit Aldridgegardens.com for updates Restaurants who wish to participate should contact Amanda Callahan at amanda@ goproeventsolutions.com

Is a special social or business affair in your future? Our professional event coordinator can help you plan your perfect day at one of the most beautiful locations in the Birmingham area. 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. For information, contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales and Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@aldridgegardens.com.

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SCHOOL

&SPORTS

‘I HAD A BLAST’ Nick Mullens reflects on his first year as an NFL starter with the 49ers.

BY ALEC ETHEREDGE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED HooversMagazine.com 29

30 August/September 2019

A

our opportunities out there today.”

At the time, Mullens was the third string quarterback battling for a roster spot on the team.

But that second-half comeback not only gave him the confidence he needed, but spoke volumes to the coaching staff as well. For those in Hoover and the Birmingham metro area his poise under pressure was no surprise. In his time at Spain Park, he was named the Shelby County Player of the Year and the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state, before going on to the University of Southern Miss, where he was named the Conference USA Player of the Year.

At Spain Park, Mullens threw for 8,605 yards in his time as a starter, before going on to break records at Southern Miss, even records set by Bret Favre, throwing for 11,994 yards with current Troy University head coach Chip Lindsey his coach at both stops. Every offense he has been a part of has set records, and his crisp passing skillset has been on display, showing many he had what it took to earn a spot in the NFL. After spending his first NFL season as an undrafted free agent on the 49ers’ CLIMBING THE LADDER practice squad, Mullens had to battle to earn a spot While most will remember his record-setting on the team and practice squad in order to be three-touchdown performance in a 34-3 victory retained for the 2018 season. True to form, he rose over the Oakland Raiders in his first NFL start for to the challenge. the 49ers, proof Mullens could compete in the HIS TIME TO SHINE league came in the first preseason game of 2018.

With his team trailing the entire game, and down Mullens, who admires Peyton Manning because 21-16 late, Mullens led the comeback. With 20 seconds remaining, he stepped into a throw with a of his respect and leadership, ended up making the defender laying out to tackle him and completed a final roster cut, and while he still sat behind starter 7-yard touchdown pass, sealing the win with a 24-21 Jimmy Garoppolo and backup C.J. Beathard, he final score. “It was an awesome moment and an stayed prepared. Mullens patiently waited his turn, awesome moment for our team,” Mullens said after but after Garoppolo tore his ACL just three games the game. “The threes work together every day in into the season and Beathard went 0-5 before also practice, and it was cool to see us take advantage of getting injured, the time came.

As he worked his ways through the halls of Spain Park High School on a visit back home, current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens didn’t look out of place at all despite his recent climb to fame. The former star quarterback for the Jaguars, who was named the Shelby County Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year in the state during his time at the school, carried himself just as he did when he roamed the halls with a backpack six years earlier. His demeanor calm, his attitude positive and his respect for those around him his defining characteristic.

Mullens has always been a person that relies heavily on respect for others. He doesn’t want to disappoint anyone, and he doesn’t want to let you down. So when it comes to football, that means putting his head down, doing what he’s asked and working harder than anyone else on the field. It’s that distinguishing trait that helped him storm on the scene of the NFL in historic fashion during the 2018 football season with the San Francisco 49ers.

HooversMagazine.com 31

Spain Park alum Nick Mullens, left, marked his NFL debut as the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback with an impressive 34-3 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

32 August/September 2019

Heading into one of the Thursday night games, Mullens’ name wasn’t called until just a few days before the game. But that work ethic of preparing like a starter and doing what he was asked and then some paid off. “I found out on Monday or Tuesday, I can’t even remember, but we were in meetings and the quarterback’s coach said I was getting all the reps today,” Mullens said. “I said, ‘Alright, here we go.’ Our preparation stayed consistent. I study the plan and always try to be ready when my name is called, and it was called.”

Three days after finding out he was going to be starting as a quarterback in the NFL, the pinnacle of his career and the dream of thousands of kids, Mullens stepped onto the field under the lights of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and did what he does best—played football. An undrafted free agent out of college, he completed 16 of his 22 passes in the game for 260 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-3 victory against the Oakland Raiders. With those three touchdowns, Mullens tied a franchise record for touchdown passes by a 49ers quarterback in their first start for the team, and was the first to do so since the 2003 season when Tim Rattey tossed three touchdowns against the St. Louis Rams.

“It’s everything I dreamed of,” Mullens said, trying to hold back tears after the Nick Mullens win. “I love football and have been playing since second grade. This is what you always work for, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Mullens putting together that kind of performance came as no surprise to the coaching staff, and it showed early in the game with the first career snap being an 11-yard completion for a first down. “I didn’t plan on running it every down all game,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. “We like to pass, and we liked starting out that way. We have confidence in Nick and that’s why he is here. That was nothing different.”

While most would expect nerves, Mullens was just excited to get on the field. “I was ready to go to be honest,” he said. “I’m pretty chill in the locker room, but on game day I love to compete, and that’s what it’s all about, so I was ready to go and the whole team was.”

And it showed. On that first drive, he went 3-for-3 and capped it off with a 24-yard touchdown pass on a roll out to a wide open Pierre Garcon. He then came out on his second drive and led his team on a 13-play 66-yard drive that ended with his second

“

It’s everything I dreamed of. I love football and have been playing since second grade.

This is what you always work for, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted.

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touchdown pass in as many NFL drives with a 4-yard throw to Robbie Gould. His final TD pass of the game came late in the third quarter on a 5-yard pass to George Kittle to close out the 34-3 victory and move to 1-0 as an NFL starter. That sparked his confidence moving forward, as Mullens remained the 49ers starter for the rest of the 2018 football season.

With no standout receivers or running backs around him aside from tight end George Kittle, Mullens was still able to lead San Francisco to a 3-5 mark as a starter, throwing for 220-plus yards in all eight of his starts. “I knew I was good enough, I knew I could play, but you don’t know exactly how you’re going to play,” Mullens said. “You go out there, stay relaxed and focused and try to do the best you can. I was always confident in myself because you can’t play and not be confident.”

At the end of the season, Mullens had amassed 2,277 passing yards, 13 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 90.8. He threw for two or more touchdowns in half of his starts and put at least one TD on the board in seven of his eight starts. Those totals also led to an 34 August/September 2019

average of 284.6 yards per game and a completion percentage of 64.2. “I think I can get a lot better to be honest,” Mullens said. “I’m just really proud I got the opportunity and am pretty proud of the stuff I put on tape, but I know where I can improve and I know I can get better and that’s the exciting part going into the offseason.”

Mullens was also named the recipient of the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award for taking advantage of his opportunity and turning their dream into a reality as voted on by the coaching staff.

THE NEXT STEP While he’s coming off an extremely impressive first season as a starter, Mullens still isn’t considered the starting quarterback on the team with Garoppolo healthy again and ready to resume his starting role, but Mullens proved this year he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and won’t go down without a fight this offseason. Players from across the league commended him on his work ethic and ability against some of the best defenses in the league,

including 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman, who is one of the top defenders in the NFL. “He’s shown he can play in this league,” Sherman says. “I hope we can keep him because teams need a quarterback. This guy’s not just playing conservative football; I’d say he’s playing like a top-half quarterback in this league. You have guys that are out there right now that are not playing better football than Nick Mullens. He could be a starter for a lot of teams in this football league.”

Mullens says the added attention on his ability to play professional football won’t change his mentality. “My mindset doesn’t really change no matter what the situation is,” he says. “I’m competing every day. Every day you’re in the NFL you’re competing, so my mindset doesn’t change. I just do what I’m supposed to do and do more than what’s required, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Along this journey, Mullens has always had fun.

And whether he’s named the 49ers starter, backup or third string quarterback moving forward, he’ll continue to put his head down and go to work with a smile on his face. “I had a blast,” he says of this season. “Before you never play, you don’t know how awesome it is to an extent. Now that I do, it’s going to be different.”

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1561 Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35216 HooversMagazine.com 35

5

SCHOOL & SPORTS

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Bailey Flores, Harry Tidwell and Nolan Rose Hoover High School Band Drum Majors PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The success of any group relies on strong leadership, and the Hoover Band has a triple dose of it. Senior Bailey Flores and juniors Nolan Rose and Harry Tidwell will lead their school’s student musicians as drum majors this season. Read on to see how their band journeys started—and what they have learned along the way.

Why did you first get involved in band?

Nolan: I joined band primarily because of the enthusiasm my mother always had toward her musical endeavors. I have played the oboe for five years and the alto saxophone for two years for the marching band.

Harry: I first got involved in band during sixth grade. I started on the bassoon and continue to play it as my main instrument. I have taught myself clarinet and flute over the past couple of years.

Bailey: I always thought that playing an instrument was the most amazing thing. I saw the awesome trips band members got to go on and how much fun everyone was having.

me how to be a respectable leader.

Bailey: Music making and helping others make music is what I want to do as a career.

What, in your opinion, are the best things about the band?

Nolan: Band is best experienced in the moment. The constant support felt through band is what really helps push the confidence and excitement.

Harry: Experiencing amazing moments with your friends. Dancing in the stands at football games, playing funny games during bus rides to pass the time and having your best run-through of a show or concert.

Bailey: Performing is the best part.

What have you learned or gained from There’s no feeling like marching out onto the field, pouring my heart into a being in band?

