Hoovers Magazine April 2017

Better with time Ortons refresh 40-year-old home by remodeling

Hollow To Hem Couple’s shop offers custom dressmaking and alterations

‘Richly blessed’ Pat Dicas recognized nationally for her paintings April 2017 Hooversmagazine.com $4.95

Beauty in the ordinary Blue Horn finds personal meaning in artwork

Celebrating half a century As Hoover turns 50, city leaders look ahead April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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by a grant from Made possible in part re Committee ctu the Concert and Le

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Featuring:

Artists of Alabama Cakespeare • Comic • es • Gallery show • Earth Day Activiti Virtual Reality • Jazz Immersive Painting in ening • Literary on the Green • Kiln Op ts Fest • Musical: Events • Montevallo Ar e Sleepwalker • Godspell • Opera: Th • Telling Your Story Pop-up Shakespeare tation Workshop and Presen

L I R P A

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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Seeing the beauty Colors we’re starting to see in nature this spring – vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow, purple and green – remind me of colors I’ve seen in paintings by Hoover artist Pat Dicas.

I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Pat after learning she was the recipient of awards for two of her paintings in the National League of American Pen Women’s 2016 Vinnie Ream Competition.

One of her paintings, “Brenna – The Selkie,” was featured on the cover of the Winter 2017 issue of “The Pen Woman,” a quarterly magazine of the NLAPW, a professional organization of which Pat has been a member for many years.

As I looked at Pat’s paintings in person at Artists Incorporated Gallery in Vestavia Hills, it hit me how special of a gift she has in her ability to capture light and color so poignantly with oil paint on canvas.

Pat is modest about her awards, but they are well-deserved and speak to the power of her paintings.

You can read more about her life and artwork in this issue. Perhaps, you can visit the gallery and see her

April Issue Copyright 2017 Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. Questions or comments?

Call 669-3131 or email info@hooversmagazine.com Cover Photo By Dawn Harrison Cover Design By Connor Bucy

paintings in person sometime.

You won’t be disappointed.

Another talented artist Hoover can claim is Blue Horn. Blue teaches at Greystone Elementary School, where she launched a project last year to feature the stories of students, parents and staff members in a format similar to the photography project Humans of New York.

The interviews and photos are posted on the website Blue created, PeopleofGreystone. com, and the People of Greystone Facebook page.

Blue’s idea for the project stemmed from her love of art and people. Read more about her lifelong journey with art, and take some time to look at some of the pieces she shared with us.

Thanks to people like Pat and Blue, we can better appreciate the beauty that surrounds us – the extraordinary beauty in ordinary things we sometimes take for granted.

Happy spring, my friends, and may this be a beautiful season for you! n

Emily Sparacino emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com Twitter: @HooversMag Facebook.com/HooversMagazine Instagram: HooversMag

ADMINISTRATIVE

EDITORIAL

DESIGN

MARKETING

Tim Prince

Graham Brooks

Connor Bucy

Meagan Barton

Katie McDowell

Steven Calhoun

Jamie Dawkins

Ashley Murphy

Mary Jo Eskridge

Baker Ellis

Clarke Stackhouse Ellie Frederick

Kristy Brown

Alec Etheredge

Kari George

Hailey Dolbare

Briana Harris

Rachel Henderson

Stacey Meadows

Amalia Kortright

Daniel Holmes

Keith McCoy

Kim McCulla

Emily Sparacino

Rhett McCreight

Neal Wagner

April Spivey Kerrie Thompson

Hoover’s Magazine is published monthly 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 $20.41 for one year by emailing subscribe@hooversmagazine.com, or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@hooversmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

FEATURES 28

Half a century Hoover celebrates 50th anniversary by looking ahead

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Hollow To Hem Couple perfects the art of alterations and dressmaking at shop

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Finding his sport Despite obstacles with autism, Jacob Brady discovers success in wrestling April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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inside

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28

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ARTS & CULTURE 5 Art from the heart Chelsea artist and teacher helps students, adults find beauty in the everyday

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Lighting the way Hoover’s Pat Dicas lauded for paintings in national competition

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FEATURES 28 Half a century

Hoover celebrates 50th anniversary by looking ahead

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Hollow To Hem Couple perfects the art of alterations and dressmaking at shop Finding his sport Despite obstacles with autism, Jacob Brady discovers success in wrestling Home is where the heart is Ortons infuse 40-year-old home with new touches of their style

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HEALTH & BEAUTY 56 Spring fever

Addressing the challenges of another beautiful Alabama spring

IN EVERY ISSUE 2 Editor’s Note 11

The Book Nook

12

Aldridge Gardens newsletter

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Snippets

57

Hoover Area Chamber Connection

63

Spotted

75

Marketplace

78

Calendar

80

Why I Love Hoover

arts & culture

Teacher helps students find beauty in the everyday WRITTEN BY EMILY REED PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

W

hile art has always been a part of her life, it was the thought of tackling math problems for several potential majors in college that led Blue Horn to find her niche as an artist.

“From the time I was a kid I have always

loved to draw,” Horn, 47, said. “Back in the day there were no computers so we relied on ‘how to draw’ books or you sat in your room and thought up things to draw.

I didn’t have any art classes growing up, except one in middle school that I loved.

Once I hit college, I was your average kid that did not know what in the world I wanted to do.”

Horn, who currently lives in Chelsea,

ABOVE: A bottle cap piece she made serves as the backdrop in Blue Horn's kitchen.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Horn has been employed with Hoover City Schools for 23 years. She has been teaching at Greystone Elementary School for almost a decade. Horn's first mixed media text painting. Horn talks to a student in class. One of Horn's acrylic cartoon paintings. Horn's painting of a dachshund. She has a dachshund named Bijou.

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attended the University of Alabama, and took a test to determine what career path she should consider.

“They told me I fell into the category of entrepreneur, and I did not even really know what that entailed, so I thought I wanted to be like Jane Pauley and decided to pursue broadcasting,” Horn said. “My first class had 100 plus people, I walked in and thought, ‘holy mackerel,’ this is not for me, plus I stunk at math and found out math was involved, so I changed to advertising, which I really liked, but the classes were also huge and just not for me.

I changed to graphic design, but once again

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

math got involved, I tried education, but found it to be boring, and then I took an art education class, and that changed my whole life.”

Smaller class size, the ability to originate ideas and experiences, and learning ways to create art from different forms and mediums helped propel Horn to solidify a path she has been involved in for more than 20 years.

“Art just made sense, and after going through so many different options and ideas, it finally clicked with me,” Horn said.

“I was able to explore and really hit my stride.”

Find Art. Magic City Art Connection Tickets: www.MagicCityArt.com

Dates: April 28-30, 2017

Location: Linn Park_Birmingham, AL

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Jemison Investment Company, Inc. . Events Rental Unlimited . WBHM Public Radio 90.3fm . Yarbrough Festival Foodservice _ Artwork: Celeste Amparo Pfau

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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Horn's students work on their projects in class.

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After graduating from the University of Alabama during a December term, Horn got a job working in Columbus, Ga. at three elementary schools where she did not have her own classroom, and traveled with her art supplies on a cart to teach the kids.

“It wasn’t too long after I started working in Georgia that I got a call from Hoover schools saying they had an opening,” Horn said. “Trace Crossings had only been open for about a year, and I told them I would be thrilled to work for them.”

Horn has since been employed with Hoover City Schools for 23 years, including 11 years at Trace Crossings Elementary School, three years at Shades Mountain elementary schools, and then at Greystone Elementary School, where she has taught for almost a decade.

“I did not have plans to become an

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

educator,” Horn said. “I have always had an interest in art, so once I started taking art classes and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I figured I should probably start doing my own artwork,” Horn said. “I was always drawing on my own, but I never wanted to sell it, and then a couple of peers and colleagues suggested I give it a shot.”

Horn said she started researching what types of art consumers might be interested in purchasing, and worked to create original pieces for people to enjoy.

Drawing inspiration from the pop art movement, including bright colors, Horn looked to one of her favorite artists, Jasper Johns.

“I was staring at his art one day and thought to myself that I couldn’t be the only person who liked pop art,” Horn said. “I got the idea to spell out words,

and add pictures and things to the words that are meaningful to people.”

Horn’s art debuted on the Birmingham art scene with appearances in Lucy’s Coffee Shop in downtown Birmingham, as well as Naked Art Gallery in Forest Park, where she sold pieces for about eight years.

“My name is easy to remember, so a lot of people got to where they knew somebody else that had one of my paintings, and that is how word of mouth spread,” Horn said. “As I got older, and kept teaching, I started getting away from my art a little bit. I still sell it, but I really enjoy getting to know the people I am creating it for, and finding out the things they like and dislike, because chances are these people are going to have this piece of art until they die.”

Horn enjoys quirky, bright, unique pieces of art, often that have a sense of humor attached with the piece.

“For me, art isn’t about the money, it is all about the personal meaning,” Horn said. “I chose to leave the gallery scene because I wanted to meet with the people who were buying my artwork. I like doing the mass produced type of stuff, but I also love getting to meet people and finding out more about who they are, and what they enjoy.”

PEOPLE OF GREYSTONE It was Horn’s love of art and people that compelled her to debut a new project at Greystone Elementary in 2016, featuring the stories behind the faces that walk the halls of the school she teaches at each day.

After falling in love with the photography project Humans of New York, Horn proposed the idea to school faculty, and debuted a similar project called “People of Greystone.”

The goal is to feature every member of the student body including teachers, parents, those that make an impact on the school, and anyone Horn finds interesting to include in the project.

Horn, two parent volunteers and a peer helper from Spain Park High School select a few individuals each week to photograph and briefly interview.

One of the parent volunteers transcribes the interviews to post on the website Horn created, PeopleofGreystone.com, and music teacher Sara Womack posts the stories to the People of

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April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Another cartoon painting by Horn. A mixed media painting in Horn's classroom features "Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings."

Horn works on one of her paintings at home.

Pictured is another cartoon painting.

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Greystone Facebook page.

While the interviews vary with each individual, Horn said the common goal is to get to know the people she is interviewing.

“Kids love to be highlighted, and usually the interviews with kids can be completely random,” Horn said during an interview for the project in December. “A lot of times the questions will start our with something simple like ‘so, what is on your mind?’ Or, ‘tell me something I don’t know about you.’

The interviews with kids typically hop and jump all over the place. I roll with it, and the interviews with the kids are pretty hilarious.”

In October 2016, the project expanded into an art installation at the school where the pictures and interviews of the individuals

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

are constantly changing.

“There is always someone new to learn about,” Horn said.

While Horn said she is not sure how long the website will last, she is enjoying seeing the positive reaction from the community.

One thing is clear about Horn’s project, as well as her teaching style with her students, and her personal art: having fun.

“If there is one thing I have learned throughout my life is that you have to have fun with things,” Horn said. “If you can’t have fun or enjoy what you are doing, is there really any point to it all?”

To contact Horn about her art, or to purchase some of her artwork, visit Facebook.com/mbluehorn. n

the book nook

Hoover Public Library Adds Digital Media Lab

Patton Chapel ANIMAL

CLINIC

New for 2017, the Hoover Public Library has added a Digital Media Lab to its offerings! In a time when digital content has become more prevalent than ever, we are excited to provide a place for patrons to create and edit their videos, photos, audio and other digital media.

The Digital Media Lab Shannon Freeman provides access to both Mac Technology and PC workstations with a suite of applications for digital creation and editing.

The lab’s Mac computer comes loaded with the entire Adobe Creative Cloud 2015 Suite, GarageBand, iMovie and more, while the PC workstation comes packed with the Adobe CS6 Collection.

The Adobe software packages include professionalgrade editing software for video, such as Premiere Pro and After Effects, which have become the industry standard for aspiring filmmakers, animators and documentarians. For digital images, the lab provides Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. We also provide access to software and equipment for audio editing and recording.

For those interested in making videos or taking photos in the library, the Digital Media Lap has a Digital SLR, lighting equipment and a green screen setup. Use After Effects, Premiere Pro or iMovie to replace your green screen background with whatever you like! For audio, we have a selection of microphones that can be used in conjunction with a camera, or on their own for recording voice-overs. For audio recording outside of the library, patrons can check out a portable Zoom R8 multi-track recorder with microphones.

Patrons must reserve the Digital Media Lab. To reserve your spot, please contact us at hvdml@bham. lib.al.us or by phone at 444-7747 during normal library hours. Check out our website at www.hooverlibrary. org/dml for more information. n Shannon Freeman works in the Technology Department at the Hoover Public Library.

2016

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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April is the perfect time to experience the beauty of Aldridge Gardens.

Be sure to follow the new Azalea trail with gorgeous native azaleas leading you toward the Veteran’s Memorial Arbor. Sit under the Arbor and relax a while as you gaze over the lake and admire the fountain in the middle of the water. Without the City of Hoover’s generous support, we would not be able to provide these and many other features for everyone’s enjoyment. We at Aldridge Gardens extend our appreciation and hearty congratulations to the City on its 50th year anniversary!

