Hoover's Magazine, December 2020/January 2021

OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE • LIVE LIKE CHLOE ROLLINS • TOUR A HOME IN THE PRESERVE

ALCHEMY OF FOOD MEET THE CHEF COUPLE BEHIND TASTING TBL

TO THE RESCUE

THE SUGARBELLE FOUNDATION STORY DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 HooversMagazine.com Vol. 9 | Issue 6 $4.95

on the

FRONT LINES

AN NYC JOURNEY DURING COVID-19 HooversMagazine.com 1

2 December 2020/January 2021

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Your health can’t wait.

Your Safe Care is Our #1 Priority At Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, we go above and beyond to help ensure that our hospital is safe for you. We’re here for emergencies 24/7 with the quality and expertise that makes us a community built on care. If you’re not feeling well, don’t ignore your symptoms or downplay your pain.

Taking care of your health now may prevent greater health risks in the future.

Social Distancing

Wear a Mask

Clean Environment

For more information, visit

Separate Covid-19 Areas

www.BrookwoodBaptistMedicalCenter.com

FEATURES

48

FOR THE LOVE OF PETS How sixth-grade science teacher Jana Maynard is revolutionizing animal rescue through the Sugarbelle Foundation

56

ON THE FRONT LINES One medical provider’s journey to something bigger than herself in the ground zero of New York City’s COVID-19 pandemic

64

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE What should you buy for friends and loved ones this season? Look no further than the shops right around you.

4 December 2020/January 2021

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

56

39

PHOTO BY JEAN ALLSOPP

arts & culture

15 A Story to Tell: Woodworking by Laurens Cotton 24 Read This Book: Literary Escapes to Ditch 2020

schools & sports

25 Live Like Chloe: How a Hoover Grad Inspired Others

food

& drink

31 Food Alchemy: A Chef Couple’s Journey to Ross Bridge 38 Five Questions For: Eugene’s Hot Chicken’s Zebbie Carney

home

& style

in every issue 6 Contributors 9 From the Editor 10 The Question 11 The Guide 22 Aldridge Gardens 70 Chamber Connection 74 Out & About 78 Marketplace 80 My Hoover

39 Timeless Cheer: Tour a Home in The Preserve

HooversMagazine.com 5

contributors EDITORIAL

Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino

CONTRIBUTORS

Jean Allsopp James Culver Amy Ferguson Lauren Helmer Morgan Hunt Noren Salehani Heather Jones Skaggs

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom

Amy Ferguson, Writer Amy resides in Hoover’s Lake Wilborn community with her husband, Eric, their almost-2-year-old little girl, Avery, and their love-able chocolate labradoodle. She earned degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama, but faithfully cheers for the Auburn Tigers.

She is a lover of written word, a self-proclaimed book worm and a bona fide social butterfly. During the work week, Amy works for a start-up healthcare company out of San Francisco.

Lauren Helmer, Writer Lauren is a writer, book editor, and artist. Her passion lies in unearthing the stories of the people behind Birmingham’s shops, restaurants, homes, arts and more. When not creating art and stories, she is cooking, enjoying family time by a bonfire, or sneaking in an episode of her favorite series du jour.

MARKETING

Kristy Brown Darniqua Bowen Jessica Caudil Kari George Caroline Hairston Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Viridiana Romero Lisa Shapiro Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATION Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Daniel Holmes Stacey Meadows Tim Prince

Morgan Hunt, Photographer Morgan recently finished her BS in art from the University of Montevallo.

With her business, Morgan Hunt Media, she works as a freelance commercial and wedding photographer in the Birmingham area while getting her MA in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.

She believes that photographs have a very unique storytelling ability, and her work lives in a space between journalism and fine art.

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.

Working with national publisher Arcadia Publishing and The History Press, she has written three books covering Hoover’s history. When she is not researching her latest book, Heather digs for the untold stories and brings them to the pages of magazines and newspapers, and writes about Bluff Park on her blog heatherscorner.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.

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6 December 2020/January 2021

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from the editor

Y

ON THE COVER

On the Front Lines

Physician assistant Noren Salehani travelled to New York City in April to help provide relief to fellow clinicians working at the epicenter of the coronavirus.

Photo by Morgan Hunt Design by Connor Martin-Lively

Y’all, we made it. Believe it or not, 2020 will have an end, and it’s just around the corner as we wrap up this issue. I certainly can’t recall a more tumultuous season or, ironically, one where I spent oh so much time slowing down and enjoying the simplicity of the everyday goodness. And so as this year of mask wearing and social distancing comes to a close, it’s only fitting that we end it with stories of COVID-19 itself—starting with our cover story.

When Noren Salehani’s husband emailed me about her experience working in New York City as a physician assistant this spring, it immediately caught my attention. Sure, I’d read news about how high numbers were at hospitals there and how so many people were essentially keeping themselves locked in small apartments to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the reality of a situation that reads almost like fiction hits home all the more when someone who is closely tied to your own world shares their personal journey into that world with its ups and downs—and I’m so grateful Noren wrote hers out for us and shared photos from her time there. Be sure to read it starting on page 56.

Speaking of the effects of the pandemic, in this issue we also bring you a tribute to the life of Chloe Rollins, a 2020 Hoover High School graduate who tragically passed away at the end of the summer after a fight with COVID-19. Most of the story though focuses not on death but on life, and the ways Chloe, who had Down syndrome, was a shining light to all who knew her. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex on hand before you start reading that one.

Also as a result of COVID’s effects, nonprofits need our help this year more than ever, so perhaps the best gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person in your life this holiday season is a donation in their honor to a local nonprofit that works with a cause they care about. If they are a lover of pets, you’ll for sure want to check out how the Hoover-based Sugarbelle Foundation is providing financial assistance to pet owners to help keep beloved pets out of shelters. The full story of the heart behind what they do is in the pages that lie ahead too.

Other stories in this issue are a balm to stressful times, with beautiful images of a home in The Preserve and a Bluff Park woodworker’s creations, plus the story of a chef couple who hosts quite the culinary experience in their home, a list of books that make great escapes into fiction, and a chat with the man behind Eugene’s Hot Chicken.

2020—it’s been a wild ride we’re all ready to usher out, but we sure are glad we’ve lived out in the richness of community around us here in Hoover. Here’s to hoping your year ends with joyous memories amidst all the crazy!

madoline.markham@hooversmagazine.com HooversMagazine.com 9

“ ” THE QUESTION

What has 2020 taught you?

To slow down and spend more time with your loved ones!

Kim Sorrell Rohloff

That in spite of everything, we are STILL stronger than we know!

-Marian Smith

That “different” is not always bad. My son went to college in August and although “different” from a “normal” college experience, I encourage him to focus on the positive. It is what it is.

The simple things in life bring the most JOY!

Remember that week off you said you needed to fix things... that was a lie!

You had all the home time you needed and still didn’t do it!

That it’s important to support locally owned businesses so they will be there when this mess is over.

Lisa Lane

-Maryann Kawaksheh Bisharat

Family always wins!

-David J Bannister

10 December 2020/January 2021

-Nancy Mooney Deadman

-Cheryl Grissom

No matter what, always be kind. Sometimes it is not the easiest thing to do, but it is the right thing. There have been so many struggles this year and kindness matters.

-Jana Budoff Maynard

THE GUIDE

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING DEC. 1 Hoover City Hall 5 p.m.

Come out for this annual city event to kick off the holiday season. A Hoover City School choir will perform, and a student lights the Christmas tree during the ceremony. Santa will make his grand entrance on a fire truck and takes pictures with children too.

HooversMagazine.com 11

THE GUIDE DEC. 4-5

Greenery Sale

AROUND TOWN FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER Magic City Nutcracker Streamed Virtually

FRIDAY NOON-4:30 P.M. SATURDAY 9 A.M.-NOON Aldridge Gardens

DEC. 1-22 Christmas Movies The Alabama Theatre

It’s time to decorate your mantles, mailboxes and entryways with fresh greenery for the holidays! Find, garlands and wreaths, along with bows, mailbox cover frames, and wreath frames at this two-day sale.

DEC. 1-24 Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm

DEC. 19

Meadow Brook Runs 9 A.M. 5K 10 A.M. 1 MILE FUN RUN Valley Bank, Meadow Brook Branch Get in a run to go with the holiday season around the Meadow Brook area—on what organizers argue is “Birmingham’s most beautiful course.” Walkers and pets on leash are welcome too. The run starts at 1100 Corporate Parkway. Find more info at meadowbrookruns.org.

LIBRARY

GRAB BAG OF BOOKS The Friends of the Hoover Public Library have missed selling books and materials in their book store and at their annual book sales. Now you can order a “Grab Bag of Books” through them. Each bag will have 10 book sale quality books of a genre of your choosing. The titles you will receive will be a mystery, and there are no returns or refunds. Place your order at hooverlibrary.org, and pick it up Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2-5 p.m. And don’t forget you can order books to check out from the library curbside on the website and check out their virtual programs any time.

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

12 December 2020/January 2021

DEC. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 Christmas at the Station with Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Downtown Calera DEC. 5 Holiday Artist Market Shelby County Arts Center 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

DEC. 10 Samford Legacy League Christmas Home Tour samford.edu/legacyleague/.

DEC. 11 Taylor Hicks Performs The Allman Brothers Band The Lyric Theatre DEC. 11-13 70th Annual Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour Virtually DEC. 12 Stop, Drop & Run into 2021 Benefitting Firehouse Ministries Brookwood Village DEC. 17-29 Alabama Ballet’s The Nutcracker BJCC Concert Hall DEC. 17, 19, 20 Holiday Spectacular Presented by Red Mountain Theatre Company Regions Field

THE GUIDE DEC. 18 The Reindeer Dash Pure Fitness, Vestavia Hills JAN. 9 Forging Families 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run Columbiana JAN. 9 Brian Reagan The Alabama Theatre JAN. 12 The Price is Right Live!

BJCC Concert Hall JAN. 14-31 Birmingham Restaurant Week: Winter Edition bhamrestaurantweek.com JAN. 21-FEB. 7 1776: A Musical Comedy Virginia Samford Theatre

COMMUNITY

BEWITCHED Witches took flight on bikes and golf carts in the Green Valley community on Oct. 25 and made laps around Star Lake throwing candy to onlookers.

The first Star Lake Witches Ride benefitted the Green Valley Baptist Church backpacks for kids program to benefit children at Green Valley and Gwin elementary schools, and a truck load of food was collected. Allie Denton and Allison Roney organized the event.

Photo by Heather Skaggs Jones

HooversMagazine.com 13

&CULTURE

ARTS

A STORY TO TELL

Laurens Cotton crafts locally harvested hardwoods into furniture and more from his Bluff Park shop.

BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY MORGAN HUNT HooversMagazine.com 15

Laurens Cotton works, primarily with wood from local mills, from his Bluff Park shop.

W

Where some see just a weathered piece of wood covered with fungus, woodworker Laurens Cotton sees its uniqueness in a form that has its own story to tell. From his first woodworking class at UAB’s Department of Industrial Arts in the 1970s to teaching shop classes in Shelby County schools for 30 years, it was not until his retirement that Laurens was able to build his own personal shop in Bluff Park. There he’s creating works of art that are being revealed in the process of their creation.