Nolan: I have been able to truly performance and knowing I gave it my all. appreciate teamwork and the effects it has What is your mindset going into this on the mindsets of the people involved.

Harry: Band has taught me how to new season?

Nolan: I feel that there should never make friends with students throughout all grades in high school. Band has also taught really be a moment where the members of 36 August/September 2019

the band don’t believe they can totally express and enjoy their excitement on the field.

Harry: I want my positivity to be contagious so that even during difficult days, the band still keeps an attitude that allows for learning and positivity.

Bailey: I want it to feel like a family and for everybody to be comfortable being themselves.

What advice would you give to a younger band student?

Nolan: Band is always going to be more fun if the members choose to be motivated and enthusiastic with their effort.

Harry: I would say to just make friends and soak up information.

Bailey: I would say to reach as high they can. I would tell them that they will get out of the experience what they pour into it.

Read even more of what these students shared with us at Hooversmagazine.com/ five-questions-for-hhs-drum-majors.

&DRINK

FOOD

WILD ROAST

Good things are brewing for this new caffeinated community of artists and neighbors.

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY SARAH FINNEGAN HooversMagazine.com 37

O

One of the many great coffee shops Bart and Shannon Styes frequented after they met in Minneapolis was a Victorian-themed shop inspired by Oscar Wilde. It’s now a restaurant on the Mississippi River called Wilde Cafe. Years later, when the couple started planning to open their own coffee shop in Bluff Park, the memories from one of their favorite spots kept “percolating,” so to speak.

“We kept thinking about the setting here in Bluff Park,” Bart says. “The scenic overlook, the nearby Preserve, and critters all around us. We liked the idea of our coffee shop being a place where people felt, not ‘wild and crazy,’ but ‘wild and free,’ free to relax and free to be creative; our focus is on creativity and community.” From this vision, Wild Roast was born.

What makes Wild Roast different, according to the couple, is it has a much larger customer seating area than most shops so people can spread out and relax.

There are couches, tables, easy chairs, tea tables and corner nooks to have all to yourself. “This is the place

38 August/September 2019

to come and write a book, work from your laptop or have a long conversation with a best friend without feeling rushed. That, plus the incredible sunsets over the bluff, are a real wow factor for us,” Bart says.

Wild Roast even has an entire table dedicated to puzzles people work on as a community, and a kids’ play area that doubles as a stage. After only being open a few months, the Styes say the response has been great. “Our soft opening during spring break was like a tsunami. We definitely appreciated the encouragement and patience as we learned the ropes of operating our business in those first few weeks,” Bart says. “Starting your own business takes equal parts grit and crazy. We used some of our own money, launched a crowdfunding campaign and also acquired an equity investor. No matter how much you anticipate what needs to be done, there will always be more.”

The Styes credit Hoover’s elected officials and administrators for pointing them in the right direction as they began the process of starting their

Shannon and Bart Styes liked the idea of their coffee shop, nestled in the scenic Bluff Park community, being a place where people felt “wild” and “free,” leading them to the name Wild Roast.

HooversMagazine.com 39

Along with serving great coffee, Wild Roast owners Bart and Shannon Styes have brought in local musicians to play for patrons as they sit and sip inside the cafe.

own business in the city. Besides codes and ordinances to learn, the space at 585 Shades Crest Road needed upgrades to the electrical, plumbing and other utilities handled by licensed professionals. Friends of the couple also volunteered with paint brushes, hammers and drills for several months to get the coffee shop up and running.

LET’S TALK COFFEE Wild Roast is the only coffee shop where you can order a Harper Latte or a Hank Sr. and not get a funny look from the barista. The specialty drinks are favorites among coffee connoisseurs on the bluff, but Bart notes a great coffee drink starts with a great cup of coffee. “We have had wonderful mentors at O’Henry’s Coffee Company, a local coffee house and supplier, which is where we source our coffee beans.”

O’Henry’s provided onsite training with the Styes and their staff to teach them the art of making coffee. “You don’t screw up a great cup of coffee,” Bart says. “We brew great coffee because we have great beans, which we strive to store, prepare and serve correctly.”

And they studied the process “like crazy,” Shannon adds.

“I watched videos on my lunch breaks and stayed up until 40 August/September 2019

all hours searching for information and expert advice. It helped that I absolutely love coffee and have spent a good bit of time (and money) in coffee shops over the years.”

Bart and Shannon take their products seriously, but not so much themselves. “What separates Wild Roast from a lot of other places is the fun and creativity that we bring to our specialty drinks,” Bart says. To craft these drinks, Shannon spent many hours researching local artists and flavors that would represent Alabama. The Harper Latte is named in honor of Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird. One customer described it as having the flavor of blackberry cobbler in a cup. The Hank Sr. is named for none other than Hank Williams Sr. and has black walnut and bourbon (nonalcoholic) flavors with a little cinnamon kick at the end.

Both can be enjoyed hot, iced or frozen.

“Our most popular frozen drink by far is the OREO Speedwagon, which has an extra shot of espresso to get you going and can be ordered in Mint and S’MOREO flavors as well,” Bart says.

Wild Roast also features a drink of the month with a theme or seasonal taste. In June, they paid homage to Prince’s Purple Rain and created a drink with edible purple glitter and a crazy straw. To celebrate America in July, a red, white, and blue Bomb-Pop freeze was the specialty drink.

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Kids have their own menu at Wild Roast, with hot chocolate, smoothies and a frappe (no expresso) topping the list. After their first child, Shannon says she got the idea for a coffee shop called Cafe Bebe, where moms could bring their kids and feel at ease.

“Hence, the Cafe Bebe menu for kids,” she says.

Along with coffee and specialty drinks with a creative spin, Wild Roast also offers a variety of teas, frappes and smoothies.

“We have new summer flavors like the red and white sangria flavored slush, and the Bluff Park Sunset added to our menu,” Shannon adds.

You’ll often find Bart and Shannon behind the coffee bar making drinks, visiting with their guests and testing out new recipes. “I have to admit that taste-testing Shannon’s recipes for the specialty drinks is one of my favorite parts of the job,” Bart says. And Shannon’s favorite drink? A sugar free Dulce de Leche iced latte.

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MUSIC AND MOCHAS What goes better with a cup than sitting and enjoying live music with your coffee or tea? The Styes have brought several musicians to play the stage at Wild Roast. “Some are folks that we know personally, and some have reached out to us after seeing the stage when they visited for coffee,” Bart says. The first performance

South Haven Health and Rehabilitation, LLC 3141 Old Columbiana Road | Hoover, AL 35226 PH: 205-822-1580 | FX: 205-823-1587 HooversMagazine.com 41

GETTING THE GOODS Coffee and treats aren’t the only things available at Wild Roast. Shannon brings her corporate retail experience to the café’s business model in the form of merchandise. As part of the couple’s focus on creativity and community, Shannon stocks their shelves with a mix of local, hand-crafted gifts, works of art and fair trade from makers around the country.

“In the coming months, we will be showcasing more local artists’ work on our walls as well as in our monthly maker’s market,” she says.

42 August/September 2019

featured a band of Hoover High School students who had just released an indie rock album. The second show was a Bob Dylan tribute.

Bart says because Bluff Park is home to so many creators, the addition of live music to the coffee shop creates a great platform for showcasing local talent. “Most of our live music has been on Friday and Saturday nights, but that may change once football season starts,” he says. “If a performance is after our normal business hours, it is almost always a ticketed event. But on occasion, we will have a very casual, acoustic performer on the stage for our afternoon customers at no charge.”

From their soft opening during Spring Break to their grand opening in May, Bart and Shannon have poured their lives into creating an experience unique to Bluff Park and Hoover all while keeping a local flair. “We feel that it is important for all of us who live here to shop local when we have a chance,” Bart explains. “We love how much more connected we are to our neighbors and have met so many interesting people. Owning this specific kind of business has its moments that are a grind. But it also very social which makes it very much worth it,” Bart says. “A grind? I see what you did there,” Shannon adds with a grin.

For more information and updates, visit wildroastcafe. com, Facebook.com/wildroast and @wildroastcafe on Instagram.

HooversMagazine.com 43

FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

David Cohen

The Whole Scoop Proprietor

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS

“It is all new, but the same great shop.” That’s what David Cohen, proprietor of The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop, says after they moved from their original location of eight years on South Shades Crest Road to the new Village at Brock’s Gap in May. We spoke to the ice cream man about his new location, why he loves what he does and why he loves this city.

What is the best aspect of having your business in Hoover?

I really like being part of the Hoover community and being part of it means getting to know people and supporting them, whether that support is hosting the Hoover High School Choir after a performance, participating in the Hope for Autumn Crayfish Boil for charity, or giving someone a hug and sharing a cry after losing a loved one.

umbrella tables and we were able to hang up our old sign inside to give the shop a cool feeling. It’s all the same in a new location.

What is your favorite flavor?

I can’t have just one! Today it’s Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie, Coffee Almond Fudge and, of course, Sea Turtle Salted Caramel.

How have you seen Hoover grow in the last few years?

I have seen more people open small When did you make the decision to I enjoy seeing the move to the new Brock’s Gap location? businesses.

We signed the lease for Brock’s Gap entrepreneurial spirit of locals who want to Village three years ago, so patience has invest in their community truly been a needed blessing. We have about 100 square feet more space for our Simply, why do you love Hoover?