The Cahaba Lily and Its River Tuesday, April 11, 6-8 p.m.

Instructor: Randy Haddock, Field Director, Cahaba River Society $15 Members/ $18 Non-Member Join us for a delightful evening inside the Eddie and Kay Aldridge Arts and Historical Collections Museum as Randy Haddock tells us all about one of Alabama’s great prizes, the Cahaba Lily. You will share Randy’s joy and enthusiasm when you see his photos of this rare and beautiful plant. Pre-register at aldridgegardens.com.

In the Gallery: Murray Johnston

Sign Up Now For Summer Camps!

It’s time for summer camp registration! We are going to have so much fun! This year, our program consists of weekly day camps from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday from June 5th through June 30th. Weekly camp themes include Construction in Nature, Engineering FUNdamentals, Cool Art, Paper Circuitry, and of course our ever popular American Girl Doll camps.

For more information and to register, go to aldridgegardens.com. If you have questions, contact Debbie McDonald, Education Director, at dmcdonald@aldridgegardens.com or call 205. 682.8019.

Meet the Artist Reception: Monday, April 10, 6-7 p.m.

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

Murray Johnston’s extraordinary art quilts will be on view and available for purchase in the gallery through May. She uses mountains, sky, rock, wood and water as inspiration for her fabric collages.

Also, be sure to see our special Frank Fleming sculpture collection inside the gallery. The Eddie and Kay Aldridge Art and Historical Collections Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except when there is a private event inside the house.

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

Spring Plant Sale!

Plant sale for members only: Thursday, April 27, 4-7p.m.

Public plant sale: Friday April 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. – Noon.

This is your chance to buy hydrangeas and other plants to beautify your landscape. Proceeds go toward supporting the Gardens. Friendly assistants will be here to answer questions and to help you with your selections.

Start Planning Your Special Day Now! Aldridge Gardens offers a variety of beautiful venues for weddings, corporate meetings, retreats, and special parties.

Let our professional event planners help make your day perfect.

For information, contact Amanda Baker, Director of Sales & Catering (205) 682-8019 ext. 103 or abaker@ aldridgegardens.com.

Bird Walk for Members-Only Saturday, April 15, 8-10 a.m.

Join Dr. Richard and Patricia Ryel for this guided tour to see the many species of birds in the Gardens. Be sure to bring binoculars! This is a free tour for our members.

Not a member? Join now to take advantage of monthly bird walks and many other benefits our members enjoy.

To register for the bird walk or to become a member, go to aldridgegardens.com.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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arts & culture

Lighting the way Hoover’s Pat Dicas lauded for paintings in national competition

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

ABOVE: Dicas's painting titled "Chieftain" depicts an ancient warrior. LEFT: Pat Dicas's painting titled "Brenna – The Selkie" received a Work of Merit award in the National League of American Pen Women's 2016 Vinnie Ream Competition. The painting was also featured on the cover of the Winter 2017 issue of "The Pen Woman," the quarterly magazine of the NLAPW.

WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

P

at Dicas was surrounded by science as a child.

Her father was a scientist, and she recalls many a conversation in her family’s California home centering around scientific topics.

“I come from a scientific family,” Dicas, of Hoover, said. “We had physicists at the breakfast table.”

She followed a similar path, majoring in philosophy and physical therapy at San Jose State University.

But underneath the layers of science-related knowledge, Dicas harbored a longtime love of art.

“I didn’t major in art because I

didn’t think I was good enough,” she said, “But I loved it.”

This love – and her natural propensity for lassoing light with a paintbrush and oils – has led her to a critical juncture in her now fulltime dedication to art.

Last year, Dicas received awards for two paintings she entered in the National League of American Pen Women’s 2016 Vinnie Ream Competition.

Her oil on canvas painting titled “Brenna – The Selkie” received a Work of Merit award, and her “St. Francis d’Assisi,” an oil on linen painting, received an Honorable Mention award.

“This was an extraordinary opportunity to compete nationally on this level, and I appreciate the April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dicas's oil on canvas painting, "Hope."

Dicas's work can be seen at Artists Incorporated Gallery in Vestavia Hills.

Works by 55 artists in various media are currently displayed in the gallery. Dicas speaks to someone at the gallery.

Her signature, "Dicas," is on her paintings.

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organization for that,” Dicas said of the NLAPW, a professional organization for women in the arts.

She is a longtime member of the NLAPW’s Birmingham Branch.

Dicas and one of her daughters traveled to Washington, D.C., for an awards banquet in the spring. Her two paintings and the other winning entries in art, letters, music composition and multi-discipline works were displayed in the Vinnie Ream National Exhibition hosted by the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, from Sept. 2-Oct. 30.

In addition to the awards, “Brenna – The Selkie” was selected as the cover art for the Winter 2017 issue of “The Pen Woman,” the quarterly magazine of the NLAPW.

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

To see her painting on the cover was “amazing,” Dicas said.

“I’ve been richly blessed,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing to have happen to me.”

The competition also required entrants to write an essay as to how their work ties into the artistic attitude of Vinnie Ream, a sculptor, writer and composer whose Carrara marble statue of Abraham Lincoln she was commissioned to create for the federal government when she was 18 years old still stands in the Capitol Rotunda.

“Every time, I’m after light, and I’m after beauty, no matter what it is or what I’m doing,” Dicas said. “It’s hard to think about why and how when it’s something I do.”

The following quotation from Michelangelo remains affixed to her easel

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: Artists Incorporated Gallery is open to the public Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. RIGHT: Dicas's oil on stone painting, "Michael II."

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for inspiration as she paints: “God speaks to mankind through beauty.”

And Dicas deemed “Brenna – The Selkie” and “St. Francis d’Assisi” to be among her best work, with visible signs of her personal reasons for painting – capturing light and beauty and freeing them on the coarse surface of canvas.

Brenna is the name of a girl whose grandmother was Dicas’s studio mate at the time. Brenna visited the studio and modeled for some of Dicas’s portraits.

“She did have this quiet quality,” Dicas said, noting Brenna was a delight to have in the studio because she never disturbed anyone or anything. “She would come in and walk around the patterns on the floor.

She was kind of melting into the studio atmosphere herself.”

Brenna’s family has deep roots in

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Scotland, Dicas said. In Scottish folklore, a selkie is a mythical creature, similar to a seal or mermaid, that swims in the water and takes on human attributes on dry land.

“She had huge, gray-brown eyes that reminded me of a harbor seal,” Dicas said, hence the selkie connection. “I love telling the story of Brenna.”

Dicas painted the buttons on Brenna’s outfit as pearls, painted a seashell necklace on her and formed a rose reminiscent of seaweed.

With "St. Francis d'Assisi," Dicas said she “wanted to paint the intensity of sainthood.”

“It’s all about seeing. As a painter, it’s about seeing and understanding,” Dicas said. “I have to bend my mind around what I’m doing.”

She has painted as far back as she can

remember, at least since she was in the fourth grade.

Among her earliest memories, she recalls admiring her Polish grandmother’s religious calendars hanging on the wall, and looking at them in amazement.

“As a painter, I say I’m self-taught, but that’s not really true,” she said, adding she reads “voraciously” and learns from every artist whose work she has seen.

And although her college studies in physical therapy might seem on the opposite end of the spectrum from art, Dicas said her knowledge of the human body, particularly “how people fit together,” has helped her with painting.

“I’m mainly a portrait painter, but I’m not as interested in faces as I am with the way bodies take up space,” she said. “I like storytelling.”

Dicas said she owns one small tube of black paint and uses it sparingly in her work. The colors she uses to portray her intended subjects in light are more instinctual than intentional.

“This is something I don’t choose; I just do,” she said. “All of a sudden, the painting tells the artist what to do, and it becomes what it wants to be. There comes a time when it’s as natural as breathing.”

Her work, including “Brenna – The Selkie,” can be seen at Artists Incorporated Gallery, of which Dicas is one of the original founding artists.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dicas's oil painting "Red Sails." Dr. Lowell Vann is the gallery's director. Blown glass works by another artist hang in the gallery.

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She also serves on the gallery’s board of directors.

Dicas studied art at Samford University under Dr. Lowell Vann, who is director of Artists Incorporated, located at 3365 Morgan Drive in Vestavia Hills.

Works by 55 artists are currently exhibited at the gallery, and the artists man the gallery during business hours: MondayThursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dicas receives commissions, and her award-winning work is in private, public and corporate collections.

When Dicas isn’t at the gallery, chances are she is painting in her Pelham-based studio, which she shares with fellow artist Druscilla Defalque.

In her studio, Dicas can shut out

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

“Art is a connection.

It’s between human beings.”

— Pat Dicas distractions and take her time to paint.

“You have to have that peace to work,” she said. “My work takes a long time to create. My nickname was ‘slow poke’ as a child, and I’ve never outgrown it. I need that long time of peace.”

She paints only in oils, which work well with her pace.

“I love it. I love the smell of it, the colors, the fluidity,” Dicas said. “It dries slowly and

best best OF THE

2016

HOOVER

gives me time to think.

The only girl of five children, Dicas said she was surprised when she later became the mother of three daughters, but was “delighted and freed as a woman” as she surrounded herself with more feminine elements at home.

“I think that’s reflected in my work,” she said. “All the paintings I have at home are of my family.”

Dicas met her husband in California, and they moved to the South shortly after they were married.

“I’m very fortunate to be able to have the life that I have, and to be surrounded by this,” she said, noting the importance of people sharing their artwork with others. “Art is a connection. It’s between human beings. It’s a connection from one human being to another.”

Her NLAPW awards simply reinforce her choice–– and her need––to paint.

“Many artists go through their whole life and never experience anything like this,” Dicas said. “This is just a beautiful occurrence, and I’m grateful.” n April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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Like No Other Office

Dr. Baxter & family

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Dr. McFarland & family

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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happening in hoover

Kiwanis Club to host Charity Golf Classic The Kiwanis Club of Hoover Metro will hold its 25th Anniversary Charity Golf Classic on April 10.

The proceeds from the tournament will be distributed by the Kiwanis Club of Hoover Metro, Inc., to various local charities, including SafeHouse of Shelby County, Camp SmileA-Mile and Adaptive Aquatics, along with two state university scholarships and Restoration Academy.

The four-person scramble tournament will be held at Riverchase Country Club. Lunch will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

Soft spikes are required.

The tournament includes a round of 18 holes (green fees and cart fees are included), a gift bag for each player, complimentary lunch and drinks during the tournament and eligibility for tournament prizes for “Closest to the Pin,” “Longest Drive” and “Hole in One.” The rain date will be Tuesday, April 11.

For more information, contact Deb O’Hara at oharadsp@gmail. com or call (205) 515-7770.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

SMCS student Ali Kuhn qualifies for U.S. Pony Finals Ali Kuhn, an eighth grader at Shades Mountain Christian School, recently qualified for the United States Pony Finals to be held in Lexington, Kentucky, this August.

Kuhn and her pony, Evermore, compete in the Large Green Pony division of the United States Equestrian Federation.

Kuhn attended two competitions in the month of December 2016, where she received multiple first place ribbons and was named Overall Division Champion in

the first competition and named Reserve Champion in the second.

With the victories in December 2016, Kuhn and Evermore are currently ranked second in the nation with USEF Large Green Ponies as they prepare for U.S. Pony Finals this summer.

Kuhn is also a champion in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA amidst a rigorous practice and travel schedule with her pony. She is the daughter of Kevin and Elizabeth Kuhn, and lives in Hoover.

happening in hoover

SMS Math Team performs well at tourney

SMS Junior Ambassadors get involved in community The Simmons Middle School Junior Ambassadors program, created in 2014, had the purpose of supporting not only the school’s administration, the PTO, school clubs and athletic groups, but also the community.

Activities the group participates in include helping the Over the Mountain Miracle League, raising money for childhood cancer awareness, volunteering at the Hoover City Schools Foundation Drug Awareness and Prevention Breakfast held at Simmons Middle School and helping at the Green Valley Elementary School Fall Festival.

The Ambassadors also welcome veterans and parents to the school’s annual Veterans Day program; serve as greeters at the school’s fall musical, band concerts and choir concerts; support students by attending the school’s athletic events and cheering for the SMS athletes; assist PTO with backto-school nights and fundraising efforts; escort new parents and

students around the school during the sixth grade Meet and Greet; and more.

The 2016-2017 SMS Junior Ambassadors include: Ethan Abernathy, Georgia Anderson, Maggie Barnes, Abby Batchelor, Mary Batchelor, Nick Berg, Taylor Burch, Kathryn Chambers, Abigail Collins, Sadie Cope, Corinne Crawford, Moose Deery, Rory Edwards, Kalyn Epperson, Abby Fortner, Ella Fuller, Haden Galbaugh, Blakley Glover, Ali Hyde, Camden Jung, Caroline Lawrence, Segen Lister, Erin Lutomski, Claire Manering, Ainsley Maryanski, Katelyn McRee, Mary Ryan Mitchell, Ella Nunn, Abby Pate, Veronica Patrick, Phedra Peter, Kaelin Petitt, Asia Robinson, Olivia Sasser, Jaime Schnader, Tykie Sfakianos, Caroline Shock, Alex Simpson, Jordan Singer, Mary Caroline Stephens, Ashton Tillman, Reagan Watts, Blake White, and Jackson White. The organization’s sponsors are Amanda Sutter and Laura Ashley Missildine.