Laurens says each piece of wood is like the human spirit, unique with their own qualities. There are no two pieces that are the same. Rather, each piece has its own story to tell. With his woodworking tools in hand, Laurens is like a storyteller putting pen to paper writing each chapter.

16 December 2020/January 2021

In his shop carved out of the bluff and overlooking the crest of Shades Mountain, Laurens creates. His medium of choice is almost exclusively locally harvested hardwoods. “The wood comes from trees that are lost in storms or are removed by landowners for one reason or another,” he says. “Most of the wood comes from local mills that commercial mills reject due to blemishes or defects. Things like insect holes, bark inclusions, even nails and buckshot are found in the material that I like to use—it adds character.” Laurens also uses air-dried wood that takes several years to season but produces wood of superior color than kiln drying.

His company and shop name, Wild at Heart Wood, reflects that conflict between the twisted and blemished imperfections of what nature creates and

SHOP WILD AT HEART WOOD Here are a few examples of giftable items Laurens creates.

Handcrafted Solid Wood with Green Blenko Glass

Wooden Lamp the color and grain that is revealed within the wood. Laurens points out that often the most difficult wood to work yields the most beauty within.

From his choice materials this artisan turns wood into decorative boxes, tables, chairs, and lamps, just to name a few of his creations, but he has a favorite from among them. “I love building boxes,” he says. “Boxes are a beautiful form of concealment. They are used for storing anything from the mundane such as remote controls, to precious jewelry. One of the most meaningful uses for my boxes is crematory urns, for both pets and people. Loved ones commissioning these pieces will provide a narrative of the

person’s life and grant me creative license to express those qualities in the works I create.”

While they can be tedious, and though relatively small, the museum quality boxes require a lot of time to complete.

They are built with wood that others would toss and, since no two boxes are the same, the work never gets old. Boxes are easy to ship, and Laurens packages them up personally up for his customers.

Likewise, his furniture finds its way to places as far as California, Oregon and Washington, transporting his live-edge style where the natural edge of the wood is part of the design. He also designs them with organic tops and bases made

Wooden Platters Learn more about Laurens’ work at facebook.com/Wildatheartwood/ or shop at etsy.com/shop/ WildatHeartWood.

HooversMagazine.com 17

18 December 2020/January 2021

with traditional joinery. All in all, “My work is highly finished, while leaving enough of the wood’s form to tell its story,” he says.

His creations have shipped far away as England and Japan, and sometimes he finds design ideas from beyond home too. For example, he recently built a table inspired by George Katsutoshi Nakashima, a woodworker, architect, and furniture maker considered a father of the American craft movement. Laurens’ piece was created from walnut slabs he had transformed from from rough log to milled lumber. He’d held onto them for several years, but all along knew their future form and use.

Other times a work in progress can become challenging, like a nine-foot long dining table made from cherry that Laurens found in West Blocton. “The table took months to complete and even though it was designed to be broken down for transport, the top weighed over a hundred pounds,” he says.

Others have certainly taken note of his artistry too. His work has been featured at the Alabama Designer Craftsmen show and the Bluff Park Art Association’s Bluff Park Art Show, where he won the Angie Dodson Show Judge Award in 2019. Even in pandemic times, you can find his work at his Etsy store and on Amazon—or commission a piece.

In fact, Laurens’ commissioned work has been the most

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HooversMagazine.com 19

rewarding work for him, including a custom table for a home in Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts. “Knowing the complexity of the build and the cost of crating and shipping, I encouraged her to look for a table closer to her home, but she persisted and wanted a custom

20 December 2020/January 2021

table,” he recalls. “It was a struggle to find just the right pieces of book-matched pecan that would yield the right size for the intended space.” But in the end it was pure delight—for the customer and for Laurens, who was happy to see it in such a beautiful place.

HooversMagazine.com 21

Long-Lasting Gifts THIS Holiday season, with Covid still an issue, why not think “outside the box” and give a truly unique gift, some that can literally last “forever”?

One such everlasting gift is an engraved paver at Aldridge Gardens! Aldridge Gardens has two distinct areas where engraved pavers may be purchased: our Gardens’ Entrance Plaza and the Pentagon Plaza at the Veterans Memorial Arbor, where our heros in the military, past and present, can be honored.

Our pavers are unique: Engraving is sandblasted by skilled craftsman. This ensures the engraving will be readable for decades—no fading, no chipping and most of all no loss of legibility due to wear. This process takes a bit longer as there are only a few craftsmen skilled at sandblasting concrete, but the result is well worth it. If you need something to give as an actual “gift”, we can provide a photo mock up of the paver in-place until the actual paver is delivered. Many have commented that the photo mock-up looks so true to life that they have searched the plazas for the actual paver!

Ordering can be done on-line at Aldridgegardens.com. If you haven’t seen our pavers, come take a look!

We also have perpetual naming opportunities for benches, planters, light poles, even picnic tables! A plaque will be attached on the particular item for all who visit the Gardens to see!

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

News from our Chief Executive Officer Tynette Lynch

Roots, the Aldridge Garden and Gift Shop has a wonderful collection of impressive gifts and artwork—something for even the most discriminating elf! From pen and ink artworks to triptych, one-of-a-kind photography, to unique party goods to books and garden tools, Roots is a one stop shop for unique gift items. Roots is staffed by Aldridge Gardens’ volunteers, and is usually open from 10-3, Monday through Friday, but call before you come!

We saved the best gift idea for last: A gift of MEMBERSHIP in Aldridge Gardens is THE gift that shows you support one of the finest botanical gardens in the country. Plus, an Aldridge Gardens’ membership is a key that opens the door to over 300 hundred botanical gardens and arboreta across the USA and Canada through the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP) . Your Aldridge Gardens’ membership eliminates or tremendously reduces entrance fees at these gardens, so if you know someone who travels and likes to visit gardens, this is the PERFECT gift! Membership also entitles you to discounts in Roots, the annual Plant Sale, summer camp fees and educational sessions and more! Details are on the Aldridge Gardens website or stop by the Gardens and speak with our membership Coordinator Tuesday-Thursday!

On behalf of your staff at Aldridge Gardens, we wish for you and yours a safe, happy and bountiful holiday season!

There is nothing better than a brisk walk around beautiful Aldridge Gardens during December and January. The lake has the early morning fog hovering over it and you can feel the nip in the air.

Our teams are all busy working on plans for the Holiday parties that are booked, and projects that still need to be completed before the end of the year.

Our Christmas trees and lights are up throughout the Gardens and we are all set to welcome guests and to celebrate the holiday season.

We are extremely happy that Aldridge Gardens was able to offer a beautiful outdoor space that saw record numbers of visitors during a strange, difficult time in our lives.

Family picnics and gatherings were happening all over the Gardens allowing everyone space to social distance and enjoy nature at its best, even into the winter months.

We have been busy laying out our calendar of Spring and Summer events that will be happening before we know it as we prepare to say good riddance to 2020 and welcome 2021.

Hopefully the new friends we have made and our loyal supporters will continue to follow us on social media and check out our website aldridgegardens.com for the dates and details of our upcoming events. For all of you, we are thankful From the Aldridge Gardens team and our Board of Directors we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

ARTS & CULTURE

READ THIS BOOK

Literary Escapes to Ditch 2020 Recommendations from

Cahaba Book Club

The Cahaba Book Club started in 2012 with a handful of young, professional women who shared a neighborhood and a love for books. Eight years (and 25 kids) later, they’re over a dozen members strong and still treasure their monthly excuse to get out of the house and talk about their literary escapes. Here are a few of their favorite reads that promise to transport you from the blahs of cold weather and quarantine into another time and place entirely.

The Great Alone

By Kristin Hannah As the days grow shorter and the air chillier, you’ll love to cozy up with one of our favorite cold-weather reads.

Set in 1974 in desolate Alaska, the novel follows young Leni, her mother and her father—a damaged Vietnam vet who takes his anger and paranoia out on his family. Filled with breathtaking descriptions and heartstopping suspense, the story showcases the power of women forced to survive against all odds.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky

By Mark T. Sullivan We’ve enjoyed a lot of the World War II novels released in recent years, but this one was absolutely riveting.

Based on the true story of Pino Lella, it follows the forgotten hero from his teenage innocence, to the loss of his family home in Milan, through the Alps as he leads Jews to safety, inside his courtship of the beautiful Anna, and finally to his role as a spy for the Allies when he becomes the personal driver of one of Hitler’s top commanders.

Daisy Jones and the Six

By Taylor Jenkins Reid This novel, written as an oral history, recounts the story of solo artist Daisy Jones, her union with The Six led by frontman Billy Dunne, and the aftermath that followed—told in soundbites from each of the band members’ perspective. As a reader, you get a front-row seat on a wild ride—full of sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. We agreed that its documentary style, and star-studded cast, made for a fantastic audiobook experience.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

By Alix E. Harrow This recent book club pick, a masterpiece of historical fantasy, will whisk you away on a journey through stories. When title character January Scaller discovers a strange book in the sprawling mansion she inhabits, she finds herself drawn through tales of love, adventure, secret doors, and danger. The things we loved most about this one were the beautiful writing, the atmospheric descriptions and the gorgeous cover.

Dark Matter

By Blake Crouch In this psychological thriller, physics professor Jason Dessen is walking home when he’s abducted and knocked unconscious, only to wake up to a life that is not the one he knows. What follows is a journey through multiple realities, as he tries to discern the truth from the dream. To win back his life and family, he must defeat an unbeatable foe, in a twist that none of us saw coming. Totally unputdownable, this one had just enough depth and heart for us to dub it “a sci-fi novel for people who don’t like sci-fi.”

24 December 2020/January 2021

SCHOOL

&SPORTS

LIVE LIKE CHLOE

2020 Hoover High graduate Chloe Rollins taught those around her to love big and believe anything is possible.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED HooversMagazine.com 25

Chloe Rollins, center with her sister Kelsey and mom Stacy

I

If you attended Hoover High School the past four years, you remember the moment. Each year the school holds a pep rally to recognize students who participated in Special Olympics and their awards from that year. Most students run or give high fives when their name is called. But not Chloe Rollins. As her name was called, she whipped out her “sassy walk,” took off her glasses and flipped her hair as she made her way through the gym.

And the whole school erupted in cheers.

The only moment to rival that one was at Showcase, a student-directed recital for students who took dance classes as an elective. Her junior year Chloe, who had Down syndrome, asked if she could do a solo to “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, and indeed by the night of the show she had choreographed her moves, made her costume with help from her mom and sister, and selected

26 December 2020/January 2021

the lighting for different points of the song. “She completely stole the show,” dance teacher Alicia Wilbanks recalls. “Hands down she was everybody’s favorite the whole night. She owned the stage with her Michael Jackson moves and was so sassy.”

And that was Chloe: completely confident at all times, even on stage. She knew who she was, and you could see it in the way she walked and the way she danced.