I love Hoover because I get to be who I customers, a great front patio area with 44 August/September 2019

am supposed to be. And that is why I thoroughly enjoy our shop. It has been so great for our family. We have been able to make lasting relationships. It’s been a great eight years that we have been open.

I have gotten to see families get together and father-daughter date nights. First dates and proposals. First games and state championships celebrations. New babies and tearful goodbyes. First days of school and graduations. Beginnings and endings. And everything in between. I am very excited about what the future holds for us.

For more information, visit thewholescoopicecream.com, The Whole Scoop Ice Cream Shop on Facebook or @thewholescoop on Instagram.

&STYLE

HOME

TRAIL HOUSE RENO For Leslie and Richard Davis, refurbishing their home was a labor of love.

BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY HooversMagazine.com 45

HOME & STYLE

L

Leslie Davis was literally rolling up her sleeves as she and her husband, Richard, closed on their Trace Crossings home three years ago. The house needed extensive renovations, which they knew before they put in an offer. Its less-than-pristine condition was what drew Leslie to it in the first place. “I could tell it had really great bones,” Leslie says. “I felt like I was called to redeem this house.”

Leslie, who blogs about her DIY projects and home renovation and design ideas at deeplysouthernhome.com, has catalogued for her followers each phase of this home’s restoration, nicknamed the Trail House Reno for its proximity to walking trails nearby. Her planning began even before she and Richard were the home’s new owners. “It was dated, appeared to have a number of major exterior issues and then became a neglected foreclosure,” Leslie writes on her blog. “For some reason, every time I passed the house I could see what it could become. I eventually convinced my husband to trust my vision and we set out to transform it into a beautiful home that is practically

46 August/September 2019

perfect in every way. At least for our family.”

The front of the house underwent dramatic changes. The couple had the Dryvit removed and replaced with brick, replaced the windows and added iron front doors. Leslie and Richard have done the bulk of the labor inside the house themselves, and they’ve done it well, we might add. “I’m a perfectionist, too,” she says. “I want it to look like a professional did it.”

And when Leslie has an idea, she doesn’t hesitate to at least try it out, whether it’s a small change like switching out fixtures or a big change like replacing flooring.

“She’s fearless, and not afraid to fail,” Richard says. This fearlessness is what drives Leslie in creating spaces that are livable and beautiful, and finding ways to repurpose what’s already there. Every project she’s undertaken has served as a building block for the next endeavor. “You fix up a little on each house, and you learn things through the years,” she says. Step inside the Trail House Reno and see her latest transformation for yourself.

Kitchen Leslie opted for a larger island—the top of which is made of salvaged barn wood from Southern Accents Architectural Antiques in Cullman—to accommodate her family any time they want to gather around and talk to her as she’s cooking. To Richard, the best part of the kitchen is the handy storage drawer under the farmhouse sink.

Beverage Bar When Leslie saw the blank wall space to the right of the refrigerator, her mind began working. She settled on installing a beverage bar in the space, repurposing the old kitchen island and expanding the room’s storage capacity with floating shelves.

HooversMagazine.com 47

Powder Room You would never know this just by looking at it, but the powder room was previously accessible only by walking through the master bedroom. The Davises reconfigured the door to be on the opposite side, right off the main foyer.

48 August/September 2019

Dining Room The centerpiece of the room is the table Leslie and Richard built with pecan wood from a mill near Tuscaloosa. The unstained wood brings an earthy vibe into the otherwise formal space.

HooversMagazine.com 49

Master Bathroom Spa or bathroom? It’s hard to tell a difference with the amenities Leslie chose for the space, including a walk-in shower, a large soaking tub, heated marble tile floors and sleek glass shower doors.

Girl’s Room Leslie achieved an airy, peaceful look in her daughter’s room with white walls, curtains and linens. The brass bed, light fixture, navy chair and navy and pink throw pillows provide mild contrast.

50 August/September 2019

Master Bedroom The couple extended the panel molding details from the bathroom into the bedroom to create continuity in the master suite, a serene space doused in gray tones.

Back Porch The covered porch is a cozy space that becomes a second living room when the Davises want to relax outside of the house.

HooversMagazine.com 51

Leslie’s Office Perhaps the most distinctive room in the whole house is Leslie’s office. Filled with an array of green plants and patterns, the room has a cozy feel with a mix of Hollywood glam and bohemian accents.

BEHIND THE SCENES Front Exterior: Brick – Alabama Brick Mason – Morrow Masonry Front door – Door Exchange, Pelham Kitchen: Lighting, sink and tile - The Home Depot Barn wood on island – Southern Accents and Architectural Antiques, Cullman Island – Mendez Woodworks, Birmingham Master Bathroom: Tile, heated floor and waterproofing materials - South Cypress, Birmingham Vanities, lights and rug – Wayfair Custom marble top – Premier Surfaces, Pelham Master Bedroom: Trim and mouldings – Metrie Interior Mouldings and Doors Library: Moulding - Metrie Interior Mouldings and Doors Antique French Doors – Southern Accents and Architectural Antiques, Cullman Powder Room: Tile - South Cypress, Birmingham Vanity - Deeply Southern Home 52 August/September 2019

Library One of the first elements visitors might notice about the library—previously the formal living room—are the doors the Davises bought from a building in Nashville. The library doubles as a home office for Richard.

HooversMagazine.com 53

Prince of Peace

VOTED BEST SCHOOL

• We are a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence celebrating 20 years of Catholic education in Hoover. • Our students consistently score in the top 25th percentile on national standardized tests.

Catholic School

IN HOOVER

PRINCE OF PEACE MIDDLE SCHOOL The POP Middle School program is a robust and distinctive curriculum that challenges students to integrate personal talents with acquired skills in an environment that keeps children motivated to learn. Intense planning uniquely links educational concepts in themed interest areas across the curriculum. Our ultimate goal is to create enthusiastic graduates who are passionate, life-long learners, able to transition effortlessly into a successful high school career.

PRINCE OF PEACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Elementary students are challenged with an integrated core curriculum that enhances the individual strengths and abilities of all children. Courses in art, music, Spanish, technology, library science, STEM, and physical education complement the learning process. Students are actively engaged in lessons guided by the latest research and are assessed on a regular basis.

PRINCE OF PEACE PRESCHOOL Three and four year old children attend an educational and fun program in a small Catholic environment. The preschool curriculum is embedded with art, technology, music, Spanish, and creative movement. Children are prepared for elementary school through a hands-on approach incorporating imaginative play while developing their social skills. Pre-reading and math skills are taught through games, centers, and individual instruction.

HOOVER’S

BEST HO

education in a safe environment

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4650 Preserve Pkwy Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 824-7886 www.popcatholic.net

THE FOUR

PILLARS Remembering Bart Starr, the champion we needed

D

BY ALEC ETHEREDGE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

“Did you know that granddaddy is really famous?” Shannon Starr Lambert asked her dad after a day at school when she was 9 years old. Bart Starr Jr. responded to his daughter by saying, “I vaguely recall something, but can you refresh my memory just a little bit, Shannon?”

“Oh, yeah, yeah,” she exclaimed, excited to share the news she had just heard for the first time about who her granddaddy was. “He won these things called NFL Championships and Super Bowls.”

He hadn’t just won championships; he had won five of them, including the first two Super Bowls ever played and was named the MVP of both games, and his name is Bart Starr. But none of those statistics represent his legacy; it’s something else that sticks with you and represents the legacy of a champion both on and off the field.

“What stuck with me from my daughter’s story was that Dad had never mentioned anything football-related to her in all the times he talked with her and went to school to talk with her classes in those nine years,” Starr Jr. says. “He knew his legacy toward his granddaughters was going to be defined by what kind of person he was, and how they would see him hopefully doing the type of good work that would make them proud.

56 August/September 2019

“His legacy can more properly be summarized, not by a statistic, not by the pleasure and joy that he had in winning five championships, though that was meaningful, but rather by that interaction.”

On May 26, 2019, Starr passed away at the age of 85, but stories like that don’t just live on; they continue to inspire people, even in his absence.

Born and raised in Montgomery, Starr went on to play college football at the University of Alabama, before eventually signing with the Green Bay Packers in 1956. After winning the starting job, he went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Packers, thanks to those five championships and his 24,718 passing yards and 152 touchdowns.

But it’s what he did off the field as a player and a retiree living in Hoover that defined Starr’s life and legacy, living by four pillars. Those pillars, and the love for his wife, Cherry Starr, are what led to his everlasting legacy, and what created his story.

PILLAR 1: BE YOURSELF Living his life in the limelight, Starr was never afraid to be himself, and instead used his stardom to not only better

The late Bart Starr, a Montgomery native and Hoover resident in his later years, played college football at the University of Alabama before signing with the Green Bay Packers, with whom he established a Hall of Fame football career.

himself, but to try to make the world around him a better place. From his charitable work to his open-door policy with anyone that wanted to talk with him, Starr always gave everyone time, putting them before himself. One way he showed that was taking time at the beginning of each football season to send well wishes to the NFL’s leader.

“Since I became commissioner, something extra special arrived with the kickoff of our new season,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says. “It was a hand-written letter sent through U.S. Mail, every year, and the return address said, ‘Bart Starr, Birmingham, Alabama.’ Each season, Bart took the time to wish the league and impressed upon me the importance of holding the highest standards and wishing us good luck for that year. It was a reminder from the greatest to play the game, directly, in

his own writing, and from one of my childhood heroes.”