The Simmons Middle School Math Team recently competed in the Alabama School of Fine Arts Math Tournament.

Overall, the sixth graders won third place, and the seventh graders won second place.

Individual awards were earned by sixth graders Midhun Sadanand, who won first place, and Matthew Shen, who won third place. Jeffrey Yuan, a seventh grader, came in fourth place, and Christopher Cheng, also a seventh grader, placed 10th. In third place for eighth graders was Peter Shen.

Rebecca Elliott is the Math Team sponsor.

The Simmons Middle School students participating in the ASFA Math Tournament included (front row) Matthew Shen, Kevin Kong, Midhun Sadanand, Yasmine Saad and Jari Chen, and (back row) Jeffrey Yuan.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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happening in hoover

Mental Floss co-founder speaks at SMS Will Pearson, co-founder of the magazine “Mental Floss” and former Simmons Middle School student, spoke to students at a recent allschool assembly.

Pearson displayed a picture of one of his magazine covers: A goldfish with a shark fin attached to his head, swimming in a bowl and the headline “Think outside the bowl.”

Those in attendance heard about the opportunities that Pearson had as a result of his job: going on the Today show; travelling; serving as an executive producer on Brain Surgery Live, a joint project with the National Geographic Channel; meeting celebrities; and co-authoring books.

Pearson, a Hoover native, and a friend wanted to combine knowledge and education in a fun and entertaining way. They were still college students and did not know the first thing about starting or running a magazine, but they knew what they were passionate about, and Mental Floss was born in 2001.

Pearson, second from left, is pictured with Brian Cain, principal, Tonya Rozell, assistant principal and Kevin Erwin, assistant principal.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Hoover Chamber hands out annual President's Awards New officers and directors for the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce were installed during a Jan. 19 luncheon held at Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel and sponsored by First Commercial Bank.

John Mount, pastor at The Church at Ross Bridge, gave the invocation before the President’s Awards were announced.

Award winners included Benji Sawyer of Sawyer Solutions, Ambassador of the Fourth Quarter; Lynn Ray of Business Telephones, Ambassador of the Year; Ira Levine of Levine & Associates, Board Member of the Year; and Andy Graffeo of Graffeo Financial Services, Member of the Year.

After the awards were presented, the Chamber’s new officers and board of directors were installed.

New officers include: Jerome Morgan Jr. of Oncort Professional Services, president; Joel Smith of Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, first vice president; Terry Turner of

Gentle, Turner and Sexton, second vice president; Chris Schmidt of Daniel Corporation, immediate past president; Megan Randolph of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, treasurer; Kathleen Spencer of Spencer Consulting Group, secretary; April DeLuca of Magic City Law, legal counsel; Joe Thomas of Capstone Financial Group, board of trustees chairman; and Lori Salter-Schommer of Mayor Frank Brocato’s office, city of Hoover liaison.

The board of directors includes Jason Cobb of America’s First Federal Credit Union Steve Preston of Brookwood Medical Center, Terry Shea of Wrapsody, Paul Dangel of Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel, Levine, Tynette Lynch of Aldridge Gardens, Paul Huckeba of CB&S Bank, Jeff McDowell of McDowell Security Systems and Ray. Hoover City Council President Pro Tem John Greene served as the installation officer.

happening in hoover

POP’s Day of Service gives warmth to many About 125 Prince of Peace Parish members, friends and Girl Scouts came out on a rainy Sunday afternoon on Jan. 22 for a “day of service” to make “no-sew” blankets in the church’s Deasy Hall.

All 200 of these colorful, oversized throw blankets will be donated to those in need of warmth and comfort throughout the greater Birmingham area.

They will also be given to students served by POP’s weekend backpack ministry. This ministry provides shelfstable food and toiletries every week to food-insecure students at three middle schools.

This is the third year that POP Church has offered this well-received

service project to its members, and it has also spread to POP School.

Fifth grade teachers Donna Hecklinski and Laurie Jones held a “classroom day of service” during Advent, during which their students made “no-sew” blankets.

Hundreds of the blankets made by the children and adults of Prince of Peace Catholic Parish have been given out throughout Shelby and Jefferson counties and to organizations whose reach extends throughout Alabama.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Half a

Century Hoover celebrates 50th anniversary by looking ahead WRITTEN BY LAUREN DOWDLE PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON AND STEPHEN DAWKINS

I

t’s hard to believe Hoover, with its close to 90,000 residents, only had 403 people when it was incorporated in 1967. During that span, the city has welcomed the Galleria, countless businesses, baseball teams and much more.

But according to some of the city’s top officials, the next 50 years could be even better.

One of the biggest city projects under way is the new sports complex. It will have its first indoor phase finished this May, with everything open in May 2018.

“We are very excited about the new Hoover Met Complex and the Finley Center,” says Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato.

“This facility will be a multi-use destination for sports, events, banquets, meetings, tradeshows, parties and more. I am thrilled to see such progress being made at the Met Complex.”

Once completed, the complex will be

LEFT: As Hoover approaches its 50th anniversary as a city, Mayor Frank Brocato said he and others are excited about the new Hoover Met Complex and the Finley Center.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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City of Hoover’s 50th Anniversary Events •Celebrating Hoover’s History: A book signing with author Heather Jones Skaggs will be held April 23 at Barnes & Noble in the Patton Creek Shopping Center.

•Celebrate Hoover Day: Celebrate Hoover Day, an annual citywide celebration, will be held April 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and draws more than 10,000 residents of all ages each year. Vehicle parking is available at Spain Park High School with complimentary shuttles to the park. The event will include a veterans memorial paver dedication, giant apple pie, ice cream, expansive exhibitor pavilion, kids zone with inflatables and games, petting zoo, carnival rides, car show, live entertainment, document shredding provided by Shred-It and electronic recycling provided by Protec.

For more 50th anniversary coverage, see the May issue of Hoover’s Magazine, available May 1.

home to the Hoover Met Stadium, outdoor fields and courts, the Finley Center and the Hoover RV Park.

“That thing’s going to be amazing,” says Bill Powell, executive director of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce.

And there’s even more in the works for the city.

Brocato says he plans to hire an urban planner to oversee the growth during the next 50 years. Some future plans include more parks, a bicycle master plan and creating a Leadership Hoover program that will help young people develop into leaders.

Another group dedicated to building a community of leaders is the Hoover Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was formed 11 years after the city, so they will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next year.

“We’re growing a lot, about 20 to 25 new members a month — a lot of small businesses,” says Powell, who has been with the Chamber for 22 years.

And people can get to know those businesses during Celebrate Hoover Day, which is free and will be April 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or April 30 if it rains) at Veterans Park on Valleydale.

What started as Hoover’s 40th birthday party has turned into an event the community looks forward to each year. Celebrate Hoover Day will include the always-popular car show, live entertainment, veteran paver dedication, large exhibitor pavilion 30

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy cited growth as having an impact on schools, particularly in rezoning discussions.

with businesses, carnival rides, petting zoo, children’s games, pony rides and giant 10-foot, 3-inch apple pie with ice cream — just to name a few things.

Parents can also have their children fingerprinted and photographed during the event by the Hoover Police Department.

“We hope they never need to use these fingerprints, but we think it’s important to be proactive,” says Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis.

There will be plenty of things for all ages to enjoy at Celebrate Hoover Day. “It’s just a really nice day for the community to get together,” says Erin Colbaugh, events coordinator for the city of Hoover. “It’s a fun time to come out to the park and celebrate Hoover’s 50th anniversary.”

Just like how this event has expanded each year, so has the city and the departments committed to protecting it.

“Hoover is going to continue to grow and populate,” says City of Hoover Fire Chief John Wingate. “There are 200,000 people here at any given time. The fire department has laid the ground work over the years to be able to handle what we have right now.”

That includes opening Station 10 in Ross Bridge in

HOMES & LAND

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Hoover Met Stadium will be part of the Hoover Met Complex when it is completed. Hoover Executive Director Allan Rice speaks at a City Council work session Jan. 24 at Hoover Met Stadium. Construction on the Finley Center is scheduled to be completed in May.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

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2016, and Wingate expects they will need more fire stations in the future to keep up with the growing city.

Wingate, who has lived in Hoover his whole life, has experienced that growth first hand. He remembers the Hoover Mall and also the annexation of Riverchase and Bluff Park.

“I think the city is still a great place to live and work,” he says.

Helping to keep it that way is also the Hoover Police Department. Residents can expect to see changes with the station as it undergoes upgrades with its technology, including its 911 capabilities that will be finished by August. Once completed, the department will be able to receive text messages and videos with the 911 system, Derzis says.

They’re also having their phones upgraded so their call history lasts a day, instead of a few hours. It will go from analog to digital technology and extend their coverage to the entire state.

“It makes things a little safer for community April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis and his department will allow parents to have their children fingerprinted and photographed at Celebrate Hoover Day on April 29. RIGHT: Sports Facilities Management CEO Jason Clement speaks at the Jan. 24 work session at the Hoover Met.

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members,” Derzis says.

He predicts the department will continue to grow — creating new opportunities for people who want to join and advance.

Growth has also proved important for Hoover schools, as rezoning has been a big topic of discussion.

“It’s really critical to our school district,” says Dr. Kathy Murphy, Hoover City Schools superintendent. “We want to get students where they will be best served.

We’re most hopeful that our students will be as close to a community school as possible.”

Although Hoover is already known for its high-quality school system, Murphy thinks there’s still so much more possible.

“We are a very good school district, but

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

“We are a very good

school district, but I think we have the potential to become a great school district.”

— Kathy Murphy I think we have the potential to become a great school district,” Murphy says. “I just anticipate us getting better and better with time.”

And that sentiment is true for Hoover.

It’s only going to get better. n

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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HOLLOW TO HEM Couple perfects the art of alterations and dressmaking WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

H

oover resident Sammie Robertson has traveled and worked all over the globe in a variety of service and professional fields since graduating high school.

The 1998 graduate of Hoover High

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

School spent a year in Hawaii, another year in New York City, two years in Chicago and three years in Tokyo.

In Tokyo, he met his wife Ai, a patternmaker for Japanese designers.

The Robertsons were married in 2009 and moved back to Hoover to raise a family, and unknowingly, to build a family business.

Ai, who grew up in Japan and England,

graduated from the Intensive Garment Creation Program at Bunka Fashion College in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

While living in Japan, Ai began designing and making patterns for designers like Takeo Nishida and Lovely Queen fashion house.

After moving to the United States, Ai brought her expert skills to several bridal boutiques and continued with the art of patternmaking for designers - including hundreds of patterns for the Judith March label. ( Judith March fashion designer Megan Crane Duncan is also a Hoover alumna.)

A patternmaker takes a designer’s sketches and creates both a sample (“prototype”) and pattern (“blueprint”) of the garment, which the factory will use for production.

A few years down the road and many spools of thread later, the opportunity to have their own shop emerged when family friend Seiko, of Seiko’s Alterations located on Lorna Road in the River Oaks Village

shopping center, decided to retire from her alterations business of 30-plus years.

“We bought Seiko’s Alterations in 2015 and stayed open under that name for a time,” Sammie explains.

Family background brought out the seamster in Sammie.

“My adopted mother worked as a seamstress when she was younger and my birth mother, who passed away when I was very young, was a wedding dressmaker,” he says. “My father is also a retired builder, so taking things apart and putting them together is natural for me.”

You could say sewing is in his blood. A man who sews is called a “seamster.”

“There isn’t really a school for alterations,” Sammie says. “It’s something that was passed down to us from veterans of the art.”

When Seiko gradually started planning to retire, she and her daughter began to train Sammie on basic clothing alteration, and Ai began teaching him new skills.

The couple kept the business under the

LEFT: Sammie and Ai Robertson with son Ren and daughter Hana sit outside their shop, Hollow To Hem. ABOVE: Fabric and thread line shelves at the shop.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: Ai draws at her desk. Ai, who grew up in Japan and England, graduated from the Intensive Garment Creation Program at Bunka Fashion College in Shinjuku, Tokyo. While living in Japan, Ai began designing and making patterns for designers like Takeo Nishida and Lovely Queen fashion house.

RIGHT: Ai and Sammie discuss alterations on a dress Miss Teen Alabama USA 2017 Claire Scott is wearing from Village Bridal in Homewood.

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Seiko name and continued to offer the same alteration services. At the same time, they were redesigning and rebranding the shop.

“We did alterations during work hours and construction after hours,” Sammie recalls. “We did most of the work ourselves updating the shop, and my dad helped with a lot of the work, including a new wood floor and reception area.”