For just shy of 20 years, Chloe’s personality lit up any space she was in. “Any time you walked in the room, she would pick you up and squeeze you and hold you and ask, ‘Where you been?’” family friend Kara Keedy says. “That’s what she did with everybody. She showed you that she was excited to see you and sad to see you go.”

Kara says Chloe—who many people called

Chloe with her friend Reagan Moore

“Coco”—taught her to love big like she did.

“Honestly everyone should live like Chloe,” Kara says. “It didn’t take much to get her so excited, and it put things in perspective.”

And indeed many things got Chloe excited. “Any time I was over (at her house) she was watching a Disney movie or had her coloring set out,” Kara notes. “I have a whole collection of pages she colored me.” Chloe loved all Disney princesses and often called her mom “Dory” when she’d forget things. She always wore dresses and any time she could wore a dress that looks like Ursula’s in The Little Mermaid.

Reagan Moore, Chloe’s friend since they met in sixth grade at Simmons Middle School, estimates Chloe had about 1,000 markers and 100 coloring books. Speaking of her love of art, Chloe also liked to design dresses for people and wanted to be a

fashion designer in Paris one day. In fact, she told her teacher Alicia Wilbanks she wanted to invent something where you take a picture of a dress and it would make the dress for you. “She had big dreams and big ideas, and nothing was going to stop her,” Alicia says. “She thought everything is possible.”

Chloe also loved everything tie-dye, and when it came to food, she loved soup—cold out of the can for any meal—and also oysters, so much so that she’d always get her own order at the beach.

But perhaps her greatest love was country music artist Blake Shelton, who she referred to as her husband. Everyone knew not to even think of mentioning Gwen Stefani (Shelton’s wife) to her.

On the way to school each morning Chloe and her mom played Blake Shelton’s greatest hit album, and her favorite to crank up was “Hillbilly Bone” HooversMagazine.com 27

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Whether they were singing along to country music or coloring, Chloe and her friends were always smiling. “She always made me laugh,” Reagan says. “Even though she was sassy, she would do anything for me and I would do anything for her.” Case in point: In middle school, Chloe was very into the movie Frozen—Reagan says they watched it at least 20 times together—and treasured a Frozen necklace she had. But one day Chloe decided to give it to Reagan.

When it came time for Chloe and Reagan’s senior year, the theme for Showcase was going to be Dreams, and Chloe was planning to dance to “Run the World” by Beyonce “because she said it was her dream for girls one day to run the world,” Alicia says. “She was really excited about it, and she talked about being a senior all year.” With COVID-19 the show wasn’t able to go on, but Alicia was able to deliver her and the other seniors a rose like they traditionally were given at the event.

In her four years teaching Chloe in dance class, Alicia also took note of what other students learned from her. “Chloe had a way of making everyone feel like they could accomplish things,” she says. “She was comfortable in herself and made other people comfortable in being themselves.”

Of the many things that stood out about Chloe to Molly Rehmert, Chloe’s teacher in the Hoover High School Life Skills Academy her junior year, one of the strongest was how intuitive Chloe was socially. She could read the room and know if something was off or if someone was having a bad day,

“Chloe had a way of making everyone feel like they could accomplish things. She was comfortable in herself and made other people comfortable in being themselves.“ -Alicia Wilbanks Molly notes. On one of her own tough days, Molly recalls walking through the school’s courtyard with Chloe. “She was asking me questions and could tell I was frustrated,” Molly says. “She was able to cheer me up in the five minutes it took to walk across the courtyard.”

Throughout her years at Hoover, Chloe always talked about how much she loved her mom Stacy and dad Danny, and her older brother Cameron and sister Kelsey—and her dogs too. You rarely saw Stacy without Chloe, and friends and family knew if you talked on the phone to Stacy that Chloe was right beside her—at home or concerts or football games. “(Chloe) experienced more fun and love in her 19 short years than some of us get in a full lifetime,” Stacy’s cousin High Kelly says.

Kelly remembers talking to Stacy the day Chloe was born when doctors had just told Stacy her daughter had Down syndrome. “What better

family for her to be born into than our family?”

Stacy told Kelly.

Part of why Stacy said that was because the biggest light in their family’s life at the time was Robby, Kelly’s brother and Stacy’s cousin, who also had Down syndrome. “We knew those children have unconditional love you can’t see or feel from anyone else,” Kelly says. “(Down syndrome) wasn’t a scare to them. She was just their daughter and they loved her. Everything they planned for the future had Chloe in it.”

For many years Robby lived down the hill from Chloe’s family. The two of them fought like cats and dogs, and then they’d forgive each other five minutes later like nothing happened. “They butted heads because they both wanted to be the center of attention,” Kelly says, recalling how Robby and Chloe had a “dance off” at Chloe’s sister’s Kelsey’s wedding and took turns on stage.

HooversMagazine.com 29

But Chloe’s performances took on a more serious tone too. She sang at every funeral in her family, including Robby’s in 2017. “In such mourning, seeing her sing Carrie Underwood’s ‘I’ll See You Again’ put a big smile on my face, and I didn’t think I’d ever smile again,” Kelly says.

“She knew what I needed to hear. That’s what she believed, that she would see Robby again.”

Chloe just didn’t know how soon that day would come. And then came 2020 and its COVID-19 pandemic. On Aug. 2 Chloe was taken to UAB Hospital for a COVID test that came back positive, and after a 17-day battle there she passed away— but not without an army of support from those who knew her and a Facebook page in her honor.

Through it all her mom and family were right by her side. Chloe and Stacy would say their prayers together every night, even in the hospital room through a camera.

T h o u g h , tragically, Chloe is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in everyone who knew her. And as they watch videos of her dancing or look back at photos of her contagious smile, they can’t help but live like Chloe did. To love big. To do what you are passionate about. To squeeze the people you treasure. To believe anything is possible. To laugh and have fun. And to be confident in who you are.

Just like Chloe was as she took off her glasses, flipped her hair and walked her way across the Hoover High School gym floor.

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&DRINK

FOOD

FOOD ALCHEMY

A chef couple’s journey from Michelin-Star kitchens to exquisite supper clubs in their Ross Bridge home

BY LAUREN HELMER PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED HooversMagazine.com 31

Chefs Jennifer and Tyler Lyne

O

On a weekday the Lynes’ Ross Bridge home is part test kitchen, part meeting space, part family den.

When I walk in, Pastry Chef Jennifer Lyne answers the door, not in her chef’s whites today, but with her “mom” hat on, chasing 2-year-old TJ (Tyler Lyne, Jr.) around the living room. He’s discovered two equally delightful phenomena: sliding across hardwood on socks and Jackson Pollock-style painting onto said hardwood with his yogurt squeeze pouch. Jen gracefully navigates conversation amid the chaos; while their live-in sous chef, who moved with the Lynes from New York City to Alabama, deftly navigates a kitchen cooking on all burners. Chef Tyler Lyne, engaging and inquisitive, finishes up what was clearly an energizing coffee meeting with a journalist and a photographer. A beautifully laid table of

32 December 2020/January 2021

Instagram-worthy fruit-and-yogurt parfaits is evidence of the fact that taking things to the next level is firmly stamped into the Lynes’ DNA. The guests leave, and Tyler shifts his attention to the kitchen and the constantly evolving dishes on the menu for Saturday night’s Cuban-themed menu for their in-home reservation-only supper club, Tasting TBL. With equal parts playful creativity and focused professionalism, they discuss each dish on the 10-course chef’s tasting menu. Tyler turns to me, as if to test out his audience, and describes the Cuban sandwich: “It has all of the elements of a classic Cuban sandwich, but it is in the shape and colors of a cigar. We bought ashtrays to serve them on with edible ashes. And I bought a 3D printer, so I could print edible cigar labels.” (My jaw dropped too. If it

FUN FACTS uChef Tyler’s won Food Network’s Iron Chef America in “Battle Pasta,” beating Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. He has also been recognized by ZAGAT as one of New York City’s 2013 “30 under 30.” uAfter honing their culinary chops in NYC’s top restaurants, Tyler and Jen branched into the world of high-end catering, taking a distressed company from $3.5M to $12M in four years. Larger catering outfits quickly came calling for their consulting services. uAs the current VP of Culinary at Neuman’s Kitchen, Tyler’s clients have included Nasdaq, Facebook, the NFL and various red-carpet sounds impossible, check out Tasting TBL’s Instagram feed @tastingtbl_bham for proof of this wizardry.)

THE BEGINNING While Jen caught the baking bug in her early teens, Tyler’s culinary roots are planted in his high-school party days— days he described as being governed by not only enjoying the glory of being the party chef, but also fear of failure. While he put in minimal effort scholastically, he began to toy with the idea of becoming a chef, with his family’s disapproving “interventions” only bolstering his

teenage rebellion. The tipping point came one day two weeks before graduation, where the teacher’s daily quote on the board read: “You can’t discover new oceans if you’re afraid to lose sight of the shore.”

“I’m telling you, like a freight train, it hit me, and I was like, ‘Cool, we’re going to culinary school.’ I had this new vigor and motivation, and I made this mental commitment to just plow through,” says Tyler of the split-second catharsis. “Years later, I recognize that it was a moment of my growth, sort of like in The Grinch when his heart grew five sizes—it was like my maturity grew 10 sizes that day.”

A-List events. uTyler serves as culinary director for Bamboo Asia in San Francisco and Lucky Rooster in Miami, Chicago, and South Carolina. He also has Jalapa Jar, a line of fresh-made salsa. uThe Lynes plan to make their mark in Birmingham with their dynamic brunch concept, Frenchie Bar + Restaurant + Patisserie.

HooversMagazine.com 33

NEW YORK Fast-forward to culinary school at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York, where the couple met and where Tyler was the youngest person to obtain the Certified Executive Chef title in the school’s elite ProChef series. The duo soon moved to the city, where Tyler worked under Michelin-decorated Chef Shea Gallante at CRU Restaurant, followed by tenures at Daniel Boulud’s Bouley, David Chang’s Momofuku KO, and Ciano, before landing his first job as chef de cuisine at La Esquina. Jen, realizing her heart was drawn to the sweeter side of things, began honing her pastry craft at Daniel Boulud’s celebrated Bar Boulud, followed by DB Bistro Moderne and Boulud Sud. During this time, Tyler began a strategy to “out-learn” the competition, seeking out expensive limited-edition and out-ofprint books, mostly from Europe and Spain, on obscure yet cutting-edge culinary techniques. He spent off-hours in the rare books room of renowned Kitchen Arts & Letters bookstore.

“This was before molecular gastronomy had a name,” says Tyler of the culinary science he was absorbing. “I became the guy that people would go to—to figure out how to execute their ideas. I became the engineer.” Dinner service would end, putting Tyler at home at 2 a.m., when he’d set about his experiments with his Cryovac machine, circulators and chemicals until sunup, when Jen would wake to her frayed and frazzled mad scientist of a husband, who’d sleeplessly stumble to the shower to start the day all over again. But Tyler contends that doing this work that no one else wanted to do put him ahead of the game.