Growing up a fan of Starr, Goodell knew the football side of him, but was just getting to know the other side of someone he looked up to. “He brought football into America’s living rooms,” Goodell says. “But off the field, he elevated all of us. He was the most generous, decent and kind person I ever knew. Simply put, No. 15 was the best of men.”

Going into the NFL’s 100th season, Goodell knows a new letter from Starr won’t come his way, but that won’t stop the tradition from continuing. “He put everything and everyone before himself,” Goodell says, now with tears filling his eyes. “Come September, I plan to re-read his thoughtful letters that he wrote to me before each season.”

HooversMagazine.com 57

Bart and his wife, Cherry Starr, were high school sweethearts who eloped in 1954.

PILLAR 2: HUMILITY AND GRATITUDE

inspiring that night? Who drove 900 miles to see a fellow human being? She didn’t have to do that, but she did.

Starr was a man of humility and gratitude, something After that moment, he would remember her and look up that showed in those letters to Goodell, but more to her as much as she looked up to him.”

Starr also came in contact with a firefighter who drove importantly in the time he gave everyone around him.

One of the more heartwarming stories came in recent all the way from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to see him and years when Starr was in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for an share another inspiring story. “He was battling the fires at event. Afterward, around 9 p.m.—which was late for Starr the World Trade Centers,” Starr Jr. recalls of the man’s who had suffered two strokes by that point—a lady story. “He had already lost many of his brothers battling approached him and asked if she could speak to him. He the tragedy, and he himself, having shifted gears to go said yes, and opened his car door to let her sit down. “She back toward the falling towers, suffered great injuries to said, ‘I just want you to know, I couldn’t afford to go to his lungs that he is still battling.”

The man said he wanted to meet Starr while he could, this event tonight, but I had to drive over to see you,” Starr Jr. recalls. “The reason I’m here is because I’ve been so they spent a couple of hours in his office and Starr watching how you’ve been fighting through your strokes, asked questions and listened to everything he had to say.

“Dad always brought the conversation back to him and and it has inspired me to try and beat my cancer.”

She drove 900 miles from Tennessee to share that story eventually learned what he and his fallen friends had with Starr. “She gave dad a hug and insisted on moving on done, and he got quite emotional that day,” Starr Jr. says. and giving him his privacy,” Starr Jr. says. “She was telling “That person didn’t have to come all the way down from dad how he inspired her, but who was really doing the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He enriched my dad more than 58 August/September 2019

you can imagine, and it was all because of not what dad had done on the football field, but the type of person he was. Dad became a better person that day.”

Join friends and neighbors at the Homewood Library Foundation’s 6th annual

O

B L O CK

PILLAR 3: DIGNITY AND RESPECT A f t e r remembering all of Starr’s l e t t e r s , Goodell read a tear-filled statement saying, “Bart Starr will always be the league’s true north, guiding us to the highest level of leadership, success, resilience and most of all, dignity.” His dignity to treat every human with the same amount of respect might have been his most defining quality, and was the third pillar of life by which he lived.

Following his passing, his wife, Cherry, started going through some of the old mail in his desk and found a letter that described his qualities perfectly. The lady who wrote the letter was friends with Starr’s son when they were younger and recalled a time when he put them all on a lawnmower and drove them down the sidewalk with a small trailer attached. “There was a sanitation truck that pulled up and picked up your trash,” the letter read. “A gentleman got out of the truck and Mr. Starr got up, walked over to the gentleman, extended his hand and said, ‘I am Bart Starr, and thank you for picking up our trash.’”

They talked for a few minutes, before Starr returned to the three kids on the lawnmower, including his son, and said, “I would like for you to remember one thing. It does not matter if it is the President of the United States or the gentleman picking up your trash, you treat them with the same amount of respect and kindness.”

“What a great life lesson, and what a wonderful world this would be if everyone heard and understood the importance of that message,” Cherry Starr says.

PA R T Y

Saturday August 17th 5 – 8 pm 1721 Oxmoor Road - rain or shine Admission includes food, cold beverages, music, fun for all ages

presented by

Limbaugh Toyota

Tickets at the door and at HomewoodLibraryFoundation.org

PILLAR 4: SEIZE EVERY DAY Every day he woke up, Starr would think about each of those previous three pillars of life and how he could seize the day to make them happen. He did his best by remembering others, listening to everything they had to say, growing as a person and treating everybody he came across with respect—never letting his fame get

Lumadentistry.com McCalla / Hoover / Centerville / Montevallo HooversMagazine.com 59

Bart Starr was the co-founder of Rawhide, Inc., a faith-based organization meant to serve at-risk youth in Wisconsin.

Starr and his wife also helped start the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, and after Lombardi passed away from colon cancer in 1970, they accepted the roles of honorary chairpersons, something they did for the next 44 years to help raise more than $16 million to fight cancer.

Then, in 2017, despite Starr’s declining health, he and Cherry started the Starr Children’s fund. Now, the NFL has the Bart Starr Award, which is given to the player that shows the greatest character and leadership at home, on the football field and, most importantly, in the community to help each individual strive to be a great person.

EVERLASTING LOVE in the way, but instead lead him to becoming a better person. He did so through personal interactions and charity work.

Starr was the co-founder of Rawhide, Inc., a leading faithbased organization that served at-risk youth throughout the state of Wisconsin. The organization offers residential care and outpatient mental health services for youth and their families.

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Living by those four pillars not only turned Starr into the beloved man he was, but it also led to the best moment of his life: meeting his future wife, Cherry Starr. The two became high school sweethearts and eloped in May 1954, starting a life that spanned more than six decades.

Over the last several years, he suffered with a lot of pain, but their love remained strong. Her support and strength, as well as the support and strength of so many others, kept

his spirits high through their love. After Starr passed away, Cherry reminisced about their life-long bond, looking through some of the old letters the two had written each other, which he had stashed away in his desk drawer.

One of those letters was dated for May 22, 1995. “I had such love and admiration for my husband, that I just had to express it to him,” Cherry says. “I said, ‘My dearest Bart, for some reason, most of us wait for a special occasion to express our deepest feelings for each other. Today I was riding along listening to some very beautiful music and was very much thinking of you. I have done the simplest chores, but it occurred to me how privileged I am to be able to do all of the things I do to help us live a comfortable life. I realized I never had to be worried about things. Most people struggle all of their lives, but we are so fortunate you have always had such unique opportunities and helped us live so well, while always assisting so many less fortunate people. You are adored by millions, but the greatest admiration and respect comes from your own family, and that is the greatest gift of all. I have been truly blessed to share your life. Thank you darling for bringing such beauty into my life. I love you, Cherry.’”

In recent years, with Bart suffering from declining health and both getting older, they talked about the possibility of this moment, which led to one of their favorite stories. On a road trip to the beach together, the two were listening to their favorite song, “Unchained Melody.”

“It’s just absolutely beautiful and it’s always been our favorite,” Cherry says. “All of a sudden, I felt his hand on mine. I thought, ‘This is so sweet.’ Then he squeezed my hand. I thought, ‘How romantic is this?’

“All of a sudden, he turned and looked at me with that beautiful smile and said, ‘Darling, promise me you’ll play this at my wedding.’ He meant to say funeral,” Cherry says with laughter. “I said, ‘Gosh Bart, I’m not even dead yet and you’re already planning your next wedding.’”

Cherry kept her promise, and during the memorial service held at Samford Universities Wright Center on Sunday, June 9, the ceremony concluded with Cherry on stage and the beautiful melody resonating throughout the theater.

With his ears perked up from above, their love shined on that stage. The six decades of caring for one another hadn’t left either of them despite Bart’s death, just as his legacy and love for everyone will never leave any of us.

HooversMagazine.com 61

Members of the Hoover Bucs Mountain Bike Team traverse the trails at the newly opened Black Creek Mountain Bike Park Photo by Lance Shores.

62 August/September 2019

Hoover’s new park offers miles and miles of adventure to local mountain bikers.

BY STEPHEN DAWKINS PHOTOS BY LANCE SHORES, STEPHEN DAWKINS AND CONTRIBUTED

HooversMagazine.com 63

A Photo by Lance Shores.

A new network of trails in Hoover awaits anyone with a mountain bike and an adventurous spirit.

A ribbon cutting for Black Creek Mountain Bike Park in late June marked the latest addition to a long list of amenities for residents of the area. The park, with its about 5 miles of trails designed and built specifically for mountain bikes, is located on 71 acres that was part of the Lake Wilborn development but has been donated to the city of Hoover as part of an agreement between the parties on the layout of the subdivision.

Hoover Administrator Allan Rice called the ribbon cutting an “exciting day” and the first in a

64 August/September 2019

series of announcements as part of a public/private partnership between the city and developer Signature Homes.

Mayor Frank Brocato also discussed the city’s strong relationship with Signature Homes, a Hoover-based company led by Jonathan Belcher, a Hoover native and resident who also spoke at the ceremony. “We talk about quality of life in Hoover, and these are the kinds of things that add unbelievable gratitude and quality of life to Hoover,” Brocato says, adding that he thinks the area has “become the coolest place to live in the city of Hoover.” “You’ve got everything you want out here.”