The shop reopened as Hollow To Hem in 2016.

“The name comes from the sewing term and represents the measurement from the hollow of the neck to the hem of the dress,” Ai explains. “We felt this name, without the word ‘alterations,’ was a good umbrella for what we might expand on doing in the future regarding design, patterns and dressmaking,” Sammie adds.

The couple now have two children, their 5-year-old son Ren and daughter Hana.

Hana is 19 months old and was born during the rebranding and upgrading of the shop.

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

“We’ve put a lot of

effort into making our shop feel appropriate for a bride who just spent thousands on a beautiful dress in a stylish bridal boutique.”

— Sammie Robertson With the new look and growing family came a new focus, primarily on wedding and formal attire alterations and customizations.

Both Sammie and Ai agree, changing the shop’s focus allows them to provide the best customer service and experience possible for their customers, and allows for more efficiency in the services they offer.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into making our shop feel appropriate for a bride who just spent thousands on a beautiful dress in a stylish bridal boutique. Our work spaces are clean and spacious, and we have strict rules on what is and isn’t allowed in these areas,” Sammie says.

When a client comes into Hollow To Hem, they are immersed in an experience all their own.

The Robertsons take custom care of each dress and tailor to each client’s vision.

“One of our clients was not happy with how the sleeves, or lack of sleeves, looked on the dress she bought for her daughter’s wedding. We were able to add sleeves to her Mother of the Bride dress and make a more comfortable and stunning garment for her,” Sammie says.

Combining talents and experiences with the professional skill sets of a patternmaker has allowed the couple to develop a more precise system for consistent, high-quality and accurate work.

It is truly a specialized art where needle and thread are the artist’s tools.

The Robertsons also have two expert seamstresses that work part-time at Hollow To Hem. “Our April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

39

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ai shows Ren how to use a machine at the shop. Pins prick a pin cushion at one of the workstations. The sewing area at Hollow To Hem is clean and organized.

Different models of sewing machines can be found at the shop. Along with wedding alterations, the shop also does pageant dress alterations and customizations that are highly specialized.

Pictured is a Singer sewing machine.

40

seamstresses sew by our marks,” Ai explains. “Sammie and myself do all of the fittings, measurements and markings required before any work starts on a dress, but the work keeps all four of us sewing on a regular basis.”

Along with wedding alterations, the shop also does a lot of pageant dress alterations and customizations that are highly specialized.

Ai also continues with patternmaking, samples and custom dressmaking for designers and is currently working with Cavanaugh Baker out of Nashville, Tennessee.

The demand in the wedding and pageant industry keeps Hollow To Hem busy. The turnaround time for a typical wedding dress alteration is usually two weeks, depending

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

on how many fittings are required.

“Custom work like adding sleeves and fabrication takes a little longer. We recommend booking several months in advance for a wedding dress,” Ai says.

Working with brides builds many memories. Every bride and her dress is special, and that’s what the Robertsons love about their work. But the single most memorable item the Robertsons say they have worked on wasn’t a dress at all, but a pair of leather gloves. “Before we rebranded, an elderly man came into our shop with a pair of lined, soft leather gloves that had ripped,” Sammie recalls.

The man was visibly shaken and holding back tears. He explained the gloves had been a gift from his wife, the last gift she gave him before she passed away after a

long battle with cancer a decade ago. The man had spent those last few years caring for her every need.

“When he spoke of her, his voice trembled. You could feel how strong their love was, even a decade after her passing,” Sammie and Ai recall. “He said that when he wore the gloves, he could remember how it felt being with her. We repaired them, like new, and have never felt deeper and more heartfelt gratitude than the day he picked them up.

“Our wish is that every bride would have the chance to experience that kind of dedication and love in their marriage, and also see that same love in our teamwork as husband and wife as an example as we work on the dress for their special day,” Sammie and Ai say.

Hollow To Hem takes clients by appointment only and can be found on Facebook and Instagram. n

2016

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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FINDING HIS SPORT Jacob Brady sees success in wrestling despite autism WRITTEN BY EMILY SPARACINO PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

H

oover High School junior Jacob Brady won his last wrestling match in overtime in a sectional tournament Feb. 11 to qualify for the state tournament the next weekend.

“I did a crazy dance,” Jacob’s mother, Debbie, said of her reaction to Jacob’s win, which placed him in the top four of his

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

145-pound weight class and secured his spot among 13 HHS wrestlers headed to the state competition.

Although Debbie’s dance made 17-yearold Jacob cringe, he said, it surfaced because of how much Jacob’s success means to her.

Years ago, the thought of Jacob wrestling would have been inconceivable to his family.

“He used to get really high fevers of 106 (degrees), and they would last 12-14 days,” Debbie said.

The fevers stopped when Jacob entered kindergarten, but other problems surfaced.

“When he was in the first grade, he would have meltdowns,” Debbie said, likening his meltdowns to tantrums, with explosive talking, screaming and running out of the room. “They got worse as he got into school.”

Jacob was also speech-delayed, meaning his vocabulary didn’t expand at the same rate as his peers’ did.

Debbie, who has a master’s degree in counseling, had Jacob evaluated by a psychologist after the first grade to try to pinpoint the cause of his issues.

In November 2007, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism.

For a couple of summers, Jacob did swim team, but he had trouble at the practices when other kids swimming in the same lane accidentally made contact with him.

“If he got bumped in the middle of his swimming, he would stop in the middle of the lane and melt down because he couldn’t

handle contact,” Debbie said.

The same thing happened when he tried to play soccer. Occasional contact with other players triggered Jacob’s meltdowns.

When he was in the third grade, Jacob started putting his head down on a regular basis, Debbie said.

“He would say, ‘My head just feels weird,’” she said.

She took Jacob to the neurologist for testing and found out he was having seizures.

He was treated with seizure medication and eventually stopped having them, Debbie said.

When he was in the fifth grade, Jacob started fencing, which was a good fit for him since it doesn’t involve much physical contact.

Then, Jacob’s situation worsened when he entered middle school.

Not only was he immersed in an environment with many students he didn’t know from other schools, but he started

LEFT: Hoover High School junior Jacob Brady, left, competes in a wrestling match in February. ABOVE: Brady, left, was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in 2007, but discovered in the eighth grade that wrestling is a good outlet for him.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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being bullied by other students.

“The beginning of middle school was tough,” Debbie said.

At the end of the seventh grade, though, Jacob gained a foothold at school through self-advocacy. He asked other students to help him navigate social situations.

In addition, his Individualized Education Program allowed him five extra minutes out of class to walk through the hallways before his next class to avoid contact with other students.

When he was in the eighth grade, Jacob came home and told Debbie he enjoyed wrestling in P.E. and wanted her to attend an informational meeting about joining the wrestling team at Simmons Middle School.

In disbelief, Debbie questioned her son, wondering how he could have enjoyed wrestling, a sport in which physical contact is mandatory.

“He goes, ‘Well, I did it in P.E., and I liked it,’” she said of Jacob. “He made me go to the meeting; I didn’t want to go.”

Another student – someone who had

Jacob, center, and his parents, Debbie and John, have lived in Hoover for almost 11 years.

fenced with Jacob since the fifth grade – confirmed what Jacob had told Debbie about wrestling at school, noting Jacob followed all of the instructions the coaches had given him in P.E. Wrestling soon became an unexpected blessing in Jacob’s life.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

“He stopped getting bullied,” Debbie said. “Everything kind of settled down.”

His coaches took time and worked with him, too.

Debbie credits Robert Abernathy, Jacob’s wrestling coach at SMS, with preparing Jacob for high school wrestling.

And Debbie described Jacob’s wrestling coaches at HHS, Jacob Gaydosh and Brett Hawk, as “amazing.”

“They’ve gone just above and beyond,” she said. “They moved him up to varsity during his freshman year. That was huge for him because that was unexpected.”

Hawk said he has learned much in his experiences with Jacob, whom he described as “a blessing to work with.”

“Jacob’s autism was challenging at the outset of our time together,” Hawk said, noting that Hoover’s wrestling team has a varsity squad, but the entire team practices together, and competing at a high level of wrestling requires frequent travel and overnight trips. “When Jacob was a freshman, I think that being around older

wrestlers so often and the travel aspects of the sport helped Jacob with his social issues a great deal.”

Debbie said wrestling has helped Jacob learn to work with groups of people, and he has made friends with students at Hoover and rival schools, including Bob Jones High School and Central High School in Phenix City.

“The other wrestlers have always been encouraging to Jacob,” she said. “The kids look out for him. We’ve been blessed.”

And Debbie said she thinks Jacob’s immersing himself in wrestling was his way of overcoming his fear of contact.

“It’s also helped me to deal with minor bullying,” Jacob said. “People saying an insult … I don’t care.”

“I remember him saying, ‘I want to get stronger. If I’m stronger, kids won’t pick on me,’” Debbie said of Jacob. “You’re not going to be picked on if you have a team behind you, especially wrestlers.”

Hawk said his job as a wrestling coach is to give wrestlers tools that their body type and demeanor can use for success,

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: Jacob reacts to winning his last match in the semifinals to qualify for the state tournament.

RIGHT: Jacob looks at the crowd after his big win.

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and getting to know the personality of the wrestler helps to determine their best path to success.

For Jacob, the hyper-focus from autism works in his favor in wrestling.

“Molding a game plan for each wrestler based on my personal experiences with that wrestler is one of my greatest joys of coaching wrestling,” Hawk said.

“Interestingly, Jacob’s autism provided him some advantages in the sport. Wrestling is an extremely detail-oriented sport. The difference between placing your hand 2 inches away from where it should be or how you lock your fingers together can be the differences between winning and losing.”

Debbie echoed Jacob’s attention to detail, describing him as a “rule follower.”

“Coach Jacob Gaydosh (and his father,

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

legendary coach Steve Gaydosh) was an extremely successful wrestler not because he was an outstanding athlete, but because of his attention to detail and his work ethic,” Hawk said. “Both of these elements Jacob Brady has in spades. He was a sponge in the practice room, soaking up all of the information he could from our technique sessions.”

Hawk said Jacob’s singular focus in the room was to improve, while other wrestlers were easily distracted.

“I don’t enjoy practice,” Jacob said. “I enjoy the result of practice.”

Another advantage autism has given Jacob, and in turn, his team, is his knowledge of other wrestlers, Hawk said.

“We do a great deal of scouting before our end-of-the-season tournaments,”

Hawk said, “And during my scouting report I would often ask Jacob to check and make sure the names of the other wrestlers were correct and to provide any information he could on the other wrestlers.”

Debbie said the coaches have told her they trust Jacob because they know he’s a good kid.

Jacob said he plans to continue wrestling through the end of high school.

When asked if he enjoys anything specific about wrestling, Jacob said, “Winning.”

As for Debbie and Jacob’s father, John, they are grateful to the teachers and coaches in Hoover City Schools that have gone “above and beyond” to ensure Jacob succeeds.

“We’ve had so many people that have really helped to get him on this journey,” Debbie said. “John and I can’t take all the credit. It takes a village.”

In December, the Bradys will have lived in Hoover for 11 years.

“I think God put us here in these years with compassionate people,” Debbie said. “We had more people go above and beyond for him. I really can’t say enough about the school system.” n

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

HOME is where the HEART is Ortons infuse 40-year-old home with new touches “We loved the location and the potential we saw,” Eden says.

The corner lot home was perfect for the family of five. Isabelle and Parker, the hen Eden Orton and her Ortons’ children, are close to school and husband Hayes started friends, and Bo, their Goldendoodle, has a looking for a larger home spacious yard to call his own. for their growing family, The family also enjoys the nearby park they knew they wanted more than just more and lake. square footage.

“We like to feed the ducks at Star Lake “We knew we needed a bigger yard, more and also enjoy the food trucks that come space and a quieter neighborhood,” Eden out monthly. We also enjoy the playground says. at Green Valley Elementary,” Eden says.

The Ortons found a home in the Many young families, like the Ortons, historic Green Valley community that was are looking for comfortable neighborhoods convenient to area amenities and close to with access to great schools and modern the elementary school that their children conveniences. These established will attend.

WRITTEN BY HEATHER JONES SKAGGS PHOTOS BY DAWN HARRISON

W

LEFT: Eden and Hayes Orton, their children and their dog, Bo, are enjoying their remodeled home in the Green Valley community.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bo rests on the rug in the Ortons' master bedroom. The master bathroom was originally a garage they enclosed and converted into a bathroom. Photos and knickknacks line built-in shelves in the master bedroom. Iron barstools were added to the island. Along with updated cabinetry in the kitchen, Eden brought in a reclaimed island. The Ortons have decorated their home with various items.

50

neighborhoods with larger lots and houses with good structures have great appeal.

Although their house is about 40 years old, the previous owners kept it in immaculate shape, and Eden says you can tell the house was very much loved and cared for by the previous owners.