“It’s fun to be able to get to a level of mastery and manipulation,” he says. “The ‘molecular gastronomy’ really just pulls from things that have been used for hundreds of years. I mean, look at it through the eyes of an organic chemist: Everything is a chemical—flour, salt ...” He pulls the Handbook of Hydrocolloids off of his bookshelf. It is worn and well-loved, and its contents look utterly boring, but Tyler’s eyes contain a spark. “If you’re a food scientist, this is your Bible.”

He continues like an enthusiastic and exhilarated chemistry teacher you only wish you could’ve had in school, likening the 34 December 2020/January 2021

structure of polysaccharide amylose to interviewer and interviewee suddenly ambling around the room with our arms out and its sister, amylopectin, to lone tumbleweeds in a Western scene … He talks about how understanding the pH of a system enables him to do things like add baking soda—at precisely 5 percent—to certain noodles like an Italian extruded bucatini to enhance its chewy characteristic … We wander into fermentation, nitrates and nitrites, lactobacillus acidophilus …

I’m feeling impostor syndrome, thinking that a

UAB scientist should probably be sitting in my chair, but I’m doing my best to keep up with this dreamscape of science and food alchemy swirling between us … conversation turns to how good and bad bacteria evolve in your gut flora … I must admit his exuberance, intensity, and the vivid metaphors—like “you’re constantly cultivating a garden inside of you”—are like savoring a grilled cheese where I detect new depths and complexities of flavor, yet ignorant of why, I contentedly nosh on the dulcet morsel …

HooversMagazine.com 35

Then, as if to wake me from our tour through his gastronomical mind-palace, he says, “What makes our world special is very simple.” I wait with bated breath. “It’s one element: water.

Water is the ultimate solvent.” I thought he’d say butter or salt or maybe fire or wine, but this distilled insight is the poetry of a food scientist.

MOLECULAR MAGIC Much like the constant ebb and flow of our gut flora, our minds are constantly working too, Tyler points out, recording the memories, smells, tastes, emotions, sensations of that familiar dinner that grandma cooks every Sunday. Time flurries about us and flies past us, and one day 50 years later, you smell that dish that granny used to make, then taste it. “And it’s like, boom, immediately. You have zero power over it. It transports you there in your mind’s eye, I mean, perfectly. You remember every detail, every grain of flour on that surface. That’s how powerful what we do is. That is what I love about what we do— it’s creating that memory.” Like an artist of any stripe, the Lynes are driven to create with the goal of stirring something inside the archives of the human heart.

The Lynes have a lot to be proud of: their adorable son, TJ, of course, as well as their laundry list of professional accomplishments and enough accolades to clutter a mantelpiece 36 December 2020/January 2021

twice-over. But they also take pride in something much more telling, something that makes them extraordinary. “It’s not that we don’t fear things; we fear and have doubts just like any normal person,” he says. “We know we’re not going to win every battle, but it’s overcoming those voices, still choosing to push forward, unapologetically and with rigor—that is what I’m most proud of.”

Seems like his once fearful teenage heart not

only left the shore to discover new oceans, but harnessed the ultimate solvent to fear along the way.

Tasting TBL is a reservation-only supper club held every Saturday in the Lynes’ home. The chef’s tasting menu consists of eight to 10 courses and lasts 2 to 3 hours. The dinner is $125 with an additional $30 for beverage pairing. To book your spot or to learn more, visit tastingtbl.com.

HooversMagazine.com 37

FOOD & DRINK

5

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Zebbie Carney

Eugene’s Hot Chicken Founder & CEO PHOTO COURTESY OF EUGENE’S HOT CHICKEN

Did someone say hot chicken? The Nashville phenomena has now made its way to Hoover with Nashville native Zebbie Carney opening his Eugene’s Hot Chicken concept’s second location near the Galleria in October. To get a taste of his story and the menu, we chatted with Zebbie just after its opening.

You grew up in Nashville. What was your first exposure to its hot chicken?

In my neighborhood it was Prince’s Hot Chicken. It just became popular. It was just a chicken joint to get southern fried chicken and hot chicken.

Chicken, I think we have some of the best southern fried chicken in town. I recommend quarter white or quarter dark.

You gotta try the deviled eggs and fried How did you come to open a Hoover pickled okra. We are starting our pimiento cheese soon. We’ve got collard greens, iron location?

We started as a food truck in 2015, and skillet beans, mac and cheese, southern What’s the back story on why you two years later we started the Uptown coleslaw and shoestring French fries. location. Our food truck has been coming We’ve got banana pudding that’s one of started Eugene’s?

I always wanted to own my own to Hoover for five years, and we have been our staple desserts too. restaurant with my southern roots. I got a well received. It just made sense to come to business degree from Tennessee State and Hoover, and there was no hot chicken in What makes Eugene’s Hot Chicken have been working in restaurants my whole the area. I had worked for J Alexander’s as Eugene’s Hot Chicken?

I think it’s the unique blend of the life. I wanted something close to home and executive chef for six years, so I knew the spices that keeps people coming back for market.

The location we chose was a spot I closer to my heart. I thought about the more.

I developed all the spices myself. I knew, outside the mall in its own building neighborhood hot chicken joint I grew up try to tone down the heat level and add with the businesses and hotels and traffic with and wanted to create something like that. Birmingham didn’t have hot chicken around from 150. It was Highway 55 more flavor because not a lot of people knew what hot chicken was. You can get it at the time, and I wanted to add value to the Burgers and before that Johnny Rockets. stupid hot if you want though. We get food scene. Eugene came from my quite a bit of people who ask for extra What do you recommend ordering? stepfather’s name—Kenneth Eugene Even though it’s called Eugene’s Hot stupid too.

Allison. He was in my life from when I was

38 December 2020/January 2021

4 to 17 when he passed away, and I credit how I grew up to him. There are things I still do today because of him.

&STYLE

HOME

TIMELESS CHEER

Bold colors add a splash of fun to the traditional style of this home in the Preserve.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM PHOTOS BY JEAN ALLSOPP HooversMagazine.com 39

A

Alyson Malone loves beautiful traditional interiors, but she also has three boys. So when it came time to decorate her new home in The Preserve, she enlisted interior designer Shea Bryars to achieve a look that was at once sophisticated and indestructible.

Together they worked on new designs for all five bedrooms and all five bathrooms in the house as well as all main living spaces except the kitchen.

For some spaces they used antique pieces and rugs Alyson already had, but Shea also encouraged Alyson to add a fresh look even working with traditional trims and façade of the house.

Perhaps the most notable way they did so was with pops of colors Alyson envisioned and Shea pulled from her existing accessories. “That was fun,” Shea says. “Often she would ask me to go back and add more color.” You can find splashes of red on the back of the dining room chairs and coral prints in the living room, as well as airy floral fabrics in the guest room.

The boldest room in the house is the dining room with its metal gold chandelier. Shea says it made Alyson a bit nervous at first as she wasn’t sure if it was too modern, but now she loves it.

As to the indestructible side of the Malones’ home design, the bar stools and breakfast chairs were covered in a wipeable pleather, and the neutral rug they selected for the living room was designed for the outdoors.

The end result certainly fits the bill: beautiful to the eye, but when you look closer durable for boys to grow up and play in too.

40 December 2020/January 2021

Living Room Alyson wanted color in her home and for it to be happy, and that’s just what she got with pops of coral and botanical prints in this living space. Two sofas offer plenty of seating for her family, and their performance-grade fabrics are hearty for active boys.

HooversMagazine.com 41

Dining Room A gold metal chandelier is the showstopper of this otherwise traditional dining space. The design for the room started with the rug, and Shea pulled out the red for the backs of the chairs from it and added a textured wallpaper to soften the room and distinguish it from paint in most of the home. Shea also had a round table made by The Nest to fit the room’s square dimensions.

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Breakfast Nook These furnishings are deceptively durable with pleather on the chairs and an indoor-outdoor rug that both make it easy to clean up spills. The window treatments feature silver and beige squares that almost look like they are painted on to fun up the space.

HooversMagazine.com 43

Guest Bedroom With three boys in the house, Alyson wanted her guest room to have a feminine design that would feel like a retreat. The light, airy floral curtains were the starting point for selecting its pale pink bedding and other accents.

44 December 2020/January 2021

Guest Bathroom The tan hues of chevron tile in this ensuite bathroom add warmth to the white marble penny tile floor and countertop on the vanity.

HooversMagazine.com 45

Boy’s Bedroom Shea designed classic clean bedrooms for Alyson’s twin 9-year-old boys to age with them through their teenage years. Both have solid headboards that could be kept for years and freshened up with new bedding print, but for now each boy has their own plaid pillow fabric.

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48 December 2020/January 2021

For the

of

How sixth-grade science teacher Jana Maynard is revolutionizing animal rescue through the Sugarbelle Foundation

By Amy Ferguson | Photos by Morgan Hunt It’s a bizarre time to be alive. This weird, new world of social distancing and over-the-top sanitizing has thrown us all for a loop, bringing with it fresh feelings of anxiety and a heightened sense of uncertainty. We are finding joy where we can; for me it’s a glass of wine, for others it’s a puzzle, a good book or a Facetime date with long-lost friends and family members. For those who live alone (and even for

those of us who don’t), the companionship of a loyal fur baby has never been more comforting.

In fact, mental health experts suggest the emotional boost we get from our pets could be the very thing that gets us through this crisis. And that’s why, perhaps now more than ever, the Sugarbelle Foundation is dedicated to keeping pets together with their humans when financial troubles HooversMagazine.com 49

Simmons Middle School science teacher Jana Budoff Maynard founded the Sugarbelle Foundation to eliminate the need for animals to be rescued.

unexpectedly arise. Whether you have temporarily lost your job due to COVID-19, find yourself in a short-term homelessness situation or live on a fixed income that cannot accommodate an emergency veterinary surgery, the Sugarbelle Foundation steps in to help, allowing folks to keep the animals they so love.

Founded by Hoover resident and Simmons Middle School sixth-grade science teacher Jana Budoff Maynard, the Sugarbelle Foundation is not your traditional animal shelter or rescue organization. Rather, its goal is to eliminate the need for animals to be rescued in the first place.

“People find themselves in tough times, and I saw a need,” Jana says. “I started the Sugarbelle Foundation to help families with the cost of pet care when they fall on hard times so they don’t have to surrender their pets to overcrowded and under resourced animal shelters.”

Originally hailing from New York, Jana was born into an animal-loving family. When she was 11 years old, they moved to Birmingham, where Jana’s mother became involved with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and served on its board of directors.

“Growing up, we were always washing and playing with dogs on the weekends,” Jana recalls. “(My mother) had a heart for animals who needed help and was always bringing animals for us to foster. So, animals have always been a part of my life. It’s what I’ve always known.”

The Sugarbelle Foundation—affectionately named in honor of Sugarfoot and Holly Belle, two of Jana’s beloved adopted pets who are missed everyday—is, quite simply, all about giving and 50 December 2020/January 2021

love. Jana, along with the foundation’s small group of animal-loving volunteers (many of whom are her past students), hosts events and fundraisers throughout the Birmingham area to raise money for struggling families to afford pet supplies, spay and neutering procedures, flea and heartworm prevention, and unexpected veterinary bills. The foundation also partners with a variety of organizations, many of which are in the Hoover area, that provide resources and services to families who otherwise would have had to give up an animal they love.