Saturday, August 17, 2019 The American Village Montevallo, Alabama 6:00 PM

PARK STATS

5 71

Beer/Wine Reception Dinner Catered by Kathy G & Co. Music Entertainment Guest Speakers

Black Creek Mountain Bike Park boasts 5 miles of trails.

The park is located on 71 acres that was part of the Lake Wilborn development.

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The next project in the development will be a 125-acre park along the Cahaba River.

Proceeds benefitting

Tickets available at: moonlightmasquerade2019.swell.gives/ HooversMagazine.com 65

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato cuts the ribbon at the park’s grand opening celebration in June.

Photo by Stephen Dawkins

The next cooperative effort in the development will be a 125-acre park along the Cahaba River that will offer even more recreational opportunities.“They just make it easy to work with them when it’s time to work through a serious project,” Rice says about Signature Homes.

Belcher says that when he graduated from Berry High School, Hoover Metropolitan Stadium was under construction and there were already trails located on the property that is now the site of the mountain bike park. Belcher says he relied on Mike Enervold of Trailvisions LLC for the design of the park, which features multi-use, single-track 66 August/September 2019

trails for novice and intermediate riders; and the Cahaba River Society was also consulted about avoiding erosion.

Scott Willenbrock of the Hoover Bucs Mountain Bike Team said the group of 42 mountain bikers in grades six through 12 were excited to have a new home trail system in their backyard. “For us, today is like Christmas times 10,” Willenbrock says.

Black Creek Mountain Bike Park’s parking area is across Stadium Trace Parkway from the Lake Wilborn clubhouse, at 2000 Nunnally Pass.

[Newbor n + Child + Family Por traiture] info@apeppermintphoto.com + 205.807.6431 w w w . a p e p p e r m i n t p h o t o . c o m

The city’s new Explore Playground is transforming the way children of different ability levels interact.

BY ANNE RILEY | PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

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F

For Mary Allison Cook, Associate Director of Communications at Lakeshore Foundation, it’s not enough to call the Hoover Met Complex Explore Playground and Splash Pad “accessible” to people with disabilities. That’s because it wasn’t designed to be merely accessible; it was designed to be universal. So what’s the difference? According to Mary Allison, a Bluff Park mother of two who uses a wheelchair, the key lies in one main element: choice.

“There are multiple ways to swing and slide,” Mary Allison says of the playground. “You can choose to climb, crawl, roll or skip to the top of the clubhouse. And my favorite feature of this universal design is that it allows me to choose if I want to be a helicopter mom or watch from a distance. I rarely get that choice.”

Everyone who comes to the Explore Playground—adults and children, those with disabilities and those without—can play without restriction because of the site’s intentional design.

While there are other playgrounds in Hoover that are created to be accessible to people with disabilities, the Explore Playground has gone above and beyond in offering an outstanding number of play options. It also boasts one of the only accessible splash pads in the area.

Part of the playground’s success comes from its beginnings, which involved a multitude of collaborators. The project was headed by Hoover Community Service Officer Dee Nance, who ensured that a wide range of voices were heard from the very beginning. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability, which is housed at Lakeshore Foundation, collaborated with Dee, the planning committee and J.A. Dawson to be sure the playground was as inclusive as possible.

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70 August/September 2019

ABOVE AND OPPOSITE PAGE: Children utilize different features of the Explore Playground, including the slides and swings that accommodate all ages and abilities.

“Parents with and without disabilities, parents of children with and without disabilities, community and national organizations were all brought to the table and invited to speak,” Mary Allison says. “I was able to give insight on parenting with a disability and ways to remove barriers so everyone can be included.”

Those barriers have definitely been removed for Gracie Bradford, a 5-year-old with Down syndrome. Gracie has an 8-year-old brother and a 2-year-old sister, neither of whom has a disability, and Explore has completely changed the way she plays with her siblings.

“The steps are the right height, the handrails

are perfect, the swings have appropriate support— all things that may prohibit her from fully enjoying other playgrounds,” says Gracie’s mother, Jamie Bradford. “When Gracie sees Gage (her brother) doing something, she can do it too!”

This kind of environment, Jamie says, transforms her children’s dialogue. Instead of Gracie’s big brother saying “Watch me,” he says, “Come play with me”—and that makes a huge difference for the whole family. It’s exactly the kind of environment Jamie has fought for at her daughter’s school: a place where Gracie can play alongside her peers with appropriate modifications.

HooversMagazine.com 71

The central feature of the Explore Playground is Carly’s Clubhouse, a 17-foot-tall structure that allows for two mobility devices inside, and features a custom bookcase, window seat, fireplace and television.

The playground was built on the seven principles of inclusive design and play, and includes myriad unique features like the 17-foot-tall Carly’s Clubhouse (named for Carly Chandler, who was born with a rare disorder called CDKL5), a first-of-its-kind adult changing room and unique swing features for people of all abilities. There are vivid colors everywhere and bright patterns and material on the ground, a musical play area and shade structures for a break from the sun. In total, there are 43 elevated play events and 34 ground-level play events just waiting to be enjoyed by parents and children of all backgrounds, zip codes and abilities.

The Hoover community is certainly thrilled with this new attraction—a statement that’s easily backed 72 August/September 2019

up by the laughing families, squealing children and cheerful birthday parties happening on any given day.

Everyone at the playground is unique in many ways, but no one is focusing on the differences. Instead, people are there to have a good time and celebrate the freedom the Explore playground offers. Children with disabilities get the same benefits as children without disabilities. They can be active, social and independent as they play without hesitation.

“At this playground, kids are able to be themselves, disability and all,” Mary Allison says. “This playground illustrates the concept that a disability should not limit a person’s ability to participate in society. If we create barrier-free environments, we can all do or be whatever we want to be.”

At the University of Montevallo, you will enjoy small classes, personalized attention, engaging student activities and abundant opportunities for real world experience.

You will emerge a well-rounded, highly educated individual who isn’t just ready for the world — you’re ready to change it.

Here, students don’t merely fit in, they find a place to call home. You will discover a new family where you belong. So schedule a tour — come see for yourself why You belong at the University of Montevallo.

montevallo.edu 205-665-6030 admissions@montevallo.edu #IBelongAtMontevallo

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

Aug./Sept.

2019 Events Thursday, August 1, 2019

10:00 am Riverchase Career Connections Center 853 Willow Oak Drive Hoover, AL 35244

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

8:30 am -9:30 am Entrepreneurial Council Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offices 3000 Riverchase Galleria Suite 375 Hoover, AL 35244

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Save the Date!

In August we will hear from accommodate current and future Antiqua Cleggett, Executive training needs.

Director of Central 6 Alabama The Central Six Development Works. The mission of Central Six Council serves the following Development council, also known counties: Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, as Central Six AlabamaWorks, is Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker. to create a 21st century workforce Please make your reservations that is proactive, responsive, no later than Monday, August 13th, and results driven; supports the by calling 988-5672, or emailing Antiqua region’s diverse population and lisa@hooverchamber.org.

Cleggett employers; and, provides quality Networking begins at 11:15 a.m. job opportunities in support of a vibrant The Luncheon is $20.00 with reservations. regional economy.

Cancellations are accepted until the Workforce development and economic morning of the luncheon, but those that development depend on one another. make reservations and do not attend will be Thanks to an aggressive recruitment charged. strategy, Alabama has a diversified industrial Our luncheons are held at the Hoover base that brings with it quality jobs. Our Country Club, 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, goal is to develop programs that will AL 35226.

7:30 am -9:00 am Smart Homes of Alabama 3659 Lorna Road Suite 127 Hoover, AL 35216

Thursday, August 15, 2019

11:15 am-1:00 pm Speaker: Antiqua Cleggett, Executive Director Central Six Alabama Works Sponsor: BBVA Compass Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 per person RSVP at www.hooverchamber.org

Friday, August 16, 2019 10:30 am BumperNets 2000 Riverchase Galleria Suite 179 Hoover, AL 35244

Thursday, August 22, 2019 5:30pm-7:00 pm Business After Hours Location: To Be Announced

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 9:00 am Groundbreaking for LAH-Realty Hoover

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 74 August/September 2019

New Members FROM MARCH 3 - JULY 1 2019 uMark’s Quality Cleaners 3/1/2019 uRestore Vein & Wellness 3/4/2019 uTre Luna Bar and Kitchen 3/4/2019 uSmith Printing Company 3/5/2019 uh2tdigital 3/5/2019 uThryv 3/7/2019 uKiwanis Club of Inverness 3/8/2019 uBluff Park Art Association 3/11/2019 uT-Mobile Patton Creek 3/11/2019 uBatteries Plus 3/12/2019 uJP Morgan Chase 3/13/2019 uAlfa Insurance 3/13/2019 uQualified Staffing 3/14/2019

uAlaTrust Credit Union 3/15/2019 uCreative Directions, Inc. 3/18/2019 uPaul Guillory-Keller Williams Hoover 3/18/2019 uJubilee Joe’s Restaurant 3/20/2019 uAmerican Osment 3/20/2019 u1918 Catering 3/20/2019 uBaba Java Coffee 3/21/2019 uEnterprise Rent-A-Car - Riverchase 3/21/2019 uSneaky Pete’s 3/25/2019 uCream & Cones Ice Cream Lounge 3/26/2019 uPure Dermatology & Aesthetics 3/27/2019

uFlooring Gurus, LLC 3/27/2019 uMr. Handyman of Birmingham 4/1/2019 uLouise’s Cakes & Things 4/1/2019 uFour Star Realty, LLC 4/4/2019 uJunior League of Birmingham 4/5/2019 uReverse Mortgage Alabama LLC 4/8/2019 uRoss Bridge Pharmacy 4/9/2019 uGilded Garment 4/11/2019 uThe Wright Way Company, Inc. 4/11/2019 uThe Vintage Shoppes 4/15/2019 uNick the Marketer 4/16/2019 uSilver Pig Creations 4/17/2019

HOOVER, AL 35244

Ribbon Cuttings

Brook Highland Bar and Grill Brook Highland Bar & Grill Managers Daryl Whitfield and Edwina Jones were joined by staff, friends and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members as they celebrated the Grand Opening of Brook Highland Bar & Grill with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Aug./Sept.