With the home in excellent shape, Eden and her family focused on personal style and living space as they embarked on a few renovations to meet their needs.

“We started remodeling in March 2016, creating a master bathroom and master closet,” Eden says.

To do this, the den area was turned into

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

the master bedroom, and they added barn doors to separate the bedroom from the bathroom.

To open up the living space, the Ortons knocked out three walls between the dining room, kitchen and living room. The house only had hardwoods upstairs, so hardwoods were also brought in downstairs.

“We also used reclaimed wood in the living area and had built-in bookshelves made,” Eden adds.

For the kitchen space, Eden had a vision.

“I have always dreamed of having an open kitchen space with classic finishes, so that is exactly what I created,” she says.

Be Spotted for Hoover’s Magazine!

Let us know about your community events, parties or meetings — we'd love to get photos for our Spotted pages!

Email emily.sparacino@ hooversmagazine.com with event details.

4

ild 201

u Heart G

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The home is situated on a corner lot in the Green Valley neighborhood. Blue chairs add a pop of color to the dining room. A small alcove includes a table and wall decor.

Eden had a vision for the kitchen to be open and have classic finishes, hence the cream and white cabinetry. Bo sits in the updated living room.

52

“It is a place where

Along with updated cream and white cabinetry, Eden brought in a reclaimed island with white marble countertop.

Iron barstools with wood seats were added to line the island and create a great place for friends to sit and chat. The kitchen also got a new backsplash, and all new stainless steel appliances.

A stainless farmhouse sink completes the rustic charm that flows from the kitchen throughout the home in hues of cream, rich — Eden Orton browns and grays.

The Ortons’ renovations took three and a into their Green Valley home. half months, but they have a few more ideas “We plan to add French patio doors in and projects down the road as they settle our bedroom area and plan on creating an

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

my husband and I can build our relationship, our children can play, eat, sleep and grow.”

Live Well at Home with a Higher Class of Care We do home care differently • 24/7 Live-in and Hourly Care • Balanced Care Method™ promotes healthy longevity • Cognitive Therapeutics Method™ boosts brain health • Hospital to Home Care Call today for a complimentary consultation!

205-438-6925 HomeCareAssistanceBirminghamAL.com

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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ABOVE: The spacious front porch gives the Ortons a shaded place to enjoy being outside together. RIGHT: The living room features builtin shelves and reclaimed wood.

outdoor living area with fireplace.”

Any home can be made your own no matter if it is new construction or an established home with a few years under its belt.

But Eden points out that it is the people who live in a house that make it a home.

“It is a place where my husband and I can build our relationship, our children can play, eat, sleep and grow. It is a place where our 54

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

dog can enjoy playing with his humans in his backyard,” Eden says.

The family thinks back to the lives lived in the house and hope to enjoy it as much as they did.

“We are forever grateful to the previous owners for having so much pride in their house, which is now our home,” she says. “We feel honored to be able to raise our children here.” n

health & beauty

SPRING FEVER Addressing the challenges of another Alabama spring

WRITTEN BY DR. LYNETTE ZILLS

A

lthough I didn’t grow up in Alabama like my husband did, the injuries and illnesses I’m treating this spring at St. Vincent’s Urgent Care at One Nineteen are much like what my friends and family experience in rural Illinois.

While warmer weather assures us that winter is over, we can still have viruses and bacterial infections that pop up at the worst possible moment. Somehow fevers always seem to spike when physicians’ offices are closed.

But as you and I know, illnesses aren’t our only spring challenges.

Sprains, strains and lacerations are more likely to happen when weekend warriors attack that overgrown shrubbery – or slide into second base. Although no one wants to visit an emergency room for something that’s not life threatening, a fish hook that gets stubbornly embedded on Saturday afternoon can’t wait until a Monday morning doctor’s appointment.

I guess that’s why I chose decades ago to not only specialize in family medicine, but in urgent care. It’s rewarding to be able to meet the immediate needs of patients when they can’t see their primary care doctor right away.

Although Urgent Care is no substitute for the emergency room

– and we urge anyone to call 911 if they are experiencing any symptoms of a life-threatening emergency – we can address minor injuries and acute illnesses, including strep throat, colds, gastroenteritis and other all-ages concerns.

If our patients aren’t yet connected with a primary care doctor or need a specialist’s followup, we can help them connect with physicians who can provide that ongoing care.

This month we’re likely to see patients suffering from seasonal allergies. I also expect to see athletes, both young and old, walk in and take advantage of our late hours to address an injury after their evening run or game.

Others will use our online checkin option to reserve their spot in line, so an emerging ear infection can be easily addressed on their way

home from work. We’ll see some of those weekend warriors on Sunday after they discover that overgrown shrubbery included a poison ivy patch.

So whether it’s the flu or a fish hook, we’re always happy to help as area residents address the challenges of another beautiful Alabama spring.

St. Vincent’s Urgent Care on the One Nineteen campus (just off U.S. 280, at 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Hoover) now offers online check-in at stvurgentcare.com, so patients can reserve their spot and wait at home. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Call 408-2366. n Dr. Lynette Zills is the medical director at St. Vincent’s Urgent Care on the One Nineteen campus.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

N C T ON

EC ON I Hooverchamber.org

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

Avadian Credit Union to Sponsor April 20 Luncheon Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens to Speak Avadian Credit Union will sponsor the April 20 luncheon this month, and has invited Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens to be our speaker.

Mr. Stephens is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County, growing up just south of Bessemer.

He attended Samford University, and graduated with both a B.S. in Business Administration, then with an MBA in 1975.

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

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

Development Authority. He is also on the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority Board of Directors; Jefferson County Department of Health Board, Birmingham Business Alliance Board, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham.

As Commission President, Stephens is Primary Liaison to the

Jefferson County Sheriff 's Office, Regional Planning Commission, and the Metropolitan Planning Commission. He is married to Mona, and they enjoy their three children and one grandson.

To attend the April 20 Chamber Luncheon, please make your reservations no later than Monday, April 17, by calling 988-5672, or emailing lisa@hooverchamber.org.

Networking begins at 11:15 a.m., with the meeting starting sharply at noon. The Luncheon is $20.00 with reservations in advance, or $25.00 for non-members and for walk-ins without reservations.

Cancellations are accepted until the morning of the luncheon, but those that make reservations and do not attend will be charged. Location: Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover 35244. (205) 987-1600 or www.hyattregencywynfrey.com

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 57 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

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

April 13, 2017 - Grade Power Learning May 11, 2017 - Homewood Suites Riverchase

A Ribbon Cutting Event was held Monday, February 20, 2017 with both the Greater Shelby County and the Hoover Area Chambers of Commerce at Soccer Post, 5291 Valleydale Road, Hoover 35242 in Inverness. Cutting the ribbon is Alex Houghton, as her husband, Michael, holds the bow. Her mother, Margaret Joyner, is to the left of Alex, and her good friends Lisette & Mark Daigle are also in the photo.

To the right of Michael is Shelby County Commissioner Mike Vest.

Shelby County Chamber President Kirk Mancer is at the back left, while Hoover Chamber President Jerome Morgan, Jr., is at the back right. They are joined by other friends and dozens of chamber ambassadors from both chambers of commerce. Soccer Post can be reached at (205) 783-5556 or www.soccerpostbhm.com.

June 8, 2017 - Ridge Crossing Apartments

October 12, 2017 - Brook Highland Place October 31, 2017 - T. Fox Salon Halloween Treat!

November 9, 2017 - Brookdale University Park

July 13, 2017 - CB&S Bank August 10, 2017 - Nova Essence Medispa (Patton Creek)

December 14, 2017 - Vestavia Reserve Luxury Apartments January 11, 2018 - Available

September 14, 2017 - Southeastern Bible College

February 2018 - Available

Luncheon Sponsorships Normally held the 3rd Thursday of each month, 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon — NOW Meeting at Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel April 20, 2017 - Avadian Credit Union

May 18, 2017 - Spectrum Reach June 15, 2017 - Medical West

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Thursday, February 23, 2017 at the new Edward Jones investments office of Timothy Dolan, at 5336 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, 35244. Shown cutting the ribbon is Timothy Dolan, as his wife, Allison, holds both the bow and their baby girl, Cara. They are joined by several other Edward Jones agents from the region, investors, and Hoover Chamber ambassadors. Timothy can be reached at (205) 988-4435 or timothy.dolan@edwardjones.com. www. edwardjones.com

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

March 23, 2017 - Painting With a Twist

August 24, 2017 - Expedia CruiseShipCenters

March 30, 2017 - Cajun Cleaver April 27, 2017 - Brookwood Baptist Freestanding Emergency Department May 25, 2017 - Inverness Country Club June 22, 2017 - River Highlands of Birmingham A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Tuesday, February 6, 2017 inside The Urban Barn Clothing Co., located at 5361 Highway 280 South in Hoover, behind the Krispy Kreme. Shown cutting the ribbon is Owner Colleen Burback, as Cheryl Harper holds the bow. They are joined by Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato to the left of Colleen, along with several Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. The Urban Barn can be reached at (205) 451-8888 or theurbanbarnbham@gmail.com.

June 29, 2017 - Open House - Oasis Car Wash

October 26, 2017 - Orange Theory Fitness November & December - None Held January 25, 2018 - Morningside of Vestavia (formerly Chateau Vestavia) February 2018 - Available

July 27, 2017 - Galleria Woods Retirement Community

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017 Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

58

September 28, 2017 - 100 Inverness Apartments

A Ribbon Cutting event was held Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in celebration of the Open House and dedication to the original location of American Family Care, located at 1680 Montgomery Highway in Hoover. American Family Care was founded in 1982 at this location, and now has almost 200 locations in more than 26 states, serving over two million patients each year. Shown cutting the ribbon is Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and CEO Dr. Bruce Irwin, as President Randy Johansen holds the bow. Hoover City Councilmen Derrick Murphy and John Lyda are behind the Mayor and Dr. Irwin. They are also joined by dozens of associates and friends, as well as many Hoover Chamber Ambassadors. This location of AFC can be reached at (205) 979-0888 or www. americanfamilycare.com

Telecommunicator Brittany Hayes (center) was recognized by Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato (left) and Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis and as the 2016 Telecommunicator of the Year for her outstanding work in helping the Police Department and Fire Department in her duties, and in specific instances outlined by Chief Derzis. This award was sponsored by TurnerBatson Architects.

At the February 16, 2017 Chamber Public Safety Awards Luncheon, The Police Officer of the Year was recognized, sponsored by Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, with Officer Lakenderick Edwards recognized as the 2016 Police Officer of the Year. Sergeant Rocco Renno and Detective Daniel Lowe were both recognized as finalists for their outstanding work during the year by Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. Shown is Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato (left), Officer Edwards, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, Sergeant Renno, and Detective Lowe.

The Public Safety Awards were presented by the Hoover Area Chamber at the February 16 chamber luncheon at Hoover Country Club. Shown in the photo, back row, left-toright are Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Fire Chief Chuck Wingate, Firefighters- and Paramedics-of-the-Year Austin Smith, Robert Smith, Tony Conville, John Jackson, Christopher Fulmer, Police Chief Nick Derzis. Front Row are pictured Police Officersof-the-Year Detective Daniel Lowe, Officer Lakenderick Edwards, sergeant Rocco Renno, Detention Officer of the Year Corporal Maria Robinson, and Telecommunicator (911 Operator) of the Year Brittany Hayes. Not shown is Firefighter of the Year Geoffrey Moore.