“The city of Hoover is definitely an important area for us,” says Katie Myers, a member of the foundation’s Board of Directors. “It’s where (several of) our partners and donors live and work, and where our generous sponsors conduct business and kindly support us.”

This includes the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS), whose critical care clinic is located in Hoover. The foundation works as a rescue partner

with the GBHS and therefore is able to use the low cost spay/neuter program (which is not open to the general public) to help many people who otherwise would not be able to afford care.

But no partner has quite stepped up to the plate like the Galleria Animal Clinic, which Jana describes as her “second home, if I’m not a fundraising event.”

The clinic is the foundation’s preferred veterinarian where they send pet parents for animals who need care and where they take the animals for most

HooversMagazine.com 51

wellness visits, procedures, boarding, etc. “(Galleria Animal Clinic) has been so great and generous,” Katie says. “They allow us to keep a balance that we pay down through donations. Donors can contribute directly to the Sugarbelle account if they want to pay specifically toward vet services, and that way, the donors have a peace of mind knowing their money is going directly to the source.”

Limited in funds, the foundation works with people on a caseby-case basis. Regrettably, in the past, it has had to turn people away due to a lack of steady donation flow, a phenomenon Jana says breaks her heart.

“We’re small, but try to help as many people in as many ways as possible,” Katie says. “We are slowly building ourselves up, but ultimately, it is all based on the kind heartedness of the people in the community around us.”

Take people like animal advocate and Sugarbelle donor Molly Nobinger, for example. At any given time during her childhood she had at least two or three dogs, a few cats, a canary, and even a handful of guinea pigs, and accordingly she’s always seen it as a responsibility for humans to care for animals, both wild and domesticated.

“I don’t think I could ever be as involved in rescue and animal advocacy as some other dedicated people I know,” she says. “It’s a very stressful, disheartening, discouraging world, and it takes incredibly strong people to do it full force. So that’s why my husband and I donate to the Sugarbelle Foundation. It’s the best way for us to give back.”

52 December 2020/January 2021

The organization also asks for the pet owners to be involved. When the funds are available and the foundation can accommodate, the owners are required to contribute to the care of their animal, even if it’s just a couple of dollars.

“If we can get buy-in from a family to contribute in whatever small way they can and take some responsibility, then it’s a good match,” Jana says.

Ultimately, each scenario is assessed on a case-by-case basis through an application & interview process, which Jana says is critical.

“There are many people who want to help pay for their pet’s care, but do not have the funds at the time,” Jana says. “We work with many folks who actually donate back to pay the vet bills or volunteer their time.”

Since the foundation received its 501(c)(3) status in April 2013, the foundation has assisted roughly

600 pets in the area if not more. But that number is sure to rise, especially now that we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic.

“Several families have asked for assistance (during COVID-19), but thankfully it hasn’t been too overwhelming,” Jana says. “We have been hit hard from a fundraising standpoint though.

We’ve had to cancel many events.”

Nevertheless, Jana and her team remain dedicated to their cause and refuse to let the COVID-19 crisis stop them in their tracks. To maintain cash flow, Jana began making and selling masks (all animal themed, of course), and purchase of them goes towards paying off the Galleria Animal Clinic vet bill. In addition, the organization is hosting a variety of virtual fundraisers, including “Phone It In Friday ‘’ to pay down the vet bill, as well as “Sponsor a Spay Day” and “Feed ‘Em Friday.”

HOW TO HELP THE FOUNDATION Donate: Visit sugarbellefoundation. org/donate to contribute. Not sure how much to donate? Here are some estimated costs: $10 for one month of flea preventative, $50 for a spay/neuter and $100 for vet x-rays or blood work.

Volunteer: Email

sugarbellefoundation@gmail.com for more information.

Foster: Stay tuned in to Sugarbelle Foundation’s Facebook page

for listings of animals who need temporary or furever homes in partnership with local rescue organizations.

HooversMagazine.com 53

“We definitely want to get back into fundraising events once we can do so safely,” Katie says. “Until then, we are working on several projects that will help us grow and allow us to continue to make a solid impact on the community.”

Stay updated on the foundation’s ongoing

54 December 2020/January 2021

initiatives, fundraising events and local partnerships by following the Sugarbelle Foundation on Facebook and Instagram (@sugarbellefoundation).

If you or someone you know needs assistance from the Sugarbelle Foundation, visit sugarbellefoundation.org/contact-us.

HooversMagazine.com 55

56 December 2020/January 2021

On the Front Lines

One medical provider’s journey to something bigger than herself in the ground zero of New York City’s COVID-19 pandemic

By Noren Salehani | Photos by Morgan Hunt & Contributed As I stepped out of the cab at my hotel in Times Square, it was like a scene from a movie but not the one you are used to seeing. There was no roar of noise when I opened the cab door, and I remember looking around to find almost no one on the streets—no tourists, no cabs, no buses and hardly anyone on foot. This wasn’t the New York I knew and had visited before. But it was the one I had

come to serve.

My journey to New York from Hoover all started with an email that arrived on Friday, April 3, with the subject “COVID-19 Update – Helping NYC.” It described an opportunity for clinicians to answer the mayor of New York City’s national call for help and provide relief to fellow clinicians working at the epicenter of the coronavirus. At the time, things in

HooversMagazine.com 57

A COVID UPDATE FROM NOREN

Noren Salehani documented her time serving in New York City with her personal protective equipment in the hospital (this photo) and its empty outdoor spaces (right).

Although I did not develop any symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 while in New York City, I did surprisingly test positive this fall in Birmingham. It’s ironic how I say “surprisingly,” as we providers in the Emergency Department evaluate coronavirus patients daily with symptoms ranging from mild flu-like features to severe acute respiratory distress. As healthcare workers, we are not immune.

We have families that we come home to while praying that we don’t transmit the virus to them. In that way, we share the same fears as the general public. My own personal COVID-19 diagnosis brought this realization home for me.

Thankfully, I was able to recover fully with the support of my family and friends.

My initial fears of possible complications associated with this diagnosis eventually turned into a heightened resolve to continue to support and counsel patients that I see in the Emergency Department that may be in the same situation.

As frontline healthcare workers, we have the platform to serve as role models for those around us, whether the general public, our families, or our friends. So please continue to wear your mask, adhere to social distancing guidelines and quarantine as much as possible. As COVID-19 cases rise, now more than ever we have to come together in this shared goal!

I also want to thank all my colleagues in the Emergency Medicine specialty who risk their own health and the health of their loved ones every day just by coming to work. At times it is a thankless job, but if we are able to positively impact the life of even one person each day, then it is all worth it.

58 December 2020/January 2021

Birmingham, where I work as a physician’s assistant at Grandview Medical Center, were changing rapidly, but it was nowhere near what was being reported about the impact the virus was having on the NYC population.

The more I thought about the email and the opportunity it held, the more my mind raced. My purpose, calling and passion to serve as a physician assistant were aligned with the call for aid in that email. I had the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself. I was needed at ground zero, along with thousands of other essential workers.

Although the opportunity was intriguing, the thought of traveling and being alone in the city made me anxious. It sounds silly, but I grew up always surrounded by a big group of family and friends. I’ve always had someone willing to take on a new adventure or travel with me. I was

afraid to be away from home and to feel alone.

But I talked to my husband, siblings and parents about the opportunity, and when I reached back out to sign up, to my dismay, I was too late. The recruiter told me all the contracts were already sent but he would keep me in mind for a future opening. Twelve hours later and just when I convinced myself the opportunity was out of reach, the recruiter called and said, “Can you get on a flight tomorrow? We just had a spot open up.” I felt the anxiety creeping in, but the second time I didn’t let it hold me back and told him, “Let’s do this!”

At first, all I knew was my flight left the next day, the hotel address where I would be staying and that I would be given more instruction when I arrived in the city. I committed to going somewhere not knowing where I would be working, when I would start, how many shifts I would be assigned

or how long I would be there.

The hours between packing and arriving at the Birmingham airport were a complete whirlwind. The airport was a ghost town, and the plane had one person per row, which didn’t help my anxiety. When I arrived in Charlotte for a layover, I felt a little more at ease. My parents live in the Charlotte area, so I got off the plane, went through security and visited with them in the departure area before my next flight. Spending an hour with them before my first solo adventure brought the sense of peace I needed as I boarded my second flight. Before I knew it, I landed in New York.

When I got settled in, I reached out to the contact who was in charge of my schedule for the next 30 days at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan as a hospitalist PA. The next day, I had orientation, and the day after was my first shift. There was no choice but to take off running, and that’s where my emergency department experience was critical as I dove straight into an unfamiliar hospital and into my hospitalist role.

My schedule consisted of 14-hour shifts that alternated each week from day to night shifts. Needless to say, by the time I reached my first day off, the exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a combination of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion all at once. I knew to get through the next few weeks I needed to reflect, rest and reset. This became my motto for the end of each day, whether I had a shift or a day off. Some days flew by while others dragged on—300 hours, two floors filled then emptied, 200 patients seen with only two deaths. No matter the challenges encountered, I made it my mission to find a reason to start and end each day with a smile. After all, I was the healthy one who was lucky enough to serve those who desperately needed care.

Although I knew the hotel housed medical volunteers from all over the United States, it felt like a college dorm room without anyone to socialize with and only one microwave to share. There were nights I watched the flashing lights and billboards of Times Square from my room on the 17th floor as I drifted off to sleep.

Other nights I passed out before I could pull the sheets and comforter over my body.

Most of my meals were ordered through a delivery service HooversMagazine.com 59

several hours ahead of when I would have time to eat. It was common for meal delivery or rideshare services to be abruptly canceled when the driver saw the pick-up or drop-off location was the hospital. The drivers who did arrive were covered head to toe in PPE with their car seats also fully covered and a barrier installed between the front

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and back. It was clear most drivers were scared, and I didn’t blame them. Life as we knew it was different and full of the unknown.

The clinical environment was very fluid. No two days were ever the same. I learned quickly to set zero expectations because it was only a matter of time before another patient with a different health condition was brought into our care. The amount of lab work I ordered for each patient was mind-boggling because of the multi-system failures the virus can cause. We worried about 30-year old patients with no pre-existing conditions having heart attacks or strokes, which wasn’t something I had commonly seen before COVID-19. The younger patients took a toll on me. It was tough to see how all these critical, life-threatening conditions were possible for someone in good health and so close to my age.

Along the way I also learned the intricacies of case management and the unique social

circumstances of the New York City population.

Navigating social factors like mental health, English as a second language, home health and the coordination of rehabilitative follow-up care played a huge factor in the care I provided, which was a change from my work as an emergency medicine PA. In the ED, we are not able to spend nearly as much time with each patient as a hospitalist does.

There were times I would care for the same patient up to five shifts in a row before the patient was stable enough for discharge. I constantly worried about where a patient would go after discharge and if the patient had a way to get the appropriate follow-up care he or she needed.