2019 Events Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Ross Bridge Pharmacy Owner Patrick Devereux was joined by the staff, Ross Bridge residents, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors as he celebrated the Grand Opening of Ross Bridge Pharmacy! They officially opened on April 19th and they are a welcome addition to the Ross Bridge Community.

Tre Luna Bar & Resturant Tre Luna Bar + Kitchen Owners Brian and Erin Mooney were joined by family, friends and neighbors as they celebrated their Grand Opening with Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Black Creek Mountain Bike Trail The Hoover area Chamber of Commerce was honored to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Black Creek Mountain Bike Park along Stadium Trace within the Lake Wilborn subdivision.

8:30 am -9:30 am Entrepreneurial Council Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offices 3000 Riverchase Galleria Suite 375 Hoover, AL 35244

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

New Member Orientation 8:30 am-9:30 am Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce offices 3000 Riverchase Galleria Suite 375 Hoover, AL 35244 ***No cost, but RSVP is Required!

Thursday, September 12, 2019 Coffee & Contacts 7:30 am-9:00 am Hampton Inn at Eagle Point 6201 Farley Court Birmingham, AL 35242

State Farm, Alyssa Holloway State Farm Insurance Alyssa Holloway Agency was joined by family, friends and neighbors as they celebrated their Grand Opening with Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Thursday, September 19, 2019 11:15 am -1:00 pm Speaker: Hoover City Schools Update with Dr. Kathy Murphy, Superintendent Sponsor: Regions Bank Hoover Country Club 3140 Club Dr, Birmingham, AL 35226.

The cost is $20.00 per person RSVP at www.hooverchamber.org

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Potions Boutique Potions boutique owner Latoyia Wooden was joined by family, friends and fellow Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce members as she celebrated the Grand Opening of her new boutique on the second floor of the Riverchase Galleria!

The Bridge Magazine for the Ross Bridge Community Amanda Mercer, Publisher for The Bridge, The magazine for the Ross Bridge community, Was joined by family, friends and fellow Hoover area Chamber of Commerce members as she celebrated the launch of Hoover’s newest neighborhood magazine!

205 - 988 - 5672

Business After Hours 5:30 pm-7:00 pm 4 Chambers(Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Moutain Brook Chambers of Commerce) Soir’ee Event Gallery Parvez Mulji - CEO 2132 Lorna Ridge Lane Hoover, AL 35216

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 75

New Members AS OF JULY 1, 2019 uLandry’s Seafood House 4/18/2019 uJennifer Campbell Consulting 4/18/2019 uMaster Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do 4/18/2019 uThe Bridge Magazine for Ross Bridge 4/23/2019 uDiamond Golf Cars 4/25/2019 uMalone Staffing Solutions 4/25/2019 uState Farm Insurance Alyssa Holloway Agency 4/26/2019 uInfiniti of Birmingham 4/29/2019 uSamuelson Orthodontics 4/29/2019 uGrayson Construction LLC 5/2/2019 uBrook Highland Bar & Grill 5/2/2019 uK’s Formal 5/3/2019 uESG 5/3/2019 uMary Kay ~ Brenda Williams 5/6/2019 uCookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids - Hoover 5/6/2019 uPhysicians Mutual 5/6/2019 uThe Heavenly Donut Co. 5/7/2019 uState Farm Insurance Nate Cooper Agency 5/10/2019 uCulver’s Butterburgers and Fresh Frozen Custard 5/10/2019 uOMNIWON Digital 5/17/2019 uPotions Boutique 5/17/2019 uTotal Care 280 5/23/2019 uComplete3 Tech Solutions 5/23/2019 uCahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center, LLC 5/23/2019

uYellowhammer Roofing 5/24/2019 uAlabama Power Employees Credit Union 5/28/2019 uCadillac of Birmingham LLC 5/29/2019 uVulcan Materials Company 5/29/2019 uColbaugh Realty Group 5/29/2019 uHometown Lenders 5/29/2019 uHouliang Massage Inc. dba Foot Massage 5/31/2019 uThe Crafters House 6/3/2019 uSouthtown Motors Hoover 6/4/2019 uAction Towing & Recovery Inc. DBA HOOVER TOWING 6/4/2019 uColonial Life 6/6/2019 u State Farm Insurance Mike Walker Agency 6/7/2019 uComfort Care Home Health and Hospice 6/12/2019 uM-POWER Ministries 6/17/2019 uClassic Home Mortgage, Inc. 6/18/2019 uGreystone Smile Design 6/19/2019 uGods Warrior Center INC 6/21/2019 uProfile by Sanford-The Grove 6/26/2019 uAlphagraphics 6/28/2019 uPresbyterian Home for Children 7/1/2019 uStar Asset Security 7/1/2019 uClastran 7/1/2019 uValleydale Church 7/1/2019

Thank you to our 2019 Board of Trustees The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees 1. Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* 2. Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* 3. Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union* 4. Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC 5. John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield 6. Cris Ferguson, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 7. Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama* 8. Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* 9. Jennifer Strickland, First Commercial Bank 10. Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. 11. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall 12. Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel 13. Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* 14. Henry King, King Acura 15. Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance* 16. Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 17. Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* 18. Karen Waldrop, Regions Financial 19. Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 20. Tim Prince, Hooverís Magazine, Shelby County Reporter 21. Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group* 22. Dan Ellis, TASC* 23. Sam Hess, Jet’s Pizza 24. Sam Hess, Tropical Smoothie 25. David Custred, McLeod Software 26. Bill Powell, Honorary Presidents Circle *Designates a Past President of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce The Board of Trustees Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union Veronica Ritchey, BB&T Bank Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Heather McInnish, BancorpSouth Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Ken Crow, Belk Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park Jamie White, Brown Heating & Cooling Bud Cason, Bud’s Best Cookies

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 76 August/September 2019

Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank Garland Stansell, Childrenís of Alabama Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Randolph Pickell, Diversicare of Riverchase Mike Hawthorne, Edge Realty Group Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/Tire Engineers Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Keegan Jett, Galleria Woods Retirement Community Leisha Harris, Grandview Medical Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn ñ Hoover Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms Charlie Faulkner, Jefferson Credit Union Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Dwight Burrell, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Bridget Baughan, McDonaldís Keith Pennington,UAB Medical Center West Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports CafÈ Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics Hugh Morrow, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Andy Davis, St. Vincentís Health System Kyle Hogan, Samís Club Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services Kent O’Rear, ServPro of Birmingham Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Sarah Turner, Signature Homes Alain Gallet, Terracon Monique Holiness, The Home Depot-Inverness Elena Horn, 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 Richard Edwards, WalMart of 280 Sherry Webb, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. Tanja Bell, Birmingham Airport Authority Daniel Heldreth, Jason’s Deli Ira Levine, Levine & Associates Fred Dumas, Dave & Buster’s Hayley DeShazo, American Family Care Purvi Shaj, Ross Bridge Medical Center Zeke Ethridge, Alabama Vein & Restoration MedSpa David Wanniger, Comfort Care Home Health & Hospice Benjamin Yim, Omniwon Digital Agency Cory Talley, Enterprise Rent A Car-Riverchase

HOOVER, AL 35244

F i n d U s O n l i ne

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Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Chamber Officers Terry Turner 2019 Board President

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

Paul Dangel The HyattRegency Wynfrey Hotel 1st Vice President

Alison Howell Steineker, 2nd Vice President Alabama Power Company

Kathleen Spencer, Hyatt Place of Inverness Secretary

Adam West Warren Averett CPAs Treasurer

Paul Dangel 1st Vice President

Alison Howell Steineker 2nd Vice President

Kathleen Spencer Secretary

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

Greg Knighton City of Hoover City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Jerome Morgan Jr. Immediate Past President

Greg Knighton City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Legal Advisor

Matthew Allen, Birmingham Fun and Family Magazine

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

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

David Custred McLeod Software

Mike White Riverchase Galleria

205 - 988 - 5672

Board of Directors uMatthew Allen uPaul Huckeba uIra Levine uTynette Lynch uJeff McDowell uLynn Ray uJoel Smith uMike White uDavid Custred

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 77

OUT & ABOUT

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SEC BASEBALL FANFEST

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

Many fans took a break from the heat outside at the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met to have some fun inside at the SEC FanFest in the nearby Finley Center.