Corporal Maria Robinson, center, was recognized at the February Public Safety Awards Luncheon by for her outstanding work as the Detention Officer of the Year for 2016 at the Hoover City Jail. Shown l-r are Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Corporal Robinson, and Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. This award is sponsored by Hendrick Hoover Auto Mal

Four firefighters were recognized at the February luncheon as Firefighters of the Year for 2016 for specific actions outlined by Executive Officer Rusty Lowe and Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate. These four are Lt. Christopher Fulmer, Austin Smith, Tony Conville, and John Jackson. Shown from left, Executive Officer Lowe, Lt. Fulmer, Smith, Conville and Jackson. The Firefighter/Paramedics of the Year recognized at the luncheon were Geoffrey Moore, Robert Smith and Justin McKenzie. This award is also sponsored by TurnerBatson Architects.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 59 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Thank You, Board of Trustees

Bobby Haynes Costco Wholesale www.costco.com

Charlie Faulkner, CEO Jefferson Credit Union www.jeffersoncreditunion.org

John Lyda Blue Cross & Blue Shield www.bcbsal.org

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

The Board of Trustees Eric Land, ABC 33/40 Television Britten Blackburn, American Cheerleading Centers Pete Gagliano, ADT Security Services Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union Kelvin Johnson, Alabama Gas Corporation/Alagasco Timothy C. Lee, M.D., MPH, Alabama Heart & Vascular, P.C. Lesley Searcy, Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund Alison Howell, Alabama Power Company Jabo Waggoner, Alabama Senate, District Sixteen Linda Cencula, Avadian Credit Union Steve Nix, AlaTrust Credit Union Jimese Harkley, America’s First Federal Credit Union Randy Johansen, American Family Care Nate Wood, BB&T Bank Robert P. (Rob) Fowler, Balch & Bingham LLP Deborah Stephens, Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. Doug Hovanec, Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar/Revolve Kitchen & Brew Ashfaq Taufique, Birmingham Islamic Society Patty Barron, P.E., Birmingham Water Works Leanne Messer, Brookdale Place University Park Bud Cason, Bud's Best Cookies Paul Huckeba, CB&S Bank David Jackson, Chick-Fil-A Jenny Brown, ChickenSaladChick Mike Warren, Children’s of Alabama Bobby Haynes, Costco Wholesale

Tamara Harrelson, Covenant Classic Schools Ricky Brooks, Express Oil/Tire Engineers Cody Burns, FOX 6 WBRC Debbie Hultquist, Fresenius Medical Care Molisa Moss, Galleria Woods Retirement Community Terry Turner, Esq., Gentle, Turner & Sexton Alicia Strange, Gold’s Gym Alice Johnson, Grandview Medical Center Hal Humphrey, P.E., Gresham, Smith and Partners Jinni Lacey, RN, HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital Neil Thakor, Holiday Inn - Hoover Corey Raley, Homewood Suites Riverchase Kerry Bradley, Hoover Tactical Firearms Dawn Simmons, Jake’s Soul Food Cafe Tony Cooper, Jimmie Hale Mission Joe McGee, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union Dwight Burrell, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln Leigh Ellen Brummerhoff, Marriott International, Inc. Bridget Baughan, McDonald’s Jeff McDowell, McDowell Security Services, LLC Keith Pennington, Medical West David Brown, Office Depot Todd Beegle, On Tap Sports Café Carol Adkins, OnTime Service Joseí Rivera-Crespo, Outback Steakhouse Horace Moss, Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Chuck Herndon, Peoples Bank of Alabama Dr. John R. Phillips, III, PT Orthodontics Hugh Morrow, Broker, RE/MAX Preferred Rick Smith, Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Mike White, Riverchase Galleria Andy Davis, St. Vincent’s Health System Kyle Hogan, Sam’s Club Sam Dillender, Santek Waste Services Brad Ledbetter, ServPro of Birmingham Dr. Jack Schaeffer, Schaeffer Eye Centers Sarah Turner, Signature Homes Clarence “Brother” Moss, Steak ‘N Shake Alain Gallet, Terracon Monique Holiness, The Home Depot-Inverness Mark Hamilton, The Home DepotRiverchase Alison Lindsay, WIAT-42 News Jay Clark, Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt, LLC Darin Boykin, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 150 Jason Sutherland, Walmart SuperCenter, Highway 280 Greg Livingston, Walmart Market, Lorna Road Charles Waldrep, Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, LLC Devin Errett, Webb Payroll Service, Inc. Russell Pate, Zaxby’s Inc.

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

New Members — February 2017 Allstate Insurance Kaci Howard Agency 994-6450 Birmingham Physicians Imaging Mildred Waldrop - 823-3366

Birmingham Internal Medicine Audrey McDonald - 377-5490

Franklin Automotive Ward Drennen - 969-2886

Dreamtrips Corporate Benefits Karen Goins - 256-275-2323

Hiregen, Inc. Sarah Pea - 775-7717

Erdos at Home Ashley Askew - 444-0641

Home Care Assistance Debra Beadle - 662-301-8448

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017 Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

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Liberty Moving Storage & Delivery Tyler England - 276-0745 Lift Fund Paige Frazier - 593-8421

Upcoming Events

April and May 2017 APRIL April 4: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

April 6: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting.

Visitors Welcome!

April 13: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Grade Power Learning, 1401 Doug Baker Boulevard, Hoover 35242 in The Village at Lee Branch Shopping Center. Contact Tony Mauro at (205) 980-5745 or tmauro@ gradepowerlearning.com.

April 18: 11:00 a.m. Ribbon Cutting at OFS Workscapes, Inc., 5033 Highway 280, Suite 109, Hoover 35242. Contact Steve Gaithings at (205) 730-1190 or sgathings@ofcworkscapes.com for information.

April 19: 4:30 p.m. Chamber Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

April 20: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations

by Monday, April 17. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations. Lisa@hooverchamber.org

April 27: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Brookwood Baptist Freestanding Emergency Clinic, 7131 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham 35242. For information or directions call (205) 725-6800.

April 29: Celebrate Hoover Day at Veterans Park on Valleydale - 50th Anniversary!

May 11: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Coffee & Contacts at Homewood Suites Riverchase, 121 Riverchase Parkway East, Hoover 35244. Contact Corey Raley at corey.raley@hilton.com or (205) 637-2900 for information.

May 17: 4:30 p.m. Chamber Ambassador Meeting at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

May 18: Hoover Chamber Luncheon at Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel. 11:15 a.m. Networking, Noon Luncheon. Please make reservations

by Monday, May 15. Those who make reservations requesting a meal be prepared for them, and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. $20.00 or $25.00 for non-members or for those without reservations. Lisa@hooverchamber.org

May 2: 8:30 a.m. Minority Business Council at Chamber Office. Visitors Welcome!

May 25: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Business after Hours at Inverness Country Club, 1 Country Club Drive, Birmingham 35242. Call (205) 991-8608 for additional information.

May 4: 8:30 a.m. Economic Development Committee Meeting.

Visitors Welcome!

May 23-28: Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament at Hoover Met. www.sec.com for tickets!

MAY

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine • 61 Hoover Area Chamber Connection Newsletter

Hoover Chamber Officers and Board of Directors

Jerome Morgan, Jr., Oncort Professional Services 2017 President

Jason Cobb, America’s First Federal Credit Union

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

Paul Dangel Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel

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

Paul Huckeba C B & S Bank

Terry Turner Gentle, Turner & Sexton 2nd Vice President

Ira Levine, CCIM, Levine & Associates

Megan Randolph, CPA, Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, Treasurer

Tynette Lynch Aldridge Gardens

Kathleen Spencer, Morningside of Vestavia, Secretary

Jeff McDowell McDowell Security Services, LLC

Lori Schommer, City of Hoover, City Liaison

Stephen Preston, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

April DeLuca Magic City Law Legal Advisor

Terry Shea, Wrapsody

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

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

Members: continued from page 4 Madison Salon & Grooming Lounge Zack Isaac - 210-4112

Skyline Village at Red Mountain Debbie Armstrong - 956-4700

United Ability (Formerly United Cerebral Palsy) Alison Berman - 944-3900

Vestavia Reserve Luxury Apartments Jennifer Fisher - 977-7767

McCorquodale Transfer Seneca Reid - 870-7474

State Farm Insurance Agency Shannon Trotter 663-4466

Upper Limit Learning Center Alex Pereira - 783-5103

OFC Workscapes Steve Gathings - 730-1190

Sunbelt Business Brokers Tre Morton - 903-3564

The Verandas at Rocky Ridge Apartment Homes Mary Ford - 988-5887

Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff, & Brandt, LLC Jay Clark - Board of Trustees Upgrade - 874-0369

OmniWon Agency Benjamin Yim - 884-2377

Turtle Lake Apartments Jessica Robertson - 991-3719

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017 Connection Newsletter Hoover Area Chamber

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Law Office of W. Christopher Weaver Christopher Weaver 567-1281

SPOTTED Greystone Ladies Club February Luncheon

The Greystone Ladies Club held its February luncheon on Feb. 8 at the Founders Clubhouse.

(Contributed photos)

Wilma Thompson, Susie Hammers and Krystal Phillips

Sierra Earl, Breanna Brickner and Barbara Brickner

Karen Little and Susie Gaston

LaRue Carter and Wilma Thompson

Jonathan Estes

Shirl Ward and Brenda Arthur

Ann Layne, Tina Douglass and Therese Haselden April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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SPOTTED

February Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce’s Public Safety Awards Luncheon was held Feb. 16 at the Hoover Country Club. (Photos

by Emily Sparacino)

Jami Patterson, Angela Killingsworth, Lisa McClung and Dawn Sparks

Robert, Jessie and Blakely Smith

John McDonald and Brittany Hayes

Alan Cohen, Daniel Lowe and Clinton Blackmon

Rocco and Darlene Renno

Jeff, Laura, Geni, Jim, Austin and Mallory Smith with Sadie Berg

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Julie and Kevin Bentley

Jeff Otwell, Mark Thornton, Dan Jackson and Claire Hovater

Susan, Chris and Jerry Fulmer

Lynn Mauldin and Derrick Murphy

Mary Perry and Regina Smith

Taste, Sip & Repeat.

Corks & Chefs Tickets: corksandchefs.com or 205-595-6306 Dates: April 29 & 30, 2017 Time: 12:00 - 3:00pm Location: Linn Park_Birmingham, Al A bounty of wines, craft beer, & spirits to sample, seminars and guided tastings, and dishes from Birmingham’s booming restaurant scene–served up at an art festival.

Sponsors 2017: Kinetic Communications . Alabama Power . BBVA Compass . Hoover’s Magazine Artwork: Celeste Amparo Pfau Magic City Art Connection festival dates are April 28-30

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SPOTTED

Riverchase Loves Artists 11th Annual Art Show The Riverchase Loves Artists 11th Annual Art Show was held Feb. 4 at Riverchase Country Club and featured nearly 50 artists. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Jean Chase and Sharon Penn

John Sowell and Bill Lowry

Mary Ann Brechun

Lisa Opielinski

Toby Klein

Jan Holliday, Barbara Davis and Mary Lou Lackey

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Laurel Browning

Lorraine Singh

Lucy Thomas

Eve Beasley and Norma Newton

Sondi Barton and Elizabeth Gault

Cindy Miller and Debra Jackson

Jackie DeBell and Holly Williams

Margaret Wilson, Emmeline Yother and Tilla Marshall

Charlotte George and Vicki Smith

Danielle Stephenson

Becky Stagner

Rebekah Higgins and Rickie Higgins April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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SPOTTED Jill Miller and Butch Oglesby

Kami Watson

Daniel White

Pam Weaver

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Chere Gillham and Jerrell Sanders

Katie Adams

Emily Guin

George Elliot

Bernhard Langer

Lauren Washburn

Janis and Walt Costilow

Linda James and Debbie McDonald

WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S!

Purchase your tickets today at RegionsTradition.com MAY 17-21 | GREYSTONE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Fran Hopkins and Ann Phillips April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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High Point grand opening

SPOTTED

High Point Climbing and Fitness celebrated its new location off U.S. 280 with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Jameson VerSteeg, Paul Lichlyter, Kelsey Moore and Morgan Bond

Patrick, Brenda and Sonny Ryan

Steven Keiser and Cassie Mitchell

Marco and Dulce Huerta

Matt Ginley

Al Wood, Jacoby Kindred and Laren Traylor

Camille Parent, Daniel Klein, Laura Lott, Yvonne Lo, Whitney McCrillis, Shaun Burch, Jamey Taylor and Tait Wagland

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Memorial Day Trip?

Book by 4/30 & get a

Free Bath

with a 3 night stay!

Located 5 miles off Hwy 280 in the Chelsea/Columbiana area.

Sara, Jeff and Lynley Newdome

www.CanineCountryClub.pet 205-258-CLUB (2582)

CLEAR EYES FULL HEARTS CAN’T LOSE SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Tony Levy and Brian Tannler

OAK MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5080 Cahaba Valley Trace • Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

Want to return to your normal life faster after surgery or medical complication?

Therapy with Rehab Select can speed your recovery and help you regain your strength.

Chad Cosby and Jason McCombs

Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge is more than a typical rehab inpatient facility. We feature a physician-led, adaptive program that keeps patients with us only as long as they need, and treats every person like an individual, not a diagnosis or a length of stay. You’ll receive personalized one-onone therapy.

881 3rd Street, NE, Alabaster, AL 35007 205.620.8500

Tyler DeFalco

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Visit us at www.rehabselect.net April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

71

SPOTTED

Galleria Woods Mardi Gras Party The Galleria Woods Retirement Community held a Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 24, complete with live music, gumbo and King Cake. (Photos by Emily Sparacino)

Jane Weamer and Anne Homer

JoAnn Weston, Peter Weston, Imogene Hayes and Hollis Hayes

Jackie Jeffcoat and Shannon Dewberry

Sue Stinson and Virginia Adams

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Jeanette Donaldson

Becky Earnest and Mary Justice

Katherine Richards and Ann Munson

Dr. Roy Clinton and Jane Weamer

Gloria Hudson and Dick Paxton

John Malkowski and Tillie Powers

Jean May and Dot Parsons

LIA

IN N CE G RO U P ,

C

A

PP

.

Bob Odle and Jackie Matte

Trudy and Bruce Martin April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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A Taste of Mardi Gras

SPOTTED

Seniors enjoyed “A Taste of Mardi Gras” at the Hoover Senior Center on Feb. 17.