Celebrating small wins with each patient and acting as family support to help get the individual one step closer to home became profoundly important. My time as a hospitalist PA gave me all the tools to become more aligned with my hospital medicine colleagues in Birmingham, and for that, I am forever grateful.

One of my fondest patient memories is of a primarily Spanish speaking new mother who transferred into our care from another hospital after she spent two weeks battling coronavirus.

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During her battle, she lost a lot of muscle function in her legs due to deconditioning and was not able to ambulate, which kept her in the hospital. She did not understand why she could not go home after receiving a negative COVID-19 test, which broke my heart. She was undocumented and uninsured, so if we discharged her, she had no way to receive the physical therapy she needed.

When she cried, I comforted her because I wanted to cry too. I consistently communicated that I was on her team, wanted her to go home as well and fought hard alongside her to get her well.

After a day or two, we set up a Zoom call with her family. The joy she got from seeing her family and her child was a special memory permanently placed in my heart. The first call was the fuel she needed to get better. After seeing the difference in her motivation, I set up a daily call for her until her final day in the hospital. I truly believe interaction with her family, even if it was virtually, was what her heart needed to help her body heal.

Although New York City was not full of the normal hustle and bustle, crowded streets and vibrant atmosphere, it turned out to be so much more impactful. The city, Mt. Sinai team members, healthcare workers from near and far and New York City citizens radiated out love and appreciation for each other. Each night at 7 p.m. cheering erupted from balconies to thank essential workers for their service. Billboards were taken over with messages of thanks, and homemade signs filled the windows of businesses on every street. Police officers thanked us for our service each night as we left the hospital, and we returned our sentiments because they too were essential in keeping the city safe.

What I realized as my final shift rolled around was as much as my patients needed me, I also needed them and this version of a 62 December 2020/January 2021

New York City experience. Being away from my loved ones was hard, but I gained more from it than I could have ever dreamed. This experience made me physically, mentally and emotionally stronger than I ever thought possible. I touched the lives of a unique population in need and filled in as the support system and family for many patients when no one else could be there. Thankfully, I came back home healthy and felt honored to contribute to a healthcare system reaching new limits of exhaustion.

I would have never imagined the words “deployment” and “Noren” would be used in the same sentence. That I, Noren Salehani, who grew up in a multi-family household, who always had someone around, would say yes to such a unique and unknown experience, but I did. I voluntarily deployed to New York City and know I am a better person and professional because of my experience treating patients at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. It was an unforgettable, oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience I pray will never be necessary again. But if it is, I am ready!

Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from one that originally ran on ApolloMD’s website at apollomd.com/a-calling-to-serve-norensalehani-pa-c/.

celebrate

Christmas with

Homewood

Cahaba Heights

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING

holiday

GIF T GUIDE 2

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1. Let It Snow Gift Basket Send greetings for the holidays with this festive snowflake gift box filled with a collection of scrumptious favorites: buttery tea cookies, savory cheese straws, fresh roasted pecans, triple chocolate chip cookies, rich coffee and roasted pistachios. $49. Alabama Goods, 2933 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 803-3900. alabamagoods.com.

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2. Alastin Skincare Tinted Sunscreen Use HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 daily to protect skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and provide a tint with a soft glow! The tinted sunscreen was developed for daily use and can be used immediately following skin treatments. $55. Cahaba Dermatology, 2279 Valleydale Road, #100, Birmingham, AL 35244. (205) 214-7546. cahabaderm.com.

3. Christopher Radko Ornament These annual ornaments are in! If you adore Christopher Radko ornaments as much as we do and want to support a wonderful cause, this Boarding By Two ornament is a must. $70. Bromberg’s, 131 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 969-1776. brombergs.com.

4. Tinsel & Spice Candle Capri Blue’s new holiday candle has hints of juniper berry and cinnamon clove with a twist of orange mandarin, vanilla and forest woods. It’s the perfect candle to make your home smell delicious for the Christmas season! $24. Cahaba Lilly, 5479 Highway 280 Suite 117, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 4906210. cahabalilysouth.com.

5. Swig Hot/Cold Beverage Cup This dreamy design is inspired by those who love to wander, swirled in euphoric hues of blues, pinks and a sprinkle of stardust. The 14-ounce stainless cup keeps drinks cold for hours. $27. The Sassy Shopper, 224 Kent Stone Way, Suite 200, Alabaster, AL 35007. (205) 624-4084. thesassyshopper. com.

6. Mail Carrier Bag The true definition of a trusted field companion, this Haversack is the most versatile bag in the collection. With a large overlapping leather bound flap and four interior compartments, it is built for hiking, traveling and everything in between. $385. Caliber, 2822 Central Avenue, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 917-5800. caliberxl.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 8 7 7. Badfish Monarch Standup Paddleboard Badfish’s unique exoskeleton design allows the Monarch to be light without sacrificing rigidity. Everything you need fits in the included bag that you can check on your next flight or throw in the back of the car for a weekend at the lake. $899. The Yak Shak, 2649 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124. (205) 767-3201. theyakshak.com.

8. Party Starter Kit Get ready to get your party started with this kit that comes with a flask, a funnel and two shop cups. $24. At Home, 2921 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35209. (205) 879-3510. athome-furnishings.com.

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9. Catherine’s Market Gift Basket Create your own custom gift basket from a varied selection of wines, craft beers, artisanal cheeses, snacks, savory sweets, locally poured candles and more. Any amount. Catherine’s Market, 17 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City, AL 35010.

(256) 329-0835. catherinesatcrossroads. com.

10. Bogg Bag

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The perfect tote for your next adventure, this one is roomy, versatile, stylish and washable—just right for the gal on the go.

Small $54.95, Large $74.95. Village Drug, 300 Carlow Lane, #116, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 713-8393. facebook.com/villagedrugco.

11. Swan Creek Candles These 100 percent American soybean wax candles are clean burning, leadfree and intensely fragrant. $8 to $20.

Vintage Interiors, 2838 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124. (205) 620-1900. vintageinteriorsal.com

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12. Leo and Zachary Blazers For the best dressed young man on your list! These jackets are stylish, classy and elegant, and they are made from top of the line fabrics. Starting at $90. Mon Ami, 40 Church Street, Birmingham, AL 35213. (205) 848-7800. monamibham.com.

13. Outdoor Wind Chimes These precision-tuned, weather-resistant outdoor wind chimes from Music of the Spheres are handcrafted in the USA and 30 inches tall. $96.95. DSLD AquaScapes, 5485 Highway 280, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 437-1012. dsldland.com

14. Nest Candle The aroma of a sparkling holiday season is created by blending pomegranate, Mandarin orange, pine, cloves and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. $49. Mantooth Interiors, 2813 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 879-5474. mantoothinteriors.com

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15. Onward Seabreeze Special Edition Golf Cart Your ride around the block is about to get a lot more fun in this golf cart from Club Car with plenty of room for four. It is comfortable and practical yet fun and stylish. $14,999. Diamond Golf Cart, 160 Inverness Plaza, Birmingham, AL 35242.

(205) 769-6355. diamondgolfcars.com.

16. Joe’s Dipping Oil This custom blended oil boasts parsley, lemon and a special blend of spices perfect for dipping your favorite bread in. Small $10, Large $22.95. Joe’s Italian, 21 Weatherly Club Drive, Alabaster, AL 35007. (205) 663-4111. joesitalianonline. com.

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18 17. Freedom Soaps Gift Box Fill a box of your choosing with sustainably made soaps, scrubs, balms, bath salts and more based in the heart of Cahaba Heights. Freedom Soaps can customize the perfect gift set for you! Prices vary by custom box. Freedom Soaps, 3131 Bellwood Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243. (205) 7831171. freedomsoaps.com.

18. Frozen Cookie Dough and Skillet Treat yourself to hot cookies whenever you like—or better yet, a skillet cookie. Each set of dough comes with 15 frozen balls, and the mini skillet is 5 inches in diameter and made by Lodge. Frozen Dough $20, Skillet $11.25. Cookie Fix, 2854 18th Street South, Homewood, AL 35209. (205) 582-2623. cookiefix.com.

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19. Alabama and Auburn Santa Clause Have Santa pull for your team with our custom Auburn and Alabama Santa Clause. Bring your handcrafted Santa to life by posing the arms, combing the hair or fluffing his beard. $29.99. Home Accents, 2750 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35214. (205) 621-2039. homeaccentsonline.com.

20. Wireless Table Lamp This rechargeable table lamp has a contact charging base, and its LED light is ideal indoors or outdoors. The matte painted aluminum fixture comes in different colors to match your décor. $160. Alkmy, 17 Dexter Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35213. (205) 492-6677. shopalkmy.com.

21. Ryu Sweater & Necklace This Ryu sweater in scarlet is perfect for holiday parties especially when you pair it with a fun necklace. You can shop them online and find updates on social media @dearprushops. Sweater $79, Necklace $19. Dear Prudence, 4441 Creekside Avenue Suite 125, Hoover, AL 35244. (205) 407-7523. dearprudence.com.

22. Silver and Gold Bracelets

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This 14KW flex bangle has 37 round diamonds with four prongs each, and the 14KW flexible diamond bangle bracelet features 34 diamonds prong set in single row half way round. Silver Bracelet $3,199, Gold Bracelet $4,299.

Shay’s Jewelers, 3301 Lorna Road, Suite 1, Hoover, AL 35216. (205) 978-5880. shaysjewelers.com.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 23. SpringHouse Gift Card Give the gift of a dining experience like no other.

Rising out of the hilltop, SpringHouse treats diners to a local Southern cuisine served in rustic, casual elegance. SpringHouse, 12 Benson Mill Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. (256) 329-0835. springhouseatcrossroads.com.

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24. Wrap This cozy wrap is as stylish as it is comfortable and goes with almost any outfit. $54. Serendipity, 3124 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243. (205) 970-2398. serendipityofbham.com.

25. Corksicle Wine Bucket Perfect for parties, this wine bucket is stainless and super insulated to keep beverages ice cold for up to 48 hours. Chill your favorite beverage or pile it high with ice for serving. $75. The Cook Store, 2841 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223. (205) 879-5277. thecookstoremtnbrook.com.

26. The #UpsidedownChallange Game This game will keep your friends and family laughing out loud for hours. Compete to do simple tasks like writing your name, giving a high five and pouring water from one cup into another, all while your vision is flipped upside down. $24.99.

Homewood Toy & Hobby, 2830 18th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35209. (205) 879-3986. homewoodtoy-hobby.com.

27. Dog Tanks For the best dressed pup this holiday season, these tanks are sure to make a statement. The soft and comfortable stripe cotton has a baby rib knit and an appliquĂŠ graphic with attached dimensional bow tie. They are machine washable. $22. Fancy Fur, 5291 Valleydale Road, #139, Birmingham, AL 35242. (205) 408-1693. fancyfurpets.com.