1. Kristin Chapleau, Maggie Chapleau and Jessica Collins 2. Haley and Chandler Smalley 3. Amy and Sophie Roberie (back) with Gracie Roberie and Clark Jopling

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4. Jace Cullom, Maggie McCall, Brenda McCall and Jacob McCall 5. Mandy Hartley, Jennifer Paepcke, Shilpa Gaggar, Laura Sign and Carolyn Bunch 6. Kenny and Tracy Lasseigne 7. Kristine and Noah Stamps 8. David and Mallie Kate Perry 9. Karyme Robles and Demi Moss 10. Chris, Andrew and Annie Reynolds 11. Lindsey Fehr, Will Hagar and Lauren Fehr 12. Anderson, Laura and Charlie Sign 13. Ben Henderson, Sam Henderson, Luke Henderson and Miles Rabiee 14. Karsten Knobles, Tirzah Ginn and Kim Knobles 15. Mike Broussard, Lisa Reid and Megan Reid 16. Lee, Mary, Baylor and Bristol King 78 August/September 2019

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OUT & ABOUT

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HOOVER BELLES PRESENTATION

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Forty-two high school sophomores were presented as members of the 2019 class of Hoover Belles.

A reception with dancing and photography by Kelley D. followed the ceremony.

1. Loren Pate, Sophie Anderson and Samantha Gagliano 2. Ella Thomas, Sarah Turner, Katie Heglas, Abby Turner and Mary Caroline Stephens

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3. Gabrielle Essix, Kinsey Dambrino and Sophie Anderson 4. Megan Miles, Maci Martens, Morgan Patrick and Carley Rickman 5. Addison Cole, Bella Doll and Olivia Frazier 6. Caroline Jarboe, Ella Thomas and Tatum Holley 7. Sophie Anderson, Abby Batchelor and Evie Barakat 8. Jordyn Godsey, Kate Willenbrock and Alexandria Erickson 9. Mary Brook Barton, Chloe Bishop and Chloe Annakin 10. Rory Edwards, Katie Schumann and Bella Smith 11. Amber Dubble, Elizabeth Tedder and Abby Fortner

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205-879-3036

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4730 Chace Cir, Suite 124

205-777-5984

www.babajavacoffee.com

@babajavacoffee HooversMagazine.com 81

OUT & ABOUT

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SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

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PHOTOS BY STEPHEN DAWKINS

Spain Park High School held its 2019 commencement ceremony on May 22, at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center.

1. Kenyon Hines and Demillin Simms 2. Allison Pendleton and Zac Shaw 3. EJ Moses and Josh Mullins

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4. Ahrielle Parks, Kelsey Hargrove, Shak Hogan, Kaleb England, Ja’cory Robinson, Makayla Hay, India Johnson and Jada King 5. Ella Dreaden and Laura Katherine Cate 6. Kristen Hopkins and Catherine Della Manna 7. Ashley Williams, Ryan Dugger and Josh Nonnengard 8. Austin Laatsch, Loran King-Williams and Alyssa Mackinaw

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OUT & ABOUT

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MAGIC CITY CON PHOTOS BY JAMIE BROWDER

Fans of cosplay, gaming, Sci-Fi and pop culture converged on the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – Wynfrey Hotel on June 21-23 for the 2019 edition of Magic City Con. 1. Emma Shealy and Kai Saucier

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2. Annabella Harkins and Karlyn Warren 3. Shannon Watson and Robin Jordan 4. Alex Void, Nicole, Mia Peroni and Nicole Heinrich 5. David Railey 6. Meredith Rice and Anna Davis 7. Justis Self and Kasie Shotts 8. Dimitri Walker

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OUT & ABOUT

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MOTHER-DAUGHTER BELLE LUNCHEON

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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

The 2017 Hoover Belles were honored recently at their Mother-Daughter Senior Belle Luncheon. In two years, they participated in more than 1,517 hours of service at community and charitable events.

1. Jennifer Cotney and Madison Blair 2. Allison Pendleton, Rebecca Friday, Lauren Jolly, Delaney Langston, Victoria Yeager, Margaret Ann Boggan, Avery Scott and Caroline Kendrick

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3. Toni Shay, Melinda Payne, Emily Hagood and Margaret Ann Payne 4. Emma Storm, Madeline Martin, Emily Hagood, Callie Ahearn and Avery Scott 5. Kim Jolly, Lauren Jolly, Kennedy Jackson and Keisha Jackson 6. Carrie Langston, Jennie Alspach, Delaney Langston and Grace Alspach 7. Rebecca Friday, Allison Pendleton, Victoria Yeager and Margaret Ann Boggan 8. Amy Couch, Allie Couch, Audrey Colabrese and Michelle Colabrese 9. Jennifer Friday, Andrea Powell, Rebecca Friday and Ansley Powell 10. Jennifer Cotney and Emily Hagood 11. Susan Fickling, Georgie Fickling, Reagan Green, Jennifer Green, Margaret Splawn and Amy Splawn 84 August/September 2019

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For all your backyard playground needs!!

CALL

205-408-4386 for more info!

WILDLIFE WILDLIFE REMOVAL? REMOVAL? WE WE CAN CAN DO DO IT. IT. Please call Vulcan

NOW ALSO SELLING AY COMMERCIAL PLAY EQUIPMENT! CALL 205-408-4386 86 FOR MORE INFO!

for all of your pest 3165 CCahaba h b VValley lle RRoadd Birmingham, AL 35124

www.backyardalabama.com

and wildlife control needs

205-663-4200 HooversMagazine.com 85

OUT & ABOUT

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ALL-AMERICAN INDOOR PICNIC

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PHOTOS BY EMILY SPARACINO

More than 100 seniors celebrated Independence Day at the Hoover Senior Center on July 3 with lunch and live music by The Red Mountain Yellowhammers.

1. Deanie Young and Jean Wilson 2. The Red Mountain Yellowhammers 3. Susan Gilliland and Shannon Fifer 4. Linda McAshe and Ethel Taff 5. Sunil Mainra and Poonam Mainra 6. Kay Cooley and David Hjelmeland 7. Rosa Feltman and Charlotte Williams 8. Peggy Sawaya and Mary McKinley 9. Margaret Mulholland, Larry Schlosser and Sharron Schlosser 10. JoAnn Powell, Gene Powell and Tillie Powers 11. Betty Franklin and Linda Bates 12. Virginia Albright, Mary Beveridge, Anthony Coppola and Rosa Feltman

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The Heart Knows There Is Only One Right Choice

Paid for by John & Melody Greene

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• Preventative Care & Wellness • Surgery • Online Store • Boarding • Grooming Join our Healthy Paws Club anuual wellness plans to save you money while providing your pet the best preventative care!

1665 Montgomery Highway, Hoover. AL 35216 205-822-4779 • PATTONCHAPELAC.COM

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Pet Dentistry 12

Grooming

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Hoovers Magazine • 205.669.3131

Acceptance Loan Company.

Personal Loans! Let us pay off your title loan!

224 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham.

205-663-5821 Need appliance or air conditioner parts?

How about a water filter for your refrigerator?

We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts!

Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance.com American Auctioneers, LLC 1-866-789-5169 american-auctioneers.com Call us for your auctions needs!! • Land/Acreage • Estates • Residential/ Commercial Real Estate • Business Liquidations • Construction Farm Equipment • Lake/ Recreational Properties INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES $17.68 hour + production & safety $$$ incentives.

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

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

REFRIGERATION MECHANIC Qualified mechanics earn $20.00/hour+ depending on experience. HVAC mechanic w/minimum 10 years recent ‘hands-on’ industrial maintenance experience or certification required. Ideal candidate will have experience servicing Ammonia Refrigeration System Electrical, plumbing,

88 August/September 2019

welding & concrete repair experience required 1st shift, Monday-Friday, 7:00 am3:30 pm, on-call as required.

Blue Cross Health & Dental Insurance Only $57/Week, 401-k Plan w/3.5% Company Match, Paid Vacation & Holidays Mandatory PreEmployment Drug Test and Physical Required Apply at WWW.AGSOUTH.COM/ JOBS Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002.

Pelham (205)444-9774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience.

CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Bent Creek Apartments.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom. On-site Manager.

On-site Maintenance.

3001 7th Street. North Clanton, AL 35045.

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

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions.

Starting pay $13.33/hour.

HooversMagazine.com

Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com

8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

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

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

Experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package.

Good home time.

Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2

Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits. Pre-employment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com

DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem. com. Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com SEEKING MACHINIST OR MACHINIST HELPER WITH KNOWLEDGE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEAVY MACHINERY. CALL TO APPLY: 205-243-6661 NOW HIRING!!!

• CDL DRIVERS • ASPHALT EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Apply Online Today! www.dunnconstruction. com • Bright Future •Great Pay • Unheard of Benefits • HOME EVERY DAY! #DunnTheRightWay EOE/Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans $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

Franklin Iron Works Now Hiring.

Grinders & Laborers.

Must apply in person: 146 Tommie Drive, Thorsby.

Mon-Fri. 10am-3pm.

Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Hiring: Homeownership LeasePurchase Facilitator Resident Services Coordinator-ROSS Human Resources Specialist Compliance Data Analysis Application Data Entry Clerk Assistant Vice President of Housing Operations Director of Public Safety Custodian View complete description and apply at www.habd.org or 1826 3rdAvenueSouth Birmingham, Al 35233 NOW AVAILABLE LPN’s, RN’s 12 HOUR SHIFTS CNA’s Full-time & part-time Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Center Drive Clanton, AL 35045 Helping Hands Estate Sales Serving clients over 7yrs Professional & Experienced

We can help sell the contents of your home!