(Contributed photos)

Esther Plaza

Ellen and Jerry Allen

Harriet McQueen and Flo Thompson

B.J. Kossow and Tillie Powers

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

Amy Chhabra and Daulat Pyarali

Suzanne and Stan Challiss

June Williams

Liz Enzweiler and Lillie Skelton

Liz and Larry Enzweiler

Sue Cole

Marketplace Hoover’s Magazine • 205.669.3131

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

224 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham 205-663-5821 General Lawncare Weekly/bi-weekly grass cutting, including large properties, acreage, lake properties.

Great rates! Free Estimates!

Discounts for multiple properties. Serving Shelby and Chilton Counties.

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

Media blasting available.

Powder coating coming soon.

Montevallo area.

(205)665-4687 (205)296-9988 FOR SALE: Oracal Vinyl and Premium HTV Vinyl by the Foot or by the Yard C&C Trophy & Sign, Inc. 209 6th ST N Clanton FIREWOOD OAK - $25 Rack HICKORY - $30 Rack Pick up yours today at Columbiana Wood Products 21421 Hwy 25, Columbiana (205) 671-5202 Welder Training Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Montgomery Stockyard Drop Station at Gray & Son's in Clanton. Call Lane at 205-389-4530.

For other hauling arrangements, contact

Wes in Harpersville 205-9658657 AFFORDABLE HIGHSPEED INTERNET Available where you live!

Call Today for this Limited Time Offer! www.pbsinternet.com 800-266-4409.

CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance I can fix your Mother's clock. Alabaster/Pelham Call Stephen (205)663-2822 TV NAILS PROFESSIONAL NAILCARE FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN 1062 First NW Childersburg, AL 256-378-5040 Monday-Saturday 9:30am-7pm Walk-Ins Welcome In Coosa Plaza Next To Piggly Wiggly Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website www.capstonedental assisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

4BR/2BA Columbiana house for rent Fenced in yard with storage/garage All newly renovated to include new luxury flooring, granite counter tops, and more $1050/month Call 205-410-8785 2BR/2.5BA Vestavia Condo for rent Great corner unit in community with open deck, granite counters, and luxury flooring Call 205-410-8785

HooversMagazine.com

BRIARWOOD APARTMENTS Now Leasing!

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

LAND FOR SALE 7.8 ACRES IN CHELSEA, AL CHELSEA ROAD/HWY 47 Located near Chelsea Community Center For More Information Call Cooper Trent 205-322-0627 •3 BR/1BA •1 car garage/separate carport on side •awnings in front&back over patio •New Durante Windows •New Roof •Fenced back-yard •95,000 OBO •205-294-2828 or 205-312-8062 ONLINE AUCTIONS www.GTAOnlineAuctions. com 205-326-0833 Granger, Thagard & Assoc.

Jack F. Granger #873 Dreaming of a Career in Real Estate?

Linda Hankins School of Real Estate 224 1st Street North, Ste 225 Alabaster, AL 35007 For information, call 205-283-0948 School License #104738 Marble Valley Manor Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services!

2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga 256-245-6500 TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V)

800-548-2546(T/A) Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer RENT SPECIAL!!

Brick 3/2 located next to Meadow View Elementary Easy access to I-65.

W/D hook-ups, dishwasher, carport. Rent $1295.

(205)433-9811 TARGET AUCTION Advanced Real Estate Marketing 800-476-3939 www.targetauction.com CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd.

Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd.

Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd.

DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com Great Jobs ARE Out There...If You Know Where to Look!

AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you!

Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

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

Clanton (205)280-0002 Pelham (205)444-9774

Bama Concrete Hiring Mixer Drivers Local deliveries. Class-B+ CDL, 2yrs MINIMUM heavyhaul experience/Clean MVR. Competitive Pay/ Great Benefits.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 APPLY NOW! Baugh Ford in Clanton Hiring Diesel Mechanic Ford certified highly preferred.

Email cover letter/resume to autojobsclanton@gmail. com Fax to (205)755-6443 Or apply in person.

Beelman Truck Hiring Experienced Mechanics and Drivers.

Great pay.

Great benefits.

Apply online at beelman.com or call 205-665-5507.

Necesita un ama de casa a tiempo parcial de 3 días por semana. Los deberes incluyen: la limpieza de la casa, compras de supermercado, haciendo recados. Debe tener transporte confiable, debe ser c onfiable. Deben hablar español y algo de inglés.

Sírvanse proporcionar experiencia laboral. La compensación depende de la experiencia. Póngase en contacto con 903-677-0820 para más información o al 903-677-2126 fax Reanudar.

DELIVERY DRIVERS Local Grocery Distributor in Alabaster seeking qualified drivers.

Delivery/unloading to multiple locations.

Mon-Fri work week.

Requirements: Valid DL, clean driving record.

Benefits: Competitive

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

75

wages, bonuses, benefits, opportunity for advancement.

Call 205-397-1782.

BTC Wholesale Distributors BURGER KING JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM Schuster Enterprises, Inc., a Franchisee of Burger King, is looking for Management professionals who have a desire to join a team where people are the most important asset, where growth is based on ability and where opportunity is abundant.

Benefits: Competive Wages, Health & Life Insurance, Paid Vacations, 401(k).

Apply online at: www.jointeamschuster. com.

(EOE - DRUG FREE WORKPLACE).

Cathedral Daycare Infant/Toddler teacher needed for FT/PT position in church preschool. 19 or older. HS diploma required.

Experience preferred Call (205) 716-3083 to apply CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS FOR DRY CLEANER Must have good customer service skills. 35+ hours per week.

Call Matt: 205-821-2909 Full-Time Counselor Chilton County Treatment Center 205-755-4300 Ready to Work for the #1 Brand in the World?

Now Hiring Class A-CDL Drivers for Coca-Cola Bottling United. Go to www.cocacolaunited.com to apply!

Coosa Valley Medical Center NOW HIRING! CNAs: Post Acute Care RNs: Med/Surg, all-shifts Email resume to: Janean.

Crawford@cvhealth.net or to apply, go to www.cvhealth.net

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Full Time and Part Time RN's Needed for home health in Bibb, Shelby and Chilton counties.

Excellent Salary and Benefits. Please send resumes to jobs@rubic.com or call 866-273-3984 DCH Health System Caring. For Life. $5,000 *Sign-on Bonus for full time RNs *For More Info Contact Annie.Miller@dchsystem. com Apply online at: www.dchsystem.com Now Hiring for new Inverness Location Servers & Kitchen Help D reamland BBQ 150 Inverness Corners Birmingham, AL 35242 Plumbing Service & Repair Technician Requirements: •Journeyman's plumbing card •Experience in Residential/ Commercial service/repair/ drain cleaning/sewer work •Clean-cut/self-motivated •Good communication skills •Clean MVR/background/ drug test Email resume: exie@eagleservicecompany.com IMMEDIATELY HIRING FOR: Warehouse, Production & Automotive Assembly in Calera and Clanton.

Temp-to-Hire positions, great pay rates!

Clanton (205)588-6716 Birmingham ( 205)822-8234 Apply online: www.elwoodjobs.com ASE Auto Technician with Imports (German) experience.

Candidate should have: •strong work ethic •own tools Quality & craftsmanship are important. www.empireautohaus. com $3000 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,

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.

Now taking applications for: •Cook •Bartender •Waitress •Line Dance Instructor for growing business in Clanton.

205-755-4949 or 334-235-0228 Come be a part of a growing team!

Kindred at Home is hiring •Full-time Registered Nurse •PRN Speech Therapist for our Clanton location.

• Flexible work schedule • Team environment • Competitive compensation Contact us today for more information: Arnita Barber 770-372- 1100 arnita.barber@gentiva. com NEW STORE OPENING SOON IN PELHAM Now Hiring: •Cooks •Servers •Cashiers •Utility Email resume or work history to: paulgoldenrulebbq@ hotmail.com Call 368-4277 for more info.

Join our Team!

309 Huntley Parkway Hiring Stylists in Calera Average Pay $12 & Up 205-966-7254 Hardee's Now Hiring •Crew Members/Hoover •Management/Calera Email resume to: hardees2007@bellsouth. net LPN's, RN's, CNA's Full-time & part-time • 2nd & 3rd Shift Apply in person: Hatley Health Care 300 Medical Ctr Dr Clanton, AL 35045

Now accepting applications for experienced caregivers Apply online at www.HCAmatch.com Visit us at www.

HomeCareAssistance BirminghamAL.com DRIVERS NEEDED $2,000 Sign On Bonus J & M Tank Lines, Inc. Class-A CDL Local and OTR Drivers. GREAT BENEFITS! Health Insurance $9 Weekly. OTR Drivers Home 2 or More Times Weekly. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin@256-245-3933 NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS Managers and Assistant Managers MONTEVALLO KFC 950 N. MAIN STREET MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 To apply send resumes to: Attn: Katie Badgwell 113 25th Ave East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (205) 553-8621 Katie@jmfkfc.com Truck Driver / Debris Loader Operator CDL Required. Full or Part Time. Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Tree Climber / Bucket Operator Top pay guaranteed.

5 yrs exp. CDL required.

Drug Test Required.

205-836-2038 or 205-229-7144 Kelly Educational Staffing® We're hiring!

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

Please call 205-682-7062 We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Klassy Klean Hiring Cleaning Techs Cleaning homes & businesses.

Requirements: good background, drug-free, good work ethics, trustworthy, able to work with a team, positive attitude. Will train.

Call 205-685-9883 WE HAVE JOBS! · Machine OperatorMoody · Packers- Moody/ Hoover · Paint Line- Moody · Pickers/PackersAlabaster Lyons HR www.lyonshr.com/ career-search (205)943-4820 Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons' is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist.

205-755-3430 Shake up your career!!!

Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team.

Apply online at miloshamburgers.com 280 Location Opening Now Hiring 3 shift Managers Pay Rate $9-$11 20-25 Employees Pay Rate $7.75-$8.50.

Must have own transportation and flexible schedule. Apply at recruiting.talentreef.com/ momma-goldbergs-deli (205)503-6190 Noland Health Services Now Hiring RN's Day & Night Shift Available Noland Hospital Shelby Located in Shelby Baptist Medical Center Alabaster To Apply Visit: www.nolandhealth.com Production / Manufacturing Vance, Alabama Starting pay: $12.00 – $14.50 /hr.

• Have 2 years+ Production/Manufacturing experience.

• Have Recently Lived in Alabama at least 2 years.

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

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite.com Warehouse Position in Calera Starting pay $10/hr.

Flexible shifts.

Requirements: • Recently Lived in Alabama at least 1 year.

• High School Diploma or GED. • At least 18 years old.

Complete your application on line at www.naonsite. com Odyssey Early Schools.

Birmingham's Best Daycare/ Preschool is Seeking Experienced Teachers.

4 Year Degree Preferred.

Full-Time. BEST Pay. FULL Benefits (Insurance, Leave, Holidays).

Call Annie Fine 205-991-0039.

Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits.

3yrs fast food experience required.

Fax resume: 334-649-1112 Or apply at: www.work4bk.com Pyles Transport Inc. NOW HIRING Regional Class-A Driver positions for our Finley Blvd location.

•Competitive weekly pay (direct-deposit) •Full-benefits including 401K •Health/Life insurance •Safety Bonuses •Minimum weekly pay: $700(guaranteed) Call 270-250-3595 for more info or visit pylestransport.com to apply.

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

Saiia Construction Co. ISO: CDL Long-Haul Drivers.

Requirements: OTR experience driving lowboy trailers; transporting heavy oversized loads; experience with heavy equipment required;

ability to work in outside environments, safetyoriented, and team-player.

Overtime available. Great opportunity. Competitive compensation/benefit package.

Email: DVeigl@saiia.com or fax: 205-943-2258 Machinist Local manufacturer has an immediate opening for an experienced manual machinist and CNC programmer operator.

40+ hours per week, good working environment and company benefits.

Competitive salary. EOE Send resume with salary history to: Sealing Equipment Products Co. 123 Airpark Industrial Rd Alabaster, AL 35007 Or email: jeanz@sepcousa.com Willing to Learn?

We are willing to teach!

NOW HIRING All Positions Pelham & Chelsea Great Opportunity Rewarding Career 401K/Health Ins/ Group Benefits Contact: 205-620-4455 cwomack@smithcos.com Order Selectors Food Dist. Center in Pelham Day-Shift: Mon-Fri. 40+ hours/week 10:00AM until finished (varies).

Salary: $16-20/hr after training.

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

Requirements: •Reading & math skills •Lift 40 lbs. repetitively •Work in -10 Temperature Apply in person: 8:30AM-5:00PM Southeastern Food 201 Parker Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124 resume@southeastern food.com MASTER TECHNICIAN with Tools Top pay based on experience.

Good diagnostic capabilities a must.

Southern Dixie Auto Repair Call 205-312-1047

Immediate Positions!!!!

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

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

Company vehicles to qualified individuals!