28. Plants in Decorative Pots Elevate the look of your plants with these dipped clay and metal decorative planters. $35.98 or two for $64.98. plant Home & DĂŠcor, 10876 Highway 25, Calera, AL 35040. (205) 319-7071.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING 29. Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard The Tarpon inflatable stand-up paddleboard by HO Sports combines comfort and functionality in a highly portable, easy-to-store package. It includes a backpack for easy transport/storage, an adjustable three-piece paddle with rider height indicator and a high-pressure pump with PSI. $799. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors, 19 Russell Marine Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. (256) 329-0835. russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

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30. Leopard Print Top & Leggings This leopard print woobie top is perfect with super comfy knit leggings. Find more updates on social media @sgtpeppersbydp. Leggings $59, Top $39. Sgt. Peppers by Dear Prudence, 4442 Creekside Avenue, Suite 126, Hoover, AL 35244.

(205) 407-7524. sgtpeppersbydp.com.

31. Luna 3 by Foreo Meet LUNA 3 from Foreo, the softest skincare device in the beauty world. Featuring 30 percent softer silicone touch points and T-Sonic technology, it lifts away dirt, oil and excess sebum with a one-minute cleansing with a targeted firming facial. $199. Woodhouse Day Spa, 125 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35243. (205) 905-7676. birmingham. woodhousespas.com.

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32. Handmade Stockings These stockings made from vintage Suzanni textiles with Uzbek trim are perfect for every fireplace. $75. Paige Albright Orientals, 2814 Petticoat Lane, #2320, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. (205) 877-3232. paigealbrightorientals.com.

33. Skin Drink Serum This pure, nourishing serum penetrates deep within the dermis to draw moisture in and hold it there to provide all-day moisture and skin barrier repair! $92. Gunn Dermatology, 32 Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. (205) 4157536. gunndermatology.com.

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

Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Greystone Chiropractic at Tattersall A groundbreaking was held on October 2nd for the new offices of Greystone Chiropractic @ Tattersall in Hoover. Mayor Frank Brocato, David Custred 2nd VP of the Chamber & Dr. Lee Goldenberg and his staff dug in along with friends from the Shelby County Chamber. Dr Goldberg and the amazing Greystone Chiropractic staff is experienced in a variety of chiropractic and holistic healing techniques to help patients of all ages thrive in today’s environment.

El Cielo Mexican Grill Owner Oscar Salcido, Stephanie Sotelo, Ricardo Vasquez and manager Giovannie Orazco celebrated the ribbon cutting of El Cielo along with Mayor Frank Brocato and Paul Dangel Chamber President on October 7th. El Cielo is located on 2760 John Hawkins Parkway Suite 112. Their food is vibrant, delicious, fresh and fun. It is also colorful, spicy and uses an amazing array of chilies, both fresh and dried. ... you must try it!

Reignite Chiropractic Drs. Claire and Jaccob Ussery celebrated their ribbon cutting with lots of family and friends. The ribbon cutting was officiated by Mayor Frank Brocato, Paul Dangel Chamber Presidet, and the Chamber Ambassadors.

Hoover chiropractors Dr. Jacob and Dr. Claire Ussery focus on the body as a whole to get to the root cause of your health concerns. Call (205) 855-3305 for an appointment.

Touch & Glow Nail Spa and Beauty Bar Owner Thuy Bopho along with her staff celebrated their new location on Hoover’s Brocks Gap Parkway. Mayor Frank Brocato along with Chamber President Paul Dangel, Chamber 1st VP Alison Howell Steineker, Chamber 2nd VP David Custred, and the Chamber Ambassadors were out in full force to cut the ribbon on Thuy’s new salon opening. Hoovers Economic Developer Greg Knighton was present as well. Touch & Glow Nail Spa and beauty bar is client focused providing care & unique services which create an atmosphere anyone can enjoy. Services: Nails&pedi•waxing•lash&brow tinting•microblading shading•facial•fibroblast

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 70 December 2020/January 2021

HOOVER, AL 35244

Pho Pho Asian Cuisine Owners Young Kim and Kookie Kim are proud to bring their newest location to Hoover. The restaurant features Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Ramen, and much more! It is so GOOD!! The Chamber and City were out in full force to celebrate Pho Pho’s ribbon cutting. Mayor Frank Brocato, Chamber President Paul Dangel, City Economic Developer Greg Knighton and the Chambers Ambassadors were treated to a sampling of Pho Pho’s Asian Cuisine. Yes please…. we will be back for more! They are located at 1580 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35216

Jubilee Joes Kashit Siddiqi and his beautiful family opened their location with a kickoff Ribbon Cutting. Mayor Frank Brocato, Commissioner Jimmie Stephens, Chamber President Paul Dangel, Chamber 1st VP Alison Howell Steineker, Chamber 2nd VP David Custred, and the Chamber Ambassadors were out in full force to celebrate this new restaurant opening in Hoover. You’ll Love their Fresh Seafood Dishes, Served For You By their Friendly Staff. Shrimp, Oysters, Fish, Crab, Gumbo, Bisques, Jambalaya, Étouffée & more. Voted Bham’s Best Gumbo! Catering Available, Online Ordering Option Available, visit www. jubileejoes.com 5190 Medford Dr Ste 114, Hoover, AL

Nail Boutique at Tattersall Kevin Uylengeo and Kristine Ho along with Mayor Frank Brocato and David Custred 2nd VP of the chamber cut the ribbon for their new shop - Nail Boutique at Tattersall Park. This is their third location in the metro area and their second shop in Hoover. Please join us in congratulating Kevin, Kristine and the Nail Boutique team! Welcome to Hoover - again!

Hoover Nutrition Owner Karen Wheat celebrated her ribbon cutting with Mayor Frank Brocato, Paul Dangel President of the Chamber, the Chamber Ambassadors, and staff.

Hoover Nutrition is located on John Hawkins Pkwy in the Colonia Promenade.

They are independent distributors of Herbalife. They have a variety of Loaded Teas, Protein enriched Meal Replacement Shakes, as well as protein supplements. The store also offers loaded teas, meal replacement shakes and protein bars.

Hometown Hero Award for October Karen Belcher – a native of Hoover. Karen shares her knowledge with the community by donating her time giving educational lectures regarding adoption as well as learning struggles, for various organizations across the state of Alabama.

In 2014, Karen Co-founded (along with Dr. Stephanie Denton) Alabama Game Changers. This 501c3 non-profit organization exists to help identify learning struggles in children and teens and to help provide a path to remediation of those struggles.

This year, Alabama Game Changers has expanded into a 16,000 square foot facility where they have partnered with Dr. Tim Conway \ The Morris Centers of Ocala, Florida and Trinidad\Tobago to bring a scientifically proven transdisciplinary therapeutic approach to these struggling children. It is only the 3rd of its kind in the world and will serve as a National Center of Excellence. They are dreaming big dreams at AGC and hope to expand to offer services to adults in the near future.

205 - 988 - 5672

WWW.HOOVERCHAMBER.ORG HooversMagazine.com 71

New Members AS OF NOV. 1, 2020 uTouch & Glow Nail Spa 9/1/2020 uGlobal Services Inc. 9/3/2020 uWooley Institute for Spoken-Language Education 9/9/2020 uPazzo Big Slice Pizza 9/16/2020 uEl Cielo Mexican Grill 9/18/2020 uHometown Fare, LLC 9/23/2020 uPremier Alternative, LLC 9/23/2020 uJeremy Stephens Salon 9/25/2020 uBelfor Property Restoration 9/28/2020 uGagliano Mortgage, Inc. 10/9/2020 uThe Renaissance Academy Prep School of Excellence 10/13/2020 uUNAGI Bento & Sushi 10/13/2020 uStonecreek Dental Care 10/15/2020 uMoe’s Original BBQ-Hoover-Brock’s Gap 10/20/2020 uTherapySouth Green Valley 10/20/2020 uJefferson’s Sports Bar 10/21/2020 uBates Orthodontics 10/30/2020 uDEC Fire & Water Restoration 10/30/2020

Thank you to our 2020 Board of Trustees

The Presidents Circle of the Board of Trustees Antonio D. Sankey, Antonio D. Sankey & Assoc., LLC John Lyda, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Tim Puthoff,Brookwood Baptist Medical Center Bill Inabinet,Synovus Bank Mark Garnett, HealthSpring of Alabama, Inc. Joel Smith, Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall Paul Dangel, Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel Henry King, King Acura Karen Waldrop, Regions Charlie Conklin, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Daniel Holmes, Hoover’s Magazine, Shelby County Reporter Sam Hess, Jet’s Pizza David Custred, McLeod Software Past Presidents of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Group* Dan Ellis, TASC* Lori D. Moler, Children’s of Alabama* Chris Schmidt, J.D., Daniel Corporation* Joe Thomas, Chairman, Capstone Financial Group* Terri Q. Williams, AT&T Alabama* Jason Cobb, Americaís First Federal Credit Union* Dan Mikos, Mikos-Kampakis Insurance* Jerry Cross, Jefferson County EIDA* Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services Richard Head, RE/MAX Advantage* 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 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 John Santamour, Aprio 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, Budís Best Cookies Paul Huckeba, C B & S Bank

3000 RIVERCHASE GALLERIA 72 December 2020/January 2021

Garland Stansell, Childrenís of Alabama Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale Randolph Pickell, Diversicare of Riverchase Mike Hawthorne, Edge Realty Group Fred Johnston, 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 Len Luther, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn ñ Hoover Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission Gina Cannady, 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 Rodney Berry, Peoples Bank of Alabama Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics Lyndsey Yim, Retail Specialists Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Dana Meginnis, St. Vincent’s Health System Kyle Hogan, Samís Club Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services 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 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 Mary Scott, American Family Care Purvi Shaj, Ross Bridge Medical Center Zeke Ethridge, Alabama Vein & Restoration MedSpa David Wanniger, Comfort Care Home Health & Hospice Benjamin Yim, L.A. Wax Club Bob Mitchell, Oddessy Early Schools Loyd Staffing, Cale McWatters Bedzzz Express, David Riddle Caleb Redmond, BMW of Birmingham Jason Jiang, The Seafood King-Hoover Leo Wang, The Seafood King-Homewood Peter Gong, The Seafood King-Bessemer

HOOVER, AL 35244

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Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Chamber Officers Paul Dangel 2020 Board President

Paul Dangel The HyattRegency Wynfrey Hotel 2020 Board President

Alison Howell Steineker, Alabama Power Company 1st Vice President

David Custred McLeod Software 2nd Vice President

Kathleen Spencer, Spencer Consulting Secretary

Adam West Warren Averett CPAs Treasurer

Alison Howell Steineker 1st Vice President

David Custred 2nd Vice President

Kathleen Spencer Secretary

Adam West Treasurer

Greg Knighton Terry D. Turner Jr. Gentle, Turner & Sexton Attorneys Immediate Past President

Greg Knighton City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

City of Hoover Liaison

April DeLuca Legal Advisor

Board of Directors Matthew Allen, JBMC Media Inc.

Sandy Syx, Doozer Construction

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

James Robinson, Spire

Emilio Cerice.

Regions Bank

Tyler Williams, BlueCross BlueShield

Ben Yim, LA Wax Club

Mike White Riverchase Galleria

205 - 988 - 5672

Matthew Allen Jeff McDowell Lynn Ray Mike White David Custred Ben Yim Sandy Syx James Robinson Emilio Cerice Tyler Williams

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OUT & ABOUT

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TASTE OF HOOVER

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Aldridge Gardens hosted this annual event to celebrate culinary styles throughout Hoover on Oct. 8, this year with social distancing practices.