Contact for information: 256-283-5549 tbob56.wixsite.com/helpinghands Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced -Sandblasters -Industrial Painters - Helpers. Must be able to pass drug test and e-verify check. Must be willing to travel. Professional references required.

Please send resume to: icgsecretary@hotmail.com or call (205)688-9004 Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com SHEETMETAL & MANUFACTURING HELP WANTED • Sheetmetal/ Layout, • Manufacturing Helpers, • Sheetmetal Machinery Operators, Multiple positions Paid holidays, typical shifts are 6:00am-2:30pm Must be reliable & on-time Call RICK: 205-761-3975 Need FREE help with your Medicare? Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) today at (800)AGE-LINE (800)-243-5463.

Now Hiring!!

• Caregivers-ADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am-3pm, 3pm11pm, 11pm-7pm • Activity Director Part-Time • Cookssome 12/hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-620-2905 Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom

MARKETPLACE Apartments for Elderly & Disabled.

Many on-site services!

2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga.

256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A).

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm.

Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow.

Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!!

Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers.com 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 MOUNT HOME BUILDERS, INC. Build on your lot custom homes! Our plans or yours! Visit www. mounthomebuilder.com for price quotes and to see completed homes & homes under construction!

205-299-0114 NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Driver Must have clean driving record, two years experience Will train drivers on tank Drivers home nightly Contact Keith at: 205-438-4959

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 Looking for a house to rent in Shelby County?

We can help. Call for available rentals and specials (205)433-9811 Southeastern Food Merchandisers NOW HIRING Class-A CDL Food Service Delivery Drivers with 1 year experience!!!

Pay & Benefits • Home daily • Schedules allow you to depart and return to same terminal daily • Dispatches are single day routes, nothing runs overnight or multi-day! • Paid by weight delivered, miles, and stops • Drivers running single driver routes are earning $75,000-$100,000 yearly!

• Team and Helper routes are earning $65,000+ yearly What we offer in addition to route pay! • Attendance/ Accuracy bonuses • Wklypay w/direct deposit • 401(k) w/company match, eligible after 6-months with quarterly enrollment • Blue Cross of AL health & dental insurance, company subsidized • Two different medical plans for Blue Cross depending on your needs • Vision Insurance, company subsidized • Basic Life and AD&D 100% employer paid • Company paid Short-Term Disability • Voluntary Life & AD&D also provided on post-tax basis for you, and your family Email resume: ofrye@southeasternfood. com Call:205-685-4534

CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/ Pelham. Call Stephen (205)663-2822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn & work hard.

Go to: supremeelectric-al. com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205-453-9327.

TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days.

To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc.com Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits!

Visit our website www.whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOEM/F/D/V DRYWALL REPAIRS SAME DAY SERVICE Offering: • Plastering • Stucco • Water Damage Repair $$FREE ESTIMATES$$ Please Call: 205-502-6023 Heritage Christian Academy is now accepting enrollment for K3-12th Grades. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity! Call 205-978-6001, to schedule a Campus Tour!

American Tree Maintenance Inc • Full Service Tree & Landscape Co • Licensed & Insured • NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS Full-time and part-time. Pay based on experience. Valid drivers license required.

Sign-on bonuses available!

Call 205-669-1925 Email josh@callatm.com A Dry Waterproofing • Basement/Crawlspace Waterproofing • Install Sump Pumps • Repair Wet Basement • Mold Remediation • French Drains • Foundation Repairs *Also providing electrical work!

Emergency Service 6-Days/ Week Serving Jefferson/ Shelby Counties Call Van:205-230-3972 F&S CONSTRUCTION “Quality work you can count on” • Decks • Windows • Painting • Siding of All Types • Baths • Flooring • Kitchens • Foundation Specialist • And Much More!! Free Estimates!! Licensed/ Insured & 50yrs Combined Experience Call:205-641-1148 1st Heritage Credit, LLC 8919 Hwy-119, Alabaster Branch Mgr:Brook Morris 205-620-0664 “Excellence is our Standard” Loan Available: • Personal • Consolidation • Auto • Consumer Retail Call/Apply: 1stheritagecredit.com Loans are subject to normal credit criteria! $Cash Paid For Used RV’s!$ Motor Homes, Travel/Enclosed trailers, consignment welcome, Cars and Trucks, Pick up available, Mccluskey Auto and RV Sales, LLC 205-833-4575

Service Tech, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning AL Cert #89282 NOW HIRING FULL TIME POSITIONS • Certified Technician with 5 years Experience • Office Assistant with 5 years Quickbooks Experience Apply at: www. servicetechhvac.com WASTE PRO IS NOW HIRING CDL DRIVERS & MECHANICS Go online to WWW.WASTEPROUSA. COM to fill out an application today!

HVAC Company with 43 years in business NOW HIRING HELPER AND/OR TECH Will train! Drug test required. Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.

Call 205-663-2199 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEAT & FROST INSULATORS & ALLIED WORKERS BIRMINGHAM AREA HEAT & FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 78 Accepting applications for a 4-year Apprenticeship Program. Applications accepted in person July 1-July 31, Monday-Friday 8:30am-2:00pm at: 2653 Ruffner Road Birmingham, AL 35210. 205-956-2866 or craig@insulators78.org Applicants must be 18+ and furnish proof of age.

High school diploma/GED & reliable transportation required. Applicants will be required to take a simple math test and 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.

HooversMagazine.com 89

WHY I LOVE HOOVER promote them in the community and through social media. We have a board of directors and work with coaches, doctors and P.E. teachers throughout the state. We also have great support from Gov. Kay Ivey.

Also my wife, Libby, who works with community outreach at Jeff State, shares my belief in keeping children physically active, including our own, so she helps me whenever she can.

Phil Holmes

Executive Director of the Alabama Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports

BY CARMEN BROWN PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Now with a new website and a new office at Heardmont Park off Cahaba Valley Road, the Alabama Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports is up and running and aims to keep the rest of us doing the same. Executive Director Phil Holmes makes Hoover his home with his wife, Libby, and their three children (Noah,13; Annalise,12; and Max, 8). For the past five years, Phil and his staff have been dedicated to keeping the citizens of Hoover and Shelby County healthy and fit.

Through NFL camps, a new archery park in Inverness, Senior Olympics activities and the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge, Phil is passionate about promoting healthier communities and schools throughout the state.

What drives your passion to keep Hoover and the people of Alabama healthier?

While I was playing baseball at Samford University and was majoring in business management, I started working at St. 90 August/September 2019

Vincent’s in the sports medicine and wellness area. I started helping out with local events and one thing led to another.

Now that I have three kids myself, I understand how hard it is to get them off the couch and moving. Alabama has one of the top childhood obesity rates in the country, so I knew I had to do something for the community and state.

Tell us more about the 100-mile challenge. What is it, and how can we get involved?

It’s a statewide public program through the Alabama Department of Public Health designed to encourage people to complete 100 miles of physical activity by the end of each year. People can log on to 100alabamamiles.org, where they can take any activity they’re doing, like walking, running, hiking and so on, and log it in using a fitness converter. It’s a great resource for people traveling and coming into the state. We’re going to have a community kickoff toward the end of the year or beginning of next year, so we’re currently talking to corporate sponsors and partners about making prizes available.

Who are your key players in the community that help make this all happen?

Two Dees, Dee Nance and Dee Pack, both help oversee the programs and help

What would you say to someone who wants to get healthier and find more time for exercise?

Every day, more research comes out about how beneficial just 30 minutes of exercise daily can be. A recent study shows that it can reverse aging by up to 10 years after just a few weeks. People may not know where to go or where to start, so I’m trying to do anything I can to let people know all the resources they have here in this city and in the state. Visit our new website, physicalfitness.alabama.gov, and like our Facebook page to keep up with local community events and get fit together.

Why do you love Hoover?

Getting to serve on the Hoover Chamber Board of Directors was a highlight for me, seeing firsthand the importance of business and community leaders working together to make Hoover one of the best communities to live in our state, if not the country. There are so many great opportunities for people of all ages to get outdoors and exercise, great community sports programs for youth and the Alabama Senior Olympics for folks 50 years and older. Senior Olympic swimming, table tennis and archery were held in Hoover in 2018 and will be back again in the Spring of 2020 at the Hoover Recreation Center, Bumper Nets and the brand new Hoover Community Archery Park in Inverness. We at the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness support and recognize Hoover’s commitment to health and fitness for its residents. Hoover is truly a model for communities throughout the state!

URGENT CARE from

Open 365 DAYS A YEAR Weekdays 2 – 10PM Weekends 10AM – 8PM WALK-INS WELCOME or SAVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE childrensurgent.com

LOCATIONS BIRMINGHAM 500 Cahaba Park Circle Suite 100 TRUSSVILLE 117 North Chalkville Road (205) 848-CARE (2273)

WE TREAT MINOR ILLNESSES AND INJURES INCLUDING: • Fever • Allergies • Coughs, colds • Acute asthma attack • Flu • Sprains/strains • Earaches • Bruises and lacerations

• Sore throat • Insect bites/stings • Vomiting and upset stomach • Minor burns • Diarrhea • Rashes • Other non-life-threating conditions

New locations opening in Fall 2019 Madison, Huntsville Northport, Tuscaloosa Vestavia Hills, Birmingham.

Come visit our new facility, including the new Spa Cahaba

2279 VALLEYDALE RD. SUITE 100 HOOVER, AL 35244

Holly Gunn MD, FAAD