Call Andrew 9am-7pm • Mon-Sat at (205)490-1003 or (205)243-6337 SUBWAY South Shelby County Stores Now Hiring • All Positions Looking for Sandwich Artists.

Print out the application from the link below and bring by your nearest Subway Location. http:// wpc.4728.edgecastcdn. net/004728/applications/ subway-job-application. pdf Looking for Managers with these same traits.

Please send resumes to: scottreneau@gmail.com TaylorMade Transportation Hiring CDL Drivers for Flatbed Regional Division!

BCBS Insurance After 30 Days. To apply call: (334)366-2269 or email: s.smith@taylormadeinc. com The Painting Company of Birmingham Immediate openings for professional residential and commercial painters.

Must be able to speak English. Call 205-995-5559 Landscape Assisstant 6:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Full Time • Monday-Friday Paid health benefits.

Looking for a quick learner, with great work ethic!

Call Carrie 205-991-4564 or 205-427-5501 Security Guard Part-time Must have pistol permit and pistol. $11/hour.

Call Carrie 991-4654 or 427-5591 or 205-427-5501

Accepting Applications EXPERIENCED CLASS-A CDL DRIVERS for HAUL in the Alexander City, Prattville, Thorsby and Opelika Areas *Benefits Package *Sign-On Bonus To Apply or for More Information Call (334)368-4956 Evergreen Forest Products, Inc. HIRING EXPERIENCED CDL-A COMPANY TANKER DRIVERS IN YOUR AREA! Regional runs-Chemical hauls *Get Home Weekly!* **Earn $60K+ Per Year** Average 2,000-2,500 miles/week.

Paid product training$800/week.

Full benefits+401K. CDL-A, 2-Years Tractor Trailer Experience, tanker/hazmat endorsements, passport & TWIC required.

Call 888-572-3662! www.trimac.com US HEALTH ADVISORS New Advisors Wanted•Potential $75K-150K 1st Year Industry Leading Compensation Monthly&Quarterly BONUSES •FREE Company Generated Leads WE Offer an Innovative Approach to Individual Health Coverage 205-259-8026• Alabama.Division@ ushadvisors.com F/T applicants only Caregivers Needed ASAP! Competitive hourly pay.

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

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

205-592-3422 www.watkinstrucking. com

NOW HIRING CDL-A DRIVERS w/Haz. $5000 Sign-On Bonus. Apply online: www.westernintl.com or Corporate Office: 979-413-2140 $5000 SIGN-ON BONUS! HIRING CDL TEAM A DRIVER Apply online: www.westernintl.com Or Contact Corporate: Western International Gas & Cylinders 979-413-2140 or 979-413-2192 (EOE) Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGN-ON-BONUS Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package.

PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks.

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

Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803 100 Corporate Woods Drive Shelby County Airport 4,000 sq.ft. at $7-$8/ft.

13+ offices.

205-915-5044 Clerical Position Busy HVAC Company.

Drug Free.

Apply in Person: Mainline Heating & Air 400 Hillwood Park S, Alabaster Or email resume to: ashley@mainlineheating. com (205)664-4751 Lake Guntersville Cedar Cove Subdivision approx. 3/4acre enclosed boat house / lift Grant Schools $79,500.00 Agents welcome!

Metcalf Realty Co. Inc. George Wyatt 205-271-3670 metcalfrealtycoinc.com Production Jobs MPG in Columbiana seeks quality people to work multiple shifts. Willing to train. Email resume to dcurtis@grede.com.

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CALENDAR

April 1 Coffee & Espresso 101: Discussion & Tasting

Coffee & Espresso 101: Discussion & Tasting

•East 59 Café on the Plaza•

Learn about coffee, espresso, different methods of brewing, coffee sustainability practices and more April 1 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. at East 59 Café at the Hoover Public Library. Class is $10 and includes light snacks and drink tastings. Limited seating. Reserve a spot at 518-6264.

April 2 Sunday NovelTea •Hoover Public Library•

Sunday NovelTea, a new fiction book group, will be held April 2 at 3 p.m. at the Hoover Public Library. For more information, call 4447820.

April 3 Story Lab: Rainy Day Play •Hoover Public Library•

Listen, laugh and learn April 3 at 4 p.m. One story prompts lots of hands-on activities designed for 3- to 8-year-olds.

April 4 Early Birds: Just Ducky •Hoover Public Library•

Stories, songs and fingerplays for birth to 12 months will take place April 4 at 10 a.m. Space is limited, register each week.

April 5 Rockin’ Tots: 78

at Lee Branch shopping center, April 9 from 7:30-9 a.m. Contact Tony Mauro at 980-5745 or tmauro@ gradepowerlearning.com.

B. Snipes •Hoover Public Library•

Drawing upon a range of influences from folk to indie rock, his music feels at once nostalgic and new. The event April 9 at 2:30 p.m. is free and will be held at the Plaza.

Yummy Yummy in My Tummy •Hoover Public Library•

A short action-packed storytime for children under 4 will be held April 5 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

April 6 ExploraStory: All About Me •Hoover Public Library•

Weekly exploration includes stories, songs and hands-on activities. Ages 3 and up.

The group will meet April 6 at 10:30 a.m.

PJ Storytime: Fairly Fine Fairy Tales •Hoover Public Library•

Wear your pajamas for stories, songs and a bedtime snack April 6 at 6:30 p.m.

The event is for all ages.

April 7 Movers and Shakers – Hippity Hoppity!

•Hoover Public Library•

Children caregivers

• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

with their engage in

movement, music and creative story exploration to build school readiness and early literacy. Space is limited, must register. Ages 3 and 4. The group will meet April 7 at 11 a.m.

April 8 Trolls Kidz Kitchen •Hoover Public Library•

Whip up some colorful treats inspired by our hairraising friends April 8 at 10:30 a.m. The event is for all ages.

Purl @ the Plaza •Hoover Public Library•

Join old friends and make new ones at this crafty meeting of all fiber enthusiasts. Bring yarn and knit, crochet or embroider with the group April 8 at 1 p.m. The event is free and will be held at the Plaza.

April 9 Coffee & Contacts •Grade Power Learning•

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host Coffee & Contacts at Grade Power Learning, 1401 Doug Baker Boulevard, in The Village

Young Artist Reception •Hoover Public Library•

Celebrate the featured children’s gallery artists April 9 at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

April 10 Story Lab: Here a Chick, There a Chick •Hoover Public Library•

Listen, laugh and learn April 10 at 4 p.m. One story prompts lots of hands-on activities designed for 3- to 8-year-olds.

Reader’s Café: Upper Elementary Book Club •Hoover Public Library•

April’s Menu: Books to Movies.

Readers Café serves up books from a different genre each month.

Pick a book from a chosen genre, read it, then meet and discuss. Space is limited, must register. The group will meet April 10 at 6:30 p.m.

April 11

Raging Readers: Middle School Book Club •Hoover Public Library•

Middle school is tough, but book club is fun. Meet with others to discuss different titles each month. The group will meet April 11 at 6:30 p.m.

April 12 Homeschool Hub: Bully Defense •Hoover Public Library•

Homeschool Hub: Bully Defense will be presented

by Impact Martial Arts on April 12 at 2 p.m. Space is limited, register between March 29-April 11.

April 13 ExploraStory: Eggcellent Eggs •Hoover Public Library•

Weekly exploration includes stories, songs and hands-on activities. Ages 3 and up.

The group will meet April 13 at 10:30 a.m.

PJ Storytime: Spring is Here •Hoover Public Library•

April 17 Together with Twos – Crawly Critters •Hoover Public Library•

Stories and crafts for 2-yearolds will be held April 17 at 9:30 a.m. Space is limited, register each week.

Reading Sidekicks: Beginning Reader Book Club •Hoover Public Library•

Click, Clack, READ with Doreen Cronin on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. Emerging readers and their caregivers read books (provided at meeting) by a selected author, then discuss them and complete a related project. Space is limited, register each month.

April 19 2017 Tablescapes •Metro Church of God•

Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary’s annual Tablescapes fundraiser will be held April 19 at Metro Church of God in Hoover.

Proceeds from the event will go toward expenses at the

Wear pajamas for stories, songs and a bedtime snack April 13 at 6:30 p.m. The event is for all ages.

April 20 Hoover Chamber Luncheon •Hyatt Regency-The Wynfrey Hotel•

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon will be held April 20 at noon, with networking starting at 11:15 a.m. RSVP

by Monday, April 17. Those who make reservations and do not attend will be invoiced, unless canceled prior to the event. The cost is $20, or $25 for non-members or for those without reservations.

Call 988-5672 or email lisa@hooverchamber.org for reservations.

Alabama Troubadours •Hoover Library Theatre•

On April 20 and April 21 at 7:30 p.m., singer songwriter Karren Pell and her band will take listeners along the back roads of Alabama, spinning a magical web with stories and original songs. Travel with them as they journey from the Ave Maria Grotto to the Coon Dog Cemetery, singing songs of boll weevils, catfish and barbecue. Featuring Pell on lead, Tim Henderson on guitar/mandolin, Michael Melton on bass and Matina E. Johnson on vocals.

April 21 Tween Scene: Book Bingo!

•Hoover Public Library•

Play bingo and win books April 21 at 4 p.m. Ages 1014.

April 24 Once Upon a Time •Hoover Public Library•

Watch the latest episode of Once Upon a Time on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. Make a cool craft and eat fun snacks.

Ages 14 and up.

April 27 Business After Hours

April 15 Spin-a-story: Hoppy Easter

•Brookwood Baptist Freestanding• Emergency Clinic

•Hoover Public Library•

Which stories will be told? The Story Wheel will decide. Includes snack. All ages. The event will be held April 15 at 10:30 a.m.

home in Shelby County that houses women and children fleeing domestic violence and homelessness. A silent auction will take place from 10-11:45 a.m., and the program starts at noon with former First Lady of Alabama Patsy Riley, this year’s featured speaker. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at Hannahhome.org or by calling Barbara Brickner at 837-8175 or emailing her at bricknermbb@charter.net.

ExploraStory: Egg-cellent Eggs

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host Business After Hours at Brookwood Baptist Freestanding Emergency Clinic, 7131 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham, April 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. For information or directions, call 725-6800.

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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why I love Hoover

“To be able to combine a career and calling is my good fortune”

H

oover High School science teacher Paul McEwan was not prepared for a group of administrators to enter his classroom and tell him he is the Hoover City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for this school year.

McEwan, 56, has been a teacher for three decades and admits he loves teaching. McEwan and his wife of 34 years, Anna, live in Alabaster and are the parents of Hannah, 29, who is married to Zane; and Aaron, 20.

Q: What do you love about Hoover?

A: Hoover High School has the best resources for teaching science and the most supportive administrators a teacher could ask for. When I taught in other states, I remember buying lab supplies out of my pocket in order to provide experiences for my students. At Hoover, we are especially blessed with the materials and supplies we need to help science come alive for students.

Q: What was your reaction to being named the Hoover City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017?

A: Shock! When all these district and school-level administrators showed up in my classroom, I was overwhelmed.

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017

that I could spend more time with my son who was in fifth grade at the time.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

A: I love coming up with creative ways to teach “boring stuff!” I tell students that learning is hard work and it’s not always going to be fun, but that I will do my best to make sure that it’s not boring! I enjoy the challenge of planning good lessons that will create “Aha” moments for students. If I can My own children know me so their first help them make connections to their question was, “Dad, did you cry?!” I real life and prior knowledge, then I didn’t, but I had to look down a couple know what they are learning is more of times to keep my composure! It was likely to stick with them after they leave very humbling. my class.

Q: How long have you worked in education? What positions have you held over the years?

A: I have been a teacher for 32 years.

Throughout my career people have asked me about moving into school administration, but I’ve never felt called to do that. I love teaching. To be able to combine a career and calling is my good fortune, and one I don’t take for granted.

Q: What are some of your other accomplishments in your career?

A: I earned a master’s degree in Instructional Media and Technology in 2000, and for a guy who struggles with a writing disability that was a big deal for me. I suppose coaching for 22 years is an accomplishment as well! I coached varsity football in Florida for a two-time state championship team.

I coached boys’ soccer and girls’ soccer, taking the girls to the Elite Eight in Kentucky. I enjoyed coaching, but retired when we moved to Alabama so

Q: What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Why? A: My mom was a single parent for most of my childhood and going on a vacation was a luxury for us. A favorite memory was when she took me and my brother and sister on a trip to the beach. We lived in central Florida, so driving to the coast was exciting for us.

I was a kid who loved the outdoors, so swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, snorkeling, finding crabs and building sand castles was an experience that I remember not wanting to end!

Q: Who do you look up to as a role model, and why?

A: My father-in-law is the person I most look up to. I was missing a father figure for most of my growing up years.

When I met my father-in-law I learned what it means to be a kind and godly man; someone who makes everyone feel welcome and who loves his family unconditionally. I still look up to him and seek his guidance.

2016

April 2017 | Hoover’s Magazine •

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• Hoover’s Magazine | April 2017