1. The Cochran and Dangels Families 2. Kirsten Ratza and Ally Patock 3. Tiffany Smith and Blake Gossett 4. Andrea and Adam Brewer 5. Virginia Barksdale, and Frank and Frances Brocato 6. Bradford and Lydia Evans 7. Jeff and Christi Maze 8. The Taylor Family 9. Angela Finley and Taumara Madison 10. Scott and Janie Hannah 11. Mary and Joe Waldman 12. The Holmes Family 13. Hal and Patti Tichenor 14. The Blalock Family

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OUT & ABOUT

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PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER

Hoover Service Club held its annual fundraiser with social distance but also a silent auction, live entertainment and gourmet boxed dinner in the Aldridge Gardens Pavilion on Oct. 22.

1. Liz Elliott, Vickie Nutter, Jean Ingram and Joan Purse 2. Betty and Dennis Daigle 3. Tynette and Pat Lynch 4. Liesa and James Pitts 5. The Shaws 6. Shawn Pearson and Mike Girouard 7. Debbie and Travis Rutherford 8. Jana and Ben Walker 9. Peggy Dupuy, Barbara Henry and Bonnie Campbell 10. Diane Thomas, Elaine and Roy Thompson, and Jan Harris 11. The Stephens, Cathy Pilcher and Tommy Hudson 12. Pam Crider, Liz Elliott, Kim Allen and Ryan Allen

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OUT & ABOUT

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AT SOMERBY, WE’RE TRANSFORMING WHAT SENIOR LIVING MEANS AND DOING IT IN A BOLD, NEW WAY. We embrace it, nurture it and redefine it with everything we do. From exciting activities, inspiring friendships and bold safety measures, Somerby helps lead you — or your loved one — to a more enriching life.

VISIT US AT SOMERBYSPARK.COM

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BOLD

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800.977.1017

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Hoover Magazine • 205.669.3131

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

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.

Mechanic needed.

Must have own tools and five years experience. Apply in person: 1105 7th St N, Clanton. Or call for appointment 205-755-4570

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

CDL Preferred.

Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com HIRING EXPERIENCED FULL CASE ORDER SELECTORS $19.03 per hour plus production $$$ incentives. Grocery order selection using electric pallet jacks & voice activated headsets. Great benefits including Blue Cross health & dental insurance & matching 401k. Pre-employment drug test required.

Apply Online: WWW.AGSOUTH. COM Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production,

Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $14/hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

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Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available.

Call today for specials!!

205-668-6871. Or visit hpilancasterplace.com WELDER NEEDED MIG & TIG •Light gauge stainless, aluminized, galvanized Manufacturing and Assembly Helpers Needed •Paid Holidays •Typical Shifts 6:00am-2:30pm Call RICK: 205-761-3975

MacLean Power Systems NOW HIRING 3098 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124 We are actively hiring for production operations Apply at: www.macleanfogg. com/careers Marble Valley Manor.

Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled.

Many on-site services!

2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-2456500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A).

Office Hours: MonFri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer Moco Transportation OTR Drivers Needed •25 yrs old, 2 yrs Exp.•Good MVR. •NO LOCAL RUNS Call: 1-800-328-3209

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 inquiries only. Call 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www.

Oxfordhealthcare.com

pay:$12hr-$14hr •General Labor •Heavy Equipment Operator •Shipping •Washer/ Greaser •Calera •Alabaster Online: www.stellarstaffingllc. com Call: 205-916-2860 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock.

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

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

Rehab NOW HIRING!!!

•LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 FT 2nd Shift Security Sign-on Bonus for Guard needed for Full-Time shift •CNA’s beautiful, gated Apply in person: 3141 community in No Old Columbiana Rd Shelby Co. Paid health insurance, $12hr, Nursing assistant 3-11pm weekdays. to care for high Must have previous functioning experience, gun permit quadriplegic home & pistol. Qualified health patient in candidates should call Jemison. Must have Kim 991-4654 valid drivers license.

Part-time. Call Mr. Wilton Water and Gas Wilbanks Board HIRING WATER 205-908-3333 TECHNICIAN •Fulltime position available NEED A JOB???

•We offer BCBS health COME JOIN OUR insurance & state TEAM OF GREAT retirement •Starting PEOPLE!! Starting pay $12/hr depending Specializing in all your hair care needs SERENITY SALON Barber/Stylist Chairs Available for Rent 2 Convenient Locations •2005 Valleydale Rd. •Pelham •3000 Meadow Lake Dr. Suite 107 Call Nichole 205-240-5428

on experience Duties include but not limited to: •Reading Meters •Repair Leaks •Installing Water Lines •Repair & Replace Flush Plugs •Replace Gas/Water Meters •General Maintenance of Gas System •Cutting Grass •Maintain Town Properties and Main Buildings •Generally Available to Respond Within 30/min to Emergency Call-Outs, at Anytime of Day/ Night Year Round •Use of Variety of Hand Tools Requirements: •Valid AL DL •HSDiploma/GED Apply In Person or Contact Melissa with questions: 205-665-2021 Email resumes: melissa@ wilton-al.org Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstone dentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Popeyes Seeking friendly, motivated, dependable Crew Members. OPEN INTERVIEWS DAILY 2:00pm-5:00pm 3300 Pelham Parkway.

Immediate Openings!

Start work this week!

Apply online: work4 popeyeskitchen.com Burger King is now hiring. Please apply online @ joinbkalabama.com GENERAL LAWN CARE Specialist in large yards 2+ acres.

Serving Chilton, Coosa & many more areas. Biweekly, weekly or onetime services available.

•Flower Beds •Pine Straw •Mulch •Shrub

Trimming CALL NOW FOR FALL SPECIALS! Call Alex today for details: 1-205-955-3439 ~Military & Senior Discounts~

Bertolone’s in Calera NOW HIRING. •Dishwasher (FT) •Kitchen Cook (FT) Apply in person at 209 Supercenter Dr. Calera, AL. 35040

Call 205-987-4840 or send work history/ contact information: generalmail@ budsbestcookies. com fayegoudy@ budsbestcookies.com

Little Caesars Now Hiring Management & Crew Members.

Calera, Greystone, & Chelsea Locations. To apply text “pizzacrew” to 85000.

Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Sign-on Bonuses available at select locations! For more information please contact: Paige Gandolfi Call/text: 724-6917474 pgandolfi@ wexfordhealth.com

SPRAY FINISHER NEEDED: HVLP, Gravity Gun, Conventional Cup, Air Assisted Airless Commercial Cabinet/ Millwork Company looking for experienced finishers in this field, or automotive finisher willing to change to this field. We offer very competitive pay. Call 334-264-5032

Come out of your comfort zone. Come join our Crossfit Family. Crossfit Inferis. Individual Unlimited Monthly Memeberships $125.

Couples Unlimited Monthly Membership $235. Active Military, Veteran, First Responder, Teacher & Student 15% Discount.

Address: 993 Yeager Parkway. Pelham, AL 35124. Contact Us. Jonathan Luna 205451-3095. Instagram: crossfit_Inferis.

Facebook: CrossFit Inferis

Home Instead Senior Care • CAREGiver / CNA Weekend Shifts Needed. Have you previously been a family caregiver? Do you want to make a difference in the life of a senior? Or do you simply have a special way of taking care of others? Expect to make a difference!!

Requirements: 21 years of age, current drivers license, reliable transportation, lift, push, pull 25 pounds, clean criminal history & drug screen. Please apply at homeinstead. com/bham

Burger King JOIN OUR TEAM NOW HIRING All Positions QUALIFICATIONS: ENERGETIC, HIGHLY MOTIVATED, FRIENDLY & A SMILING FACE. APPLY ONLINE: www.bkworker.com (EOE–DRUG FREE WORKPLACE) JOIN OUR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FOR A BURGER KING FRANCHISE Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for a person with skills in HVAC & Refrigeration, Light Electrical & Plumbing. BENEFITS: •Competitive Wage Based on Skills & Experience, Annual Reviews.

•Health and Life Insurance •401K Profit Sharing Plan •Paid Vacations •Maintenance Vehicle and Tools Furnished FOR INTERVIEW CALL DAVID STEVENS: 706.563.3066 (EOE–DRUG FREE WORKPLACE)

Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. Personal loans! Let us pay off your title loans!

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 Bud’s Best Cookies Accepting applications for the following positions: •Packers •Mixers •Machine Operators •Sanitation Positions •Maintenance Positions Bud’s Best Cookies has been in business since 1991.

We are locally owned & operated family business.We offer our employees a great work environment and benefits.Benefits for full-time employment: •5 vacation days after 1yr •10 vacation days after 3yrs •15 vacation days after 10yrs •7 paid holidays •Health & Life Insurance paid by the company for each employee after 90 days of employment •Off every Saturday •$100 Check for your birthday •FMLA after 1yr or 1250/hrs If Interested

Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Workvehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/pass background/drug test.

Training provided.

Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month.

Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@ charter.net Servpro of Birmingham. We’re looking for quality people who want to work hard and make a difference. For this excellent career opportunity, email now! bmcrea@ servproofbirmingham. com

We Pay Cash For Used RV’s!!!

McCluskey Auto & RV Sales, LLC 205-833-4575 Journeyman Electrician Needed.

Experienced in industrial electrical work preferred. Call Brian at 205-337-2140.

Electromotor/Pump Mechanic Needed.

Experience preferred.

Call Brian at 205-337-2140 Caregiver Looking to sit with your loved ones •Retired RN •Dependable •Experienced •Shelby, Columbiana & Wilsonville Area Call: 205-470-8565

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MY HOOVER

ALICIA WILBANKS

Hoover Native, Dancer, Teacher & Coach

On the Bluff

Bluff Park I love the diversity of Bluff Park. I love the community’s focus on volunteerism, its history, its dedication to city involvement, the Bluff Park Art Show and the Bluff Park Christmas Parade. Bluff Park is just the best place to live, raise a family or retire!

Memory Central

The Buccanettes Being a member of the Berry and Hoover High School bands as a dancer myself created some of the best high school memories and helped teach me about hard work, cooperation and discipline.

Being able to see this “from the other side” now as the head of the Dance Department where I coach the Varsity Buccanettes dance team, and teach dance as an elective, is one of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve ever experienced.

Natural Environment Moss Rock & More I love that Hoover has so many rich and varied areas to explore like Moss Rock Preserve, Aldridge Gardens, the numerous tree-lined neighborhoods and natural areas throughout the city.

Mountaintop Views

Shades Crest & Beyond The entire drive up Shades Crest Road around 6:30 p.m. in the fall and watching the sunset at Tip Top Grill are pretty special!

In the Beginning

Mountain Oaks My parents couldn’t have picked a more perfect neighborhood, Mountain Oaks in Shades Mountain, or street for my three sisters and I to grow up.

Exploring the creek, walking to Shades Mountain Elementary, playing kick ball in the dead-end circle, haunted houses, fireworks shows, and street parties with homemade corn dogs—every day was an adventure.

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